ncca - middle column

Violence in Orissa

The situation in Orissa continues to be tense as violence against Christians spreads. THE National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) together with the National United Christian Forum and United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India are documenting the many atrocities being committed. A report received by the NCCA tells us that more than 150 churches and prayer halls have been torched. Thousands of houses have been burnt as well as vehicles destroyed. Educational institutions and Christian shops have been burnt.

Reports indicate that people have been attacked, killed and subjected to horrendous acts including rape. The situation now is that many are in hiding fearing for their lives as the attacks on people and property continue.

View a statement by Bp Sahu, General Secretary of the NCCI. The Bishop has appealed to the members of the NCCA to observe "Sunday, September 7th as a day of prayer and fast".

Social Justice Sunday
. . . .28 September 2008

Not Enough Money ... Nowhere to Live ...
. . . . . . . . .No Place To Belong ... Not Enough Time ...

Australian stories. Poverty in our streets and communities. Poverty we must face.

The resource for this year's Social Justice Sunday asks all Australians to look at our response to the many faces of poverty; to learn; to do; and to pray.

Please download this 6 page resource and share it with your church, your fellowship or community group, Bible study group or a gathering of friends. Click here to download this pdf. (359Kb)
. . . . .

Refugee & Migrant Sunday
Golden Mosque, Iraq

. . . . .31 August 2008

The Crisis in Iraq looks at the ongoing conflict in Iraq and assesses the impact five years after the US-led invasion on 19 March 2003.

You can use this kit to: reflect on the refugee crisis; raise awareness of the situation; find out more and take action; and hold a worship service. Download the kit - click here.
. . .

Ecumenical Meeting with the Pope

On Friday, 18 July, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI addressed an ecumenical gathering during a service in the Crypt of St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.

The Covenant signed by the member Churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia was recognised by His Holiness as an example of the common commitment of Australians to "cordial and frank discussion."

Pictured are His Eminence Archbishop Mor Malatius Malki Malki (Syrian Orthodox Church) and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at St Mary's Cathedral Crypt (Sydney). Credit: the Revd John Henderson -click on photo to display larger image-

Please pray for:

the people of Orissa, India (Click here to view a letter from the NCCA to the NCCI.)
the people of Iraq (Click here to view the statement of Australian Heads of Churches.)
the people of Tibet
the people of the Middle East
........concerns for Gaza and the Holy Land
........Click here to read the full statement of the Church Leaders.
........Click here to read a statement from the Middle East Council of Churches.
the people of Pakistan
the victims of the China Earthquake
the people of Burma
........Click here to view the NCCA Christian World Service response to the situation in Burma.
........Click here to view a letter from the General Secretary.
........Click here to view some suggested prayers.