An important period of national discernment – election resources for Churches

An important period of national discernment – election resources for Churches

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan has encouraged Uniting Church congregations around the country to make their voices heard during the 2016 Federal Election campaign.

“Every election is an important period of national discernment,” said Mr McMillan.

“We have many passionate advocates in our Church who will be active during this Election campaign talking to their local candidates and speaking out on a range of issues.

“May God grant wisdom to us all as we consider and discuss issues that will shape the kind of society our children and grandchildren will inherit.”

“Let us also keep our political leaders in our prayers between now and the second of July. They are asking us to entrust them with the responsibility of national leadership and we will be looking to them to set the tone for open, honest and respectful conversations about the future of our nation.”

The Assembly’s 2016 Federal Election resource A Flourishing Society: Your Faith, Your Voice, Your Vote is available now through UnitingJustice. This comprehensive resource is designed to be used, read and circulated in the lead up to the election.

The editor of the resource, National Director of UnitingJustice Australia Rev. Elenie Poulos says the guide will bring together the work of Uniting Church agencies.

“The future of offshore detention, climate justice for the Pacific region, valuing cultural and interfaith diversity are just a few of the issues to be highlighted in A Flourishing Society,” said Rev. Poulos.

“This resource, made up of a booklet and a series of hot issues briefs, is a collection of contributions from UnitingWorld, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Frontier Services and others from across the Uniting Church.”

“I encourage congregations to use the material as a resource for small group discussions and pre-election events of all kinds. An election toolkit includes a number of helpful tips on how to hold your own election forum and engage with your local candidates.”

Congregations planning on holding candidates’ forums during the Election Campaign are encouraged to alert their Synod communications and justice units to maximise opportunities for community and church coverage.

 

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