On this 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, we at St. David’s Uniting Church were asked ‘What ‘reform’ might you pray for in the church and in the world?’ Our thoughts were posted, not on a church door like Martin Luther (according to legend!) but all around our church building. 69 People responded!
Here are our very own theses –
WORLD
To listen and respond
Think Global, Act Local – be connected more than independent
More listening: to each other, to the stranger, to God
Peace, discussion, acceptance & tolerance – less fear, condemnation.
CHURCH
To be relevant
Live simply that others may simply live
Concern for the poorest – fair development
Stand up to people who use Christianity to justify hating people of other religions
Emphasise the JOY of being loved by God
Be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking
Challenge ‘Truth’ in social media
Grace to accept ideas of the past are wrong !
Strengthen the ministry of all believers
Recognise and celebrate the others we meet along the way
Pray that people smile at each other more often – we were known as the smiling people!
Quiet periods in service
Recognise that worship can take place on all days of the week as well as Sundays
INCLUSIVE
Be more inclusive
That all are welcome regardless of colour, creed and standing in society
Take away the small print on ‘everyone’ is welcome
Be more inclusive/accepting and break down all kinds of barriers
Open to ALL people
Teach that ALL people are equal
End condemnation of LGBT people – accept & understand all forms of love and sexuality
Acceptance of ALL people as they are
TOLERANCE
Learn to respect & accept the views of others
Understanding and acceptance of other people
Acceptance of other’s differences
No more ‘we’re right, you’re wrong
Greater tolerance / more respect
Universal tolerance of all who are different
LOVE/FRIENDSHIP
Stop telling people how to behave and concentrate on loving them
All are welcome, give love to all / Be friendly to everyone
Show love / Love one another …… with NO exceptions
Show love around the world
Love our neighbours
Love & compassion to all in need whatever colour, creed or religion throughout the world
Practice love more and judgement less
Be less obsessed by sin and concentrate more on love
UNITY
One church
More unity and sharing
Unity in the church / live together in unity / accept each other as we are
Unity and peace in the world
No more ‘we’re right, you’re wrong’
Unity within the churches and Christians worldwide
Unite churches and eliminate its structures – reduce individualism
WELCOMING
Look at ways to encourage people into church
Encourage more young people
Greater engagement with the under 50’s
Open our doors to everyone
Shows genuine welcomes not just pay lip service
PEACE
Open, honest discussions for peace.
Peace in the world (9 people wrote the same)
Religious peace – ALL of them
HEALTH/HOMELESS/DEPRIVED
Care for the needy, hungry and the homeless
Not to fear mental illness
Good health and strength
Support the deprived and under privileged in society
Narrow the gap between the richest and the poorest
OUTREACH
Be better as a whole church at outreach
Go out and meet the people
PLEASE ADD YOUR OWN TO THE LIST!