General Information
THE COUNCIL’S MISSION
Through word and deed, the Council seeks to advance an evangelical perspective in contemporary Australia. The Council’s attitude is one of love and empathy, the Council’s actions demonstrate the power of the gospel in our society. The Council’s voice speaks to both the powerful and the powerless.
VALUES
"Advance" implies movement and achievement. "Advance" covers both the Council’s role as spokesperson and its ability to bring about social change. "Christian perspective" describes the Council’s way of approaching issues.
GOALS
- To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as the means of redemption for all humanity;
- To demonstrate to the world the essential unity of those who hold and proclaim evangelical Christian truth;
- To express unity in our diversity by appointing members of Council from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnic groups and ages;
- To exercise our unity by providing means for discussion and fellowship among constituent members;
- To work for reconciliation in Christ of all peoples, in particular, for Aboriginal reconciliation in the Australian context;
- To speak out against evil, social injustice and instances where God’s revealed will is clearly breached.
While the first objective will always be a priority, the level of activity in the other areas varies according to the needs and challenges of the times. The Council with its long and distinguished history continues aiming to advance a Christian perspective in the 21st century. We are well aware that in current usage, "Christian" can mean much or little. By it we mean an evangelical, Bible-based Christianity, with a strong regard for the authority of the Scriptures applied with integrity and common sense to the lives of individuals and our community. This commitment to the Bible’s authority gives a level of consensus and unity to the deliberations of the council on social and moral issues impossible for denominations which lack such a clear evangelical basis of unity.
The Council has about 35 members appointed by its seven constituent churches. The numbers are in proportion to the membership bases of the churches. Thus the largest group is drawn from the Anglican Church, while the smallest denominations have only one or two delegates. However these members are no less influential - for instance, the president from 1999 to June 2003 was Ray Hoekzema of the Christian Reformed Churches. General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month in central Sydney during the lunch hour period, and the executive meets a fortnight later at Pyrmont.
RELATIONSHIP with other ECUMENICAL COUNCILS
People often confuse the NSW Council of Churches with the state branch of National Council of Churches in Australia, known in this state as the NSW Ecumenical Council. This confusion is perfectly understandable. The existence of the two bodies relates to their history and ethos. They can and do co-operate where possible and appropriate and each body has an observer with the other council.
The main difference lies in the evangelical charter of the NSW Council of Churches. The Ecumenical Council, which is affiliated with the World Council of Churches, is a much broader umbrella group. It encompasses, for instance, the Roman Catholic and various Orthodox churches. The other difference is that our Council has a much longer history, which is outlined below.
In 1994, a report was given to the Sydney Diocesan Anglican Synod, drawn up by a committee consisting of members of both Councils. This report can be accessed here. It gives a comprehensive study of the two Councils, still valid and relevant. However since the turn of the century there has been much more fellowship, co-operation and interchange between the two councils. Differences remain, but their relationship could be said to be a complementary one rather than one of rivalry.
WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL DO?
The council engages in speaking out to the public through the media for the social, moral and spiritual welfare of society. The Council’s 2CH link, especially on Sundays, enables it to be involved in evangelism, social comment, Christian music and talkback.We prepare submissions to government authorities and in response to proposed legislation, usually at the level of State government. See the Submissions page for examples.
From time to time open forums and seminars are held to hear from top speakers able to inform and challenge the Council and the general public on issues of importance, often controversial ones. In recent years Bruce Thornton, our very able and energetic secretary, has recorded and transcribed these excellent addresses. They may be downloaded from this website - see Publications and Reports.
HOW IS THE COUNCIL FINANCED?
Affiliation fees from the member denominations in proportion to the size of their membership are the only source of income apart from occasional donations from individuals who value this work, which are of course greatly appreciated. (See Contact page for how to donate.) The Council has no office premises and most of its work is done on an honorary or voluntary basis.