Christian unity highlighted at Archbishop’s annual luncheon

From left: Rev Gabor Szabo (Pastor Canberra Queanbeyan Lutheran Parish), Majors Isabel and Norm Beckett (Salvation Army), Bishop Mark Short (Anglican Church, Canberra and Goulburn), Rev David Campbell (Senior Minister Presbyterian Church), Fr Michael Zamer (Coptic Orthodox Church, Canberra), Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Rev Dr Ross Kingham (Minister, Uniting Church), Pastor Jamie Pryor (Canberra Christian Leaders’ Network), Pastor Sue Miller (Regional Leader Capital Country, Australian Christian Churches), Right Rev Dr Stephen Pickard (Assistant Bishop, Anglican Church), Rev Belinda Groves (Team Leader Canberra Baptist Church), Pastor Sean Stanton (National Secretary, Australian Christian Churches).

Euthanasia and cooperation in faith development were key topics discussed at this year’s ecumenical lunch hosted by Archbishop Christopher Prowse.

Underlining his commitment to Christian unity and cooperation, the archbishop said ecumenism was an important pastoral priority.

“Once a year I offer a luncheon for the leaders of the Christian churches in Canberra. They have responded over the years in great numbers,” he said.

“It gives us an opportunity of getting to know each other and seeing what’s happening pastorally in our parishes and to plan some joint pastoral efforts.

“This year we talked about the Alpha course [in faith development] that is happening in a number of our Christian communities and is showing great promise.

“We also talked about euthanasia and the implications for the ACT of what’s happening politically in Australia and trying to make some proactive responses.”

Anglican Bishop of Canberra/Goulburn Mark Short said since moving to Canberra two years ago he had been greatly encouraged by the ecumenical spirit in the city.

“The various churches of the ACT share a common mission of commending the Lord Jesus and his love for this place,” he said.

The fifth annual gathering was also attended by representatives from the Coptic Orthodox, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Uniting churches, and from the Salvation Army, the Australian Christian Churches, and the Christian Leaders’ Network.

It is part of growing initiatives for local ecumenical cooperation including in of faith development (Alpha program), university chaplaincies and on issues such as euthanasia.