April 2003

Today, we have heard that "the Australian Government has confirmed Australian troops will join a US-led war against Iraq".

As I sit to write this column, I am conscious of conversations with people in Bathurst and other parts of the Synod about how we can allow space(s) for people within our communities to gather immediately and in the days and weeks ahead — looking to the church to provide leadership and to help focus the concerns and feelings people are experiencing.

Many people who are members of the church serve in the defence forces. We remember all our sisters and brothers serving Australia in this way and their families who are caught up in this conflict which touches us all. We remember all whose lives will be changed because of the decision made by international leaders who believe they are acting for the protection of the majority of people in the world. Many of those directly affected in times of conflict are innocent victims, who have no say in what is happening to them, their homes or their families.

One friend spoke a word of hope coming from her desperate cry to God, "that we look to where God is at work". For God is at work in every situation. Through our praying and living, may we open ourselves to God's way that leads to peace. A couple of days from my writing we will celebrate Harmony Day, encouraging us to live in harmony with creation, with each other and with God.

We are in a Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace (an initiative of the World Council of Churches 2001-2010) with its strong theme Giving Peace a Hand. One simple suggestion (coming from all directions and through the internet) to show your continued commitment to this vision of a peaceful world is to put a light in your window. It could be some Christmas lights (reminding us of the Prince of Peace) a candle, a light bulb, or a lantern. It's an easy way to keep the light of reason and hope burning, to let others know that they are not alone.

Frequently, I find myself praying the words you will know are attributed to St Francis, which begin "Make me a channel of your peace" and conclude "in dying we're born to eternal life". These words spring from a life lived passionately by a 13th century disciple of Jesus, who chose a lifestyle respecting and at peace with all creation.

As we move into the days in which we remember again the story of Christ's passion and death, we are drawn quickly to Easter, celebrating the resurrection. Let's not forget that Jesus appeared to the frightened, confused disciples, speaking words of peace as he had on the night he was betrayed. "I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried and afraid" (John 14:27 CEV). Is this the peace we long for?

I am reminded of a prayer from the National Council of Churches, I think at the time of the Gulf War:

God of Joy, you call your church to give signs of hope, peace in the midst of war, reconciliation in the midst of alienation, joy in the midst of sorrow. Enable us by your Spirit, to practise mercy and gentleness, that we may be signs of your peace. Through Jesus Christ, whose peace surpasses our understanding. Amen

Signs of hope touch me as I recall: the vibrant community of faithful people at Jindabyne as rain at the end of February extinguished fires that had burned in the park for two months; celebrations marking Lifeline's 40th year of ministry; candidates for specified ministries beginning their formal education; people concluding and taking up new ministries in Board of Education, at UTC, working with the Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in New South Wales, and in the Secretariat; a retired minister and his wife giving three months to itinerant supply in "the far west"; new ministry ventures reaching people in drought-affected communities; congregations joining together through Uniting in Prayer, In a State of Prayer, and the work of the Stamp Committee; commitments to Living is Giving; creative events for Pancake Day; and always the life of our congregations, the Council of Synod and those individuals who serve us through presbyteries, boards and agencies of the Synod.

We don't know what the future holds, only that it is in God's sure hands. We can only live each day as resurrection people in faith, hope and love. May the peace of Christ be with each one.