Christ Preaching in the Synagogue at Nazareth. 14th c. fresco (detail).Visoki Decani Monastery, Kosovo Working in the Sydney CBD, I have often walked past “rough sleepers” on the streets outside the Queen Victoria Building, railway station entrances, and the steps of churches. You’ve probably seen them too. Occasionally, a passer-by will place some spare change …
Toward a common ecumenical future for NSW
Three councils, one Christian vocation: a practical and theological proposal By Rev Dr Rod Benson Introduction There are many distinctive qualities about Sydney, Australia's largest city, and one of those is its peculiar religious culture. A feature of this culture is the nature of ecumenical cooperation among the city's churches (and, inevitably, throughout the State …
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Unity without uniformity
International precedents and the theological legitimacy of partial Christian unity By Rev Dr Rod Benson Introduction Christian Churches in the same jurisdiction have frequently developed separate councils, alliances and consultative forums in the hope of greater ecumenical cooperation. Often, for both principled and pragmatic reasons, these arrangements fall short of genuine ecumenical unity. Attempts to …
The ecumenical movement at a crossroads
Historical achievements, institutional challenges and the imperative of renewal By Rev Dr Rod Benson Introduction In many parts of the world, modern ecumenism has substantially transformed and improved relationships among Christian churches. Traditions once separated by inherited suspicion have developed habits of dialogue, common prayer, practical cooperation and, sometimes, reconciliation. Yet institutions founded to promote …
Beyond the battlefield: Foreign aid and the duty of solidarity
By Rod Benson This article responds to Andrew Gawthorpe’s fine analysis of the 2026 US midterm elections. It considers the risks of military escalation and the effects of declining US foreign aid. It focuses on development assistance, the Australian context, and the Christian obligation of solidarity with the poor in the face of cuts to …
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