AUSTRALIAN NEWS 26th July 2006 * NEW GROUP FORMS WITHIN UNITING CHURCH AFTER ASSEMBLY DECISION ----------------------------------------------- NEW GROUP FORMS WITHIN UNITING CHURCH AFTER ASSEMBLY DECISION Editors comment: Last week we conveyed the offical press release of the Uniting Church General Assembly and this week we carry the press release announcing the response of those within the Uniting Church opposed to the decisions made by the General Assembly of the Church on the issue of homosexuality. Conservative leaders within the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) have resolved to form their own assembly. The clash between conservative and liberal elements in the church came to a head when its 11th assembly ruled that congregations would decide themselves on whether or not to accept practising homosexuals as ministers. Evangelical members of the Church released the following statement after a meeting held at the conclusion of the Assembly. "The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was plunged deeper into confusion and despair following the landmark decision of the 11th Assembly, when it decided Resolution 108 by a formal majority of 173 - 48. This decision effectively confirms the now infamous Resolution 84 of the 10th Assembly in 2003 and strengthens the relentless march of the UCA towards the full acceptance of practicing homosexuals in the ordained ministry. A summit meeting of over 150 concerned members of the Reforming Alliance and Evangelical Members within the Uniting Church, in response to the UCA Assembly's decisions, resolved to form The Assembly of Confessing Congregations. This new body will fulfill responsibilities which have been neglected or have become dysfunctional in the UCA. Spokesman for the group, Rev Stephen Estherby said, "This action has been necessary because of the refusal of the national Assembly to affirm the traditional teaching and practice of the Uniting Church. For us, the Assembly of Confessing Congregations represents the hope of a new beginning and a way in which we can remain associated with the UCA with integrity." In subsequent media briefings, Rev Estherby went on to say "We are not saying we are going to totally disengage at this stage, we have to see how this is going to work itself out. But you could say the relationship is not working and we are looking at some sort of separation, but it is not at that divorce stage yet. We've come to the point where we are saying, we have had enough." "It's not just issues of sexuality, all of the church's teaching and doctrine should be determined according to the teachings of the Bible within the evangelical tradition." Rev Estherby said. Source: Press Release from Evangelical Members of the UCA
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