Nov 2006

The Basis of Union is still deeply significant in the life of the Uniting Church but we need to better understand it and its origins if we are to live out the intent of our foundational document.

That was the message coming out of a discussion about the Church’s foundational document at the November meeting of the Assembly Standing Committee in Sydney.

Facilitated by Rev. Dr Andrew Dutney, Chair of Assembly’s Polity Reference Committee and Principal of Parkin-Wesley Theological College in South Australia, the conversation explored a range of issues including the on-going role of the Basis of Union, the way in which the church is guided by the Basis of Union and how the church is, and can better be, faithful to the commitments made in it.

The ASC agreed that the Basis of Union was still an important reminder of the Church’s missional and spiritual identity and resolved to prepare resources for the church to help it engage with the Basis of Union in time for the Uniting Church’s 30th anniversary in July 2007.

The ASC also requested that the Basis of Union be translated in as many languages as possible in time for the anniversary. More information about the resources will be available in the new year.