Assembly '97 News Home page Documents next story		KUCA Kids reflect on a long week of learning Perth, July 10, 1997 — "I think we should be given more opportunity to talk in the meeting." "It’s been a great experience, I would love to go to another one." "The consensus procedures take so long." The diversity of opinion reflected in the debate and discussion at the Assembly is just as obvious when some of the KUCA-A participants air their thoughts. Over the past week, KUCA-A have managed to combine fun, such as kite flying and indoor rock climbing with the more serious business of learning the intricacies of consensus decision making, and theological reflection with their daily Drop Everything And Pray (DEAP) sessions. When Mathew Brandon (TAS) 10, was nominated to come to the eighth Assembly he said he was "a little shaky" but "jumped at the chance". Now he seems to be making a career of attending church gatherings after being nominated to attend the Tasmanian Synod later this year. Elliott Pinazza, 11, from NSW said he enjoyed the chance to sit in on Assembly discussions. He’s also taking careful note, as he’ll be asked to report the experiences to his synod, presbytery, parish and congregation. Nicole Harris, 11, from WA said the experience of being with a lot of children from all different states has been great. It’s the first time Nicole has attended a meeting like the Assembly. And its the DEAP time which she has also found exciting. Keely Bate, 11, from SA had some criticism. She said the children should have been given more opportunity to talk during business. She was disappointed also that she hadn’t been able to take part in more of the discussions in the Assembly meeting The last word rests with Mathew Brandon. "We’ve been co-operating really well," he said, "the children and with the Assembly gathering itself".