Saibai elder Aunty Dr Rose Elu, speaking in Kalaw Kawaw Ya at the St John’s Cathedral Australian Religious Response to Climate Change gathering in Brisbane on Tuesday 17 September 2024, calling for the prime minister to demonstrate commitment to the First Nations communities on low-lying islands that are being inundated with sea water, threatening their homes, livelihoods and cultures

Reflections

What courageous person inspires you and why?┃Aunty Dr Rose Elu

“My father showed me that leading and helping other people means taking initiative, and taking initiative requires boldness and strength,” says Aunty Dr Rose Elu

Reflections

Tough Questions: Why hold a prayer vigil?

“In the second chapter of Acts, we find Jesus’ followers waiting, praying, hoping and expecting God to do something new. On that same day, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and three thousand people were added to their number,” says The Rev’d Charlie Lacey from St Andrew’s, Springfield 

Reflections

Lawyers as peacemakers

“Dispute resolution expertise is particularly central to the contemporary real world of lawyering. Communication skills are critical to all the work that lawyers do and negotiation skills are used on a daily basis…Contrary to popular belief, therefore, lawyers are in effect peacemakers,” says Professor Rachael Field

Reflections

Tough Questions: Should Christians serve in the military?

“All Christians ought to agree that war is evil and highlights the extent of human sin and brokenness. Notwithstanding, there are two main schools of thought within Christianity regarding the legitimacy of going to war…” says The Rev’d Charlie Lacey from St Andrew’s, Springfield

Reflections

“I try to put God at the centre of my life”: says Australian emergency medicine physician who recently volunteered in Gaza

“I sought God’s blessing and dealt with the ‘What if?’ scenarios through prayer. I knew that I needed to accept that death was very possible in Gaza. I wrote my will, cleaned my rented unit and gave a friend my car keys before I left — just in case. Because I wasn’t scared of death, I think I was more effective and focussed on my work in Gaza,” says British-Australian emergency medicine physician Mohammed Mustafa

Reflections

Charleville or bust — Waterloo Wanderers travel 900km to see an old friend

“Being sincerely loved and missed by many, 14 parishioners from Anglican Parish of Waterloo Bay — nicknamed “The Waterloo Wanderers” — headed to Charleville to catch up with their dear friend, The Rev’d Jim, in his new environment. We travelled more than 900km in cars and vans over two days, staying overnight in caravan parks and cabins along the way,” says Margaret Carr from The Parish of Waterloo Bay

Reflections

"No wonder the writer of the Gospel according to John talks of the truth setting us free"

“Monday’s event at Cherbourg had originally been organised as part of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry commissioned by the previous Queensland Government and cancelled by the current one. Given that the Inquiry had lined up 20 elders to tell their stories, the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council decided to host the event so that those who had gone through the emotional process of preparing for the hearing could be honoured,” says The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt

Reflections

Light another candle to remember (forgotten) Sudan this Advent

“The situation in Sudan has worsened considerably this month and yet Sudan remains largely forgotten,” says The Rev’d Rebecca

Reflections

“I can’t hug all the kids in the hospital. So, I figured a First Nations teddy bear could”

“As a proud Waanyi Garawar and Kaurareg girl, I decided to blend compassion with my First Nations heritage by designing teddy bears for child patients at the Hervey Bay Hospital. A hug can make the biggest difference, but I can’t hug all the kids in the hospital. So, I figured a First Nations teddy bear could,” says Ebony from Fraser Coast Anglican College