General Information
THE COUNCIL’S MISSION
Through word and deed, the Council seeks to advance an evangelical perspective in contemporary Australia. The Council’s attitude is one of love and empathy, the Council’s actions demonstrate the power of the gospel in our society. The Council’s voice speaks to both the powerful and the powerless.
VALUES
"Advance" implies movement and achievement. "Advance" covers both the Council’s role as spokesperson and its ability to bring about social change. "Christian perspective" describes the Council’s way of approaching issues.
GOALS
- To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as the means of redemption for all humanity;
- To demonstrate to the world the essential unity of those who hold and proclaim evangelical Christian truth;
- To express unity in our diversity by appointing members of Council from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnic groups and ages;
- To exercise our unity by providing means for discussion and fellowship among constituent members;
- To work for reconciliation in Christ of all peoples, in particular, for Aboriginal reconciliation in the Australian context;
- To speak out against evil, social injustice and instances where God’s revealed will is clearly breached.
While the first objective will always be a priority, the level of activity in the other areas varies according to the needs and challenges of the times. The Council with its long and distinguished history continues aiming to advance a Christian perspective in the 21st century. We are well aware that in current usage, "Christian" can mean much or little. By it we mean an evangelical, Bible-based Christianity, with a strong regard for the authority of the Scriptures applied with integrity and common sense to the lives of individuals and our community. This commitment to the Bible’s authority gives a level of consensus and unity to the deliberations of the council on social and moral issues impossible for denominations which lack such a clear evangelical basis of unity.
The Council has about 35 members appointed by its seven constituent churches. The numbers are in proportion to the membership bases of the churches. Thus the largest group is drawn from the Anglican Church, while the smallest denominations have only one or two delegates. General meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October and December in central Sydney CBD from 12.30 to 2.00 pm, and the Council executive meets xecutive meets on the same day and time in alternate months.
RELATIONSHIP with other ECUMENICAL COUNCILS
The NSW Council of Churches is not the state branch of the National Council of Churches in Australia, but does seek to maintain warm relations with the NSW Ecumenical Council. While the objects and emphases of the two NSW Councils differ (e.g. the NSW Council of Churches has a strong relationship with radio station 2CH; and the Ecumenical Council is not evangelical in theological perspective), the two Councils cooperate where possible. The NSW Council of Churches also has a much longer history, which is outlined below.
In 1994, a report was given to the Sydney Diocesan Anglican Synod, drawn up by a committee consisting of members of both Councils. This report can be accessed here. It gives a comprehensive study of the two Councils which remains valid and relevant today. However, since the turn of the century there has been much more fellowship, co-operation and interchange between the two Councils. Differences remain, but their relationship could be said to be a complementary one rather than one of rivalry.
WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL DO?
The council engages in speaking out to the public through the media for the social, moral and spiritual welfare of society. The Council’s 2CH link, especially on Sundays, enables it to be involved in evangelism, social comment, Christian music and talkback.We prepare submissions to government authorities and in response to proposed legislation, usually at the level of State government. See the Submissions page for examples.
From time to time open forums and seminars are held to hear from top speakers able to inform and challenge the Council and the general public on issues of importance, often controversial ones. In most cases, transcripts may be downloaded from this website - see Publications and Reports.
HOW IS THE COUNCIL FINANCED?
Affiliation fees from member denominations in proportion to the size of their membership are the only source of income apart from occasional donations from individuals who value this work, which are of course greatly appreciated. (See Contact page for how to donate.) The Council has no office premises and most of its work is done on an honorary or voluntary basis.