In conversation with Ruthann Richardson,

Act for Peace Chief of Engagement

After worship on 12th July Ruthann and Saide hosted a conversation in the Olive Way to share stories about the work being done by Act for Peace and what we as BUC are doing in relation to justice and peace.  The full report shared with participants in the conversation is available here.

Here are some of the highlights:

Act for Peace

  • has a dual focus on climate and conflict as they are inevitably linked with climate being significant driver of both displacement and conflict/
  • is working toward building their organizational profile in Australia through elevating voices already doing the work of peace and justice and is currently forming a partnership with Common Grace
  • is grateful for generosity of donors to the Christmas Bowl Appeal which provides half of Act for Peace’s income and is predominantly supported by the Uniting Church

Brunswick Uniting Church

  • as a congregation and individuals are strongly committed to the work of justice and peace
  • is supported in this by the Justice & Mission Committee which brings a voice to justice issues and provides support for a range of activities within and beyond the congregation
  • is committed to climate justice, the Climate Action Plan, and participation in the Season of Creation
  • has many programs and groups that build community, create relationships and provide support in a range of beautiful and creative ways
  • has relationships with other organizations that share similar values

BUC groups and programs include the Olive Arts Collective, Olive Pesto, Community Gardens, First Nations Focus, Olive Way, Food Co-op and the Neurodiversity Group

The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre, Love Makes A Way and the Ecological Justice Hub, whilst not directly part of BUC, are very much part of our story.

We are organizational members of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change and the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network and are currently exploring this with Common Grace.

We have Memorandums of Understanding with Arts Access and the Multicultural Women’s Sewing Group.

We are committed to Public Witness and do this through our Tower Room Window installations, banners on the Community Hall facing Sydney Road, banners on the fence, our rainbow and presence at the Sydney Road Street Party. participation in marches and rallies.

We offered our thanks to Ruthann for her participation in worship through the Early Word and offering thanks for our congregation’s support of the Christmas Bowl and in particular Glenice, Natalie,Leanne and Saide for their work in providing the stalls.

Ruthann thanked us for the invitation and our participation in the conversation noting the work we are doing is outstanding, demonstrating conviction, commitment and progressive leadership

See the Act for Peace Facebook post.