On Sunday 9th October 2022 Ian offered this affirmation in response to further negative statements about LGBTQIA+ folk by some churches reported in the media (NOTE: it was also blessing of the Animals Sunday hence the canine interruptions).
On Sunday 24th November we offered a special service of solidarity with our LGBTIQ members.In welcoming us to worship and introducing the service Ian Ferguson said ‘Welcome to this special service of solidarity with our LGBTIQ members, which in a way is not all that special. That’s because every time we worship here in [...]
Losing my religion, and the conversion therapy report – by Anthony Hinds, 3 February 2019 The other day I threw out my Bible. Into the rubbish bin. It was a special edition published by Youth With A Mission, with sidenotes and biographies promoting YWAM teachings. Had it not been so, it might have escaped its [...]
Dear friends, Please find attached a pastoral letter and prayer from the President of the Assembly Dr Deidre Palmer notifying the Church that the recent Assembly decision about marriage stands and outlining the process the Church has been through over the last six months. I encourage you to distribute this letter amongst your community [...]
An open letter to faith leaders about reparative therapy - by Anthony Hinds 5 October 2018 Dear brothers and sisters, I write that you might consider my story as you review and reassess your commitment to reparative therapy, [...]
BUC's Church Council welcomes the decision of the national Assembly to allow ministers to conduct same-gender marriages. In a Pastoral Letter to all Uniting Churches, UCA President Dr Dierdre Palmer explains: To honour the diversity of Christian belief among our members, we will hold two equal and distinct statements of belief on marriage. This decision [...]
My story is one of courage, conflict and coming out. And I love sharing it, so that I can hopefully help other people find their true path, and live in integrity. So when I was invited to share it with a room full of people, I jumped at the chance. The background is that [...]
Q. What does Jesus have to say about marriage? A. Almost nothing. Mark 10:1-12 is the most often cited passage in the marriage equality debate. And as is often the case, the differences between Christians on this issue are to do with the way scripture is read and interpreted. Here is how I read [...]
A few weeks ago Ian was contacted by an organizer of a Rainbow Family Day that was going to be held in Preston for families in Darebin and the surrounding areas on Sunday 17th September. As Ian was going to be away he asked if I would be happy to take on the organizational [...]
In mid-August two members of our congregation attended a Victorian Government-led forum on LGBTI Inclusion in Faith Communities. It was a very productive conversation from several faith perspectives on how best to live our faith as whole communities, including our gender and sexuality diverse folk. Please read the forum's official Statement of Support for [...]