2002

14th May 2002
Hunter Christian Churches Gather to Celebrate Unity
This Sunday evening (May 19), the leaders of the Hunter's Christian Churches will gather at Hamilton's Sacred Heart Cathedral for an annual prayer service to celebrate Christian unity but also seek forgiveness for past divisions.

In some parts of the world such an ecumenical gathering is quite rare, but in the Hunter, the Christian Churches demonstrate a great understanding and respect for one another, and a willingness to pray together and work collaboratively.

Held annually in Australia on Pentecost Sunday, the service concludes the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" (May 12-19). In the Christian calendar, Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, fifty days after the resurrection of Christ.

According to Reverend David Campbell, Minister of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newcastle, it is crucial that the Christian Churches take opportunities for prayer and genuine dialogue.

"Coming from Northern Ireland and having been involved in the Church there for 20 years, I have witnessed the terrible damage that sectarian attitudes can cause within the community. I have also experienced the positive results that can arise out of inter-Church dialogue and cooperation.

"In order to make inter-Church dialogue and cooperation happen, it is important for Church traditions to be honest with each other about their differences and to work hard to achieve a better understanding of these differences", said Reverend Campbell.

Visiting guest speaker at this year's service will be the Reverend John Henderson. A Lutheran Church pastor, Reverend Henderson is currently the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, Australia.

The Christian Churches participating in this year's service include representatives from the Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, Churches of Christ, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Seventh Day, Adventists, Society of Friends and Uniting traditions.

The Dean of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Monsignor Allan Hart, will preside over the gathering.

2002 HUNTER REGION ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE
19th MAY, PENTECOST SUNDAY, 7:30 PM
SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, 827 HUNTER STREET, NEWCASTLE

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