On Friday August 8, we saw the launch of the Christian Alliance Council of NSW that brought together more than 80 religious, community, political, civic and school leaders in Parliament House supporting the theme;
“Bringing Christians Together.”
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, I represented our Ukrainian Orthodox Church in NSW.
Key note address by Premier Chris Minns, and addresses from Opposition Leader Mark Speakman. Former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott and others, underpinned the importance of having a united voice on matters that unite us, the Christian groups gathered to celebrate Christianity, promising to take their support for unity back into their communities.
Please pray for this Alliance, that from this seed planted in faith today, it becomes a light that can shine for our State of New South Wales.
The last item on the program was very interesting.
It was when all participants were asked to hold a little wooden cross, gifted to each person, and to offer a minute of silent prayer for the needs of their community.
We were asked to then walk around the room and pass this cross on to someone we did not know, and exchange our cross for their cross, from another faith group, so that our prayer will be their prayer.
My prayer petition was for PEACE in Ukraine, removal of all Russian forces, reparations, and a return of all of our land & people & children who are being held captive.
The newly formed Alliance will meet twice yearly; once formally, and a second time informally, where they will invite the greater community to take part in events of a religious, and cultural nature.
Fr Michael Smolynec