The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) is an ecumenical organisation bringing together a number of Australia's Christian churches in dialogue and practical cooperation.
The NCCA works in collaboration with state ecumenical councils around Australia. It is an associate council of the World Council of Churches, a member of the Christian Conference of Asia and a partner of other national ecumenical bodies throughout the world. "Act for Peace" is the international aid agency of the NCCA, which aims to empower war-torn communities to protect refugees, reduce poverty, prevent conflicts and manage disasters.History of Act for Peace and the Christmas Bowl
Background The modern ecumenical movement began to take shape at the end of the 19th century. Initiatives among students and between church mission agencies led the way. In Australia these included the Australian Student Christian Movement, formed in 1896, and the National Missionary Council, created in 1926.
Organised ecumenism in Australia at the national church level was first formalised through the Australian Committee for the World Council of Churches (1946). This movement initially involved only the Anglican and Mainline Protestant churches. In the 1960s and '70s, however, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches joined the ecumenical movement. This developed into the Australian Council of Churches (ACC). Following the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church in Australia began exploring possibilities for relationships with other churches. In 1994 the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) succeeded the ACC, with the Catholic Church as a member.
Logo The symbol of the boat has long been used to represent the ecumenical movement, and its origins are unclear - perhaps in the Gospel story of the calling of the Galilean fishermen to be disciples - "fishers of men". The boat represents the Christian Church as a ship sailing the sea that is the world. The mast, in the shape of the cross, recalls the Christian faith.
The NCCA's version of the boat includes waves and the Southern Cross and was adopted at the formation of the NCCA in 1994. The use of the Southern Cross identifies the NCCA's geographical location.
An updated version of the logo, pictured above, was adopted in 2006.
Member churches The NCCA currently comprises 18 member churches:
Member ChurchHead of ChurchAnglican Church of AustraliaArchbishop Geoffrey SmithAntiochian Orthodox ChurchArchbishop Basilios KodseieArmenian Apostolic ChurchArchbishop Haigazoun NajarianAssyrian Church of the EastArchbishop Mar Meelis ZaiaCatholic ChurchArchbishop Timothy CostelloeChinese Methodist Church in AustraliaBishop Puong Kiong (Milton) NeeChurches of Christ in AustraliaRev Dr. Rob NyhuisCongregational Federation of AustraliaMiriama LaumeaCoptic Orthodox ChurchBishop Daniel and V. Rev. Fr Daniel GhabrialGreek Orthodox ChurchArchbishop Makarios GriniezakisIndian Orthodox ChurchBishop Yuhanon Mar DiascorosLutheran Church of AustraliaBishop Paul SmithMar Thoma ChurchRt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios EpiscopaReligious Society of Friends (Quakers)Bruce HenryRomanian Orthodox ChurchBishop Mihail (Filimon)Syriac Orthodox ChurchArchbishop Mor Malatius Malki MalkiThe Salvation ArmyCommissioner Miriam GluyasUniting Church in AustraliaRev Charissa Suli
Presidents 2022 - present The Revd John Gilmore Churches of Christ 2016 – 2022 Bishop Philip Huggins Anglican Church 2013 – 2016 The Revd Mike Semmler Lutheran Church of Australia 2009 - 2013 Bishop Michael Putney Catholic Church 2006 - 2009 Bishop Richard Appleby Anglican Church 2003 - 2006 The Revd James Haire Uniting Church in Australia 1999 - 2001 The Revd Lance Steicke Lutheran Church 1997 - 1999 Archbishop John Bathersby Catholic Church 1994 - 1997 Archbishop Aghan Baliozian Armenian Apostolic Church
General secretaries Year Name2020–presentLiz Stone 2015–2018Sr Elizabeth Delaney SGS 2009 - 2014 Tara Curlewis 2001 - 2009 John Henderson 1994 - 2001 David Gill
Source: National Council of Churches in Australia websiteNational Council of Churches in Australia website
See also Christianity in Australia Margaret Holmes (ecumenist)
References
External links Official website State ecumenical councils Act for Peace