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Tasmanian Anglican

November 2002

 

 

 

 

 


Ruth Choi from Korea, Juliana Okine from Ghana and Pauline Searie from England

 

'Connecting Globally' - GFS Australia hosts World Council

from Beryl Pridham

 

 

220 members of GFS from 17 countries - Australia, Cameroon, England, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales and Zambia - were hosted by GFS Australia at the 17th GFS World Council from 23 September - 2 October in Cairns and Townsville.

As one of six Tasmanian delegates it was an experience never to be forgotten, and a time of enrichment and encouragement for the GFS family.

Good news

The Australian Council opened with an inspiring service at St James'Anglican Church in Cairns, with celebrant the Right Rev'd John Noble, Bishop of North Qld assisted by Bishop Saibo Mabo and Bishop James Leftwich. After the service an aboriginal group displayed in dance the symbolism of the 'message stick', which was used to spread good news of life to people separated by distance - just like the carriers of the Gospel today, our missionaries.

We heard of the aboriginal settlements on Torres Strait Islands, and the difficulties they face with their young people and we were privileged to visit Yarabah ('Meeting Place'), the settlement which has produced the majority of aboriginal priests in Australia.

National costume

Bishop John Noble's address at the opening of the World Council was a challenge to all: 'Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.' GFS members from many countries dressed in national costume displaying their banners, processing into the church with the clergy and bishops in full robes.

Services for each of the ten days followed the themes of Dreaming, Spirit, Journeying, Connecting, Wind, Water, Prayer, Peace, Earth and Take this Moment.

Not all work

It was a very full ten days with many reports and decisions to make and our World Project to think about. GFS Australia will continue to support GFS in PNG.

Fortunately it was not all work and no play - there were dinners, a civic reception, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and to a wildlife sanctuary.

At the closing ceremony, 'Unity in Diversity', the National Executive and World President were commissioned and we offered our thanks and congratulations to GFS committee members who made this event such a memorable one. The USA will host the 2005 GFS World Council and Korea will host the following one in 2008.