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	June 2004
		'We're all boat people'
			Gordon Preece gave us plenty to chew on in both his public lecture and workshops concerning refugees and asylum seekers. The public lectures and the workshop were well attended in Launceston, but the attendance in Hobart was disappointing, though not the interaction of the participants. We will be holding annual or bi-annual ethics seminars as part of our being 'ahealthychurch . . . transforminglife'. Here Bishop John interviews the Rev. Doc Gordon Preece +J Gordon, what do you enjoy most about teaching theology? GP I enjoy teaching people and seeing them doing things like college missions. It's brilliant to see each individual's gifting emerging. +J A former principal of Ridley College described you as a theological journalist. GP I'm passionate about putting high theological truths, like the Trinity, into practical everyday language and communicating that truth beyond the borders of the church. To that extent I think the description is appropriate. I don't like the idea of theology as only a technical field. +J How did your interest in the issue of asylum seekers and refugees emerge? GP From a deep sense of shame about the stand and policies of so many of our political leaders. Especially in regard to the manipulation of policy for political ends. So much of this approach clashes with the Biblical call to hospitality toward refugees. +J Have you had personal experiences with refugees? GP Not much other than serendipitous contacts. The Maribyrnong detention centre is quite close to my home. I was responsible for organising three groups of visitors, one of which included my daughter. It seems that my role is to help people think through the issue. I feel a bit guilty about this at times but it seems to be where my gifts and responsibilities lie. +J What did you hope might come from your visit to Tasmania? GP I wanted to connect with people who are passionate about these issues and to help them understand a Biblical rationale for what they are doing and feeling. This network of understanding helps people to feel empowered. I had also hoped that some reflection on Biblical and ethical issue might raise the bar a bit for those not so passionate. We can all be parables of hope in our communities. You do not have to be Super Christian to make a very real difference. +J You often spoke of hospitality as a key element of the response. Does this come from your experience or cognition? GP Both! I learned so much from my father. In his small business before he became a Christian, he made a point of giving work to newly released prisoners. It was the type of family where lonely people were invited to our celebrations. My wife and I have often received the most exceptional hospitality. We have observed that in many cultures, and sometimes places with very limited means, hospitality is always spontaneous. We have also been enriched by parish ministry. +J Expand on parish ministry for me. GP The building of godly friendship has enriched us. Our children have been blessed by contact with a broad range of passionate Christians. Friendship doesn't need to have that 'possessive' sense of 'MY best friend.' Hospitality and care in even the most limited time-frames can be very powerful in a person's life. Sharing meals together is very important. +J So hospitality is a risk worth taking? GP Absolutely! You know that saying, we are what we eat. Biblically, we are who we eat with. When you sit down and eat with people you are changed. +J This has wonderful implications in our view of Holy Communion. GP We need to return in some way to the early church practice of sharing a real meal. I was with one parish which had a monthly $1 meal after the service. The concept and reality was that communion continued after the service. Communion is the meal that makes the world! +J You talked about the church being a 'polis', a 'city on a hill'. Should we be putting 'polis' before 'policy'? GP The church's nature as a unique reconciling political society is fundamental. We shouldn't ascribe the church to specific, political policies. We earn the right to speak through our care for people. An example would be in your Launceston experience, where I believe that the pastoral experience and credibility through extensive involvement with refugee families gives them the right to go to politicians to discuss broader political issues. +J Did you notice the absence of a particular group from your workshop on Sunday afternoon? Imagine! They were at the airport welcoming another refugee family. You were obviously terribly upset by this. (not!) GP Of course I was. They should have been talking about it not doing it. (laughter) I greatly admire these 'revolutionary' Christians amongst so many who are merely 'resolutionary'. However, I understand that the revolutionary needs the resolve of the people. +J The 'policy' needs to be part of the 'polis'? GP Yes and my prayer is for the revolution of His Kingdom to be recognised amongst us now.