Australian Peace Colloquy
Peace: The Evidence of Justice

The first SaintsCare Peace and Justice Award was presented to Senator Bob Brown during the opening of the Australian Peace Colloquy held July 12–14 in Melbourne. More than 120 people participated throughout the weekend event. SaintsCare, a national charity supported by Community of Christ in Australia, sponsored the Colloquy.

Brown accepts the award from Stephenson

Senator Brown was honored for his leadership as an environmentalist and human rights advocate. Although Brown’s political position enables him to influence matters of justice and peace, he was recognized for his extraordinary personal commitment to these values. Brown received a sculpture and AUS $5,000 for the charities of his choice. He allocated $2,500 each for the Deloraine Environment Centre and the Huon Valley Environment Centre. These nonprofit organizations promote understanding and preservation of the natural environment on local and national levels and encourage people to be involved in conservation projects.

A member of the Australian Greens political party, Brown is a lifelong activist who has been jailed for nonviolent civil disobedience to protect the environment. He also established the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, a foundation that purchases land for conservation. He spearheaded an attempt to ban semi-automatic weapons, supported the ban on mandatory sentencing, and affirms the rights of refugees and asylum seekers to apply for protection in Australia under international law.

McIntosh

The Peace and Justice Award Ceremony, held at the State Library of Victoria, was highlighted by the moving musical performance of Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter Tonchi McIntosh. Malcolm Stephenson, Australia Region president and chairperson of the SaintsCare board of directors, presented the award. Brown’s keynote address, "Creating Justice in Australian Society," was delivered from a personal perspective. Peace Colloquy coordinator Susanne Holloway said, "The Peace and Justice Award Ceremony was a highlight of the weekend. Tonchi’s original music, Bob Brown’s passionate remarks, the participation of the SaintsCare leadership, and the attendance of so many people committed to justice and peace made the evening unforgettable."

World Church Peace and Justice Ministries coordinator Andrew Bolton delivered a keynote address on July 13 titled "Spirit, Justice, and Community." He spoke of the prophetic tradition of "Holy Spirit, holy justice" as exemplified in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Bible. In the quest for "holy community," Bolton cited examples of communities that embody justice in the prophetic tradition of "faithfully living out the worth of all persons."

Burdekin (left) speaks with Richard Gillard  and another Colloquy attendee.

Brian Burdekin, a church member who serves as special adviser on national institutions to the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, gave a keynote address titled, "International Justice: Developments in the Protection of Human Rights." Burdekin stated, "God’s prophetic voice of the scriptures, our affirmation of the worth of all persons, the social gospel and human rights—same thing, different words."

On July 14, Rosemary Sheehan, a senior lecturer of social work at Monash University, spoke about "Children at Risk of Harm: Just Response to Child Abuse." All of the keynotes were well received, and participants particularly appreciated the inspiring commitment of the speakers to their chosen causes. Colloquy participant Paul Hardwick said, "The compassion of those involved in the Peace Colloquy and their dedication to justice was highly motivating. I am proud of how the church is living out its mission."

Workshops offered during the weekend included "SaintsCare: Empowering People, Building Communities," "Welcome the Stranger," "Outreach International: Helping People Help Themselves," and "Reconciliation in the New Millennium." Worship experiences incorporated various elements such as music, meditation, testimony, and prayer, and focused on peace as the evidence of personal wholeness, community, and action. A panel discussion and children’s peace activities rounded out the Colloquy schedule.

Stephenson said, "The gathering of church members and friends away from the usual walls of their congregational buildings into a time of dialogue, education, and devotions was an important act."

—Kendra Friend reporting

Peace and Justice Art The sculpture presented to the SaintsCare Peace and Justice Award recipient was commissioned through Jane Hardwick, a church member and graphic designer from Euroa in Victoria, who developed the concept for the sculpture. The decision to use ceramic and wood mediums was obvious once Bob Brown accepted his nomination as the 2002 recipient. The basic concept of the award is that SaintsCare is ministering in the world and is supported by the community. The glazed and polished ceramic SaintsCare logo is centered in a fractured and unglazed earth. This symbolizes the importance of human intervention and association and the joining together of all issues dealing with human existence. All of the wood is naturally fallen, local Victorian timber. The semi-globe surrounding the fractured earth signifies the protection that can be offered by communities. The raw, natural plinth represents the environment in its natural, powerful state. Lizzie Ewart, a potter and painter, and Graham Clark, a furniture maker and wood craftsman, were commissioned to create the sculpture. Ewart has 18 years of ceramics experience, and Clark began a career specializing in Australian wood furniture pieces 10 years ago.  (return to story)