Communities in Brisbane and Dili were brought closer today as members of the Glebe Road Uniting Church and Ekaristi Church, Protestant Church in East Timor, met together to establish a partnership. “This is a really exciting development” said David, one of Glebe Road representatives.
Indeed, representatives from Glebe Road were delighted to share in worship this morning, to meet with people and to then share a meal.
Members of the Ekaristi Community were keen to share their vision. This focuses on ministry with young people and providing quality education for local children through the development of a local school.
The Protestant Church in East Timor is a small, struggling church facing tremendous issues as the East Timorese community recovers from many years of violence and now develops as an independent country.
The Uniting Church in Australia has stood in solidarity with the Protestant Christian Church in East Timor for more than 20 years. During that time the church has participated in the struggle against oppression, has supported people through the referendum on independence and continues to provide care and support as the United Nations withdraws and the country prepares for new elections in 2012.
Links have also been established between Ringwood Uniting Church in Melbourne and Hosana Church in central Dili. The development of a training centre at Hosana Church to facilitate IT skills and English proficiency is being supported.
The East Timorese regard us as near neighbours while most Australians took towards East Timor with great interest and affection. Hence, we will continue to work together with the Protestant Church in East Timor. While small and fragile, the East Timorese church is gifted with significant leaders.
Importanlty,the church in East Timor is now being upheld through the engagement of congregations like Glebe Road and Ringwood.
Together with contributions by Glebe Road and Ringwood, UnitingWorld is funding health projects and is providing support for leadership development in East Timor.
We are committed to East Timor for the long term and we will faithfully express ongoing solidarity with our near neighbours.
