The Morialta Uniting community is varied in belief and practice, and its people are willing to journey together as a’spacious’ ¹ congregation.

Being Uniting Church means something to us. Nearly 50 years ago, three different denominations came together in Australia– the Methodists, the Congregationalists and the Presbyterians, each with their own flavour and structure. Following Jesus’ prayer that we ‘be one’, they chose Uniting rather than United in the name, with the understanding that the uniting of Christian churches is not yet complete. The Uniting Church stands in the Reformed Protestant tradition, influenced by Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason. In practice, this means we are not scriptural literalists, for the words of Scripture must be understood by reference to the other pillars. How have they been understood in the past? In my experience? And what can I imagine them to mean today and into the future? Taking seriously the role of Reason has caused many, probably over half of our members, toidentify themselves as Progressive Christians, and we are often asked what that means.

Throughout the world, those who follow the teachings of Jesus andwho take the Bible seriously but not literally have struggled to apply the Gospel to the modern world. Generally, they emphasise a willingness to question, acceptance of human diversity, a strong emphasis on social justice and care for the poor and the oppressed, and  care of the earth.

Progressive Christians are open to learning from other faiths, while maintaining the distinctiveness of the teachings of Jesus. This involves a departure from seeing ourselves tribally, where God loves ‘us’ so much more than ‘them’, to a universal and global faith, where we seek God’s will for the whole earth and all its people. It continues to astound us that the teachings of Jesus are still relevant two thousand years later, whatever the shape of the faith in the future might be.

 

¹ What is spacious theology?

A ‘spacious’ theology refers to a theological framework that embraces a broader, more inclusive understanding of God’s nature, the Christian faith, and the human experience. It moves away from restrictive, narrow doctrines and encourages a more expansive, welcoming perspective. This often involves recognizing diverse identities and experiences within the Christian faith, and finding evidence of God’s presence in unexpected places.

Key aspects of a spacious theology:

Embracing diversity: A spacious theology acknowledges and celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience and diverse interpretations of faith.

Rejecting rigid dogma:

It moves away from strict, dogmatic formulations and encourages a more flexible, nuanced understanding of theological concepts.

Promoting inclusivity:

It emphasizes the importance of belonging and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives.

Reconnecting with the spiritual:

It encourages individuals to experience God’s presence in their lives through personal reflection, prayer, and connection with the spiritual world.

Expanding horizons:

It challenges traditional boundaries and limitations within the Christian faith, leading to a more expansive and hopeful outlook.