I have been a member of
Although I have been living outside Redfern for three years I still feel part of the parish and am still treated as such. I would like to describe some of the special features of the church, which make it so valuable.
Theology of being with the poor: Literally we stand united, poor and middle-class in the church. We chat as we go in and out; we hear each other’s stories and see our lives unfold. We are equals.
Compassion not charity: “Standing with” and “feeling with” require more of us than “giving to”. It requires true listening and relationship. It does require action, but of a sort that enhances the dignity of the oppressed and aims to empower.
Solidarity with the poor across the world: While the church has a focus on the struggle for Aboriginal rights, we are also aware of injustice suffered by other groups and in other lands. Amongst the congregation are people active in other struggles and as a body we support them.
Room for the spirit: Through allowing people to express themselves in and around the liturgy, the Spirit has space to create the unexpected and the marvellous. We who are members of