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Media
Uniting Church and church related bushfire news in the media:
Friday 19 February: The Age, "Church bells to toll on our day of morning" by Thomas Hunter
Thursday 12 February: The Age, "Failing to understand the nature of an understanding God" by Barney Zwartz
Wednesday 11 February: The Age, "Fire 'divine retribution', says minister" by Barney Zwartz
Tuesday 10 February: The Age, "Churches hits hard but focused on pastoral care" by Barney Zwartz
Media Release: Multifaith Advisory Group statement regarding the Bushfire disaster. Disseminated on Thursday 12 February 2009.
Click to download the release (PDF file)Media Release: Kildonan Bushfire Response Media Release. Disseminated on Wednesday 11 February 2009
Click to download the release (PDF file).Media Release: Disseminated on Wednesday 11 February 2009
Uniting Church says now is not the time to blame
The President of the Uniting Church has today expressed total abhorrence towards organisations and individuals claiming that the devastation caused by the Victorian bushfires is the result of a vengeful God.
“The horror and grief we are continuing to experience as these fires rage on are the horrendous results of a natural disaster and the possible devastating consequences of human criminality,” said Rev. Gregor Henderson.
“The God we worship is a loving, peaceful God who is slow to anger and demonstrates forgiveness and love through Jesus Christ.
“To suggest that the loss of life from these bushfires is the reaction of God towards the Victorian people for decisions made by Government is not only ludicrous, it misapprehends the nature of God, the giver of life.
Read the full release on Uniting Church Media Room.Media Release: Disseminated on Tuesday 10 February 2009
Uniting Church in Australia launches Victorian Bushfire Appeal
The Uniting Church in Australia has launched a Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The national appeal will seek funds to be used by the church for both emergency relief and the longer-term pastoral care and rehabilitation for families in need. Proceeds from the appeal will also be used to provide ongoing food and accommodation relief.
The Uniting Church in Australia’s National Assembly has also released $50,000 from its National Disaster Fund to enable the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania provide for immediate emergency relief.
The Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev Jason Kioa said “our prayers go out to the bereaved, those who feel all kinds of loss so keenly and who cannot image what their futures might bring. I ask you to join a prayer chain across our church to support, care and contribute to their recovery.”The Uniting Church’s provision of chaplains and pastoral support will be coordinated via the Victorian Council of Church’s relationship with DISPLAN or by local arrangements.
Read the full release on the Uniting Church Media Room.
TO DONATE TO THE VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL:
Victorian and Tasmanian residents, free call: 1800 668 426
Residents in all other States and Territories in Australia: 
(03) 9251 5285
Or refer to the SHARE Community Appeal website: www.shareappeal.org.au
For all media queries or to arrange an interview with the Moderator
of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev Jason
Kioa please contact:
Ruth Snelleman:0418 330 483
Media Liaison
Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
