Moderator, Brian Brown
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Moderator's vision statement: |
The Rev. Dr Brian Brown is Moderator of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, 2011–2014.
As Moderator for three years, Dr Brown says he will cast a vision but also listen to the church in order to articulate the voice of the church to the church and to the community ... particularly as it embarks “on new and risky paths”.
Dr Brown was born in Durban, South Africa, and graduated with a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Natal in 1971.
After working in commerce and industry for three years he spent 18 months as Assistant Chaplain at the Seamen’s Institute in Durban before entering the Methodist ministry as a Probationer Minister.
Following two years ministering with three congregations he began formal theological training at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.
He found life intolerable under the Apartheid regime and emigrated to Australia in 1978, where he completed theological studies at United Theological College, Parramatta.
He was ordained in 1980 in Bathurst, New South Wales. He ministered there until 1984, where he also completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling at Charles Sturt University. One focus of his ministry in Bathurst was the inclusion of children in worship.
From April 2000, Dr Brown was the minister of the Hamilton-Broadmeadow Uniting Church.
It was while chaplain at BHP Steel works in Newcastle that he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree. His thesis was entitled “Stronger than steel: Australian men facing job loss and moving on”.
Dr Brown was installed as Moderator at the Synod meeting in Newcastle in October 2011.
A Moderator’s responsibilities include:
- Chairperson of the Synod and its Council and the Executive Committee
- Pastor and leader
- Represent the Synod ecumenically
- Encourage the membership, including visiting, preaching and writing.
Dr Brown says he hopes to be an agent of hope and change. He also hopes to be “an encourager of the weak and conscience of the strong; to maintain and develop our church’s clear emphasis on spirituality, discipleship and social justice”.
He says the Uniting Church has a special calling to integrate spirituality and social justice. He says it needs to continue its significant role in developing and practising eco-theology and eco-justice because our nation and world face huge challenges related to climate change — especially as it impacts on vulnerable people.
Dr Brown’s vision for the Uniting Church is for it to be:
- a beacon of generous hospitality, inclusive worship and faithful service;
- a community of faith that bears witness to the unconditional love of Jesus Christ;
- a church which, at its best, provides a safe place where people can find welcome, acceptance, healing and the opportunity to grow and serve; and
- a church which, at its most courageous, stands up for marginalised and vulnerable people.
Dr Brown and his wife, Helen, have seven children between them, and six grandchildren. His pastimes include golf, fishing, reading, walking and cryptic crosswords.
When visiting congregations and presbyteries as Moderator, Brian values the opportunity to help promote the profile of the Uniting Church by participating in activities of the general community. For his own health and wellbeing, if time allows, on more extended visits he would welcome the opportunity for a game of golf with local parishioners.
More information and media inquiries to Stephen Webb, Media Officer, 0423 259 945.
Images of Brian Brown for media:
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