The Bentley File
Assumptions, Statistics and the Uniting Church
A One Stop Shop for an overview of the UCA. What do you know about statistics and the Uniting Church? Read this contemporary and timely discussion. Peter Bentley uses a variety of statistical sources, and references to the various surveys and studies on sexuality, to provide a picture of the Uniting Church and a comment about its possible future. Click here to read.
The Presbytery and Resolution 84
This paper discusses the role of the Presbytery in relation to Resolution 84, and considers comments from other members in the Uniting Church, as well as historical documents. Please click here for the paper, This paper is part of a longer paper prepared by Peter Bentley to facilitate discussion about the future of Presbyteries within the Uniting Church. Click here to read.
Presbyteries: Not quite dead, but many on life support
Presbyteries: Not quite dead, but many on life support is available to interested readers. Please note, it is 36 pages (this includes many historical references and notes). Click here to read.
A comment on, and an overview of, the Ballot for Assembly Membership: NSW Synod 2005
Some members have expressed interest in a more detailed consideration of a Synod's appointment of representatives to Assembly. Peter Bentley has compiled an analysis of the ballot held at the NSW Synod in 2005 for the 11th Assembly. This article provides a picture of some of the issues for this form of ballot, and includes suggestions for change which could enhance a fairer process in this particular case. Click here to read.
The Practice of Homosexuality
An analysis of, and comment on, statistical material on attitudes to homosexuality among Uniting Church affiliates in the 1990s. Click here to read.
Political Speak in the Church
Over nearly two decades in the Uniting Church I have heard many fascinating and sometimes astounding statements or references by people on the liberal side of theology. I am aware that we all indulge in political speak, but I believe it becomes particularly nuanced when we are part of an institution. The institution and its defence is the natural reference point. There is a tendency to become a politician and answer the question you wanted to be asked. This article is the compilation of twelve e-mail comments from Peter Bentley to RA members over the last two months. Essentially this is a call for Brutal Honesty. Click here to read.
Membership of the Assembly
Have you wondered how many people go to the Assembly and how they are appointed? This paper provides an overview of the National Assembly. The next meeting will be in July 2006. Click here to read.
Idolatry and the Uniting Church
Peter Bentley asks the question: "Have you ever been asked - Do you love the Uniting Church?" I hope you have been able to respond "That is the wrong question". The Uniting Church does not now, and has never required your love, especially the type of "love" that this question usually implies, love that demands unquestioning adherence, and cannot address what is wrong. Click here to read.
The Experience of Experience
Peter Bentley discusses the use of experientially based witnesses or messages within the Uniting Church, especially from members who identify with more liberal theological frameworks. Why can these members regard their experience as primary, and the experience of others as secondary or even deluded? Click here to read.
The Poverty of Resolution 84
Just in case you believe the Uniting Church never makes a mistake, Peter Bentley outlines twelve more reasons to illustrate why a council of the church can err. “There are many reasons why Resolution 84 was a poor decision that has led to an increasingly impoverished church. While it is clear that the most important and relevant reasons are related to doctrine and scripture, there are other matters of importance for a church with a polity of inter-related councils, a church founded in an ecumenical context, and one often appealing to the need for participation from local members and issues of justice." Click here to read.
The Bentley Report (1997) - a Summary and Comment by Owen Davis
Long-standing Uniting Church commentator Owen Davis provides a succinct outline of The Bentley Report - the statistical analysis of the responses to the Interim Report on Sexuality prepared by Peter Bentley in early 1997 for the Assembly. Click here to read.
The Bentley Report
Read the original statistical analysis of the responses to the Interim Report on Sexuality (1996). This report was provided by Peter Bentley to the Assembly Standing Committee in February 1997. Click here to read.
The Assembly Can and Must Make a Decision
What is the future of the Uniting Church if it continues with Resolution 84? Read Peter Bentley's paper on the theme of Two Cakes or really only one? Peter spoke at the lunchtime meeting of the Reforming Alliance during the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod meeting in September. Click here to read.
Liberalism, Sexuality and the Future of the Uniting Church
Peter Bentley explains how the current debate about sexuality in the UCA would not have arisen to the extent it has without a prominent liberal theological presence in the key councils of the Assembly. Why has the UCA developed an overt liberal theological orientation and public presence, when its membership has been largely theologically conservative? This keynote address was given to the 2004 Reforming Alliance National Conference in July 2004. Click here to read.
Liberalism, Sexuality and the Future of the Uniting Church (Part II)
An address by Peter Bentley to the open meeting organised by the Reforming Alliance and EMU and held during the meeting of the NSW Synod in September 2004. Click here to read.
If you would like further information please contact:
Mr Peter Bentley (RA Administrator)
admin@reformingalliance.org.au
PO Box 968,
NEWTOWN
New South Wales 2042
ph: 02 9550 5358