On Monday, the leaders of the United States of America and North Korea met at the Demilitarised Zone that sits precariously on the border between the divided Korean nations along the 38th Parallel.

It was described as a last-minute event, and the impact was strongly symbolic.

These two nations have been apart since August 1945, when the North was controlled by Communists installed by Russia and later influenced by China, and the South was controlled by the US.

This division greatly impacts the people of Korea, but it is indicative of a conflict that stems from the Cold War.

Any future reunification would be a powerful sign of peace between warring factions, and would bring some comfort to the world that tires of the nuclear sabre rattling of global powers.

In the Bible, there was another wall of hostility that powerfully divided two, warring factions.

These were the Jews and the Gentiles, separated from early human history due to the clear commands from our Lord God for his chosen people to be pure and holy from the world that rejects him.

Yet, even in the time before Jesus there were hints that this division would not remain forever, as some well-known Gentiles came to trust in the Lord and be welcomed into his people.

When Jesus died, the final barrier was destroyed, and now people from all nations can come together as the new people of God, united as one in Christ.

As we read in Ephesians, 

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. (Ephesians 2:14)

This is true, lasting peace that will survive into eternity.

JODIE McNEILL

Archbishop Glenn Davies has issued a public statement on Israel Folau and the issue of Freedom of Speech, Conscience and Belief.

“Israel Folau’s right to express his faith and act according to his conscience is of fundamental importance in any democracy, and it is of great concern to many Australians that this right is being denied and vilified. Many are wondering whether they will be next. No-one should suppose that there are not deeply held views on either side of this issue. But at the moment, only one side is being heard. The way in which Folau’s motives have been impugned and his avenues of support have been cut off smacks of a new and ugly Australia where dissent from narrow cultural views is not tolerated. 

The original post on Instagram canvassed some basic tenets of the Christian faith. It was not the entire Christian message, but it was posted without malice and from a place of deep conscience and concern. It encompassed all people, for we are all liars. It was posted with respect and with urgency. It had nothing to do with rugby and it should have been his right as a citizen to speak of what he believes without threat to his employment. 

Christians do not ask that everyone agree with us on the reality of heaven and hell, but it is part of our faith DNA that we speak out about Jesus, whatever the cost. I say again that I support Israel Folau as a Christian brother. I support the right for him to articulate his faith in the public sphere of social media. I admire the resolute way he has given his personal testimony.  Why, in the diversity of views in modern Australia, is that faith to be silenced – the faith from which springs so much of the values and virtues of our own civilisation, let alone the charitable works of many Christian churches across our land.

Ultimately, this will not be decided in the media. The clear support of ordinary Christians has been ignored, marginalised and silenced. Many commentators (and many politicians) have failed to understand the precious nature of conscience and belief and its power in the lives of ordinary Australians. Loud, intolerant voices swamp the quiet faith of many. But I pray that what Israel Folau is going through may shine a light on an issue which is vital to our democracy and of crucial importance for Christians – freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom to live according to our faith.”

Dr Glenn N Davies
Archbishop of Sydney
25 June AD 2019