Blog: Australia is really really far away....

In case you weren’t aware, Australia is really, really far away. My total journey time, including layovers, was around thirty-six hours. I somehow even lost a day in transit, thanks to time zones. It’s humbling to think that even with the advances in modern technology seemingly shrinking the world, the other side of the planet remains distant and challenging to reach.

It was a busy two weeks in the Southern Hemisphere, with the primary focus being attendance at the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Brisbane. This global gathering brought together participants from all corners of the world, many of whom find conversations around human sexuality and gender identity deeply challenging. And these are exactly the spaces we ought to be in.

This was my first time in Australia. While in many ways it felt familiar: colonial settlement leading to English becoming the dominant language, driving on the left as we do in the UK, and Vegemite being VERY similar to Marmite – there were also moments in which I was surprised by the alienness of the landscape, the expressions of language, and even the fact that, despite good service, it’s quite difficult to give a tip.

There were also, of course, moments of familiarity, but also disconnect and discomfort during the Congress itself. The BWA has been meeting in this way – albeit digitally during the pandemic – since its founding in 1905. Every five years, self-professing Baptists from around the world gather in a location that rotates by region. In 2030, it will be hosted in Europe, though the specific location is yet to be announced.

Let’s begin with the positives. This trip allowed us to continue expanding the global network of progressive leaders that we’ve been instrumental in developing. I met up with colleagues from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand – many of whom I’d previously only met online. We spent meaningful time getting to know one another better, sharing stories within the wider group, praying together, and discerning how God may be moving among us.

We also met new people through gatherings we organised, both during the Congress and in the week after, through new friends at St Ives Baptist in Sydney. That alone was worth the trip—real connections with real people, dreaming the dream of a church whose doors are open and whose pews welcome people from all walks of life, all seeking God together. Thanks to grant funding, we can continue fostering courageous conversations in safe and meaningful ways.

Sadly, not everything was positive. There was little room for diverse expressions of spirituality. Corporate worship was dominated by praise bands, flashing lights, and preachers who used many words but, if I’m honest, said very little. There were exceptions – particularly a few female speakers who were invited to speak but I regret to say I remember little of the sermons.

By the final night, perhaps my patience had worn thin. When the speaker boldly stood and told the 2,500 attendees that in the US “children are being asked their pronouns before they can speak,” I’m afraid I had to walk out. Not only because of the notion that acknowledging a person’s gender identity is something to fear, but also the bizarre assertion that one would ask a child that before they’ve uttered their first word. If I were to be kind, I’d say perhaps he misspoke or confused his facts. But I fear it's more likely he chose a convenient scapegoat group to demonise, using them as a rhetorical punching bag to provoke moral outrage.

Let’s be clear: this is not the way of Jesus.

The way of Jesus is to show up and be seen. To declare that being LGBTQ+ and Christian IS valid. Being an affirming Christian leader IS valid. While these spaces may not have been designed with us in mind, we will continue to take up space and walk alongside those who might prefer we didn’t. We can take courage knowing that there are others like us around the world – and through our efforts, we are connecting and working together.

Thank you for your continued and prayerful support of OneBodyOneFaith. It’s a privilege to walk this journey with you all.

Luke Dowding, CEO