I greet you in the name of Jesus-Sophia, holy Wisdom-Word of God: grace, peace and hope in all things as we await with longing the fulfilment of God’s reign throughout creation.
I give thanks to God for this community and for the place it holds in my life. I came to you in weakness: burnt out by the stress of my previous role. I leave with a renewed sense of who I am in God and in the people of God, the church. I thank God for those colleagues, students and friends of the college who have accompanied me on that journey; and who have allowed me to accompany them this little way.
The position of Lecturer in Liturgy & Theology was and is still pure gift. I did not expect to be appointed. It was a wonderful, daunting, delicious, terrifying surprise. I was an experienced liturgical practitioner, but my passion is theological reflection and my doctorate concerns theological method. Of course these things are closely related, indeed, inseparable. UTC has been a place where I have felt comfortable to affirm that. I particularly acknowledge the trust and support of Revd Dr Sarah Mitchell, then Principal, and of her vision for formation for ministry that encouraged and nurtured such an integrated approach.
I have worked hard, although I have not always been sure of exactly what I should be doing. I ask your forgiveness for those times when I did or did not act or speak because of ignorance, confusion or lack of courage. I thank you for your patience as I have re-discovered my own voice and a renewed sense of personhood in God.
I have not always had the confidence of all my colleagues; and this situation has been extraordinarily painful. It has, at times, presented obstacles to the fulfilling my role. I pray for this community as it continues to change annually. May the Spirit of Babel and Pentecost continue to nurture difference, diversity and unity among you as the body of Christ in this place.
I am convinced that United Theological College provides a unique environment for the preparation of people for the ministry of Christ, the mission of the Triune God, through an integrated, systematic and contextual approach. I pray that the Synod of NSW & ACT may more fully recognise the gift and the faithfulness of this rich and changing community.
I acknowledge that I would not be in this role without the unfailing encouragement, support, companionship and commitment of my husband Revd Russell Morris. I pray that the whole church will recognise more fully the substantial gift offered by those who serve faithfully and diligently for the sake of the realm of God without expectation of accolade or reward.
May the God who speaks
with the daughter of a voice
calm all your fears;
Christ Jesus our Mother
enfold you under her wings;
and the Spirit of Life,
midwife of Creation and Re-Creation,
bear you to wholeness in God’s realm. Amen.
