THE heads of four Churches in Queensland came together in friendship and co-operation to bless new facilities and extensions at the ecumenical Emmaus College in Jimboomba on June 16.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane joined Anglican Archbishop Philip Aspinall; Brisbane Catholic Education executive director, David Hutton; President of the Lutheran Church of Australia – Queensland District, Pastor Timothy Jaensch and Queensland Synod Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev David Pitman at the opening.
The college, which opened as a primary school in 2002, began educating Year 8s at the beginning of this year.
In his address, Archbishop Bathersby encouraged a more unified approach to religion.
“What we have done here at Jimboomba is to make more perfect the love we already have as Christians for each other by launching into the deep of an ecumenical education initiative, and seeing what happens.”
“What we are trying to do is to take practical steps with the help of the Holy Spirit towards making the unity that Christ desired a reality,” he said.
State Member for Woodridge Desley Scott officially opened stage 3, which included a new administration block, resources, Middle Years technology centre (MTYEC) and a school oval. Three Prep Year classrooms were also opened.
Principal Brian Blaney said the opening was significant in several respects.
“It is the first time that the heads of the four Churches involved in the ecumenical partnership at Emmaus College have attended a ceremony together.
“The opening marks a new beginning as the college extends into secondary education.
“By the presence of the Church leaders and local pastors we are encouraged and inspired to pursue the mission with which we have been called and to enter into ecumenical dialogue,” he said.
