The Theological Convictions of the Basis of Union of the Uniting Church

Abstract

This article offers a retrospective survey of the key theological convictions that shaped the Basis of Union of the Uniting Church in Australia. It argues that the theological foundations for Union consisted of the beliefs that unity was already the gift of God to the Church, that the Church's faith has priority over its ordering, and that authority is located supremely in Jesus Christ as the Church's Lord. The article explores the implications of these convictions for understandings of ministry and governance and suggests that they continue to be relevant as churches face today's ecumenical challenge.