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Campaign to save Rev Gordon Bradbery

10 Sep, 2009 11:23 AM

The Illawarra Mercury is launching a campaign to save the Reverend Gordon Bradbery, who has been sacked by the church he has served for 23 years.

He has been told his services as minister at the Wesley Uniting Church on the Mall will no longer be required at the end of next year.

Church sacks minister Gordon Bradbery

Rev Bradbery is well known to many in the Illawarra in his various roles, including police chaplain, community activist, funeral celebrant, Lifeline executive, Illawarra Mercury Person of the Year and as a man who has always been fearless in his support of minority groups.

Even those who profess to be non-religious are moved by his sensitivity and understanding.

It seems bizarre that at a time when many people are leaving organised religion, the Uniting Church is prepared to lose one of its most effective ministers.

If you would like to see Rev Bradbery remain as minister at the Wesley Uniting Church on the Mall, post your name and a comment below and we will forward your responses to the Uniting Church.

RELATED COVERAGE

10 Sep 09:

Church sacks minister Gordon Bradbery

comments

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I've never been particularly religious, however I have often attended services by Reverend Bradbury. As a member of the 'more progressive' community, I am extremely disappointed that people like me now no longer have a 'home' to go to when we're searching for spiritual or religious guidance or understanding. Rev. Bradbury has never failed the community and is the most open and loving man in a public role in Wollongong. To deny the city of such a service is extremely misguided and in many ways selfish. In a time when unity and respect is of such renewed importance, such a divisive action is disgraceful. All the best to Rev. Bradbury - sadly I won't be returning to the Church on the Mall anytime soon.

Posted by emleh, 10/09/2009 11:55:24 AM

The decision made by the Uniting Church is disgraceful. Rev Gordon Bradbury has done more for the Wollongong community than most ministers would even dream about. It is the fact that he uses an 'uncenventional' style that has drawn a lot of people to the church that would otherwise not have been interested in being involved. We chose Rev Gordon Bradbury to baptise our 2 children because of his approcahable nature and the fact that he made us feel at ease as well as in recognition of the huge impact that he has made on the Wollongong community bexcause of his compassion for people from all walks of life. This news has saddened, shocked and disgusted me.

Posted by Megan73, 10/09/2009 12:02:55 PM

Gordon Bradbery is a fine man. This community has been lucky to have him. This boring conventional church should look at why people don't come near them unless they have warm different tolerant compassionate ministers like Gordon. He has counselled countless people who are not mainstream and wouldn't have been understood or listened to elsewhere. They wouldn't have any idea how much good work he does. Leave him here. We need people like him in this community. how dull are we all expected to be!

Posted by Maureen, 10/09/2009 1:07:48 PM

The Uniting Church Presbytery justifies Rev Bradbery's termination by saying it is 'unusual to extend a ministry beyond 10 years'. Gordon Bradbery's ministry is unusual. He may not have thousands at his services each week-but just count how many lives he has reached in the Illawarra and it is infinite.

Posted by Donna Waters, 10/09/2009 1:13:48 PM

I attended a christening performed by Rev Bradbery just last weekend. Since then, because of him alone and his ability to communicate with the younger generation, I have been considering attending services at the Church on the Mall - without him there I doubt that will happen! Such a shame that so many others in the Illawarra are of the opinion.

Posted by Disappointed, 10/09/2009 1:38:39 PM

Prayerfully consider your decision. Not because he is popular but because of this: Gordon Bradbery brings the message of Christ to those of us who probably wouldn't otherwise hear it.

Posted by Real1st, 10/09/2009 2:02:51 PM

I feel Gordon Bradbery is a person who may bring peace. Off all religion as one.

Posted by margaret, 10/09/2009 2:27:45 PM

Although I am an atheist and a former member of the Uniting Church, as a sociologist I am concerned that Gordan's dismissal will weaken the relationships in the community that he worked very hard for such as the poor, elderly and unemployed. s one that will undermine social and inter-faith relations in Wollongong.

Posted by Scott Burrows, 10/09/2009 2:31:07 PM

While I am often put off by organised religion and the opinions offered by officials from the various denominations, I have found that Rev Bradbery speaks with a humanist approach that shows wisdom, respect, understanding and concern for all types of people and their situations. I stop to listen when I hear him speaking. To sack him is madness!!

Posted by Non-church goer, 10/09/2009 2:45:22 PM

I cannot believe that this is happening. Over the years I have been privileged to attend and contribute to many service funerals conducted by Gorden and the power of his compassion, his understanding of the families needs and his overall "goodness" shines through. He is certainly a "man of God" as I understand the phrase and it will be a great loss to the Wollongong community should he be forced to leave. In circumstances such as this I often wonder whether the "faceless ones" that make this sort of decision are as close to God as is Gorden. I hope that they can stand looking at themselves in a mirror. My best wishes to Gorden with a hope that sanity will prevail.

Posted by Big Daz, 10/09/2009 3:09:58 PM

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