The origin of Cross Purposes was in a regular Melbourne-based seminar called The Theology and Culture Project where participants would gather to share a drink, listen to the work of a creative theological thinker, and discuss that work with each other.  The emphasis was always on a genuinely theological dialogue across the wide intellectual and cultural space the church traverses today.  The project was born of a passionate belief that the church is called to think as well as to act.

After a few years it became clear that gathering together was becoming more and more difficult.  After much deliberation, we decided to migrate the project toward a more portable format, a subcription-based newsletter/journal called Cross Purposes that would be published by the Doctrine and Liturgy Committee of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.  Following the dismissal of that Committee in early 2007, the Hawthorn Parish was kind enough to take over as our publisher.

Cross Purposes is now published four times per year in a 12-14 page A5 format.  The first year's editions were available as freebies because of some funding we received from the Uniting Church.  But now we are asking anyone who wishes to receive the journal in its hard-copy edition to reguarly subscribe at a cost of $16 per year.

Cross Purposes will continue to encourage a wide-ranging discussion of theology and culture.  Each edition will include:

  * a substantial article on some aspect of the church's life and mission here in Australia
  * a considered response to the main article from the last edition
  * a column reflecting on the practise of ministry from a range of people actually engaged in
     ministry
  * a sermon or meditation
  * editorial comment
  * letters to the editor

As Cross Purposes is published under the auspices of the Uniting Church, the main focus is on issues facing the Uniting Church.  We hope, however, that our own issues and questions have a certain resonance with those faced by other churches.  Our articles will try, always, to keep this wider ecumenical context in mind.

So, if you would like to receive futher news about how to obtain copies of Cross Purposes, please subscribe to our e-list by sending a request to the editors@cp.unitingchurch.org.au.  We look forward to making your acquaintance.

Blessings

Garry Deverell
Craig Thompson
Martin Wright

Editors-at-large