In the lead up to Pentecost, local faith and community leaders gathered in Parramatta for the annual NSW Ecumenical Council Service of Prayer for Christian Unity and Fundraising Dinner to focus on unity, justice and peace.
Co-hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 22 May 2026, the evening brought together over 100 attendees, including Church leaders, clergy and members of various Christian traditions, in a spirit of prayer, dialogue and fellowship.
Bishop Vincent delivers his homily. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The Service of Prayer was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, who spoke of the importance of Pentecost.
“Pentecost is more about belonging to the community than making our own way in the world,” he said.
“Our belonging encourages us to grow together. We are at worst diminished and at best incomplete without each other.
“As co-heirs with Christ, we are called to foster his legacy. We must explore new ways of being together and living with one another and with the planet so that we can be a source of hope for the world,” he said.
The evening featured an address from Anglican Minister Mother Kathryn Bellhouse who reflected on the enduring importance of ecumenical friendship and shared mission across Christian traditions.
She reminded those gathered of the importance of the role of Church in society, as well as “acts of friendship” and mutual regard between Christians, which are often the most powerful witness to the Gospel.
Bishop Vincent with Mother Kathryn Bellhouse, Rev. Christopher Waterhouse, and Rev. Dr Daniel Dries. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“The Church is different from other organisations that campaign for some aspect of social justice or administer it. The basic unit of relationship in the Church is friendship. I do not call you servants any longer, I call you friends (John 15:15),” said Mother Kathryn.
“The Saviour says this, of course, after he has washed the feet of these friends. He does not mean that we do not need to serve and be served by one another. He means that in a sanctified relationship such service is not patronising.”
“It is not about looking down on someone from a position of superiority. To serve or to be served by someone is, in that moment, to befriend them. To see a person who is our kindred. Who enriches and gives value to our existence by theirs,” she said.
Alison Ryan, a Formation Facilitator for the Diocese of Parramatta, delivered a keynote presentation titled ‘Searching for Unity in the Risky Business of Real Conversation’.
(L-R) Mother Kathryn Bellhouse, Bishop Vincent Long, and Alison Ryan. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Alison shared stories from communities across the Diocese that are learning to bridge divisions through authentic listening, vulnerability and encounter. She reflected on how meaningful conversation and reciprocal listening can lead to greater compassion, inclusion and understanding within communities.
“Through experiences like our first Diocesan Synod, parish assemblies, youth listening forums and local community consultations, we have seen what happens when people with very strong and often very different opinions are willing to take the risk to listen.
“And when that happens, something changes. Not always agreement. Not always resolution. But greater compassion, patience, humility. And sometimes we even stumble into unity,” she said.
Drawing on parish and diocesan experiences, Alison spoke about the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to share honestly and listen deeply to one another. She highlighted practical examples from parish consultations, youth forums and community discernment processes where people with differing perspectives have chosen to continue listening to each other in a spirit of openness and hope.
“People searching for unity are willing to take the risk of real conversation, real listening, and real vulnerability.
“Because unity is not created by pretending our differences are not real. It grows when people choose not to walk away from each other because of those differences.”
Bishop Vardan Navasardyan and Father Avetis Hambadzumyan from the Armenian Apostolic Church. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The dinner program also included a performance by the 22-member choir of the “Be the Witness” Musical from Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, while local band Small Things provided music throughout the evening.
NSW Ecumenical Council President Rev Carmel Sheraton described the gathering as being marked by “warmth, generosity, and deep fellowship”, and expressed gratitude to Bishop Vincent and the Diocese of Parramatta for their hospitality and support of the event.
“We are so grateful to the Diocese of Parramatta for hosting this significant event in the ecumenical calendar,” NSW Ecumenical Council Secretary Rod Benson said.
“It is such an encouragement to see what is possible when we work together for a common cause, despite the differences that sometimes hold us back. I look forward to building on the success of Friday’s amazing events. We truly are better together,” he said.
The gathering formed part of the wider Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrations and also acknowledged the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, a shared declaration of faith that continues to unite Christians across traditions. The evening concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to continue working together for Christian unity, social justice and the building of stronger, more compassionate communities.
This event is an example of our Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer and Community and to be A Church Walking Together. Please visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr here.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
L-R in image above (in addition to Diocesan clergy):
Major Robyn Black, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army NSW/ACT
Rev. Pablo Nunez, Moderator-Elect, Uniting Church NSW & ACT
Rev. Akosita Tangi, Uniting Church NSW & ACT
Father Ashot Abrahamyan, Armenian Apostolic Church
Father Avetis Hambadzumyan, Armenian Apostolic Church
Father Shenouda Mansour, Coptic Orthodox Church
Rev Philip Alesian, Diocese of Parramatta
Rev Andrew Rooney, Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Armenian Apostolic Church
Deacon David Dowling, Diocese of Parramatta
Rev. Carmel Sheraton, President, NSW Ecumenical Council
Most Rev Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Bishop of Diocese of Parramatta
Very Rev Robert Reidling EV, Diocese of Parramatta
Rev. Dr Rod Benson, General Secretary, NSW Ecumenical Council
Deacon Josh Clayton, Catholic Diocese of Bathurst
Mother Kathryn Bellhouse, Christ Church St Laurence (Anglican)
Rev. Christopher Waterhouse, St James’ Church (Anglican)
Sister Elizabeth Delaney SGS, Archdiocese of Sydney
Rev. Dr Daniel Dries, Christ Church St Laurence (Anglican)
Very Rev Peter Williams AM VG, Diocese of Parramatta
Absent from photo: Rev. Dr Helen Richmond, Uniting Church NSW & ACT; Lt Col. John
