Clarity Not Consensus

If you're coming to General Assembly for the first time—particularly with newly granted associated rights—this episode is for you. Ben Greig and Sylvia Siu share practical insights into what to expect, explain how Assembly works, and reflect on why serving the wider Church has shaped their faith over the years. Be sure to download the accompanying Guide to Associated Rights, available alongside this episode.

In this episode of Clarity Not Consensus, Sylvia speaks with Rev David Woolcott and Anna Garven from Macquarie Chapel Presbyterian Church. Macquarie Chapel is one of a number of Presbyterian churches in NSW that currently has women serving as elders and hopes to continue that practice. Dave and Anna share the theological convictions that have shaped their approach, and reflect on how women and men serve together in the life of the church.

In this episode of Clarity not Consensus, Vera Buvcevska, Director of the Conduct Protocol Unit (CPU) at Jericho Road, helps us understand why trust and intentional consultation matter, particularly when decisions affect vulnerable peoplel and how the Courts within the Presbyterian church can benefit from the contributions of women.

Rev Dr Kamal Weerakoon joins us to talk through the spectrum of views surrounding men and women serving together in the church. Rather than debating “who’s right”, this conversation explores the theological instincts, fears, and convictions sitting underneath the different positions. We discuss complementarianism, egalitarianism, and the way culture, experience, and hermeneutics shape how we read Scripture. Throughout the episode, Kamal encourages us toward patience, humility, and gracious listening — giving one another a fair hearing even when we don’t arrive at the same conclusions.

In part two of this conversation, Sylvia continues speaking with Reverend Bern Merchant about peacemaking, pastoral care, and theological disagreement within the PCNSW. Together they explore reconciliation, emotional honesty, caring for those who are hurting, and how Christians can continue loving one another faithfully amidst deep differences.