Uniting Church parishioner says his OAM reflects ‘desire to contribute’
Religion offers people the chance to help improve other people’s lives, a parishioner and OAM recipient says.
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Members of the Uniting Church share a desire to contribute to society and work for the betterment of other people’s lives, a Burwood Heights parishioner says.
Geoff Grinton has been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List for services to the church at a national and state level.
But he says the gong “reflects the fact there are many in the church who are there because they want to do things for others”.
“The Uniting Church sees itself as very much being involved in issues of justice and equity,” Mr Grinton said.
“We have a very strong relationship with Aboriginal and Islander people, while Uniting Care is one of the largest caring organisations in Australia.
“The national church is also very involved in building relationships with churches in other countries.”
Mr Grinton’s four-decade long involvement has seen him serve as a business manager for the church at a national and state level, as well chairing the Yarra Yarra and Maroondah presbyteries.
“I proudly say that I’m a Christian and my faith means it is important to me to be involved,” he said.
“But being realistic I think I have a contribution to make to administration of organisations and the Uniting Church was one where I felt my skills could be of most use.”
While acknowledging a decline in membership over the years, Mr Grinton believes people are starting to return to the church.
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“I think people express their faith in different ways than perhaps they did 30 or 40 years ago but at the same time many are now seeking a way of expressing their spirituality,” he said.
Mont Albert North’s Wei Xu was also recognised with an OAM for his service to the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association.
His service included a stint as vice president of the association in 2013.