The Basis of Union is a historic document, finalised in 1971, to provide the theological and biblical foundations for what was to become the Uniting Church in Australia. The fiftieth anniversary of its publication provided a fitting opportunity to review the Basis and to consider its ongoing significance for current members of the Church.

The essays in the book reflect the extraordinary changes in church and society over the fifty year period and how the Basis itself must be considered and interpreted in ways that reflect the experiences of belonging within a contemporary community of believers.

Fifty years on, the people of God ‘on the way towards a promised goal’ is a more diverse band, shaped by contemporary issues of identity, context and culture. Who are ‘we’ now, and what are the important signposts to navigate this journey? In this very welcome volume, a newer generation of pilgrims brings fresh insights to these questions, showing the enduring significance and ongoing interpretation of the Basis of Union.  Rev. Professor Vicky Balabanski, Principal, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology

 This collection of essays and reflections demonstrates that, fifty years on, the Basis of Union still has wisdom for the Church particularly when it is read with a loving but critical eye. The diversity of authors, the range of contexts and the fresh perspectives will help us read the Basis of Union in new ways and find new encouragement to continue the journey of uniting.  Sharon Hollis, President, Uniting Church in Australia. Narrm, Wurundjeri Country

 Geoff Thompson teaches systematic theology at Pilgrim Theological College, located on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. He has previously served in congregational ministry in suburban Melbourne and on the faculty of Trinity Theological College, Brisbane. He has published widely on the theology of the Uniting Church.

 Ji Zhang is a Uniting Church minister on the land of Boonwurrung People. Previously, Ji was Theologian-in-Residence of the National Assembly, working in collaboration with Assembly, UnitingCare, and UnitingWorld. Ji was born in Shanghai and studied theology in Melbourne and Boston. His research area is Christianity in China during the 7th century.