Jonah Blurs Lines Between Satire and Racism

Australian Comedian Chris Lilley continues to raise eyebrows with his newest satirical series on the ABC "Jonah from Tonga". Following on from the character's appearance in "Summer Heights High" and "Angry Boys" Lilley's character continues to blur the lines between satire and offence; especially amongst the Tongan people.

Rev Jason Kioa

Last week the Chair of the Uniting Church’s Tongan National Conference Rev. Jason Kioa, said the portrayal of Jonah sent the wrong message on so many levels. This opinion was backed up by the Church President Rev Professor Andrew Dutney. “Notwithstanding the program makers’ assurances of benign intent, the depiction of the character Jonah is offensive to our Tongan brothers and sisters.” Rev Dutney said in a statement. 

“As members of the same body of Christ we share that pain that their nationality has been singled out for ridicule on the national broadcaster. Young Tongan leaders make an amazing contribution to our Church and our country. They deserve our pride not this kind of prejudice."

The Uniting Church isn't alone in airing some concerns about the series with numerous news reports showing opinions both for and against Lilley's brand of humour from within the Polynesian Community. 

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/backlash-over-chris-lilleys-jonah-from-tonga-as-protest-movement-gains-momentum/story-e6frfmyi-1226918651717

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/jonah-from-tonga-deemed-racist-by-polynesian-community-9379280.html

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/15/chris-lilley-facing-social-media-backlash-over-racist-jonah-tonga

Rev Jason Kioa shared his thoughts on ACU Wired Radio.

No Gift Without Its Corresponding Service

The Christian Church has its history woven amongst the service and sacrifice of the ANZACs. From the shores of Gallipoli and then the first Anzac Day in 1916, to the ships on border patrol in Australian territorial waters; padre’s have long had a place alongside troops looking after their spiritual wellbeing.

Carina Salvation Army Corp lead the 2014 Anzac march

In modern times, the Church continues to interweave with the traditions and remembrance of Anzac Day. Paragraph 13 of The Uniting Church Basis of Union states “The Uniting Church... acknowledges with thanksgiving that the one Spirit has endowed the members of Christ’s Church with a diversity of gifts, and that there is no gift without its corresponding service” These gifts could be music, prayer or general service of others. 

The Ekibin Memorial Park service organised by Yeronga – Dutton ParkRSL has always had strong representation from the local churches. Every year the Carina Corp of the Salvation Army lead the short march and provide musical accompaniment for the hymns during the service and ministers from the local churches lead prayers in annual rotation.

Rev David McGregor

Another element introduced by the Wellers Hill Tarragindi Uniting Church (WHAT UCA) is free tea/coffee and Anzac Biscuits. On a cool Autumn morning, a hot drink and a snack is just what is needed by the veterans and the general public. With biscuits donated by local supermarkets and congregation members and the tea, coffee, milk and sugar all donated through the church; this would be the perfect opportunity to raise money for the church. 

The WHAT UCA do put a donation bucket out, but every cent is given over to the local Legacy branch to assist them in their mission to care for the widows and children of diggers that never return. 2014 was another humbling year for the church with the local community donating $722 to assist Legacy in the local area. The model of Jesus is alive and well in the modern church as it seeks ways to give back to the community to which they belong.

 Lest We Forget