Greater Sydney Conference
Our hearts are heavy following the tragic events at Bondi Beach. As a Conference family, we pause to acknowledge the deep pain being experienced by the victims, their families, and the wider Sydney community.
In moments like this, we are reminded of our calling as pastors and shepherds—to be present, to listen, to pray, and to reflect the compassion of Christ to those who are hurting. Scripture assures us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). While we may not have easy answers, we trust in a God who is near in suffering and who walks with us through grief.
I encourage you to hold space in your churches this Sabbath or prayer meetings and in the days ahead for prayer. Let us focus to the emotional and spiritual needs of your members and communities, especially those who may feel unsettled or vulnerable in the aftermath of this tragedy. Your presence, words, and care matter deeply at times like these.
As we approach the Christmas season, may we also gently point people to the hope we have in Christ—the Light that shines in the darkness, reminding us that evil and violence do not have the final word. Let us move forward with gentler hearts, deeper compassion, and renewed commitment to being agents of peace and healing in our city.
Please know that you are in my prayers, and that the Conference team stands with you as we serve together during this difficult time.
Alban Matohiti
President, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sydney
Australian Union Conference
The Seventh-day Adventist Church across Australia expresses sympathy and deep sadness to everyone impacted by the violent attack at Bondi. We grieve alongside those who have lost loved ones and particularly empathize with the Jewish community that were targeted by this hatred.
Acts of terrorism embody darkness and demonstrate the worst of our humanity. At the same time, seeing citizens, our police, and health professionals step up to protect and help one another highlights some of the best values of our community. We thank and commend those who have responded with courage and compassion.
At this time of year, when we celebrate light coming into the world, the events at Bondi were brought about by violent darkness. May Christ’s light shine through us amidst the darkness, may His love draw us closer to Him and to one another as we seek to support and care for our brothers and sisters, irrespective of race or creed.
We stand in support of the right of all faith communities to worship and conduct cultural events in safety. We seek to bring peace in the face of hatred and to model a humanity that embraces community over division and violence.
We pray healing for the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3) and look forward to a time when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death (Revelation 21:4).
What are some practical steps we can take at such a time as this?
- Donate blood, if you can
- Pray for the friends and families of the victims.
- Pray for essential services working tirelessly in the aftermath of this tragic event.
- Pray for both Jewish and Muslim leaders as they navigate the next steps.
- Reaffirm your commitment to bring the fruits of the Spirit, including love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and self-control, into your sphere of influence.
- If and where possible, reach out to those you may know from the Jewish and Muslim communities to offer condolences, prayers, and support.
- May the broken-hearted be surrounded by love. May light outshine the darkness. May we contribute to a better, more loving Australia.
Dr Brendan Pratt
President, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia
Woollahra Seventh-day Adventist Church & South Pacific Division
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has begun responding to yesterday’s tragic incident at Bondi Beach with prayer gatherings and messages of solidarity, as communities across Australia continue to process the shock of the attack.
Authorities are continuing to investigate a shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening (December 14) during a Hanukkah gathering, which left 16 people dead and others injured, prompting widespread concern across Australia.
Woollahra Seventh-day Adventist Church, the closest Adventist church to Bondi Beach, is holding a special prayer meeting at 4:30pm today, with the invitation extended to the wider community. Pastor Tim Shelton said the church felt it was important to respond pastorally and visibly in the wake of the tragedy.
“Woollahra is the closest Adventist church to Bondi, and some members of our congregation have close ties to the Jewish community,” Pastor Shelton said. “We also have church members who live near Bondi Beach, including some who witnessed the aftermath. We felt it was important to uplift our community in prayer. As a rabbi friend of mine recently shared, ‘Light overcomes darkness.’”
Other Adventist churches and pastors have also been engaging with the wider community following the incident, including being in contact with local representatives to explore ways churches can take part in broader expressions of support…
FULL ARTICLE: “Adventist Church responds to Bondi tragedy with prayer and community support”
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For those struggling with the recent events, Adventist Counselling Services (ACS) provides counselling and psychology services to anyone who seeks it. It is a mental health service operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Greater Sydney as part of its health ministries.
