St Mary’s and St Michael’s

Both are doing only what many other congregations within their denomination are doing, but with greater flair.

Both ministers have large, devoted followings they have served for decades. Dr Macnab is 77, Father Kennedy is 71.

Both men can boast highly effective ministry to marginalised people, and don’t hesitate to do so.

Both are conspicuously unconventional in their dress - in opposite directions. Father Kennedy wears jeans. Dr Macnab preaches his “new faith” in full mediaeval regalia.

Both reject outside direction, maintaining they are within biblical if not ecclesiastical tradition.

Clearly Archbishop Bathersby and Moderator Kioa have problems.

They are both under pressure from within their flock to insist that orthodoxy is defended and heretics removed.

Powers are available to them in matters of doctrine, worship, government and discipline. But both also wish to allow as much diversity as possible within the bounds of good order.

Their actions so far have contrasted starkly.

The Sunday after St Michael’s launched its “new faith” Moderator Kioa issued an open pastoral letter affirming traditional orthodox Uniting Church beliefs.

Described by The Age’s religion writer Barney Zwartz as “swift, if limp” this reaction nevertheless provoked an allegation by Dr Macnab of defamation.

Mr Kioa then undertook what he describes as private “discipline conversations” with Dr Macnab. Another senior ordained minister joined this process.