CESA gives thanks for Chappo

Thanks from CESA –

“He was a true brother and friend in Christ, yet at the same time a ‘father-like’ figure”

From Desmond Inglesby, Presiding Bishop of the Church of England in South Africa.

“The Church of England in South Africa pays tribute to John Chapman, affectionately known to us as “Chappo”. We considered him as a ‘great one’ and we are indebted to him for his numerous visits to South Africa.

He was a remarkable man with unique ministry gifts. As a Christian leader, a committed Bible teacher and a passionate evangelist, his ministry influenced us in many different ways. His books are very popular and widely used in our churches.

He was a true brother and friend in Christ, yet at the same time a ‘father-like’ figure, who faithfully taught us God’s word and inspired us to know, and to make Jesus Christ known. We give thanks to God for his life, influence and service to our denomination.

We echo the words of King David “a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day”. (2 Samuel 3:38 NIV84)”

‘A speech that sealed the vote’ in C of E General Synod

“It became clear… that many were not interested in such a fundamental debate but wished to initiate a process for the appointment of women bishops in the church as soon as possible. This process takes for granted secular assumptions about justice and equality rather than asking what the Bible means by such terms.”

– described by Anglican Mainstream as “A speech that sealed the vote”, Vicar of St Nicholas’ Sevenoaks, Angus Macleay sought to bring the issue back to the text of the Bible. Read his speech here.

Now keep calm and carry on

“The reaction of the British media to the result in the ‘women bishops vote’ (I hesitate to call it ‘bishopsgate’ for fear of offending William Taylor) is as predictable as the vote itself was surprising. The essence of most of the commentary I have read is: the church has voted for oppression of women and has made itself irrelevant…”

– Insightful comment from Carl Trueman at Reformation21.

The women bishops vote in the Church of England

Dr Mark Thompson writes on last night’s defeat of the Consecration and Ordination of Women Measure in the Church of England’s General Synod:

“If it had been passed, the dissenters would be excluded even further from the life of the Church of England over the next ten years and before long, as in many parts of The Episcopal Church, acceptance of women in the episcopate would be the litmus test for ordination.”

Full text below. Read more

Thanksgiving Service for Chappo set for next Saturday (updated)

News from Dr Philip Selden, Diocesan Registrar –

“There will be a public Thanksgiving Service for the life of John Chapman, who died on Friday 16th November.

The service, to be led by the Archbishop, will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday November 24th at St Andrew’s Cathedral. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.”

Update from the Cathedral:
“Dean Phillip Jensen will preach. There will be a collection at the service for the John Chapman Foundation, which raises money to recruit and train evangelists. Please give generously.”

Update from Russell Powell:
Video of the memorial service will be streamed live from 2:15pm on Saturday, thanks to Audio Advice.

Dick Lucas: Judgment, Salvation, the Living and the Dead

As we remember Chappo, we must not forget what drove him – and what should drive every Christian.

At The Proclamation Trust, Adrian Reynolds links to this video of Dick Lucas, recorded on November 11 in Dundee. Six minutes of your time well spent.

C of E General Synod: Women Bishops measure narrowly lost

“Following 12 years of legislative progress and several hours of debate during the 20 Nov 2012 afternoon session of synod, the Consecration and Ordination of Women Measure failed to pass in all three houses of the Church of England’s legislative body.” – Anglican Ink.

Also on ABC Radio’s The World Today. (Note that the while the transcript of ACL President Gavin Poole’s remarks says,

“I don’t think we should be surprised when those who halt the biblical teachings in the church appear out of step with the community.”

should be

“I don’t think we should be surprised when those who hold to the biblical teachings in the church appear out of step with the community.” It does change the meaning a little. ;-)

Dick Lucas gives thanks for Chappo

Wonderful words from Dick Lucas, past Rector of St. Helen’s Bishopsgate:

“…we join with friends in Sydney in blessing the Lord, who has now taken John away to be with Christ in glory, for giving him to us for so long, and for such grand purposes of grace.”

–
”Many at this time will wish to pay tribute to John Chapman, alias the unique and unforgettable ‘Chappo’. Allow me, as one such, to write very personally of a dear friend, a marvellously stimulating brother in Christ, a shrewd fellow worker and, of course, a superbly gifted evangelist and teacher. John knew his special calling, and, to his final days, was energetically gospelling and offering to all the possibility of a Fresh Start. This made his U.K. visits highly desired and valued.

Looking back, I recall another characteristic of Chappo – he was a great encourager of the brethren. I saw this in Australia at ministers’ meetings where John would always be present putting new heart and humour into everyone there. On one such occasion, when I was speaking, it was initially unsettling to have him lurking in the back row, making pungent and priceless comments sotto voce, causing a ripple of amusement to spread through the assembled company. With Chappo in attendance you had to be ready for anything, at any time!

As for his visits to this part of the world, when it was reported that Chapman was on the horizon, morale soared, and requests for his services poured in – this man was a tonic to have around. When in London Chappo often stayed with me. The day would begin with my calling him for breakfast, and delighting in the sound of his tread on the stairs, as he descended from his room on the top floor, humming, whistling, or otherwise making his happy noises, finally arriving, larger than life, full of cheerful talk, ready for the fray.

We commonly say of a person of note that we shall not see their like again. In John Chapman’s case I see this to be no less than the simple truth. As for his many friends in Britain, we join with friends in Sydney in blessing the Lord, who has now taken John away to be with Christ in glory, for giving him to us for so long, and for such grand purposes of grace.”

– Dick Lucas writes at the Proclamation Trust.

Getting to know the new Archbishop of Canterbury

How well do we know Bishop Justin Welby, soon to be the Archbishop of Canterbury?

Take the time to read or listen to some of his recent sermons:

Pentecost sermon, Durham Cathedral, 27th May 2012 (PDF).

Enthronement sermon, 26th November 2011. (text)

The Chrism Eucharist, 5th April 2012. (text)

Easter Vigil 2012, 8th April 2012. (text)

Last sermon at Liverpool Cathedral – link downloads a 23MB mp3 file.

and others here and here. (Photo: Diocese of Durham.)

The Passing of Giants

On Friday evening, John Chapman (‘Chappo’), a much loved son of the diocese, died at the age of 82. He is best known as the Director of Evangelism in the Diocese of Sydney (1969–93) and as an exceptional preacher and teacher whose influence has spread across the world. The evangelistic passion which today characterises the Diocese of Sydney owes much under God to Chappo and his ministry. He stirred generations to evangelise through expositions of the Bible. Right to the end he challenged us to keep Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of life with God forever at the centre of our message and our life together. Chappo was also Emeritus Vice-president of the ACL and his memory will encourage us to remain vocal and stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Swiftly following on news of the death of John Chapman comes news of the death of another significant contributor to the cause of Christ in Sydney and the world. Stuart Barton Babbage, at various times Dean of Sydney (1947–53), Dean of Melbourne (1953–1962), Principal of Ridley College Melbourne (1953–63), Master of New College at the University of New South Wales (1973–83), and Registrar of the Australian College of Theology (1977–92). Dr Babbage made a distinctive contribution to the life of the Australian church with a breadth of perspective and depth of intellect which few could match. In 1995 he was became a Member of the Order of Australia.

These men were very different in temperament, style and ministry concerns. Yet both were mightily used by God to build his church and encourage his people. The ACL thanks God for all that he did through them and prays that those who were closest to them and who feel most keenly their loss might know the comfort of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection.

Gav Poole
President
Anglican Church League

(Photos: Chappo, via Mary Andrews College; Dr Barton Babbage, New College UNSW.)

Remembering Stuart Barton Babbage 1916–2012 (updated)

Ridley College in Melbourne has posted this tribute to Dr Stuart Barton Babbage, who died on Friday.

And Professor Trevor Cairney, current Master of New College at UNSW writes –

“Rev Dr Stuart Barton Babbage AM passed away on Friday 16th November at the age of 96. I heard the news with sadness because he was a dear friend who I will miss greatly, but also with thankfulness, knowing that he is with his Lord.”

Professor Cairney also writes:

“Relatives and friends of Rev. Babbage are invited to attend the service and interment at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 106 Avoca Street, Randwick, on Friday (November 23, 2012) at 10 a.m.”

(Photo: Ramon Williams.)

Evangelical and Catholic letter to The Times on the Women Bishops measure

The General Synod of the Church of England will vote on Women Bishops this week. A letter was published in The Times on Saturday –

“As active priests from both the Catholic and Evangelical groupings of the Church of England, we write to express our deep concern over the draft Women Bishops Measure. We believe that our future ministries will be severely prejudiced if the General Synod votes to approve the draft Measure…”

It was signed by The Rev. Rod Thomas, Chairman of Reform and Canon Simon Killwick, Chairman of the Catholic Group in General Synod – and 324 others. There are many familiar names in the list. John Richardson has the full text, the list of signatories, and some comments.

Related: General Synod: women bishop vote in balance (EV News from Church Society, 19 November 2012.)

(Photo: Church of England website.)

Chappo talks about his conversion

John Chapman speaks about how he came to Christ – in this 3 minute video recorded a couple of years ago for St Mark’s Pennant Hills. Thanks to Craig Schafer for making it available.