Prayers for Bishop Ian Palmer
From the Diocese of Bathurst:
“The Anglican Bishop of Bathurst, Ian Palmer, is in Orange Base Hospital undergoing tests after experiencing chest pains while at a meeting on Saturday morning.
He has been pain-free since Saturday afternoon and is in good spirits. …
Your continuing prayers for Bishop Ian and Liz will be greatly appreciated.”
And further from their Facebook page (h/t David Ould):
“We would ask for your prayers for our Bishop Ian Palmer. Bishop Ian is recovering in Orange Base Hospital after having a stent inserted following an angiogram on Monday…”
Uganda urged to remember Janani Luwum
“More than 20,000 people gathered in Mucwini, Kitgum, today to honour and celebrate the life, ministry, and martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum, the Church of Uganda’s 2nd Ugandan Archbishop.
After arresting him on false charges, former President Idi Amin Dada assassinated him on 16th February 1977…”
– from The Church of Uganda.
Many readers will remember Bishop Festo Kivengere visiting Sydney after the assassination – and his powerful evangelistic talks and book “I love Idi Amin”.
Related: Moore College’s audio files of Bishop Festo Kivengere.
Tribute to Barbara Darling by Archbishop Glenn Davies
Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies has released this Public Statement, paying tribute to Bishop Barbara Darling –
“It was with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Bishop Barbara Darling on Sunday 15th February, after suffering a stroke some eight days earlier.
Barbara Darling was a pioneer of extraordinary gifts and talents. Originally from Sydney, after some years spent as a teacher in NSW, Barbara moved to Melbourne and pursued theological studies at Ridley College under Dr Leon Morris. Her intellect and gracious disposition combined with both passion and giftedness for teaching were quickly recognised by Dr Morris, as she was offered a teaching contract at Ridley upon her graduation, and later became the first tenured female lecturer at Ridley College.
Barbara was a pioneer for women’s ordination, having been in the first cohort of women to be made deacon in Melbourne in 1986, and six years later among the first to be ordained priest, and then Barbara became the first woman to be consecrated bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne in 2008.
Yet Barbara never displayed a militant advocacy for the ordination of women. Her first joy was to serve her Saviour in whatever capacity he called to her to. A committed Evangelical, Barbara was able to maintain good relationships with those who held different views from her own. Winsome, godly and gracious it was always a joy to meet her and to hear of the work of God in her life and ministry. She will be sorely missed not only by the Diocese of Melbourne but by the national church as well.
‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints’ (Ps 116:15).
Archbishop Glenn Davies.”
Source: SydneyAnglicans.net.
Australian Copts condemn barbaric slaughter of Christians in Libya
“The Australian Coptic Movement Association (ACM) condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric slaughter of 21 innocent Egyptian Coptic Christians by ISIS in Libya.
This evil act of terror has sent shockwaves throughout the entire Australian Coptic community and the Coptic Christian community worldwide. For years, the ACM has been warning the international community of the plight of Libya’s Coptic community and the need for stability to be restored to this country…”
Melbourne’s Bishop Barbara Darling dies
Very sad news in an e-mail from the office of the Archbishop of Melbourne:
“The Right Reverend Barbara Darling has died this morning at 11.20am in hospital after suffering a stroke on Saturday 7 February. Family and friends were with her when she died. …
Her sudden and untimely death has shocked and saddened all who knew her and enjoyed her loving pastoral support, friendship and encouragement, within the diocese of Melbourne, with her fellow Bishops, amongst the staff of the diocese and throughout Australian Anglicans.
We mourn her death and pray for her family and friends as they grieve her loss.”
We also hear that Bishop Darling’s funeral will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, next Sunday 22 February at 5:00pm.
Related: Melbourne’s first Anglican female bishop dies – The Age.
Living Reconciliation ‘Deeply Problematic’
“Dr Martin Davie, a widely respected Church of England theologian, has exposed serious flaws in ‘Living Reconciliation’, a book published recently by the Anglican Communion Office to champion its ‘Continuing Indaba’ project…”
– from GAFCON. And the book in question.
50 Shades of Confusion
“The coming days offer an extraordinary opportunity for Christian growth. As the trailer hits our screens, as the chance to buy tickets drops into our inbox, we each have a choice to make… Let’s make choices that help us – and those around us in church – grow in Christ.”
– at The Good Book blog, Helen Thorne has some much-needed advice for Christians regarding a certain film and book.
Related:
Fifty Shades of Shame — The Evolution of Pornography – Albert Mohler.
“Going to see Fifty Shades of Grey, or reading the book series, is an exercise in pornographic intent and effect. It is also an act of defiance against the goodness of the gift of sex as granted to humanity by God. Furthermore, the series is an assault upon the dignity of every human being.”
The Real Abuse at the Heart of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ – Relevant Magazine.
“The message is clear: by turning these same behaviors around to market them as ‘romance,’ this film effectively silences the experience of millions of victims of abuse.”
NZ church offers to exchange Fifty Shades of Grey tickets – Bible Society.
Archbishop of Sydney’s response to ‘The Forgotten Children’
From the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Statement February 12th, 2015
The Forgotten Children, National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention
The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, says the situation of children in detention ‘should concern every Australian’ and he has supported calls for an overhaul of the current system.
Read more from SydneyAnglicans.net
Salvation is all God’s doing
“Do I contribute to my own salvation? Do I repent and believe and thus God regenerates me or is it the other way around? Is faith my contribution to the whole process – God does his bit and I add my necessary contribution?”
– David Cook writes to remind us that salvation is all God’s doing.
Google reveals Australians want to know who Jesus is
At Communicate Jesus, Steve Kryger has spotted something very interesting in the Google searches made by Australians in 2014.
How can your church use this information?
Power and Promise – studies for Lent 2015
Lent is coming up shortly (it starts Wednesday 18th February).
Some churches observe Lent – others don’t. Either way, the forty days leading up to Easter are a great time to encourage church members to reflect on God’s Word, and to understand how all of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ in Christ.
“This Lent, join Dr Peter Jensen in his new book, Power and Promise, as he explores God’s faithfulness and sovereignty from Adam to Abraham.
The opening chapters of the Bible are a majestic introduction to God, his Word, and the world as we know it. In Power and Promise, the former Archbishop of Sydney marvels at the intricacies of the rich landscape that is Genesis 1–15.
Through these chapters we also see the heartbreaking history that stemmed from humanity’s rejection of its Creator, and the certain hope offered in God’s covenants.
With 40 daily devotions and questions for group discussion and personal reflection, this book is an ideal resource for challenging Christian faith, devotion and obedience in the lead-up to Easter.”
Learn more, and order your copy from Christian Education Publications.
Theological College and the New People of God
“The new academic year is upon us. In my brief visit to GWC for the annual language Summer School, I’ve seen new students arrive, as well as old students and faculty return. One of the joys in this is seeing the diversity of people coming to the college. I’m reminded that when the gospel is preached, the Spirit draws people from all nations into Christ’s church to the glory of God the Father…”
– George Athas from Moore College has been visiting George Whitefield College in Cape Town. He’s written this encouraging piece for their website.
Tonight: ACL Western Sydney Region Information Night
Come and hear Moore College Principal Dr. Mark Thompson speak on the vital role of the Anglican Church League in the life of the Diocese of Sydney.
7:30 – 9:00pm Thursday 26th February at Glenmore Park Anglican Church, 16 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park.
There’ll be an opportunity to meet ACL Council members, ask questions, receive information and, if interested, sign up for membership of the Anglican Church League. A light supper will also be served.
Please be encouraged to download this PDF invitation. and pass it on to anyone who may be interested.
BeLoved
“It’s the fairy tale we all believe in – connection, completion, love without parting. The merest glimpse of it captures our hearts.
But is the fairy tale real? Is there such a thing as endless bliss, unconquered love and a happily ever after?…”
– Another wonderfully thought-provoking video from Glen Scrivener in the UK.
Read his description, watch the video, and share.
‘South Carolina Decision a full vindication for victims of ECUSA’s Oppression’
“Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein’s carefully crafted 46-page decision in the case brought by Bishop Mark Lawrence’s Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (along with 35 of its parishes, plus St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant) against the Episcopal Church (USA) and its rump group (ECSC, or “Episcopal Church in South Carolina”) is a complete vindication of the positions taken and arguments advanced for so long, by so many, inside and outside the Church. It is a vindication first, for the Right Reverend Mark Lawrence…”
– Christian lawyer A.S. Haley sums up the South Carolina decision.
See also this report from the Diocese of South Carolina. (Photo: Bishop Mark Lawrence.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…