Churches opposing new Tanzanian constitution to be deregistered — report
“Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, Mathias Chikawe, has announced that churches and religious institutions that publicly oppose the country’s new constitution will be deregistered, beginning from 20 April.
Tanzanian Christians oppose a bill that would introduce Kadhi (Islamic) courts across the country’s mainland, in the new constitution…”
– this report from Barnabas Fund.
Terrorists ‘reveal their desperate need of a Saviour’
“The Anglican Bishop for Ethiopia has hailed as martyrs 28 Ethiopian Christians shot or beheaded in Libya by members of the terrorist group known as ISIS or ISIL…”
– from SydneyAnglicans.net.
Update:
Archbishop Glenn Davies this afternoon sent a message of condolence to the Anglican Bishop of the Horn of Africa, Grant LeMarquand:
We mourn with you and the Ethiopian church. Our hearts are heavy at the suffering caused by such depraved acts.
As the company of martyrs grows, we cry out ‘How Long, O Lord?”. Be assured we hold you in our prayers at this trying time.
(Image: Diocese of Egypt.)
Sydney at Gallipoli
“This month marks the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli by Australian and New Zealand troops as part of a larger allied invasion force in April 1915…
Historians have noted how the Australian involvement at Gallipoli gained Australia the right to be treated as an independent nation. Thus, Australia was allowed its own independent seat at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 and was not simply part of the British Empire delegation.”
– This article by Dr Colin Bale (Head of Church History at Moore College) tells the story of two Sydney Anglicans in the Great War. It was published in the April edition of Southern Cross, and has also been posted online by SydneyAnglicans.net.
Sticks and stones: why words matter
Matthias Media has made the first chapter from Steve Morrison’s book Born This Way available to read online.
Read it here, and also watch Steve talk about the book.
GAFCON Primates Communique 17 April 2015 — We are not leaving the Anglican Communion
Next GAFCON Conference in 2018
“We are not leaving the Anglican Communion.”
“We invite all faithful Anglicans to join us in renewing the Communion…”
“This week, from 13th to 17th April 2015, we have met in London for prayer and fellowship in order to help chart the future of global Anglicanism. We are uniting faithful Anglicans, growing in momentum, structured for the future, and committed to the Anglican Communion. …
We are excited to announce that the next GAFCON conference will be in 2018. This global gathering now serves a critical function in the life of the Anglican Communion as it is an effective instrument of unity which is capable of gathering the majority of the world’s Anglicans. … A further announcement will be made when the details of the venue have been confirmed.
… We continue to encourage and support the efforts of those working to restore the Church of England’s commitment to Biblical truth. Equally, we authenticate and support the work of those Anglicans who are boldly spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and whose circumstances require operating outside the old, institutional structures. …
We are not leaving the Anglican Communion. The members of our churches stand at the heart of the Communion, which is why we are committed to its renewal. We belong to the mainstream, and we are moving forward.”
– The GAFCON Primates Council has released this encouraging Communique after their meeting in London. Full Communique below: Read more
New Assistant Bishop for Canberra & Goulburn
News from Canberra & Goulburn Diocese –
“Archdeacon Dr Matt Brain was appointed as a new Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn following a meeting of Bishop in Council earlier today…”
And “Assistant Bishop Trevor Edwards will become the bishop responsible for the development of ministry in the Diocese’s western and coastal regions following a meeting of Bishop in Council today…”
Learn biblical Hebrew?
Why learn Biblical Hebrew?
“The job of a pastor-teacher is to be gripped and transformed by God’s word, and so to speak God’s word faithfully and appropriately into the various life situations of those under your care. If you are serious about devoting your life to the ministry of God’s word, you can’t afford to be shallow in your engagement with it.” – Lionel Windsor at Moore College. (And see his interview with Michelle Philp.)
and George Athas, also on the Faculty at Moore College:
“I’m often asked by people going to theological college or seminary, “Why should I study Hebrew?’ Less often, they ask, “Why should I study Greek?”
They’re good questions. Vital questions. To answer, I want you to imagine this scenario…” Read it all here.
Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu ‘to write book on happiness’
“The two Nobel peace laureates will meet in Dharamsala, India, later this month, where for five days, as well as marking the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, they will spend time ‘in deep dialogue and playful laughter as they share their experience of how to find joy in the face of life’s challenges’, said publisher Hutchinson. …
Their discussion will form the basis of the text, with the pair – who call each other ‘spiritual brother’ …
‘The ultimate source of happiness is within us,’ said the Dalai Lama …”
– The Guardian. (Image: Desmond Tutu’s Facebook page.)
How to destroy freedom one wedding cake at a time
“Those Christian bigots are at it again. And this time it’s those Gun-Lovin’, Bible Thumpin’, Cousin’ Marryin’ conservative rednecks over in Indiana.
On March 26th, Mike Pence (the Governor of Indiana) signed into law the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (or RFRA as it’s known). Many people got quite upset by this new law, and immediately both mainstream media and social media went beserk…”
– At Thinking of God, Akos Balogh provides some background to help understand what’s been happening in the US.
Tanzanian government to review Islamic courts bill in light of Christian opposition
“Christians across Tanzania have welcomed Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda’s promise to review the government’s decision to table a bill to introduce Kadhi (Islamic) courts in the country’s judiciary after opposition arose among Tanzanian Christians MPs on 29 March.
Despite the political triumph, many pastors who opposed the legislation have been attacked and their churches threatened with closure…” – Report from Barnabas Fund.
‘Newcastle Anglicans join the Bishopscourt sell-off trend’
“The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has put its Bishopscourt estate for 11 May Walkom Real Estate tender…”
With thanksgiving for Tony Lamb
Former ACL President, Dr. Bruce Ballantine-Jones, has written this tribute to his friend, The Rev. Tony Lamb, who departed this earthly life on Friday 10th April 2015.
________________
Many who knew Tony Lamb will be saddened to hear that he has died, sad, not for him, of course, as he is at home with the Lord, but for the loss of a good friend and an outstanding servant of the gospel. Read more
No Regrets, No Retreat
“I don’t use the television much anymore. There was a time when I watched a lot of movies and a lot of programs, but these days there isn’t a lot that catches my attention enough to actually dedicate the time to it. There isn’t much that promises more value than I would get from the same time spent with a good book. But I always make an exception for Dispatches from the Front…”
– Tim Challies highlights the latest video from Tim Keesee.
Nungalinya College seeks funding for iPads
Nungalinya College in Darwin is seeking funds to purchase 20 iPads to help indigenous students in their studies.
Learn more about the project, and how you can contribute, here.
Tony Lamb 1925–2015
We hear that ACL Emeritus Vice-President the Rev. R. E. (Tony) Lamb went to be with the Lord overnight.
Tony was aged 90. He is survived by his wife Jan. All members of the League can join in thanksgiving to the Lord for Tony, for his love of Jesus, and his commitment to the gospel of Christ.
Tony served as Rector of St. Ives (1985-91) and Caringbah (1966-85). Earlier, he was Curate-in-Charge of Westmead (1962-66).
At Caringbah (and elsewhere), his ministry has been described as having an “emphasis … on Bible teaching, the formation of Home Bible Study Groups, prayer and a commitment to service both at home and overseas”.
Additionally, he served as Secretary of the Anglican Church League, and was a faithful member of the Council for decades. In recognition, he was not only made an Emeritus Vice President, but also a Life Member – the only person to have received such an honour.
(Photo with thanks to Tony’s daughter, Cath.)
We plan to publish a tribute to Tony here next week.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…