10 churches destroyed in Aceh
“A church was burnt to the ground in Aceh Singkil in the province of Aceh, Indonesia last month, and a further nine churches destroyed by police.…”
– Report from Bible Society Australia. (Photo: Open Doors Australia.)
Article 32 and the CofE Same Sex Marriage case
“The case of a gay clergyman whose Permission to Officiate was revoked and who was refused a licence to minister after marrying his same-sex partner, has hit the headlines again. Peter Sanlon reflects on Jeremy Pemberton’s defensive use of Article 32.”
At the Church Society blog, Peter Sanlon, Vicar of St. Mark’s Tunbridge Wells, looks at the use and misuse of The Articles in the case of a gay clergyman who married his same-sex partner.
Bishop Duncan to retire as Bishop of Pittsburgh
“During his address to 150th Annual Convention on Saturday, November 6, held at St. Stephen’s Church, Sewickley, the Most Reverend Robert Wm. Duncan, D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of the Anglican Church in North America, and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, formally announced his desire to retire from diocesan leadership effective June 30, 2016…”
– from The Diocese of Pittsburgh. (Image courtesy Anglican TV.)
Limited prayer limits evangelism
“Many people own Nelson Mandela’s book Long Walk to Freedom but have not actually read it. Many Christians love the idea of prayer, but struggle to actually implement it.…”
– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins encourages you to pray – for evangelism!
Happy 97th Birthday, Billy Graham
“This is the best documentary I have seen on Billy Graham, the most famous and significant evangelist since George Whitefield…”
– Justin Taylor provides links to a 120 minute documentary on Billy Graham.
Resources for Remembrance Day
While many churches (such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral) observed Remembrance Day yesterday, Sunday November 8th, if you are looking for material for this week, Defence Anglicans has some resources which may be of help.
Feed the Woman Meat
“When I became a Christian at the ripe age of 16, I was immediately introduced to the extraordinary treasure trove of riches to be found amongst the pages of some of the greatest Christian writers, theologians, apologists, philosophers and thinkers of our time. …
But as I moved on into adulthood and the circles of influence shifted, so did the books offered before me to read.”
– At Effective Ministry, Sarie King has some great advice for Christian women (and men, for that matter), when deciding what to read.
Archbishop Wabukala ‘to retire in June 2016’
“The Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala, has informed the members of the Kenyan House of Bishops that he will step down in June 2016, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65…”
– George Conger has a brief report at Anglican Ink.
Tears and Hope 2015
The annual ‘Tears And Hope’ service of healing for survivors of abuse is to be held at St John’s Darlinghurst, on Monday, November 23rd at 7:00pm.
Download a PDF flier to share with others, and pray that the service may help to bring comfort and healing.
Freedom of conscience clause ‘eliminated’ by Church of Iceland
“The Church of Iceland has scrapped its freedom of conscience clause, ending the right of clergy to refuse to solemnize same-sex marriages…’
– George Conger reports at Anglican Ink.
(Map: Wikipedia.)
See also:
Bishop speaks out for gay marriage – Iceland Monitor.
The Bishop who is spring cleaning the church – Nordic Labour Journal.
Abortion ‘buffer zones’, free speech and religious freedom
“Governments around Australia are showing a sudden enthusiasm for introducing restricted ‘zones’ around clinics offering abortions, in order to prevent protestors from operating in those areas. Tasmania has introduced such legislation…”
– Neil Foster looks at some of the ethical and legal implications of ‘buffer zone’ legislation. Where does freedom of religion fit in?
Where is your journey taking you?
Moore College is encouraging you ask where your life fits into the Lord’s Plan. How can you be equipped to serve Christ?
Watch their latest video.
Why every seminary student should read J. C. Ryle
“I began my study of J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) more than six years ago, and my interest in him was primarily historical. However, as I prepare to defend my dissertation and end this leg of my journey with him, I am absolutely convinced that he has a lot to offer you as a minister-in-training…”
– At the Southern Seminary blog, Ben Rogers explains why it’s advantageous to follow J. C. Ryle down old paths.
(In this Crossway video, J. I. Packer recommends Ryle’s Holiness.)
Churches, know your young people by name
“It is a wonderful thing to be known by name. Most of us will know that experience of surprise and gratitude that comes when our name is recalled…”
– Good advice from Youthworks College Principal, Dr. Bill Salier.
J I Packer — In his own words
Crossway have released their 18 minute “short video documentary about [J.I.] Packer’s early life, theological influences, and enduring legacy”.
Give thanks for the good things the Lord has given us though this man, and pray for Packer’s continued work in helping Christians to value and love God’s word.
You can view it here, along with eight brief video clips in which Dr. Packer addresses the questions:
What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Lord’s Supper?
What is Baptism?
See also: Justin Taylor has some background and links.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…