Bishop John Guernsey Appointed Chairman of Chairman of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans

Prayer request from Gafcon:

“Give thanks to God for the appointment of The Rt. Rev. John A. M. Guernsey as the new Chairman of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, whose Trustees faithfully govern and support the ministry of Gafcon and the Global Anglican Communion.

We praise the Lord for Bishop Guernsey’s deep and longstanding commitment to Gafcon: a delegate at GAFCON 2008, Chair of the Statement Committee in Nairobi 2013, and Worship Coordinator in Jerusalem 2018. His decades of faithful leadership in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) have strengthened our global fellowship.

Pray for Bishop Guernsey and his wife, Meg, asking that God grant him wisdom, humility, and joy as he helps guide our movement to have the Bible at the heart of the Anglican Communion.”

– Source. (Background: Bishop Guernsey Wikipedia entry.)

How to fight your Phone Idolatry

“Smartphones are physical objects we take everywhere; they’re rarely more than an arm’s length away. When was the last time you went out for errands without your phone? Left for an overnight trip without your phone? We shudder at the thought.

We go through our days with near-constant attachment to these mobile devices. In every in-between moment of waking life—in line for a coffee, sitting in a waiting room, walking from point A to point B, stopped at a red light—we instinctively pull out our phone and scroll, text, check notifications, aimlessly toggle between apps.

It’s not just a nervous habit. It’s a liturgical impulse: muscle-memory habits of devotion. When was the last time you sat still in a pause moment and meandered in thought or daydreamed, rather than grabbing for your phone? Most of us don’t do that anymore.…”

– Brett McCracken writes at The Gospel Coalition.

New General Secretary of The Anglican Church of Australia

Here’s a media release from Bishop Mark Short, Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia –

“The Anglican Church of Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Juliet Wenden as the next General Secretary, commencing in February 2026.

‘I am sure the Anglican Church of Australia will benefit from Mrs Wenden’s years of experience as Chair, Director and Executive Officer of different not-for-profit and commercial organisations. The Anglican Church of Australia faces challenges, and Mrs Wenden’s leadership will be critical in addressing them. I am sure the church in Australia will be praying for and wishing her every success,’ Bishop Mark Short, Primate, Anglican Church of Australia, said.

Juliet has been involved with Anglican Super for most of the past 25 years, more recently as Chair. Her husband, Richard, is Rector of Seaforth Anglican Church on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and she has three teenage children.

‘I’ve worked with almost all the Dioceses in my time with Anglican Super and look forward to renewing that relationship in this new position,’ Mrs Wenden said. ‘My immediate priority will be working with the Dioceses across the country to prepare for General Synod in Melbourne during August next year.’

‘We congratulate Mrs Anne Hywood on her 11 years as General Secretary and wish her all the very best for her next endeavours,’ Bishop Mark Short concluded.”

– Source (PDF file.)

Living outside the Garden

The Spring 2025 edition of Armidale Diocese’s magazine The Link has been published online.

(It was out in churches a few months ago, and we’re glad it is now also up on their website.)

News, encouragement and food for prayer, including the article “Living outside the Garden” by St. John’s Tamworth vicar Joshua Bovis –

“I don’t know what has come over me lately. I have always been an emotional person, but I find myself grieving more than ever. Of course, I have reasons to grieve.

Earlier this year I faced the sixth anniversary of my Father’s death and the first anniversary of my Mother’s death. But it is more than the grief that comes due to outliving one’s parents, more than the fact that I am an emotional person. I think it is also that I grieve because I, like all of us, live outside the garden and long to return.

I grieve because my attempts, and the world’s solutions to find home…fail. Just like the Pevensie children’s futile attempt to re-enter the magical world of Narnia after returning to reality through the wardrobe, the way is shut. …”

– Read it from page 8 of the Spring edition of The Link.

Earlier issues of The Link can be found on this page.)

From the Nuba Mountains of Sudan to the suburbs of Perth, the story of Mekyal Keira: the Diocese of the Southern Cross’ first clergy ordination

“Last month, Mekyal Keira was ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of the Southern Cross, and commissioned as pastor of the Kush church in Perth. The Diocese of the Southern Cross is a theologically conservative Anglican body that operates in progressive dioceses in Australia.

The Kush church is an English-Arabic speaking church that meets on Sundays at noon, at 160 Dampier Avenue, Kallaroo, a suburb of Perth. It is one of eight churches in the Diocese of the Southern Cross.

I am Mekyal Keira. When I was 11 years old, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in the Nuba Mountains through missionaries from Australia. In 1978, war broke out in the region between the Islamic government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). The main reason was the Christian minority living in the area.

In 1989, I migrated to Khartoum with my family. …”

– Read it all, thanks to John Sandeman at The Other Cheek.

Gafcon photo.

Why 20 percent better is not good enough

“Over recent years a lot of ink has been spilt considering the implications for Christians of the seismic changes in Australian society over the past 50 years. The reality is that we have seen a massive shift as our culture has moved further and further away from its Christian roots, such that we now realise that we live in a post-Christian society.

Of course, some like to point out that that that change does not mean there are fewer converted Christians than there were in the 1950s or 1960s, and that may be the case. Yet, the reality is that forty years ago, even if most Australians didn’t follow Jesus, they at least knew that the Lord they didn’t follow was Jesus. In the same way, even if they didn’t worship the one true God, they knew that the God they didn’t worship was the God of the Bible and they believed His ways were good.

However, most of our thinking in this area has been focused on the implications of this shift for our relationship to the world. …”

– First published in The Australian Church Record’s Synod 2025 Journal, Phil Colgan shares encouragement and a challenge.

Introducing James — The impact of theological education

From Phillip Jensen:

“Next year at Two Ways News, we are expanding our regular team of Peter and Phillip Jensen by adding James Chen.

James has just finished Moore College and has been ordained to minister at St Andrew’s and St Paul’s in Wahroonga, and we hope to have him as a regular member of our team.

So this episode introduces James to our podcast family with a fascinating description of his life story.”

– Listen here.

 

Tears, Questions and Hope — When a senior pastor takes their own life

From The Pastor’s Heart, a painful but important discussion:

“In the last few months two senior evangelical leaders have taken their own lives.

The Archbishop’s letter said ‘It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you of the death of a colleague and friend … who took his own life on Tuesday and our hearts are heavy at this time as we come before God with our tears, questions and  … hope in the promise of resurrection.’

We react with a range of questions: Should I have known? Could I have done more? What do I say to the church? What do I say to the world, but most importantly where is God?

Keith Condie, from Anglican Deaconess Ministry’s Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute and Trinette Stanley, Mental Health Educator with Anglicare, are our guests.”

– Watch or listen here.

Related:

Lifeline.

New appointments in the Diocese of Bathurst

Wonderful news from Bishop Mark Calder in Bathurst –

“I am writing with great thanksgiving to God to share several significant developments in ministry across our Diocese. These appointments represent a remarkable time of God’s provision, and I hope you will join me in praising him for the way he is raising up gospel workers for the diocese. …

These appointments represent truly extraordinary answers to prayer. In a short space of time, the Lord has provided gifted women and men for ministry across the Diocese—people eager to serve, care for his people, strengthen local churches and share Jesus for life.”

– Do read the details here – and please continue to uphold the churches of the Diocese of Bathurst in your prayers.

Let the young man come to church with mixed motives

“Has there ever been a cohort more scrutinised for seeking out the message of the gospel and the refuge of the church than The Young Man cohort at this particular point in history?

Has there ever been a level of scepticism levelled towards seekers than towards this particular type of seeker – The Young Man?

I find it strange. Strange and slightly deflating. After years of wringing our hands about the lack of evangelistic fruit in the West, there’s suddenly an uptick – indeed somewhat of a surge – among a cohort that has been viewed as the Holy Grail by evangelists – The Young Man! … But we are suspicious.”

– Steve McAlpine makes a very good point.

Christmas in Bethlehem

“Christmas is unlikely to be much in Bethlehem this year. The city of Jesus’ birth has about 30,000 people, of whom about 9,000 identify as Christan. They live with poverty, restrictions and uncertainty. They are squeezed between their majority Muslim neighbours and the Israeli government and west bank settlers.

Nor was Christmas much in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. A few shepherds cared for some smelly, dirty and bothersome sheep in nearby paddocks. Forget the maternity suite with all mod cons. Instead, the baby arrived in the equivalent of a corrugated iron shed out the back of a country pub. …”

– At AP, David Burke, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, reminds us of the good news of Christmas.

Photo of David Burke: Christ College, Burwood.

Four CofE vicars highlight why their churches are turning to the Ephesian Fund

From The Church of England Evangelical Council:

“The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has released four short films promoting the Ephesian Fund, featuring vicars from churches across the country, which have chosen to channel their financial giving through the initiative.

Launched in November 2023, the Ephesian Fund was created in response to the House of Bishops’ decision to depart from the Church’s historic and biblical teaching on marriage and sexual ethics, and to commend the Prayers of Love and Faith. The fund enables churches and individuals to direct their giving, including parish share, towards ministries that affirm an orthodox evangelical understanding of Christian doctrine. …”

– For examples of Church of England parishes taking steps to direct resources for gospel ministry.

Corinth Archaeological Site with photos

Moore College’s Dr Lionel Windsor is continuing to post fascinating photos –

“In July 2025, I visited ancient Corinth with my wife Bron and daughter Ellie. We went to see archaeological remains associated with the Apostle Paul.

Here are some photos of the site and museum exhibits. They help to provide context for New Testament texts associated with Corinth. Enjoy!”

– See them at Forget the Channel.

Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide

Here’s a news release from the Diocese of Adelaide:

6 December 2025

Bishop Bradly Billings elected as 11th Archbishop of Adelaide

The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide is pleased to announce the election of The Right Reverend Dr Bradly Billings as its 11th Archbishop.

Dr Billings, currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne, brings to Adelaide a wealth of experience in parish ministry, theological education, and senior church governance. He has served as an Assistant Bishop since 2016, most recently as the Bishop for the Oodthenong area, which covers the northern and western growth areas of Greater Melbourne and extends to include Geelong. There he oversees 64 parishes and authorised congregations.

Known for his extensive work in parish ministry, and in church planting and revitalisation, Dr Billings’ qualifications include a doctorate in theology and a Master of Law in Canon Law.

He succeeds The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, who retired in November.

Speaking on his election, Dr Billings expressed his reliance on Christian hope as he prepares to lead the Diocese.

“The hope we have in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ gives me confidence and faith for the future, despite the many challenges we face as Anglicans and as disciples of Christ,” Dr Billings said.

“I firmly believe the Christian faith and tradition continues to be good news for all people, and that making the gospel known in words and in actions is the shared task of all believers.”

Dr Billings has a strong track record of collaborative leadership and intends to bring a unifying approach to the role.

“I am comfortable with, and respectful of, the full diversity of Anglicanism,” he said. “I seek to model ministry that is genuinely shared, and to cultivate quality relationships grounded in mutual trust, respect, and humility. I see myself as a partner in ministry with those with whom I live, work, and share my vocation.”

Welcoming Dr Billings’ election, Diocesan Administrator Bishop Sophie Relf-Christopher said: “I have been keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s guidance at every stage of the nomination and election process.

“I am delighted that Adelaide Anglicans have elected Bishop Billings, and know that he will passionately encourage the ministry of this Diocese, to the Glory of God. We have every indication that Bishop Billings will serve with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, and herald God’s extraordinary love for the world.

“My heartfelt thanks go to the many faithful Adelaide Anglicans who have been praying and preparing for this day, and to the nomination committee.”

Before consecration as bishop, Dr Billings served as Archdeacon of Stonington and Glen Eira and as the vicar of parishes in Toorak and Gisborne, and Curate in Frankston. He has also served as the Director of Theological Education for the Diocese of Melbourne and is a published author in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and church history.

Dr Billings is married to Karen, and they have five adult children and three grandchildren. He is also a devoted owner of a Hungarian Vizsla named Ruby and enjoys Premier League football and history.

Arrangements for Dr Billings’ installation at St Peter’s Cathedral will be announced in due course.

Here’s some more background on Bishop Billings from the Diocese of Melbourne.

South Africa: Joy and hope in a pair of shoes!

“Jesslyn, a Grade 5 student at Kuyga Primary School, would begin each day with quiet determination. Leaving the small metal home where she lives with her mother and brother, she would start the 30-minute walk to school along a dusty, dirt path.

But very quickly, she would grow weary. Her shoes were worn out …”

– Here’s some encouragement to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) from The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid.

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