Three Reflections for Good Friday – from Bishop Mark Calder

Three Reflections for Good Friday – from Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder – on

1. The courtroom scene: Romans 3:21–26

2. The cross scene: 1 Peter 2:21–24

3. The heart of God scene: 1 John 4:9–11.

– Watch here.

2026 Moore College Graduation – Occasional Address – Revd Dr Graham Cole

From Moore Theological College –

“At Moore College Graduation 2026, Rev Graham Cole encouraged graduates to consider their ambitions in ministry.

From Philippians, he pointed to Paul’s desire to see the gospel advance in every circumstance, and to the deep, lasting joy found in Christ, secure, unshaken, and not dependent on situation.

If we belong to Jesus, we are citizens of heaven, called to live lives worthy of the gospel.”

– Watch here.

Australian Church Record’s Easter 2026 Journal

From The Australian Church Record –

“In this Easter edition of the ACR Journal, we focus our attention on our gatherings and liturgy. Those who are familiar with the Prayer Book will know that we’ve titled this Easter edition in the words of Psalm 95, which is a core part of the liturgy for the daily service of morning prayer. The Psalm has a focus on hearing (‘Today, if you hear his voice’) and it warns its hearers against hardening their hearts in light of hearing the word of God. …”

– Read about – and download – the latest Journal.

God’s ‘Authentic Intelligence’ — Easter 2026 message from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel

“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has issued a timely warning against relying on Artificial Intelligence for spiritual direction, urging Australians to look instead to the ‘Authentic Intelligence’ of the Easter message. …”

– Read this report from Russell Powell.

– Share the video with your friends – or show it in church this weekend!

– Read the full text below – or download it as a PDF file.

– And don’t forget that Daylight Saving ends on Sunday morning.

Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney 2026 Easter Message

Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (NIV)
John 20:19b-20

One of the most surprising things I have heard recently is the news that some people are using artificial intelligence to talk to God.

At least, they think they are talking to God.

This isn’t just searching an online Bible for answers — people are asking AI to generate spiritual guidance for their lives.

But at Easter, we celebrate something infinitely greater: God speaking to us in person.

When Jesus appeared to his disciples on the first Easter day, they were ‘locked away’ fearing those who put Jesus to death. But Jesus appears in the midst of them, speaking ‘Peace’.

It was an everyday greeting, but this was not everyday peace. It was the peace that had been bought by his pierced hands and side.

They were overjoyed to see him, not only because he had conquered death, but because his death purchased peace with God, and drove away all their fear.

AI can certainly be useful, though not without risks. But when it comes to the most important things in life, God has come to us and brought us peace through his Son.

This Easter, remember that for two thousand years we have had God’s Authentic Intelligence. Communication from God – in Jesus! You can ‘chat’ with God and hear his voice through the words of Jesus in whom, the Bible says, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

So, why not use this season to go offline and pick up a Bible. Some questions only God can answer.

Kanishka Raffel
Archbishop of Sydney
Easter 2026

Evidence for the resurrection of Jesus — papers

Associate Professor Neil Foster writes –

“Following my previous post [about a breakfast seminar run by the Newcastle Christian Lawyers Fellowship this morning], here is the paper I am presenting on evaluation of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus applying principles of the law of evidence applied in the courts …

In that paper I mention a brilliant paper on the same broad area by former Justice of Appeal Ken Handley; for those who haven’t seen it, here it is for download …”

– Download both papers from Law and Religion Australia.

Getting Authority and Care Right – Peter Orr on Today’s Pastor

From The Pastor’s Heart –

“ ‘Authority’ and ‘care’-  the two big words New Testament lecturer Peter Orr says belong together at the heart of real shepherding.

Lecturer at Sydney’s Moore Theological College, Peter Orr, has told the Nexus Conference, that one of the great confusions of our moment is confusion about the role of the pastor.

He asks whether in circles like ours, with a strong and right emphasis on every-member ministry, we accidentally downplayed the distinctiveness of the pastor?

What does it mean to say that a pastor has real authority, but that it is derived, limited and for care? How to avoid harshness, being too soft and lazy.”

– Watch here.

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