Positive complementarianism
“Always defending means that often our churches are so concerned with what women are not allowed to do, that we do not take the time to think hard about what women should be encouraged to do to build up the body of Christ. This conference gives us just that opportunity…”
– At Equal But Different, Phil and Vic Colgan are thankful for conferences which move beyond the theological ‘battle ground’ into positive encouragement. And they suggest one you can attend.
When Billy Graham (almost) gave up on the Bible
“…what do we do when we experience doubts that might cause us to give up on Christ, or even to radically alter our views about the Christian faith? …
Having recently read his autobiography, I found it very interesting to learn how Billy Graham faced a crisis of this kind…”
– A most encouraging piece from Moore College’s Dr. Peter Orr. Read it all.
(Photo: Archbishop Marcus Loane and Billy Graham at the 1979 Crusade. Courtesy Ramon Williams / Worldwide Photos.)
Biography of Sir Marcus Loane launched in Sydney
A large crowd gathered in Sydney on October 14th for the launch of a substantial biography of Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney 1966-1982.
From Strength to Strength – A Life of Marcus Loane, was written by Canon Allan M. Blanch, who is also an Emeritus Vice-President of the Anglican Church League.
The book was launched by Dame Marie Bashir.
From Strength to Strength promises to be an important contribution to Australian Church History. It also introduces Sir Marcus to new generations of Christians who, until now, may have known little about this towering figure.
A paperback edition is now available for order through the publisher’s website.
Top photo: Allan Blanch at the book launch.
Related: Archbishop Marcus Loane photo gallery.
Defending classic marriage — Synod speeches
Canon Sandy Grant moved, and Mrs Tara Sing seconded, the motion “Affirmation of marriage as between a man and a woman” at Sydney Synod on Wednesday 14th October 2015.
The text of Sandy’s speech is now available as a 115kb PDF file, with links to useful resources, and the final form of the resolution, as it was passed, at the end.
Mrs Tara Sing’s speech seconding the motion is below – Read more
Playboy opened the floodgates and now the culture is drowning
“Scott Flanders, Playboy CEO, told the media that his product had been overtaken by the larger culture. ‘You’re just one click away from every sex act imaginable for free. And it’s just passé at this juncture.’
That is one of the most morally revealing statements of recent times.”
– Albert Mohler comments on the tragic results of the Playboy revolution.
Will revisionism save the C of E? We’re about to find out
Anglican Mainstream’s Andrew Symes writes about elections to the Church of England’s General Synod, and the election of The Rev Andrew Foreshew-Cain as a representative for the Diocese of London –
“In February 2014 the Bishops’ post-Synod statement reiterated that the Church of England cannot bless same sex relationships nor change its doctrine of marriage.
Specifically an appeal was made to clergy in same sex relationships (which were supposed to be “celibate” anyway) not to take advantage of the forthcoming change in law (March 2014) to get married, because this would cause confusion about the Church’s teaching.
Two clergy who defied this ruling became focal points for media interest: Jeremy Pemberton and Andrew Cain. What are we to make of the fact that the latter has become part of the decision making and governing body of the organisation whose teaching and practice on a crucial matter he has rejected?”
– Read it here.
A Tale of Two Archbishops — ACL Synod Dinner talk 2015
Dr Ed Loane from Moore College spoke to a packed ACL Synod Dinner at the Chapter House on Monday 12th October, 2015.
His topic: A Tale of Two Archbishops: Christian Unity in the Ministries of Archbishop Temple and Archbishop Mowll.
What were the key differences between these two towering figures? What lessons can we learn? Listen to Ed’s fascinating talk which has many contemporary applications:
Or right-click this link to download the 9.7MB mp3 file.
Update: You can also read Dr. Loane’s notes, in this PDF file.
Archbishop Howard Mowll, painted by Alfred G. Reynolds, 1958. On display at Mowll Village, Castle Hill. (Click the image for the full painting.)
Below: Attendees chat over dessert and coffee.
Related links: ACL Membership application.
The Synod Survival Guide.
Good Governance Workshop
Good Governance Workshop
6:30pm, Thursday 26th November 2015.
This workshop is for you if you’ve been elected to a board or a council, particularly if you feel your own management experience doesn’t prepare you for this ‘governance’ role.
As a service to our diocesan organisations and the people elected by our Synod, the Anglican Church League presents a workshop designed to equip members of boards and committees with good governance principles and practice.
Click the image to download an invitation in PDF format.
What: A series of presentations on governance – particularly as it pertains to the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
Who is it for? Board members appointed to organisations of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
When: Thursday 26th November, 6:30pm–9:00pm.
Where: At The Chapter House – please enter via rear door of St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
How much? No charge.
To register, please send an e-mail to our organising committee at ggw@acl.asn.au via this link, specifying the names of attendees (so we can ensure we have the right number of handouts, etc.).
Main Speakers:
Archbishop Glenn Davies
on Evangelical Governance: what difference does the gospel make to governance?
Dr Robert Tong
on Responsible evangelical governance of diocesan boards.
Canon Bruce Morrison
on Responsible evangelical governance of school councils.
Liberalism and the Church of Scotland
David Robertson, minister of St. Peter’s Free Church in Dundee, has been reflecting on the direction of the Church of Scotland. (Ten Reasons Why the Church of Scotland is in Decline – March 20, 2015.)
As a result, he was recently invited to take part in a public conversation with a prominent Church of Scotland minister.
The full transcript of the only recording (mp3 file) is both disturbing in what it reveals of classic liberalism, and most encouraging in David’s example in speaking the truth.
Australian Church Record October 2015
The latest issue of The Australian Church Record is now out. Just in time for Sydney Synod.
Grab a copy from their website.
Religious Freedom conference videos available
Associate Professor Neil Foster writes about the recent conference in Newcastle, ‘Religious Freedom in a Multicultural World’ –
“For those who are interested, the video of my presentation on the day is now available. The paper which goes along with the talk can be downloaded here. It was entitled ‘How should religious marriage celebrants respond if same sex marriage is introduced in Australia?’…”
See the other videos from the conference (including that by Peter Jensen) here – or on the University of Newcastle website.
J I Packer — In his own words
“J. I. Packer stands as one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth-century. Ever since the publication of Knowing God – an international best-seller – Packer has exerted a steady influence on contemporary Evangelicalism.
In honour of his life and legacy, Crossway is producing a short video documentary entitled, J. I. Packer: In His Own Words, that will premier on Tuesday, November 3, accessible free-of-charge at JIPacker.com. There you’ll also find other videos featuring Packer discussing timely topics related to the Christian life, including the nature of saving faith, the importance of the church, the centrality of sound doctrine, and the person of the Holy Spirit.
We’re also giving away a free e-book by J. I. Packer to everyone who signs up to receive the videos via email at JIPacker.com.”
– From Crossway.
Introducing Vine Journal
“We’re launching Vine Journal because we’re convinced that the Christian community needs long form arguments and essays – like we all need at least one substantial meal a day, like a house needs solid foundations, like a church community needs its regular sermons.
Short, light, snackable content is enjoyable and often nutritious – but there are some subjects and ideas and arguments that we need to chew over, and that just can’t be adequately covered in a Facebook update, a video clip or a short blog post of 600 words.…”
– Tony Payne introduces Vine Journal from Matthias Media.
The Land of the long weekend
“I am part of the pastoral team of an 800 member Christian Church, we are all being radicalised, every meeting, every week, to engage our society with the message of God’s love. We eschew bullets and bombs and take up a message of love, delivered as we are able with acts of kindness.
Here is the radical Christian message, God your Creator, who made you, loves you, He gave His Son to die for your sin, He raised that Son from the dead to prove to you He is Lord, lose control of your life to Him and you will find true abundant life!…”
– Another great post from Presbyterian Moderator-General David Cook.
Don’t hang all religions with Islam’s radicalisation problem
“Only two days after the appalling slaughter of Curtis Cheng as he peacefully went about his work, a commentator on ABC News 24 was heard to say:
‘We have to empower people in schools, people in mosques, people in churches to be able to see the beginnings of radicalisation.’
This, perhaps throwaway, comment was evidence of a more widespread response to the threat of religiously-motivated terrorism. In NSW, the government has moved to audit school prayer groups of whatever faith, in order to prevent extremism. Voluntary religious activities must be monitored, and parental permission obtained before high school students participate.
Can you see what has happened here?…”
– Michael Jensen writes at ABC’s The Drum.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…