Freedom for Faith submission on the draft Religious Discrimination Bill

“Freedom for Faith has released its submission to the Commonwealth Government on its Exposure Draft Religious Discrimination Bill. …

I recommend it as an excellent overview of the Bill, with a good summary of its good points and some areas where it could be improved. …”

– See Neil Foster’s latest post to download a copy of the submission, along with previous comments – at Law and Religion Australia.

A Corinthian Tale

“There are growing signs that the ecclesial weather is changing and our churches are not prepared.

As the broader culture becomes more insistent about its moral narrative, Churches have become less certain. Universities, media personalities, and political representatives vocalise a secular righteousness with increasing confidence, while ecclesial leaders pray that kicking the can down the street will do the trick. …

No Christian denomination or Church in Australia can afford to play dodge ball with the marriage issue. As far as I can see, there are only three options available for churches and denominations: choose capitulation, accommodation, or faithfulness. …

Doing nothing is not a solution. To ultimately decide on inaction is a form of accommodation.”

– Murray Campbell, Pastor of Mentone Baptist Church, has been keeping an eye on movements in the Anglican Church of Australia. You should too.

See also:

Newcastle Synod to debate same-sex blessings – DavidOuld.net.

Disciplinary hearing ahead for Albany Episcopal bishop

“The Albany Episcopal Diocese bishop who vowed to continue prohibiting same-sex marriages in defiance of the church’s orders will face a disciplinary hearing, the Episcopal Church announced Wednesday. …”

– Story from The Times Union, Albany, NY. (link via SydneyAnglicans.net)

See also:

Further action on Bishop William Love’s Nov. 10, 2018, pastoral letter and pastoral directive – Episcopal News Service.

“On January 11, 2019, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a Partial Restriction on Ministry to Bishop Love after broad consultation with leadership in The Episcopal Church and discussions with both Bishop Love and the Episcopal Diocese of Albany Standing Committee. In addition to the partial restriction on ministry, Bishop Curry also noted, ‘I am aware that Bishop Love’s conduct in this regard may constitute a canonical offense under Canon IV.4(1)(c) (‘abide by the promises and vows made when ordained’) and Canon IV.4.(1)(h)(9) (‘any Conduct Unbecoming a Member of the Clergy‘), and that conduct has been referred to the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, bishop for pastoral development and intake officer for disciplinary matters involving bishops.‘…” [emphasis added]

Bishop William Love addresses the Albany Diocesan Convention – 21 June 2019.

Tasmanian Churches oppose Euthanasia legislation

“The Anglican and Catholic churches say proposed Tasmanian voluntary assisted dying legislation ‘normalises suicide’ and ‘threatens the lives of the vulnerable’. …

Anglican Dean of Hobart the Very Reverend Richard Humphrey said there was no ‘more serious ethical decision’ for Parliament to consider than that raised by the proposed legislation.”

– Story from The Advocate.

Milawa “Blessing” Order of Service and Photographs

Although it was said that the blessing of the parties to a same-sex marriage in the Diocese of Wangaratta had been postponed, David Ould reports that some kind of blessing apparently took place last weekend, on Saturday 14th September.

He has published several photos (including this one of Bishop Parkes) and images of the Order of Service.

“There is no mention in the order of service of a blessing for Davis and Whalley and yet it is clear from photographs and the comments of those who were there that there was a recognition and affirmation of the marriage. …”

Related:

Response to a vote by the Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta – Archbishop Glenn Davies.

Dean of Sydney and GAFCON Australia react to the Wangaratta same-sex blessing vote.

Newlyweds John Davis and Rob Whalley given love, but not a blessing, from Anglican church – The Border Mail (subscription).

“Saturday’s service included a moment where Bishop John Parkes laid his hands on the couple then invited others to follow, creating a power affirmation.”

‘A virus in the Australian national church’ – Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies calls out revisionist mavericks

Archbishop Glenn Davies was today’s guest on The Pastor’s Heart.

Well worth watching.

Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies shares openly about –

On the sexuality crisis in the Australian Anglican Church, Dr Davies –

Finally Dr Davies reflects on his own time as Archbishop in the lead up to his final Synod. Dr Davies says he’s been inspired by the boldness of Paul, and is so thankful for those many people who have prayed for him.

NSW MPs plan spill motion against Premier Gladys Berejiklian

“Three Liberal MPs say they will move a spill motion against New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, saying she has ‘broken trust’ over the handling of the state’s abortion bill.

In a joint statement, MPs Tanya Davies, Matthew Mason-Cox MLC and Lou Amato MLC called for the spill at about 8:30pm after learning key amendments to the bill had been rejected…”

– Report from ABC News.

The Australian (subscription) reports that the three MPs say, in a statement,

“Three weeks ago it was made clear to the Premier and the Government that at an absolute minimum, four key amendments were required to the Abortion bill to ensure continued membership of the Liberal Party room – a prohibition on sex selection abortions, proper medical care for aborted babies born alive, protection of conscientious objection rights for doctors and allied health professionals and stricter regulation of late term abortions.

At 7:50pm tonight we were informed all the amendments were rejected in full or in part with vague undertakings for further discussions in the morning.”

Updates:

The leadership spill his been called off.

Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly speaks about his concerns with the bill.

 

Battery hens given more thought than babies

“With just days to go before New South Wales Upper House MP’s vote on the Bill which would allow abortion right up until birth, a rally has been told Legislation to outlaw cruelty to chickens was given more consideration.

Thousands of Christians and other opponents of the legislation gathered at Hyde Park  on Sunday afternoon, 15th September, under the banner ‘Stand for life, Love them both’…

There was well over eight thousand people at the rally including Sydney Anglicans, Catholic church groups, Greek Orthodox churches and Armenian community members as well as other faiths.”

– Story and image from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Watch Archbishop Davies’ address (admittedly, the video and audio quality is not wonderful) –

Also, you can use the Australian Christian Lobby’s portal to e-mail all members of the NSW Upper House – or you can contact them individually.

Thousands flood Hyde Park for anti-abortion rally

“Thousands have rallied in Sydney’s Hyde Park against proposed changes to NSW abortion laws.

The large and vocal group carried banners and chanted anti-abortion slogans such as ‘Stand For Life’ and ‘Kill the Bill’. …”

– Report from Nine News.

Related:

Tony Abbott tells rally proposed abortion laws are ‘effectively infanticide on demand’ – ABC News.

“Former prime minister Tony Abbott has told an anti-abortion rally in Sydney that the proposed bill to decriminalise abortion is ‘effectively infanticide on demand’.

Thousands joined the rally to oppose the bill which is due back before the NSW Upper House this week for amendments to be debated. …”

Saturday’s Pro-abortion rally in Sydney. – Michael Smith News.

5 incredible revelations from this week’s abortion hearing in California

“One of the wildest criminal proceedings in the history of legalized abortion is happening this week in San Francisco. David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt are on trial for posing as potential buyers for the body parts of aborted babies. As part of their investigation they recorded conversations in restaurants with Planned Parenthood employees where they haggled over the prices and methods by which the ‘tissue’ would be harvested. …”

– Report by Jesse Johnson at The Cripplegate. (link via Tim Challies.)

Wangaratta Blessing “Delayed”

“The Border Mail is reporting tonight (to be published tomorrow morning) that the liturgy for blessing the parties to a same-sex marriage will not be used this Saturday.

The delay is in response to the Primate’s request not to carry out the service until the Appellate Tribunal has considered the matter. …”

– Report from David Ould.

Dean of Sydney and GAFCON Australia react to the Wangaratta same-sex blessing vote

At today’s The Pastor’s Heart, Dominic Steele speaks with the Dean of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, about the decision of the Diocese of Wangaratta to reject the Biblical doctrine of marriage.

See also:

Statement from Gafcon Australia – 9 September 2019

The Board of Gafcon Australia expresses its dismay over the decision of Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta to make provision for the blessing of same-sex marriages. We believe this has torn the fabric of our communion within the Anglican Church of Australia.

This decision is contrary to the teaching of Scripture about the nature of human sexuality and marriage. It is also contrary to the doctrinal position of the Anglican Church of Australia. General Synod has repeatedly affirmed that marriage is a lifelong exclusive union between a man and a woman. The Bible does not allow the blessing of any sexual relationship which is not marriage between a man and a woman.

Contrary to the views expressed by Bishop Parkes, the Anglican Church of Australia has always been a church that confesses its faith. Every deacon, priest and bishop has declared their faith and pledged their commitment to our doctrine at their ordination. This confession includes adherence to the Holy Scriptures, the Creeds, the Book of Common Prayer and the 39 Articles of Religion. Bishops are required to “correct and set aside teaching that is contrary to the mind of Christ”.

The resolution in Wangaratta is emblematic of a move in the Anglican Church of Australia away from our doctrine. Several Synods have now passed motions calling for services of blessings of same-sex marriage. Moreover, the Synod of the Diocese of Grafton showed its theological drift in June this year, by voting against affirming “the authorised standard of worship and doctrine of the Anglican Church of Australia as set out in the Fundamental Declarations and Ruling Principles of the Constitution.”

We therefore extend an invitation to any member of the Anglican Church of Australia, including those in the Dioceses of Wangaratta and Grafton, who are troubled by these developments, to contact Gafcon Australia atinfo@gafconaustralia.org or any of the Board members listed below.

Gafcon Australia is a growing movement of Anglicans across the breadth of the Australian Church, who uphold and promote orthodox, biblical teaching. Our aim is to provide mutual encouragement, fellowship and support for those who are committed to the same, both those who feel out of step with their Bishop and/or Synod, and those who are committed to working within the Anglican Church of Australia for biblical faithfulness. We are glad to affirm our commitment to the doctrine and order of the Anglican Church of Australia as it has been handed down to us. For more information see www.gafconaustralia.org

Gafcon Australia Board

The Rt Rev Dr Richard Condie (Chair), Tasmania; the Most Rev Dr Glenn Davies (Deputy Chair), Sydney; the Rev Stephen Carnaby, Tasmania; Mr Philip Gerber, Sydney; the Rev Paul Hunt, Adelaide; the Rev Joshua Kuswadi, NT; Mrs Fiona McLean, Melbourne; the Very Rev Kanishka Raffel, Sydney; the Rev Trevor Saggers, North Queensland; Dr Laurie Scandrett, Sydney; Dr Claire Smith, Sydney; the Rev Peter Smith, Perth.

– Source: GAFCON Australia.

Motion to condemn abortion bill voted down at NSW Liberal State Council meeting

“New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged party unity at the New South Wales Liberal State Council meeting, in the face of dissent over the bill to decriminalise abortion. …

Liberal backbenchers Tanya Davies and Kevin Connolly have said they will move to the crossbench if amendments are not made to the bill. …

Ms Berejiklian escaped potentially damaging criticism, after a motion to condemn the bill was defeated before it was debated.

Delegates voted it down 236 to 217.” [53 % to 47%]

– Report from ABC News.

Archbishop urges Anglicans to join the Stand for Life Rally

“Archbishop Glenn Davies has warned of the dangers of the Bill which allows abortion up until birth, urging Christians show support for the life of the unborn before the Upper House considers the Bill. … Dr Davies urged promotion for the ‘Rally for Life’ on Sunday afternoon, 15 September in Hyde Park.”

– SydneyAnglicans.net.

Promotional flyer (PDF file).

See the Promotional video on Facebook or on Vimeo.

Facebook event page.

“Send a strong message to our Parliament” — Stand for Life Rally, Hyde Park, Sunday 15 September

Archbishop Glenn Davies has written to all clergy in the Diocese of Sydney concerning the “misleadingly entitled” Reproductive Health Reform Bill 2019, which he says, “in its current form [will] do great damage to our society in the legalisation of the death of innocent lives in the womb”.  Read more

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