Latest letter from The Alliance

On Tuesday, The Alliance sent this letter to the House of Bishops of the Church of England, prior to their meeting yesterday:

“Dear Archbishops and Bishops,

Thank you so much for the generous invitation to pre circulate a letter to the House of Bishops ahead of your meeting on Wednesday.

We continue to lament the pastoral pain and division the current LLF debate and its subsequent direction of travel is causing to the fabric of the Church of England at a local, national and global level, and at deep personal cost to many on all sides of the debate.

We gratefully welcome this opportunity to communicate the scale of pain and confusion felt by those we represent while seeking to bring clarity about who the Alliance represents and what we are prayerfully seeking to achieve for the sake of the future flourishing of the whole church in our nation. We humbly appeal to each of you to seek to understand us and, in your episcopal leadership as focal points of Christ’s unity, to find a way to support those we represent. …”

– Read the full letter here on The Alliance website.

Does the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship have a Better Story?

“The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship is a new and impressive organisation which in its own words is ‘an international community with a vision for a better world where every citizen can prosper, contribute and flourish’. A key member, Os Guinness, argues that we are at a ‘civilisational moment’ in the Western world, and that we need to act, not despair.

It was with some degree of anticipation that I, and 700 other delegates, attended their first Australian conference. …

I loved the whole day – and as I write this on the train home to Newcastle – I am deeply thankful to the Lord for such an inspiring time and the leadership provided by John Anderson and Philippa Stroud. The aim of the day was to tell a better story – or rather to encourage us to tell a better story. Did it succeed? Yes and no. …

– At AP, David Roberston shares his thoughts.

Reaching doubters and sceptics in Cambridge

At The Anglican Convocation in Europe, the Rev. Andrew Fellows writes:

“Three years ago, we began as Panton Street Church, a small group dedicated to creating a welcoming space for honest questions. We felt called to the mission of reaching doubters and sceptics in Cambridge with the truth of the gospel. We also felt the growing need to deepen our discipleship by bringing the Bible into a conversation with cultural trends. We are so grateful to the Lord for the joy of seeing people come to faith, and young Christians growing in the faith. …”

– Read it all here.

John Newton to William Wilberforce, 15th November 1786

At St. Thomas’ North Sydney yesterday, King Charles and Queen Camilla signed the The First Fleet Bible and the Book of Common Prayer which were carried here by the Rev. Richard Johnson, the first Chaplain to the Colony. Those books are tangible reminders of the commitment of Johnson and those who sent him to bring Good News to these distant shores.

Not long before the Fleet sailed, John Newton wrote to his friend William Wilberforce of their hopes in sending a Chaplain –

“Who can tell what important consequences may depend upon Mr Johnson’s going to New Hollands! It may seem but a small event at present. So a foundation stone, when laid, is small compared with the building to be erected upon it; but it is the beginning and the earnest of the whole.

This small beginning, may be like the dawn, which advances to a bright day, and lead on to the happy time, when many nations, which now sit in darkness, and in the region of the shadow of death, shall rejoice in the light of the Sun of Righteousness.” [Referring to Isaiah 9:2 and Malachi 4:2.]

– From a letter from John Newton to William Wilberforce, 15 November 1786.

(With thanks to Marylynn Rouse – who has more here – at The John Newton Project.)

Video screenshot with thanks to St. Thomas’ North Sydney.

Church Society podcast: Interview with Bishop Rob Munro

From Church Society:

“Ros Clarke chats to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, Rob Munro, about what his role requires and some of the challenges he has been facing. In an increasingly politicised church he speaks of how he tries to follow theological principles, and calls us to pray for revival.”

– Listen here.

A Cloud of Witnesses: Australian Anglicans in Tanzania – Rev Dr Colin Reed

“The Letter to the Hebrews encourages us with the account of the great cloud of witnesses in the Old Testament – people who lived by faith looking forward to Jesus. The Moore College Archives encourage us with some of the witness of people of more modern times who have stepped out in faith looking to Jesus as they went to serve God in Tanzania. How do they encourage and challenge us today? What shaped their faith? What shaped their passions? What were their aims in mission? How do they ‘strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees’?”

Colin Reed spoke at a Moore College Library Lecture earlier this month. His fascinating lecture will be of great interest to anyone wanting to know more of the history of CMS in East Africa, and many people he mentions will likely be familiar to our readers.

Rev Dr Colin Reed grew up in Africa and (along with his wife Wendy) served with CMS as a missionary in Tanzania, on staff of the NSW & ACT Branch, and as Principal of St Andrew’s Hall.

Over many years, Colin has studied and written on the history of the Church in East Africa.

Watch here.

And on YouTube, there are timestamped links to topics mentioned in the lecture.

Rejoicing at what Gafcon is doing in Europe

From The Anglican Network in Europe:

“On 15th October 2024 Gafcon inaugurated a third diocese for the Anglican Network in Europe [ANiE]. The Anglican Missionary Congregations (Europe) [AMC] has grown from a single Nigerian diaspora congregation in Manchester to 39 congregations all over the UK and in some parts of Europe, served by 54 mainly self-supporting clergy.

Joining in partnership for mission to Europe is a beautiful expression of the Lord gathering people from every tribe, language, people and nation to proclaim Christ faithfully to a needy continent. AMC will bring their significant energy and experience of church planting to ANiE.

Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, Chair of the Gafcon Primates’ Council, inaugurated the diocese and then consecrated Dr Gideon Illechukwu before Presiding Bishop Andy Lines installed him as their first bishop. In a service with a vibrant Nigerian flavour, people from all over the Network celebrated their unity in the global Anglican family of Gafcon for gospel mission under the clear authority of scripture.

The Archbishop said, ‘This is what Gafcon has done and will continue to do; not only contending for the gospel but providing an ecclesial home for those determined to proclaim God’s unchanging truth in a changing world.’

Newly consecrated Bishop Gideon Illeechukwu said, ‘Praise God for a day like this, that we are joining the Anglican Network in Europe as their third diocese. I am grateful to the Lord for calling me to serve as the diocesan bishop of the Anglican Missionary Congregations (Europe) and pray that together we shall expand the kingdom of God in Europe and beyond through Gafcon.’ ”

– via e-mail.

Earlier:

Background – ANiE.

Meanwhile, back in the Church of England –

Martyn Snow, lead bishop for the ‘Living and Love and Faith’ process, presents an 8 minute video where he outlines what happens next with the LLF steamroller, arguing that the Church of England was born in disagreement, and hoping that people won’t leave.

Why so many new Anglican denominations?

“There are multiple Anglican denominations all over the world and even here in Australia – that is nothing new. For instance, have you ever heard of the Free Church of England in Australia, or the Anglican Independent Communion Australia or The Traditional Anglican Church in Australia? …

In March this year, I was in Rwanda for a meeting of the GAFCON primates’ council. In the room were church leaders, some recognised by both GAFCON and by Canterbury, together with another group of leaders whose churches are only recognised by GAFCON. …”

– Bishop Malcolm Richards answers the question of “Why so many new Anglican denominations?” – at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Image: SydneyAnglicans.net.

Church Society Podcast: The Alliance and other issues

The latest Church Society Podcast has been released:

“At the beginning of a new series of podcasts, Ros Clarke, Lee Gatiss and Chris Moore chat about what is happening in Church of England circles at the moment, what happened over summer and the state of play in various aspects of church politics.”

– Listen here.

Proposed Misinformation Disinformation Bill

It may be that you are unaware of the Australian Government’s Communication Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024.

Public comment on the bill (unless the time is extended) closes tonight.

From The Australian Christian Lobby:

“Where the government should be safeguarding the free speech of Australians, it will instead require social media to control our public discourse. From public health to politics to the economy and ideology,  how this bill defines harm will determine what you are allowed to say online.

Remember, this isn’t just about protecting our rights; this is about our ability to speak truth in love – unpopular but true messages that challenge what society has accepted, messages that reveal God’s goodness. Christians have many things to say about a range of issues, and when it comes from a place of grace and truth, it’s helpful for society. Our message are not, as the government would dictate, ‘harmful’ nor ‘leading to ‘serious harm’. …”

– Read their whole post and the accompanying PDF file.

Gideon Ilechukwu – Planting a Diocese from Scratch — Global Anglican Podcast

From Gafcon:

“Meet the Venerable Gideon Ilechukwu, who is about to become Gafcon’s newest bishop, and who will soon lead Gafcon’s newest diocese.

Thirteen years ago, he planted a church in Manchester, England, which has now grown to 39 churches with 52 ministers… and on October 15 we will form this fellowship into a diocese called ‘Anglican Missionary Congregations (AMC) Europe’, which he will lead as bishop.

General Secretary Paul Donison speaks with Gideon, as he shares with us how he planted this diocese from scratch, and how Gafcon provided vital support and resources for gospel mission throughout the UK and Europe.”

– Listen here.

New Gafcon Diocese and Bishop serving the UK and Europe

News from Bishop Paul Donison, Gafcon General Secretary:

“Dear Brothers and Sisters of Gafcon,

I am delighted to announce the establishment of a new Gafcon diocese, to be led by our newest bishop-elect, the Venerable Dr Gideon Ilechukwu. …”

– Read the full announcement at the Gafcon website.

A Heart for the Gospel: Paul Donison speaks with Jodie McNeill

GAFCON’s Global Anglican Podcast episode number 7 has been released:

“Jodie McNeill – A Heart for the Gospel: Meet the New Global Operations Manager

We sit down with the Revd Jodie McNeill, Gafcon’s Global Operations Manager, to discuss his vital new role in the day-to-day ministry of Gafcon.

As an Anglican pastor and longstanding advocate for the Gafcon movement, Jodie understands the need to both ‘throw a lifeboat’ to Anglican churches whose diocesan leaders have abandoned the truth, as well as the importance of supporting churches that remain within their troubled dioceses.

General Secretary Paul Donison explores with Jodie their shared passion to see Gafcon engage and equip everyday Anglicans in standing firm for the gospel today.”

– Listen here.

Repost: Call from the Presbyterian Moderator General to “Walk for Life”

“David Burke, the moderator general for the Presbyterian Church of Australia, has called on all people of Christian faith to defend the rights of the unborn by participating in ‘Walk for Life’.

Rev. Dr. Burke argued that there is a parallel with the abuse relating to domestic violence, vulnerable people such as children and people with disabilities as well as child abuse in all its forms. Burke said:

‘To my mind, one of the great unmentioned forms of child abuse is the fact that there is a capacity in Australia to kill a child still in its mother’s womb – a living human being with all its actuality and potential made in the image of God.’”

– See the video message from David Burke at AP, the Presbyterian Church’s national journal.

The Walk for Life to which he is referring is planned for September 21st 2024, 2:00pm – 4:00pm Hyde Park, Sydney. Tickets here.

From the ticketing website:

“Love Sydney exists to stand for truth and intercede for the preborn through gathering together with others who are in agreement with our mission.

As we walk, may our countenance and attitude of our faith be evident with all interactions with each other. We welcome everyone who wishes to stand for life with us in this respectful way, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, age or gender.

We ask that you not engage with anyone that is expressing their opposition to our peaceful Walk for Life event. Our trained marshals, professional security and police are all here to keep our event safe. Anyone making nuisance noise will be asked to leave.

Please remember no megaphones or signs. Our official signs will be available for you to carry while at this event. Please obey the marshals, security team and police on the walk.

Our role is simple – to stand in the gap and be a voice for the voiceless, as we cover Sydney in prayer and love.”

Jodie McNeill named as Gafcon Global Operations Manager

Here’s an announcement from Bishop Paul Donison, Gafcon General Secretary:

“Dear Brothers and Sisters within our Gafcon family,

On behalf of the Gafcon Primates, Guarantors and Trustees, it is my joy to announce the appointment of the Reverend Jodie McNeill as our new Global Operations Manager.

Jodie is a passionate supporter of Gafcon with extensive executive-level ministry experience, as well as gifts in preaching and pastoral ministry.

He served on the organizing committee for the Jerusalem 2018 and Kigali 2023 conferences, and has chaired the committee for the recent Australasia conferences in Canberra and Brisbane.

We believe Jodie brings both the administrative and strategic planning skills this role requires, while also excelling in team leadership and generosity of spirit that will serve our Secretariat well.

Jodie will serve in this role part-time until he concludes at the end of this year as Rector of Jamberoo Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney. He succeeds Canon Daniel Willis, who has commenced retirement, having served faithfully in this role since 2020.

Jodie will lead the international staff and ministry of the Gafcon Global Secretariat from Sydney, Australia, and will work closely with me as General Secretary, as well as Archbishop Mbanda and our Primates’ Council, Trustees and Guarantors.

Jodie is married to Mandy, who has enthusiastically served alongside him in Gafcon ministries since 2018, and who continues to share with him a deep passion for this movement that they love. They have four adult children, two sons-in-law, and a baby grandson.

Please join me in praying for Jodie and Mandy, the Parish of Jamberoo, and our whole Gafcon movement.

Again and again in this Gafcon work I see Psalm 118:23 in action: “This is the Lord’s work; it is marvellous in our eyes.”

Yours in Christ,

The Rt. Revd. Paul Donison
Gafcon General Secretary.”

– via e-mail.

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