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.)
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.
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.
Latest ministry opportunities in the Diocese of Bathurst
From the Diocese of Bathurst:
“Precious opportunities await! Please pray for the 12/28 of our parishes without clergy (down from 14!!)
1. Condobolin
2. Trundle
3. Warren
4. Bourke-Brewarrina
5. Coonamble
6. West Wyalong (locum here until Easter)
7. Wellington (locum here)
8. Coonabarabran
9. Cumnock
10. Blayney (from April 2026)Currently we have amazing lay people in the following parishes, but would also welcome enquiries for clergy to serve part time in:
11. Coolah-Dunedoo
12. Nyngan.”
– Via the diocesan Facebook page.
Adelaide Election Synod this weekend
The members of the Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide meet this weekend to elect a new Archbishop.
Doubtless, they would crave your prayers for godly wisdom. Pray that they will elect someone who loves the Lord Jesus, holds to the authority of God’s Word, and who can help and encourage members of the churches of Adelaide to live for Christ and to reach out to their city.
The gathering begins with a Synod Service on Friday evening, with the business sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon and (if required) Sunday afternoon. (Summons here.)
‘I will be a witness to the resurrection’: Archbishop Thorpe
From The Melbourne Anglican:
“Let me state it plainly. I will proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as long as God gives me breath…”
“Melbourne’s new Anglican archbishop has been installed, beginning a new season for the church and diocese.
Archbishop Ric Thorpe became Melbourne’s 14th leader on Advent Sunday, succeeding Philip Freier who retired in February after 18 years of service. …”
– See the full report by Jenan Taylor.
Photo of Archbishop Ric Thorpe greeting Archbishop Kanishka Raffel by Janine Eastgate, The Melbourne Anglican.
Bathurst Diocese Newsletter for Advent 2025
Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder has published the Bathurst Newsletter for Advent.
Please be encouraged to use it to inform your prayers: for the churches of the diocese, that they may be strengthened and encouraged – and also for the people of this large region of NSW, that many may hear the words of eternal life this Christmas, and find salvation in Christ.
Bishop Calder writes with much encouragement in the newsletter:
“Dear friends,
As we prepare to observe Advent again, I wanted to share a few thoughts. It is a time in our church calendar which has been misunderstood AND come under increasing secular influence. Advent reminds us that Christians are people who wait. We live with the reality that the world is not as it should be BUT we cling to the promise of Jesus’ return when everything will be put right. Advent doesn’t ask us to be cheerful or sentimental. It asks us to watch, to pray, and to recognise our deep need for the One who will come again.
We look around and see conflict, sorrow, failures, and tragedies. Advent puts to us that we can face these things without despair. It invites us to hold them before God, trusting that he has not forgotten his promises. Jesus will come with justice and mercy. He will heal, restore, judge and renew. That is our hope — not a vague wish, but a sure and certain expectation.
And so, Advent urges us not to be anxious or frantic. But steady. Prayerful. Grateful for every anticipation of all that Jesus’ return will mean.
Only at the end of Advent do we turn to Christmas. And when we do, we are reminded that our Advent hope is not hope against hope but is gloriously grounded in the historical reality that Jesus has already come among us as a real human being. The child of Bethlehem is the Lord of glory who will return. His first coming assures us of his second.
May this Advent renew your hope and steady your heart as you wait for him.
Mark.”
– Read it all here. (Looking for a pre-loved car? The newsletter might contain the answer.)
Archbishop-elect looks towards a ‘new season’ in Melbourne
“Melbourne’s Archbishop-elect Ric Thorpe wants Anglicans to engage with but also challenge the collective culture on matters that might be controversial both inside and outside the church, including same-sex marriage, gender identity and divorce.
Speaking ahead of his installation, Bishop Thorpe believed his involvement with the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith process taught him what worked well and what didn’t in dealing with differences of view. …”
– This report from The Melbourne Anglican gives observers outside Melbourne some idea of what to expect from the new Archbishop, to be installed next Sunday, 30 November 2025.
Image: Bishop Ric Thorpe at The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication in the United Kingdom.
Renewal at St Alban’s Leura
The Australian Church Record speaks with James Delanty, Rector of St Alban’s Leura, about how God has brought renewal and joy to this historic Blue Mountains parish—and how a vision centred on being “overflowing with joy in Jesus” is shaping both church life and community outreach.
“When I arrived, the church had been without a rector for 18 months and was struggling through the lockdowns. On my first Sunday, there were 18 people meeting every second week, alternating with Zoom. But over time, through preaching God’s word and making the liturgy accessible, we’ve seen remarkable renewal—both in joy and maturity. …”
“For 67 years she served her Lord and his church alongside her husband”
“Mrs Pam Goodhew, the wife of former Archbishop Harry Goodhew, has died of cancer.
Mrs Goodhew, who was 90, passed away on Friday 15th November while in palliative care at Piper House in Dapto. …”
– Russell Powell shares the news at SydneyAnglicans.net.
We join many in thanking the Lord for Pam Goodhew.
Annette Anderson to be Anglican Dean at Nungalinya College, Darwin
“We are delighted to share that Annette Anderson will be taking up the position of Anglican Dean at Nungalinya College from Monday 10 November 2025.
Annette faithfully served as a CMS missionary from 1995 -2006 in both Darwin and Numbulwar and is no stranger to Nungalinya College, having worked there as a valued teacher since 2015. The 11 years she has dedicated to the college has provided Annette with a deep knowledge of the courses, students, and churches they come from.
Annette will serve all the remote Aboriginal Anglican parishes in the Northern Territory, facilitating the next generation of Church Leaders and Lay people to travel to Nungalinya where she will continue to support them during their studies.
Annette is married to Bishop Greg Anderson and has four children.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs Annette Anderson and upholding her in our prayers.”
– From the Diocese of the Northern Territory.
And a good reminder to give thanks for, and to pray for, the ministry of Nungalinya College.
Southern Cross November-December 2025
The latest copy of Southern Cross magazine from the Diocese of Sydney is now available.
If you don’t see a copy in your local church, you can read it online.
State Funeral for John Laws
The State Funeral for John Laws CBE will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday 19th November at 1:30pm.
Good to keep all involved in your prayers.
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected
Here is a media release from the Diocese of Sydney:
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected
The rally staged outside the New South Wales Parliament on Saturday has rightly drawn condemnation from across the community – particularly as it occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom against Germany’s Jewish community.
The black-uniformed protestors, carrying banners with the slogan ‘Abolish the Jewish Lobby,’ were clearly intent on spreading fear and antisemitism.
Authorities must investigate whether Saturday’s neo-Nazi rally in Sydney breached laws against inciting racial hatred.
Christians are defenders of free speech. We prize the freedom to declare ‘the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness into his wonderful light’.
This includes defending the freedom of others to disagree with us, and even to mock the truth we proclaim.
But speech that incites hatred is illegal in New South Wales.
Antisemitism has traded in lies, hate and violence for centuries. When it appears in modern day Australia it must be named, resisted and rejected.
Antisemitism—whether from the far left or far right—has no place in Australian society.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
10 November 2025.
– from SydneyAnglicans.net.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…