Please pray for 2026 Ordinands
SydneyAnglicans.net has published a list of those to be ordained next month –
“Please pray for these candidates as they prepare for ordination on February 21, 2026 and for taking up positions at the following parishes …”
Anglican Aid’s 2026 Prayer Diary
Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary for 2026 is now available for download.
Tim Swan, CEO of Anglican Aid, writes,
“Our 2026 Prayer Diary includes 31 days of prayers and prayer points for a range of partners providing emergency aid and relief, ministry training, food security, clean water, education, and more.”
– Read his full letter, and download the Prayer Diary, at Anglican Aid’s website. There’s also an option to request printed copies.
Archbishop of Sydney supports calls for a national inquiry into the Bondi Massacre
Here’s a Media Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney:
Media Statement
“This act of evil … deserves the most thorough investigation and response”
The terrorist attack on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, has produced an outpouring of grief, prayer and support for our fellow Australians in the Jewish community.
This act of evil is an extraordinary event in our history, which has ongoing impacts for all Australians, and therefore deserves the most thorough investigation and response.
Since the attack, the solidarity of communities of faith with the Australian Jewish community has demonstrated our unanimity that all Australians, whatever their faith or cultural background, are entitled to live free from the threat of violence. Our own Christian response is informed by the biblical commands to ‘live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on you’ and to ‘overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:18, 21).
I commend the State and Federal governments for their actions so far, including the announcement of the Richardson Review into the performance of Australia’s federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies. It will be important to identify any gaps or obstacles to the effective discharge of their duties that may exist.
However, we must go further. I urge our national government to acknowledge the voice of those directly impacted – the families of the victims and the survivors of the attack – and to heed their calls for a national inquiry.
The attack at Bondi represents the culmination of a period of rising antisemitism across the nation, including the firebombing of places of worship, education and commerce, as well graffiti attacks, and destruction of property including in residential areas.
Antisemitism, with its long, tragic and unique history is a threat to all Australians because it suggests that one part of the community is less entitled to the safety and respect that should be enjoyed by all and protected by all.
A national inquiry is an appropriate and essential part of a comprehensive response and recognises the singular and ignominious place that this horrific event now holds in our national life. The lives of 15 innocent Australians demand nothing less.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
7 January 2026.
– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net
Image: Archbishop Raffel at the Great Synagogue in Sydney, 18 December 2025.
Christmas morning service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney
Here’s this morning’s service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney. On YouTube.
Or go straight to the Archbishop’s sermon.
The Light of Christmas shines in our darkness — Christmas 2025
From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net, the Archbishop’s Christmas message –
“The Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel says the message of Christmas will be felt more deeply amid the horrific events at Bondi less than two weeks before Christmas.
‘This year, a pall of darkness was cast over Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights,’ the Archbishop said. ‘The attack that brought that darkness targeted the Jewish community — our fellow Australians.’
The Archbishop said it was understandable that people will have mixed feelings approaching Christmas. …”
Also, watch (and share) the video –
and download the Archbishop’s message as a PDF file.
Full text: Read more
Southern Cross December 2025 — January 2026
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 also read it online.
2025 Christmas op-ed from Bishop Mark Calder
Bishop of Bathurst, Mark Calder, has released this Christmas op-ed –
Christmas comes to us after a year marked by news that has been deeply unsettling. Violence close to home, ongoing conflict overseas, and stories that disturb and weary us. Into a world like this, Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that the first Christmas also arrived with shocking news.
Mary, pledged to be married, was found to be pregnant. In first-century Jewish life, this was scandalous and devastating. For Joseph, it meant confusion, fear and a decision that could have ended everything quietly and safely. Yet God intervened. An angel told Joseph that this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Shocking news – but also the most wonderful news imaginable.
For this child was to be given two names, each filled with hope.
First, Jesus—a name that means God saves. Christmas tells us that God does not stand at a distance from human failure and sin. He steps into our world to deal with it. Jesus came to save his people from their sins—to restore what has been broken between us and God, through forgiveness won at the cross.
Second, Immanuel—God with us. Not God far away, but God alongside us. Sharing our world, our pain, our joys and our fears. God who knows what it is to suffer, to be rejected, and yet to love without limit. And by his Spirit, he is still with us today.
So, Christmas proclaims both forgiveness and presence: we can be put right with God, and we are not alone. My prayer this Christmas is that you will know both truths deeply—that you can be forgiven in Christ, and you can know that God is with you, whatever your present circumstances.
Have a joyful Christmas!
Mark
Good to share. Also available as a PDF file.
Photo: Mark and Susan Calder.
“We will not turn away from anti-Semitism in silence”
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel –
“Sydney Anglicans speak with one voice when I say that we abhor anti-Semitism. And we will not turn away from anti-Semitism in silence.”
From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net –
“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has made a passionate gesture, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community as they mourn victims of the Bondi massacre.
The Archbishop represented Sydney Anglicans at an outdoor memorial on Wednesday and then spoke at the Great Synagogue to mark Hanukkah and mourning for massacre victims.
Archbishop Raffel’s speech ended with him singing a Hebrew blessing as the congregation joined in. …”
– Read the full report – along with the Archbishop’s full remarks – here.
Updated with video, courtesy of Russell Powell —
Top image: Screenshot from the video posted by SydneyAnglicans.net.
Christmas Message from Bishop Mark Short
Bishop of the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn (and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia) Bishop Mark Short has today released his Christmas message –
Living in an area of LED lightbulbs and powerful searchlights it is easy for us to miss how fragile and vulnerable light sources were in the ancient world. A candle could be snuffed out, a torch could be extinguished by the wind, an oil lamp made of clay could be dropped
and smashed.It’s one reason why the Jewish story of Hanukkah – the account of a supply of olive oil sufficient for one day which miraculously lit the re-dedicated temple for eight days – resonates so profoundly with members of that community.
Perhaps because of this fragility the ancients were also aware of the power of light. Light protected you from danger, it guided your way and strengthened your hope.
This combination of apparent fragility and profound strength is evident in the first Chapter of John’s Gospel. John meditates on the events of Christmas. In Jesus the true light, which gives light to everyone, comes into the world (verse 9). Yet that same world does not recognise Him for who He is (verse 10). But to all who do recognise and receive Him, there is the power to become God’s children (verse 12). “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” (verse 5).
Here is the wonder of Christmas: the vulnerable baby lying in the feed-trough is also God’s eternal Word. This Word is powerful enough to hold together the entire universe; strong enough to still a raging storm, mighty enough to defeat sin and death forever.
Where do we find the strength to confront the kind of evil that was unleashed on Bondi Beach the evening of Sunday December 14? Perhaps where we least expect to do so; in the light of the world, whose apparent weakness is strong enough to give life and hope and a future to all who believe in Him. Even now He commissions His followers to bring that same light to their world by mourning with those who mourn and by making peace (see Matthew 5:1-16).
– Download Bishop Short’s message as a PDF file suitable for printing or sharing.
Diamond Jubilee in Kununurra
From the Diocese of North West Australia:
“St James’ Anglican Church Kununurra recently celebrated 60 years of God’s faithfulness.
Rector Daniel Faricy said it was a joy to celebrate that God has been at work, establishing and equipping believers, through the Anglican Church, for six decades in Kununurra.
The ministry has been sustained through a partnership with Bush Church Aid. St James’ is the longest continuing BCA-supported ministry in Australia, with Coober Pedy running a close second.
About 90 people attended the service which was followed by a potluck lunch and celebratory cake.
St James’ is also preparing to farewell the Faricy family, as Daniel will take up the role of Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral Rockhampton in the Diocese of Central Queensland from 2026.
Please pray for the Faricy family as they finish up and begin a new ministry, and for God to raise up a new minister to serve in Kununurra.”
– Source.
Mourning with those who mourn
“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has laid flowers at the scene of the Bondi massacre as Sydney Anglicans express sorrow at the death of 15 people and injuries to 25 others in a terrorist attack at a Hanukkah festival. .…
Churches have been urged to hold one minute’s silence on Sunday for the victims of the massacre. …
Archbishop Raffel will join faith leaders at 7:15pm on Wednesday night on the forecourt in front of St Mary’s Cathedral. The Prime Minister and Premier will be speaking at the memorial gathering. The public is invited.”
– Russell Powell has the story at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Image: Seven News via SydneyAnglicans.net.
Archbishop of Sydney Statement on the Bondi terrorist attack
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
We have been shocked and sickened by the horrific terrorist attack on Sydney’s Jewish community last night at Bondi Beach.
We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred.
We pray to the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion, for the safety and protection of the Jewish community. We pray for those grieving the tragic loss of loved ones, those injured or traumatised, for the police and medical workers, and for our government and security agencies as they respond.
We pray for the peace, safety and recovery of the community in Bondi and more widely across Sydney.
We give thanks for the many people who offered help to those around them, including Ahmed al Ahmed who bravely confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen.
During this Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and as Christians anticipate the celebration of Christmas, we give thanks that Jesus, a Jewish man, came into our world of sorrow and sin, to bring the light of life, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
15 December 2025.
— Media statement from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel.
See also the Archbishop’s video version of his statement.
These prayers have been written for anyone who wishes to use them – PDF file.
Earlier related posts:
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s statement on antisemitism — 13 October 2023.
“In recent days we have witnessed repugnant expressions of antisemitism in Sydney which have appalled most Australians and heightened fears among the Jewish community. …”
Action on anti-semitism – SydneyAnglicans, 21 January 2025.
“Any attack on a place of worship is an attack on the principles of freedom of religion, association and conscience, which are foundational for our multicultural and cohesive community,” the Archbishop said in his fourth public statement since the crisis began.
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 10 November 2025.
“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. …”
Threats “will be repudiated by all Australians of goodwill” – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 05 March 2025.
“The threat of a mass shooting against a Western Sydney mosque is abhorrent and distressing, especially as it references the horrific attack in Christchurch that resulted in the murder of 51 people. …”
Further antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 13 January 2025.
“For the second time in two months, I am taking the step of expressing the dismay of many Sydneysiders at grotesque acts of antisemitism in our city. …”
Antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 11 December 2024.
“The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage.…”
Protest action in Sydney Square – Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 30 September 2024.
“It is a long-standing principle that protests around the precincts of St Andrew’s Cathedral, which flow into Sydney Square and the Town Hall, are not supported in any way by the Diocese of Sydney. …”
Prayer for Israel – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 08 October 2023.
“Sydney Anglicans have been shocked and distressed to hear of the attacks on the Jewish people and the State of Israel that have taken place over the last 24 hours. …”
And a reminder to pray for those in authority:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV.
Bondi pastoral note from the Bishop of Bathurst
Bishop of the Diocese of Bathurst Mark Calder has released this pastoral note this morning, in text and on video.
“In moments like this, we are reminded of the radically upside-down nature of the Christian faith. Our leader — our King — urges us to love our enemies, not to kill them. Our Lord laid down his life for his enemies. Our Lord forgave those who drove in the nails.”
“Dear friends across Diocese,
What we’ve been hearing about has disturbed our hearts deeply.
Many of us don’t even know how to process it. I know for myself that I turned the TV off last night — not out of denial, but as an act of self-protection.
What has happened is not only tragic; it is outrageous. Anger is an appropriate response when something like this occurs on our shores — reflecting ancient conflicts between peoples whose origins are far away from here. We don’t want this here. We don’t want it anywhere, of course. And yet we find ourselves asking: why bring it here? Don’t people come to Australia to escape such things?
In moments like this, we are reminded of the radically upside-down nature of the Christian faith. Our leader — our King — urges us to love our enemies, not to kill them.
Our Lord laid down his life for his enemies.
Our Lord forgave those who drove in the nails.
And our Lord will one day return to bring justice, and his righteous rule will last forever.
This is what Advent is about. It is designed to lift our eyes from the muck of this world to the coming — the Advent — of our King, who will right all wrongs and rid the world of evil and death. Come, Lord Jesus.
But what are we meant to do about this today?
Teachers and children still have to get up and go to school. Retailers will open their stores. Accountants will pore over the books. Farmers will be out and about — some still finishing harvest.
Life goes on, even when our hearts are heavy.
The only way we can deal with this is:
• to cast all our cares on him who cares for us
• to admit that there is much in this world we will never understand
• to turn to the Lord who is close to the broken-hearted, who saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34)
• and to pray.
We pray for those being treated in hospital — for healing and comfort.
We pray for the families of those who have died — for comfort in their distress.
We pray for the many witnesses to what has happened, who may be traumatised for a long time to come, and for police and paramedics who are stretched and under great strain — that they may receive the care and help they need.
We pray for members of the Jewish community, who may be living on edge — for protection, reassurance, and hope.
And yes, we pray even for the perpetrators and those who stand with them — that they may bow the knee to Jesus, who loves his enemies.
Above all, we turn our eyes to Jesus — the true light of the world — who alone can bring light into this darkness.
The message of Advent, and then of Christmas, is the message of Jesus coming to deal with evil and to bring righteousness. That is the only reason that, even in the midst of today’s darkness, we can still be people of hope and expectation.
God bless and comfort you today.
May God draw you to himself and remind you of his love.
May the Lord grant you that peace which passes understanding.
Mark Calder, Bishop.”
A nation in shock
“Just minutes before, they had prayed for the Jewish community at the start of Chanukah, then, as the congregation of Bondi Anglican Church was leaving, they heard shots ringing out at the beach nearby.
‘A whole crowd of people ran past our church building which goes down to the beach, very close to where the violence occurred,’ said Bondi’s senior minister Martin Morgan. ‘So as we were leaving the church we saw people running past and we came back into the church building. Two or three of our church members who are in the crowd saw what had happened.’ …”
– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has this report and video from Martin Morgan, Rector of the parish of Bondi.
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.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…