An open letter to the Archbishop of Brisbane

In response to Archbishop Phillip Aspinall’s Address to the Brisbane Synod on 25th June 2022, The Rev. Peter Judge-Mears, the Rector of a parish in the diocese, has written an open letter –

“Dear Archbishop Phillip,

I wrestled hard with how I should respond to your Presidential Address last month. I remain grateful for your gracious invitation to address my concerns with you in person. However, I feel that the very public nature of your comments and the impact they have had on our Diocese demand an equally public response. …”

Read the full letter here (PDF file).

It would be good to pray for all involved.

And read Archbishop Aspinall’s Presidential Address here (PDF file).

Photo: Archbishop of Brisbane Phillip Aspinall.

Top Centre 22.2

The latest issue of Top Centre, the magazine of the Diocese of the Northern Territory, is now available from their website.

It serves as a good reminder to pray for the churches and the progress of the gospel in the Northern Territory.

More encouragement from Bathurst Diocese

The Diocese of Bathurst – via its Facebook page – shares encouraging news and food for prayer –

Tim Smith, pictured with Jess and Annie Amelia, at left, and Jonny Lush, pictured with Liz, have been approved for ordination as deacons. The ordination service is planned for December.

“We are currently discerning where they may best serve the Lord in 2023, when 16/28 parishes without clergy will become 14/28!!”

At right: The Rev’d Ben Mackay will be ordained priest in the church of God on Saturday 16th July at 2pm, at St George’s Parkes.

Bishop Mark Calder and BCA National Director Greg Harris on the latest partnership for Bathurst Diocese

Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder and BCA National Director Greg Harris recent spoke about the opportunities to serve the Lord in West Wyalong, Cowra and Cobar – fully funded in partnership with and thanks to the vision and generosity of the Bush Church Aid Society.

Do pray that the right people will be found to serve in those key towns.

(There’s a longer version of the video here.)

The Story of the Kriol Preya Buk (2012 — 2021)

The Diocese of the Northern Territory has published this information page – with a link to an encouraging 4 minute video – about the Kriol Preya Buk which was launched at the diocesan Synod last year.

A great encouragement.

“Anglicans, for hundreds of years, have had a very important principle that Christians should worship God in their own language.” – Bishop Greg Anderson.

Bishop Mark Calder speaks at Moore College on The Good Shepherd, John 10:1-18

Last week Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder preached at Moore College and also shared encouraging updates from across the diocese.

Geraldton Anglican Cathedral to celebrate Diamond Jubilee

Geraldton Anglican Cathedral is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee Friday 22 – Sun 24 July.

“For 60 years this iconic building has been a centre for Christian ministry. People have rejoiced as the good news of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed and we’ve enjoyed warm fellowship together.

Join us to give thanks to God for these blessings and meet up with old friends.”

Details here.

Bishop of Newcastle’s pastoral letter on General Synod 2022

Dr Peter Stuart, Bishop of Newcastle, has this afternoon released this Pastoral Letter at the conclusion of General Synod 2022. (PDF file)

‘Fundamentally awry’: bishops block move to reject same-sex marriage

“A statement from the evangelical Bishop of Tasmania, Richard Condie, said ‘many people were visibly shocked. There were tears and confusion in the room … a number of orthodox bishops are concerned about the implications for our common life and work in the days ahead.’

Straight after the vote, a shocked [Archbishop Kanishka] Raffel said the failure to support the statement left the church in ‘a perilous position, and no-one should be mistaken about that’…”

– The Sydney Morning Herald’s report by Jordan Baker includes these reactions to the failure of the House of Bishops to uphold clear Biblical standards.

Photo: Richard Condie, Bishop of Tasmania.

Increased media interest in the Anglican Church this week

There seems to be quite a bit of media interest in the Anglican Church this week, as well as commentary about that media interest.

Here’s a selection –

The Attack on Sydney Anglicanism – David Robertson at The Australian Presbyterian.

Anglican moderates hit back in same-sex spat – The Australian (subscription)

Australian General Synod opens with Anti-Orthodox Media Campaign – David Ould.

If God is neither male nor female, should we change God’s pronouns? – ABC Religion and Ethics.

Why would you move to Victoria in the middle of a pandemic?

“Why would you move to Victoria in the middle of a pandemic?

Such was the incredulity of our friends basking in the tropical delights of the Northern Territory when we announced we were pulling up stumps and heading south. Indeed, many of our new friends here have asked the same question.

To say it was an interesting start to our new ministry at Christ Church Echuca would be an understatement. …”

– On page 9 of the March 2022 issue of The Spirit monthly from the Diocese of Bendigo, Phil & Leeanne Zamagias share why they moved from Darwin to Echuca.

Women, families and same-sex marriage on the agenda for General Synod

“Gender balance and family violence will be key issues on the agenda at the 18th Anglican General Synod in May, according to agenda documents.

The solemnisation of same sex marriage is also set to be debated by delegates. …

The issue of the blessing of same-sex marriage will also be revisited by delegates at the General Synod.

Two statements with respect to the topic of human sexuality and same-sex marriages were submitted by the Sydney Diocese for discussion on the synod’s first day.”

– Report from The Melbourne Anglican.

General Synod meets from Sunday 8 May to Friday 13 May on the Gold Coast.

Tasmania Celebration with Will Graham — May 2022

From the Diocese of Tasmania –

“The Tasmania Celebration with Will Graham is coming up in Hobart on 21 May and in Launceston from 27-29 May 2022.

Since 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has held Crusades all across the globe for one purpose: to proclaim God’s love to people who need Jesus Christ. Today, Will Graham Celebrations continue this life-changing mission. …”

Livestream for General Synod — for members who are isolating

“The Australian General Synod will be livestreamed for the first time to minimise disruption from COVID-19, allowing delegates to participate in the conference virtually if they are isolating.

Organisers say the decision was a response to the COVID-19 situation, which meant synod delegates might have to isolate at the last minute, possibly even going into isolation during the conference.

A seminar-style livestream will also be available to some people who would normally view the conference but not participate. …

General Synod will run from Sunday 8 May to Friday 13 May.”

– Story from The Melbourne Anglican.

“Easter in a minute” – from the Bishop of Bathurst

Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder has released this one-minute Easter message for 2022.

Watch and share widely.

Also, Bishop Calder has posted several Easter service and sermon videos. If you’re unable to get to church this Easter, you’ll find them a great encouragement.

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