‘Tamworth’s Anglican Ministers take marriage equality concerns to Barnaby Joyce’
“A group of Anglican church leaders from Tamworth have used a meeting with New England MP Barnaby Joyce to call for a balanced debate on same sex marriage…”
– Report from and audio ABC New England.
Rod Chiswell from St. Peter’s South Tamworth was interviewed – worth listening. (Photo: Barnaby Joyce Facebook.)
Bishop John Harrower reflects on 15 years in Tasmania
The Diocese of Tasmania is preparing to elect a new Bishop on 27-28 November. Nominations closed on Friday.
Last month, in an interview with Dean of Hobart, Richard Humphrey, Bishop John Harrower reflected on his 15 years as Missionary Bishop of the diocese.
Related:
A prayer of thanks – Bishop John’s blog.
My intention to retire – Bishop John’s blog.
“Following much prayer and consultation with family, senior colleagues and close friends, I believe God is leading me to draw my ministry as the 11th Bishop of Tasmania to a close mid-September.”
Please pray for the churches of Tasmania as the election synod draws near.
Perth consecration
From The Book of Common Prayer, 1662, Consecration of Bishops: The Archbishop is to ask the candidate,
“Be you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God’s Word; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others the same?”
(page 591, Cambridge pocket edition.)
David Ould publishes some excerpts from a recent consecration at St. George’s Cathedral in Perth.
Newcastle diocese committed to changing ‘culture of fear’
“Newcastle’s Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson says he is preparing for the harsh realities that a royal commission probe into the diocese may bring…”
– report from ABC News. (Image from Bishop Thompson’s earlier apology.)
Canberra & Goulburn: Pastoral Letter concerning the Redefinition of Marriage
Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, wrote to members of his diocesan Synod in a pastoral letter yesterday:
“At our Synod in September, I am already aware that people will want to discuss either the rights and wrongs of homosexuality or the merits and problems of same-sex marriage. It is important for us to remember that there are already some limits around what such discussion can and cannot achieve, because…”
Bishop’s Vision for the Diocese of The Murray
“Before the motion was passed unanimously, Bishop Ford spoke on how his vision for the Diocese may be considered.
He believed the Diocese had too many buildings and that in many small communities, it may be more effective if a group of believers met around a table to pray, study and learn…
Bishop Ford believed communication was another important area to be looked at over the next year. He thought many of our church signs were ‘appalling’, adding that it was no wonder that other people found it difficult to join us when we met in secret…”
– The Winter 2015 edition of The Murray Anglican (PDF file) reports on Bishop John Ford’s vision for the Diocese of The Murray, endorsed at their Synod in May.
Matt Brain consecrated Assistant Bishop in Canberra & Goulburn
“Although the winter chill had settled on Goulburn, the congregation in St Saviour’s Cathedral received Dr Matt Brain warmly as bishop following his consecration on Saturday 13 June 2015.
Dr Brain was consecrated as the new Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn with responsibilities for training and development, making him of the nation’s most youthful bishops…
The Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Revd Dr Glenn Davies, led the consecration service while Dr Brain’s father, the Rt Revd Peter Brain and former Bishop of Armidale, delivered the sermon.”
– Report from the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn.
Anglican church failed abuse victims: Bishop of Newcastle
“In an emotional media conference at Lambton on Wednesday, Bishop Greg Thompson conceded that the church had failed abuse victims…”
– Report from The Newcastle Herald.
See also: newcastleanglicanhealthyfuture.com
Praying for those who serve those who serve
The 2015 Defence Anglicans Prayer Diary is now up on their website.
Use it to help you uphold in prayer those who minister to members of the Australian Defence Force.
Northwest Network June 2015
The Diocese of North West Australia has issued their latest newsletter. Check it out – and pray for the churches of the North West – 900kb PDF file.
Newcastle Bishopscourt sold
“The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has sold Bishopscourt on The Hill to a local purchaser…” – report from Property Observer.
Praying for Nungalinya College
Nungalinya, the Combined Churches Training College for Indigenous Australians in Darwin, has posted their 2014 Annual Report online.
Grab the 3.6MB PDF file here. Fuel for prayer.
Stories you may have missed — 23 May 2015
Here are a few stories you may have missed:
Dr Stuart Piggin spoke on revival in rural Australia at a conference at Goulburn Cathedral. (Link to audio.)
Anglican Priests ‘beaten to stupor’ by agents of the state government in Enugu State, Nigeria, over a land dispute.
Canon Phil Ashey of the American Anglican Council remembers growing up at St. James’ Newport Beach in California and reflects on reports the site is to be sold for $15 million.
Christians flee Aleppo in their thousands after fresh fighting in Syria, and Iraq’s Christians wonder where to flee after Islamic State militants take Ramadi city – reports from Barnabas Fund.
Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower, announces intention to retire
From Bishop Harrower’s blog –
“Today, I have communicated the following to the Diocese of Tasmania. I ask for your prayers for our Anglican Family of Tasmania as we bring a season of leadership to a close and toward a new season. Read more
New Assistant Bishop for Canberra & Goulburn
News from Canberra & Goulburn Diocese –
“Archdeacon Dr Matt Brain was appointed as a new Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn following a meeting of Bishop in Council earlier today…”
And “Assistant Bishop Trevor Edwards will become the bishop responsible for the development of ministry in the Diocese’s western and coastal regions following a meeting of Bishop in Council today…”
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…