‘Newcastle Anglican Bishop … concerns about a breakaway conservative movement’
“Fractures in the Australian Anglican Church on the issue of gay clergy are set to boil over at a national meeting of bishops in early March, prompting Newcastle Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson to miss the event and accuse Sydney diocese of leading a breakaway conservative movement.
The emergence of a ‘para Anglican Communion’” was underway, Bishop Thompson said in a letter to Anglican Primate Archbishop Philip Freier in December, in which he declined to attend the annual bishops conference in South Australia from March 6 because it would give the impression of a united church that conflicted with reality.
He accused Sydney diocese of demanding other dioceses sign up to Anglican protocols on homosexuality, or Sydney would not attend any further national bishops’ conferences…”
– Story from The Newcastle Herald via SydneyAnglicans.net.
At his blog, David Ould shares some thoughts on the article.
Update: Newcastle Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson “could not simply stand by” as Sydney diocese acted against two bishops – The Newcastle Herald.
Same-sex marriage activist returns to Wangaratta Diocese church
“In yet another move in the Diocese of Wangaratta to push forward the Same-Sex Marriage agenda … the outspoken Archdeacon Peter Macleod-Miller has invited prominent campaigner Rodney Croome to speak at St Matthew’s Albury as part of their Easter and Lent 2016 lecture series. Last year’s lecture was part of the 9am Eucharist service…”
– David Ould has the story.
Nungalinya College vacancies
Nungalinya College in Darwin is seeking to fill three vacancies. Perhaps you know (or are) the right person for one of them.
Either way, we are sure the College would be glad of your prayers. Details here.
Bishop of Bathurst ‘reflects on a year of challenges and opportunities’
“By any measure we might regard 2015 as a challenging year for our Diocese.
It began with terminating the employment of four people in order that we might meet our budget. I then moved to Dubbo becoming a part-time Bishop and part-time Rector, as the Endowment of the See could no longer afford to pay me.
In April the matters relating to the Diocesan loans and the CBA began to be heard in the Supreme Court, a hearing that lasted 36 days! Then the Judgement was handed down early in December.
Pour into the mix my heart attack and significant dental surgery later in the year, and we might be forgiven for wanting the year to close!…”
– Bishop of Bathurst Ian Palmer reflects on a difficult year. It’s a good reminder to pray for Christian witness in the Central West.
Bishop Greg Anderson’s Christmas message
Bishop of The Northern Territory, Greg Anderson, has released his Christmas message – read it on the NT website.
Archbishop of Melbourne’s Christmas message 2015
Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier’s Christmas message for 2015 has been released. His focus is on the ‘humanness’ of Christ’s incarnation, and ‘Jesus’ way of peace’.
You can watch it here.
Hearing both Sides of the Argument
“In a nation where all things in politics seem possible, some things still amaze me – or perhaps the word should be ‘stagger’ me.
It is always dangerous for a man of the cloth to make political comment. While I appreciate the separation of church and state, that does not exclude the church and the sum of its members from entering national debate. So as a citizen of this great country, who happens to be a Bishop of the Anglican Church, I write.
Occasionally, the foolish thoughts of politicians expressed in emotive and seemingly protective and manipulative rhetoric should be exposed. …”
– Bishop of Armidale, Rick Lewers, responds to reported comments by the Leader of the Opposition about a plebiscite on same-sex marriage.
Christmas message: Canberra & Goulburn
The Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, has released his Christmas message.
“Christmas can appear fragile or even shallow in a world filled with hatred, violence and ideology. The tinsel, trees and tinned puddings of Christmas can seem like weak and trifling distractions in a world filled with pain, hopelessness and despair…”
– Read it here.
December 2015 Northwest Network
The December 2015 edition of Northwest Network – from the Diocese of North West Australia – is now out.
Download your copy (850kb PDF) and use it to prompt you to pray for the people of the North West, that Christ might be glorified.
Diocese of Bathurst — Court Judgment
The Judgment in the Supreme Court case, involving the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst, has been released.
We can be sure that all involved in the Diocese of Bathurst would value your prayers as they consider their options.
See also:
“Anglican Diocese of Bathurst liable for $40 million Commonwealth Bank loan: court” – The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The Anglican Diocese of Bathurst is liable for a $40 million loan from the Commonwealth Bank and may have to sell property including schools, churches and other land and buildings to meet its outstanding debt.”
Richard Condie Bishop-elect of Tasmania
“The election board of the Diocese of Tasmania has just elected the Ven. Dr. Richard Condie, currently vicar of St Jude’s Carlton and Archdeacon in Melbourne, as its next bishop…”
– David Ould has the news. (Richard is Chairman of FCA Australia.)
Here’s the Media Release from the Diocese of Tasmania. (PDF)
And here’s a letter from Richard to the churches of the diocese. (PDF)
Photo: SydneyAnglicans.net
Newcastle Synod 2015
The Second Session of the Fifty-First Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle was held the weekend before last. Bishop Greg Thompson’s Synod Charge has been published on the diocesan website (PDF file). Photos here.
‘I was abused by clergy’: Bishop of Newcastle tells of abuse
“Anglican bishop Greg Thompson has spoken about being groomed by an Anglican bishop and senior clergyman in the 1970s and later sexually abused, after an historic diocese apology on Sunday for the ‘shameful’ treatment of abuse survivors in the past…”
– from The Sydney Morning Herald.
See also: Anglican bishop leading charge against child sexual abuse says he too was a victim – ABC News.
(Photo: In June 2015 Bishop Thompson apologised on behalf of the Diocese of Newcastle to all who have experienced abuse.)
Bathurst Synod reflects on a year of change
“Bishop Ian Palmer’s Presidential Address to the annual Synod of Bathurst Diocese recalled a year of significant changes in many areas of diocesan life.
The first session of the 48th Synod of the Diocese met in Bathurst on the weekend of September 18-20…”
– It’s been another difficult year for the Bathurst Diocese, with the sale of the Bathurst Goldfields property on Mount Panorama, retrenchments in the diocesan office and the move of the Bishop to Dubbo – as well as the matters still before the Supreme Court of NSW.
Please pray that Christ would be known and loved across the Central West, through the preaching of his saving gospel.
Sydney Synod “grieved” by actions of Bishops of Gippsland and Wangaratta
“Wednesday night’s [Sydney] synod ended with the passing of a robust motion responding to the actions of Bishop Kay Goldsworthy and Bishop John Parkes in undermining the Biblical doctrine of marriage and human sexuality.
The final motion, which was passed overwhelmingly, reads as follows…”
– Read the full text as posted by David Ould.
See also page 5 of the September 2015 edition of The Gippsland Anglican (PDF file).
(Image credits – Photo of Bishop John Parkes: Diocese of Wangaratta. Photo of the Rev. David Head and Bishop Kay Goldsworthy: Diocese of Gippsland.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…