Jars of Clay
“Clay speaks the truth that we who are made in the image of God are also made of the dust of the ground. Clay speaks of being in the hands of the master potter who is shaping us to His own ends. It speaks – as it does here – of the homely and ordinary; of the everyday domestic vessels whose myriad shards are scattered across every field in the Middle East.
Why has God made His servants of this clay? The reason is clear: to show that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
– Dean of Armidale, Stephen Williams, delivered this address at the funeral of Bishop Peter Chiswell last week, and Peter’s son Graeme gave the Eulogy.
Northwest Network — December 2013
The latest edition of The Northwest Network is now available – grab a copy to help in praying for the people of the North West (660kb PDF, hosted with permission).
Bishop Peter Chiswell 1934–2013
Bishop Peter Chiswell – Bishop of Armidale from 1976 to 1999 – died in Armidale on Friday.
His funeral is to be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Armidale tomorrow, Thursday 12th December 2013, at 11.00am.
Current Bishop, Rick Lewers, has written this tribute:
“The year I was born, 1958, Peter Chiswell graduated from Moore Theological College in Sydney and was ordained by the Bishop of Armidale, John S. Moyes. Peter’s ministry included appointments in Narrabri, Quirindi, Bingara, and Gunnedah before he was consecrated in Sydney by Archbishop Marcus Loane, then taking his place in Armidale’s St Peter’s Cathedral as Bishop in November, 1976.”
Grafton appointment exposes massive differences in the Anglican Church in Australia
“I wrote last week about the appointment of Rev Dr Sarah Macneil as the new Bishop of Grafton diocese in NSW, Australia. Not only is she due to be Australia’s first female diocesan, but far more troubling she is on the record as holding what many consider to be heterodox views on human sexuality and the atonement. …”
– At his blog, David Ould continues to explore the implications of the election of a new Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton. (Related posts.)
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Statement November 28, 2013
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
The Steering Committee for the Sydney Diocesan response to the Royal Commission on Child Sexual Abuse says a file review of material relating to child abuse complaints stretching back to the 1930’s is almost complete.
“The Committee has commissioned a thorough review of all complaints, notifications and files which are relevant to the Royal Commission. This has been done carefully and has involved reviewing a significant amount of material” said Steering Committee spokesman Dr Robert Tong.
“Some media reports have misrepresented evidence given to the Royal Commission by equating the number of files with complaints or current investigations. Some outlets reported that there were 600 current investigations of complaints. This is not correct.” he said. Read more
Does the Cross save?
At Stand Firm, David Ould asks what the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Grafton believes about salvation – and about what she describes as a “rather mechanistic and grim understanding of atonement” (among other things).
Tasmanian Abortion legislation debate
Bishop of Tasmania John Harrower:
“Today the Members of the Legislative Council are debating the extreme abortion legislation. I wrote the following letter to each Member. Please join me in praying for the legislation’s rejection or significant modification. …”
Grafton elects new Bishop
Dr Sarah Macneil (former Dean of Adelaide and archdeacon in Canberra-Goulburn) has been elected to the Diocese of Grafton – the first woman to be elected as an Australian diocesan bishop.
WA Provincial Council votes against Human Sexuality resolution
“The Anglican Church’s Provincial Council of Western Australia today voted unanimously against adopting the resolution on human sexuality passed by the Synod of the Diocese of Perth in October 2013.”
– Full release via the Diocese of Perth.
What Bugged Me in Church
“Strange things happen in church but to see a cockroach cross the floor of the cathedral can distract attention from the sermon.
My first thoughts were to get up and squash the thing. But what if some bug loving attendee was offended by my callous heel? Where would be the reputation of the Bishop then?
I remained motionless, trying to get my attention back on the sermon but that jolly roach was bugging me. …”
– Bishop of Armidale Rick Lewers and the lesson from a cockroach.
Introducing Bishop Greg
The Diocese of Newcastle website introduces recently-elected diocesan Bishop Greg Thompson to their readership.
North West Australia could opt out of weddings
“The Bishop of North West Australia has warned that if the state or federal governments legalize same-sex marriage, Anglican clergy in his diocese would no longer serve as marriage registrars.
The statement by the Rt. Rev. Gary Nelson follows the decision last month by the Australian Capital Territory to legalize same-sex marriage…”
– George Conger reports for The Church of England Newspaper.
Bathurst Synod this weekend
“The annual meeting of the Synod… of the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst will meet in Bathurst this weekend (November 8-10).
Originally scheduled for September, the meeting had to be postponed to allow preparation of up-to-date financial information following the sale of Orange Anglican Grammar School and Macquarie Anglican Grammar School. The sales were finalised at the end of September.
This will be Bishop Ian Palmer’s first Synod as Bishop of Bathurst, and will involve some difficult decisions as the diocese faces very daunting financial challenges. …”
– from The Diocese of Bathurst.
Our friends in Bathurst would be glad of your prayers. Please pray that the outcome of the decisions made will glorify Christ and that many more in the region will find saving faith in him.
Melbourne focus on mission
The Diocese of Melbourne is working to help parishes be more focussed on their mission.
This report outlines what they’re doing, and the response so far.
Ballarat Synod votes for Women Priests
“The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat has approved the ordination of women priests during its synod held today.
At least two thirds of the approximately 100 people in the synod voted in favour of allowing women to become priests. …”
– from The Ballarat Courier.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…