New Principal for George Whitfield College

“The directors of George Whitfield College, which trains leaders for ministry across Africa, have unanimously elected Rev Mark Dickson to succeed Dr David Seccombe as principal.

Dr Seccombe has been Principal of the South African theological college since 1993. He is also an Affiliate Professor of New Testament at North-West University at Potchefstroom. He was formerly rector of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Shenton Park, in Perth.

Mark Dickson (pictured) is currently Vice-Principal of GWC and holds the C.S. Lewis Lectureship in Christian Thought.

He has been engaged in Phd studies and has special expertise in the area of science and Christianity, also holding a Bachelor of Science.

He previously served as the senior minister of St Matthews Church in Table View, (Cape Town) for 17 years. The appointment will take effect from 1 January 2013.”

– Report by Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net. (Dr D B Knox was the founding Principal of George Whitfield College.)

Changes coming at Bethlehem Baptist

Justin Taylor has the info on plans for change at Bethlehem Baptist Church –

“Tonight the elders at Bethlehem Baptist Church  unanimously voted to present Jason Meyer as their candidate to succeed John Piper, pending congregational approval.”

– Read it here.

Memorial Service for Professor Patrick Collinson

There will be a Memorial Service for Prof. Patrick Collinson, C.B.E. (1929–2011) in Cambridge on Saturday 10th March. A number of Sydney folk would have been taught Reformation history by him when he was at Sydney University 1969-75. He died last September. Obituary in The Guardian, and tribute at Trinity College website.

No second casino for Sydney, say churches

Here’s a media release from the NSW Council of Churches:

The President of the NSW Council of Churches, Revd Dr Ross Clifford, has commended NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell on his measured approach to pressure for a second casino license for Sydney, and reiterated a call for an inquiry into the social implications of gambling in NSW.  Read more

Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2012 and the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012

From the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs:

“The Committee encourages all interested parties to participate in the following survey on the two Marriage Bills. … the closing date for responses is 20 April 2012.”

The battle for accurate Bible translation in Asia

“At least a dozen Turkish pastors, as well as some whole churches… have signed a petition condemning a new Turkish translation of Matthew…”

– WorldMag has an article about Insider movements and the challenges for Bible translators. Food for prayer.

Related:
A World of Riches – Reformation21.
In Pursuit of a Faithful Witness – Reformation21.
Should We Drop “Son of God” in Bible Translations for the Sake of Reaching Muslims? – Thabiti Anyabwile.

Position vacant: Lecturer in Biblical Studies

You’d have to subscribe to the doctrinal standards of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, but if you do, you might be just the person they are looking for.

Pennsylvania prepares for same-gender blessings

“The Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, in preparation for General Convention 2012, invites you to explore Proposed Rites for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships, on Tuesday, February 21, 2012…”

– Source.

New album from Mark Peterson

Mark Peterson’s fourth solo album, “In the Name of Love”, is due out next week.

Read about it here.

Stories you may have missed

Here are some recent stories / commentary from around the web you may have missed –

Bishop accused of incitement to hatred in homily

“A homily delivered at Knock shrine by the Bishop of Raphoe, Philip Boyce, is being investigated by the Director of Public Prosecutions following a formal complaint by a leading humanist who claims the sermon was an incitement to hatred…”

Bath Christian group’s ‘God can heal’ adverts banned

“A Christian group has been banned from claiming that God can heal illnesses on its website and in leaflets…”

Bishop takes up Catholic Church’s fight with White House over health insurance

“Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse… [Robert] Cunningham said the Syracuse Diocese would defy the federal government — refusing to comply with a mandate that all employers, including church-affiliated organizations, include coverage for birth control in their health insurance plans…”

The President, the Pill, and Religious Liberty in Peril – Albert Mohler

“In actuality, the Obama Administration trampled religious liberty under the feet of the leviathan state, forcing religious employers to do what conscience will not allow. Religious organizations such as schools, colleges, and hospitals will be required to pay for services that they believe to be immoral and disobedient to God…”

The Liberal Enforcers – Mark Steyn

“Modern “liberalism” is strikingly illiberal; the high priests of “tolerance” are increasingly intolerant of even the mildest dissent; and those who profess to “celebrate diversity” coerce ever more ruthlessly a narrow homogeneity. Thus, the Obama administration’s insistence that Catholic institutions must be compelled to provide free contraception, sterilization, and abortifacients…”

Qld Civil partnerships to start next month

“Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser announced yesterday the Governor had approved the state’s Civil Partnership Act to start from February 23. With a 10-day waiting period, the first ceremonies could take place on March 5.”

Ordination reflects “New Sydney”

“In one of the most diverse groups in many years, candidates from IT specialists to a concert pianist, have been ordained for ministry in the Diocese of Sydney. 36 candidates were presented at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Saturday, 4th February, to be ordained as deacons by the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen…”

 

Prayer reminder from North West Australia

Members of the Diocese of North West Australia seek prayer for “humility, faithfulness and wisdom” for the DNWA Election Synod later this month.

They will meet in Geraldton to elect a new Bishop on 10th-12th February.

Moore College approved as Self-Accrediting Institution

Moore College has been approved as a self-accrediting institution, which is great news. In announcing it, the considerable work of Alan Höhne in achieving this status is acknowledged. Read more here.

The 2011 Highlights in Church Legal News

AS Haley, the Anglican Curmudgeon, has posted his 2011 Highlights (or perhaps lowlights) in Church Legal News –

“This blog’s principal focus is tracking the vicissitudes and adventures of the Episcopal Church (USA) in the secular courts, as it engages in an unprecedented campaign of ‘intimidation by lawsuit’ against the dioceses and parishes who have reached the limits of their tolerance with the national Church’s leadership in general, and with its individual bishops in particular. For – make no mistake – it is the collected bishops of the Episcopal Church who are enabling the Presiding Bishop and her personal Chancellor to bring more than seventy-five separate lawsuits across the country…”

– Read it all here.

New book on the way from David Peterson

‘Transformed by God’ – Something to look forward to in April 2012.

Related: Transformed by God: David Peterson interviewed at Oak Hill.

Tewantin Community Gathering of Care and Support

It would be good to uphold in your prayers Mark Calder and the Anglican Church at Noosa as they seek to help their local community after yesterday’s tragic fire.

(Update: audio and the hand out from the meeting has been posted here.)

← Previous Page — Next Page →