Same-Gender blessings: NZ General Synod votes
The Anglican Church of New Zealand claims it upholds “the traditional doctrine of marriage”… by moving to bless same-gender relationships —
“General Synod today passed a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-gender relationships – while upholding the traditional doctrine of marriage.
It will appoint a working group to report to the 2016 General Synod on “a process and structure” that would allow those clergy who wish to bless same-gender relationships – using a yet-to-be developed liturgy – to do so. …
Synod has therefore upheld the traditional doctrine of marriage – but also moved to find ways to respond to committed relationships between two people, regardless of gender. In effect, it has also established a four-year timeline for change to take effect…”
See also The Archbishops’ Pastoral Letter:
“the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia is both affirming the traditional doctrine of marriage, exploring the recognition of those presently in life-long monogamous same-gender relationships, and seeking a process and structure to enable the possibility of a rite for blessing life-long monogamous same-gender relationships for those who wish to offer this rite.
We also are apologising unreservedly to the LGBT community where the church has not acted in a loving way.”
New Zealand: Ma Whea? debate to continue into third day
“General Synod continues wrestling with the questions about same-sex ordination and blessing. But there are signs that the debate is drawing to a conclusion.
A nine-person working party is working on a draft proposal, which will be brought before the whole synod to consider tomorrow, with a vote to follow. …”
– Report on the New Zealand General Synod’s deliberations from Anglican Taonga.
Oz and NZ News 11 May 2014
Here are a few items from around Australia and New Zealand…
- Anglican News, the newspaper of the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn – May 2014, PDF.
- Keep Good Friday a holy day and holiday – Bishop Philip Huggins in Melbourne.
- The Diocese of Willochra, Bishop John Stead’s Synod address 2014 – PDF.
- NZ General Synod – Archbishop’s charge to be given over three days.
- Anglican hierarchy urged to approve same sex marriage – TVNZ – and video report.
New National Coordinator for Church Army
Here’s a press release from The Church Army:
The Board of Church Army in Australia is pleased to announce that Conrad Parsons has been appointed to the new role of National Coordinator.
Making the announcement, Ian Freestone, Chairman of the Board said, “we are very excited in this new season Church Army is in and believe Conrad is the perfect fit in our task of growing a network of evangelists across Australia.
The mission of Church Army is to honour and encourage evangelists across Australia in their work of making disciples. Church Army has recently undergone an overhaul of its strategic plan and the Board sees the appointment of a national coordinator as a key part of this new chapter.
“The work of the evangelist is an often misunderstood and undervalued gift to the Church and its mission. Our hope in implementing our strategic plan is to see over 300 evangelists networked together in dynamic and empowering relationships. Conrad comes to us with a wealth of experience as an evangelist, Christian leader and effective networker,” said Freestone.
Conrad Parson’s appointment will begin as three days a week beginning on May 1, 2014 whilst continuing to also serve part-time in his role as Pacific Regional Director for Youth for Christ International.
Photo: Church Army.
Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about Moore Theological College
Moore Theological College recently interviewed Archbishop Glenn Davies about his thoughts on the College.
You could use these videos in home groups or in churches to encourage the study of God’s word and the support of the College.
See the videos here –
1. The Archbishop of Sydney and Moore College (3’33”)
Dr. Davies speaks his about his long-standing connection with the College, his training at Moore, his long association and his new role as the President of the Governing Board.
2. Moore’s Unique Role in the Diocesan Mission (4’52”)
Glenn considers the unique place of Moore in the mission of the Diocese of Sydney.
“…Moore College is essential for continuing the work of teaching the Bible. We can never take the teaching of the Bible for granted.”
3. Moore College: Serving the World (4:03).
The Archbishop talks about the College’s three ministry Centres, about engaging with churches and training people of other denominations for gospel work. Lastly he encourages us to pray continually for the College’s students and faculty.
Background info at the College website.
Northwest Network, May 2014
The latest issue of Northwest Network, the newsletter of the Diocese of North West Australia, is now out. You can download it here as a 1.9MB PDF file.
It’s a good way to keep in touch with – and to pray for – the churches of the North West.
Moore College Open Night — 5th May 2014
“An informal night to come along and check out the College and find out for yourself what Moore is all about.”
– Details from the MTC website.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for Easter Sunday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests at the Easter Sunday service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney yesterday. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife, Margie, were also present.
The service was a carefully planned reminder of the wonder of the cross and resurrection. It was as normal an Easter Sunday service as possible, given the circumstances, with the regular congregational members of the Cathedral in attendance.
The Cathedral Kids sang Colin Buchanan’s ‘He died upon the Cross’ and a long-serving choir member was farewelled.
The Cathedral was full, and Sydney Square was packed with people vying to get a glimpse of the couple.
The Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen, led the service. Archbishop Glenn Davies preached on the resurrection of Lazarus and how it differs from the resurrection of Jesus.
All the elements of the gathering worked together so that the importance and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection were clearly proclaimed.
Both couples, the Duke and Duchess and the Prime Minister and his wife, engaged fully in the service and appeared to appreciate the occasion.
In addition, the service was a major test for the Cathedral’s new sound system, which performed brilliantly.
Photo: Ramon Wiliams.
Story and photos at SydneyAnglicans.net, The Herald Sun (with a very nice News Corp photo) and Eternity Newspaper.
New Bishop for Rockhampton
The Rev. David Robinson (pictured here with his wife, Jan) has been elected the twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Rockhampton. He is presently Ministry Formation Coordinator at St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra.
News from Canberra & Goulburn.
Duke and Duchess to sign Australia’s first Bible on Easter Sunday
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are attending church this Easter, joining the congregation at Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral.
The royal couple will sign the First Fleet Bible and Prayer Book as they leave the church on Easter Day. The books were originally the personal Bible and prayer book of Australia’s first chaplain, Richard Johnson…”
– Story from Eternity Newspaper.
Archbishop Glenn Davies’ Easter Message 2014
Click here for the full text and PDF download. Read more
Easter messages from Around Oz — 2014
We’ll add Easter messages from around Australia as we spot them. Please pray that Christian leaders will speak clearly of Christ and the hope he offers.
Paul writes: “pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ… that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” – Colossians 4:3-4.
Canberra & Goulburn – Bishop Stuart Robinson:
Text: “On Good Friday, Jesus took our worst so that on Easter morning we could be reconciled with him…”
Plus a video message.
Newcastle – Bishop Greg Thompson:
“The dying and rising of Jesus provides us with an overarching vision for working for justice in our country…”
Melbourne – Archbishop Philip Freier:
“The crucifixion was God’s great act of solidarity with all those who suffer…”
Tasmania – Bishop John Harrower:
“It is a great comfort to know that there is victory over death. Therefore we can live with the complexities and cruelties of life in the sure hope of eternal life…”
Professor Ian Harper writes for The Australian Financial Review –
“There’s nothing like the death of a close friend to remind you of what really matters. Last week, on successive days, I attended the funerals of an old friend and a young colleague, and gave the eulogy at one of them. Death seems so final; such a full stop at the end of life’s sentence…”
Sydney – Archbishop Glenn Davies:
“…only Jesus can perform the heart operation that brings eternal life, for only he has conquered death on the Cross, once and for all.”
Remembering Archbishop Marcus Loane
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the death of Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney from 1966 to 1982 and Primate of Australian 1979 to 1982. (Thanks to Greg Blaxland for the reminder.)
Perhaps it’s a good time to pause to give thanks for him and his legacy in Sydney and beyond.
Here are a few articles from the archives –
- Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen – 14 April 2009
- Dean Phillip Jensen’s tribute – 17 April 2009.
- Archbishop Marcus Loane photo gallery.
- Remembering with gratitude Sir Marcus Loane, on the Centenary of his birth – 14 October 2011.
- Sydney Synod gives thanks for Marcus Loane – 18 October 2011.
- The Marcus I Knew and Loved – an appreciation by Greg Blaxland.
‘Australia’s Anglican Archbishops express ‘profound disquiet’ about children held in detention this Easter’
Here’s a media release issued this afternoon –
The Anglican Archbishops in Australia will commence Holy Week with a call for more humane treatment of refugees, particularly children in detention.
The Archbishops have released the following statement deploring the fact that recent figures suggest that around a thousand children will spend Easter in Australian sponsored detention.
“As leaders of the Anglican Church of Australia we wish to put on record our profound disquiet that at the end of February this year there were more than 950 children in detention facilities and alternative places of detention in Australia, and a further 177 children in offshore detention in Nauru. The average time people spend in detention is more than eight months. …”
The Day Death Died — Cathedral Easter Convention 2014
This year’s Easter Convention at the Cathedral is a very worthwhile way to spend Good Friday afternoon.
Phillip Jensen and Mark Thompson are the speakers. Good Friday, 2:00 – 5:00pm. Early Bird Rate $15. ($20 after 13th April.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…