No change of policy for Sydney
“The archbishop-elect of Sydney, the Rt. Rev. Glenn Davies will not authorize diaconal administration of Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper.
In response to a query from Anglican Ink, on 13 August 2013 Dr. Davies stated “As Archbishop, I am not intending to change the policy of my predecessor, i.e. that presidency by deacons or lay leaders could not be authorised by a General Synod canon.’”
– from George Conger at Anglican Ink.
New Archbishop in media on mission
“The Archbishop-elect of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies has given his first round of media interviews, saying he seeks to ‘galvanise’ his diocese. …”
– Story from SydneyAnglicans.net.
(Image Seven News.)
Everyone welcome to come and hear the wonderful news — Abp-Elect Glenn Davies
Archbishop-Elect Glenn Davies was interviewed by Seven News last night. His key message?
“In our churches we welcome everyone to come and hear the wonderful message of Jesus, because that message will transform your life.”
Glenn Davies elected Archbishop of Sydney
The Anglican Church League warmly congratulates Archbishop-Elect Glenn Davies on his election as the 12th Archbishop of Sydney and assures him, and his wife Dianne, of our prayers and support as we together seek to win Sydney for Christ.
We look forward to a continued strong relationship with Archbishop Davies, who is also an Emeritus Vice President of the League. Dr. Davies will be installed as Archbishop on Friday 23rd August in St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has more on the election.
Here is the statement made this evening to the Sydney Synod by Canon Rick Smith on moving the motion that Bishop Glenn Davies be invited to become Archbishop of Sydney: Read more
Sydney Election Synod underway
Sydney Synod is underway, with a second evening of sitting set for Tuesday.
Russell Powell has a report at SydneyAnglicans.net – with a link to the Presidential Address (PDF) by Administrator of the Diocese, Bishop Robert Forsyth.
Moore College Sunday — August 18
Sunday 18th August is Moore College Sunday. Find out how to be involved here.
(You could play this 3 minute video in church or in your home groups.)
Praying for the Election Synod — The Dean
Dean of the Cathedral, Phillip Jensen, calls members of the Cathedral congregation, and all reading this, to pray for the election Synod.
“Prayer always brings glory to God, as we express our confidence in his willingness and ability to help us as well as his interest in the details of our life. To think the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe would pay attention to our requests – about the trivialities of our lives – is humbling and exciting. That we can call the Almighty, “Father” is wonderful beyond description.
This week our diocese comes to electing a new Archbishop. Synod will be meeting for a few nights to try to come to agreement about who it should be. It is not the most important decision we ever make, but it is a decision we have to make and it does affect many aspects of church life. In particular it affects us, as the Cathedral church – i.e. the seat of the bishop of the diocese.
So this week is an important time for prayer. We want God to bless our decision, and that overriding our desires, he will appoint the man he thinks best suits his plans for our diocese. So please pray for …”
Election Synod nears
“The Synod to choose the 12th Archbishop of Sydney is about to begin. It will choose between the two nominees for the position – the Bishop of North Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, and the Rector of Naremburn / Cammeray, Canon Rick Smith.”
– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.
See also this media release. (PDF)
Related: Two websites for the Archbishop’s election.
‘Premier wrong to push for same sex marriage’ — NSW Council of Churches
“The NSW Council of Churches today reiterated its call to Premier Barry O’Farrell not to lend support to a push to legalise same sex marriage in New South Wales. …”
– Media release from the NSW Council of Churches.
‘Ugandans honour Australian aid worker Irene Gleeson’
“Up to 10,000 people have attended a memorial service in Uganda to celebrate the life of an Australian woman who cared for a generation of children traumatised by war. …”
– Story and image from ABC TV. More from The Bible Society.
Upholding the Administrator in prayer
After the retirement of Archbishop Peter Jensen, the Administrator of the Diocese of Sydney is the Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth. Please be encouraged to include him in your prayers in this time, and as he prepares to chair the Election Synod.
(Please also pray for the staff of St. Andrew’s House in this busy period of preparation for the synod.)
‘NSW set to back same-sex marriage’
“NSW could become the first Australian state to legalise same-sex marriage after an inquiry on Friday paved the way for fresh legislation that is supported by MPs across the political spectrum …”
– Report from The Sydney Morning Herald. Photo: NSW Government.
What is an Archbishop?
Phillip Jensen continues his brief series on the coming Archbishop’s election, and asks; “What is an Archbishop?”
“When it comes to electing an Archbishop the natural questions are ‘What does the role involve?’ and therefore ‘What are the characteristics or competencies that we are looking for in a candidate?’ However, the answers to these questions are quite different to most people’s expectations as they are not the most appropriate questions to ask.”
New Moore College website — and Societas 2013 is out now
Moore Theological College has launched its updated website – www.moore.edu.au – check it out.
In addition, the 2013 issue of Societas – the produced by the Moore College student body – is also available. You can get printed copies from student ministers at your church, and you can also read it online.
The Archbishop’s Election: A Political Process
“As people have spoken of my involvement in the election of our next Archbishop I thought it may be helpful for friends, especially those on synod, to understand how I view the election of Sydney’s Archbishop. …”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen writes the first of several articles designed to help Synod members think through the issues behind the election of a new Archbishop.
Related:
“The ACL confirms its longstanding practice of not promoting a preferred candidate for the Archbishop’s election.” – February 2013.
Prayer suggestions (PDF file).
Archbishop-in-waiting – profile from Southern Cross, July 2013.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…