Australian Church Record, Nov 2012

The latest issue of The Australian Church Record is now available from their website.

This edition reflects on Sydney Synod, the Diocesan Mission, and the election of a new Archbishop.

‘Mediation call in gay clergy row’

“Dr Peter Jensen, the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, has voiced support for the 500 worshippers at St George’s Tron in Glasgow and their minister Dr William Philip, who faces losing his home, and has called on the Kirk to halt its legal action. …”

– from Herald Scotland. (h/t SydneyAnglicans.net.)

Earlier: Report: Glasgow Presbytery to ‘recover all property and assets’ from St George’s Tron.

First ACL Women’s Synod Dinner

On Monday 15 October, the ACL hosted its first women’s Synod dinner. In the tradition of the ACL Synod dinners, it challenged guests with the mission of Christ, and promoted the work of the ACL and its role in the Synod elections. Over 50 female Synod members attended the dinner, held at the Wesley Conference Centre.

The key note speaker was Kara Gilbert, newly appointed Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry in the Sydney Diocese. Kara spoke of the biblical illiteracy in our society and the need to make Christ known. She gave an impassioned appeal to seek opportunities to witness for Christ.

Master of Ceremonies and ACL Vice President, Claire Smith, provided a brief history of the ACL and encouraged women to become members. She also encouraged women to participate in Synod debates and to not be overwhelmed by the ‘suits’ (ie. men).

Gav Poole, ACL President, attended the dinner, and afterward commented, ‘Women play a vital part in our synod and it is encouraging to see more women as members, and contributing to debates in recent years. They bring a certain flavour to the floor and represent over 50% of our churches’ membership. The ACL encourages women to be actively involved in ministry. I hope this dinner was the first of many.’

The ACL thanks Kath Driver, ACL Councillor, and her team of helpers for a well-run event.

Photo: Sam Law, Mission Minded.

The Archbishop leaves the chair

“The 2012 Synod has ended on an emotional note as Archbishop Peter Jensen left the chair for the last time as President of the Synod.

After a five day meeting which began with his ‘Last words’ Presidential Address, the final hour of the Synod was devoted to a motion which said in part, ‘Synod takes this opportunity to express its admiration for the way in which Dr Jensen has presided over this and preceding Synods during the 12 years of his term of office’.…”

– Story from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Synod notes Gippsland actions with ‘grave concern’

“Synod has repeated Standing Committee’s concern about the actions of the Bishop of Gippsland in appointing a clergyman openly living with a male partner. …”

– SydneyAnglicans.net has the report. Related posts.

Report: Glasgow Presbytery to ‘recover all property and assets’ from St George’s Tron

Statement by Dr William Philip at St. George’s Tron in Glasgow last Sunday –

“we have now seen the report which will go before Presbytery on Tuesday, and I’m afraid I have to say to you it is very disappointing indeed. It’s a report marked by falsehood and fantasy and enmity…”  Read more

Kara Gilbert commissioned as Archdeacon for Women

“The occasion of the Synod Service has been used to commission the Rev Kara Gilbert as the new Archdeacon for women in the Sydney Diocese. Archbishop Jensen appointed Ms Gilbert to replace Archdeacon Narelle Jarrett, who retires this year…”

– Russell Powell has the story.

Last words: Archbishop Peter Jensen’s 2012 Synod Address

[Updated with video.]

Last night Archbishop Peter Jensen gave his last Presidential Address to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney.

There was much encouragement as well as sober exhortation –

“I have never had such good opportunities in speaking to people about Jesus as in the last few three or four years. Our theory of Connect 09 is true – there are people everywhere who would like to know the gospel and will want us to befriend them. In particular lay people are ideally placed to quietly but confidently share Christ and show what a difference he makes.”

Hear (77 minutes / 53MB mp3) or read (PDF) Archbishop Jensen’s full address.

Video: – part 1 (first 35 minutes), part 2 (if you watch nothing else, watch the first 8 minutes of part 2).

It is well worth setting aside the time to hear or watch the whole address.

Report from Anglican Media Sydney.

Reform National Conference 2012

Reform has posted online audio from their recent UK National Conference, including –

Lessons from America – Martyn Minns
Culture in Crisis – Melvin Tinker
Gospel Trials in 1662: to stay or to go – Peter Adam.

Sydney Synod to begin Monday

The Synod of the Diocese of Sydney begins its 2012 gathering on Monday.

Please pray for all of the Synod members, and all the support staff and helpers who serve in many different ways.

Please particularly uphold in prayer Archbishop Peter Jensen as he delivers his last Address as President of the Synod.

Pray that the Lord Jesus would be glorified in all the discussions and deliberations of the Synod.

Related: Introduction-to-Synod videos.

Why Archbishops must lead Theologically

The latest issue of The Australian Church Record (number 1906 / October 2012) is now available for download at their website.

Here’s the Editorial –   Read more

Moore College Open Day September 29

“Each year Moore College holds an Open Day for you to come and meet current students and find out for yourself what Moore is all about. You are invited to Moore College Open Day 2012. The day will include a sample lecture from one of our faculty, a campus tour and plenty of opportunities for questions.”

Saturday 29 September 2012, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm. Details.

Forced adoptions apology

Media Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen:

“As Archbishop of the Diocese of Sydney and President of ANGLICARE Sydney, I apologise and express our sincere regret for actions that have contributed to the past and ongoing distress of these mothers and their children.

In so doing, we reiterate the Diocesan apology issued through the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues in 2000.

I unreservedly endorse the view that although policies and procedures were followed at the time, it is clear there were practices that caused emotional pain and long-term negative repercussions.

We are working to implement the recommendations made by the Senate Inquiry into Forced Adoptions. We are also currently putting into place a healing and restoration process with the women who are still experiencing emotional distress as a result of relinquishing their children.

On behalf of the Diocese, I would like express our sincere apology to mothers, fathers, children and other family members who suffered emotional pain or any kind of distress.

Dr Peter F Jensen

Archbishop of Sydney
21st September 2012.”

– Statement, with background, at SydneyAnglicans.net.

ABC Q&A 10 Sept 2012 now online

If you missed (or would like to see again) last night’s Q&A programme on ABC TV, it’s now available to watch or download on their website. Don’t miss the last word. (Image: ABC TV.)

Driving the Churches Away

Tim Challies writes about a matter for prayer –

“Toronto is a city of 2.6 million where churches are small and real estate is costly. For this reason many churches meet in gymnasiums and cafeterias they rent from the Toronto District School Board. … At the end of August each of these organizations was notified that they would face an imminent increase in rental fees. The next day they learned that this increase would range from 140% to 800% and that it would begin to go in effect in just four days.”

– Read it all here. And an update (Sept. 14.)

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