Sydney Anglicans I. Biblically confessional

What is it that makes Sydney Diocese what it is?

‘Sydney Anglicans’, as well as their friends, and critics, will find Mark Thompson’s first post in a new series helpful in understanding the ethos of the diocese –

“Those of us privileged to grow up in faith within the Anglican diocese of Sydney don’t often appreciate just what an extraordinary privilege it is. Until we travel outside the diocese, we are apt to think that this is just what Anglicanism is like everywhere. But it isn’t.”

Here’s his post:

“In this new series of posts I want to explore some of the characteristics of Sydney Anglicans. Those of us privileged to grow up in faith within the Anglican diocese of Sydney don’t often appreciate just what an extraordinary privilege it is. Until we travel outside the diocese, we are apt to think that this is just what Anglicanism is like everywhere. But it isn’t. There are many exciting examples of Anglican evangelicalism all over the world, but rarely does a diocese have that particular theological flavour. In another series of posts (which will be picked up again soon) I have sought to identify some of the key figures who have made substantial contributions to character of the diocese. Here I want to look at some of those things which, while not by any means unique to Sydney Anglicans, nevertheless are important characteristics of the diocesan ethos.  Read more

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.

Into all the world — Moore College Graduation 2012

Held last night. “Moore College Graduation 2012 saw 102 people receive their awards. It was a wonderful celebration of the work of God in the lives of graduates and the vital equipping work of the College. We thank God that these faithful servants have completed their training and preparation, and now head out ‘Into all the World’ to minister Jesus’ love and saving grace.

Some fast facts:

See the videos – and more – from the graduation – and give thanks.

‘The mistakes of Phillip Jensen’

Few people have been used by the Lord to bring gospel blessing to Sydney as has Phillip Jensen. And few people have been as maligned and misrepresented.

At The Briefing, Tony Payne chats with Phillip about his days in university ministry, about the Anglican Church, about being nominated for Archbishop, about the real agenda of REPA, and much more. Read it all 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.

Diocesan budget needs more than ‘minor tweaking’

“A conference on future funding of diocesan bodies has been told the Global Financial Crisis provides a great opportunity for change but not in the form of ‘radical congregationalism’.

The Anglican Church League organised an open forum on the Draft Statement on Funding Principles and Priorities for 2013-2015, presented to last year’s Synod by the Mission Board. Speakers at the Chapter House on February 18th included Dean Phillip Jensen, who was on the sub-committee which prepared the draft, GAB Chairman Bruce-Ballantine Jones, ACL Chairman Dr Mark Thompson and Senior Ministers Sandy Grant of Wollongong, Peter Lin of Bossley Park/Fairfield and Craig Roberts of Neutral Bay…”

– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net reports on the ACL’s Diocesan Financial Priorities Conference. (Conference papers here.)

NSW Council of Churches calls for gambling inquiry

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

“Churches call for NSW gambling inquiry – 20 February 2012

The President of the NSW Council of Churches, the Revd Dr Ross Clifford, has called on the O’Farrell Government to hold a wide-ranging inquiry into the gambling industry.  Read more

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.

When bishops disagree

“What should bishops do when a bishop breaks ranks and violates the collegiality of the House of Bishops?

That would seem to be the question confronting the Church of England since the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam apparently stated, in an interview with The Times, that he did not see any need to ‘sublimate’ his support for same-sex marriage to the views of the Church.

Given the inevitable shortcomings of newspaper reporting, that may not be exactly what he said or exactly what he meant, but given also that there has been no refutation from him, for the moment we must assume this is the case…”

– John Richardson at the Ugley Vicar looks at events in the UK.
Related: ACL Statement on developments in the Diocese of Gippsland.

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…”

 

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