The Passing of Giants

On Friday evening, John Chapman (‘Chappo’), a much loved son of the diocese, died at the age of 82. He is best known as the Director of Evangelism in the Diocese of Sydney (1969–93) and as an exceptional preacher and teacher whose influence has spread across the world. The evangelistic passion which today characterises the Diocese of Sydney owes much under God to Chappo and his ministry. He stirred generations to evangelise through expositions of the Bible. Right to the end he challenged us to keep Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of life with God forever at the centre of our message and our life together. Chappo was also Emeritus Vice-president of the ACL and his memory will encourage us to remain vocal and stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Swiftly following on news of the death of John Chapman comes news of the death of another significant contributor to the cause of Christ in Sydney and the world. Stuart Barton Babbage, at various times Dean of Sydney (1947–53), Dean of Melbourne (1953–1962), Principal of Ridley College Melbourne (1953–63), Master of New College at the University of New South Wales (1973–83), and Registrar of the Australian College of Theology (1977–92). Dr Babbage made a distinctive contribution to the life of the Australian church with a breadth of perspective and depth of intellect which few could match. In 1995 he was became a Member of the Order of Australia.

These men were very different in temperament, style and ministry concerns. Yet both were mightily used by God to build his church and encourage his people. The ACL thanks God for all that he did through them and prays that those who were closest to them and who feel most keenly their loss might know the comfort of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection.

Gav Poole
President
Anglican Church League

(Photos: Chappo, via Mary Andrews College; Dr Barton Babbage, New College UNSW.)

Remembering Stuart Barton Babbage 1916–2012 (updated)

Ridley College in Melbourne has posted this tribute to Dr Stuart Barton Babbage, who died on Friday.

And Professor Trevor Cairney, current Master of New College at UNSW writes –

“Rev Dr Stuart Barton Babbage AM passed away on Friday 16th November at the age of 96. I heard the news with sadness because he was a dear friend who I will miss greatly, but also with thankfulness, knowing that he is with his Lord.”

Professor Cairney also writes:

“Relatives and friends of Rev. Babbage are invited to attend the service and interment at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 106 Avoca Street, Randwick, on Friday (November 23, 2012) at 10 a.m.”

(Photo: Ramon Williams.)

Chappo talks about his conversion

John Chapman speaks about how he came to Christ – in this 3 minute video recorded a couple of years ago for St Mark’s Pennant Hills. Thanks to Craig Schafer for making it available.

John Chapman — a personal reflection from Mark Thompson

Dr Mark Thompson, immediate past President of the Anglican Church League, shares his thoughts about John Chapman –

“We have lost one of the most effective gospel preachers of the last century. God used his preaching to change lives forever.”

Read it here –    Read more

More thanksgiving for Chappo

From Dave McDonald in Canberra –

“At 9.15 this evening Chappo departed to be with his Lord and Saviour. This was the occasion he’d been looking forward to since he was a teenager. This was the hope that Chappo had shared with all who’d listen. Chappo loved explaining to people that Jesus had given his life to pay for their sins and offer forgiveness. He’d share how God had raised Jesus from the dead, and how he was now the Lord of this universe. He’d passionately plead with people to consider how they’d been treating God, to turn and seek forgiveness, and to hand over control of their lives to Jesus.”

– A heartfelt gospel-centred thanksgiving from Dave McDonald at Macarisms.

Other tributes:

• Gordon Cheng (with links).

• Evangelist John Chapman is home at last – Eternity Newspaper.

• David Ould.

• In memory of John Chapman – St Helen’s, London (with a link to audio).

• Nathan Campbell.

• St Helen’s Bishopsgate.

Are you ready for the New Creation?

The Australian Church Record has tonight republished a wonderful article by John Chapman, who died this evening in Sydney.

“We should contemplate the New Creation where we will be ‘Like Jesus’. What a joy that will be. I will be perfectly in God’s image. That’s a thing to be longed for. ‘The glory which will be revealed’ will so dwarf our life here that it will take on the significance of our first day at kindergarten.”

– Read it all at the Church Record website. (Also at The Briefing.) Photo: Matthias Media.

 

With thanks for John Chapman 1930–2012

Beloved Australian evangelist John Chapman has fallen asleep in Christ at the age of 82.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13.

Russell Powell writes at SydneyAnglicans.net –

Sydney’s leading evangelist for more than 50 years, John Chapman, has passed away in hospital at the age of 82.

‘Chappo’, as he was affectionately known, was converted in his teens and became involved in the Anglican Youth Department and later the Department of Evangelism, where he was director for more than 25 years.

His wide preaching, teaching and writing ministry saw him speaking to groups throughout the Sydney diocese, in Australia and overseas, particularly in England where he was a regular visitor.

In later years he passed on his wisdom on evangelism and preaching to generations of ministry trainees and colleges students. He was also prominent in evangelism in universities, particularly during the 1970’s and 80’s.

His books “A Fresh Start”, “Know and Tell the Gospel” sold in the tens of thousands and helped many Sydney Anglicans with personal evangelism and sharing the gospel.

Mr Chapman never married but was at home in many churches across the diocese.  The single quarters at Moore Theological College was named “John Chapman House” in his honour.

Although he had been ill for some time, Chappo received a stream of visitors from around the world during his retirement in Sydney’s south.

In recent weeks, one of his last duties was a project close to his heart, the newly created John Chapman Foundation, established in October to raise money to recruit and train evangelists.

He was admitted to St George Hospital in late October and had been on the critical list for a week.

On Friday 16th November, several close friends visited to read the bible, pray and say their last farewells to a man who was one of the most loved preachers in the Sydney Diocese in second half of the 20th century.

He finally succumbed to multiple organ failure on Friday night.

Archbishop Peter Jensen immediately paid tribute to his longtime friend and colleague.

“Chappo represented the very essence of what our diocese has always stood for and continues to stand for. A strong affirmation of the authority of the Bible, the importance of preaching and an approach to evangelism which made it central while at the same time respecting the intelligence and integrity of the listeners. He was a man of faith like Joshua of old, and he lived out his faith with clear godliness of life”, Dr Jensen said.

“Like many others, Christine and I feel the loss acutely. When I visited him on his last day, he reminded me once more that he prayed for us daily. His support for me personally for over 40 years has been an incalculable blessing.” he said.

Photo from an interview recorded just a few months ago by AFES.

Other tributes will be posted on our home page.

Update: Thanksgiving service details.

ACL President encourages members to pray for the Archbishop of Canterbury

Statement from ACL President Gav Poole:

The ACL congratulates Bishop Justin Welby on his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury designate.

This is an honoured office which played a key role in the protestant reformation.

Bishop Welby has his work cut out for him. The credibility of the Archbishop’s office has been eroded in recent times due to a failure to properly deal with the liberal revisionist agenda which has beset the Anglican Communion in the West. He serves a communion which is in serious impairment.

It remains to be seen whether the Archbishop will demonstrate clarity and bravery on many of the issues that have plagued the communion. We will be looking for leadership that is faithful to Jesus and solidly Biblical.

There are many faithful Anglican Bishops, clergy and congregations in North America who have suffered at the hands of the provincial leadership. We pray as the Archbishop must reach out to them and ensure they receive adequate oversight.

The FCA Primates have called for the chairman of the Anglican Primates’ meeting to be elected by the Primates. We pray that the Archbishop will encourage that development.

Rev Gav Poole
President
Wednesday, 14 November 2012.

Royal Commission on child abuse

Media release from SydneyAnglicans.net –

A public statement from the Archbishop of Sydney on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a Royal Commission into child abuse and institutional response.

“The Diocese of Sydney expresses its unqualified abhorrence of child abuse, wherever it occurs. While the terms of reference have yet to be decided, we will work and pray for an outcome which will result in a safer society for the most vulnerable.”

Dr Peter Jensen,
Archbishop of Sydney
12/11/2012 AD

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

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