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.)

Q&A Monday 10th September — Archbishop Peter Jensen

Archbishop Peter Jensen is on Q&A, Monday 10 September, 9:35pm on ABC 1, repeated Tuesday at 12:30pm. (Interested in tweeting? Tips for #QandA Tweeting.) Image: ABC TV.

Iranian pastor released

“Iranian authorities acquit and free pastor Youcef Nadarkhani after three years of imprisonment…”

– Good news from many sources, including World Magazine. (Photo via Facebook.) More from Ed Stetzer.

NASA to honour Neil Armstrong at TEC National Cathedral

“NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and other dignitaries will attend a public memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral to honor the life and career of astronaut Neil Armstrong on Thursday, Sept. 13. Read more

Archbishop Peter Jensen on Q&A next week

Archbishop Peter Jensen will be on ABC TV’s Q&A next week (Monday September 10).

Q&A’s tag line is “Adventures in democracy” – so you may like to consider making your voice heard by being part of the studio audience, e-mailing questions, or by posting comments on Twitter.

(Image of a previous Q&A: ABC TV.)

Boak Jobbins (1947–2012)

Mark Thompson writes a very personal tribute to Canon Boak Jobbins –

“Boak was a fine pastor. He knew the people God had given him to love and he sought to love them genuinely. I remember many, many examples of his deep compassion, genuine sympathy, and gentle pastoral care. I remember watching him at funerals, visiting those in hospital, and talking with people after church. There was always a lot to learn from Boak. …”

– Read it all at Theological Theology.

Former Dean of Sydney dies

“The Reverend Canon Boak Jobbins, OAM, a former Dean of Sydney, has died at the age of 65. Canon Jobbins died suddenly at his home in Sydney on the morning of 1st September…”

– Sad news from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Canon Jobbins was Dean of Sydney 1992–2002. During that time he oversaw the major restoration work at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. In 2003, he was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Boak was a member of the ACL for many years, and was also a long-serving member of Standing Committee and the Presentation Board. He chaired the group which produced the Sunday Services liturgical resource published in 2001.

Most importantly, he knew and loved the Lord Jesus.

Please uphold in your prayers Boak’s family and the church at Darling Point, where he was Rector.

Photo: St Mark’s, Darling Point.

‘Anglican Church denies new wedding vows are sexist’

“The Anglican Church says new wedding vows which involve a woman pledging to ‘submit’ to her husband are not sexist.

Introduced as an alternative to the traditional vows that use the word ‘obey’, the new promises were written by the liturgical panel of the church’s Sydney diocese. …”

– Perhaps a slow news day at the ABC, but a good opportunity to speak of the Lord Jesus and what he has done for his Bride.

Update: The story was probably prompted by this in today’s Sydney Morning Herald – To love and to submit: a marriage made in 2012. (h/t Roger G.)

Related:

Shock! Horror! Church Believes The Bible! (23 February 2010.)
Don’t let the facts… (23 February 2010.)

With thanks for Keith Young

Mr Keith E A Young, long time member of the ACL’s Council, died in Adelaide last Tuesday. A Memorial Service is being held in Adelaide today.

The ACL gives thanks for Keith’s friendship and fellowship in the Lord Jesus over many years.

Keith was the ACL’s Honorary Treasurer until around 1990, and he also served as the Honorary Treasurer for the CMS NSW branch. He hailed originally from St. Clement’s Mosman, but for many years Keith was an active member of St. Andrew’s Roseville, and served as a parish nominator. He had also been a member of the Presentation Board and the Finance & Loans Board of Sydney Diocese.

Former ACL President Bruce Ballantine-Jones recalls that Keith was a loyal and committed evangelical who was a blessing to his parish, to the ACL, CMS and the Diocese. He is remembered for his cheerful disposition and his ministry of encouragement. Gordon Robinson remembers Keith as a longtime friend and as a dedicated behind-the-scenes worker.

Keith and his wife Barbara were married for 62 years. Please uphold before our heavenly Father Keith’s family and friends in these days.

Moore College open night — Monday 27th August

“An informal night to come along and check out the College and find out for yourself what Moore is all about.”

– Details from Moore College.

Moore College Sunday — 19th August

Just a reminder to pray for Moore College (and not just this Sunday).

Resources here.

President’s Address — Dr Mark Thompson at the 2012 ACL Annual General Meeting

At the Anglican Church League’s Annual General Meeting tonight, outgoing President Mark Thompson gave his last address as President –

“For seven years I have been the President of the League, and as you know, tonight that privilege and responsibility will pass to another.”

Read more

Gav Poole elected President of the Anglican Church League

Media release, 9th August 2012

At its Annual General Meeting on 9 August, the Anglican Church League elected the Rev Gavin Poole, Rector of Cherrybrook Anglican Church, as its new President. Mr Poole succeeds the Rev Dr Mark Thompson who had been the President of the League since 2005.

Dr Thompson spoke enthusiastically about the new president.

‘Gavin brings to this role his wealth of experience as a Rector in the diocese, as part of a ministry team in the United States for several years, and helped organise the FCA Leaders’ conference in London this year’, he said.

‘He is deeply committed to the evangelical character of our diocese and the importance of the work of the League in guarding and growing that critical inheritance. He is an excellent choice to lead the League into the next period of its life.’

Gavin commented,

‘I have a strong appreciation for this diocese and its evangelical heritage. We must work hard to maintain and build upon that which has been left to us by our evangelical forefathers. I am also thankful for the way Mark has served the ACL over the past 7 years. I look forward to serving in this capacity.’

The ACL Council encourages prayer for Gavin as he takes up his new responsibilities.

(Photo: The four most recent Presidents, left to right: The Rev. Gav Poole, Outgoing President Dr. Mark Thompson, Previous Presidents Rev. Zac Veron and Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones.)

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