France moves to enshrine Abortion in its Constitution
In his latest edition of The Briefing podcast (Monday 4th March 2024), Albert Mohler speaks further on the Culture of Death – including the French Parliament meeting to enshrine abortion in their Constitution.
The ‘dark logic’ is not confined to France.
– Listen here.
Embrace Compassion as the World Rejects Life’s Sanctity — Archbishop Kanishka Raffel writes
“In the past five years, two momentous decisions have been taken by our State Parliament, both under the banner of ‘right to choose’.
The first, the abortion liberalisation in 2019, was a change against which Sydney Anglicans, led by my predecessor Dr Glenn Davies, took a firm stand.
The other was in 2023. On November 28, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 (NSW) (the Act) came into force in this State, enabling eligible people to choose to access euthanasia in accordance with the regulations and guidelines stipulated by the Act.
This watershed shift in medical practice and community expectation marks the final abandonment of one of the cornerstones of Western civilisation over the past two millennia: the sanctity of life. …”
– Archbishop Kanishka Raffel writes at SydneyAnglicans.net.
The article includes two helpful links.
Field Notes from Kenya
From Anglican Aid in Sydney:
“On Monday 4 March [from 5.30-7pm], Anglican Aid is holding a special event, “Field Notes From Kenya” to hear from Norm Gorrie, our partner from Kenya. All are welcome!
Norm will be sharing the latest updates from Marsabit, Kenya about recovery after the East Africa Hunger Crisis, a clean water project called ‘Generate‘, and the Bible Leadership program there.
We would love to see you and any of your friends there! There is no cost to attend, but please let us know you are coming…”
– Details and links at Anglican Aid’s website.
Evangelism for the terrified
“I don’t know about you, but I find evangelism utterly terrifying.
It didn’t start that way. After becoming a Christian in my late 20s, one of the things God did in my heart immediately was help me see that following Jesus and sharing the news of Jesus were two sides of the same coin.
“How hard could it be?” I thought. Very hard, as it turned out. …”
– Dave Jensen begins a regular column in Southern Cross magazine.
Diocese of North West Australia Pipeline for leadership
“Geraldton student Nathan Hiscock has been appointed the first Ministry Apprentice in the North West Anglican Church, in a major push to raise up homegrown gospel workers.
The position is part of the new 3-stage Ministry Training Pipeline which includes theological studies and a stint as a curate before graduating to lead a church. …”
– Encouraging news from the Diocese of North West Australia (and a reminder to pray for the progress of the gospel in that far-flung diocese).
More Diocesan news here.
Why the “equality” Bill is a threat to religious freedom — and what you can do about it
“The Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 introduced by Independent MP Alex Greenwich is due to be debated next month and voted on in March.
The bill makes wide-ranging changes to 20 pieces of NSW legislation that will undermine religious freedom and entrench a radical gender ideology in NSW. …”
– Bishop Michael Stead writes at SydneyAnglicans.net.
He emphasises,
“Christians need to act immediately to make our opposition to this bill known.
We need to contact our local State members. Most politicians have little idea about the contents – let alone the consequences – of this bill.
It is important they hear our concerns before the bill’s scheduled voting day on March 14.”
This is an important article and deserves to be widely shared.
See also contactyourmp.org.au for background and helpful resources.
Pray for Mothers Union Sydney
Today’s GAFCON Prayer Request:
“The Mothers Union (Sydney) is hosting an event at the Cathedral on February 23: ‘It takes a Village – stronger together in the family of God.’
Pray for a good attendance, online and in-person, and warm fellowship of Word and Spirit.”
Hundreds watch as Sydney’s latest ministers make their promises
“On one of the hottest days of February, a congregation of more than 700 gathered to support ordination candidates as they made the final official step to ordained ministry.
Twenty three men and women lined across the Cathedral, and in a first, in the front row was seeing-eye dog Trixie. …”
– Russell Powell provides this encouraging report on today’s ordinations at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.
Mother’s Union Sydney Annual Seminar 2024
Mothers Union Sydney’s Annual Seminar for 2024 is coming up on Friday 23rd February at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and on livestream.
It’s a free event. Topics:
Lovebound: the beauty of church – Tim Clemens
Being church: life in the family of God – Dani Treweek
Raising children: the church as your village – Jocelyn Loane.
Bishop of Newcastle reports from Rome and Canterbury
Earlier this month, Dr Peter Stuart, the Bishop of Newcastle, sent this report from Rome and Canterbury. He was there for the ‘Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission’ –
“Our second summit day has concluded. It has been profound.
We began with the experience of Holy Communion where the Anglicans could not participate. We all experienced the pain. …
Day 4. From Rome.
A special service in the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls.
This evening, Bishop Greg from Lismore and I were commissioned for the work of Christian unity by Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin.
The homilies were based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the call to love.
We were greeted by Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin. …”
– From the Diocese of Newcastle.
Photo via the Diocese of Newcastle.
Related:
Archbishop Welby explains why he wears Pope Paul VI’s pastoral ring (October 2021.)
Perth Diocese Anglican Messenger for February 2024 now online
The Anglican Messenger magazine of the Diocese of Perth for February 2024 is now available online.
Included is a feature on the consecration, earlier this month, of the two new Assistant Bishops – David Bassett and Hans Christiansen.
Earlier:
Two new Assistant Bishops for Perth – Sept 2023.
Praying for 2024 Ordinands
“Please pray for these candidates as they prepare for ordination on February 17, 2024 and for taking up positions at the following parishes …”
– SydneyAnglicans.net has the list – for your prayers!
Southern Cross magazine February-March 2024
The latest issue of Southern Cross magazine from the Diocese of Sydney is now available – in printed form at churches – and electronically at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Anglicans honoured in 2024 list
“Anglicans are among the Sydney recipients of Australia Day honours, including two Professors of Medicine for their roles in the COVID-19 response.
The honours are awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Council of the Order of Australia. …”
– Russell Powell has the details at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Photo: Professor Charlotte Hespe AM.
Bishop of Newcastle to attend International Ecumenical Gathering
“The Bishop of Newcastle is packing his bags for a religious journey of the highest order in Rome and Canterbury next week. …”
– Report from The Newcastle Weekly.
Photo: Diocese of Newcastle.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…