Bible Society Australia ‘acquires’ Koorong
Here’s an interesting development:
“Bible Society Australia – whose core cross denominational mission is to translate, distribute and engage people with the Bible – has acquired leading Christian retailer Koorong…”
– Real the media release (PDF), or watch the announcement video from Bible Society Australia CEO, Greg Clarke and Koorong Managing Director Paul Bootes.
And some more info here from Bible Society Australia.
Archbishop of Sydney backs plebiscite plan
Here’s a media release from the Diocese of Sydney, Friday 14th August 2015:
Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Statement August 14th, 2015The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, has congratulated the Prime Minister and the Coalition for backing a plebiscite on same-sex marriage.
“I believe that marriage is a foundational concept to our society and indeed to human civilisation as a whole, in accordance with God’s own plan for all people, and it is intrinsic to the continuation of the human race as the bedrock of the family from which succeeding generations are born.”
“Despite the relentless campaign by some sections of the community, it is only now that other views are starting to be heard in the media, not only from the churches. The discussion must include the implications for children and the family unit, not just sloganeering.”
“Mr Abbott has been consistent and forthright on this issue, and it is clear he recognises the national importance of a debate about the definition of marriage as well as the strength of feeling on both sides. Yet the debate has been unhelpfully politicised, which is why it should be decided by the people directly. If the majority of Australians desire a change to the time-honoured understanding of marriage, then so be it. The Prime Minister is graciously offering this option so that we, the people, may have our say on the future of marriage in Australia.”
– Source, SydneyAnglicans.net.
Related: Church and religious leaders send letter on Same-Sex Marriage to Prime Minister Abbott.
Perth consecration
From The Book of Common Prayer, 1662, Consecration of Bishops: The Archbishop is to ask the candidate,
“Be you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God’s Word; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others the same?”
(page 591, Cambridge pocket edition.)
David Ould publishes some excerpts from a recent consecration at St. George’s Cathedral in Perth.
Annual Moore College Lectures 2015
Professor Kevin J. Vanhoozer is delivering this year’s Annual Moore College Lectures, starting 7th August. Free and open to the public. Details here.
If you can’t get there in person, the first lecture will be streamed live.
Newcastle diocese committed to changing ‘culture of fear’
“Newcastle’s Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson says he is preparing for the harsh realities that a royal commission probe into the diocese may bring…”
– report from ABC News. (Image from Bishop Thompson’s earlier apology.)
Moore College Sunday 2015
Many churches are focussing on Moore College for their prayers on Sunday August 2nd.
“The MCS theme this year is about partnering with Moore in prayer as we equip students to tell the world the one story worth knowing by heart – the story of Jesus.” – Read all about it.
Canberra & Goulburn: Pastoral Letter concerning the Redefinition of Marriage
Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, wrote to members of his diocesan Synod in a pastoral letter yesterday:
“At our Synod in September, I am already aware that people will want to discuss either the rights and wrongs of homosexuality or the merits and problems of same-sex marriage. It is important for us to remember that there are already some limits around what such discussion can and cannot achieve, because…”
Mission Awareness Week at Moore College
“Mission Awareness Week 2015 was held last week (20-24 July). MAW is an important event in the Moore College calendar. It is held annually in July and provides the opportunity to see what God is doing in the world, and to be challenged as to how we are going to be involved in God’s mission work…”
Two days left to have your say for NSW scripture in schools
“There’s only two days left to contribute to the NSW government review of special religious and ethics classes in schools.
The independent review looking into Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Ethics Education (SEE) in NSW primary and secondary schools was announced in October last year and began in March.
Parents and carers, SRE and SEE teachers, current and former students and other interested parties are able to contribute their views here, before submissions close this Friday 31 July…”
– Report from the Bible Society. (Emphasis added. Image: Youthworks.)
Societas 2015 launched
Just in time for Moore College Sunday (being observed in many churches this weekend), the 2015 edition of the Moore College students’ magazine, Societas, has been released.
It’s available online – to view or download using ISSUU – or to download as an 11.2MB PDF file from the college website.
Bishop’s Vision for the Diocese of The Murray
“Before the motion was passed unanimously, Bishop Ford spoke on how his vision for the Diocese may be considered.
He believed the Diocese had too many buildings and that in many small communities, it may be more effective if a group of believers met around a table to pray, study and learn…
Bishop Ford believed communication was another important area to be looked at over the next year. He thought many of our church signs were ‘appalling’, adding that it was no wonder that other people found it difficult to join us when we met in secret…”
– The Winter 2015 edition of The Murray Anglican (PDF file) reports on Bishop John Ford’s vision for the Diocese of The Murray, endorsed at their Synod in May.
West Hamilton Parish and the wilderness
“One of our harshest critics here, a former Diocesan Manager, opined in the Waikato Times that we have consigned ourselves to the religious wilderness.
I can’t help thinking that’s not a bad place to be…”
– The Rev. Michael Hewat, Pastor of West Hamilton Community Church, writes about his experience of being forced out of the Anglican Church of NZ. (PDF file)
Published back in March on the Latimer Fellowship website.
President’s Address — ACL AGM 2015
Anglican Church League AGM
President’s Address
The fundamental problem with the world continues to be alienation from God.
The solution remains the gospel of peace which proclaims reconciliation by Christ’s death. This is a gospel for all creation and the church remains the pillar, defender and herald of that truth. Read more
Moore Matters — Winter 2015
The Winter 2015 edition of Moore Matters is now available as a 3.5MB PDF file on the college website.
Check it out, and be encouraged in your prayer (and other) support of the college.
Matt Brain consecrated Assistant Bishop in Canberra & Goulburn
“Although the winter chill had settled on Goulburn, the congregation in St Saviour’s Cathedral received Dr Matt Brain warmly as bishop following his consecration on Saturday 13 June 2015.
Dr Brain was consecrated as the new Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn with responsibilities for training and development, making him of the nation’s most youthful bishops…
The Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Revd Dr Glenn Davies, led the consecration service while Dr Brain’s father, the Rt Revd Peter Brain and former Bishop of Armidale, delivered the sermon.”
– Report from the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…