Hearing both Sides of the Argument
“In a nation where all things in politics seem possible, some things still amaze me – or perhaps the word should be ‘stagger’ me.
It is always dangerous for a man of the cloth to make political comment. While I appreciate the separation of church and state, that does not exclude the church and the sum of its members from entering national debate. So as a citizen of this great country, who happens to be a Bishop of the Anglican Church, I write.
Occasionally, the foolish thoughts of politicians expressed in emotive and seemingly protective and manipulative rhetoric should be exposed. …”
– Bishop of Armidale, Rick Lewers, responds to reported comments by the Leader of the Opposition about a plebiscite on same-sex marriage.
Sydney’s Bishopscourt sold
“The neo-gothic residence ‘Bishopscourt’ in Darling Point has been sold.
‘Bishopscourt’ (formerly Greenoaks) was built in the mid 1840s by prominent colonial businessman Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. It was not the original Archiepiscopal residence, but has housed Archbishops of Sydney since 1911. …
The buyer has requested anonymity, but it is known he is intending to live at Bishopscourt and refurbish the property and gardens to their former glory.”
– Report by Russell Powell. Read it all here.
And from Domain: “A local buyer exchanged on $18 million on Wednesday for the official residence of Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies.”
Christmas message: Canberra & Goulburn
The Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, has released his Christmas message.
“Christmas can appear fragile or even shallow in a world filled with hatred, violence and ideology. The tinsel, trees and tinned puddings of Christmas can seem like weak and trifling distractions in a world filled with pain, hopelessness and despair…”
– Read it here.
I. Howard Marshall (1934-2015)
New Testament scholar I. Howard Marshall died yesterday, at the age of 81, after a short illness.
Darrell Bock has a tribute at The Gospel Coalition.
Campus Crusade for Christ Australia to change name
From an e-mail from Campus Crusade for Christ Australia:
“On the 1st of February 2016, the name of our organisation will become to Power to Change. …
Around the globe Campus Crusade for Christ national ministries have been going through their own name changes. Nowadays Campus Crusade for Christ is known as ‘Cru’ in the USA, ‘Agape’ in Europe and ‘Tandem’ in New Zealand. Campus Crusade for Christ is also known as ‘Power to Change’ in Canada…
While we are changing our name, we are not changing our purposes. …”
You can read about their decision to change their name –
“While coming with a rich heritage, our old corporate name of ‘Campus Crusade for Christ Australia’ has long been recognised as unhelpful. It has varying problems with our audiences (through the words ‘crusade’ and ‘campus’)…”
December 2015 Northwest Network
The December 2015 edition of Northwest Network – from the Diocese of North West Australia – is now out.
Download your copy (850kb PDF) and use it to prompt you to pray for the people of the North West, that Christ might be glorified.
‘Catholics should not try to convert Jews, Vatican says’
“The Vatican has told Catholics that they should not seek to convert Jews and stressed that the two faiths have a ‘unique’ relationship. …
Turning to the vexed question of salvation, the document says: ‘that the Jews are participants in God’s salvation is theologically unquestionable, but how that can be possible without confessing Christ explicitly, is and remains an unfathomable divine mystery’. …”
– BBC News report. Read the full text of the document, at Vatican News.
Bishop Robert Forsyth farewelled on his retirement in Sydney
“In the same place he was consecrated Bishop of South Sydney fifteen years ago, Robert Forsyth has been farewelled to retirement.
Friends, family and clergy colleagues gathered in St Andrew’s Cathedral on Thursday, 10th December, to give thanks for Bishop Forsyth’s 40 years in ministry…”
– Russell Powell has a report at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Diocese of Bathurst — Court Judgment
The Judgment in the Supreme Court case, involving the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst, has been released.
We can be sure that all involved in the Diocese of Bathurst would value your prayers as they consider their options.
See also:
“Anglican Diocese of Bathurst liable for $40 million Commonwealth Bank loan: court” – The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The Anglican Diocese of Bathurst is liable for a $40 million loan from the Commonwealth Bank and may have to sell property including schools, churches and other land and buildings to meet its outstanding debt.”
Dr Michael Stead consecrated in Sydney
Dr Michael Stead has been consecrated in Sydney as the new Bishop of the Southern region. All ACL members will wish Michael well as he takes on this demanding new role.
Russell Powell has a report at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Report on the Good Governance Workshop
Good Governance Workshop — Report
The Anglican Church League takes a special interest in finding gospel-minded Christians to serve on the many councils and committees of the Sydney Diocese, and in assisting those elected to serve well.
To support our brothers and sisters, the ACL organised and ran a Good Governance Workshop on Thursday evening, 26th November.
The evening was open to all, and its purpose was to help members of boards and councils – especially newly elected members – to think about how the gospel shapes the way we practice governance. It was well attended, with more than forty people coming to increase their skills in governance and to share their wisdom and insights with others.
The basic concepts of evangelical governance established on the evening could easily serve as the basis for future workshops of this sort exploring these matters further for boards and committees, and even parish councils.
For more detail and our summaries of insights from each of our excellent speakers, read on! Read more
From the Vault: What’s really important
Richard Condie Bishop-elect of Tasmania
“The election board of the Diocese of Tasmania has just elected the Ven. Dr. Richard Condie, currently vicar of St Jude’s Carlton and Archdeacon in Melbourne, as its next bishop…”
– David Ould has the news. (Richard is Chairman of FCA Australia.)
Here’s the Media Release from the Diocese of Tasmania. (PDF)
And here’s a letter from Richard to the churches of the diocese. (PDF)
Photo: SydneyAnglicans.net
Need Ministers be Theologians?
At Church Society’s blog, Kirsty Birkett (who now teaches Pastoral Counselling and Youth and Children’s Ministry at Oak Hill College) reminds readers of a 1994 Churchman article by the much-missed John Richardson.
In his article, John draws some important conclusions for evangelicals in the Church of England, reflecting on his year of study at Moore College.
(Readers can also rightly give thanks to Almighty God for the growth of Oak Hill College in London in the years since John wrote that article.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…