Southern Cross February – March 2026
Anglican Media Sydney has posted the February – March 2026 edition of Southern Cross magazine online. (Printed editions will also appear in parishes.)
Many encouraging stories, including this one about new studios for Global Recordings Network Australia –
You may be familiar with GRN as the producers of the wonderful 5fish resource with the Story of Jesus in 7,000 languages and dialects – 5fish website – app download.
Learn more about the new studios on the Global Recordings Network Australia website – via this video – and in this radio interview on Vision Radio.
Please pray for 2026 Ordinands
SydneyAnglicans.net has published a list of those to be ordained next month –
“Please pray for these candidates as they prepare for ordination on February 21, 2026 and for taking up positions at the following parishes …”
Anglican Aid’s 2026 Prayer Diary
Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary for 2026 is now available for download.
Tim Swan, CEO of Anglican Aid, writes,
“Our 2026 Prayer Diary includes 31 days of prayers and prayer points for a range of partners providing emergency aid and relief, ministry training, food security, clean water, education, and more.”
– Read his full letter, and download the Prayer Diary, at Anglican Aid’s website. There’s also an option to request printed copies.
Archbishop of Sydney supports calls for a national inquiry into the Bondi Massacre
Here’s a Media Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney:
Media Statement
“This act of evil … deserves the most thorough investigation and response”
The terrorist attack on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, has produced an outpouring of grief, prayer and support for our fellow Australians in the Jewish community.
This act of evil is an extraordinary event in our history, which has ongoing impacts for all Australians, and therefore deserves the most thorough investigation and response.
Since the attack, the solidarity of communities of faith with the Australian Jewish community has demonstrated our unanimity that all Australians, whatever their faith or cultural background, are entitled to live free from the threat of violence. Our own Christian response is informed by the biblical commands to ‘live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on you’ and to ‘overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:18, 21).
I commend the State and Federal governments for their actions so far, including the announcement of the Richardson Review into the performance of Australia’s federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies. It will be important to identify any gaps or obstacles to the effective discharge of their duties that may exist.
However, we must go further. I urge our national government to acknowledge the voice of those directly impacted – the families of the victims and the survivors of the attack – and to heed their calls for a national inquiry.
The attack at Bondi represents the culmination of a period of rising antisemitism across the nation, including the firebombing of places of worship, education and commerce, as well graffiti attacks, and destruction of property including in residential areas.
Antisemitism, with its long, tragic and unique history is a threat to all Australians because it suggests that one part of the community is less entitled to the safety and respect that should be enjoyed by all and protected by all.
A national inquiry is an appropriate and essential part of a comprehensive response and recognises the singular and ignominious place that this horrific event now holds in our national life. The lives of 15 innocent Australians demand nothing less.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
7 January 2026.
– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net
Image: Archbishop Raffel at the Great Synagogue in Sydney, 18 December 2025.
Christmas morning service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney
Here’s this morning’s service from St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney. On YouTube.
Or go straight to the Archbishop’s sermon.
The Light of Christmas shines in our darkness — Christmas 2025
From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net, the Archbishop’s Christmas message –
“The Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel says the message of Christmas will be felt more deeply amid the horrific events at Bondi less than two weeks before Christmas.
‘This year, a pall of darkness was cast over Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights,’ the Archbishop said. ‘The attack that brought that darkness targeted the Jewish community — our fellow Australians.’
The Archbishop said it was understandable that people will have mixed feelings approaching Christmas. …”
Also, watch (and share) the video –
and download the Archbishop’s message as a PDF file.
Full text: Read more
Southern Cross December 2025 — January 2026
The latest copy of Southern Cross magazine from the Diocese of Sydney is now available.
If you don’t see a copy in your local church, you can also read it online.
“We will not turn away from anti-Semitism in silence”
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel –
“Sydney Anglicans speak with one voice when I say that we abhor anti-Semitism. And we will not turn away from anti-Semitism in silence.”
From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net –
“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has made a passionate gesture, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community as they mourn victims of the Bondi massacre.
The Archbishop represented Sydney Anglicans at an outdoor memorial on Wednesday and then spoke at the Great Synagogue to mark Hanukkah and mourning for massacre victims.
Archbishop Raffel’s speech ended with him singing a Hebrew blessing as the congregation joined in. …”
– Read the full report – along with the Archbishop’s full remarks – here.
Updated with video, courtesy of Russell Powell —
Top image: Screenshot from the video posted by SydneyAnglicans.net.
Archbishop of Sydney Statement on the Bondi terrorist attack
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
We have been shocked and sickened by the horrific terrorist attack on Sydney’s Jewish community last night at Bondi Beach.
We embrace our Jewish neighbours and fellow citizens in love, friendship and support. We reject antisemitism, violence and hatred.
We pray to the God of all comfort and the Father of compassion, for the safety and protection of the Jewish community. We pray for those grieving the tragic loss of loved ones, those injured or traumatised, for the police and medical workers, and for our government and security agencies as they respond.
We pray for the peace, safety and recovery of the community in Bondi and more widely across Sydney.
We give thanks for the many people who offered help to those around them, including Ahmed al Ahmed who bravely confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen.
During this Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and as Christians anticipate the celebration of Christmas, we give thanks that Jesus, a Jewish man, came into our world of sorrow and sin, to bring the light of life, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
15 December 2025.
— Media statement from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel.
See also the Archbishop’s video version of his statement.
These prayers have been written for anyone who wishes to use them – PDF file.
Earlier related posts:
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s statement on antisemitism — 13 October 2023.
“In recent days we have witnessed repugnant expressions of antisemitism in Sydney which have appalled most Australians and heightened fears among the Jewish community. …”
Action on anti-semitism – SydneyAnglicans, 21 January 2025.
“Any attack on a place of worship is an attack on the principles of freedom of religion, association and conscience, which are foundational for our multicultural and cohesive community,” the Archbishop said in his fourth public statement since the crisis began.
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 10 November 2025.
“The rally staged outside the New South Wales Parliament on Saturday has rightly drawn condemnation from across the community – particularly as it occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom against Germany’s Jewish community. …”
Threats “will be repudiated by all Australians of goodwill” – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 05 March 2025.
“The threat of a mass shooting against a Western Sydney mosque is abhorrent and distressing, especially as it references the horrific attack in Christchurch that resulted in the murder of 51 people. …”
Further antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 13 January 2025.
“For the second time in two months, I am taking the step of expressing the dismay of many Sydneysiders at grotesque acts of antisemitism in our city. …”
Antisemitic attacks – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 11 December 2024.
“The latest attack on the Jewish community in Sydney is egregious, cowardly and despicable. All people of good will, faith or none, will condemn this outrage.…”
Protest action in Sydney Square – Anglican Diocese of Sydney, 30 September 2024.
“It is a long-standing principle that protests around the precincts of St Andrew’s Cathedral, which flow into Sydney Square and the Town Hall, are not supported in any way by the Diocese of Sydney. …”
Prayer for Israel – Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, 08 October 2023.
“Sydney Anglicans have been shocked and distressed to hear of the attacks on the Jewish people and the State of Israel that have taken place over the last 24 hours. …”
And a reminder to pray for those in authority:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV.
“For 67 years she served her Lord and his church alongside her husband”
“Mrs Pam Goodhew, the wife of former Archbishop Harry Goodhew, has died of cancer.
Mrs Goodhew, who was 90, passed away on Friday 15th November while in palliative care at Piper House in Dapto. …”
– Russell Powell shares the news at SydneyAnglicans.net.
We join many in thanking the Lord for Pam Goodhew.
Southern Cross November-December 2025
The latest copy of Southern Cross magazine from the Diocese of Sydney is now available.
If you don’t see a copy in your local church, you can read it online.
State Funeral for John Laws
The State Funeral for John Laws CBE will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday 19th November at 1:30pm.
Good to keep all involved in your prayers.
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected
Here is a media release from the Diocese of Sydney:
Antisemitic slurs must be rejected
The rally staged outside the New South Wales Parliament on Saturday has rightly drawn condemnation from across the community – particularly as it occurred on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom against Germany’s Jewish community.
The black-uniformed protestors, carrying banners with the slogan ‘Abolish the Jewish Lobby,’ were clearly intent on spreading fear and antisemitism.
Authorities must investigate whether Saturday’s neo-Nazi rally in Sydney breached laws against inciting racial hatred.
Christians are defenders of free speech. We prize the freedom to declare ‘the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness into his wonderful light’.
This includes defending the freedom of others to disagree with us, and even to mock the truth we proclaim.
But speech that incites hatred is illegal in New South Wales.
Antisemitism has traded in lies, hate and violence for centuries. When it appears in modern day Australia it must be named, resisted and rejected.
Antisemitism—whether from the far left or far right—has no place in Australian society.
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
10 November 2025.
– from SydneyAnglicans.net.
Since God so loved us – Sandy Grant and Rob Elder
“St Andrew’s Cathedral has always played a significant role in Sydney caring for the needs of the surrounding community. During and after World War II (1940-1947), approximately 3.5 million meals were given to active and returning soldiers in temporary Nissen huts erected on Cathedral grounds – the combined efforts of approximately 900 volunteers working for the Church of England National Emergency Fund (CENEF).
Over the last couple of decades, like many other church communities, the Cathedral has offered free English classes to serve the needs of overseas migrants and visitors. Bible reading is included as part of the approach – very appropriately, since the Bible and its message is so influential on our language, laws and culture.
Most recently, we have been especially delighted with the impact of Reverend Rob Elder on our ministry. Rob, a Moore College graduate, was appointed Community Chaplain at the start of 2024, and his position is funded by the Myfanwy Peters Estate for the relief of the needy in CBD of Sydney. …”
– Learn about and pray for this important ministry. Via the Moore College website.
Anglican Aid — In fellowship with GAFCON
From The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid:
“Anglican Aid gives thanks to God for the gospel faithfulness of the leadership of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), following their recent statement regarding the future of the Anglican Communion. This announcement is a declaration that the Anglican Communion would not centre around a person or an office, but rest on a single foundation: the Word of God.
As the overseas aid, development, and ministry support agency of the Sydney Anglican Diocese, Anglican Aid is committed to resourcing churches in the world’s poorest countries with faithful servants trained in the word of God. We are building and resourcing theological colleges and supporting the training of over 2,500 people for various ministries. Anglican Aid longs to see the word of God faithfully proclaimed to the nations. …”
Photo: Anglican Aid CEO Tim Swan with Archbishop Ande from the Anglican Church of Congo.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…