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
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.)
Thinking of going to Moore next year?
“Thinking of coming to Moore next year but haven’t applied yet? The application due date is Monday November 30 2015. Any applications received after this date will attract an admin fee of $250…”
– Encouragement from Moore College to get that application in.
Good Governance Workshop 26 November
UNSW Campus Bible Study 40th Anniversary
Campus Bible Study at the University of New South Wales held a 40th anniversary thanksgiving and reunion event on October 31st.
There is much cause for thanksgiving to the Lord for a ministry that has been such a blessing to so many around the world.
Video from the day has now been posted at phillipjensen.com.
Sydney Anglicans Pray for Paris
A special public service of sorrow and prayer for Paris, in the wake of the Black Friday attacks, will be held in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney on Sunday 15th November at 3pm.
“It is difficult to comprehend the barbarity of such attacks” said the Archbishop of Sydney Dr Glenn Davies “but we mourn with those who mourn and weep with those who weep.”
“We pray that God in his unfailing love will comfort the people of Paris, especially those who have been injured and the families and friends who have lost loved ones.”
Premier Mike Baird will attend the service and representatives of the French Government will also be in attendance.
A French flag is already flying at half-mast at the Cathedral.
– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net.
Update: Bible Society Australia has published prayers by Dominic Steele and by Steve Cree.
Kara Hartley — encouragement for women in ministry
Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in the Diocese of Sydney, spoke at the Priscilla & Aquila Centre Refresh Conference in August.
The theme was ‘Stress & Ministry’. The first talk – by Kara Hartley – on Psalm 100 – and the second – by Dr Helen Rienits – are now on Vimeo.
Centre for Ministry Development to focus on Clergy needs
“Moore College’s Centre for Ministry Development (CMD) has been assisting in the development of clergy for the past three years.
The Centre has recognised the need to more deeply research the development needs of clergy and has released its founding Director, Archie Poulos, from the Directorship in order to undertake this research…”
– Read the story at the Moore College website.
Bishopscourt Sydney on the market again
“Sportsbet has weighed into conjecture surrounding the sale [of Bishopscourt Sydney] with $2.75 odds-on chance of the landmark residence selling between $20 million and $22,499,000…”
– More than you wanted to know, from Domain.
Sydney Synod “grieved” by actions of Bishops of Gippsland and Wangaratta
“Wednesday night’s [Sydney] synod ended with the passing of a robust motion responding to the actions of Bishop Kay Goldsworthy and Bishop John Parkes in undermining the Biblical doctrine of marriage and human sexuality.
The final motion, which was passed overwhelmingly, reads as follows…”
– Read the full text as posted by David Ould.
See also page 5 of the September 2015 edition of The Gippsland Anglican (PDF file).
(Image credits – Photo of Bishop John Parkes: Diocese of Wangaratta. Photo of the Rev. David Head and Bishop Kay Goldsworthy: Diocese of Gippsland.)
Biography of Sir Marcus Loane launched in Sydney
A large crowd gathered in Sydney on October 14th for the launch of a substantial biography of Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney 1966-1982.
From Strength to Strength – A Life of Marcus Loane, was written by Canon Allan M. Blanch, who is also an Emeritus Vice-President of the Anglican Church League.
The book was launched by Dame Marie Bashir.
From Strength to Strength promises to be an important contribution to Australian Church History. It also introduces Sir Marcus to new generations of Christians who, until now, may have known little about this towering figure.
A paperback edition is now available for order through the publisher’s website.
Top photo: Allan Blanch at the book launch.
Related: Archbishop Marcus Loane photo gallery.
Defending classic marriage — Synod speeches
Canon Sandy Grant moved, and Mrs Tara Sing seconded, the motion “Affirmation of marriage as between a man and a woman” at Sydney Synod on Wednesday 14th October 2015.
The text of Sandy’s speech is now available as a 115kb PDF file, with links to useful resources, and the final form of the resolution, as it was passed, at the end.
Mrs Tara Sing’s speech seconding the motion is below – Read more
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…