Celebrating one giant leap for the gospel
St. John’s Cathedral at Parramatta is celebrating 200 years since Samuel Marsden’s first Mission to New Zealand at their 10:00am service on Sunday 20th July. David Pettett will be the guest speaker. (PDF flyer.)
As well, the book Launching Marsden’s Mission, edited by Peter Bolt and David Pettett, will be launched.
(Contributors include Greg Anderson, Peter Bolt, Malcolm Falloon, Michael Gladwin, Meredith Lake, Simon Manchester, Malcolm Prentis, David Pettett and Craig Schwarze.)
‘Out of step’ with the times — but not the Bible
“The Church of England’s decision to allow women bishops may represent a historical shift in attitudes in its General Synod, but to the dismay of supporters of the ordination of women, the move may hold little sway for Sydney’s Anglican community…
‘As much as we respect the Church of England, it is no longer the centre of our world,’ Bishop Forsyth said. ‘It’s not our Rome, it’s a partner church in the worldwide community of Anglicans.’…”
– from The Sydney Morning Herald.
Includes a quote from ACL President Gav Poole –
”Sydney is known around the world for its evangelical character and its holding to the authority of the scriptures,” he said. ”That’s a long tradition here in Sydney and something we have always appreciated.”
Phillip Jensen to resign as Dean at Christmas
“I believe we have reached that stage of development at the Cathedral and it is time for me to resign as Dean. …
As far as my future is concerned, I have a new job lined up in 2015 with ‘Two Ways Ministries’. Being freed from the varied responsibilities of Dean will allow me to serve God’s people outside the confines of one church and without the weight and distractions of being a church pastor…”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen announces his intention to retire from the position of Dean at Christmas 2014 – and he shares what he plans, Lord willing, to do next.
Related: Dean moves to new ministry (SydneyAnglicans.net.)
Archbishop Glenn Davies: “Phillip Jensen has exercised an extraordinary ministry in the Diocese of Sydney for more than 40 years, most notably as Chaplain of the University of New South Wales and rector of St Matthias, Centennial Park.”
Religion vital to Australian education — AEC news release
Anglican Education Commission news release
Religion vital to Australian education
“Recent press reports have seriously misrepresented the position of the Anglican Education Commission on public education policy.
The commission has not called for the scrapping of the chaplaincy program or for the replacement of Special Religious Education (Scripture) in NSW schools.
By conflating several distinct policy areas, a report in the Sydney Morning Herald (Page 1, 25/6/14) seriously misled the public.
It is unfortunate that in the debate about the future of the National School Chaplaincy Program, the provision of NSW scripture (SRE) has been linked to chaplaincy. These are, and have always been, separate. The SRE program is not government-funded.
It its submission to the recent Review of the Australian Curriculum, the Anglican Education Commission, in looking to the long term, argued for the inclusion of a mandatory study of ‘Worldviews and Ethics’, which would incorporate the study of all religions and be available for all students. If such a subject was added to the Australian Curriculum it would have significant benefits for all students.
This would not replace the vital SRE program in NSW schools and as a national move, would have much wider implications.
The Anglican Education Commission in the Diocese of Sydney strongly believes that education is incomplete unless it includes a study of religion. The diocese has had a strong history as both a provider of education through diocesan schools and in the provision of Special Religious Education (Scripture) in public schools. The Commission is absolutely committed to the future of both.
Secondly, the diocese, like the Catholic Church, does not have a policy on chaplaincy as such. The AEC has not called for the scrapping of the chaplains program. However, should the NSW Government decide to take over the chaplaincy program in its present form, some hard questions will need to be asked about its nomenclature and whether ‘chaplain’ is the right word to use for such a program. If the program is purely a secular one, why not call it a welfare program and direct its focus to the high priority areas of wellness, psychology and student health?
Press reports with misleading headlines and out-of-context quotes are not helpful as governments consider these crucial areas of policy.
Dr Bryan Cowling,
Executive Director,
Anglican Education Commission
25/6/2014.”
This press release by the Executive Director of the Anglican Education Commission, Dr Bryan Cowling, is an important corrective.
New Moore College faculty member appointed
“The Governing Board of the College has approved the Principal’s nomination of Rev Dr Lionel Windsor to the faculty from 1 January 2015. Dr Windsor is a graduate of the College who is currently serving as Assistant Minister at St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Neutral Bay…”
Thanksgiving service for Margaret Rodgers
It’s been announced that there will be a Thanksgiving service for Deaconess Margaret Rodgers (who died on 31st May) at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney at 2:00pm on Thursday 19th June.
‘When we get it wrong’ — Southern Cross
“Some months ago, the team at Southern Cross started planning to do a cover story on prayer.
They say everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it. With prayer, we don’t talk much about it and do it even less (myself included).
Article complete, we went about trying to illustrate it. It seemed ‘knee fitness’ might be catchy and contemporary. Because we don’t have the funds to stage our own photography, we used a stock image of a woman in fitness gear.
In an effort to focus on the knees to make the theme work, the cover unhelpfully drew attention to other parts of her body and cut off her head, depersonalising the image.
Let me be clear. This was a mistake. With the best of intentions we actually did the opposite of what we were trying to do. …”
– Russell Powell, CEO of Anglican Media Sydney, issues an apology. An exemplary way for Christians to respond.
And you can now download the updated version of Southern Cross – with lots of great content – here as a 5.3MB PDF file.
Vale Margaret Rodgers
Readers will be saddened to hear of the death of Deaconess Margaret Rodgers early this morning (31 May 2014).
Margaret was a well-known figure in Sydney Diocese over many years.
Most notably, she served as Principal of Deaconess House (now Mary Andrews College) 1975–85. As well, she was Research Officer, General Synod, 1985–1993, CEO of the Anglican Media Council 1994–2003 and the Archbishop of Sydney’s Media Officer 2004–2007.
Margaret also served on a variety of key boards and committees within and outside Sydney Diocese.
In the 2014 Australia Day Honours List, Deaconess Rodgers was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in Sydney Diocese, writes:
“Margaret was passionate for women to be mobilised for ministry. As Principal of Deaconess House, and through her involvement in the Diocese and national church, she was tireless in her support & encouragement of women seeking to serve The Lord. The deaconesses have lost a dear friend and sister.”
Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson writes:
“Moore College owes a considerable debt to Deaconess Rodgers who, as Principal of Deaconess House, gave lectures in church history and participated in the life of the faculty, and of the College more generally, in a variety of ways. The College has lost a very dear friend.”
Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies writes:
“A warrior for Christ, not ashamed of the gospel and not afraid to confront those with whom she disagreed, but always with a winsome smile and a heartfelt desire to see Christ honoured in all areas of life. She will long be remembered, but greatly missed.” (More here.)
Jane Tooher, Director of The Priscilla & Aquila Centre at Moore College, adds:
“I last spoke to Margaret a couple of months ago when I invited her to speak at a conference. Although she was unable to be involved because of her precarious health, the conversation with her was remarkable. She encouraged me and her wonderful sense of humour left me in hysterical laughter at points. All who knew her, and especially those of us at Moore College, have very good reasons to thank God for the life of this faithful servant.”
John Sandeman of Eternity Newspaper has this tribute:
“Most Australian Christians will complain about how the mass media deals with their church, or Christianity itself. It’s rare to see someone set out to deal with this problem and even rarer to see someone succeed, not just once but many times. Margaret Rodgers, who ran media relations for the Sydney Anglicans for a decade and a half, fitted the third category exactly.”
In 2007, Margaret was farewelled on her retirement. “Media Officer’s brilliant career.”
In 2011, the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney took time to specially thank Margaret.
(Photo: Mary Andrews College.)
Morning Tea for Moore
Work in the City?
This Wednesday (28th May 2014) there’s an opportunity to learn about Moore College over morning tea.
Vice Principal Bill Salier, and faculty members Jane Tooher and Peter Orr, will be on hand to chat about the College and to answer questions. In the QVB Tea Room, 10:00–11:00am – details here.
With thankgiving for Ailsa Knox
We are sorry to report the death, this afternoon (14 May 2014), of Mrs Ailsa Knox, beloved wife of the late D B Knox who was Principal of Moore College 1959–1985.
Ailsa suffered a stroke on Saturday and did not recover.
Ailsa was born Ailsa Lane in 1924 in Sydney. She first met Broughton at an Inter Varsity Fellowship meeting at Sydney University in 1947. They married at St. Swithun’s Pymble in September 1950. Only six weeks later she travelled with him to England as he began his doctoral studies at Oxford.
Broughton and Ailsa had six children: Margery, Deborah, Jonathan, Stephanie, David and Rosemary.
Moore College students will fondly remember Ailsa for her kindness and hospitality, and also for her beautiful soprano voice (she even gave the occasional public recital). She was a great woman of faith who gently encouraged generations of women at Moore.
After Moore College, Broughton and Ailsa left Sydney in January 1989 to found a new Theological College – George Whitefield College – in South Africa. When they returned to Sydney four years later, they left the College as a going concern.
Ailsa was persistent in prayer, and has been described as the fun-loving lighter side to the Knox family. She loved going to CMS Summer School at Katoomba each January, and last attended in January 2013.
While there is sadness for those left behind to remember Ailsa’s legacy, there is also great rejoicing that she is now with Christ.
Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies reflects –
“Ailsa modelled Christian virtues at so many levels. Her ministry especially among faculty wives and students was a great encouragement and a godly example. I have no doubt that the impact of Broughton Knox upon our Diocese would not have as profound or as significant had he not had the life companion of Ailsa by his side. Precious indeed, in God’s sight, is the death of his saints.”
– More from SydneyAnglicans.net.
Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson remembers –
“Among the list of marvellous ministry marriages which have served the cause of Christ and his people in this city so extraordinarily well over the past 225 years, the partnership of Broughton and Ailsa Knox has been and continues to be a cause of great thanksgiving to our loving Heavenly Father.”
“Mrs Knox’s call home is a sadness for all who knew her and were encouraged by her faith in Christ, but for her it will be pure joy as she now knows as she is known”
– See the tribute from Moore College.
And here is a Tribute from George Whitefield College.
(Photo: Mrs Knox in 2005 at a College Supporters Lunch. Thanks to Moore College.)
Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about Moore Theological College
Moore Theological College recently interviewed Archbishop Glenn Davies about his thoughts on the College.
You could use these videos in home groups or in churches to encourage the study of God’s word and the support of the College.
See the videos here –
1. The Archbishop of Sydney and Moore College (3’33”)
Dr. Davies speaks his about his long-standing connection with the College, his training at Moore, his long association and his new role as the President of the Governing Board.
2. Moore’s Unique Role in the Diocesan Mission (4’52”)
Glenn considers the unique place of Moore in the mission of the Diocese of Sydney.
“…Moore College is essential for continuing the work of teaching the Bible. We can never take the teaching of the Bible for granted.”
3. Moore College: Serving the World (4:03).
The Archbishop talks about the College’s three ministry Centres, about engaging with churches and training people of other denominations for gospel work. Lastly he encourages us to pray continually for the College’s students and faculty.
Background info at the College website.
Moore College Open Night — 5th May 2014
“An informal night to come along and check out the College and find out for yourself what Moore is all about.”
– Details from the MTC website.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for Easter Sunday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests at the Easter Sunday service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney yesterday. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife, Margie, were also present.
The service was a carefully planned reminder of the wonder of the cross and resurrection. It was as normal an Easter Sunday service as possible, given the circumstances, with the regular congregational members of the Cathedral in attendance.
The Cathedral Kids sang Colin Buchanan’s ‘He died upon the Cross’ and a long-serving choir member was farewelled.
The Cathedral was full, and Sydney Square was packed with people vying to get a glimpse of the couple.
The Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen, led the service. Archbishop Glenn Davies preached on the resurrection of Lazarus and how it differs from the resurrection of Jesus.
All the elements of the gathering worked together so that the importance and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection were clearly proclaimed.
Both couples, the Duke and Duchess and the Prime Minister and his wife, engaged fully in the service and appeared to appreciate the occasion.
In addition, the service was a major test for the Cathedral’s new sound system, which performed brilliantly.
Photo: Ramon Wiliams.
Story and photos at SydneyAnglicans.net, The Herald Sun (with a very nice News Corp photo) and Eternity Newspaper.
Duke and Duchess to sign Australia’s first Bible on Easter Sunday
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are attending church this Easter, joining the congregation at Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral.
The royal couple will sign the First Fleet Bible and Prayer Book as they leave the church on Easter Day. The books were originally the personal Bible and prayer book of Australia’s first chaplain, Richard Johnson…”
– Story from Eternity Newspaper.
Archbishop Glenn Davies’ Easter Message 2014
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…