Glenn Davies elected Archbishop of Sydney
The Anglican Church League warmly congratulates Archbishop-Elect Glenn Davies on his election as the 12th Archbishop of Sydney and assures him, and his wife Dianne, of our prayers and support as we together seek to win Sydney for Christ.
We look forward to a continued strong relationship with Archbishop Davies, who is also an Emeritus Vice President of the League. Dr. Davies will be installed as Archbishop on Friday 23rd August in St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has more on the election.
Here is the statement made this evening to the Sydney Synod by Canon Rick Smith on moving the motion that Bishop Glenn Davies be invited to become Archbishop of Sydney: Read more
Sydney Election Synod underway
Sydney Synod is underway, with a second evening of sitting set for Tuesday.
Russell Powell has a report at SydneyAnglicans.net – with a link to the Presidential Address (PDF) by Administrator of the Diocese, Bishop Robert Forsyth.
Moore College Sunday — August 18
Sunday 18th August is Moore College Sunday. Find out how to be involved here.
(You could play this 3 minute video in church or in your home groups.)
Praying for the Election Synod — The Dean
Dean of the Cathedral, Phillip Jensen, calls members of the Cathedral congregation, and all reading this, to pray for the election Synod.
“Prayer always brings glory to God, as we express our confidence in his willingness and ability to help us as well as his interest in the details of our life. To think the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe would pay attention to our requests – about the trivialities of our lives – is humbling and exciting. That we can call the Almighty, “Father” is wonderful beyond description.
This week our diocese comes to electing a new Archbishop. Synod will be meeting for a few nights to try to come to agreement about who it should be. It is not the most important decision we ever make, but it is a decision we have to make and it does affect many aspects of church life. In particular it affects us, as the Cathedral church – i.e. the seat of the bishop of the diocese.
So this week is an important time for prayer. We want God to bless our decision, and that overriding our desires, he will appoint the man he thinks best suits his plans for our diocese. So please pray for …”
Upholding the Administrator in prayer
After the retirement of Archbishop Peter Jensen, the Administrator of the Diocese of Sydney is the Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth. Please be encouraged to include him in your prayers in this time, and as he prepares to chair the Election Synod.
(Please also pray for the staff of St. Andrew’s House in this busy period of preparation for the synod.)
What is an Archbishop?
Phillip Jensen continues his brief series on the coming Archbishop’s election, and asks; “What is an Archbishop?”
“When it comes to electing an Archbishop the natural questions are ‘What does the role involve?’ and therefore ‘What are the characteristics or competencies that we are looking for in a candidate?’ However, the answers to these questions are quite different to most people’s expectations as they are not the most appropriate questions to ask.”
New Moore College website — and Societas 2013 is out now
Moore Theological College has launched its updated website – www.moore.edu.au – check it out.
In addition, the 2013 issue of Societas – the produced by the Moore College student body – is also available. You can get printed copies from student ministers at your church, and you can also read it online.
The Archbishop’s Election: A Political Process
“As people have spoken of my involvement in the election of our next Archbishop I thought it may be helpful for friends, especially those on synod, to understand how I view the election of Sydney’s Archbishop. …”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen writes the first of several articles designed to help Synod members think through the issues behind the election of a new Archbishop.
Related:
“The ACL confirms its longstanding practice of not promoting a preferred candidate for the Archbishop’s election.” – February 2013.
Prayer suggestions (PDF file).
Archbishop-in-waiting – profile from Southern Cross, July 2013.
Archbishop Peter Jensen interviews on ABC Radio
Archbishop Peter Jensen was interviewed twice on ABC Radio this week –
by Richard Glover – Direct link to 12MB mp3 file – runs for 25 minutes,
and by Andrew West for the ABC’s Religion and Ethics Report – “The Peter Paradox” – direct link to 7.5MB mp3 file – runs for 16 minutes.
Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation to purchase Anglican Schools in Dubbo and Orange
The Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation is buying Anglican Schools in Dubbo and Orange –
“this decision of the Bathurst Diocese and the Board of Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation will bring stability to underpin the future operation of these schools…”
Here’s the media release from the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation –
28 June 2013
Dr Laurie Scandrett, Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, today has announced that the Corporation has exchanged contracts for the purchase of Macquarie Anglican Grammar School at Dubbo and Orange Anglican Grammar School.
“We are very excited to be able to make this announcement today. Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation has exchanged contracts for the purchase of both of these schools. We expect that the purchases will be completed at the end of September. By including the operation of these schools as part of Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation, we can guarantee to students, parents, staff and each community that the future of these schools is secure. The schools will be able to continue their great work of Christian education with confidence,” said Dr Scandrett.
The announcement follows a competitive expression of interest process resulting from the decision, earlier this year, of the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst to sell these schools. Read more
‘Don’t retreat’, says Archbishop
“Archbishop Peter Jensen, in one of his final addresses, has urged Christians to engage in public discussion and ‘not to be put off by those who say we should stop trying to impose our values on others’.…”
– Russell Powell reports on last night’s Centre for Christian Living gathering at Broadway.
You can hear the talk (93MB mp3 file) and see the outline at the CCL website.
And the Bible Society has a report.
Christian Voices in the Public Square
The next Moore College Centre for Christian Living open night is at St. Barnabas’ Broadway on Wednesday 26th June.
Archbishop Peter Jensen is speaking on ‘Christian Voices in the Public Square’.
Bookings essential. Website & booking here. Flyer here.
Christian service to commemorate drowned asylum seekers
“Rev Dr Michael Jensen has organised a service to commemorate the bodies of asylum seekers, recently lost at sea.
On June 6, approximately 55 people drowned near Christmas Island, after their boat capsized. The bodies were not recovered…
A Christian service of commemoration for those lost at sea will be held this Sunday, 23rd June, from 2-3pm at St Barnabas, Broadway…”
– Story from the Bible Society.
One last thing…
Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has a report (along with photos by Ramon Williams) on last night’s farewell service for Archbishop Peter & Mrs Christine Jensen.
ACL Statement of Appreciation for Archbishop Peter Jensen
The Council of the Anglican Church League has today communicated its deep appreciation to Archbishop Peter Jensen, who concludes his ministry as Archbishop next month.
The Appreciation below has been signed by ACL President Gav Poole on behalf of the League.
Peter and Christine will be publicly farewelled at a special gathering at St. Andrew’s Cathedral tonight.
Thursday, 13th June 2013
IN APPRECIATION – The Most Reverend Dr. Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of NSW.
The President, Executive and Council of the Anglican Church League (ACL) wish to take this opportunity to formally express their deep appreciation for the leadership, support and encouragement exercised by Archbishop Peter Jensen.
Archbishop Jensen has been a member of the ACL for more than forty years and a long standing Vice President. His public commitment to the evangelical values and principles of the League has been unwavering.
As Principal of Moore Theological College he taught and mentored two generations of clergy, ensuring that evangelical, systematic and expository preaching would remain the character of Sydney Anglican pulpits.
As Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen has represented the evangelical character and convictions of our diocese with intelligence, humility, strength, humour and diligence on both the national and international stage.
Archbishop Jensen is an eminent teacher and theologian but, above all, he is loved for his deep pastoral concern for the clergy under his care and the wider diocesan family. Within Sydney and far beyond, Archbishop Jensen is warmly regarded for his deep compassion and warm personal and pastoral concern.
Archbishop Jensen has ever been a champion for the gospel which proclaims the sacrificial atoning death of Christ and his bodily resurrection. His passion to see the lost become found and discover new life in Christ has been an inspiration. He is a mission-minded man.
His kind and genuinely open disposition, while maintaining a godly resistance to moral and ethical compromise, continues as a model for all Christians who find themselves in dialogue with others. The revealed Word of God has always been his steadfast guide. His personal love for Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is evident to all.
The goal of the ACL is to ensure, as far as possible, that the evangelical character of the Sydney diocese does not wane or fade over time. Archbishop Jensen has been a marvellous partner and formidable ally in this cause.
It is with a very deep sense of thanksgiving to God that the ACL takes this opportunity to express our appreciation for, and our debt of gratitude to, Archbishop Jensen as he approaches his retirement.
– ends.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…