Diocese of Brisbane 2009 Synod

The Diocese of Brisbane held its Synod last Saturday –

“The Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Phillip Aspinall, has used his Presidential Address at Synod to speak of his hope for the future after a successful Connect to Church Sunday and a growing commitment to continue the effort. Dr Aspinall described as wonderful and fantastic a move by Bishops from 21 Dioceses from around the country to support a Back to Church Sunday event in September, mirroring a similar event in the Brisbane Diocese in February.…”

See the Brisbane Diocese website for a report

Archbishop-elect Duncan to the ACNA Provincial Assembly

“There is no one here who would go back. I hear it over and over. ‘There has been suffering and loss, some of it very wounding indeed, but we are so much better off than we were before!’

I hear it over and over. ‘God has been so good. God has been so faithful. So many miracles of provision! So many kindnesses and graces!’ …”

– Archbishop-elect Bob Duncan gives the opening address to the Provincial Assembly of the Anglican Church of North America.

UK: Police examine church’s Easter invitation

“A five-strong team of police officers investigated a church’s literature because someone said a leaflet inviting the public to an Easter service was ‘offensive’.

Two mounted policemen were later joined by three armour-clad officers who jumped out of a police van to examine the Easter invitation leaflet. …”

– Story from The Christian Institute. (h/t Anglican Mainstream.)

ACNA Provincial Assembly preview

Ahead of this week’s first Provincial Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America, this 3 minute video has been released to highlight the significance of the gathering.

With thanks to Kevin Kallsen of Anglican TV. Please pray for all involved in this assembly.

Saving the Church

Read about the upcoming conference ‘Confess or Die’ – in Sydney, 7 & 8 August 2009.

“The contemporary church seems to have amnesia about what it really believes. This two day conference is here to jolt the church’s memory, and give it new life for mission. …”

Speakers include Carl Trueman, John McClean and Mark Thompson.

See all the details at confessordie.com – and then book in!

ACNA Provincial Assembly starts Monday

The Provincial Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America will be held in Bedford, Texas from June 22-25 2009.

It will be a crucial event for this new Province because it will formally unite more than 700 Anglican congregations in 28 dioceses and ‘dioceses-in-formation’ in North America into a single body.

A dedicated website has been set up to allow those farther afield to follow proceedings – it’s at www.acnaassembly.org.

Related item: Sydney Standing Committee ‘warmly welcomes’ new Province. (8 Dec 2008)

New Anglican Church poses dilemma

“The Anglican Church in North America will be formally founded next week, challenging the legitimacy of the U.S. Episcopal Church and posing a dilemma for the worldwide Anglican Communion over who represents Anglicanism in the United States and Canada. …”

– Julia Duin writes in the Washington Times.

Anger over Rwandan plan to regulate religions

“Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda is spearheading a drive by the country’s Christian and Muslim leaders to defeat a bill introduced by the government that regulates the formation and finances of the country’s churches and mosques. …”

– George Conger reports for CEN. (Photo: Joy Gwaltney)

Adelaide tributes to Sir Marcus

Adelaide’s diocesan newspaper, The Guardian, pays tribute to Sir Marcus Loane in its current (June 2009) issue. It’s on page 3 of the PDF file available here (direct link).

“Repent and Refocus on mission” — Bishop of Rochester to say at launch of FCA

Anglican clergy and laity attending the launch of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in the UK and Ireland in London on July 6 will hear the Bishop of Rochester call for ‘repentance and a renewed commitment to evangelism and mission’. …

– Press release via Anglican Mainstream. (Photo: Joy Gwaltney, GAFCON.)

New Westminster Day 8

ANiC Parishes Closing Argument – June 8, 2009

“The morning began with counsel for the parishes, Geoff Cowper, QC, explaining to Mr Justice Kelleher that he expected presentation of his argument to be two full days. Two volumes of a ‘Statement of Facts’ and ‘Written Argument of the Plaintiffs’, together with a two volume ‘Book of Authorities’ were handed to the judge, who last week, jokingly remarked he had enough material before him and he didn’t want anymore. …”

– from the Anglican Essential Canada blog.

Anglican losses in global finanical crisis

Diocese of Sydney crest The ABC reports on the financial losses affecting Sydney Diocese’s investments – on ABC Radio’s AM programme.

Also Archbishop Peter Jensen has sent this letter to ministers and Russell Powell writes about the implications – at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Events associated with the launch of FCA

Anglican Mainstream has posted a list of events in churches in and around London on Sunday July 5th in association with Be Faithful!, the launch of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in UK and Ireland.

A number of visiting Anglican leaders will be in London and are speaking at events at these churches –

9:30 a.m.      St Peter’s Bushey Heath Bishop Michael Nazir Ali (Rochester)
10:30 a.m.    St Michael’s Chester Square.    TBA
6:00 p.m.     St Mark’s Battersea Rise. Archbishop Peter Jensen (Sydney)
6:30 p.m.     St Mary’s Lewisham, Bishop Keith Ackerman (USA)
6:30 p.m      All Saints Woodford Wells, Canon Vinay Samuel (India)
6:30 p.m.     Christ Church Virginia Water TBA
6:30 p.m.     St Peter’s Harold Wood Bishop Colin Bazley (former Primate of the Southern Cone)
8:00 p.m.     St Nicholas Sevenoaks. TBA

How Tim Keller found Manhattan

“Standing 6’4″, with a bald head, glasses, and a coat and tie, Keller, 58, does not look hip. Nor is his sermon funny, charming, or daring. He preaches from the first chapter of Genesis, on the doctrine of Creation.