27 Ordained in Sydney – and Director of Indigenous Ministry commissioned

Russell Powell writes at SydneyAnglicans.net –

“With more than 1000 people in the congregation and 27 servant-hearted men and women, St Andrew’s Cathedral echoed with the sound of singing, fulfilling Charles Wesley’s hope for ‘O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise’.

Newly ordained, the deacons then made their way through the crowds for a group photo on the steps of the cathedral and then celebrated with family and church members from across Sydney, Wollongong and beyond. …”

– Read it all here.

“100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” — Gavin Rosser

From Moore College:

“Gavin Rosser, along with his wife Megan and their family, serves with the Anglican Church in Amman, Jordan, through CMS.

After 17 years of ministry in Sydney, Gavin followed a long-held calling to minister in a region where Christ is less known. …”

– Moore College is continuing its “100 Ministry Stories” series – this time with Gavin Rosser.

Report: Ashley Null elected Bishop of the Diocese North Africa

“The Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of North Africa is delighted to announce that The Revd Canon Dr Ashley Null has been elected as the next bishop of North Africa.  The Electoral Synod met on 4 February in N’Djamena, Chad, in the context of a Diocesan Synod that will continue until 6 February.

If the Synod of the Province of Alexandria confirms this election Dr Null will become the second, and first elected, bishop of the Diocese of North Africa, covering five countries (Algeria, Chad, Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia) and including the territory of the see of St Augustine of Hippo.

Dr Null holds research degrees from Yale and the University of Cambridge. He has received numerous awards for his work, including Fulbright, National Endowment for the Humanities and Guggenheim fellowships as well as being elected fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries in London. He currently holds a research post funded by the German Research Council at Humboldt University of Berlin and is a visiting fellow at the Divinity Faculty of Cambridge University and St. John’s College, Durham University. His project is editing the private theological notebooks of Thomas Cranmer,

Commenting on the election the current bishop, the Rt Revd Anthony Ball, said ‘I am delighted that Canon Ashley offered, and has been chosen to share, his varied experience and renowned gifts as a pastor and theologian in the service of this wonderful diocese.  As the Chair of the Board of The Alexandria School of Theology he is already familiar with the Diocese.  He will now have the chance to broaden and enhance the work he has done for many years to promote and encourage Christian witness in this cradle of Christianity. I look forward to working with him and wish him every blessing as he prepares to assume his new role.’ ”

– Report from The Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association in the UK.

A bit more background on Bishop Anthony Ball, who is quoted above –

“On 30 November 2021, shortly after the Province of Alexandria was recognized as a new Anglian Communion province, Ball was consecrated as an assistant bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Egypt. He held this role on a part-time basis while remaining resident at Westminster Abbey. In January 2024, at a service in N’Djamena, Ball was installed as the first diocesan bishop of North Africa—which covers Algeria, Chad, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia—while retaining his appointments at Westminster.” – Source, Wikipedia.

Photo of Ashley Null: Gafcon.

Advancing Indigenous Ministry

“In a boost for ministry to Indigenous peoples, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has announced the landmark appointment of the Rev Michael Duckett as the first Director of Indigenous Ministry in the Sydney Diocese.

Synod last year voted overwhelmingly to create the position after a recommendation from the Sydney Anglican Indigenous Peoples Ministry Committee (SAIPMC) that it would greatly impact the growth and oversight of ministry by, among and for Indigenous people in Sydney and the Illawarra. …”

– Good news from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Photo: Michael Duckett thanks to SydneyAnglicans.nrt.

Equipped to serve

Archie Poulos interviews Dave Morgan – at the Moore College website.

“Archie Poulos, Head of Ministry and Director for the Centre for Ministry Development at Moore Theological College, interviews Dave Morgan, Team Leader of Athletes in Action in the South Island of New Zealand, about his ministry journey since graduating from Moore College in 2005.

Dave talks a little bit about his experience of studying at Moore, having not previously completed a university degree; he explains how his training at Moore equipped him for serving at the University of New England in Armidale; he recalls what it was like to minister to the people of Christchurch in the aftermath of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes; and he tells us about his current role and why he’s passionate about working with athletes.”

An interview with Veronica Hoyt

From The Australian Church Record:

“Last week, Dr Veronica Hoyt joined the faculty at Moore College, as Lecturer in Ministry and Director of the Priscilla and Aquila Centre.

Veronica has kindly spoken to the ACR to tell us about life before this new role, as well as her hopes for the forthcoming P&A conference.”

– Read it all here.

“100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” — Neil Flower

From Moore College:

“For Neil Flower, studying at Moore College was a formative experience, helping him to systematize and understand the Bible’s teaching about God, people, and life. Over the past 16 years of retirement, Neil has travelled across Australia—from Karratha to Lord Howe Island—serving in locum roles, leading evangelistic missions, and teaching the Bible. His passion for evangelism continues to drive him, finding no greater joy than seeing people commit their lives to Christ.

Neil encourages churches to pray for their ministers, that they would stay sharp in their mission to lead, disciple, and build up God’s people.”

– Moore College is continuing its “100 Ministry Stories” series – this time with Neil Flower.

Earlier, the College spoke with Daniel Faricy with BCA in Kununurra in the Diocese of North West Australia:

“Daniel Faricy and his family followed God’s call beyond Sydney to serve in the Diocese of North West Australia, ministering in Kununurra with Bush Church Aid. While they have seen great openness to the gospel, the transient nature of the town presents challenges in building long-term relationships. Yet, they remain committed to sharing Jesus and sending people on with a kingdom focus.

Daniel asks for prayer for wisdom in reaching the community and for their children to grow as strong disciples of Christ.”

“100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” — Chenny Thie

“Chenny Thie serves with CMS in Japan, sharing the gospel with university students in Tokyo. Moore College equipped her to confidently handle God’s Word, enabling her to teach students how to read and understand the Bible for themselves and share it with others. She treasures the fellowship and shared learning she experienced at Moore, which continues to shape her ministry today.”

– Moore College’s “100 Ministry Stories” continues with Chenny Thie, serving in Japan.

Why I Left the Church of Rome

“I grew up in a devout Roman Catholic family and attended private Catholic schools for both my primary (St John’s Riverstone) and secondary education (Oakhill College, Castle Hill) both in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, NSW. While nothing is perfect, I really enjoyed my upbringing and even aspired to becoming a De La Salle brother, which is kind of like a ‘teaching monk’.

All that changed though when I received a sporting scholarship to the United States to play tennis on the college circuit. In the providence of God, I ended up in a Missouri Synod Lutheran University in Southern California, formerly called ‘Christ College Irvine’ but is now Concordia University. My world was about to be turned upside down. …”

– At AP, Presbyterian minister Mark Powell shares the wonderful news he heard, and how it changed his life.

Lord for the Years: A tribute to Timothy Dudley-Smith

BBC Radio 4 last week aired an edition of “Sunday Worship” with a tribute to Timothy Dudley-Smith.

It’s available on their website for a limited time.

(Image from a 2020 message from Bishop Dudley-Smith to the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.)

“100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” — Dan Lee

Moore College is continuing its “100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” – this one features Dan Lee:

“Dan Lee came to know Jesus at the end of high school through a local youth group where he first experienced Christian community and read the Bible for himself. After completing a ministry apprenticeship, he chose Moore College to deepen his theological understanding, particularly gaining a richer grasp of the Trinity. Now leading a new campus of MBM Church in Parramatta, Dan encourages all ministry apprentices to pursue theological education, equipping them to serve effectively—whether in paid ministry or as active church members.”

Melbourne Anglicans mourn former Archbishop of Melbourne Keith Rayner

“Australian Anglicans are mourning the death of a former Melbourne archbishop and pivotal figure in the ordination of women in the Church.

Bishop Keith Rayner died peacefully on 12 January 2025, almost eight weeks after his 95th birthday. …”

– From The Melbourne Anglican.

Photo: Stpeters-cathedral, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“100 Ministry Stories from Moore College” — Peter Sholl

Moore College is featuring this brief video from Peter Sholl, International Director of CMS Australia as part of its “100 Ministry Stories”:

“God used Peter’s time at College to equip him with a solid foundation in theological thinking and a heart for mission, preparing him for service as a CMS missionary.

Now serving as the International Director of CMS Australia, Peter supports missionaries around the world, encouraging gospel work across cultures.

Peter’s story attests to how God uses theological training to prepare men and women for global ministry.”

Alistair Begg: Honesty, Humour and Hope

From The Pastor’s Heart:

“We speak to Alistair Begg about pastors, suffering, humility and surviving long term in ministry. Alistair Begg is in Sydney this week speaking at the Church Missionary Society conference in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Alistair has served the people of Cleveland Ohio for 42 years at Parkside Church and has a global impact through the influential Truth for Life Ministry.

We go backstage with Alistair to discuss: His teaching on 1 Peter, focussing on suffering, perseverance, trials, humility and standing firm in God’s grace. Reflections on 40+ years of pastoral ministry and lessons learned along the way. Insights into global mission and the long-term commitment of missionaries. His upcoming transition after more than four decades of leadership. The impact of Australia on his ministry in the US, including his close friendship with former Moore College Principal John Woodhouse. Insights into preparing for life after pastoral leadership as he approaches his final months as senior pastor.”

– Watch or listen here.

After 150 years of Christian compassion Leprosy is nearly defeated

“In November, people from nearly thirty countries gathered in New Delhi for the 150th anniversary of The Leprosy Mission. they thanked God for amazing progress in treating the disease and committed to strive for a world without leprosy by 2035. A world without leprosy is within sight. With improved preventative medication, diagnostic tests, and even vaccines, the tools and knowledge needed to end leprosy are in our grasp.

‘It was a marvellous time of celebrating the progress we’ve made, but also longing to finish the job,’ said Greg Clarke, the CEO of The Leprosy Mission Australia (TLMA).…”

– This article by Anne Lim at The Gospel Coalition Australia is a great encouragement. It’s also a reminder of the key work of Australian doctors such as Grace Warren.

Photo: Dr Grace Warren meeting Diana, Princess of Wales, Anandaban Hospital, Nepal, 1993. From Leprosy Mission Australia.

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