Bishop of Bathurst’s newsletter – Lent edition 2023
Posted on March 3, 2023
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Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder has published his Lent newsletter – a great way to be informed and to remember to pray for the people and churches of that diocese.
Download here as a PDF file – or on the Bathurst Facebook page.
Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary 2023
Posted on March 3, 2023
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Anglican Aid’s Prayer Diary for 2023 is now available to download from their website.
Christ our Refuge, Brisbane — new church in Diocese of the Southern Cross
Posted on March 2, 2023
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“On Wednesday, 22 February, Bishop Glenn Davies formally commissioned Rev Dave Miers as the Pastor of Christ our Refuge – the fifth church in the new Diocese of the Southern Cross
Christ our Refuge is a new church launching later this year in Brisbane’s Inner North.
Our dream is to be a city of refuge within the city of Brisbane, where many people have found refuge, security, and hope in Christ.
We see a mature, generous, and kingdom-minded community with a prayer to plant four new gospel-centred Anglican churches in Brisbane by 2032.
Find out more about our weekly gatherings, joining our team, prayer updates, and financial partnership here: christrefuge.co”
– News as well as photos of the Commissioning service can bee seen on their Facebook page.
See also the Diocese of the Southern Cross church directory.
Give thanks for all who are stepping out in faith to make Christ known – and especially Dave Miers and the members of this new church in Brisbane.
Chaplain who was sacked for identity politics sermon to appeal ruling
Posted on March 1, 2023
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“An ordained Church of England (CofE) chaplain, who was sacked and secretly reported to the government’s terrorist watchdog for a moderate sermon in a school chapel on identity politics, will appeal an employment tribunal ruling handed down this week.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Rev. Dr Bernard Randall had taken his employer, Trent College in Nottingham, to court for discrimination, harassment, victimisation and unfair dismissal.
He has described the ruling against him as a ‘blow for free speech and Christian freedoms.‘…”
– Christian Concern in the UK has this report on the sacking of the Rev. Dr Bernard Randall.
This story is quite an eye-opener to what is happening in the UK and in the Church of England.
You can hear his redelivery of the offending sermon below – do take the time to watch and listen.
Also read the transcript, courtesy of Christian Concern.
This case is also a reminder of why Australia needs robust freedom of religion legislation.
See also:
School chaplain loses unfair dismissal case over LGBT sermon – BBC News.
“Employment judge Victoria Butler, who heard evidence from Rev Randall and senior school staff during a three-week hearing, dismissed the clergyman’s claim he was ‘sacked’ by the school after he twice delivered a sermon called Competing Ideologies in chapel services. …”
Class and the evangelical church in England
Posted on February 28, 2023
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“I have been asked to write some observations on class in the evangelical church in England.
Those who asked me apparently think that my Australian background gives me an advantage; I am not embedded in the British class system myself, so can be more objective. I’m not sure that this is all that much an advantage: class in Britain is a very complicated and deeply-entrenched matter, not at all easy to understand. It still surprises me that even after 17 years living and working in Britain, I find certain aspects of the class system entirely foreign. Reading and researching on class issues has demonstrated that there is a lot that even now I had never realised, in particular the how powerful are the emotions and attitudes involved. The classes are different, in significant ways, and it really matters to people.
What has struck me most, and what will be the main point of this series of articles, is that running middle-class churches will not reach the working classes. …”
– Kirsten Birkett begins a series of articles at Church Society.
William Taylor: The Bishops have chosen to walk apart – but others stand with us
Posted on February 27, 2023
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William Taylor, Rector of St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London, has made an important announcement – and he speaks with the support of Anglican bishops worldwide including
Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney;
Foley Beach, Primate of North America and GAFCON Primates Council Chairman;
Jay Behan, Bishop of the Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa New Zealand;
Glenn Lyons, Presiding Bishop of REACH South Africa.
– See William Taylor’s announcement and the messages of support from these Anglican leaders.
Where to now for the Australian Christian Lobby? updated
Posted on February 25, 2023
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You may have heard the news yesterday that Martin Isles, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, is moving on.
His e-mail to supporters began:
“I write with significant news that will provoke mixed reactions.
After five incredible years as managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, my employment has been terminated by the Board.
I hasten to add that there is no question of misconduct. Rather, the Board has reviewed ACL’s strategic direction and decided I am not the right person to lead the revised strategy, which focuses more primarily on political tactics, less on the gospel. Having heard this articulated, I absolutely agree with them that I am not the right person for that vision. I have always been a preacher first, a politician second (or third……).
Please pray for the Board as ACL passes through this process, that their decisions would advance God’s will.
Although I think the strategy isn’t the right one, I leave without bitterness. God’s providence works through all things, including our own disappointments. …”
– At Culture Watch, Bill Muehlenberg shares his reaction:
“I too have long been involved in political lobbying and the like, and I know of its importance. But the more I have done this, the more I have come to believe that unless there is a strong gospel feature, unless there is a strong Christian connection, it will be all rather limited in its effectiveness and long-term success. …”
(We should add, as sometimes there can be confusion: The Anglican Church League and the Australian Christian Lobby are not the same – we just share the same initials.)
Update, 27 February 2023 from Jim Wallace, Chairman of the Board – Read more
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet — 2023 State Election Faith Groups Town Hall
Posted on February 25, 2023
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The NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, was a guest at the 2023 State Election Faith Groups Town Hall in Parramatta on Wednesday night (22nd February 2023).
You can watch the meeting as the Premier responded to questions in the run up to the State election.
In response to a question on ‘conversion therapy’, he said,
“There is no place for harmful practices in our state. Since this issue was raised, people have raised with me examples of food deprivation, electroshock therapy. Well, those practices are wrong, and we will move to outlaw them…
At the same time, we will not ban prayer, we will not ban preaching. That is fundamental to freedom of religion in this state and in this country. We can do both. We can ban harmful practices and we can protect freedom of religion in our state…
It’s not one or the other, it’s respecting everyone’s perspectives in relation to this and having a balanced approach.”
A similar event with the State Opposition Leader, Chris Minns, is planned for next week. We’ll aim to post a link to that event as well.
– Watch here. Thanks to Freedom for Faith for the video link and for the quote from the Premier.
‘Catastrophic” — Dr Lee Gatiss on the Global South’s rebuke of the Church of England
Posted on February 25, 2023
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Church Society Director Lee Gatiss is interviewed by Dave Piper for Trans World Radio about the Global South’s rejection of the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
“Lee argues this has left the majority of Anglicans worldwide aghast.
He says vicars will essentially be left to decide doctrine themselves – and could get it in the neck if they go against society’s views on marriage and sexual relationships. And he warns some parishes and dioceses could break away and seek oversight from outside of the UK.”
Whose conscience deserves protection in Australia?
Posted on February 25, 2023
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Yesterday, Associate Professor Neil Foster presented a short paper at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney – as part of a panel on “The Importance of Conscience”.
He’s made it available for download at Law and Religions Australia.
(Photo from a Sydney Diocese training day.)
Praying for Nigeria
Posted on February 24, 2023
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GAFCON’s prayer focus for today –
“Let us join with Christians in Nigeria praying for the elections on February 25.
These elections are for the President and Vice-President, and to the National Assembly.
Pray for peaceful balloting and for the election of a leader who can work effectively for the good of the whole country.”
Related:
What the Church of Nigeria expects of political parties and candidates.
Source: Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
What are we unable to stop speaking about?
Posted on February 24, 2023
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“Every time I read Acts 4:20 I am struck by how the message about Jesus should work. As the book of Acts begins, what Peter makes clear in each of his first Christian sermons is that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
For example, Acts chapter 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit is much more about God declaring Jesus as Lord and Messiah then it is about the coming of the Holy Spirit on God’s people (though it is about that too!).
It’s the fact that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah that means the Holy Spirit now comes (Acts 2:32-36).
Or, take the healing event of chapter 3 with the lame man. It is by the name and power of Jesus, who is both Lord and Messiah, that this man is now healed. …”
– At The Australian Church Record, Mike Leite has encouragement to speak the best news of all.
Discipling
Posted on February 24, 2023
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“Making disciples is the central direction of the great commission of Matthew 28.
I have lived long enough to see this endeavour go through some name changes. …
Many Christians of my vintage can testify to the value of the Navigator’s 2:7 course and to the Navigator’s emphasis on Scripture memorisation. …
I am not sure what it is being called today but I notice a growing emphasis for those in ministry to make ourselves more accountable by having a mentor.”
– At The Expository Preaching Trust, David Cook writes to encourage ministers to take advantage of several opportunities for discipling / mentoring / help in preaching.
Ordinations in Armidale — February 2023
Posted on February 23, 2023
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From The Diocese of Armidale:
“Some good news for your encouragement.
On Saturday 18th February, ordinations were held at St Peter’s Cathedral, Armidale. Matthew Hearne, Angus Martin and Jeremy Lin were made Deacons; Matthew Stones, David Thompson and Philip van’t Spyker were made Presbyters.
This is the largest group ordained for some years and is a wonderful blessing for our Diocese. It was also great to see so many clergy and lay people from around our Diocese come to support and encourage the six men.
Give thanks to God for those he has called to be shepherds of His church and that the clergy team in our Diocese is growing. Pray also for the ministry of each of the men who were ordained.”
(Click the image for a larger version.)
The Life of Faith — by Peter Jensen
Posted on February 23, 2023
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New from Matthias Media, The Life of Faith by Peter Jensen.
“An introductory-level systematic theology from one of the evangelical world’s most influential theologians, perfect for the keen layperson but with enough depth and stimulation to be relevant and interesting for full-time gospel workers.
The Life of Faith sits within the tradition of books like In Understanding Be Men by TC Hammond and Concise Theology by JI Packer, written for today’s audience.”
We’re sure there’ll be much more said about this book which will be launched at Moore College on Tuesday 14th March, but is available to order now.
See the Matthias Media website for all the details.
Also see the Recommendations, including this one from William Taylor, Rector of St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in, London –
“This is a magnificent book. There is gold on every page. For those who benefitted from the blessing of being taught by Peter Jensen at Moore College it will be a must-have – if only to remind of privileges once enjoyed. Those who missed such riches now can play catch up. Knowledge of God is the beautiful theme – through the Scriptures, in salvation, as Lord and by faith.
This is no dry textbook. Every page drives towards practical knowledge of the living God. It will fill your mind, delight your soul and, above all, enrich your relationship with God.”
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…