Assembly of Confessing Congregations — UCA situation is ‘untenable’
Posted on September 11, 2022
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The Assembly of Confessing Congregations National Assembly has been meeting on the Gold Coast this weekend. Chief among their discussions was their position within the Uniting Church when that organisation’s Assembly holds to two contradictory doctrines on marriage.
This statement has been posted today on the Assembly of Confessing Congregations Facebook page:
“The ACC National Council has come to the conclusion that the situation we are in is ‘untenable’. We cannot continue to live within the illusion of so called ‘two integrities’. The position of the UCA Assembly on the one hand, and that held by orthodox Christian members, congregations, networks and Presbyteries on the other, represent two contradictory and mutually exclusive understandings of truth, salvation, and therefore also of mission. This situation raises an essential impossibility of pursuing a common mission between these two respective positions.
This weekend, the ACC National Assembly has now put in place a mechanism of action towards navigating its way to a process of a collection of action items to be decided in an upcoming decision in March 2023.”
– Source of the text and photo.
Earlier:
A message to Uniting Church members about the decision on marriage from Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer – 20 July 2018.
Liturgical resources on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Posted on September 9, 2022
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Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder has made these resources available for use in churches.
They would also be very good to use in your personal prayers! (Click the image for a PDF version.)
Liturgical resources on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s life and witness
Loving Lord and heavenly Father, we give thanks to you today for the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, especially her very clear trust in Jesus as her Saviour and determination to serve you as Lord. Thank you for her dedication to serving us her people, right to the end of her life. Thank you for her witness to Jesus as her hope and strength.
Although comforted in grief by the certainty of her presence now with you, we ask that we and all who grieve may know the ongoing consolation of your loving presence, and that peace which passes understanding, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Royal Family and all who grieve
We bring before you dear Lord, the entire Royal Family and all who were close to Her Majesty who will feel a great sense of loss. Grant them a good grief, which puts away stoicism and pretence. May they be a comfort and strength to one another. Unite in grief, those who have known conflict and division. Give wisdom to clergy who will minister to them during this time, that they will bring words of hope and life. We pray for those who have not previously known your love for them, that they may in this sad time, be inspired by Her Late Majesty’s trust in you, and turn to you for help. May they find consolation in the assurance of Her Late Majesty’s presence with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For King Charles III – the traditional prayer for our monarch
O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King CHARLES; and so replenish him with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that he may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue him plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant him in health and wealth long to live; strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Mark Calder
9 September 2022.
Also see:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV).
Andy Geers and the team at PrayerMate have distributed this prayer you could use:
Almighty God, Heavenly King, thank you for the long life of your servant, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you that she was a symbol of such stability through the huge changes seen during her seventy year reign. Thank you that throughout her life, her hope in you remained steadfast, as the true King who remains the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you for her life of dedicated service to others, pointing us to Jesus, the Son of Man, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Comfort all who mourn her death: her family, her subjects, and all who admired and respected her.
Lord God, grant her son, His Majesty King Charles III, great wisdom and humility as king. May he know that he submits to a higher authority, that you are the one “who changes times and seasons; that you remove kings and set up kings;” (Daniel 2:21) May he reign with integrity and dignity just as his mother did before him. May he share the same hope in Christ, in whom there is forgiveness and reconciliation. Grant us all to keep our eyes fixed on you as the source of all hope and comfort in times of change, as the one who “will reign forever… to all generations” (Psalm 146:10). In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Special Edition of The Briefing in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II
Posted on September 9, 2022
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Dr Albert Mohler has produced a special edition of his The Briefing broadcast to honour Queen Elizabeth II.
A message from the Archbishop on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
Posted on September 9, 2022
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Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has released this sixty second video message to churches on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Bishop of Armidale Rod Chiswell’s message on the death of Queen Elizabeth
Posted on September 9, 2022
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
It is with deep sadness today that I heard the news of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
We join with Anglicans across our diocese and around the world in grieving her passing.
I have been reading a book recently about Queen Elizabeth’s Christian faith, her godly example throughout her long reign has been a strong inspiration to many. Throughout the trials and tribulations of world history during her time as Queen she has been a steady rock, a wise, compassionate and selfless servant of God and the people entrusted to her.
As we join with Christians all around the world in mourning her passing in coming days, we do not grieve without hope, for we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise all those who trust in Jesus from death to present us in His presence (2 Corinthians 4:13-14). Together we give heartfelt thanks to God for Queen Elizabeth’s long reign marked by dignity, grace and unstinting humble service motivated by her enduring Christian faith. God has been kind in giving such a leader to so many for so long.
We pray also for the Royal family as they grieve and prepare to say goodbye to their beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Queen. May God be their refuge and strength in this, their time of grief.
With love in Christ,
Rod Chiswell.
From the Diocese of Armidale.
Photo: The Queen’s Christmas message 2011.
Archbishop Foley Beach’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Posted on September 9, 2022
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As Chairman of the Global Anglican Future Conference Primates Council (Gafcon) and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, I join with Anglicans across the world in praying for the royal family at this most difficult time.? …
Read it all at the GAFCON website.
Queen Elizabeth II — A model of compassion, faith and selflessness
Posted on September 9, 2022
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Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, on the Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a profound sadness, the depth of which is difficult to express.
Anglicans in NSW join with all Australians in mourning her passing. For most people, her reign and her godly example is all we have known.
We have delighted in her visits to this nation and to our churches. She has been for many a tower of strength in times of adversity, and a model of compassion, faith and selflessness in the service of humanity.
But we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thess 4:13). We give heartfelt thanks to God for her long reign marked by dignity, grace and unstinting humble service motivated by enduring Christian faith.
We offer our condolences and prayers for the Royal Family.
Details of services of commemoration will be made in accordance with requests from Buckingham Palace in due course. Flowers may be left in tribute at the George St door of St Andrew’s Cathedral. A condolence book will be available at the Cathedral.
– Source: SydneyAnglicnas.net.
Also from SydneyAnglicans.net:
We will pause to offer prayers at noon today, Friday 9th September, and there will be a special Service of Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral, this evening at 5:15pm which will include prayers for the Royal Family.
Related:
June 5, 2022 – A celebration of uncommon leadership — Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s sermon for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Sydney Prom Praise is back
Posted on September 8, 2022
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The Sydney Prom Praise is back in 2022, after a hiatus due to COVID.
“After a sell-out in 2019, its hugely exciting that Prom Praise is finally returning to Sydney’s iconic Town Hall on Sat 24 September!
Famous worldwide for a unique voice in music, Prom Praise is an annual event which fuses popular classical and contemporary styles and musicians for an evening of world-class worship and praise.
An impressive line-up of guest artists, including contemporary Christian Music’s finest: CityAlight Band, Australian Opera’s Penelope Mills & Ben Oxley, together with St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir, the RSCM Festival Choir and the Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ, will make for a truly memorable night after two difficult years as NSW comes together again for a unique night of praise and celebration.”
Click the image for a larger version, or here for the website.
How a humble Western Sydney Pastor got Canberra’s attention on Religious Freedom
Posted on September 8, 2022
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“Sydney Anglican Minister Mark Tough does not see himself as a political animal.
And yet, in 2019 he organised a 500-person rally in Western Sydney that discussed the issue of religious freedom. He was then invited to speak to then Shadow Attorney-General (now Attorney-General) Mark Dreyfus about his concerns.
I caught up with Mark a little while ago to hear how he did this, and to encourage more Pastors to become engaged about these sorts of issues …”
– A story of encouragement from Akos Balogh.
(Photo: As well as blogging, Akos serves as External Engagement Manager at Moore College.)
Preaching On: 7 ways to encourage your preacher from the pew
Posted on September 7, 2022
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“In light of all that has been recently happening in the Anglican world, how can we encourage our preachers, those who pastor us and are holding to their ordination promises to shepherd the flock of God that is in their care?
What we are about to share as ministry wives is perhaps un-revolutionary; indeed, all of us may have heard it all before in various formats. But we are good at forgetting – and perhaps you are too!
So here are seven ideas to try, to invite others in your church to try with you, to ask your pastor about in whichever context you are in. …”
– Here’s some encouragement from Kirsten McKinlay and Bronwyn Windsor at The Australian Church Record.
Sydney’s One Special Evangelist John Chapman — The Pastor’s Heart
Posted on September 6, 2022
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Prior to the launch of Baden Stace’s book, “Sydney’s One Special Evangelist: John C. Chapman and the Shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian Religious Life 1968-2001”, Dominic Steele speaks with Baden about Chappo.
“Baden’s new work showcases the impact of John Chapman, but also gives a window into issues facing evangelicals in Sydney in the later part of the twentieth century, controversies about preaching, the place of evangelism in church life, social justice, and what role each of us plays in the evangelistic process.”
Most encouraging and informative. A ‘must watch’ episode.
Related:
Invitation to the book launch on 14 September 2022.
Chappo: “Do you really believe the gospel can convert your friends?”
Profile of Darrell Parker — new Bishop of the North West
Posted on September 6, 2022
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“Revd Darrell Parker, the newly elected Bishop of North West Australia, is a man who loves Jesus, rural ministry and hitting the open road.
Darrell and his wife Elizabeth have spent 25 years serving God in northern NSW (in the Armidale Diocese), most recently as Senior Minister at St Paul’s Tamworth.
By the grace of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and sustained by prayer, he delights in bringing God’s word to bear on people inside and outside the church and is clear-eyed about his new role. …
Please join us for Darrell’s consecration at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, on 3 February 2023, and installation at Geraldton Anglican Cathedral on 15 February 6pm.”
— from the Diocese of North West Australia.
An Anglican “lifeboat” for Australia
Posted on September 5, 2022
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“We have recently seen the announcement of the activation of a new ‘extra-provincial’ Anglican diocese in Australia.
The ‘Diocese of the Southern Cross’ (‘DSC’) is not a part of the official ‘Anglican Church of Australia’ (‘ACA’). It has been set up to provide an ecclesiastical home for congregations who are Anglican by theology and conviction but find themselves unable to accept the authority of bishops of the ACA who do not accept the teachings of the Bible, especially on the subject of the Biblical views of marriage. …”
– At Law and Religion Australia, Neil Foster gives some legal background to the new Diocese of the Southern Cross.
GAFCON Chairman reminds Justin Welby why the Diocese of the Southern Cross is needed
Posted on September 4, 2022
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After the creation of the Diocese of the Southern Cross last month, Archbishop Foley Beach wrote to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to clarify what was happening.
His letter has now been published by the Anglican Church in North America (PDF file):
“Your Grace,
Greetings in the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord!
I assume that you have heard by now of the creation of the Gafcon extra-provincial diocese in Australia called the Diocese of the Southern Cross, and Archbishop Glenn Davies’ appointment as the bishop. I am writing to remind you that this action is not done because of rebellion or defiance, but out of a genuine pastoral concern and care for the clergy and congregations whose consciences will not allow them to go along with the unbiblical and immoral practices allowed and encouraged by bishops of the Anglican Church of Australia. As Archbishop Rowan Williams encouraged a structure in North America so “we can keep these fellow Anglicans in the fold,” we will continue to offer safe harbor for those in Provinces whose leaders walk away from the moral teaching of the New Testament, the Church Fathers, and our Anglican heritage.
Some may unfairly slander us as schismatics, but you know that in reality it is those who depart from the established teaching of the Church who are causing the division (Epistle of Jude 18, 19). I implore you to call us all to repentance and to return to the Apostles’ Teaching of the Bible.
In Christ Jesus,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Chair, Gafcon Primates Council.”
New Minister-in-charge for Oberon
Posted on September 4, 2022
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From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page:
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Jonny Lush to minister-in-charge in Oberon parish from 2023. Please pray for Jonny and Liz as they prepare for this transition and for the parish as they prepare to welcome them.”
Jonny is currently serving at the Brisbane School of Theology.
Do continue to pray for the Diocese of Bathurst, and for Bishop Mark Calder as he seeks be encourage the saints, and also to find the right people to serve in the many parishes where there is no full-time minister. (e.g. featured ministry opportunities.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…