So you’ve been told you should read some Old Books…
Posted on September 4, 2022
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“In this article I will offer some suggestions that cover various eras from the early church until the late twentieth century.
I should note that these recommendations will tend more toward literature that is devotional than scholarly or purely theological. And I should note as well that there is not a person in the world who will agree with every book I’ve included and every book I’ve excluded—and that is just fine because there is always a degree of subjectivity to these things.
And now, without further ado, here are some Christian classics to consider reading. …”
– Tim Challies points to some Christian books which have stood the test of time.
Synod Briefing Podcast
Posted on September 3, 2022
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Hear this year’s ACL Synod Briefing Podcast.
ACL’s President Roger Cunningham, the ACL’s Chairman Robert Tong, as well as Nicola Warwick-Mayo and Phil Colgan guide us through some of the key issues coming up at Sydney Synod this month.
The Making Of The Western Mind — John Anderson speaks with Tom Holland
Posted on September 3, 2022
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“John joins Tom Holland in his London home to discuss Christianity’s role in shaping Western civilisation.
Holland prompts us to reflect on the intricate moral web our society still upholds today and consider the intertwined history of the Western imagination and Christianity.”
Related:
Review: War on the West, by Douglas Murray – at John Anderson.net.au
Anglican Aid launches Emergency Flood Relief for Pakistan
Posted on September 2, 2022
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From Anglican Aid in Sydney:
“Anglican Aid is working with local partners to provide relief to the people of Pakistan, as floods devastate the nation. Christians on the ground report that hundreds of people have been forced to set up temporary camps on roads and highways, which are typically raised off the ground. The price of tarps has skyrocketed. Anglican Aid is working with our existing long-term partners in the region, including One2Another in Multan, and the Diocese of Hyderabad, to provide much needed relief.
For more information, or to give, go to anglicanaid.org.au/pakistan-flood-relief.”
Elegant Orthodoxy: The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion
Posted on September 2, 2022
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“A new visitor to our parish recently told me, ‘I read your Thirty-nine Articles, and I was underwhelmed. It just seems like a basic Christian statement of faith.’
A basic Christian statement of faith. Exactly.
The Anglican Church’s Thirty-nine Articles of Religion aren’t comprehensive. They don’t answer every theological or ecclesiastical question a follower of Jesus might have. But there’s an elegance in the Articles’ brevity and simplicity that both roots us in the historic church and is timely today. …”
– At the Gospel Coalition, D. J. Marotta, Rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia, introduces the Thirty-nine Articles to a wider audience.
Traditional Anglicans are Going by The Book
Posted on September 1, 2022
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“A group of clergymen has broken away from the established Anglican church in Australia to form the ‘Diocese of the Southern Cross.’ Former Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies is its first Bishop. The announcement was made at the recent Gafcon Australasia Conference held in Canberra.
What’s it all about? Well, to be clear, I’m not an authority on doings within the Anglican church. I’m just a parishioner. But I have enough understanding to have a view on the issue at stake. …”
– Writing in Quadrant, Peter Smith looks at the reasons for the formation of the Diocese of the Southern Cross.
It’s Not About You: How Biblical Theology Transforms Bible Study
Posted on September 1, 2022
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Nancy Guthrie spoke at Christ College in Sydney on 18 August 2022. Her topic? – “It’s Not About You: How Biblical Theology Transforms Bible Study”.
The college has now published the video.
After introductory matters and Nancy is interviewed, her address begins at 28’34”.
A very helpful and encouraging talk and well worth your time.
She encourages us not to take our understanding of Biblical Theology for granted, or to assume an understanding of it in our churches.
How do we make church accessible to all?
Posted on August 31, 2022
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From The Pastor’s Heart:
“How can we as church leaders develop and implement plans to care for people affected by disability – so that they can hear the gospel clearly and engage in Christian fellowship.
What are the theological foundations for disability ministry?
How do we in our hearts/attitudes welcome or distance those with disability?
What language should we use?
How do we include people on the autism spectrum? What are the complexities welcoming people with mental health challenges?
Louise Gosbell is Principal of Mary Andrew’s College in Sydney and has worked with the Sydney Anglican Social Issues Committee to produce a set of guidelines to help churches.”
– Watch or listen – and download the guidelines – at The Pastor’s Heart.
Open Week + Open Night — 29 August – 2 September
Posted on August 29, 2022
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Moore College Open Week is on:
Open Week (29 Aug – 2 Sept):
Come and visit our Newtown campus, experience an actual lecture and meet faculty and students. You will be greeted by a student who will give you a tour, introduce you to other students and take you to class. You can drop in for a day or part of any day during this week plus share in a morning tea and lunch.
Open Night (Monday, 29 Aug) – “Into the World” (includes live-stream option):
Open Night looks at how our graduates are prepared to take the gospel into the world. Speakers include Mark Thompson, Simon Gillham, Kara Hartley and Paul Grimmond. You will have an opportunity to have your questions answered in our Q & A session. Dinner and supper are provided.
– All the details you need – including links to RSVP – are on the College website.
Archbishop of Brisbane Phillip Aspinall to retire — effective February 2023
Posted on August 29, 2022
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Today Dr Phillip Aspinall, Archbishop of Brisbane, has written to his clergy announcing that he has tendered his resignation, effective 2nd February 2023 –
29 August 2022
AD CLERUM
Dear sisters and brothers
God willing, on 2 February 2023 I will mark 21 years as Archbishop of Brisbane. I think that will be an appropriate time for the Diocese to begin seeking a new archbishop.
Therefore, pursuant to the Archbishop Election Canon s.2 I have today tendered to the Registrar my resignation as Archbishop of Brisbane to take effect from 5pm Thursday 2 February 2023.
I think a convenient time for me to lay up the pastoral staff will be when the diocesan family gathers in the Cathedral for the diocesan ordinations on Saturday 3 December 2022. I then plan to take a period of accrued long service leave and annual leave leading up to 2 February 2023, during which period the Diocese will be overseen by my Commissary.
It has been a unique privilege to serve as Archbishop of Brisbane. Thank you for your support, prayers and collegiality in the many tasks we have tackled together to take forward Christ’s mission in the Diocese and beyond. Some of this ministry has been difficult, painful and demanding. At other times we have been filled with peace and joy in Christ’s service. In it all there has been a pervading sense of God’s grace.
I am extremely proud of and filled with gratitude for the team of clergy and lay leaders who give so unstintingly of themselves in parishes, schools, Anglicare and other mission agencies. A great deal has been achieved over the last 20 years. Much more remains to be done in a new chapter.
This Diocese has a very important place in the Anglican Church of Australia. The vision we have embraced to foster, articulate, embody and promote a comprehensive Anglicanism has never been more important in the life of the national church and in the international Anglican Communion. May you all go from strength to strength in that mission.
I assure you all of my prayers for the future and in the search for my successor.
In Christ
The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall AC
Archbishop of Brisbane.
Ad Clerum also available via David Ould on Twitter.
Darrell Parker elected Bishop of North West Australia
Posted on August 28, 2022
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From the Diocese of North West Australia:
“We thank God for the election of Revd Darrell Parker Bishop of North West Australia.
Darrell is currently Senior Minister St Paul’s Anglican Church Tamworth in the Armidale Diocese, NSW. He has extensive experience in regional/remote ministry (24 years, incl 18 years as Archdeacon) and ministry among indigenous Australians.
Darrell is firmly committed to the gospel and proclaiming Christ. He seeks to bring God’s revealed word to bear on people inside and outside the church through preaching, teaching, witness, discipling, and love. Darrell is married to Elizabeth and they have 4 adult children.”
– Via the North West Anglicans Facebook page.
Sydney’s One Special Evangelist — Book launch Wednesday 14 September 2022
Posted on August 27, 2022
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The Australian College of Theology invites you to a Book Launch for our newest book in the ACT Monograph Series, Sydney’s One Special Evangelist: John C. Chapman and the Shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian Religious Life 1968-2001, by the Rev Dr Baden Stace.
When and Where:
Wednesday 14 September 2022. Start: 1:00 for 1:15 pm End: 2:15 pm Read more
Assisted suicide is spiralling out of control in Canada
Posted on August 26, 2022
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“Canada is widely seen as one of the world’s most progressive nations in the world, ‘leading the way’ (depending on where you stand) on a variety of social issues. But in recent months, Canada has been garnering some less than savoury international attention because of the dark side of one of its recent progressive accomplishments …
3.3 per cent of all deaths in Canada in 2021 were assisted deaths. This has matched and surpassed the rates in places like Belgium and the Netherlands, despite it being available in Canada for less than a decade.”
– The National Post (Canada).
Link via Challies.com. Image via St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.
Presbyterians extend hand of fellowship to Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern Cross
Posted on August 25, 2022
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Dr Peter Barnes, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, has written a letter to Dr Glenn Davies, Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern Cross.
The Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia has sent a copy to all Ministers and Session Clerks, adding,
“The Moderator-General has requested that this letter be forwarded to you with the request that it be circulated amongst the members of your congregation.”
Here’s the letter:
22 August 2022
Dear Glenn,
Your many Presbyterian friends have watched recent developments in the Anglican Church in Australia and are delighted at your appointment as the Bishop of the Southern Cross Diocese. This is a strong stand for biblical truth, and we trust the Lord preserves and keeps you, and uses you greatly.
We are most appreciative of the kindness shown to us, especially concerning theological education in NSW in the 1970s, and also the use of Anglican church buildings for worship and would be more than happy if we could help out in any way by facilitating the use of our properties and making them available to you and your flock.
In the meantime, be assured of our prayerful good will and eager interest in what the Lord is doing through you.
Kind regards in Christ
Rev. Dr Peter Barnes
Moderator-General,
Presbyterian Church of AustraliaEndorsed heartily by previous Moderators-General: Rev. Dr John Wilson, Rev. David Cook, Rev. David Jones, Rev. Professor Allan Harman, Rev. Bruce Christian, Rev. Robert Benn, and Rev. Bob Thomas; and Rev. David Burke (Moderator-General Designate).
– PDF file.
A Pastoral Letter from the Archbishop of Sydney — 25 August 2022
Posted on August 25, 2022
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Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has today issued this Pastoral Letter (PDF file) with the full text of last week’s statement about the establishment of the Diocese of the Southern Cross.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…