No sexual orientation discrimination in declining to make a ‘gay cake’

Posted on October 10, 2018 
Filed under Culture wars Comments Off on No sexual orientation discrimination in declining to make a ‘gay cake’

“The UK Supreme Court has now ruled that the Ashers Bakery in Northern Ireland was not guilty of sexual orientation discrimination by politely declining to bake a cake decorated with a message in support of same sex marriage- see Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd [2018] UKSC 49 (10 Oct 2018).

This is an important decision illustrating the clear difference between a decision based on someone’s personal characteristics, and a refusal to support a specific message. …”

– Neil Foster at Law and Religion Australia points to the reasoning behind this latest UK decision.

That Hideous Strength — video overview

Posted on October 10, 2018 
Filed under Culture wars, Resources Comments Off on That Hideous Strength — video overview

Here’s a short video overview of Melvin Tinker’s book That Hideous Strength.

GAFCON Chairman’s Letter — October 2018

Posted on October 10, 2018 
Filed under Anglican Communion, GAFCON Comments Off on GAFCON Chairman’s Letter — October 2018

“My dear people of God,

Last week, the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) issued a communiqué in which it affirmed the unanimous decision of the House of Bishops not to attend Lambeth 2020 unless the Archbishop of Canterbury reverses his policy of inviting those who have rejected biblical teaching and not inviting those who remain faithful but have been forced to leave their traditional spiritual homes. …”

– The Chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, Archbishop Nicholas D. Okoh, has released his pastoral letter for October 2018. As well as addressing the bigger issues of the Anglican Communion, he also writes of the double tragedy in the church of South Sudan.

Religious Freedom at Australian Universities

Posted on October 9, 2018 
Filed under Australia, Culture wars Comments Off on Religious Freedom at Australian Universities

“I presented a paper today to a seminar at the University where I work, on the topic of ‘Religious Freedom at Australian Universities’.

It explores some of the challenges facing staff and students in this area, and explores some of the ways that religious freedom is currently protected (and where there are gaps in that protection.) I use examples from the policies framed in my local context, but similar policies and legislation would be relevant at most Australian Universities.

Others involved in this area may find the paper helpful in outlining issues and options.”

– Neil Foster writes at Law and Religion Australia. His paper can be found here.

Pakistan top court hears blasphemy appeal – reserves verdict

Posted on October 9, 2018 
Filed under Global Comments Off on Pakistan top court hears blasphemy appeal – reserves verdict

“On Monday, Pakistan’s Supreme Court began the hearing of Asia Bibi’s final appeal against her 2010 death penalty.

The three-judge bench said it has reserved the verdict on the appeal, however the judges did not say when they will announce it.

If the top court upholds her death sentence, the only recourse for the 53-year-old would be to appeal to the country’s president for clemency. …”

– this report from Deutsche Welle.

A Pastor pushes forward as a Drought threatens his town and his church

Posted on October 8, 2018 
Filed under Australia, People Comments Off on A Pastor pushes forward as a Drought threatens his town and his church

“The Rev. Bernard Gabbott bumped along on a road so remote the asphalt had given way to gravel, heading out to see a farmer who had been working seven days a week, straining to keep his cattle and sheep fed.

He pointed to an empty patch of earth. The farmer had plowed it to plant as pasture for his livestock, but instead, the afternoon wind kicked up clouds of dust. …

Mr. Gabbott, who is gregarious and quick to laugh, grew up in Sydney, the son of missionaries.”

– This story in The New York Times is a good reminder to pray – not only for more rain, but for those who minister the gospel in the bush.

Photo: Wee Waa Anglican Church, Facebook.

See also:

Final death penalty appeal for Asia Bibi to be heard by Supreme Court judges on Monday

Posted on October 6, 2018 
Filed under Global Comments Off on Final death penalty appeal for Asia Bibi to be heard by Supreme Court judges on Monday

“After repeated rejection, on Monday 8 October 2018, the long awaited final appeal to prevent the execution of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, will be heard at Pakistan’s Supreme Court …”

– News from the British Pakistani Christian Association – and cause for much prayer.

Melbourne’s third woman bishop – and other news from the dioceses

Posted on October 6, 2018 
Filed under Australian dioceses Comments Off on Melbourne’s third woman bishop – and other news from the dioceses

“When Kate Prowd is consecrated a bishop in Melbourne on Saturday, it will create Anglican history: she will be half of the first brother and sister pair to be bishops, both in the same diocese. …”

– News from the diocese of Melbourne.

Also from around other dioceses in the Anglican Church of Australia:

Bendigo:

“It takes passion to persevere in professional sport. Even the best players need to be so in love with what they do that the training and sacrifice pales into insignificance. Perseverance in faith is enabled by setting our affection on God. How do you remind yourself how beautiful, sufficient, good, capable and praiseworthy God is? As Thomas Cranmer (the architect of Anglicanism) said, what the heart desires, the mind justifies and the will enacts. How does your affection for God then influence everything else?”

– Bishop of Bendigo, Matt Brain, writing in the October 2018 edition of The Spirit. (PDF)

Newcastle:

Blessing of our furry and feathered friends – at Christ Church Cathedral.

Tasmania:

“Saturday 22 September saw over 400 Anglicans from across the state gathering together for the 3rd annual Bishop’s Training Event, with a sense of excitement and expectation. …”

– Bishop’s Training Event 2018 – Making Disciples Every Day.

Northern Territory:

“There are many ways gardening is like Christian ministry. It takes time and we have to be patient. It is nearly three years since I planted the pineapple tops (they might have fruited faster without the Carpentaria palms). We might have conversations over a long period with someone before we see a new stage of Christian growth or a big step forward in understanding what it means to follow Jesus. …”

– Bishop Greg Anderson writes in the current issue of Top Centre. (PDF)

What Is the Greatest of all Protestant “Heresies”?

Posted on October 6, 2018 
Filed under History, Theology Comments Off on What Is the Greatest of all Protestant “Heresies”?

“Let us begin with a church history exam question.

Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621) was a figure not to be taken lightly. He was Pope Clement VIII’s personal theologian and one of the most able figures in the Counter-Reformation movement within sixteenth-century Roman Catholicism. On one occasion, he wrote: ‘The greatest of all Protestant heresies is _______ .’

Complete, explain, and discuss Bellarmine’s statement.

How would you answer? What is the greatest of all Protestant heresies?

Perhaps justification by faith? Perhaps Scripture alone, or one of the other Reformation watchwords? …”

– Sinclair Ferguson writes at Ligonier Ministries.

In Favour of Clarity

Posted on October 5, 2018 
Filed under Anglican Communion, GAFCON Comments Off on In Favour of Clarity

“The recent announcement by the Standing Committee of the Anglican Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) that the Bishops of the Province had voted unanimously not to attend the Lambeth Conference unless the conditions set forth in the Gafcon Letter of June 2018 are met, comes as no surprise.

Nonetheless it is an historic moment. …”

– Dr. Peter Jensen discusses the reasons for the brokenness of the Anglican Communion’s structures. Nevertheless, the Lord is doing wonderful things.

Related: Letter to the Churches – GAFCON 2018 Final Statement.

Hoax journal articles expose grievance-focussed research

Posted on October 5, 2018 
Filed under Culture wars Comments Off on Hoax journal articles expose grievance-focussed research

In his latest issue of The Briefing daily podcast (4th October 2018), Dr Albert Mohler comments extensively on the takeover of much of academia by the postmodern worldview.

27 minutes well spent.

Tune in to the ACL’s Synod Briefing Podcast

Posted on October 4, 2018 
Filed under Resources, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Tune in to the ACL’s Synod Briefing Podcast

The ACL’s Synod Briefing Podcast for 2018 is now online.

It’s produced as a service to Sydney Synod members, but is also relevant for anyone who wants to see the Lord Jesus honoured and churches strengthened through decisions of the Sydney Synod.

If you can’t be at Synod, and want to follow along with all the action, you can subscribe to our Daily Synod Updates.

They will be posted on our Facebook page, or you can sign up to receive them direct to your inbox.

The Synod Survival Guide — free download

Posted on October 4, 2018 
Filed under Resources, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on The Synod Survival Guide — free download

If you are new to Synod, download a copy of the ACL’s Synod Survival Guide by Dr. Robert Tong.

First published by the ACL in 1996, and now in its 5th edition, it is an essential guide to Sydney Synod, and includes lots of very useful end notes and a glossary.

Marriage: its place and pattern (Ephesians 5:31)

Posted on October 3, 2018 
Filed under Theology Comments Off on Marriage: its place and pattern (Ephesians 5:31)

“ ‘For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’ (Ephesians 5:31, R.V.) (See also Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:45; Mark 10:7-8.)

These words refer, of course, to the action of a man in getting married. They indicate why it should be done. If, therefore, we look at the context of these words, we may expect to find out something about the ground and the purpose of marriage. What is more, these words come more than once in the Bible. …”

– In The Australian Church Record, the Rev. Alan Stibbs reflects on the place and pattern of marriage.

‘Nine things you should know about the Bethel Church Movement’

Posted on October 3, 2018 
Filed under Resources Comments Off on ‘Nine things you should know about the Bethel Church Movement’

“TGC Australia recently published an article examining the theology and practice of the Bethel movement.

The Awakening Australia event – and its main speaker, Bill Johnson – are increasing the awareness of the controversial church throughout the continent.

Here are nine things you should know about the Johnsons and the Bethel movement. …”

– Joe Carter provides some background at The Gospel Coalition.

← Previous Page — Next Page →