Orlando: A Time to Weep… A Time to Mourn
Posted on June 17, 2016
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Phillip Jensen writes about the tragic shootings in Orlando, Florida, this week:
“At the moment, what we know is that thousands of Americans are this day mourning the loss of a close relative, a friend, a colleague, a neighbour. Their heartache is real and deep and will not cease when the news cycle moves on to another beat up. … They need our compassion and our tears, our prayers and condolences.”
Read it all here. (Picture: St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.)
ACL AGM pledges support for Archbishop Nicholas Okoh
Posted on June 16, 2016
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This motion of support for Archbishop Nicholas Okoh of Nigeria was passed unanimously by the Anglican Church League’s Annual General Meeting tonight, 16th June 2016 –
“The Anglican Church League gives thanks to God for the strong spiritual leadership of the Chair of the GAFCON Primates Council, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh of Nigeria.
In particular, we stand with the Archbishop in his call to the leaders of the Church of England to uphold the teaching of the written word of God on human sexuality, to distance themselves from the false teaching and corrupt practice of the American Episcopal Church, and to give themselves afresh to the proclamation of the crucified and risen Christ and the re-evangelisation of Europe.
We pledge our prayerful support of Archbishop Okoh as he continues to lead the GAFCON movement with grace, faithfulness and boldness.
We call on all Anglicans across the world to join with him in upholding biblical truth and genuine Christian discipleship, which is characterised by humility and a resolute commitment to the teaching of the Bible, the centrality of the gospel of Christ, and the new life of faith, repentance and obedience.”
Andrew Bruce elected President of the Anglican Church League 2016-17
Posted on June 16, 2016
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The Rev. Andrew Bruce has been elected the President of the Anglican Church League, at the ACL’s Annual General Meeting held tonight at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.
Andrew has been the Rector of St. Peter’s Cooks River since 2011, and has previously served on the ACL Council as the Secretary and in several other capacities.
Above: Outgoing President Gav Poole congratulates Andrew (on the left) after his election.
In the photo below, he is seen with previous ACL Presidents – The Rev Gav Poole, The Rev Dr. Mark Thompson (Principal of Moore Theological College) and the Rev Zac Veron (CEO of Anglican Youthworks).
Orlando — Grief in a time of Culture War
Posted on June 16, 2016
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“Like me, you have more than likely been staggered by the tragedy of the nightclub murders in Orlando, Florida. It seems inconceivable that someone could go to such lengths, sink to such depths of depravity, as to plan and then so callously execute his scheme to kill as many as possible.
Sadly it seems that no sooner has the dust settled but many from every side of every debate have used the attack to make their various points…”
– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, David Ould reminds Christians to respond differently from how many might expect. Read it all here.
ACL President’s Address 2016
Posted on June 16, 2016
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Outgoing President of the Anglican Church League, Gav Poole, gave this address at the Annual General Meeting on 16th June 2016.
ANGLICAN CHURCH LEAGUE AGM
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Read more
PM, Premier attend Orlando commemoration service
Posted on June 16, 2016
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“Leaders have attended what the Prime Minister called a ‘loving’ commemoration service for victims of the Orlando massacre.
Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy took time out from the election trail while Premier Baird, the NSW Governor David Hurley and the American Consul General, Hugo Llorens sat in the front row during the service led by the Dean of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel. Opposition leader Bill Shorten was represented by Senator Doug Cameron…”
– SydneyAnglicans.net has a report on last night’s service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
From Archbishop Glenn Davies’ address:
“As the leader of the Anglican Church in Sydney I want to affirm my stance against all such outbreaks of violence, and if any members of our churches have participated in such acts of violence against women, against young people, against ethnic minorities, against religious minorities or against those from the LGBTI community I offer my heartfelt apology.
Yet we must all search own hearts, as evil resides in each one of us. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. None of us are without fault. Words of derision, mockery and exclusion so frequently fall from our lips when directed against persons who are different from us.”
– Read it all here (PDF may download to your computer).
Photos courtesy SydneyAnglicans.net.
PM attends Sydney service for Orlando
Posted on June 15, 2016
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“As hymns filled St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull bowed his head in memory of those killed during the Orlando massacre…”
– Report from Nine News.
Sydney Service of commemoration for Orlando victims
Posted on June 15, 2016
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A special public Christian service of commemoration for those who lost their lives in Orlando will be held in Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday 15th June, at 6 pm.
Premier Mike Baird will attend the service, along with the Governor, General David Hurley and the US Consul-General, Hugo Llorens.
“This service is an opportunity for people to gather together to express sympathy and compassion for those who have been affected by the terrible events in Orlando.” said the Dean of Sydney, the Very Rev. Kanishka Raffel.
“It is a time to acknowledge our common humanity, to pray that all people will be able to live in peace and safety, to affirm the dignity of all people as made in God’s image, and to reject utterly violence against people because of their sexuality.” Dean Raffel said.
The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, will preach at the service, with Bible readings to be given by the Premier and the Governor.
At least 49 people were killed and 53 wounded in a massacre early on Sunday by a gunman, believed to have been inspired to terrorism by ISIS, who targeted a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
– From SydneyAnglicans.net.
Christian funerals can be too happy
Posted on June 14, 2016
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“Have you ever felt guilty for experiencing grief?
It might seem like a strange question — why would you feel guilty for grieving? But sometimes Christians do feel guilty, precisely because we believe in Jesus. Belief in Jesus, so it is thought, should remove any reason for grief. Jesus loves me. Jesus died for me. Jesus is in control. Jesus raises the dead.
With such beliefs, how could any real Christian give in to grief?…”
– At Desiring God, former Moore College lecturer Constantine Campbell reminds us that it’s OK to grieve.
Don Carson on How knowing the Bible does not automatically make you more holy
Posted on June 14, 2016
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“Knowledge of the Word does not sanctify us by mere education. I have now lived long enough and have belonged to enough professional biblical societies that there are not many front-rank New Testament scholars in the world whom I have not met. Some of them are very brilliant minds indeed…”
– Andy Naselli shares a sobering quote from D. A. Carson. Read it all at the link, and pray that we would all be shaped by God’s Word to be his people.
GAFCON UK offers Scottish churches alternative episcopal oversight
Posted on June 11, 2016
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As the Scottish Episcopal Church moves towards allowing same-sex marriage, the GAFCON UK Panel of Bishops has offered alternative episcopal oversight to those churches which many need it.
This letter from GAFCON UK has been released by The Scottish Anglican Network:
“We are saddened and appalled that the Scottish Episcopal Church will next week debate amending its Canon C31, so as to adopt a wholly unbiblical approach to human sexual relationships. To so amend the canon would sever the church from the teaching of Christ and His Apostles, and also the considered and expressed conviction of the vast majority of the bishops of the Anglican Communion at Lambeth 1998, which was reinforced by the Anglican Primates Gathering only months ago.
We stand with you and pray for you as you resist this unhelpful and dangerous innovation. Should the church decide to follow the revisionist approach, disobey the clear teaching of Scripture, and thus cause a break with orthodox Christian teaching, the Gafcon UK Panel of Bishops offers to provide alternative episcopal oversight, and thereby your recognition as faithful Anglicans by the worldwide Gafcon movement, which represents the majority of Anglicans worldwide.
We remind the Scottish Episcopal Church of the cautionary words of Jude that unbiblical standards in sexual ethics “….deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Chr ist”. This is an issue over which the Scottish Episcopal Church is dividing the church, and we will stand united with faithful Anglicans in Scotland seeking to uphold the plain doctrinal and moral teaching of the Holy Scriptures.
Warmly in Christ,
The Rt Rev John Ellison, The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, The Rt Rev Wallace Benn, and The Rt Rev Ken Barham, on behalf of the Panel of Bishops, Gafcon UK
The Rev Paul Perkin, The Rev Michael Ovey, on behalf of the Exec Committee, Gafcon UK
The Rev Canon Andy Lines, Mr. Dan Leafe on behalf of the Anglican Mission in England.”
Bishops are not powerless against the present spiritual disorder
Posted on June 11, 2016
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“With scandals over Zen Buddhist meditations promoted by promoted by the Canon Chancellor of York Minster, the Church of Nigeria severing links with Liverpool Diocese over the appointment of an uber-liberal American bishop, and an Oxford cleric appearing to bless the same-sex ‘marriage’ of Desmond Tutu’s daughter in South Africa, this has been a lousy summer so far for the Church of England.
But dare one respectfully suggest that Bishops disturbed by these developments should not despair? They are not powerless in the face of such gross spiritual disorder…”
– Julian Mann, Vicar of the Parish Church of the Ascension at Oughtibridge inSouth Yorkshire, reminds bishops of their consecration vows and their responsibilities – and the authority they have to use them.
(Photo: Archbishop Justin Welby.)
It’s unanimous — ARV and Anglicare to merge
Posted on June 10, 2016
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ACL President Gav Poole wrote this opinion-piece for the current issue of The Australian Church Record:
“Pray that such a key diocesan organisation will be used for kingdom growth and the proclamation of the gospel.”
Full text:
Very rarely does every member of the Sydney Diocesan Synod agree. If they do, it is usually on minor matters. Given the size and significance of the decision to merge the Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) and Anglicare, it is amazing that the entire Synod agreed. When Synod met on Wednesday, 27 April, it had one decision to make – ‘Should ARV and Anglicare merge?’ When crunch time arrived there was not a ‘nay’ in the house.
There were however amendments to the motion but most of those were easily decided. The exception was one amendment which entailed whether or not to retain the phrase, ‘at least’. Retention of the phrase was won by one vote. A small phrase took up a lot of time and was carried by a small margin.
Most debating time was taken up on two left field amendments concerning branding. Five speeches were against them, with one of the opposing speeches labelling them as ‘ridiculous’ and that they needed to be ‘booted out’. They were ‘booted out’ on the overwhelming voices. If nothing else, they offered comical relief.
The decision could have been made by Standing Committee but it would only take three people to insist that the ordinance be promoted to Synod. Standing Committee would have been unwise to try it. Imagine the objectors, ‘Standing Committee did what? How could they?’ But now … we’re all in this together. This had to be decided by Synod.
This was a significant decision. Consider the sheer size of the merged organisation – $1.5b in gross assets. If the company was publicly listed it would imaginably be in the ASX300. Consider the people – over 10,000 will be serviced by the new organisation in one form or another. Consider the history – the Church Society (Anglicare’s genesis) was established in 1856. And consider the partnerships with the many parishes across the diocese.
It’s not every day you get to make a decision of this calibre. Very few Synod members would have experience with any company merger, let alone one of this size. So how can so many people, with so little experience make such a large decision and be united in it? The answer – information and after that, more information.
For this reason, the decision to postpone the Synod was a good one. It would have been near impossible to be well informed if Synod had been held in March. Questions had to be asked, alternatives had to be properly entertained, numbers had to be crunched and advice sought. Although it was slightly embarrassing and inconvenient, a month’s deferral meant that Synod members were informed.
Synod members should be commended on their preparation. Most of the questions were asked at the three pre-Synod briefing meetings, where approximately 170 members were in attendance. Comprehensive reports were completed by the CEOs and Standing Committee. Seven good questions were asked at Synod, all of them demonstrating that they had read the subject matter. This was proof positive that given the chance Synod will educate itself and come prepared.
It is now over to Standing Committee to pass an ordinance that closely reflects the motion of Synod. Synod has noted the reports, including draft ordinances. Things like objects and the board make up must closely resemble that of the draft ordinances. Standing Committee’s work is all but done.
Synod’s work however continues. The decision to merge is only the beginning. It will be important for Synod to receive the promised reports and keep the merged organisation accountable. The legal makeup of the organisation will only go part of the way to ensuring the conditions of Synod are met. The board must be committed to these conditions and work in partnership with other parts of the diocese. This will take careful attention during elections. Synod’s motion will be fulfilled legally, politically and prayerfully.
Pray that such a key diocesan organisation will be used for kingdom growth and the proclamation of the gospel. Pray that the board, executive, employees and partners will act wisely and efficiently to protect the gospel character of the organisation. Pray for those who will be the object of the new organisation’s compassion. Most importantly pray that Christ be honoured as Lord and Saviour in every community.
Realistically this is unlikely to be a part of your regular quiet time. That would be great but you are most likely to pray when you receive prayer bulletins or booklets (every organisation seems to be doing this), or when your congregation is visited by a representative. Pray when prompted.
Such organisations can quickly go off track and after a while resemble their secular counterparts. Hopefully, this one will not. It is the motivation of such an organisation that will inevitably distinguish it. Truly righteous acts are seen by God, an audience of one. In Jesus Christ, we have freely received and gifts from God are to be freely given. A life impacted by the gospel will delight in expressions of generosity and compassion. We resemble our Father in heaven and such an organisation gives us access to the vulnerable and needy. Synod was unanimous in its decision, let the diocese be unanimous in its ongoing support.
The main motion agreed to at the Special Synod, 27 April 2016
2/16 Approval of the merger of Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages
Synod, noting the report of the Standing Committee in relation to the proposed merger of Anglican Retirement Villages Diocese of Sydney (“ARV”) and Sydney Anglican Home Mission Society (“Anglicare”) together with accompanying draft ordinances and other documents in relation to the proposed merger received at this session, approves in principle the merger of these two organisations on the basis that –
(a) the indemnity provided by ARV to Anglicare is intended to ensure that survivors of child abuse have at least an equivalent level of recourse as if Anglicare had continued to operate in its own right,
(b) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue to deliver services provided by Anglicare and ARV to socially disadvantaged people at an enhanced level,
(c) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue the work undertaken by Anglicare with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples at an enhanced level,
(d) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue to alleviate necessitous circumstances through the provision of education at an enhanced level,
(e) the legal name of the merged organisation is “Anglican Community Services”,
(f) consideration is given to making provision in both the Anglicare and ARV constituting ordinances for a gift fund for both entities,
and requests the Standing Committee to pass such ordinances and take such other action it considers necessary or desirable to give effect to the merger on this basis.
(Reprinted from the June 2016 issue of The Australian Church Record.)
ERS: Is there order in the Trinity?
Posted on June 9, 2016
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“This is the first in a two part series responding to recent theological challenges to the doctrine of eternal functional (or relational) subordination (EFS or ERS).
This doctrine has been under sustained attack, especially in the light of its use to support the argument for an appropriate order of equals that might apply in relations between men and women in the home and in the church. It has also been under attack, it must be admitted, because of overstatement and a lack of precision in some of its advocates.
In this post I want to explore the strictly theological question of whether this doctrine inevitably involves a drift into the subordinationist heresy associated with Arius. This is the most common theological objection to the doctrine…”
– Here’s an important post on a vital doctrine – that of the holy Trinity – by Dr Mark Thompson at Theological Theology. Take the time to read it.
Australian Church Record — June 2016 — out now
Posted on June 8, 2016
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The latest issue of The Australian Church Record (June 2016, number 1916) is now up on their website.
As always, it’s a free download, and is full of thought-provoking articles.
In this issue:
The art of godly listening
Where to for Anglican evangelicals?
‘When I kept silent’: the vital art of confession
Making sense of gender confusion
It’s unanimous: ARV and Anglicare to merge
and more. Get it from the ACR website.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…