Canon Phil Ashey reports from London

Posted on October 29, 2011 
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In his weekly report, Canon Phil Ashey of the American Anglican Council writes from London –

“GAFCON was not just a moment; it is a movement. The purpose of the 2012 leadership conference will be to gather existing and emerging FCA leaders… to promote the ongoing renewal and reformation of the Anglican Communion.”

“Dear Friends in Christ,

I have been working this week from London in meetings of the global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA), which has just opened an office here under the able leadership of Bishop Martyn Minns.  Next year, there will be a conference of about 200 leaders from the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans held in London in the spring. Read more

Endemic Anhedonia — Bishop Peter Brain

Posted on October 28, 2011 
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Wise words from Bishop Peter Brain – published on the Diocese of Armidale website:

In recent trips around the Diocese we have been taken by the blossoms of trees flowering randomly along the main roads and standing alone in the paddocks. The colours have been stunning – pinks, purples, whites abound, and in some trees colours are combined and blended. It has been a fascinating exercise to ponder how they got there. Are they the result of discarded seeds thrown from cars? or dropped by opportunistic birds? or planted near houses that no longer exist? Whatever their origin, one thing is for sure: seeds continue to grow, shoots continue to bloom and God displays His unmistakeably splendid handiwork yet again. Read more

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray

Posted on October 27, 2011 
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The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is a new book for children by R C Sproul. It tells the story of Martin Luther’s barber and his question about prayer. Beautifully illustrated with an outline of Luther’s advice on prayer.

You can read the entire book at the Crossway website (scroll down to ‘Preview the Book’), and it’s available locally from Reformers bookshop.

Scottish government ‘forgets’ Christmas

Posted on October 26, 2011 
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“The Scottish Government has come under fire for completely failing to mention Christmas in its ‘Winter Festivals’ programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all. …” – More political correctness, as reported by The Christian Institute.

Provincial Mission Convention 2012 — what a great idea

Posted on October 25, 2011 
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The Provincial Mission Convention in Canberra in January 2012 is a great way for Anglicans across NSW to get together for encouragement for mission. (The Anglican Province of NSW is made up of the dioceses of Canberra & Goulburn, Sydney, Riverina, Bathurst, Newcastle, Armidale and Grafton.)

Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, speaks about the Provincial Convention in his latest StuTube.

He writes: “This Convention affords us the opportunity to meet with people from a wide range of traditions and contexts, to be challenged and resourced for mission and to enjoy times of corporate worship and fellowship; a brilliant way to start the year!!”

Grab the updated brochure / registration form (PDF file) for details.

Kategoria online at Gospel Coalition

Posted on October 25, 2011 
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They may not be the very latest thing off the press, but all the issues of Kategoria (published by Matthias Media between 1996 and 2004) are now available at The Gospel Coalition.

There’s a wealth of thought-provoking and Biblically-informed material on topics from Darwin & Evolution to Feminist Theology. Check it out (PDF format).

Archbishop Cranmer’s immortal bequest

Posted on October 24, 2011 
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In the run up to Reformation Sunday (October 30), Church Society has republished a 1992 article from Churchman – ‘Archbishop Cranmer’s Immortal Bequest: The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England: An Evangelistic Liturgy’ by Samuel Leuenberger. (PDF file.)

Worthwhile reading for a sense of where the Book of Common Prayer comes from, especially so as Sydney Diocese discusses liturgical revision.

2012 CMS Summer School promo

Posted on October 20, 2011 
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Looking to encourage others to attend the CMS Summer School in January?

CMS has a promo video here. (Log in to Vimeo to download it.)

‘Common Prayer’ development version launched at Sydney Synod

Posted on October 19, 2011 
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At Sydney Synod this week, the ‘development version’ of a new liturgical resource (Common Prayer) was presented for one year’s experimentation, examination and feedback. The anticipated final version of Common Prayer is intended as ‘a resource for gospel-shaped gatherings in the evangelical Anglican tradition’.

Speaking on behalf of the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Panel, Bishop Robert Forsyth said that the Panel was very keen to receive feedback to make this first draft better. An updated and improved version will be presented to the Synod in 2012. The initiative was very warmly received.

The development version, and supporting information, is available now at commonprayer.org.au.

Synod gives thanks for Marcus Loane

Posted on October 18, 2011 
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Sydney Synod today passed this motion –

“On the 100th anniversary of his birth, Synod thanks God for the life and ministry of Sir Marcus Loane; Moore College Principal (1953-1966), Australian Army Chaplain (Kokoda Track, 1942-1945) the first Australian born Archbishop of Sydney (1966- 1982) and Primate of Australia (1978).

We thank God for Sir Marcus’ contribution to the evangelical identity of our Diocese. He served us by providing a model of godly leadership and leaving a legacy of published works. In particular those biographical books bringing to life heroes of the faith will ensure that our evangelical heritage is not easily lost.

With fondness we remember the clarity of his preaching, the strength of his convictions, the warmth of his pastoral care and his faithfulness in prayer.

In passing this motion, Synod thanks God for Lady Loane and her partnership in Sir Marcus’ ministry. We send her greetings, love and God’s comfort.”

(Photo: Ramon Williams.)

Bishop of Tasmania’s letter to the Bishop of South Carolina

Posted on October 18, 2011 
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The Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower, has written (October 14) to Mark Lawrence, the Bishop of South Carolina, to offer support and encouragement –

“Dear Brother,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I received with deep concern and sadness the news of formal allegations against you and your diocese with respect to some ill-defined sense of abandoning the faith of the Church.

I write so that my recognition and support of you as a Brother Bishop in the Anglican Communion may be clear and unambiguous, and to assure you of my prayer for you and your leadership team at this time.

It has become clear over recent years, and it was certainly my experience at the Lambeth Conference of 2008: not only are the revisionist pursuits of certain parties clearly no longer bounded by the fundamental witness of the gospel in Scripture, but the means of that pursuit seem no longer bounded by the common human wisdom of good grace and fairness. The fact that current events demonstrate a willingness to impugn the fundamental character of Episcopal polity is a demonstration of their intransigence.

Nevertheless, please be encouraged in the Lord Jesus in whose sufferings you share and in whose resurrection hope we live and minister.

I note the words at the top of your diocesan website – “…that all may come to know Him…” Our Lord Jesus is indeed our sole focus, our joy, our salvation; and the knowledge of him our goal for ourselves and all those we meet. He is the head of the church and his promise to his people is secure.

May his grace and peace be with you and the faithful saints of the Diocese of South Carolina.

Yours sincerely in the bonds of Christ,
Shalom

John Harrower
Bishop of Tasmania.”

– Also as a PDF file on the Diocese of Tasmania website. (h/t Will Briggs.)

Sydney Synod sends message to four Vancouver churches

Posted on October 17, 2011 
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The Synod of the Diocese of Sydney today passed this motion –

Synod requests that the following message be sent to the following four churches in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada: St. John’s Vancouver (comprising the congregations formerly known as St John’s Shaughnessy); Good Shepherd, Vancouver; St. Matthias & St. Luke’s Vancouver; and St. Matthews, Abbotsford –

“The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney wish to extend our prayers and support to you in this time of transition and change. We praise God for your commitment to upholding Scripture and your willingness to contend and suffer for the faith. You have been a great example in grace, wisdom and humility to Bible-believing Christians, both here in Australia, and around the world. We pray the Lord’s richest blessings on your fellowship as you continue to proclaim, rejoice and grow in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the grace of God will ring out from you in the great city of Vancouver, to the glory of God.”

The Reformation and the men behind it

Posted on October 17, 2011 
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“The Protestant Reformation stands as the most far-reaching, world-changing display of God’s grace since the birth and early expansion of the church. It was not a single act, nor was it led by one man. This history-altering movement played out on different stages over many decades. Its cumulative impact, however, was enormous…”

– Over at R.C. Sproul’s Ligonier Ministries website, they’re posting excerpts from the book Pillars of Grace by Steven Lawson, in the run up to Reformation Day (usually observed on October 31). h/t Tim Challies.

An ecclesiastical coup d’état?

Posted on October 15, 2011 
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Bishop David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council, writes further in his weekly newsletter about TEC’s expected moves against South Carolina –

“Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

I want to continue my comments on the dire state of affairs in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and draw upon some expert legal and procedural analysis by the “Anglican Curmudgeon,” which we have included in this Update.

I would like for you to stop here at this point, and read the Curmudgeon article titled “Bishop Henderson: It’s ‘business as usual’ in the church.” When you are finished, come back to this analysis of what happens next. Read more

Remembering with gratitude Sir Marcus Loane, on the Centenary of his birth

Posted on October 14, 2011 
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Marcus Loane was born in Tasmania one hundred years ago – on 14 October 1911.

He grew up in Chatswood in Sydney, becoming a Christian at the age of thirteen. After completing school, he worked as a shipping clerk while studying at Sydney University in the evenings.

In 1932, he entered Moore Theological College, with a view to ordination for parish ministry. He excelled academically in the Th.L and also earned an MA in English from Sydney University.  Read more

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