A lament for Scotland
Posted on February 5, 2024
Filed under Culture wars, History, Scotland Comments Off on A lament for Scotland
In his latest podcast, David Robertson laments – and asks you to pray – for the land of his birth:
“In this week’s episode we look at the history, culture, and politics of Scotland. I have taken over a year to do this. It is possibly the hardest thing I have ever had to do because it is so hard for me to be objective.
This is deeply personal. And there is so much to say. It was difficult to decide what to leave out – I literally had hundreds of hours of material … I hope what has remained in will be helpful in understanding modern Scotland – and indeed the modern world. …
There are lessons for all of us in seeing how Scotland has changed, been blessed and declined. …”
And a strong reminder to pray for the nation and people of Scotland.
The 39 Articles Are A Beautiful Guide To Orthodoxy — If Only The Bishops Agreed
Posted on February 4, 2024
Filed under Church of England, Opinion, Theology Comments Off on The 39 Articles Are A Beautiful Guide To Orthodoxy — If Only The Bishops Agreed
“I’ve recently been in correspondence with a bishop who is quite influential in the process surrounding the Prayers of Love and Faith. It has led to a revealing conversation around Article 26 of the 39 Articles of Faith.
The 39 Articles are a brief and condensed statement of what Anglican Christians believe and teach. The English Reformers compiled these carefully summarised statements of biblical theology to guide and guard our identity in Christ.
Adopted by the Church of England in 1571, the 39 Articles assist believers in thinking, discussing, applying, and sharing “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). These theological principles remain relevant for our spiritual health and maturity as we follow Jesus Christ today.
The discussion arose because a parish passed a resolution …”
– This opinion piece at Anglican Futures by “a member of the clergy in the Church of England” is a reminder of the importance of the Articles of Faith, and reading them in context.
See also:
Southern Cross magazine February-March 2024
Posted on February 3, 2024
Filed under Encouragement, Resources, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Southern Cross magazine February-March 2024
The latest issue of Southern Cross magazine from the Diocese of Sydney is now available – in printed form at churches – and electronically at SydneyAnglicans.net.
C of E Bishop of Newcastle quits LLF post over appointment of a conservative theological advisor to the House of Bishops
Posted on February 2, 2024
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars Comments Off on C of E Bishop of Newcastle quits LLF post over appointment of a conservative theological advisor to the House of Bishops
“The appointment of a conservative opponent of same-sex blessings as interim theological adviser to the Church of England’s House of Bishops has led to the bombshell resignation of the Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, as co-lead bishop of the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process.
Bishop Hartley became co-lead LLF bishop with the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, after the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, stepped down as the LLF lead bishop in November. …
The interim theological adviser is the Revd Dr Tom Woolford, who as a member of General Synod has opposed the introduction of services of blessing for same-sex couples.”
– As the Bishop of Newcastle apparently takes her bat and goes home, things don’t seem to be going well in the attempt to hold the Church of England together. Story from Julian Mann at Anglican.ink.
See also:
Living in Love and Faith: A Statement from Bishop Helen-Ann:
“there is no doubt that LLF remains front and centre in the life of our Church at this time…”
Full statement:
“My first commitment, and priority, is to continue to respond to God’s calling to be Bishop of Newcastle, and I rejoice in this calling. It has become clear to me in the last 48 hours that there are serious concerns relating to the recent process of appointing an Interim Theological Advisor to the House of Bishops. This was, and is not, an LLF appointment, and neither Bishop Martyn nor myself were involved in it. Whilst the remit of the theological advisor is broader than any matters relating to LLF, there is no doubt that LLF remains front and centre in the life of our Church at this time. What has transpired in the last 48 hours has had a critically negative impact on the work Bishop Martyn and I were seeking, in good faith, to do. My role as co-lead bishop for the LLF process is now undermining my capacity to fulfil my primary calling, to lead and care for the people and places of the Diocese of Newcastle.
I am fully committed to the vocation and life of the Church of England, its place in our diverse communities across this land, and in the wider Anglican Communion. Mindful of different views within my own diocese, I am also fully committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people. I do not believe these are mutually exclusive, and I am not naïve in saying this. As I approach the 10th anniversary of my consecration as a bishop, my decision to step down from my LLF role is not one I have taken lightly, but is one built on all I have learnt about being a bishop, both here and in Aotearoa New Zealand. I will continue to be involved in the LLF process as a diocesan bishop, and will endeavour to prayerfully and actively work towards fulfilling the commitments expressed above, and those already agreed to in General Synod.
+Helen-Ann Newcastle,
February 1st 2024.”
And earlier:
Living in love, faith — and reconciliation – Church Times, 25 January 2024 by Helen-Ann Hartley and Martyn Snow:
“We are at a crossroads: either we have reached the point of separation, accepting that different views cannot co-exist within the same Church, or we must shift the debate to the question how we live well with difference. We believe firmly in the latter approach, and, therefore, we are issuing a call for reconciliation and bridge-building. …” (emphasis added)
Photo: Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley.
Mr Facing Both Ways
Posted on February 2, 2024
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars, Theology Comments Off on Mr Facing Both Ways
“In his book The Pilgrim’s Progress John Bunyan refers to a character called ‘Mr Facing Both Ways.’
As I reflected on the events of the past year and where they have left the Church of England it struck me that Bunyan’s name for this character is also an apt description of the current position of the Church of England.
On the one hand, the Church of England officially continues to adhere to (a) the traditional Christian doctrine of marriage and sexual ethics, and (b) the traditional Christian doctrine that visible holiness of life should be required of Christian ministers.
On the other hand, since 17 December last year it has contradicted (a) in terms of its liturgical practice. Furthermore, it seems certain that action by the House of Bishops will mean that in the coming year the Church of England will contradict traditional Christian doctrine further in area (a) and will also contradict it in area (b) as well. …”
– Martin Davie looks at the current situation in the Church of England and suggests how orthodox Evangelicals should respond.
Living in Love, Faith and Reconciliation: an exercise in bait and switch
Posted on January 31, 2024
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars, Opinion Comments Off on Living in Love, Faith and Reconciliation: an exercise in bait and switch
“Last week, the lead bishops for Living in Love and Faith process, Rt Revd Helen-Ann Hartley and Rt Revd Martyn Snow set out some of their thinking in a comment piece for the Church Times – Living in Love, Faith and Reconciliation.
‘We are at a crossroads: either we have reached the point of separation, accepting that different views cannot co-exist within the same Church, or we must shift the debate to the question how we live well with difference. We believe firmly in the latter approach, and, therefore, we are issuing a call for reconciliation and bridge-building.’
Their attempt to ‘reset’ the debate will rest on a number of commitments, which will be brought to General Synod for discussion in February. They have yet to be published – but for once the devil will not be in the detail – but in their purpose and underlying premise …”
– This opinion piece at Anglican Futures looks at where ‘reconciliation and bridge-building’ is likely to lead.
And it is yet another reminder to pray for wisdom for faithful believers in the Church of England.
Representing Jesus to our grandkids
Posted on January 31, 2024
Filed under Encouragement, Resources Comments Off on Representing Jesus to our grandkids
“For many people today, there is a lot of life left after retirement. Many years ago, when I began work, the union representative told me that our superannuation scheme for men was based on retirement at 65 and death at 67½! Now, the life expectancy for men is 81 and 85 for women. …”
– At SydneyAnglicans.net, Paul Whiting introduces us to an important book – one especially important for grandparents.
Bridging Secular Wisdom and the Christian Mission: A Dialogue on Growth, Change, and Spiritual Transformation – with Archie Poulos
Posted on January 30, 2024
Filed under Resources Comments Off on Bridging Secular Wisdom and the Christian Mission: A Dialogue on Growth, Change, and Spiritual Transformation – with Archie Poulos
From The Pastor’s Heart:
“What can we learn from recent secular literature about the practice of Christian pastoral leadership?
Head of Ministry at Sydney’s Moore Theological College Archie Poulos looks at how the ‘The Infinite Game’ concept, popularized by Simon Sinek, can be applied to ministry. Sinek explores the consequences of short and long term thinking in business and life. Long term success is more likely when an infinite perspective is taken.
Then we examine Loran Nordgren and David Schonthal’s book ‘The Human Element: Overcoming the resistance that awaits new ideas.’
Archie considers the emotional and psychological hurdles (inertia, effort, emotion, and reactance) that congregations face when change is suggested.
We look back to ‘After the Ball’ by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen, a 1989 secular play book for effecting LGBTI societal acceptance. Archie suggests there are lessons from aspects of that strategy for Christian mission.
Plus Archie talks about what impressed him about Andrew Heard’s soon to be released book ‘Growth and Change – The danger and necessity of a passion for church growth.”
Church Society Podcast S13E03: CEEC
Posted on January 30, 2024
Filed under Church of England Comments Off on Church Society Podcast S13E03: CEEC
“This episode of the Church Society podcast comes from the 2024 Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) annual residential meeting.
Three members and guests of CEEC tell us about different areas of work that is ongoing.
- Kay Carter of Christianity Explored talks about the evangelism consultations and some of the insights which they are bringing.
- Tim Buckley, who ministers in a very deprived parish in Plymouth, shares some of the work of the Privilege, Class and Poverty workstream.
- Charlie Skrine, Rector of All Souls’ Langham Place, discusses the most recent developments in the LLF process.”
– First up in the podcast, Dr Ros Clarke speaks with Charlie Skrine about the latest discussions on Living in Love and Faith.
A great reminder to continue to pray for faithful Christians in the Church of England. (From 14:50, Charlie has a particular request for prayer.)
Photo: Charlie Skrine at JAEC 2023.
Related:
Church of England Evangelical Council.
Why is Christian persecution often met with indifference?
Posted on January 29, 2024
Filed under World news Comments Off on Why is Christian persecution often met with indifference?
“It has never been more dangerous to be a Christian than today.
According to the newly released 2024 World Watch List – an authoritative survey by Open Doors, an organisation that supports persecuted Christians – 365 million Christians, or one in seven, are at high or extreme risk of persecution every day because of their faith. …”
– Barney Zwartz contributes this piece at The Sydney Morning Herald.
See also:
“Gender critical” victories in tribunal cases
Posted on January 28, 2024
Filed under Culture wars Comments Off on “Gender critical” victories in tribunal cases
“Over the last month there have been three important tribunal decisions (two in the UK, one in Australia) in favour of women who had been disciplined or dismissed or sued for expressing ‘gender critical’ views.
This phrase, broadly, refers to those who believe that sex is a biological reality and that someone’s gender aligns with their sex. Allegations of ‘transgender vilification’ or claims that someone’s views on this matter can be a ground for workplace penalties have been common over the last few years.
But the three cases I want to mention here (involving social worker Rachel Meade, academic Dr Jo Phoenix, and commentator Kirralie Smith) suggest that the tide may be turning in favour of those who hold the view that biology matters. …”
– At Law and Religion Australia, Neil Foster sees an encouraging trend.
Letter to Church Times about Living in Love and Faith
Posted on January 26, 2024
Filed under Church of England, Culture wars Comments Off on Letter to Church Times about Living in Love and Faith
Anglican Mainstream has posted this letter sent to Church Times by the Rev James Paice in London:
“Dear Sir
I read with interest your piece by the LLF co-lead Bishops about the need to live with difference.
They appear not to have heard CEEC and other conservative clergy :
blessing same sex relationships in defiance of Scripture has been said to have been a first order issue all along, which is why there has been repeated calls for a separate Province, which has been continually resisted.
We are in the woeful situation that we are in, because despite claiming to do so, the Archbishops have not listened to those who stand on the historic teaching of the Bible. No wonder faithful clergy have been leaving.
Yours faithfully.
The Rev James Paice
St Luke’s Church
Ryfold Road
London SW19 8BZ.”
He speaks for many in the Church of England, and many others around the world who are watching with dismay.
The article to which he is responding is linked here at Anglican Mainstream.
And somewhat related:
‘We must find ways of being joyful in our disagreement’ – The Archbishop of Canterbury preaches in Rome.
Anglicans honoured in 2024 list
Posted on January 26, 2024
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Anglicans honoured in 2024 list
“Anglicans are among the Sydney recipients of Australia Day honours, including two Professors of Medicine for their roles in the COVID-19 response.
The honours are awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Council of the Order of Australia. …”
– Russell Powell has the details at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Photo: Professor Charlotte Hespe AM.
Richard Johnson — Chaplain under fire
Posted on January 26, 2024
Filed under Encouragement, History Comments Off on Richard Johnson — Chaplain under fire
This Australia Day, it’s worth remembering how the gospel was received when it was preached in Sydney Town –
“One observation about the past is especially instructive for Christians of any age: faithful witness is often met with hostile opposition. It would be a mistake to conceive of some halcyon days in the past when the whole of society was motivated by the Christian faith and gospel proclamation went unopposed.
The Constantinian form of Christianity, which permeated the Western world over the past millennium, never truly embraced those who sought to be faithful witnesses. This is certainly true of Australia’s first ordained minister, Richard Johnson, who arrived in Sydney as chaplain to the colony of New South Wales with the First Fleet in 1788. …”
– Steve Tong wrote this for The Australian Church Record last year.
Related:
An Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies – Richard Johnson (PDF file)
Pray (Don’t Play) Politics
Posted on January 25, 2024
Filed under Encouragement, Opinion Comments Off on Pray (Don’t Play) Politics
“For many today, politics takes up far too much of our spiritual hard drive. It’s become an obsession.
Praying to the King of kings (on behalf of our president, senators, and other government officials) helps to reorder our hearts.. …”
– You don’t need to be following the U.S. election cycle to benefit from this encouragement from Brandon Cooper at The Gospel Coalition.
See also:
“…the task of the Christian is not first to understand prayer, though may be a very good thing, and not first to solve prayer, which I suspect is an impossible thing. Rather, the Christian is to pray, knowing that part of the beauty of prayer is that even if we aren’t confident in how prayer works, we can have confidence in the one who tells us to pray. Even if we haven’t resolved the dilemmas and solved the mysteries, we can trust the one who issues the command and who insists that he hears and responds to our prayers. Our task, our calling, and our joyful duty is to pray.”
– It’s Okay To Just Pray – Tim Challies.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…