New NSW “Religious Vilification” law

Posted on November 27, 2023
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From Associate Professor Neil Foster at Law and Religion Australia:

“An amendment to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, making certain types of speech connected with religion unlawful, commenced operation on 11 November 2023.

The amendment, made by the Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Vilification) Act 2023 (No 15 of 2023) (‘the ADA’), is a form of ‘religious vilification’ law which has not previously been in force in NSW. It is not as bad as some forms of such laws in terms of its effect on religious freedom, but it is worth being aware of its potential operation. It will be important, for example, for those preaching and teaching the Bible (or other religious texts) to understand what the law does, and perhaps more importantly, does not, prohibit. …”

– Read the full post here.

The Priscilla & Aquila Annual Conference 2024 – Following Christ as men and women

Posted on November 27, 2023
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From Moore College:

“Our 2024 P&A annual conference theme is ‘Following Christ as men and women’. Moore faculty member Andrew Leslie will unpack this topic in our morning plenary sessions. Understandably, much of our interest in the Bible’s teaching about men and women is centred on what it means in practice. In the morning plenary sessions, Moore College faculty member Andrew Leslie wants to take a step back from these practical concerns and reflect on the wisdom of this teaching. He’ll begin by exploring how the depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden echoes the pattern of creation itself set out in Genesis 1. Reflecting on this pattern will shed much light on the nature of God and the complementary vocation he has given us as his image bearers. In his second talk, Andrew will take us to the New Testament where the same pattern underlays its description of Christ’s relationship to his people and the life of the church itself.

Our afternoon electives will further unpack the theme of ‘Following Christ as men and women’, with Clare Deeves sharing her PhD research about things to consider when men and women work together on a ministry team. Moore’s dean of Women Susan An and Senior Pastor of The Bridge Church Paul Dale will look at when we disagree with each other about complementarianism while being on the same staff team. Other electives include gender considerations in South Asian ministry; fatherhood; teaching the woman at the well in John 4; and if there are reasons for making different theological decisions than the Apostles.”

– See the details and book via the College website.

The blood that brings peace

Posted on November 26, 2023
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“As the Israel-Gaza war rages, with all the tragic death and suffering it entails, many pressing concerns naturally spring to our minds.

Why is the situation so dire?

Who is to blame for the suffering?

And what are our political leaders doing about it?

I can’t begin to answer all these questions in this short article. But I want to point us to something that will help us: the cross of Jesus Christ. How does it help? I’m convinced that the message of the cross gives us a deep foundation and a vital framework for making sense of issues of conflict in our world as well as in our lives. …”

– A timely reminder – from Lionel Windsor at The Australian Church Record.

Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi steps down as Gafcon General Secretary

Posted on November 25, 2023
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Archbishop Ben Kwashi has concluded his time as General Secretary of Gafcon. He has recorded this encouraging video.

Do give thanks for this dear brother.

And pray for Paul Donison, Rector and Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Plano, Texas, as he takes up the mantle.

On Sexuality, Justification, and Sanctification

Posted on November 25, 2023
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“There were many speeches made in favour of the Prayers of Love and Faith at the November session of the General Synod which raised my eyebrows. The prize for the most ludicrous, however, goes to …”

– Michael Hayden clears up some nonsense which was evident at the Church of England’s General Synod earlier this month.

In doing so, he points us to the beauty of the gospel.

Image: John Calvin by Hans Holbein the Younger

Moore College Student Support Fund

Posted on November 25, 2023
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“Finding the funds to attend College full-time is challenging. Many need to obtain varied forms of support to make it possible. Some students may have already built a financial support base before coming to College, others perhaps not.

The College is committed to providing financial support to our students that will support them to continue in their studies. The Student Support Fund is a way to provide this type of additional support, particularly for living expenses. …”

– This is a great initiative to help students at Moore College.

Church Society’s St Antholin Lecture 2023: Same-Sex Love in the Puritan World

Posted on November 24, 2023
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From Church Society:

“This year’s St Antholin Lecture on Puritan Divinity will be delivered live on the Church Society Facebook page by Dr Christy Wang, a church historian from Singapore Bible College.

Dr Wang is also a Post-Award Visitor affiliated with the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, where she was a tutor and earned her DPhil on ‘Puritan Conformity, Church Polity, and Anglican Identity, 1628–88’, having previously also studied at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and National Taiwan University.

The title of the lecture will be ‘By Love to Them I Cease Loving of Thee’: Journaling Same-Sex Love in the Puritan World.’…”

– Details here.

The lecture is on Wednesday 6th December at 6pm (UK time), 5:00am the next morning Sydney time.

Resources to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Posted on November 24, 2023
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From SydneyAnglicans.net:

“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has commended the work of Anglicare as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25. …”

– See the details here.

Image: Anglicare resources website.

A Gafcon Collect for those taking their Bible College exams

Posted on November 23, 2023
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“Our gracious Lord God, we know that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ Jesus.

We pray for theological students in the southern hemisphere as they sit their final exams and complete their academic year. We pray that you will give them calm nerves and a quiet confidence in your sovereign goodness. Bless them with keen understanding and retentive memories.

We pray that you will help them to keep their eyes fixed on the ultimate end of these exams and their study: that they may grow in the knowledge of you and be equipped to faithfully teach and proclaim the gospel of your Son Jesus so that your kingdom may be extended, and your name glorified. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

– Grateful to GAFCON for the reminder to pray.

Remembering C S Lewis 60 years on

Posted on November 22, 2023
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Sixty years ago today (22nd November 1963) C S Lewis died.

Also on that day, US President John F Kennedy was assassinated.

Albert Mohler devotes his The Briefing for 22 November 2023 to remembering JFK.

Image: Christianity Today.

Should I go or should I stay in the Church of England?

Posted on November 22, 2023
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“It is with a high degree of anxiety, and increasing doubts about my sanity, that I am wading unwisely into the debate on whether to remain in or leave the Church of England.

I readily confess that I am, by every measure, several levels below the spiritual and theological authority of those who have already spoken or written on the matter. Nonetheless even the minion on the congregational ‘shopfloor’ deserves a hearing. …”

– Dr. Chik Kaw Tan, former member of General Synod and a trustee of Anglican Mainstream, shares his thoughts, and acknowledges that “remaining or leaving can both be difficult options”. Very helpful.

It’s also a good reminder to keep praying for all our brothers and sisters who are wrestling with these questions.

Plans and prayers

Posted on November 22, 2023
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“‘Just take things one day at a time’. It’s a helpful piece of advice, but inevitably our focus does shift beyond the next 24 hours to those things further ahead on the horizon – the next week, the next month, the next year, and beyond. Of course, it’s impossible for us to have absolute certainty about what lies in the future. …

But how do we actually go about making plans under God? What does it look like in practice? Thankfully the apostle Paul helps us out. …”

– Rusdyan Cocks shares encouragement at The Australian Church Record.

Calling recently-retired clergy

Posted on November 22, 2023
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From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page:

“Bishop David Robinson has graciously been helping in Coonamble as a locum. Such a blessing to that church.

If you’re recently retired and keen to serve in the Diocese this way next year, very flexible terms and conditions can be discussed. (eg;. Bishop David has served two weeks on, two weeks off, just 2.5 days a week each visit.) Please contact Bishop Mark Calder.”

Thanksgiving for Alistair and Susan Begg’s 40 years of gospel service at Parkside Church

Posted on November 21, 2023
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On the weekend, members of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, gave thanks for 40 years of gospel service by Alistair and Susan Begg.

A special service was held, memories were shared, thanks were given to the Lord, and messages were received from friends around the world (including John Woodhouse and Dick Lucas).

– Watch here.