Rebranding of Calvary Hospital Bruce to North Canberra Hospital
Posted on July 4, 2023
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“Canberra Catholics and staff of Calvary Public Hospital grieved as the compulsory acquisition of Calvary by the ACT Government took effect on 3 July.
The ACT Government took over the Catholic-run hospital from midnight, ending a five-week battle to save it from the takeover — including a failed Supreme Court challenge.
Now named North Canberra Hospital, all of the crucifixes and other religious symbols were removed and staff given unbranded uniforms to wear. …”
– Report from The Daily Declaration. Photo: Australian Christian Lobby.
Christian graphic designer not required to produce websites for same sex weddings
Posted on July 4, 2023
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“In a much anticipated decision, the US Supreme Court (by 6-3) in 303 CREATIVE LLC v. ELENIS 600 U. S. _ (2023) (30 June 2023) has ruled that a Christian graphic designer cannot be required by Colorado law to produce websites supporting and celebrating same-sex weddings, contrary to her religious beliefs.
The ruling was based on the US First Amendment protection of free speech, and sets out a principle that the government cannot compel citizens to say what they object to saying, in an “expressive” business like web design, even if that business provides services to the public. It seems clearly correct, and will be helpful in protecting free speech on a range of issues, but in particular will support religious freedom.
But, contrary to some comment, it is not a “license to discriminate”. The decision does not allow refusal of ordinary commercial services to same-sex attracted people. It only relates to the sort of artistic and expressive work engaged in by the designer. …”
– At Law and Religion Australia, Neil Foster reports on an important US decision.
Canadian Anglicans Approve Liturgies for Gender Transition
Posted on July 4, 2023
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“Those delegates in favor said such liturgies would evangelize and bring people into the church for the first time, or bring them back. Bishop Stephen London of Edmonton said the liturgies were ‘well-written,’ ‘scriptural,’ and ‘theological.’ He added: ‘We can’t evangelize if people don’t trust us.’…”
– Report from The Living Church on the Canadian General Synod.
Photo: Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Linda Nicholls, opens the General Synod in Calgary, 28 June 2023.
An open letter from Calvary
Posted on July 3, 2023
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This open letter form Calvary Health Care was posted on Friday, in anticipation of today’s ‘hostile takeover’ of Calvary Public Hospital, Bruce, by the ACT Government –
“This Sunday marks the end of an era for Calvary. We have been a trusted healthcare provider for public patients in the ACT for 44 years, providing care from birth to end of life, and everything in between.
Since Calvary Public Hospital Bruce opened its doors in 1979, we have been there for significant moments in the lives of many patients and their loved ones. …”
Related:
Canavan and Pocock call for Inquiry into the Calvary Hospital Takeover – Australian Christian Lobby.
King’s Birthday Conference 2023 Talks now available
Posted on July 3, 2023
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The first King’s Birthday Conference from Two Ways Ministries was held at Moore College on 12th June.
Peter Jensen spoke on True Government and Philip Jensen spoke on Long Live the King?
– Watch or listen to the whole conference via this link.
The Peace-Maker
Posted on July 3, 2023
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“Alienation is a word often used to describe our human plight. Everywhere relationships are broken – between or within nations, in the workplace, between friends and within families. The phrase ‘the power of love’ or ‘love is everything’ is said to be the cure-all for brokenness and division. But what do these expressions really mean? What does real love look like?
Throughout the Bible, especially as it relates to God and his relationship with us, we find a radically different way that love is understood.…”
– At the Anglican Connection, John Mason doesn’t want us to forget the wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ban Sports Bet Ads ASAP — Dean of Sydney
Posted on July 2, 2023
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“Long-time campaigner for poker machine reform, the Dean of Sydney, Sandy Grant, has welcomed a unanimous report from federal Parliament, “You Win Some, You Lose More”.
From St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney, Dean Grant said …”
– Read last week’s full Media Release at the Cathedral website.
Christian charity holds protest outside Barclays Bank HQ over ‘ex-LGBT discrimination’
Posted on July 1, 2023
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“A Christian charity is holding a peaceful demonstration outside the London headquarters of Barclays Bank after it agreed to pay £20,000 in compensation for closing its account.
The protest on Thursday has been organised by The Core Issues Trust and The International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC), a Christian ministry that offers counselling to people struggling with their sexuality or gender identity.
The charity’s account with Barclays was closed in 2020 without any reason given by the bank, which was the main headline sponsor of the London Pride event that year…”
– Report at Christian Today.
Related:
It’s not only Christian organisations which have had their accounts closed by various banks. Former Brexit leader and now GB News presenter Nigel Farange has had all his accounts closed by his (as yet unnamed) bank, and others are reporting similar treatment. Sky News report (video).
God’s goodness in 1 Timothy
Posted on June 30, 2023
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“Paul’s first letter to Timothy is full of goodness. Terms for ‘good’ appear 25 times in the letter.
That should lead us to expect that 1 Timothy would bring us delight, joy, peace, and satisfaction in God’s goodness. But when we come to read or teach this letter, there’s often a measure of anxious apprehension. That’s because to our modern ears, some of the things Paul writes in 1 Timothy, especially about human relationships, sound naïve, harsh, or just plain bad.
In this short article, I want to help us to grasp the fundamental goodness of 1 Timothy. I want to help us to better know and share that delight, joy, peace, and satisfaction in God’s word and his world that resounds throughout the letter. Seeing this goodness in 1 Timothy can be challenging, as we grapple with our own and our modern world’s assumptions about what is truly good. But I’m convinced it’s worth the challenge. …”
– Here’s some great encouragement to read 1 Timothy – from Lionel Windsor at The Australian Church Record.
Moore College’s New Curriculum
Posted on June 30, 2023
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“Moore College launched its new curriculum at the start of the 2023 Academic Year. Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson unpacks the key features of the new curriculum in this new video.”
– Watch here.
Walking Together?
Posted on June 30, 2023
Filed under Church of England, Theology Comments Off on Walking Together?
“There has been much talk in the church of ‘walking together’ despite differences.
Obviously on some issues and in some ways that is good. We don’t want a new church every time we disagree about the colour of the carpet. Churches can endlessly fracture over secondary matters, as the proliferation of denominations and congregations shows. But we must ask: walking together despite what differences? Walking in what direction? In what manner? What is the basis, purpose and mode of our unity, of our walking together? …”
– Marc Lloyd looks at what the Bible says about ‘walking together’ – at Church Society’s website. (Emphasis added.)
A possibly related photo: The Bishop of London speaks at the General Synod of the Church of England in February 2023.
Three lies of Pride Month
Posted on June 29, 2023
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“From a Biblical perspective, there are remarkable parallels between Pride Month and idol worship under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Just as the Babylonians were mandated to worship the golden image, LGBT activists demand that we pledge allegiance to the rainbow flag. While the stakes aren’t as high as they were under Nebuchadnezzar, there are real risks involved in refusing to bow the knee.
If my suspicion is correct, most Australians are not particularly concerned about Pride Month. In fact, many are beginning to feel uncomfortable with how politicised and intolerant the LGBT movement has become. In response, many people have flocked to culture warriors like Jordan Peterson for answers.
While figures like Peterson are insightful and worth listening to, their answers are ultimately psychological rather than spiritual. They don’t acknowledge that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only truth that sets people free. It is only the grace of God in the person and work of Jesus that gives answers and hope to a world lost in sexual confusion.
What follows are three of the lies paraded during Pride Month, along with the gospel answers Jesus provides. …”
– A very helpful article by James Jeffery in AP, the National Journal of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
What is a Christian? — book by Dave Jensen
Posted on June 29, 2023
Filed under Evangelism, Resources Comments Off on What is a Christian? — book by Dave Jensen
Here’s a new book by Dave Jensen which is worth checking out –
“What Is A Christian?” is a short book explaining Christianity and what it means to be a Christian.
This book can be read in one sitting and clearly explains why Jesus came, what he did and what it means for us today.
This book is great for churches to have on book stalls or to give away to new Christians or those seeking to learn more about Jesus and Christianity!”
Here’s the structure of the book:
Introduction: What is a Christian?
Part 1: God made it
What kind of life do you want to live?
God created everything
What does Jesus say?
Part 2: We broke it
What’s wrong with the world?
We’re to blame
Reality check
Part 3: Jesus fixed it
Why did Jesus live?
Why did Jesus die and rise from the dead?
The consequences of what Jesus has done
Conclusion: What is a Christian and how do you become one?
Copies also available from The Wandering Bookseller.
Evangelicals in the Church of England are running out of options
Posted on June 28, 2023
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“The Prayers of Love and Faith bus has departed and there is nothing CEEC can now do to stop it.
At the pre-Synod press briefing on June 22, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, said the new services ‘are on track for November’. CofE evangelicals now belong to a denomination whose leadership has forsaken the traditional Christian sexual ethic and has earned the condemnation of the overwhelming majority of the worldwide Anglican Communion for doing so. …
It is actually not too late for CEEC to start to co-ordinate an exit strategy out of the CofE. The large evangelical churches among its members have resources and they could lead the way. Of course, leaving would be difficult, risky and messy.”
– An opinion piece in Christian Today by former CofE vicar Julian Mann.
Image: Members stand to seek the call at the Church of England’s General Synod in February 2023.
Related, from the General Synod meeting – good news is preached, even if the majority choose to close their ears:
Be encouraged again by Ben John’s appeal to the Church of England General Synod.
Preachers should be great storytellers
Posted on June 28, 2023
Filed under Encouragement, Resources Comments Off on Preachers should be great storytellers
“Stories are captivating, inspiring, and memorable. Perhaps some of our greatest childhood memories are having stories read to us, and the privilege of parents, and grandparents to read stories to our children, to curl up with them, and do funny voices, and laugh along with them at the silly ones.
The Bible, is, in effect, a story.
Jesus told stories, he was the master story teller, bar none. …”
– At The Expository Preaching Trust, Jim Mobbs has encouragement for preachers.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…