Prime Minister supports Calvary compulsory takeover
Posted on May 29, 2023
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“We now know that the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese, as an elected representative of the country, supports the compulsory acquisition of Calvary Hospital. This acquisition is not being done according to the rule of law or on just terms.
Can anybody imagine the great Labor Prime Ministers, John Curtin, Ben Chifley, Bob Hawke, or Paul Keating, doing such a thing?What’s at stake here is not the Labor Party, not the Catholic church, but the rights of ordinary citizens to have proper land and property rights.”
See also:
Anthony Albanese backs Calvary Hospital takeover two days before laws set to pass – The Catholic Weekly,
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed the ACT Government takeover of Calvary Public Hospital, just two days before legislation is likely to pass the ACT Legislative Assembly. …
Australian Medical Association ACT branch president, Dr Walter Abhayaratna, wrote in a recent letter to the ACT health minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, that the takeover sets a ‘terrible precedent’ and that senior doctors felt disrespected, shocked, dismayed and angry at the rapid takeover.
Legislation to compulsorily acquire the hospital and land was introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly on 10 May, and will likely be passed by the Labor-Greens majority government this Wednesday, on 31 May.”
Albanese supports ACT Government on Calvary acquisition – CathNews.
Anthony Albanese intervenes to back ACT Govt on Calvary acquisition – Canberra Times (subscription).
Calvary on the cross – former Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, at Spectator Australia, 27 May 2023,
“The belief that this proposal is about abortion – and euthanasia, which the ACT plans to introduce – is well-founded. Is the next institution to be acquired Clare Holland House, the praised palliative care service also operated by Calvary?
This is not a Catholic issue, nor even a Christian one. If the ACT government can acquire a well-functioning, viable hospital that is providing first-rate healthcare to the populace, what else can it acquire? Independent schools? Clubs with pokies? Greyhound and horse racing tracks? The premises of organisations that oppose its political views? This is a dangerous precedent which should be resisted by everyone who values the freedoms and toleration that our polity is built upon.”
Earlier:
Catholic Archbishop ‘shocked and stunned’ at ACT’s proposed takeover of Calvary Hospital.
The Gender Revolution — by Patricia Weerakoon with Rob Smith and Kamal Weerakoon
Posted on May 29, 2023
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Coming soon from Matthias Media:
“How can you show love to someone who feels that their gender identity does not match how God made them—especially amid loud social messaging that says compassion and disagreement are incompatible? How do we keep the conversation grounded in reality? How do we lead others away from the harmful desire to transform their body into something it can never truly be? Why would hearing an explanation of God’s design for our bodies and his guidance for sexual expression be good for them, and how could you possibly begin that conversation?
Transgender ideology has quickly become pervasive in our broader culture, and many Christians prefer to avoid issues of sex and gender altogether. But if we’re not prepared in advance to show care and compassion to people questioning their gender identity or declaring a new one, we are unlikely to do it well when the moment arrives (as it inevitably will).
The Gender Revolution provides the biblical basis for a contemporary Christian response to the complicated feelings and experiences of gender dysphoria. Grounded in the latest scientific findings, this much-needed book is the fruit of decades of thorough research, medical practice and pastoral experience from the authors. It offers clear and compelling reasons for why God’s voice matters, and how it can be used to disciple others in truth.”
– Learn more at Matthias Media. “Available for pre-order; buy now and receive your copy July 2023.”
Sinicization of Christianity comes to Hong Kong
Posted on May 28, 2023
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“Hong Kong is becoming just like any other Chinese city, and this is increasingly true for religion as well. In CCP jargon, ‘Sinicization’ of Christianity does not mean adapting churches to Chinese culture but making them subservient to the Party. …”
– Story at Anglican.ink.
News and prayer updates from George Whitefield College, May 2023
Posted on May 27, 2023
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The May 2023 newsletter for George Whitefield College in Cape Town is now up on their website.
A great reminder to pray for Africa.
As GWC Principal Dr. Mark Dickson reminds us,
“What Africa needs now are preachers, teachers and leaders who can tell the continent accurately about Jesus.”
Also on the GWC website is a tribute to Bishop Joe Bell, former Presiding Bishop of the Church of England in South Africa (now REACH-SA). The tribute was written, we understand, by Dr. Mark Norman at GWC.
Bishop Bell was Presiding Bishop 1989-2000, succeeding Bishop Dudley Foord and preceding Bishop Frank Retief.
There’ll be a Memorial Service for Bishop Bell on Monday 29 May 2023 – streamed live at 19:00AEST.
Evangelism – A Priority in Your Parish? — Neil Prott
Posted on May 27, 2023
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“There is nothing more wonderful we can do for anyone than introduce them to Jesus Christ.
However, this is not reflected in the programme of many parishes today.
No doubt there are numerous reasons for the current state of affairs. Our analysis should take in the Scriptural factors as well as the obvious ones. …”
– The late Neil Prott wrote this article for ACL News back in 1989.
(We gave thanks for Neil when he was called home in April 2022.)
Meet the “Alone” contestant who is never alone
Posted on May 26, 2023
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“Michael Wallace almost didn’t make it onto the SBS show Alone. The overseas smash-hit show, which came to Australia this year, features 10 contestants dropped in the Tasmanian wilderness to see who lasts longest without being medically evacuated or tapping out.
Michael, described on the show as a 43-year-old veterinarian and bush regenerator, is also a member of Narellan Anglican Church. …”
– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net interviews Michael Wallace about being on SBS’s Alone.
The Moral Revolution’s Targeting of Institutions: It’s not an Accident, it’s a Strategy
Posted on May 25, 2023
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In his The Briefing for Thursday 25th May 2023, Albert Mohler takes another look at ‘the moral revolution’ and how it targets organisations.
While he is speaking from an American perspective, there’s a lot of application to Australia.
Related:
“the beginning of the end of freedom of conscience in Australia” – regarding Calvary Hospital, Bruce.
Everyone a Child Should Know
Posted on May 23, 2023
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“Believe it or not, heaven will not be populated exclusively by Sydney Anglicans!
And I, for one, am thankful to God for that.
Because I cannot wait to sing God’s praises shoulder-to-shoulder with JS Bach and Martin Luther. And marvel at the glory of the new creation alongside Rembrandt and Joni Eareckson Tada. And consider the depths of God’s grace that saved a wretch like me with John Newton and William Wilberforce. …”
– Steve Tong highlights a children’s book that’s also good for adults. At The Australian Church Record.
Bishop Mark Calder profile — Sight magazine
Posted on May 23, 2023
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“Anglican Bishop Mark Calder has long enjoyed driving. Whether it’s travelling to a conference or visiting a parish, he’d much rather make it a road trip than arrive via airplane. So when he was invited to lead the Diocese of Bathurst, the amount of travel it would require didn’t bother him. He started his role three and half years ago with a new car and has since clocked 135,000 kilometres. Just since January of this year, he’s done 15,000 kilometres for church-related trips, each one giving him more of vision for leadership and for the issues the people across the rural diocese face.
Sight caught up with him when he was actually in his office for our inaugural Q&A…”
– Sight magazine, “an editorially independent, Australian-based website covering local and global news and issues from a Christian perspective”, has published this Q & A with Bishop Mark Calder.
“I sensed a greater purpose in living than success in cricket” — Brian Booth
Posted on May 22, 2023
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“Brian Booth, well known for his cricket and his faith, has died in Sydney at the age of 89.
Booth, who played hockey for Australia in the 1956 Olympics, and captained Australia in cricket in the 1960s, was a middle-order batsman with a test average of 42.21. …”
– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has this tribute to a much-loved Christian man.
Photo by ACL Emeritus Vice-President Rev Allan M. Blanch. Allan took this photo from the old Sheridan Stand as Australia played South Africa at the SCG on either 10th January or 7th February 1964. Brian Booth is almost certainly the player arrowed, fielding at short leg. In the background are the terrace houses of Paddington, and on the skyline, the newly opened OTC building in Oxford Street. Larger version of the above detail here. Or full frame here, with thanks to Allan Blanch.
Update:
There will be a Celebration and Thanksgiving Service For The Life Of Brian Charles Booth on Friday 26th May at 11:00am at Narwee Baptist Church. It will be live-streamed here.
Tim Keller’s Last email to John Piper
Posted on May 21, 2023
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From Desiring God:
“Based on their last correspondence, what would Tim Keller want John Piper to say to younger pastors (and everybody else)?”
A special night at New York’s Redeemer Church honouring their founder Tim Keller
Posted on May 20, 2023
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“All the congregations of Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church met together overnight, for an evening originally planned to cast the next stage of Redeemer’s Vision, but which became a moment for the church family to grieve and pray after the death of Rev Keller.
Tim Keller had a massive impact on New York City, and globally, as an author, preacher, the co-founder of the Gospel Coalition, and the founder of City to City.
Tony Carnes, who joined Redeemer a year after Keller planted the church, and writes for nycreligion.info, says it was a night of high emotion as they remembered their pastor, grieved, prayed and celebrated together, and looked forward to the future. …”
Tim Keller Tribute from The Gospel Coalition
Posted on May 20, 2023
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From The Gospel Coalition – in the video linked above, several Christian leaders share their reflections on the life and legacy of Tim Keller.
With thanksgiving for Tim Keller
Posted on May 20, 2023
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From The Gospel Coalition:
“With great sadness we mourn the loss of Timothy Keller, 72, who died on May 19, more than three years after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Keller co-founded The Gospel Coalition (TGC) in 2005 and served as vice president and then vice chairman of the board. As a board member until his death, Keller continued to offer counsel and direction for TGC in promoting gospel-centered ministry for the next generation.
Keller served in pastoral ministry for four decades, including as the founding and longtime pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. …”
Many tributes at their website, including one from Don Carson:
“A giant has left us. It is right and good that we should reflect on some of the things we’ve learned from him. His passing will call forth careful, informed obituaries, but this isn’t one of them. My more modest aim is to share a few memories so that Tim, like Abel, “still speaks, even though he is dead” (Heb. 11:3, NIV).
See also:
“I do know that the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened. And when I die, I will know that resurrection too.” – SydneyAnglicans.net.
and Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel has published this tribute:
“Dr Keller was one of the foremost pastors and preachers of our time. His books, and the movements he founded, led many people to consider the claims of Christ and to follow Jesus. His focus on the grace of the gospel of Jesus, and the coming new creation will continue to bring comfort and hope to the hearts of many.
We join many others around the world in thanking God for Dr Keller’s life and ministry and pray for Kathy Keller and their family as they grieve his loss and await the day of resurrection.”
Ken Elliott freed from captivity in west Africa
Posted on May 20, 2023
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“An 88-year-old Australian doctor held captive in West Africa by al-Qaeda militants for more than seven years has been released.
Dr Kenneth Elliott is safe and well and has been reunited with his family, Australia’s foreign minister said.
He and his wife were seized in 2016 near the border between Mali and Burkina Faso, where they operated a clinic for over 40 years. …”
– Extremely welcome news via the BBC.
See also:
ABC News report – 19 May 2023.
Jocelyn Elliot released by kidnappers – husband still held – 07 February 2016.
‘Freed Australian hostage Jocelyn Elliott vows to continue work’ – 09 February 2016.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…