Child labour the dark side of Easter eggs

page 15 Graeme Garrett on The Melbourne Anglican Richard Flanagan’s latest novel TMA page 23 March 2021, No 600

TThe MAMelbourne Anglican

TMA marks milestone as Church and world wrestle with COVID’s legacy The 600th issue of the paper you are reading was born in a very different time, in 1994, when Australia was emerging from a recession and the Church from the debates over the ordination of women (the first female priests had been ordained two years earlier). Angela Grutzner, who had served Archbishops David Penman and Keith Rayner as media director and editor of TMA’s predecessor See, was midwife at the birth of The Melbourne Anglican that year. In 1995, Roland Ashby succeeded Angela and in the following 23 and a half years expanded the paper to include more features and supplements, and later included a range of digital offerings. From 2018 until late last year, Emma Halgren put her own stamp on the paper, and further adapted it to the digital era. Just as well as COVID struck and left everyone wondering what its implications would be for church and world. Mark Brolly, Interim Editor TMA See pages 10 and 11 Melbourne Synod set to proceed, but General Synod deferred again by Stephen Cauchi and had been rescheduled for Friday 16 While nothing was finalised, “at The Primate, Archbishop considered appropriate for the Mark Brolly April at 7pm. the moment, we are planning for Geoffrey Smith of Adelaide, conduct of an ordinary session of Dr Freier said the purpose of an ordinary session of Synod in announced the deferral of General the General Synod and the nature special session of the special session was to give October 2021”, Mr Tadgell said. Synod until probably 2022 in a cir- of business to be considered at this Melbourne Synod was can- the diocese “the flexibility that cular letter on 26 February, a day next meeting.” A celled due to Victoria’s recent we need to meet our governance after Standing Committee decided Archbishop Smith also wrote lockdown, although it now appears requirements”. that the Church’s national parlia- that Standing Committee had a full session of the diocesan Synod The technical purpose “We recognise ment could not meet. General decided not to hold a proposed will happen either online or in per- of the session is to enact the Synod was to have met last year conference on Human Sexuality, son around October. Diocesan Meetings (Temporary that we live in a but, as with so much else, corona- Same-sex Relationships and But Australia’s recent spate of Arrangements) Bill, which will world now where virus scuppered that. Marriage before or during General border closures has forced another permit the ordinary Melbourne “This difficult decision has been Synod, as had been suggested since deferral of General Synod, planned Synod to be held any time in 2021. at any moment made in response to the continu- the most General Synod meeting for 31 May to 4 June in Queensland, Usually, Synods must occur within ing uncertainty around travel and in Maroochydore in 2017. and has forced the national bish- a certain time after the previous the borders gatherings,” Archbishop Smith “I am personally disappointed ops conference to meet by Zoom one was held. wrote. that we have not been able to hold this month, rather than in South The Bill will also validate the might close.” “The Standing Committee the planned conference, but it has Australia as planned. parish annual meetings that were considered the financial impact been overtaken by current circum- Victoria’s Anglican churches are held in late 2020. of the deferral as well as other stances,” he wrote. unlikely to be involved in the state’s The Registrar of the Melbourne Melbourne Assistant Bishop meeting options including a fully “Since the last General Synod COVID vaccination program. diocese, Mr Malcolm Tadgell, told Paul Barker told TMA the national virtual meeting or a hybrid event two dioceses have considered leg- Archbishop Philip Freier said TMA the Bill would also permit, meeting of bishops planned for where those members who can, islation that sought to respond to in his YouTube message of 24 if necessary, Melbourne Synod to South Australia this month would attend in person, and those who changes in the Marriage Act. The February that the special session, be conducted by Zoom or other now be held on all-day Zoom for cannot connect to the proceedings originally intended for 12 February, electronic means. two days. online. None of these options were Continued on page 3 PLUS: New GM for diocese,THE MELBOURNE p3; Ordinations, ANGLICAN • March 2021 pp4-5; • 1 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au Clergywoman’s plea after daughter’s rape, p16. THE ARCHBISHOP WRITES TMA Lent calls for simple trust in Jesus’ power hroughout our Lenten apart with compassion for his journey there are different suffering. Let it be shattered with Texperiences that can enrich “Even the dry and barren grief at my sins for which he dies. our understanding as well as And finally let it be softened with deepening our spiritual unity experiences of our journey are not devoted love for him. with Christ. There are advantages wasted if we retain this trusting in methodically following the However we resolve to nurture development of an idea, perhaps posture of reliance on our crucified our spiritual journey, be assured in the form of a Lenten study or that there is an abundance of rich a book by a spiritual writer. The and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.” resources, and all so readily avail- progressive unfolding of thoughts able. It comes down to a simple and insights that build on oth- trust that Jesus’ “divine power has ers is an excellent way for our given us everything needed for understanding to develop and for quite simple and meant by God to prayer or, if visual images are more a fertile source for me in apply- life and godliness”. This is all to us to have a true sense of journey be apparent. After all, this is the meaningful, an icon or painting. ing this approach over the Easter say that we should approach our through the weeks of this season. divine purpose of the incarnation. In my Ash Wednesday sermon, I season, especially as a meditation continued spiritual journey with All the great theologians and spir- 2 Peter 1:3 makes this point in recommended the simple reflec- on Good Friday: hopeful expectation. Even the itual teachers have expended their other words: “Jesus’ divine power tion on the temptations of Jesus dry and barren experiences of our years in writing such guides for has given us everything needed in the wilderness that we read in, O Lord, holy Father, show us journey are not wasted if we retain our journey. Simply reading the for life and godliness, through the say, Luke 4:1-13. When we take what kind of man it is who is this trusting posture of reliance on Bible accompanied by the words knowledge of him who called us by this approach it is not the weight hanging for our sakes on the cross, our crucified and resurrected Lord of a biblical commentary can be a his own glory and goodness.” of information that propels us for- whose suffering causes the rocks Jesus Christ. very rich experience and one that It is also possible to sit with ward but the links that we discover themselves to crack and crumble is accessible to most people. something small and, through between our Lord’s experiences with compassion, whose death I think that it comes down to repetitive reflection, allow insight and responses and our own life. A brings the dead back to life. Let our human nature but we readily to develop. This “small thing” prayer of St Bonaventura, one of my heart crack and crumble at complicate things that are truly could be a verse of Scripture, a the early Franciscans, has proved the sight of him. Let my soul break

Victorian Parliament passes Conversion www.media.anglican.com.au bill after final 12-hour debate TThe MAMelbourne Anglican by Mark Brolly the legislation that deserved “a therapy and has repudiated thorough public conversation”. these practices at our Synod. The Melbourne The Victorian Parliament “The Anglican Diocese of We support the stated intention Anglican passed the Change or Melbourne does not defend or of the Bill to protect vulner- ISSN 1324-5724 Suppression (Conversion) carry out coercive conversion able people from harm, and Practices Prohibition Bill acknowledge that this has (2020) on 4 February, with occurred in Australia in the Interim Manager Communications and Royal Assent granted 12 days p a s t .” Interim Editor TMA – Mark Brolly later. “The Anglican Diocese of The legislation makes it [email protected] After a 12-hour debate, the illegal to try and change or upper house endorsed the Melbourne does not defend or suppress a person’s sexual TMA Journalist – Stephen Cauchi legislation 29 votes to nine. orientation or gender identity [email protected] Archbishop Philip Freier had carry out coercive conversion in Victoria and empowers the declared support for the stated therapy and has repudiated state’s Equal Opportunity and Digital Journalist – Chris Shearer intention of the legislation to Human Rights Commission to [email protected] protect vulnerable people from these practices at our Synod.” investigate and refer matters harm in a letter released on to police. Prison terms of up Advertising – Janelle Tickes 0435 569 777 23 December. But he acknowl- Archbishop Philip Freier to 10 years or big fines can be or [email protected] edged polarised views about imposed for breaches of the it and said there were parts of legislation. Subscription Enquiries [email protected]

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Vacant Appointments as of 26 February 2021: Communications Assistant St Michael & All Angels Beaumaris; St Stephen, Belmont; Bellarine Anglican Parish; – Jessica Meegama St Edward, Blackburn South; Brimbank; St Faith, Burwood; St Luke, Cockatoo; UPCOMING SERVICES Subscription Enquiries St Alban, Coburg West; St Dunstan, Camberwell [from March 2021]; Darebin Sundays in Lent 8 & 10am ‘Words to live by’ Lent Sermon Series [email protected] (available later online) South; Christ Church, Essendon; All Saints, Greensborough; St Cuthbert, Grovedale Annual subscription $60 / $90 overseas Tues 30 March 11am Diocesan Chrism Eucharist with St Wilfrid, Mount Duneed; Hume Anglican Parish; St Hilary Kew, North Thurs 1 April 6pm Maundy Thursday Choral Eucharist * Fri 2 April 9am Good Friday Liturgy. Preacher: The Archbishop * Balwyn and Mont Albert, North; Jika Jika, Preston; Pascoe Vale-Oak Park [from April 2021]; Printing – Express Print 1.30pm Stainer’s Crucifixion Liturgical Performance St Thomas’s Upper Ferntree Gully [from June]; All Saints Rosebud with St Katherine’s McCrae [from May]; Sun 4 April 6.30am Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter Published by: with Baptism & Confirmation * St Matthew’s Ashburton; Christ Church Dingley [from August] 10.00am Easter Day Choral Eucharist * Anglican Media Melbourne, 華語崇拜 Appointments: 1.00pm Easter Day Mandarin Service * 209 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000 Advance bookings required for Easter Services, please see our website for details. CRANE, The Revd Samuel, appointed Priest-in-Charge, St James, Glen Iris, effective 27 April 2021 ph 9653 4269 REGULAR SERVICES POPE, The Revd Nigel, appointed Incumbent from Priest-in-Charge, St Paul, Geelong, www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au Sundays 8am Holy Communion (BCP) * WEBSTER, The Revd Steven, appointed Area Dean, Deanery of Coburg, effective 15 March 2021 10am Choral Eucharist * 1pm Mandarin Service 華語崇拜 * Permission to Officiate Renewal: Weekdays Monday 2.30pm Choral Evensong (broadcast on Channel 31) CLARKE, The Revd Alison Lynne, appointed Renewal of Permission to Officiate, Diocese of Melbourne @AnglicanMediaMelb Tuesday 5.10pm Choral Evensong * effective 18 February 2021 Wednesday 12.15pm Holy Eucharist Thursday 5.10pm Choral Evensong Obituaries: @MelbAnglican Services marked with * (asterisks) are live-streamed via our website & social media MANSELL, The Revd Cary, 20 February 2021 The Cathedral is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 3pm. For Vacant Parishes listing contact [email protected] www.youtube.com/ Cnr Flinders & Swanston Streets • Tel: 9653 4333 See Tributes at www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au anglicanmediamelb www.cathedral.org.au Clergy Moves is compiled by the Registry Office and all correspondence should go to [email protected]

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 2 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA AROUND MELBOURNE Diocese appoints new General Manager he Anglican Diocese of in-Council, the Melbourne He holds three Masters degrees Melbourne has appointed Anglican Diocesan Corporation – in Business Administration, TMr Justin Lachal as its new and professional search firm Fish Business Information Technology General Manager, starting on 5 & Nankivell – and he was recom- and Applied Finance – as well as April. mended unanimously by the two graduate diplomas, and is Mr Lachal is Professor of Nominations Committee. also a Fellow of the Institute of Practice – Accounting and Archbishop Philip Freier said: Chartered Accountants. Data Analytics at La Trobe “I am delighted at the appoint- Married with three children University and works at Jones ment and welcome Justin to the – aged 19, 17 and 13 – Mr Lachal Lang LaSalle as the Asia Pacific Diocese. Justin has shown particu- enjoys running, playing the lead on International Financial lar strengths in communications piano and spending time with his Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16 and teamwork.” family. implementation. In the latter role, Mr Lachal, 50, is active in the He succeeds Interim Chief his clients include Telstra, ANZ, Roman Catholic Church, formerly Executive Chris Arnold, who Australia Post and the Victorian serving on the board of the Good has been with the diocese since Department of Finance. He is Shepherd (Australia and New Mr Ken Spackman, who had also a board member of Sunraysia Zealand) and currently on the previously served for 11 years as TAFE. board of Jesuit Social Services. Registrar, resigned as CEO last His appointment follows an The statement announcing his August to move to Mallacoota and exhaustive five-month search – by appointment said he had always assist rebuilding efforts there after diocesan leadership, Archbishop- Mr Justin Lachal: strengths in communications and teamwork. been heavily involved in parish life. the devastating 2019-20 bushfires. Melbourne Synod set to proceed, but General Synod deferred – Continued from page 1 Diocese of Wangaratta passed a Salisbury Cathedral has a vaccina- friends or networks, many of those that’s being proposed will not have The suddenness of the lock- regulation authorising a liturgy for tion centre. on the JobSeeker allowance could much impact,” he said. down did catch churches off guard, the blessing of civil marriages. The However, initial indications not afford accommodation. The coronavirus JobSeeker he said, with one church not able Diocese of Newcastle considered from the State Government were “A very high number of people supplement, which will conclude to prepare a Zoom service in time. legislation concerning the disci- that such help would not be who are homeless in Australia are at the end of March, had allowed “It meant that that was the pline of clergy. Questions arising required, he said. reliant on these job-seeking types the unemployed to “sustain them- first week of the whole pan- from both these pieces of legisla- “We’ve offered to host vaccina- of allowances,” Dr Freier said. selves in more dignity”. demic they did not have church tion were referred to the Appellate tion centres (but) I doubt anything at all.” Tribunal. The recent majority will come out of that, to be honest Within the diocese, churches opinion of the Appellate Tribunal … we were quite willing to use our meeting in person were report- means that we are in now a very facilities.” “Some are reporting new people ing 75 to 100 per cent of their different position from 2017, and Bishop Barker said the diocese pre-pandemic attendance, the business before the General had no official position as to coming [to church] who weren’t which he described as a “rea- Synod will no doubt reflect this whether people should take the sonable recovery”. n e w s p a c e .” vaccine. going to a church before but “Some are reporting new Bishop Barker told TMA before Archbishop Freier also com- have connected online ...” people coming who weren’t these decisions were announced: mented in his YouTube message going to a church before but “There’s no way that we can ever about the recently announced have connected online and have 100 per cent certainty until increase to the JobSeeker base then come face-to-face, which the virus is gone. payment. A substantial increase in Archbishop Freier urged is fabulous.” “We recognise that we live in a “Like many other people I was JobSeeker would allow the unem- Anglicans to raise the issue “as you Bishops and archdeacons world now where at any moment glad there has been some review ployed a “greater opportunity of feel able” with their local Federal have been working on a docu- the borders might close.” of the unemployment benefit in participating in society through Member of Parliament. ment called Reimagining The On the national vaccina- Australia,” he said. employment and other contribu- Bishop Barker said there were Future to help churches think tion program that began on 22 However, the increase was “a tions” instead of “precariously just no permanent effects on the about how they can come out of February, Bishop Barker said the small amount that will struggle hanging on the edge of things”. diocese from Victoria’s recent COVID in a stronger position, Diocese of Melbourne, along with to make a big difference to people “I think it’s a fairly widespread five-day lockdown. Bishop Barker said. other faith bodies including the who are in situations of sustained feeling that we’ve really left the “We are where we were before “A lot of churches are already Islamic Council of Victoria, had unemployment”. unemployment benefit amount the five-day lockdown. The home doing that in their own way. offered to host COVID vaccina- Archbishop Freier noted that sink to such a low level that visits are only five people, not 15, They’re wanting to come out tion hubs. In the UK, for example, without the support of family, increasing it by the small amount but that’s largely a private matter.” better, not necessarily bigger.”

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 3 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au AROUND MELBOURNE TMA Working for others trumps serving yourself by Stephen Cauchi God to serve in the world, and in, up close, and experience God’s that was especially true of deacons, l o v e”. he kind of leadership Archdeacon Patacca said. “They facilitate growth in the expected from deacons was “Those who are called to be lives of others, both among the Tin total contrast to that shown deacons are spiritually called to Christians they have pastoral by former US President Donald become ambassadors of Jesus … responsibility for, and in the wider Trump, 16 new deacons were told proclaiming the good news that world, so that all people may know at St Paul’s Cathedral last month. reconciliation with God is for all.” and love Jesus and serve him.” Archdeacon Heather Patacca, This will enable others to “turn Deacons should aim for people the Cathedral Precentor who gave from other masters to serving to know Jesus not from a distance the sermon during the 6 February G o d ”. but up close and in doing so recon- service, said that Mr Trump’s “My Deacons would continue the cile with the God who loves them. Way” style of leadership was “for work of Jesus and model his kind “My friends, (this is) exactly me, by me, about me, to profit me, of servant leadership, she said. what you are called to do,” centred on me”. “You will proclaim the good Archdeacon Patacca said. Melbourne’s Archbishop news of reconciliation with God. “Your call as deacons is to facili- Philip Freier ordained the 16 new You will bind up the broken- tate that work in the church and deacons. hearted, proclaim the liberty and the world.” Archdeacon Patacca, who also release of serving God to those Each deacon should imagine led the ordinands’ retreat before who are burdened and weighed Jesus talking to them personally, the service, said that while all lead- down by other service.” saying: “I want you to do this ers – like all people – served, many In doing so, they would allow particular ministry I ask you to do.” served the wrong thing. others to experience God’s own “This is the kind of request that “Everyone is serving someone comfort, encouragement, gladness when it comes from Jesus, we find or something – money, their and strength. the right answer is to jump to and spouse, image, a political party, Deacons “invite people to come say, ‘Yes, of course’.” social justice ideals, a footy team, “Those who are called to be beauty or even sloth. We are all serving something,” she said. deacons are spiritually called to The new deacons are: “Some of us serve something we are crazy for, we just can’t get become ambassadors of Jesus … Bentollhoda Ameri, Emmanuel Iranian Authorised Anglican Congregation enough of it. Some serve because proclaiming the good news that Rosalyn Armstrong, St Mary’s Sunbury they can’t see a way out of living Kirsty Brown, St Columb’s Hawthorn that way.” reconciliation with God is for all.” Jesus, by contrast, “came not to Dietrich Cheung, St Timothy’s Bulleen be served but to serve – to serve in Bruce Everett, St Agnes Black Rock & Brotherhood of St Laurence a very particular way”. Russell Goulbourne, Christ Church Brunswick Jesus’ service to his heavenly “Jesus has each of us clocked, he “Jesus and serving Him is what Father was one of utter selfless- has the measure of us. His invita- begins to define our whole lives Patricia Hunt, Church of the Epiphany Hoppers ness, she said – giving his life as a tion is for all people to know Him and so become those oaks of Crossing & Australian Defence Force ransom for many. and to love Him, to serve Him and righteousness that show His glory.” Gordon Li, Glen Waverley Anglican Church “In the same way, if the disciples to show the transformation that As Paul writes in Romans, that Ruth Li, Christ Church Melton were to be true followers of Jesus, renewed minds make for us.” transformation is brought about they must follow suit and also Total transformation of a per- by the renewing of one’s mind, she Angus Monro, St Mark’s Camberwell & Workplace chaplaincy serve others.” son’s life is what the good news of said. Debra Saffrey-Collins, Brotherhood of St Laurence & Parish of Gisborne Such service often required Jesus Christ brings, she said. Deacons model the life that Peter Shih, St Hilary’s Kew with North Balwyn and Mont Albert North transformation, as in the way the “We display the reality of God transformation from a renewed brothers James and John went by living in a different way, and mind makes, showing us reconcili- Agatha Wakyereza, Brimbank Anglican Church from wanting to reign with Jesus that different way is who we serve. ation with God. Luke Whiteside, Upper Yarra Anglican Parish to fully serving him instead. It’s no longer ourselves, it’s not our “All of us who follow Christ are Breannon Wilkinson, Glen Waverley Anglican Church As with James and John, families, not a political party, or in effect called to be those oaks “Jesus … knows our intentions”, our bosses, or anything or anyone that show his transforming power.” James Young, St John’s Cranbourne with Christ Church Tooradin Archdeacon Patacca said. else. All Christians are called by

From French literature to theology Seeking ways to take church to people by Chris Shearer for us to ask: what does by Chris Shearer she says. “They were just our faith look like in one step too removed. So For some, an academic practice, and how does Rather than bring we started praying and who has spent most of his our faith affect the way people into the church, discerning and thinking career studying 18th cen- we live and the way we newly ordained deacon about what it would look tury French writers who behave?” Bre Wilkinson is a person like to be the church in are highly critical of the Russell began his that prefers to take the this neighbourhood.” Church may not seem the journey to ordination church to the people. “So that was kind of the kind of person who would in England in 2018, but “Be the church,” she vocational side of things, seek out ordination. But says he’d had a “niggling says, “don’t do church.” and then for me praying newly ordained deacon sense” since his late teens It’s a snappy phrase that and discerning, ‘God, Russell Goulbourne says that he was being called perfectly illustrates her what’s my role in all this?’, he sees some surprising in that direction. When approach to ministry over ‘Is ordination for me?’, ‘Is connections between his he was offered the role of the past few years working the Anglican Church for academic and spiritual life. Deacon Russell Goulbourne. the Dean of the Faculty at Glen Waverley Anglican Deacon Bre Wilkinson. m e ? ’. “It’s true, in principle, of Arts at The University Church (GWAC), where Coming from a that my academic work in some of Melbourne he initially turned it she’s been involved in youth ministry, Pentecostal background, Bre’s spiritual- ways seems far removed from, if not down so he could continue his training young adult ministry and a combination ity had been formed through this antithetical, to ordained ministry,” he in England, but after some thought he of both at various times over the past six expression of church, so studying at told TMA a few days after his ordina- decided to make the move in early 2019, or so years. Ridley College offered a new experience. tion at St Paul’s Cathedral. and picked up his theological training Through this work she began to feel “All of a sudden there was just this “Lots of my work has been on at Trinity College. God calling her and her team to plant a richness of tradition and history that Voltaire … so I can see in a sense there There he noticed what was at once church in the Clayton area, building on I just hadn’t been exposed to,” she says. is what looks like a tension there. a “big shift” from the study of French the communities they had established For Bre, her ordination at St Paul’s “But also Voltaire was really literature but also familiar linguistic out of the campus ministry they’d run Cathedral on 6 February was a great joy interested in religion as a phenomenon questions he had found throughout his at Monash University. It would be this and celebration. In it, in the picture of and what that means for people and career. desire that started her down the road to the diverse range of ordinands around how people behave and what in a sense “It’s been really interesting for me ordination. her that day, she saw the unity of the a Christian ethic might look like. So he doing the subjects at Trinity,” he says. “We got to the start of 2020 and Kingdom of God. asks challenging questions and I think realised we had a lot of communities those questions are important questions Continued on page 6 that weren’t connecting with GWAC,” Continued on page 6

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 4 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA AROUND MELBOURNE Car accident ‘really shook me up’ – new priest by Stephen Cauchi In 1996, she went to Nepal. in public health during that time “I wanted to do some travel there, because I was thinking I might eing hit by a car is not I wanted to go trekking, and so I actually end up going back into the how priests usually find their was in the process of arranging that mission field.” Bway to ministry, and yet that and someone spoke into my life During this time, she felt that was the experience of the Revd saying, ‘Why don’t we do a short- “God was beginning to speak to me Jennifer Poulter in 2014. term mission trip while you’re there’, about ordained ministry … but I Ms Poulter was crossing Mackie so I arranged to do that as well. was a little bit hesitant to speak to Road in East Bentleigh when she H i m”. was hit by a car travelling on the After her life-changing car wrong side of the road across an accident, she set her aim for the intersection. “That physical ministry, getting involved in the “It was an opportunity for God year of discernment in 2015 and to really shake me up,” she told shaking up really mixing work with study at Ridley TMA. “I flew through the air for College. She studied full-time in about 15 metres before smacking shook me up 2019 and spent last year as a deacon. into the road and I guess that physi- For the foreseeable future, she cal shaking up really shook me up in terms of my will be at St Paul’s North Caulfield. in terms of my refocusing on God’s refocusing on She said her main focus was calling in my life.” “growing disciples who will be able Ms Poulter said she should have God’s calling to make disciples for the future”. been badly injured but fortunately “In terms of my ministry I’ve she was able to leave hospital after in my life.” been very fortunate to have some a few days. people in my life who have mod- “That was kind of a really pivotal elled really strong ministry values moment for me, I guess … it was to me and I want to be growing actually a really key moment in “Out of that experience I felt in those, growing into the kind of terms of thinking God wants me The Revd Jennifer Poulter. God calling me back specifically to priest that I’ve seen in some of those to explore ordained ministry in a Nepal, longer-term.” wonderful mentors and models.” much more serious way.” Although her parents weren’t made a commitment that was caus- Consequently, from 1999 to Ms Poulter said she was pas- But Ms Poulter, who was churchgoers, they sent the teen- ing me to explore further.” 2006 Ms Poulter worked as a mis- sionate about intergenerational ordained a priest on 20 February aged Ms Poulter and her siblings to She attended St Matthew’s sionary, mostly in Nepal but also in ministry and its importance for a at St Paul’s North Caulfield, had confirmation classes “so we could in Mulgrave, now Wheelers Hill, north-east India. healthy church. begun her Christian journey years have communion at Christmas and and began studying nursing and After returning to Australia, “I’d really like to be involved in before her accident. E a s t e r ”. midwifery at the Alfred Hospital Ms Poulter worked in nursing encouraging people, discipling, and Born in 1966, she spent most of She became a Christian at that in 1984. education as well as studying. “I seeing growth in the church and the her childhood in Melbourne apart point: “My siblings then never went In her early 20s, while working did a graduate diploma in adult breadth of ministry, involvement from a few years in South London. to church again but I felt that I had as a nurse, she felt a call to mission. education and also did a masters within the church, I guess.”

‘It is very much easier to do what God made you for than not.’ acie Pullinger Missionary to Hong ong Founder of the St Stephen’s Society

ev Michael icevsi. Photo credit: erome Cole Photography Whate’er befall, Still be my vision, O Ruler of all

As a boy Rev Michael Kicevski didn’t like school, books. Michael is looing forward to playing basetball and futsal and able to assist you. We’re here to mae your mission He found it hard to keep still preferring instead to be on once a new multipurpose court is installed with a grant from happen. the soccer eld or playing any sport but sitting still in a the Melbourne Anglican Benevolent Society. Tal to us today about opening a MABS program giving your classroom. For now he is as eager to encourage people to study the donors taxdeductibility and administrative support. ou’ll fi nd more details on our website et later in life woring as an Apprentice baer it was to be Bible with him to now the breadth depth height and length www.melbourneanglican.org.au melbourneanglican through reading boos and listening to music that his ourney of Christ’s love for them. foundation to fi nding Christ started. He began to fi nd esus in the boos our church may have someone lie Michael serving Christ in Setting up a MABS program is easy it will simplify fundraising and songs he was listening to and in a small red Gideon Bible. your community. However what you may not have is a tax and leave you and your church more time to focus on the n this he found the answers he’d been seeing. deductible facility to encourage people to support them. ‘Whate’er befall’ CVD19 caused. To plan longerterm and Standing on the former tennis court at St ames’s Dandenong The Melbourne Anglican Benevolent Society (MABS) is ready mae your mission happen.

www.melbourneanglican.org.au/melbourne-anglican-foundation/

209 Flinders Lane Melbourne VC 3000 CVD19 has created both a health and economic crisis. P: 03 9653 4286 t has also given Christians new opportunities to serve E: foundationmelbourneanglican.org.au care and love our neighbours.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 5 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au CMS – SUMMER UNDER THE SON 2021 TMA Japan not a land of the risen Son: missionaries by Stephen Cauchi had been head of the church at Higashinada for 40 years.” man who found God Mr Jackson said their mis- while stuck on a toilet sionary efforts in Japan were suc- A and another who was led cessful, but “not in a large way”. to Jesus by way of Elvis Presley “We believed that God was if this is where we would serve were two of the more interesting always at work and He showed long-term,” he said. faith stories Brad and Michelle that, he demonstrated that by “We saw great spiritual poverty Jackson experienced in their 12 actually saving people. People because people had no idea who years in Japan. were convicted of their sin, and Jesus was and no opportunity to The couple told January’s people did believe in Jesus, and hear and learn about Jesus, but Summer Under the Son con- they were baptised. We did see we also saw [that] people were ference, hosted by the Church that, not in a large way. very open and welcoming to Missionary Society (CMS), that “Regularly in our church, there foreign people.” despite some success stories, might be four or five baptisms a They decided that mission- Japan was a testing experience. year. ary work in Japan would be Mr Jackson told TMA the “There were always people to a “wonderful opportunity” but biggest barrier to missionary open the Bible with and talk to that further ministry training in success in Japan was not the lan- and minister to and do evange- Australia was needed. guage, but a firmly established lism with.” Mr Jackson said his wife grew cultural dismissal of Christianity. The couple, who met in 1995, up in a Christian family and was “Japanese culture that we first went on a mission trip always mission-minded. She experience today is in many together to Japan in 2006 to “test studied Japanese at high school ways a reaction against Western Brad and Michelle Jackson with their children Tahlia, Bailey and Caleb. the water” for an extended stay. and at Monash University. Christianity,” he said. “When we first met, she asked “People are really disinter- “We definitely felt that we me if I’d be interested in being a ested in Jesus or Christianity. It’s were often working beyond our missionary to Japan and it was a foreign, it’s irrelevant. Japanese ability or outside our strengths possibility, so I said yes.” are Shinto and Buddhist and so or beyond our language, ability “People are really disinterested Mr Jackson studied biochem- why do they need Jesus?” and training. It was an incredibly istry at La Trobe University. “I The idea that Jesus was steep learning curve.” in Jesus or Christianity. It’s had been working with the God, for example, made little Part of that difficulty was the Christian Union at LaTrobe impact. “They could accept that language. The couple had been foreign, it’s irrelevant. Japanese University with students. I’d been because (they believe) there to Japan before and Michelle are Shinto and Buddhist and converted there and grew in my are thousands of gods. It wasn’t was a qualified Japanese teacher. faith. It was a very international compelling.” Despite that, “the level of lan- so why do they need Jesus?” group, lots of international peo- Japanese rulers have long guage that’s required to function ple, so I was always exposed to sought to eliminate foreign in ministry in Japan is much cross-cultural ministry and very influences such as Christianity h i g h e r ”. open to that.” from the country. Missionaries On the other hand, the fact After university Ms Jackson first came to Japan in 1549 that the Jacksons were foreigners environment, Higashinada was Ms Jackson had previously vis- became a Japanese teacher at but Japanese rulers banned created interest. “Some people a flourishing church. “Under ited the country for short-term high school and primary level. Christianity and persecuted were attracted to that. That good leadership the church mission trips. Mr Jackson became a ministry Christians in the 17th and 18th meant they were attracted to can flourish and people can They lived in Osaka, worked trainee with the Australian centuries. hear about our life and what we do really well and that was our as English teachers and got Fellowship of Evangelical Only after the Meiji b e l i e v e d .” experience. We worked under a involved in international church. Students (AFES). Restoration of 1868 was freedom Despite the challenging great man (Pastor Ootsuki) who “The goal was to work out From 2000 to 2006, the of religion reintroduced in Japan. Jacksons went to seminary at Today, only about one per Ridley College and the Bible cent of Japanese are Christians. Two Japanese case studies that the Jacksons gave at the conference: College of Victoria (now However many notable Japanese Melbourne School of Theology) have been Christian, including Junpei Soraki and had children. They got eight prime ministers. Junpei was in his 70s, disabled and house-bound. He had Out of the blue, Soraki walked into church involved with leadership of The Jacksons and their chil- been friends with a woman from our church since high one day carrying a heavy heart, burdened their church, the Boronia Baptist dren moved to Japan in 2008 school. He had heard her share the gospel many many with guilt and shame. He had never been Church, and worked for AFES at and stayed there until last year. times over the years and had always rejected the message, to church before or met a Christian or read Deakin University as Christian They were based at Kobe, near continuing to argue there is no God. One day last year he the Bible, so why did he step into a church? Union staff workers/leaders. Osaka, at Higashinada Baptist fell when trying to use the toilet. He ended up becoming Because he is an Elvis Presley fanatic, and Mr Jackson said he and his church. stuck between the toilet and the wall and was trapped for for 30 years he had heard Elvis sing gospel family decided to move back to “They invited us to come about three days before his health worker arrived. songs. Soraki stepped into church longing Australia for family reasons. and work with us and CMS During those many hours, God worked in his heart. for a fresh start. It was his first step to He is now working with the sent us,” Mr Jackson said. The God humbled him, broke him down, until he finally cried discovering God’s love and forgiveness. Glen Waverley Anglican Church partnership was “brilliant”. “It out to God and surrendered his life to Jesus, right there Soraki is now leading the evangelistic as senior associate minister, was just very fruitful in terms of stuck beside the toilet. It took 60 years for him to respond youth Bible study and the youth group. He is while Ms Jackson is working for ministry.” to the gospel. We long for more but we have to be patient sharing God’s truth with his wife, his friends CMS. However, their 12 years were and allow God to work in his time. and other shopkeepers near his shop. The SUTS conference was “incredibly difficult”. held via Zoom in January.

From French literature to theology – from p4 Taking church to people – from p4 “For instance the subject on the New ded in its community”. “We’re all going to reach different I mobilise my leaders to lead out their Testament with Dorothy Lee, think- For those considering a path to people, but it’s the same mission, the own microchurch and then how do we ing precisely about the transmission ordination, Russell has a simple same body,” she says. “It’s not about the come together to celebrate and gather of the biblical text, the different message: take whatever opportunities individual but the mission of God and together for worship.” ways it can be read and understood, you can to test out your sense of how He empowers us to step into their And for those who themselves are and how it has been interpreted. So calling. calling. So it was a good moment.” thinking about beginning their own I think, intellectually, there’s some “It’s only then that you can really The next weeks and months will see path to ordination, Bre suggests the first really strong connections in terms of discern where God might be calling Bre working on building up the Sent stop should be reading the Ordinal. interpretation.” you and what kind of service God Collective, a church plant built around “I think we have this picture of Having been placed in St Mark’s might be calling you to,” he says. the model of “microchurches”. ordination as this bar that is set really Fitzroy – a perfect spot for “putting “I thought it would all lead me to “We’re starting to launch different high and only very specific people are down roots and feeling welcomed” a particular path in England. I never microchurches in the City of Monash called into it, but I think when people Russell says – he’ll now be moving thought back at the beginning of that are reaching lots of different look into it, what is the calling, what are on to Christchurch Brunswick, where 2018 that I would be ordained in the people: university students, a Jiu Jitsu the promises that I’m making, I think he’s excited to be part of a church Anglican Church on the other side of club, creative people. So really my next it would surprise people to see actually “reaching out into and being embed- the world.” weeks and months are around how do God is calling me to do this.”

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 6 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA AROUND MELBOURNE Jesus confronts our comfortable lives by Ken Morgan only be attained by those willing to for change toward growth and repeatedly experience falling short embrace discomfort, unfamiliarity, maturity. or getting things wrong before Reading the gospels sometimes even confrontation. Christ-like maturity goes well we experience competence and makes me wince. Jesus at times Paradoxically, church life tends beyond knowing the answers to eventual mastery. It’s easier to read deliberately sets out to challenge to settle into patterns that are safe Sunday-school questions and the a blog about running than it is to the status quo, apparently by and predictable, even while hon- correct responses in the liturgy. build the strength and endurance purposely making people feel a Bernie Sanders campaign rally). ouring Jesus, who made a habit of Learning is incomplete until it is to run a sub-60-minute 10-kilome- uncomfortable – especially the A few chapters later, Jesus is baiting upsetting the staid predictability of integrated into actual life. tre course. comfortably religious. Mark’s his dinner host by choosing not to If church is to form Christ- gospel has 16 chapters, yet we’re perform a ritual washing, then likeness in us, it is unavoidable that barely into the third when we find launching into an extraordinary “If church is to form Christ-likeness it will engender uncomfortable the law-abiding, deeply-religious invective when questioned (Luke feelings, just as Jesus did in those Pharisees plotting Jesus’ murder. 11:37-52). A little further on, He’s in us, it is unavoidable that it will 1st-century synagogues. If church Jesus had just asked some con- smashing up the temple market does not make people uncomfort- fronting questions while making a and driving the merchants out engender uncomfortable feelings.” able on a fairly regular basis, it’s point of healing a crippled man in with a whip. probably not doing its job. If your the synagogue on the Sabbath. Paul taught that the purpose of priest is making you uncomfort- Halfway through the fourth ministers is to prepare God’s peo- the synagogue. In an even greater Anyone who’s trained up for able, they’re probably just doing chapter of Luke, we find the crowd ple for service with the ultimate paradox, rigidly holding to pre- an athletic event, or learned a theirs. wanting to throw Jesus from a cliff outcome being Christ-like matu- dictable routines that everyone new language, skill or musical because his sermon dared to sug- rity (Eph 4: 11-13). Being constantly knows and can respond to with instrument will tell you that feel- If you’re willing to take some steps gest that God showed favour to a coddled in reassurance and famili- Pavlovian automaticity will not ing uncomfortable is par for the into the unfamiliar, you might be Syrian while ignoring the plight arity does not produce maturity. help us become like Jesus because course. Learning tends to confront interested in an upcoming Parish of the Jews (which would be a bit Rather, becoming mature requires familiarity does not disturb our us with what we can’t do, and it Renewal pilot program. Email Ken at like cheering for Donald Trump at change and growth, which can habituation, which is prerequisite generally takes a willingness to [email protected] What I’ve learned in 10 years about parish renewal It’s been 10 years since the launch some clergy, are yet to be con- I think this applies to churches it can lead to an internal rather of the Parish Renewal Program in vinced that the church should be as well as individuals. Churches than an outward focus. I have the Diocese of Melbourne. Here, in the disciple-making business. that are willing to risk upset- respected authors such as Mike Ken Morgan draws some lessons We need to address culture (the ting the apple-cart by doing Frost, Hugh Halter, Neil Cole from the Program in practice… “Why?” question) before we get to something different often have a and Mike Breen for support. strategy (the “How?” question). better shot at turning around. However, perhaps even more Jesus was right: “Love Bob Jackson’s research in the church growth writers, includ- your neighbour ... do this Leonard Sweet was UK indicates that change – even ing James Mallon, Christian and you will live.” right: “Change is life, if it’s a little ill-considered – Schwarz, George Barna and Writers such as Australians stagnation is death. If you tends to correlate with growth. Thom Rainer, emphasise the Andrew Menzies and Dean don’t change, you die.” Conversely, Jackson describes importance of excellent week- Phelan, and American Bishop Churches seeking to avoid closing some churches as being on “the end public worship services. Robert Schnase, provide multiple at all costs will probably decline magic roundabout”, where the Weekend worship continues to examples of growth resulting and close anyway, especially if various seasons and celebrations be a major point of entry for from churches meaningfully and Practical Church in action: they’re trying to preserve what’s of the church year proceed one unchurched people into parish effectively meeting a need in the St Hilary’s, Kew, food drive. familiar and comforting. Growth after the other, and each year life. It’s a make-or-break point community in a tangible, practi- the forms remain more-or-less for parishes, so we need to cal way. In the Parish Renewal identical. The only change is address it. Program, it’s most often been “The churches that show practical, that the congregation becomes In 2021, I hope to introduce the churches that show practical, older and dwindles. Change some pilot programs to put this intentional love to people outside intentional love to people outside disrupts the comfortable and learning into practice. Watch of their congregation that have of their congregation that have familiar. this space. experienced significant growth. experienced significant growth.” Colin Marshall and Ken Morgan is Head of Parish Peter Drucker was Tony Payne were right: Mission and Resourcing (Acting) for right: “Culture eats “Sunday is Game Day.” the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. strategy for breakfast.” organise the church around of a church, like growth in The current Parish Renewal Because Jesus said, “Go into all disciple-making. Simple, right? humans, involves change that Program has specifically avoided This column by Ken Morgan did not the world and make disciples”, I Experience in the field has been a can be uncomfortable. Jesus said: tinkering with the worship appear in February’s TMA due to built the Parish Renewal Program little more complex. “Whoever seeks to save their life service, partially because it an editorial oversight. The interim on the Pathways concept: a I’m led to suspect that many will lose it, whoever loses their frequently leads to parish Editor apologises to Ken and to demonstrably effective way to parishioners, and perhaps even life for my sake will save it.” conflict, and partially because readers for this omission.

Generous discounts available for daughters For enrolment enquiries of Anglican please contact: Clergy The Director of Admissions, Ms Sandy Nelson T: 03 9325 5000 E: [email protected]

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THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 7 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au AROUND MELBOURNE TMA Vicar does Malvern’s new vicar inducted The Revd Dr Gregory Seach ‘virtual was inducted as the Vicar of St George’s, Malvern, on pilgrimage’ 3 February – the anniversary both of his ordination to the to Victorian diaconate in St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne in 2002 and of the cathedrals first Anglican service conducted by the Revd Richard Johnson at by Stephen Cauchi Sydney Cove in 1788. Bishop Genieve Blackwell An Anglican vicar has gone led the service, assisted by on a 945-kilometre “virtual Archdeacon Greg Allinson pilgrimage” from Melbourne of Kew (representing the to all the Victorian provincial Archdeacon of Stonnington) cathedrals, raising $5000 for and the Revd Peter French, the homeless of Box Hill. Area Dean. The Revd Shane Hubner, A cradle Anglican from Vicar of the Anglican parish of Sydney, Dr Seach graduated Box Hill, walked 10 kilometres from the University of Sydney a day around Box Hill South with an honours degree in from August to November English Literature and taught last year. The distance covered been happening in the life of English, history and drama in allowed him to “virtually” walk my church and I would be an Anglican boys’ school in from Melbourne to Ballarat, knowing which part of this Sydney for 10 years, while sing- then Bendigo, Wangaratta, state I’d be (virtually) walking ing in the choirs of St James’ Bishop Genieve Blackwell led the service inducting the Sale and back to Melbourne. through. So I’d offer prayers to King Street and Christ Church Revd Dr Gregory Seach at St George’s, Malvern. Father Hubner was inspired God for those people.” St Laurence. by an English priest who, Fr Hubner picked a circuit He moved to Melbourne him to travel to Cambridge and of Clare College Cambridge during the UK lockdown, of quiet suburban streets near in 1998, and was prepared for complete the degree of Doctor from 2008. Since his return to did a virtual pilgrimage from his vicarage, which was flat ordination at Trinity College. of Philosophy in Theology and Australia, Dr Seach has been Canterbury to Holy Island in apart from a gentle rise at the Having served a curacy at Literature. While he was at a member of the Doctrine Northumberland, a distance beginning. He still wore out a St John’s Camberwell, he Cambridge he was also awarded Commission of the Anglican of about 580 kilometres. pair of runners. was awarded the Sambell the Decani Scholarship from Church of Australia. During Melbourne’s “I picked it so it wasn’t too Scholarship from the Diocese Clare College. He succeeds the Revd Canon lockdown, Fr Hubner decided hilly. I’m a flat walker on the of Perth in 2005. He also Dr Seach comes to Dr Colleen O’Reilly AM. to do the same. He was already whole,” he said. “It’s a nice part received the Turner Studentship St George’s from Wollaston St George’s expressed walking around 10 kilometres of the world on which to live from Trinity College and the Theological College in Perth, gratitude for the locum each morning for his health and walk.” Wordsworth Studentship where he served as Warden ministries of Archdeacon anyway. There were some “very from the Faculty of Divinity from 2015. Before that appoint- Ray McInnes and the Revd “I thought, that’s not a bad lovely” sunrises during his in Cambridge, which allowed ment, he was Dean and Fellow Canon Dr Ray Cleary AM. idea. I could use what I’m doing early morning walks. “There’s normally, my walking, and then a point where from one of the I could sort of turn it into a high points I can see over the Obituaries virtual pilgrimage,” he said. Dandenongs. The sun rising He also decided to raise over there was really quite A former Senior Chaplain at three years until 1999, when he by Archbishop Frank Woods and funds for the homeless. “I spectacular.” St Michael’s Grammar School, returned to Australia. served curacies at Dandenong thought I’d kill two birds with Fr Hubner said he got to the Revd Cary Stuart Mansell, That year, he became and Mt Waverley until appointed one stone. I thought people know people who were out died on 20 February, aged 60. Assistant Chaplain at St Michael’s to his first incumbency, at would want to sponsor me in and about at the same time, Father Mansell was ordained and then served as Senior Lancefield-Romsey-Sunbury, in the walk and keep me honest.” including several dog walkers. a priest for the Ballarat diocese Chaplain at the St Kilda school 1964. He was Vicar of Reservoir Beginning on 20 August and “You do notice a lot more in 1984 and served his curacy in from 2005-12. from 1968-73 before moving to finishing on 22 November – 95 walkers in the lockdown. There Warrnambool, later becoming The Revd John Nicholas South Australia, where he was days – Fr Hubner did two laps were a lot more people out and Rector of Edenhope from 1986-91 Macmillan died on 7 January Vicar of Naracoorte until 1976. of a five-kilometre circuit. about,” he said. and Camperdown from 1991-96. after nearly 60 years of ordained He returned to Melbourne When a one-hour time limit “The pavements were He went to England and was ministry in Melbourne and the and served as vicar at Werribee on exercise was in force, he did covered with children’s artwork Priest-in-Charge of Addlestone Diocese of The Murray. (1976-83), Moorabbin (1983-93) part of the daily mileage in his and so forth.” in the Guildford diocese for Born in 1935, he was ordained and Brighton Beach (1993-99). backyard. When Fr Hubner “virtually” “I got to know every house arrived at each Cathedral, he very well, and every pavement would have a zoom meeting Diocesan staff changes and every blade of grass actu- with the relevant Dean. ally, if you walk the same route “They told me a bit of what Farewell her valued contribution to the Ms Caruana is a volunteer everyday for three months.” was happening in the life of that Receptionist Shauna diocese.” for Lifeline’s text service as It addition to being Cathedral and the Cathedral Sutherland and Preventing Ms Caruana finished with a crisis support worker. She physically healthy – he lost life in their diocese,” he said. Violence Against Women the diocese on 23 February. has also been a volunteer at 18 kilograms – his daily walk “They gave me things I could Program assistant Amy Robyn Boosey, Manager of Headspace Melton as the youth also turned out to be mentally pray for as I virtually walked Caruana have left the the Preventing Violence Against co-chair of the consortium and therapeutic. around their Cathedral, and Melbourne diocese after nearly Women Program, praised Ms youth advisory committee. “It was very peaceful. By the then they blessed me and sent two years of service. Caruana’s “brilliant work”. She enjoys reading, travel- end of it, I’d go into a groove me on my way.” Ms Sutherland joined “Amy’s work has been ling, and spending time with and the two hours was up the diocese in July 2019 as a absolutely excellent and she has friends. before you knew it,” he said. You can read about Fr Hubner’s receptionist. Her last day was been an absolute asset to the “At the first part of it, I 95-day journey on his blog, 24 February. diocese,” Ms Boosey said. Welcome would just reflect upon what’s https://fathershane.org Ms Sutherland “has been a Ms Caruana started as a Anne Fairweather joined happy and helpful first point part-time volunteer in the the diocese’s team as the of contact for the Diocese program in July 2019 but Safeguarding & Inclusion and Cathedral”, said the switched to working two days a Officer on 15 February. interim chief executive of the week the following month. This new position Melbourne Anglican Diocesan She graduated in 2020 from incorporates the child safety Corporation, Chris Arnold. the University of Melbourne role (previously carried out “Shauna has done an with a Bachelor of Arts by Amanda Lincke, who has excellent job in managing the (Honours) degree specialising left the diocese) and includes (clergy) holiday units and I in psychology. disability access and inclusion. know her happy and helpful She intends to do some Anne most recently has been approach to her work has been work experience in psychology the Administration Officer, greatly appreciated by all. and mental health areas before Families Minister and Child “I know you all join me in returning to university to Safety Officer at Plentylife, The Revd Shane Hubner (right) discusses aspects of his walk with wishing Shauna the very best complete a Masters of Clinical on Melbourne’s fast-growing Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe. for the future and thank her for Psychology. north-east edge.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 8 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA AROUND MELBOURNE God with us in COVID ‘fire’, says UK theologian by Stephen Cauchi “The first step in doing this is a Often, this involved people “on was “Would I want you beside me series of six online events planned the edge”. on my deathbed?” od is closer to the for February, March and April this “Rather than bewail our scarcity, In the same way, the litmus test Church than ever before in y e ar.” we need to sharpen our percep- for the Church was whether it was Gthe testing times of COVID- Dr Wells told the Zoom event, tions for the ways God is sending a reliable, gentle, and trustworthy 19, renowned British theologian held on 3 February, that HeartEdge us abundance.” presence in the face of death. the Revd Dr Sam Wells told the was founded on two theological Dr Wells gave the example of a “The key question remains, has fledgling Australian HeartEdge principles. The first of those was priest in need of an organist. She the Church proved itself over the movement in a recent online event. that God’s people are closer to recalled a wedding she had offici- last year to be a good companion Dr Wells added that while God in times of adversity than in ated at where the bridegroom’s in uncertain and troubling times, God gave the Church everything periods of plenty. brother had played keyboards. not eager to find a false solution or it needs, it needed to be open- The Book of Daniel, chapter Through the bridegroom, she con- collude in the culture of anger and minded about the type of people three, “the single most important tacted the brother, who was happy blame? God might send. story for understanding the Old to play for the church. “The point is not fundamentally Dr Wells, Vicar of St Martin- Testament and how it came to be “That priest only met God’s about whether churches were open in-the-Fields church in London, written”, illustrated this, he said. abundance because in her scarcity or not. It’s about whether, in the founded the UK HeartEdge net- “Shadrach, Meshach, and The Revd Dr Sam Wells. she realised the assets she had,” he face of the world’s preoccupations work in 2017. HeartEdge describes Abednego are thrown, bound, in said. and the Church’s obsessions, the itself as “a movement for renewal, the fire in Daniel chapter 3. God Exile was the time Israel found “HeartEdge is about churches Church was able to show its true fuelled by people and churches is with them. There aren’t three it was closer to God than it had realising their assets in the light colours when the whole country sharing their assets, experience, figures walking in the flames; there ever been in the Promised Land, of God’s abundance … Jesus turns was confronted with fear, isolation, resources and need”. It is based on are four. Dr Wells said. For example, exile our sorrow into dancing. Join us grief, powerlessness and despair. If the “four Cs” - “commerce, culture, “Here’s the bad news. God was the place where Israel wrote and see how those we’ve pushed so, it proved itself a true compan- congregation and compassion”. doesn’t spare us from the fire. God down the Old Testament. to the edge can become the heart, ion to the nation. If not, it failed at While an Anglican initiative, doesn’t rescue us from the fire. “So HeartEdge believes if we the stone the builders rejected has its moment of greatest possibility.” HeartEdge is intended to be ecu- Here’s the good news. God is with are experiencing adversity in our become the cornerstone.” There were two online events menical and international and the us in the fire.” church life right now in Australia Dr Wells said the pandemic had held in February, and there will be Diocese of Melbourne has become In the same way, Israel found and the UK, this is precisely the been a “complete nightmare” but a further four spread over March involved through Bishop Kate itself “in the fire” when it was time we expect God to be close to it could still be a gift if it “restores and April. Prowd. exiled to Babylon, he said. us like never before.” our clarity about our core purpose”. Bishop Prowd said: “Each event “Over several months, in “Israel isn’t spared exile. Israel The second HeartEdge prin- This was to be “with people in will include some input from Sam partnership with the Diocese of isn’t rescued from exile. Israel finds ciple, he said, was that God gives the night-time of their fear with Wells as well as stories from clergy Brisbane and the UK HeartEdge in exile that God’s there too. The the church everything it needs. faith, hope and love in the God in this diocese and the Diocese of team, we have been planning to appearance of the fourth figure in “But the church needs to be open who, in Christ, heals our past and Brisbane who are engaged in one establish the HeartEdge network the fire sums up the experience of to receiving that everything in the frees our future”. or more of the four Cs in their par- in Australia,” Bishop Prowd said. exile for Israel.” form God sends it.” He said the final test of a friend ish or community.” HeartEdge’s ‘4 Cs’ will revive the Church, seminar told by Stephen Cauchi edging the gifts that are already the church and the local com- musicians who needed a place we’re busy throwing this out.” o u t t h e r e”. munity can talk with Indigenous to rehearse and record as most Thread Together’s philosophy HeartEdge – a Christian “I think a lot of the time we’re elders. commercial venues had shut in was that if someone was doing it movement that emphasised the not stopping and attending enough lockdown. tough, they deserved the best - not “four Cs” of commerce, culture, to see what’s actually happening,” Commercial Additionally, a dance group that second-best or the worst. congregation and compassion – she said. St George’s East Ivanhoe had halls was on the verge of closing was It aimed to provide a dignified would lead to a renewed Church While the Church already and meeting rooms that hosted offered a space in the church for shopping experience for people, and a renewed society, Australian focused on congregation and around 22 local community free so they could continue. who can choose their wardrobe Anglicans were told last month at compassion, HeartEdge “opens groups, Mr Sanderson said. There Mr Evens said that St Martin- with the help of a stylist. one of six online events to launch out eyes much more to culture and was also an op shop. in-the-Fields was looking to online The parish had a van specifically the movement in Australia. commerce”. fitted out for this task. “We can Dr Sam Wells, Vicar at St Ms Terpstra spoke on culture receive the clothing and then take Martin-in-the-Fields church in during the event and Ms Grimmett it out to communities.” London, founded the HeartEdge on compassion. network in the UK in 2017 and The Vicar of St George’s East Congregation hosted the first Australian online Ivanhoe, the Revd John Sanderson, Ms Bird said that St James event on 3 February. spoke on commerce and the assis- Toowoomba had experimented In the second event, on 10 tant priest of St James Toowoomba, with different types of worship, February, St Martin’s associate the Revd Deborah Bird, spoke on including Taize services, which vicar the Revd Jonathan Evens congregation. focused on chant, prayer, scripture said that nurturing each of the and silence. four Cs “is essential for renewal Culture “Taize is effective because of of the church”. Ms Terpstra said St Margaret’s what it lacks,” she said. “It lacks “The four Cs taken together was connecting with the local large chunks of text, it lacks that provide a means by which we can community through a scholarship sense of being preached at or being reimagine church and society,” Mr program for young musicians. told how to interpret things, it Evens said. “Our organists are becoming lacks a lot of visual stimulus or a “The four Cs offer a model of less able to contribute and we’ve Graphic: www.heartedge.org central leader to focus on.” what a renewed society might got a concern to see young musi- Taize attracted people who look like.” cians flourish as well as to pass “We are the de facto commu- commerce as onsite activity was were “flittering around the edge of The Revd Keren Terpstra, on the rich heritage of Christian nity centre … there is no other not possible due to COVID. the church” or non-churchgoers. It Vicar of St Margaret’s Eltham, music through the ages,” she said. community centre in this part of was also popular with the existing and the Revd Sue Grimmett, The parish would pay half of Banyule,” he said. Compassion congregation. Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of the young person’s music tuition “As a consequence we believe Ms Grimmett said the Parish of “The things that tend to stay Indooroopilly in Brisbane, spoke fees in exchange for them playing we have strong partnerships with Indooroopilly was partnering with with people the most are the about the benefits of HeartEdge. one Sunday a month in church. the local community who … grasp Thread Together, an Australian experimental liturgies that we do.” Ms Terpstra said that “in some “The idea is that over time our vision of care of body, mind not-for-profit organisation sourc- Another example of this was ways what HeartEdge is encour- they’ll develop some confidence an d s ou l .” ing brand new excess clothing having an “Ash Wednesday in the aging us to do isn’t a new thing”. and the ability to play even more As a result, even non-church- from fashion retailers. ashes”: holding a service in an area The Church “has been doing this of the service than just a couple goers in the community “are still This clothing was then given to devastated by recent bushfires. for decades, if not centuries”, she of hymns and eventually perhaps minded to support the mission those who are most in need. Lent and Holy Week services said. even discover a love of church and ministry of this place”. She said that “30 per cent of our were also extremely popular. “It’s “But it’s useful to have this as a music which inspires some ongo- Part of the HeartEdge philoso- new clothing ends up in landfill … the time of the year where we get sort of frame, as a way of pulling ing involvement and connection.” phy was engaging with those on that’s terrible”. some sense of walking with the it together.” St Margaret’s was also planning the edge of society. “There are so many people who gospel in real time – a real 40-day Ms Grimmett said HeartEdge a yarning circle, a circular seating Mr Sanderson said St George’s would normally never have the wilderness of conversing with was a way of “seeing and acknowl- arrangement where members of was reaching out to young chance for a new wardrobe while angels and demons.”

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 9 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au AROUND MELBOURNE TMA

TThe MAMelbourne Anglican

ISSUES TMA offers a rich resource of people with deep, intelligent, compassionate faith by Roland Ashby the great stumbling block to Porter writes: “Bessie was an thing they would say to me is, faith, particularly the suffering integral part of my childhood “The first article I turn to is armest congratula- and death of children. You had and remained important in my ‘A Little Leaven’, by Beryl Rule”. tions to TMA on its a young daughter who died in life until her death, aged 83, in For 20 years Beryl Rule delighted W600th issue! It was an a car accident. How have you 1990. A childless widow whose readers with this monthly col- immense privilege for me to reconciled this with your faith?” only ‘career’ was as a domestic umn, which revelled in a lighter serve as TMA’s editor from June He replied: “There is a verse cleaner, she was unknown to the look at church life. One of the 1995 to December 2018. I will that spoke very deeply to my wife always be profoundly grateful when our daughter died: Psalm for the many opportunities TMA 56, verse 8, which in one transla- gave me to work with, interview tion is, He stores up our tears and read many people of deep, in a bottle. Nothing is wasted intelligent and inspiring faith. before God, even our suffering. It Archbishop of York Stephen doesn’t make it any easier to bear. Cottrell visited Melbourne in There are some friends of ours 2015 when he was Bishop of Roland Ashby. at the moment whose son, who Chelmsford in Essex. I have is in his 20s, is terribly ill. The always been struck by this short Archbishop of Canterbury agony they are going through is story he told which powerfully Justin Welby visited Melbourne indescribable, and there are no illustrates what should be at the for one day in 2014 to install painless answers to it, there is no heart of mission and evangelism: Archbishop Philip Freier as quick fix; but God goes through “After hearing the priest in his Primate of Australia. He it with us, and in the end evil is sermon say Jesus must live in graciously agreed to make time never greater than his capacity your heart, afterwards the little for a very brief interview in to overturn the most evil thing, boy asked the priest, ‘Jesus is what was a packed schedule. An such as our daughter’s death or so big and I am so small, so if issue that has always been very what is happening in Iraq now Jesus came to live in my heart, important to me is the existence with ISIS, and somehow to be wouldn’t he burst out all over the of suffering, and it’s particularly there in the midst of it and to place?’ And the priest replied, poignant for him. I asked him: bring light into the midst of it.” ‘Yes, that’s how it works.’” “For many people, suffering is Walkley Award-winning Journalist, author and Melbourne Anglican Rowan Callick once interviewed Mother Teresa. He recalled the occasion in a column Rowan Callick says that meeting Mother Teresa was like for the Heroes of the Faith series, “touching the hem of God”.

all-time favourites was ‘Growing “He stores up our tears in a old at a vestry meeting’, which revolved around endless discus- bottle. Nothing is wasted before sion about how to keep the new parish toilet block, and its toilet God, even our suffering.” brush and holder, secure from vandalism. The answer is “easy”, one vestry member innocently entitled ‘Mother Teresa – sent as world. Hers was a simple, hidden suggests. “The toilet must be kept a witness to God’s love’. Towards life focused on God, reminiscent locked except at service times.” the end of the article, he writes: of Anna the widow and prophet- But the conversation which “To me, her interviewer, she ess who recognised the infant ensues, which would match Yes, delivered unforgettable advice: Jesus when he was presented in Minister at its best, is a tour de ‘To use this gift of writing best, the Temple... force of comical brilliance. you should search down into “So why is Bessie my hero in each person, and find what is the faith? Central to Bessie’s life, The interviews with Stephen beautiful there and bring that and the source of her persistent Cottrell and Justin Welby feature out. God cannot create ugliness joy, was her deep Christian faith... in A faith to live by, vol.II, edited – that is something forced on She read her Bible and prayed by Roland Ashby (published by us by someone else. Even in a regularly, and could often be Morning Star publishing). The murderer, there is some beauty heard humming her favourite profiles by Rowan Callick and to be found.’” hymns as she went about Muriel Porter appear in Heroes Author, journalist and domestic chores. Jesus was her of the Faith – 55 men and women Melbourne Anglican Dr daily companion, and gratitude whose lives have proclaimed Christ Muriel Porter OAM also wrote and praise for all her many and inspired the faith of others, memorably about her aunt, blessings was the main subject of edited by Roland Ashby (published Elizabeth Wakefield, always her conversations with him.” by Garrett publishing); and known as ‘Bessie’, for the Heroes Whenever I met people ‘Growing old at a vestry meeting’ is of the Faith series. It serves as an in parishes or at Anglican included in The Best of Leaven, by Archbishop Justin Welby spoke with Roland Ashby about how he important reminder that saints gatherings, and I told them I was Beryl Rule (published by reconciles suffering with faith. are often hidden and lowly. Dr TMA’s editor, invariably the first Anglican Media).

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 10 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA AROUND MELBOURNE

Privileged encounters inspired deeper faith by Emma Halgren

t was a great honour to be part of Anglican Media Iand the production of TMA in a number of roles between July 2013 and November 2020, including as editor in my final two years. I was always astounded by the quality, diversity and depth of the material in TMA. I believe it plays a profoundly important role in the life of the Anglican Church in Australia and indeed in the church more broadly. Emma Halgren. Much more than a source of news – as vitally important It was a privilege to as that is – it is a space for interview Stan Grant for the respectful, careful debate about April 2016 edition, and to hear some of the most complex issues his challenge to our country: facing the church, and a treasure that Indigenous people be trove of material to nourish an included in “the greatness that intelligent and inquiring faith. is Australia”. I was very grateful for the Australia “has cre- many notes I received from ated this extraordinary, readers during 2020 indicating prosperous, tolerant, free, how much they valued TMA, democratic, safe, secure society finding it to be a source of news, encouragement and connection during Valerie Browning (right): “If I don’t walk daily with Christ, then I can’t walk at all.” the challenging and, for many people, – but not for us”, he said. “And the Roman Catholic writer and isolating experience the hope is that the greatness activist Dorothy Day for the of the COVID-19 of Australia is going to be also Heroes of the Faith series. Her pandemic. applied to us.” unswerving commitment to It would be hard The courage and commit- justice, and to standing with the to pick favourite ment of Australian-born Valerie poor and marginalised, presents interviews I did during Browning, who has lived among a radical challenge to people of my years writing for the people of the remote Afar faith. And it was deeply rooted TMA. Each conversation region of north-east Ethiopia for in her own faith. prompted me to think more than 30 years, also stands She wrote: “To work to more deeply about out. increase our love for God and some aspect of my own She explained that her own for our fellow man … this is a faith, and it was always faith has been strengthened by lifetime job … It is love that will inspiring to learn of the her experiences in the Afar: “If make us want to do great things ways in which the people I don’t walk daily with Christ, for each other. No sacrifice and I interviewed were living then I can’t walk at all.” no suffering will then seem too out their faith. And I loved writing about Dorothy Day: “increase our love”. mu c h .”

PLEASE REPORT ABUSE CALL 1800 135 246

The Anglican Diocese of We are deeply distressed that there The Diocese of Melbourne is committed to doing all that is possible Melbourne does not tolerate have been occasions when abuse and to ensure that abuse does not occur. All complaints of abuse are abuse, harassment or other misconduct have occurred in our taken very seriously and we do all we can to lessen harm. We offer misconduct within our communities. Kooyoora Ltd is respect, pastoral care and ongoing long-term support to anyone communities. If any person has independent of the Diocese and receives who makes a complaint. concerns about the behaviour of a and manages complaints about abuse church worker, past or present, and misconduct by members of the they can contact Kooyoora Ltd. clergy and church workers. You can contact Kooyoora Ltd by calling 1800 135 246 For further information: www.kooyoora.org.au

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 11 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au ACROSS AUSTRALIA TMA End of JobSeeker supplement ‘inhumane’ by Stephen Cauchi Australia, “and this will do abso- look for and interview well for a lutely nothing to change that”, he job. hurch welfare agencies said. “An inadequate unemploy- have blasted the elimination “This rate should have been ment payment, combined with Cof the JobSeeker pandemic lifted to the poverty line as a bare an incredibly tough full-time job supplement, saying it was “inhu- minimum. market, will see many families and mane” and would lead to genera- “And while it is good to see the young people face a prolonged tional poverty, housing stress and income-free threshold increased period of poverty. homelessness. slightly so that people can obtain “Many won’t recover, further The supplement, which at the casual work without penalty, this entrenching disadvantage.” height of the pandemic was $550 should have been raised even Dr Stephens said that creating a fortnight, is currently $150 a h i g h e r.” significant employment through fortnight. It will end on 31 March. Mr McDonald said the investment in the community The Federal Government Government was not prepared to health, aged and disability care cushioned the blow a little on 23 tackle measures such as negative sectors was the path forward. February by announcing the base gearing, which made housing “Wouldn’t it be amazing to rate of JobSeeker would increase increasingly unaffordable for those enable people otherwise trapped in by $50 per fortnight to $620.80. on low incomes. a cycle of unemployment to study The change will take effect on 1 “The increased payments dur- and work in steady employment April. ing the pandemic gave hope to that benefits the community?” But Anglicare Victoria Chief the unemployed that they might But she said full employment Executive Paul McDonald said the be able to stop queuing up for did not alleviate the need for an Government’s decision to raise emergency relief and begin to adequate rate of JobSeeker, youth the base rate of JobSeeker was “all dig their way out of poverty. This allowance and related payments. show, no go” and would leave hun- announcement has taken that UnitingCare Australia National dreds of thousands of Australians hope away again for almost 2 mil- Director Claerwen Little said that below the poverty line. lion Australians.” all people deserved the right to “This announcement comes Catholic Social Services live with dignity, no matter their after a year which saw a widening Australia Chief Executive Ursula circumstances. gap between the haves and the All people deserved the right to live with dignity, no matter their Stephens said the failure to retain “As one of the largest networks circumstances. have-nots during the pandemic,” the higher Jobseeker rate provided of community service providers Mr McDonald said. “The rich virus supplement, the JobSeeker December 2020 Australian during the pandemic would create nationally, we have seen first-hand stayed home and got richer, the rate means recipients are faced Bureau of Statistics data showed financial pressure on families that the positive impact of the corona- poor lost their casual and insecure with heartbreaking decisions about there were 222,000 more unem- could last for generations. virus supplement,” Ms Little said. jobs and struggled to make ends how to spend their money. It’s ployed people compared to before “In a matter of weeks, people “One of our services spoke meet.” already inadequate and it would the pandemic (December 2019), forced to rely on unemployment about a young father who is the The Brotherhood of St Laurence be inhumane to go backwards.” she said. benefits during the COVID-19 sole carer of his three small chil- (BSL), Anglicare Australia, Ms Lenneberg said BSL and dren. He said the impact of the Catholic Social Services Australia other organisations including JobSeeker supplement meant that and UnitingCare Australia all the Australian Council of Social “The rich stayed home and instead of living life on the edge, condemned the elimination of the Service (ACOSS) and the Reserve he has been enabled to be a better supplement. Bank had called for a permanent got richer, the poor lost their father. BSL Executive Director Conny and adequate rate increase to “He was able to do things for Lenneberg said the elimination of JobSeeker to lift recipients above casual and insecure jobs and his children that he never had the the supplement would force hun- the poverty line. struggled to make ends meet.” ability to do before, such as buying dreds of thousands of unemployed Government calls for the Christmas presents for his kids.” people to forgo necessities. unemployed to seek work in Ms Little said there was wide- Ms Lenneberg said the rate of regional areas failed to recognise spread support for a permanent JobSeeker made a hollow boast of the expense involved in doing this. Overall, there were more than crisis will be plunged into poverty increase to JobSeeker. Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s She said that the JobKeeper 1.4 million people on unemploy- as the JobSeeker payment falls “From the Governor of the statement “How good is Australia?” subsidy to business, which helped ment benefits. back down to an unliveable [$44] Reserve Bank of Australia and the “I urge him to listen to the to keep 1.5 million people in work, Mr McDonald said that $4 a a day,” Dr Stephens said. Business Council of Australia, to answers of those on JobSeeker, would end on 28 March. day was not enough to address “The evidence is clear: the origi- politicians from all major parties, who every day must choose “How many more will lose their the kind of poverty which led to nal rate of JobSeeker is a barrier to it is now readily accepted that the between eating or covering the jobs and be forced into hardship? people regularly skipping meals work. Constantly struggling to pay old rate was, and remains, inad- rent,” she said. Now’s the time to ensure adequate so their kids could eat. About one rent and buy food, let alone health equate. It is time to raise the rate “Even with the current corona- and fair income support.” in six children live in poverty in or dental care, makes it hard to for good.” Bill shock, credit cards main cause of COVID financial distress A new study of financial counsel- The report noted that increased recommends that unemployment ling clients in Victoria identified government payments to those out benefits should be permanently utility bill shock and credit card of work, such as through JobSeeker, increased to give those at the mar- debt as the two major causes successfully relieved the acute gins a better chance of getting back of financial distress during financial pain experienced by this on their feet.” COVID-19. group, and actually led to a fall in Mr McDonald said more The report, Financial Stress overall financial counselling client people struggled with issues such in Victoria During Lockdown, numbers during this period. as family violence and mental contains analysis of data from Financial counsellors saw an health as well as finances during Victorian financial counselling cli- average of more than 1750 clients 2020. Reports of major life events ents from April 2019 to September per quarter from April 2019 to such as job losses and relationship 2020. Anglicare Victoria, one of the March 2020. breakdown also intensified. state’s largest providers of financial This dropped to 1332 clients in Almost two-thirds of Anglicare counselling services, was involved April-June 2020 and to a low of 1118 Victoria’s financial counselling in the research. in July-September last year. clients were women. More than a third (36 per cent) “Put simply, JobSeeker and “Women are typically the most of clients presented with utility JobKeeper worked for those “The research recommends that affected by family violence or debt such as electricity as their affected by COVID-19,” said relationship breakdowns, as well as most pressing source of financial Anglicare Victoria chief executive unemployment benefits should facing restricted work opportuni- distress, the report said. Paul McDonald. ties after they have left the work- Household debt such as store “They gave people without be permanently increased to give force to care for children,” he said. credit contracts for appliances work a better quality of life, help- those at the margins a better chance “And many men see asking for (28 per cent) and credit card debt ing them meet their debts and help as a sign of failure – particu- (28 per cent) were the next most restore their dignity. They gave of getting back on their feet.” larly if they live in the country. commonly-listed debts that caused people more ability to pay off This is a culture that can be hard the most problems for clients. outstanding debt, and the research to change.”

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 12 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA ACROSS AUSTRALIA Tim Costello ‘vindicated’ by two states on Casino by Chris Shearer casinos for more than 25 years since launching the Inter-Church Prominent Australian Gambling Taskforce with other Christian and anti-gambling cam- Christian leaders in the mid- paigner the Revd Tim Costello 1990s. He said the NSW report has welcomed the Victorian was “vindication” for his years Government’s announcement of campaigning, and noted that that it will establish a royal com- he had been sued for defamation mission into the activities of two decades ago by the then body Melbourne’s Crown Casino. tasked with regulating Crown Mr Costello, the former for calling it weak on money- World Vision CEO and current laundering allegations. Chief Advocate at the Alliance He also urged Christians to for Gambling Reform, said on keep up the fight against gam- Twitter that he was “delighted” to bling because of the way it shifted hear about the royal commission wealth from society’s poorest and that it was “decades in the to the “captains of the gaming m a k i n g ”. the casino, to be instead handed to that the NSW inquiry had found “This is quite an astonishing industry”. The Government’s announce- a stand-alone body. that Crown had operated as a finding [and] every Australian “Christians have been at the ment on 22 February came in Speaking to the ABC in the “criminal enterprise”. should be shaking in their boots forefront of this battle,” he told the wake of a NSW inquiry into days before the royal commission “There has been wholesale that this has gone on for so long.” Eternity News. Crown Resorts, which found the was announced, Mr Costello said money-laundering going on and Mr Costello has been trying “We believe in the sovereignty company was not suitable to hold Crown admitted it after effectively to sound the alarm about money- of God … Abandoning that belief a casino licence in the state. The hiding it for most of the inquiry,” laundering and organised criminal to luck and preying on greed report into Crown’s activities by he said. elements at Crown-operated becomes an addiction and an former judge Patricia Bergen insult to God.” found that the company had The Victorian royal commis- facilitated money laundering at sion will be run by former judge its Melbourne and Perth casinos, “We believe in the sovereignty of Ray Finkelstein, with its terms of and that it had sought out high reference to be released by early rollers linked to organised crime God … Abandoning that belief to March. Victoria’s Gaming Minister, through its junket programs. Melissa Horne, said she hoped The Andrews Government has luck and preying on greed becomes the report would be completed by also announced that the Victorian an addiction and an insult to God.” August. Commission for Gaming and Crown has said it will “fully Liquor Regulation would be cooperate” with the royal stripped of its authority to regulate The Revd Tim Costello. commission. Sydney Archbishop election process starts Nominees are being put for- the session, at which Bishop Peter “Determining the time and Election Synod. Due to chang- ward for the Synod that will elect Hayward, the Administrator of the location for these sessions has ing COVID restrictions in the the next Archbishop of Sydney in diocese as longest-serving bishop, been a significant challenge past few months, the summons May, the Sydney Anglicans web- will preside and give the address. for our diocesan secretary,” Dr differs from what was originally site reports. The Election Synod has from Davies said. “I am grateful for his foreshadowed last year. Dr Glenn Davies’ successor is 4-7 May to choose an Archbishop, navigating the changing regula- Nomination forms can be to be elected at a Synod meeting as needed. tions for a gathering of up to 800 submitted by a single Synod starting on 3 May. Archbishop Davies, who has people in a COVID-safe manner.” member (rather than two or The session will be preceded by led Sydney’s Anglicans since 2013, The Archbishop’s summons more as in previous elections) – a service at St Andrew’s Cathedral. is to retire on 26 March. His term was issued on 25 January laying although a nominee still requires Synod members will then move was extended from his original out the times, dates and venue the support of 20 Synod mem- to the International Convention retirement date of July 2020 due for a one-day “ordinary” ses- bers in order to be formally Centre at Darling Harbour for to COVID-19. sion of Synod, followed by the nominated. Archbishop Glenn Davies.

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Advertise on TMA online www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au John Stainer’s F TMA online features CRUCIFIXION • highlights from TMA 0 Good Friday (April 2) • 1.30pm ** NOTE EARLIER TIME E • the latest news Liturgical performance of the Passion story through the • fresh opinion pieces music of John Stainer, performed by the Cathedral Choir. • stories from parishes HOME SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE CONTACT US • tributes to clergy The Melbourne Anglican ADVANCE BOOKINGS REQUIRED • WWW.TRYBOOKING.COM/BOYVH • fi lm, television and book reviews TMAONLINE

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 13 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au WIDER WORLD TMA Japanese Anglicans and US Diocese loses 12-year ecumenical groups welcome UN nuclear weapon ban treaty battle for church properties Religious leaders i n in Japan has called upon the Hiroshima and Nagasaki are wel- government of Japan to “sign the by Rebecca Paveley steward of the legacy of faithful coming the entry into force of the nuclear weapons ban treaty as Episcopalians,” he said. “In the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of soon as possible”, saying that the ive congregations in the wake of this decision, we remain Nuclear Weapons. The treaty is a treaty is “a major step in human- Diocese of Forth Worth in the committed to preaching the gos- multilateral legally binding instru- ity’s long walk toward hope and FUS Episcopal Church face pel as we celebrate the sacraments, ment for nuclear disarmament in ideal”. eviction from their churches after care for those in need, and strive two decades. It was approved by In a declaration released on 22 the US Supreme Court refused to for justice and peace.” 122 nations at the UN General January, the Hiroshima Religious hear an appeal in a 12-year legal US Episcopal Presiding Assembly in 2017; and came into Federation, a group that includes battle between the diocese and a Bishop Michael Curry, who has force on 22 January after Honduras communities of Shintoism, breakaway group. supported Bishop Mayer and the became the 50th nation to ratify it. Buddhism and Christianity, The court on 22 February diocese, sent a message saying: The world’s main nuclear said that they “wholeheartedly declined to hear an appeal from “We stand with you in sorrow and powers – the United States, the welcomed” the treaty and “pray the diocese against a ruling by a disappointment.” United Kingdom, Russia, China that more countries and regions state court, which had allowed The leader of the breakaway and France – have not signed the will adopt this treaty and move $100 million of diocesan property diocese, the Rt Revd Ryan Reed, accord; and neither has Japan, the forward to the total abolition of to remain in the hands of the Bishop Michael Curry. said that the decision “marks a only country to have endured nuclear weapons”. breakaway group. turning point for us as a diocese”, the use of nuclear weapons This group, led by a former and was received with “great joy used against it. Japan’s Christian Bishop of Fort Worth, the Rt and thanksgiving to God”. Council says it “regrets” the lack DearRevd Advertiser,Jack Iker, broke away from The Supreme Court’s refusal of support from the Japanese the Episcopal Church in disagree- “We stand appears to be the end of a long Government. Tmenthank youover for issues advertising including with TMAthe (The Melbourne Anglican). dispute for the original diocese, Japan has long renounced its Weconsecration have received in 2003 your of artwork, the gay andwith have checked you it inas carefully as which sued the breakaway group own possession, production and possible.bishop Gene However, Robinson. to be completely certain,sorrow please check and that the ad below in 2009 over its claim to church hosting of nuclear weapons; but hasBishop reproduced Iker astook you 15,000 expected. con If- not, please call Bryce immediately on property. Different courts have Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (03)gregation 9653 4219. members with him disappointment.” ruled in favour of one side, only said that it wants to pursue a from 48 churches. The group later for the judgment to be over- steady and realistic path toward joined9 theArtwork conservative opened Anglicanin compatible program and visually checked thrown in another court. But, by nuclear disarmament; and says Church Artworkin North placed America, in InDesign part and preflighted (fonts, graphics etc.) upholding the 2020 decision, the that this treaty is the way to do it. of 9Gafcon (the Global Anglican Supreme Court has effectively The Chair of the Nagasaki Peace lanterns in Hiroshima. Future9 Conference).PDF created from InDesign CS4said (this that PDF he will was be disappointedplaced in TMA by) ended the Episcopal Church’s Christian Council, Mark Takao EightPDF churches preflighted remained (checked in against the PDF decision, X/1a standard) “but as followers of hold on the property. Shibamoto, is the priest at the The declaration concluded by the9 diocese that is affiliated to Jesus Christ we live in hope”. There is a still a dispute over Nipon Sei Ko Kai (Anglican stating: “we appeal to all around the9 EpiscopalPDF test-printed Church, onand PostScript the printerHe encouraged people to names, as both the existing dio- Church in Japan) Holy Trinity the world. We do not need nuclear number has now grown to 14. Five focus on the “important goal of cese and the breakaway group call Church in Nagasaki. He said: “We weapons! Let us raise our voices PDF Emailed to client for approval of 9these congregations remain continuing our worship of God themselves the Episcopal Diocese would like to be entirely supportive together for the total abolition in churches that could now be and our ministries in this diocese of Fort Worth. The case will now [of the treaty]. It is frustrating that of nuclear weapons from around under threat of eviction from the of the Church in as uninterrupted go back to the trial-court judge, the government is not supportive. I the world. Let us move forward breakaway group. a manner as possible”. who will determine how the feel that there is a gap in priorities together on the road toward the Bishop J. Scott Mayer, “When we began this litigation 2020 order should be carried out. and values.” total abolition of nuclear weapons.” Provisional Bishop of Fort Worth, in 2009, we did so as heir and Church Times. The National Christian Council [ACNS]

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THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 14 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA VIEWPOINTS Child labour – the dark side of Easter eggs A recent report commissioned by the US governments of Ghana and Côte The root cause of child • Using your purchasing power Department of Labor found that there are more d’Ivoire, undertaking to eliminate labour is, of course, extreme to buy 100 per cent certified child labour and certified employ- poverty. COVID-19 has made chocolate; children, some as young as five, working in the ment practices. things worse. Cocoa farmers production of retail chocolate in poor countries, Because the currently earn less than A$2 a day. • Researching your favourite mainly in west Africa, than there were 12 years companies Estimates suggest if they earned chocolate brand to find their ago. Toni Hassan says it’s time Christians put insisted just three per cent more, they child labour policies; they could afford to hire adults prayers into action to stop this. to do the hazardous work • Writing to those brands who of handling chemicals can and must do more includ- ent is a good time to con- shocking injuries including and machetes. ing agreeing to a new binding sider how we celebrate Easter. wounds and cuts, back pain, The children protocol; LIn our religious and our secular fatigue, broken bones and burns. and young people lives, it’s increasingly mediated by Children told researchers they labouring in • Being prepared to pay more chocolate eggs, not only on Easter would prefer working in almost cocoa production for chocolate you know is Sunday but in the days before. any other related industry because would rather be going ethically produced; What do we know about the it would not be as exhausting and to school, playing soc- production of retail chocolate? dangerous. cer and dreaming of being • Signing a campaign to end Where does it come from? And As Christians, we should be doctors. Their parents child labour; and how does it stack up against unnerved. We are taught not just would too. Christian social justice principles? to respect other people but also The sector’s two- • Making a donation to a We know that the countries support them to flourish, what- decade-old child non-government organisation producing cocoa, much poorer ever their condition or stage of labour monitoring working against child labour. than ours, are certainly not the development. and remediation sys- ones consuming it. Australia is a The least we can do is try to tems are not responsive The Christian mission includes growing market among traditional prevent harm. enough. Regulation with taking action to improve the lives high-income countries. And there are plenty of refer- penalties would make child of the most vulnerable. Children ences in the Bible extolling labour reforms mandatory. forced into involuntary work in The hazards of child labour honourable and enjoy- Big Chocolate finally the chocolate sector are certainly What might come as a greater sur- able work rather appears open to a binding among them. prise is that hazardous child labour than exploitative agreement as the 20-year When we work to empower is widespread and growing. “toilsome labour protocol reaches its expiry date people – all image-bearers of the A recent report from the under the sun”. this year – 2021 – a year the creator God – so they are treated University of Chicago, commis- United Nations has coinciden- well, social justice becomes part of sioned by the US Department of Protocol tally declared the International evangelism. Labor, found that there were more failures Year for the Elimination of It’s an idea well articulated children, some as young as five, Back in 2001, Child Labour. by influential theologian John working in the sector than there big brands In response to survey ques- Stott: “The gospel lacks visibility were in 2008-09. Mondelez, tions prepared by charities, if we merely preach it, and lacks In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in Nestle, Mars, many of them Christian, 75 credibility if we who preach it are west Africa, where two thirds of Ferrero, per cent of companies in the only interested in souls and have the world’s cocoa is produced, an Hershey, Lindt industry backed mandatory no concern about the welfare of estimated 1.5 million children and and the US due diligence, people’s bodies, situations and teens under the age of 17 produce multina- which could communities.” cocoa in dangerous conditions. include All human rights advances Minors use sharp tools such as sanc- involving business happen machetes, carry heavy loads, burn tions. because enough people take col- fields and use other herbicides lective action that forces consistent without protective gear. tional Get interventions and investments for Under pressure to produce Cargill that informed sustained change. ever-bigger yields, producers are collects much of the cocoa signed It’s time for Christians and all using increasing amounts of toxic the ground-breaking Harkin Engel could self-regulate, the protocol people of faith to get informed, Toni Hassan is a freelance writer agrochemicals to control weeds Protocol and the Framework of became a non-binding, although pray and put prayers into action and an adjunct scholar with the and spread into new areas cleared Action to Support Implementation legal, agreement. to help end child labour in the Australian Centre for Christianity by deforestation. of the Protocol with cocoa Twenty years on, its aims are far chocolate sector (and elsewhere). and Culture. She is also a volunteer The 300-page report details industry representatives and the from realised. Actions you can take today include: board director with Be Slavery Free.

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THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 15 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au IN FOCUS TMA Rapist’s daylight robbery of a schoolgirl’s trust and feeling of safety Alison Veale – an ordained Anglican, educator Why did I start this article and mother – appeals for a change of hearts as with the parable of the Good Samaritan? It struck me, in the well as laws after her daughter’s recent horrific current climate, where the people experience. in a position of institutional power are being called to account for n the Parable of the Good he groomed her and on the fifth their lack of engagement with the Samaritan, a person is on a day insisted they meet up. He response to Brittany Higgins, that Ijourney when robbers attack, insisted because “he had travelled it’s time for Australia to stop, to strip and beat them and leave across the city to see her”, and recognise the need to respond to them for dead. A priest walks by she would do it “if she loved him”. our rape victims differently and and on seeing the man passes by She’d recently moved schools and to challenge the system which by on the other side of the road – get- was eager to find some new friends. virtue of its complex structure and ting involved would cause him to So, after trying to talk him out of hurdles, ends up empowering and become “unclean” and the power it she eventually agreed and they enabling rapists. Tens of thousands and position he holds prevents met up at a public place in daylight of rapes go on in our country and him from helping. Just after that, a hours. How often have we told our approximately only five per cent Levite walks by and on seeing the kids, ‘If you’re meeting someone, of offenders are charged. Fewer man crosses to the other side. He, make sure it’s in a public place and are convicted and even then, of too, is part of the institution which during daylight hours’? those who do receive a conviction, holds the power in his society and They met and this man took the jail sentence is most likely less he, too, cannot get involved. Then a my daughter into a nearby public than six years’ imprisonment. Our Samaritan man passes this way and toilet, locked the cubicle and bru- “In the current climate, where the rape laws need reform and our on seeing the man has compassion tally raped her. He then left and conversations and education of on him, pours oil and wine on his caught the train home. My daugh- people in a position of institutional our young people need to become wounds, bandages him, places him ter, shocked and broken, found it explicit in regard to what consent on his donkey and takes him to an within herself to catch the train power are being called to account is and what it is not. Affection is inn, where he pays for him to stay home. She arrived and I knew not consent and silence is not and says he will return. something was wrong: within 15 for their lack of engagement with consent. When I study the Parable of minutes, we had three police cars the response to Brittany Higgins We need to be the Good the Good Samaritan with my Year and an ambulance outside our Samaritan, we as a people – the 8 students, I always ask them to house and so our journey began. ... it’s time for Australia to stop, to churched and the unchurched – list what the Good Samaritan gave During daylight hours, here in need to stop, pick up this issue and the injured man. They always start Victoria, on her way home from recognise the need to respond give it the time, energy and com- with the obvious – oil, bandages, school, my daughter was robbed. to our rape victims differently passion it demands. Will you stop a donkey ride, money, but then Robbed of her trust, her sense of and help, or will you join those when asked to think a little deeper, self, her independence and per- and to challenge the system.” who pass by on the other side? they arrive at time, energy and haps most strikingly robbed of the compassion. feeling of safety she had enjoyed The Revd Alison Veale is available to Three months ago, my teenage in this land where we are “one and talk at youth groups and churches daughter was befriended by a man f r e e”. the police and an extensive brief of insufficient evidence to guarantee on the issue of consent. on the mobile phone app Snapchat. Over the next couple of months, evidence, the police determined, a conviction and thus no charges She may be contacted at Over the course of just five days, a gruelling five-hour statement to in their opinion, that there was would be laid. [email protected]

Prayer Diary (Can also be downloaded from https://www.melbourneanglican.org.au/spiritual-resources/) MARCH 2021 (Bp Keith Joseph, Clergy & People); Health Services; St James’ Ivanhoe (Matthew Connolly); Archdeaconry of Stonnington (Howard Sun 7: Anglican Province of the Congo Hospital Chaplaincy (Stephen Delbridge, (Stephen May, Jessica Cheung, Steve Fri 26: Religious Orders serving within the Langmead); St Mary’s Melbourne North (Abp Masimango Katanda, Primate); Co-ordinator & Chaplains); Christ Church Faragher); Anglican Church of Australia; Parish of (Jan Joustra, Dorothy Lee, Mark Lindsay); The Diocese of Grafton (Bp Murray Hawthorn (Andrew Dircks); Sat 20: The Diocese of The Northern Longbeach Chelsea (Sue Bluett); Good Friday 2: The Diocese of Bendigo Harvey, Clergy & People); Spiritual Sat 13: The Diocese of North West Territory (Bp Greg Anderson, Clergy Sat 27: Locums and all retired clergy; (Bp Matt Brain, Clergy & People); Christ Health Victoria Council (Cheryl Holmes, Australia (Bp Gary Nelson, Clergy & & People); Beaconhills College (Tony Camberwell Grammar School (Paul Hicks, Church Grammar School (Neil Andary, CEO); Parish of St Cuthbert’s, Grovedale People); Yarra Valley Grammar School Sheumack, Principal; Peggy Kruse, Principal; Charles Butler, Chaplain); St Principal; Emily Fraser, Chaplain); St Paul’s w. St Wilfrid’s, Mount Duneed (Vacant (Mark Merry, Principal); St Columb’s Chaplain);: Holy Trinity Kew (Robert George’s Malvern (Gregory Seach, Brenda Cathedral Melbourne (Andreas Loewe, Incumbency); St Columb’s Hawthorn Hawthorn (Mike Flynn, Kirsty Brown); Newton, Rick Cheung, Lesley Dixon); Williams); Heather Patacca, Robert Vun,Chris – Baptism & Confirmation Service (Bp Sun 14: Iglesia Anglicana de Chile (Abp Sun 21: The Church of England; The Palm Sunday 28: Hong Kong Sheng Kung Carolane, Fan Zhang, Faraj Hanna) St Genieve Blackwell); St Christopher’s Tito Zavala); The Diocese of Perth (Abp Diocese of Wangaratta (Bp Clarence Hui (Abp Andrew Chan); The Anglican Paul’s Cathedral – Good Friday Service Bentleigh East – Final Service (Bp Genieve Kay Goldsworthy, Asst Bps Jeremy Bester, Clergy & People); Diocesan Church of Australia (Primate Abp Geoffrey (Abp Philip Freier); St Paul’s Cathedral – Blackwell); Holy Apostles Sunshine and James, Kate Wilmot, Clergy & People); Finance; Parish of St Hilary’s Kew/St Smith, General Secretary Anne Hywood, Starius Performance (Abp Philip Freier); Braybrook – Pastoral Service (Bp Kate Cross-Cultural Ministry; The Parish of St Silas’ North Balwyn and St Augustine’s the General Synod & the Standing Flinders/Balnarring – Good Friday Service Prowd); John’s, Healesville w. St Paul’s, Yarra Glen Mont Albert North (Vacant Incumbency; Committee); Diocesan Provincial Council; (Bp Paul Barker); St Mary’s Camberwell Mon 8: Ministry with the Aboriginal people (Matt Smith); Richard Bruce, Matt Campbell, Natalie St John the Evangelist Malvern East (Alex South – Good Friday Service (Bp Genieve of Australia (Bp Chris McLeod, National Mon 15: The Diocese of Riverina (Bp Donald Rosner, Peter Shih, Wendy Wade, Ross); Launch of Mandarin Ministry (Bp Blackwell); Holy Trinity Lara and Christ Aboriginal Bishop, Aboriginal Clergy & Kirk, Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Elizabeth Webster, Stephen Zhang); St Paul Barker); Brimbank Anglican Church Church Little River – Good Friday Service People); Archdeaconry of Kew (Greg La Trobe (Gavin Ward); St John’s Highton Paul’s Frankston – Pastoral Service (Bp – Palm Sunday Service (Bp Kate Prowd); (Bp Kate Prowd); Allinson); St Alban’s Hamlyn Heights (Will Orpwood, Christopher Lynch); Paul Barker); Mon 29: The Diocese of Adelaide (Abp Easter Eve 3: The Diocese of Brisbane (Jonathan Taylor); Tue 16: The Diocese of Central Queensland Mon 22: The Diocese of Willochra (Bp John Geoff Smith, Asst Bps Denise Ferguson, (Abp Phillip Aspinall, Regional Bps Tue 9: Ministry with the Torres Strait (Bp Peter Grice, Clergy & People); Brighton Stead, Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Timothy Harris, Christopher McLeod; Jeremy Greaves, Cameron Venables, John Islander people of Australia (Torres Grammar School (Ross Featherston, Maroondah (Bruce Bickerdike); St James’ Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Roundhill, Clergy & People); Melbourne Strait Islander Clergy & People);: Trinity Principal; Chester Lord, Chaplain); Church and St Peter’s Kilsyth-Montrose (Janice Melbourne (Heather Patacca); Holy Trinity Anglican Diocesan Schools Commission Grammar School (Adrian Farrer, Principal; of the Epiphany Hoppers Crossing (Glenn O’Gorman); Melbourne East (Grant Edgcumbe); (Richard St John, Chair, Rick Tudor, Matt Campbell, James Hale, Chaplains); Buijs, Joel Snibson. Patricia Hunt); Tue 23: Anglicare Australia (Bp Chris Tue 30: The Diocese of Armidale (Bp Rod Deputy Chair); St Peter’s Melbourne Holy Trinity Hampton (Ross Duncan); Wed 17: The Diocese of Sydney (Abp Jones, Chair; Kasy Chambers, Exec Chiswell, Clergy & People); Caulfield East (Hugh Kempster); St Peter’s Eastern Wed 10: The Diocese of Melbourne Glenn Davies, Regional Bps Chris Director); Camberwell Girls’ Grammar Grammar School (Ashleigh Martin, Hill – Confirmation Service (Bp Genieve (Abp Philip Freier, Asst Bps Paul Barker, Edwards, Michael Stead, Peter Hayward, School (Debbie Dunwoody, Principal; Principal; Ryan Holt, Amanda Lyons, Kate Blackwell); Bradly Billings, Genieve Blackwell, Peter Lin, Malcolm Richards, Gary Koo, Helen Creed, Chaplain); All Saints’ Jacob, Chaplains); St James’ Old Cathedral Easter Day 4: Pray for the peace of Kate Prowd, Clergy & People); Church Clergy & People); Deacons’ Ministry; Kooyong (Kuncoro Rusman,Lachlan Melbourne West (Matthew Williams, Jerusalem; The Diocese of Bunbury (Bp Missionary Society (Jonathan Wei-Han Parish of St Paul’s, Inverleigh w. St John’s, Thompson, Daniel Abraham); Heads of Michael Raiter, Jessica Naylor-Tatterson); Ian Coutts, Clergy & People); Ecumenical Kuan, Victorian Director; Andrew Gifford, Bannockburn and Church of the Epiphany, Churches Meeting (Abp Philip Freier); Wed 31: The Diocese of Ballarat (Bp Affairs Committee; Christ Church Melton Andrew Livingstone); Holy Trinity Hastings Meredith (Tim Smith); Wed 24: Theological Colleges, Church Garry Weatherill, Clergy & People); (Neil Taylor, Ruth Li); St Paul’s Cathedral (Tim Anderson); Thu 18: The Diocese of Tasmania (Bp Schools & Church Kindergartens; Diocesan Risk Management and Insurance – Easter Sunday Service (Abp Philip Thu 11: The Diocese of Newcastle (Bp Richard Condie, Missioner Bp Chris Jones, Diocesan Liturgical Committee; Parish (Matthew Wilson, Manager); St Luke’s Freier); St Matthews Wheelers Hill – Peter Stuart, Asst Bps Charlie Murry, Clergy & People); Diocesan Building of St Thomas’ Langwarrin w. St Peter’s Melbourne South (Jon Cox, Michele Easter Sunday Service (Bp Paul Barker); Sonia Roulston, Clergy & People); Committee; St George’s Ivanhoe East Pearcedale (James Connor); Provincial Moorhouse). St Mary’s Camberwell South – Easter Community of the Holy Name (Sr Carol (John Sanderson, Linda Fiske, Richard Bishops Meeting (Abp Philip Freier); Sunday Service (Bp Genieve Blackwell); Tanner); St Martin’s Hawksburn (Luke Wilson); Thu 25: Mission Agencies of the Anglican APRIL 2021 Anglican Parish of St George, Queenscliff Hopkins); Fri 19: The Diocese of The Murray (Bp Church of Australia; Diocesan Property Maundy Thu 1: The Diocese of Bathurst and St James Point Cook – Easter Sunday Fri 12: The Diocese of North Queensland Keith Dalby, Clergy & People); Angliss Committee; St John the Baptist Lilydale (Bp Mark Calder, Clergy & People);: Service (Bp Kate Prowd).

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 16 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA OVER TO YOU Your say on Tribunal opinion on same-sex blessings and on Indigenous Voice without paying attention to the it will be a restorative initiative, as the unique contributions of broader context of texts which on was the referendum of 1967, which Indigenous people and make the surface appear condemnatory. gained the overwhelming sup- reasonable contributions to their Lastly, it was news to me that port of Australians. Further, just welfare, an Indigenous “voice” is the Anglican Church teaches because something has the capac- a step too far. Mr Jackson does not homosexual sexual practice as ity to be divisive doesn’t necessar- provide any plausible reason for inherently sinful and debars ily mean it is wrong and shouldn’t this dichotomy, except to resort to people from the kingdom of God. be implemented. On Mr Jackson’s rather emotional language: “fool- Persistent and unrepentant sin, yes. reasoning, we would never have ishly committing national suicide”. Repentance is necessary, yes. But democratic elections. History is It is possible to do both – (i) to consistently the concern of God is replete with examples where mat- cherish Indigenous contributions, the care of the widow and orphan, ters of truth and justice needed to provide welfare if required and (ii) the raising up of the humble and be initiated or defended at great give them a voice. meek, and the bringing down of cost and division. Jesus himself the high and mighty. God’s realm was divisive (in the best sense of (The Revd) Malcolm Woolrich has no boundaries – we’re the ones the word). Mr Jackson overlooks Hawthorn Marriage a point of clergy to marry at the time of the who put hurdles in place and tie the fact that our nation is presently contention for centuries 16th century English Reformation, millstones around the necks of the not united - division already exists. Church should be a leader Ms Fiona McLean correctly assures permission for the widowed man “little ones”. It is this sin of deliber- Giving a voice to Indigenous peo- in Indigenous advocacy readers (TMA, February 2021) that to marry his deceased wife’s sister ate commission which is deserving ple is an important step in healing Support for the First Nations’ the recent Opinion of the Appellate in the late 19th century, allowing of the greater condemnation. wounds and achieving a just and Voice to Parliament is an urgent Tribunal approving the liturgy the divorced to seek a second mar- I’m sure I’m not the only one lasting reconciliation. part of our Church’s mission. adopted by Wangaratta Synod riage in the 20th century, or most who is weary of the obsession with 2. That giving Indigenous Contrary to Nigel Jackson (TMA, for the blessing of civil, including recently the unbaptised to marry a what people do with their bits, at people a “voice” will lead to a February 2021), it is imperative for same-sex marriages, does not Christian. the expense of God’s concerns. separate nation. This is drawing a our nation that it is supported and depart from present canon law What if we all calmed down Why is it that sexuality (and in rather long bow with a thin edge celebrated. on marriage. Melbourne Diocese for a while? Here is one alterna- particular, other people’s sexual- of a wedge! Giving Indigenous The call for the Voice to has such a blessing adopted by the tive approach: to read the irenic ity) is rated as more deserving of people a voice simply allows Parliament came out of a long Synod for civil marriages some and hospitable attitude shown to eternal hell-fire than our failure Federal Parliament to have the process which culminated in the years ago. same-sex couples by the Church as a church to care for vulnerable considerable benefit of Indigenous Uluru Statement from the Heart, Pastoral practice and canon law of England, go to Information for same-sex for the release of refugees, or, third house of Parliament or power calls for Voice, Treaty and Truth. reconsidered. For instance, current couples. How much better, in light heaven help us, the genocide of of veto is created. It is a modest This statement of the First canon law allows me, as a priest, to of the Tribunal’s Opinion (which is First Nations peoples committed reform and Mr Jackson provides Nations peoples is their way marry a woman and a man of any in effect a judgement of law), if we by our Anglican forebears and no legal or political grounds as to forward for reconciliation. Our religion or none, provided one of allowed each diocese to consider our ongoing complicity in those how it will inevitably morph into efforts over the past 233 years have the couple is a baptised Christian. the extent of welcome it will offer crimes today? the creation of a separate nation failed. It is time to listen to the First There was a time when both were to people in same-sex marriages I apologise to members of our which might fall under the influ- Nations people, to join them and required to be baptised. There are while we discern what changes in LGBTIQA+ community who may ence of a foreign power. Other follow their way to reconciliation. some in the Australian Anglican the Commonwealth law might, or be feeling grief and offence at Ms countries with Indigenous popula- Attempts to argue that the Church who have argued, unsuc- might not mean, for Anglicans. McLean’s words. You are part of tions have been able to introduce Voice “would inevitably become cessfully, in the General Synod the realm of God, and loved by similar policies and structures and seen as a third chamber of parlia- for the requirement that only one The Revd Canon Dr the one who created, redeems and the sky has not fallen. ment” (by then Prime Minister be baptised to be removed, so that Colleen O’Reilly AM sanctifies you. 3. That giving Indigenous peo- Malcolm Turnbull in 2017) or lead neither need be. Before baptismal Trinity College, Parkville ple a “voice” will result in a small to a “separate, Indigeneous nation” status was the controversial issue, (The Revd) Keren Terpstra group being unjustly favoured. (Nigel Jackson) are entirely with- the second marriage of a divorced Muddying the waters Vicar, St Margaret’s Eltham; With this audacious claim, Mr out foundation. person whose former spouse was Fiona McLean’s Viewpoint (‘Little President, Victorian Jackson overlooks the fact that The Voice would be a small living, created protracted and Appeal in Tribunal majority opin- Anglicans Together Indigenous people have suffered elected body within our national sometimes bitter debate in our ion on same-sex blessings’, TMA, legislative apparatus. The desire synods. The present situation February 2021) should fill thinking of the founders of the Statement is that there are different rules and compassionate Anglicans with is that it would be set up by con- over the re-marriage of divorced concern, not least because by com- stitutional recognition through a people in Australian dioceses. My menting on the Tribunal’s opinion, referendum, although there is a point is, that marriage itself is not Ms McLean has succeeded in proposal now that it might initially an entirely settled matter among muddying the waters. On the one be through an act of Parliament. Christians. hand, she accurately reports the The body would have no legislative But Ms McLean is also correct Tribunal’s narrow focus, which or legal authority; rather its power that the Appellate Tribunal was was the constitutionality of the would be in its voice – as the concerned only with what the Wangaratta blessing service and Voice of the First Nations people it Church’s Constitution permits, its emphatic declaration that its would speak their wisdom to the not the allegedly doctrinal issues role was not to comment on doc- seat of power of our nation. she raises in objecting to same- trine. On the other hand, she then In light of a biblical under- sex marriage. There is a range of attempts to deconstruct aspects standing of justice, our treatment scholarly opinion on the texts used of the legal opinion, mining it for of the Indigenous peoples today, to support or oppose it, and there anything which might suggest that let alone the past, is a cause for is unlikely ever to be agreement the Tribunal agrees with her par- shame. The levels of incarceration, between us for some time to come. ticular theological presuppositions including of youth and children At least one diocesan synod to and interpretation of Scripture. Indigenous ‘Voice’ would injustice since white colonisation even as young as 10 years, and my knowledge had already acted But aside from this, Ms help healing, justice in 1788. Giving a voice is one step continuing deaths in custody for ahead of this Opinion to create its McLean’s account of “Anglican I refer to the article by Mr Nigel in righting many wrongs. which there is seldom any conse- own liturgies, including one for teaching” on “homosexual sexual Jackson in the February 2021 edi- 4. That people who do not quence, are variously the worst, or marriage, that are only approved in practice” is troubling. Others have tion of TMA. I read it with a heavy support a “voice” for Indigenous among the worst, in the world. The that diocese. In that marriage ser- demonstrated elsewhere that it is heart, much disappointment and people “are almost being cen- Voice would be a vehicle through vice, the woman is asked to submit never a question of simply, “The great dismay. Having disingenu- sored out of the national con- which change for justice could be herself to the man (Common Prayer, Bible says it, I believe it”, but the ously and irrelevantly drawn upon sciousness by powerful interests”. driven. 2018, 125). Whatever the motive, reality that reading Scripture, Dietrich Bonhoeffer for moral Mr Jackson does not provide any Surely a Statement from the this demonstrates the practical albeit with the inbreathing of the support, Mr Jackson then presents evidence for this assertion. Indeed, Heart is core business for the autonomy of dioceses to vary the Spirit in applying it to our lives, is several fallacious arguments: his published viewpoint in TMA is church – we are called to love marriage service according to the always a dialogical process, and 1. That giving Indigenous peo- a demonstration to the contrary, God with our whole heart ... and vote of synod. any interpretation is framed by ple a “voice” would be divisive as do numerous social platforms our neighbours as ourselves. We Anglicans are well used to our hermeneutic approach. It is and not unifying. I am in no way which allow for debate and a range are the ones who should be at heated debate about marriage, not acceptable to say, “The Bible convinced that providing a voice of views. whether it was permission for condemns homosexual practice”, will be divisive – in fact, I believe 5. That while we can cherish Continued on page 22

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 17 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au VIEWPOINTS TMA Getting on the ‘inside’ of faith and finding the ‘missing link’ After studying theology at Oxford, Sarah RA: You say that at the heart Bachelard left the church. But then she of the vocation of a Christian contemplative is the offering encountered Christian meditation, which she of a gift to the world. As you says took her out of her head and into her acknowledge in the book, we’re heart. She went on to become an Anglican priest, living in a time of great crisis. and in 2012 began a new church in Canberra Dark forces are at work in the world. I don’t think that’s over- – Benedictus Contemplative Church, which stating it. Our civil discourse is incorporates silent meditation into its services. deeply polarised and fragmented; Dr Bachelard spoke to Roland Ashby about there’s wide and deep social and economic inequality; and climate her spiritual journey and her latest book change poses such a grave A Contemplative Christianity for Our Time. existential threat that it’s by no means certain that the human RA: In the preface of A intelligence, trying to make sense race and many other species Contemplative Christianity of it from the outside. It was the will survive. So, bearing that in for Our Time, you say there beginning of a sense that the way mind, how do you see Christian was a time in your spiritual to access faith wasn’t through my meditation as a gift to the world? journey when you “struggled critical intelligence in the first to sustain any sense of faith”. instance, but through the heart. SB: Einstein said something to the effect that a problem is never SB: The idea of faith was some- RA: When did you first encounter going to be solved by the level of thing I was always drawn to. I Christian meditation? consciousness at which the prob- didn’t grow up in a strongly reli- lem arose. And I do deeply sense gious family, but my Mum took us SB: What gradually was starting that all the issues that you just to church and I was immediately to grow was a desire to integrate raised arise from a fundamental drawn to it. I guess I had that my understanding of the particu- misalignment in the way we see sense of yearning for the depth lar faith tradition of Christianity ourselves, the way we see each dimension of life, and felt that with an understanding of the other, and the way we see our there was something there, but I practice of meditation. And then place in the world. It seems to me also struggled to feel like I was a friend mentioned to me that as though all of those things are on the inside of it. There was a Rowan Williams had been giving symptoms of our, in a sense, hav- sense in which I was trying really the John Main Seminar for the ing got to the end game of a way of hard to believe what I thought World Community for Christian being in and seeing the world. I was supposed to believe, and Meditation (in 2001) that was That way of being in and seeing that that would somehow make being played on Radio National. Dr Sarah Bachelard. the world has generated certain a difference, but I couldn’t get That was my first introduction benefits, but we’re also reaching on the inside of it. That’s how I to the WCCM and I was really not only the limits of what they would characterise my struggle excited about it because I could can bring us, but also really dis- with faith – the struggle to make see that I could potentially inte- covering the cost. The gift of this it living as opposed to just some grate my meditation practice into “We are handing ourselves over tradition, this practice, is that we’re stuff you said. my re-entry into the Christian wholly, in each meditation, into the no longer seduced by the illusion tradition. that has structured so much of our RA: So what changed? presence and the love of God, and ... way of life. We yearn for a truer RA: Meditation within the and more faithful responsivity to SB: Well I guess really what Christian tradition has been this is what begins to transform us.” the way things are. changed was contemplative revived in recent decades practice, being introduced to by Benedictine monks John RA: You quote the philosopher that. In my attempt to try to get Main, Laurence Freeman, who Charles Taylor in the book myself faith, I’d gone off to study formed the World Community for term Centering Prayer to describe form of meditation and what part who believes the crisis theology at Oxford and one of my Christian Meditation, and Thomas meditation, does have a slightly do you see Christ playing in it? facing Christianity has been teachers was Rowan Williams. I Keating, who began the Centering different emphasis on how to use caused, not so much by saw immediately there was some- Prayer Movement. Could you the mantra. In John Main and SB: I find it hard to just give some secularism, but what he calls thing going on with him that felt say something about what they Laurence Freeman’s teaching, you cut-and-dried answer to that “self-sufficing humanism”. qualitatively different to what I’d teach as meditation practice, and say the word continually, from the question. But I can best express it experienced in other teachers and what they understand meditation beginning to the end of the medi- in this way. One of the understand- SB: The difference, I believe, in churches generally. But I still to be in Christian terms? tation, and gradually the word ings that Christian meditation has between someone who is seeking didn’t feel as if I could get a living will lead you into complete silence, is that when we meditate, we are to live a life of faith and the self- access to that for myself and so I SB: In Christian terms they share but you don’t choose when that giving ourselves to God, we are sufficing humanist is that self- left the church and thought that I a theological understanding of happens. You say the word hum- encountering something as we sufficing humanism terminates wouldn’t go back. But then I went it, which is that meditation is a bly and unselfconsciously, and the yield ourselves, as we come to that in the self. It can have wonderful into a period of crisis that took way of prayer, it’s an embodied moment of contemplation, which place of poverty. And so there is values and commitments but me out of my head and forced me practice for doing what Jesus is the moment of complete silence, that sense that we are met, that in there remains this question about into my heart – a broken heart – teaches us to do, which is to leave is a gift. Christian meditation it’s not just what your life opens into. Does and that kind of vulnerable space self behind, but not in the sense My understanding of the that I’m letting go my thoughts it open into a kind of infinite that I’d avoided. of self-repression or suppression Centering Prayer method is that and doing nothing else. I’m letting mystery, what John Main talks In that process, I learnt about a or self-flagellation. It’s about you use the mantra to enter into go my thoughts and I’m thereby about as an ever-expanding love, practice of silent meditation, first handing over the whole of the self a kenotic space, that space where enabled to receive what is being or does it sort of terminate in the through the Buddhists, Thich trustingly to God, and you do that you’re handing over the self. It’s given all the time, and is coming projects of the self? And does it Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodron. It by handing over your thoughts, then OK to stop saying the man- towards me – a love which is self- leave open space for grace, for gave me a way of actually dwell- your agenda, your plans, anxieties, tra and to dwell in that space of giving and is giving itself to us. possibilities that are beyond us ing with my own vulnerability in and ultimately, John Main says, being handed over, but when you And the more I’ve gone on, simply to engineer or plan for? a very new way and then, as that your self-consciousness itself, the realise that you’ve begun to think the more it’s felt to me that that is happened, sometimes words of thought of the “I”; and you let go or you’re becoming distracted connected to Jesus; and the more I RA: There’s another aspect of Scripture would come back to me of all that by silently repeating a or inattentive, you use the word find myself loving Jesus. In the past the crisis for Christianity you also and I’d have the thought, “Oh, I single word, the mantra. again to bring you back into that I always felt a bit embarrassed by touch on because you say that wonder if that means that?” or “I Theologically speaking, what’s space. So they’re very similar that language because it seemed a many Christians feel there is a wonder if that’s what that is trying happening is that we are handing and they’re not in competition, bit make-believe or it seemed in missing link in their churches. to get at?” So it was as though the ourselves over wholly, in each but they do have this different danger of being sentimental. It’s contemplative practice began to meditation, into the presence and emphasis. barely at the level of articulation, SB: I think the missing link is to open up some of the meaning of the love of God, and that this is but there is a sense of meeting a do with where we started, which the tradition from the inside, as what begins to transform us. RA: What, for you, is so important love and of loving that love back, opposed to me, with my rational Thomas Keating, who used the about a distinctively Christian and that that is Christ. Continued on page 22

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 18 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA VIEWPOINTS Living and loving together: A response to Fiona McLean on dealing with difference Dorothy Lee and Peter Sherlock make a plea for Scripture is the only fundamental of issues dating back to antiquity differences of opinion, our differ- Australian Anglicans to hold together as church, issue and not the church. But that the church has always had ent ways of interpreting Scripture Scripture itself grew out of the life to face in its search to worship to maintain this bold vision of through all their conscientious differences of of the church. And our reception God and to follow Christ: What church? opinion and different ways of interpreting and interpretation of Scripture constitutes church? How do we We have done this before. As Scripture, in response to a Viewpoint in last is shaped by where we stand interpret the Bible? Who is eligible awkward and difficult as it was, month’s TMA by a fellow General Synod member. within the broad spectrum of to be included and who must be the 1992 General Synod deci- Anglicanism. It is not a question of excluded, because of who they sion to permit the ordination of whether we accept Scripture or not. are, what they believe or how they women did so not by requiring ow are we to engage behave? all Anglicans to accept both men with the continuing contro- In the past half-century, con- and women as deacons, priests Hversy within the Anglican troversy honed in on the questions and bishops. Instead, it allowed Communion over human sexual- of divorce and the ministry of dioceses to make their own deci- ity, now over 40 years old? women (both still present issues sions, and we continue to live with In response to the latest instal- for some). Some argued that the the consequences. ment in the Australian debate, the ordination of women or the remar- We are blessed that the New recent Appellate Tribunal decision, riage of divorcees were against Testament itself is diverse in its Fiona McLean (TMA, February Scripture and outside the bounds witness to Jesus Christ. We have 2021) recommends that the debate of our church. Yet the Spirit of four accounts of the Gospel, not about the place of LGBTI+ people God led us deeper into the inclu- one. We have letters from Paul, in the Anglican Church return sive and comprehensive nature Peter, John and Jude – and possibly from the domain of law to that of the divine grace. Arguments also from Priscilla – that do not of theology, from the tribunal to from Scripture and the nature of take the same stand on everything. synods. the church, hurled at women and Indeed the good news of Jesus is to We agree: it was only the divorcees, were answered. How? be found precisely in that delicate concern of other Anglicans about From Scripture and from within relationship between unity and the Wangaratta Synod’s decision the discerning community of the diversity. which brought the matter before church. What holds us together is far the Appellate Tribunal in the first The question we now face is more than what divides us. We place. “This is not about winners and whether or not LGBTI+ people, love the Scripture, we worship The primacy of synods in especially those in same-sex the holy Trinity, we believe in Anglican ecclesiology is of recent losers; at the end of time we relationships, are permitted to be the incarnation and atonement, origin, a product of the 19th- members of the Anglican Church the resurrection and the future century revival of an ancient ideal will all face the day of judgment and, ultimately, members of coming of our Lord. These are combined with the democratic the heavenly household of God. massive truths, capable of turn- impulse of the Enlightenment and throw ourselves on the Fiona McLean argues that it is ing the world upside down. And world. The Thirty-Nine Articles mercy of God in Christ Jesus.” impossible and impractical to live we should not underestimate the wisely remind us that “councils of with two diametrically opposed power of standing together in our the church may err”. Nevertheless, points of view in the one church. differences, however deep and apart from episcopal gatherings, Presumably this means a vote in however painful, as witness to the and despite their primary role as from Scripture. Who are we as Who among us would deny the Anglican synods, with those in the world: let all people see how deeply legislative bodies, synods seem to Anglicans? What is it that defines joyful conclusion that Scripture minority required to leave. those Christians love each other. be the only forum we presently us, that holds us together? Where “containeth all things necessary for We disagree. This is not about have in which to wrestle together is the balance between our unity salvation”? winners and losers; at the end of The Revd Canon Professor Dorothy over our understanding of God’s and our diversity? Whatever our Anglicans in general regard the time we will all face the day of Lee FAHA is Professor of New call on us, and how we are to live own opinions on matters of sexu- Bible very highly, but how they judgment and throw ourselves on Testament, Trinity College, University out that call in our corporate life as ality and other, related questions, interpret it and how they see the the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. of Divinity, and Canon Theologian the Body of Christ. the fundamental issue is that of nature of the church are different The fundamental question of the Diocese of Wangaratta. Yet lurking beneath these syn- ecclesiology: that is, our corporate matters entirely: and that’s pre- for Australian Anglicans today is Professor Peter Sherlock is odical debates about sexuality lies understanding of who God calls us cisely where the disagreement lies. this: are we able – and willing – to Vice-Chancellor of the University of the issue of the nature and shape to be as “church”. Debates about sexuality are the hold together as church, despite Divinity. Both are members of the of the Church, as understood You could object by saying that latest expression in a long series and through all our conscientious General Synod.

The Anglican Parish of Drouin, Diocese of Gippsland, is seeking a new Parish Priest TRINITY COLLEGE SUNG SERVICES DURING LENT About one hour’s drive TENEBRAE: Wednesday March 31st at 7pm from Melbourne this parish SUNDAY EVENSONG: 7th – 28th March at 5pm VENUE: Trinity College Chapel | 100 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052 serves both a rural and a BOOKINGS: trybooking.com/BOSJY rapidly growing peri-urban ENQUIRIES: Matilda Sholly | [email protected] | 03 9348 7527 population. RSVP: Friday evening before each respective service

We are financially stable, Please note that all attendees must be registered for contact tracing purposes and you will be asked have vibrant and capable for your contact details if you have not booked in advance. The chapel gate opens 30 minutes before each service. Spaces are limited as occupancy limits based on Victorian Government regulations apply lay leadership and excellent, well-maintained buildings, including a Rectory. We seek a Priest who has a love of the Anglican tradition, who enjoys working collaboratively, has strong pastoral skills and who is keen to work in a peri- urban parish which hopes to reach out into the community and grow the parish. All inquiries can be addressed to: Bp Richard Treloar [email protected] or Ven Sue Jacka [email protected]

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 19 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au THEOLOGY TMA

The Revd Dr Fergus King is Farnham Maynard Lecturer in Ministry Education and Director of the Ministry Education Centre at Trinity College Theological School. Digital technology: a new path for a post-pandemic Church?

Coronavirus has forced the Church to change A local project called My Pilgrims the ministry of people who are interactive, many to many, the way it proclaims the Good News, says Fergus Way in the Diocese of Bendigo starting or sustaining a ‘fresh dynamic, real-time, free-range, King. With Dr Srebrenka Kunek, Lay Pioneer does exactly this, by offering digi- expression’ of church, a form of and part of networked society, tal ways of being church which can church for our changing culture with social and technical infra- Minister in the Diocese of Bendigo, he examines turn absence into presence. established primarily for the ben- structure. People can collaborate one digitally missional program in regional and efit of people not yet members of in mission, freed from geographi- rural Victoria. My Pilgrims Way: A Lay any church”. cal constraints, acknowledging Pioneer Ministry Practice in The aim of My Pilgrims Way is the relational in human computer year ago, most clergy and other new situations seem like the Digital Environment to develop a Christian response interaction. and lay leaders of worship missiles ricocheting off hard sur- The Internet is a socio-technical to the features of the internet and So what does My Pilgrims Way Awould not have believed it if faces, making little real difference infrastructure network and plat- the design of a digital platform to offer? Its website mypilgrimsway. they had been told that they would to our core practices and beliefs. form with mobile technologies shape a community in mission. A com includes four main features: conduct services for weeks which Wise Christian missionaries part of new culture and methods mission-informed approach to the Pilgrimage, Feasts, Online Radio would be recorded or streamed of the past would warn that such of social connection, communica- digital is informed by Jesus speak- and Altar Live for developing live into the homes of worshippers. cosy hopes are unrealistic. Lamin tion, relationships and information ing in the language of Palestine of digital church. The one thing that Christians Sanneh’s magisterial Translating exchange. Embracing our call to his time. Being digitally missional The pilgrimages provide a have done from the get-go is curated walk of sacred ground and wrestle with the problems we have secular spaces of significance pre- just faced: of presence, absence senting people’s cultural heritage. and immediacy. How could The two-hour walk provides a con- Jesus’ sacrificial death be invoked nector point for participants to the in ritual? The first Christian sacred and sacramental online and generations tweaked ancient in physical place. The Melbourne understandings of sacrifice. They CBD pilgrimage includes the placed death, offering and eating Stations of the Cross and sites of in close conjunction through the cultural significance, including Jewish concept of anamanēsis (a graffiti and monuments to people term which embraces remember- who have contributed to social jus- ing, reminding-God so that He tice and equity. Pilgrims co-design will help, and making present by posting on social media, tags and effective). They enlarged it for influencing algorithms and in to include hopes for the future, turn viewers, collaborators and reckoning it anticipation of the producers. heavenly banquet to come. They The Liturgical Feasts are embraced the use of sacramentals curated feasts co-designed with (ordinary things blessed to serve a people in community for celebrat- spiritual purpose). Thus Jesus, no ing the main Liturgical days and longer close in this world’s time Patronal Festivals based on the and space, could host their gather- current Lectionary. The Feasts are ing, and offer food to nourish the informed by the Year of Favour journey through this life. (Luke 4:18–19) and hospitality Subsequent Christian think- referencing Scripture (Matthew ers did not feel impelled to cling 25:40). The purpose is to open up resolutely to these early doctrines, church buildings, particularly for but embraced the changes in their people in local communities not environments to provoke fresh associated with parish. An exam- ways of understanding what it the Message: The Missionary ple of a curated liturgical feast was meant to break bread together. Impact on Culture points out that a program for Easter Saturday and Scholastic thinkers in the 12th wise translators understand that “Being digitally missional means the 150th Anniversary of St John and 13th centuries CE embraced their actions affect not just the the Evangelist, in a small village the revival of interest in Aristotle receiving culture, but also the being responsive to sharing the called Malmsbury, in Central to develop theories of how the senders and the message: translat- Victoria. The event turned the con- Eucharist worked. Whether the ability. The medium matters too. missional message in the digital gregation of eight into 650 people later Reformers agreed with their The shift from scroll to codex, attending the all-day event. That’s verdicts or not, they could not from manuscript to moveable language and media of today and 642 who got to know something ignore them in the subsequent type, from print to screen all so becoming change agents.” more about the host parish! debates about Christ being change the ways in which faith My Pilgrims Way Bendigo really present in a physical sense is grasped. The last few months Anglican Radio is currently in (Tridentine Catholicism and have shown us that we now live development. It will present stories Lutheranism), spiritually present in a digital environment which missio Dei (the mission of God), means being responsive to sharing by clergy about their daily lives in (Calvinists) or a mere memory offers opportunities to reflect, like the medium becomes a tool for the missional message in the digi- their rural parishes, in the Diocese (Zwinglians/Anabaptists). Others our Christian ancestors, on what a mission-shaped digital church. tal language and media of today of Bendigo – and overcome the took their inspiration from the “real”, “presence” and “absence” This medium is well suited to and so becoming change agents. usual barriers of distance. The everyday: coins, chancery and might mean today; on how reflec- Pioneer Ministry for working with My Pilgrims Way practice is three-hour weekly program document seals explained how tion on a digital landscape might people in mission and developing designed to be located and respon- includes contemporary liturgical bread and wine gained a new iden- broaden our horizons for faith and emerging forms of church. sive to where people are, seeking music. A recently released digital tity. New contexts and fresh ideas understanding. But here is the rub. Anglican Pioneer Ministers are engagement and co-design of church platform is also being were not threats, but opportunities We cannot pretend that the last few broadly defined as “called by God emerging forms of being church examined for people to congregate to explore, explain and deepen months have not happened. We who are the first to see and crea- and service through ministry. for being missional in community. eucharistic practice and theory. have a choice. We could recognise tively respond to the Holy Spirit’s My Pilgrims Way practice has an People can sometimes worry This Christian readiness to and work with such opportuni- initiatives with those outside the “organising axis” with people in that projects like My Pilgrims allow what is central and cherished ties. Like Peter, we may end up in church; gathering others around mission as active agents, rather Way are a threat to church as they has not necessarily been part of places where we might rather not them as they seek to establish new than “church-centric” (bricks and know it. Not so. Properly curated, the recent experience: traditional be (John 21:18-19). contextual Christian community”. mortar, parochial) shape. pioneer ministries complement definitions and practices have been Digital technology offers, per- The Diocese of Bendigo refers to The Internet enables this and enhance the missio Dei – and viewed as giving a default. COVID haps, new ways to do old things. Pioneer Ministry as “recognising because it is a ubiquitous, fluid, that is always bigger than “church”.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 20 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA SCIENCE/FAITH Science, religion, contemplation and imagination all keys to unlocking the universe That the universe is ordered, and that such divine grace – flawed humans are It does mean, of course, that order can be perceived and its inner structures also modelled in the image of God the church has no business seeing imagined, has profound theological significance, and redeemed into a stewardship science as a “threat”, and every and care of creation. Only the business receiving the discoveries according to theoretical physicist Dr Tom McLeish, gloriously counterintuitive combi- of science as gifts in themselves. Fellow of the Royal Society and Inaugural nation of real failure of humanity, The story of the Bible in both Old Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University yet uplifted by grace, opened the and New Testaments has much to insight that small-world creations say about our relationship of care of York in England. Professor McLeish, a of our own might restore a deep to the natural world, but as to how Christian, whose recent books include Faith and insight into created nature always that world works is posed to us as a Wisdom in Science (OUP 2014) and The Poetry intended for us. That was the question, without short-cuts to the and Music of Science (OUP 2019), here argues theological vision that drove the answers. “Do you know the laws development of modern science of the heavens, and can you apply that the “conflict” between science and faith itself. them to the Earth,” asks Yahweh of from theological and philosophical is an invented illusion that melts away when That the universe is an ordered a humbled Job, as he is taken on reflection over the first decades of the history and present experience of scientific place, and that such order can be a whistle-stop tour of the universe the 19th. His own experience of the imagination are considered seriously. perceived, its inner structures (in Job chapters 38-42). creative imagination was fed both imagined, and even modelled One of the reasons, then, that by the science he loved (he read science appears to occupy such Newton’s Opticks in its entirety), cience and religion an opposite pole from that of and also a powerful, even shocking, are incompatible.” Such faith, is that its publicly-presented personal revelation through the “Sis the confident claim of image has had effaced from it contemplation of Moses’ encoun- many media voices, from humor- the essential role of scientific ter with God at the burning bush ists to philosophers, writing in contemplation, and the role of (Exodus chapter 3). He writes in popular mode. Yet I wonder what the imagination. Not only can the chapter 13 of his Biographia: this statement might even mean, mandate for science be enriched long before I can begin to think of though a Biblical lens in terms of “The Primary Imagination I whether it is true. In what sense is a vocation to humans to be rec- hold to be the living power and being a Christian and a scientist (a onciled to the material world, but primary agent of all creation as double vocation that I share with there are also common practices a repetition in the finite mind many others) “incompatible”? in faith traditions and scientific of the eternal act of creation in Does it, for example, carry the process that have been forgotten. the infinite I AM.” same the sense in which my com- I well recall a moving moment puter’s current operating system is in a large conference at which a As Malcolm Guite has pointed “incompatible” with the hardware Nobel Prize winner interrupted out in his book Faith, Hope and of my old laptop? Well, obviously his lecture to look out at the audi- Poetry, Coleridge restores the no – there are many very success- ence of hundreds of mostly young original and eternal co-existence of ful scientists who also profess a scientists. He then expressed his subject and object, whose divorce Christian faith, some very much in increasing worry that the growth had been codified by Kant, in the the public eye such as the Director of computer-based technology theological insight that humans, of the US National Institutes of around experimental techniques created in imago Dei, are ourselves Health and 2020 Templeton Prize- was preventing them from the both created and observed object, winner Francis Collins. Our men- practice of spending hours on and living, creating and participat- tal systems don’t seem incapable of end simply peering through ing subjects. booting up either to worship or to their microscopes. He implored In a remarkably prescient the work of science. them to do this regularly, paying insight, Coleridge is not writing Perhaps the “incompatibility” eval astronomical texts that we careful and extended attention to here of the imagination that sci- refers to the much-repeated have were not only clear about a what they see, but maintaining ence or poetry require to perceive story that history is witness to a spherical earth, but about how we an openness of receptivity, not the hidden inner structure to centuries-old “conflict” between know it is a sphere. In some ways prejudicing their vision with any nature. Rather, this is an account the church and science, in which our own secular age is much less “To see science as expectation. The resonances with of “mere” sensory perception itself ecclesiastical authority is supposed scientific than earlier “ages of faith”. Christian contemplative tradition – his “Primary Imagination” whose continually to have suppressed Is there, perhaps, an incompat- a gift from God are unmistakable. power draws from the projected new scientific knowledge. Yet no ibility of method? Does a scientific to equip humans A strong counter-cultural voice energies of Creation itself. But serious historian of science holds way of learning about the world at the turn of the 18th to 19th cen- once this is understood, the con- this view today, whatever their run against a life of “faith”? Is for a purpose turies, who did understand these nectivity between the proceeding, personal faith commitments. This it “faith” and “fact” that are so connections, belonged to Samuel and cousinly, secondary imagina- “conflict” or “warfare” narrative of opposed? Yet here as well, the his- in creation-care Taylor Coleridge. Although it tions of both science and poetry is science and faith was, as we have tory of our thinking provides more is to see even was Coleridge who insisted that laid bare. The greatest of all early known for a while, quite liter- clarity. For, as the scholarship of the opposite of “poetry” was not modern astronomers, Johannes ally and very sadly a “conspiracy historian Peter Harrison has defin- more clearly the “prose”, but “science”, it is clear that Kepler, would have understood – theory” invented in the mid-19th itively shown, the development in he meant by this only the dreary he who contemplated the humble century by a few Protestant the 17th century of what we now meaninglessness assembly of fact and mechanism glory of “thinking God’s thoughts authors, with anti-Catholic axes to term “experimental method”, the that science and science education after Him”. grind. The “history” to be found in core of a great deal of science of the had already become under the Science both proceeds from, John Draper’s widely-read volume performed today, relied on the ‘incompatibility’ aegis of its national institutions. and responds to God. It is both History of the Conflict between counterintuitive and revolutionary A closer look at, for example, gift and vocation. And scientists Religion and Science (1874), for content of a Christian theology in narrative.” his long collaboration in both belong within the church as mem- example, still shapes the way we the hands of Francis Bacon, Robert poetry and chemistry with bers who can both receive and give misconstrue the medieval church Boyle and others. Humphrey Davy at the Royal of their gifts in the special form of as suppressing new knowledge. We tend to think as obvious Institution, or his collaboration service and wonder that enables us The truth lies elsewhere – for this fruitful way of isolating small with William Wordsworth on the all to join the hills, and the trees the strides in astronomy, optics and simplified little parts of nature by the marvels of mathematical Lyrical Ballads, with its strong of the field, in worshipping our and medicine made in the 12th- in order to learn about general representation, has profound invocation of science as a potential common Maker. 14th centuries in Europe and behaviour. But stated that way, it theological significance. The sense source of poetic song, indicates drawing on centuries of Islamic is clearly anything but, and took in which the universe reflects, that he believed that the opposite Professor McLeish delivered the development of science – included centuries to imagine. How could and can be grasped by minds, is could be true. At Davy’s invita- 2021 Boyle Lecture on Rediscovering the solving of the problem of the we expect any artificial and simpli- the first clue that Mind might tion, Coleridge lectured on Poetry Science as Contemplation. You can rainbow, the invention of spec- fied construct like an “experiment” reasonably be behind it. And to and the Imagination at the Royal watch it here: https://www.issr.org. tacles and the development of to teach us anything about wild see science as a gift from God to Institution in 1808. Far less well- uk/the-boyle-lectures/video/ new surgical techniques. Oh, and and complex nature? The key step equip humans for a purpose in known than his early poetry, writ- by the way, no one who thought to seeing that it might do just that creation-care is to see even more ten at the end of the 18th century This article was first published on about the shape of the world at all was to grasp fully the theological clearly the meaninglessness of the with its well-deserved reputation, Roland Ashby’s blog Living Water. thought that it was flat. The medi- notions of human fallenness and “incompatibility” narrative. are Coleridge’s writings that spring See www.thelivingwater.com.au.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 21 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA BOOKS Gifted reflections on aspects of divinity, issues of our time A prayer, a plea, a bird, by Julie yearning of hope for a better world. and again, and again. Let us “God of the out-of-sorts, you Perrin (MediaCom, 2020) I also love the heart-wrenchingly join ourselves to the task with know our derailments, our beautiful story Jack baptised readiness, steadiness, clarity. fragmented, distracted minds, reviewed by Cath Connelly Himself when we are brought into Because we too love life, our our wishing to be elsewhere, or the intimacy of one small parish own and our neighbours.” otherwise, or someplace peace- devoured Julie Perrin’s gathering in which the miracle of ful. Release us from ourselves, first book, Tender, stories that community and grace converge And how about this as a wondrous beyond our disgruntlements, I lean into kindness, loving her to honour the baptism of this one entry into the mystery we call God: into a more spacious place.” ability to write so poignantly special 15-year-old boy. from her everyday experiences. It Whilst this book is luscious in “Deep loving of the Good Read this book; buy a copy for a was therefore with great delight its garnering of delightful images, Creator, deep courage of friend. Julie presents us with a that I read this second offering, A it is much more. Covering such the Wounded Healer, fierce most delightful glimpse into a prayer, a bird, a plea. Thank you, topics as COVID-19, bereavement, protection of the Hovering household that welcomes home Julie – again you bless us. ecological sensitivity, immigration, Spirit, deep Knowing of the their newborn babe Ruby. She In common with Tender, Indigenous justice and life in her Three-in-One.” concludes her reflection of this this book is a collection of own neighbourhood, Julie invites us sacred time with these most awe- short poems and stories. Many to realise that theological reflection Maybe it’s because I live in the filled words: of Julie’s offerings are written can take place in all of life’s experi- Dandenong Ranges with tree ferns as collects. This ancient prayer ences. Not being afraid to name and mighty mountain ash trees “Leaving Ruby’s house, we form gathers up the needs of this well-loved friend amidst the the stories of our time in history, my forever neighbours, there is emerge and shiver in the chill the day and addresses them to a offerings in this book: Julie cries out against ecological one offering from Julie that speaks night air, then look coyly particular characteristic of God. destruction, above all others for the way it skywards as if to check our Evoking God as “Fierce lover of “For you, deep stillness of the seizes my spirit: route home by the stars.” life”, “Brooding God”, “God who silent inland, for you, deep “Bind the wounds of places weeps” and “Holy one who is blue of the desert skies, for we’ve unmade – gouged earth, “Canopy above canopy above Is Julie one such Magi? She poet and potter” captures aspects you, flame red of the rocks and razed forests, toxic waters. Cry canopy tends my too-fast beat- certainly brings us a gift. of divinity and gives us a place stones, for you, sweet water in us songs of resistance whose ing heart, my leap-frog mind. I to land our thoughts. Julie then from hidden springs.” tears weep clean the sea.” lie down on the earth layers of Dr Cath Connelly is co-director of provides poignant prayer to divinity above and below. God the Living well Centre for Christian accompany each nomenclature. In that the reader is always Of COVID-19, she writes, whose body is the world, you Spirituality. She is a spiritual We are familiar with Julie approaching the text through our are too much for me.” director, retreat leader, pilgrim Perrin’s skill in crafting words, for own experiences, no doubt I am “Fierce lover of life, give guide and professional harpist. Her we have been singing her blessing drawn to the collects and stories strength to our arms and our Yes, and thank you, Julie, for today recently released book Handbook Deep Stillness in choir and church that match my own interests and resolve. Critical is this time for I need the gentle reminder that my of Hope: Emerging Stories Beyond a since it was first released over two thoughts. Thus I draw on Letter to cleaning, swabbing, scrubbing current mood is lacking a generos- Disintegrating World is available by decades ago. It is a delight to find Tomorrow’s Child that captures the and washing our hands again, ity of spirit: emailing her at [email protected]. Over to You – from page 17 Getting on the ‘inside’ of faith and finding the the forefront of listening to the Jesus’ relevance to a person seek- ‘missing link’ – continued from page 18 Statement and working with the ing a connection. The primary First Nations people to speak it entry point is the fact that Jesus is this capacity to get on the inside RA: Finally, how do to the nation. I would urge the IS a person with whom we meet of the life of faith and the mystery. you understand the Anglican Church to be a leader in and converse. That is, conversa- I think there’s been a tendency term “contemplation” in our nation advocating and work- tions with Jesus, not about Him or in the way that faith is taught to relation to meditation? ing for the adoption of the Voice to about the work of the church as an focus on what we believe, what SB: Laurence Freeman says that Parliament, and Treaty and Truth. institution. we think we need to say and contemplation ultimately is a Introduce me to a friend and think about God, as opposed to space of being radically present Michael Down a conversation about common practices which enable us to be to the presence of God. It’s that Sale interests, and that’s what’s rel- opened to the reality of it, to actu- space of availability and silence evant to me. In the gospels, Jesus ally practise letting go of self at a and mystery, and we can’t manu- Converse with Jesus directly engaged people in conversations. radical level as opposed to just facture getting ourselves there I read with interest the articles on That’s what made Him relevant to trying to be a good person. or having that unfold within and the page headed ‘Transformative them. And that’s what makes Him At Benedictus, the access to that around us. Meditation is a practice presence and rhythm of daily kind of livingness has been through which disposes us for that gift. prayer keys to church growth’ in contemplative practice. I’m not Dr Sarah Bachelard. Author Martin Laird says the skil- the December issue of TMA. saying it has to be that way. Other ful sailor doesn’t make the wind Both speakers, Dr Peter people enter into that through other blow to make the boat go, but the Carolane and Bishop Lindsay practices and experiences. But since skilful sailor has to know how to Urwin, make good points in their it had been significant for me, that do certain things in order to har- approach to the topic. I agree with was part of the reason for wanting “We didn’t just ness the wind when it does blow. Dr Carolane that a transformative to offer a worshipping community Meditation doesn’t make contem- presence needs to be dispersed in that had the practice of meditation talk about what plation happen, but it disposes us one’s neighbourhood, and with at the heart of it, and that when we to be receptive. Bishop Lindsay that doors have gather we meditate as part of the we believed, to be kept open so that the church church service so we didn’t just but we actually This interview is an edited version is not seen as closed for business talk about transformation, and of a Zoom interview on the blog by those who visit them seeking a we didn’t just talk about what we spent some time Living Water. You can watch the full connection. Both gentlemen are believed, but we actually spent interview at approaching the issue of church some time laying aside all of those laying aside all of www.thelivingwater.com.au growth from different directions Bishop Lindsay Urwin. thoughts and words and simply and different churchmanship – by opening ourselves to the encounter, those thoughts If you would like to find out more about my reading. And Bishop Lindsay relevant today – the personal rela- and trusting. and words and Benedictus Contemplative Church, mentions that Christ is already tionship. Introduce your friends Quite a lot of worship can feel see: https://benedictus.com.au/ relevant, we don’t have to make to this idea, and show them who like we are desperately trying to simply opening Him so. But in the article, neither Jesus is to you and why He mat- manufacture something, trying to If you would like to find out more about speaker is saying what makes Jesus ters to you. And then include Him kind of make something happen ourselves to the World Community for Christian relevant to today’s culture or per- in your conversations with your or make people have an experi- the encounter, Meditation in Australia, or join a son in the first place. friends. ence, whereas I think at the heart meditation group, see In my view, it is not so much of contemplative practice is that and trusting.” https://wccmaustralia.org.au/ conversations about Jesus, or the Philip Starks it’s already there, this is the reality, work of the church community, Authorised Lay Minister, all we need to do is to shut up and A Contemplative Practice for Our Time that are primary entry points to Lara Little River become more present to it. is published by Medio Media.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 22 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au TMA A BOOK THAT CHANGED ME ‘Rising scream’ for people and planet Graeme Garrett says the latest novel by a Booker full force of modern medical tech- also in extremis, hounded to the Prize-winning Australian writer is changing nology is brought to bear against brink by the same forces that dictate their mother’s encroaching demise; action inside the air-filtered sick- him in its weaving of one human being’s dying against her express wish “to let me room – money, power, technology. struggle with the perils of our planet. go”. Anna and Terzo are convinced Here, their mother is intentionally of that basic tenet of modernity, forced to endure a drawn-out liv- ore important than “a “that nature would always bow to ing death, which Tommy regards book that changed me” will, and that their will would have as against nature. Outside, with Mis a book that is changing its way in all things” (p.152). The ever accelerating speed – and me. This one certainly is. Richard slow and ghastly outcome of this (also) against her wishes – Mother Flanagan’s latest novel, The Living battle of the Titans (technology Earth is inadvertently being pushed Sea of Waking Dreams, which versus death) is that Francie’s now toward a tipping point where all life the author describes as “a rising emaciated body is reduced to an as we know it comes under threat. scream”, is a fierce and utterly clear- entanglement of “dialysis machin- Anna feels helpless in the face of eyed exploration of the world in ery, feeding stations, oxygen intuba- both battles. “Other than keep her being slowly rewritten into a wholly which we now find ourselves. Set in tion, tubes and IV stands festooned mother alive as everything died”, new kind of human being” (p.224). Tasmania at the height of the terri- with bags full of vital fluids, opioids, she “could do nothing and would A flinty harshness stalks the ble fires that ravaged huge tracts of antibiotic, supplements” (p.211). do nothing” (p.98). pages of this book. Flanagan uses Eastern Australia in the summer of Binding her to pain, dementia and Central to Flanagan’s concern words for what words used to be 2019-20, the book tries to bring to uncomprehending anguish. is what he calls “the vanishing”. In used for: to show us ourselves speech – not in the technicalities of The tensions, spoken and the human realm, this manifests as and the global context we have science or the platitudes of politics, unspoken, of the human drama a “silent leprosy” (p.47) in which engineered with our money, power but in the common language of that unfolds remorselessly in the parts that belong to the human and technology. It’s not flattering. ordinary people – the catastrophe, claustrophobia of Francie’s hospital body – Anna’s mainly – suddenly But neither is it judgmental, cruel so much of our own making, in room, plays out against a cosmic aren’t there anymore. Anna first or cynical. The Living Sea of Waking which we, and all other creatures notices that the fourth finger on Dreams is a lament arising from with us in this land, are now living But one thing is clear in our smoky one hand is missing. This is fol- love of the Earth and passionate – and dying. times. The truth is hard to hear. lowed by a knee, another finger, a hope for the future of our human No easy task. How can you put The megaphone Flanagan “What do you say breast and an eye. The worst of it place within it. It ends with a ges- into words the town of Mallacoota chooses to make his raid against about a billion is that by and large nobody notices, ture of adoration for “that immense incinerating like a pine coffin in our deafness comes in the form of not even medical practitioners. gift, the intense gratitude” (pp.282) a cremation oven, inhabitants a family of four, reluctantly drawn creatures, wild Anna herself is strangely indiffer- that wait to be called forth from our huddled on the beach under a together in a ward of a Hobart ent. “The only surprise for her was souls by the beauty and generosity blackened sky raining fire? What hospital. Francie, the mother, has and domestic, how little she felt about feeling so of the earth around and within us. do you say about a billion creatures, suffered a brain bleed. Already in little” (p.151). Beneath this human The meaning of this gesture and wild and domestic, turned to soot? her mid-80s, the medical advice turned to soot?” apathy to human deconstruction, its entanglement in the lives of Flanagan’s book opens with this is to let nature take its course. overheated Tasmania drives the Francie’s children is an adventure struggle to find words. Sentences The family can ease Francie’s final vanishing ever faster and wider. that awaits your reading of the text. break down in full flight. Words pile journey with expert palliative care. backdrop of Tasmania’s ancient “The ladybirds gone soldier beetles Perhaps it will change you. It’s up against each other, twisted some- Tommy, the eldest son, an unsuc- forests and fields ablaze – oppres- bluebottles gone earwigs you never certainly changing me. how for being asked to carry too cessful artist with a tendency to sive and omnipresent, yet somehow saw now gone … flying ant swarms much. “As if they too were already stutter, but to this point his mother’s just out of focus for the feuding sib- gone frog call in spring cicada drone * Richard Flanagan’s The Living falling apart, so much ash and soot constant carer, agrees. Let her die lings. Giant fire-generated clouds 16 in summer gone … and all around Sea of Waking Dreams is published soon to fall, so much smoke to suck with dignity. Terzo, the youngest of kilometres high generate “more fire them the quolls potoroos swift by Knopf: Penguin Random House down. As if all that can be said is the three, a venture capitalist back through lightning, ember attacks, parrots going going going” (pp.6-7). Australia 2020. we say you or if that then.” (page from his business on the mainland, wind, fire tornadoes” (p.103). In her On a Hobart tram, nobody takes 3). Flanagan is a brilliant architect won’t hear of it. Anna, the middle Airbnb, Anna awakes each morn- any notice. All are staring at their The Revd Dr Graeme Garrett is of language. He is determined to child, a highly successful architect ing to find her sheets speckled with phones, searching, liking, friending, a retired Anglican priest and build a bulwark against the rising living in Sydney, goes along. She sooty fragments, the carbonised commenting, emojiing, cancelling, theologian, living in Melbourne. He tide of Trumpspeak, where “every- and Terzo have money and power. remnants of “thousand-year old swiping, scrolling. “Thinking they is passionately concerned for the one [is] using words to avoid using And they intend to use it for good. King Billy pines and ancient grass were no more than writing and Earth as God’s good creation and our words for what words were used Francie is delivered to the surgeons. trees ... and the tiny rare mountain rewriting their own worlds, while (human) home, shared with so many for” (p.235), that is to tell the truth. From there the story unfolds as the orchards” (13). Mother Nature is all the time … they were themselves wondrous creatures. Sunday afternoon with the Gospel of Mark by Clare Boyd-Macrae Not so in Mark. I knew Mark used the word There wasn’t a lot to do on a immediately a lot; people in Sunday afternoon in the middle Mark are also often astonished of Lockdown 3. So my beloved a word or amazed. It’s a breathless kind and I decided (as you do) to of story, as though the author is read the Gospel of Mark, right for all trying to get everything down through, at one sitting. before he forgets. It’s incredibly Spirit Words We’d been meaning to do dramatic. this ever since the year of seasons I was reminded, too, of Mark started in the Common Mark’s abrupt and ambiguous Someday, after Lectionary and here was the per- to do with superlative delivery in need or on the margins. (In conclusion, if you don’t include fect opportunity. We’d planned to and more to do with the fact the case of the Syro-Phonenican the coda after verse eight of the mastering the winds, read it aloud, chapter by chapter, that I had never read one Gospel woman, who fits squarely into final chapter, which was probably the waves, the tides taking it in turns. We both love right through. I have been this category, it took her pluck added later. I have always loved reading aloud and being read to; steeped in the Gospels all my life, and humour to release his this about Mark. It isn’t a neatly and gravity, we shall it reminds us of years of story but in dribs and drabs – readings compassion.) wrapped up, theologically times with our now grown-up at church, personal devotions. A great number of the stories reflected upon ending but harness for God the kids. But then we heard that you Not reading it right through like I know so well are related as hap- rather one full of questions and could watch and listen to English a story you just can’t put down. pening between the triumphal wondering and wonder. Some energies of love, and actor David Suchet, of Hercules I was struck by a few things I entry into Jerusalem and Jesus’ religious people are addicted to Poirot fame, doing the deed, go hadn’t noticed before. death. I have long visualised certainty, but life is uncertain then, for a second to whoa, on the Internet. Mark’s Jesus is, frankly, most of Jesus’ public ministry and Mark’s account is honest Suchet does the reading in cranky a lot of the time. Gentle as being before the events of about that. time in the history of one hit (with only one sip of Jesus meek and mild is largely Palm Sunday – a long three Listening to Mark out loud water!) from the pulpit in St absent. He rants at the powerful years of healings and teachings took two hours. This life-long the world, man will Paul’s Cathedral, London. And a lot and he is forever expressing and wanderings and then a Bible reader can recommend it. what a magnificent performer exasperation at the slowness of quick transition from the palm have discovered fire. he is. his followers. The only times he procession to Calvary to the Clare Boyd-Macrae’s blog is at The impact, though, was less is obviously tender is with those Resurrection to the Ascension. www.clareboyd-macrae.com Pierre Teilhard De Chardin

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 23 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au IN REVIEW TMA Star performances as odd pair make an epic trek by Beryl Rule by a man and a child who are sepa- rated by language and culture and he Paul Greengrass film lack any emotional attachment. News of the World begins five Although there is a passing Tyears after the American Civil parade of other characters, Hanks War, when Confederacy veteran and Zengel bear the burden of the Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom film, and since Kees and Johanna Hanks) is trying to rebuild his life. have no common language, often Having lost both his wife and his the dialogue is sparse. Hanks’ printing business while he was strong portrayal off Kees shows away fighting, he now travels from a man who retains a sure moral town to town, an itinerant story- compass and an unshakeable teller reading selected newspaper sense of commitment, drawing items to gatherings of people who on the skills he has acquired as a pay a dime to hear him. soldier, to give this child a chance On his travels Kidd encounters of a better life. a ten year old child, Johanna Hanks gives a stellar perfor- (Helena Zengel), and reads her mance, but Helena Zengal is also history in the identification papers superb. She only ever has a few he finds abandoned on the ground. words to say, but she conveys She has been twice orphaned, desperation, hatred, abandonment, Captain Kees (Tom Hanks) and orphaned Johanna (Helena Zengel) set out on a 400 mile journey to find her first when Indians massacred her only relations. the slow growth of trust, and every German settler family and carried now and then, as she sings a Kiowa her off; then five years later when town. But no-one, including the that if she is to be restored to her be the physical challenges of an song, the sudden gaiety of a child. the Indians were killed in their occupying Yankee authority, is far-away aunt and uncle, he will inhospitable terrain, and the child Although tension is never far turn. The body of the black man interested in transporting her 400 have to be the one to do it. can only communicate in Kiowa, away, the pace of News of the World charged with escorting her back miles to her remaining relatives. The long trek, which he will which he doesn’t speak. But Kidd may be too measured for some. to society is now the victim of This is hardly surprising, since she be undertaking in a ramshackle has made his decision, perhaps But it is a rewarding journey for Southern violence, swinging from is more like untamed animal than wagon with an accompanying because he sees a chance to bring those who see it through, and the a tree, and she is alone, defiant and a child, biting, growling and intent pack horse, will be both exhaust- some good out of the chaos and final glimpse of Johanna should desperate. only on escape. Finally, after a ing and dangerous. There is rebel- disillusion all round him. long be remembered. With difficulty Kidd catches the number of failed attempts to shed lion, violence and lawlessness So News of the World becomes girl and takes her to the nearest responsibility for her, Kidd realises in the defeated South; there will a road film about a journey shared Netflix, on demand. A family wrestles over how to live their best lives in Minari by Wendy Knowlton identity and value. Monica, how- experiences and it feels, at times, ever, fears her relationship will wilt as if we are glimpsing fragments Minari is a touching film that with adversity and focuses on her of memory, not always pursued. resists predictable resolutions. At its children instead. Her love is tem- This is a strength, not a problem. heart is a subtle exploration of the pered with anxiety that she com- The Yi family’s neighbour Paul dynamics of a Korean-American municates to the fragile David. He (Will Patton), prone to bursts of family as they move from urban wets the bed nightly, dreading the spontaneous prayer, carries a life California to rural Arkansas, each early death her prayers of Heaven sized cross on Sundays, a local boy member carrying different dreams seem to promise. Into this volatile asks David casually about his “flat or fears. Their ramshackle trailer situation comes Monica’s mother face” and then invites him to a sleep home is set on 50 acres of poten- (in a scene stealing performance over. Monica places a large note in tial farmland. Insects flit through by Yuh-Jung Youn) This far from the church’s collection bowl and her shafts of sunlight and the soil is typical Grandmother, according mother surreptitiously sneaks it out rich and full of promise. However to the critical David, swears, plays again as it is passed down the pew. the tensions between Jacob (Steven cards and is mesmerised by TV Fine acting, a sensitive script and Yeun) and Monica (Ye-ri Han) are wrestlers. She’s warm, forgiving and the authentic nature of the relation- obvious. His desires have driven vital, bringing with her the flavours ship shifts make this intimate film the move despite her concerns over of Korea and some minari seeds to truly memorable. isolation and the heart condition plant by the creek. Jacob battles with As a series of tragedies strike, of her young son. David (Alan S. the farm, but her seeds sprout, and Jacob must choose what to nurture Kim) and his sister Anne (Noel David (Alan S. Kim) finds a new future awaits him in Arkansas. as Monica tries to cocoon David, and what to sacrifice. Whilst much Kate Cho) send paper planes constantly warning him not to run, is lost by the end, the minari by the soaring into the midst of parental At the rather soul-destroying work hard to prove themselves. He his feisty grandmother encourages river holds the promise of some- arguments, begging them to “stop hatchery where Jacob and Monica funnels any earning back to his fam- him to push the boundaries of what thing new taking root in foreign fighting” about the rival claims of work, male chicks are considered ily in Korea and dreams of growing he can do. soil and ultimately thriving. embracing security or risking all in useless, only fit for incineration. Korean vegetables on American soil Writer/director Lee Isaac Chung the search for a better life. Jacob tells his son that men have to to further consolidate his sense of based much of the film on his own (subtitles) The unique and indelible influence of Zappa - artist, advocate and iconoclast by Tim Kroenert either as a solo artist or with the ple the endless experimentation of age of a concert appearance in roster of musicians who joined him the Mothers, Zappa’s accidental Czechoslovakia, the year after the In 1971, biographer David Walley as the Mothers of Invention. mainstream success teaming up Velvet Revolution, and just a few wrote of Frank Zappa that “The Winter’s approach is a bit like with his daughter Moon Unit for years shy of the man’s death by whole structure of his music is uni- a wander through the vault-like the satirical pop hit “Valley Girl”, prostate cancer in 1993. It was his fied, not neatly divided by dates or storeroom, visited numerous times and his protracted foray into the final recorded live performance, time sequences and it is all build- throughout the film, that contains fight against censorship. the result of a long and dedicated ing into a composite.” Director Zappa’s accumulated life work: The film notes without flinch- underground following in the Alex Winter’s new documentary shelves stacked floor to ceiling ing his considerable limitations former Soviet state. The newly Zappa implicitly reflects this atti- with video and tape recordings; as a husband and father. He was minted President Václav Havel was tude, that Zappa’s prolific output picking out a concert performance myopic to a fault; one collaborator a Zappa fan, and went so far as to is most meaningfully viewed as a here, an album cut there; splicing recalls how he would turn his back appoint him the country’s Special collective, rather than a series. these with recent reflections from on an interpersonal interaction Ambassador to the West on Trade, The film is roughly chronological, some of his closest collaborators in once it had achieved the desired Culture and Tourism. but unlike more traditional biopics it music and life. outcome. Even so, one talking It seems an appropriate lens doesn’t chart an artistic progression. In archival interviews Zappa head after another marvels at his through which to view Zappa’s Nor does it gape from all angles at a reflects on the intersection of devotion to experimentation, his collective output: His influence particular seminal moment. Zappa experimental and rhythm and virtuosity and, vitally, his prodi- Zappa released more than 60 on the world, as artist, advocate was a prolific artist — in his lifetime blues influences that shaped him gious compositional abilities. albums, either as solo artist or and iconoclast, is as unique as it is he released more than 60 albums, as an artist. Along the way we sam- Zappa is bookended by foot- with other musicians. indelible.

THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN • March 2021 • 24 • www.tma.melbourneanglican.org.au