An licans ether ...promoting inclusive

/VEW1 LETTE R NO 57 luly 2015 www.onglicanstogether.org/ New Appointments in Sydney Diocese,.....

New Deanfor St Andrew's Archbishop Roger Herft of Perth described this appointment as one Sydney Cathedral, of the most significant in The Reverend Kanishkt Rafel, the Diocese of Sydney and in the currently Rector of the parish of Australian Church. and said "I admire St Matthews, Shenton Park, myself respect ctnd Perth, has been appointed, by the Kqnishka for the work he has done Archbishop of Sydney, as the next at Shenton Park, where he leads a " Dean of St Andrews Cathedral, Iively evangelical church Sydney. Mr Raffel said "l'm very excited about the opportunities for proclaiming the majesty and mercy The consecration of of Jesus in the heart of the city of Clergy and congregants from across Sydney," "I was a student minister the Georges River area, and bishops the Cathedral when I was at at from around Australia packed the Moore College. It's an immense Cathedral. The multi-cultural privilege to be retuming there to broadcaster SBS, covered the event serve the Lord." for its world news.

Peter Lin trained at Moore Theological College and was NEW BISHOP OF THE ordained deacon and priest in 2000. GEORGE'S RIVER REGION He has served his ministry in the Parish of Fairfield in western leading Bible studies at the Anglican Future Conference, Melbourne Sydney, first as Assistant Minister and then as Rector. Bom to Sri-Lankan parents in At 48, Peter Lin, is one of the London, Kanishka Raffel and his youngest bishops in the history of family emigrated to Australia from the Diocese and the second of Canada. He was raised a Buddhist Chinese descent. and converted to Christianity in his twenties. Georges River Region is one of the five Regions of Sydney " Kanishka hcts exercised q valuable Diocese. In the last two decades ministry in Perth and although it is it has undergone transformation Peter Lin a big wrench him and his Archbishop Glen Davies, Bishop into one of Sydney's most multi- for family and Bishop lvan Lee to return to Sydney, I appreciate the cultural areas. Suburbs such as sacrifices that are involved" said Dr Marrickville, Lakemba and The Reverend Peler Lin was Glen Davies. Bankstown, once with consecrated a bishop by The Archbishop described the new predominantly Anglo-Saxon Archbishop Glenn Davies, und Dean as "an outstanding teacher of populations, are now truly multi- many other bishops around the Bible who, God willing, will from ethnic. Autralia at St Andrew's Cathedral, have a significant ministry to the Sydney on Saturday 30th May city of Sydney." 2015. ST JOHN'S CHURCH, THE ANGLICAN PARISH EPISCOPAL BALMAIN, SYDNEY OF HUNTERS HILL APPOINTMENTS IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND New Rector for Historic Parish The parish of Hunters Hill has two One year after the Church of very beautifuI and historic churches. England's General Synod The main church, All Saints in approved the consecration of Hunters Hill, was opened and women to the episcopate, there dedicated in 1888. are now six women bishops in the The other church, St Mark's was Church of England. originally opened as a chapel- schoolhouse in 1858 and used as a On 3rd July 201 5, the second school until 1870, and then as the female bishop in the Church of St John's Church, Balmain place of worship until All Saints England was consecrated as Bishop of Hull dunng a ceremony The Parish of St John's Balmain, church was dedicated. York Minster the the youngest Anglican church on The "Figtree Chapef' continued as at led by place Archbishop York, lohn the Balmain Peninsula was a of worship and a Sunday of Dr Sentamu. established in 1882. School, untll 1962 when it was in She is the Right Reverend Alison Many well known and dedicated danger of being demolished by the Wile. Rectors have served the people of Department of Main Roads to make Balmain and Birchgrove (and in way fbr the Gladesville bridge. the early days, the workers on the Intense local and wide community three adjacent islands) for one interest preserved the oldest hundred and thirty three years. public building in Hunters Hill. It was taken down - sandstone brick The newly appointed Rector is the by sandstone brick - and re-erected Reverend Canon Peter Yeats. in Figtree Road. Here on Sunday He is currently Rector of St Luke's 28th October 1962 the opening Church, Modbury in the Diocese of service was held and the chapel- Adelaide.. school-house dedicated for worship as St Mark's Church. Bishop White gave her first sermon. as bishop, in a service attended by 450 people in the city of Hull's Holy Trinity Church. Afterwards Bishop White said: "It was just fantastic. I can't believe so many people would come on a Monday night." Although the majority of members within the world-wide are Reverend Michael Armstrong, accepting of women playing a full previously Rector of Wagga Wagga (by Peter Yeats trained in the England role in the life of the Church is the new Rector of the Parish of ordained consecrated) and was ordained in the Diocese of being and Hunters Hill. there are sections not Newcastle, UK. still who will He was inducted on 28 May 2015. accept, nor recognize, women He has served in Papua New that Michael with his wife, Angela and can be part of the church's ancient Guinea as Chaplain at Martyrs small sons their two are settling order of deacons, priests and Memorial School and lectured at into their new home. Newtown Theological College. He also had ministries in St John's CIRCALAR QUAY Cathedral, Hong Kong and as Port The many voices of the holiday are on pier, Chaplain, Kobe, Japan. the Peter is 53 and married to Karolina, above my silence and the waters a teacher. They have two children beneath. Through the gates of Luna Park, at University in Melbourne. the caravel steps a smiling line, and Peter will be inducted in St flying John's Church, Balmain on lst protestor overhead ls a yellow parasol . A lone outside the cathedral October 2015. @ Noel Jeffs 2 ,ORA ET LABORA' Greetings in Christ '.{ Challenge and fens ion in the Church

outer life. [ndeed, despite church CHRISTIAN ETHICS constant challenge for the attempts to convince the wider world church is the tension of their relevance, the world is not How can we ensure that churches between the need to listening - people have switched off. will act ethically and by what maintain its 'inner /fl?' (worship, The churches are therefore standards should they be assessed? the care and nurture of the tending to speak more to Over the past two thousand years faithful, theological educationl themselves (called 'preaching to Christianity has developed an maintenance of the plant) and its the converterl'), thereby reinforcing ethos based on the teaching of 'outer life' (outreach, welfare, their disconnection from the Jesus - not that the churches have evangelism and its prophetic community. Mind )ou, political always measured up to this standard. engagement with the wider world). parties face similar challenges, Critics have rightly pointed out their Both groups of activities need to be including having very small failings; from incitement to hatred of addressed, however the interests and membership ([ess than l% of the those who are 'different', priorities ol these two perspectives population) and being held with persecution of dissidents and sometimes find themselves at odds either contempt or suspicion by minorities, racism, abuse of the weak with each other. Moreover, there are much of the wider community! and vulnerable (including women negative consequences when one and children), and perspective is allowed to dominate the world is not listening legitimisation of the other. corrupt regtmes, people have switched off . - political practices and An example can be seen with war. Of course. chu rch involvement in current Christianity is not alone in these In response, the churches need to political debates such as the nature failings as other religions, back respect the of marriage, religious and ethical win the of philosophies and political ideologies community before they can expect to instruction in state schools, the have also been the cause of such have their views regarded positively; treatment of refugees, destructiveness even today. which is to say that they need to - environmental issues, and matters adopt a more outward-looking focus, of social justice. Church comment is That the institutional churches change, use the being discounted by an increasing be willing to and their members sometimes fail to language and ideas of the market- number of people because religion live up to their calling is place, engage with the (in general) is seen as irrelevant to and unsurprising. The Christian ethic communlty rn more open, the world in which we live. a includes acknowledgement of the unpretentious and vulnerable way. Religious leaders are occasionally reality of failure and provides a way way achieving this is given space in the media, yet they A of of addressing it through repentance, through exemplary leadership are often lampooned by the forgiveness, restoration and something that has often been commentariat as a result transformation. We fail to be what lacking in the way that the churches sometimes with good reason. God wants us to be because of self- have handled matters of child abuse, centeredness but this does not professional standards, financial A regular criticism levelled at provide an excuse for the toleration probity. transparency in govemance. the churches is their disconnection of bad behaviour some things are obsession with both from the world of ordinary people. and our simply shameful and have brought sectarian and intra-denominational Part of the reason for this is that they the Christian faith into disrepute. tribalism. We usually fail in these have become too focussed on their Nevertheless, while it is possible to areas because ofour poor choices. inner life and not enough on their recognise what is wrong with the churches, the idea of transformation and the lives of Godly people focussed upon ritual activities of helps us to discem, change and through history have provided the church or individual, but maintain the good. models of behaviour and are rather is about developing a primary sources for the growing awareness of God's CHRISTIAN VIRTUE demonstration of Godly presence at all times and in all behaviour, even today. things, including the worshipping It is not difficult to come up with a community, ourselves, others, and list of Christian virtues such as love, FOLLOWING CHRIST nature. justice, selflessness, repentance, forgiveness, and Godly obedience. St As Christians, we are called to be This approach causes Paul calls them 'fruits of the Spiril' 'disciples of Christ'. A disciple is prayerfulness to become less of an (Galatians 5:22-23). one who follows a leader and lives activity and more an attitude of faith fndeed, from the earliest of times under a rule of life. We live under that has the potential to permeate our there have been 'codes of conduct' the rule of Christ, as revealed in the whole being - we therefore not only for God's people, such as the Ten scriptures and the spiritual 'do' prayer but also 'become' prayer. Commandments (Exodts 20:2-17), experiences of the people of Cod. Of course, such prayers can be for that have highlighted virtuous We do this knowing that we are good or ill. Archdeacon Grantly, in behaviour. fallible human beings; but that, as Anthony Trollope's Barchester with the pursuit of justice. we are Towers, confesses that he is ashamed esus summarised Christian committed to following Christ of his prayers, for he wants his father virtue with the two great because to do less would be (the dying bishop) dead so that he commandments: underwhelming and diminish our himself might become bishop before "You shqll love the Lord your God humanity. there is a change of govemment and with all your heart, and with all your his own appointment would not be soul, and with all your mind." This Jesus talked about 'taking up considered. Indeed, sometimes our is the greatest and first your cross and following him'. ln prayers (and desires) are less than commandment, and a second is like doing this, we seek to identify admirable, yet at least the it: "You shall love your neighbour as ourselves with Jesus' sacrifice and Archdeacon was honest with yourself" (Matthew 22:37 -39). make it our own. In daily practice, himself! this means being more concerned This statement has guided with the needs of others rather than THINKING NOT TOO HIGHLY Christian behaviour down through ourselves; all done freely and in OF OURSELVES history and has been incorporated 'good faith'. God does not coerce us into the ethos of westem culture. It into following Christ, (which would St Paul wrote to the church at Rome: is the business of setting aside our not be loving); instead we are invited "... not to think of yourself more own desires through repentance, to lollow. The choice is ours. highly than you ought to think, but to discipline and prayerfulness and think with sober judgement, each being attentive to those in need - Following Christ is therefore according to the measure of faith thereby maintaining an outward not a fearful act, nor should it be that God has assigned " (Romans focus. Moreover, it is also about half-hearted. Rather, we respond to 12:3) being aware of our motivations and the call of God out of a sense of love the need to control our selfish desires and generosity - giving of ourselves Humility speaks so much more and inappropriate behaviours both because we value goodness in itself highly than words and is a window individually and corporately. and also know that nothing else will into our hearts for the rest of the bring satisfaction. Those who world to see. To be sure, this is Yet Jesus tells us to go further; respond begrudgingly or in bad faith another attitude that relates to our 'Love your enemies and pray for miss the full potential of what God's self-understanding and spirituality. those who persecute you' (Matlhew grace (or love) can do and therefore While prayerfulness is directed 5:44). Some have argued that this is fail to see the point of self-giving. principally upon our relationship an unattainable ideal and thereby with God, humility is largely focused dismiss it; however, like the pursuit PRAYERFULNESS upon our attitudes toward ourselves of justice, it is the only way that we and others. can honourably seek to live our In the spirit of the seventeenth lives. Indeed, while justice may be century monk Bralher Lawrence, As Christians, we are aware of sometimes elusive within the legal we would do well to 'practice the sinfulness, which is behaviour that system, yet we must never seek to presence of God'; which is to damages our relationships with God achieve anything less. Likewise, we become aware of God's involvement and each other. In the light of this, need guidelines and ideals by which in every aspect of life. we are called to repent (that is to to lead our lives. Both the Bible Prayerfulness is not so much make a decision to turn away from

4 such behaviour) and seek Humility arises out of love rather elaborate brick church was erected. forgiveness and transformation. We than fear. What is important here is That church now enlarged extemally are aware that this is a continuing to be honest with others and and beautified intemally stands on process worked out in our lives ourselves before God, confess our the hill in the centre of Epping as a daily - a situation that only God faults, live with the consequences, strong Anglican witness in this ever can resolve. Such awareness and seek to live Godly lives that are growing suburban centre. should keep us humble, however concerned with the well-being of John Cornish came to Epping in all too often Christians (both others. It is not a matter of power, 1997 and has lead the expanding individually and corporately) image or style, but rather one of congregation in Christian growth and behave in a manner that attitude. witness over the past eighteen years. contradicts this - why? He has been a faithful and dedicated Indeed, this is not only a problem for priest, pastor and leader ofthis large A parallel to the Church's the church but also one for our parish and district. obsession with worrying about political parties, businesses and 'who's in and who's out' (mentioned public institutions. The failure of in my last article) is the attitude of exemplary leadership in all these 'l'm right and you're wrong'. This contexts exposes the spiritual arises from a desire to be in control poverty ofour society. of circumstances and indicates a degree of insecurity about the "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, process and effect ofsalvation on the whatever is honourable, whatever is one hand and the role of the church just, whatever is pure, whatever is in this process on the other. In an pleasing, whatever is commendable, institutional context, it can lead to if there is any excellence and if there hubris, as more exclusive claims are is anything worthy of praise, think made for the 'rightness' of the about these things. Keep on doing organisation, its ideas, and those that the things that you have learned and lead it. received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace yuill be with There is no doubt that the you. " (Phllippians 4:8-9) church needs to apprehend the truth of the Gospel, however the The Reverencl Andrew Sempell failure of arrogance often emerges President, Anglicans Together here. For it is not so much a concern for truth and its :::vvv:: :v: discernment, but rather a desire for control of the processes that help to discern and maintain the THE PARISH OF ST truth. In short, it is about power, ALBAru'S EPP'IVG The Reverend John Cornish and his and is a feature of wife, Christine fundamentalism. together with ST AIDAN'S WEST EPPING He has not only served the parish, but on the ecumenical front, was A common criticism of In early July 2015, parishioners involved in the wider Christian fundamentalists is their refusal to and friends, farewelled their community. In his time he engage in an honest and open way Rector of eighteen years, the there, developed a particularly close with those who disagree with them. Reverend John Cornislr, who has relationship with the Catholic When challenged, their response is retired as Rector of the Parish of community in Epping and the to become exclusive, dogmatic and St Alban's Epping, Sydney. conceited. Such people would seem Chester Street Uniting Church with to be happy to break their This parish, originally on the whom a covenant relationship is relationships with others (being outskirts of Sydney, has been the shared. those who disagree with them) in an centre of Anglican worship since John also made a strong effort to maintain the 'rightness' 1 891 . This was five years before the of contribution in the diocese and their position. In other words, they then congregation could raise outside the parish as a former maintain purity and power sufficient money to build a small sin to active and visible President of over their ideas; which in a Christian permanent church. Permanent until Anglicans Together from 1999 to context is indefensible. 1923, when then too small for the 200s. growrng congregatron ln a developing suburb, a larger more THE REMARKABLE CANA COMMUNITIES STORY Forty Years in lnner Sydney "In companionship with Jesus and inspired by Hk Gospel, we recognise the unique and mysterious value and beauQ of each person." (Cana Constitution)

Mother Teresa once said: "The WHY CANA? medium term accommodation. For example, de Porres House in poor must know we love them, What has the New Testament story Redlern, which also provides a that they are wanted. They of a miracle at a wedding feast in homely space fbr community meals, themselves have nothing to give Cana got to do with this? celebrations and companionship in but love". THIS IS CANA'S "Everything says Sister Anne. " day time hours. Creative evenings lde deserves to be MISS ION. "Everyone's are also held with dancing, singing, celebrated. Cana is about the little poetry-reading and so on. miracles which happen when we Cana's special care is for those with share our lives. The momenls the lervest options and who are the Outreach to people who live when the ordinary (water) hecomes most alienated. alone in f'lats, rooming houses or the celebration (wine); when our on the streets in inner Sydney, In Redfern Park, in a grand recognition of our being in need maybe taking them out lor coff'ee marquee, a joyous and chaotic (having no wine) enables us to or a drive. party was held. It was during look for anrl recognize the miracles Sydney's ongoing wet in May. of our lives." Offering support of all kinds for children and babies within the f-amily context in high rises, including visiting, fbod, tuition, school f'ees. uniforms and extra-

curricular possi bi I ities.

Visiting people from our communities in prison or hospital (medical or psychiatric); writing to those in distant institutions, or where local. Mentoring One of the ladies at the Cana 40th visiting ol birthday in Redfern Park people recently released. The companionship conti n ues r.vas to celebrate forly years of lt throughout the journey back into -- a Community which has 'Cana' functioning membcrs ol society. been led lor much of that time by Sister Anne Jordan, Cana Sister Anne Jordan PVBM and Cana has evolved over the past Funerals: Cana buries or supported by a dedicated army of forty years - its core beliefs and cremates with dignity many who volunteers from around Sydney. aims remaining unchanged, but die without support. especially Anne was also farewelled as she its locations and activities indigenous people and the leaves for a well-deserved 8 months changing with circumstances. mentally ill. This is a considerable sabbatical break overseas. Anne Below is a summary ol current expense. was described as "the rock and the activities and, as you read, keep in Cana Farm at Orchard Hills in glue, physically and spiritually" to mind this is the work of western Sydney provides the community. volunteers, solely dependent opportunities for marginalised people to mix with the wider Volunteers get to go home; for financially on community community and gain valuable Anne the community there in donations: training and work experience. Redfern is her home. One of the Working in inner Sydney, Cana Partnering with Western Sydney long term residents in the has set up overnight shelters for TAFE, Cana Farm offers training community houses proudly took the homeless people (eg one every in hospitality, horticultu re, microphone to say that "Anne is the Saturday night in the Church Hall carpentry and other trades. most unbelievable person you of Christ Church St Laurence) and utuld ever live with." homes tbr marginalised people needing ovemight or short to Cafe Cana is located within the Sundays as part of the Cana farm Cana Farm, at 100 Kingswood markets. Road. Orchard Hills. CANA is truly ecumenical. Under Anne's guidance, many people from The cafe provides a friendly religious meeting place for all people to different or no backgrounds are invited to be a part relax with inexpensive coffee and of Cana Communities. Whatever food, and a very welcoming open- your personal beliefs, the hope is door philosophy. At Cafe Cana that you can share in the common you will meet street people and values, and your contribution to the business executives, TAFE community is welcomed. Interested At the Cana Fortieth Birthday Party - students and farm workers. The in volunteering in some way? Co to Redfern Park cafe is run by volunteers and staffed the 'Get Involved' page on by the students. The welcoming Farm have very http://www.cana.org.au/ You can Students al Cana philosophy, together with the rustic from also help by praying daily for Cana diverse backgrounds - quarters and rural setting give the refugees to former inmates. The and all those involved. cafe an earthy, hearty vibe. It's a provides place a Lyn Bannerman, farm also a for refreshing surprise in the heart of peaceful retreat people from CCSL for western Sydney. Cafe Cana is diverse backgrounds. open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, and on occasional

JAPANESE PRIMATE TO JOIN II/CC PILGRIMAGE TO HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI Seventy Years ago on 6th and 9th August (1945) the spiritual crilique of the dilemma, that began with the deadliest bombs in history (atomic bombs) were attack on Hiroshima 70 years ago, to governments that dropped on the cities of Ihroshima and Nagasaki still depend on nuclear weapons today," said Dr Isabel respectively. The cities were annihilated and the Apawo Phiri, WCC Associate General Secretary. " majority of the people perished. A lifetime after that fearsome destruction, forty governments still rely on nuclear weapons. Nine states possess nuclear arsenals and 3 I other states are willing to have the United States use nuclear weapons on their behalf. Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu of the Anglican Church in Japan will be one in the group of Church leaders from eight of these countries who will make the WCC pilgrimage to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There they will listen to survivors, pray with local churches and reflect with other faiths on the plight of the two cities. The bishops and church presidents will then bring calls lor action back home from the two cities. Atom bomb mushroom clouds over Hiroshima (l) Nagasaki @ "I'he 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings is a A PRAYER OF CONFESSION signiJicant milestone," said Peter Prove, Director of God you have searched us out and known us, The World Council of Churches' Commission of the and all that we are is open to you. Churches on International Affairs. We confess that we have sinned we have used our power to dominate "It is timely because most of the s'urvivors of the 1915 and our weakness to manipulate; Their 'never attacks are now in their B)s. cries of we have evaded responsibiliY and failed to confront evil, again' must still be heard. It is urgent because the we have denied dignity to ourselves and to each other nuclear powers are all modernizing their nuclear and fallen into despair. weapons instead of abolishing them as promised. It is We turn to you, O God; We renounce evilq also hopeful because a growing international majoriQ We claim your lovel We choose to be made whole. is forming to ban nuclear weapons and WCC member FORGIVE U.S^'O THAT WE MAY BE AT PEACE churches are involved. " Adapted from a Prayer Book tbr Australia "This Pilgrimage will end by bringing a moral and WHAT A CHR'STIAN COMMUNITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A BELIEVER'S LIFE

hen my parents leave home, careers and family, of a community event, not ioined the Church and those who give support and coerced or feeling threatened but Missionary Society care to those away, making a interested by a manner of prayer they intended to commitment of their own to the that I had only experienced on a support the missionary adventure. Sunday as a weekly event, not a enterprise that had begun in an in belonging and many times a day event. Inn at Aldersgate London in /oy the affirmation of a That first visit was a reconnoitre 1799. personal call and and we came back as a family to They were attracted by the commission visit and combine holiday with adventure oi taking very good intentional praying. I became aware of the Society news out of their home context of St Francis after a period of For our children it was not into places where it was simply illness. entirely their [irst choice but they unknown or barely understood. warmed tc the welcome they They had no intention ol going The building of the Community received and the sense of anywhere themselves, of course houses atStroud, in the Diocese adventure in being in the country but encouraged a friend to go and of Newcastle, for men and with wallabies Iooking at them meet the new Bishop of Central women was more or less curiously. Tanganyika Alfred Stanway who complete. There was a guest was recruiting staff for a boys' house for those who wanted a The Community of women was high school in Dodoma by going retreat or rest. strictly enclosed but we had with him. our own guesthouse and the As a child I had lived in mud sisters catered for our children guess brick buildings in Tanganyika You can that some eighteen very lovingly. months later their friend stayed and the thought of staying home and they embarked with there and being able to ioin I took those patterns of prayer their three small children for the others in prayer daily was very with study home and modified unknown shores of East Africa, attractive to me. them. The reading of psalm, OId Society Testament and New Testament in actively supported by Our ten month old baby and two members in Sydney. every day was not new but it had older children were entrusted to not been my practice. I grew up Before they left, at the the care of my mother overnight with Scripture Union which gave commissioning service, my and my friend f anet and I drove readings for every day with a parents and Florence were north to find out what was fack short commentary and served a prayed for and sent out as full happening at Stroud. most useful purpose. Somehow members to represent the We were very warmly welcomed the settings of readings and Society. As one of those small into a culture that was nerv to us canticles into a pattern children I became an infant for in some respects. every day with prayer I found member of a religious society and wond erfully sa ti sfyi ng a nd identified strongly with that Much later I began the process beautiful. group. My Australian address of ioining the Society, prompted was 93 Bathurst St Sydney, and by a sense that without this It was like claiming something stayed that way until we returned praying community I would that had been mine already but when I was 17. founder under the stresses had been never fully appreciated. imposed by ordination studies Since then I take the opportunity It was a life filled with high that Philip had begun. By then we to join others in daily prayer adventure, serious purpose and had four young children. whenever possible., whether in strong commitment. It was a my parish church or in places risk, made more poignant and Structure and discipline in where prayer is part of the real by the reality of little Prayer fabric of the place like Stroud graves of infants or whole Like many others I found prayer or the Healing Ministry Centre families dead too soon. hard to fit into my days. The CMS has always operated with monastery and hermitage gave those two groups, the ones who me time to settle into being part Example and mentorlng by not the way of many others, or Renewal was the fruit of ond of others easy. Francis' renunciation and it meant that a new focus began I expect some people are natural It asks a deep commitment but on the gospels and the real joiners but for me it was a comes out of a clear sense of call terrifying prospect, especially while allowing great freedom Iesus. because I was moving In every age renewal outside my familiar is needed, active mileu in my church. I renunciation in life is am still a member of needed and followers CMS and became part of who can laugh in the this international face of fear. mission as well. The Love for God: Father, Third Order of the Son and Holy Spirit, Franciscans asks its and the church that members to think about was given to us is more their Christian practice than relevant, and the and to write that as a church worldwide is a pattern for their year, new creation, being calling it a Rule of life. because it is a lay order; members changed from one Having become friends with the adapt their commitment to the degree of glory to another. hospitable group of sisters and constraints of their daily lives. Instead of focusing on its faults brothers resident at Stroud I was We pray for each other, meet in we commit ourselves to serve it in cared for during the years of localities that are possible for a prayer, giving, study and work, discernment by both a brother, widely spaced Community and seeking from God the renewal and a fellow tertiary. They are aware of the challenges we and restoration of its witness. We spanned the more than difficult separately face, as in any love the creation and see it as a years of Philip's training at Moore Christian community. sign of the greatness of God. College and the Community proved to be a most helpful These days the Community House It is astonishing to be called to source of support. Each day we at Stroud is the Hermitage where embody the Living Word, so we pray for one another across the brothers of the Order live their live in awe at such an region which includes New lives in vows for life. invitation. Guinea and East Asia. In the The Friends of the Monastery, Rosemary Bradford, tssf Photo above. company of these Franciscans I formed after the devolution of the Old Monastery Buildings, Stroud Iearnt to treasure the Eucharist Community of women; to provide and the profound capacity for a Retreat House for those needing making God real and actively time away, or using it for group ANGLICANS TOGETHER remembered, and for restoring activities. It provides 30 beds and WEBSITE REVAMPED faith. has space for beds on the floor for Discover the Anglicans Together My prayers became more youth groups and a campsite. new improved Website. structured and more informed. It is a perfect place for Explore its pages at: As a historian of the ancient Christian groups to hold a Go to the 'Events' page and find a world and the early church it is weekend. continually updated eclectic range most satisfying to use a liturgy The chapel is available to of events around Sydney. that acknowledges the debt we visitors * for Christian worship and daily Make it a Favourite on your owe to all those who have Browser so you can check it prayer services are held for those faithfully shown us the way to regularly. wishing to join in. Iive, thanking God for them in our * Join Anglicans Together now or prayers, spanning the centuries, Enthusiastic living in the renew your membership ONLINE as as distances with (click on Contact us). well the light of the gospels * prayer. Comments and suggestions on We are a long way from the our Website are very welcome - As I have watched others make problems of the medieval church send them to: the decision to begin joining this in the late l2tt Century. [email protected] Society, it is obvious that this is @@N@lEIfllf F@B @@N@@o,ooo SEZIEAIAEE VIIgfr@N F@R A DEMIINU1IEWIE FE@IPILIE It isn't often that we get a chance to see how we Chapman accompanied by his wife, Ann on the piano, have made a lasting difference in the lives of some of Viv Le, a talented young pianist of Vietnamese the most disadvantaged people in the world. background and brothers Jonathan and Gregory Karanikas on violin and piano. The people who attended a Special Concert in May at St Mark's Anglican Church South Hurstville were St Mark's Sunday Club children, all under l3 years of given that privilege. age, formed an impromptu choir with some of the Congolese Australian children in the audience to sing They also had the opportunity to continue their items from "The Lion King". support of educational and development projects for a group of Bambuti (Pygmies) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of the more than one hundred and twenty people at the concert have been donating to the Bambuti for more than five years through the projects initiated by St Mark's parishioner, Dr Barbara Ferguson OAM.

The audience included members of the parishes of St Mark's, St Andrew's Cronulla, St Stephen's Lugarno, St Mark's Sundal, Olv6 accompanied by L'ic Playford St Luke's Mlranda, St Philips Caringbah, Christ The featured song and dance act of the day came fiom Church St Laurence, Sydney, as well as members of an enthusiastic group of young Congolese-Australian other local Christian churches, clubs and friendship members of the Agape International Church from groups. South Western Sydney led by their Pastor, Nava The large audience enjoyed a wonderful variety of Malula and accompanied by her son, Chikuru, on performances by local talent. Added to that they drums. donated $4000 to continuing projects for the Bambuti. Burbara Ferguson showed a short film made by an It was a bit too far for supporters tiom St Alban's ABC journalist on one of her visits to Congo. During Epping to come to the concert but they forwarded a the film the leader of the Bambuti gave thanks for matching donation of $4000. what has been achieved as a result of the projects. ln particular for the opportunity the people had been given to have a source of income. The Bambuti of Congo have been displaced from their traditional forest homes and way of life by the two decades of conflict. Out of sight of the international media, this tragic conflict has seen over 5 million people die and 2 million people displaced, just in the Eastern provinces of the country.

Agape lnternational Church Youth Group Most of the performers were St Mark's parishioners. The Master of Ceremonies, Vic Playford, a teacher by day and enteftainer by night, led community singing on his guitar; Rachel Greenwood, the Rector's wife, accompanied by St Mark's organist Lois Little, charmed the audience with a selection of romantic songs dating back to World War II. The Instrumental offerings were of prolessional standard and enthusiastically applauded by the audience. The perlormers were, violinist Frank Barbara with Nyota (Star) outside her house l0 Barbara Ferguson lirst met this group of one hundred There is also an occasional health clinic and Church and seventy people in 2010 when working as a services on Sundays. Ongoing expenses include the volunteer in an indigenous hospital in that area of the fees for the school children, salaries for the pre-school Congo. teachers, a simple meal 3 days a week for the children, and medicines for the Clinics. Despised as less than human and incapable of learning by the general population, they had been nomads, with no skills to survive in the society and forced to beg for a few scraps offood. During the Concert programme, with a background of selected photographs projected onto a screen, Barbara described the Projects funded over the past five years. This funding has meant the purchase of land of their own use in a relatively safe place; materials to build mud brick houses to the local standard; expertise and all that was needed to set up kitchen gardens; fishing boats.

A meal three days a week for Pre-schoo] children Donations specifically to fund the work of an Evangelist from the nearest Anglican Church in Goma have been blessed in an zmazing way with more than thirty of the members of the tribe coming to Christ and being baptised in a nearby stream.

Launching the fishing boat The money raised has covered primary school fees for fifty children; a substantial building which serves as a preschool for forty five of the youngest children in the morning; literacy and sewing classes in the aftemoons.

Priest from Coma Church baptises a Bambuti converl Barbara's next trip to the Congo is planned for November 201 5. Barba ra Ferguson may be contacted at bfergu5on @bigpon d.co m Barbara Ferguson & Wesley Fairhall St Mark's Church, Sth Hurstville

NEWSLETIER is published by

.,, , Anglicans Together Inc ,.. ,. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors. ,:, Editor: Moya Holle, PO Box 429 Glebe NSW 2037

Nurse tiom HEAL Hospital visiting Bambuti village -dosing for parasites 1l ANGLICANS TOGETHER ANNAAL DIITtrTEf, FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2OI5 7 FOR 7:30 PM BISHOP STEPHEN PICruRD 'Religion and Violence: Myth and Reali$'

CITY TATTERSALL'S CLUB, 194 - 204 Pitt Street, SYdneY COST: $65 pp ($oo conc) Bishop Pickard is the Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra. Previously he was Head of the Charles Sturt Universiry School of Theology, a1d a fori.irei Assistant Bishop in Adelaide He was also a Professorial Fellow at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford.

PAYMENTS (WITH BOOKING FORM) BY 21 AUGUST TO: ANGLICANS TOGETHER, Level l, St James' Hall, 169-171 Phillip Street, Sydney, 2000. Telephone 02 8227 1300 Booking form at: www.anglicanstogether.org 'v/E1z8/',&',&'g' g' IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SEND THIS COMPLETED BOOKING FORM TO ENSURE TICKETS AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

I will be attending the Anglicans Together 2015 Annual Dinner on Friday, 28'h August 2015.

Name: -----TelePhone:-----

Address:

Postcode

PARISH or GROUP NAME (for seating):

Please provide me with ------tickets for the following people:

PAYMENT DETAILS I require the following number of tickets: @ $OS ea- @ $OO (concession)

Find enclosed my cheque for $ made out to: Anglicans Together lnc

Direct deposit to Anglicans Together bank account: CBA Enmore, BSB 062165, A/c No. 10123708 made on Please include your name in the payment reference; send this completed form to the address above OR Please debit my:

Mastercard Visacard for $

Card No: Expiry Date.

Signature: t2