DOCSLIB.ORG

Cyprian of Carthage and the Australian Anglican Episcopate By

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cyprian of Carthage and the Australian Anglican Episcopate By Cyprian of Carthage and the Australian Anglican Episcopate by The Reverend Luke Hopkins BTh (Hons Div. I) A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Divinity 2020 2 Abstract Can the ancient past be of value to the modern church? This thesis brings the theological weight and pragmatism of third century bishop and martyr Cyprian of Carthage to bear on the problems facing the contemporary Anglican episcopate in Australia. In doing so, it examines the vision of episcopacy within the Cyprianic corpus and as well as the development of the Anglican episcopate over the last five hundred years. How episcopacy developed and was conceived of during the English Reformation and how the Anglican Church of Australia was formed over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries will both be explored. Laying this essential historical groundwork enables contemporary episcopal challenges to be understood within their appropriate historical-cultural context. That groundwork having been established, the concluding chapters consider the role Cyprian’s theology can play in the facing the challenges Australian Anglicans face in the twenty-first century. This thesis will argue that just as Anglican theologians have looked to Cyprian in the past so contemporary adherents can feel confident in appealing to his writings in the present. It is argued that Cyprian’s vision of episcopacy provides an adaptive approach to episcopacy that retains certain core episcopal principals. This thesis concludes that a better examination of Cyprian is of value for bishops in the twenty-first century. 3 Statement of Originality I affirm that this thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other institution. To the best of my knowledge, this thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis. The Reverend Luke Hopkins 9 December 2020 4 Acknowledgements Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. Dignum et iustum est. Firstly, my sincere thanks go to my supervisors, Don Saines and Peter Sherlock. I am forever indebted for their brilliant insight and care throughout this process, as well as their abundant patience. Without your help, Don and Peter, this thesis could never have come to pass. I also wish to thank their partners Pene and Craig for their support as well. I must also thank Andrew McGowan who encouraged me to take on this project and guided its first steps in 2013. I would also like to thank Bishop Keith Joseph, Bishop Brian Farran, Fergus King and Roger Sharr who encouraged me to pursue post-graduate research at that time. My thanks go to the staff and students of Trinity College Melbourne, Merton College Oxford and Ripon College Cuddesdon who allowed me to stay with them during the course of this research. During my sojourn in the U.K., I am particularly grateful to Martyn Percy, Mark Chapman, Simon Jones, Bishop Colin Fletcher, Felicity Scroggie, Martin Gorick, Sue Johns, Martin Freeman, Mark Young, David Houlding, Rebecca Feeney, Tristan Franklinos, Mary and Anthony Boyle, Anne Miles, Emma Bardsley, Jutta Toscano, Lee and Eileen Clarke, and Tom Plant. In Australia, my thanks also go to Aidan Norrie, Dorothy Lee, Mark Lindsay, Peter Campbell, Scott Kirkland, Colin Reilly, Charles Sherlock, Gary Bouma, Stephen Ames, Cecilia Francis, Peter French, Robyn Whitaker, Andreas Loewe and Katherine Firth. I would also like to thank the librarians and staff of the Bodleian Library in Oxford, the British Library in London and the Dalton McCaughey Library in Melbourne. Thank you to Austin Cooper, Ross Fishburne and John McDowell who offered their own insight and support during the confirmation stage. I also wish to thank Chris and Sarah Orczy for their support no matter where in the world we happened to be at the time. I wish to express my appreciation to the bishops, clergy and people of the Diocese of Newcastle, Australia, who consented to let a newly ordained priest pursue this research. Specific thanks are also extended to Bishop Charlie Murry and the trustees of the Rorke-Hunter Trust who offered much needed financial aid at the beginning of this journey. I am also grateful for the scholarship I received from the University of Divinity as a doctoral candidate. There are so many others who I am grateful to whose names are not written here. I wish to thank my family and friends for their support over the last few years and to my darling Alice to whom I dedicate this work. For the two of us, the duration of this doctoral thesis has seen multiple international moves, new degrees, new jobs, a cancer diagnosis and a wedding. 5 Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 i. Crisis in the Contemporary Australian Anglican Episcopate ...................................... 8 ii. Reading the Church Fathers Today..................................................................................... 14 iii. The Bishop of Carthage .......................................................................................................... 21 iv. Thesis Overview ........................................................................................................................ 27 v. A Personal Note ........................................................................................................................... 28 Chapter One – Cyprian of Carthage’s Theology of the Episcopate .................................. 30 1.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 30 1.2. Cyprian’s Ecclesiology .......................................................................................................... 31 1.2.1. The Community of Christ .................................................................................. 31 1.2.2. The Apostolic Succession .................................................................................. 36 1.2.3. The Cathedra Petri ............................................................................................... 41 1.2.4. The Equality of the Episcopal College ......................................................... 45 1.2.5. The Unity of the Church ..................................................................................... 50 1.3. The Role and Responsibilities of Bishops .................................................................... 56 1.3.1. Bishop as Pastor – ‘Shepherd’ ......................................................................... 56 1.3.2. Bishop as Doctor – ‘Teacher’ ........................................................................... 61 1.3.3. Bishop as Iudex – ‘Judge’ ................................................................................... 61 1.3.4. Bishop as Sacerdos – ‘Priest’ ............................................................................ 66 1.4. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 71 Chapter Two – The Appeal to Cyprian during the Anglican Reformation .................. 78 2.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 78 2.2. Trends in English Episcopacy – 1533 to 1662 ........................................................... 79 2.3. The Reception of Cyprian .................................................................................................... 83 2.4. Appropriating Cyprian’s Ecclesiology – Jewell, Hooker and Laud .................... 85 2.4.1. John Jewell (1522-1571) ................................................................................... 85 2.4.2. Richard Hooker (1554-1600) ......................................................................... 94 2.4.3. William Laud (1573-1645) ........................................................................... 105 2.5. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 115 6 Chapter Three – The development of the Anglican Episcopate in Australia ......... 119 3.1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 119 3.2. Ministry under the Diocese of Calcutta ...................................................................... 119 3.3. William Grant Broughton – the first and last Bishop of Australia .................. 121 3.4. Multiple Bishops for the Pacific ..................................................................................... 129 3.5. The Rise of Synodical Governance ............................................................................... 134 3.6. The Withdrawal of the Crown ........................................................................................ 137 3.7. The First Lambeth Conferences ..................................................................................... 143 3.8. Legal Problems Continue .................................................................................................. 147 3.9. A National Church ................................................................................................................ 151
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ministry Commission Report to General Synod 2007
    COMMISSION: MINISTRY MINISTRY COMMISSION The Ministry Commission in this triennium has overviewed ministry practice within the Anglican Church of Australia identifying urgent issues before this Church and responding to the three references made to the Commission by the last General Synod, the Standing Committee and the General Secretary. Membership of the Commission Bishop Brian Farran (Chair), Archbishop Jeffrey Driver, Bishop Rob Nolan, Canon Colleen O’Reilly, Archdeacon Peter Stuart, the Reverends Mark Charleston and Kevin Bourke, Dr. Grahame Feletti. References to the Commission 1. Model Statement for Clergy & Model Performance Review The 2004 General Synod requested the Ministry Commission to develop a model statement for clergy of the expectations and responsibilities of their roles and entitlements at the time of their appointment. The Commission developed such a document which the Standing Committee sent to Dioceses after its October 2006 meeting for the consideration of and response by the dioceses to the Ministry Commission. Only the Diocese of Bendigo has forwarded comments to the Ministry Commission upon this document. The document is too substantial to include in this report. The review of responses to the document will be on the agenda of the Ministry Commission. The second component of the General Synod 2004 reference was the request for the development of a model review of the performance of the clergy. The Commission developed guidelines for the review of clergy in ministry using the mnemonic review. Introduction Throughout the Australian Church there is increased interest in reviewing the effectiveness, appropriateness and direction of clergy ministry. The clergy themselves, bishops and church leaders want to see in what ways the ministry being exercised makes a difference.
    [Show full text]
  • The History of the North Beach Sub-Branch 1945 – 1991
    HISTORY OF NORTH BEACH SUB-BRANCH WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1945 to 1991 Original Edition was Edited by Joe W. HARRIS and Compiled by Ron E. TOMLINSON This Edition of The History of the North Beach Sub-Branch of RSLWA 1945 to 1991 has not altered, or added to, that originally published. No attempt has been made to edit the content, as it reflects original input and recollections of the members of the Sub-Branch. It has however been reformatted to provide the Sub-Branch with a digital copy in a form that can be distributed to members or added to should the Sub-Branch choose. Brian Jennings Member North Beach Sub-Branch RSLWA July 2020 © North Beach Sub-Branch of the RSLWA 2020 2 PREFACE This history makes no pretence of being founded on actual records until early 1962, as all minutes of meetings from the foundation date were burnt in a fire that destroyed the then Secretary's shed. It has been compiled up to that time from the memory of early members. In most cases over 45 years have elapsed since the members joined the Sub-Branch and many are 75 years old and over. You will therefore appreciate their difficulty in recalling names and dates accurately. Over the last five years I have been urged by the long -term members to put together this History but have lacked the facilities and the know how to complete the task. When Joe Harris joined the Sub-Branch and later published a book to enlighten his family on his service in the Army, I approached him to assist the Sub-Branch with the use of his computer, to produce this History.
    [Show full text]
  • The Scottish Episcopal Church on the Black Isle
    The Scottish Episcopal Church SUNDAY St John’s, Arpafeelie: St Andrew’s , Fortrose: St Regulus, Cromarty 20th October 2019 The Black Isle Family of Congregations Pentecost 19 Charity Number The Rev'd Canon (Father) Mel Langille Tha Eaglais Easbuigeach na h-Alba / The Scottish Episcopal Church 1 Dean's Road SC010781 Fortrose, Ross-shire, Scotland IV10 8TJ Phone: 01381 622241 Email: [email protected] EVERYONE WHO IS BAPTISED is welcome to share with us in Commun- ion this morning. There is no need to be a member of the Episcopal Church. Please feel free to celebrate with us. If you are not baptised or would prefer, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing (simply come for- ward with hands together and head bowed as a sign to the priest). THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD + First Reading : Genesis 32:22-31 + Psalm 121 (Responsive by the Verse) I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved and he who watches over you will not fall asleep. Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep; The Lord himself watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand, So that the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; it is he who shall keep you safe. The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Liverpool District of the Methodist Church
    THE ECCLESIAL REALITY OF FRESH EXPRESSIONS “DOING CHURCH DIFFERENTLY” IN THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH by CHRISTINE MARGARET DUTTON A thesis submitted to The University of Birmingham for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Urban Theology Unit, Sheffield Department of Theology and Religion College of Arts and Law The University of Birmingham March 2017 1 University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT In the light of the Mission-Shaped Church report (2004) and the foundation of the joint Anglican/Methodist Fresh Expressions Initiative (2005), churches were encouraged to seek ‘fresh expressions of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church’. The ecclesial reality of four case studies of new forms of worshipping communities across Methodist Churches in the Liverpool District was examined and analysed in relation to the official statements of the Methodist Church and the Fresh Expressions Initiative, questioning the rhetoric of “church for the unchurched”. Operating at the interface of ethnography and ecclesiology, this thesis employed ethnographic and negotiated research methods in order to establish why, in an age of declining church attendance, people are choosing to join groups that are doing church differently.
    [Show full text]
  • See of Dorchester Papers
    From the Bishop of Oxford As a Diocese, we are prayerfully seeking the person whom God is calling to be the next Bishop of Dorchester, one of three Area bishops in the Diocese of Oxford. At the heart of our vision we discern a call to become a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world: contemplative, compassionate and courageous. Most of all we are seeking a new Bishop for Dorchester who will seek to model those qualities and inspire the Church of England across the Dorchester Area to live them out in our daily lives. Our new Bishop will therefore be a person of prayer, immersed in the Scriptures and the Christian tradition, able to be at home with and to love the clergy, parishes and benefices in many different church traditions and many different social contexts. We are seeking a person able to watch over themselves in a demanding role and to model healthy and life-giving patterns of ministry. We want our new bishop to be an inspiring leader of worship, preacher and teacher in a range of different contexts and to be a pastor to the ministers of the Area. The Bishop of Dorchester leads a strong and able Area Team in taking forward the common vision of the Diocese of Oxford in the Dorchester Area. Full details of that process can be found in these pages and on our diocesan website. We are therefore seeking a Bishop who can demonstrate commitment and experience to our diocesan priorities. The Bishop of Dorchester holds a significant place in the civic life of the area: we are therefore seeking a bishop who is able to make a confident contribution to wider society beyond the life of the church in civil, ecumenical and interfaith engagement and who is able to live and articulate the Christian gospel in the public square.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of the 79Th Diocesan Convention
    EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER 2010 JOURNAL OF CONVENTION AND THE CONSTITUTION AND CANONS Journal of the Proceedings of the Seventy-Ninth Annual Convention of the EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER held at The Hyatt Regency Rochester Rochester, New York November 5 & 6, 2010 together with the Elected Bodies, Clergy Canonically Resident, Diocesan Reports, Parochial Statistics Constitution and Canons 2010 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part One -- Organization Pages Diocesan Organization 4 Districts of the Diocese 13 Clergy in Order of Canonical Residence 15 Addresses of Lay Members and Elected Bodies 21 Parishes and Missions 23 Part Two -- Annual Diocesan Convention Clerical and Lay Deputies 26 Bishop’s Address 31 Official Acts of the Bishop 38 Bishop’s Discretionary Fund 42 Licenses 44 Journal of Convention 52 Diocesan Budget 70 Clergy and Lay Salary Scales 78 Part Three -- Reports Report of Commission on Ministry 84 Diocesan Council Minutes 85 Standing Committee Report 90 Report of the Trustees 92 Reports of Other Departments and Committees 93 Diocesan Audit 120 Part Four -- Parochial Statistics Parochial Statistics 137 Constitution and Canons 141 3 PART ONE ORGANIZATION 4 THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER 935 East Avenue Rochester, New York 14607 Telephone: 585-473-2977 Fax: 585-473-3195 or 585-473-5414 OFFICERS Bishop of the Diocese The Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh Chancellor Registrar Philip R. Fileri, Esq. Ms. Nancy Bell Harter, Secrest &Emery, LLP 6 Goldenhill Lane 1600 Bausch & Lomb Place Brockport, NY 14420 Rochester, NY 14607 585-637-0428 585-232-6500 e-mail: [email protected] FAX: 585-232-2152 e-mail: [email protected] Assistant Registrar Ms.
    [Show full text]
  • Events of the Reformation Part 1 – Church Becomes Powerful Institution
    May 20, 2018 Events of the Reformation Protestants and Roman Catholics agree on first 5 centuries. What changed? Why did some in the Church want reform by the 16th century? Outline Why the Reformation? 1. Church becomes powerful institution. 2. Additional teaching and practices were added. 3. People begin questioning the Church. 4. Martin Luther’s protest. Part 1 – Church Becomes Powerful Institution Evidence of Rome’s power grab • In 2nd century we see bishops over regions; people looked to them for guidance. • Around 195AD there was dispute over which day to celebrate Passover (14th Nissan vs. Sunday) • Polycarp said 14th Nissan, but now Victor (Bishop of Rome) liked Sunday. • A council was convened to decide, and they decided on Sunday. • But bishops of Asia continued the Passover on 14th Nissan. • Eusebius wrote what happened next: “Thereupon Victor, who presided over the church at Rome, immediately attempted to cut off from the common unity the parishes of all Asia, with the churches that agreed with them, as heterodox [heretics]; and he wrote letters and declared all the brethren there wholly excommunicate.” (Eus., Hist. eccl. 5.24.9) Everyone started looking to Rome to settle disputes • Rome was always ending up on the winning side in their handling of controversial topics. 1 • So through a combination of the fact that Rome was the most important city in the ancient world and its bishop was always right doctrinally then everyone started looking to Rome. • So Rome took that power and developed it into the Roman Catholic Church by the 600s. Church granted power to rule • Constantine gave the pope power to rule over Italy, Jerusalem, Constantinople and Alexandria.
    [Show full text]
  • Fresh Expression Pilgrimage
    Fresh Expression Pilgrimage From Friday September 4 through to Wednesday September 16, my husband Andy and I made a Fresh Expressions Pilgrimage to England. On our journey we talked to clergy and lay leaders about Fresh Expressions of Church as well as how many traditional Anglican churches are re‐ imaging themselves to bring the Gospel message afresh to those in their parishes and to those who have yet to hear the good news. Following is a brief summary of our travels. This is only a summary so if questions arise please contact us for a more detailed conversation. Note: There are 11 different stories in this document. By Sue Kalbfleisch. Moot: creative and explorative Christian activity in the city The Moot community, lead by Rev’d Ian Mobsby, is located in St. Mary Woolnoth Church, in the heart of London’s financial district. The group meets from 6:30 onward on Sunday evenings beginning with refreshments and then worship begins at 7:00. This area of London is a “ghost town” on Saturdays and Sundays with restaurants and shops being closed, so everyone travels in to Moot. On Sunday evening there were about 25 worshippers at Moot including folk from the area as well as some German youth leaders and a priest from New Zealand. Worship included an adapted Compline service with a time of meditation. Ian joined the participants and Jon Oliver, a pioneer ministry student on a summer placement from Cambridge, led the service. Moot is a safe place for people who have issues in their lives – it is non‐judgmental, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging.
    [Show full text]
  • Diocesan Prayer Diary October 2020
    Diocesan Prayer Diary October 2020 Day 1 Diocesan Bishop Peter Stuart and Nicki Diocesan Coralie Nichols (Diocesan Chief Executive) Ministries Linda Wilson (Corporation Secretary & Registrar) Wider Church The Diocese of Guadalcanal (Bp Nathan Tome & Selena) The Archbishop of Canterbury (Justin Welby) National Church Diocese of Adelaide (Abp Geoff Smith, Bps Denise Ferguson, Tim Harris and Chris McLeod) Parishes, schools The Cathedral and agencies of Katherine Bowyer and David (The Dean) the Diocese Angela Peverell (Sub Dean) David Cole and Sue (Canon Liturgist) Adamstown Chris Bird and Meri All Saints ANeW Arthur Copeman and Anabelle Rebecca Bishop, Kate Rogers and Amy Soutter - Ministry Assistants Wider Community Prime Minister and Cabinet The First Peoples of the Diocese especially the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Geawegal, Kamilaroi, Worimi and Wonnarua peoples Page 1 Day 2 Diocesan Bishop PeterPeter Stuart Stuart and and Nicki Nicki Diocesan Sonia Roulston (Assistant Bishop – Inland Episcopate) Ministries Charlie Murry and Melissa (Assistant Bishop – Coastal Episcopate) Alison Dalmazzone and Jemma Hore (Executive Assistants) Wider Church The Diocese of Guadalcanal (Bp Nathan Tome & Selena) Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay (Bp Peter Comensoli, the Clergy and people) National Church Diocese of Armidale (Bp Rick Lewers) Parishes, schools Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College (NASC) and agencies of Sue Bain (Principal) the Diocese Georgetown Bryce Amner and Sally Cloke Barbara Bagley Hamilton Angela Peverell Hospital Chaplaincies Roger Zohrab
    [Show full text]
  • 2017.07 General Synod- Report
    Report on the General Synod July 2017 Sessions at York. Introduction and welcomes. It is customary to invite several Anglican and Ecumenical guests to General Synod, of whom one is invited to address the Synod on behalf of all. The greeting this time was given by the Rt Revd Dr Matti Repo, Bishop of Tampere in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, who was welcomed and thanked by the Archbishop of York in, presumably, Finnish! Another guest of note was the Bishop of Edinburgh, the Rt Revd Dr John Armes, whose presence was felt by some to be controversial because of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s recent decision to approve same sex marriage. A letter in the Church Times suggested that a small number of synod members might stay away because of this but all were present, and a prolonged round of applause indicated that the majority were pleased to welcome Bishop John. Business Committee. Sue Booys the chair of the BC took time to shape the pattern of this Synod using the London agenda as a blue print. No more food at Fringe meetings! The main business of the day (Friday) was a debate on After the General Election, a still small voice of calm. She then told us about the Agenda for the next few days. It was recognised that there would be several presentations, maybe too many! The cost of synod was also raised and it was asked if it gave value for money. A theme of this synod would be engagement. We were told that Saturday evening would be the time for fringe meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • May 16, 1992 3:30 P.M
    " Today is a very special day in your life. Commencement is one of the most significant ceremonies you will ever attend. It marks the culmination of years of study, research, and hard work. Your family, friends, and teachers come together today to recognize formally your accomplishments, and to congratulate you on successfully achieving your academic goals. This ceremony will not conclude your association with the University of Connecticut. The education you earned here will be the foundation for whatever path you choose to follow. When you leave here today, you will take with you many pleasant memories, along with the knowledge that you are well prepared for the future. Congratulations on your accomplishment! » —Harry J. Hartley President The Universi ty of Connecticut ORDER OF EXERCISES The Graduate School The Jorgensen Auditorium, Storrs Saturday, May 16, 1992 3:30 P.M. PROCESSIONAL: CEREMONIAL BAND, PROFESSOR DAVID L. MILLS SINGING OF The National Anthem: VIRGINIA T. PYLE, Department of Music INVOCATION: THE REVEREND CHERYL L. LAWING Ebenezer Lutheran Church CONFERRAL OF HONORARY DEGREES: HARRY J. HARTLEY, President ANDREW J. CANZONETTI Chairman of the Board of Trustees ALICE H. COOK, Labor Educator Doctor of Laws ELLEN A PETERS, Jurist Doctor of Laws ROBIN E. MORGAN, Editor Doctor of Humane Letters MILDRED S. DRESSELHAUS, Physicist Doctor of Science COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: THE HONORABLE ELLEN A PETERS Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES: CHARLES W. CASE Dean, School of Education THOMAS G. GIOLAS Dean, Graduate School CONFERRAL OF DEGREES: HARRY J. HARTLEY, President BENEDICTION: THE REVEREND CHERYL L. LAWING Ebenezer Lutheran Church RECESSIONAL ORDER OF EXERCISES Undergraduate Schools and Colleges Gampel Pavilion Sunday, May 17, 1992 10:00 A.M.
    [Show full text]
  • The Anglicans in New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands
    wether1 Page 1 Monday, June 26, 2000 11:52 AM PACIFIC STUDIES Vol. 21, No. 4 December 1998 THE ANGLICANS IN NEW GUINEA AND THE TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS David Wetherell Deakin University This study compares the Anglican diocese of Carpentaria in northeastern Aus- tralia with its Anglican neighbor the diocese of New Guinea. While New Guinea called for sacrifice on a heroic scale as befitted a mission among pure “pagans,” Carpentaria was intended primarily as a church for Europeans. However, the withdrawal of thousands of settlers from the Gulf of Carpentaria country from 1910 to 1942 in the wake of recurrent cyclones, economic depression, and drought led to wholesale white depopulation. This depopulation, added to the Anglicans’ acceptance of the London Missionary Society’s sphere in the Torres Strait Islands, left Carpentaria overwhelmingly Islander and Aboriginal in char- acter. Papua New Guinea headed for independence in state and church from the 1960s, but Carpentaria remained largely a missionary diocese, part of whose populations it managed for half a century on threadbare mission stations, with the empty-handed encouragement of the Queensland government. “Those damned churchmen are like the Papists,” remarked M. H. More- ton to a fellow British New Guinea magistrate, “plenty of them willing to be martyrs.”1 The New Guinea Anglican Mission, established by Albert Maclaren and Copland King in 1891, was regarded by its supporters during its “golden age” from the postwar period to 1960 as one of the glories of the Anglican Communion. Its bishop, Philip Strong, was accorded an honored place at Lambeth conferences; its workers, seemingly unbowed by physical deprivation, were acclaimed for upholding the highest ideals of self-sacrifice.
    [Show full text]