newsletter o ISSN 1836-511 WEBSITE: www.anglicantogether.

ORDINATION IN HISTORIC PARISH CHURCH

On Wednesday evening, 8th May 2019, the St John’s Church Cook’s Hill is the oldest surviving Reverend Kimberly Sawyer was ordained church in Newcastle - a lovely building in the fine and then commissioned into her new parish – the 1800’s historic architectural style, but with modern historic St John’s Church Cook’s Hill, Newcastle. features including wall hangings. The parish embraces diversity - combining traditional Kimberly Sawyer previous ministry was in the Parish inheritance with an outward vision into the future. of Hunters Hill in the diocese of . It had been a long and varied ministry in that diocese, as a school chaplain and also within the parish environment. The ordaining Bishop of Newcastle, Peter Stuart, CONSECRATION OF THE 11TH BISHOP said her ordination to the priestly ministry was DIOCESE OF THE RIVERINA, NSW recognition of Kimberly’s past ministry. “Some come new to ministry at ordination, but Kimberly has The Venerable Donald Kirk formerly Rector of effectively been ministering.” He saw her ordination Hamilton, Diocese of Ballarat was consecrated as recognition of her ministry, in parish and school bishop for the Diocese of Riverina on Saturday, chaplaincy. 16th June 2019 in St Alban, the Martyr Cathedral, Griffith.

The vast Diocese of the Riverina covers 37% of ., taking in the Riverina and stretching up to Broken Hill to the north-west. It was established in 1884 when the Diocese of Goulburn was divided. Originally the diocesan centre was located in Hay, then in 1953, Bishop Robinson transferred the administration and Bishop’s residence to Narrandera. In 1984 it was moved to Griffith– a hundred years after its first establishment. The Diocese has seen two of its former Bishops become of Brisbane - Sir (1943) and Sir John Grindrod (1971).

In her reply, Kimberly said she was “delighted to Bishop Donald take on the role. St John’s is a vibrant parish which Kirk spent his early is doing fantastic work in the heart of the city and years in Sydney. I’m really looking forward to working in the parish Following his and making connections in the community.” “It’s ordination, he served clearly an inclusive community with many people in the Diocese of from all walks of life involved in the church, so to be Newcastle, then in the first female parish priest in nearly160 years is an the parish of honour”. Tamworth before

Approximately forty people traveled to Newcastle - becoming Dean of many from Hunter’s Hill parish and Kimberly’s past Christ Church, Grafton. In February he moved to the ministries. One person who made the journey said Diocese of Ballarat, Victoria, where he was Rector of “she has been a benison to so many that it was a joy the parish of Hamilton and Archdeacon of the South when spontaneous applause broke out in the service West. several times”

R E M E M B E R I N G T H E H O L O C A U S T

On Tuesday 14 May 2019, over Branch of the Council of clear the historic failures of the 100 Christians, Jews and others Christians and Jews, on which I Christian church in their response gathered in the Great serve as a representative of to Jews. Synagogue, Elizabeth Street to Sydney Anglican Diocese. It is Dialogue also provides me with commemorate the Shoah, the part of a worldwide movement, the opportunity to explain aspects Jewish Holocaust 1933-1945. and the NSW branch has been in of the Christian faith, and to To open the service, two brief existence close to 40 years. clarify misunderstandings. It is talks were given. Eddie Jaku, a Archbishop certainly not a setting for pushy Holocaust survivor, now 99 years was involved in its establishment, evangelism, but I see it as a way I old, told his story of survival. playing a significant role in can seek to graciously bear Norman Seligman, CEO of the writing its constitution. witness to Jesus and to the Sydney Jewish Museum, near The mission of the branch is Gospel, as appropriate St.Vincent’s Hospital, spoke “to create opportunities to develop opportunities arise, and to do so about the work of the Museum mutual respect and understanding with better understanding. The and recent developments. We between Christians and Jews by Christians on the Council comes were reminded it is worth visiting sharing ideas, commemorations from various churches and the Museum from time to time. and celebrations, building an backgrounds, and the Jews are New exhibits have been added in appreciation of diversity and also a mixed group, including recent years, and there is often harmony in the wider community.” non-practising and agnostic Jews the opportunity to meet and talk As well as the annual Shoah as well as observant Jews. The to Holocaust survivors: service, usually held in the Council takes no specific view on something which will not be the atmospheric and beautiful crypt the vexed question of the case in the near future. of St.Mary’s Cathedral, the realtionship between the state of The hour-long service was Council organise a series of talks Israel and the Palestinian people. powerful and serious, seeking to at 6pm on Tuesdays, at Polding Many members are disturbed by remind us all of the horror of the House in Goulburn Street. This the aggressive stance taken by Holocaust. As part of the year was the first time the service Jewish authorities against service, Psalm 51 was sung by was held in the Great Synagogue, Palestinians. the Mater Chorale, a fine and we are grateful to the The Council has three lectures peripatetic choir under the authories who enabled this scheduled for the second half of direction of Michael Deasey. service to take place in such the year. They take place in The Chorale sang two other fitting and beautiful settings. Polding House, Liverpool Street appropriate works, including in Is there a place for a on Tuesdays at 6.00pm. All are Hebrew a Psalm setting written diocesan representative in an welcome. There is no charge. for use in synagogues. Students organisation focussed on JULY 9: from SCEGGS Darlinghurst, dialogue rather than Knox Grammar and Emanuel Emeritus Chief Rabbi of Western ; evangelism? I believe there is. SEPTEMBER 10: Associate School, Randwick, read powerful We are called to love our poems arising out of the Professor Ian Young, University of neighbours, and surely part of Sydney Department of Hebrew, Holocaust. The Memorial Prayer that love is seeking to relate to Biblical and Jewish Studies. was sung by the Cantor of the them and understand them better. NOVEMBER 12: The Reverend Great Synagogue. Candles were So often the church has taken an Simon Hansford, Moderator, lit to commemorate the millions attitude of superiority to those Uniting Church in NSW and ACT. who died: not only Jews, but also who hold other faiths, and come It is a privilege to serve on the gypsies, homosexuals, and across as arrogant and superior. Council as I have done for nearly people with disabilities. There Of course the Gospel never 20 years. The Australian Council was a reminder of the failure of allows us to think of ourselves as of Christians and Jews has a the church to stand up against the superior to others. My website. persecution of Jews, and the involvement in dialogue means service ended with the united call that I and other Christians have a If you wish to know more about that this must not be allowed to better understanding of how the Council, email me on happen NEVER AGAIN! Jewish people see their faith and [email protected]. life. I can better understand our Paul Weaver This moving service is Senior Associate Priest arranged each year by the NSW connections as well as our St.Alban’s Epping differences. I also can see more 2

‘ORA ET LABORA’

Greetings in Christ,

‘Closed Minds and the Failure of Mission’

The mission of the church in the of it?” Nietzsche, The Gay Of course, the church has been Western world is in confusion Science, Section 125 caught up in this secular shift and and disorder. Reflecting the This is not a triumphal shout shaped by it. It has therefore malaise of Western politics, nor is it a gloating taunt from a either willingly adopted a more factions within the church are swaggering victor. Instead, it is a rationalist and propositional fighting for control of a waning melancholy recognition of a death agenda, or it has reacted to institution, now disregarded by a (indeed, an expression of grief) secularisation by becoming more rising generation that see it as by a character called Madman dogmatic and hard-edged on the corrupt and self-interested. who is searching for God and one hand or more liberal on the finally learns of his demise. In other. Either way, the church has Mission seems to have become these words, Nietzsche been confronted by the secular an activity more focussed on acknowledges the shift of the winds of change and struggled to power, control and status rather modern soul from its search for make any headway against them. than the exercise of transparency, meaning through a sacred world- inclusion and grace. Religious There is, however, some view to a secular one. tribalism, obscurantism and resonance between the words of legalism seem to have grown in Some theologians have seen Madman and the Gospels. The recent years while at the same this as the recognition of a turning centurion at the cross recognised time many people have walked point away from a focus on Jesus as ‘Son of God’ - but as a away from the church in despair. transcendence, providence and dead god (Mark 15:39). These are challenging times. mystery to a faith in the rational, Nevertheless, the story of the material and mundane. Indeed, it resurrection and empowerment of GOD IS DEAD could be argued that the twentieth the church by the Holy Spirit, For many, religion in the West century turmoil of two world tells of new life coming to the has been summed up in one wars, the Holocaust, the Stalinist followers of Jesus – such that phrase: ‘God is dead’. This and Maoist purges and the Great they too became adopted sons and concept comes from the works of Depression confirmed the daughters of God (Romans 8:14). the German philosopher consequences of God’s death and There may well be death, but the Friedrich Nietzsche, who in 1882 the nihilism that followed. In this gospel message is of resurrection. wrote: way, Nietzsche may be “God is dead. God remains understood as a prophet – as one MISSION? dead. And we have killed him. who saw too much. WHAT MISSION? Yet his shadow still looms. WHAT MISSION? How shall we comfort Modern thinking has moved to Some challenge the view that the ourselves, the murderers of all a more rationalist explanation of church has failed in its mission murderers? What was holiest all things. When coupled with over the past sixty years. Instead, and mightiest of all that the deconstructionism (a it has been suggested that there world has yet owned has bled philosophical critique that has been a movement toward to death under our knives: questions assumptions about ‘quality over quantity’. A form who will wipe this blood off certainty, identity and truth), it of ecclesiological Darwinism has us? What water is there for us has challenged the nature of been proposed arguing that we to clean ourselves? What meaning and introduced the idea have now become a people of festivals of atonement, what of relative truth (a truth that is ‘true faith’ (a holy remnant) after sacred games shall we have to culturally dependent and changes those ‘others’, who were tested invent? Is not the greatness of between individuals and and found wanting, left. Both this deed too great for us? circumstances). It has also these arguments seem to be rather Must we ourselves not become opened the possibility of there self-justifying and internally gods simply to appear worthy being no truth at all. referential, which is to say that they are not open to the critique 3

of the wider world or even other but it is only useful at the secular liberal democracy, as it Christians. After all, in these beginning of the path of provides the ‘social glue’ that circumstances, how is one to discovery. The inquiring mind binds the community together. decide what is ‘quality’ and on seeks a better understanding of The law places limitations on what grounds do we determine the world and the possibility of people’s behaviour and gives ‘true faith’ except on our own greater truth. To refuse to take expression to the ideals and terms’? As Christians, we tend to the journey toward truth is to beliefs that are current in a be tribal on these matters rather choose to remain in ignorance and community. In doing so, it has than universal, which ultimately thereby open oneself to the the capacity to rise above many of causes us to fail the gospel. possibility of bigotry. the social divisions based on class, religion and race. Yet, the The church, as the people of The person who wishes to law may also have the capacity to God, has a mission to continue participate actively in the process reflect the Christian concepts of the ministry of Christ to all of understanding must also freedom and grace; which, rather people and lead them into the undertake the work of than being license to do as one kingdom of God, which includes discernment and ultimately may desires, is an acknowledgement acknowledgement of God’s have to take a stand for truth and of the liberty to seek the truth, to presence and authority. In my justice. Such a person may be choose the pursuit of goodness, previous article I described this as perceived as a threat to the lazy and to participate in the welfare being a ‘sacrament to the world’ - god of relativism, and it may of all people through loving a relational activity involving an cause him or her to become a service and self-sacrifice. experience of God. Our mission pariah in the eyes of others. Such Nevertheless, the law is limited is therefore about prioritising was the journey of Jesus – ‘the when it comes to understanding relationships over ideology or way, the truth and the life’. meaning and purpose. law, even though what we believe What is at stake here is that and do still matters. The post-modern challenges of without some enduring concept of deconstructionism and truth it is difficult to justify any TRUTH subjectivism are before us. In sense of morality. The amoral, It would seem that for many not response, what we need to do is the sociopaths and the wicked only is God dead but so are recognise that the determination may well revel in this; however, meaning and truth. Part of the of truth is a work done in society cannot function without malaise of our world arises from a community where ideas are moral truth. Activities such as suspicion of truth and the rise of developed, tested and reworked. murder, theft, incest, paedophilia, anomie and apathy – after all, if It is also helpful to recognise that violence and dishonesty (to name everything is relative then does truth can be understood in a few), can only be properly anything actually matter anymore relational (or subjective) terms condemned because of moral – or whatever? Certainly, life is when applied to the activities of truth. Moreover, we cannot hope complex, and people cannot hope humanity. When Pontius Pilate to correct our mistakes unless we to understand every aspect of the asked, ‘What is truth?’ Jesus did accept that some things are ‘right’ operation of the world around not respond with a philosophical and others ‘wrong’. them, however complexity does argument but rather with himself not negate the need for truth; The next step then is to look at (John 18:38) - a bold act of neither does the existence of the process of determining truth, defiance in the face of injustice. competing perspectives on the which is probably the real issue at My contention here is that nature of the world and the place stake in our own times. What is religious truth is more than just a of humanity within it. If truth is acceptable practice and what is set of ideas but also touches on understood as the best, critically not in the establishment of truth? who we are in relationship with derived explanation that we have For most of the hard sciences it God and others. about a phenomenon, then it has been quite straightforward therefore includes both a stands – it is not relative, but it because of the use of the systematic collection of tested can be warranted while also being scientific method. It is less ideas about God and humanity, as provisional. precise with the humanities well as the experiences that link (including theology) yet still Relative truth might provide us with these ideas that serve to necessary. the opportunity for some prove and give expression to openness in the business of For example, the rule of law is them. Theology is therefore exploration and understanding, vital to the operation of a modern about truth (as held by the 4

community of faith) on the one any sense of objectivity. Belief in many leaps of belief (warranted hand, and integrity to that truth on God as creator may be logical and or otherwise) to go from the the other when lived out through coherent within the framework of question to the answer. a commitment to both. a theistic faith, but such a view is The church has also tended to hard to verify. In the face of this, assume that the wider world a mistake often taken by people BELIEF AND FAITH understands its language, ideas of faith is to argue from a A belief tends to involve the and modus operandi, when in fact perspective of ‘special pleading’, holding of a particular idea or there is a gulf between the faith- which is to claim that a proposition to be true, although it culture and a modern world-view. proposition is true despite its is based on either provisional When challenged, we church inability to be verified, while also evidence or assumptions that can types tend to retreat into, either claiming an exemption from the only be proven later. Hence, I dogmatism, disengagement, or other critical tests of logic and may believe that the bus will being ‘nice’. However, to address coherence. Fundamentalists tend arrive at 5:30 pm to take me the matters that Nietzsche raised to opt for this position citing home, and the belief will be over a century ago will Biblical warrant that is based on proven when the bus indeed necessitate the church bringing an an interpretation of the Bible that arrives to do so. appreciation of transcendence, is at odds with all other critical providence and mystery back into In matters of faith it is faculties. An example is belief in the marketplace of ideas and faith expected that the question of the a literal ‘six day creation’. nature of belief will arise - what – perhaps no easy task, but yet the is it to believe something and why Belief in God might also be unique thing that a religious view should we believe particular argued from the perspective of of the world has to offer. self-evidence or its being a things? In answering this, it is The challenge for the church ‘foundational belief’; which is to usual to seek to justify a belief then, is to open itself to the world say that despite variations across because it is reasonable (based on around it and seek a robust and cultures, belief in God is common logic), coherent (in that it is honest engagement so that both to humanity in different places consistent with other beliefs that may be transformed by the and down through history. connect with it) and verifiable experience. Too often, the people Moreover, it is also not dependent (through its ability to be of God separate themselves from upon other beliefs to be held. demonstrated to work). The the world; such as we see with This can provide a basis for degree to which these criteria are our theological colleges that theistic belief upon which other met give warrant (or otherwise) to remain separate from the more specific beliefs can then be the holding of such a position. challenges of the wider academic built. Contemporary Christian world. When St Paul went to Having established its theology has tended to follow this Athens he met with the people in veracity, a belief can be further course, but with limited success. tested by the community - in the the marketplace and engaged with case of the church, both across OPENNESS AND them in debate seeking to cultures and down through communicate, in part, on their MISSION terms (Acts 17:16-34). The history. There are degrees of I raise the matters of truth, belief warranted belief depending upon message the church seems to have and faith in the context of mission given in recent times is that it has their capacity to be verified. A because these matters often seem belief may become ‘critically little interest in engaging with the to be avoided in the church’s world in this way – an attitude warranted’ if it has been engagement with the examined by the broad that is probably being contemporary world. We are reciprocated. community and found to be happy to share our narrative but reliable, even if it has not been struggle to relate that narrative to Perhaps we should rethink proven through an event or those who do not identify with it. what we do. Instead of experiment. Moreover, we are keen to principally arguing theologically Belief, however, can vary moralise but often fail to establish ‘from above’, using established within the context of faith the basis for our position. To doctrines and systematic because some things may not be characterise the situation: a , we should approach able to be verified beyond the person asks, ‘Why should I more ‘from below’ through the experience of the believer or are believe in God?’ and the things that seem to consume beyond the capacity to test with Christian responds ‘Because the people’s time, energy and Bible says so!’ There are too resources. Ideas, beliefs and 5

truths can be communicated in grappled with these things for manifests itself through more ways than rationalist centuries and regularly reshaped arrogance, exclusivism and argument. In addition to the its approach for different cultures fundamentalism. written and spoken word, and times. The ability of the Finally, the mission of the church communication can be achieved Christian faith to mould itself in should engender hope by making through music, art, drama, this way has been its strength in visible the risen Christ to the people’s recreational activities mission, for it has understood that world, bringing understanding, and their social practices; all of God is for all people, in all healing, liberation, reconciliation which can disclose the things that places, and across all times. The and justice. The church is inhabit the soul of a community. failure of the mission of the therefore not the kingdom of God church has arisen from the In mission we are dealing with in itself, but rather a means of narrowing of this focus away the meaning of life, the nature of revealing its presence. To from all people and creation itself existence, and the call to justice. achieve this, it needs to be more to being for an elect few. Such It is for this reason that belief, open, engaged and vulnerable. exclusivism breeds fear, contempt faith and moral truth are The Reverend Andrew Sempell and hatred of the ‘other’ and important. The church has President, Anglicans Together

A N A U S T R A L A S I A N I N T E R N A T I O N A L F E S T I V A L O F C H U R C H M U S I C A U S T R A L I A ’ S L A R G E S T - E V E R C O N F E R E N C E C E L E B R A T I N G A L L G E N R E S O F C H U R C H M U S I C

Sydney inSpires will feature the largest number FRIDAY JULY 12 - 7PM of internationally famous church musicians ever Bach’s St Matthew Passion assembled for an Australian church music event, SYDNEY TOWN HALL and will culminate with two major headline events: Dr David Hill MBE conducts the National Youth performances of JS Bach’s St Matthew Passion, Choir of , the RSCM Festival Choir, the and Prom Praise, in the iconic Sydney Town Hall. RSCM Children’s Choir and Australia’s greatest soloists The international Conference designed to shape the future of SATURDAY 13 July, 7pm church music. Prom Praise: A music worship extravaganza like no other Participants include church SYDNEY TOWN HALL musicians, choristers, organists A joyful fusion of classical and and children. contemporary performance with worship.

Under the direction of Dr Noël THURSDAY 11 - FRIDAY Tredinnick, (Director of Music of All 12 JULY Souls Langham Place London) Contemporary inSpires: A Featuring: contemporary church music training course • CityAlight MOORE COLLEGE, Sydney - Designed for all • Trevor Hodge church musicians to grow skills and knowledge of • The National Youth Choir of Australia worship in church. • The RSCM Festival Choir, with the Australian

Gospel Orchestra; Thomas Ospital (Organist THURSDAY JULY 11 - 7.30PM of Saint-Eustache Church Paris) on the Town A Festival of Lessons and Carols conducted by Hall Organ. John Rutter Other well known musicians will include Barry Rose, ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL, Sydney former Master Choir Director, St Paul’s Cathedral, A special service of Lessons and Carols, conducted London; Anne Marsden Thomas, former member of the by internationally acclaimed composer and Tallis Scholars, now Director of Music, Trinity College, conductor, and co-editor of ‘Carols for Choir’ with Melbourne Sir David Willcocks. See website – sydneyinspires.com

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G L O B A L A N G L I C A N F U T U R E C O N F E R E N C E - GAFCON, Reflections and Comments

The GAFCON Movement’s Dioceses have formed as way because of its departure from stated aim is to “to retain and coalitions of break-away parishes the clear teachings of the restore the Bible to the heart of wishing to align with GAFCON, scriptures. Comments on this the ”… and such as the Anglican Church in included: “A virus spreading further: “Our mission is to guard North America (ACNA). The throughout the Communion”; the unchanging, transforming newest such grouping is 12 “The real issue is the authority Gospel of Jesus Christ and to parishes from across the Anglican of Scripture – who chooses what proclaim Him to the world. We Church of Aotearoa, New is in and what is out? Is Jesus are founded on the Bible …..and Zealand and Polynesia. At the Christ the Son or a son; is He led by a Primates Council, which time of writing, it is understood the Way or a way?”. But we represents the majority of the that Archbishop were never far from the theme of world’s Anglicans”. 1 will be involved at the sexual practice and Resolution consecration of their elected 1.10. “Sexual permissiveness is BACKGROUND: GAFCON’s Bishop, Rev’d. Jay Behan, Vicar like a tsunami wave and those formation in 2008 was triggered of St Stephen’s Anglican Church, who disagree feel excluded from by the consecration of an openly Christchurch. society”. gay Bishop, Gene Robinson, in the Episcopal Diocese of New GAFCON PUBLIC MEETING GAFCON claims that it now Hampshire, USA, in IN SYDNEY AT MOORE represents 50 of the 70 million contravention of Resolution 1.10 COLLEGE -. 4 MAY 2019 “active” Anglicans world-wide. I on Human Sexuality, made at This gathering followed a four- do not know how that statistic is Lambeth, 1998. In summary, this day Conference of the GAFCON derived. At Sydney Synod 2019, Resolution upholds that marriage Primates’ Council in Sydney. I heard it said that GAFCON is a life-long union between man The Communique from that intended to be the New and woman and abstinence is the Conference is at Reformation. This would lead, correct path for those not so https://www.gafcon.org/news/a- unless Lambeth returns married. GAFCON denies that it communique-from-the-gafcon-primates- faithfully to Resolution 1.10, to council is a “single issue” movement, GAFCON breaking off and presenting its concerns in the The public meeting was chaired forming a new Reformed broader context of adherence to by Archbishop Davies and Anglican Communion. I either all Biblical truths. GAFCON approx.150 people were present; misheard or there has been a was born at a Conference in 90% of whom were male. There change. The stated intention in 2008, just before were three speakers; Archbishop now is to reform the Anglican the of that Foley Beach (Primate, Anglican Communion from within. After year. Some Bishops in the Church in North America all, they seem to believe they Movement refused to attend 2008 (ACNA)), recently elected Chair have the numbers. Lambeth, seeking repentance first of the GAFCON Primates’ As in 2008, GAFCON is saying by those in breach of Resolution Council; Archbishop Ben Kwashi many (if not all) GAFCON 1.10. Sydney Diocese has been (Primate, Nigeria), now General affiliated Bishops, will “boycott” closely involved from the outset; Secretary of GAFCON; and (my word) Lambeth 2020. There indeed, Sydney’s former Rev’d Cameron Jones, an is still ongoing correspondence Archbishop, , played Australian priest (ex-Sydney) with the Archbishop of a significant formative role. who is currently working in the Canterbury, but prospects look , and is a leader Some existing Dioceses around dim. The Archbishop of in the GAFCON Movement there. the world (such as Sydney) have Canterbury has advised that he These speakers gave stirring wholesale signed up to GAFCON will reopen dialogue at personal testimonies and updated (noting that Sydney Synod’s Lambeth on that very us on the Anglican Church, opinion on the matter has been contentious 1998 Resolution especially GAFCON support, in assumed, never sought); other 1.10, and he is encouraging their home dioceses. new “GAFCON” specific GAFCON aligned members to The dominant theme was that the come and join in that attempt to 1 From GAFCON’s website at Anglican Communion has lost its find a way forward together. https://www.gafcon.org/about 7

This is unacceptable to GAFCON term, loving conflict population, what is their – a decision was made; nothing resolution. How will authority on other scriptural has changed except for sinful GAFCON achieve matters? departure from the scriptures. reformation from within the • Why are so many ‘allegedly’ There is nothing to dialogue Communion when it refuses being drawn into the about – as was said at this Sydney dialogue? GAFCON fold? A significant meeting, “our voice is louder by • Refusing to dialogue is alien to proportion are from not attending”. A Conference of the way the Anglican developing countries, many GAFCON Bishops is being Communion has traditionally having strong cultural planned for a couple of months worked, which should be antipathy to homosexuality before Lambeth. It is said to be marked by the spirit of including draconian laws - not an alternative to Lambeth, but ongoing loving engagement floggings, imprisonment, it is hard to see it otherwise. with each other where there even death. GACON are disputes. For example, it provides strong theological WOMEN AND GAFCON. took 100 or so years to reach support to the belief in God’s In question time at this public an agreement on how to wrath. Add this to the horrors meeting, I asked Archbishop understand the Bible in of cultural attitudes to the Foley Beach (knowing there are relation to slavery. Why ‘submission’ of women in female in his Diocese) reject that model now? many developing countries, how GAFCON could be so clear The 12 parishes breaking off many of whom are reaching about what are correct • from the Anglican Church of out to Moore College for on- interpretations of scripture when, Aotearoa, New Zealand and line and correspondence within GAFCON itself, there is Polynesia have done so theological training, and I no agreement on a matter that despite the fact that no parish fear. affects 50% of the world’s is required to implement population – ie women and the A FINAL OBSERVATION. blessings of same sex Headship ‘theology’ (called This whole GAFCON marriages. Yet Sydney ‘Complementarianism’), which strategy speaks of power; Diocese is throwing strong Sydney teaches. He answered the use of ‘power politics’ to support into this group – a that this is a complex area of win the day. Writing as a very divisive action, causing scriptural interpretation and woman in Sydney offence to our friends across GAFCON is still working on it, Diocese…sigh. Why does it the Tasman by meddling in writing piles of documents, but feel so familiar? their affairs. Why? To what meanwhile there is an agreed Lyn Bannerman, end? moratorium on appointing Christ Church St Laurence Further, the expected female bishops. During a tea • involvement of Sydney’s break, he kindly asked me if he Festschrift for Barry Spurr: Archbishop in the had answered my question THE FREE MIND: Essays and consecration of the ‘Bishop’ satisfactorily. I replied that he Poems in Honour of Barry Spurr - in this breakaway group of had failed to respond to the irony reviewed in Quadrant - includes an parishes would be a breach of that one issue is so black and essay on the Psalms by John Bunyan, canonical law. Some irony white (homosexuality) and yet the “The Pen of a Ready Writer: The here given GAFCON was Psalms of Myles Coverdale” – role and place of women is too formed because of breaches “sheer erudition” according to difficult and complex for by others of a Lambeth * GAFCON affiliates to discern Quadrant’s review. Books Resolution? available direct from Reverend John what the scriptures are saying. • More irony in that it has not Bunyan - PO Box N109 REFLECTIONS taken long for GAFCON Campbelltown North, NSW 2560. • This determination by itself to discover that their $16 ea -post free. GAFCON to not engage in assuredness, in believing they dialogue will never lead to are united around a clear ANGLICANS TOGETHER unity in the Communion, understanding of the straight NEWSLETTER something Bishops, at their published by meaning of all the scriptures, ANGLICANS TOGETHER INC consecration, promise to work is without foundation? If Opinions are those of contributors. towards and to maintain. they cannot agree (and they Editor: Moya Holle Dogged “I am right and admit to debating this since PO Box 429 Glebe NSW 2037 you’re wrong” is sadly the 2008!) on what the scriptures stuff of playgrounds, not long say about 50% of the world’s 8

F U R T H E R T O L Y N B A N N E R M A N ’ S A R T I C L E O N G A F C O N

One of the important issues lying behind the creation charisms, especially speaking/singing in of GAFCON is the matter of what brings salvation tongues. and how this is manifested in the life of the church. There are three perspectives: GAFCON is giving expression to the conservative- evangelical perspective, even though the details remain 1. Confessional: based on statements of faith vague. What is important to this approach is: concerned with the need to believe and do the • a correct understanding of the Bible that is more ‘right things’. It is a matter of having correct conservative (and literal) than a liberal theology and correct practice. This perspective perspective, breaks into two distinctions: • correct behaviour (through a moralistic and a. Catholic: which says that ‘salvation is only conservative social policy), and to be found through the church and • exclusion of those who don’t conform to their submission to its magisterium (through the view (lest one be influenced by heretics and apostolic succession) its tradition (as God’s apostates). ongoing revelation to humanity), and the sacraments as signs of God’s ongoing Unlike the Presbyterian and Baptist churches, the presence (incarnation), and Anglican Church has usually eschewed being a b. Evangelical: which says that ‘salvation is confessional church. Instead it has tended to be only found through submission to Christ as localised, inclusive and diverse; defining itself as a articulated in the Bible (when correctly ‘communion’ or ‘koinonia’ based on a ‘covenant’ rather understood). The application of a specific than as an exclusive group of God’s elect that one can hermeneutic is therefore vital to ensure join by way of submission to a set of beliefs and control over the purity of doctrine. practices.

2. Relational: which argues that salvation comes GAFCON is trying to turn the Anglican Communion through a relationship with God through Christ into a confessional church by abandoning the that extends to the relationships with each other. relational aspects of the communion for a strict order In this respect, the church and the Bible are of membership based on believing and doing the means to right relationships not ends in ‘right things’. themselves. This too breaks into two The Reverend Andrew Sempell distinctions: Rector, St James Church, Sydney a. Liberal: which says that Christ died for all people and all are welcomed into his ======kingdom (universal). This is an act of God’s grace; it is therefore not up to us to make A P R A Y E R F O R U N I T Y distinctions about who is in and who is out - ‘Do not judge, so that you may not be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, judged. For with the judgement you make our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: you will be judged’ (Matthew 7:1) give us grace seriously to lay to heart b. Conservative: which says that Christ died for those whom God has chosen and who the great danger w are in by our divisions, manifest this through the spiritual quality of Take away all prejudice and pride, their lives (exclusive). The church therefore and whatever else may hinder true harmony, needs to discern who are the godly and who are for there is only one Lord, one faith, one not to ensure purity of the communion – ‘Not baptism everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who one God and Father of us all. does the will of my Father in heaven” Grant that we may glorify your name together (Matthew 7: 21) that the world may believe in you. Amen.

3. Charismatic: which argues that salvation comes A Prayer Book for Australia, through baptism by the Holy Spirit. This is made Occasional Prayers page 213

manifest by the exercise of the spiritual

9

TWO NEW BOOKS: AUSTRALIAN POEMS AND HYMNS BY A SYDNEY PRIEST Reviewed - Professor Barry Spurr, FACE, Literary Editor, QUADRANT

In these two volumes, God in the A serious house on serious earth it is, at Canberra Grammar School in In whose blent air all our Golden Evening (consisting of 1960. compulsions meet, In the collection of hymns, we sixty poems – and more) and Sing Are recognized, and robed as necessarily find a different kind of High Down Under (sixty hymns), destinies. poetry, as the hymn has John Bunyan reveals both an And that much never can be obsolete, requirements and restrictions that astonishing verbal artistry, in a Since someone will forever be verse, generally, does not have to variety of poetic forms, and an surprising observe. The hymn is a didactic equally remarkable breadth of A hunger in himself to be more form and needs to be suitable for reading, biblical and theological serious, And gravitating with it to this congregational singing, and for a scholarship, historical sense and - ground, liturgical context (a festival day, a most importantly - a lively and Which, he once heard, was proper to saint's day and so forth), so needs to profound Christian faith. grow wise in, eschew the subtleties and This had been nurtured from If only that so many dead lie round. ambiguities that poetry often Philip Larkin childhood in Sydney and exercised purposefully indulges, and should be as and priest in the Church Seriousness about what is worth suitable, metrically, for setting to of England in Australia, in various being serious about is devalued music of a relatively straightforward places, for sixty years - hence the today, and so too is that quality kind. Once again, John Bunyan prominence of that number in the which keeps surfacing in John reveals his mastery, and a verbal and subtitles of both volumes. What is Bunyan's poems – the appreciation lyrical accomplishment that comes represented here, in poetic form, is of silence, akin to that stillness from long immersion in the essentially what John Bunyan most which, the Psalmist taught, was wondrous values in Christian life and human requisite to knowing God. In Anglican tradition of hymnody, life at large: that is, a generosity of several asides that are not of a as his second Appendix ('Some spirit and an openness to experience celebratory kind, Bunyan rightly Favourite Hymn-Writers and that is the very contradiction of all criticises the noisy and busy services Hymns') indicates. As a one-time that is narrow in the ecclesiastical which, reflecting the noisy and busy church musician myself, I was domain and life-denying in human world, fail deeply to engage the amused to see the suggestion of the nature. His poetry and thought is a spirit and soul, as sharply as he tune of 'The Wild Colonial Boy' as captivating expression of the liberal rejects fundamentalism of any kind. the setting for the hymn on and Broad Church tradition, but And he bemoans the fact that so 'few 'Australia's Blessings', but with the without any of the hectoring 'party' clergy seem to share what books notation 'gently'. One thinks that spirit that such labelling might excite'. Were they to do so, and if perhaps only John Bunyan could get suggest. they would read these poems, they away with that! The hymns are would find abundant evidence of In the poems, I found myself essentially of one mind with the precisely what wide and perceptive recalling centuries of writers of poems, however, in that they speak reading can nurture in a priest's English devotional verse and poetry of the same spiritual and theological imagination and how it enriches his questioning and probing that temper: 'The Church I believe in /is spiritual life and knowledge of what devotion - from George Herbert to catholic and broad'. the poet tellingly describes as 'the Wordsworth to John Henry Newman Gospel character of God', defined by to Stevie Smith, and many more Both these collections of verse 'patient loves, amazing and divine'. between and besides, in that are treasuries of thought and particularly gentle but also incisive I found something of value in emotion and the rich spirituality English awareness of the each poem - the appreciation of the of the priest-pilgrim's progress solemnities that lie beneath the beauty of nature, of the Australian through this world, and will be of ordinariness of our daily lives and landscape, of a Prayer Book value to all who share in the faith which should, as Philip Larkin now, lamentably, all of Christ and seek to know Him, reflected, in 'Church Going', find but gone with the wind, but, His Gospel and His Church more their expression in the liturgical personally, most of all his poetry fully and deeply. calendar and the rites and about Canberra, which recalled my Cont. See page 8 ceremonies of the Church: first, boyhood encounter with Fr Bunyan, as a newly-ordained priest 10

CHRISTIANITY AND HOMOSEXUALITY TODAY* Pamela Shaw (Grad. Dip. Theol; St Mark’s College, Canberra) powerful’. ‘The Sodomites are haughty Christian leaders believed that In recent years a lot has been said and because their land is rich and well homosexuality was the reason for the and written about homosexuals, provided for, they resolved - why towns’ destruction. Even Ambrose, though homosexual, as a word, did should we suffer wayfarers, who come Bishop of Milan and a mentor of not exist until the 1890s. Indeed, to us only to deplete our wealth, ….let Augustine saw the reason as lack of society has moved on from this single us abolish the practice of travelling in hospitality or maltreatment of the poor. focus to a much wider understanding of our land’ (Carden, 94). sexual complexities experienced by In the centuries following many in the community: as recognised There are four Gospels in the Bible. Augustine’s writing Sodom developed a in the now well-accepted phrase These were written by men who either life of its own. Sodomy as a clearly “LGBTIQ”. At the end of 2017 as a knew the man, Jesus, or knew of him homophobic word can be attributed to result of the postal vote on equality of and his actions through another man. It Peter Damian and his book, The Book of marriage, the right to marry was given is through the Gospels that we initially Gomorrah which was directed to Pope to same sex couples. This was get to know the man, Jesus. Leo (1048-1054), and was particularly important because it showed that same on male-male sexuality. sex relationships are now a normal part of society, recognised in law. There are three references in the Gospels to Sodom and Gomorrah - If Christianity is to grow we must be none of them refer to sexual activity able to invite people to our Churches. Since then Christianity has been but all refer to lack of hospitality. But we have to be able to show Christ’s badly damaged by the community Two of them refer to cities which did love for all. We have to be able to reaction to Israel Folau who believed not welcome the disciples (Luke 10: 10- accept all LGBTI people into full he was justifiably warning various 12; Matt.10: 14-15) and the third is to a participation in our Churches. We need sinners (including homosexuals) of city which rejected both Jesus and John, to go back to what Jesus understood to God’s wrath but who was seen as being the Baptist (Matt. 11). be the reason for the destruction of engaged in ‘hate speech’. Hatred has no Sodom and Gomorrah. That is we must place in Christianity: Christianity is a return to saying that lack of hospitality, religion based on love , ‘Love one Sodom and Gomorrah were also not homosexuality was the cause. another’. mentioned in the Old Testament in six different books, in four (Isaiah 1, Jeremiah 23, Deuteronomy 29 and This is what Father Rod Bower Christians are now being seen as Amos 4), they are told to seek justice, (Rector of Gosford Anglican Church) homophobic. An article in 2013 in correct oppression and to cease meant on the sign outside his church, Eternity mentioned that young worshipping false Gods; in the last two which said: heterosexuals were not accepting Zephaniah 2; Ezekiel 16) they are Dutton is invitations from young Christians to accused of pride, but in none of these a Sodomite. their activities because of the Churches chapters is the homosexual act He was referring to Minister Peter attitude to the LGBTIQ community. mentioned. Dutton’s lack of hospitality to Asylum That situation has become worse. Seekers. He was NOT saying that The Bible, both the Old and New Dutton was gay. This has not always been the case. Testament, does condemn man-on- There is no evidence that Jesus was man sex. It was said to be unnatural. There is a need for a rethink of homophobic. This is true if you are heterosexual what is taught by Christian leaders. but if you were born homosexual it is Christ’s message is sometimes being There is a story in the Bible about quite normal. lost. Christianity is a religion based Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis, 18-19) on love not hatred or fear. which had been known as a place of Having realised that the Gospels, ‘wicked great sinners against the Lord’ and therefore Jesus, did not condemn Reference: Carden, Michael 2014, and which was destroyed because of homosexuals I was surprised to find in Sodomy: A History of a Christian Biblical their wickedness. But why was Sodom the dictionary, that ‘sodomy’ was ‘An Myth, Routledge, London and Taylor Group, destroyed? This is a story shared by unnatural form of sexual intercourse, Oxon & New York (Orig Publ 2004 by both Jews and Christians but the Equinox Ltd, an Imprint of Acumen) especially that of one male with interpretation of that story in Genesis by another’ (Shorter Oxford English the two groups is not the same. Until at Dictionary, 1950.) * This is an updated, compressed version of least the 11th century Jews stayed with It was Augustine (354-430) who a Paper published under my name in Sodom and Gomorrah being ‘portrayed decided that homosexuality, not lack of Eremos, December 2017. as exploitation of the poor and abuse of hospitality was the reason for the strangers combined with the corruption destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah of justice to favour the rich and (Carden, p146). Until then none of the 11

THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ANGLICAN CENTRE, ROME THE BISHOP OF MAURITIUS -

“Over the past 50 years, the THE LAMBETH relationship between my predecessors and successive CONFERENCE Popes, and the connections The Fifteenth Lambeth between people involved in Conference has been called by official ecumenical dialogues, has the Archbishop of Canterbury deepened that relationship. It is to take place in July and August bearing much fruit — as the joint 2020. The Archbishop’s Anglican, Catholic, and invitation has been issued to the Presbyterian retreat at the Anglican Diocesan Bishops and Vatican last month for the their spouses, who will arrive at political leaders in South Sudan the University of Kent, The Most Reverend Ian Ernest, demonstrates”. Canterbury on Wednesday, 22 July 2020. Bishop of Mauritius, has been Archbishop Ernest attended appointed the new Director of Roman Catholic primary and This will be the fifteenth the Anglican Centre Rome. He secondary schools, also courses at said that he was “deeply Lambeth Conference, the first a Roman Catholic seminary having been called in 1867, when honoured and humbled” by his during his ordination training. appointment. seventy six bishops were present. His father was the first Anglican The first women bishops attended Archbishop Ernest, who served priest to preach in a Roman the Conference in 1998. as Primate of the Anglican Catholic church in Mauritius. Church of the Indian Ocean for The last Conference held in 2008 Bishop Ernest said: “When I 11 years until 2017, will act as became the Bishop of Mauritius, was presided over by the then the Archbishop of Canterbury’s it became quite natural to Archbishop of Canterbury, Representative to the Vatican. continue this journey, and I Rowan Williams. 670 bishops He takes over from the interim worked quite closely with the were present, although 880 director, the Very Reverend Dr Roman Catholic Bishop in invitations were issued.

John Shepherd, a former Dean Mauritius.” of St George’s Cathedral, It was this Conference which Perth, Western Australia. saw a visible split in the Anglican Communion when The Director of the Centre bishops in the Provinces of liaises between the Pope and the Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and Archbishop of Canterbury, and Rwanda and the Archbishop of works with the Anglican Sydney and the Bishop of Communion and Vatican Rochester, UK declined to attend. bodies on joint projects. The division within the Archbishop Ernest is already a THE ANGLICAN CENTRE, Communion arises from two member of the Archbishop’s ROME diametrical opposed theological Task Group, set up after the was founded in 1966 with the approaches to homosexuality. encouragement of Michael Ramsey, 2016 Primates’ Meeting to Archbishop of Canterbury, and Pope The Fourteenth Conference “restore relationships, rebuild Paul VI on the wave of ecumenical mutual trust, heal the legacy of enthusiasm following the Second passed resolution (1.10) calling hurt, and explore deep Vatican Council and the birth of the for a "listening process" but differences” in the Anglican Anglican–Roman Catholic stating (in an amendment passed Communion. International Commission by a vote of 389–190) that (ARCIC). "homosexual practice" (not

Archbishop Welby said: “His The Centre welcomes visitors, necessarily orientation) is appointment comes at an exciting scholars and researchers. It has "incompatible with Scripture". time in the growing and limited accommodation. Anglicans visiting Rome are always warmly important relationship between That is where the debate still is. welcomed. (Statistics from Wikipedia) the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church…. 12