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‘ORA ET LABORA’ Greetings in Christ

A General Synod Task Force has recently released its report on the ‘Viability and Structures of the Anglican Church in Australia’. It is a large and comprehensive document that reviews diocesan viability and how the Church might be better structured for the future.

It is a reminder of the challenging faith to date has been its ability to God has revealed to us serves to times we face, with a Nineteenth adapt to new circumstances. In this restrain error and keep us on the Century model of Church operating respect it has demonstrated its path to salvation. For this reason in the Twenty-first century. capacity to transcend ethnicity, the Church tends to be slow to culture and class to bring the Gospel change. Of course, it is not the first such of Christ into a diverse world. Writing at the beginning of the review, but it is hoped that the Yet, it is now struggling to achieve twentieth century, the philosopher Church might take the report this in those places permeated by the George Santayana claimed: ‘those seriously and find the capacity to latter effects of the enlightenment who cannot remember the past are institute some changes. and its child, post-modernity. How condemned to repeat it’ (Life of Its reception at the Sydney might we respond? Reason, Vol 1). This is a reminder of Diocesan Synod (as the last item God provides for our needs in the importance of knowing who we on the agenda on the last day) was a variety of ways, including are and where we have come from. somewhat underwhelming. through the Scriptures as well as The Scriptures, the traditions of the Nevertheless, no amount of denial is by ways of the reflections and Church, its histories and narratives, going to see the problems go away. thoughts that the people of God and its theology contribute to Part of the response did have had down through the corporate and individual acknowledge that there are more centuries. This is often called the understanding. While, on the one problems than just viability and ‘tradition of the Church’. From the hand, we need to be disciplined structures, and that there are some early Church to today, Godly people spiritually, physically and other underlying issues for the have thought about their faith and emotionally, yet we also need to be Church apart from its shared it with the wider community. disciplined mentally if we are to administration. We will wait to see In turn, the community of faith has develop a greater understanding of what happens. adopted these ideas as part of its the Christian faith and its corporate memory through creeds, application to the world. THE PURSUIT OF doctrines and theologies. KNOWLEDGE, TRUTH AND Now, knowledge is a fine thing SALVATION Admittedly, errors have been in itself, but it has no transforming made and the Church has sometimes power if it is not used. A practical One of the challenges for the taken paths that led it away from its understanding of our faith helps to Mission of the Twenty-first century spiritual calling to pursue more understand why we do what we do Church is its approach to worldly concerns. This is a constant and keeps us focussed on our knowledge, truth and salvation. risk in any human institution; mission. The business of ‘making The world constantly changes and however, keeping focused on what the world a better place’ is therefore one of the strengths of the Christian 1 not only about bringing freedom, assumptions about certainty, identity understood as the best, critically justice and equity into people’s and truth), it has challenged the derived explanation that we have lives, but is also about sharing the nature of meaning and introduced about a phenomenon, then it stands good news of our faith with others the idea of relative truth (arguing – it is not relative (and not the result so that they too may come to know that truth is culturally dependent and of a popularity poll), but it may be the hope, joy and salvation of the therefore changes between societies provisional. Gospel. This is the work of and individuals), and has also The inquiring mind seeks a better evangelism. suggested the possibility of there understanding of the world and the being no truth at all. possibility of greater truth. To Jesus often talks about ‘the refuse to take the journey toward kingdom of God’. This phrase Unsurprisingly, the church has truth is to choose to remain in refers to the rule of God in our lives; been caught up in this secular shift. ignorance which leads to bigotry in other words, it is about God being Indeed, it has been shaped by it; and intellectual laziness. Yet, the the source and guide of what we willingly becoming more rationalist truth seeker also needs to undertake think and do. God’s rule over our on the one hand, or by reacting to the work of discernment and may lives binds us together as a secularisation on the other hand by ultimately have to take a stand for community of faith and reveals to us becoming either more dogmatic or truth. Such a person may be God’s call and purpose. Moreover, more mystical. Whatever the effect, perceived as a threat to the lazy god Jesus taught that we are not called to the church has been confronted by of relativism, and it may cause him lord it over one another but rather to this secular wind of change and or her to become a social pariah in serve others, which is part of the struggled to make any headway the eyes of others. Such was the ministry of hospitality. The against it. kingdom of God is therefore not journey of Jesus – ‘the way, the like the kingdoms of this world Intellectually, the Church’s truth and the life’. but rather is a disciplined life Mission for the past century has Without some enduring concept worked out through service to been played out predominately in of truth it is difficult to justify the God and others. a defensive phase against concept of morality. The amoral, secularism. Indeed, it has not the sociopaths and the wicked may The Church is called to be a always shown intellectual integrity well celebrate this; however society reflection of the kingdom of God. in this work, especially through its cannot function without moral truth. Through participation in the life of reactions to the development of Activities such as murder, theft, the community of faith we are scientific knowledge. To be fair, incest, paedophilia, violence and encouraged and empowered by there have been a number of dishonesty (to name a few), can only God’s Spirit to enter into the scholarly explanations written be properly condemned because of business of doing God’s work and about the Christian faith, yet truth rather than some mutual social being transformed into the likeness despite these, the number of contract that applies only to those of Christ. Of course, we know it is practicing Christians in the who choose to participate in it. not easy and things don’t always go ‘enlightened’ first-world has Moreover, we cannot hope to according to plan, but by working continued to decline. together and being willing to admit correct the mistakes of society our mistakes, learn from them and It would seem that for many unless we accept that some things know forgiveness, we can grow and people in the western, post-modern are ‘right’ and others ‘wrong’. context not only is God dead but so change. The Church has therefore The real issue at stake is also are the concepts of meaning been called to be a sign of God’s probably the process of determining and truth. Part of the malaise of our presence to the world; indeed to truth. What is acceptable practice world arises from the suspicion of be a sign of God’s grace. For and what is not in the establishment truth and the rise of anomie and ‘where goes grace, there goes the of truth? For the ‘hard’ sciences it apathy – after all, if everything is kingdom’ – indeed, without the seems to be quite straightforward relative then does anything actually grace of God we tend to merely because of the use of the scientific matter anymore – or whatever? peddle our own interests. It method. It is less precise with the therefore begins with us, for when Certainly, life is complex and humanities (and theology) yet still we change then the world changes people cannot hope to understand necessary. We tend, then, to also. every aspect of the operation of entertain probabilities rather than

the world around them. Yet, certainties – a situation that HONEST TO GOD? complexity does not negate the need frightens the wits of religious Modern thinking has moved more for truth nor does the existence of fundamentalists! and more to a rationalist explanation competing perspectives on the of all things. However when An example is the law, which is nature of the world and the place of coupled with ‘deconstructionism’ (a vital for the operation of a modern humanity within it. If truth is philosophical critique that questions secular liberal democracy. Laws 2 provide the ‘social glue’ that binds The determination of truth is a the experiences that link us with the broad community together by work done in community where those ideas. placing limitations on people’s ideas are developed, tested and behaviour and giving expression to reworked. It is also recognised that Theology is therefore about the ideals and beliefs that are current truth can be understood in relational truth (as held by the community in a community. In so doing, law terms when applied to the activities of faith) on the one hand, and has a capacity to rise a little above of humanity. When Pontius Pilate integrity to that truth on the other many of the social divisions based asked, ‘What is truth?’ Jesus did not when lived out through a on class, politics, religion and race. respond with a philosophical commitment to both. Moreover, It may also reinforce the Christian argument but rather with himself, in theology is a dynamic thing in an concept of freedom; which, rather all innocence (John 18:38) - a bold ever-changing world and so than being license to do as one act of defiance in the face of remains always a work in desires, is an acknowledgement of injustice. progress. It needs to be open to the liberty to seek the truth, to criticism but also have the choose the pursuit of goodness, and Religious truth is therefore more capacity to engage with other to participate in the welfare of all than just a set of ideas and disciplines in the marketplace if people through loving service and philosophies but also touches on ideas. self-sacrifice. Nevertheless, the law who we are in relationship with God The Reverend Andrew Sempell President, Anglicans Together is limited when it comes to and each other. Theology includes understanding meaning and purpose. both a systematic collection of ideas about God and humanity as well as

PRAY THIS ADVENT ON YOUR I-PHONE

Members of Anglican Advent email to arrive in spiritual practice,” said Brother Communion Churches people’s inboxes at 5am Geoffrey Tristram, SSJE, worldwide are being invited to wherever in the world the Superior. “During Advent, we celebrate ADVENT through recipient is. anticipate the coming of Christ, an prayer, meditation and by event that awakens our deepest “5am is about the time we get up contributing to a global Advent desires and longings. This to pray,” said SSJE’s Brother Jim calendar on Instagram. Advent, we are inviting you to join Woodrum. us in looking clearly and honestly ADVENT — November 30 to “Of course you can look at your at our lives and taking action.” December 24 — is the season when Christians observe a time of email after 5am, but we want to Director for Communications at make sure it’s there when you expectant waiting and preparation the Anglican Communion Office, wake up.” for the celebration of the birth of Jan Butter, said, Jesus at Christmas. Though people are used to the “It’s all too easy for Christians to idea of involved in prayer be consumers in today’s world— and meditation, they might be especially during the Advent surprised to know that monks season. Here we have a chance have camera phones too. to not only receive during “We are hoping that people will Advent, but also take part in a join us in praying with their phone global action; to give back to this Advent,” said Br Jim. “After other Anglicans and reading the meditation, we’d love Episcopalians worldwide by for people to snap a picture that sharing our photos with each reflects the theme or their other. response to it and post it to “This is also a chance for people Instagram.” The Anglican Communion Office who might never have connected and the Society of Saint John the #Adventword with an Anglican religious Evangelist (SSJE) are teaming up community before to benefit from Participants are invited to take a to offer Anglicans and the deep thought, meditation and photo with their phone or tablet to prayer that emanates from such Episcopalians around the world a share their interpretation of the daily word, meditation and a communities all around the word for that day – these include world.” beautiful image sent to their #Abide, #Thrive, #Become, email inboxes. #Imagine – and post the picture Visit PLAYING AROUND WITH TIME to Instagram adding the day’s tag http://communities.anglicancom plus #Adventword. munion.org/ for a list of other Cleverly the Brothers use Anglican Communion religious technology that allows their daily “People need help with their daily communities. 3 Another Tragedy for the Melanesian Brotherhood A Novice Melanesian Brotherhood The Archbishop of Canterbury, SOUTH SUDAN ANGLICAN Jackson Lodo was killed in an Justin Welby, when visiting the CHURCH PROMOTES NEW unprovoked street attack in , Province of Melanesia in August PEACE PARADIGM on the evening of this year, dedicated the newly The ‘Peace Mobilisers’ is an 30 October, while walking back to completed Memorial to the seven independent peace and Tabalia, where the Community is Melanesian Brothers who were reconciliation body in South based. His companion, a third year killed in 2003 while working for Sudan meant to “build bridges Novice, was also violently assaulted reconciliation. across political and social but managed to escape. divides and promote healing and “Inspiring community following reconciling among all South The funeral for Jackson was held on Christ” Sudanese. 1st November. The Head The Melanesian Brotherhood was Brother Matthias Tovotasi, and the founded in 1925 by , a Primate of the Anglican Church in Solomon Islander from Aotearoa, New Zealand & . He received an Polynesia, Archbishop Philip experience of Christ, which was to Richardson have asked people to change his life. He believed that pray for the victims, the religious Christ spoke to him and told him community and the victims' that he was not doing the work that families. Christ wanted him to do. He The Anglican Church in South The Melanesian Brotherhood is a realized, with the encouragement of Sudan has joined other unique Anglican Religious the , John Manwaring stakeholders in the region to Community – the largest in the Steward, that God was calling him address the country’s continued world, whose over 400 members to start a community of native conflicts by using a team of take vows of poverty, chastity and Solomon Island men who would community ‘Peace Mobilisers’. obedience for three to seven take the Gospel of Christ to all who They are a group of about eighty years, and then return to their had not received it. well-trained community and faith- villages. It is based primarily in based practitioners from across South Sudan, brought together the Solomon Islands, but has for a training a training program . expanded into other parts of the world, particularly in the Pacific Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of and the Philippines. the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan, said “Peace in From 1999 to 2003, during the our country is paramount, but devastating civil conflict throughout building the unity of our people the Solomon Islands, which left will be challenging and will need commitment and courage. hundreds dead and thousands homeless, the Brothers played a “But we are a big group, a key role in promoting peace. battalion of peace and we can Seven Brothers were murdered make peace in this county if we make a step together and we while seeking to bring listen together. reconciliation between two warring groups. The Bishop of Wau Diocese of South Sudan, believes that this approach is effective and could be the solution to bringing lasting peace in the region. He said: “We believe that this is a very effective approach in bringing peace to South Sudan because the mobilizers will be based in the communities and so Pictures: left: Archbishop Justin Welby they will be listening to their praying at the Memorial to the murdered communities’ narratives, which is Brothers. part of the healing process.” Above: Stained glass window, chapel at Photo Credit: South Sudan Committee for Tabalia: Ini Kopyria (centre) Non Christian National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation heathen (left); female companion (right)

4 THETHE TYRANNYTYRANNY OFOF THETHE MAJORITYMAJORITY ANDAND THETHE ELEPHANTELEPHANT

At the 2014 Anglicans Together should be found for them in its dinner, Archbishop Glenn Davies elected offices. chose as the theme of his address “Transparency, Diversity and The reality is that, almost Kenneth Herbert Short certainly, not a single person in the Grace – a vision for the Diocese”. (1927-2014) room at the dinner (ironically with The room was full of the single exception of Michael Bishop Ken Short, died last month Anglicans from many Sydney Horsburgh himself) had been after a lifetime of significant parishes who listened with elected, could be elected, or ever contributions to the Church, both in anticipation to the Archbishop’s would be elected to the 45 Boards, the Diocese of Sydney, and in the Address, which was based on Councils and Committees found on wider missionary sphere. Paul’s great description of the pages 40–58 of the Diocese’s 2012 Church as the body of Christ in 1 Year Book. He was born in Kenya to Corinthians 12 in which the missionary parents Joyce and Cecil The ‘elephant in the room’ was various members are Short. that there is, indeed, a tyranny – a interdependent on each other. When they returned to Sydney, Ken disenfranchising in the Diocese of those who do not meet the Anglican was educated at Trinity Grammar After the address the first School, Summer Hill and then question was from Associate Church League’s assessment of a suitable person for election. Barker College, Hornsby. Professor Michael Horsburgh who used the term “the tyranny of the In any organisation, where Ken Short trained at Moore majority” in questioning, in the people are disenfranchised there are College and then served as a light of the Archbishop’s theme, the negative effects. A ghetto mentality missionary in Tangayika (now control exercised by the majority arises, people are suspicious, Tanzania) training African students ‘faction’ in the Diocese. paranoia arises, and differences are for the ministry. After ten years he emphasised rather than what there is returned to Sydney, becoming In response, the Archbishop in common. General Secretary for the Church used the technique, beloved of Missionary Society in NSW. For a debaters and scholars, of deflecting The Archbishop’s call for unity time he was Rector of St Michael's the question by expressing in diversity, in love and under Vaucluse. bewilderment at the term “tyranny grace, was indeed one that needs to of the majority”, and then be heard, and for that reason was In 1988, Short was appointed an proceeding to discuss whether well received by those at the dinner. Officer of the Order of Australia, majorities in Synod votes should be But the call will be mere words General Division, and in 1989 he 51% or, at times, something more. unless it is accompanied by action. was made a Chaplain of the Order of St John. That action could include a The problem was that this The invitation came in 1975 to recognition that there should, ignored the elephant in the room be Bishop - first in Wollongong and indeed must, be a place on the – the issue was not about then in Parramatta. Here he used boards, councils and committees majorities in Synod votes, it was his gifts for teaching, organising, of the Diocese for some lay and really about the Anglican Church leading and supporting other ordained persons whose theology League’s ticket which ensures pastors. that there is no diversity in the differs from, what is known as, Diocese’s elected offices, no Sydney . The In 1979 Bishop Short became acknowledgement of the gifts of likelihood of this is – forgive me if Chaplain-General of the army - first those who do not share in all I say it, very unlikely. bishop to the armed forces, adding a huge responsibility to an already respects the ACL’s theological A Sydney Anglican position. demanding job..

Ken Short’s final ministry was as If the Archbishop’s views, as AT NEWSLETTER is Dean of St Andrew's Cathedral, expressed in his Address, are to be published by Sydney in 1989. Here he and his translated into action, then either ANGLICANS TOGETHER INC wife Gloria ministered lovingly to a there should not be a ticket or, if Opinions expressed are those of the large and varied congregation. there is one, it should recognise, contributors. Editor: Moya Holle, following 1 Corinthians 12, that there PO Box 429 Glebe NSW 2037 A Thanksgiving Service was held are diverse gifts of those in the for Bishop Short at Kiama Anglican Diocese – and hence some place Church.

5 DIOCESED I O C E S E OFO F SYDNEYS Y D N E Y SYS Y NODN O D - 20142 0 1 4 leaders, such as Canon Andrew Sempell, St James King St., failed in The first session of the 50th Sydney White in the city of Baghdad. his bids for Standing Committee Synod met over five days in mid- Prayers and financial support, for and General Synod. We are October. (Link to Synod example through the Archbishop of encouraged by the successes to Proceedings Book for 2014, is Sydney’s Anglican Aid, are sought. work harder on seeking support for below). During Synod a number of the Rev’d Sempell, and others who It was the first time in my resolutions were made concerning bring more diversity in thinking. experience that the Synod this and other social issues. Some Communion Service was held in of these were: support of a SOME HAPPENINGS AT the Cathedral, not in the parliamentary report on problem SYNOD….. conference hall. Communicants gambling, and encouraging As usual, Synod was boring, could chose the Common Cup, or Anglican organisations to divest of interesting, fun, depressing and to remain in their seats for investments in companies with frustrating. At times we smiled individual service. It felt identifiable and significant when we should have cried. inclusive, and was a recognisably subsidiaries connected with Being the beginning of a new Anglican service, assisted by the gambling; a plea for removal of triennium, there were many new choir from the School. It was a children from detention; a greater Synod reps. An increase in fine start to the Synod, which was refugee intakes of Christian and youthfulness is good, except…. It courteous and friendly; other minorities from Iraq and seemed to some that the influence excellently chaired by the Syria; regretting government cuts of the Diocese’s theological Archbishop, Glenn Davies. teachings is producing even greater to overseas aid and seeking instead numbers of ‘exclusive-thinking’ THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS further increases; pleading young people. ‘We in Sydney hold began with an acknowledgement of increases to social housing stock, all truth, and there is no room for, the original owners of the land, the and affordable housing and or goodness in, or even, heaven Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, commending the progress by help us, possible truths in while also acknowledging that the Anglicare Sydney with its diversity?’ For example an land belongs to God, as Creator, Reconciliation Action Plan. element of a motion, encouraging and that in His goodness He has individual and parish support of the given it to human custodians to be ELECTIONS Ecumenical Council (E.C.), was used for His glory. Being the first year of the Triennium, it was the time for struck out as it was pointed out to The President announced the Synod to elect people for the Synod that some of the E.C. appointment of the Reverend many positions on Diocesan member churches are not well Peter Robert Lin as Bishop of the Boards and Committees. For known to us; nor would we Georges River Region some years now, we have regularly necessarily approve of such things commencing in 2015. Peter has reported that only Anglican Church as a liturgy referred to on their spent all of his stipendiary ministry League’s (ACL) nominees get website called “taize”. This in the parish of Fairfield, with elected. The ACL strategy is aimed ignorance (indeed fear?) of the Bossley Park, first as Catechist, at ensuring only those, who think in broader church by theologically then Lay Stipendiary Worker, accordance with the very particular trained folk is scarily insular, and Assistant Minister and from 2001 as Sydney view of the world, sit on all the younger members coming Incumbent. The appointment has Diocesan boards and committees. through are bred into this mould. been made possible because of a This year, we advise that two ACL ALUMNI ON SCHOOL BOARDS generous guarantee of funding for 3 nominees were not elected. We It is no wonder then, that the years from some businessmen. congratulate the Rev’d Justin majority of Synod see non- Deep appreciation was expressed to Moffatt, who will be one of the Christians as dangerous and having Bishop Tasker and Archdeacon Cox representatives for the South nothing worthwhile to contribute as who have been caring, on a Sydney Region on Standing alumni members on School Boards, voluntary basis, for the Georges Committee, and the Rev’d Matthew nor as people to be trusted to abide River Region over some years. Yeo, who is now on the Department of Evangelism and New Churches by a promise to respect the SOCIAL ISSUES Board. This is a welcome change to Christian ethos of their school. Yes During his address, the President the ACL’s stranglehold – a tiny step – a motion to change the long made prayerful acknowledgement maybe towards greater diversity of standing School Board membership of the plight of Christians in Iraq Sydney Anglicans in positions of arrangements won – so, in future, and Syria, and the courage of their influence. The Rev’d Andrew alumni (holding mostly less than 6

30% of Board seats) must sign a paper from General Synod relating renovations, on the specifically defined statement of to the state of the Australian understanding they will move faith - not just promise to support Anglican Church, entitled Report of out if sold. It remains on the the Christian ethos (this will be the Viability and Structures Task market until October 2017, at phased in by June 2020). Force. (See separate article) which time, if unsold, the issue Arguments for the main motion In his address, the President returns to Synod; included: the hope of conversion of provided some statistics to bring • In 2012, 2013 and 2014 the many school children, but the home the urgency of a fresh Dioceses of Armidale, North presence of non-Christian alumni Mission. These included: ‘from West Australia, Tasmania and (while supportive of the Christian 2001 to 2011 the percentage of the Northern Territory received ethos) is in conflict with that goal; Anglicans decreased from 21% to project grants (maximum unity is needed on Boards, not the 17%’. The President acknowledged $50,000) from the Synod fund potential of conflict, noting Jesus’ the serious impact on the Church’s “Work Outside the Diocese”. saying that ‘if you are not with me, reputation of the revelations of child The Archbishop advised that you are against me’; what matters sexual abuse by clergy. “While we other Dioceses are welcome to most is the Gospel - high quality of cannot undo the past, we can apply for such a grant; education is important and both can declare our abhorrence that be achieved. servants of Christ have acted in • The Archbishop advised, in Arguments against included: the such un-Christlike ways and we can relation to a question about valuable contribution to date by show compassion to the victims of women preaching,thatall alumni, for example business abuse.” Despite the President, in women clergy who hold a acumen and financial management his Address, commending the licence from the Archbishop are skills, noting that not all wisdom Drafting Committee and the final licensed to preach, but the resides in Christians; the ultimate text of Mission 2020, the debate on question of who actually purpose of schools is to educate the text was interminably long, and preaches is for Rectors to decide. (not be a church) – again a matter depressingly narrow in thinking, as It was noted that the pastoral on which alumni can make a the words and phrases were responsibilities of women valuable contribution; alumni’s agonised over for meanings. ‘Very deacons is limited, however, by small representation goes nowhere Sydney’, I suppose. The final the complementarian theology of near giving them control of the statement is at page 137 of the the Diocese. school; no evidence of problems Synod Book. It is now for caused by existing alumni has been parishes to consider how to • A Resolution was passed without provided, despite requests. implement it in their local setting. debate - that Synod requests A Strategic Research Group has Standing Committee to Those who attended the Anglicans been set up to advise, inter alia, establish a ‘working party’ to Together Annual Dinner in on strategies and possible consider the wisdom of clergy September heard the Archbishop resources. keeping their ‘marriage state his opposition to changing the licence’ if same sex marriage current arrangements. One of the RANDOM MATTERS THAT becomes a reality; speakers against the motion at EMERGED - in ‘Answers to • • Synod also spoke of the Questions’ or in ‘Resolutions’: A Resolution - passed Archbishop’s opposition, which he • A revised Policy concerning without debate - called, in has expressed in letters to school large property receipts was summary, for a report be made boards who raised concerns with deferred until next Synod, to Synod on whether activities him. Clearly his election is not providing time for parishes to derived from Eastern religious guaranteeing the Archbishop a provide comment. This is a practices and beliefs, including smooth ride on any reforms he significant policy affecting any yoga, tai chi, some martial might wish to make. The parish with income from rent, arts, and dragon boating, are Archbishop can refuse, if he wishes, or who may be contemplating inconsistent with the gospel, and to sign into effect an Ordinance, but selling some property one day, if so, should not be offered by he does not have this power in the and such parishes are our churches or Diocesan case of a policy, which the alumni encouraged to actively organisations, or allowed to be matter is. contribute to the consultation; held on their premises. It was noted that some Christians MISSIONM I S S I O N 20202 0 2 0 • ‘Bishopscourt’ has not yet been believe such activities are The President addressed two issues sold and meanwhile the contrary to the gospel, and lead relating to the decline in the Archbishop and his wife will be those involved to inadvertently Church: the Revised Mission for moving in, after minor worship idols and false gods, our Diocese, MISSION 2020, and a and access evil spiritual forces; 7

against children (grooming to • A resolution, passed without • Two Ordinances amended this name just one), and streamlined debate was that: Synod year related to tightening up processes for dealing with requests that the Standing further protection of children: complaints against unpaid Committee establish a a) clergy who have not church workers (as well of committee of lay and clergy completed the NSW course existing processes in representatives to bring Government’s Working With respect of clergy). recommendations to the 2015 Children Check can now be de- Lyn Bannerman, Synod Representative, licensed by the Archbishop, or Christ Church St Laurence session of Synod on ways of providing pastoral care to refused a license and http://www.sds.asn.au/assets/Documents/sy people attracted to others of b) there are significant additions nod/Synod2014 the same sex; to what constitutes offences

QUESTION TIME - SYDNEY SYNOD

In a past life as a High School ‘Except in the context of the that only half that verse now Principal, I remember a approval of Ordinances from matters. Women can preach, perceived wisdom that one time to time, which permit as long as they are not in should not ask policy questions women to preach, Synod has charge. No women ! of the “The Department”, unless never adopted a policy Well that’s two thousand one was pretty sure the answer concerning preaching or years of progress for you. was the one you wanted. teaching by women. Elaine Peterson. Nevertheless, Sydney MOW Women who are ordained St Luke’s, Concord Burwood Committee had been receive a license from the encouraged to try to “engage Archbishop. Licenses issued by again with Synod”. So I me to women include the DAIRY NOTE for 2015 volunteered this month, to take following: “...with reference to the opportunity and ask a the pastoral responsibilities question! PUBLIC LECTURE pertaining to a Deacon, including A public lecture is to be My question was:- preaching sermons, subject to sponsored by Sydney MOW on Is there a diocesan policy the principles of church order Saturday 21 February 2015 which- contained within the Holy The speaker will be the Reverend Scriptures but not including the a) discourages the preaching Dr Keith Mascord, former Lecturer exercise of authority which the at Moore Theological College, or teaching by qualified apostle forbids in 1 Timothy women to adult congregations currently working as a Parole 2:12, assisting the presbyter...” Officer, Dept, Corrective which include men”? and (My underlining.) Services b) if so, on which Biblical All women clergy who hold a His topic will be: texts is this policy based? license from the Archbishop are “Breaking the Stained Glass It seemed like an opportunity licensed to preach. Lay women Ceiling: A Risky but Rewarding to put this matter on more public involved in preaching and Renovation”. record. We hear constantly of teaching in Anglican Keith will suggest some ways parishes where women are not congregations receive a license through the exegetical and allowed to preach to mixed in accordance with the hermeneutical impasse currently congregations. However our Deaconesses, Readers and preventing movement on the new Archbishop has given Other Lay Persons Ordinance Women's Ministry issue in the Anglicans Together the clear 1981. However the polity of our Diocese of Sydney. understanding that the matter of Diocese is to authorise rectors to The venue and time is to be female preaching is entirely a decide who preaches in their announced. decision of the Rector. church.’” Mid-December look for information on The following day of the Well, there we are…. a Flyer which will be sent to your Parish church, posted on the MOW Synod, the President replied: It’s OK if the Rector wants it. website, Facebook Page or phone Lu “I am informed that the Dear old 1Timothy 2:12 9953-6828; Elaine 9747-3276. answer is as follows: appears again, but my reading of the text of this answer, is 8

                     

    two years ago of the the Begbroke Recently in the UK, travelling with Priory. This had been the home our eight year old grandson, we had of the Community of St John booked into a Bed and Breakfast at Baptist. The last five Anglican Denton, chosen from the internet Sisters of the Community have because of photos of a charming now moved into accommodation thatched cottage in a lovely garden within the College. with a stream ‘close to Oxford’ . One of the Sisters kindly took us We found Denton to be just ‘half a King Edward Chapel Exterior through the Chapel. From the mile’ from Cuddeston village outside, it appears rather enclosed where we dined the first night at the but walking into the interior, excellent local pub, ‘The Bat‘n flooded with light, one is overcome Ball’. with its peaceful spiritual feeling. After dinner there was still My words cannot adequately sufficient daylight to drive past describe the beauty of the interior. Ripon College, Cuddeston and I recommend you go to the notice the new chapel. Making website: www.rcc.ac.uk/about- enquiries of our hostess as to us/edward-king-chapel or Google whether we could visit early the ‘Bishop Edward King Chapel, Oxford’, next morning. She said in other and appreciate the beauty through circumstances it could be arranged photographs and detailed through her very good friend, the description. wife of the College Principal, View of main chapel facing the altar Canon Professor Martyn Percy. “This chapel with its use of light, However, he was retiring and they space, glass, wood and stone were moving out in the morning. captures our hope for the church Down to breakfast and who and the world, and for the shaping should walk through the door but of religious and spiritual life.”  the good friend, Dr Emma Percy,          who very willingly facilitated our visit to the chapel. Canon Professor Martyn Percy Ripon College Cuddeston has just been appointed Dean of (RCC), for those who are not Christ Church, Oxford, which familiar with this College, it is was our next visit. Here we saw a today the largest provider of college ‘chapel’ of another Anglican Ordination in the United dimension with over 500 years of View of timber lattice structure and lime Kingdom. Ripon College history. I asked our 8 year old plastered ceiling Cuddeston is a merger in 1975 of which he preferred. His response, two famous Colleges – Cuddesdon ‘Granny, it’s hard to choose. They College founded in 1854 by are both amazing’. Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and Ripon Hall founded in 1897 Dr Emma Percy is Chaplain of Today many students do live in, Trinity College, Oxford, and has some with their families, but many recently published ‘What Clergy more students and others attend part Do: Especially when it looks like time courses and seminars. nothing (SPCK 2014). I shall read it with great interest! The Edward King Chapel was Our B&B was Willow Cottage, dedicated in February 2013 by Denton. Highly recommended, but the Bishop of Oxford. The a car is essential. building of this prize winning chapel was enabled by the sale View facing the lectern   WhereW h e r e willw i l l WeW e beb e ini n TenT e n YearsY e a r s Time?T i m e ?

Report of the Viability and Structures Task Force of the General Synod

This large Report prepared for and sustainable church for the The Reverend Dr James Collins General Synod is well worth future. The Report pulls no punches, stood as one of the last speakers and reading, as it grapples with the with an abundance of statistical data he drew attention, very lovingly, to huge questions of the viability of that is chilling reading for those who the plight of parishes he had had dioceses and unity in the think the Anglican Church of experienced in rural Tasmania Australian Anglican Church. Australia is in good shape.” where the few remaining Anglican souls are the light and salt of their See the full report at: The Archbishop noted that, as http://www.anglican.org.au/general- dwindling, struggling communities. Synods/2014/Documents/ the Metropolitan of NSW, he be He pleaded that the arrogance that discussing this Report with the comes from strength should not The questions being asked are: Province of NSW, noting as well his affect Sydney’s response to the “How can we maintain 23 largely ongoing discussions with the Bishop challenges of our fellow Anglicans independent but vastly different of Bathurst concerning the major elsewhere. sized Dioceses (huge variations in financial crisis there. geographic spread; and in The President thankfully ended population densities, declining in However, it was not until the last the discussion with that regional and rural areas, and ever night of Synod before any brief intervention – it left Synod on our expanding in coastal metropolitan debate took place. Some speakers, last night on a loving note but no areas)?” not surprisingly, had a Sydney- clear direction to ensuring our “What to do about the resulting vast centric view of the Church, and a future. differences between the individual sense of protectiveness of Sydney’s dioceses regarding financial and power and resources emerged. This General Synod Report other resources?” Other speakers acknowledged the had requested responses by the “What is our response to the importance of dioceses as the central end of October. Sydney has community’s amazement as it learnt, coordinating units. The ongoing proposed responses by 31 as a result of the Royal Commission Sydney argument was again that December 2014. All parishes are into Institutional Child Sexual the Anglican Church here and welcome and encouraged to make Abuse, that the Anglican Church in worldwide, - is essentially two submissions which are to be sent Australia does not speak with one denominations, two mind sets, to Robert Wicks, St Andrews voice, or govern with one set of defined by theological difference, House, Sydney. rules, unlike the the doctrine of “penal Lyn Bannerman and Susan Hooke in the United Kingdom?” substitution” being the key plank of difference. It was described Disturbingly, the Report graphically as two tectonic plates indicates we have currently, five rubbing together. The golden wheel

Dioceses in deep trouble  '#% 2!#%""&0)"(& So long as we focus rigidly on financially and another three in a  '"&&#%3 very fragile state. Declining differences rather than the many  &' #&&&0%!"3 attendances in most Dioceses. No qualities that bind us together, little %'"##"&&# '("%!#% ready answers. Growth is clearly progress will be made. The  difficult. Sydney’s Mission over the Resolution eventually passed by the %"&"'%"%&% 2"& "' 2" past ten years to increase by 10% Synod agreed that work was needed '%&5  $"%"&%("%#! failed badly with overall numbers but the focus should be best pursued 0#%"'# #0%4 )&3 continuing to fall. on a Provincial basis.  %$")#"'#) )' At the Diocese of Sydney Synod Sydney must engage Australia !1!"'#"&%&&#"3"0) in October 2013, this Report was wide. Share successes. Analyse &''#0  failures honestly, even if it is painful  not given the priority it deserved. %"')"&#$"3" work accepting that the fault is 0'"' The President, Archbishop Glenn likely to be with us. Stop coming %#'%'#%)%2&%!"' Davies, said, in his Address to out with the old excuses that ‘we are #%'5 Synod: “The Anglican Church of doing everything right, we have the 6%# &%#)!%978@ Australia is at a crossroad. For over message but people are not  30 years it has been slowly listening’. declining and the time has come for a revolution if it is to be a strong 10 REMEMBRANCE DAY – 2014

At Christ Church St Laurance, The Parish of St Mark’s South Sydney on Remembrance Sunday, Hurstville, as is its annual custom, 9 November 2014, a Solemn held a Service to commemorate Remembrance Day on Sunday 9 Evensong and Te Deum was held In his sermon, Fr John November. The Rector, the reminded us that Reverend Peter Greenwood Remembrance Day is a presided at the Service, which “…day that was commenced, following a reading from Revelation 7:16-17, with a intended, by those who Procession from the rear of the had survived the Great church, singing ‘Onward Christian War, to be of solemn Soldiers’. national mourning, The Address was given by Dr Douglas where a community Golding, Lay Preacher. Parishioners grieved, and re- were joined by more than twenty local dedicated themselves to Returned Services’ men and women. Amongst the guests was the Dean of  the ways of peace.” Sydney, the Very Reverend Philip in the presence of His Excellency Jensen and his family. General The Honourable David St Mark’s Parish has had a long and Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor close association with the local South of New South Wales, and Mrs Hurstville RSL Sub-Branch Club. Hurley. The first reading was read Traditionally the Rector is the Honorary Chaplain for Returned Services’ by His Excellency, the Governor and personnel, presiding at Anzac Services the second by Rev’d Jonathan Cox and the traditional Anzac Dawn Service, RAN, Chaplain HMAS Watson. at which the local Roman Catholic and Uniting Church clergy participate. The Occasional Prayers were led by the Rev’d Greg Clarke, Chaplain 6th The adjoining Parish Hall building, opened in 1960, is a War Aviation Regiment and the Memorial - 1939-45. The St Mark’s Commitment to Peace, at the end of War Memorial cabinet is located in the the service, was led by the Rev’d narthex of the church where the Book of Mark Wills, RAAF, Director of Remembrance is held. Chaplaincy – Air Command. Through the campaigning of a

parishioner, Wilfred Ewens the cabinet The Officiant was the Rector, the Fr John also said that “…peace and has been restored and refurbished and Rev’d Dr Daniel Dries. The now all known Service men and women love, and the pathways to them, are from the local area are remembered sermon was preached by Fr John what set people free”; and that there. Another parishioner Rex Merten, Sanderson, the Senior Assistant when “ …peace and love liberates a Master Jeweller and Craftsman, fashioned in finely wrought nickel silver , CCSL, and Chaplain, Special us we shine as a light to those and bronze, a very striking Operations Command. around us and so our presence then representation of the traditional Lion liberates others.” - symbol of our Patron, St Mark, - overlaying a plain cross. In addition, The service was Rex commissioned three bronze followed by a supper insignia representing the divisions of the in the Hall where Australian Armed Forces. there was Sadly, RSL numbers participating have opportunity to meet lessened over the years – natural with the guests. attrition. However, St Mark’s Parish Family always extends a warm Photographs – courtesy welcome, renewing friendships made David Adkins over many years. Information provided by Parishioner Wesley Fairhall,    ANGLICAN LEADERS SPEAK OUT IN BRISBANE DURING G20

Leading figures from the Anglican address these issues of economic Communion as part of the Oceans Communion spoke out on a range security and justice will lead to of Justice campaign, a worldwide of economic and development more international conflict and campaign led by the Anglican issues before and during the reduce the possibility of human Alliance calling on the G20 to weekend G20 meeting in flourishing”. [His full statement is discuss climate change. Brisbane, Australia. below] Anglican Board of Mission arranged The G20 is a forum for the Mr Greg Henderson, Anglican governments and central bank Board of Misions, organised governors from 20 major economies opportunities for people in Brisbane that are said to account for around to meet Archbishop Winston and 85% of the gross world product, Tagolyn Kabekabe. 80% of world trade and two-thirds He says that it is important for of the world population Australians to recognise that On the sidelines of the meeting were climate change is a justice issue, people from countries not all "because its impact is being felt represented in the G20, reminding most seriously by communities who world leaders that global growth have the least power to address the should not come at the expense of causes of anthropogenic the world's poorest people. warming". The Anglican Alliance Regional The Anglican Archbishop of facilitator for the Pacific was in Polynesia says some G20 leaders Brisbane during the event. Tagolyn refuse to admit the damaging effects Kabekabe works with communities of climate change on Pacific Island states.

The Most Reverend Doctor the Archbishop's visit to St Winston Augustine's Anglican Church in the Halapua inner northeast suburb of Hamilton, made the Brisbane, and a number of other following events throughout the week leading remarks up to the G20 meeting. during a The climate change issue, sermon in although not originally on the Brisbane. main agenda for the meeting, was addressed in the final G20 leaders' communique released on Sunday in the Solomon Islands who are "Humanity's greed and merciless afternoon. experiencing the erosion of their abuse of the planet Earth, our only homelands, poisoning of their food common home, is causing immense Anglican Overseas Aid and ABM gardens by salt water and increasing damage," Archbishop Halapua said: worked together to bring the exposure to extreme weather events. "Climate change is impacting on the Archbishop’s message to a wider Tagolyn represented the Anglican sea level rising, and causing audience. However the Communion, in particular those in unpredictable storms, Archbishop’s comments received the Pacific directly affected by uncontrollable floods." only low-level media coverage. Information about the weekend’s climate change, at the C20 meeting "For some of us from the Pacific activities can be found on Anglican – a civil society forum that met in Island states, the truth is as plain as Overseas Aid and ABM social June to feed into the G20 writing on a wall, our land and media accounts. discussions. livelihood are drowning while The Primate of the Anglican Church others refuse to see." "$$ ###$ $ of Australia, Dr Philip Freier, $)'(0$(($(1$!%% Archbishop Halapua was in %%%% issued a statement in which he Brisbane to represent the 85 ! warns global leaders that “failure to million-strong global Anglican 12