A MOUNTAIN The Australian OUT OF MOW LL’SHI LL CHURCH Deborah Russell

n many ways the gospel of spread of the gospel. throughout the 1960s. The Billy Graham I Christ is at the crossroads Mowll placed key people in teaching Crusade was the place where Phillip and “ in our society. Will our and training positions early in his tenure as , and , all nation turn to Christ or continue to turn . Foremost among them was possible candidates for archbishop in this its back on him? Clearly it is important T.C. Hammond as principal of Moore election, were converted. RECORD that we elect a for the Diocese College. Mowll also saved the Church By the time was and the Province who will be the right Missionary Society from an untimely elected archbishop in 1993, the Anglican leader at this critical time”. death: refusing to support breakaway ele - church was again struggling to deal with The Bishop of North , cur - ments in England, he instead gave extra the ever-present conflict between the lib - April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 rently the administrator of the diocese resources and leaders to the CMS in eral and conservative evangelical elements until the new archbishop takes over the Sydney. The Mowlls were also active in in the church. The problem of falling or reins, made these comments as part of an aged care; Mowll Village in Castle Hill’s static church membership and a host of “There was a greater belief from the open letter to Synod members who will Anglican retirement complex bears his other social and spiritual questions con - meet in early June (see part of the letter name in honour of their contribution. And fronted Sydney Anglicans. Problems were 1960s that laypeople were not the passive on page two). they were supportive of international mis - acknowledged, it seems, but there was dis - observers in a Church which was The outgoing archbishop, Harry sions, particularly those to south-east Asia agreement about the best solution. Goodhew, is clear about the problems fac - and China, which they visited in 1956. Goodhew was elected in 1993 as an -run and clergy-led, but were rather ing the Anglican Church. “The larger issue “unashamedly compromise candidate”, the lifespring of every Christian community, for the church is its ability to address says Muriel Porter in The Age . “More rad - ’s prevailing materialistic culture,” Sydney is poised ical contenders failed to win the synod with great gifts and responsibility he said in a recent Canberra Times article. to elect “the right vote,” she said. “Observers...feared Sydney “Unless we present the claims of Christ was hell-bent on a path of outright con - in every area of ministry.” with clarity and graciousness, it’s likely to leader at this frontation with wider ”. While S. Judd & K. Cable, Sydney Anglicans: a history of the diocese, p. 277. be subsumed as another club with a par - the Anglican church “breathed a sigh of ticular point of view”. critical time ”. relief when Goodhew was elected”, Porter Bishop Forsyth, one of the potential predicts that the watershed may have candidates for archbishop, noted in a Perhaps most importantly of all, arrived with this year’s synod, an echo of Inside this issue of ACR you will recent paper the unprecedented level of Mowll was the man who invited Billy the 1933 showdown between modernism economic and social change taking place Graham to Australia on behalf of the and orthodoxy.  find articles, tables, opinion pieces, and static levels of church membership in churches. The American’s visit spurred a Deborah Russell’s mother was the last biblical reflections and interviews some parts of the Anglican church. spiritual revival and inspired gospel activity person confirmed by Archbishop Mowll. “Australian society today is increasingly gathered around the decision facing pluralistic, with growing material prosper - ity but not satisfaction,” he said. “The the Sydney synod in early June: Anglican church continues to struggle the election of a new archbishop. with finding its identity...its place has been slipping for as long as we have been here”. We hope this material helps Some commentators have looked back to past archbishop’s elections to find synod representatives to decide inspiration and direction. The 1933 elec - on their preferred candidate, tion of Archbishop in par - ticular is seen as offering valuable lessons and provides information for for the present situation. Mowll was elected at a time when Anglican church members who are debate over liberal was raging. praying for this matter. Conflict between liberal and conservative wings of the church was rife, and mod - ernism rose up to do damage to both sides. Mowll came to represent and embody Just some of the highlights the conservative face of Anglicanism in Australia, particularly Sydney; he and his John Chapman reminds us of the gospel message wife, Dorothy, were active in mission work, social welfare reforms and the Andrew Dircks from the Church Missionary Society highlights the importance of gospel mission for our church

Laurie Scandrett explains changes in the election procedure About this issue finds an Anglican world looking to Sydney’s lead hen we relaunched Australian when the word of Christ rings out around ing opportunity to bring honour to the Church Record in October, the city, where our churches thrive and name of Jesus. The laity, in particular, have Joanna Warren provides helpful lists W 1998, we spoke of the need we experience real and lasting unity. We an immensely important decision ahead of to “preserve” and “strengthen” the biblical don’t get too utopian (our doctrine of sin them. For the laity are the powerhouse of of questions to ask about candidates of the Anglican Diocese is too well established to make that mis - gospel work in Sydney. It is a time for gath - of Sydney. This issue brings us to a crucial take), but we do imagine that things can ering our courage and doing the best we Peter Bolt objects to the idea that moment in that mission. As we approach get better. The urge arises to strengthen can with what God has given us. we can never reverse the flow the election of a new archbishop, we the things that remain. If this means a bit of re-thinking, tend to look in two directions: backwards But we often neglect to look into one moving out of our own comfort zones, ACR’s tribute to the late Bruce Smith and forwards. other time zone: the present. spending some time in prayer and the When we look back, we see a diocese Unless we can take hold of the pre - Scriptures, seeking to understand God’s Barry Newman is interrogated on what that has experienced generous blessings sent, the future may as well not exist. The own will and priorities, then so be it. The makes (and unmakes) an archbishop from God—times of spiritual growth, con - past neither. We have to make the differ - present beckons; the opportunities are version, fellowship, expansion and mis - ence now. golden. We pray that this issue of ACR Joshua Ng ponders what true unity sion. But we also see the threats to our We believe that, at the beginning of a assists your reflections and has you asking is meant to look like church which arose from the old combi - new millennium, in a city whose growth God that he continue to show us mercy nation: sin, the world, and the devil. At is accelerating at an incredible rate, whose and grace. Greg Clarke says vote for Superman times, we have struggled to survive, which ministry training facilities are operating “For God did not give us a spirit of is why the instinct for preservation arises. at capacity, and whose congregations con - timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, PLUS DETAILED INFORMATION ON We also look forward, hoping and tain some of the best-equipped lay people and of self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7). THE CANDIDATES… planning and dreaming for better times, of any international church, we have a strik - The Editors  The Australian Church Record 2 Sydney to the world The Apostolic Gospel Peter Hayward John Chapman ECUSA by staying within it. Others, such now and into the future? A little surprisingly as Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) there is unanimity at this point. All evangel - are extremely pessimistic and have already icals, both within and without the existing separated from ECUSA and are looking structures of ECUSA, look to Sydney for a for support from like-minded Anglicans thoroughgoing submission to Scripture and around the world. the ongoing ministry of the gospel. All have Which approach is right? witnessed such staggering compromise to Having interacted with ECUSA for the clear teaching of the Bible, that the the last four years it is apparent that both resolution to let the Bible and gospel lead are right. I live in the north-west part of a diocese is simply the most important the United States and it is hard to under - service that Sydney can offer. For 25 years stand how any Bible-believing Christian American Anglicans have witnessed a could in good conscience stay in that retreat from speaking with a clear prophetic denomination. It is not too extreme to say voice for the fear offending those who dis - that the dioceses in this area only margin - agree. If Sydney leads by an ongoing com - Peter Hayward is the minister ally intersect with historic orthodox mitment to Scripture it will inevitably be of an Anglican church in Spokane, Washington, USA. Christianity. Those who do try and stick it looked to for support and encouragement out are often traumatized in the process. by evangelical Anglicans. he March 2001 meeting of In other parts of the USA, such as In this regard a word of caution is the 38 Primates of the some parts of Texas, evangelicals of various often voiced over lay presidency. Many in T has descriptions minister from a position of the USA cannot quite understand why lay come and gone, the final communication perceived strength. A few are still presidency would arise as an issue for any We are witnesses of everything he did in the emerging from the meeting acknowledging supportive of evangelical ministry, or at diocese. Further, it is suggested that to country of the Jews and in . They that “this is a crucial time of testing for our least ‘hands-off’ in allowing it to continue. move in such a direction would burn up communion.” In this regard the test case This all means that when the primates good will amongst even some of those killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God that is at issue is the current state of the meet with the current state of ECUSA on who look to Sydney for leadership. While raised him from the dead on the third day and the Episcopal church of USA (ECUSA). the agenda, different groups are looking these comments need to be taken into caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all Since Lambeth 1998’s resolution on for different things. For the AAC, the account, what is even more clearly heard the people, but by witnesses whom God had human sexuality, a substantial body of establishment by the Primates of an inter- is that if allowing lay presidency is part already chosen—by us who ate and drank with evidence has been collected and circu - lated demonstrating that a large number him after he rose from the dead. He commanded of dioceses in ECUSA are in direct viola - If Sydney leads by an ongoing us to preach to the people and to testify that he tion of Lambeth. Over 80% of the 99 is the one whom God has appointed as judge of dioceses have passed their own resolu - commitment to Scripture it will inevitably the living and the dead. All the prophets testify tions indicating a desire to ordain prac - be looked to for support and about him that everyone who believes in him tising homosexuals. receives forgiveness of sins through his name. As important as this evidence is, it does not begin to demonstrate the current state encouragement by evangelical Anglicans. (Acts 10:39-43) of ECUSA. What has happened is the These are the words of the Apostle Peter. They are wholesale abandonment of biblical author - Anglican Theological and Doctrinal and parcel of the desire for those in the addressed to the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, who is ity and the repudiation of the Anglican for - Commission is seen as an opportunity. diocese of Sydney to let the Bible rule its mularies and doctrine. There are, of By contrast AMiA, given their experience belief and ministry, so be it. described as a righteous and God-fearing man who is course, a number of splendid exceptions to with ECUSA over a long time have in Therefore the message from those in respected by all the Jewish people (Acts 10:22). Peter has this drift at both a diocesan and parish Bishop John Rodgers words “no confi - the USA on this issue of lay presidency been sent by the angel of the Lord to evangelize him. He is level but the number is relatively small. dence” in what it will achieve. Further, would be one of caution, but not overly the first of the Gentiles to be converted in the new apostolic It is here that there is a divergence of John Rodgers is convinced that it is only so. Our American brothers and sisters are age. Let’s ponder what he said. opinion about how to view the current an attempt to postpone the inevitable split tired of an Anglican culture that is too state of play of the Anglican Church in the of the Anglican Communion along the cautious anyway. Press on with the Bible USA. Some, such as the American current constituted fault line—the issue of and the gospel—as they lead Sydney, so it They hanged him on a tree Anglican Council (AAC) believe that there biblical authority. will be in a position to lead others In line with the gospel stated in other parts of the is reason to be optimistic for the reform of In all of this, what role can Sydney play around the world.  Scriptures, Peter proceeds to tell us about the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (see 1 Cor 15: 1-6). In saying that they hanged him on a tree, all present would have immediately realized that the Lord Jesus, by this action, was under the curse of God Bishop writes to all (Deut 21:23). He concludes that all the prophets testify about him. Their minds would naturally focus on the suffer - ing servant of God in Isaiah 53 who was wounded for trans - Synod members gressions of God’s people, and so they would receive forgiveness of sins by trusting in his name. new millennium. In many ways the Gospel the Synod is that we make our final deci - of Christ is at the cross roads in our society. sions together at that time in a forum Will our nation turn to Christ or continue that is democratic in process and godly God raised him from the dead, to judge the to turn its back on him? Clearly it is impor - in character.” living and the dead tant that we elect a Bishop for the Diocese In line with all the sermons in Acts, the resurrection of the and the Province who will be the right A Prayer for Daily use: Lord Jesus is crucial. God did not allow his Holy One to see leader at this critical time. Eternal God, shepherd and guide, decay (see Ps 16:10). We are in no doubt that Jesus is Equally, too, the tone of our Synod will set the tone for our life together in in your mercy give your Church God’s king and as such is the judge of all humankind. This the Diocese for years to come. My plea in this diocese aspect of the work of the Lord Jesus is crucial. Did you and my prayer is that the ensuing weeks a shepherd after your own heart notice how emphatic the apostle is? He tells us that the Lord leading to the Synod and the Synod itself who will walk in your ways, Jesus commanded the apostles, who witnessed his resur - will be a deeply edifying period through and with loving care watch over rection and who ate and drank with him after this event, the grace of God. To that end I am your people. n a few weeks we will gather enclosing a prayer which I hope Synod that they were to preach to all the people, and that Jesus is Give us a leader of vision and a in the Synod to elect an members and the people of the Diocese appointed by God as the judge of the living and the dead. teacher of your truth. “I Archbishop of the diocese will use day by day in seeking the guid - The preaching of a judgment to come is an integral part So may your Church be built up of Sydney and Metropolitan of the ance of God… of the apostolic gospel. We are not at liberty to leave it out and your name glorified; Province of . Let me say that the Synod is not or bypass it. The Apostles were commanded to do it by the through Jesus Christ our Lord. I am sure that all members of Synod merely voting for a candidate the Synod Lord Jesus. are conscious of the serious task that lies members may have in mind to support. Amen  We would do well to take this to heart.  before us. We gather in the Synod to pray and to lis - Reproduced with permission from the This Synod comes at the beginning of a ten to our fellow Christians. The spirit of Anglican Media website. April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 3 True love comes from What do we Editorial loving the truth need to know? he robust and thorough nature of our Peter, not somehow “taking his position into Rob Doyle synod’s behaviour has been well account”. It is not hard to guess what would be attested. In the 1930s the Labour our contemporary culture’s estimate of the men The election of an archbishop T Premier J.T. Lang commended the and women of the New Testament: “truth, with - is both a straightforward, and study of our diocesan synod for a lesson in how out love”. a daunting, task. to conduct politics seriously. That is, he com - Truth ought to matter above all to one At one level, we know mended our courtesy, honesty, intelligence and whom Christ appoints a leader of the church. from the Scriptures the quali - very high regard for the truth. The cross shows us that all Christian truth is ties we seek in our arch - In our postmodern age, Lang’s observations public truth. God has not, and does not, work bishop. We find instructions have been taken out of context and phrased to behind closed doors. He has revealed himself pub - from Paul to Timothy in the mean the opposite. We are considered too seri - licly. The truth is, of course, out there. Moreover, Pastoral Epistles, which emphasise issues of personal ous, too concerned with the capital ‘t’ Truth. truth heals, truth reconciles, and the proclamation character, ability to preach and teach, temperance and family life. Joanna Warren, in her article on page five, That speaks volumes. It used to be a good thing of the Truth brings the forgiveness of sins. Jesus has given us a series of questions to ponder which arise to pursue the truth. Our age has given up on says that “the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32). Yes, firstly from these biblical concerns. such an idea and is scathing in dismissing it as love surpasses knowledge, as Ephesians 3:19 tells But here in Sydney we are blessed with a number of ‘idealism’. Now, a person who holds strong and us, but love is born of knowledge, as is faith. Truth candidates who are willing to be measured against the well-argued positions on ‘ideas’ or ‘truth’ is liable is the ground out of which love grows. And the biblical criteria. We must consider to what degree they to be dismissed as an ‘ideologue’, a ‘thought- apostle’s prayer for believers is that “they may meet these criteria, and be serious-minded in our assess - policeman’, and lacking in love. To affirm ‘truth’ know the love of Christ”, for it is that which sur - ment. Having done this, we can look at a number of other these days is understood almost automatically to passes knowledge. On this ground he also prays ‘performance indicators’, as they are often described in imply ‘without love’. that our “love may abound more and more in the secular workplace, to see who is most likely to carry It is of course possible that truth-people can be knowledge and depth of insight” (Phil 1:9). We through the convictions of the synod. We don’t do this in unloving (just as love-people can be untruthful), can only truly love when we truly know. the manner of secular decision-making, for we serve God for we are all fallen creatures. But in our age, and As we approach this exciting synod, we are and not the shareholders. However, we who are in the perhaps even among Christians, we seem to have pilgrims and foreigners in a strange and hostile churches of the Anglican diocese of Sydney are the lost the robustness of the New Testament idea of land. We are so different from the world, down shareholders—we are affected for better or worse by truth. Here, striving for truth means recognising to the meanings of the words we use. Our ‘truth’ the ministry of the man we choose as our archbishop. and distinguishing right from falsity, and repudi - and ‘love’ are so very different to the world’s. With these ideas in mind, we have approached this ating what is false. To find consensus means Our notion of truth sometimes seems harsh or issue of Australian Church Record with a view to pro - agreeing on what is recognised as demonstrably unfeeling, but is in reality the way of love. Our viding the kind of historical, statistical and observa - tional information that helps synod members to make a the case—not making a compromise for the sake love sometimes appears judgemental or divisive, biblically-led, informed decision about who will best of avoiding conflict. The biblical approach to but is in fact the real path to intimate fellowship. lead the diocese. truth also includes local, public and international The election of an archbishop touches us so This issue is being produced before the closing date rebuke of those who deny the truth in word or deeply. We long for a leader who understands for nominations of candidates. However, , action. Paul’s rebuke of Peter at Antioch was all of this, and holds it dearly in his heart. Peter Jensen, Robert Forsyth and appear the direct and unqualified, for truth mattered. “When We know what is at stake. May God grant us to most likely candidates. Trevor Edwards and Geoff Huard Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his walk in the light, living by the truth and thereby may also be nominated, but at this stage we have decided face, because he stood condemned” (Gal 2:11-16). sharing in true fellowship with one another to present information on the four candidates represented The only way forward was the repentance of (1 Jn 1:5-7).  on the official Election Synod 2001 website at www.anglicanmediasydney.asn.au at time of publication. On pages 8-9, you will find a table of comparison, for the four candidates. The sources for this information have all been checked, often via phone call with the The Australian Church Record Donations needed candidate himself. Other quotes and figures have been The Australian Church Record is an evangelical newspaper in the and welcome! Reformed Anglican tradition of the historic creeds and the 39 Articles This edition of ACR has been drawn from published material, interviews and observa - of Faith, and the standard of teaching and practice in the Book funded by interest from the trust tions. Some of this material is clearly fact; other parts of Common Prayer. We accept the Scriptures as God’s word written, funds the Australian Church reflect the opinions of a range of correspondents, as well and as containing all things necessary for salvation and Record administers and the as my own viewpoints. the final authority in all matters of faith and behaviour. donations of friends. We aim The ACR committee thought about who could best to produce two or three editions report on and evaluate all of these candidates. It became Australian Church Record ACN 000 071 438 a year and supply them free of charge. If you would like to obvious that I was best placed. Robert Forsyth and I Publisher: Robert C. Doyle, Chairperson help us financially, please send were in the same class at Moore College, have been reg - Editor: Peter G. Bolt your donation to: ular dinner companions over the last 28 years and at The Hon. Treasurer times near neighbours. I first got to know Peter Jensen Assistant Editor: Greg Clarke Australian Church Record as a fellow lecturer when I joined the Faculty of Moore Greg Clarke is an editor at . P.O. Box 218, Camperdown College in 1982. With respect to Phillip, I joined the NSW 1450. All enquiries: St Matthias group of congregations in 1985 and have PO Box 218, Camperdown NSW 1450 This edition cost around $6000. been a member, and from time to time a co-worker, ever since. And although I was from time to time the recipient of Reg Piper’s public ministry before he left for Holy Trinity Adelaide, my first hand contact with him began on The Australian Church Record… his appointment as Bishop of Wollongong in 1993. is designed and typeset by Joy Lankshear Design. The table of comparisons is offered for your prayer - Phone 02 9877 6777 or visit www.jldesign.com.au ful consideration of these four men.  The Australian Church Record 4 A priority for mission Andrew Dircks

Andrew Dircks is Mission hat is required to get mission - A clear gospel focus was the spring - Society in 1799. A group of gospel-focused came to the conclusion that the mighty Education Secretary for ary work off the ground? board for St Paul’s missionary work. His people had been meeting regularly for institution of the Church of England, her CMS in NSW. W Obviously you need mis - journeys themselves are documented in some years, addressing themselves to such bishops and her synods, would not shoul - sionaries. And senders. And resources. Acts, but his most reflective writing about questions as: “What is the best method of der the responsibility. So these few indi - Most of all, however, you need a clear the motivation and purpose of those jour - planting and propagating the gospel in viduals themselves took the step of gospel focus. neys is in Romans 15. The gospel focus is Botany Bay?” That conversation led them forming a “voluntary, lay” society, the To put it another way, when it comes clear right from the first chapter of to persuade the British government to Church Missionary Society, in order that to global mission, if you’re not clearly Romans: “I am not ashamed of the gospel; appoint a chaplain to the intended colony, the task of taking Christ to the rest of the An Indian devotee with focused on spreading the message of sal - it is the power of God for the salvation of and led them to put forward Richard earth might be seriously addressed. From 72 skewers in his body in order to ‘make merit’. vation in Christ, you probably won’t come everyone who believes” (1:16). Johnson to be that chaplain. the beginning, it was gospel motivated. PHOTO COURTESY DR SIMPKIN to global mission. And even from the first verse, Paul indi - Their passion for Christ led them And today, as I visit churches through - cates that his missionary work is gospel to strive for Christ’s name to be known out New South Wales, it is clear to me motivated. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, that those churches most active in the task called to be an apostle [which means ‘sent of raising up, sending out and supporting one’], set apart for the gospel of God” (1:1). “It has always been missionaries throughout the world, are But note Paul’s reflections in Romans those churches which have a clear gospel 15. Much as he so obviously had a heart my ambition to focus. Plenty of churches are doing good for the existing churches throughout Asia things. Relatively few get beyond pressing Minor—even churches that he had planted— preach the gospel tasks of the here and now to contribute to he had a higher calling. “There is no more the greatest task of all. place for me in these regions” (15:23). where Christ is not Consequently, we are reminded of “It has always been my ambition to yet known.” what we should have known anyway: that preach the gospel where Christ is not the work and responsibility of our church yet known.” (15:20). Why? because “Christ leaders, our pastors and teachers, must be has become a servant… in order that the throughout the world. Their conviction to provide a clear gospel focus to our nations might glorify God for his mercy” was that this task of taking Christ to the churches. Like St Paul, and after him the (15:8-9). It was not only because of the world belonged to the church: to the CMS founders, our church leaders today Damascus road that Paul gave himself to whole church. For some years they had must not be consumed with keeping the missionary work. It was because the mes - laboured and lobbied, seeking to per - church going in its present shape. From the sage of salvation for the world, in his Lord suade the Church of England to take seri - Scriptures, they must show us the Saviour, Jesus Christ, sent him out and sent him on. ously the work of making Christ known and when we know Christ clearly, then we It was a clear gospel focus that drove beyond the shores of England’s green must also know that the whole world out the founders of the Church Missionary land. With heavy hearts they gradually there also needs to know him.  Why this Archbishop ’s Election Synod will be different Laurie Scandrett

Dr Laurie Scandrett is a s we approach the 2001 ment will also have some other effects. effect. The reason behind this change was really wanted to consider so-and-so but he lay synod representative Archbishop’s Election Synod Every nominee must have a support that in both 1966 and 1993 a nominee has not given us the opportunity”. From for Holy Trinity, Miller’s A two main changes in proce - base of at least 20 members of synod. sought the call in synod and spoke recent activity, it seems fairly obvious that Point and was a member dure have been made to those held last cen - Whether they like it or not, all nominees against his own nomination (in 1966 it the synod would like to see at least five of the Committee of Review which met after tury (in 1909, 1933, 1958, 1966, 1982 and must therefore have a group of support - was the Acting President of the Synod). candidates to choose from and not just the 1993 Election Synod. 1993). These differences, initiated by a com - ers orchestrating some sort of ‘campaign’, In both cases, the men involved were very two or three. mittee of review which met after the 1993 even if it is just to get the 20 signatures upset by their nomination. In 1883 the Finally, members of synod must think Election Synod are: onto nomination forms. The ‘campaign’ first elected nominee declined the invita - very seriously every time they vote. The 1. Each nominee requires at least 20 may simply be a series of phone calls tion to become Bishop (by return cable first motion for each candidate is that: ‘nominators’. organising such signatures or letters of from England) and the synod had to start 2. Even after the nominee has been commendation from the supporters to all over again. In the lead-up to our 2001 “the name of A.B. be placed ‘successfully’ nominated, the nominee has the members of synod about their partic - election a number of high quality and upon the Select List”. the right to decline the nomination. ular nominee. Such letters of commenda - high profile potential nominees have If that is successful the second motion for Both these changes are having a pro - tion are of course not new, and from already indicated that they intend or each candidate is that: found effect in the lead-up to this forth - coming Election Synod. “the name of A.B. be placed At most Election Synods held last Over the last few weeks, telephones have upon the Final List”. century many of the nominees were only nominated by the previous minimum of been ringing hot in the diocese: “Will you sign The final list will have no more than three two members of synod. Some (but not) names and may only have one. If there is all of these were not perceived by the a nomination for so-and-so, even if you do only one nominee, then the next motion respective synods to be serious candidates not think he is a particularly serious candidate?” put to the synod is: and as such did not even come close to “that A.B. be invited to be surviving the first round of voting and Archbishop of Sydney” making the Select list. Many synod mem - recollection, five nominees had such let - anticipate declining any nomination and bers who were present at the 1993 ters sent to all synod members during the therefore discouraged any group to work In formulating the final list synod mem - Election Synod will remember at least lead-up to the 1993 Synod. on their behalf. Nevertheless some such bers must seriously consider whether the one such nominee. The synod had to The current feeling is that the synod groups are still active and may organise nominee they are voting on will make not endure twenty minutes (15 for the nomi - wants to see a breadth of nominees and their nominations anyway, despite their just a good but an excellent Archbishop. nator and 5 for the seconder) of speeches not just two or three—historically there nominee’s reluctance. In living memory, we have been blessed about a nominee who had very little sup - have been between five (in 1982) and Ultimately if such a group is success - with only having such excellent nominees port apart from the two who had signed 16 (in 1958). Over the last few weeks, ful in finding 20 nominators, the pressure on the final list. It would not be a sin in the nomination form. telephones have been ringing hot in the will be on their nominee to decide 2001 if the final list were to have only one The introduction of the ‘minimum of diocese: “Will you sign a nomination for whether to decline the nomination (if the name. Many, if not all, the other excellent 20’ nominators was designed to prevent so-and-so, even if you do not think he is nominee does nothing the nomination potential nominees may have declined a such ‘left field’ nominations and save the a particularly serious candidate?” proceeds; he must decline in writing). If nomination. time of synod. While this intended out - The right for a nominee to decline a he does decline, he may cause the dis - A different and fascinating synod lies come will be achieved, the new arrange - nomination is also having an unforeseen pleasure of some synod members: “We ahead of us.  April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 5 REALITY CHECK Questions to ponder Alison Blake Joanna Warren Until recently, I considered myself to be a fairly average female, with a relatively healthy grip on reality. But then I read tions and concerns. I hope they might 4) Is he flexible on non-gospel issues the TV guide, and found my idea of help in sifting and evaluating the infor - and willing to consider new ideas? ‘normal’ and ‘reality’ challenged. mation about each candidate. 5) Where does he get his standards Glancing down a list of the top Perhaps we really should start with from: The Bible? The world? ten TV programs watched by women, I some basic questions about things that Modern corporate management we ought to be able to take for granted— practices? was close to the end of the list before I but are so important they’re worth check - 6) When given opportunity to speak found a program that featured in my viewing ing each time: does he urge people to trust Jesus habits. Does that make me eccentric? A bit ‘fringe’? Or just out of for salvation? touch with reality? 1) Is he a thoroughly converted 7) How important to him is the Then I read that, love it or hate it, reality TV is here to stay. biblical Christian trusting in the urgent evangelisation of the lost? Reality TV is a mix of soapie, documentary and infotainment, Lord Jesus alone for salvation? 8) Can he model excellent Bible in varying quantities. It’s a bit like those “what do you get if you 2) Does he confidently believe the teaching to others in the diocese? cross...” jokes which primary school kids love to tell (What do you Bible to be the inspired word of get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer? A bricklayer!). Joanna is a parishioner and synod God and does he live under its Finally the Archbishop must be a real representative of St Peter’s Cooks River. authority? leader and pastor able to inspire and They’re the programs where someone does their friends/ neigh - 3) Does he fear and honour God, relate to others appropriately and clearly, bours/relatives a ‘favour’ by renovating their house or garden. Or a eadership is an exposed striving to live a life of holiness with warmth and vigour. These abilities group of people are chosen to share a house, or desert island and, and lonely situation. More and righteousness to please Him? will be needed on a day-to-day personal as the cameras roll and the world looks on, they live out their lives. L than ever before, personal 4) Is his relationship with God a vital basis at every level within the diocese and So, what’s the appeal of this style of TV? Probably the oppor - strengths and weaknesses are on constant and dynamic factor in his life, beyond. My questions about this area are: tunity to see things you wouldn’t normally be able (or permitted!) show. As the elected leader of the diocese sustained by prayer and marked by to see, the chance to be “a fly on the wall” in somebody else’s life. of Sydney, decisions that the Archbishop an awareness of his need for 1) Is he easily put off or pressured But how real is the reality portrayed by these programs? makes will profoundly affect the direction God’s help every day? by opposition to his views? I’d suggest it is time for a reality check on reality TV. God, as and effectiveness of the diocese for years 5) Does his family life (if married) 2) Can he handle pressure or is he to come. The lives and ministries of real reflect Christian beliefs and easily rattled and swayed by those Producer and Director of all things and all people, would seem to people will be marked for good or ill by practice? who seem to be powerful and be a reliable source of wisdom on the matter of reality. As Lord and his actions and policies. His attitudes and 6) If he has children, have they been influential? Saviour, it would seem prudent to listen to him. example will set the tone amongst office bro u ght up to know and honour 3) Is he strong and unafraid enough In several New Testament passages God reminds us of the bearers and lay people throughout the the Lord? to call a spade a spade and essence of reality. Take a look at Romans 1:18-32, Ephesians 2:1- diocese. Outside the diocese he will have 7) Does his marriage show the loving denounce wrong, however many 10 and Titus 3:3-8. opportunities to serve and encourage at servant leadership of Christ? feathers are ruffled?—Jesus did. Paul, in the Romans passage, reminds us of a stark reality. both a national and international level. 4) Is he able and willing to rebuke Humanity has turned its back on God, worshipping the creation and In all of this, it is profoundly the The questions above could be applied to gently? rejecting the Creator. Left to pursue life as we see fit, we have whole person who is under the micro - anyone who professes to be a Christian. 5) Is he compassionate as well as scope. His character, convictions, man - But the demands of being Archbishop realistic when dealing with those filled our lives “with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and ners, habits, strengths and weaknesses are require other personal qualities, too: who are doing wrong? depravity”. That reality seems, to me, to be more than accurately pitilessly exposed every time an appoint - 6) Is he gracious and gentle in depicted on the screen. Reality TV does portray real humanity, ment is filled, a decision is made, a state - 1) Is he humble enough to accept dealing with others? Is he enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, living in malice ment is published. The role of Archbishop ideas from others with gratitude? approachable? and envy. That truly is the reality of life lived independent of God. carries with it an awesome personal 2) Is he personally secure enough to 7) Does he value and encourage And it’s not a pretty sight, though it is sold to us as “not-to-be- responsibility that can only dare be under - take criticism? others’ gifts? missed” entertainment. Tragically, that’s where reality so often taken by a man of great personal integrity 3) Is he dignified and self-controlled 8) Is he a good assessor of others’ ends in the world of television.There is a reality beyond “mankind who is under the control of Christ in all even when severely provoked? strengths and weaknesses? aspects of his life—both public and private. 4) What is more important to him— 9) Is he a servant leader? What does gratifying the desires of our sinful nature and following its desires Synod representatives are thus faced impressing God or impressing he prefer—serving or being served? and thoughts”, but it is rarely heard on prime time television. with an important and serious job in those around him? 10) Does he inspire loyalty to the The fact of the matter is that God is not pleased with and will electing our new Archbishop. I don’t rel - 5) What is his most cherished cause of Christ amongst those not tolerate our rebellion. Paul reminds the Ephesian Christians ish hard mental effort myself, yet I, like ambition—to climb to the top or with whom he works? that we are, by nature, “objects of his wrath”. Clearly, it’s in our every other representative, am being to serve God by serving others to 11) Is he loyal himself to those interests to sharpen our focus on God’s reality. called to be as careful, intelligent and the best of his ability? around him? Because of his great love for us, God in his mercy made us godly as we can be in choosing the best 6) Is he a realist in his appraisal of 12) Does he have a real care for those alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our sins. It is fact, man for the job. Before God, we are his own strengths and weaknesses? who pastor congregations? not fantasy, that men and women can be put right with God, that responsible to make the best decision we 7) In the light of this, is he willing to 13) Is he able to work with people can amongst the candidates we are ask for advice and help from with whom he disagrees? we can know and experience forgiveness and the hope of eternal offered on the basis of the information in others? 14) Can he discern the genuine needs life. Truth is God, our Saviour, has indeed appeared and we are front of us. I suspect that it is one of the 8) Can he teach clearly and well of the age and set the vision for deluded fools to live otherwise. most important votes we will ever make from the Bible and apply its the diocese of Sydney and the Reality is more than we see on television. We need to keep as synod reps of our parishes. I need time teaching with insight and state (as Metropolitan)? And reminding ourselves of this fact by regular study of God’s Word, our to think, so I’m grateful for the five relevance to people in our society? beyond the diocese: How will he script for real life. Our children need to be taught and reminded that weeks we will have between the close of conduct himself in relation to the Bible is the place where we discover what is important, what nominations and the actual synod. But of As the elected leader of a denomination other community and government is real, what really counts in life. And it would be shameful to deny course I will need to sit down and pray that holds to the faith entrusted to us by leaders? Will he be forthright and others the opportunity to get a grip on reality, by not sharing with and sift through information and talk to the Lord Himself, the Archbishop must be gracious? Will he encourage others so that I go into synod with a able to proclaim and defend these truths believers in the wider Anglican them the reality that God’s salvation has already appeared. clearly thought-through opinion on who in a society that increasingly rejects them. Communion and beyond it, The world of television struggles to see any reality beyond is the best choice. I offer the following questions to help us recognising that God’s love is for “mankind gratifying the desires of our sinful nature and following So how do we determine who the evaluate a candidate’s merits in this regard. all men and women everywhere? its desires and thoughts”. But God’s Spirit, through His word, can best one is? renew and transform men and women’s thinking and living, reveal - It’s tempting to simply vote for a man 1) Is he firm on biblical truth when Good leaders are vital in any organisation ing the ultimate reality of salvation through the death of Jesus. whom you know and like, but there are faced with highly emotional and corporations spend thousands of dol - Living life, in friendship with God, under the direction of his Son such important issues at stake here that a arguments for unbiblical practices lars hiring consultants to find the ‘right’ Jesus, is truly living in the real world. We are only “out of touch” lot more needs to be considered. No that erode the faith? person. But our consultant is the Lord, with reality when we lose our grip on God’s reality. doubt there will be lots of opinions, com - 2) Is he perceptive and intelligent on whose loving guidance and sovereignty ments, statements and stories about each enough to see to the heart of an we ultimately rely. Yet, wonderfully, our Perhaps it is also timely to run the reality meter of God’s Word nominee. Some will be biased one way or issue and be able to deal with it active and intelligent participation in this over our own lifestyle, values, priorities and passions. Perhaps we another; some will be official and more on that basis? process is also a vital part of God’s pur - need to assess whether the reality of our life reflects God’s true factual; some merely anecdotal. Faced 3) If there is ever a conflict between poses as we pray, think and vote. May I and unchanging reality. We may find that a bit of fine tuning is nec - with so much that will need to be con - tradition and biblical truth, what is urge us all to do our part with prayerful - essary in our own lives.  sidered I offer the following set of ques - more important to him? ness and vigour.  The Australian Church Record 6 MEETING THE Peter Jensen

undreds of students who “The Archbishop must be prepared On the sensitive matter of archepis - Diocese contains people from many dif - have passed through Moore to speak strongly and publicly on behalf copal veto, he said that synod can usually ferent cultures. Our location is a contin - H Theological College will know of Christ in a way that gives leadership to be relied upon to come to sound conclu - ual challenge for us to think beyond our the Rev Dr Peter Jensen firstly as their the church and challenges the world,” he sions, but that an archbishop should con - borders to the wide world. fellow student, then as a lecturer and said. “He must seek to provide for ways sider exercising it in relation to “a great Principal. Many others throughout the in which the gospel can be heard in the matter”, where the authority of God’s diocese will know him as a preacher, evan - community, for gospel works to be done, word is at stake. “He is absolutely gelist, teacher and author. Still more and for God’s people to be defended and Since being converted at the age of around the country and even the world encouraged.” 16 at the 1959 Billy Graham Crusade, clear on evangelical will know him from his involvement in the Mr Tong, a long standing member of Dr Jensen said he has moved on with “an theology, and that broader Anglican Church. both Sydney and General Synods, said Dr ever-deepening appreciation of and depen - But Robert Tong has known him Jensen is highly regarded by his peers for dence on the grace of God in the Lord will inform and since they were in third grade together at his theological expertise (higher degrees Jesus Christ and the power of his Spirit.” Bellevue Hill Public School, and he thinks from the Universities of Sydney and He hopes to continue to exercise those motivate him in that’s given him a better than average Oxford) and his smooth running of the qualities in the service of the Diocese. gospel initiatives.” chance to get to know the man. college, as well as his contributions to the “In terms of the office of Archbishop, Doctrine Commission, Standing Committee If you had one thing to say to the he will bring an element of seriousness and General Synod. He describes his Sydney Diocese what would it be? Third, he has set us in extraordinary and vision to the job,” said Mr Tong, who performance in Sydney’s Synod as “per - Be faithful; be bold. Consider what God times. The secular assault is sharper than is supporting Dr Jensen as a candidate. sua sive and gracious”, having taken a lead - has done and what he is doing. ever, but its weaknesses are also clearer. “He is absolutely clear on evangelical the - ership role on issues such as child abuse First, he has given us extraordinary Our culture may have rejected the gospel. ology, and that will inform and motivate procedures and women’s . spiritual resources. We have the open But it is also becoming aware of a spiri - him in gospel initiatives. Whatever he On the latter, Dr Jensen declares Bible. We have the gospel of the Lord tual vacuum. The Lord Jesus Christ does will be biblically informed, and I himself opposed—as is the synod—on the Jesus Christ. We have prayerful congrega - remains the one hope of this world. think that’s what Sydney is looking for. basis of the “authority of the Bible”, tions seeking to be loving and obedient. Be faithful: faithful to God’s word. We need only see what have been although he is keen to encourage the We have the powerful presence of the Faithful to the legacy of the past. Faithful achieved under him at Moore College.” ministry of women in other ways. In fact, Holy Spirit. to one another. Peter Jensen believes that Sydney his views on most major issues over the Second, he has set us in an extraordi - Be bold: accept the challenge posed needs “growth and nurture” so as to be last few years, such as lay presidency nary place. Within the boundaries of the by this place and this time. Be ready to able to offer healthy churches that can (pro), A Prayer Book for Australia (anti) Diocese we have a number of major sacrifice. Take the initiatives needed to evangelise and relate to the community, and parishes without property (pro), are urban centres and important rural areas. make Christ known and to build healthy and care for members. in line with synod voting patterns. The city of Sydney is a world centre. The churches. 

Reg Piper

ith parish experience literally planning sufficiently so that these things property (as long as it is conducted “in and Unique Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let us all over Sydney, as well as can be done by himself and the clergy,” fellowship” with other churches), and devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, Woutside it (Holy Trinity, he said. His goal in all these things would would not ordain women to be the head to praying earnestly for the kingdom of Adelaide, for 14 years), and eight years as be to take people from where they are of a congregation. God, to sharing the common life we have the Bishop of Wollongong, the Rt Rev and move them further along in Christ. Bishop Piper has developed strong in Christ and to encouraging the rich Reg Piper is perhaps uniquely positioned Supporter, the Rev John Livingstone, links with dioceses in South East Asia and diversity of ministry gifts that God has to bring a pastor’s heart and an empathy rector of Bowral, describes Bishop Piper Africa, and believes Sydney must throw given us so that we may, in partnership with clergy to the role of Archbishop. as a godly man, not allied to a political If he has one key message, it concerns wing in the diocese, who is prepared to the importance of singling out Jesus to the challenge the status quo. “I see the role of Archbishop as preaching, world as the only way to God, a theme to “He’s a man of integrity who under - which he returns again and again. stands parish life, has leadership capabili - praying and pastoring, and planning sufficiently “The uniqueness of Christ is really ties and is not afraid to bite the bullet,” important for us to understand at the said Mr Livingstone. “He relates to peo - so that these things can be done by himself moment,” he said. He referred to the ple at every social strata and is constantly and his clergy.” inroads Buddhists have made into the in the media in Wollongong.” Wollongong region in particular, as well With regard to recent Synod issues, as comments made by the Primate, Bishop Piper spoke against lay presidency its weight behind the region. with other Christians, employ them gra - Archbishop Peter Carnley, which ques - “on the basis of order” rather than theol - “In Sydney we have money, and a bib - ciously and passionately for the growth of tioned this concept. ogy. He said he would be prepared to look lical theology second to none in the our church and for the salvation of the “We must stand for the uniqueness of at it differently if it could be managed in a world. But I am staggered at the faith of world. Let us especially share the biblical Christ, and not disengage but engage “decent” fashion, and in a way that would these people in Third World countries,” theology of our Moore College teachers properly with the world.” promote discussion with the wider he said, adding that it was something and graduates, the wealth that we have Bishop Piper jokes that he is not quite Anglican Church, rather than disunity. Sydney could well imitate. inherited and the ministries of the many sure why he has put his hand up for the During debate, he has spoken in gifted people we have. At the same time top job, saying that he is responding to favour of A Prayer Book for Australia , If you had one thing to say to the let us humbly learn from others, espe - the urgings of others. But if elected, he saying its doctrine had been improved by Sydney Diocese what would it be? cially the faith, hope and love that is so would like to encourage the diocese to Sydney’s contribution, but is now more “Let us together, with fear and trembling, evidently displayed by some of our perse - grow in Christ-likeness. keen on the prayer book produced by shake ourselves loose from the materialis - cuted brothers and sisters in Africa, the “I see the role of the Archbishop as Sydney itself. tic and aggressive culture of our city and Middle East and Asia. Let us together preaching, praying and pastoring, and He is supportive of parishes without give ourselves wholeheartedly to our Only grow up into Christ, our Head.”  April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 7 CANDIDATES Phillip Jensen

he Rev Phillip Jensen prob - erations either side of him, or in his own.” that the work of the gospel can be carried further the views of the bishop, and only ably needs no introduction. So what characterises that vision? out in the parish churches. as a check against oversights in legislation. T He is one of the best-known “What Sydney needs is the godly and His role in the Diocese has included Like his brother Peter, he made a deci - faces in the Diocese thanks to an exten - prayerful preaching of the gospel,” said major contributions to debates at Synod sion for Christ at the Billy Graham sive speaking role, a high-profile ministry Mr Jensen. “Our hope is that God will (such as introducing parishes without Crusade of 1959, and was further nurtured at the University of New South Wales and bless his word to the salvation of many of property), Standing Committee and the by a local fellowship and then Moore St Matthias, Centennial Park, and a our fellow citizens.” Diocesan Executive Board. He is a mem - College. Life now, he says, is characterised strong presence in the media. ber of General Synod, and has spoken in by “waiting for the son from heaven, Jesus, However, supporter the Rev John the UK, USA, Asia and Africa over the who rescues us from the wrath to come.” Gray, rector of St John’s Park Church, “Phillip is a visionary last 15 years. believes there are still a lot of misconcep - He describes lay presidency as “a If you had one thing to say to the tions about the man. Proponents of other leader without peer long overdue reformation of our prac - Sydney Diocese what would it be? candidates used the word ‘radical’ in ref - tices in a way that is thoroughly consis - “Thank you. Thank you for your faithful - erence to him, but Mr Gray prefers the in the generations tent with the Bible”, and is also in line ness to the word of God. By your persis - term ‘visionary leader’. either side of him, with Synod’s views on A Prayer Book for tence in the truth of the gospel, I have “People have to unravel the myth Australia . been brought to faith in Christ Jesus, from the reality. Whenever in public life a or in his own.” Regarding women’s ordination, he nourished in the truths of the word of clear vision and direction are given, there believes the theological confusion over God, trained for the ministry of the are those who feel uncomfortable with it,” ordination and episcopacy in Anglicanism gospel, provided with wonderful oppor - said Mr Gray, noting that Mr Jensen’s Mr Gray goes further, saying Mr Jensen has undermined the biblical value of lay tunities to bring saving news of Jesus to track record includes the development of has a “world-wide church building vision” to ministries and undervalued the important others, in the fellowship of a people who the Katoomba Conventions, the Ministry see “people won to Christ that they may work of encouraging women into paid love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘Let Training Strategy, Club 5, and the largest enjoy all the blessings won by Christ.” ministry. us not grow weary in doing good, for at Anglican Church in Australia. “Phillip is a Mr Jensen believes the Archbishop Regarding archepiscopal veto, he the proper time we will reap a harvest if visionary leader without peer in the gen - should lead by example and teaching, so believes it should be used rarely, never to we do not give up.’” 

Robert Forsyth

t was Robert Forsyth’s wry more true than I thought”. Since then he ological objection, he has reservations 2) engage with the city and the world in I sense of humour that first got has seen more and more that “justifica - about lay presidency. new, dynamic ways and loving ways him noticed by the wider com - tion by faith is at the very heart of the “We shouldn’t press ahead without which build on our theological munity as he battled wits with the publican Christian life”. more thought,” he said. “It could be one strengths, and ensure that the gospel across the road from St Barnabas’s, He believes the Archbishop must be of those cases where ‘All things are law - holds a real and authentic place in Broadway, keeping commuters amused responsible for setting the basic spiritual ful, but not all things are helpful.” public life, rather than be marginalised with a long-running exchange of slogans environment of the diocese, lead in teach - He maintains that he wasn’t a key or our voice become irrelevant. out the front of their establishments. ing and , oversee policy forma - player on recent Synod issues as they But, according to supporter Peter Kell, tion, represent the diocese and the haven’t been close to his heart. it was his leadership ability and faithful Christian faith in the wider community, “The main issues are not always ones defence of the gospel that led to his long and select clergy and encourage laity well Synod directly deals with,” he said, nam - “We must ensure and effective ministry through ‘Barney’s’ so as to build up the effectiveness of the ing staying faithful to Christ, being more that the gospel holds and Sydney University’s Evangelical Union, ministry of the diocese. He must also not flexible in our ministry to the wider and to his present role as Bishop of South be a ‘Prince Bishop’ as in the past, but a world, and doing it in a community which a real and authentic Sydney. strong team-builder. is not fractured, as his major concerns. “He is a conservative evangelical in Bishop Forsyth has had long experi - place in public life.” the Sydney mould—he would describe ence in parish life, on Standing If you had one thing to say to the himself as a passionate evangelical, where Committee, General Synod, the Doctrine Sydney Diocese what would it be? Scripture is supreme, the church is subject Commission and the Liturgical Panel, and Nearly 30 years ago I chose to join the We are in a time of great social change to God in Scripture and there is a per - has been involved in the Lifeworks evan - Anglican Church here in the Diocese of when the wonderful task of sharing Christ sonal saving faith,” said Mr Kell. “He also gelism program, the Cursillo movement Sydney because of the quality of the peo - with our city and nation will demand new has a warmth about his personality… and and Amsterdam 2000. ple I saw there and because of the gospel levels of creativity, engagement and faith - would bring a new sense of love and gra - His view of recent issues accords clarity they showed. Despite all the changes fulness. The task facing us is, how at the ciousness to the tone of the diocese.” largely with Synod’s, supporting parishes in personnel and issues since that time, same time, to be more effective in mission, Mr Kell describes him further as some - without property, agreeing that the ordi - these two factors remain our great strengths. (which will mean many changes), to be one who can “admit when he is wrong, nation of women was not appropriate “on If I had one thing to say to the Sydney faithful to Christ, the Scriptures and our seek forgiveness and move on.” biblical grounds”, and describing Synod’s Diocese it would not be about who we Evangelical Anglican heritage as we Bishop Forsyth (who brings the num - stance on A Prayer Book for Australia as should elect as our next archbishop, but change, and also to build a welcoming and ber of candidates converted at the 1959 a “thoughtful… no/yes”. He regards the that we must at the same time, inclusive Christian diocesan community. Billy Graham Crusade to three) grew up use of veto as something that should not 1) hold ourselves as a cohesive, grace- The appointment of a new arch - in the Methodist Church, but switched to be connected to the Archbishop’s prefer - filled and godly community, where lov - bishop gives us a new opportunity to the Anglicans for theological reasons ences and used sparingly. ing relationships and bridges are built “start again” as a Christian community when he realised “the gospel was even He said that, although he sees no the - to each other, and committed to effective mission. 

All interviews by Michelle Haines Thomas. The Australian Church Record 8 Facts, figures and opinions

Before reading, see the introduction to on the candidates this table on page 3. Compiled by Robert Doyle

PHILLIP JENSEN PETER JENSEN ROBERT FORSYTH REG PIPER PHILLIP JENSEN PETER JENSEN ROBERT FORSYTH REG PIPER personal gracious, insightful, fearless, has the same virtues of able to relate quickly and in warm, friendly, enthusiastic, inter- spoken at numerous spoken at many conference s member of the international has spoken at conferences style persuasive, cares deeply empathy, courtesy and a friendly way to a variety passionate national conferences in UK, USA, in the UK, USA, Chile, New program committee and and churches in NZ, Borneo, sobriety which so of people ministry S. Africa, Malaysia and NZ. Zealand, South Africa. regional seminar presenter Egypt commended Harry Goodhew Including: Proclamation at the Billy Graham also has ministered as a Trust, EFAC, local churches Association Amsterdam lecturer and consultant. and conventions, theological 2000 Conference theological classical evangelicalism: widely acknowledged as an evangelical by a classical evangelicalism Including: Visiting Lecturer, colleges, ministers profile Bible alone, Christ alone, Australia’s leading subscription, his inquisitive mixed with a warm and George Whitefield College, delegate to the Lausanne conferences, universities Grace alone, faith alone evangelical theologian mind ranges across relatively modern piety Capetown, South Africa Association Conference in different theological which holds that we ought now establishing Ministry 1997; Preaching consultant, Manila 1989 his ability to understand and the grounds for this can be emphases, from John to expect God to speak to Training Strategy in Asia, Proclamation Trust, London; apply theology is evident in found in his scholarly Wimber to, more recently, us outside of Scripture as UK, NZ, and South Africa Professional development his publications, e.g. Two articles, as well as his Tom Wright (the New well as in it visits to US seminaries Ways to Live, Pure Sex, general level introduction to delegate to the Billy Graham Perspective), appropriating 1999; Lecturer, Oak Hill Have Evangelicals Lost Their the faith, At the Heart of the Conference for Itinerant some of their elements College, London 2000; Way?, Guidance and the Universe Evangelists, Amsterdam, Consultant to Theological Voice of God his Southern Cross column, 1983 Education Commission, ‘Bah Humbug’, expressed Diocese of Chile 2000 his theological stance

mission member CMS member CMS during his time, from member of CMS Assistant Minister Manly , St. Barnabas’ Assistant Minister: Assistant Minister: local the membership of 1970-73; Department of Broadway 1969-76; Curate Glenbrook, 1976-77; Holy Willoughby 1966-69; focus during his time, from the started Department of from the membership of ministry St Barnabas, 6 families Evangelism 1973-75 (P.T.) and Acting Rector, Trinity Adelaide 1978-1983 Lalor Park 1969-72 membership of St Matthias, Missions at Moore, 1992, Holy Trinity, about 8 have served as missionaries St. Andrew’s Oxford 1976- 12 families and 4 single appointed head 1997 became overseas Chaplain University of New Rector of St Barnabas’, Curate in Charge Hurstville in the Northern Territory, 79; Curate (P.T.) 1980-83 women have served as missionaries South Wales since 1975 Broadway and Chaplain Grove 1972-75 students, immediately Spain, Indonesia, the and Acting Rector 1981 missionaries in France, to Sydney Uni: 1983–2000 on graduation, entering Philippines, Nepal and widely acknowledged as Rector St Matthias since St. Barnabas ’ Broadway; Rector: Kiama Argentina, Egypt, Japan, ministry in Australia outside Singapore, as well as enthusiastic supporter of 1978 Visiting Preacher, Bishop of South Sydney, 1975-80; Holy Trinity Slovenia, Tanzania, Ceduna Sydney and overseas there being 2 linked missions outside Sydney St Matthias Centennial Park Anglican Diocese of Adelaide 1980-93 (South Australia), Uganda, keynote speaker at missionary families and overseas 1983-89 Sydney: since June 2000 Kenya and Uruguay 1998: 17 Katoomba Christian Bishop of Wollongong 1999: 17 Conventions and at CMS Lecturer, Moore College senior staff worker with the since 1993 many others from the 2000: 34 Summer Schools 1973-76, 1980-84; Sydney University Evangelical university ministry are keynote speaker at CMS Principal, Moore College Union staff team currently serving overseas a frequent speaker at since 1985 Summer Schools in Sydney, national conferences of the speaker at about 10 Vic and Tas; and Katoomba Australian Federation of Doctrine Commission, University missions Christian Convention diocesan Standing Committee since Standing Committee since Standing Committee since Standing Committee since Evangelical Students (AFES) Anglican Diocese of Sydney admin- 1993 1985 1990 1993 since 1981 Doctrine Commission since member and co-organizer of istration Australia’s most experienced 1994 interchurch “Harvest 2000” Diocesan Executive Board Diocesan Executive Board university missioner keynote speaker at CMS in the Illawara since its inception in 1994 since 2000 Summer Schools and publisher of Matthias Media, Katoomba Christian synod a clear and gracious the man to whom the active participant, mainly active participant who is the largest evangelical Conventions perform - speaker on the floor of Synod often turns for moving amendments concerned to support the publisher in Australia, with ance Synod. He has promoted leadership in major debates, seeking to unify different agenda and the concerns over 100 titles significant and helpful where a clear enunciation opinions of the Archbishop and the member of the Billy Graham legislation. He listens to of the concerns of the day good order of the national Crusade Council, 1979 and the debate surrounding is required church proposals he makes, Chairman of its successor, 1992 led the debate on has shown evidence that accepting amendments the United Evangelistic the General Synod Canon he is not at home in the when they suggest a better Council (UEC) concerning the ordination of synodical process, on way forward, and argues women to the priesthood occasion rebuking synod Chairman, Katoomba Christian against those which do not. inappropriately Conventions, 1983-90 1996 led the debate on the has moved and guided new Prayer Book significant legislation growth Campus Bible Study, has contributed to and movements in average total Holy Trinity Adelaide through Synod in local from 12 in 1975 managed the changing attendance at St Barnabas attendance (adults) ministry to 600 in 2001 patterns of community Broadway 1980: 721 life at Moore College, 1990: 846 major 35/92 Programme to 1998 co-sponsored a St Matthias congregations 1989-1991: which has grown to 500 synod Recruit Christian Teachers motion expressing concern grown from 1 with about from 380 to 410 staff adults and 200 children, initiatives for the victims of child 130 to 14 with 1500 1980: 7 full time, 8/94 Planting and requiring new structures 1991-1997: abuse, having been involved 1 part time Developing new Churches when chairman of for pastoral support and from 410 to 310 in the production of the Katoomba Youth nurture 1990: 9 full time, 9/94 Future Patterns of video resource Behind 1997-1999: Convention, growth from 2 part time Ministry Closed Doors full time students from 310 to 350 a few hundred in 1974 1985: 143 Wollongong Region 41/95 Select Committee re 2000 moved the motion to some 5500 in 1990 according to yearbook 2001: 241 attendance Clerical Enquiries which saw the unanimous figures, average annual Established Katoomba 1993: 10334 voice of synod successfully post graduate students increase in net receipts at 16/97 Conference re Youth Leadership 1999: 11299 oppose the reforms (part time) St Barnabas was 11% Women’s Ministry Convention proposed to the Anti- 1985: 4 during 14 years of ministry parish units 29/98 Report of House of Discrimination Act shared in the foundation 2001: 65 (diocesan average annual 1993: 47 Representatives Standing and serving on the boards increase was 17%) 1999: 50 has often moved revision faculty numbers (full-time) Committee on Legal and of new organizations: canons coming from 1985: 10 Constitutional Affairs: Ministry Training Strategy; General Synod 2001: 15 Strategies to Strengthen Matthias Media; Fellowship Marriage and Relationships of Evangelism in the Visual staff (non faculty, full time) Arts; Fellowship of Medical 1985: 10 33/98 Establishment of Evangelism; Christians in 2001: 31 Congregations as Parishes the Media; Evangelising 34/98 Lay and Diaconal Commerce; Fellowship of Administration of Holy Evangelising Education Communion the Ministry Training Strategy 34/99 Establishment of now has 58 training teams Congregations as Parishes comprising some 110 trainers with 150 trainees around the Recognised Churches country Ordinance 2000 according to yearbook figures, average annual national member General Synod member General Synod member General Synod member General Synod increase in net receipts at church since 1992 since 1984 since 1992 since 1993 St Matthias was 180% involve- Doctrine Commission, General Synod Strategic during 20 years of ministry ment General Synod of the Issues Advisory Panel since (diocesan average annual Anglican Church of Australia 1999 increase was 27%) since 1981 Board of Delegates, Australian College of Theology since 1987

*All quotes are from the candidates themselves. Sources available. April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 9

PHILLIP JENSEN PETER JENSEN ROBERT FORSYTH REG PIPER lay admin- “a long overdue reformation “The good health of a “there is no theological “I have spoken previously istration of our practices in a way church demands that objection to it, but we against lay presidency – my What makes an archbishop? of Holy that is thoroughly responsibility for leadership shouldn’t press ahead objection is not theological Comm - consistent with the Bible” should be shared, and without more thought” but to do with order. It must An interview with Barry Newman union* that there be a proper be done decently and with recognition of ministry within order. We don’t want to be the congregation. I therefore cut off from the rest of the Barry Newman is a senior and long standing lay member applaud the development of Anglicans. Perhaps we can varieties of lay ministry by organise it decently, for of synod and a renowned Bible teacher and evangelist. both men and women over example using elders who many years. There is now have been with the church ACR asked him to share with us his thoughts on what an imbalance, with men through several ministers. and women being given key Some other dioceses have makes (and what unmakes) an archbishop. responsibilities in teaching funny ideas about what’s without the responsibility of happening at the Lord’s administering communion. Supper – we need to ACR: Barry, you have been in Anglican circles ACR: There is a lot of talk about how a Sydney So lay ministry is a desirable discuss it at a national level. for at least three and 30 synods. archbishop would relate to the wider Anglican development in order for I’d be happy enough for it, Sorry to bring up your age, but what have you communion and to the other denominations. the church to transform provided it’s orderly and the ministry.” timing is right.” learnt about archbishops during that time? What do you think are the important Whatever else an archbishop is, I think a good considerations here? women “The theological confusion opposed to women bishops believes that the ordination “I think 1 Timothy 2 has one must be characterized by such qualities of A good Christian, Anglican archbishop will sin - and over ordination and on biblical grounds of women is not appropriate to do more with husbands eldership as listed in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 1 cerely endeavour to be at peace with all, to dili - episcopacy in Anglicanism, on biblical grounds and wives than men and bishops* the Anglican context makes gently keep the unity of the Spirit, where indeed has undermined the biblical women and is concerned Peter 5—qualities like maturity, hospitality and a it inappropriate to ordain “some feel deeply value of lay ministries and to strengthen household good reputation. It is unthinkable that a good such unity under our one Lord exists. And with all women as bishops, marginalised by those who seriously distorted the order… In Corinth from whereas for example, it hold biblical interpretations archbishop could display qualities associated with humility, longsuffering and meekness, in loving important work of 1 Corinthians 11 it is could be appropriate in a which forbid ordination… encouraging women into assumed that women will the ungodly. others, he will earnestly seek the good of all. Presbyterian denomination, we need to be more paid ministry. Unless we are pray and prophesy. As a Sydney archbishop, he will not forget the where eldership does not respectful for different willing to change the nature Somehow or other we have necessarily imply head of opinions… the best way ACR: What other key godly qualities do we need to evangelicalism gifted to Sydney from the past. In of our union within to construct ourselves a congregation forward is to find and search for? Anglicanism, the ordination institutionally so that the seeking the good of all he will uphold the true doc - support effective models of women to the priesthood consistently committed to husband’s headship in A good archbishop, because he is a bishop and a trines of the Anglican church and, even more impor - and examples of women and episcopacy will encouraging and training marriage is endorsed, family in ministry” bishop is a shepherd, must be a teacher of the tantly, the truths of the Word of God. At the same inevitably divide us.” women for ministry in all relationships are developed truth and a defender of the truth. It’s because he areas consistent with New in our churches and time, he need not baulk at considering reform, nor Phillip will not set about Testament imperatives everyone’s gifts are being cares for the flock. He must genuinely care for be slow to point out differences where they are undoing what the synod used to the full. The present has already determined. the truth because he is accountable to God, the important. Certainly, he will in no way consider position of not ordaining “To undo decisions women as priests/ great shepherd, and the one who must be wor - compromise in essential matters of the faith. He will regarding women in the presbyters and therefore as shipped in spirit and in truth. diaconate would be unfair be like this because he cares for others, loves the leaders of congregations and unjust.” He is opposed A good leader is one who gives clear direc - truth and must obey God his Father. but of giving them licences to the Anglican Church to preach is trying to tion for others to follow and follows that line proceeding to have women achieve these goals.” himself. He seeks to guide the misguided, gently ACR: To what extent does the archbishop need bishops. when gentleness is called for, firmly when the to retain an independent mind? Should he follow assisting “We are not without our “The Diocese of Sydney has “Without being paternalistic, “encourage the right people godly way is stubbornly resisted. He will not be the lead of synod, or does he need to keep some evangelical own faults. But where there for many years offered its we should provide advocacy to minister in these distance and act on his own? Anglican is persistent institutional support and help in such for them, on the basis of parishes” silent when those who claim the name of Christ persecution of God fearing circumstances, and I our own clear adherence A good archbishop will never lord it over others, parishes “seek ways of pastoring denigrate that name and confuse others. He is and faithful Anglicans, then envisage that we would to the BCP. Succour should but will count such a thing as a disgrace. Though outside them, for example, by courageous, because he is God’s servant, because we cannot stand by idly as continue to do the same. depend on our own Sydney personal contact with their he might sometimes have to act courageously, tak - if we are not our brothers’ It is becoming all the more commitment to the he cares for God’s people and because he who bishops” ing a firm but unpopular line, even being misun - are facing keepers.” important to express this teaching of the BCP (and earnestly desires that all will know the truth. He solidarity with the I’m not just talking about opposition* “keeping in touch and will speak up, make clear, defend and rebuke. derstood by friends, he will never be self-satisfied, increasing secularization using liturgy in church).” praying for them is the key” self-opinionated or so sure of himself as never to of some denominations.” A Christian, Anglican archbishop won’t head down some wrong but fashionable doctrinal path, consider criticism. He is not the head of some presidential “is there to give one last “The refusal of an “It should be used very “The archbishop should gigantic hierarchy over which he presides, pontifi - veto* check… it should only be archbishop to sign sparingly, and should be have the right of veto, though many others might. He won’t join the used sparingly… to avoid legislation, duly passed by signaled to synod so there but use it sparingly. worldly throng, take the easy path or allow gross cates and stamps his authority and will not relish some unwitting and synod, is usually a very is no surprise. It is not a Often they will have error to go unchecked for the sake of the pleas - acting contrary to the advice and determination of unnecessary injustice being serious matter. Occasionally question of the archbishop’s confidential information that others. He will take no delight in having a differ - done by oversight in the it has been used for preferences.” others don’t have.“ antries and niceties of good com pany. synodical process… At the technical purposes, merely ent opinion to a synod over which he presides. He next sitting of synod the bill to clear up ambiguity. The ACR: What kind of ungodly qualities do you think will not be corrupted by a love of status or power. should be reintroduced, the synod of the Diocese can risk coming to the surface in an archbishop? impediment attended to usually be trusted to come and the legislation signed to sound conclusions.” Arrogance is one that comes to mind. In the Bible, ACR: What about social action? The church and without further delay” the arrogant person places himself in opposition to state are fairly separate in Sydney, at least officially. But what kind of social role do you God, promises more than he is capable of deliver - think the archbishop needs to encourage? admin- i. built the largest Anglican i. as CEO has administered i. annual budget at i. as Regional Bishop ing, blinds himself with his own smoke, and cares istrative church in Australia, which a budget in 2000 of $4m, St Barnabas in 2000 was administers a budget of As with any godly Christian, a worthy archbishop little for others. It is a quality that can accompany experience now has a full-time staff of and overseen a large $562,890. Oversaw 6 full- about $400,000. Oversees a must have a lively vision for evangelism and a heart - 13, 3 part-time and 30 building program time and 4 part-time staff regional staff of 3 full-time leadership skills, so it has to be checked. i. financial Ministry Training Strategy and 1 part-time felt concern for the poor, suffering and oppressed manages 46 full-time ii. opinions from parish ii. working trainees. Current annual If we do not display humility then we are faculty and staff councillors and co-workers ii. co-workers indicate that of the world. One ought not be neglected for the with budget $1.1m arrogant. But humility isn’t weakness—we musn’t indicate that he is not he is a good chair who keeps staff & ii. opinions from MTC other, but we want an archbishop who can see that ii. opinions from parish greatly skilled in financial a meeting on track confuse strength of character with arrogance. So Council members, staff and the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ pro - chairing councillors and staff indicate management faculty emphasise the there are traps here. meetings that he is an inspiring and motes deep concern and generosity towards the stability of the college delegation style is observed God resists the arrogant, who dare to imagine constructive team leader needy. These imperatives will drive him personally personnel to be hands-on that they operate as though they were God, but whose ability to delegate is and influence the strategies and the programs he outstanding, and a major widely attested to be an chairing style is directive instead gives grace to the humble. So, whatever else proposes for others. He will in no way be blind to contributing factor to the impartial and insightful and not strong on the we have, we must not have an arrogant archbishop. multiplication of his ministry chairman who has the formalities the needs of the diocese but his concerns will not ability to sum up opposing original staff are still views and present them at be limited in some parochial manner. Since his with him ACR: There can be no escaping the executive their best responsibilities of such a position. What kind of Heavenly Father is the one who really cares for the his ability to chair meetings administrative skills or training does an fatherless and the widow and sent his son into the is well attested by growth in ministry at St Matthias archbishop need? world that through him the world might be saved, and Katoomba Christian Actually, a good archbishop will not allow admin - the godly archbishop will be utterly constrained to Conventions istrative demands, committee obligations, public mirror him whom he serves and to glorify the Lord appearances and civic duties to distract him from my will renovate the office of will not change the office of will not change the office of will not change the office of whom the Father glorifies. prediction, archbishop archbishop archbishop archbishop his duty to care for his family, other clergy, the if candidate will address systemic will use the office for solid the direction he will lead us ability to persuade synod to laity under their care, and from his duty to pro - ACR: Finally, an almost impossible question: is there is elected problems in a creative and evangelical ends in is uncertain follow his lead is uncertain claim the gospel of our Lord Jesus whenever and any particular quality that you think is necessary positive way pace of change will be slow the opinions of the other wherever he can. As difficult as it might be, for in our archbishop at this point in Sydney’s history? will use the office to further and deliberate bishops in the national his own sake and the sake of others he must not There are many questions we will consider in our enrich evangelical ministry church will be a limiting changes will last lose sight of the main game. choice: attitude to the Lord’s Supper; ordination in Australia and overseas factor This might mean he needs to rethink and of women to the priesthood; relationship with the changes will last rearrange priorities dictated by others, question national church; and involvement in worldwide the appropriateness of some of his so-called social problems. However, important as these responsibilities, and seek the help of others in ful - questions are, we need an archbishop who sticks to filling them. He will need to be immersed in parish basics. I’ve tried to outline them in this interview: life. How else will he be able to continue to under - holding firmly to the truths of the faith, teaching stand the needs and aspirations, the cries and the and defending this truth, caring for the parishes, joys of the clergy and the laity as they seek to serve and earnestly seeking the good of all. If we elect God in their society and beyond? Perhaps he could a man who believes in the basics, and carries them become an assistant minister somewhere! out unswervingly, we will have chosen well.  *All quotes are from the candidates themselves. Sources available. The Australian Church Record 10 The view from Bangkok Stephen and Marion Gabbott

ern border and occupied a Thai outpost truth?” to which the same writer who One of the great puzzles of contem - with deaths and injuries on both sides. An recorded that question for us might well porary missiology is the apparent failure explosion in a Thai Airways aircraft at the have said: “It’s Jesus—that’s what he is and of the gospel in Thailand. There are Bangkok Airport terminal came within that’s what he came to make known.” Christians, but statistically they are bor - minutes of killing the Prime Minister. To be fair, Thais are not the only dering on the irrelevant. The great South This near disaster has focused the people with a problem here. All cultures East Asian missiological success story is nation’s mind on the new broom Thaksin develop ways of handling truth. They must. South Korea. Why has the gospel worked says he has brought to Thai politics. It’s such a dangerous commodity. One wag in South Korea but failed to win hearts Concerned at the likelihood that those in has observed that if you bury truth it will and minds in Thailand? Here and there charge of the investigation might drag their feet, the PM has made it clear that he wants the matter resolved quickly. All cultures develop ways of handling the truth. Public servants are reported to be miffed at this un-Thai-like suggestion that the They must. It’s such a dangerous commodity. way things are usually done here is not good enough. Quoting a regional Thai language rise in three days, so concealment is not of course there are spectacular local sto - The Gabbotts are serving here is a new government newspaper, the English language Bangkok usually a viable long-term option. Truth will ries of gospel success. But nationally, the with the Church in Thailand. Elected on Post had this to say on March 10: “Some out, as they say, so many cultures opt for vast gospel input that Thailand has Missionary Society. T January 6 this year, Thaksin government officials in charge of the inves - delay. They hope that this will lessen its received for the last century and a half Shinawatra and his “Thais Love Thais” tigation might not want the matter to esca - impact and the delay serves the added pur - has not seen commensurate results. party may yet prove to be the answer to late and therefore, may try to prolong the pose of allowing the truth to be massaged. The puzzle remains, and we are in no this country’s woes but it’s off to a rocky investigation into the bombing, hoping By a kind of consensual process, the position to offer a solution. However, start. A Deputy leader in the Senate, that time will lessen the impact of the inci - “truth” that eventually emerges is “the truth one of the things that strikes the relative accused of sexually exploiting minors, has dent. This kind of thinking was prevalent that best serves public interest”. Different newcomer to Thailand is the institution - been granted immunity by his colleagues. in the past; unsolved problems were often cultures achieve this common goal in a vari - alisation of ambiguity and the cultural The Burmese Army has crossed the north - swept under the rug for the sake of politi - ety of ways, but make no mistake, in condescension with which ‘simplicity’ is cal expediency or other reasons. People Bangkok, London, Canberra, Washington greeted. It is probably fair to say that never knew who was behind some terrible and so on, it’s what happens to truth. What Thailand’s Christians have yet to grasp events that took place in our country. But does it all mean for those who follow the the importance of “setting forth the truth Mr Thaksin is not the kind of person who man of whom Pilate asked his question— plainly”—as individuals, as denomina - accepts half-baked solutions. After winning the man through whom grace and truth tional structures, and as para-church the general election in January, he has came into the world? organisations. This is a culture that prides proved that his ‘think anew, act anew’ pol - Jesus’ followers, wherever they are to itself on its historic capacity to preserve icy is not just empty rhetoric.” be found, find themselves at odds with its identity. It could be that the gospel will Mr Thaksin wants to know the truth, the way their peers manage truth. They only make progress when Thai people see but truth, as most Westerners think of it, are committed to “setting forth the truth in God’s people a culture that is worth poses problems for many who live in South plainly”. They are simple men and forsaking theirs to gain. Perhaps this will East Asia. It’s not just a question of what women who have “renounced secret and only happen when the Christians of the truth is. That can often be established shameful ways and who do not use Thailand allow their Master to use them quite quickly. Then the question becomes: deception” (2 Cor 4.2). God is their wit - to bring grace and truth to their king - “What do we do with it?” Pilate’s famous ness. It is him they seek to please and his dom, just as he brought it to his own peo - question comes easily to mind: “What is praise is their only reward (1 Thess 2.4-6). ple 2,000 years ago.  Rice and fruit offerings to buddhist monks | PHOTO COURTESY DR SIMPKIN The national interest Greg Clarke

t’s a strange phrase. It’s one there is some sort of recognition there. Stranger still, we are also part of an resonated throughout Sydney and other I that politicians can hide Anyone entering such a situation as international communion. Our bishops, supportive dioceses. It spoke reams of behind when making hard archbishop will have to be leaning over his preachers, ministers and evangelists rep - our commitment to Scripture first, and to decisions. “We know some people won’t diocesan back fence chatting to his national resent us around the Anglican world at appropriate pastoral care. We had held be happy, but we had to do what was in neighbours. It just goes with the job. major gatherings such as Lambeth and at fast to what we believed to be God’s will the national interest.” Sometimes they But we can ask too much of our other official events. In recent times, in the matter, and we are now reaping the might even mean it. It’s true: sometimes leader on this front. After all, he is elected under Archbishop Goodhew’s direction, benefits. Opposing wrong thinking did us the wider community is served by a deci - to shepherd the flock within his own dio - we have made major contributions to good, and we have been grateful. sion which disgruntles some of its mem - cese. This may, by necessity, bring him Anglican debates on the world stage. In this circumstance, our leaders did bers. Working for ‘the national interest’ into dialogue with his neighbouring dio - Archbishop Goodhew’s stance against in fact act in the ‘national interest’, is, then, a two-edged sword. ceses, if the attitude to shepherding is homosexuality at the Lambeth 2000 con - despite the voices of protest. But they As a national church communion, it is somewhat different. If the neighbours are ference stands out. Here, our biblical didn’t assent to requests that wouldn’t a phrase which has application to us. keeping their sheep in strangely shaped faithfulness was a major factor in the best serve their flock back home. They Many of us have been raised to think of pens, and urging our archbishop to do the rejection of blessing same-sex unions and didn’t become sheep themselves, mind - ourselves as ‘Australian Anglicans’, not just same with us, we must hope he can say: ordaining homosexuals to Anglican min - lessly serving the larger, national and ‘Sydney Anglicans’, although the latter is “Thanks for the tip, but shepherding istry. These matters seem to occur ‘out international powers while neglecting the what we get called. However, our rela - looks different on this side of the fence”. there’, distant from our own church con - needs of their own constituency. tionship with those in Anglican churches We want the archbishop to have some cerns. However, they are not. Certainly, they were there at the inter - outside Sydney is pretty loose. We don’t degree of independence from the national The sheep don’t seem to notice it national level and their presence was felt. have many get-togethers—a convention church, all the while maintaining the reg - when a shepherd risks his life to save But they were there to challenge, to here, a consultation there. We have a great ular over-the-fence chats. them from some calamity. They tend exhort, to correct, even to rebuke and variety of church practices and an even Knowing who you are and whom you just to graze on happily—which, of course, reject. They acted ‘in the national inter - greater variety of beliefs, some large and are serving helps. A shepherd who knows is the shepherd’s delight! Perhaps this is est’, but it put them offside with many. significant, others matters of preference his flock is more use than one who isn’t where the pastor/shepherd metaphor But we are glad they did what they did, or tradition. Nevertheless, we still see our - sure exactly which flock he is supposed breaks down, for Christian people are dif - for it was truly in our interest. selves as hanging together in some way. If to be protecting. Similarly, a clear-minded ferent to sheep at this point. If a church Can we encourage our next arch - we meet an Anglican from Perth, there is archbishop who can ‘reach out globally, leader makes good decisions, they are bishop to ‘reach out globally, shepherd immediately something of a sense of fam - shepherd locally’ is going to do the best reflected in the life of the diocese and the locally’? We have much to offer the ily. We may not feel unified with all job. If he is always pursuing ‘the national parishes, and it gets noticed. The strong national and international communion, Australian Anglicans—for we know how interest’, won’t we notice that the home stance taken by Archbishop Goodhew at but it must be done with a view to the different we are from each other—but pens become a little unkempt? Lambeth against ordaining homosexuals welfare of the local flock.  April 29, 2001 Issue 1883 11 Unity: the goal of interpretation PSYCHOBABBLE Joshua Ng Colette Read e live in an age where it is a view which has gathered some support gans. The question is, “Is it a scriptural considered arrogant to recently, to say that we enter salvation by issue ?” As we said earlier, the Bible itself I have become a psychomum. I refer W claim you have the truth, faith in Christ’s death, but that somehow controls its interpretation, not the trends not to the birth of our beautiful and where it seems infinitely more loving we need to maintain our salvation by our of our age. How can we hold a diverse daughter nor even to my state of to accept openly all points of view. This Christian performance (be it personal opinion or practice from the Apostle on mind but rather to an internet group applies especially in the religious arena, good works or membership in the this issue, and claim to believe the and has been championed by the ecu - Christian community) is simply a different Scriptures? of mums — psychomums (PMs). menical movements of our day. Should gospel that is no gospel at all. It is a diverse But what about at the level of partic - A couple of years ago a friend of evangelical Christians follow this cultural and perverse gospel for it says we still need ular interpretations of specific Bible mine decided that she would keep up trend in the way we read the Bible? After to contribute something to gain our salva - verses and passages? Can we have a diver - with her friends by starting an inter - all, we don’t want a Pope to tell us THE tion in the end . (The place to start think - sity of interpretations? Obviously we do, net or e-group. Essentially when any e-mail is sent to the psycho - authoritative interpretation, and it is obvi - ing about this one is Galatians 1:6-9 and though that in itself does not necessarily mum’s address it is automatically distributed to each member of the ous that we have diverse interpretations 3:1-3… indeed the whole of Galatians). justify it! Three points must be affirmed. and beliefs on all sorts of biblical issues. These are non-negotiable gospel issues. group. Over the years, more friends have joined, along with friends of 1) God had a meaning to convey through Shouldn’t we aim for a diversity of inter - But what about areas of indifference? friends. the human author, and that meaning pretations? Would it not help us to love Are there not issues where there can be So each day I take five minutes to log on to the internet and is the right interpretation. each other since we all sail in the same a diversity of beliefs and practices? Yes, 2) God has written the Bible to reveal, peruse my mail. Questions and titbits of advice stream in from any evangelical boat? indeed. The Scriptures themselves tell us not to conceal. number of Christian and non-Christian mums living in Sydney, As always, we turn to the Bible itself what they are and how to deal with broth - 3) Humble dependence and a willing, Dubbo, Tamworth or California. Topics range from burping and for wisdom. Listen to the words of the ers and sisters who hold a view different obedient heart is the key to under - bathing to medical advice and theological debates about whether Apostle Paul: to our own. (See the discussions of eating standing what God has revealed. and drinking in 1 Corinthians 8:1 – 11:1 children are sinful from birth. The PMs themselves come from It was he [the risen Christ] who and Romans 14-15). It is worth noting Given these three basic foundations, diverse fields, bringing to bear a wealth of experience from teach - gave some to be apostles, some that even on such issues, there is a mature what then of “a diversity of interpreta - ing, medicine, psychology, theology and that not so common disci - to be prophets, some to be and right knowledge of things, and he tions”? Let’s remember our goal from pline—common sense. evangelists, and some to be who holds the ‘diverse’ view or practice is Ephesians 4: unity in the faith and in the Every so often we meet in person for a cup of tea (a group pastors and teachers, to prepare called by Scripture the “weak brother” knowledge of the Son of God is the goal appropriately named PMT). This affords the opportunity to catch up God’s people for works of (Rom 14:1-4,14; 15:1; 1 Cor 9:22). But of interpretation. Indeed, to keep the service, so that the body of these matters are no threat to unity. evangelical boat afloat we are going to with old friends, put faces to new ones and food to faces. Christ may be built up until we However, there is a trend today to need to actively pursue this unity. God In a society where families are often distant and friends are at all reach unity in the faith and lump more and more things under the doesn’t promise that unity will arise out least a car trip away, internet groups such as Psychomums offer in the knowledge of the Son of category of ‘non-gospel issue’, such that of welcoming many and various (and valuable advice and support for busy women. Furthermore, many of God and become mature, even when the Bible has a clear word on conflicting) interpretations. He doesn’t the members are alone with their children all day and sometimes all attaining to the whole measure it, we take a minimalist approach and say, promise to hold the boat together by our night. Adult conversation can be hard to come by. The Psychomums of the fulness of Christ. “But it’s not fundamental to the gospel loving acceptance of diverse opinions Ephesians 4:11-13 message, so it doesn’t really matter.” among us. Rather, he promises to build e-group offers an outlet for self-expression and interaction. Yes, there are things the Bible is silent up the body through our unified faith I’m not necessarily advocating meeting total strangers, nor The Bible explains to us the meaning of on and we must not be legalistic and add and unified knowledge of Christ. Its internet only relationships. Instead e-groups maximise contact unity. We are aiming for unity in the more rules than the Bible has. Yes, there worth the difficult effort, for Paul goes between existing friends and provide the opportunity to meet faith —the gospel beliefs and the practices are things (such as the mode of baptism) on in Ephesians to say that the benefits friends of friends. So it doesn’t mean that I won’t call these mums that spring from them. We also seek unity where there are biblical examples of one of such unity are wonderful: or that I won’t visit them but rather that I can be involved in edifica - in the knowledge of the Son of God — way or the other, but where no specific tion and evangelism whilst burping my two month-old. knowing Christ as he really is. On these prescriptions are given. But when the Then we will no longer be things, we are instructed not to accept Bible states that this is the way it should infants, tossed back and forth by So, if you want to set up a group for yourself, gather your friends diversity. There must then be some under - be, we are at no liberty to hold diverse the waves, and blown here and addresses, perhaps choose a topic of interest and try the internet standings of the faith and of the knowl - interpretations or practices. Thus on the there by every wind of teaching sites “listbot.com” or “e-groups.com”. edge of Christ which are in fact wrong issue of how women are to act in the con - and by the cunning and Internet groups won’t be every person’s cup of tea, nor will they and cannot be welcomed. gregation, Paul claims, “If anyone wants craftiness of men in their replace face to face contact. Yet for those who have the technology For example, to say, or imply by to be contentious about this, we have deceitful scheming. Instead, and particularly for those who want to keep in contact no matter some fancy language, that Jesus is not no other practice—nor do the churches speaking the truth in love we bodily risen from the dead is simply to of God”, and, “As in all the congregations will in all things grow up into what life’s context—whether settling a dribbling toddler, travelling deny the Son of God that Scripture of the saints, women should...” (1 Cor him who is the Head, that is, the world or planting a church—e-groups are well worth a try. reveals. (Have a look at John 20:24-31 11:16; 14:33-35) Even if it may not be a Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15 Time to go feed the bub.  and 1 Corinthians 15). Similarly, to pick ‘gospel issue’, we can’t hide behind slo -  The rhetoric of irreversibility Peter Bolt

here are no reverse gears true, what will happen to the children? This is a rhetoric of fatalism, by any Haven’t we changed societies with our on a tank”, so the saying Since the world is our schoolhouse, it other name. ‘re-vivals’, when we have returned to the “T goes. I’m not even sure that is no surprise that the same rhetoric sur - Time is more fluid than that. And it is gospel and lived better lives as a result? it is true, but it is rhetoric we hear all the faces in discussions within Christianity. our servant not our master. We are free to Don’t we serve a God who continu - time from those in power. So discovered The world has moved on, so a certain move around in it, or to stand still, or even ally addresses all people with the good Jay Belsky, Professor of Psychology at the piece of Scripture is no longer relevant. To ‘move backwards’, if wisdom lies more in news of a man who reversed death itself, University of London, whose research assert that it continues to speak today is, the past than in the present. The clock may and, as a consequence, asks for all people interest is in the effects of long-term apparently, to try to ‘turn back the clock’. not be stopped, but there is always time for everywhere to repent, and so to find re- childcare on children. His findings that Synods around the world have made their human beings to change their minds and to generation, re-newal, re-storation, ready long-term childcare is correlated with decisions, so why should we try to unmake change their lives for the better. You can go for the Resurrection Day? Peter Bolt some negative features of behaviour in them? Returning to an earlier idea is char - forwards by going backwards. The gospel has always “turned the children, was not met with open arms by acterised as ‘dinosaur thinking’, ‘out of It is extremely strange to hear world upside down”. It will always call the media. Experts were assembled, not date’, ‘so-o-o yesterday’. Christians uttering the rhetoric of fatal - individuals, societies and nations to come to dispute the results, but to say they This is the same kind of rhetoric that ism: “Everything has changed so much— to their senses, to see what they have lost, weren’t interested in the results. says a certain change is ‘inevitable’, and we can’t return to where we used to be”. and to return home from the pigsty. “We can’t turn the clock back; it’s not orders the opposition to lie down and die. But isn’t the prefix “re-“ our bread Surrendering to the rhetoric of irre - useful to investigate [such things]”, said It is the kind that says ‘everyone is doing it, and butter? versibility makes a mockery of our main one. Another was cited as saying, go with the flow’. It is the kind that attempts Didn’t we once change the world by message. In the gospel of Jesus, there is “Childcare is here to stay”. The institution to disempower individuals, hushing their a thing known as the ‘re-formation’, when always time to turn back to anything will stay, must stay, and at all costs. But, if demand that bad things need to change, there was an attempt to ‘re-turn’ to the good we have left behind. the good professor has found something even if we have come a long way too far. Christianity of the Bible? Well, not quite always.  The Australian Church Record 12 Vote for Superman AN INSPIRING He’s Harrison Ford, Superman and Don Bradman rolled into one. He’s got the wisdom of Solomon, the faithfulness of Job, the passion of Peter and the tenacity of Paul. And yet, he has the sensitivity of St Francis and the diplomacy of Koffi Annan. He’s a TEACHER AND FRIEND reforming, conserving, radical, mainstream, excit - ing, comforting, dynamic, measured, revolutionary, him even slightly was revealed to be an He interwove his poetry (of which he status-quo-ish, statesmanlike, down-to-earth, pow - exceedingly generous and intimate friend. published two well-received volumes) His unkempt, besuited presence in the into his sermons and shared his own erful, humble, aggressive, peace-loving kind of guy. bookshops of Newtown and the corridors deep personal grief and exhilaration as a I’ve been trying to think of one justified sinner of Moore College is greatly missed. part of the groaning creation that awaits I know who has any chance of fitting the bill. However, those who knew Bruce in its redemption. I keep forcing myself back to Scripture to the 60s and 70s saw an even more domi - Grief came to Bruce Smith through nant figure in the Sydney Anglican scene. the breakdown of his marriage in the think about church leadership, because other - Bruce graduated from Moore College in early 70s and his subsequent withdrawal wise all of these other influences take over: 1952 (also gaining the bachelor of divin - from full-time theological lecturing. His movie stars who work for me, historical figures I ity from London University). He was public profile was greatly diminished happen to like, sports legends, political activists ordained in 1956 and served in many from this point onwards, but his personal Sydney parishes on the north shore and witness to Christ was unabated. Friends who push my buttons. inner city. He was a regular media say that he grew as a model of God’s I think I’m trying too hard. spokesperson, featuring in television grace and mercy until his last day. I run the risk of expecting too much from our n 7 March 2001, we cele - debates, where he would employ his wide Bruce Smith was an unusual and out - archbishop—of following society’s passion for brated the life of one of the knowledge of philosophy and literature in standing Christian man, a preacher and most inspiring and talented the superstar. Worse, I can veer into expecting O minds of Sydney Anglicanism in the late some kind of vicar figure who will be almost 20th century, with a funeral in St Andrew’s Someone who to the casual observer seemed Christ on earth. Many died during the , Sydney. Bruce Smith died on eccentric or even aloof, but to those who knew Reformation over that. Better not let their blood 3 March, after an all-too-short battle with leukemia, at the age of 68. Bruce’s min - him even slightly was revealed to be an be wasted. istry stretched across four decades, in All the same, I don’t want a leader who can’t various places and roles, but it was every - exceedingly generous and intimate friend. be looked up to as some sort of hero. I seem to where characterised by an overwhelming be in agreement with Scripture here. Christ’s love of Christ. the service of the Christian viewpoint. teacher who never ceased to feel the The younger generations remember Bruce was loved as a teacher of the - weight of sin and the weight of glory. He servants are good soldiers, fine athletes, hard - Bruce as an outwardly alarming but ology who could communicate the force leaves behind generations of Christian working farmers (2 Tim 2:3-6); they are morally inwardly charming man, an academic and the feeling of the truth. His delivery students and ministers who have enjoyed great and exhibit courage (Titus 1:7-9); they are enthralled by the arts; s omeone who to style was eloquent and virtuosic with his theological passion and his appeal to super dads and husbands (1 Tim 3:4-5); they the casual observer seemed eccentric or a deep appreciation of the fact that a Christ as the one who, in the end, satis - even aloof, but to those who knew lecture can also be a performance. fies all of our desires.  adhere to the truths of the faith with clear con - sciences (1 Tim 3:9). In short, they have chests. The phrase ‘men without chests’ is from C. S. Demolition Work and take its place Defiance Lewis. The chest is between the mind (reason) Through meshed wire in the crowded skyline ‘Bamboo,’ he said defiantly, and the belly (desire). It’s the part of the body we see the rectangles of our city. ‘Bamboo.’ which pulls reason and desire together and of exposed foundations It’s a commonplace. He stood in the kitchen forms a resolute character: a good heart pumping where small strong buildings Our urban surgeons by the door inside a sturdy rib cage. Now, more than ever, once stood. perform these and fetched this word leaders must have chests. They don’t have to be Bare earth cosmetic feats daily. from his limited store hairy; they just have to be strong. with traces of brick to break our wills Patrick White, the celebrated Australian nov - and tiled flooring But, even so, I’m troubled. with his. elist, once described himself as a “lapsed open to the sky. Troubled Anglican egotist agnostic pantheist occultist A broken, partly plastered, not by the absence He’s barely two years existentialist would-be though failed Christian rear wall of the familiar, into life Australian”. Plenty of other Australians would fit still stands. for these buildings (and one of these into all or part of this description. White once meant nothing to me; was spent in Asia) said that he suspects he would have believed, People once worked here; troubled by impermanence. and now he stood, except that when he was a child Christ was pre - they thought This vacant block, this earthy bare-legged and nappy-clad, sented to him as “meek and mild, in sugar pink” and talked blemish defying the adult world for “pretty baa-lambs…to adore”. What he on the city’s proud face, wanted was Jesus the Red Indian, like his infal - and laughed here. with all his verbal strength plucks the mortar from my life lible boyhood hero, Deerfoot, the great runner. They came here daily while we held back and writes ‘condemned’ Deerfoot had chest. and stood where now our laughter. on every wall. What a tragedy for White, because Christ is a the earth is scarred Deerfoot. That’s what we need now. Jesus the and birds alone But if in later years Red Indian and a leader with a chest.  employ themselves The exposed foundations he were to stand, scavenging among the ruins. are mine like Luther, and say ‘Bamboo’ and I tremble. in the cause of It’s all so familiar. what he knew was true, The demolishers have been. we would not laugh, The future has indeed we would not laugh. brushed aside the past.

Greg Clarke is the assistant On this site, in due time, Poems from Bruce Smith’s editor of this issue of ACR. some office block will rise collection, I’ll Not Pretend.