newsletter o H ISSN 1836-511 WEBSITE: www.anglicantogether.org AROUND SYDNEY DIOCESE…... EUCHARIST OF THE St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney was the scene for an ordination OILS & to the diaconate. on Saturday RENEWAL OF morning 16th February 2019. MINISTRY VOWS The Archbishop of Sydney, Glenn Davies, in the presence of 17 April 2019 -10:30am

the Sydney bishops the Dean, , Archdeacon Kara Hartley and Air

Commodore Chaplain Kevin The Reverend Jeff Parker, and his wife, Michelle Russell, ordained 28 men and Reverend Jeffrey Parker was women as deacons. instituted and inducted as Rector of the Parish of St Luke’s Enmore/Stanmore by Bishop , Bishop of the South Sydney Region on Thursday, 31st January 2019. (Story inside)

A SPECIAL EVENT The Rev’d John Bunyan is New Deacons outside St Andrew’s Cathedral, inviting his family, friends, In his sermon, the Bishop of former parishioners and North Sydney, , colleagues to join him in the referred to Mark 10 and 2 Celebration of the 60th The 2019 Chrism Eucharist Corinthians 12, in urging the anniversary of his Ordination will be held at St James’ candidates to serve in humility. to the diaconate on 17th March Church, King Street, Sydney “Jesus died for us on the cross. 2019 (St Patrick’s Day - also Wednesday 17 April 2019 at That’s humility. That’s the model 20th anniversary as honorary 10:30am. for ministry” chaplain at Bankstown Bishop Michael Stead will Hospital. The service will be preside. held in St Peter’s Parish Church, Hornsby at 1.30pm. A invitation is extended to clergy There will also be a Launch and parishioners to attend this of two of John's books - service. Clergy and lay ministers "Sing Down Under" (60 are invited to robe and renew hymns) and "God in the their vows at this service. The Golden Evening" (poems). colour is white. The oils will be The new Deacons will go out John was ordained for the available after the service for mainly into Parish Ministry, Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn decanting into parish stocks. also to Chaplaincy in and served in the dioceses of Anglicare, Mission to Seafarers Newcastle and Sydney. In A light lunch will follow in the St and the Defence Force. retirement John has been James’ Hall. Please RSVP to https://sydneyanglicans.net/news traveling, writing and composing [email protected] or 8227

poems and hymns. 1300 if attending the lunch.

1

‘ORA ET LABORA’ G re e t i n g s i n C h r i s t ,

‘Living Together in Unity’

‘Behold how good and how lovely it is when brethren live together in unity’ (Psalm 133:1)

Community - people (and sometimes says it is that neither the terms ‘club’ nor Club or Communion? open to all), but on the other hand it ‘community’ adequately reflect still seeks to exclude people who do what the church should be. In recent years, many social not believe or do the right things. Moreover, the mystical church (as commentators have argued that as Of course, the narrower the against the institutional one) is people have become more definition of membership the more principally the gathering of God’s urbanised, they have also become exclusive and sectarian it becomes. people in all their diversity and more disconnected from each other. Rather than offering a radical brokenness with a view to their Popular writings and media- critique of the exclusiveness of being the continuing presence of comment suggest that there is a modern pseudo-communities, much Christ in the world today and of longing for ‘community’, but it of the institutional church has becoming part of God’s kingdom in seems to be on quite restricted instead become a reflection of the the future. In this context, God terms. In this respect, people want spirit of the age – competitive, resources and empowers people for to choose the ‘community’ to which controlling materialist and mission in the world. However, this they belong – which suggests more discriminatory. It therefore fails to concept is multi-dimensional, for it a matter of mutual association than connect with many people, extends down through history (over real community. intentionally excludes others, and time) and across cultures (or space). A community is not something often lacks the diversity and It is for this reason that we tend to created through the will of a group openness expected of a healthy talk about the church in terms of of individuals but rather a context in organisation. being a ‘communion’ and which humanity lives and operates. emphasise the relational This is probably one reason why, as It therefore includes all people, both connectedness between peoples, McCrindle Research has reported, the likeable and unlikable, the good which better satisfies the idea of only around 8% of Sydney’s and the bad, the saint and the sinner. covenant. population now has any regular We belong to a community because church involvement. we live in it rather than because we Unity and Diversity subscribe to a set of ideals or beliefs Exclusivist behaviour works against The New Testament describes the about it. Community can be likened the spirit of ‘covenant’ that I gathering of Christ’s followers in to citizenship (or possibly family) – addressed in my last article. Today, terms of ‘koinonia’, a Greek word which is a state of being connected society tends to seek a ‘social meaning ‘communion by intimate to each other politically, culturally contract’ by getting people to agree participation’. It emphasises the and situationally, rather than to a code of beliefs that then result aspects of sharing and fellowship in belonging to a particular group of in a set of behaviours. In contrast, a communion with one another. The like-minded people who choose to covenant acknowledges a series of concept appears in the Book of the socialise with each other. relationships that in turn bring Acts, where part of the early church identity and transformation. In Conversely, while the institutional is described in these terms: baptism, the church follows the church also articulates the modern notion of covenant by welcoming a “They devoted themselves to the desire for community, it person into ‘God’s family’ rather apostles’ teaching and nevertheless operates more as a than into the institutional church fellowship, to the breaking of religious club by emphasising and, like the prodigal son, that bread and the prayers. Awe membership to it through adherence person remains a member of God’s came upon everyone, because to particular beliefs and the family even if they ‘wander far off’ many wonders and signs were exhibiting of particular behaviours. (Luke 15:11-32). It therefore seems being done by the apostles. All On the one hand, it seeks to include who believed were together and 2

had all things in common; they person as well as in the church and Communion (which we often call would sell their possessions and the wider world. the Eucharist, a Greek word goods and distribute the meaning ‘thanksgiving’), and also It is also important to recognise that proceeds to all, as any had the five ‘sacramentals’ (or means of the church is a very diverse need. Day by day, as they spent blessing) of Confirmation, organisation, and an aspect of this much time together in the Confession, Ordination, Marriage diversity is to recognise that God temple, they broke bread at and Anointing. However, it may be provides a huge range of gifts for home and ate their food with understood that there are many the benefit of its corporate life. As glad and generous hearts, other ways by which people St Paul wrote: praising God and having the inwardly experience the grace of goodwill of all the people.” ‘Now there are varieties of God, expressed through outward (Acts 2:42-47) gifts, but the same Spirit; and actions and signs. there are varieties of services, It may well look like an The church, as koinonia, but the same Lord; and there unobtainable ideal, but it is the goal demonstrates the intimacy of are varieties of activities, but it of Christian communion. relationships in communion; which is the same God who activates Nevertheless, there is clearly a in turn reflects the communal nature all of them in everyone. To each problem; for the Bible talks in terms of the Trinity – Father, Son and is given the manifestation of the of unity, yet how do we account for Holy Spirit. Just as the Trinity is a Spirit for the common good.’ the myriads of divisions, schisms, set of relationships so too is the (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) sects and failings of a body that is The implication of this is that the church, especially in its gathering meant to be a sign of God’s church needs this diversity of gifts together of which the Eucharist is presence in the world? Responses to (and people) to remain healthy, and its sign. this vary from an apathetic shrug of that the gifts given it are for the Through the Eucharist, God and his the shoulders in acknowledgement corporate good, not for the benefit people meet and have fellowship. that ‘it is the way of the world, of an individual. To be sure, the An aspect of this fellowship is the nothing can be done, so we should nineteenth century idea of robust nurture of God’s people through just all keep doing our own thing’, individualism and self-interest word and sacrament, by which they to a more belligerent position that would seem to have little Biblical are empowered to carry out God’s suggests ‘of course we should be warrant. mission in the world. It is also here unified, and as my church is the that the people of God are unified as ‘right one’ then everyone else The church is therefore unified in followers of Christ (both with those should join us!’ its service of God, yet it lives in diversity because it is made up of a present as well as the wider Part of the solution to this dilemma complex set of peoples that are mystical communion down through is to appreciate the distinction resourced by God in a variety of time and across the world), and here between the present state and the ways. People are not all the same, the Holy Spirit provides the church future hope; which is to say that the either socially or psychologically with gifts and empowerment for church lives and operates in the and this fact finds expression ministry. flawed present world and reflects through a range of different cultures The church therefore does not exist this, but it is meant to be become and behaviours. The church reflects for its own sake, but rather for the God’s kingdom in the future. In this diversity through its different sake of others. Its structures, ways theological terms, it is a matter of cultural expressions, structures and of operation and goals should eschatology. Schism, failure and sin practices but is unified in its therefore reflect this principle. It is may occur in the institutional following of Christ. It therefore also in this way that the church church however we have no excuse needs diversity so as to remain takes on a sacramental role of being but to recognise this, change our strong and ready to engage with a ways, and seek God’s transforming a means of God’s grace (or world that is both fragmented and unconditional love) to the world. In power to become more a reflection rapidly changing. theological terms, this is called of the mystical communion. To fail ‘incarnation’ or the embodiment of to acknowledge this or to seek to Sacrament to the World God in the world. excuse or defend bad behaviour is The Anglican Catechism states that to choose to remain in sin and Customers vs Participants brokenness, and the transforming a sacrament is ‘an outward and power of God is therefore visible sign of an inward and An ongoing temptation for the diminished, both in the life of a spiritual grace’ (APBA p 817). The church is to become consumerist in Anglican Church recognises the two its approach to faith, by which I great sacraments of Baptism and mean to see religious practice as a 3

commodity to be traded in a Christian life, indeed it is a denial Passion and Cross competitive market place. In many of reality – more the behaviour of a ing, my tongue, the glorious battle; respects, it is unsurprising because sect than a church. S of the mighty conflict sing: consumerism is a dominant aspect Secondly, the binding force of of the culture of western society. tell the triumph of the victim, Christianity is Christ himself and to the cross your tribute bring. People have become disconnected not the church’s beliefs, behaviours, Jesus Christ, the world’s Redeemer, from the experience of church as regulations or leaders. Our salvation from that cross now reigns as King. ‘mystical communion’ and have and hope for life is to be discovered instead sought a church that through a relationship with God When at length the appointed ‘provides for their needs’. In this through Jesus Christ and not fullness way a more consumerist approach because we do or believe certain of the sacred time was come, to church life has arisen; such that things. Through love and trust God he was sent, the world’s Creator, attenders are more concerned with makes a covenant with us and from the Father’s heavenly home what they receive from the promises to be part of our lives. and as found in human fashion experience of church rather than When we recognise this, and offspring of the Virgin’s womb. what they contribute to it. Indeed, commit ourselves to serving God, it what develops in this situation is a has the power to become a When the thirty years were ended diminishing regard for the quality transforming force in our lives and, which on earth he willed to see, and integrity of relationships and an by extension, the world around us. willingly he meets his passion, increasing concern for style and Thirdly, the Christian life is worked born to set his people free; product! out in the world. It is not about on the cross the Lamb is lifted, In this way, church attenders have escaping the world, but instead a there the sacrifice to be. tended to become more like matter of engaging with it. Our customers in a religious emporium participation in the work of God is There the nails and spear he suffers, than members of the body of Christ. to be who we are, while committing vinegar and gall and reed; Some church structures have ourselves to God and using our gifts from his sacred body pierced embraced this model with a degree and talents within the community blood and water both proceed: of success - if numbers are to be the with the added understanding that precious flood, which all creation gauge of success. However, it is a God is present in these ordinary from the stain of sin was freed. far cry from any sense of koinonia; things of life. for, as Christians, we are called to Faithful cross, above all other, Finally, Christian communion finds be participants in the body of one and only noble tree, its fulfilment and fruitfulness Christ. Such participation is to be none in foliage, none in blossom, through participation in life. understood through the concept of none in fruit our peer may be; Christianity differs from a covenant, which describes the sweet the wood and sweet the iron, philosophy in that it is more than relationship between God and and your load, most sweet is he. just a set of human ideas about life people and the corresponding and community. While theology is responsibilities they have to each Praise and honour to the Father, important, it is an enabling activity other. praise and honour to the Son, rather than an end in itself and tends praise and honour to the Spirit, Christian Communion only to make sense when lived. ever Three and ever One: Worship, study, prayer and good So, what might Christian One in might and One in glory works transform both the individual while eternal ages run. communion look like? as well as the broad community, Venantius Fortunatus 530-609• First, it needs to be acknowledged and they have the capacity to tr. John Mason Neaale 1818-66 alt. that it is extremely diverse, because change the world when practised – In ‘Together in Song’ - Hymn No. 331 there is no ‘one way’ of being a a matter of deeds not words. Christian. The church around the The Reverend Andrew Sempell •Fortunatus wrote 11 surviving books world and down through the ages in latin. He was ordained into the has, and does, operate in many ANGLICAN TOGETHER church around 576 and later was made different cultures and includes NEWSLETTER bishop of Poitiers. After his death he people of all types socially, published by “Anglicans Together Inc.” was called a saint, but never formally psychologically and intellectually. Opinions are those of contributors. canonized. His remembrance date is It is therefore naïve and dishonest Editor: Moya Holle, 14 December. Email: [email protected] for any group to suggest that there PO Box 429, GLEBE NSW 2037 is only one way of living the 4

Institution and Induction of Rector of St Luke’s Parish Enmore/Stanmore

On a hot and windy Thursday evening - 31st January - parishioners, past and present, many visiting clergy, the local Council Representative, friends and family crowded into St Luke’s Church to witness an important, memorable occasion - the Institution and Induction of the Reverend Jeffrey Parker as Rector of the Parish by Bishop Michael Stead, Bishop of the South Sydney Region.

Following the enthusiastic singing of the first hymn and Jeffrey Parker is presented to the parish congregation as ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, the Reverend Philip Rector and Pastor and they receive him with acclamation.

Bradford, the Interim Rector (for four years) commenced The new the Service saying “we come together to meet God and to Rector, Fr take our place in building the Body of Christ… to Jeff then welcome our brother, Jeffrey Ross Parker as Rector of continues this parish”. the Service with the Creed and Prayers.

Photo left: Eddy Reddy, Warden, Bp Stead, Fr Jeff Parker

The new Rector was welcomed by the Bishop on behalf of the Diocese; by the Wardens on behalf of the parish (Michelle Parker was presented with flowers); by the Reverend Roger Bray, the Inner West Mission Area Leader, and by Councillor Anna York for the Inner West Council. Ministers and Congregation during singing of first Hymn The final hymn “Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the The Readings from the Old and New Testament were Lord!” was followed by the Bishop’s blessing. read by the new Rector’s two daughters, Prue Perram and Penny Parker. and by Stuart Veitch, a parish Celebrations nominator. continued on The Institution followed the Bishop’s sermon, when the in the parish Bishop asked the Reverend Jeffrey Parker questions hall, where regarding his willingness to perform the duties of a there was Rector. Having answered these questions, the Bishop much food then hands the new Rector his Licence, ‘bearing the seal (including the favourite of the Archbishop’. After this, the ‘Thai’) and Assistant to the drinks. It was Bishop the an occasion Reverend Hugh when Fr Jeff Isaacs and the and his family were warmly welcomed by parishioners Churchwardens past and present; neighbouring churches, and clergy from of the Parish gave near and far.

the new Rector a PHOTOS: Left column: -Bp Michael Stead Fr Jeffrey Parker map of parish to Bottom left: Church Wardens, Ruth Champion and Fabian be ‘evangelised’; LoSchiavo; and a Prayer Book Alex Hill for the Youth Warden requiring him to “be faithful in prayer Above: and Divine Bp Michael, Bro. Christopher John Service”; a Bible, SSF; Fr Jeff, saying “be Michelle Parker, Fr faithfully in reading Eric Hampsen

the Scriptures…”; a Opposite: Food & Chalice and Paten, friends in the Parish saying “be faithful Hall after Service. in administration of Photos: Copyright - Halyucinations Studios 2019. the sacraments”.

5

THE BIBLE and THE WORD OF GOD

Growing up and attending a Baptist interpretation of Scripture that the synagogue in Nazareth being Sunday School, one of the choruses troubles me.” I suspect most of us a case in point. (Luke 4:18-19) we often sang had the words, “The can relate to that! The Bible as we know it is best Book to read is the Bible, X2, It is important to remember remarkable because it is both a if you read it every day it will help that the first few generations of human and a divine book. It is a you on your way, O the best book Christians had no Bible. Jewish collection of sixty six books, to read is the Bible.” Christians knew the Hebrew containing history, poetry, I came from a home where the Scriptures, though they did not have narrative, law, songs, parables, Bible was read often - my Dad access to the written word - scrolls and allegory. started every day reading the Bible were held only in the synagogue or We believe that those who and praying before he left for work temple. wrote the books of the Bible, did at 6.30am. (A practice he continued Most of the books of our New so moved by God’s spirit but they his whole life.) My sister and Testament were in circulation by also expressed something of their brother and I were given our own early in the Second Century but own personality and experience of Bibles as soon as we could read and there was no attempt to make an life. also Scripture Union notes which authoritative list of books until gave us a passage to read each day Take one small example. It is much later in that century. with a brief commentary. interesting to compare the Greek of the Gospel writers. Mark’s Greek We were taught to read the is clumsy and sometimes difficult Bible and to trust what it said. So ‘The Word of God’ was not to follow. Luke’s is polished and we believed the world was created a description of the Bible…. learned, so beginners find it in six days and that Adam and Eve difficult to read because his were real people who encountered a The faith of the early vocabulary is so large. John by snake that could talk and discuss Christians was grounded in a contrast is much easier because his theology. People who said that the person, not in a book. The vocabulary is smaller and he uses Bible might contain myth or expression, ‘The Word of God’ many of the same words over and allegory were dismissed as was not a description of the Bible over again. dangerous liberals and unbelievers. but always a reference to Jesus or Take another example. It is It wasn’t until I was in senior the oral witness about Jesus. interesting to compare Mark’s and High School years that I met So in the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s accounts of ‘the healing of Christians who didn’t read the Bible Luke uses the expression ‘the word the woman with the bleeding as literally as I had been taught. At of God’, 12 times, and ‘the word of disorder’. Mark declares: “She had University I attended the the Lord’ 6 times. In every endured much under many Evangelical Union and started to instance it is a reference to the physicians and had spent all that study the Bible with a slightly more message about Jesus. It was not she had and she was no better but sophisticated approach but was still until the 3rd Century at the earliest rather grew worse.” (Mark 5:26) afraid to question anything the that ‘the Word of God’ was Luke, the physician, is more Bible appeared to teach. referenced to the Bible. It is measured and protective of his How we read and interpret always good to remember that we profession writing: “(she) had been the Scriptures is one of the great worship a person, not a book. suffering from haemorrhages for questions of our age. The debates Having said that, the Book is twelve years and though she had within the Church on issues such important because in the book we spent all she had on physicians, no meet Jesus, and that is the first as the ordination of women or one could cure her.” (Luke 8:43) same sex marriage often come reason that we read the Bible. Clearly God did not dictate the down to differences in the way the The early Christians accepted words of Scripture but he used Bible is to be read. and continued to revere the fallible human beings to convey his I remember hearing my Rector, Hebrew Scriptures because they message and that in my view is one the late Laurie Pullen, whom I kept seeing signs in them which of the amazing things about the greatly admired, saying: “I have no pointed to Jesus. The passage Bible. So the Bible is God’s gift problem with the view that the from Isaiah that Jesus quoted in and we should read it often. I no Scriptures are inspired, it’s the longer read the first chapters of 6

Genesis as a literally true story, but LENT IS THE FORTY-DAY CONSECRATION OF I am immensely grateful that PERIOD IN PREPARATION FOR ELEVENTH BISHOP OF my parents taught me to read the EASTER - the greatest Feast of NORTH QUEENSLAND Bible (in the AV) from an early age. the Liturgical Year - a penitential

period of fasting, prayer and alms- And each time we open the Bible giving. There are some symbols to read it we should ask the Holy which are helpful during this period. Spirit to reveal more of himself to us. As the hymn writer put it: Ashes remind us of the Creation “beyond the sacred page, I seek you story. We are made from dust, (Gen Lord, my spirit longs for you, O 2:7). living Word.” It is the Holy Spirit symbolizing who takes the words of Scripture our human and brings them to life. Without the mortality and Holy Spirit the Bible becomes just need for another book. forgiveness humility The Reverend Dr Keith Joseph has Karl Bath wrote that “The purification and sorrow for our sins. been elected Bishop of the Diocese Bible is God’s word to the extent of North Queensland. that God causes it to be his Word, Violet/purple colour - a sombre to the extent that He speaks through colour used in the Church The consecration and installation it……the Statement that the Bible is throughout the Season of Lent. will take place in St James

God’s Word is a confession of faith, Cathedral, Townsville on Sunday Stones remind us of Jesus’ 31st March 2019. a statement of the faith which experience in the desert for forty hears God himself speak through days and being tempted by the The Diocese of North Queensland the biblical word of man.” devil to was established in June 1883 from The Reverend Philip Bradford change the Diocese of Sydney. It is the Stanmore stones into third oldest diocese in Australia. bread. It is also one of the largest in area, Stones stretching from the small sugar ANGLICAN BOARD OF symbolize MISSION 2019 LENTEN austerity and rigor, desolation, town of Sarina in the south, then APPEAL misery and sadness. north to take in all the Torres Strait This is being launched on Ash Islands; from the east coast and Wednesday – 6th March 2019 at 11 Fish - a symbol of Lent calls us to west to the Northern Territory am in St Luke’s Anglican Church fast on border. Enmore Parish Hall. Ash Its outreach is diverse in character; ABM staff Members, Robert McLean, Wednes having a ministry to the cities and Wilnor Flores and Simolyn Delgado day and towns, to the Torres Strait will be present to provide up-to-date Good Islanders locally and where they information on the three SPECIAL live around Australia and to the LENTEN PROJECTS. Friday. It further reminds us of These Projects will provide money to abstinence throughout Lent. many Aboriginal communities in support: the north and in the towns. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Incense: a symbol of prayer (Psalm Island Mission Fund; St John’s 141:2) ‘Let my prayer come like Keith Joseph was ordained to the Anglican Seminary Sambia and the incense before you.’ diaconate in 2005, and priested in Gender and Governance Initiative in It was customary to burn incense in St Barnabas Cathedral Honiara, Zambia. the Temple to worship God (Lk 1:9). Province of Melanesia. He was

In St John’s vision of heaven the lecturer at the Bishop Patteson Theological College, Guadalcanal LAUNCH OF DONALD elders “eßach held bowls filled with between 2006-10; Co-ordinator of ROBINSON’S SELECTED incense which are the prayers of Degree Studies - 2006-09; Co- WORKS – the holy ones” (Rev 5:8). As ordinator Theological Education Volumes 3 and 4 incense smoke curls upward our 2010. Saturday 16 March 2019 – 9am 12pm prayers rise upward to God; as the Since 2013 he has been Dean and Moore College, Carillion Ave., Incumbent of Christ Church Newtown fragrant fumes have a pleasing Cathedral, Darwin, Diocese of SPEAKERS: Glenn Davies, aroma, so may the sincerity of our Northern Territory. Rory Shiner & Lionel Windsor. prayer be pleasing to God. 7

RESPONSE TO THE ARTICLE - ‘Reflections from Synod 2018’ (AT Newsletter No 67 Nov 2018)

The Reverend Dr Stuart distinctive culture" of other a "gift" the whole Anglican Piggins' article 'Reflections dioceses he will not put a Church in Australia should look from Synod 2018' in Anglicans condition on their choice. at other solutions. One possible Together Newsletter (No 67, Whatever happened to solution would be for each November 2018) was an unconditional love? diocese to donate $10,000-00 and interesting and heartfelt each metropolitan diocese Added to this concern is what contribution towards solving $20,000-00 thus bringing in a is happening in other dioceses. the financial crisis that similar amount to Sydney's offer. Muriel Porter's booklet, 'A New confronts Bathurst diocese. Or maybe crowd funding could Exile? The Future of be tried by appealing to In his article Dr Piggin wrote ’ should be sympathetic Anglicans that he "was encouraged" by the compulsory reading for all who throughout Australia and the decision of Synod to give believe the world. Or Sydney could, in a $250,000 per year for a period of should be a broad church. In tremendous example of Christian six years to the diocese of Chapters 1 and 2 she details how charity and respect for other Bathurst in return for Sydney's Sydney is eager to send clergy to forms of churchmanship, give a approval of the next bishop. cash strapped country dioceses donation of $250,00 a year with However, before such assistance suffering from the vestiges of no strings attached thus reflecting is accepted some serious drought and declining incomes. God's unconditional love for us consideration should be given Muriel Porter also describes all. And I am sure others can towards the possible effects that how the nature of these dioceses think of more creative solutions. such a gift might have on has changed. In her own words: Bathurst diocese. The great genius of the "In their vulnerability, it has Anglican Church has always While each diocese has been relatively easy for their been its acceptance of different different needs and a different churchmanship style to change as ways of approaching God and character they all fit into the energetic, well-funded its respectful listening as to whole of Christ's body - the evangelicals have targeted them how others understand God. Church. in various ways. Sydney diocese We have parishes where worship is generous with its financial When a diocese chooses a is conducted by priests wearing donations to some. In 2014, the bishop the Synod or Committee chasubles and other parishes Diocese of North-West Australia established to make that decision where worship is conducted by received $47,000, while the seeks guidance from the Holy clergy wearing jeans and T shirts. Northern Territory - a diocese Spirit through a process of All these approaches have a place with a Catholic heritage which prayer, reading of scripture and in the Anglican Church if they has just consecrated a Moore consultation with church bring people closer to God. It College trained man as its bishop members regarding the needs of would be a pity to see this - has received $38,000." (Muriel that particular diocese. It is very Porter, 'A New Exile', Northcote diversity being submerged into possible that if another group (in Vic., Morning Star Publishing, 2015, one monochrome culture. this case Sydney Diocese) p. 25). We don't learn and grow becomes involved, without being from people who think the through this careful process, that The irony is that Sydney sets same as us; we learn and grow a compromise will occur that will up hurdles for priests trained in from people who think see the Holy Spirit marginalized. other dioceses from becoming rectors in Sydney, but is very differently from us. Dr Piggin argues that it may keen to send its priests to other Tony Brownlow not be a problem if "the parts of Australia. Sydney is like Glebe Archbishop of Sydney respects a powerful country that wants the distinctive culture of those free trade with other dioceses for dioceses, such as their support its clergy, but places tariffs on for women priests". But what if priests coming into its own the diocese chooses a woman to diocese. What we need is a fair be bishop? And surely if the interchange! Archbishop "respects the Before Bathurst accepts such 8

Startingoints for change and groth

T H E T R A N S F I G U R A T I O N sea into the diisions and hatreds of these days n the turmoil oen our ears to catch your uiet reath O F O U R L O R D nd gie us oice to echo your aching and longing for the reflection comparin and contrastin the liht of romised time the Transfiuration and the liht of Hiroshima (the hen in communion ith you true life and freedom ill atomic bomb was dropped on the Feast ay of the e shared y all Transfiuration). Christ comforter yet challenger of our todays "Now there are two ways to walk: ou are the eginning and end of creation Towards the radiance of the transfigured Christ raing together ast and future Or the radiance of the Bomb. hreading them into the texture of the resent Towards the radiance that descends to touch, to hrough your life and ministry you shoed us the heal, to restore. imortance of today f carrying out Gods mission in the orld of here and Or towards the radiance that descends to defend, no to murder, and to destroy. You did not allo yourself to e ound y time ast Towards the radiance that glorifies or aait imassie for an unseen future Or the radiance that vaporizes. Still today you do not let us stand aside and delay This day I set before you life and death, ut urgently you offer us oth salation and udgement a blessing and a curse: ou demand that e choose and inite us to or ith Choose this day whom you will serve." you (Unknown source in the USA) o accomlish Gods urose yesterday for eer and *Originally observed on August 6; the Transfiguration is today men Clare Amos observed now on the lat Sunday in Epiphany. (An Australian Lectionary –APBA - this year March 3) Dr Clare Amos worked for the World Council of Churches, with responsibility for inter religious dialogue and cooperation. Previously in 2011, she was Director for The following poem was written originally to mark Theological Studies in the Anglican Communion Office. the ‘100th Anniversary of the End of the First A biblical scholar by background, Dr Amos studied and World War’ - more latterly to mark the beginning taught in Jerusalem, Beirut, Cambridge, London and Kent. Her particular interest is in the biblical story of the of the New Year . Transfiguration of Christ. Clare Amos is currently

working on a book that reflects on the motif of Faithful Father minder of our yesterdays transfiguration in Christian theology." e than you for your lessing and cherishing For your care hich has rought us and all creation to this day Forgie the failings of our ast On the Baptism of Jesus the false stes and aths that e hae taen in our lies Beginning here we glimpse the Three-in-one; and in our histories The river runs, the clouds are torn apart, s indiiduals as nations as memers of your on The Father speaks, the Sprit and the Son eole Reveal to us the single loving heart Grant us the courage not to forget That beats behind the being of all things ot to stifle the sounds of suffering in hich e hae And calls and keeps and kindles us to light. een comlicit ncourage us also to trust in your oer to redeem The dove descends, the spirit soars and sings our illingness to or ith flaed humanity and re ‘You are belovèd, you are my delight!’ create an earth In that quick light and life, as water spills hich all can celerate ith you as truly good And streams around the Man like quickening rain, The voice that made the universe reveals Holy Sirit hoe for our tomorros The God in Man who makes it new again. Grant us ision of the future of this orld as you ould hae it e He calls us too, to step into that river nsire us ith your oer and grace us ith your gifts To die and rise and live and love forever. Malcolm Guite and fruits oe oy and eace generosity and gentleness Poet, singer-songwriter, Anglican priest, and academic; currently Faithfulness and indness atience and selfcontrol a Bye-Fellow and chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge and associate chaplain of St Edward King and Martyr, Cambridge. ay they ecome seeds in us taing root dee ithin our See Blog for poet and singer-songwriter Malcolm Guite lies 9

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: LISTENING TO THE STATEMENT FROM THE HEART Author: Celia Kemp, Reconciliation Coordinator; Artist: The Reverend Glenn Loughrey Pp110; Free PDF version or order at ABM $20+pp.

Commission to Questions and a Prayer." supervise a process of Each of the 8 Parts has factual agreement-making information, quotations from wide- between governments ranging sources, beautiful art for and First Nations and reflection and thought-provoking truth-telling about statements. These all raise many our history." hard, unanswered questions ripe for The book is divided discussion. These questions range into 8 Parts designed across a landscape which embraces to take readers God and theology; justice and through the themes legality; compassion and rights; arising from lawlessness and power; sovereignty 'Statement from the and country; the land and its people. This beautifully produced book is Heart'. They include 'the doctrine of designed as a Study of 'The This is a unique book that has great discovery'; 'lucky for who?'; 'the Statement from the Heart' which depth. It will richly reward those torment of our powerlessness'; 'a came out of the First Nations who grapple with the painful stories 60,000 year old church?'; 'what is National Constitutional Convention of our Australian history. land for?'. at Uluru in May 2017. Part of the Moya Holle Statement said: "We call for the The author states: "The material is ABM Sydney Committee establishment of a First Nations suitable for individual reflection or Voice enshrined in the for a group study; each part contains Constitution...We seek a Makarrata Art, Stories, Quotes, Scripture,

WELL-KNOWN NEW TESTAMENT SCHOLAR, THEOLOGICAN AND TEACHER APPOINTED CHANCELLOR OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LONDON ACNS: Posted 08 February 2019 Previously, she was Theologian will have responsibility for The Bishop of London and the in Residence at the Bible Society, growing, and leading the Chapter have appointed Dr having been a lecturer in New Cathedral’s expanding Paula Gooder, Chancellor of St Testament and Biblical Studies at theological and learning Paul's Cathedral, London. The Queen’s Foundation for programme. She is to be licensed and begin Ecumenical Theological her ministry at Evensong on Education, Ripon College, Speaking of her appointment, Saturday 23rd February 2019. Paula said: “I was honoured and Cuddesdon, Oxford. Paula is a current member of the Anglican delighted to be offered the post of Roman Catholic International Chancellor at St Paul's Commission ARCIC III. Cathedral and am very excited about working with the Chapter Paula has a strong vocation to and the rest of the Cathedral lay ministry and is a licensed team in the years ahead.” Lay Reader in the Church of England. The Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Rev’d Dr David Ison, said: The Bishop of London, the Rt “This is a ground-breaking Rev’d and Rt Hon Dame Sarah appointment, as the Chancellor, Mullally DBE, said: “I am up to now, has been ordained; thrilled that Paula will be joining Paula, a Licensed Lay Minister, us at St Paul’s Cathedral. Her will attend the governing Chapter Dr Gooder, until recently, has gifts in writing, lecturing and and exercise her ministry in and been Director of Mission theology are well known for the Cathedral alongside her Learning and Development at the throughout the Church.” ordained colleagues.” Diocese of Birmingham. As Chancellor, Paula Gooder 10

Lambeth Conference: Archbishop of Cape Town calls on bishops to “express your difference” ACNS: Posted: February 8, 2019

“We want to Communion.” hear that voice. In a separate video on the website, It’s not a the Archbishop of Canterbury, conference of Justin Welby, spoke of how bishops like-minded can prepare for the Lambeth people; it is a Conference, beginning with prayer. conference of Anglicans. I “My vision for this conference is mean, for that, if nothing else, we emerge as a God’s sake, Communion that is visibly more Anglicans, deeply committed to prayer and the from our reading of scripture.

Archbishops Thabo Makgoba and Justin inceptions, we’ve always had push “So pray, and read scripture Welby in videos on the Lambeth Conference and pull. So push and pull should together; get into the swing of it in a website not be a distraction, but it should be new and fresh way. For example, The Primate of the Anglican celebrated. between Ascension and Pentecost,

Church of Southern Africa, there will be the fourth 10-days of Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, has Thy Kingdom Come. . . Get called on Anglican bishops to ‘It’s not a conference of like- involved in that. It’s a time for attend the next Lambeth minded people; it is a prayer for mission; prayer for God Conference despite differences conference of Anglicans.’ to warm the hearts of those who within the Anglican Communion. need to hear the good news of Jesus.” Archbishop Thabo chairs the international Design Group, “It’s what I call at home, He continued: “Pray for those brought together by the Archbishop ‘celebrating the gift of difference’. you disagree with and resist the So I encourage all bishops and their of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to urge to be swayed by gossip and plan the once-in-a-decade gathering spouses to make every possible effort to come and see what God is rumour. So when you hear of Anglican bishops, which will something, don’t necessarily take place in Canterbury, Kent, in doing through us in his world.” believe it, turn to God and say ‘if 2020. “I know people talk about Speaking about the shape of the that’s true, I pray for him or the fabric of the communion as Conference, Archbishop Thabo her’. But also, try and find out torn”, he said, “but we are all said that it would begin with a fallible human beings in need of spiritual retreat, a time to say to the truth.” God’s love and grace, and we need bishops and their spouses “hey, THE LAMBETH CONFERENCE each other.” shut up . . . and listen to God; and 2020 is taking place in July and Archbishop Thabo made his listen to one another in silence.” August 2020 in Canterbury, UK. comments in a video on the He said that after the retreat, “we The theme is “God’s Church for Lambeth Conference website. In it, will worship together; we will walk God’s World; walking, listening and witnessing together”. he says: “As said in Sepedi [the together; we will talk together; we language of Northern Sotho]: one will love together; we will wrestle The Archbishop of Canterbury, bangle doesn’t ring, two bangles together; break bread together; Justin Welby, is sending personal will make a beautiful noise. So reflect theologically and in mission invitations to every eligible bishop we are never alone in this journey. bring ourselves and bring our and spouse – (excluding same-sex spouses). “Whether you agree with where the dioceses and provinces into that Communion is, whether you don’t space. The first Lambeth Conference agree, come and express your “And then, as my predecessor but met for four days in September difference in this beautiful space one used to say, ‘God is not 1867 with 76 bishops present. which is a gift from God. Don’t finished with us’; and God will Fourteen Conferences h0ave met since, about every 10 years except just stay at home and say ‘I’m not actually continue his work in us and during the two World Wars. going’. through us for the Anglican 11

A r c h b i s h o p P h i l i p F r e i e r Primate of the Anglican Church & Archbishop of Melbourne GUEST SPEAKER A N G L I C A N S T O G E T H E R 2 0 1 9 D I N N E R

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