July 2008 Anglican News Vol 25Page 1 No 5 Anglican News July 2008 The Newspaper of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn 3600 copies every month FREE Church leaders call for Middle-East peace A delegation of heads of Aus- living under military occupation, tralian churches has called on the of indignities and harassment, Federal Government to take a about the confiscation of land and more proactive role in seeking a dispossession of homes. We peaceful settlement to the con- heard about the pressures and flict in Palestine and Israel. restrictions on Palestinian com- The delegation met in Can- mercial activity and the near im- berra on Wednesday July 4, dur- possibility of building viable busi- ing a week of International nesses.” Church Action for Peace in the Israelis spoke to the group strife-torn region. about the debilitating effects of Primate of the Anglican living with the constant fear, and Church in Australia Archbishop reality, of terrorist actions. They Dr Phillip Aspinall, was part of heard first-hand the impact of the delegation. daily threats of suicide bombers He said he had visited Israel and rocket attacks, and the im- and Palestine with eight other pact of decades of tension and Australian Church Leaders in conflict with near neighbours. December last year. They heard about the sixty-year “We were privileged to meet struggle to protect the territory with Israeli and Palestinian lead- and people of the State of Israel ers and senior representatives of and about innocent women and the Jewish, Muslim and Christian children killed in attacks. faiths,” Dr Aspinall said. “Our “I came away determined to visit gave us an unusual oppor- do what I could, not to add to tunity to witness, first hand, the the polarisation of the two peo- hardships of both Israelis and ples,” the Primate said. “The last Palestinians as a direct result of thing they need is for us to take the enduring conflict.” one side or the other and add fuel He said the group had been to the conflict. What we can do HOT TOPIC: Members of Burgmann School’s ‘Issues’ group attended an address on Israel told time and time again that what is point to the futility and destruc- and Palestine by the Primate at St John’s, Reid, during his visit to Canberra. Pictured are everyone in the Holy Land needed tive effects of inhumane and un- Hannah Bennett, Angus Millar, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, Kyle Dickerson, Jeremy Allan above all else was peace. With- acceptable behaviour wherever it and School Chaplain Mark Beresford. The ‘Issues’ group meets weekly to discuss topics of out peace neither security nor jus- is found and by whomever it is interest and importance, and has spent some time addressing the history of the Israel/ tice would be possible. perpetrated.” Palestine conflict. “Our group heard heart- He pointed out that children wrenching stories from both were growing up in the Holy cause of its vibrant Christian, We call on the Government to of military occupation on Pal- sides of the conflict,” he said. Land with long-term psychologi- Jewish and Islamic communities advocate for and lend all prac- estine. “Palestinians told us of the dif- cal damage because of the in- and robust diplomatic relation- tical assistance to a freely and We call on the Government to ficulties of moving about in their grained fear and hatred. “This ships with both Israel and Pales- peacefully negotiated solution support United Nations meas- own territories, about routine situation cannot simply be al- tine. acceptable to both Israelis and ures to foster peace in Israel waits of between one and six lowed to carry on indefinitely. Dr Aspinall said the Christian Palestinians. and Palestine and to advocate hours to move through one of the The human cost is too high. The Churches stood ready to play their Following the recent interna- the process of international law. hundreds of checkpoints border- time for action has come,” he part: “Today we call on the gov- tional celebrations of the sixti- We call for the Government to ing and inside the territories. We claimed. ernment to redouble its efforts to eth anniversary of the establish- increase substantially its finan- heard stories of Palestinian Time and time again the visit- make peace in the Holy Land a ment of the State of Israel, cel- cial contribution to the social women giving birth at check- ing Church leaders were asked reality.” ebrations marked by this par- and economic development of points and even dying because to do what they could to assist Specific points liament with a bipartisan mo- Palestine, and urge the exten- they were unable to get access peace. Specific points in the Heads tion of congratulations, we call sion of scholarship and leader- to hospital treatment. We heard Australia was seen as having of Churches statement included on the Government to recog- about the everyday injustices of an important role to play, be- the following: nise also the impact of 41 years Continued on page 3 alsoalso inin thisthis issue:issue: issue: Serving in the Tri-Diocesan Bishops gather for Solomons... page benefits ... page 3 Lambeth .. page 4 12 Page 2 Anglican News July 2008 THE ASSISTANT BISHOP’S COLUMN

R with ecognising missionary choices Bishop Hudson Taylor formed the of Sydney. I inherited an 8.00am She dutifully came one entry points so that China Inland Mission in 1865 and Book of Common Prayer Holy evening, but immediately re- more people might Trevor Edwards ministered with it for over 40 Communion service with robed verted to the early service. In- be saved. years. As a result of his gospel choir. I had been assured by the trigued, I visited her in her home Both stories il- passion at the time of his death parish nominators that I would only to discover in her lounge lustrate the Apostle in 1905 there were 205 mission- bury the entire congregation be- room an immense grand piano Paul’s missionary motto - ‘I have by faith alone) we need to be ary stations with 849 mission- fore I left. In other words they and sheets of classical music eve- become all things to all people, completely flexible regarding aries and 125,000 Chinese felt this service would die out rywhere. I then discovered other so that I might by any means both outward expression and de- Christians. and I would be able to introduce things about her apart from her save some’. We would do well livery in order to help people He was well known for his something more contemporary. strong preferences in music – to make this motto our own and make the choice to follow Christ. commitment to cultural sensitiv- she was a brilliant young physi- learn both his flexibility and pas- His fundamental philosophy ity. One day a man asked Taylor cist just diagnosed with a brain sion. He sacrificed his legitimate was to discover the methods to explain why he had buttons tumour who had been given a rights as an apostle and his per- which combined the greatest in- on the back of his coat! Taylor Paul’s fundamental Bible by a caring Christian friend sonal preferences on things that tegrity with the greatest impact realized then that his western- and she had decided to check don’t ultimately matter for the because he wanted to win to philosophy was to Christ as many as possible. style dress was distracting his discover the Jesus out at our church. sake of winning others to Christ. listeners from his message. He She was also a morning per- In other words he genuinely What about us? Are we will- decided to dress like a Manda- methods which son who preferred quiet reflec- immersed himself in the world ing to die to self interest, give rin, a Chinese teacher. He was combined the tion. But her route to personal of others and as a result he acted up all insistence on the sacred- amazed at how this allowed him greatest integrity faith in Christ was to be Cramner differently with different groups ness of any rights, adjust our- to travel more freely and be ac- and Bach and not An Australian of people. It seems frustratingly selves lovingly to others and with the greatest strive to win as many as possi- cepted more readily by the peo- impact because he Prayer Book and jazz (if I can inconsistent, but of course ‘con- ple. put it that way). It was definitely sistency’ has more to do with ble to the cause of Christ? In Taylor’s goal was not to have wanted to win to not rock & roll! particular personality traits than short, will we sacrifice and serve the Chinese become like English Christ as many as Once I had learnt my it has to do with a biblical theol- for the sake of the salvation of Christians, but to become Chi- possible. missionary lesson that traditional ogy of evangelism. While we others? nese Christians. Of course when service flourished and doubled must remain absolutely commit- With every good wish, he started to wear his hair long in size. I had re-learned there ted to core beliefs (such as the and braided, to put on Chinese was no right way to worship uniqueness of the person and clothes and eat Chinese food, Fortunately God had other God, but that we needed multiple work of Christ and justification many of his fellow missionaries ideas and in my late 30’s I had derided him, but he had thought to learn some lessons about flex- through what was essential to ibility and cultural adaptability. Anglican the gospel and decided to re- The defining moment was when move as many cultural barriers a young woman slipped furtively Anglicans in Queen’s News as possible to effectively pro- in and out of this service one The newspaper of the claim it and win people for Sunday. When she returned I di- Anglican Diocese of Christ. rected her to the evening serv- Birthday Honours Canberra and Goulburn In 1989 I was appointed to ice which was much more up At least two Anglicans from convictions the semi-rural parish of St beat and where more of her gen- Editor: Lewis Hitchick the Diocese of Canberra and A priest in the Anglican John’s Camden in the Diocese eration worshipped. Address: PO Box 23 Goulburn were included in the list Church for 38 years, he has also Bathurst of people recognised in the worked to promote Christian Queen’s Birthday Honours list. unity amongst the churches in NSW 2795 The Reverend Michael Queanbeyan. Michael Cockayne Phone: (02) 6331 1722 Cockayne was awarded the Or- retired from full-time ministry 0427 373 446 Leadership focus of der of Australia Medal for serv- last year. ice to the community of Terence Legge, from Yass, Email: Queanbeyan and to the Anglican received an OAM for service to anglican.news clergy conference Church of Australia. the community of Yass, particu- @bathurstanglican.org.au The citation stated that his larly in the areas of health and Leadership was the theme of the difficulties and challenges of Advertising: award was for providing “hous- aged care. enquiries to the editor this year’s annual Diocesan leadership. She recognised that ing to homeless men since (the) A member of St Clement’s Clergy Conference at Batemans lay people sometimes make it 1980s, through work in Anglican Church since the 1960s; Deadlines: Bay from May 12-15. more difficult than it needed to Queanbeyan for the Christ Terrence Legge had also served Editorial & advertising 12th Guest speaker at the confer- be, and as a lay person she Church Queanbeyan; Mary’s on the Parish Council. ence, Alison Groom, delivered a thanked the clergy for all they of the month prior to Place - Men’s Shelter; Mulcowrie Bishop Ron Stone was made publication. series of stimulating addresses did,” Rebecca Newland said. Flats; The Celebration Commu- a Member of the Order of Aus- which provided some helpful “She likened the lay people of the nity House; and the ‘Home in tralia (AM). Now retired and liv- Anglican News is a mem- insights for many of the clergy. church to the Israelites in Exo- Queanbeyan’ project”. ing in Bendigo, Bishop Ron was ber of the Australian Reli- A former Principal of Can- dus, saying ‘we’re a grumbling This work included providing deaconed and priested in this Dio- gious Press Association. berra Girls’ Grammar, Alison lot but we you’re your leader- meals, washing, care of units, cese and went on to be Assistant It is printed by Regional Groom covered topics including ship’.” collecting men in need of shelter Bishop in Tasmania before being Printers of Dubbo, NSW. problem solving and dealing with Brett Morgan said the confer- during the night, and assessing made Bishop of Rockhampton. difficult people, as well as en- ence had a “good feel” about it, Post Print Publication No. health and medical needs. The award recognised his 299436/00093 couraging clergy to being con- and suggested this was a legacy Michael Cockayne has also service to the Anglican Church scious of their own motivations, of Bishop George’s efforts to helped provide support and as- of Australia, and to rural and re- Diocesan Offices strengths and weaknesses. make the diocese more inclusive sistance for men with intellectual mote communities through ex- Merylin Clarke, a lecturer in of all the traditions of disability, psychiatric illness, ecutive roles with social welfare Central Operations: Old Testament Studies at St Anglicanism. chemical addiction and criminal organisations. Diocesan Registry Mark’s National Theological Cen- “There is a strong sense of Jamieson House tre, led a series of Bible studies moving together,” he com- 43 Constitution Ave, Reid, on Exodus in which she reflected mented. “The clergy are gener- ACT 2612 on aspects of leadership as mod- ally more relaxed with one an- elled by Moses. other.” Clergy moves and Postal Address: Conference organisers Brett On the lighter side, a ‘Spicks GPO Box 1981 Morgan and Rebecca Newland and Specks’-style program appointments Canberra both commented on the value of focussing on church music ACT 2601 The Reverend Dr Erica Mathieson has been appointed these studies. proved to be a challenge for some Phone: (02) 6248 0811 “There was a very poignant delegates, and an education for Rector of Hackett Parish. Erica’s induction will be held on moment when she acknowledged others. Saturday 16 August 2008 at 2.00pm. Fax: (02) 6247 6829 July 2008 Anglican News Page 3 DIOCESAN NEWS Improving benefits from 3-D Covenant Role of Tri-Diocesan an interest group is, that a ‘Interest Groups’ convenor can decide what the group might do,” Bishop Allan said and Convenors He pointed out that the Inter- clarified est Groups were an important part by Lewis Hitchick of the developing relationship be- tween the three dioceses, and out- A meeting of the Tri-Diocesan lined their function in general Commission in Young in late April terms: has explored ways in which the To facilitate engagement across three dioceses could maximise the the three dioceses in key mis- potential benefits of the various sion areas; ‘Interest Groups’ of the Commis- sion. To consider in depth particular Formed in 2003 to formalise developments within a mission existing links between the dioceses area; of Riverina, Canberra-Goulburn To create a network of people, and Bathurst, the Tri-Diocesan lay and ordained, across the three Commission is made up of the dioceses who have a shared in- bishops of the three dioceses, as terest in the mission area; well as a clergy and lay repre- To identify and implement joint sentative from each. initiatives that reflect the com- While the Commission meets mon concerns within the mis- three times a year, it also encour- sion area; ages sub-groups to meet twice a To provide a place for the mu- SHARED INTEREST: Several of the Tri-Diocesan Interest Groups convened in Young in year to share resources, visions tual support and encouragement May when meetings of Anglicare, Rural and Remote Ministry, Safe Churches and and ideas. These ‘Interest Groups’ of people engaged in ministry Environmental groups shared ideas and identified areas where inter-diocesan cooperation within the mission area; and include Anglicare, Rural and Re- could enhance their effectiveness. The role and purpose of the Interest Groups had been mote Area Ministry, Mission and To share resources, people and clarified at a meeting of the Tri-Diocesan Commission in April. Evangelism, Vocational Panels and expertise for the mission area. other groups where there are ben- Bishop Allan said the groups efits in sharing resources between provided a forum where people and policies on that particular ministry the group would be made if an Interest Group had a sub- the three dioceses. could take the time to go to more topic.” up of people involved in that area, stantive issue to promote, perhaps At the April meeting Bishop depth in that area, continuing con- Since the establishment of the and they would therefore be better the group convenor could go to Allan Ewing presented a paper versation after a matter had been Tri-Diocesan Commission, the equipped than the Commission as each synod to speak on it instead aimed at clarifying the role of the raised at an initial Tri-Diocesan Interest Groups have provided an a whole to pursue issues. “It’s im- of another bishop. Convenors of the various groups. Commission meeting. opportunity for people with a portant for the commission to be “This would mean planning for However, he noted that to define “The idea is to bring together common interest to share together. aware, but they are only part of 2009 synods this year, from mid- the Convenor’s role, it was first people with an interest in area,” Bishop Allan said this collabo- the story,” he said. “It’s hard to year to the November meeting, necessary to understand the pur- he suggested. “Interest Groups are ration allowed the planning of joint push an idea through unless you’re and then reporting to the Commis- pose of the group itself. not formed to do a job together; initiatives, especially in areas involved and committed to it.” sion in February so material can “It’s only as we define what they are formed around an inter- where individual dioceses might Bishop of Bathurst, Richard be ready for synod - noting that est area. Part of their role is just not be able to generate the mo- Hurfod, pointed out that this Riverina’s Synod meets in June.” to hear the stories, and encourage mentum necessary for a particu- meant each interest group should He said the Commission was those taking part.” lar project. include someone who is on a di- a portal for the interest groups, He explained that while most He stressed the need for a con- ocesan executive, to be in a posi- providing access to the synods and Call for Mid- of the groups had only been es- sultative environment within each tion to pursue ideas. processes of each diocese. tablished over the last few years, group: “We meet as equal, but Bishop Peter Danaher, Assist- Following discussion, the East peace some actually pre-dated the Tri- unequal,” he suggested. “Every ant Bishop of Bathurst, com- Commission agreed on a list of Diocesan Commission. The Voca- person has an equal opportunity mented that the Vocation Panel functions for Convenors of the (continued from p.1) tion Panel had been operating as a to contribute, but not all have the was an example of a group fol- Interest Groups. These included: combined group for 12 years. same resources behind them.” lowing through its own agenda: Chairing meetings at the Tri-di- ship development programs for “The idea is to not try to do There was some discussion “All the work is done at the group ocesan gatherings twice annu- Palestinians, particularly in the everything in their particular area about whether Interest Groups level, and then reported to com- ally; areas of medicine, agriculture, of interest, but rather they should should rely on the Tri-Diocesan mission,” he said. “This has Establishing an electronic net- dry land management and gov- select specific focuses,” Bishop Commission to implement their worked very well because there work with the other members ernance. Allan said. “For example, the En- decisions, but the consensus was is tremendous autonomy. It allows of the group; We acknowledge that in the pro- vironment Group might consider that groups should follow through for differences in style between Promoting bi-lateral and multi- vision of aid to Palestine it will that motor vehicle policy could be on their own agendas. the dioceses, but makes the most lateral discussions between the be vital to continue the making a focus for conversation. It might Bishop Allan pointed out that, of the common ground.” three dioceses concerning the of contacts and relationships then be useful to share resources for example, in rural and remote Bishop Richard suggested that mission area. within Palestine, to ensure the successful distribution and de- ployment of aid. It is crucial that the Government support and sponsor initiatives to build Nomination process for election synod relationships with local and Details of the procedure for Australian Federal Police check. process. Profiles on each of the The Electoral Synod Process faith-based organisations nominating candidates for the The nomination is to include nominees will be collated for dis- will be developed over the com- within Palestine. election of the next Bishop of the a curriculum vitae of two to three tribution to Synod Members. ing months to allow ample time To that end we are calling on Diocese of Canberra and pages following a standard CV On completion of health and for consultation with Synod the Government to facilitate a Goulburn have been published on format, as well as a copy of the professional standards checks, Members. The Organising Com- multi-faith delegation to visit the diocesan website. applicant’s driver’s licence. the Registrar will arrange for mittee will also hold a workshop Israel and Palestine. By the sup- Diocesan Registrar Tracey A nominee must have a cleri- nominees to participate in film- for Nominators to work through port of such initiatives it will Matthews said completed nomi- cal and lay nominator, both of ing of a short interview. A DVD details of the Electoral Synod be possible for the Australian nations opened on May 31 and whom are current members of will then be produced for distri- Process. Government to build contacts will close at 5:00pm on Friday Synod. bution to Synod Members along Full details of the nomination within the Holy Land, to dem- July 11. When she has received the with the written profiles. process, as well as nominations onstrate its support for the peo- As well as signing the nomi- nominations, the Registrar will Synod Members will receive forms, are available on the dioc- ples of both Israel and Pales- nation form, nominees are also contact the nominees to arrange these materials at least three esan website at http:// tine and model the possibilities required to sign a consent form health and professional standards weeks before the Election Synod www.anglicancg.org.au/html/ of inter-faith co-operation. authorising a health check and an checks and further clarify the on 31st October. s01_home/home.asp Page 4 Anglican News July 2008 NEWS & LETTERS

In my opinion ... Letters to the Editor Leadership and the New procedure Letters ... needed for Anglican News readers are invited to respond to ar- Prince Charles Syndrome election of Bishop ticles and raise new issues of concern through the by Geoff Broughton* 'Letters' column. Dear Sir, Letters of 250 words of less will be given prefer- A recent newspaper article described my generation (Gen Robert Willson is correct in ence. X) as one “stuck in middle management, unable to rise to ex- drawing attention to the unsat- Long letters may be edited for reasons of clarity or ecutive ranks… [as] pushy, outspoken 20 some-things ad- isfactory state of affairs when space. Name, address and a contact phone number vance… there’s that fear they’re going to be leapfrogged.” It is the diocese will be without a di- (for verification) must be supplied. Letters will not called the ‘Prince Charles Syndrome.’ ocesan bishop for a year or normally be published without the author's name. This syndrome is being told you are too young and inexpe- more. Letters may be sent to: rienced in the first half of your life, then suddenly discovering In the rest of the world any The Editor you are too old and world-weary in the second. A sickening organisation which does not ANGLICAN NEWS feeling that for a few months you weren’t paying enough at- have its succession in place be- PO Box 23 tention (maybe around the time of that ‘four-oh’ birthday) when fore the head retires is regarded BATHURST as incompetent, yet the Anglican you were ‘just the right age.’ NSW 2795 Church persists with the medi- Apart from the US presidential candidate Barack Obama, E-mail letters to: aeval view that we should not Gen Xers are missing in action from high profile positions of [email protected] leadership, something that was not true of the boomers at the even think about selecting a new same stage of life. bishop until the previous bishop is gone! Most Gen Xers were born after the deaths of JFK and Mar- Even worse we insist on de- begin the process of selecting a of faith in our two excellent as- tin Luther King Jnr, and we were still in nappies when Bobby laying the start of the selection new bishop as soon as the pre- sistant bishops - they like us are Kennedy was assassinated and the student protests took place process until the previous bish- vious bishop submits his official entitled to know who will be our in Paris. Our first memories of political leaders were contro- op’s leave is complete. This is resignation. new bishop now, not in a year’s versial figures: Richard Nixon and Gough Whitlam. The last 30 madness. The people of God deserve time. years hasn’t provided too many reasons to change those first I urge the Bishop in Council better than to have such a long With best wishes, impressions. School and university was dominated by Reagan to move for an amendment in inter-regnum with all the prob- Noel Matthews and Thatcher, our twenties by Hawke, Keating and Clinton, the ordinance which will in fu- lems it causes. And this in no Canberra, ACT and finally our children were born and sent to school in the era ture allow the diocese to at least way implies any criticism or lack of Bush and Howard. And some want to criticise us for being too cynical… Maybe this is the reason that aging boomers are reluctant to pass the baton of leadership? The same newspaper article no- BRINGING THE TRAINING TO YOU tices that the “fag-end” of the boomers, the Rudds, Nelsons and Turnbulls will be around for a while yet, by which time MOUNTAINS COAST BUSH Gen Xers will be too old and leapfrogged. Are things any different in the church? A quick glance around Special Services the National Church reveals a boomer monopoly among bish- Yass & Berridale Sep 6 2008, Bega Oct 25 2008, Moruya & Tarcutta 14 March 2009, ops. In the past the church has been prepared to consider forty- Crookwell March 21 2009 some-things for diocesan leadership, in fact some of the present incumbents were that age when consecrated. With female bish- A short practical one day seminar has been put together for clergy and lay leaders (Lay Ministers, ops now included in the episcopal ranks in Australia, I wonder Parish Councilors) to be held in six different locations around the diocese. whether an Xer’s ‘time has come?’ Bringing The Training To You: Special Services has been specifically designed to give lay Please indulge my Gen X cynicism for a moment and allow and ordained leaders, within the church, the unique opportunity to hear practical, gritty, first me to call it realism. Have any names under serious considera- hand accounts of what has worked and what hasn’t when it comes to putting on special tion for diocesan oversight come from Gen X cohort? Some of services to reach out into the community with a mission focus. my colleagues have twenty years of parish experience. A number have higher research degrees in theology. Quite a few have If you have been thinking about putting on a special service to reach out to the both. I wonder what is keeping them from even being consid- community and you want some fresh ideas then this is the seminar for you. ered? If you want to find out what services work and what services don’t then this Have we been seduced by the myth of the “Slacker” gen- is the seminar for you. eration? Interestingly quite a bit of research reveals the oppo- If you are desperate to get out into the community but don’t know where to site to be true. Gen Xers work just as hard for far less rewards start then this is the seminar for you! than the generation either side of them. We will not receive a If you want to find out how to translate your community presence into effective large inheritance when our pre-boomer parents die. Those of mission then this is the seminar for you. us who were lucky enough to get into the property market will carry mortgages into our retirement. Occasionally we might moan about these things, but generally we just get on with it. FIVE SENSATIONAL TOPICS On the whole we are a dedicated, realistic and unsentimen- If you are craving invigorating case studies and some hard hitting practical experiences from tal bunch. More Froddo Baggins than Indiana Jones. More the real world then this a seminar you cannot afford to miss. Tim Winton than Bill Bryson. We might not be the sort of ‘in- spirational’ leaders which boomers are used to championing. 1. Blessings, Harvest and Drought Services But we are resilient, streetwise and all remember the lesson 2. Remembrance Services from George Orwell’s Animal Farm from school. I conclude 3. Easter and Christmas services (with tongue-in-cheek and typical X-er irreverence) by pro- 4. ANZAC Day and Emergency Services vocatively suggesting: maybe it is time for the ‘pigs’ to vacate 5. Contemporary Worship Services the ‘house?’ If you would like to take advantage of this unique opportunity and give your church leadership *Geoff Broughton is a PACT scholar undertaking a PhD at the resources they need to reach out into your local community, then reserve your place today St Mark’s National Theological Centre and has spent the last by phoning 6226 1089 or emailing [email protected] decade living and ministering in the inner-city: Los Angeles, Darlinghurst and Glebe. We consider this initiative to be of the utmost importance in equipping all ministry units to He teaches courses on Popular Culture, and Spirituality for face the future confident in Christ. Everyday Life for the Macquarie Christian Studies Institute It is our expectation that all licensed lay ministers will be actively encouraged to attend and Youth Ministry for Moore Theological College, and is an a seminar in their region. ordained minister in the Anglican Church. He is 41 years old. July 2008 Anglican News Page 5 NEWS FROM THE WIDER CHURCH Bishops gather for Lambeth Conference In less than three weeks, the which means that it is one of the Who decides what should once-a-decade Lambeth ways in which churches in the happen at Lambeth Confer- Comference of Anglican Bishops Anglican Communion relate to one ences? will start at the University of Kent, another and are held together. Various people across the An- near London. The first Lambeth Conference glican Communion are involved Bishops from around the was held in 1867 at Lambeth Pal- with putting the conference to- world have begun making their ace (hence the name), the Arch- gether, under the direction of the way to the United Kingdom for bishop of Canterbury’s residence Archbishop of Canterbury. the three-week gathering. in London. One takes place ap- The principal groups who While many previous Lambeth proximately every ten years. make decisions about it are the St Conferences have had their share Who attends the Lambeth Augustine’s Seminar, the Design of controversy, this year’s event Conference? Group and the Spouses Planning will be the first that has been boy- Bishops and archbishops Group. cotted by a significant number of within the Anglican Communion What usually happens at bishops. attend, as well as those in certain the conference? Instead, approximately a quar- kinds of formal relationship with Each conference is very dif- ter of the 800 bishops of the the Anglican Communion. The ferent, although there is always a world-wide Anglican Church have Archbishop of Canterbury has sent need for continuity from decade chosen to go to the Global Angli- out invitations for the 2008 Con- to decade. can Future Conference ference. Conferences in the past have RECEPTION: Included in the Lambeth Conference program (GAFCON) currently meeting in tended to pass resolutions on the Jerusalem. governance of the church, its min- is a reception at Buckinham Palace. Here the former For those bishops who do at- istry and liturgy and its engage- Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey introduces the tend Lambeth (including Bishop A particular focus ment with the world. Duke of Edinburgh to bishops and their spouses during the Allan and Bishop Trevor), the con- will be on equipping As the conference provides 1998 Conference. ference has been designed to equip the bishop as the only opportunity for the bish- them to better serve the mission ops of the member churches of their purpose and mission. It will enabler and Where does the Conference of the church. the Anglican Communion to meet look at the bishop’s particular happen? Rather than spending long ses- encourager of God’s together, there is plenty of time tasks of leadership in the church. Lambeth Conferences were sions in debate, delegates will have people in their for worship and prayer, bible The theme of the spouses’ originally held at Lambeth Palace, opportunities to learn from one purpose and study, mutual support and encour- conference will be Equipping the but they are now too large to meet another in a range of workshops mission. agement. There is also time for Whole People of God for God’s there. and discussion forums. formal discussions and for church Mission. The current venue is the Uni- FAQs business to be done. A market Who should we contact to versity of Kent in Canterbury, place with stalls to inform, lobby find out more? which provides enough rooms for To help give a better under- The Conference is not open to and provide merchandise for the The Lambeth Conference all conference delegates as well as standing of the conference, organ- the public, but anyone can access delegates is an important part of website provides a lot of informa- meeting spaces of all sizes. Can- isers have published a list of Fre- information about what happens the conference. tion. If, after browsing it, you terbury is also the home of the quently Asked Questions on the at the conference. Members of At the 2008 Lambeth Confer- have more queries, there are vari- ‘mother church’ of the Anglican Lambeth Conference website. churches in the Anglican Com- ence, a particular focus will be on ous people you can contact. See Communion, Canterbury Cathe- What is the Lambeth Con- munion should be able to access equipping the bishop as enabler and thestaff and contacts page for dral. Several conference events ference? information in a variety of ways encourager of God’s people in guidance. take place in the Cathedral. It is the meeting of the arch- (ask your bishop!) and others can bishops and bishops of the Angli- keep up to date via this web site can Communion. or the media. The Anglican Communion is a Who pays for it all? Bishops’ Spouses’ Conference family of churches around the The conference is expensive world. Most bishops within the to stage and each delegate is re- Equipping God’s Gathering days (July 17 and 18) activity that interests them per- communion look after a diocese, sponsible for their own transport people for Mission will be facilitated by Jane sonally. or a region of parishes. If every costs, conference fees and ac- Williams and Margaret Sentamu, These sessions are arranged such bishop attends the Lambeth commodation costs. There is a Paralleling the Bishops’ Con- wife of the Archbishop of York. in categories that run throughout Conference, it is as if every dio- bursary assistance programme ference at Lambeth will be a gath- For the first part of the morn- the conference. These categories cese in the Anglican Communion available for those who are not able ering for the spouses of bishops, ing, all delegates will gather for a are: is meeting with every other. to meet the costs of the confer- aimed at equipping them for their plenary session in the Spouses’ Anglican Communion (Dioceses are grouped into ence. varying roles and contexts. Hall. Creative provinces, which are overseen by Costs are met, in one way or The sharing of stories will be Seated in groups around ta- Drama and Music Archbishops.) another, by conference delegates a fundamental way of achieving bles, spouses will hear from dif- Excursion The conference is one of the and the churches of the Anglican this. ferent speakers, join in worship, Global Concerns ‘instruments of communion’ , Communion. Several overarching subjects discuss the day’s topic and get Going Deeper: further exami- will be addressed during the Con- to know one another. There will nation of the morning plenary ference: also be opportunities to take part topic Who is ‘the bishops’ spouse’? in creative activity. IT skills Oh, no ... What if they muck up? How to be effective in that role Translation facilities will be Keep Fit Who is our family? Upholding available for these segments. Leading worship Mini Youth and Children’s Workers close relationships After time together, spouses Ministry Skills Conference Our world and context: the lead- will divide into groups of eight Mission ership challenges facing us for Bible study and more intimate Personal Spirituality 7.30pm Monday night 30th June Our own and others’ health and discussion. These groups will One option from each cat- at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Turvey Park personal development remain the same throughout the egory will be on offer most days. The day will start and end in conference and will be put to- London Day Who is this for? worship with the Lambeth Con- gether on the basis of language On July 24 the bishops and · Sunday School Teachers ference delegates. and the need to represent the rich their spouses spend the day in Breakfast and the evening · Scripture Teachers cultural variety in the Anglican London. Activities include being meal will be served in accommo- Communion. · Youth Group Leaders hosted by The Archbishop of dation dining halls. Lunch will be The bible study material will Canterbury and his wife, Jane · Kids Club Workers flexible: delegates can visit one of be based around the I AM state- Williams, at Lambeth Palace and · Leaders or people with a heart for children’s/youth many food outlets on campus for ments made by Jesus in John’s by Her Majesty the Queen at work and ministry. a full meal, light snack or what- gospel. Buckingham Palace. Details from St Paul’s: 6925 1707 [email protected] ever they prefer. Each afternoon, spouses will The sharing of stories on the be able to choose to attend an Page 6 Anglican News July 2008 NEWS FROM THE PARISHES Professor Ross Garnaut in Murrumburrah from Murrumburrah He saw: parish * Clean coal technology was On Saturday 24 May more to come to the forefront as we than 50 men met at the as a nation would still be major Conderabbri Cafe at Stock’s Na- coal producers, especially as tive Plant Nursery for the our reserves are huge and the Harden-Murrumburrah men’s opportunities it offers were not regular ecumenical breakfast to be understates group which is organized by a * Many other energy men’s group from the three sources each serving part of the Christian churches in town. solution They were privileged to hear * The need to develop smart a most interesting talk by Profes- crops that would not need the sor Ross Garnaut on the subject regular rainfall we now expect of Climate Change, the threats and hope for and opportunities it poses and the * Australian farmers as in- adjustments to our way of life it novators and in perhaps the will dictate. ‘box seat’ to gain from the Professor Garnaut stated the forthcoming world food short- obvious facts that our planet was age. gradually heating up and in- Professor Garnaut’s talk cov- formed us about outcomes rather ered so much in a lucid down to than reasons as he felt that, whilst earth way which made it easily people think it is all to do with understood. Professor Garnaut carbon emissions, this he be- being also a local farmer was lieved was only part of the rea- able to relate to the many farm- son and even suggested that ers in the audience. these concerns were over drama- As well as being an econo- VISIONARY: Climate Change researcher Professor Ross Garnaut outlined likely scenarios tized as the ongoing research was mist, he is Chair of several high for the future at an ecumenical men’s breakfast in Murrumburrah in May. From left are Ben far from complete. profile organizations both in Aus- Stocks, Robert Bradly, Professor Ross Garnaut, Brian Dunn and Geoff Buckland in Stock’s He covered a huge range of tralia and overseas and holds Native Plant Nursery Greenhouse after the breakfast. facts and theories and made the Board positions on Australian following points, which he saw companies. He is currently pre- is expected to change the thrust September. leged to have such an extremely as being of special interest to paring a major impact report for in these matters. His report will The Harden-Murrumburrah high profile speaker address the Australians. the Australian government which be submitted to government in men’s group were most privi- group. Cootamundra faces challenge of changing church Pain and ecstasy young people in the church but of re-inventing a often no one really understands the implications or what the cost rural parish will be to make it possible. by David Ruthven* Change by it’s very nature is Out of the hundreds of letters unsettling and uncomfortable. I have received from the diocese, In 2007 the parish of Christ there has been one letter that I Church Cootamundra, after a have not consigned to the rub- prayer and planning retreat, em- bish bin and that is my letter of barked on a courageous plan to offer to the beautiful parish of reinvent the parish and bring new Christ Church Cootamundra. life and new people into the church. Occasionally, when I feel the The plan has involved creat- damp and dense breath of depres- ing three entirely new services on sion wafting in my nostrils and I Sunday morning each targeted to start believing that I will be last different groups of people and a of a very long line of Rectors, I seeker service once a month on shakily take the crumpled letter a Saturday evening. Each of the out of my filling cabinet. services has been designed to Gratefully I drink in the words provide different gateways into that have constantly encouraged the church. me to pursue a course of change If you happen to have young within the parish. children, and you are scared that It is not easy to reinvent a ru- one of your children may develop ral parish: there is no guarantee of a fatal attraction for the candles on FACING THE FUTURE: Cootamundra Anglicans are offering a variety of services to success, it takes a lot of hard the altar, then our Sunday @ 10 is connect with different ages and interests. work, a strong belief in where you a good service to attend. Amid all are going and the capacity to love the chaos and the noise you can baptism group where a team of had children fall through windows tricky because people don’t like people when they have hurt you rest secure in the fact that it is prob- people take baptism families and drunk men stumble down the going to a graveside service when badly. Understanding you can’t do ably the rectors’ kids being naughty through a six week course explain- isle during services. it is dark. it alone is also really important. and not your own. ing the basics of Christianity. Fur- We have had to get used to We are not sure if these To even contemplate For those who prefer some- thermore in our desire to reach out telling stories and playing new changes will work but we are reinventing a parish you have to thing more sedate we have the to young families we have also songs. Worst of all some people confident that God is with us in have a core group of people in Dawn Service where music and welcomed three playgroups into have had to attend church at 7.30 our endeavour. It may be that we the parish that are not only con- kids are only a distant memory and our church family. am in the morning when even the go back to the old way of doing fident in Christ but also willing you can be back home in time to All these changes have come Rector is still asleep. With three things but at the moment the kids to work really hard for Jesus. read the morning paper. at a cost: our central courtyard playgroups operating we have are having too much fun. People often talk about the need In addition to our Sunday has been decimated by hordes of also had to change the times we *David Ruthven is Rector of for change or the need for more Services we have also started a young energetic children. We have do funerals which can be a bit Christ Church, Cootamundra. July 2008 Anglican News Page 7 NEWS FROM THE PARISHES Holy Covenant: thinking outside the square from the parish somehow captured both our Forty years, it’s a long time ideas and it reflected who we to be on a journey, whether you were, drawing on the rainbow are in the wilderness or just the symbol and the building itself. A wilds of Belconnen. quilt was envisioned, with Forty years together deserves squares from within parish life to be acknowledged, to be cel- and the broader Belconnen com- ebrated. So when the conversa- munity, from schools, other tions at Holy Covenant Jamison churches, community groups started back in August last year, and services. Groups of compos- the heart of question was “what ers, poets, artists were consulted can we do to mark our time to- and a programme of events gether?” emerged. A programme of wor- We have journeyed as a com- ship, of shared meals, of fasci- munity of faith, of inspiration, of nating speakers, of interactive hope, how can we express that workshops, creative projects, as we celebrate our 40th birth- concerts, and readings came to- day? How can we involve people gether. The task now is to fill it of all of all ages and stages, and with life. what can we give as our fortieth Worship birthday present to one another, Birthday Service and to the wider church and the com- Lunch Sunday 27 July, munity that surrounds us? 10am.Official opening of the Fes- We had the idea of a festival, tival by Rt Revd Ian George, BUSY HANDS: Holy Covenant Jamison will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their church an event that would recognize 40 former Archbishop of Adelaide in July-August with a Festival of Arts including music, art, film and worship. A feature of the years together and all that had Special music and invited Festival will be a quilt of squares contributed by groups and individuals in the parish. been created in that time. For preachers at all services in Au- creativity had emerged as an im- gust. The squares will be accompanied Come along to be served some tive spirits. portant aspect of life at Holy Music by stories from the contributors great food in good company with Led by Rev’d Rod Pattenden, Covenant. of their place in the Belconnen amusing—if not quality—enter- artist, performer, and educational * Songwriting Workshop 1: The spark was there, but how community. tainment. consultant. How to write a song would it come to life? Over many The quilt will be unveiled at ArtPlay/InterPlay Explor- The creative process— Sunday 20 July, 3.00–5.00 cups of coffee and camomile tea, the launch of the Festival and will ing the artist within Sunday 17 high tea and panel discussion pm Led by Michael Faragher and followed up by endless notes and be a lively depiction of the kalei- August, 2.00 - 5.00 pm. This Sunday 31 August, 3.00 pm Fiona Fraser - especially for teen- emails, accompanied by prayer doscope of activity in the workshop will explore the crea- Speakers: Jim Potter (com- agers, but all welcome! Closing and a growing trust that some- Belconnen area. tive process that underlies all art poser), Ella Whately (visual art- Date: 14 July 2008. how it would all come together, Exploring the Divine in making, whether it’s cooking, ist) and John Smith (God Squad). Contact: Fiona Fraser Tel: and “outside the square” was Art Saturday 26 July, 1.30–4.30 gardening, performance or visual All events will be held at Holy (02) 6251 3927 Email: born. pm - with Bishop Ian George. An arts. It will use simple methods Covenant Anglican Church, 89 [email protected] The events and activities were opportunity to think about the in movement, drawing and tell- Dexter Street, Cook ACT Songwriting Workshop 2: to be as inclusive as possible, working of the Holy Spirit ing stories in an affirming envi- There will be a charge for Singing our songs - Sunday 27 opportunities for people to reflect through the art of the Western ronment that honours our crea- some events and activities July, 3.00–5.00 pm on the creative process and their world (especially during the past Contact: Fiona Fraser Tel: own spirituality. On offer would century), to discuss the implica- (02) 6251 3927 Email: be chances to appreciate the gifts tions for today, and to express [email protected] and talents of others, as well as our own insights and spirituality Chamber Orchestra Con- have a go yourself. in a hands-on way. cert: Musica da Camera con- To experience being a part of Film the creative spirit, no matter what ducted by Rowan Harvey-Mar- your skills and background may tin, Saturday 2 August, 2.30– Multimedia Event Friday bring. There were visions of tears, 4.30pm. 1 August, 7.30pm: Wings of De- of wonder, and of laughter, flow- Composers’ Concert, sire: a special Short Film Festi- ing through to our worship, our Friday 22 August, 6.00pm. val, with singing by Katie de Veau fellowship, and our outreach, in- Art See the Festival website for cluding music and movement and Festival Quilt: A quilt com- full details. Closing date for sub- words and pictures. piled of squares submitted by missions: Friday 11 July 2008 So we each went off with our groups and/or individuals based The top five films selected by tasks, to our differing communi- on the theme of your place in an experienced panel will be ties, reflecting on what we could Belconnen will be a feature of the screened on Friday 1 August at offer. A logo was devised, it Holy Covenant Festival of Arts. 7.30pm. Contact: Nikolai Blaskow: 0418 637 469 Creativity A Creative Workshop for Calling all former YAs Children: Inside and outside of This year on Saturday 25th in the life of so many people and me with Jo Krabman. Saturday October we will be celebrating in the ministry of our diocese”. 9 August, 1.30–3.30 pm the 60th anniversary of the found- We would also like to have a Creative Voices Sunday 10 ing of Young Anglicans in the display of photographs and any August, 3.00 pm. Canberra po- Diocese of Canberra and other memorabilia. So tell of your ets Geoff Page, Mark O’Connor, Goulburn. YA friends about it and bring John Foulcher and Suzanne There will be a service in St along all your YA treasures. Edgar demonstrate their creative Saviour’s Cathedral at 2pm on The preacher will be the voices reading from their poetry that day which will be followed Bishop Administrator, Allan with musical interludes. by afternoon tea Ewing. Theatre Restaurant Sat- The Dean (the Very Rev Phillip For further information, or if urday 16 August. A night of out- Saunders) said, “It would be great you are able to assist with organi- rageous skits, music and drama to see lots of people gather to cel- sation, please ring the Cathedral put on by the young and not-so- ebrate this significant organisation office on 4821 2206. young people of Holy Covenant. Page 8 Anglican News July 2008 ENVIRONMENT

Commission for the Environment Historybytes by Robert Willson The Hymn of Creation In search of W B Clarke unable to sustain wildlife And I wondered how it might by Linda Chapman I sat one day in the great read- ney of 250 miles over such a populations. be possible for this wondrous Recently, due to an unusual ing room of the Mitchell Library country, to have the opportunity What struck me with even hymn of creation to be sung set of circumstances, I found in Sydney and read a letter to the of reminding them that Christ- greater clarity however was that when it becomes so diminished myself spending a night at an Rector of St Thomas’s Church, mas has for the first time been we human beings stand at a criti- by the very beings that are called expensive resort in the Southern North Sydney, the Revd William scripturally remembered in that cal juncture in the history of to care for this world and par- Highlands. Branwhite Clarke. solitary wilderness. I have never God’s creation. We human be- ticipate in its joy. I wondered The entry to this place is via The letter was dated August felt so much as on late occasions ings live at a time when possibly whether we are indeed silencing a long country drive which takes 19, 1872 from the Ironbarks Gold the value of the office of a mes- more so than at any other stage the very hymn of creation that one to a lovely old manor house field, west of Orange. It was senger of grace and salvation.” in history we are called to pow- praises the Creator and whether set in an established garden. One written to Mr Clarke by my great- erfully reflect our identity as we are condemning ourselves to of the first things I noticed was grand-father James ones made in the image of God. a new exile. a family of ducks consisting of McClymont, who had a gold This is a time when our profound As Moltmann says the 11 ducklings contentedly fol- mine there. He enclosed responsibility as co-creators crown of creation is not the hu- lowing their parents up the drive. some geological speci- with God demands that we make man being, it is the Sabbath. He It struck me that this was an mens and asked for the a choice for life rather than suggests that the human being is environment in which this little expert opinion of the death. not the meaning and purpose of family were able to not only sur- man who had an inter- The theologian, Jurgen the world. Our meaning and pur- vive but thrive. I thought of the national reputation as a Moltmann in his book God in pose is found in God and the smaller family we had observed geologist. Alas, I do not Creation says “Today the direct hymn of praise will go on even if the evening before in a water- know how Mr Clarke continuation of the evolution that we were to disappear from the way down on the coast. The replied to him. led to the origin of the human earth. If the crown of creation is mother and her four ducklings Clarke was famed as species on earth lies in the hands the Sabbath then our meaning and seemed much more vulnerable the discoverer of the first of human beings themselves. purpose and joy is to be found in in that place. It occurred to me gold in NSW. Long be- They can either destroy this stage “that feast of creation, which that not only are there more privi- fore the 1851 rush he took of evolution, or they can organ- praises the eternal, inexhaustible leged people in such a place as specimens to Governor ize themselves into a higher form God ...” 2 this but also more privileged Gipps and showed of common living than before, It is in this that true privilege wildlife. Indeed everything about them to him. Gipps is and advance evolution further.”1 is found rather than in having this place spoke of privilege. said to have growled: It is up to us, it is in our enough money to afford an ex- This was an environment that “Put them away, Mr hands, to choose a future where pensive resort. True privilege was cared for and it showed. Clarke, or we shall life on this earth still has a rests in our participation in the There was a great sense of all have our throats chance to flourish. But we must Sabbath where the fullness of safety, security and calm here. cut!” In a penal act now. The very slim window creation that the Creator named All was well in this little island colony the govern- of opportunity remaining open is good is enjoyed simply in its of privilege. ment was terrified rapidly closing. own being. After dinner I walked of civil disorder if As I continued to walk the The place in which I spent through the garden and along the a gold rush started. last of the evening light filtered that night was a good home to PIONEER PARSON: The Reverend WB drive. It was a beautiful, still When the 1851 through the leaves of a huge old the little family of ducks and evening. The sound of a variety goldrush started Clarke, circa 1839, shortly after his elm. The symphony of bird, frog community of frogs. It was a of frogs in a small wetland was the Government arrival in New South Wales. (Pencil and insect song seemed burst- good home partly because it is almost deafening. The call of appointed W B sketch, Mitchell Library, Sydney.) ing with joy. I felt that joy in situated in a fortunate area of magpies was more like morning Clarke to survey in myself in the midst of this won- reasonable rainfall. It is a good than evensong. The family of detail the southern parts of the It is possible that Mr Clarke derful hymn of praise of crea- home also because it is well ducks were settling down for the State, roughly the area of the Dio- had been reproached for helping tion. It was impossible not to join maintained, protected and man- night. cese of Canberra and Goulburn, people to satisfy their lust for in this hymn even whilst aware aged with care. It is also a place It seemed in this place that to assess the prospects for gold. gold, rather than helping them to of the struggles of the world. for the privileged and it is money all creation was singing its hymn Clarke never held any parish ap- hear the Gospel, and that he had Later, reflecting on this ex- that provides for its care. of praise.All seemed very well pointment in this area but he was forsaken his calling as a priest. perience of being caught up in The wildlife are of course here. I found my mind going to often the first Anglican clergyman He wrote that the judgements of the joy of creation, I saw that unaware of this. They are sim- those parts of the world where to visit many places in our Dio- the Lord, which he proclaimed this was not some gift of grace ply enabled to go on singing the all is not well. Those parts of the cese. amidst the mountains, were more just for me. This joy came hymn of praise. The capacity to world where drought has such In 1860 Clarke published a to be desired than gold … through my participation in the care well for our little corners a terrible hold; where wildlife book entitled Researches in the Yet observers commented that creation in which I found my- of creation however ought not and human beings are not so Southern Gold Fields of New prospectors would gather and lis- self. The joy is God’s gift to all to be about money. It was won- privileged; where there is a deep South Wales and I spent an af- ten quietly to his gospel message of creation and it is at its fullest derful to share in the joy of that disquiet about the future. ternoon in the National Library and then line up to buy his book- when we most fully participate little part of the world. In this little oasis it would be reading this classic account of his lets on how to find gold. in the whole living community The ducks in an urban wa- quite easy to forget the awful geological travels in our area. In the 1850’s there were a (common living) of Gods life. terway however are no less de- struggle, in some places, simply So much dramatic and col- number of pioneer clergy work- Our purpose as human beings is serving. The life of the home- for survival. Yet the reality is that ourful material cries out to be ing in the districts where Mr to join in this hymn of praise less man who sits on the bench we are more and more likely to quoted. He spent Christmas Day Clarke visited. There was Mr expressing the joy of being. I all day is no less valuable. He is be heading into a future of of 1851 high up in the Snowy Sowerby in Goulburn, Mr Allan thought of the words of the loved equally well by God, as are greater drought, more bushfires, Mountains and a few days later in Braidwood and Mr Pyce on psalm that ask “how can we sing the ducks. The question re- increasingly stressed waterways was back at Gegedzerick the Monaro, yet Clarke hardly our songs in a strange land?” mained with me. Are we silenc- and other systems that will be (Berridale), at the property of mentions any of them and does ing the hymn of creation? Will Richard Brooks, where he wrote not appear to have met them. we allow only for remnants of up an account of his Snowy As we think of the pioneer privilege to remain? Or will we Christmas. clergy of our Diocese before it ‘organise ourselves into a higher He reached a spot near was separated from Sydney in form of common living’ so that “Jindebein” where he held a serv- 1863 we should never forget all may sing together the eternal ice for the squatters. One said William Branwhite Clarke who hymn of praise? that he had not seen a minister of marvelled at the wonders of 1. Moltmann, J. God in the Gospel for eleven years, the God’s Creation in the Snowy Creation. Fortress Press, other for eighteen years! Mountains and left us an enthral- Minneapolis, 1993 p. 196. Clarke wrote: “It was well ling account of his ministry 2. ibid, p. 197. worth all my fatigue, in a jour- there. July 2008 Anglican News Page 9 NEWS Following the footsteps of Bishop Thomas from the Historical lunch and the Rector, the Rev’d Soares was also Society Dr Ed Byford, gave a highly en- the diocesan ar- When the Diocese of Goulburn tertaining history of the Diocese chitect and ex- (now Canberra and Goulburn) of Riverina. After a stop at St amples of his was created in 1863, it extended Thomas’ Narrandera, the group work can be from Marulan to the South Aus- travelled to Hay for the night. seen closer to tralian border. The first bishop, The next morning there was home at St Tho- Mesac Thomas, reported to his time for a visit to Shear Outback, mas’ Carwoola, friends in England that his new the Shearers’ Hall of Fame, St St Paul’s diocese was the same size as Eng- Paul’s Church (which was origi- Cooma, Christ land and Scotland. nally the pro-Cathedral of the Dio- Church Although there were few Eu- cese of Riverina) and the former Queanbeyan and ropean settlers in the western part Bishop’s Lodge (now owned by other places in of the diocese, Bishop Thomas the Shire and beautifully restored). the diocese of hoped to appoint clergy to serve Due to the continuing drought Canberra and in the western regions. In 1864, and the general rural decline, there Goulburn. the Bishop made his first visit to are at present no full-time Chris- The Rector these areas, travelling as far west tian ministers in Hay, although of Wentworth, as the South Australian border. He there is a retired Roman Catholic the Rev’d Dr subsequently made several other priest. However, the commitment Cath Holt, is a trips into the area we now know of the people to ensuring that the heritage architect as the Riverina. In 1884, a new church continues its ministry is who gave the Diocese of Riverina was created truly remarkable. visitors a very in- from the western portion of the After lunch in Hay, there was formative talk CONNECTION: The Anglican Church of St Paul’s, Wentworth, in the Diocese of Goulburn. a 130 km drive to Balranald for about the church diocese of Riverina,was originally part of the Diocese of Goulburn which In recognition of Mesac Tho- afternoon tea at St Bartholomew’s and the parish of once stretched from Marulan to the South Australian border. mas’ epic journeys, 32 members church. There was a further 190 Wentworth. of the Anglican Historical Society km to Wentworth, just 100 km The parish extends nearly 300 nities, Deniliquin is suffering very the tour involved around 2,000 km followed in his footsteps by trav- from the South Australian border. km from north to south and over badly from the drought; for ex- of travel over five days. The trip elling to Wentworth from Friday As well as once being in the Dio- 100 km east to west. Accordingly, ample the rice crop is only one highlighted the enormous efforts 9 to Tuesday 13 May 2008. cese of Goulburn, St Paul’s a trip around the parish is very per cent of what it was a few years made by Bishop Mesac Thomas After picking up passengers in Wentworth has another link with expensive and time-consuming for ago. However, St Paul’s maintains who of course did not have the Young, Canberra and Wagga our diocese. The church, built in the rector. a strong Christian ministry to the luxury of bitumen roads, an air- Wagga, the first stop was St 1871, was designed by Canon Pentecost Sunday was cel- town and wider community. The conditioned coach and modern Andrew’s, Coolamon, where the Alberto Dias Soares, at one time ebrated at St Paul’s. The parish- parish has come up with a novel motels. It also highlighted the fi- parishioners provided a hearty Rector of Queanbeyan. Canon ioners then provided lunch before way of raising income – they have nancial hardship and in some cases a tour of Wentworth. Although it purchased two holiday units at despair in rural communities due is a long way from the coast, Pambula Beach which are avail- to the continuing drought. Wentworth was once the third- able for rent. There was an element of sad- POSITIONS VACANT busiest port in New South Wales, The parish encourages anyone ness about the tour as the idea being at the confluence of the (including people from the Dio- came from the former president ANGLICAN DIOCESE Murray and Darling Rivers. cese of Canberra and Goulburn) of the Anglican Historical Society, On Monday morning it was to make use of the units next time Bishop Owen Dowling, who sadly OF GRAFTON time to head back east through they need a few days at the coast died just two days before the com- Mildura, Swan Hill and Echuca. – call the parish on (03) 5881 2092 mencement of the tour. RECTOR The group arrived at St Paul’s, or send an email to However, Bishop Owen had Deniliquin, about 3pm where an- [email protected] for the satisfaction of knowing that PARISH OF ALSTONVILLE other magnificent afternoon tea more information. his idea had come to fruition due was served. The current church, The next day, Tuesday, was to the meticulous planning and or- Located on the plateau between Ballina and Lismore on the the third St Paul’s in Deniliquin, another long drive from Deniliquin ganisation by committee member North Coast of New South Wales. was built in the 1970s. to Canberra, with lunch at St Jill Hodgson, assisted by Loaders Like many Riverina commu- John’s Wagga Wagga. In total, Coaches of Grenfell. Well developed team and collaborative ministry feature in this vibrant parish. Please see Diocesan Website: www.graftondiocese.org.au For further information contact Bishop Keith Slater on Cursillo News 02 66 424122 or [email protected] Contributed by the Diocesan Cursillo Secretariat The Cursillo Movement in our This energy for growth also resented by the Reverend David diocese is sparking at the moment. emerged in the 40 Cursillistas Oliphant’s model of support that ANGLICAN DIOCESE Two teams are ‘in training’ who attended the ‘Refresher presents a new concept of how OF GRAFTON for the side-by-side Cursillo Day’ in Bega in February. the words of expressing empa- Three-Day Weekends for men The two themes of leadership thy need to be accompanied by and women to be held at and communication were fol- the correct body language. RECTOR Greenhills Conference Centre on lowed by what amounted to a ‘Walking in the other’s mocca- the Cotter Road in Canberra from brainstorm of how these skills sins’ is the descriptive metaphor PARISH OF WOOLGOOLGA 14th to the 17th of August. might be applied in the commu- that titles the paper based on Located north of Coffs Harbour The hope is that the enthusi- nity. Food for thought for change David’s work that acts as a asm expressed by the total of 20 particularly looked at helping handout for the presentation.. on the North Coast of New South Wales. men and 18 women that attended those who are struggling with life The Cursillo Movement was Vibrant, active and friendly parish the two Three-Day Weekends in crises such as baby nurturing, launched in Australia in our dio- with great potential for church growth September last year can be re- drought impact, retirement and cese in 1979. There is plenty of in a rapidly growing region. peated. Parishes are asked to ac- ageing. evidence that the review of the tively encourage and sponsor The success of this day has various essential components Please see Diocesan Website: www.graftondiocese.org.au people who are seen as likely to led to a tuned repeat version that carried out last year is having the benefit with the often life-chang- took place in Christ Church, refreshing impact that is required For further information contact Bishop Keith Slater on ing experience that is a Cursillo Cootamundra on June 14th. to move the Movement firmly 02 66 424122 or [email protected] three days’ retreat. The core of this day was rep- into the 21st century. Page 10 Anglican News July 2008 BOOKS What are we waiting for? OBITUARY Surprised by Hope, Tom the two questions are bound to vidual but the cosmos. He works Wright, London: SPCK, 2007. appear unrelated. But if the from the early Christian view that Pp. i-xiv, 338. Indices: Biblical ‘Christian hope is God’s new God was going to do for the Bishop Owen Dowling reference, names and topics. creation for a ‘new heaven and a whole cosmos what he had done The Right Reverend Cullen (recently retired as Reviewed by Colin new earth’ – and if that hope has for Jesus at Easter. Owen Douglas Dowling, 8th rector of Gunning) also already come to life in Jesus of This core and central part of Dundon Bishop of Canberra and spoke. Nazareth - there is every reason this work, for all its limitations Goulburn, died on May 7 at Referring to Bishop The Bishop of Durham con- to join the two questions to- of space, is an exercise in clarity Clare Holland House at the Owen’s episcopal leadership, tinues to contribute to the ongo- gether. of thought and exegesis. Difficult age of 74. Neil Millar described it as a ing debates of our time with but important texts in Paul, Ordained to the priesthood “liberating experience”. peerless knowledge of the John and Revelation are in Melbourne in 1961, Owen “I learnt much about lead- New Testament and its his- opened up with deft touch Dowling came to Canberra ership and ministry just by tory, theological insight and economy of words. So as Precentor observing and pastoral application. the cosmic dimensions of and Organist him in ac- This book is no exception God’s future open up in the at St Sav- tion,” he and will stir debates on ar- uniting of heaven and earth, eas as seemingly diverse as the new creation, the sec- iour’s Cathe- said. “Owen mission, resurrection, final ond coming, judgment, life dral four was very judgment and social ac- after death and resurrection. years later. adaptable tion. Wright is well aware that He served in and seldom Wright begins with the talking about the future is the parishes flustered; he alarming claim that most more about signs pointing of South appeared Christians have no idea into a fog than road maps Wagga equally at about what ultimate Chris- or navigation systems so Wagga and home on the tian hope is and that most some of his suggestions are St John’s big stage as people, inside or outside just that. But the core ideas Reid before he did in the the church, do not expect remain and he never gets being ap- backblocks Christians to have much to lost in speculation. pointed Assistant Bishop in of PNG. Owen had time for say about hope in the With the idea established 1981. all of us.” present world. Sadly, af- that God is going to trans- Two years later he was He said that the late John ter years of pastoral and form the cosmos, renew elected Bishop of the Dio- Wimber had once quipped academic experience, I and unite heaven and earth cese, a position in which he that he would never trust a would have to concur with under the Lordship of the served for ten years. leader who didn’t walk with his judgment. risen Christ he moves to ex- After resigning as Bishop a limp. The author has the clear plore the present with the in 1993 he moved to Tasma- “Perhaps that’s why we aim of bringing to life again question, “How will we hu- nia where he ministered in trusted Owen, he did limp, he the beliefs of the early Christians From here the book unfolds mans contribute to that renewal Newtown, Hobart and knew what it meant to share in the conviction that they offer with logical clarity. He targets the of creation, and to the fresh Launceston before retiring in the fellowship of Christ’s suf- the best-grounded hope we have, confusions and competing views projects which the creator God 1999. fering, and he also knew the and a hope that ought to energize in the modern world about hope will launch in his new world? our work for God’s kingdom in and he tackles the claims of rein- By starting with the transfor- His funeral was held at St power of the Resurrection,” the world. Looked at another way carnation, annihilation or the vari- mation of the cosmos and not the Paul’s, Manuka, on May 16, Neil Millar said. the work lays the groundwork for ous forms of theories of absorp- individual the church finds its with an estimated 650 peo- “Owen ministered grace a practical, mission and even po- tion back into the created order rightful place as the servant of ple attending. A Thanksgiv- because he knew grace. litical theology. that exist. Then the church’s turn God’s transforming power in the ing Service in St Saviour’s When he stumbled, he knew The book falls into three main is next and his exposure of the present. He rethinks salvation and Cathedral, Goulburn, three how to get up again, and how parts in the first of which Wright confusions and contesting posi- the kingdom, he places justice days later also attracted a to walk forward in faith and examines both the confusions tions among the people of God beauty and evangelism together large congregation. courage. He knew tears but about hope in church and com- leads to a discussion of hymns and he develops the foundation A letter from Bishop Cecil he also knew laugher and munity, and the nature of the and liturgies that he believe cloud for a church renewed in mission. Warren, the 7th Bishop of song; and sing he did, in one early Christian hope in its histori- and obscure the issues. It is now There will be lots of people Canberra and Goulburn, paid way or another, right up until cal setting. becoming clear that central to his who will not like this book, es- tribute to the life and faithful he drew his last breath.” In the second part he opens argument is resurrection, as we pecially those whose theories ministry of his successor. Owen Dowling is survived up the subjects that have always might expect from the author of Wright critiques for he does not Neil Millar (currently a lec- by his second wife Gloria, two been associated with contro- the magisterial The Resurrection resile from his position that cen- turer in Ministry Studies at St sons Tim and Matthew and versy; God’s future plan and he of the Son of God. tral to everything is the bodily Mark’s National Theological daughter Mary, and grandchil- examines the language of the He deals succinctly with Je- resurrection of Jesus. For Centre) and Vickie dren Ruby and Owen. New Testament about the future sus’ resurrection and its histori- churches raddled with confu- of the world and individuals. cal setting and for those who have sions theologically and pastorally And in the third part of the never read the major work this is about these matters this could be book he rethinks salvation, the the ‘lite’ form. But its centrality a call to rethink and restructure. kingdom, justice beauty, salva- to Wright’s thought is never in For those who want to think of Woden Christian Bookshop tion, the reshaping of the church doubt, and nor is its intellectual evangelism as individualistic ‘re- for mission and living the future strength. He argues for the New serving a place in heaven after I Lenten studies or Easter cards, books, music, in the present. Testament belief in a transformed die’ be prepared for challenges. Wright addresses two ques- body created from the old order For the pragmatists of church devotional items and gifts—Canberra’s tions that are often separated but but now animated by God’s growth there will be the call to independent Christian bookshop stocks that he believes are theologically Spirit. He further argues that be- think again and again. inseparable. First, what is the ul- lieving this the early Christians But for those who long to find goodies for Christians of all persuasions! timate Christian hope? And, sec- believed that God had called them and live by the connections be- ond, what is there for change, to work with him in the power tween justice, beauty and evan- Anointing oil also available—scented with rescue, transformation and new of the Spirit to implement the gelism, who are dismayed by the frankincense and myrrh. possibilities with the present his- achievement and thereby to an- superficialities of ‘mission- tory of the world? ticipate the final resurrection in shaped church’, this book may Woden Christian Bookshop His thesis is that as long as personal and political life, in mis- give the grounds for hope that the Bus Interchange, Woden ACT 2606 we continue to see ‘Christian sion and holiness. founding documents of the faith hope’ in terms of ‘going to On this basis he then moves are still a source of new life and Contact us on 6285 1425 (fax 6281 0849) or email heaven’, of a salvation which is from past to future and proposes invigorating thought. [email protected] essentially away from this world, that we begin not with the indi- July 2008 Anglican News Page 11 ANGLICARE

Where is the Heart and Soul of Anglicare? by Ian Marshall* Over the years I’ve met a few people who have carried the story A Letter from Goulburn Gaol of Jesus and the story of their Hi Mum faith community with them into How are you doing? Sounds the actions of their everyday life. Often they are the sort of peo- from your last letter that the ple who are the heart and soul of cold is going to get to you a bit a parish. I’ve looked and thought this coming winter. Well, I and prayed about Anglicare and guess that’s to be expected, as old asked, ‘Where is Anglicare’s heart and creaky as you are. I’m pin- and soul?’ It is not unusual for faith ning my hopes on the fact that based service organisations to ask experience and rat cunning will a similar question today. Writing offset my physical decline. In about the disappearance of nuns your case, I know that love and Simon Wooldridge, in the Catholic health care sys- Anglican Chaplain at peace flourish amid the debris. tem, Professor Frank Bowden APPEAL LAUNCH: Therese Rein chats with Anglicare Goulburn Gaol, is concluded, “Today there are al- Speaking of flourishing Housing’s Ken Osborne at the launch of the Winter Pantry supported by most no nuns left in the hospitals Appeal at Westfield Woden on May 27. The Prime Minister’s amid the debris, I want to tell Anglicare Canberra to provide this kind of wife endorsed Anglicare Canberra and Goulburn’s you about a wonderful interac- and Goulburn. mentorship, to create a philoso- contribution to welfare in the community, commenting that it tion that Sr Loretta had with phy of practice that is lived, not was surprising to find out how many people in Canberra written down in unread mission an inmate just before Easter. It was so, so … ‘Easter’ … relied on Anglicare services. At the launch Ken Osborne statements”. 1 for us. In Anglicare a lived philoso- spoke about Anglicare’s role in offering support to the Sr Loretta had been talking with this guy for a phy of practice is expressed to homeless and disempowered. while, when he said, some extent by staff who pas- “The fellow in the cell next to mine asked me the sionately pursue a vision of so- begun to get your Tabernacle. ment expressed above. And it still other day if I wanted to become a Muslim. I told him cial justice, either from a personal Now go out into the highways happens each day. Christian perspective, or from a that I didn’t, thanks very much. He asked again and and hedges where not even the Just as parishes, ministry deeply held values framework, Bishops will try to hinder you. Go units and Anglicare all operate I gave him the same answer. which urges them to compas- out and look for Jesus in the rag- with shared responsibility for the “He asked me a third time and this is what I said to sionate action. Yet this doesn’t ged, in the naked, in the op- mission objectives of the Dio- him. encompass everyone, nor is it all pressed and sweated, in those cese, so too is the heart and soul “The reason I don’t want to become a Muslim is be- that is ‘the heart and soul of who have lost hope, in those who of Anglicare shared with parishes cause of a bloke named Jesus. He was crucified and Anglicare’ are struggling to make good. and ministry units. We are indeed Anglicare Canberra & Look for Jesus. And when you fortunate that our roots are not when he was on the cross there were two criminals on Goulburn is fortunate to have both see him, gird yourselves with his only in the past. Our roots are either side of him. One of those crims gave him a hard its roots and its present day life towel and try to wash their feet.’ firmly in the present. time, but the other one asked Jesus, “Remember me when strongly linked to a living faith Equally, other Anglican tradi- The future for Anglicare and you come into your Kingdom”. Jesus said to that guy, expressed in Anglican parishes and tions recognize that true faith is the future for parishes (and other “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. ministry units. In these living com- expressed in compassionate ac- ministry units) is for a vibrant life, munities of faith many people live tion. based on a living faith that is lived “I explained to my neighbour that I am that crimi- out the Gospel through love and TEAR Australia’s mission is out in daily practice. nal. There is a place for me in Paradise that Jesus made compassion in a way which is both ‘to engage Australian Christians Anglicare will continue to in- possible on that cross and I’m going to stick with him.” humble and humbling. in God’s work of justice and com- crease its engagement with par- Loretta says that there were tears in his eyes as he Perhaps their understanding passion whereby the gospel of ishes through relationship, com- finished his story. She said to him that he had had a comes from an Anglican tradition, Christ which is good news to the munication, shared experience like the one which was expressed poor is proclaimed and demon- and learning from each other. little resurrection that day. He agreed, but said he in the words of Frank Weston, strated’. This will ensure that the heart and hadn’t intended to tell anyone else about it. Bishop of Zanzibar. This was a In the history of our Diocese, soul of the Anglican Church in It is an unspeakable blessing to be a party to those part of his concluding address to individuals and organised groups this Diocese will continue to be ‘little resurrections’, day by day. Keep praying for us the Anglo-catholic congress of have seen a need in (and with) strong and caring. and for those among whom we work, both inmates and 1923 in London. the community and have worked 1. Frank Bowden’s article can ‘You cannot claim to worship to meet that need. Over time be found at http:// staff. And I for my part will continue to offer my Jesus in the Tabernacle if you do some of these have grown and www.eurekastreet.com.au/ grateful thanksgivings for you … not pity Jesus in the slum.’ And become organized into what to- article.aspx?aeid=6883 With much love, further: day is Anglicare. These actions * Ian Marshall is the Direc- Simon. ‘You have got your Mass, you have sprung directly from the tor of Mission & Social Justice have got your Altar, you have passion, theology and commit- for Anglicare.

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CONTACT DETAILS Your name: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Other ____ (First Name) ______(Last Name) ______GPO Box 1981 Canberra Executive Manager, Anglicare Parish (if applicable) ______ACT 2601 Youth & Family Services: Address: ______P/code: ______Phone: ______Phone: (02) 6245 7100 Debbie Tozer 4823 4000 Fax: (02) 6245 7199 Executive Manager, Anglican Please circle: Cheque Money Order Bankcard Mastercard Visa Email: Retirement Community Services: Card number: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Expiry date: ______/ [email protected] Jenny Symons 6220 8100 Name as it appears on card: ______Chair: Paul Baxter Executive Manager, Anglicare Please make your cheque payable to Anglicare Canberra & Goulburn and post to Anglicare Canberra & CEO, Anglicare Canberra & Community Services: Goulburn, PO Box 1981, CANBERRA ACT 2601 or call 62305113 for credit card donations Please send me more information about becoming a Care Partner Goulburn: Keith Waters Ian Marshall 6230 5113 Page 12 AnglicanAnglican News News July 2008 THE YSABEL CONNECTION Serving in the Solomons Rob Nash worships at St at home. There was one murder Andrew’s Bendick Murrell in the while I was there, but that can Young Anglican Ministry Dis- happen anywhere. trict. He recently returned from My visit happened to coincide the Solomon Islands where he with that of Bishop Allen Ewing worked as relief pharmacist in and party which was described in the Australian-funded hospital the May edition of Anglican News. which is part of the Regional As- The Aspen hospital is part of sistance Mission (RAMSI) to the the contribution the Australian Solomon Islands. Government has provided to the Here he reflects on his expe- Solomon Islands, it provides rience in the Solomons: medical support to the Australian troops and police from Australia I first came to Honiara in and other assisting pacific nations 2004, just after the turmoil had including New Zealand, PNG, subsided and peace had been re- Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. stored. This is a world apart from It also provides aeromedical the comforts of home. The evacuation facilities to police and GIFT: Rob Nash presents pencils, colouring books and reading material to Chief Sylvario of country was just starting to re- troop outposts in the outlying is- the Kokobana village a few kilometres west of Honiara. cover from the time of turmoil. lands. Rubbish, for instance, had not During the turmoils all the vil- Warehouse in Young of a Saturday. The villagers turn ANZAC Day was commemo- been collected for the previous lagers lived in the hills to be safe To put this into perspective on on concerts for RAMSI staff rated with a dawn service at the twelve months. and away from strife and dan- my last trip here the local paper with musical items and children Honiara Cenotaph which is just Today the streets are much ger. The local school has mini- – the Solomon Times – ran a and adults dancing and the visi- 500 metres from Point Cruz cleaner, there are far more vehi- mal facilities and the books and colouring competition for chil- tors in turn provide donations to where American and New Zea- cles on the roads and far more pencils I was able to present to a dren and the prize was a packet help the village but this week due land serviceman landed in 1943. ships anchored in the harbour. It village will be very useful for the of coloured pencils. to unseasonal rains the concert The service truly was held on a is quite safe to walk around dur- children. These books and pen- The villagers now have a was cancelled. The unseasonal former battlefield. HMAS Can- ing the day and at night people cils were selected by my wife flower garden and sell glorious rains may cause hardship as taro berra was sunk not far off shore should be as careful as they are Dorothy and came from Base flowers in the market in Honiara crops are rotting in the ground. with the loss of 82 lives.

History, Geography add to challenges of ministry by Ian Palmer* pered by the aggressive and pow- The Diocese of Ysabel in- erful tribal chief Bera and a poor cludes several large islands and example of Christian living of one over 300 small islands to the of the missionaries. north-west of Guadalcanal. The Then in 1886 the Paramount centre of the Diocese at Jejova is Chief Soga from the southern part very close to Buala the Provincial of the island called Bugotu was Capital on the north-east coast of cured of influenza by Bishop the island of Isabel. Selwyn’s home-made concoction The island of Ysabel is 8° south of brandy and quinine! Following of the equator, over 200ks in this he listened to the missionar- length and about 35ks wide. The ies and found he gained greater only vehicle we saw belonged to honour through peace rather than RAMSI. Transport is by boat or war. In 1889 he was converted on foot. to the Christian faith and baptised Santa Isabel was discovered an Anglican. Hundreds of his fol- by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de lowers immediately accepted Mendana in the late 16th Century Christianity and although it took and named after the Queen of time priests and teachers carried Spain. It remained unexplored by the faith into the most inaccessi- Europeans until the 19th Century. ble areas of the Island. A Catholic mission began in Ysabel is very mountainous 1845 but Bishop Epalle and his with only a narrow coastal strip. companions were martyred. There are no roads at all. I experi- Bishop Patteson [the first Angli- enced this when I walked with Fr can Bishop of Melanesia, himself Nelson up the steep mountain path, martyred in the Solomons in 1871] through mud and across fast- REMOTE: Fr Nelson at his village of Tirontonna, reached by a six-kilometre trek up steep visited the island in 1861-2 and in flowing streams to his village of mountain paths. Fr Nelson said Ian Palmer was the first white priest to visit the village. 1867 and Anglican missionary Tirontonna. work began with very little suc- We walked six kilometres We met three young men walking greatly appreciate contact with the The Development of the An- cess among these head-hunting [each way] and climbed over 600 down the mountain path to col- wider church. Bishop Allan led a glican Church in the Logahaza people. metres. It’s the only way to get to lect the body of a man who had seminar which was much appre- area of Isabel, Othneilson Gamutu In fact head-hunting raids his village! From there we looked died. They would carry it back for ciated by the thirty or more priests 2006 [An unpublished thesis in the against and within the Island were across ridges to the next village in burial the next day. who came to witness the signing library of Bishop Patteson Theo- so frequent in the 19th Century his parish half a day’s walk away. Christianity has adapted to the of the Companion Diocese Agree- logical College Kohimarama]. that the people lived “in constant Fr Nelson commented that no Melanesian culture and today 95% ment. dread, and (had) no sort of unity white priest had ever been to his of the 20,500 inhabitants of the Sources: God’s Gentlemen: a *Archdeacon Ian Palmer is among themselves or trust in each parish! But there was a school, a island are Anglicans. But it is an history of the Melanesian Mission rector of the Queanbeyan and other.” The mission was also ham- church and a scattering of houses. isolated part of the world and they 1849 - 1942, David Hillard 1987. District Anglican Church.