newsletter o arch ISSN 1836-511 WEBSITE: www.anglicanstogether.org MOORE THEOLOGICAL ARCHBISHOP GLENN COLLEGE NEWTOWN DAVIES APPOINTS NEW HAS A NEW LOOK RECTOR TO ST Moore Theological College’s new ALBAN’S PARISH ultra-modern building, (picture EPPING below) now dominating the corner Bishop Ross Nicholson has been of Carillion Ave and King Street appointed as Rector of the Parish of Newtown was dedicated by St Alban’s Epping. Archbishop and Ross Nicholson was formerly officially opened by the Governor Rector and Area Dean of Bishop Lin said: “The numbers of of NSW His Excellency General Willoughby and more recently people migrating from China are the Honourable David Hurley, AC Bishop Missioner in the Diocese of rapidly increasing and Mandarin is DSC on 11 February 2017. and part-time Rector of St now the second-most spoken John’s Launceston, Tasmania. language in after English.

“Canon Wong will also be ENC’s Speaking to the Southern Cross Chinese Ministry Consultant – a magazine, Bishop Nicholson said position funded entirely by he and his wife, Jenny, are really donations. looking forward to engaging with the Epping congregation and the “David’s role will be to plant, grow For the occasion, hundreds gathered local community. He said “I had a and strengthen Chinese-speaking in the main assembly hall named look at the demographics of Epping congregations and ministries the Hall after a and something like 25 percent of the throughout the Diocese former Archbishop of Sydney and a population is Mandarin speaking, “These new congregations and former Principal of the College. so there’s the potential for reaching ministries will start alongside The new enlarged Library will be out into that community. Children’s English-speaking ministries, known as the ministry is another area I’d like to whether it’s a fresh church plant or Library, also after a former engage in – it was one of the thing it becomes part of an established Archbishop of Sydney and a Vice we also did in Tasmania”. English-speaking church.” principal of the College. sydneyanglicans.net Bishop Ross Nicholson is being ST JAMES' INSTITUTE inducted into the Parish by the HAS A NEW DIRECTOR- Right Reverend , Christopher Waterhouse has been Bishop of North Sydney at a ANGLICAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND SYDNEY ARE USING THE appointed Director of St James’ Commencement of Ministry Service on Friday 24th March 2017. FORTY DAYS OF THE LENTEN Institute, Sydney. SEASON AS A TIME OF SPIRITUAL Christopher, a former parishioner at PREPARATION FOR THE GREAT St James’ Church, King Street, CELEBATIONS OF THE DEATH & commenced in late January 2017. CHINESE CHURCH RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree GROWTH IN SYDNEY PARISH CHURCHES ARE PROVIDING in history from the University of The Rev David Wong, Rector of OPPORTUNITIES FOR Tasmania, and has a background in Granville (pictured), has been PARTICIPATING IN LITURGIES, theatre and music event appointed Canon of St John’s PRAYER, BIBLE STUDY, management. He returns from the Cathedral, Parramatta by Bishop REFLECTION & MEDITATION. UK where for part of his time there, , with special For information, see the Anglicans Together website; he was on the staff of Christ Church responsibilities for Chinese WWW.Anglicanstogether.org Cathedral, Oxford. church planting in the Diocese. 1 ‘ORA ET LABORA’ Greetings in Christ

Easter is the Principal Festival rationalise away the emptiness of of the Christian Year. the tomb. After all, very few It is the time we proclaim, people in the time of Jesus 'Christ is risen!' - a declaration believed in resurrection, except of the triumph of love, the hope perhaps in the vaguest of spiritual of resurrection, and the terms. A physical resurrection of resurrection today. possibility of new life. It is also was considered a most unlikely Nevertheless, people continue to a statement about the nature of possibility. However, the empty experience the resurrected Christ God, humanity and the created tomb suggests to us that the and come to believe in him, even world around us, for it resurrection was not just a today. So, what do people see? acknowledges that we are in a 'spiritual' thing, but was also process of change and that we 'physical'. Symbols of Easter need to make good and healthy Matthew's Gospel describes the Easter worship brings together decisions in this process. These two ‘Marys’ going to Jesus' tomb several important symbols and three words, and the festival from and becoming the first witnesses actions that provide an insight which they come, stand at the to the resurrection. They came into the Christian life-journey, or centre of our faith. and expected to find a secure pilgrimage. Indeed, they give The celebrations at Easter can tomb where Jesus' body lay, but expression to the occasions upon be very grand and uplifting - instead they found the confusing which we can encounter the while it lasts. The experience of sight of an open and empty tomb, resurrected Christ. many, however, is that the with a man nearby proclaiming * Light - is a sign of mundane realities of life quickly that Jesus had risen. They 'knowledge' and 'understanding', return and the joy and hope of quickly returned to the disciples brought into our spiritual lives Easter fades. Moreover, and who were in hiding, and on the because of the presence of Christ sadly so, for most people in our way met the resurrected Christ. in the world. Seeing may well be country Easter has no meaning Having returned, the women a great aid to believing, but we at all, except perhaps as being became the first evangelists - cannot see while we are in the yet another public holiday. telling the disciples the 'good dark - we therefore need Nevertheless, the spiritual news'. enlightenment. poverty of much of our world Now, the gospel accounts of should not surprise us, for it has God has created us and the resurrection do differ from been forever thus. given us the capacity to each other. Nevertheless, putting understand his presence in the The physical presence of aside the points of view of the world. Jesus himself did not change gospel writers, I wonder what the many people in his own time, women actually saw and what * The Word - which is our nor did the experience of effect it had upon them. It would sharing in God's revelation resurrection. Nevertheless, there seem that the disciples did not through the history of his people, has always been those who have believe their 'good news' and and the message it contains for us seen, believed, understood and needed to see for themselves - today. The story of the people of been changed because of the and what did they 'see'? God is also our story and the experience of resurrection in their story of God's presence in the The good news was shared lives. Easter therefore provides world even now. with the apostle Thomas, but many things for us to reflect he would not believe until he * Baptism - which is about upon, including the narrative, the saw for himself. recognising that we are part of symbols, the mystery and the God's kingdom today, which is to experience. The gospels describe many be found in the church. We sightings of the resurrected The Easter Event describe it as becoming God's Christ; however, not all sons and daughters and What are we to make of the recognised him at first. Just as understand that God's Spirit lives empty tomb? From the earliest Thomas' response to the 'good in each one of us. times, there have been many news' was a sceptical 'seeing is theories as to why the tomb was believing', so too might we * Eucharist - which is a sign empty. Even the ancients tried to reasonably question the message of the process of gathering, 2 offering, transformation and own sufferings with his. (which is an ailment of the self- nourishment of God's people. centred world that we inhabit); Resurrection therefore Through this we remember but rather it is about setting aside becomes a principle for the Jesus in history as well as the desire for power and the Christian life. It acknowledges acknowledging his ongoing exercise of self-interest, and the tragedy of human existence presence through the people of instead working for the well- known through brokenness, sin God in the world today. being and salvation of others. and death, and recognises our Hence, salvation can be found These are signs of process - need for God through through allowing our lives to be reflecting both 'being' and reconciliation, transformation shaped by God rather than by the 'becoming'. Our lives are not and new life. All of this is pursuit of our own desires. static, but instead are in a achieved because of God's love Resurrection is therefore a constant state of change. Part of for his people and through the choice - an act of the will to take our calling is to allow God to self-giving love of Jesus that up our cross and follow Christ. transform our lives so that we found a defining moment for his may become the people that God followers on the cross. The Reverend Andrew Sempell wants us to be. This is part of the President, Anglicans Together At the Greeting of Peace, we mystery of the Christian faith - a proclaim; 'we are the body of faith that is both now but also to Christ: his Spirit is with us'. be experienced more fully in the RESIGNATION OF Through these words, we declare future; a faith that is both present that we are people of the NEWCASTLE BISHOP in the world but is also resurrection continuing the work transcendent - uniting all things The Bishop of Newcastle, the of Christ in the world today. So, 'both visible and invisible' in Right Reverend Greg what do we see in all of this? God. Thompson has announced his Perhaps it is the people of God, resignation. He has cited ill Consequences of Easter with all our frailties and failings, health due to the strain of offering ourselves to God in steering the Diocese through It is of no surprise that, for most service. Through this offering, people, the questions of identity, child abuse scandals and a and the transformation that culture of 'cover-up'. purpose, and the health and follows, we are called to be happiness of our lives are of Christ to the world. In his statement Bishop primary concern. Our physical, Thompson said: “When I started emotional, mental and spiritual Easter then is a mystery - this journey to right the wrongs well-being is of importance for something more to be of child abuse in the Diocese I each of us. Moreover, all of these experienced rather than 'known didn’t expect to be in this aspects of our lives need the about'. Just as Jesus offered position, nor did I expect to experience of resurrection. himself on the cross for the sins uncover systemic practices that of the world and found On Good Friday, we have enabled the horrendous resurrection and redemption, so commemorate the death of crimes against children. The we too are called to offer Jesus on the cross. It is a day of decision to resign was not an ourselves to God as 'a living mixed emotions, on the one hand, easy one, it weighed heavily on sacrifice' and to bring God's love there is the grief that comes from my heart. However, I must place to others. the sharing of the story of the the wellbeing of my family and violent death of Jesus; but on the So, what do we see? On Good my health above my job.” other hand, we know the outcome Friday, we see brutality and Archbishop Glenn Davies, of the story and of the hope of violence wreaked upon an Metropolitan of New South resurrection, so there is also joy innocent Jesus by a fearful, Wales, said: “It was with great and thanksgiving. selfish and power-hungry world. sadness that I learned of the On Easter Day, we see an empty Nevertheless, the reality is that resignation of Bishop Greg tomb and a resurrected Christ, without death there is no Thompson from the Diocese of now living through the faith, resurrection. Good Friday Newcastle. hope and love of his people on remains a time to grieve and earth. “In the short time of his tenure as mourn, which is a necessary Bishop of Newcastle, Greg has condition for resurrection; here This counter-cultural message is displayed remarkable courage, suffering is not excused or not about realpolitik, (which commitment and dedication in ignored, but rather cries out for proposed that the death of one seeking to restore justice for the redemption and justice. We can innocent man was just collateral survivors of sexual abuse.” therefore identify with the damage in the enforcement of the sufferings of Christ and link our 'peace'); nor is it self-help, 3 An Episcopal Shrove Tuesday Pancake Bake Off

Two Sydney city parishes - Christ Church St Each bishop was given a quantity of batter and Laurence, Railway Square and St James King invited to make three pancakes, to be judged by a Street came together on Shrove Tuesday evening to couple of volunteers from the audience. The raise funds for the support of St Laurence House question arose at the beginning – was the task to situated in the Eastern suburbs. produce pancakes or crepes? – Were they thin pancakes or thick crepes. However what was more St Laurence House provides accommodation and important was the colour! support to homeless and 'at risk' young people who, for various reasons, are unable to live with their Someone young with a known sense of mischief families. Many suffer deprivation, neglect, abuse had hidden food dye in the mix so that when the of some kind, or mental illness. Some are at risk of batter was stirred it miraculously changed colour to substance abuse and anti-social patterns of Episcopal purple. Or was it Lenten violet? behaviour. All come from diverse ethnic and socio- economic backgrounds. The aim of St Laurence House is to equip the teenagers with personal, social and living skills which they have often failed to develop. At St Laurence House they are helped to build trusting relationships, to realise their potential and make plans for their future. life This event was hosted by Christ Church St Laurence in its parish hall, with about 90 people attending. What the judges lacked in culinary knowledge they made up for in testing the finished product. They concluded that Bishop Michael was, by a thin ‘scrape’, the better ‘friar’. The audience had their say when the remains were offered around: most thought the bishops had better stick to sermons. Acknowledgement to Colin Bannerman, Anglicans Together Website: www.anglicanstogether.org

SHROVE TUESDAY occurs on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, officially ending the Season of Epiphany, and starting the Season of Lent. Traditionally viewed as a day of repentance, Shrove Tuesday has in fact become a day for A highlight of the evening was a friendly pancake- celebration and feasting before the period of fasting making contest between Bishop required during Lent. The name "Shrove Tuesday" (South Sydney Region) and Bishop Robert comes from the word "shrive", which means to Forsyth, his predecessor. It was advertised as an confess and receive absolution. historic event—and perhaps it was; a quick search The concept behind this practice is found in 1 of the internet revealed no evidence of other Corinthians 9:27, where the Apostle Paul states: "I episcopal dignitaries attempting to feed their flocks buffet my body and make it my slave...". Ironically, in this manner. in different countries, it has evolved into a day of frivolity and often indulgence, before Lent. The Shrove Tuesday tradition originated in the Middle Ages. Foods like meats, fats, eggs, milk, and fish were restricted in Lent. To keep such food from being wasted, many families had feasts on Shrove Tuesday to use up those foods. The English tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday came about as a way of using as much milk, fats, and eggs as possible before Ash Wednesday began.

4

RINGING THE CHANGES AT ST PETER’S, CREMORNE

FAREWELL TO FR NEIL AND On your return to Tasmania,be assured HEATHER VEARING that you will be travelling with every blessing that St Peter’s and its people In February the congregation of St can place upon you both, and the family Peter’s Cremorne gathered together, you will re-join.” following Fr Neil’s last service to give its thanks to Fr Neil and Heather. Rector’s Warden, Edwina Waddy, said: ‘We have benefited greatly from the stability you have brought to us all, and so few really know your -sacrificing ministry to the needy or those near to death. To those left behind, your personal comfort in grief and shock, and the services at their deaths and burials have been tender, comforting and inspirational. WELCOME TO FR TIM AND We thank you both for ALL the joys SARAH ST QUINTIN and service you have brought to our people, the guidance you have given me The Reverend Tim St Quintin has and the other wardens, and the Parish been appointed the new Rector of Council, and the greatly appreciated PHOTOS St Peter’s Cremorne. Tim was support you have afforded our local Above ordained priest in the Diocese of Police Force Officers as their go-to Fr Neil and Heather holding the icons Sydney. He is currently with the chaplain. presented by the parish, painted by Australian Defence Force parishioner Jane Mills. LHS are the keys ‘Finally may I acknowledge my and upside down cross of St Peter and RHS Chaplaincy and Assistant Minister assessment of the sacrifices you both is a likeness from the St Peter Window in in the Parish of St Stephen’s have made in accepting our invitation the apse. Willoughby. to come to St Peter’s, leaving your He graduated from UNSW with a family and friends interstate, and the Left: The Reverend Dr Max Wood, rector of St Luke’s Church, Mosman spoke on sadness of your isolation from BSc, and then as a graduate of behalf of the local clergy, and gave Fr Neil Duntroon served 8 years as a Tasmania. I know what a big thing it is and Heather a blessing for their new life in to change states when young, and the Tasmania. regular Army officer, rising to the more so when one has one’s mature rank of Major. He transferred to the family to leave behind. Reserves to enable him to study for It was in 2009 that Fr Neil ordination at Moore College before accepted the Archbishop’s becoming an Army chaplain. invitation to be rector at St Peter’s. Indeed it was a very He has mixed with a wide group of unusual appointment. The people from different backgrounds previous 11 rectors all had and views of life. He and Sarah worked in Sydney Diocese have three school-aged children. before being appointed to Tim St Quintin will be Inducted by Cremorne – 4 had studied at the Archbishop of Sydney as Rector Moore College. Fr Neil was of St Peter’s at a Commencement of the first priest to come directly Ministry Service on Thursday 20 from outside the diocese. April at 7:00pm. Bishop Chris Some would call that a Edwards will preach. We look miracle. forward to welcoming the St Quintin family to St Peter’s on that occasion. Susan Hooke

5 and the ?

The most common and widely constituted dioceses, provinces Nigeria during the latter part held misconception about the or regional churches in of the 19th Century. origin of the Anglican Church, communion with the see of is that the King of England - Canterbury.'" - Colin Buchanan, Henry VIII - started the Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism. Church of England. Even some The above quote is technically ill informed members within the accurate, but misses out on the Anglican Church vaguely think complexity and richness of one this is what happened. However, of the world's largest Christian anyone reading the history of faith communities – now England in the sixteenth century established in over 165 countries. would see how absurd that would have been. Anglicans and Episcopalians the world over share aspects of The Church of England has their history, tradition and always thought of itself, not as ways of worship. However no The Right Reverend Samuel Ajayi a new foundation, but rather as Crowther two churches are exactly alike - Photo credit: CMS a reformed continuation of the even within a diocese, let alone a ancient "English Church" province or a country. This In 1783, following the American (Ecclesia Anglicana). In unique ‘unity in diversity’ is one War of Independence the separating itself from the Church of the things that make the parishes of Connecticut elected of Rome under the Pope in the Anglican Communion different Samuel Seabury as their bishop. sixteenth century, it claimed to and unique. As the Church of England could itself the character of a distinctly no longer consecrate him, he national Church. The development of the ecclesia turned to the Scottish Episcopal In the 21st Century, Anglicanism anglicana came naturally, with Church - a move seen as the is one of a number of traditions the spread of the English people beginnings of an Anglican of the Christian faith. Others around the world. Anglican Communion with autonomous include, of course, the Roman worship outside of Britain began Member Churches. as early as 1578 in Canada. Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Subsequently other national Oriental Orthodox, and the The Anglican Communion traces churches gained independence Protestant Churches, which much of its growth to the early from the Church of England and include Lutheran, Baptist, and mission organisations of the the world-wide Anglican Pentecostal Churches. Church of England. These were Communion emerged. the Society for Promoting The word Anglican originates Christian Knowledge (SPCK The first meeting of Anglican in ecclesia anglicana, a 1698), the Society for the bishops (seventy six) took place medieval Latin phrase dating Propagation of the Gospel in in 1867 at the invitation of the to at least 1246. Originally Foreign Parts (SPG), now known Archbishop of Canterbury. meaning the ’English Church’, in as USPG), and the Church Charles Longley. This was the the past two centuries the Missionary Society (CMS 1799). first “Lambeth Conference”. tradition has spread around the Now seen as one of the world. Now 85 million people - These societies sent missionaries ‘Instruments’ of Communion, members of national or regional to countries, particularly those meeting, usually, every ten years. Churches - call themselves colonised by the British. In the 18th and 19th Centuries English Today the Anglican Anglican (or Episcopal in some Communion is thirty countries). Collectively these bishops led the various dioceses and national Churches that were autonomous national and churches are known as the regional Churches plus six Extra Anglican Communion. established in a variety of countries. Provincial Churches and "The 1930 Lambeth Conference A notable exception was the dioceses; all are in Communion described the Anglican Right Reverend Samuel Ajayi with the Archbishop of Communion as a 'fellowship, Crowther who was the first Canterbury, who is the within the one holy catholic and African Anglican bishop in Communion’s spiritual head. apostolic church, of those duly 6 What do Anglicans believe? Anglicans believe that there is An important caveat about this world have varied greatly as to only one God, but there are question is that if you ask three the status given to the Thirty- three elements to this one God: Anglicans about doctrine you’ll Nine Articles and other God the Father, God the Son, get five different answers! secondary statements of faith God the Holy Spirit; that Anglicanism’s greatest strength - (including the 1662 Book of human beings' decision to its willingness to tolerate a wide Common Prayer). reject this eternal God and live variety in Anglican faith and They have also varied according to their own lifestyle - is also the thing that considerably as to the limits of standards (sin) causes a provokes the most debate among orthodoxy (conformation to the relational breakdown between its practitioners. Christian faith as represented in them; that God the Son, Jesus Anglicans, however, do agree the creeds of the early Christ, lived and died to give that their beliefs and practices, church) and the appropriate people a model and a way to be their authority, derive from an sanctions (if any) for breaching reconciled with God. integration of Scripture (the Holy those limits. Anglicans consider the Bible to Bible), Reason (the intellect and A very brief summary of a be fundamental to life as a the experience of God) and worldwide common Anglican Christian and believe that "the Tradition (the practices and stance is to be found in the Scriptures contain all things beliefs of the historical church). Lambeth Quadrilateral, but necessary for salvation". This ‘three-legged stool’ is said individual Provinces have to demonstrate a ‘balance’ in Anglicans believe that the established doctrine the Anglican approach to faith Christian life involves regular commissions or doctrine and contrasting it with Roman praise and prayer, both private worship committees to advise Catholic and the Protestant and public, and that Christians the House of Bishops and the doctrines. The term via media must practise what they preach General Synod or comparable when used in reference to the and pray - both on Sundays (the body on doctrinal issues. The Anglican tradition generally day when Anglicans normally House of Bishops in each refers to the idea that gather for worship) and every Province is generally held to Anglicanism represents a middle day, as they seek to live out their have a special responsibility for way between Protestantism and worship. guarding the faith and its Roman Catholicism. formulation in each generation. Anglicans believe that people Rather than saying Anglicanism become members of God's The Anglican Communion's is Protestant – like Lutheranism Church through Baptism, and all global committee for doctrinal or Calvinism – rather it would be Christians celebrate Holy issues is the Inter-Anglican more accurate to say it is catholic Communion (also known as Standing Commission on Unity (believing it is still part of God’s Eucharist) as a shared ‘meal’ (of Faith and Order. one Church and having bishops bread/wafer and wine) which as Church leaders) but reformed Published by the Anglican they eat together in Jesus’ name. (in that it shares the principles of Communion Office -2017 - Anglican Anglicans accept the major other Christian Churches that Consultative Council website: Creeds as expressing their broke away from the Roman anglicancommunion.org/identity/doctr Christian faith: The Apostle's Catholic Church in 16th Century) ine.aspx Creed is the statement of faith in what has become known as the used in Baptism and Morning Protestant Reformation and Evening Prayer, while the Do all Anglicans/Episcopalians ANGLICANS TOGETHER Nicene Creed is prayed in the around the world share the NEWSLETTER service of Holy Communion. same doctrine? published by “Anglicans Together” (These can be found in any Opinions expressed are those of Anglican prayer book.) While Anglicanism generally has the contributors declared the Bible to be Anglicans summarise their Editor: Moya Holle supremely authoritative for Email: [email protected] basic beliefs in The Catechism matters of doctrine and has PO Box 429, GLEBE NSW 2037 (an old word, meaning “what is broadly subscribed to the to be taught”). [Learn more about Website: www.anglicanstogether.org Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, t these foundations of faith here] he thirty eight different What's particularly distinctive provinces/Member Churches and about Anglicanism? six Extra-Provincials around the 7 BOOK REVIEW The Afterlife: The Evidence of Near Death Experiences by John Spooner Sydney, Halstead Press, 2016, pp. 125.

Father John Spooner has written that does not in itself detract from depends on people reporting what a book that considers the effects the principle. Even in everyday they have seen or done. Fr John of near death experiences (NDEs) matters, however, we rely on simple draws out these similarities and on our concept of the after-life. observation and the accumulation of differences. An NDE is “a distinct subjective experience. Some important The next question is what the experience that people sometimes accepted facts are counterintuitive. experiences mean. Are they the report after a near death episode. For example, it seems to us that the result of some bodily activity that In a near death episode, a person sun rises and sets, whereas the truth produces the remembrances when is either clinically dead, near is that the earth turns relative to the the person revives? That would be death, or in a situation where sun. to say that the person saw and death is likely or expected”. (p.25) In that case, what do we do with a experienced nothing while clinically Fr John, who reports a NDE of his concept such as the afterlife? dead but that the physical processes own, is a member of the produced the report. There are The same question might be International Association of Near several problems with this response asked about the existence of God. Death Studies (IANDS), which because all our perceptions and Contemporary atheists draw a sharp maintains its own journal on the activities are accompanied by contrast between the kind of subject (http://iands.org/home.html). bodily events, including brain knowledge that rests on proof and The Journal of Near-Death Studies activity. Thus, when we are happy, what they might call unjustifiable is in its 34th volume. The website in love, or sad and despairing, beliefs, even imaginary beliefs. We of IANDS contains an up to date something is happening in our do not need to go to such extremes log of reported experiences. bodies. But we do not then say that to understand that some of our we were not happy, in love, sad or As I wrote this review, the latest experiences may not be open to despairing. posting was on 8 February 2017. scientific proof. How, for example, I give this information to show are we to account for beauty? Fr John deals with these that NDEs are the subject of alternatives in a chapter called Fr John’s book straddles these research and the publication of “The Sceptics”. I think that he questions. A large part of it is scholarly articles. might have done more with the taken up with case studies of alternatives. The problem here is They were the subject of an people reporting their reductionism, the process by interview with neuropsychiatrist Dr experiences. which complex matters are Peter Fenwick on the ABC Lateline Whilst there appear to be many reduced to simpler causes. The on 30 October 2000 variations, there are common (http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/stories/s key phrase here is that it is “all a themes. People on the operating 206217.htm). I give this information matter of …”. I am always wary table describe out of body to show that NDEs are a recognised of reductionism and Fr John’s experiences in which they look phenomenon and the subject of subject is a likely place to find it. down from above and see what is scholarly attention. I already knew When Fr John links these studies going on. Subjects report this because, about 30 years ago, to the afterlife, he moves to experiences of going into a tunnel, one of my university colleagues was another level of knowledge and of blinding light, of welcoming also interested in this subject. reality; one that is not open to the others, who might be departed same kind of verification that was I must now digress into a brief loved ones. They report universal used to collate the reports of discussion of epistemology, the love and acceptance. theory of knowledge or how we NDEs. This kind of knowledge is Famously, Australian Frank know things. Much of our based on belief. Packer had a heart attack that left contemporary approach to We might imagine that a person’s him clinically dead. When asked knowledge rests on the possibility prior belief about the afterlife will whether he had a classic NDE, he of proof. That is to say, we know influence their perceptions of the is reported to have said that there something when it can be meaning of NDEs. We might also was nothing out there. demonstrated by observable proof. expect that much will depend on It may be, in scientific circles, that But the reports that are available whether a person has experienced the appreciation of proof is not can be studied in a scientific fashion the phenomenon, as Fr John reports easily accessible to lay persons, but as much as any other event that 8 of himself, or whether the person is, different people. This hints at a dead. I make no comment on any like me, an observer. larger discussion that Fr John does of these views but they show how not entertain and nor will I. intrigued we are by death and its The reports collated by Fr John aftermath. show that NDEs often, but not Fr John has written an interesting always, change people’s views of book that brings together If you wish to purchase copy of Fr the afterlife, usually in favour. materials most of us would find John’s book, you can enquire of hard to locate. The afterlife is an your local book store which, if not There is a theological component enduring subject of interest. holding stock, can get it in for you to this discussion. People report from the publisher. It is also bliss, light and something In our popular culture, we refer available for sale at St. James’ approaching universal love. If these frequently to deceased persons Church, King Street, and Christ are features of the afterlife, we are looking down on us or to our Church, St Laurence, Railway heading in a universalist direction. chance to be reunited with them Square. That is to say, after death, we are all after death. Alternative views Michael Horsburgh accepted. Some versions of suggest a continuous process of Parish of St James’, Sydney Christian theology would suggest birth and rebirth leading finally to that this is not the case, that there ultimate rest. Some think that we may be quite different results for can communicate directly with the

NEW CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT LAUNCHED

Equal Voices was launched on 'I'm afraid of the church, I'm After the official launch of the evening of Friday 24th afraid of fellow Christians. I can't Equal Voices, by Hon. Michael February this year. It is a step into a church building Kirby, on 3rd April, 2017 these national, ecumenical and without getting spikes of anxiety apologies will be symbolically grassroots movement of and wanting to run as fast as presented to representatives of Christians who are committed possible in the opposite LGBTIQ+ Australians at the to giving an equal voice to direction.' Federal Parliament in LGBTIQ+ fellow Christians in Canberra. 'I grew up being taught by the the body of Christ. It will also church that homosexuality was If you would like to become a pursue reconciliation with evil and that boys who wanted to member of Equal Voices, or be these our precious siblings. be girls were going against God's added to a mailing list to receive Inspiring and emboldening us in grand design.' up-dates and newsletters, you this process are experiences can do so on the Equal Voices The Reverend Dr Keith such as the following, which were web-site (above). If you are on Mascord said “Stories such as shared at a special service of Facebook, if you like or follow these, and they are countless lament and apology held at St the Equal Voices site, you will and growing, have prompted us James, King Street on that night. also keep being up-dated. to initiate a National Apology to Contact: 'Since coming out as gay in 2008, LGBTIQ+ fellow Australians for [email protected] I have never felt safe - let alone the damage and hurt we loved - in almost all Australian Christians have been responsible Churches. I have been denied for. the Lord's Supper, asked to leave “If you'd like to add your voice to Bible Studies, and been labeled a the apology, you can do so at: threat to Christian community.' https://equalvoices.org.au/

‘HOMELESS JESUS’ SCULPTURE ‘Homeless Jesus’ a bronze sculpture by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz has been installed in 15 sites around the world including in - at Mary MacKillop Catholic Church Ballajura Perth. There are plans to install one in Melbourne, if funds can be found, outside St Peter’s Church Eastern Hill. The original sculpture was installed at Regis College, University of Toronto, Toronto in early 2013. St James Church, King Street, Sydney has applied for a faculty for the erection a ‘Homeless Jesus ‘ sculpture to be put against the outside north wall of the church. 9 BOOK REVIEW : “The Divine Dance: the Trinity and Your Transformation” by Richard Rohr, with Mike Morrell.

I write this review with some Fathers who suggested that Welcome, too was his stress on fear and trepidation because the relationships within the Trinity God’s love being the essence of main author has a wide could be understood as a flow, a his nature. I liked his statement, following and has published a radical relatedness, a perfect ‘God does not love you because number of books on spiritual communion between ‘Three’ – you are good. God loves you matters. a circle dance of love. because God is good.’ However, Richard Rohr is described in Furthermore they suggested that I started to part company with the “Divine Dance” as a God is not just a dancer; God is Rohr in Part 2 of his book, globally recognised ecumenical the dance itself. entitled ‘Why the Trinity? Why teacher bearing witness to the Rohr takes this language and now?’ universal awakening within runs with it. His first major In this section Rohr takes the Christian mysticism and the theme is that the Trinity of the themes of the first part of the Perennial Tradition.” Godhead is relationship. He book and develops them I have to confess that this is the argues that early Christian further in ways which I found first of Richard Rohr’s books I thinking was influenced by were not always helpful. have read and I had to google the Aristotle and therefore described Under a heading “Essential ‘Perennial Tradition’ to find out the Trinitarian God as being Ecstasy” Rohr argues that what it is. substance. He uses the famous despite what he calls the Rublev icon of the Trinity (also The quick answer to save you Trinitarian revolution we still known as The Hospitality of have a largely pagan view of time is that the ‘Perennial Abraham) to illustrate the Tradition’ recognises that God. He suggests, “But once concept of God as Three in you experience this changing of there are some constant and perfect harmony and recurring themes and truths in the gods, you have a solid and relationship. (The icon is on the attractive basis for Christianity all the world’s major religions. front cover of the book). “The Divine Dance” begins with as a path – a mystical and six pages of glowing reviews Rohr suggests that the figure dynamic Christianity concerned from a variety of luminaries but I representing the Spirit seems to about restorative justice and only recognised the names of be inviting the viewer to come reconciliation at every level, three of them – one being and join the meal. To quote here and now. All you have to ‘Bono’. Rohr - “I want you to take this do today is walk outside and image into yourself as you read. gaze at one leaf, long and Rohr begins by noting that I invite you to recognise that lovingly, until you know, really although the Trinity is this Table is not reserved know that the leaf is a supposed to be a central exclusively for the Three, nor is participation in the eternal being foundational doctrine of our the divine circle a closed circle: of God.” He continues, “This is Christian belief system, most we’re all invited in. All creation God’s suffering: that the species Christians have little real is invited in and this is the whom God gave free will to has understanding of it and the liberation God intended from used it to say no to itself, and doctrine has apparently no the very beginning.” thus no to most other things impact on the way they live too…..That is probably what we their lives. I found Rohr’s emphasis on the Trinity as God revealed in mean by sin”. If that is the case Rohr argues equal loving relationship a Rohr has a strange understanding then either the doctrine is not helpful image and a welcome of sin and regards the whole true or else it is badly relief from Trinitarian concept of the atonement as misunderstood. In formulating a language using concepts like unhelpful. In his view any new understanding of the hierarchy and subordination. understanding of Christ’s death Trinity, Rohr takes us back to the bringing reconciliation between Fourth Century Cappadocian God and humanity is to be 10 rejected because it somehow Like the famous ‘Curate’s egg’, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, limits God’s freedom to be this book is good in parts. has been appointed as the perfectly loving. Philip Bradford Representative of the Archbishop St Luke’s Enmore of Canterbury to the Holy See In fact he argues that the and Director of the Anglican Incarnation is the Gospel and Centre in Rome. He succeeds that Christ’s death on the cross Archbishop David Moxon who was not really necessary-it is NEWS FROM ROME retires in June. simply an icon to change our In February Pope Francis made a minds about God and show that historic visit to an Anglican Church he is perfect love. If that is the in Rome. He joined the congregation case it is strange that all four at the Church of England chaplaincy of Evangelists give so much space All Saints for a short Choral Evensong to Christ’s death and service. It included the blessing of a specially commissioned icon and the resurrection. twinning of All Saints with the Catholic After reading Part 2 of Rohr’s parish of Ognissanti, a Rome church book I was reminded of Richard with strong ecumenical ties. Niebuhr’s unforgetable critique The event comes as part of the 200th Archbishop Ntahoturi, who served of early Twenty Century liberal anniversary celebrations for All Saints as Primate of the Anglican Church which began with a small group of of Burundi from 2005 until 2016, theology: “A God without wrath worshippers holding the first Church of has been active in seeking peace in brought people without sin into England liturgy on October 27th 1816. war-torn Burundi and the great a kingdom without judgment Lakes region of Africa. through the ministrations of a NEW DIRECTOR OF THE Christ without a cross.” ANGLICAN CENTRE IN ROME He said “I am honoured and The former Primate of the delighted to have been appointed.” Anglican Church of Burundi,

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11 Jerusalem Archbishop rededicates Israeli Church closed for nearly 80 Years Posted February 23, 2017 Photo Credit: Diocese of Jerusalem

St Saviour’s Church, Acre in bought a piece of land to start a extremism - is for a real peace northern Israel, closed in the new church building. . that restores true humanity. late 1940s was rededicated in The foundation stone was laid in The spectrum of the tragedy and February 2017 by the Anglican August 1946 and the church the bitterness of suffering causes Archbishop of Jerusalem, building was ready for use by people to fear what the future Suheil Dawani. January 1947. However after will hold for them." the war of 1948 the majority of This rededication follows the re- the parishioners at “There is a dire need for a new Saint Saviour's education that teaches people to left the city and respect life and to perceive the the church was human person to be of a sacred closed. value because we are all created Archbishop in the image and likeness of Dawani expressed God.” hope for the church’s future after the rededication:

opening and re-dedication of St “Our Paul's Church, West Jerusalem Christian in 2011 (which was closed theology around the same tim). There are invites us also plans to begin the renovation - even of a third church closed in the though late 1940s - St. Peter's in Jaffa- we are Tel Aviv. diverse in The Anglican Archbishop in worship, Jerusalem, the Most Reverend liturgy Suheil Dawani, in his sermon, and expressed overwhelming theologic “happiness, gladness and al gratitude” and said “the revival thinking - to be one body in of the church and its activities Christ Jesus. will be a beacon of hope and faith”. We are to reach out to those other religions, Muslims and The Anglican ministry in Acre Jews. We do not claim that we was first started by the Church PRAY have no differences: on the Missionary Society (CMS) when contrary, it is natural to have this a school for boys was opened in Lord Jesus Christ, be kind of diversity. We share in 1874 and a school for girls with your Church where worshiping the one living God opened in 1887. Ten years later it suffers especially in and our conviviality for the sake the schools were closed your beloved Jerusalem of true humanity which leads us and the Middle East. The ancient city of Acre to goodness, security, justice, Keep them in safety and expanded at the beginning of peace, and prosperity for all. security, dwell among the 20th century to a One of the basic needs that all them, and encircle them population of around 9,000; it the world strives for today - with your peace so that had six mosques and five especially here in the Middle they be freed from all churches. East which suffers so much fear. Amen. Then at the beginning of the through war, violence and 1940s the Pastorate Committee 12