newsletter o ril ISSN 1836-511 WEBSITE: www.anglicantogether.org
THE TINY ANGLICAN PROVINCE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA GRAPPLES TO SUPPORT ITS DEVASTATED ISOLATED HIGHLAND CHURCH COMMUNITIES It will be months, if not years, before the people in the For several weeks after the initial One observer commented: “This is Highlands of Papua New Guinea earthquake most of the a disaster the likes of which we will get their lives back on track communities hardest hit haven't seen for decades. And I'm following the first catastrophic remained cut off from the outside not just referring to the scale of the earthquake on 26, February 2018, world. Entire villages were wiped destruction. There are few places and now a further one in early out by landslides and broken dams. in the world as remote, and inaccessible, as the highlands of April. Once again buildings were Because of the isolation, the first damaged and many people injured Papua New Guinea where the response Aid Agencies like CARE earthquake occurred”. in these remote Highland areas of had to be innovative in dealing Papua New Guinea. with the emergency. Instead of The Anglican Board of Mission, Widespread damage was caused to distributing bottled water (as the long time Partner with the the land and the infrastructure, normally), they had to use Anglican Church in Papua New which affected homes and collapsible jerry cans and compact Guinea, has launched an livelihood. water purification kits. These take Emergency Appeal for urgent aid up less space, are easier to transport to be forwarded to support the and don't create as much waste. small poor isolated Church Now, following the first response communities in the affected areas. there have been moves to distribute To donate to the Appeal, contact fast growing seed crops, so ABM on-line: www.abmission.org subsistence farmers can quickly re- Telephone: (02) 2964 1021
grow essential food in their gardens. Papua New Guinea, and in ARCHBISHOP ALLAN MIGI, particular the isolated Highland ACPNG has written a prayer for use PHOTO: The quake and aftershocks have regions, lack media coverage and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. so there has been a corresponding following the disaster: (Supplied: Catholic Bishop Donald Lippert) lack of the usual comparable God our Creator, we ask your
donations to provide relief. It's a blessing and comfort during The epicentre of the quake was a silent emergency where the this time of disaster full day's drive from the nearest suffering is largely out of sight. We pray for all those whose town and two day's drive from the lives are affected by nearest port. This meant the first earthquake through loss of life, news, and then aid was a long time loss of homes and livelihood. in getting to the devastated villages. We pray for the rescue workers (Photo: John Hewart CARE Australia) as they work together to bring hope to communities torn apart by natural forces. We pray for courage and strength to rebuild lives and move into the future. Amen
Families shelter in makeshift tent in Pimaga, PNG, after their homes damaged or destroyed: Photo supplied by Thomas Nybo
1 SOCIAL COHESION HUB Another new initiative by the Parish of St Paul’s Anglican Church Burwood
Have you ever had to contact Rosemary King, Lay Minister said: A GOLDEN JUBILEE Centrelink? “ We are very grateful that so many service providers gave up their time The Diocese of the Northern Then you know how hard it is to to come. Territory and Bishop Ken Mason, get onto them and the difficulty in its first Diocesan Bishop, getting all the information you “The Anglicare team, especially celebrated the Golden Jubilee of need – (being transferred from Narelle Hand and David Ip worked the inauguration of the Diocese on one person to another) - in one so hard behind the scenes and on 1st March, 1968. visit or phone call. the day to make sure that everything had been thought of. Natasha Perhaps you are seeking help for an Williams, from Burwood Council aged relative or a friend who has gently encouraged providers (that I been badly treated by the authorities had been unable to access) to come. – surely there must be something Jacqui Thorburn from Jodi that can be done? Well there is, if McKay’s office worked the whole you know who to approach and morning supporting people with what documentation you might various needs, especially with the need to provide. Ombudsman and Legal Aid. St Paul’s Anglican Church, Vanessa Papastravos from our Burwood came up with an answer Federal member, Craig Laundy’s The celebration took place in to this dilemma. On Thursday 8th office was also in attendance. He Sydney in St James’ Church, King March, the Parish organised and also spoke at length with the Rector, Street. Bishop Ken lives in a hosted its Social Cohesion Hub. Fr James Collins about our next Retirement Facility in Mosman, Sydney. Providers from many different project – a mobile medical clinic.” Bishop Ken first served with the services; Housing NSW; Births, All the providers plan to meet Brotherhood of the Good Shepherd. Deaths and Marriages: Centrelink; within a fortnight to decide the way He was Dean of Trinity College, forward from here. Melbourne before being There is one thing consecrated on St Matthias’ Day fairly certain - this (24 February) 1968 in at St John’s is just the first of Cathedral, Brisbane - Archbishop many. Phillip Strong KBE being the The hall was principal consecrator. On St crowded and David’s Day (1st March) he was humming with enthroned at Christ Church, activity. All Darwin, which became the clients left saying cathedral of the new diocese – one that they had had of the largest in the world at their needs met. 1,420,970 km². Cyclone Tracy Legal Aid; Anglicare; Dressed for There was enormous goodwill on destroyed this building on Success; Mates on the Move; the day. Christmas Day 1974 Vinnies; the Ombudsman; the After fifteen years in Darwin Finally from the St Paul’s Church Police Local Area Command and Bishop Ken left the diocese to organisers: “Thank you to everyone other services came together in this become Chairman of the who contributed in any way at all. one place. This gave people an Australian Board of Missions - It was much appreciated and went opportunity to access all these now the Anglican Board of towards the success of the day. services, and where necessary they Mission, the national mission Thank you.” could visit several different services Photo L-R - Rosemary King, John Faker, Mayor agency of the Anglican Church of all on the one day. of Burwood. Fr James Collins, Rector of St Australia. He remained in this Paul’s Narelle Hand, Anglicare. position for ten years, from 1983 St Paul’s was ably assisted by the until retiring in 1993. team from Anglicare who put on a Now he lives a quiet life, but sausage sizzle for everyone, as well Photo Caption:– Column 3 continues to worship at St James’. as non-stop morning tea. In The Right Reverends Greg Thompson, Ken Congratulations Bishop Ken addition there were gifts for Mason, Dr Greg Anderson, Clyde Wood everyone - men and women. 2
‘ORA ET LABORA’ Greetings in Christ,
‘CHURCH AND STATE – should there be limits to their relationship?’
The relationship between of believers. In this instance, we ‘church’ and ‘state’ in Western- should perhaps talk more of liberal democracies has often ‘churches’ rather than of ‘church’ as principle of the separation of church been ambiguous and sometimes there is no one institution that is and state. hostile. ‘The Church’ – despite the few institutions that might be arrogant Be Subject to the When church leaders make enough to think so! Governing Authorities! comments that are critical of It is impossible to identify a single government some will say that ‘the The state, on the other hand, is ‘biblical’ approach to the church should stay out of politics’. clearly an institutional construct relationship between institutional Yet, if they support the government that includes land and people religion and the state. The Old they are accused of ‘being too close governed corporately with a high Testament narrative records a and cosy’ in their relationship with level of sovereignty. In theory, all movement from localised tribal it; and if they say nothing, then they people must belong to a state to religion and government, through are considered to be ‘out of touch’ which they owe some form of political warlords, to a monarchical and not contributing to the good of allegiance. In our age, not all must nation-state, and finally a vassal society. belong to a church. state in a much larger empire. In this context, religious leadership Likewise, people with religious An initial tension arises over the shifted from tribal leaders and local convictions who are elected to matter of loyalty. Most religious religious ‘high places’, to priests parliament often come under greater institutions will argue that loyalty to and prophets, then a form of analysis and criticism as to whether God must take precedence over established religion based on the their faith might have an undue loyalty to the state. This view has temple, and finally a teaching influence on government policy. sometimes led church people into ministry in synagogues. The New Interestingly, no one applies the civil disobedience and even open Testament likewise presents an same level of scrutiny to economists conflict both with the state and acceptance of a variety of political who hold to a particular economic other religious groupings with and religious constructs. model or scientists who employ which there is disagreement. The particular ethical principles in ability of the state to cope with Much of the church/state pursuit of their research. It is a these tensions varies. relationship in the Old Testament truism that everyone approaches life may be understood in terms of with a ‘point of view’ that shapes One may ask, does the church shape theocracy, which means ‘rule by his or her understanding and the society or society the church? God or the religious leaders’. Here behaviour; it is called an ethic. It is Historically, religious institutions both the religious and state no more or less the case for the have had a significant role in both authorities are one – there is no Christian politician and the church. legitimising the state and shaping it. concept of ‘separation’. Perhaps the Religion played a profound part in only surviving examples of this Defining ‘what is church’ can the development of that great today are the Vatican and Iran, yet sometimes be tricky. In democracy, the United States of there are times in European history theological terms, the church is America. What was perhaps when something akin to theocracy simply the body of believers who different in this case, however, was has operated. gather to worship God. However, that one party did not dominate the most people understand ‘The other but rather influence came St Paul sets out an agenda for Church’ to be the institutional through dialogue in the context of a church-state relations in his construct that is the visible religious culture - reflecting the Letter to the Romans. manifestation of the invisible mass 3
‘Let every person be subject to on the world, being the ‘sacred’ and The Renaissance, (and its the governing authorities; for the ‘secular’. This was reflected in subsequent religious manifestation there is no authority except from the ‘two kingdoms theory’ espoused in the Reformation), brought about God, and those authorities that by Augustine of Hippo in the early several changes to the exist have been instituted by fifth century and developed later by understanding of state and church. God. Therefore, whoever resists Martin Luther. It argues that there is This era saw the rise of the nation authority resists what God has the kingdom ‘of this world’ ruled state, a political construct based appointed, and those who resist over by kings and princes, and the upon a people of a common culture will incur judgement. For rulers ‘heavenly kingdom’ ruled over by and economy under the rule of a are not a terror to good conduct, Christ. All authority, it is argued, single leader. Nation states sought but to bad’. (Romans 13:1-3a) has been given by God, both to the to have greater control over their church and the state. The state is destinies and therefore over the Many politicians have quoted this therefore called to manage the legitimising and socially cohesive text in an effort to silence church world through the exercise of law powers of the church. National leaders. Nevertheless, it has and the sword, while the church is leaders wanted a say concerning the provided the main legitimising to reflect God’s kingdom. appointment of church leaders and, force for the authority of the state for the most part, obtained such up until the modern era. The Religious Slippery-dip from the Pope.
Jesus, on the other hand, seems to In the early fourth century, the However, those nations where the express a different perspective from Roman Emperor Constantine Reformation held sway were St Paul. On the one hand when established an alliance between increasingly outside the Pope’s confronted by the Pharisees over the institutions of church and sphere of influence. A new religious allegiance to the Emperor, he says, state. At this point, Christianity polity of ‘established religion’ ‘Give therefore to the emperor the became the official religion of the emerged as an answer to this things that are the emperor’s, and to Empire. From then on up to the dilemma. In this case, the state God the things that are God’s.’ Reformation, it was mostly legitimised the national religious accepted that while the church and (Matthew 22:21) This seems to uphold institution by making it the official a conservative view of duty to the state were institutionally separate, one for the nation. While this may state while also promoting one’s they also provided a unity through a have seemed to be a solution, not all duty to God. Yet, Jesus also common purpose under God that were convinced of the need to challenged power-politics and the came to be known as abandon their allegiance to the Pope status quo in the Beatitudes from ‘Christendom’. and adopt the new ‘official’ the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew religion. The practice often led to Both church and state had their own 5:1-12). He also made the matter of bloodshed and persecution. allegiance clearer a little later, hierarchies, the church under the Toleration of dissenters finally saying, Pope and bishops and the state proved to be a solution as long as under the emperor and nobles. The they remained loyal to the state. ‘No one can serve two masters; church blessed the state, and the for a slave will either hate the state protected the church. Even In many instances, established one and love the other, or be after the great schism between the religious institutions became an arm devoted to the one and despise Eastern and Western traditions of of the state and worked to support the other. You cannot serve God Christianity in 1054, there it. Any feature of a prophetic or and wealth’. (Matthew 6:24) continued to be two reforming agenda was suppressed, commonwealths. while promotion of clergy in the The Scriptures therefore do not church became more a matter of support anarchy, but instead uphold Nevertheless, not all were state patronage supporting those the importance of the order that convinced of this compact and who were considered ‘reliable’ and comes from the state and ruling several Christian groups sought to likely to maintain the status quo. authorities. People are therefore dissent from the arrangement. But Unsurprisingly, the established instructed be obedient to the law for the most part it prevailed churches became self-satisfied and and good citizens toward one through the Middle Ages. The lazy, as Anthony Trollope’s another. Reformation brought an end to the Barchester books revealed. Public unity of the Western church which dissatisfaction arose regarding these Drawing on St Paul, the medieval also led to the end of Christendom. churches, which in turn gave rise to society perceived two perspectives new religious movements and 4
denominations in the eighteenth and people of God? If a collective technology, and new economic and nineteenth centuries. democratic approach to this political practices - including authority were to be accepted, is nationalism, colonialism and As religious expression became truth to be determined on the power globalisation. more diverse and the link with the of a simple majority at a synod? As state declined, the ability of the one can see, there are more In this respect, secularisation has churches to speak with one voice questions than answers to this been more a matter of process weakened. Christians seemed to dilemma. rather than ideology. It created a spend more time emphasising their shift in the social role of religion differences from each other rather The Christendom and medieval from explaining and governing all than proclaiming a unified gospel to view of authority described it as aspects of life to being more the world. It is therefore descending from God down through narrowly focused on specific unsurprising that the twentieth the civil and ecclesiastical spiritual issues of meaning, purpose century became the era of further hierarchies to the people. Hence, in and morality. Nevertheless, the church fragmentation and religious the feudal system, every person had secularisation process seems to marginalisation. Christianity now responsibility and allegiance to have taken on a life of its own, struggles to be heard in a world that some overlord all the way up to especially for those who would cannot understand the church’s way God, as that is the way that wish to distance themselves from of thinking and behaving; and the authority was seen to flow. the activities of organised religion. churches fail to help themselves Happiness and contentment came because of disunity, self-interest, therefore once one knew one’s It is now fashionable to be an arrogance and intellectual place in society and accepted it. As atheist as a way of signalling that mediocrity. the hymn, ‘All things bright and one is neither bound to any beautiful’ put it: backward ways of thinking nor part Descending and Ascending of an institution that has become Theories of Authority ‘The rich man in his castle, the corrupt. There is, however, a little A big issue in the debate about poor man at his gate, irony in this as the early Christians church-state relations is the He made them, high or lowly, were declared to be ‘atheists’ by the question of authority. Christians and ordered their estate’. Roman authorities because they did argue that authority comes from (CF Alexander, 1848) not respect ‘the gods’.
God and is given to people and their The enlightenment and the institutions for the good order of When All is Said and Done development of modern democracy society. If we accept this view, we saw a reversal of the descending As was the case in the pre- still have the question of ‘how this theory of authority to an ‘ascending Christendom era, the post- authority comes from God?’ and theory’, which means that authority Christendom church cannot ‘what is the process that allows us comes from the people and is given expect to be supported by the to identify such authority?’ to the state and its leaders. Elections state; and neither should the state
are therefore a means by which the seek to be legitimised by the There is a divergence of opinion at people give authority to those who church. Yet, the church does have this point. Some will argue that govern them. This change in a duty to be an advocate and authority has been given to the understanding, (known as political practitioner for justice, compassion, institutional church as the ‘body of secularisation), had a dramatic transcendence and hope in the Christ present on earth’ – but does effect on the role of the church in world as it seeks to proclaim and this mean the hierarchy or the society causing it to become live out the gospel of Christ. Its whole body of believers and if so, marginalised from the seat of mission therefore does not diminish how do all contribute? On the other power. but rather expands in this way. hand, others argue that authority is to be found in the Bible, which From the fifteenth century onwards, As religion has been pushed more should provide all guidance for the a series of social developments in to the margins of life so too has shaping of God’s kingdom here on the western world served to reshape faith become more a matter of earth. Yet who is to have the society and the role of the church. ‘private’ rather than ‘public’ authority to interpret or apply the They included the Renaissance and concern. Society has tended to Bible and especially when it seems new learning, the Reformation (and organise itself more around to be contradictory or says nothing counter-reformation), the humanistic rather than theistic about a particular matter? Is this an development of science and concerns, leaving religion to activity for experts or for the whole become a cultural artefact 5
seemingly disconnected from the of power and control but rather on diocese with a strong presence of concerns of the ‘real world’ - an dialogue, exploration, justice and conservatives, from both Anglo- activity consumed by those who are the common good. The church Catholic and evangelical traditions. ‘into that sort of thing’. Once it is therefore needs to change its ways Bishop Sarah has said she privatised and consumerised, and become more vulnerable, respects those who cannot accept religion then has little to say to the diverse, hospitable, and attentive to her ministry as a bishop because she society around it and is easily the needs of others. is a woman, and will work closely ignored. The exception to this with the Suffragan Bishops who being those areas where it maintains This is the way of incarnation and minister to clergy and high levels of capital, such as grace – and where grace is, there is congregations who do not accept schools, hospitals, retirement the kingdom of God. female priests. villages and the like. Andrew Sempell Bishop Jonathan Baker, Rector, St James’ Church, Sydney Suffragan Bishop of Fulham has The church has sought to push asked people to ’have confidence back; yet despite the adoption of in your new Bishop’, and says he contemporary management and marketing structures, ‘relevant’ liturgies, a plethora of evangelism NEW BISHOP programmes, and the creation of political lobby groups it has OF LONDON continued to decline. The problem Dame Sarah Mullally has is that while it remains reactionary been elected Bishop of the to society, obsessed by matters of Diocese of London. internal polity, and self-justifying in matters of thought and belief; the Her installation will take church will ensure that it remains place at St Paul’s Cathedral on 12 May 2018. Bishop Sarah outside the central activities of rd society. It will therefore remain of will be the 133 Bishop of looks forward to working with her. little interest to the state and hardly London, and, of course the first Tony Robinson, Bishop of female. The Bishop of London is an enhancement to the wider Wakefield and chairman of Forward community. But it does not have to the third highest position in the in Faith has said the appointment end here. Church of England after the would result in a deeper impairment Archbishop of Canterbury and the of communion. WATCH, of The secular world-view struggles to Archbishop of York. course, is overjoyed. understand the religious and often A church friend in London seeks to deny it a place in society. Bishop Sarah’s first career was considered that, more interesting Such a denial also carries with it a in nursing where she reached the and significant than gender is that rejection of the spiritual aspect of position of Chief Nursing Officer Bishop Sarah has come up through human nature; but it is our spiritual with the Department of Health and the ranks of self-supporting nature that helps us to understand was made a Dame for her services ministry, through a non-residential the inner workings of our human to Nursing in 2005. She was training course; not from one of the nature, making life meaningful even ordained as a priest in 2001. She traditional sources. It is also good in the face of hardship and disaster. was Canon Treasurer at Salisbury that she is so experienced in Interestingly, spiritual yearning Cathedral, before becoming Bishop community welfare, and is a strong remains even in those who would of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter team player. My friend also not consider themselves religious. in 2015 considered that Bishop Sarah’s Here lies the opportunity for mutual brain, courage, compassion and engagement. Media reports have described public service background will be the new Bishop as a ‘nice decent assets in the House of Lords. In a post-modern world the person and a committed, almost Susan Hooke ‘separation of church and state’ has certainly evangelical, Christian’. become a non-issue, for such a The video clip* below presents a * Video clip of London’s new Bishop can duality has become an abstraction warm person with great interest be found on the Diocese of London website: in pastoral care. https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/bis built on a past world-view. Instead, hop-london-anniversary-2017-attack- a new type of relationship should London is an area where westminster/ exist; one based not on the exercise congregations are growing but a 6
TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC VERSUS MODERN CHRISTIAN MUSIC? Thoughts from a Church Organist of Sixty Years Alan Munday, Organist St. Edmund’s Church, Pagewood
I first went to church at the age of had to sit under one of the vast The new ‘planted’ church was thirteen. I was baptised as a baby, pillars. After the recital we stayed named ‘Wild Street’ - very modern, confirmed at fourteen and have for a Service. As the procession no prayer book and modern attended an Anglican church ever entered the Cathedral monks were Christian music with a band. since. My mother ensured that I chanting beautifully. As an Organist, I thought I might not learnt the piano, studied through the be able to cope with this considering various grades and sat for my previous history of forty years in examinations. the parish. I stayed on and worked This led to the Rector of St. Paul’s with the new Rector and we clicked. Redfern giving me the opportunity He was thoughtful and considerate. of learning the organ, and paying for Although the music at the new my tuition if I played for some congregation is modern Christian services. My organ teacher was music, we still have traditional Beadman Brown, ‘ Church, Hunters Christian music which the Rector Organ, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris Hill. I have now been an organist likes. Our 8.30am service is small for the past 60 years and still There was a visit to an organ recital whereas the new congregation is continuing. in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna. very large and a lot of children It was cold night and a very large attend. I want to address this topic with the queue waited to enter. When we experiences gained as Organist at St. The interesting part to all of these arrived in the Cathedral it was very Edmunds Anglican Church, events in this church is that I still full. The interesting observation was Pagewood for forty years. have a role in the church’s mission that half of the audience were young. to the world. I am convinced that When I took up my organist At St. John’s Cathedral, New York while modern Christian music has position, there were well attended we attended Choral Eucharist on become more popular and 8.00am and 9.30am Services with a Easter Day. We were told the encourages more people, particularly four-part harmony choir; traditional attendance was over 2000. young people, to attend, all is not Christian music; musical settings at My last trip overseas was an lost. Holy Communion and Morning organised tour of the beautiful Prayer (canticles and anthems). The One of the interesting things we do English Cathedrals. There was the change at that time was that the at St Edmund’s is to have traditional music in the form of Evening Prayer Service was closing combined services with the organ recitals - the choirs singing down due to lack of numbers. traditional and the modern music. Evensong. Imagine on a Saturday Half the music with the organ and At that time, on my staff at Seaforth night attending Evensong at York the other half with the band. It TAFE College, there was a tenor Minster with approximately five works, and after the service a lot of with the St. Nicholas Chorale hundred people. people including young ones speak Choir. St. Edmund’s Church is a The final part of my article relates to me to let me know that they beautiful building with excellent specifically to St. Edmund’s enjoyed the organ. Some of the acoustics and we were privileged to Church. Fifteen years ago the young people have never heard an have a visit from the St Nicholas attendances were dropping, the choir organ before. Chorale singing Handel’s Messiah, retired due to lack of numbers and Haydn’s The Creation and Operatic A final word to church-goers, and because finances were low the parish Highlights. particularly musicians, we can lost its right of nomination for a new compromise on traditional music I have served as Organist under four Rector. The retiring Rector versus modern Christian music. ministers and had a good negotiated with a planted church at relationship with them. the University of NSW to use our church building for their services for I was fortunate to travel overseas on a small fee. When the Rector retired a number of occasions in my first the Diocese of Sydney arranged for a ANGLICANS TOGETHER twenty years as Organist. and NEWSLETTER planted church to become part of the observed traditional music in all its published by “Anglicans Together” parish with their leader as the new glory. Opinions expressed are those of the Rector. He was ordained a priest contributors I attended an organ recital in Notre and inducted. He is still our Rector. Email: [email protected] Dame Cathedral, Paris, which has A traditional service is held every one of the greatest organs in the Sunday at 8.30am with the organ. world. We could not find a seat and 7
HO P E A T TH E H OSP I TA L Thank You We also distribute the Bible Society These are in no way “dark and dumb Nearly two years ago, (July 2016) leaflet, ‘In Hospital’, and for new ceremonies” or superstitious scams. but Anglicans Together members kindly mothers, there is a small gift and ways of bringing light and the word donated over $1500 ($500 remains) Mothers’ Union material. However, of God. At Bankstown Hospital, I see within three weeks to a small appeal we greatly need (what even the 1788 how many ‘Sydney Anglicans’ miss out tucked away in an article I wrote about convicts had,) copies of the Gospels (St with their common disdain for simple my work as a volunteer chaplain in Mark and St Luke) “without notes or signs and symbols (even the puritan Bankstown/Lidcombe Hospital. It was comment”, acceptable to all Churches. Bunyan appreciated the latter). for the purchase of laminated cards, On Ash Wednesday, as well as our Anglicare has come to recognise the made by volunteers of the Amos Chapel Communion and Imposition value of the Bankstown Hospital Scripture Care Trust. On one side is of Ashes, this year we had a ten Chaplaincy which hardly existed a picture and on the other a text or a minute Service of Bible reading, twenty years ago. Although it has not prayer. In addition to standard ones, prayer, and the Imposition at noon been able to find a suitable half-time we can design our own. For example, I for staff. Then throughout the day, paid priest to join our team. Many have an icon card (with 1 Cor.13.13) patients, staff, and visitors, seeing the clergy want to “evangelise”. especially for the many Antiochan, ashes on my forehead, asked for them However it is the keeping in touch Armenian, Assyrian, Coptic and other also. They are not there to show off - with ordinary people, especially in Orthodox – the most devout – patients. something Jesus warned about in the their final years, and caring for them, Sometimes I visit the Roman Catholics day’s Gospel. They are a very that is surely part of the ‘Gospel’. - we lack a regular R.C. chaplain. important witness in a place where Some of the money is spent on ‘tea- Muslims are so evident, even though a For visiting priests, (sadly we have few lights’ which are also much minority. In Holy Week, our Anglicans), unashamedly wearing a appreciated. Yesterday (16/3) one Wednesday chapel service draws clerical collar is so important (essential family sent one little light to their old, together the whole story (as did the in Emergency), but also in the street, but very devout mother, in New ancient liturgy) and includes a blessing and on trains and buses - an example of Zealand, a token of their prayers. of palm crosses, hot-cross buns, and witness needed outside the church Easter eggs! walls. John Bunyan, Honorary Chaplain
M I S S I O N M A T T E R S John Bunyan
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN TH E U NI T E D ST A T ES O F A M E RI CA The Episcopal Church (the graveyard in which many eminent welcoming diversity through a Anglican Church in the USA) is not historical figures are buried sculpture depicting a dance of well known in Australia. indicates the significant role of the different animals was one creative Episcopal Church in the growth of a offering. Whilst we have considerable young country. contact with the Church of England In Georgetown, Washington, in Britain, we seem to have much The beauty of the church and near the Potomac River, on a less contact with The Episcopal the liturgy, presided by a young Saturday morning, the gardens of a Church (TEC). female priest, and the familiar small Episcopal church are hymns made me feel quite at lovingly tended by parishioners - a Anglican worship (the TEC home. sign that people care about their website tells us) was first church. The furnishings are of celebrated in North America on The daily ‘Brown Bag lunch’ - beautiful dark wood, in fine the coast near San Francisco by a lunch for everyone: distributing proportions. There is also a lunch Sir Francis Drake’s Chaplain in ‘brown bags’ of fresh vegetables for the poor on Saturdays, again 1579. that can be cooked, as well as lunch reaching out in a very tangible way. to eat, was a tangible sign of The first regular worship commitment to the poor in the heart In Springfield, Illinois, in the began in Jamestown in 1607. of New York. People of all centre of the country, the small English missionary societies, backgrounds and cultures are drawn cathedral has a beautiful especial the Society for the in and meet others there. Before communion service - again with Propagation of the Gospel, long, some have joined the church. some very familiar hymns. We supported the early work under the were given a warm welcome. The direction of the Bishop of London. The sister chapel, St Paul’s, Rev’d Canon Deacon Martha The American Revolution led to very close to the World Trade Bradley, the historian of the great tension for American Centre, reached out to the victims church, retrieved the parish Anglicans and some left for Canada of the 9/11 tragedy, providing register to show us the entry and other parts of the British medical and first-aid help, food, where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Empire. Others stayed and built counselling and spiritual Todd were married. what is now known as The encouragement in the days, weeks Episcopal Church. and months afterwards. The The warmth of the solidarity they received from all congregation on a Sunday over a I recently travelled to the USA over the world is epitomised in the cup of tea was delightful. and worshipped and visited a Japanese paper cranes that number of TEC churches, from I also had the impression that commemorate that tragedy and the New York across the country to San many of the church members were church’s response to it. Francisco. as concerned about their President The enormous Cathedral of St as many people in other parts of the A visit to Trinity, Wall Street, John the Divine in New York is of world, especially his interventions New York, with its historic similar size to Sacre Ceur in on North Korea, which were feared France. to be heightening tension as well as his responses to white supremacists in the south of the US. In San Francisco, Grace Cathedral, based on the design of Notre Dame in Paris, is enormous and imposing. The walls have murals, much like the old Italian churches, as well as contemporary religious art, beautiful stained glad and a mural in memory of those who died of St John,The_Divine Altar HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. Grace The program of St John the Cathedral provided a special Divine includes encouraging the ministry to the gay community that arts. An installation focussed on was reeling from the epidemic at 9 that time. Grace Cathedral was appreciated for much more than THE INTERNET PROVIDES A also in the forefront of the that. It appears to have depth and CHOICE OF 53 ENGLISH VERSION OF THE BIBLE. movement for women’s ordination. spirituality, and to engage with society, with a generous concern Evening prayer in the side and advocacy for the poor in a chapel was simple and very similar society where glitz, glamour and a to evening prayer in Australia, “survival of the fittest” ethic often including prayers for peace and for prevail. It would be good if we had an end to racism. The clergy were greater contact with this church. warm and welcoming. How we see The Episcopal Church is not just a matter of distant or academic interest, lacking in significance for Australia. The Appellate Tribunal of the Translations of the Bible fall into two Anglican Church of Australia dealt categories, those written by the with a case brought by the Primate, individual translator and the others Archbishop Dr Philip Freier, and made by a Committee of scholars. several dioceses regarding This second category is because the participation by some of our Church has wanted to “avoid bias or Australian bishops in consecrating a idiosyncrasy”. bishop of a breakaway from The John Wycliffe is often credited with Episcopal Church. That case has the first translation of the Bible into been settled but the issues that gave English, but there were many translations of large parts of the Bible rise to it have not disappeared. centuries before Wycliffe's work. The I was impressed by what I major period of Bible translation into saw of the Episcopal Church in the English language, began with the Labyrinth, Grace Cathedral the USA. It is true that TEC did introduction of the ‘Tyndale’ Bible. not abide by the consensus reached (New Testament published in 1526). The following day, the Cathedral was involved in an by the Anglican Communion that Then came the well known, well interfaith walk calling for peace member churches in the Anglican loved and widely read ‘King James instead of possible nuclear war Communion should refrain from Bible’. King James I convened the Hampton Court Conference in 1604. with North Korea. ordaining practising homosexual clergy, so as not to strain our unity Forty seven scholars from around the In New York, I also dropped as a Communion beyond the nation formed six committees to in to other Episcopal churches. In endurance of some provinces. But undertake the translation. all the churches I entered, there was on the other hand, it appeared that The Authorised Version was published a sense of reverence and beauty, by the King’s Printer in 1611. there is much in the life of The with the Gospel front and centre Episcopal Church that is In the last century there have and people warmly welcomed. commendable and a wonderful continued to be numerous English Tradition is clearly valued as well witness to our Lord. translations, published in the UK and as a contemporary edge. Mandy Tibbey the USA both by Committees and individuals. Beautiful polished wooden THE DAY OF PENTECOST pews, lovingly preserved, The 20th century has seen a desire Sunday, 20th May for so-called ‘modern’ translations. meaningful statues such as St Come Holy Spirit, our souls inspire, Francis with arms outstretched to Some come from Committees – The And lighten with celestial fire, Holy Bible Revised Authorised Version welcome visitors, made such visits Thou the anointing Spirit art, (1884); The American Standard special. There was a liveliness and Who does thy Version (1901); the Revised Standard depth that stood out, from pew sevenfold gifts Version (1959); the New English Bible sheets and brochures to people impart. (1977); Revised English Bible (1989); caring for their heritage and their Thy blessed unction Jerusalem Bible (1966). shared life together. from above Others have come from individuals Is comfort, life and – James Moffat (1901); J.B. Phillips The Episcopal Church has fire of love; (1958) The New Testament in Modern been criticised for ordaining Enable with English. Now N.T. Wright and David homosexuals but it seemed to me perpetu al light Bentley Hart. that it should be known and The dullness of our blinded sight; Moya Holle 10
N T O L L T H E W O L EMERGENT CHRISTIANITY IN ITS JEWISH AND GRECOROMAN CONTEXT.
EDITORS: Mark Harding (formerly Dean and CEO, Australian College of Theology) and Alanna Nobbs (formerly Professor, Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University) Published by Eerdmans
Christianity to AD 100. The third of both Second Temple Judaism and section, Christians among Romans, Greco-Roman culture (The Social includes divine cultic activities and Pattern of the Christian Groups in the the early church, with the final First Century, Tyndale Press 1960). INTO ALL THE WORLD, chapter looking at how the Church looks at the New Testament in its was perceived by Clement of Rome “The current volume considers first century setting. It is the at the end of the first century the remaining literature of the third and final volume in a series New Testament (Acts, Hebrews, edited by Mark Harding and The book is aimed as a resource James, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude, the Alanna Nobbs. primarily for undergraduates in Johannine epistles, and The first volume, The Content and theology or history. However the Revelation) to demonstrate the Setting of the Gospel Tradition was bibliographies and the wider issues influence of both Judaism and the followed by Into All the World: make it useful for scholars at all Greco-Roman world on the Paul among Jews, Greeks, and levels, so the editors have retained Christian communities in the first Romans. quotations in the original Greek. century
In a ‘Retrospective’, Professor In “Reading Religion”, a “Into All the World is a necessary Nobbs acknowledges the seminal Publication of the American volume for anyone working in the influence of Edwin Judge, founder Academy of Religion, a review is New Testament. The footnotes are of the Department of Ancient provided by Rebecca Denova, a phenomenal. They include the History at Macquarie University, senior lecturer in the early history history of scholarship, the primary Sydney. of Christianity in the Religious sources, and the contributions of Studies Department, University of historians, classicists, In addition to the Retrospective, the Pittsburgh. In part she says: archaeologists and social scientists. book contains 13 chapters divided “Into All the World is a This volume succeeds in into three main sections. compendium by scholars demonstrating that “sharing the associated with Macquarie wealth” of all disciplines can The first section, ‘the Spread of University in Australia and the illuminate ancient texts and Christianity to AD 100’, covers the Australian College of Theology. motivate new conversations.” Book of Acts, the Fourth Gospel, It is dedicated to E. A. Judge, who unity and diversity in early is credited with promoting the Christianity, and Christian ethics. necessity of studying early The second section, Christians Christianity in its historical context among Jews, deals with Jewish
ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE JERUSALEM, is an Anglican Community of education, hospitality, pilgrimage, and reconciliation. Through study, site visits, engagement with the local Christian community, prayer and reflection, lives are transformed and faith renewed.
Our Pilgrimage Programs vary between 8 and 14 days. We provide a unique combination of features that makes our pilgrimage programs distinctive and transformative.
COURSES: *Introduction to the Bible Lands; *Palestine of Jesus; *Women of the Bible; *Footsteps of Jesus
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ANOTHER ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Titled: The New Testament: A Translation Published by Yale University Press, 2017
This recent most translation has been provided by David Bentley Hart, -
their rejection of the values and There it is acknowledged - priorities of society not only at its most substantive disagreement between degenerate, but often at its most both translators. reasonable and decent.” "To live as the New Testament Caleb Lindgren, the Associate Editor at language requires," Hart writes, ‘Christianity Today’, makes the point "Christians would have to become that the aim for Hart is “making strangers and sojourners on the earth, English say things as “greekly” as he to have here no enduring city, to belong can manage; for Wright it means to a Kingdom truly not of this world. making English mean Greek things.” And we surely cannot do that, can we?" Wright and Hart’s aims are different – The publication of the “NEW it could be said - diametrically opposed. TESTAMENT - A translation” has The title of Wright’s translation created a seismic event in the indicates his intention. It is a academic sphere of New Testament ‘contemporary’ translation. Also he translation. signal’s something of his theology – it is The Kingdom New Testament. The first to enter the controversy was the very well known and widely Two comments on Hart’s translation: David Bentley Hart is an Eastern published translator, N.T. Wright, Rowan Williams writes: “This Orthodox writing a Review in the ‘The Christian scrupulous, knotty, learned rendering scholar of Century’ (15 January 2018). of some of the most familiar texts of our religion; a culture makes us see with new clarity Fellow at the Not surprising Bishop Wright, in his just what was and is uncomfortably new Notre Dame Review, has sited many issues on about the New Testament”. Institute for which he strongly disagrees with Advanced Hart’s approach and translation. John MacDonald, Retired Priest of a Study, South Sydney Parish Sydney: Bend, who has Soon after Wright’s Review, Hart “Bentley Hart’s criticism is that the held positions responded on the Eastern Orthodox West ignored the fact that there were at the Blog run by Aidan Kimel, where he dialects of Greek other than ‘Koine’ University of Virginia and Duke defended his approach to the translation Greek. University, USA which he said was to keep to the literal “That we are blind to the Communist rendering of the Greek text, and structure of the early Christian Church, The publisher, in promoting the particularly keeping to the particular and when we read about it we gloss book, states: style -“voice” of the different New over that fact. “David Bentley Hart undertook this Testament writers – a translation “That ‘Junia’ in Romans Chapter 16 new translation of the New Testament “pitilessly literal” was a woman and ‘who was especially in the spirit of ‘etsi doctrina non notable among the Apostles’… daretur,’ ‘as if doctrine is not given.’ Hart, on the Blog, said: “I have to “One thing, he is reminding us is that Reproducing the texts' often confess (though it should come as no the Western Church ignored the other fragmentary formulations without surprise to the attentive reader of Greek dialects and were thus missing augmentation or correction, he has footnotes) that, when I set out to out on the various meanings of the produced a pitilessly literal translation, translate the New Testament for Yale, early writers. one that captures the texts' the modern English translation of the “Bentley Hart’s translation reads well impenetrability and unfinished quality same text to which I found all my – even though he throws in words from while awakening readers to an hermeneutical and literary principles time to time that make you reach for the most starkly opposed (at least, among Dictionary. uncanniness that often lies hidden th beneath doctrinal layers.” versions produced by respected I have read up to the 6 Chapter of 1 scholars) was N.T. Wright’s The Corinthian and have found it easy “The early Christians' sometimes raw, Kingdom New Testament (2012). My going.” disagreements with Wright’s method in astonished, and halting prose This raises an interesting question for general, and with his readings of many challenges the idea that the New the lay person -which Bible translation texts in particular, were and are both Testament affirms the kind of people should be read and studied? large and irreconcilable.” we are. Hart reminds us that they were (continued – page 10) a company of extremists, radical in 12