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Anglican News
June 2022 a magazine for the Anglican Community of Canberra & Goulburn Vol. 39 No. 5
‘G’day dude – nice to see you back’
N ow that might seem just a
friendly welcome from a
liftie (a ski-lift operator) but
I heard it as much more than that.
‘Chaplain, will you pray for me?’ She
told me that she and her husband
had long wanted a child and her
pregnancy was just confirmed. ‘Will
the front door and join the service
– there is always an atmosphere of
blessing! People often arrive early or
stay late, but no one is committed to
honorary, and my wife Margie (a lay
minister) and I live in both Sydney
and Jindabyne. The Parish now has
a full-time minister Trent McGrath
This was a welcome and recognition you pray a blessing on the child?’ more that 30 minutes which suits whose focus is to build the church
of my place as Chaplain working on she asked. the snow culture with expensive lift in Jindabyne. Trent is supported by
the snow fields. To him I was not an I see my role as having three parts passes. We have an Opening of the BCA, the Diocese and the Parish.
extraordinary person, but someone – the snow chaplaincy side, parish Snow Season Service on Saturday I close with a comment typed into
available to speak with anytime. work and my leadership at The of the Queen’s Birthday weekend – the remarks box for a direct credit
As Chaplain I am welcomed on Alpine Church Perisher where the Perisher staff, ambulance and fire to our account which sums up why
the ski slopes, on chairlifts or over team provides services each Sunday personnel, local politicians and I do what I do. With a $10 donation,
coffee in one of the many cafés. For the donor simply said: ‘Thank you
this privilege I am indebted to my for blessing me.’ That says it all!
colleague Chaplain Lloyd Bennett Some guests ask where the toilets are, some
by Reverend Graham Morrison,
who for years has been a Christian make comments such as ‘Chaplain, I didn’t Chaplain Snowy Mountains
presence on the mountains. know that people like you still existed!’
There are many opportunities to
talk with people. Some guests ask
Some ask for prayer.
where the toilets are, some make
comments such as ‘Chaplain, I over winter (and a few other times guests join with Baptist, Catholic,
didn’t know that people like you still of the year). Right on the snow at Uniting and Anglican Christians to
existed!’. Some ask for prayer. One Perisher, we have a barbecue each seek God’s blessing for the months
day, a man on a chairlift enquired Sunday and the service runs strictly ahead.
if I took funerals! (Which led to me from 12.30 until 1.00pm. I am licenced as deacon to the
taking the service for his late mate.) The congregation at the highest Parish of Berridale and Snowy
I see chaplaincy as a very valuable church building in Australia is Mountains where we have five
ministry in the lives of people you mostly ‘regular itinerants’ – people centres, the main one being
may meet often and those you may you see one week and then perhaps Berridale, faithfully run by a keen,
never encounter again. One such not again until that time the next welcoming group of lay people, who
person was a woman who called out year. People just love to ski/board to do an amazing job. My position is
Anglican News June 2022
have a legitimate interest in ensuring
that people of all backgrounds can
participate fully in society, especially
if they have been marginalised. For
When we forget this
all that, I remain unconvinced that we entrust matters
national or denominational politics of profound human
can be expected to deliver ultimate significance to an arena
solutions. that is by its very nature
In that light I was struck recently
by this quote from James Davison adversarial.
Hunter’s excellent book To Change
the World: The Irony, Tragedy and
Possibility of Christianity in the Late constructing a negative image of
Modern World: ‘the other’. All this erodes the social
‘What the state cannot do is to trust a healthy society needs to live
provide fully satisfying solutions to together well.
the problems of values in our society. So what is the alternative? It lies in
There are no comprehensive political recapturing the Christian vision of
solutions to the deterioration being a good neighbour, expressing
of “family values”, the desire for the Spirit-enabled virtues of
equity, or the challenge of achieving Galatians 5:23-23 as we reach across
consensus and solidarity in a the divides that could otherwise
cultural context of fragmentation separate us. I have shared before my
and polarization … because the state conviction that we are each called
is a clumsy instrument and finally to engage our world of difference
rooted in coercion, it will always with the love and truth of Jesus. If
fail to address the human elements we contract out this responsibility
of these problems; the elements that to politicians, bureaucrats or
make them poignant in the first denominational leaders we miss
place.’ out on some of the best growth
When we forget this we entrust opportunities God has for us.
matters of profound human Relationships are not always easy,
significance to an arena that is by but like most skill we learn by doing.
its very nature adversarial. We allow Can I encourage you to pray that
people’s intimate lives to become the God may lead you to engage in the
subject of debate and speculation. days ahead with one person who
We become complicit in a system lives differently, or sees the world
Picture by Jonny Gios on Unsplash.com where both the left and the right differently, to you?
seem to mobilise support through
Bishop Mark Writes ...
P olitics may not be the only
word, but is it necessarily the
last or the best word when it
comes to addressing the complexities
invited to consider statements on
the nature of marriage. The Federal
election campaign saw debates about
transgender people in sport, the
of human relationships? I’ve been place of students with diverse sexual
contemplating that question in the and gender identities in schools and
light of two events during the past how all this connects with questions
month: the Federal Election and of religious and personal freedom.
the General Synod of the Anglican Now to some extent all this is right
Church of Australia. and appropriate. Religious bodies
In both instances issues of human do need to discuss and debate their
relationships and identity featured teaching on all subjects, including
prominently. General Synod was human relationships. Governments
Editor: Alison Payne
Phone: 02 6245 7154
Anglican News
Address: GPO Box 1981, Canberra, ACT 2601
Advertising: enquiries to the editor.
Clergy Moves
Email: alison.payne@anglicands.org.au ISSN 2207-6484 The Reverend Dr Wayne Brighton has been appointed Chair of the Diocesan
Article Submission Details Public Issues Commission in addition to his role as Rector, Jamison.
Articles for each edition need to be submitted by the 25th day of the The Reverend Steve Clarke has been appointed Rector, Bega commencing on
previous month. 08.08.2022.
The Anglican News welcomes contributions of up to 600 words that The Reverend Canon Patrick Cole has resigned as Rector, Hawker from
highlight ministry and mission initiatives across the Diocese or explore 30.06.2022.
new ways of engaging a world of difference with the love and truth of Jesus.
The Venerable Rebecca Newland has resigned as Archdeacon for The Coast,
Any statements or opinions expressed in articles published in this Monaro and the Alpine Region from 30.06.2022.
newspaper are attributed to the identified author and are not necessarily
endorsed by or representative of the Diocese or its officers. The Reverend Lyn Porritt has been granted an ATO on 01.06.2022.
2 anglicancg.org.au
Anglican News June 2022
General Synod Resolution
on Ukraine
by Canon Patrick Cole
W e have all watched on
feeling varying degrees
of helplessness as war has
begun and raged against Ukraine.
Reckless destruction of human life;
breaches of international law, the
laws of war, and humanitarian law.
Barbarism and destruction
Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash.com
At the recent General Synod our unparalleled in Europe in kind since torn and outraged as the innocent We pray. Pray that Jesus, the Lord
Canberra-Goulburn delegation the Yugoslav crisis, and in scale since suffer and are forced to flee, and as of peace and justice, brings his peace
had the privilege of delivering a World War II. others as conscripts are forced to and justice, and as Lord of hosts,
speech and introducing a motion On its independence in 1991, fight and kill. turns back the armies and causes
on Ukraine, crafted by Diocesan Ukraine inherited one third of As Christians, we know Kyiv’s role war to cease.
Chancellor Richard Refshauge the Soviet Union nuclear arsenal. as the cradle of Orthodox mission We speak. And commend that the
and myself. The motion passed In return for giving up these outreach to bring the gospel of the Synod now speak to:
unanimously, and was immediately weapons, and becoming a non- Prince of Peace to Russia itself. • condemn this invasion;
followed by prayer for Ukraine, in nuclear weapon state, in 1994 As Christians, we grieve the • confirm its support and prayers
a wonderfully unifying moment Russia, the United States and the way President Putin has garnered for the suffering people of
as the Synod spoke firmly on an UK agreed at treaty level ‘to respect support and spiritual endorsement Ukraine;
issue of deep Christian as well as the independence and territorial for this invasion from Patriarch • call on our sisters and brothers
international concern. sovereignty of Ukraine’, and ‘refrain Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox in the Russian Orthodox and
The speech given: from the threat or use of force Church, and from some other other Russian churches to use
‘Patrick Cole, House of Clergy, against Ukraine’. An undertaking churches. their voices to influence and
Canberra & Goulburn. flagrantly and unilaterally breached We commend those priests and stop this action by the Russian
Mr President, on 24 February by Russia, a permanent member of laity of the Russian Orthodox Government; and,
Russian armed forces started an the UN Security Council. Church and of other Russian • commend the extraordinary
unprovoked, premeditated, and The catastrophic results are not churches in Europe, the US, bravery of those priests and laity
violent invasion of Ukraine. We’ve seen only a huge humanitarian disaster, Canberra, and even Russia itself, as who like John the Baptist are
massive aggression; indiscriminate but an immediate threat to the basic they act in costly courage in publicly speaking out to rebuke a despotic
attacks on civilians; apparent mass fabric of international order, and condemning the war, and church ruler for the evil things done in
murder of civilian men, women and – unthinkably – genuinely risk full leaders supporting it. Russia’s name.
children; and Russian threats of the nuclear world war. Sisters and brothers, faced with I commend this resolution to the
use of nuclear weapons against non- As humans knowing the a broken world that needs Jesus, Synod.’
nuclear weapon states. compassion of Christ, our hearts are what do we do?
that they are experiencing in so
many ways and assures them of the
The Motion love and sympathy of this Church
for them in their plight;
That General Synod:
(d) calls upon our Christian
(a) deplores the clear and flagrant brothers and sisters of the Russian
breach of international law by the Orthodox Church and Russian
Russian government invading Protestant Churches to use their
Ukraine and also the crimes voices and influence to oppose
against humanity and war crimes the continued deaths, destruction,
that have been and are being displacement and dispossession
allegedly committed there; of the people, the homes and
the country of their neighbour,
(b) condemns the actions of Ukraine and their fellow
President Vladimir Putin of Russia Christians; and
in initiating and continuing the war
against the democratically elected (e) commends those priests and
government of Ukraine and the laity of the Russian Orthodox
slaughter and dispossession of the Church and Russian Protestant
people of Ukraine; Churches who have called upon
their church leadership and
(c) expresses its support and the Russian state leadership to
prayers for the people of Ukraine condemn and desist from this
Photo by Matti on Pexels.com and the extraordinary suffering invasion and war.
3
Anglican News June 2022
Photo from City to City. L-R: Archdeacon Tom Henderson-Brooks, Revd Yvonne Gunning, Kirsty Baker,
Revd Dr Tim Watson, Revd Michael Pailthorpe, Revd Jonathan Holt, Revd Gus Robinson, City to City Director Chris Dickons
Revitalise Canberra-Goulburn Pilot
T he last few years have been
enormously challenging
for communities right
across our Diocese. Whilst still
We invited a number of parishes
from a range of different contexts
and ministry styles to consider
participating in the 2022 pilot
evangelism, church strategy and
mission and finance.
The heart and desire of the
Diocese and City to City
be confident that we will prevail
in the end with the gospel. He
then shared some principles of
growing and bearing fruit in our
reeling from the Black Summer program. Australia is to see ministry thrive churches and introduced City to
bushfires, we were all thrust Overseen by Archdeacon and multiply, with the good news City.
into lockdowns and COVID. Tom Henderson-Brooks and in of Jesus transforming lives and The hope is that before we
Many of our churches, especially partnership with City to City communities. gather for Synod in September
some of our smaller, rural or Australia, the initial phase of At the recent clergy conference each of those five pilot parishes
ageing congregations, have the pilot program works with a in Narooma, CEO of City to will have shared key learnings
found it hard to bounce back. for consideration, with the
Alongside this is the ongoing possibility of rolling out a
reality of declining attendance The heart and desire of the Diocese revitalisation program across
across many Australian Anglican and City to City Australia is to see the Diocese. Over the next few
churches. issues of Anglican News we will
We are called to bear witness to ministry thrive and multiply, with the be hearing how the Revitalise
Jesus, his death and resurrection, good news of Jesus transforming lives Canberra-Goulburn pilot
with faithfulness, knowing that program is progressing.
our God is a God who is for and communities. In this issue we hear from
humanity and is abounding Cootamundra, a regional
in steadfast love. The mission minister and parish leadership to City Australia, Rev’d Dr Andrew church in a country town led by
has always belonged to God. provide a 360° ministry analysis Katay, spoke to the clergy of Indigenous minister, Reverend
However, ‘we are the body of that commends a model for how crucial it is for anyone in Yvonne Gunning, and Lanyon
Christ’. We are called to use the parish revitalisation. ministry to truly grasp how God Valley, a church in the south
gifts God has given us to build The hope is that this will then loves us IN who we are and to of Canberra led by Reverend
God’s kingdom. What can we lead to an in-depth phase of know that we can be pleasing to Jonathan Holt, who has recently
do? tailored leadership training and God, as the degree to which this planted a new congregation. We
In late 2021, Bishop-in-Council development, and additional operates in our hearts enables asked them about the project in
approved a pilot project named: expertise and support in areas us to face the brutal facts of the their own churches (see page 5).
‘Revitalise Canberra-Goulburn’. such as outreach and personal reality we are ministering in but
4 anglicancg.org.au
Anglican News June 2022
Lanyon Valley
Revitalisation Project
‘In God's perfect timing, our Parish, Lanyon Valley, had already
committed to a year of waiting on the Lord and asking where we
might next join Him in His mission. We had just come to the end of a
project to plant another church (recently recognised as a new Parish,
Renew Anglican Church), and we were planning on continuing our
partnership with Anglicare in Gordon Community Centre. It was a
good time to apply to be part of the pilot program, to work with a
consultant from City to City Australia.
“ I'm telling people: it's like having an outside set of eyes
on our disciple-making work. There might be things we are so
used to that we can't see them anymore.
”
‘Our hope in joining in the
Revitalise Canberra-Goulburn
group is to be enabled to see
where God is calling us, in the
particular locality He has put
us in, and also to encourage and
support the other parishes who
are participating. There are some
things we can only accomplish
when we do them together –
both in our parishes, and when
The CCs team at a 'Mad Hatters in the Office' day
our parishes work together.
There is so much to thank God
for in His perfect timing of this
moment in our Parish life.’ Christ Church Cootamundra
Revitalisation Project
Reverend Jonathan Holt
Revitalise Canberra-Goulburn Prayer ‘Cootamundra is a rural town nicknamed ‘Coota’ in the South West
Slopes region of NSW. We are excited that our church has been
At a recent gathering of those parishes involved in the pilot project selected by the diocese to be part of a church revitalisation pilot. We
a Revitalise CG Prayer was written for use in our churches to focus are the only regional church. It is a partnership with ‘City to City’. It
our thanksgiving and requests to God. is NOT a one size fits all approach. Our leadership team were keen to
get involved as they are seeking to advise us on how to do it better!
Gracious and life-giving Father,
‘We all long to see our church full and overflowing, as it was in its
we praise you for sending your Son, early years. Our Parish Council longs to see our church flourishing.
the true bread from heaven, We believe we have a wonderful church with great potential.
who gives life to the world;
and we give you thanks ‘City to City has come alongside our church and provided advice and
training to utilise all the good things that God is doing here, and
for the gift of your Holy Spirit, the breath of God,
further it, to reach more people in our community.
who empowers, equips, and renews;
we ask your blessing on the pilot program ‘We have just launched a prayer initiative
to revitalise churches in our Diocese. to involve each and every member of our
We pray for the parishes of congregation in praying for personal,
spiritual and numerical growth.
Cootamundra, Bungendore, Arawang, Hackett,
Lanyon Valley and Tumut. ‘Our CCs community café has become
Give them wisdom and discernment to hear your the hub of our church for pastoral care
voice and connection. It is our prayer that this
and rise to follow our Lord Jesus Christ, along with our Mainly Music program
will become effective bridges for the
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
gospel and into our church.’
one God, now and forever.
Amen. Reverend Captain Yvonne Gunning
5
Anglican News June 2022
has encouraged some regrowth, the
scene is devastating.
Batlow does not have a permanent
priest but the parish continues to be
a vital part of the community thanks
to many energetic lay people who
conduct services, visit those in need,
run a busy op-shop and get involved
in the community in other ways. A
hearty soup and sandwich lunch was
served in the op-shop where racks of
clothes and shelves of books had been
moved to create a cosy environment
on a cold day.
From Batlow it is a 30-minute drive
to Tumbarumba. St Jude’s church is Rosewood Community Church
also without a priest but as in Batlow
a group of enthusiastic parishioners the area each year and two new cafes
ensures that the church continues its in Rosewood provide sustenance
St Jude's Tumbarumba ministry. A priest from Tumut attends for the weary cyclists. There are also
Batlow and Tumbarumba as required. bicycle hire shops in both towns.
Anglican Historical
The catering skills of the parish were Historical Society members
evident in the form of a smorgasbord decided to drive rather than cycle to
dinner in the parish hall. One of Rosewood, which was the final visit of
Society visits the the parishioners commented that it
was the first time since the fires and
the weekend. The church in Rosewood
is a community church available for
South-West Slopes
COVID restrictions that the parish use by all denominations although at
had been able to come together for a present only the Anglicans conduct
large social occasion. services there.
by Charles Body Holy Communion was celebrated At every church visited during
on Sunday morning by the Reverend the weekend, parishioners talked of
T wenty five members of the
Anglican Historical Society
visited the south-west of our
diocese on the weekend of 7 and 8
the visit had to be postponed.
The weekend began on Saturday
morning with a sumptuous morning
tea at All Saints’ Tumut followed by a
Harvey Sloane from Tumut, with
Canon Kevin Stone preaching. Kevin
was particularly keen to visit the area
as, prior to his ordination, he had been
the trauma of the bushfires and the
pain is still apparent. However, the
disaster has led to a renewed sense of
community in the towns as churches,
May. This region was severely affected visit to the beautiful church. Lunch was a teacher at Rosewood School about community groups, businesses and
by the bushfires of early 2020 but at St John’s Batlow, and it was along the 21km to the west. individuals work together to assist in
received only limited attention in the road from Tumut to Batlow that the Rosewood and Tumbarumba have the recovery. The Anglican Historical
face of the tragedy on the South Coast. impact of the fires became apparent. seen a revitalisation since the opening Society was pleased to make financial
The Society had hoped to visit the area Huge areas of pine plantations, apple of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail donations to the churches in Tumut,
in 2021 to offer support to the churches orchards and pasture were completely Trail along the route of the long-closed Batlow and Tumbarumba to assist
but COVID-19 restrictions meant that destroyed and while subsequent rain railway line. Thousands of cyclists visit them in their vital work.
West. Now it was a coffee shop but exhausting day of teaching and then
once that distinguished Free Church he and the disciples took a boat to
Thank You,
minister, Dr Alexander Whyte, had row to the other side of the Lake.
been the Minister there. Jesus was asleep in the boat. A
Lord,
His congregation always storm blew up and the waves beat
remembered that in his prayers Dr into the boat and they were in
Whyte would always give thanks to danger of sinking. They woke Jesus
for the God for the weather. He praised the
Lord for the weather.
and desperately asked if he cared
for them in that dire situation. He
Weather!
One night it was filthy weather in rebuked the wind and the waves and
Edinburgh with rain and sleet and there was a great calm.
hail, and a freezing cold night. The whatever the weather, whether we Then he asked them the question
small shivering congregation in the like it or not!’ he asks us in the storms of life: ‘Why
by Reverend Robert Willson church wondered what Dr Whyte Think of the descriptions of a storm are you afraid?’ In my Latin Bible it
would say about the weather. Dr at sea in the Scriptures. Perhaps the is so powerful: ‘Quid timidi estis?’
D
Whyte prayed as follows: ‘Dear most vivid such picture is in the final ‘Timidi’ is the Latin and it gives us
r Samuel Johnson, who said Lord, we praise and thank you for chapters of the Book of Acts where word like timid and timorous. Why
many wise things, once the weather, and that it is not always St Paul, a prisoner of Rome, is on his are you afraid?
remarked that when two as bad as it is tonight!’ way to the Imperial City. The boat When we come to the close of our
Englishmen met, their first talk The other evening in my reading I is caught in a terrible storm at sea earthly life many people like to leave
was of the weather. But Benjamin came across a memorable jingle by between Crete and Malta, and Paul a Will, assigning our earthly goods
Franklin, 18th century American an anonymous British writer, on the gives leadership to the terrified crew and property. Jesus had no earthly
genius, once pointed out that some subject of weather. and passengers. Finally the boat is possessions to leave so his Last Will
people are weather-wise, and some ‘Whether the weather be fine, or wrecked on Malta. and Testament was very simple. He
are otherwise! whether the weather be not, In the Gospel of Mark, chapter offers it to us.
Beth and I were once exploring Whether the weather be cold, or 4, verses 35-41, we have a vivid ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I
Edinburgh on foot and we came to whether the weather be hot, picture of our Blessed Lord calming give unto you. Let not your hearts be
a once-famous church, St George's We'll weather the weather, the storm. He had had a busy and troubled. Why are you afraid?’
6 anglicancg.org.au
Anglican News June 2022
R ecently, Reverend Dan Evers
started as the Anglican
Prison Chaplain at Goulburn
Correctional Centre. Prior to New Prison Chaplain for Goulburn
working as Chaplain, Dan served for
over fifteen years in Parish ministry, by Reverend Dan Evers
here in Canberra, the Sydney
Diocese and also in the Anglican
province of Hong Kong & Macau.
On Sunday the 22nd of May at
St Matthew’s Wanniassa, Bishop
Mark Short and Archdeacon Tom
Henderson-Brooks prayerfully
commissioned Dan for this role as
Prison Chaplain.
Goulburn is one of the oldest and
hardest gaols in Australia. It holds
some of Australia’s most notorious
criminals and has a ‘Super-Max
Security section’ that houses a
number of convicted terrorists. This
is a dark and needy mission field
that needs the hope and light of the
gospel of Jesus.
Prison inmates are often very
aware of the mistakes that they have
made and of harm caused. Guilt
and shame are a daily reality, and
they have a great deal of time to
dwell upon what they have done.
However, amidst this tangible
despair there is a great opportunity
to tell of the hope that only Jesus
offers. The gospel message speaks of true freedom. Freedom from guilt to step onto a spiritual battlefield opened, and that Dan would be able
and shame, and a second chance that each day. Satan is not going to want to sensitivity tell of the hope of the
is provided through the forgiveness to let these imprisoned souls be gospel. Please also pray for unity
of the cross. This is also a ministry set free without a fight. Please be amongst the Goulburn Chaplaincy
to the prison staff who daily work in covering Dan and his family with team and that God’s grace would
this challenging environment. prayer. To do this ministry well sustain Dan as he learns this new
Dan would truly treasure your he needs God’s strength and your role and commutes from Canberra
prayers as he works in this important continued prayer support. each day.
ministry area. Going into the gaol is Pray that hard hearts would be
The Friends of St Saviour’s Cathedral
Soup & Sandwich Luncheon
Saturday 18th June 2022 at 12 noon
St Saviour’s Parish Hall, 170 Bourke Street Goulburn
Speaker: Warren Brown
Cost: $30 per person
For further information and to register please
contact Graham Holgate at
email: grahamholgate002@gmail.com
or phone: 0490 022611
Photo by Margaret Jaszowska on Unsplash.com
7
Anglican News June 2022
Voting While
Christian
by Reverend Steve Boxwell
E ach time I stand before the
cardboard divider, stubby
pencil and ballots in hand,
I’m struck by how much meaning
Not only that, but our participation
in electing them makes us participants
with them, for good or ill.
People at Renew Anglican in attracted to different areas of public what they found attractive and
I’m trying to squeeze into my Tuggeranong wanted to talk through policy. It was great to hear two people honourable about the other person’s
numbering. It’s like I’m trying to these things, so Friday 13 May able to demonstrate a seamlessness perspective, even if they ultimately
reach through the ballot paper and Renew hosted an intimate gathering between their understanding of the remained convinced of their own
say to the various candidates, ‘Your on the topic Voting While Christian. nature of God, the place of humans position. It was a beautiful example
policies are great but I find your It was a chance to get people together within God’s world and therefore of listening well, even across
character lacking’ or ‘It’s nice that and hear from a few of our own on how they approach participation in difference.
you care about that, but your lack how they were thinking about the the Australian political system. The room then moved to questions
of experience makes me think you upcoming federal election. After their beginning statements and discussion, followed by some
could never deliver on it’. Two people from Renew, Alex and they then took time to ‘steel man’ rounding off by the two presenters.
Christians can acutely feel like Josh, one conservative leaning and each other’s arguments. Steel I really appreciated that through
this, because we are aware that one progressive leaning begun by manning is the opposite of ‘straw the whole discussion there was an
this government will, one day, sharing the factors that led them manning’, in which you attempt assumption that the other person
answer before God, the King of to face politics in the way they do to present the worst version of the was a sibling in Christ before they
everything, about how it promoted and, in particular, what aspects of other persons’ position in order to were partisans. There were candid
the common good. the gospel have led to them being skewer it. Here each of them shared admissions that, while we might
like the majority of a party’s policies
there will always be areas where we
‘hold our noses’ because the gospel
transcends our left-right divides.
But there was also an optimism
that comes from knowing that the
job of redeeming the world has been
filled by Jesus Christ and, therefore,
what we’re asking these parties to do
is to point to his redeeming work,
not complete it.
be a great evening with acclaimed We are also excited to welcome
speakers and local musicians. This Anastasia Radievska (Ukrainian-
year’s theme is Illuminate: Shining Australian poet and activist);
Light on Things that Matter. Professor John Minns (academic
Speakers include Thomas Mayor, a and refugee rights campaigner);
Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Ben Farinazzo (advocate for
Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. mental health, veterans and the
Thomas is an advisor for the From healing power of sport) and Jahzeel
the Heart Campaign, a movement Campbell (performance poet and
that shares with the Australian warden of All Saints College). More
people the aims and aspirations of speakers will be announced over the
the Uluru Statement from the Heart. coming weeks.
Thomas’s books including, Dear There will be live music from local
Son: Letters and reflections from First artists Stewart Barton and Xanthe
Nations fathers and sons; Finding Campbell and lots of ways to engage
the Heart of the Nation: Journey with each other. Food trucks will
of the Uluru Statement towards be on site. This would be a great
Dirrum Dirrum Festival
Voice, Treaty and Truth; Finding parish or agency outing for people
Our Heart: A Story about the Uluru of all ages. In particular a fantastic
Statement for Young Australians and event for school and youth groups
@ Radford College Vincent Lingiari and the Story of
the Wave Hill Walk-Off (with Rosie
Smiler and Samantha Campbell).
(for a group ticket option email
katherine.rainger@radford.act.
edu.au). For tickets, program and
Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain This is a great opportunity to hear more information see https://www.
Thomas speak about the Uluru dirrumfestival.org/cbr22.
Radford College students are Festival on Saturday 6th August from Statement from the Heart, an issue
hosting the annual Dirrum Dirrum 4pm – 9pm. The festival promises to of national significance.
8 anglicancg.org.au
Anglican News June 2022
each shared a line that surprised
us, challenged us or stood out to
us for some reason. Focusing on
the detail as well as the whole in
dialogue with each other enriches
our understanding.
After the confirmation service
the confirmees and their family
members and friends enjoyed
refreshments including some
confirmation biscuits which were
also given to people who couldn’t
be present. This Pentecost we give
thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit
who fills us with the power of God
and enables us to love and serve God
and the world around us.
To be Confirmed at Radford College
Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
C
haplaincy in Anglican Schools of the community for confirmation confirmed. We enjoyed meeting
is a varied enterprise as we is a particular joy. together over a period of months
name the reality of God in In May, Bishop Mark Short to prepare for confirmation, with a
our midst, wrestle with ideas, meet presided at a confirmation service lockdown thrown in along the way!
together, care for each other and in the Radford Chapel. Three The week that we looked at the
work for justice. Preparing members students and one staff member were creeds stands out to me as we
See what the churches
are doing in the world
Submitted by Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger
ABM’s Anglicans in Development them and our partners in other parts
partners and their communities of the world, and we urgently need
will take many years to overcome your help.
the impacts of COVID-19 on In the far southeast of Myanmar,
efforts to combat poverty. But some near the Thai border, lives 69 year
suffer the additional burden of old Naw Paw Htoo, a mother of 14
ongoing conflict and humanitarian children and many grandchildren.
crisis. The technical term for this is For most of her life she has had to
‘protracted crisis’. walk great distances each day to
Our partners in Myanmar and fetch clean water from mountain
Gaza live each day in protracted springs. But now that the Church of
crises. Ordinary people in Gaza the Province of Myanmar has, with
live with poverty, foreign blockade, AID’s support, piped clean water to
frequent border closures, chronic her home, she says, ‘I am so happy
power shortages, limited health that I don’t have to carry water again,
access and sporadic live conflict. and I am no longer tired. I enjoy
In Myanmar, over 800,000 people using fresh water each day, taking a
have become displaced because of bath, and having water for washing, Gaza, the Ahli Hospital, one of the and women’s rights. Aamira says,
conflicts and the loss of previous drinking and cooking.’ Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem’s ‘Empowering mothers in this way
informal work opportunities. Fellow villager, Daw ma Oo, many outreach operations, has will help prevent child malnutrition
And yet our church partners never also now has clean water in her moved part of their nutrition in Gaza’.
give up. Inspired by their strong faith household: ‘It is wonderful now program out into the communities. This year, please give generously to
in God, they continue to reach out that piped water flows in my house. The hospital has already trained ten ABM’s Anglicans in Development
to their local communities providing I never dreamed anything like this community mobilisers, women like Pentecost Appeal. Your gift will
love and hope, and working for would happen. I would like to say Aamira, to go into the homes of support all our partner churches to
justice. Anglicans in Development thank you with all my heart!’ mothers of malnourished children continue to do their extraordinary
is proud to stand in solidarity with On the other side of the world, in to teach nutrition, breast-feeding work in the world.
9
Anglican News June 2022
them at the entrance of their tent,
teaching them a worship song:
‘My heart is ready Lord, come and
visit. Fill me with your light and make
me yours.’
I’m sharing all of this to you,
brothers and sisters, not only to
inform and encourage you but also to
thank you because we would’ve never
been where we are now without your
prayers and support.
We started the year with almost 200
students. We now have more than
350. We started with 10 teachers. We
now have 18 main teachers and three
assistants. We started with three vans.
We now have five vans and a bus, and
each one of them is doing two trips. We
now have six drivers, one accountant,
one janitor, one supervisor and one
gardener. We started with nominal
Christian teachers, now most of them
have become real disciples of the
Lord Jesus, thirsty to drink from his
Reverend Emil and his wife started living water, eager to go deeper in the
‘Fruits beyond building strong relationships with
Syrian families and developed
knowledge of his word.’
Emil and his wife have also
expectation’ in Lebanon
the idea of starting a school for been able to provide jobs for 25
their children. The response was families, and for the basic needs of
overwhelmingly positive. With the approximately 40 others through
support of Anglican Aid, the school their partnership with Anglican
submitted by Amy Touzell, Anglican Aid quickly grew with many more Aid. But like all of Anglican Aid’s
children wanting to learn. project partners, their needs are
D id you know? The Syrian crisis one parent alive they are often Canon Tim Swan, CEO of Anglican great and continue to grow as more
is the largest displacement left locked up and unattended Aid said, ‘It is our prayer that God’s families come to them for support
crisis in the world. More than at home as their parents go abundant mercy would flow to the as the Syrian crisis continues. They
1.5 million refugees are believed to searching for desperately needed most needy of our world. That is are looking to build additional
have fled to Lebanon, with over 55% food and supplies. Unattended, why we are so thankful for the long- classrooms to accommodate the
under the age of 17 (UNHCR, 2021). uneducated, undernourished and term relationships we have built with growing demand, to repair the
For most of us, the life of a refugee underdeveloped; the situation for Christian partners around the globe road that leads to the school and
is nearly impossible to imagine. many of these children is dire – like Reverend Emil, Headmaster of most importantly, Emil implores,
Consider leaving behind everything children, particularly in the case of Good Shepherd School in Lebanon.’ ‘We have a message of hope to
familiar, fleeing into the night full orphans, are extremely vulnerable communicate to all those who are
of fear, entering a foreign land for to being kidnapped and forced into waiting eagerly to watch and see
‘We have a message of hope
refuge, having no understanding child labour. what the Lord is doing in the midst
to communicate to all those
of the local language, being unable When Reverend Emil, a Lebanese of all the hardship’.
who are waiting eagerly to
to work, and having no way to deal Anglican clergyman, returned from Anglican Aid is currently active
watch and see what the Lord
with the pain and loss you have eight years of missionary work through 148 local churches and
is doing in the midst of all the
experienced. This is the case for in Africa, he was shocked by the Christian organisations in 40
hardship’.
many Syrian refugees currently living conditions and treatment of countries throughout Africa,
seeking asylum in Lebanon. Syrian refugees. Emil and his wife Asia, Latin America, The Middle
Children often feel the brunt of witnessed children as young as Emil and his wife testify to how East (and beyond), working to
hardships experienced by Syrian four being forced to work as slave the generosity of Anglican Aid strengthen churches, transform
refugees in Lebanon. If they are labourers in the fields. They knew supporters is enabling Christ’s light communities and see the grace of
fortunate enough to have at least they needed to do something! to shine among Syrian refugees. God overflowing to the most needy
Many are responding to the practical in our world. If you would like to
support and Christian care, shown consider supporting these projects,
by The Good Shepherd School, we are currently running our end
by turning to glorify our Father of financial year appeal. You can
in heaven. Emil has even seen find out more by visiting www.
God’s grace overflowing beyond anglicanaid.org.au/grace-abounding
the school’s walls, witnessing
‘fruits beyond expectation’ in his
community.
Emil explained, ‘A few days ago,
while I was walking from the school to
my home, I passed by a tent of Syrian
refugees. I became overwhelmed with
joy when I saw one of our old students
gathering a few kids who are not yet
in our school. [He was] sitting with
10 anglicancg.org.auAnglican News June 2022
Gutsy Compassion
Christians for an Ethical Society talk
by Tom Henderson-Brooks
by Katy Nicholls
Jesus felt compassion as a churning in Kings Cross – asking us to
in his bowels (splagchnizomai), have compassion on all, from
for the crowds ‘because they were perpetrators of violence, busy office
harassed and helpless, like sheep workers, homesick backpackers, to
without a shepherd’ (Matthew 9: those most abandoned by society
36). This quote became the light on a and themselves, homeless, seeking
journey for Christians for an Ethical comfort and a living in drugs and
Society on 18 May at the Australian sex work, or abandoned, despairing
Centre for Christianity and Culture, and dead. Jesus’ love encompasses
as the Venerable Tom Henderson- all. We are called to witness to this
Brooks explored compassion as the love.
core of God – innate, foundational, But being a compassionate
and axiomatic – and what that disciple calls for guts in risking the
means for us. reputational slurs Jesus received
In a talk structured around Jesus’ – as an alcoholic, friend of sex
compassion, his own journey, workers, subversive … Tom’s stories
and what God calls us to be today, of meeting addicts and sex workers
Tom entranced us with images where they were, and offering them Venerable Tom Henderson-Brooks, speaker at Christians for an Ethical Society
and insights into human fallibility acceptance, love, and the space to try
and the support of the Holy Spirit. again made this clear. Compassion the Israeli government for revealing Sometimes the church has failed
He reminded us that in the verse will take you to places you can’t the existence of its (till then) secret the lepers of its day – whether
following the quote on Jesus’ imagine, and even quiet actions can nuclear weapons program. It was with COVID, or with AIDS in its
compassion for the harassed and upset powerful and angry forces, Mordechai’s becoming a Christian early days. Sometimes the church
helpless, Jesus calls for labourers resulting in risks greater than those in Darlinghurst that gave him the has disavowed those who act with
for the harvest – those with the to reputation, such as your safety, or courage to release the photos and compassion. Many of those with
character of compassion. your family’s. information he had taken, and face AIDS saw God in the response of
What does the character of Gutsy compassion acts. And the risk of his imprisonment: ‘I have the church, and lost their faith. Our
compassion look like? it will disrupt your comfortable heard the voice of my conscience compassion can fail: but God’s never
Tom took us on a comprehensive lifestyle – we were reminded of and I have nowhere to hide.’ does.
survey of the pain in a ‘Passion Mordechai Vanunu, sentenced to Finally, Tom reminded us that Tom closed with challenging us
week’ typical for part of his life 18 years solitary confinement by Jesus touched and healed lepers. all – where is God calling us to act–
what gutsy compassion is needed
now today? God will bring to light
what is hidden in darkness – we
are called to seek the people who
are lost, helpless and harassed, like
sheep without a shepherd.
The audience followed his speech
with a wide range of questions,
seeking his views on compassion
in a range of settings. The evening
closed with thanks from the CES
President, Ingrid Moses, and a
hopeful message from the new
Executive Director of the Australian
Centre for Christianity and Culture,
Anthony Maher.
Christians for an Ethical Society
(ces.org.au) is a Canberra-based
ecumenical forum which seeks to
engage with the ethical challenges
of the contemporary world, locally,
nationally and internationally. Our
next forum will be in July: Richard
Refshauge will speak on Justice.
Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash.com
11Anglican News June 2022
Eat your food with
gladness Re-imagine your church
Fill in these blanks
If you ever thought the Anglican Church needs to change the way it
conducts its most important mission, sharing the Good News of Christ,
this is your opportunity to talk to someone about it.
Participate in a Research Survey on Evangelism or take part in an interview.
Photo by Roberto Martinez from Unsplash.com
Title of the Research: The Decline of Evangelism in the Anglican Church in
Blueberry and Banana Muffins Australia: A Theological and Social Exploration
(Gluten and Dairy Free) Click the following link or contact Reverend John Kuruvilla on
ph 02 5136 3810; mobile 0406765443; email johnkuruvilla59@gmail.com
This month's recipe is provided by add to egg mixture.
Joan Eberle from Mothers' Union. Toss most of the blueberries in the Survey Link: https://stmarks.edu.au/evangelism-research-questionnaire/
flour mix to coat them BUT hold
Ingredients back approx 24 to place on top of
mixture before baking. In association with
1 cup almond meal Add the egg mixture to the dry
1 and 1/4 cups gluten-free plain flour mixture in the larger bowl. This
1 tablespoon baking powder should resemble a batter – not too What is the purpose of this Study?
1/2 a teaspoon bicarbonate of soda wet or dry.
1 cup castor sugar Using an oiled ice cream scoop The sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ has been considered as
3 eggs (2 eggs if the dozen is 700 or place equal quantities into each pan. paramount in the mission of the Christian Church. However, the ways in
800 grams) Sprinkle on top sesame seeds, which it has been carried out in the past has changed due to opposing
1 or 2 ripe bananas and a punnet of dried seed mix, and one or two pressure from both within and without. It has often been alleged that
blueberries blueberries. the church in the twenty-first century is no longer a credible witness to
80 mls approx of lactose-free milk or Bake in a moderate oven for approx the Good News of Christ. Among such varying opinions, there is a serious
almond milk 15-20 minutes till they spring back polemic that Anglicans in particular have a considerable distaste towards
1/2 cup vegetable oil to touch. Or if you have a straw evangelism – the sharing of Good News. This project seeks to examine
1 teaspoon vanilla broom, just like mum did, test with this claim by exploring the lived ecclesial experiences of Anglicans in four
a straw. separate dioceses, to explore whether the endemic issue of declining
Method Wait two or three minutes before church attendance has something to do with such a perceived distaste.
turning out onto a cooling rack. In doing so, I want to bring theology and sociology in conversation with
Spray 12 muffin pans with oil. (I this most important ministry area of the Church. The research is expected
like to use the silicone muffin trays • Apple juice can be used to replace to throw light on the need for congruence between theology and praxis.
as they never stick). milk In this study I want to explore whether a perceived distaste toward
Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees. • When serving I like to sprinkle evangelism is a matter of the content of the message or over its mediation.
with icing sugar While admitting the fact that this distaste may be a global phenomenon,
Place almond meal, flour, baking • These muffins freeze really well this contextual case study aims to add more knowledge, which in turn
powder, bicarbonate of soda and and are great for school lunch may assist Anglicans in dealing with similar issues elsewhere.
sugar in a large bowl. boxes
Mix together in a jug the eggs, oil, A detailed Project Description and Participant Information Sheet will be
vanilla and milk with a hand whisk. ‘ ... eat your food with gladness ...’ supplied to all who are willing to participate.
Mash the bananas with a fork and ~ Ecclesiastes 9:7
12 anglicancg.org.auYou can also read
