News - Market-Place: Independent news source for Australian Anglicans

Sydney welcomes new developments as U.S. splinter groups come together

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -1000

From ENS, ENI and media reports

Sydney's Archbishop Peter Jensen is welcoming moves to form a new 'umbrella' denomination for disaffected Anglicans in the US and Canada.

Announcing the most concrete steps so far to bring a string of breakaway conservative Anglicans together, leaders of the group unveiled details of its new constitution 3 December at a non-Anglican evangelical church in suburban Chicago.

Calling itself the 'Common Cause Partnership', the group is claiming it will become a new Anglican province by the middle of next year.

"The public release of our draft constitution is an important concrete step toward the goal of a biblical, missionary and united Anglican Church in North America," the former Episcopal (Anglican) bishop of Pittsburgh, Bishop Robert Duncan, said.

Bishop Duncan was removed from his position as Pittsburgh's Anglican bishop in September for his "abandonment" of the US Episcopal denomination.

However, official recognition for the new 'province' is unlikely.

The archbishop of Canterbury was quick to play down suggestions the new organisation could become an official, non-geographical Anglican province covering both the US and Canada.

In a statement issued 4 December, a spokesman for the Archbishop made it clear there are specific steps that would need to be taken before a new Anglican province was created.

"Once begun, any of these processes will take years to complete," the statement said, and there had been no approach from the Chicago partnership.

"In relation to the recent announcement from the meeting of the Common Cause Partnership in Chicago, the process has not yet begun," the statement said.

But, in an interview with the New York Times December 3, Martyn Minns, a former Episcopal priest and a bishop of the breakaway Convocation of Anglicans in North America, disputed that formal recognition by the Archbishop of Canterbury was crucial to the success of the new 'province'.

"One of the questions a number of the primates are asking is why do we still need to be operating under the rules of an English charity, which is what the Anglican Consultative Council does," Bishop Minns said. "Why is England still considered the center of the universe?"

The new Common Cause 'province' will include as many as 11 separate Anglican conservative evangelical and traditionalist organizations across the US and Canada.

It claims 100,000 church members and four U.S. dioceses, including Pittsburgh, which have left the U.S. Episcopal Church recently. (The mainstream Episcopal Church includes 7,600 congregations and claims 2.4 million Episcopalians as members.)

In an interview with the US-based Christian Science Monitor published the day of the announcement, Sydney's Archbishop Jensen argued forming the new 'province' could avoid a further split in the international Anglican Church.

"Better to have two Anglican jurisdictions rather than to have a shattered Communion," Archbishop Jensen said.

"Paradoxically, it may seem as though this step is a division, but it is really to help us not to divide by giving us more flexibility", he said.

Speaking to reporters at a media briefing in Chicago, Bishop Robert Duncan argued the new group stood in the tradition of the reformation, a period, he said which required Christians to reassert the power of revelation that some of their leaders had lost.

"The Lord is displacing the Episcopal Church," Duncan said, adding that "it's our anticipation" that the archbishops and the provinces representing what he called the majority of the Anglican Communion "will begin to recognize this province."

"We stand where the mainstream of Anglicanism stands," he said. "The question will of course be will the archbishop recognize those who stand where the mainstream of Anglicans -- or the mainstream of Christians -- stand, or not."

The Revd Charles Robertson, a spokesman for the Episcopal Church's presiding bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, said: "There is room within The Episcopal Church for people with different views, and we regret that some have felt the need to depart from the diversity of our common life in Christ."

While details of the new constitution are still being assessed, leaders have confirmed that those member congregations which already have women priests will be allowed to continue that practice, while the development of women bishops will not be permitted.

New assistant bishop for Newcastle

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Newcastle's Bishop Brian Farran, has chosen a clergyman with a background in education and structural reform to be his new assistant bishop of Newcastle.

Archdeacon Peter Stuart, 45, is Archdeacon of Adelaide and the Principal of St Barnabas Theological College.

Archdeacon Stuart has served in the Dioceses of Tasmania and Adelaide holding senior positions such as Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology at Flinders University.

He is currently studying for a Doctorate of Education through Flinders University.

"I am excited by Archdeacon Peter Stuart's appointment," Bishop Farran said. "He has a track record of innovation, creativity and of wise pastoral administration."

Archdeacon Stuart said he was "deeply humbled" by the offer to become an assistant bishop and looked forward to helping to develop an inclusive church.

"I am passionate about inclusion and believe children and young people

are vital members of the church," Peter Stuart said. "Women make a profound contribution to the ordained ministry and we do not sufficiently welcome people living with disability".

The new bishop, succeeding Bishop Graeme Rutherford who retired recently, will be consecrated in Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle February 2.

Archdeacon Stuart is married to Nicki, a senior physiotherapist, and they have two children, Ben (12) and Rebekah (9).

New dean selected

It's the second key appointment in recent weeks for the NSW coastal diocese.

The new Dean Christ Church Cathedral will be an Australian who's currently the Chaplain and Director of Studies in Theology at Magdalene College at Cambridge University.

Dr James Rigney, 49, will take up the dean's position in mid March next year.

2009.

The appointment follows the retirement of Fr Graeme Lawrence who's served as dean for 25 years.

"Dr Rigney will bring new dimensions to the solid pastoral Cathedral ministries and will relate well to the growing young professional and student populations of inner Newcastle as he has acclaimed experience with students," Bishop Brian Farran said.

Born in Katoomba, James Rigney studied at the University of Sydney. He was ordained in the Diocese of Ely in England after theological studies at Cambridge.

He is married to Anna, an educational administrator and they have one daughter.

Two dioceses face shift in direction

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Anglicans in two key dioceses are coming to terms with the 'swing of the pendulum' evident in the choice of their new bishop.

The electoral processes of both Wangaratta and Canberra/Goulburn dioceses have chosen new leaders from markedly different church traditions than their predecessors.

After a succession of 'moderate catholic' bishops Canberra's electoral synod selected a Sydney Evangelical, the Revd Stuart Robinson, to be its new leader.

The rural Victorian diocese of Wangaratta has established a solid Anglo-Catholic tradition over many decades.

But, after recently reversing its diocesan stand against the ordination of women priests, the diocesan electors have kept up that pattern, choosing a long-time supporter of women's ministry, Bishop John Parkes.

The biggest 'pendulum swing', that's also set to attract the closest scrutiny in the coming months, is the choice of the current rector of the Sydney parish of St Paul's Chatswood, the Revd Stuart Robinson to be the next bishop of Canberra & Goulburn.

Stuart Robinson has built a profile across the Australian dioceses since his appointment as the national church's Mission Facilitator.

The decision of Canberra's 350 member election synod was announced earlier this month.

When the synod met it was faced with a reduced field after one of the names on the approved short-list, Bishop John Parkes, was missing. Bishop Parkes had been elected to lead Wangaratta just one week before the Canberra synod met in Goulburn.

Despite strong Sydney credentials, Stuart Robinson is said to be a supporter of women's ordination.

Announcing the result of the election, Synod President Dean Phillip Saunders said Stuart Robinson brings to the position a wealth of experience in the national church as well as in parish ministry and in developing new and pioneering ministries.

The new bishop is set to be consecrated by Sydney's Archbishop Peter Jensen in St Saviour's Cathedral in Goulburn January 31.

New bishop next month

Wangaratta's new bishop will be in place by the middle of next month.

Currently an assistant bishop in Brisbane and dean of St John's Cathedral, Bishop Parkes will take office at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Wangaratta on 13 December,

A former barrister, John Parkes trained for minstry at St Mark's National Theological Centre in Canberra before working in parishes in Bathurst and Canberra/Goulburn dioceses.

He's worked as Dean of Brisbane since 2004, overseeing the multi-million dollar cathedral restoration project.

Bishop Parkes said he was greatly looking forward to this next exciting and challenging phase in his journey in ministry.

Thew new bishop will move to Wangaratta shortly with his wife Margaret and two adult children, Nell and James.

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Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -1000

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MILESTONES : Clergy Moves -October

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Following feed-back from readers, who missed reading news of where their colleagues from across the country had moved, coverage of new clergy appointments returns to Market-Place.

Perth bishop returns to Melbourne

Bishop Mark Burton will be the new Dean of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Melbourne.

Currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Perth, Burton is also a former naval chaplain who served at sea in the Persian Gulf and at Banda Aceh. He is also a former Archbishop's Chaplain and Director of Theological Education in the Diocese of Melbourne.

He succeeds former dean, David Richardson, who was appointed earlier this year as the Archbishop of Canterbury's representative to the Holy See in Rome.

"The Cathedral's ministry amongst the poor, the homeless and the addicted is a vital area of concern for me, and I would like to explore how this ministry of compassion and justice can be further expanded," Bishop Burton said.

Melbourne's Archbishop Philip Freier believes the new dean "would bring outstanding theological and pastoral gifts to his new ministry, for the great benefit of both the Church and the City of Melbourne."

He takes up the new post November 23.

CANBERRA & GOULBURN

The Revd ERICA MATHIESON appointed rector of Hackett parish from 16 August.

The Revd RAY WILLIAMSON granted an 'Authority to Officiate' License.

GRAFTON

The Revd GAEL DONALDSON-STIFF commissioned as Rector of Wauchope. Formerly in Western Australia.

Obituary

The Revd BEN CLARKE died early September.

NEWCASTLE

The Revd ARTHUR COPEMAN appointed Archdeacon of the central coast. Continuing as rector of Kincumber.

The Revd JULIA PERRY commissioned as Anglican Care Chaplain at Booragul from 1 September.

The Revd TIMOTHY FOX appointed chaplain of Newcastle Grammar School.

Bishop GRAEME RUTHERFORD retired as assistant bishop of Newcastle 7 August.

SYDNEY

The Revd IAN COX appointed Archdeacon of the Georges River Region on December 1. He has been the rector of Brighton/Rockdale Anglican Church since 2003.

Archdeacon GEOFF HUARD retiring as Archdeacon of the Georges River Region (Liverpool) on November 30.

The Revd PETER ELLEM appointed Anglican chaplain to Westmead Hospital from November 10.

Judge PETER JOHNS appointed Diocesan Chancellor.

The Revd BRUCE CLARKE appointed rector of Manly on November 15. Formerly senior assistant minister at Figtree Anglican Church.

'Fine tooth comb' for Canberra contenders

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Nominees on the list to become the next Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn have had to reveal whether they've ever had sex with a parishioner, been charged with tax avoidance or if they've had a history of alcohol abuse.

In a sign of the developing trend towards Australian dioceses adopting detailed pre-nomination checks before the election of diocesan bishops, clergy approached to be nominated for Canberra were asked to undergo three separate screening processes.

Nominations have now closed and the election synod is due to begin in Goulburn 31 October.

As well as a routine health check-up, nominees were required to undergo a records-check by the Australian Federal Police and to complete a 'Safe Ministry Check' questionnaire.

Nominees were asked to complete an 'Applicant's Screening Questionnaire' and had to provide Yes/No answers to 28 questions including:

* "Have you ever engaged in .. sexual contact with a parishioner, client, patient, student, employee or subordinate?"

* "Have you ever engaged in ... sale or distribution of pornographic materials?"

* "Have you ever engaged in ... conduct likely to cause harm to a child?"

Nominees also faced questioning about any history or allegations of problem gambling, alcohol abuse, bankruptcy, tax avoidance, firearms, financial mismanagement and apprehended violence orders.

The nominees were required to list their employment history as well as any churches they have attended regularly as an adult.

In addition to giving permission for former rectors, bishops and employers to be contacted to provide further information, the nominees are required to sign a form to give a wide-ranging "release from liability" for any person who provides information, or for "any action ... as a result of such investigation."

The form attempts to justify the questioning, arguing : "This request for information is being made to comply with Anglican Church of Australia policies and not because we have any reason to believe that any applicant has in fact engaged in inappropriate conduct."

An introduction to the questionnaire also assured potential nominees: "Please note that a Yes answer to a question will not automatically rule an applicant out of selection."

After the health and professional standards checks were complete, nominees were asked to travel to Canberra to shoot a video-interview to be sent on DVD to synod members.

Canberra Times publishes list

While the names of nominees to go before this month's election synod are officially being kept confidential, the Canberra Times last month published a list of five names it claimed were on the list.

The Times' list includes the two current assistant bishops Canberra-Goulburn.

The names are (alphabetically):

* Bishop Trevor Edwards (Assistant Bishop and Rector of St Matthew's, Wanniassa)

*Bishop Allan Ewing (Assistant Bishop and Diocesan Vicar-General)

*Archdeacon Sarah Macneil (Rector of All Saints', Ainslie)

*Bishop John Parkes (Assistant bishop in Brisbane Diocese and Dean of St John's Cathedral)

*Revd Stuart Robinson (Rector of St Paul's Chatswood and the National Church's Mission Facilitator)

SAFE MINISTRY CHECK:

The nominees' questionnaire (PDF file) can be down-loaded from the Canberra & Goulburn web-site

ABC losing its 'Religion'

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Archbishop Phillip Aspinall is among Anglican Church leaders who're publicly protesting the decision by ABC management to axe the weekly current affairs program, the Religion Report.

Archbishop Aspinall has told The Australian he's worried by the dropping number of journalists specialising in coverage of religion in Australia.

"The number of specialist religion reporters in Australia appears to be declining, and that is of concern to me as spiritual leader of Australia's four million Anglicans," Archbishop Aspinall said. "I hope the ABC will not add to that decline."

"I have written to the ABC seeking clarification on the future of the Religion Report and other programs in the ABC's religion unit," the archbishop told The Australian.

News that the long-running weekly Radio National program was to end was announced during Wednesday morning's (October 15) broadcast.

In an extraordinary move, Religion Report host, Stephen Crittenden, lashed out at the decision with comments during the program.

"The ABC's specialist units have been under attack for years, but the decapitation of the flagship program of the Religion Department effectively spells the death of religion at the ABC," Crittenden said.

"That such a decision has been taken in an era when religion vies with economics as a determinant of everything that is going on in the world almost beggars belief -- but you have to remember that just a couple of years ago they axed the environment program."

The decision will be "condemning Radio National to even greater irrelevance", he said.

Stephen Crittenden's comments don't appear in the transcript of the October 15 program placed on the ABC Radio National Web-site.

A further eight Radio National programs will be axed from the end of the year.

A letter writing campaign has begun to protest the decision.

In a letter to the ABC, released publicly, the State Director of CMS Victoria, the Revd Paul Arnott slams the decision, arguing he "cannot understand the decision to abolish the program at a time when, more than ever, we need an informed critique of religious affairs in Australia and our world."

"I listen to the program on a regular basis because it provides fair and independent reporting of both Australian and global religious affairs," Paul Arnott said.

"Is the decision a cost cutting measure?" Arnott asks. "If so, as a former ABC broadcaster, I am at a loss to understand why. From my regular listening I would imagine the program is low cost."

Aspinall elected to extra term as Primate

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -1000

Brisbane's Archbishop Phillip Aspinall will serve as the national leader of the Australian Anglican Church for another term.

The board elected by last year's national synod in Canberra met in Sydney October 17 to choose the primate.

(The Board of Electors includes 12 clergy and 12 lay reps elected by the national synod, plus all of the diocesan bishops.)

First elected primate in 2005, Archbishop Aspinall is now set to serve for at least another six years.

"To hold this position is an honour and while it comes with a great deal of responsibility it is a challenge I am pleased to accept for the next six years," Archbishop Aspinall said after the result was announced.

Under rules decided by the 2007 national synod, the primate is now elected for a six year term, with a possible three year extension.

Phillip Aspinall picked the introduction of Australia's first two women bishops as a highlight of his first term in office.

"This issue was a challenging one for the Church but the bishops worked hard to come together to agree on a set of protocols for those who in all good faith still cannot accept ministry from a bishop who is a woman," he said.

"I was privileged to be at Lambeth this year where the majority of the world's Anglican bishops gathered," he said. "The generosity of spirit, companionship and warmth evident there gave me hope that we can work on these issues in a positive way and continue to strengthen the Anglican Communion."

Keeping Anglicans in touch

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -1000

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24.7.2008 To down-load a 'ready-to-photo-copy', 'easy-to-read' article covering the opening days of the Lambeth Conference for use in weekly parish news-sheets, click here.

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A free service to parishes from Market-Place Online.

Document's bid to distil a conference's conversation

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -1000

A 44-page 'Reflections' document will be the tool the world's Anglican bishops will be using to 'bring home' the 2008 Lambeth Bishops' Conference.

The 1998 gathering published volumes of wordy reports and more than a hundred debated motions. This time, after an agenda devoid of voting, the conference's agreed 'communique' is a narrative attempt to capture the 'work-in-progress' of six hundred bishops engaged in discussion over 18 days.

The document acknowledges early in its pages the estimated 230 bishops who boycotted the event.

"We miss their presence, their fellowship and their wisdom and assure them of our continuing love and prayers," the document states (Par. 4)

Perth's Archbishop Roger Herft was the chair of the bishops' committee that assembled the balanced document.

Writing in the introduction, Herft describes it as the story of "our lived experience and the open and honest discussions we have had."

He acknowledges its limitations: "This document is not the primary outcome of this conference."

"Written words can never adequately describe the life-changing nature of our time together."

But despite the abundant balance and subtlety, there are clear indications of the consensus this Lambeth Conference has reached on the international rift over sexuality.

Under the sexuality heading, the 'Reflections' document shows general agreement was reached among the bishops calling for a series of 'moratoria' or open-ended bans on:

* the ordinations of people living in a same-gender union to the episcopate;

* the blessing of same-sex unions; and

* cross-border incursions by bishops.

The document concedes the moratoria "will be difficult to uphold" and that "there are questions to be clarified in relation to how long the moratoria are intended to serve."

Some individual US bishops "expressed apologies in their groups, noting that they had not previously grasped the depth of the negative impact that their action in the consecration of a bishop living in a same gender union had caused in many parts of the Communion."(Par. 108)

The deep differences of opinion over homosexuality reflect both tension on scriptural understandings as well as the breadth of cultural values across the globe and historical context.

"For some, the new teaching cannot be acceptable on biblical grounds as they consider all homosexual activity as intrinsically sinful. Tension has arisen when those who hold the traditional teaching are faced with changes in the Church's life or teaching without being able to understand or engage with a clear presentation of how people have come to a new understanding of scripture and pastoral theology.(Par 111)

"The whole issue of homosexual relations is also highly sensitive because there are very strong affirmations and denials in different cultures across the world which are reflected in contrasting civil provisions, ranging from legal provision for same-sex marriage to criminal action against homosexuals. (Par. 112)

"In some parts of the Communion the issue of homosexuality has been under discussion for over thirty years, whereas for others it is a more recent conversation. In other places, there are legal or cultural reasons which constrain dialogue. In some Provinces, the acceptance of homosexual practice would be seen as a betrayal of the teaching of the missionaries who brought the faith, and experienced as a new form of colonialism. In the time frame of Christianity, or even of the Anglican tradition, there has not been enough time to allow for the Bishops of the Communion to come to a new consensus within Provinces or worldwide - either to agree, or to live together in disagreement.(Par. 115)

The document floats a list of twelve alternative ways forward (Par. 120) among them a new 'Pastoral Forum', a form of flying squad which would try to solve disputes.

"There is clear majority support for a Pastoral Forum along the lines advocated by the Windsor Group, and a desire to see it in place speedily," (Par. 146) the document states.

The proposed international Anglican convenant prompts a mixed response, the document acknowledging there are "many positive responses to the idea of a covenant" but also descriptions of "reservations and concerns".

"There is a tension between wanting to take time over the process and the need for urgency in repairing the tears in the Communion's fabric," the document states.

There are signs too that, due to the evolving global nature of the Anglican church, its entire Episcopal leadership could in future meet more often than once every ten years.

"The current cycle of Lambeth meetings every 10 years is deemed inadequate. Perhaps there could be a meeting of a representative group every 3 years"(Par. 42) or "a shorter Lambeth Conference every five years."(Par. 143)

As well as affirming the opportunity to join a protest march in London, the bishops believe the international Anglican church should move beyond its series of national aid agencies to establish its own "global Anglican Relief and Development Agency" (Par. 58)

Environmental issues were highlighted at the conference by the retired bishop of Canbnerra & Goulburn George Browning who chairs the international Anglican Environment network.

A section of the reflection' document (Par. 60) argues that "Ignorance of the issues of environment is a priority that must be addressed" listing problems including "water pollution, dumping of toxic waste, air pollution, deforestation (and) irresponsible disposal of garbage." The text calls on bishops to " take a leading role by example, modelling a simpler lifestyle, using a carbon offset for meeting travel, or travelling less!"

Political action is also affirmed: "The Bishop is often in a position to make connections with levels of government and business where there are opportunities to advocate for change"(Par. 67)

The organisers of the Lambeth Conference don't escape implied criticism: "The next Lambeth Conference should be a green conference where the host institution is under clear direction from the Design Group to provide recycling facilities." (Par. 70)

There are significant sections in the 'Reflections' document on the Scriptures, ecumenism and relationships with other world religions.

In one of ten statements of solidarity, the Conference expressed "solidarity with Australia's indigenous peoples, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We applaud the apology made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the stolen generations and acknowledge that the journey towards reconciliation has only just begun, particularly in relation to remote Aboriginal communities in Australia." (Par. 156)

To download the Lambeth 'Reflections' document CLICK HERE (PDF FILE 268K)