AUGUST 2016
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF ADELAIDE
Farewell, God Bless INSIDE: A Fighting Chance For Majur
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THE ANGLICAN GUARDIAN Published by the Diocese of Adelaide Edited by Peter March Phone: (08) 8305 9350 Fax: (08) 8305 9399 Email: pmarch@adelaideanglicans.com www.adelaideanglicans.com Layout by Alex Gatley agatley@adelaideanglicans.com Subscriptions: Diocesan Office 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: (08) 8305 9350 Printed by Lane Print & Post Phone: (08) 8179 9900 www.laneprint.com.au The Guardian is a member of The Australasian Religious Press Association
MADONNA OF THE VINES - Sevenhill By David Thornton-Wakeford There she stands in silent vigil Pondering it all in her heart Pruning to harvest, sunshine and rain Green transforming to yellow and crimson There she watches laborers toiling Bringing the harvest home Crushing the fruit of the vine Boots and hands stained blood red There she was at the wedding in Cana Where the water changed to wine People made merry, hearts were glad Guests were astounded by sheer goodness There she was at the foot of the cross All creation was transformed Soldiers, blood stained boots and hands Onlookers astounded by amazing love
Ann Nadge is The Guardian’s Poetry Editor. Submissions of no more than 20 lines can be sent to ann_nadge@yahoo.com
INVESTIGATOR COLLEGE 2 Glendale Grove, Goolwa. Ph: 8555 5755
ST. PETER’S COLLEGE Hackney Road, St. Peter’s. Ph: 8362 3451
PEDARE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 2-30 Surrey Farm Drive, Golden Grove. Ph: 8280 1700
ST. PETER’S COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ SCHOOL Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell. Ph: 8334 2200
PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 190 South Terrace, Adelaide. Ph: 8216 5555 ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL 22 Smith Street, Walkerville, Ph: 8168 5555 ST. COLUMBA COLLEGE President Avenue, Andrew’s Farm. Ph: 8254 0600
ANGLICAN SCHOOLS . . . the right choice Enquiries: Jim Raw, Anglican Schools Liaison Office 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: 8305 9349
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ST. JOHN’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL 29 Gloucester Avenue, Belair. Ph: 8278 2233
ST PETER’S WOODLANDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 39 Partridge Street, Glenelg. Ph: 8295 4317 TRINITY COLLEGE Alexander Avenue, Evanston South. Ph: 8522 0666 WALFORD ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 316 Unley Road, Hyde Park. Ph: 8272 6555 WOODCROFT COLLEGE Bains Road, Morphett Vale. Ph: 8322 2333
A JOURNEY SHARED
There has been much to reflect upon. The initial experience of a diocese in shock and grief following very public revelations of historic abuse and and what was a less than timely response still sits in the background. Even in recent days, I have had pastoral moments touching the pain of those times and once again took the opportunity to express an apology on behalf of the Church. But in these moments of grief there also have been moments of rare privilege. At times I have been overwhelmed by the pain people have experienced, but at other times I have been overwhelmed by the grace and capacity to forgive that I have seen expressed. Some of my encounters with the survivors of abuse will be amongst the richest personal moments I will take with me after I lay up the pastoral staff on 19 August. This is the nature of ministry. Beyond what we can ourselves bring, it involves recognising the gifts and graces that come through others. Constantly, over the last decade and more, I have been staggered and humbled by the grace, wisdom and willingness to give sacrificially that people of this diocese and others from the wider community have displayed in the face of opportunity or need.
On the cover: Archbishop Jeffrey Driver and wife
Lindy in the Garden at Bishop's Court
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Archbishop Jeffrey Driver
Over these weeks there have been many poignant “last time” events; from the annual clergy conference through to meetings and parish visits.
contents
As a diocese, we are now in a much stronger place. There is a stronger sense of community and mission. The relationship of agencies such as Anglicare SA and our schools within the wider diocesan family have been strengthened. Diocesan finances are sound. Church attendance appears to have grown slightly over recent years. As I have thought about the good things that have been achieved, there is not one significant element of progress that stands as the achievement of a single individual. Of course, there have been some remarkable individual contributions, but always they have been made on the foundations laid by others, or with support and counsel often unseen. This is the paradigm of ministry and service that St Paul describes when he says that one planted and another watered; one laid a foundation and others built on it with a range of materials (I Cor. 3:6-15). So as I look back on a journey that began with my election as Archbishop of Adelaide in May 2005, I give thanks to God for the gifts, the grace and the love of so many who have been part of a decade and more of diocesan journey. Even beyond that, I celebrate that in all our efforts, through all our contributions, and even in our struggles, it is God who “gives the increase” (I Cor. 3:7). As I leave you, this is a source of comfort ... that God is at work in your midst and will continue to be even as human leaders come and go.
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A Fighting Chance For Majur
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Farewell Drivers
10 MISSION 10 Our Time in Bor
12 SCHOOLS 12 Celebrating 25 Years of Service 12 SPW's Early Learning Centre A
Leader in Child Development
13 COMMUNITY 12 Anglicans and Lutherans Gather to
Build Relations
13 Getting The Most Out of Life 13 David Bleby Retires 14 Maralinga's Long Shadow
- Yvonne's Story
14 Book Review: Thomas Thornton
You will be always in my prayers.
Beating a Retreat
Reed - Essays and Reminiscences
15 St Jude's Music Mission
Photo: Sarah Stephens
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Beating a Retreat? by the Very Rev. Frank Nelson
They trickle into the upstairs meeting room, slowly, hesitantly. It’s been a rough drive to the Clare Valley, through driving rain and howling cross-winds that slow the traffic to a crawl. But now they are here, fifteen in all, from different church communities across the Diocese. Some know each other well, for others this is scary – new people to meet, and an unknown experience over the next four days. Brief introductions, a reminder of the ‘rules’ for the time together – worship five times a day, meals eaten in silence, time to sleep, to walk, to paint, to read. This is a Benedictine Experience at the Jesuit monastery at Sevenhill. St Benedict (480 – 547 AD) is the author of the Rule of Benedict, a little book of seventy-two short chapters, which shaped the life of generations of monks and nuns in the western church, fashioned the Anglican, Roman Catholic and other churches, and whose influence continues to be found in the hospitals and universities, which are so central to our lives today. Living in a time of great social and political uncertainty and change, Benedict advocated a life lived in community with others, built on regular prayer, intentional study of the Bible, and manual work. Each monastery was self-supporting, every monk expected to contribute to the common life.
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The storm on the day of arrival becomes a metaphor for our lives - overly busy, chaotic, pulled this way and that. Slowly, the group settles down. It’s the psalms that seem to do it. Take your time, don’t rush, says the conductor. Pause at the colon for reflection. A few false starts at first, but the rhythm is quickly established. Follow the pattern of the leader. Take time to think. Hear the echo in the poetry. Allow the words to sink in. Silence. No talking. No mobiles. No music. Just the sound of the rain on the roof, the magpies caroodling outside, the distant hum of a truck on the main road. Listen. Listen – that is the key
At first it is difficult. Noise is something we are used to. Silence is uncomfortable. Thoughts, long suppressed, surface. Turn them to prayer. Listen to God. to Benedictine Spirituality. Listen to God. Listen to the voice of God in the scriptures read five times a day. Listen to God in the prayers, the words of the conductor. Listen to God in the sound of a group of people sitting in silence,
in the silence of my own company. At first it is difficult. Noise is something we are used to. Silence is uncomfortable. Thoughts, long suppressed, surface. Turn them to prayer. Listen to God. Day three and the people assemble early for the first worship of the day. There is a quietness, stillness, about the group quite different from the nervous silence of the first night. Comfortable in God’s presence, ready to listen, not rushed, serene. The final morning, bright sunshine, genuine exchange of the Peace as ‘the Christ in me greets the Christ in you’.
At first, no one wants to talk, they don’t need to, they know each other well – just spent four days together, without talking! And then the conversation flows over breakfast. It’s time to go, back to the ‘real’ world of noise and busyness. But taking some new, or re-minded, skills and determination.
Take time to think. Hear the echo in the poetry. Allow the words to sink in.
TRINITY PRAYER Three things I ask oh Lord, all three I need: deep roots of stability to weather and to worship, in quiet and in storm; Suppleness of growth, to respond and to react in welcome and in love; Obedience to the driving sap within, to listen and to learn in challenge and in plenty. Three things I ask, oh Trinity.
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A Fighting Chance For Majur by Emma Riggs & Lindy Driver In 2013, Majur stole the hearts of Adelaide Anglicans, who came together and raised money to facilitate the medical care of a young South Sudanese boy, who has inspired us all and shown us there was no challenge too great for this young child. We give thanks to the relationship that has developed between the Diocese of Adelaide and the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan. It was through the wisdom of Archbishop Daniel Deng and his conversations with Archbishop Jeffrey Driver that we began the journey with the Diocese of Bor. We give thanks to Archbishop Daniel for this opportunity, which led us to Majur. Majur was born to Dinka parents in South Sudan. He was born by the river Nile in Jonglei State in a town called Bor. Bor is the location where the Diocese of Adelaide is working in partnership with the Diocese of Bor to construct and run the Bor Medical Clinic. This is a town that has among the worst maternal mortality rates in the world. It is likely that his teenage mother was malnourished during her pregnancy, which is a sad reality in this part of the world. As a result, Majur was born with physical difficulties including a visual impairment and underdeveloped legs. We are told that Majur's biological parents were unable to care for him and he was fortunate to have been found by the river by his now Guardian, Mamma Mary. In South Sudan it is a crime for the parents to abandon their child for any reason and Mamma Mary says that it was the approach taken in the Bible, which drove her to assuming her role as Guardian for Majur and to ensure he did not live in such neglect.
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In Jonglei State, it is common for infants not to be considered human until they have survived for 15 days. Moreover, newborns are not named until as long as 18 months from their birth, due to the number of deaths this age-group experience. Despite these odds, Majur survived. Majur in the Dinka language means a child that has no parents or "the adopted child". While Majur no longer has any contact with his biological parents, what he lacks in a biological family he makes up for in the support shown to him by the communicants of the Diocese of Bor who assist Mamma Mary in housing, clothing and feeding him.
Mamma Mary carried Majur over her shoulder from Bor to Juba, a distance of some 151 kilometres. Traversing through inhospitable terrain and a volatile conflict stricken zone, the journey took approximately three weeks. Since the 2013 quiz night fundraiser, we have applied for a medical visa twice. On both occasions, such visa was refused on the basis that Majur was found to be a non-
genuine applicant. Before we were able to make a third application, the tensions in South Sudan erupted and widespread violence hit the world's youngest nation, particularly in Bor. On 15 December 2013, fighting erupted amongst soldiers in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The violence has been attributed to accusations by President Salva Kiir that the Vice President Riek Machar attempted a coup against Kiir’s leadership, accusations which Machar denies. Since this time, it is estimated that more than 2.3 million people have been displaced. The UN states that over 10,000 were killed. Unofficial statistics indicate the loss of life could exceed 100,000. Those who survived the attack in Bor fled to Juba, including Majur and Mamma Mary, to take refuge in UN compounds. Mamma Mary carried Majur over her shoulder from Bor to Juba, a distance of some 151 kilometres. Traversing through inhospitable terrain and a volatile conflict stricken zone, the journey took approximately three weeks. For a mature woman this triumph over adversity cannot be overstated. As the instability continued and disease spread around overcrowded UN compounds in Juba, Majur and Mamma Mary travelled to refugee camps outside South Sudan. The UN refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia were full, containing tens of thousands
of displaced persons, and two unofficial refugee camps were established in Uganda, a short distance from the southern South Sudanese border.
residential care to vulnerable children affected by neglect, abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence, as well as those seeking refuge from conflict. Most importantly, their basic needs are attended to, and CCC gives these children love and support.
In early 2016, and following a number of Ceasefire Agreements being executed by the President and Vice President, security within the camp worsened and Mamma Mary made the trip back to Bor, returning two weeks prior to the Archbishop of Adelaide's arrival in South Sudan. She planned to assess the security in Bor and, if conducive, set up a compound where she and Majur could live. At this time, the Vice President was scheduled to return to South Sudan for the first time since the conflict began. The people refer to the conflict as the "Crisis" and the return of the First Vice President saw the commencement of the new Unity Government, which will govern the country until the general election in 2018. After over a week of failed scheduled arrivals, the First Vice President returned to the country by plane and the Unity Government was sworn in. South Sudan is once more governed by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, as it was prior to the Crisis. Majur is now six years old and time is running out for him to access the necessary medical care he requires, if it is to have a significant impact in improving his quality of life. Given our country's immigration
With the assistance of the Rev. Michael Ayom Deng, Coordinator Diocese of Bor in the Juba office of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, Mamma Mary returned to the Ugandan camp and retrieved Majur in May 2016. Majur is now currently living in the CCC residential care and is being assessed by local doctors prior to a surgical assessment by a private clinic in Uganda.
climate, a decision was made to abandon plans to have Majur treated in Australia. Instead, we have enlisted the assistance of Cathy Groenendijk, Founder and Executive Director of Confident Children out of Conflict (CCC), based in Juba. CCC was founded in 2007 and provides a safe space for children affected by the protracted crises in the South Sudan. Cathy provides a structured support system for vulnerable children; a safe place for them to be, off the streets, and somewhere they can call home. CCC takes children in, providing
We give thanks that the relationship between the Diocese of Adelaide and the Diocese of Bor has ensured the safe retrieval of Majur with the support of the office of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan. We now ask for your prayers as Majur is assessed. If you are financially able, we would appreciate any further donations which will fund Majur's assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. It is likely that Majur will need to live in Uganda for at least one year and will require accommodation and 24 hour care. This is due to the fact that Juba does not have the medical expertise or resources to treat a child in Majur's position.
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Farewell Drivers Archbishop Jeffrey Driver announced his retirement earlier this year after more than a decade’s service as leader of the Adelaide Diocese. Arriving in 2005 to a diocese in turmoil, Archbishop Driver leaves knowing things are in a much more stable position, stating in an open letter to the Diocese, “Communicant numbers across the Diocese have begun to grow, there is a renewed appetite for mission and community engagement, relationships between the Synod and a number of key agencies have much improved, as have relationships across the Province. Synod finances are strong, St Barnabas College has a foundation for the future.”
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Though the health of the Diocese has increased dramatically over Archbishop Driver’s tenure, he is aware that there is still plenty of work to do, “None of this is to say that we have reached a space of comfort or self-congratulation. However, we are now well placed to move in the direction of greater flourishing.’’
“This is a decision I have reached with both grief and satisfaction. “While I am very aware that there is still much I could do, my sense is that this is an appropriate time for me to step aside and make way for that next phase with a different leader,’’ However appropriate the move to step aside might be, it is with mixed emotions
that he hands over the reins, “This is a decision I have reached with both grief and satisfaction. There is more than a little grief in that much of my episcopate here has been immersed in dealing with a sad historic legacy, continuing through to the recent hearings into CEBS by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. “The satisfaction that I take from this very demanding time is that over the past decade and more the Diocese of Adelaide has tried to address its issues honestly and well. Within that there have been wonderful stories of grace and healing, often coming as gifts from the most vulnerable.’’ As Archbishop Driver and wife, Lindy prepare to continue life away from the diocese, Guardian asked several people close to the Drivers to give us their thoughts on their time of service in Adelaide…
A PILGRIM'S PERSPECTIVE
SPEECH FROM STATE PARLIMENT
As 19 August 2016 draws near, we are preparing to say our farewells to the Archbishop, and Mamma Lindy, who together have served our church, created new relationships and have inspired us all.
Under Jeffrey Driver's leadership, the Adelaide Diocese has strengthened and is reinvigorated, experiencing an increase in the number of regular attendees to its services.
We first met the Drivers while travelling with them on the Archbishop's Pilgrimage in 2009. We met the leaders of our Diocese, but not just in title. We came to know a couple who practice their faith and build relationships with others through humility and integrity.
A mark of a strong leader is having the ability and courage to speak out and take action when times can be difficult. Throughout his time serving as a community leader, Jeffrey Driver has drawn attention to many issues, including the sexualisation of children in Australian society, global inequality, the problems faced by refugees and asylum seekers, and problem gambling, to name just a few, all current and important issues that society continues to grapple with.
The Drivers are always looking forward and are open to the new things that God is doing. Christian communities need people, and what better way than to connect our community with our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan. The work the Drivers have founded in Bor, and the relationship between our Dioceses, is a clear example that the Bor project is not about Jeffrey and Lindy, they are not the subject of their own ministry, it is about who we serve and what we enable. The Drivers leave us with a legacy built, not of straw, but of human relationships, which are the lasting materials that our Diocese can build on and from which further ministry may flourish. We find ourselves in a time of sadness as they move on, but let us celebrate the legacy they have left us and look forward to continuing to build our church and our community.
In addition to this, and under the Archbishop's guidance, the Diocese of Adelaide has developed links with the country of South Sudan. Every two years or so, Archbishop Driver leads groups of young South Australians into developing countries, with the aim of making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The Archbishop expects to dedicate more of his life to contributing to the church in developing countries in his retirement. I take this opportunity, on behalf of Family First, to commend Archbishop Jeffrey Driver on his service to the Diocese of Adelaide and to South Australia and to wish him all the very best for the future.
Emma Riggs and Paul Patiniott
The Hon. Dennis Hood
FROM STANDING COMMITTEE OF GENERAL SYNOD
HORIZONS OF CARE
Moved: Archbishop Glenn Davies Seconded: Archbishop Phillip Aspinall Standing Committee: (a) notes the resignation of Archbishop Driver as Archbishop of Adelaide and Metropolitan of South Australia in August 2016; (b) thanks God for his translation to the See of Adelaide at a time of crisis in the Diocese, and his effective leadership of the Diocese as it faced some significant pastoral and moral challenges in the church as well as in the public arena; (c) expresses its appreciation of Archbishop Driver’s membership of the Standing Committee since 2005, his constructive contribution to the formation of motions, his wisdom and discernment expressed in debate, and his desire to see Christ honoured in our deliberations; (d) expresses its appreciation for the Archbishop‘s contribution to the life of the Anglican Church of Australia at a number of levels, including his chairmanship of the Ecumenical Relations Commission and the Doctrine Commission, his involvement in Task Forces and Working Groups, such as the Windsor Report, the Covenant Proposal, Refugees and Migrants, Confessions, and Structures & Viability; and
Jeffrey Driver was installed as Archbishop of Adelaide in October 2005. In the decade of his episcopate, Archbishop Jeffrey has led the Diocese from one of its darkest times to a time of good health and hope. Simons Weil said, "To give one’s attention to a sufferer is a very rare and difficult thing; it is almost a miracle. It is a miracle." In his conversations and care for many in our Diocese who have suffered, Jeffrey Driver has offered that attention and the healing it brings. A few months after he arrived in Adelaide, in February, 2006, Archbishop Jeffrey presided over his first Diocesan ordinations. I was ordained deacon at that service and priested in December of the same year. Jeffrey Driver has watched over my growth as a priest guiding me as I reflected on the call of God, giving me books when he thought my theology too limited, caring for me and my family in times of trouble (Jeffrey's venison pie and Lindy's apple crumble are a wonderful sign of their, and God's, love!) and encouraging me to believe in myself as priest, preacher and student of theology. I know he has offered this same care to many. Archbishop Jeffrey is himself a wonderful priest, preacher and student of theology. To know that our Archbishop translates a sentence of New Testament Greek each day is strangely encouraging. To hear him preach with passion and great honesty about the spiritual life and the brokenness of creation is profoundly helpful. And Archbishop Jeffrey and Lindy have widened the horizons of our care by their own great love for the people of the South Sudan.
(e) wishes Jeffrey and Lindy God’s richest blessings as they move to a new stage of ministry and especially as they seek to serve the church in developing countries.
Archbishop Jeffrey and Lindy leave the Diocese with our profound gratitude and heartfelt prayers.
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall
Rev'd Canon Jenny Wilson
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Our Time In BOR
Dan Harris on the tools in Bor
by Peter March & Daniel Harris A team from the Diocese of Adelaide travelled to South Sudan in April to continue working towards assisting the Anglican Diocese of Bor establish a primary health clinic. South Sudan has amongst the highest infant and maternal death rates in the world, and the clinic is aimed at health education and primary care, particularly, for mothers and children. The team, led by Archbishop Jeffrey Driver, consisted of a range of people with different skills from across the Diocese that included Parish Support Manager, Daniel Harris. For Daniel, who had never previously travelled to South Sudan, it was an "eyeopening" experience, “This was my first time visiting Bor, though I have had many people tell me of their experiences. However, all the prior experiences I had heard of were before the civil war, which started in 2013, and is not yet fully resolved. “Yet against this backdrop of pain, the welcome extended to us by the people of the church was especially generous and warm. They do not ask for help, but simply extend to us the love of Christ with all they have.” And while the welcome in Bor was warm, simply getting there to receive it was anything but easy. “The journey to Bor says something of how to work in South Sudan. Our progress from Adelaide to Dubai, to Juba was speedy. The short 90km to Bor was not!"
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“Having met Provincial Archbishop Daniel, we were able to secure a meeting with the Foreign Ministry through the highly connected and persuasive member of our team Garang Deng. South Sudan has no diplomatic presence in Australia, which inhibits trade and travel between the two countries. Archbishop Jeffrey will advocate for such a link to be established.
“Yet against this backdrop of pain, the welcome extended to us by the people of the church was especially generous and warm. They do not ask for help, but simply extend to us the love of Christ with all they have.” “Apart from meetings, the precarious political situation in South Sudan has prevented a simple road trip to Bor. During the civil war of 2013 to 2015, the leader of the opposition party, the Vice President, left the capital Juba and has been residing with his military units near the border with Ethiopia. Under an internationally brokered peace deal, he was due to fly back to Juba and take part in the formation of a unity government in the very week we were there.
“The political uncertainty caused a lot of tension in the capital, and this uncertainty together with advice from the local church about the safety of the road to Bor made decision making extremely difficult. The fluidity of the situation, conflicting advice, and constant changes of plan wore on the team. Having arrived on Wednesday, the prospect of departing for Bor on Saturday was disappointing. After a further two changes on Saturday morning (flying, no, driving, no flying) we finally arrived in Bor after a short 30-minute flight.” While originally part of the team to observe and report, Daniel’s trip took an unexpected turn. Having reached a critical stage of construction for one of the clinic buildings, a short freak storm tore off the roof. “Our motley crew of new arrivals joined the builder, and over two days repaired the roof and completed one building. Having spent so long in Juba in meetings and fretting about how to get to Bor, I was more than pleased to be able to jump on the roof and help solve a problem. Some of us had to push through illness, and the weather was hot and humid. Despite the challenges a critical turning point was reached when the team returned to basics in reading the Bible together and praying, “Remembering that we as a team are here to serve not in our strength, but in
God's. The recurring theme of love through the readings from John's Gospel reminded us to love one another, love the people we are here to serve, and to love God in all our plans and schemes. “On our final day, we joined Bishop Ruben, Dean Thomas, and the Diocesan Secretary Rev John, to finalise the governance framework for the clinic. With the framework agreed, we were able to gift the funds we had brought such a long distance to get the project underway. Whilst there is still much to do, the burden of this trip felt lifted at that moment.”
“Remembering that we as a team are here to serve not in our strength, but in God's. The recurring theme of love through the readings from John's Gospel reminded us to love one another, love the people we are here to serve, and to love God in all our plans and schemes.”
Bishop Ruben Akurdid Ngong, Andrew Marshall, Mama Lindy, Archbishop Jeffrey Driver
For Daniel, as well as for the Diocese of Adelaide, building relationships with the local South Sudanese community is of the utmost importance, “In our church family in Adelaide, there are hundreds of our brothers and sisters who have journeyed from South Sudan, often through peril and trauma, to seek safe refuge in Australia. Through this large cohort of our church, there is a living and ongoing thread connecting us and our community of Adelaide Anglicans to the community of believers in Bor. “Our relationship with South Sudan was also founded on Archbishop Jeffrey's extensive knowledge and friendships, a network he has invited many others in Adelaide to share. As he retires, the relationship between the Diocese of Adelaide and our Companion Diocese of Bor will mature into something different, which will need to be maintained with a rhythm established by different structures, relationships, and agreements.
Emma Riggs watches local shoe shine boys
“As the Parish Support Manager in Diocesan Office, I am aware that we have some distance to go in fully providing the support for mission and ministry our Sudanese congregations require. I hope through this trip to learn something of how church in South Sudan is run, and how this might influence the support we provide.” To find out more about the relationship and to help support the project, visit: http://adelaideanglicans.com/bor
Mama Lindy with members of the Diocese of Bor Mother's Union
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Celebrating 25 Years of Service In 2016 the Schools Ministry Group (SMG) celebrates 25 years of service to South Australian school communities. SMG coordinate and facilitate Christian ministry in South Australian government schools. SMG offers ongoing pastoral care and practical support through chaplaincy, Christian education and wellbeing services to school communities in partnership with the combined Christian community and
other organisations, including the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide.
schools with breakfast clubs, lunchtime activities and mentoring.”
In 1991, following the removal of Religious Instruction from the curriculum of Government schools in South Australia, the major Christian Churches and youth mission groups in the state brought together the work of United Christian Forum and the Heads of Christian Churches Chaplaincy Planning Group, which had been responsible for the appointment, training and review of Chaplains in schools since 1986, to form the Schools Ministry Group.
Hayley Walker who, originally trained in physiotherapy, is the ministry worker at Kilkenny Primary School said an experience working with refugees at a detention centre led to her working with SMG, “I missed working with multicultural groups and kids, physio doesn’t have much kids work, so a friend recommended to me an opening at the school.
Angela Jolly, Executive Director of Schools Ministry Group said “Today SMG provides over 330 schools across South Australia with a Chaplaincy Service. It continues to offer seminars and interactive workshops for primary and high school students, and contributes to the positive wellbeing of children with its Community Services. In addition, over 1000 volunteers support the Chaplaincy Service by helping in their local
“Kilkenny had never had a ministry worker before, so there was a bit of a sense of ‘I’m not sure about this’, and it was only the other day, when a teacher who has been there for years came up to me and said she was a bit concerned when this Christian was employed, but went on to tell me how glad she was they’d employed me, that it’s a huge blessing and she sees the difference it makes in the school!” For information on how to support SMG, visit smg.asn.au
Anglicans and Lutherans gather to build relations The Anglican-Lutheran International Coordinating Committee (ALICC) held its fourth meeting in May 2016.
St Peter's Woodlands Early Learning Centre A Leader in Child Development A new purpose built Early Learning Centre at St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School (SPW) has been designed to provide the optimum environment for stress free childhood brain development. According to SPW Principal Chris Prance, the centre, which opened on 2 February and celebrated its official opening and blessing on Thursday, 19 May, focuses on well-being and natural enquiry. “We set out to create a proactive and engaging environment for our two, three and four year old early learners,” Chris said. “A safe, stimulating play environment is the medium through which children can take risks, question, test their thinking, problem solve and develop their social emotional competencies.
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“These are significant platforms on which to base their current and future learning.” Chris said the school had researched national and international early learning best practice through the planning process to build a Centre that will be a leader in South Australian child development. “We drew on a Murdoch Children’s Institute report that said the the nature of the environments in which children spend their time – their relational and physical properties and the learning opportunities they provide – will have an important effect on long term children’s development.” “We are very proud of the result and the foundation this will provide to our students as they start the SPW educational journey as resilient and happy children.”
The meeting was hosted by the Anglican Communion and the Diocese of Adelaide, under the leadership of co-chairs Bishop Michael Pryse of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Bishop Tim Harris of the Anglican Church of Australia. The committee is made up of clergy representing both churches from all continents and works to map Anglican and Lutheran relationships around the world and noted progress on various levels, in different parts of the world. In order to fulfill it’s role to be a catalyst for such relationships, the committee is working to produce a resource, presently entitled Opportunities for Communion and Deepening of Relationships: A Guide Map. This material illustrates various stages in relationships between Anglicans and Lutherans, provides various scenarios, as well as listing the various agreements already existing between the two churches.
Getting The Most Out of Life by Sandy Mitchell It was with a little reluctance that I agreed to represent the Mission and Evangelism Ministry Unit at the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) conference earlier in the year. In the past, I had on several occasions completed the survey in a somewhat perfunctory manner without any real appreciation of the purpose and benefits of such a survey. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by what I learned at the conference, which was led by the Director of NCLS, Dr. Ruth Powell. The guiding vision of the NCLS is Jesus’ declaration “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Wonderful words of hope, but we are living in a post-Christian age and the church can no longer assume that a rapidly
changing, secular society will accept the credibility of the Christian faith and the church’s voice on matters of faith and ethics. A key question confronting the Christian church is how to speak about and live the fullness of life which Jesus came to bring. The NCLS offers three reasons why Christian denominations would benefit from taking part in the survey and thus become more effective as communities of faith and as a prophetic voice in a secular society:
be made. If resources are lacking to redress problems immediately, and to take all of the steps necessary to move forward, then achievable goals can be set and strategies put in place to attain these goals. As one local church observed “The mission of the church is too important to leave to hunches and guesses about effectiveness.”
• To shape the future of their local church.
• A unique Church Life Profile showing survey results with a clear evaluation of your church’s vitality. Online access to the Profile is included.
• To help denominations better understand the gifts and challenges of local churches. • To be part of the national snapshot of the whole Australian Church. The survey, tailored to each specific denomination, will be of great benefit to every local church if they prepare well. The promotional material is excellent and will inform and encourage participants (including a special survey for children and youth) to recognize that their voice counts. Individuals’ gifts and potential can be identified and positive stories of local churches will be shared. Problems and possible resolutions will be identified and practical recommendations for growth will
David Bleby Retires The Hon. David Bleby, QC, recently retired as Chancellor of the Diocese of Adelaide, his reason for doing so was simple, “I’d been in the role for so long, it was time to move on.”
All churches that participate in the 2016 survey will receive their own unique results in a Church Life Pack:
• Enriching Church Life Book and other publications explaining the core qualities of church life and sharing of national research findings. • Practical planning resources with step by step processes to help you get the most out of your results in your mission planning, with workshop outlines and multimedia resources on line. Denominations also receive overview reports, equipping them for strategic and pastoral leadership of their churches. It is not too late to order surveys on line – www.2016ncls.org.au/sign-up.
David’s work within the Diocese began in 1961 when he became a member of the Synod. In 1977 he joined the Diocesan Council and in 1981 was elected on General Synod. David was made chair of Committees of General Synod in 1992, and from 1995 served as Chancellor - the position he would go on to hold for 21 years. Having worked in law for over 50 years, David, when quizzed on what he would look back on most fondly during his time on Synod, gave an answer typical of the profession he has served so dutifully saying, “I found drafting ordinances satisfying.” Over the decades, David has made significant contributions to issues of social justice and refugee advocacy within the Diocese, as well as having served for over a decade on the Church Law Commission of the General Synod.
“people don’t always have the best attitude toward lawyers” He admits, “people don’t always have the best attitude toward lawyers”, but his time served on Synod and as Chancellor was done with “the growth of the Kingdom of God” his main concern. David’s wife Elizabeth has been a tremendous support to him throughout his career, “I couldn’t have done it without her, her support in my professional life and in my church life.” The Diocese of Adelaide extends their gratitude to David and Elizabeth, and bids them all the very best for the future.
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MARALINGA'S LONG SHADOW - YVONNE'S STORY by Christobel Mattingley
Maralinga’s Long Shadow: Yvonne’s Story tells the powerful tale of Yvonne Edwards, artist and community leader, who lived on or near the Maralinga lands, and the cost of
the fall-out for herself and her family from the nuclear tests in the 1950s. Yvonne Edwards was just six years old when the first bombs of the nuclear tests at Maralinga were detonated in 1956. The tests continued until 1963 and their consequences profoundly affected her family and community, “Grandfather and Grandmother telling lots of stories. They had to live at Yalata. Their home was bombed. That was their home where the bomb went off. They thought it was mamu tjuta, evil spirits, coming. Everyone was frightened, thinking about people back in the bush. Didn't know what bomb was. Later told it was poison. Parents and grandparents really wanted to go home, used to talk all the time to get their land back.” Yvonne herself died aged 61, and this book,
beautifully produced by Allen & Unwin, filled with many of Yvonne’s wonderful paintings, archival photos, and superb botanical and landscape photos, is her memorial. Malukuru, Sturt desert pea, was Yvonne’s birth flower, and the photo on the cover and those within the book were kindly given by Keturah de Klerk. Other striking photos were provided by Bill Dowling of The Friends of the Great Victoria Desert, and Pam Diment, former director of the Tjutjuna Arts and Culture Centre. Pam also helped in locating paintings and other photos. This powerful book, by award-winning author Christobel Mattingley, honours Yvonne Edwards' legacy as a highly respected artist and community elder. Royalties for this book go to Yvonne’s family, who are donating $1000 to the Hospital Research fund.
BOOK REVIEW: THOMAS THORNTON REED - ESSAYS AND REMINISCENCES by Right Revd David McCall Thomas Thornton Reed served as the sixth Bishop of Adelaide from 1957 to 1974 becoming the first Archbishop in 1973. He was undoubtedly one of the notable bishops of the Australian Church and it is good that he is remembered by the publication of this volume. The book is not a biography as such but, nevertheless, provides a valuable insight into the kind of person TTR (as he is most often referred to in the book) was and some of his notable achievements. There are two substantial essays and a number of other recollections so that a good picture of the man and his life are offered to the reader. The Introduction and three of the essays are written by Airlie Black, the eldest daughter of TTR and Audrey. The original idea came from the Rev'd John H Stephenson, who had been ordained by TTR in 1961 and was a friend of Airlie. The first major essay is the by Very Rev'd Father Dirk van Dissel who held TTR in high regard and genuine affection. TTR was a conservative churchman and AngloCatholic in his theology. Although he
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did not like his decisions questioned, “he combined this with friendliness, a sense of humour and fun, a sense of mischief, even a touch of larrikinism.” His most notable achievements were the re-founding of Saint Barnabas' College, the strengthening of the Diocese of Willochra, the establishment of the Diocese of The Murray and the creation of the Province of South Australia. His leadership in the Diocese was firm and fair. The three essays by Airlie Black and the essay by Elaine Lawson (the youngest daughter) give us a very good insight into TTR'S home life, his parish ministry and life at Bishop's Court. The other major essay is by Dr David Hilliard entitled "TTR and the Australian Church". A significant portion of this essay deals with the eventual adoption by the Diocese of Adelaide of the Constitution of the Australian Church. Initially (as Dean of Adelaide), TTR was a staunch opponent of its adoption, however, after he became Bishop he took the view it would be better to try to reform it from the inside. He remained firmly opposed to the remarriage of divorcees by the Church but was willing to go as far as he could to help and support those who had been divorced and remarried. He thought it would be appropriate for clergy, if requested, to bless
those in a new union. The other two major debates towards the end of his episcopate were those of liturgical revision and the ordination of women. Dr Hilliard gives a scholarly insight into where TTR stood on these matters and how he dealt with them. There are many other shorter essays, which help us to appreciate the kind of person TTR was and an insight into his many interests. It is clear that Tom and Audrey Reed had a wonderful marriage and a deep love for one another. Thomas Thornton Reed - Essays and Reminiscences is available for purchase at the Cathedral gift shop.
St Jude's Music Mission by Peter March Two buses full of parishioners, choristers and musicians from St Jude’s Brighton travelled to Kadina on the Copper Coast on Palm Sunday to perform Joel Raney’s Tenebrae service ' The Last 7 Days'. Following the events of each day of Holy Week, ‘The Last 7 Days’ features readings and choral anthems incorporating new arrangements of many familiar and loved lent and Easter hymns. The cantata was performed by the St Jude’s Brighton choir and mini orchestra under the directorship of oboist and conductor Paul Miller. Mr Miller was inspired to carry out the project by Jesus’ own ministry in country towns, “The lectionary readings during advent have most of the action taking place in country towns, not in Jerusalem, so I felt if God has a real heart for country towns then us city folk should also.
“It’s completely opposite to the way we think. We think the city’s the "bee’s knees." We pour our resources into the citizens of the city, but that doesn’t seem to be the way that Jesus went about his ministry. “So that’s how the project came about; we did this particular performance (in Brighton) twelve months ago, so we thought we’d take it to a country town and bless them.”
was unlike many he’d experienced before, “I haven’t seen a reaction from an audience in a church setting like we received in Kadina. You get used to it when you’re performing with people like Pavarotti or Domingo or someone like that, but I’ve never actually seen it for a choral cantata. Even if it’s the Mozart requiem, you very rarely get people standing and applauding at the end, so the response was extraordinary!”
Beyond entertaining, Mr Miller hopes that the performance might work to enrich the spiritual lives of those in attendance, “As a missional piece, it’s a part of greening up the country. Metaphorically speaking it’s a way of adding vegetation to peoples (spiritual) lives. “I know people who don’t go to church who came along, and they got to hear the final week of Christ’s mission on Earth… and it had a profound effect on quite a lot of them. It’s hard to know what seeds were planted during the afternoon, but God knows, and it’s part of the Holy Spirit’s work to bring fruition in years to come. Mr Miller, who is a former member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and has played with some of the world’s great singers, said the response they received
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