Guardian Spring 2019

SPRING 2019

GUARDIAN A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A N G L I C A N D I O C E S E O F A D E L A I D E

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THE ANGLICAN GUARDIAN Published by the Diocese of Adelaide

The Promise

by Sandy Mitchell You Lord, are a God of surprises.

When your Chosen People seemed finished,

Edited by Peter March Phone: (08) 8305 9350 Email: pmarch@adelaideanglicans.com www.adelaideanglicans.com Layout and Design by Adelaide Anglicans media@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

dried up and without hope, you blossomed into history.

In a manger amidst the dry straw, hope bloomed – new life of unique beauty, full of divine promise.

When our lives seem dry and empty, our Spirit breathes hope into our hearts.

Your promise of forgiveness and new life blossoms, And we are born anew, grafted into the Source of all Life, our Saviour, Who graciously through his death and resurrection, Offers to all who believe, the glorious gift abundant, eternal life.

The joy of learning

Anglican Schools . . . the right choice Enquiries: Mark Porter, Anglican Schools Liaison Officer 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: 8305 9349

INVESTIGATOR COLLEGE Bacchus Rd, Victor Harbor.

Ph: 8555 7500

PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 190 South Terrace, Adelaide.

Ph: 8216 5555

ST. COLUMBA COLLEGE President Avenue, Andrew’s Farm.

Ph: 8254 0600

ST. PETER’S COLLEGE Hackney Road, St. Peter’s.

Ph: 8362 3451

ST PETER’S WOODLANDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 39 Partridge Street, Glenelg.

Ph: 8295 4317

WALFORD ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 316 Unley Road, Hyde Park.

Ph: 8272 6555

PEDARE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 12-30 Surrey Farm Drive, Golden Grove.

Ph: 8280 1700

ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL 22 Smith Street, Walkerville, Ph: 8168 5555

ST. JOHN’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL 29 Gloucester Avenue, Belair.

Ph: 8278 2233

ST. PETER’S COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ SCHOOL Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell.

Ph: 8334 2200

TRINITY COLLEGE Alexander Avenue, Evanston South.

Ph: 8522 0666

WOODCROFT COLLEGE Bains Road, Morphett Vale.

Ph: 8322 2333

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE

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GLORY OF GOD Archbishop Geoffrey Smith As this edition of Guardian is published, we will be looking forward to the 165th meeting of the Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide from October 18-20.

Although those who attend may have a range of views about the experience, the opportunity for clergy and lay representatives to have an active role in the governing of the Diocese was a radical idea when Bishop Short first introduced it.

These days we take the existence of synod for granted, but prior to the establishment of synods, the church was run by the bishop and clergy. When the Diocese meets in Dynod the majority of members of Synod are lay people-which is the way it should be.

for membership. In the midst of all of that were the usual human sins of competition, greed for power and influence, and tribalism. The existence of Christian denominations is a sad example of disunity where disagreement has morphed into separation.

This year we will be continuing the practice we started last year of taking a phrase from Vision 2022 and making it our theme for the meeting of the Synod. Last year the theme was ‘flourishing Anglican communities’. This year the theme is ‘united and connected’.

Unity doesn’t mean we always agree or have perfect peace among us. Unity is about staying together and working together for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel of the kingdom of God. Our primary unity is in Christ. We are united to Christ’s death and resurrection through our baptism. All who are united to Christ are brothers and sisters to each other. The call is for us to live out that reality in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God who we say we love.

The unity of the disciples was clearly an important concern for Jesus and the leaders of the early church. We know of Jesus’ concern through his prayer recorded in John 17. At the last supper Jesus prayed to the Father that the disciples might be one as Jesus and the Father are one (John 17.11). The unity of the disciples was not only to reflect the unity of the Father and the Son, but would also, according to Jesus, be very significant ‘so that the world may know that you (the Father) have sent me’ (John 17.22).

The unity of the disciples of Jesus was to reflect the relationship of the Father and the Son and also be an important influence in the process of announcing the good news of Jesus. Unity among disciples of Jesus is therefore not an added extra, which might make life pleasant among Christians but is integral in Christian discipleship.

The history of the church shows us clearly that disunity among Christians has been a big problem right from the start. There were certainly disagreements about correct belief but also the way the church should be organised and what was needed

Unity was not only a concern of Jesus.

St Paul in his letters to churches is quite often calling for Christians to stay together (e.g. Romans 15.5-6 and 1 Corinthians 11.18). The fact that Paul makes these references is a clear indication that disunity was not something he thought should be a part of the life of the church.

History tells us that this is not easy. The Bible tells us that this is an important part of our discipleship of Jesus. Our experience tells us that trying to live in unity as a church of sinful people is a messy business and certainly a long way from perfection. But as disciples trying to live in unity is not something we can easily walk away from-though it might seem easier and less complicated and far less hard work to do that.

The challenge of staying together is not just a challenge for the church. Right across the globe we see communities fragmenting in the face of anxiety. Right now, the ability to be gracious to each other, to discuss differences without threat or coercion, and to seek the common good is a gift the church could be offering to the world. Please pray for our diocese that as we continue to share Christ’s mission, we might more and more reflect God-Father Son and Holy Spirit.

Please also pray for our Synod - that it might do the same.

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SCHOOLS

Walford Honours Pioneers in Science

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FOCUS

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New Chaplaincy Appointment

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Denise Ferguson Ordained a Bishop

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Mothers’ Union Shows God’s Loving Kindness

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FAITH

The Final Quarter A Christian Response

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COMMUNITY

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SBC Welcomes New Prinicpal

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Anglicare SA Launches New CBD Respite Centre

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A Tale of Two Websites

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Registrar Announces Resignation

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ARPA Conference Seeks to Find Hope in Times of Disaster

13 Men’s Group Shooting for Cyberspace 14

New Professional Standards Director Named

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St Bede’s Celebrates 140 Years

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East Asian Anglican Meeting

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SCHOOLS

Photograph: The opening of the Ellen Benham Science Centre

Walford Honours Pioneers in Science

by Karin Dunsford

Students at Walford School are set to be prepared for a stronger STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) future, following in the footsteps of South Australia’s first woman of science and education, Miss Ellen Benham BSc (1892) DipEd (Oxford). Miss Benham was the second Headmistress of Walford School and in 1912, with a vision that was way ahead of her time, she introduced the study of science to her students.

Defying all the odds and securing her place in history, Ellen Benham became the first female academic at the University of Adelaide in 1902.

Following a trip to Europe and then completing her Diploma of Education at Oxford, Ellen returned to Adelaide driven by the desire to own her own school which she then did when she succeeded Miss Lydia Adamson who had founded Walford in 1893, at Malvern. Leading by example to her pupils, Ellen introduced the study of science, mathematics, physiology and botany to the School. Her influence was soon recognised when Jean Murray was Walford’s first pupil to gain a scholarship to the University of Adelaide where she gained a Bachelor of Science and then

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a Master of Science in 1931, the first female at the University to be awarded the MSc. Earlier this year, the Premier of South Australia, The Hon Steven Marshall MP, officially opened the Ellen Benham Science Centre, named to honour Walford’s pioneer of science education.

Donning a lab coat and safety glasses the Premier performed the opening, not with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, but by the lighting of an experiment! The Centre consists of five outstanding laboratories which combine aesthetics with practical workspaces. A far cry from Miss Benham’s first lessons with a microscope, slides and test tubes!

“We are grateful for the leadership of inspirational female role models who have shown us how to shatter glass ceilings” stated the Principal, Ms Rebecca Clarke. “Women continue to be under-represented in STEM related fields both at industry and leadership levels, and it’s a problem we are tackling head on at Walford.”

A beautiful plaque, including an image of Miss Benham upon her University

graduation, is situated prominently for the girls to view. The Chemistry laboratory has also been dedicated to an old scholar who was inspired by the legacy of Ellen Benham. Elizabeth Cleland was an outstanding Walford student from 1920-1927. Elizabeth also attended Adelaide University and followed in the footsteps of Ellen Benham and Jean Murray by achieving her Bachelor of Science in 1933 and then her Masters of Science in 1935, only the fourth female at the University to do so. A plaque was unveiled by her son, Antony Simpson, at a recent commemorative ceremony.

Walford is grateful for the example of old scholars who inspire our Walford Girls to achieve their best. Last year more than 60% of Walford’s Year 12 graduates went on to study at University in a STEM related field. Ms Clarke commented, “Miss Benham would appreciate that her school remains as committed today as it was in her time, to provide the best facilities possible for the study of science at Walford and would no doubt be humbled on the naming of the Ellen Benham Science Centre.”

FOCUS Photograph: The Right Rev’d Greg Thompson

New Appointment Set to Strengthen Chaplaincy from The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide and AnglicareSA

The Archbishop of Adelaide, the Most Reverend Geoff Smith, has appointed Bishop Greg Thompson to be the Senior Chaplain in a new and expanded role funded by AnglicareSA. The Senior Chaplain role relates to Anglican Chaplains working through SA Health Networks, in welfare and other institutional ministries, including Chaplains working within AnglicareSA. The role of Senior Chaplain aims to provide a visible and accessible leadership focus for Chaplaincy across the Diocese of Adelaide to support Chaplains and strengthen Chaplaincy through the provision of pastoral care and professional development for Chaplains, to improve communications, documentation and enable appointments, and to facilitate the growth of team work, innovation and advocacy in Chaplaincy.

Greg Thompson has a wide experience of church and community ministries as a Priest in inner city Sydney, Canberra and Darwin as well as Bishop in the Northern Territory and Newcastle. Greg

and his wife Kerry moved to Adelaide in 2017 with Greg doing some pastoral care work at the Calvary Hospital.

The role of Senior Chaplain as a new and developing role includes the following focus areas: • Greg Thompson as Senior Chaplain is the first point of contact for Chaplains as per the role identified above • Greg Thompson as Senor Chaplain will work with the Assistant Bishop Denise Ferguson who has Episcopal oversight for Chaplaincy • The role of the ‘Anglican Chaplains Together’ network, under the leadership of Reverend Dianne Schaefer will continue • A review of Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Adelaide entitled ‘Strengthening Chaplaincy’ has been conducted by Briony Black of High Spirits Aged Care. Highlights from the review will be available soon and the learning

from the review will be used in the development of the Senior Chaplain role. The review was funded by AnglicareSA. • The Senior Chaplain role is currently at 0.6 and is funded by AnglicareSA. There is a capacity to grow the position to full time as required. There will be a review after the first six months in February 2020.

• The Senior Chaplain will actively engage with Chaplains ‘on site’ where feasible and desired and will call Chaplains together from time to time.

• The Senior Chaplain has an office based at the AnglicareSA Western Hub 159 Port Road Hindmarsh alongside other members of the Mission and Anglican Community Engagement Team.

Greg Thompson commenced in the role of Senior Chaplain in late August 2019.

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FOCUS Photograph: Bishop Denise Ferguson addresses the congregation at her service of consecration

Denise Ferguson Ordained as Adelaide’s First Female Bishop Denise Ferguson made history in Adelaide when she became the first woman to be ordained a bishop in the Diocese.

The service of consecration was held at St Peter’s Cathedral on 21 July 2019, where hundreds gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Archbishop of Adelaide Geoffrey Smith was the Presiding Bishop, while The Right Rev’d Alison Taylor, the first woman to be appointed as a bishop in Queensland, delivered the evening’s sermon.

The service was live-streamed via Facebook, providing access to the celebrations for those unable to travel from Denise’s previous diocese, as well as family and friends back home in New Zealand.

The live-stream also helped Bishop Denise focus her thoughts on the event, which was otherwise all a bit of a blur, “It wasn’t until the next day that I was able to watch the service on Facebook that I was able to gauge it in a different way, because at the time it basically washed right over me.”

Though there were things that still stood out on the night. “Certainly the sense of warmth and welcome,” reflected Bishop Denise, “The bells at the beginning of the service; I was over at the deanery with Bishop Alison Taylor, and the bells started rining and she looked over at me and said, ‘They’re ringing for you’, and it was one of those really awe inspiring moments.”

For Denise and husband Mark, its been a continual sense belonging ever since arriving three months ago, “Again, it was that sense of being embraced and that sense of, yes, this was right, and this is where I was supposed to be.”

Mothers’ Union Continues to Show God’s Loving Kindness

by Enid Sutton Some believe that Mothers’ Union (MU) is for older women who sit with cups of tea to have a chat! Many of our members here in Australia are older but our Founder, Mary Sumner, was in her 50s when she started her ministry in 1876. Now there are over 4 million members in over 80 countries of the world who seek to serve God through the Society’s Purpose, Aim & Objects.

There are, of course, younger members

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but because most such women these days are in the work force, older women are still to the fore in our work. The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to MU by describing it as “The heart and love of the Church”, which is truly a wonderful compliment.

Our PURPOSE is to be specially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian Family Life. Our AIM is to the advancement of

the Christian Religion in the sphere of marriage and Christian Family Life and our FIVE OBJECTS are 1.

To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding.

Marriage does not seem to be as important for people these days.

Our Marriage Kit is, however, used extensively by the Clergy for Marriage Preparation

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To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church. Our Baptism Kit is used to prepare parents for the baptism of their children. Members have been known to take on the role of “adoptive parents” so that they can nurture a child during their formative years. The Helen Mayo House at Glenside Hospital values our help in supporting those suffering from postnatal depression by talking with them and providing small, often hand-made gifts for the babies.

To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship & service. Daily there is a constant chain of prayer for the needs of people around the world.

For a period of 4 or 5 days, each Diocese in turn is prayed for so that its needs are known and support given. Through the Intercessory Prayer Circle, shut-ins can pray and feel involved. By means of our Centre in London, workers are sent out around the world and they do great work. In Australia, members contribute financially for the work of the Northern Outreach Dept. in the Dioceses of North West Australia, Northern Territory and North Queensland so that Indigenous and Clergy families can meet together where otherwise they would be isolated.

4. To promote conditions in Society favourable to stable family life & the protection of children. Our Social Justice Dept. keeps an eye on this and the Parenting Education Programme is another means of helping parents in their child

rearing.

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To help those whose family life has met with adversity Members assist in leading Service & Prayer Groups/ Services in Aged Care facilities as well as providing entertainment.

In England some Dioceses have a caravan which is maintained so that families in need can have a week’s holiday.

Our AUSTRALIAN MISSION STATEMENT is Sharing Christ’s love by encouraging, strengthening & Supporting marriage & family life. Until this year, the World Wide President of Mothers’ Union has always been from the UK but we are now led by a new Leader, Mrs. Sheran Harper, who hails from Guyana in South America. We wish her well in her work for the Lord.

Anyone, from any denomination who has been baptised in the name of the Trinity can become a member: men, women, divorcees are all welcome.

A high percentage are in the African Continent and they are very keen and active. Much help was given to them during the AIDS epidemic years ago and later, money sent to fund birthing kits for mothers where otherwise many would have died because of poor hygenic methods. Women are gaining confidence through help with literacy and they are gaining confidence as they are finding their voice. In Asia, the Karen people are a subject of concern and members in Melbourne are active in their support. In less developed areas of the world, members will walk (sometimes for days) to visit other members for spiritual involvement & worship together. These people may be poor but they are rich in their love

for others. In Iraq, members in Baghdad have been energetic in organising meals for those in need and medical help has been addressed.

In Australia, our membership subscription adds to an Emergency Fund which is used to help those in need following fire, flood and other emergencies. Members contribute towards the Northern Outreach Fund where, as already mentioned, particularly the Clergy and their families are given the opportunity to meet together (often travelling hundreds of kilometres to do so) to give mutual support, ideas & initiatives to pass on to their Congregations.

It is not possible to go into the prisons here in South Australia but we can pray for prisoners, male & female. Female necessities of life are rationed and we try to help supply them with such needs as far as possible.

MU supports Anglican Fostercare and also Quickest Warmth, a project that is now operating across the State to help those in need. It was the brainchild of two Anglican Priests. Items such as quilts, bedding, clothes, toiletries and toys are collected and packs made up to be taken to help agencies to distribute to their clients. A team of people sort, bag, tag and pack most weeks and everyone is invited to give a hand. MU, church communities and community groups are wonderful supporters inthis”.

May Mothers’ Union long continue in its witness to the world of God’s loving kindness to us all

Photograph: Members of Mothers’ Union meet over lunch at Say Kitchen

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FOCUS

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FAITH

The Final Quarter – A Christian Response

by The Right Rev’d Chris McLeod I begin with a confession. I am a lover of Australian Rules Football, having served my time as an amateur player, juniors’ coach, goal umpire, timekeeper, jumper washer, armchair critic, and you can still find me kicking the leather ball around when my youngest son needs someone to practice with.

There is much to be admired in the game: athleticism, a high level of skill, leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and discipline, to name but a few. However, those of us who have spent some time close to the game also know there is a sinister side to it: debilitating injuries, unruly behavior, a degree of thuggery, a substance abuse and gambling addiction culture, sexism, homophobia, and racism.

The latter, racism, is the subject of the Adam Goodes documentary, ‘The Final Quarter’, which aired recently on channel 10.

For those of you who may not have watched the program, or have not followed the details leading to its making, this is what happened. For the last 3 years of Adam Goodes’ playing career he was ‘booed’ incessantly by opposition team supporters. The booing began when he took to task a 13-year-

Photograph: Bishop Chris McLeod

old girl for making racist comments. It was exacerbated when he performed a ‘war dance’ to celebrate the kicking of a goal.

Goodes was made Australian of the year in 2014, which, strangely, drew the ire of some commentators. I think every Indigenous person was quite

clear what was going on. Adam Goodes drew attention to racism within the Australian, and football, culture, and proudly celebrated his identity as an Aboriginal man.

This was something that many people couldn’t bear. The former president of the Collingwood Football Club, the late Allan McAlister said in 1983 regarding Aboriginal footballers, ‘as long as they conduct themselves like white people…’

That essentially sums it up really; nothing much has changed since. The legacy of assimilation continues to plague Indigenous people throughout Australia. Article 8 of the ‘United Nations Declaration of the rights of Indigenous Peoples’, endorsed in Australia in 2009, states that ‘Indigenous peoples shall be free from forced assimilation’. The pressure to assimilate into the dominant ‘white’ culture is something Indigenous people experience on a daily basis.

Many people attempted to explain their own and other people’s racist actions by accusing Adam Goodes of being a bad sport, of faking for free kicks, and the like. These are the lamest of excuses for racism I have ever heard; pure acts

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of self-deception. It is my view that people who do not experience racism directly do not get the deciding vote on what constitutes racism. Adam Goodes is a true champion of the game, having played 372 games at elite level, won 2 Brownlow medals, dual premiership player, four time All Australian team

‘Freedom of Religion’ and ‘Freedom of Speech’ do not mean the freedom to abuse, slander, and degrade someone. member, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and captain of the Sydney Swans. This level of recognition doesn’t come undeservedly. He is also a true champion for Indigenous people throughout Australia. He is an eloquent, respectful, and intelligent spokesperson.

The documentary made me very sad and disappointed, but I was already that from witnessing the harassment of Adam Goodes as it occurred. Is there a Christian response to this? Colossians 3: 8 point us in the right direction: ‘But now you must get rid of all such things – anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.

Do not lie to one another ’. Jesus also reminds us to ‘do to others as you would have them do to you’ (Luke 6: 31). There is such a thing as common decency and respect, and it has its place in public and private life. Christians can, and should, lead the way in this (we can do so much better at this within the Christian Church, as well).

being abusive and engaging in deceit.

‘Freedom of Religion’ and ‘Freedom of Speech’ do not mean the freedom to abuse, slander, and degrade someone else based on their race, gender, or sexuality. We as Australian people are much better than that. Common decency and respect needs to find its way into public life, including our sporting life. Perhaps, those of us who love the game can remind our football communities of the time honoured values of fair play and good sporting conduct for players and spectators alike.

Our own church congregations can act as role models to the wider community of what respectful inclusiveness might look like.

We can remind the world around us that there is a much better way than

St Barnabas College Welcomes New Principal

by Anthony Bondarenko On Wednesday 21st of August 2019, Archbishop Geoffrey Smith announced that The Rev’d Dr Cathy Thomson would be taking over from The Rev’d Dr Don Owers as Principal of St Barnabas College (SBC).

The Archbishop wrote, “I am very pleased to let you know that The Rev’d Dr Cathy Thomson has been appointed to be the next Principal of St Barnabas College. Cathy has been serving as Academic Dean of the College and will take over from The Rev’d Dr Don Owers in December this year.

Cathy was ordained in Adelaide and was Parish Priest of Payneham and Archdeacon of the Para before going to Brisbane in 2006 to be the Rector of the Parish of St Lucia. From 2013 Cathy served as Director of Formation, Lecturer in Theology and finally Academic Dean at St Francis College in Brisbane. Cathy’s doctorate focussed on Karl Barth’s doctrine of salvation, especially focussing on those aspects of Barth’s writing that are amenable to a postmodern reading.

Cathy is committed to furthering the development of generous orthodoxy

in the life of the College and seeing the College fulfil its substantial part in Vision 2022.”

The current Principal, The Rev’d Dr Don Owers, praised Cathy’s appointment, saying “I am very pleased with this appointment, Cathy is a highly capable person who has a great vision for the College and for the theological and ministry training throughout the diocese and the province.”

Asked to comment, Cathy said “it’s a very great honour to have been offered the position of Principal of St Barnabas College from the end of 2019. It has always been my passion to work in academic theological study and ministry formation, both of which are important elements in the training of clergy who are well-informed in the faith, pastorally skilled and astute in discerning the many interfaces between faith and life; Church and world. Further, as St Barnabas is challenged by Vision 2022 to move into faith formation, discipleship, and Christian leadership for lay people, there opens up a whole educational area of challenge and opportunity for the College to embrace with gusto!

I look forward to working with the excellent team of staff and lecturers at SBC, and to collaborating with the Archbishop, the Diocese and its agencies as we all seek to live out of a renewed vision.”

Please join us in congratulating Cathy!

Photograph: Rev’d Dr Cathy Thomson

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COMMUNITY

Photograph: Bishop Tim Harris, Dr Helen Donovan, The Right Honourable Sandy Verschoor, Rev’d Peter Sandeman

Anglicare SA’s New $3M Respite Centre Opens in Adelaide CBD For parents Richard and Erja Bithell, AnglicareSA’s new short stay disability accommodation service on South Terrace in the city will provide vital respite care and support for their adult son Scott.

The service, which officially opens today, offers tailored on-site support from experienced staff, with highquality short stay accommodation for up to 10 adults at a time.

Richard, whose adult son is a nonverbal and a complex epileptic who experiences daily seizures, said having this standard of care available will make a huge difference to his son and his family.

“We’ve been on this journey for 33 years – to know our son is receiving such a high level of care from people we know and trust means everything to us,” he said.

appropriatelyskilled staff with the compassion and trust to look after his son.

“When Scott goes into a seizure we need people that are experienced to administer emergency care, or else he could lose his life,” he said.

“For anyone to leave their child in the care of others [and with a disabled child it’s even harder because they’re so dependent] you need a degree of comfort and ease with the organisation, and we certainly have that with AnglicareSA.” AnglicareSA CEO Peter Sandeman said the site’s location is ideal for all Adelaideans, especially city-dwelling families and those who work or regularly spend time in and around the CBD.

“It not only enables opportunities for Scott to improve his social skills and interactions, but also provides important respite for my wife and myself.”

Through careful design, charming presentation, accessibility, and builtin safety and security measures, he said AnglicareSA’s newest safe haven ensures peace of mind for families and carers.

While Richard believes having a stable and secure ‘four walls’ and a nice environment are important, he said it is fundamental that there are

“We’ve invested nearly $3 million towards carefully and thoughtfully creating this ‘home away from home’ for our clients,” he said.

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“Our desire is to make the 60 regular clients who will access this service as comfortable as possible, and for their loved ones to know that they’re safe, stable and happy.”

“While it’s a contemporary, light-filled and homely environment, the most valuable asset is our staff who are dedicated and compassionate and really care for those who are most vulnerable.”

Out of the Disability Royal Commission, which kicked off in April, Richard hopes to see an increase in support for families and carers in accessing trusted and tailored services and sites like this.

“There’s a huge concern when you release a vulnerable child or person from your care – at the very best you want them to be warm, comfortable and safe and have a degree of confidence in the organisations that are looking after them,” he said.

“Whatever the Royal Commission finds, I hope it establishes clear guidelines for society on how we care for and treat those in the community living with disability.”

COMMUNITY

St Barnabas College Library Extends Borrowing to Clergy

by Anthony Bondarenko

Photograph: Rev’d David Brown

St Barnabas College (SBC) places huge emphasis on supporting the clergy of the Province in their challenging role in various ministry settings and to this end the SBC Library has recently extended free borrowing rights to all ordained Anglican clergy.

Currently the library has approximately 18,000 items in the collection, with the number growing every week. You can borrow books on a wide array of subject areas. The librarian, Katrina Dal Lago, is often impressed by the diversity and extent of the library’s collection.

“It’s wonderful!” states Katrina, “we have books ranging in subjects from philosophy to Australian history. It would be lovely to see more people coming in to use these resources.”

Some of the subject areas include: • Old and New Testament commentaries, as well as historical surveys of the 1st century context • Anglicanism, the Lectionary cycle and Biblical preaching • Instructions and expositions on prayer, the contemplative life and spirituality • Pastoral care • Christian leadership • Christian ethics • World religions and interfaith dialogue • Biblical language guides and grammars • Literature and art • Church history This broad collection is useful because

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reading widely and broadly is important in helping all professional people to remain relevant, educated, dynamic and resourceful. The Rev’d Dr David Williams, formerly Deputy Principal at Ridley College, Melbourne, touches upon this in his essay The Preparation for Preaching. David observes: “Ongoing reading must take a high priority for me. I am not wasting the parish’s money if I spend regular time reading in my study. My own personal goal in parish work was to read one book a week (though I’m not sure I quite achieved my ambition) from Australian history and novels, biography, sociology, to straight biblical studies. I will read widely in an attempt to understand my world, my people, myself. And at the same time, I will always be working through a significant commentary on a book of the Bible.”(published in Please!

No More Boring Sermons by Keith Weller) Buying books can be expensive and borrowing from the library may prove a useful solution. We asked some clergy who are active borrowers in the library to describe what their experience has been with the SBC library: “One of the many benefits of working at St Peter’s Cathedral has been my close proximity to St Barnabas College and its fabulous library. Despite having two large bookcases of theology books at home, I frequently duck across the road to research for my sermons or borrow

books of interest to me. Our new librarian Katrina is incredibly proactive in keeping one step ahead of lenders. She recently showed me a new section of Lectionary based preaching resources for example. On another occasion I commented that I could only find one book in the library on “heaven”. When I searched again some weeks later, there were at least a dozen on “heaven” including one very recent edition by Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Paula spoke at the Anglican Schools Conference in August 2019. Katrina will also search the book sale items for topics that may be of interest to visitors. For example, she found me a Greek New Testament while I was studying Koine Greek. On the whole, the library is a very friendly, helpful space and I would encourage all clergy to be regular borrowers. It’s also a great place to work if your office air-conditioning is on the blink.” Rev’d Wendy Morecroft “The library is a great place to work, always quiet with easy access to the books. Katrina is SO helpful as a librarian.

She sat me down at the computer one day and went through various processes in relation to accessing on-line material.

What I do know is that there are plenty of great commentaries available as preaching resource” Rev’d Grant Moore If you would like to join, or find out more about the library, contact Katrina by email kdlago@sbc.edu.au.

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COMMUNITY

LOCAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Two New Websites On The Way for Anglican Church Centre The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide and Anglican Funds SA are preparing to launch new websites simultaneously in November 2019.

The new sites will display a refreshed and modern aesthetic but, more importantly, will provide a simplified user experience with a vastly improved search and navigation function. The benefit of this is that it will give easier access to the vast wealth of information contained within the sites, but which has been historically difficult to recover.

Diocesan Office Farewells a Slew of Staff Diocesan Registrar and Secretary of Synod, Amanda Harfield, Deputy Registrar, Dan Harris and volunteer finance team member, Paul Cormack all recently announced they will be concluding their time on Diocesan Office staff.

Amanda will conclude her tenure immediately after the close of the 165th annual session of the Synod to be held from October 18 to 20, to take up a role with the State Government.

The project to update the website came about in part as a result of the 2018 Diocesan Communications survey. The survey suggested many were dissatisfied with the current iteration of the diocesan website

News of her resignation was circulated in an email from Bishop Tim Harris in which he passed on “every good wish for her future endeavours”, while noting the “significant changes (Amanda has made) to the way we operate”, and commenting that, “the Diocese is well positioned to move forward to the future.”

ARPA Aims to Provide Message of Hope

can play in reducing racist responses to refugees and migrants, encouraging those in attendance to use their voice as communicators in a way that reflects Christ’s love.

Members of the Australasian Religious Press Association gathered in Christchurch for their annual conference from 6 – 8 September 2019.

This year’s conference theme was A Hope Filled Response in a Time of Disaster and Recovery, which challenged delegates to consider how they might communicate during moments of catastrophe.

Guardian was again recognised by the association during the awards dinner, receiving ‘bronze’ in the category of Best Original Photography with the judges’ comment noting that the submitted image was a show of “creativity and technical ability at its finest”.

Dan will work through to the end of 2019 after which point, he will follow a calling to establish a permaculture garden in his community to provide a glimpse of the abundance of God’s Kingdom.

Dan will continue to serve in his role as Manager of the Parish of Gawler until the Parish’s next Annual Vestry Meeting.

Paul, who has worked in finance for several years, wrote to staff following an extended overseas holiday saying, “it feels like the right time to close this chapter of my life.”

All three have been immensely valuable and much liked individuals amongst the other Diocesan Office staff and will be missed as the search for their replacements begins.

Press Service International (PSI) was the winner of the prestigious Gutenberg Award (named after Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the movable type printing press). ARPA President Peter Bentley praised PSI for “provid(ing) a range of viewpoints about everyday life and the ethical and theological issues of the day, and another voice in the public Christianity arena in Australia and New Zealand.”

Locally based speakers including film-maker Gerard Smyth and author Debbie Roome discussed their experiences of the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and the March 15 mosque attacks, explaining how careful communications via their chosen mediums helped to bring about healing to those affected by the tragic events.

Artist Julanne Clarke-Morris shed light on the unique role that Christian media PHOTO: Julanne Clarke-Morris (standing) facilitates a group discussion at the 2019 ARPA Conference

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COMMUNITY

Mens Group Pushes to Launch Church into CYBERSPACE! A group of men from St Elizabeth’s Warradale have been gathering for more than a decade to discuss the big issues of the day. Conversation typically takes place in an informal setting, over a glass of wine, while topics span the expanse of the social, religious and ethical spectrum.

However, the group, five of whom are over seventy years of age, explain that they often find themselves coming back to the question of “why are there not more people joining Christian church congregations?”

Group spokesperson, Bob Hancock figures that part of the issue might lie in the church’s reluctance to fully embrace new and emerging communications platforms, “Apart from Easter and Christmas messages in the local press, most other publicity about ‘the church’ today is generated by others and is mostly of a negative persuasion.”

“Social media is already an integral part of daily life for most Australians by way of TV, computers, mobile phones and tablets. It is widely anticipated that all of these, and more, will soon be bundled into one integrated communications package that will be the world-wide “go to” interactive communications / information delivery system.”

For this reason, Bob and the group are urging church leaders to take charge in building the Adelaide Diocese’s online presence, “‘The church’ is challenged to fully embrace the opportunities this social revolution presents for developing a new style of ministry that can keep pace with that of the fastmoving modern world. Our groups objective is to see these opportunities recognised and actioned by our Diocese as a fully supported and resourced ‘work in progress’.”

“Our ultimate vision must be for the Diocese (and all Dioceses and all

denominations) to develop a modern style of ministry that can keep pace with the fast-moving world in which we live.”

Further abroad, there is a lot of thought going into how the church can make better use of its resources online.

In July, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby recently implemented a set of social media guidelines, which aim to help the church engage more effectively in the digital space.

For those wanting to delve a little deeper, Bishop Denise Ferguson has recommended Keith Anderson’s book The Digital Cathedral: Networked Ministry in a Wireless World as a good place to start. The book bills itself as a resource for communities seeking “to effectively minister in a digitallyintegrated world, and who wish to embody the networked, relational, and incarnational characteristics of that ministry.”

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COMMUNITY

New Professional Standards Director Diocesan Office recently announced the appointment of Mr Raffaele Angelino to the position of Professional Standards Director.

Raffaele brings with him a wealth of experience having practiced as a Solicitor from 2005 until 2007, before working as a Parliamentary Assistant and Research and Liaison Officer for a Member of Parliament from 2007-2019. He also served as Ward Councillor in the City of Charles Sturt from 2006-2010.

Speaking to Guardian, Raffaele explained what drew him to the job, “Being a man of faith, it was an opportunity for me to explore and further my legal and administrative background, and to tie them together for the benefit of the Anglican community as a whole.”

“I believe that the role of PS Director is important as it encompasses the past, present and future of our Church. It is instrumental in accepting and atoning for past mistakes, dealing with present day issues in a transparent and proactive manner, and providing a solid framework for the future where all complainants are heard and treated equally and fairly.

Though it’s not all work for the father of two, who is certain to keep his work/life balance in check with plenty on the homefront keeping him busy, “As a husband and father of two young children, my family is everything to me and I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible. I also enjoy reading (mainly history and historical biographies), cooking, exercising and watching my teams in the AFL and Italian football league, namely Port Adelaide FC and Torino FC respectively.”

St Bede’s Celebrates 140 Years in Semaphore

by Colin Lehmann The first worship services were held in the Anglican Church at Semaphore on Palm Sunday, 6 April 1879 at 11 am and 6 pm. By May 1878 the numbers of people living on Lefevre’s Peninsula had grown to such an extent that it was decided that a Church of England needed to be built to provide for those living on the other side of the Port River from St Paul’s.

difficult and growth years.

A meeting was held on Friday, 10 May 1878 in the schoolroom of the Misses Brunskill. From Whitsunday, 9 June 1878 Sunday services were held at Mr Ransford’s Room, conducted by a Canon Farr, Mr E.G. Blackmore, Archdeacon Marryatt, and the Reverend William Hey Sharp.

About 150 people attended the Festive Eucharist, including some of the many people who had sung in the choir or been baptised, confirmed, married or farewelled loved ones in this church but no longer live in the area. Our preacher for this St Bede’s Day was the Bishop of Ballarat, The Right Reverend Garry Weatherill, who was Rector of St Bede’s 1991–1997.

A committee was formed to canvas funds, select a site and build a church which never indulged in procrastination.

The foundation stone was laid by Lady Jervois in October 1878 and within months the church built on Mounster’s allotment on Military Road opened for Divine Service. Within five years the church needed to be extended and in the 1890s the transepts, chancel and organ chamber were added, with a corrugated iron and timber sanctuary and vestry. These were replaced with stone in 1928, with the sanctuary dedicated to all those who died in World War I. The honour board records that about 200 young men and women of the parish served in the 1914-1919 war and more than 30 did not come home.

The church of St Bede has sustained the people of Semaphore through both

The liturgical anniversary of 140 years of Anglican worship at St Bede’s was marked with the visit of Archbishop Geoffrey to lead us in worship on Palm Sunday this year. The Patronal Festival celebrated on 26 May 2019, focussed on thanksgiving for 140 years of service to the Semaphore community.

We were delighted that His Excellency the Governor Mr Hieu Van Le came as our Guest Speaker, and our local State Parliament member Dr. Susan Close and Port Adelaide Enfield Councillors members attended. We welcomed former rectors and their descendants, including the Mayor of Unley Council, Mr Michael Hewitson. Members of the Victoriana Society attended in costume.

There was a display of baptism and wedding photos and gowns and after the service people enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the church and had the opportunity for a guided tour.

Ninety people enjoyed luncheon in the hall afterwards, enabling past and present parishioners to mix, renew acquaintances, and talk about their memories of their time with St Bede’s.

Photograph: Bishop Garry Weatherill (Ballarat) preached at the 140 year celebration

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COMMUNITY Photograph: Archbishop of Cantebury Justin Welby

Archbishop Welby expresses vision for Anglican Communion at East Asian Anglican meeting [ACNS, by staff writer] Anglican Primates, bishops, clergy and laity from provinces in East Asia today heard the Archbishop of Canterbury give a powerful vision for the ministry of the Anglican Communion. Archbishop Justin Welby made the comments during an address at the triennial Full Assembly meeting of the Council of the Church in East Asia (CCEA), which is taking place in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. In his address, Archbishop Justin spoke of the potential and capacity of the Anglican Communion to work for transformation in the world.

The CCEA brings together Anglican churches in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam; as well as Australia and Japan.

At the opening Eucharist service, the host Primate, Archbishop Moon Hing - Bishop of West Malaysia, Archbishop of South East Asia, and Chairman of CCEA spoke about the growth CCEA’s member churches.

During the conference, Archbishop Justin Welby preached at a the Thanksgiving Service, at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu; and also gave keynote addresses to conference delegates on the nature of the Anglican

Communion and the opportunities provided by the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops, which will take place in Canterbury, England, in 2020.

“Think for a second, about this incredible thing, the Anglican Communion,” he said. “Just remember: 165 countries, nearly 1,000 dioceses, goodness knows how many parish churches, local churches. How near to full capacity are we working at? How close are we as a Communion to doing

Foundation can actually be accessed by local people in areas that need them most.

Archbishop Justin welcomed the way Anglican Churches in East Asia work closely together. “What can’t we do as Anglicans in the Lord by the power of the Spirit?,” he asked. “Is there any limit?

“My vision for the Anglican Communion is that we are... full of love for one another. Caught up with the power of Christ, and changing, transforming, the world around us in the power of Christ.

“With the Bible in one hand and with whatever people need locally in the other - reconciling, healing, strengthening, teaching - doing all the things we know we can do.”

Photograph:Bishop Moon Hing

all that God wants us to do? He has given us this beautiful, beautiful diverse gathering of people.”

He went on to talk about a collaboration between the global Anglican mission agency the Mothers’ Union with the Gates Foundation. With a membership of five million members, the Mothers’ Union has been able to activate an important distribution network ensuring that much needed medicines funded by the Gates

The Archbishop urged everyone to continue to “dream of doing it together, as brothers and sisters in Christ”.

This afternoon (4 October), CCEA delegates elected the Prime Bishop of the Philippines, Joel Pachao, to be their new chairman, to succeed Archbishop Moon Hing who is stepping down as Primate of South East Asia in February 2020; and as Bishop of West Malaysia in November 2020.

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