Aussie Anglicans endorse worldwide million church plant plan

Posted on August 13, 2026 
Filed under Anglican Church of Australia, Evangelism Comments Off on Aussie Anglicans endorse worldwide million church plant plan

John Sandeman reports from General Synod in Melbourne –

“Archbishop Ric Thorpe of Melbourne used his first-ever speech at General Synod (the Anglican Church’s national parliament) to endorse an ambitious goal of a million church plants by 2036 that was presented at the Anglican Consultative Council last month.

His speech contained inspiring stories of evangelism and church planting in places that may have surprised his hearers.

The General Synod signed on to Vision36. …”

– John has the full text of Archbishop Thorpe’s speech.

And John has another report from General Synod –

Anglicans to Albanese: Get rid of gambling ads and inducements

“The Anglican General Synod (the Church Parliament) has passed a strongly worded motion, without any opposing vote, urging the Federal government to go all the way and implement all the reforms that Peta Murphy, the late member for Dunkley, campaigned for.

Here is how mover of the motion, Dean Sandy Grant of Sydney, responded to the recent federal parliamentary inquiry: ‘The [Sydney] Synod has – on multiple occasions – expressed unanimous support for the full implementation of the 31 recommendations of the “Murphy Inquiry”, I am confident my views represent fairly the views of the vast majority of Sydney Anglicans in over 250 parishes in and around Sydney.’ Grant can now update this with the news that the national church, at the general synod has taken the same stand …”

Photo of Archbishop Thorpe from a Diocese of Melbourne video.

Preaching Politics

Posted on August 13, 2026 
Filed under Culture wars Comments Off on Preaching Politics

At AP, the Presbyterian journal, David Robertson addresses a challenge faced by preachers –

“The lady was quite insistent on speaking to me. She wanted to tell me what was wrong with my sermon. ‘I was going along fine until you brought politics into it, and then I switched off.’ ‘What politics did I bring?’ ‘When you started speaking about gender issues.’

We had been looking at Psalm 12 and talking about how there is no one who speaks truth, and how in today’s society we are increasingly living by lies. As well as mentioning the lies told in the church, I’d spoken of the lies told in the society, and given five examples of each. One of these is the lie that you can change gender, and that gender is mutable, purely a social construct. I referenced the upcoming census in which that is taught, but it is a lie, and it is a harmful lie.

Was I bringing politics into the pulpit? And should I have avoided doing so? There is a real difficulty here. The world has changed. …”

– Read it all here.

Written on Our Hearts — a new book from Phillip Jensen

Posted on August 13, 2026 
Filed under Resources, Theology Comments Off on Written on Our Hearts — a new book from Phillip Jensen

Phillip Jensen has a new book out – Written on Our Hearts – The Ten Commandments and the radical life of grace.

From the publisher’s description:

“Few pieces of writing, if any, have shaped our world in the way that the Ten Commandments have. Thousands of years after God first gave them to Moses and Israel, they remain one of the most discussed and most memorized texts in history.

But are they revered? Are they obeyed? Are they loved? Even those who know the commandments well may struggle to see how they apply to Christians living “not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14). How and why would a follower of Jesus today share the words of the psalmist: “Oh how I love your law” (Ps 119:97)?

In Written on Our Hearts, longtime pastor and preacher Phillip Jensen takes readers into the mind of the eternal, unchanging God who authored the commandments. Jensen shows that the commandments are not only relevant for today’s world, but also central to the transformation of mind, heart and life that God desires for his people.

Here is a radical vision of grace-filled living that delights in the law of the Lord and does good to all people.”

Published by Matthias Media, it’s available through their website.

Anglicans struggle with proposals tackling non-viable dioceses, but maybe you can share a bishop

Posted on August 12, 2026 
Filed under Anglican Church of Australia Comments Off on Anglicans struggle with proposals tackling non-viable dioceses, but maybe you can share a bishop

John Sandeman reports on the discussions at General Synod –

“What happens when a diocese (church region) is not viable? The Australian Anglican General Synod meeting in Melbourne has spent several sessions seeking a solution.

The long-running and vexed issue of some rural and regional dioceses (regions) of the Anglican Church of Australia no longer being viable, due in part to the shift in population to the coast, globalisation and redress debts rising from sexual abuse cases, has been a feature of several General Synods dating back more than a decade. Many delegates described it as getting worse each time it has been debated. Some dioceses have been described as one or two redress cases away from running out of money. There has been no suggestion of avoiding paying these debts.

However, this synod’s debate has transcended the evangelical/progressive divide with delegates of all flavours contributing positively to the complex discussion.…”

– At The Other Cheek.

In it to win it—or quit now? with Andrew Atherstone

Posted on August 12, 2026 
Filed under Church of England, for your prayers, Opinion Comments Off on In it to win it—or quit now? with Andrew Atherstone

From The Pastor’s Heart –

“For evangelical Christians in the Church of England, the question of whether to stay, resist, or leave is a live crisis.

If you’re deciding whether to head into C of E ministry or carve out a path in independence, or if you’re a pastor navigating a “mixed denomination,” how do you maintain gospel integrity when institutional leadership turns away from historic orthodoxy?

Church historian Dr. Andrew Atherstone (Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) to look back at six decades of evangelical oral history—and what it teaches us about our current crossroads.

We cover:

Dr Atherstone has been presenting on this at Sydney’s Moore College Lectures.”

– Watch or listen here.

More to come next week!

Related:

The Thirty Nine Articles.

2026 Annual Moore College Lectures Recap – Peter Orr interviews Andrew Atherstone

Posted on August 11, 2026 
Filed under Moore College Comments Off on 2026 Annual Moore College Lectures Recap – Peter Orr interviews Andrew Atherstone

From Moore Theological College –

“Professor Andrew Atherstone joins Dr Peter Orr to reflect on the 2026 Annual Moore College Lectures, discussing evangelicalism within mixed denominations, the relationship between Sydney and UK Anglicanism, theological education, and his hopes for the future of the Church of England

The 2026 lecture recordings will be released in the coming weeks.”

– Watch above or at this link.

Understanding Body Image

Posted on August 11, 2026 
Filed under Resources, Theology Comments Off on Understanding Body Image

From Phillip Jensen –

“Body image today often refers to our perception of our own physical bodies. But Paul used the image of the body 2000 years ago when he spoke of the Body of Christ, and that’s what we need to explore when looking at 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

It is particularly important in today’s controversies that we understand the image of the body.”

– Here Phillip and Peter discuss at Two Ways News.

Ten thousand Rwandan churches shut down

Posted on August 10, 2026 
Filed under Africa, Moore College Comments Off on Ten thousand Rwandan churches shut down

Could this be a good thing? Russell Powell explains at SydneyAnglicans.net –

“The so-called ‘prosperity gospel’ – which promises wealth in return for faith – has long been a problem in Africa but now, in Rwanda, the government has shut 10,000 churches.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced a crackdown last year, saying of the churches, ‘Many are just thieving… some churches are just a den of bandits’. While the government’s intentions may reach beyond the prosperity gospel, in order for churches to open, regulations mandate that preachers must be theologically trained. …

Enter a strategic partnership between African Enterprise, Moore Theological College, and several Sydney rectors…”

– Read it all here.

Photo, and more information: African Enterprise Australasia.

Understanding the Parables

Posted on August 9, 2026 
Filed under Resources Comments Off on Understanding the Parables

From Michael Leong at The Expository Preaching Trust –

“Parables have often superficially been compared to sermon illustrations – both seem to relate spiritual truths to earthly events, using contemporary language and metaphors (e.g., those of agriculture, construction, and human relationships). One member of my congregation shared her definition of a parable as ‘an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.’

It’s too simplistic, however, to say that, ‘Jesus used sermon illustrations when he spoke in parables, therefore we also should use sermon illustrations in our preaching.’

Mark 4:10-20 says that the purpose of parables is very different to our illustrations…”

– and he advertises their Wahroonga Preaching Conference coming up on Monday 7th September, with a focus on understanding and preaching from the parables.

Speakers include David Cook, Chris Edwards, Simon Manchester and Michael Leong.

The Sydney Family Album 6 — Thomas Moore

Posted on August 9, 2026 
Filed under Moore College, People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on The Sydney Family Album 6 — Thomas Moore

In 2011, Mark Thompson, now Principal of Moore College, published a series of posts, entitled “The Sydney Family Album”, for his website, Theological Theology.

We felt they merit wider distribution, so, with Mark’s kind permission, we are re-posting them on the ACL website, at the rate of one a week.

Here’s the sixth in the series, on Thomas Moore.

“When the foundation stone [of St. Luke’s Liverpool] was laid (7th April 1818), Thomas and Rachel were present, as well as Governor Macquarie’s four-year-old son, Lachlan.

Thomas and Rachel had been appointed guardians for young Lachlan, should anything happen to his parents while in the colony.”

Other posts in the The Sydney Family Album series (as we add them) are in our Resources section.

Do pray for General Synod as it meets in Melbourne 9-14 August

Posted on August 8, 2026 
Filed under Anglican Church of Australia, Australian dioceses Comments Off on Do pray for General Synod as it meets in Melbourne 9-14 August

The Nineteenth Session of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia will be held from Sunday 9 August to Friday 14 August 2026 in Melbourne.

“The Session will commence with an Opening Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, at 5.30 pm on Sunday, 9 August.”

Today and tomorrow, General Synod members will be travelling from all around Australia. Please pray for them as they travel and as they meet for this Session.

Via the GAFCON Australia Facebook page, here are some prayer suggestions –

“Please continue praying with us for General Synod for the Anglican Church of Australia, as it kicks off next week (August 9-14) in Melbourne.

Pray that there would be helpful motions and that godly, competent people will be appointed to all General Synod bodies.

Thank God for faithful people who serve as General Synod members and on General Synod bodies currently.

Pray for wise and gospel-focused decisions about how to respond to dioceses that are struggling financially. Pray that ministry will be prioritised over money.”

And you could pray for each of the members by name, asking for the Lord’s blessing, grace and wisdom, and that Christ will be honoured in all discussions and decisions.

Image: The crests of the Australian dioceses, thanks to the Anglican Church of Australia.

Elizabeth Foord — A woman of “irrepressible joy” in the Lord

Posted on August 7, 2026 
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese, Thanksgiving Comments Off on Elizabeth Foord — A woman of “irrepressible joy” in the Lord

From Judy Adamson at SydneyAnglicans.net –

“Small in stature but mighty in faith, Mrs Elizabeth Foord died on July 25 at the age of 97.

A servant of God wherever he placed her, Mrs Foord was known and loved throughout the Diocese and other nations for her love of the Bible, her willingness to talk to anyone about Jesus, her sharp mind and her teaching – both of women, and of groups in partnership with her husband of 55 years, Bishop Dudley Foord. …”

– Read the full tribute here.

Related:

With much thanks for Dudley Foord – September 2013.

Bookings now open for the 2026 ACL Synod Dinner

Posted on August 7, 2026 
Filed under Anglican Church League Comments Off on Bookings now open for the 2026 ACL Synod Dinner

The Anglican Church League invites all members of Sydney Synod to the 2026 ACL Synod Dinner. (Pre-booking essential.)

Monday 14th September, 5:30pm (or when Synod rises)

At Bishop Barry Centre,
51 Druitt Street, Sydney.

Hear The Rev Toby Neal speak on From Plant to Parish – The Joys and the Pains.

Toby Neal is the Lead Pastor at Vine Church in Surry Hills, which began in 2011 with 16 friends and has grown into a vibrant inner-city church.

Dinner bookings are absolutely essential as space is limited.

Please book by Wednesday 9th September by pre-paying $34 via PayPal or Credit Card:

See also –

The Synod Survival Guide by Dr. Robert Tong.

Gafcon Prayer Update: GFCA Trustees

Posted on August 7, 2026 
Filed under for your prayers, GAFCON, Global Anglican Communion Comments Off on Gafcon Prayer Update: GFCA Trustees

Gafcon Prayer Update from a couple of days ago –

“Please give thanks to God for the faithful ministry of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GFCA) Trustees, whose governance and oversight provide the practical foundation that supports the life and work of the Global Anglican Communion. Give thanks for Bishop John Guernsey, the Trustees Chair, and Dr Laurie Scandrett, the Honorary Treasurer, as they provide wise and faithful leadership.

Pray for the Trustees serving from Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Rwanda, the United Kingdom and the United States. Pray that God will grant them wisdom, integrity and unity as they steward the resources entrusted to this global movement and exercise careful oversight of its ministry.

Please pray especially for the Trustees as preparations continue for GAFCON V in Athens in April 2028. Ask God to give them wisdom and discernment as they oversee the many financial and governance decisions already being made, provide every resource that is needed, and establish this significant gathering for the strengthening of his Church and the advance of the gospel.”

– A reminder that Gafcon Prayer updates can be found on their website – and if you use the free PrayerMate app on your phone, you can subscribe to their prayer feed.

Photo: Gafcon.

Sinkholes and Servant Hearts

Posted on August 7, 2026 
Filed under Edification Comments Off on Sinkholes and Servant Hearts

“A man at church is asked to join the set up/pack up team, but he only wants to preach. A woman leaves the music ministry because she can’t be the song leader. A pastor moves to another church where he can do what he wants to do. Small group leaders doing their own thing because they don’t like the direction of the minister. Jealousy that your colleague gets the invitations to speak. Annoyance that another church is encroaching on your patch. Bothered that others get more praise than you do. Frustrated that I don’t get the opportunities or the recognition I deserve.

Do you see glimpses of the green-eyed monster in your heart? …”

– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Dave McDonald has a question for each of us.

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