ACNA Dioceses Continue to Grow
Posted on November 14, 2026
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For anyone following happenings in the (Gafcon-aligned) Anglican Church in North America, this interview may be of interest.
Anglican Unscripted’s Kevin Kallsen speaks with journalist Jeff Walton of Juicy Ecumenism.
Spouses, Sit Together at Church
Posted on November 14, 2026
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Stephen McAlpine responds to an earlier article at The Gospel Coalition Australia. To their credit, TGCA has also published this response –
“I like a lot of what TGCA publishes, but I’m not sure about the premise of Dave Moore’s recent article on couples not sitting together in church. The headline is click-baity (’provocative’ as a recent TGCA editorial note on the article puts it), so there’s that. But more significantly, I’ve had private messages from everyday Christians who read the article and said ‘that’s weird’. Perhaps it’s not all weird, but I still don’t think in these times Moore’s advice is what I would commend. While the article is good for conversation, I’ve noticed in online discussions that it’s either being defended quite vociferously, or pointed out as weird. The truth probably lands somewhere in the middle.
Here are my responses to the article, in the form of various thoughts in no particular order. …”
– Read it here.
St Matthew’s Wanniassa celebrates 50 years
Posted on November 13, 2026
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Late last month St Matthew’s Wanniassa, in Canberra’s Tuggeranong Valley, celebrated 50 years since its founding in 1976.
Current Rector, Josh Kuswadi, writes –
“Give thanks to God for his faithfulness to his people at St Matt’s over the past 50 years!
On Saturday 24 October a Community Open Day welcomed many people to join our party, and it was all free. There was live music, face painting, kids’ activities, BBQ lunch, showbags, old photo albums and interviews with previous rectors and long-term members.
People who were part of the church’s founding in 1976 were there. Others retold the story of cleaning bricks from an old government building to build Stage 1 of the building. Previous rectors and their wives, Rick and Janene Lewers, and Trevor and Ruth Edwards were interviewed. People who have moved on to other churches dropped in to see the completed Stage 3 building renovations (2024). Newcomers to Canberra looking for a church came by.
Most excitingly, people with no connection to a Christian community saw the advertising on social media and roadside corflutes and came along to enjoy their Saturday. …”
Read it all in the latest edition of Canberra & Goulburn’s Anglican News (page 28-29).
7.5MB PDF file. Online Flipbook.
From the above photo:
Closest to camera: John Mason (founding Rector, 1976-1984), Joshua Kuswadi (2026-), Ian Powell (2014–2025), Rick Lewers (1994–2002) and Trevor Edwards (2003–2009).
From the church website:
“138 years after Edward Smith began his ministry in the Wanniassa area, another young man (John Mason), also in his 33rd year, moved to the area. In the wake of the explosive growth of Canberra during the Whitlam years, a number of opportunities opened up for ministry in the city. John and Judith commenced ministry in the latter part of 1976. …”
A great reminder to continue to pray for the preaching of Christ and the salvation of many in Canberra.
Catherine Hamlin Park dedicated
Posted on November 13, 2026
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From the latest Hamlin Fistula Australia newsletter (Christmas 2026, page 4) –
“When Dr Catherine Hamlin was a child, she lived in a large home with a beautiful garden in the Ryde area of Sydney.
The memories of that idyllic garden went with her to Ethiopia where she planted a beautiful garden at her own home in Addis Ababa. Walking in that garden, often accompanied by her friend Mamitu was one of the great joys of her life.
Now, the City of Ryde has built Catherine Hamlin Park, a $10.4 million project in the heart of Macquarie Park. It was officially opened on 19 October 2026, providing a much- needed oasis in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing precincts. …”
– Download the PDF file here, from the Hamlin Fistula Australia website.
Who was Dr Catherine Hamlin (1924–2020)?
Russell Powell wrote this tribute at SydneyAnglicans.net in March 2020 –
“World-renowned Christian obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Catherine Hamlin AC has passed away at her home in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the age of 96.
Dr Hamlin, together with her husband, the late Dr Reg Hamlin OBE, created a network of treatment centres for women suffering from obstetric fistula. The crippling condition results from complications in childbirth and leads to social isolation in poor African communities. …”
– “A woman of profound faith who has left an indelible mark upon modern medicine”
See also:
Catherine Hamlin Park – John Holland Group.
New Ryde park named after inspirational local doctor – City of Ryde.
Growing women’s Bible studies: An interview with Vic Colgan
Posted on November 12, 2026
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The Australian Church Record speaks with Vic Coogan, married to Phil, and serving at St. George North Anglican Church –
“When Phil became an assistant minister at SNAC back in 2004 there was a need for a leader for a women’s Bible study on a Thursday morning with what was then called LBF (Ladies Bible Fellowship). I love God’s word and I love teaching it to other women, so I was excited to be leading a women’s Bible study group. At the time there were two Bible study groups meeting on a Thursday morning with a creche to look after the young children. …”
Politics and the Pulpit
Posted on November 11, 2026
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Wise advice for preachers from David Cook. Some extracts:
“I am writing in October 2026, roughly halfway through the second term of the Albanese Federal Government in Australia.
The Federal election must be held by May 2028 and State elections are due in Victoria in November this year and in NSW in March 2027.
Newspoll, a most accurate polling group, has about 30% supporting the incumbent centre left to left Labor Government, 30% supporting the right wing One Nation and 20% supporting the centre right to right Coalition. …
The singleminded focus of the pulpit must be on the plan of God to call a people who follow Christ and live lives transformed by the Holy Spirit, to be Christlike representatives of the new creation, keeping focused on eternal reality. …
What applies to our sports stars and entertainers to stick to your sport and your art, keep your politics to yourself, applies equally to the pulpit.…
Keep your views of Trump, Albanese, Taylor, the Greens, and Hanson to yourself, it’s all so unnecessarily divisive and entices the attention of the sheep from where our eyes ought to be, firmly fixed on the Lord Jesus.”
– Take the time to read it all – at The Expository Preaching Trust.
(emphasis added)
Related:
1 Timothy 2:1-4: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – ESV.
Bishop J. C. Ryle on Christian Zeal – at Monergism.
Image: David at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.
When Trauma Comes to Church — What Pastors Get Wrong and How to Care Well
Posted on November 11, 2026
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From The Pastor’s Heart this week –
“When trauma comes to church, how should pastors respond? And what happens when our well-intentioned pastoral care actually makes things worse?
How should pastors care for people whose lives are overwhelmed by suffering?
What do we say when someone asks, ‘Where was God when this happened?’ When is it right to speak of hope, and when might even that be too much?
What happens when someone’s trauma leads them to hurt other people? How do we take their suffering seriously without excusing behaviour?
We talk about lament, shame, the temptation to rush in with answers and what it means to rebuild.
Darby Strickland is a biblical counsellor with the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation and author of When It’s Trauma.”
Related:
Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (USA)
Remembrance Day 11 November — Last minute resources
Posted on November 10, 2026
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Seeking to do something appropriate for Remembrance Day?
Defence Anglicans has some resources which may be helpful.
For your prayers: Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola
Posted on November 10, 2026
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From Moore College:
“The Anglican Church of Mozambique and Angola (Igreja Anglicana Moçambique é Angola) is an Anglican Province formed in 2021. Despite not being connected by land, both Mozambique and Angola are Portuguese speaking – this makes sense as to why two countries on opposite coasts of Africa would join together as a Province. …”
– Read more at the College website.
Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide?
Posted on November 10, 2026
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From Phillip Jensen:
“Some topics are such a universal way of thinking that it is surprising to see how rarely they are mentioned in the Bible. Conscience is such a topic that is critical to our behaviour and mustn’t be undermined, yet the Bible’s teaching on conscience is more connected to its education than its slavish following. This is a tricky subject to explore.”
– Hear Phillip and Peter Jensen discuss, at Two Ways News.
Positive biblical theology
Posted on November 9, 2026
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Moore College’s Dr Jack Day shares the importance of biblical theology –
“As I have started out as a member of the Moore College faculty this year, one of my great joys has been taking responsibility for teaching our first-year biblical theology course.
Many readers will no doubt be aware that, over the past seven decades or so, the discipline of biblical theology has had a prominent place in the life of Moore College, the Diocese of Sydney, and in Australian evangelical Christianity more broadly.
The term ‘biblical theology’ can be used in a variety of ways, but for the purposes of this article I am referring to a way of reading the Bible that is concerned with how it all fits together as a united whole. …”
– At SydneyAnglicans.net.
A New Season for Bishop Donison
Posted on November 8, 2026
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From Archbishop Dr Laurent Mbanda:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With gratitude to God for His faithfulness and appreciation for his dedicated service, I wish to communicate that the Rt Revd Paul Donison has concluded his service as General Secretary of the Global Anglican Communion, following his election as Bishop of the Diocese of Western Gulf Coast in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).
Following prayerful consideration and consultation, Bishop Paul discerned a call to this new ministry, and we rejoice with him in his election.
This new responsibility will also involve bringing the Diocese of Western Gulf Coast together with the Great Plains Missionary District, an important undertaking that will require his focused leadership, energy and commitment, particularly in advancing the work of church planting and gospel formation.
On behalf of the Global Anglican family, I wish to express our deep appreciation for Bishop Paul’s faithful and committed service over the past three years.
His contribution to strengthening our global fellowship, advancing the vision of the Jerusalem Declaration, and championing biblical Anglicanism across the continents has been significant and greatly valued.
Having worked closely with Bishop Paul over these past three years, I also wish to express my personal appreciation for his friendship, partnership and dedicated service. I will personally miss his presence and close collaboration in the office of General Secretary.
We have shared important moments, challenges and opportunities in serving our global Anglican family, and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and wisdom he has brought to this work.
Bishop Paul has affirmed his continuing commitment to GAFCON and the wider Global Anglican family.
His transition from the office of General Secretary should therefore not be understood as a departure from the vision, convictions or fellowship we share, but rather as a new opportunity to serve the same gospel mission in a different sphere of ministry.
As we mark this transition, let us give thanks for his service, celebrate what God has accomplished through him, and pray for His continued grace and blessing upon Bishop Paul, his wife and family, and the people he is now called to serve in this new responsibility.
Our intention is to leave the position of General Secretary vacant until the next regular cycle of GAFCON leadership appointments at GAFCON V in April 2028. This will provide continuity and stability as we prepare for the Assembly, allowing us to maintain our present direction and priorities and build on the momentum already established.
During this period, the responsibilities of the General Secretary will be carried forward collectively by our existing leadership and Secretariat.
This shared approach will ensure that the work of the Communion continues with strength, unity and purpose as we move towards GAFCON V.
May the Lord continue to strengthen us in our common calling, keep us united in the truth of His Word, and advance His mission through our shared commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ,
The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda
Chairman, Global Anglican Council
8 November 2026
– Source.
I regret to inform you that Heaven Tourism is back
Posted on November 8, 2026
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Tim Challies again sounds a warning on “heaven tourism” –
“I regret to inform you, dear reader, that heaven tourism is back. The genre possibly never went away entirely, but it did at least disappear from the bestseller lists for several years. Sadly, it has returned in Gabe Poirot’s 18 Days in Heaven, which was one of the bestselling Christian books last month and even made its way to the New York Times list of bestsellers—a feat most authors can only dream of. Out of sheer magnanimity (and perhaps a morbid sense of curiosity), I read it so you don’t have to.
Before I tell you what it’s all about, here’s a brief history of heaven tourism. Don Piper kicked off the genre in 2004 with 90 Minutes in Heaven, and it proved a surprise hit that quickly dominated the sales charts, eventually tallying upwards of 8 million copies sold. Todd Burpo’s Heaven Is for Real followed in 2010 with over 10 million copies sold. That same year brought Kevin and Alex Malarkey’s The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, which sold more than a million copies before Alex recanted his story and the publisher pulled it. …”
– You may never feel tempted to read any of these books, but you can expect that at least some people in your church will, so be prepared.
Sydney Synod hears of conversion growth
Posted on November 7, 2026
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From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net –
“Brimming with enthusiasm, the Rev Canon Craig Roberts presented the first annual report to Synod from the committee formed last year to track conversion growth in parishes across the Diocese and note any observable patterns from which all churches could learn.
He reminded those present that the Five-Year Focus Monitoring Committee was formed in response to ‘an observed decline in church attendance since 2013’, adding ‘This report has come directly out of the Archbishop’s presidential call and our Synod’s resolve to have a five-year special focus on seeking to grow our churches by five per cent a year through conversion growth.’
The first year’s data shows…”
– Read it all here. (Photo: Darwin Cathedral.)
Archbishop of York completes visit to Australia
Posted on November 7, 2026
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From the Archbishop of York’s website –
“The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, recently visited Australia and Hong Kong, where he encouraged Anglican churches, schools and communities in their shared mission of proclaiming the gospel.
His visit began in Western Australia at the invitation of Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO. At the opening Eucharist of the Diocese of Perth’s 52nd Synod at St George’s Cathedral, Archbishop Stephen preached and joined clergy and lay representatives gathered from across the diocese. The service included a Welcome to Country from Barry Winmar and a Gospel procession led by the Boodjar Bidi Performance Group. During the Synod, the Archbishop was formally invited to address members, sharing greetings from the Church of England and affirming Archbishop Kay’s vision and leadership. …
Archbishop Stephen also spent time in Brisbane, where he joined Archbishop Jeremy Greaves in preaching and engaging with clergy from across the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland …”
Image credit: Allan Brady.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…