Turn the cheek for
dignity
Page 3
Volume 108, Number 5
A Covenant to heal All one people under
By Jeanette Severs
THE Primate of the Anglican Church in
Australia was a special guest speaker at the
36th annual Synod of the Anglican Diocese
in Gippsland, held in Drouin parish from
May 13 to 15. The Most Reverend Dr
Phillip Aspinall spoke at the Synod
Eucharist service on May 14 and, later that
morning, spoke about the Covenant current-
ly being debate and discussed in the
Anglican Church. The Anglican
Communion Covenant is reproduced on
pages 4 and 5 of this issue of The Gippsland
Anglican. Study notes and a question and
answer guide are available through the reg-
istry office, the diocesan website and from
General Synod’s website.
In discussing the Covenant, Dr Aspinall
encouraged all Anglicans to become con-
versant with its contents and intent. He
referred to the longstanding office of the
Anglican Church in Australia to debate and
discuss, over time, any changes in legisla-
tion with the intent to listen to each other
and achieve unity in purpose. He referred to
divorce and the ordination of women as two
cases in point, both being a decision that
took many years of discussion and good
intent to achieve agreement and unity in the
national church, from a consciousness and
theological perspective.
Dr Aspinall then stated this same open-
ness to listening and dialogue was needed
as the Anglican Church in Australia and,
indeed, worldwide debated whether people
who are in an openly homosexual relation-
ship should be ordained. He said it was
important, as Australians, to bring our
experiences of reconciliation, respectful lis-
tening and addressing our differences to the
debate.
“The way we conduct ourselves as a
church and in the communion of churches
has an effect on our mission,” he said in his
address to Synod.
“The idea of a Covenant for the Anglican
Communion emerged. Australia has asked
each diocese to consider the Covenant,
keeping in mind three key ideas:
Communion, Dispersed Authority and
Autonomy,” the Anglican Primate said.
In describing Communion, Dr Aspinall
said the foundation of all Christian life and
the church is the reconciliation of all people
to God and with each other, in Christ.
“Anglican churches are a family of com-
munion that share in each other’s life.”
In referring to Dispersed Authority, Dr
Aspinall said the Anglican family of
churches has no centralised authority.
“Authority is shared or dispersed. The dio-
cese has the bishop and synod; a parish has
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priest and parishioners; nationally, the
General Synod or a diocese chooses to
adopt a policy. Internationally, decision
making is even more dispersed because
decisions made by the Archbishop of
the Southern Cross
Canterbury or at Lambeth, for instance, are
not binding or can be imposed on any per-
son, bishop or diocese against their will.”
“However, Autonomy, meaning self gov-
erning churches, does not mean completely
independent,” said Dr Aspinall.
“Rather we are interdependent as our deci-
sions and actions in the family affect other
members of the family.”
Dr Aspinall’s view is that the Covenant
has the ability to help heal and strengthen
divisions within the Church.
“The Covenant offers an Anglicanism that
is more than local and should help us to
deepen our faith and commitment to each
other, should promote courtesy, respect,
love, sharing and bearing each other’s bur-
dens. It will enable us to stay engaged with
other churches. It also does express an
Anglican understanding of authority,” Dr
Aspinall said.
“The Covenant involves a framework and
vehicle for dealing with disputes. The
Covenant does not constitute or invent new
forms of authority, rather it reinforces the
best ways for resolving disputes involving
patient listening, respectful debate and dis-
cerning consensus.” ABOVE: A festival of Aboriginal culture and a flag raising ceremony was held at
Dr Aspinall described the Covenant as a The Abbey of St Barnabas at A’Beckett Park on Tuesday, May 31, during
useful tool for Anglicans to work out who Reconciliation Week, May 27 to June 2. Respected Gunai/Kurnai man, Les
they are. ‘Bluegum’ Cooper raised the Australian, Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait
“The Covenant should help clarify the dif- Islander flags. Mr Cooper was a member of the committee in 1967 to choose the
ferences and similarities between Anglicans design and colors of the Aboriginal flag. Holding the Aboriginal flag (above), Mr
and between Anglicans and other religions Cooper called for a new flag for Australia, a flag that did not encourage division; a
and churches,” he said. flag with only the Southern Cross on it. “We are all one people living in this land,
“Differences and conflict can be negotiat- and we need to live under one flag; we can all live together under the Southern
ed, respecting that we have been reconciled Cross,” he said, describing his vision for unity as Australians. Photo: J. Severs
to God and each other through Christ..”
Dr Aspinall pointed out criticisms have
been raised the Covenant is very legalistic “The Covenant will enable better commu- (Conference 2008) I hope it might have
and controlling. Since then the Covenant nication and commitment to each other. It enabled the Anglican Church to better
has been reworked to encourage discern- outlines our shared heritage and helps us to encompass the views of those who didn’t
ment among decision making. move forward,” Dr Aspinall said to the attend. The Covenant should help us to stay
Other criticisms focus on a risk of creating large crowd of parish representatives at engaged with each other as we seek to
a new centralised authority body with new Synod. He encouraged every member of explore and sort out our differences,” he
powers and that the Covenant tries to sup- Synod to return to their parish and encour- concluded.
press conflict, does not celebrate diversity age other parishioners to study and discuss At the next General Synod of the Anglican
or enable discussion; that signing the the Covenant; then to contact their Bishop Church in Australia, a motion will be put
Covenant will exclude those not prepared to with their concerns and views about the and if it is seconded, the Covenant will be
‘toe the line’; that the Covenant is too Covenant. debated and as a result of the debate, if the
inflexible. “Based on the history of the Australian majority of those present vote in agreement,
Dr Aspinall stated that while there might Anglican church, we can contribute to the the Covenant will be accepted and signed.
have been truth in some of the criticisms, debate to form the Covenant by bringing However, dioceses are able to act independ-
the Covenant had since been reworked sig- our experience of reconciliation and build- ently of each other and the national church.
nificantly and these concerns had been ing respectful relationships. We can help But, he said, the Covenant does enable
addressed. He said the Covenant also reconcile differences within the Church,” Australian Anglicans to more deeply dis-
included mechanisms for amendment over Dr Aspinall said. cern and discuss our differences and simi-
time. “If the Covenant had been in Lambeth larities.
 2 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011 June 2011

Index
Covenant to heal

Primate’s sermon to Synod

1

Covenant as proposed
Activity page for children
Spotlight on aged care
AWA service for women
Cathedral all-inclusive
Cup of tea vital
Help to learn English
MU supports families
President’s charge
Diocesan calendar
Aboriginal trust fund
Call for mediation
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3
All one people in church
IN coming to this diocese, I expressed clearly
4-6 my commitment to be an inclusive church. This
means all are welcome in our church simply be-
7 cause they are God’s children. In an inclusive
church, nothing should prevent anyone from
8 being part of our life and ministry. Gender, race,
ethnicity, sexuality, class, power, wealth or any
9 other possible criterion by which some may
wish to differentiate between people, can never
10 be the basis for determining whether or not a
person will be part of the life and ministry of
11 our church.
I pray everyone who professes faith in Jesus
12 Christ will continue to know they are welcome
in our churches as brothers and sisters in Christ.
13 I pray everyone who does not profess that same
faith will nonetheless experience our churches
14-17 as places of grace, welcome, refuge and nurture.
I place inclusivity as a primary call on the
17 church because I see it to be at the heart of
Jesus’ ministry. He went out of his way specif-
18 ically to include those who others saw as sin-
ners to be excluded. His approach to those who
19 were offended by his inclusivity was to wel-
come them as well, but not on the basis they de-
termine who is not welcome.
20
The only people excluded in Jesus’ scheme of
things are those who exclude themselves be-
cause they do not want to be a part of a com-
munity which includes those they think should
be excluded.
This irony is made clear in the Parable of the
Prodigal Son, better described as the Parable of
the Two Sons. At the end of the story, the father
pleads with the older son to join the party in
which the younger son, whom the older son dis-
approves, is already taking part. A question is
left hanging in the air. Will the older son accept
the gracious invitation or will he reject it be-
cause he wants the younger son to be excluded?
He may exclude himself but the father will not
exclude him, just as he has not excluded the
younger son.
The clue to unravelling the parable is God’s
grace. This is why the church must above all
else be inclusive. The desire to exclude marks a
lack of grace. It is not true to the heart of the
God of grace and it leads tragically to self-ex-
clusion.
To be inclusive as church means, of course,
that people with significant differences of opin-
ion on a whole range of matters are sitting
alongside each other in all kinds of contexts in
our diocese. All I can hope for is that we will be
willing to listen to each other across those dif-
ferences.
For this to happen we must take seriously that
each person of faith is open to the urging of
God’s spirit in her or his life and is trying to live
out what he or she understands it means to be a
child of God. We will not always agree on what
this means, but we can agree to trust each other
to be open to hearing what God is asking of us,
and we can be willing to discuss our differences
with respect and openness.
This side of the fulfilment of the reign of God,
we will continue to see ‘through a glass darkly’
about all manner of things and to disagree on
what it is God is saying to us about a range of
matters. This is simply a reality of our life to-
gether. parable of the two sons.
Yet on one matter of disagreement the inter- Recently, Bishop-in-Council agreed to begin
a listening process in the diocese to hear the sto-
national Anglican Communion seems to want
to deny this reality. Tragically we have isolated ries of homosexual people who are struggling
the issue of human sexuality as a basis for divi- to find their rightful place in the life of the
sion among us right across our Communion. A church. Here is our chance to begin to turn this
large part of the cause of this division is our re- discussion around in the life of our diocese. I
fusal to discuss with grace our disagreements
about the place of homosexual people in the life
encourage everyone to be a part of the listening
process as a sign of our commitment to being
of the church. an inclusive church.
With a patent lack of grace, we have failed to
agree to trust each other as sisters and brothers
in Christ, who are each open to hearing what
God is asking of us. We have determined not to
discuss this matter of difference between us
with respect and openness. We have caused pain
to homosexual people by discussing them as a
topic, rather than simply accepting them as peo-
ple. In short, we have failed to take seriously
what it means to be an inclusive church.
We have answered in the negative the question The Right Reverend John McIntyre
that hangs in the air at the conclusion of the Anglican Bishop of Gippsland

Editor: Mrs Jeanette Severs,

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The Gippsland Anglican

 June 2011 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011 3

Turn the cheek for dignity

FOLLOWING is the sermon spoken at the Gippsland ical battles against armed enemies; not through anger where
Synod Eucharist, by the Most Reverend Phillip Aspinall, justice means nothing more than vengeance. Humility and
Archbishop of Brisbane and Primate of the Anglican Church gentleness will inherit the kingdom, says Jesus. Mercy is for
in Australia. The sermon is based on Matthew 5-7: Sermon the merciful, not the vengeful; for the peacemakers and the
on the mount. pure of heart.
First and foremost, the beatitudes call Israel to discover her
THE famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’ runs through chap- true vocation by following the way Jesus sets out, rather than
ters five, six and seven of Matthew. The sermon has been by aligning herself with other would-be leaders.
called ‘winged words’. It has been seen as ‘a canon within Israel was meant to be the salt of the earth and the light of
the canon,’ a summary of the Christian faith because these the world, but had lost her saltiness and hidden her light from
words are powerfully representative of the whole Christian the nations round about. Jesus calls Israel to be her true self,
view of and approach to life. by following his agenda, rather than the path she was on.
But for all that, the sermon is not without its difficulties. ‘You have heard that it was said … but I say to you …’ The
Some of these words could easily be responsible for FF great antitheses are a kind of radicalization of the Torah, the
Bruce, I think it was, saying the bible is a most difficult book old law, going to the heart of it. Israel is not going to be her
not because of the bits I can’t understand, but because of the true self by multiplying and refining rules to be followed.
bits I can. She will only discover her true identity by integrating heart his children need. Those who truly relate to God as Father
The sermon teaches us, for example – and action in a single loyalty. That basic idea still finds ex- will be vindicated. They need not be afraid. But those an-
‘If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out’ (5.29). pression in our own call to prayer in the daily office in gling for land or national restoration or ancestral rights will
‘Do not swear at all’ (5.34) in contrast to Article 39 of our AAPB: ‘Let us pray with one heart and mind.’ be disappointed.
Articles of Religion which has it ‘… that Christian Religion Such an integration, such a discovery, Jesus is saying, will The whole way Jesus sets out can be summed up very sim-
doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the Mag- produce a very different way of being Israel. ply in a basic rule of thumb: whatever you want others to do
istrate requireth …’ According to this way, an accused person will reconcile to you, do that to them.
The sermon tells us ‘not [to] resist one who is evil’ (5.39) with an accuser on the way to court; alienated friends will Jesus ends the sermon with a grim warning: the only way
which seems to undermine the very basis of decent society. reconcile on the way to the Temple. for Israel to avoid personal and national disaster is for them
You are to ‘give to him who begs from you’ (5.42) but, as If you are commandeered by a Roman soldier to carry his to change direction and follow his way.
Luther construed it, not necessarily exactly what he asks for! pack for a mile, you will be surprisingly generous rather than The house built on the rock, in 1st century Israel, would
‘You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ complain and retaliate. The state’s enemies are not neces- have been heard as a reference to the temple. If Israel will not
(5.48). sarily enemies of God and Israel must learn to love them and choose Jesus’ way their most precious national institution is
You are not to be angry; show not even a desire to retaliate; to pray for them if she is truly to be like her heavenly Father. itself at risk. His later turning over the tables in the temple
feel no hatred; be entirely and wholly pure. Love and mercy are the code for the true people of God. enacts the consequences the sermon tries to avoid.
‘Hear these words and do them,’ says Jesus. Simple. The ones who live like that are the ones who will be vindi- In its historical context the sermon confronts its listeners
Straightforward. Unqualified. Clear. cated. Relationships are to be characterized by forgiveness, with a stark choice. The people of Israel can stand over
But they’ve given rise to perhaps more gymnastics by in- not by insisting on saving face or maintaining the upper against their enemies, isolate themselves from them, strug-
terpreters down the ages than any other passage in scripture. hand. gle and battle with them, exercising the politics of coercion,
The medieval church saw the sermon as a counsel power and control and hope Yahweh will vindicate them be-
of perfection which it expected only monks to ob- cause they are pure.
serve who were living outside the real world. The ‘you will catch glimpses of the transforming Or Israel can take up the alternative set out by Jesus marked
implication being that those who had to deal with work of the Spirit among us ,,, it is not too late’ by meekness, non-violence, mercy, peacemaking, reconcili-
the realities of day to day life couldn’t possibly live ation, forgiveness, generosity.
by such a code and survive. To what extent does this choice still confront us today? In
The Reformation dispensed with this double standard and Jesus sets this very different approach over against the cur- personal and institutional life? In our families: in our deal-
regarded the sermon as setting down uncompromising stan- rent way Israel is treading which he saw would lead to dis- ings with children, spouses, parents? In congregational life?
dards for all Christian people, who would of course fall short aster. Above all Jesus’ pleads for Israel not to follow the path In our dioceses? In the life of the national church? In the in-
of such impossible expectations and fall back on the grace of of violent resistance. ternational Anglican Communion?
justification by faith. ‘Do not resist evil,’ he says: an inexplicable command if I tend to think the choices before us are just as stark as they
In the 19th century, scholars argued that Jesus wasn’t set- viewed as a moral instruction. But understood historically as were for Israel in Jesus’ day. The temptation to secure our
ting down rules for behaviour, but rather exposing inner prin- a plea not to align themselves with the military resistance own position is just as great now as it was then. The risks to
ciples and attitudes, fundamental inward dispositions. So the movement - it makes perfect sense in the overall context of our institutions and in our personal lives are just as marked.
sermon was about renewal of the inner life rather than ethics: the sermon. And the urgency is just as pressing.
who we should be rather than what we need to do. The sermon is a call to Israel to resist in a different, less di- And yet, from time to time, and, I dare say, even in this
I am more convinced by Tom Wright’s circumvention of rect way. ‘Turn the other cheek,’ says Jesus. To be struck on Synod you will catch glimpses of the transforming work of
these gymnastics with a decent dose of historical context. the right cheek with the right hand means being struck with the Spirit among us, of the better way. It is not yet too late.
The sermon, he says, is a challenge to Israel to be truly Israel: the back of the hand – a sign of contempt by the aggressor ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them
to be true to her identity and vocation as the people of God. and of humiliation for the victim. To ‘turn the left cheek also’ will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. … And
Israel longed for God’s kingdom to come and was ready to is not to be a doormat: it’s to insist on one’s dignity, to de- everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on
struggle and fight for it. Israel hoped she would be vindi- mand equality with the assailant. It is quiet, strong, dignified them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
cated in a national victory, her enemies, including her occu- assertion. Peacemaking. … and great was its fall.’
piers, would be overthrown, the land returned and she would The way of Jesus shuns showy religious observance. God Amen.
see God. will not be bribed or manipulated by long prayers, ostenta-
But in Jesus’ view, Israel was on the wrong track. As the tious almsgiving, attention-grabbing fasting. That’s not who ABOVE: Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, Primate of the An-
beatitudes set out, the kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit God is. That’s an idol who can be conned or persuaded into glican Church in Australia, speaks at Drouin.
and will be inherited by way of meekness, not through phys- giving what one wants. But God is Father and knows what Photo: Jeanette Severs

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 4 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
The Anglican Communion Covenant in detail
IN the Bible, ‘covenant’ refers to
a solemn agreement or promise,
binding two parties together. In
talking about the character of
covenant, we could be talking
about a relationship, about sharing,
based on promises and commit-
ment. In particular, it is about shar-
ing life, love and friendship; like
the relationship of a family. [At-
tributed to Rabbi Lord Sacks, Lam-
berth Conference 2008.]
The Primate of the Anglican
Church in Australia, Archbishop
Dr Phillip Aspinall, spoke about
the family of the church in his dis-
cussion and presentation on the
Covenant at the 36th Annual Gipp-
sland Synod, held recently in
Drouin, Victoria. The following is
the proposed Anglican Commun-
ion Covenant, to come before Gen-
eral Synod.
This document, along with ques-
tions and answers, study guides
and references can also be accessed
on the website of the Anglican
Church in Australia, General
Synod and the website of the An-
glican Diocese of Gippsland.
A report on Archbishop As-
pinall’s address is on page one of
this issue of The Gippsland Angli-
can. The Primate feels strongly the
Covenant should be discussed by
all people in the wider church, in
line with traditional decision mak-
ing in the Anglican Church of Aus-
tralia, rather than be left in the
hands of a few people.
Introduction to the
Covenant Text
“This life is revealed, and we
have seen it and testify to it, and
declare to you the eternal life that
was with the Father and was re-
vealed to us – we declare to you
what we have seen and heard so
that you also may have commun-
ion with us; and truly our com-
munion is with the Father and with
his Son Jesus Christ. These things
we write so that our joy may be
complete.” (1 John 1.2-4).
1. God has called us into com-
munion in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1.9).
This communion has been “re-
vealed to us” by the Son as being
the very divine life of God the
Trinity. What is the life revealed to
us? St John makes it clear that the
communion of life in the Church
participates in the communion
which is the divine life itself, the
life of the Trinity. This life is not a
reality remote from us, but one that
has been “seen” and “testified to”
by the apostles and their followers:
“for in the communion of the
Church we share in the divine life”.
This life of the One God, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit, shapes and
displays itself through the very ex-
istence and ordering of the Church.
The Church of the Triune God, The
Cyprus Statement of the Interna-
tional Commission for Anglican
Orthodox Theological Dialogue,
2007, paragraph 1,2.
2. Our divine calling into com-
munion is established in God’s pur-
poses for the whole of creation
(Eph 1:10; 3:9ff.). It is extended to
all humankind, so that, in our shar-
ing of God’s life as Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, God might restore
in us the divine image. Through
time, according to the Scriptures,
God has furthered this calling
through covenants made with
Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David.
The prophet Jeremiah looked for-
ward to a new covenant not written
on tablets of stone but upon the
heart (Jer 31.31-34). In God’s Son,
Christ Jesus, a new covenant is
given us, established in his “blood
… poured out for the many for the
forgiveness of sins” (Mt 26:28), se-
cured through his resurrection from
the dead (Eph 1:19-23), and sealed
with the gift of the Holy Spirit
poured into our hearts (Rom 5:5).
Into this covenant of death to sin
and of new life in Christ we are
baptized, and empowered to share
God’s communion in Christ with
all people, to the ends of the earth
and of creation.
3. We humbly recognize that this
calling and gift of communion en-
tails responsibilities for our com-
mon life before God as we seek,
through grace, to be faithful in our
service of God’s purposes for the
world. Joined in one universal
Church, which is Christ’s Body,
spread throughout the earth, we
serve his gospel even as we are en-
abled to be made one across the di-
viding walls of human sin and
estrangement (Eph 2.12-22). The
forms of this life in the Church,
caught up in the mystery of divine
communion, reveal to the hostile
and divisive power of the world the
“manifold wisdom of God” (Eph
3:9-10). Faithfulness, honesty, gen-
tleness, humility, patience, forgive-
ness, and love itself, lived out in
mutual deference and service (Mk
10.44-45) among the Church’s
people and through its ministries,
contribute to building up the body
of Christ as it grows to maturity
(Eph 4.1-16; Col 3.8-17).
4. In the providence of God,
which holds sway even over our di-
visions caused by sin, various fam-
ilies of churches have grown up
within the universal Church in the
course of history. Among these
families is the Anglican Commun-
ion, which provides a particular
charism and identity among the
many followers and servants of
Jesus. We recognise the wonder,
beauty and challenge of maintain-
ing communion in this family of
churches, and the need for mutual
commitment and discipline as a
witness to God’s promise in a
world and time of instability, con-
flict, and fragmentation. Therefore,
we covenant together as churches
of this Anglican Communion to be
faithful to God’s promises through
the historic faith we confess, our
common worship, our participation
in God’s mission, and the way we
live together.
5. To covenant together is not in-
tended to change the character of
this Anglican expression of Chris-
tian faith. Rather, we recognise the
importance of renewing in a
solemn way our commitment to
one another, and to the common
understanding of faith and order
we have received, so that the bonds
of affection which hold us together
may be re-affirmed and intensified.
We do this in order to reflect, in our
relations with one another, God’s
own faithfulness and promises to-
wards us in Christ (2 Cor 1.20-22).
6. We are a people who live,
learn, and pray by and with the
Scriptures as God’s Word. We seek
to adore God in thanks and praise
and to make intercession for the
needs of people everywhere
through common prayer, united
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across many cultures and lan-
guages. We are privileged to share
in the mission of the apostles to
bring the gospel of Christ to all na-
tions and peoples, not only in
words but also in deeds of compas-
sion and justice that witness to
God’s character and the triumph of
Christ over sin and death. We give
ourselves as servants of a greater
unity among the divided Christians
of the world. May the Lord help us
to “preach not ourselves, but Jesus
Christ as Lord, and ourselves as
your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2
Cor. 4.5).
7. Our faith embodies a coherent
testimony to what we have re-
ceived from God’s Word and the
Church’s long-standing witness.
Our life together reflects the bless-
ings of God (even as it exposes our
failures in faith, hope and love) in
growing our Communion into a
truly global family. The mission we
pursue aims at serving the great
promises of God in Christ that em-
brace the peoples and the world
God so loves. This mission is car-
ried out in shared responsibility
and stewardship of resources, and
in interdependence among our-
selves and with the wider Church.
8. Our prayer is that God will re-
deem our struggles and weakness,
renew and enrich our common life
and use the Anglican Communion
to witness effectively in all the
world, working with all people of
good will, to the new life and hope
found in Christ Jesus.
Preamble
We, as Churches of the Anglican
Communion, under the Lordship of
Jesus Christ, solemnly covenant to-
gether in these following affirma-
tions and commitments. As people
of God, drawn from “every nation,
tribe, people and language” (Rev
7.9), we do this in order to pro-
claim more effectively in our dif-
ferent contexts the grace of God
revealed in the gospel, to offer
God’s love in responding to the
needs of the world, to maintain the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace, and together with all God’s
people to attain the full stature of
Christ (Eph 4.3,13).
The Gippsland Anglican
June 2011
Section One: Our
Inheritance of Faith
1.1 Each Church affirms:
(1.1.1) its communion in the one,
holy, catholic, and apostolic
Church, worshipping the one true
God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(1.1.2) the catholic and apostolic
faith uniquely revealed in the Holy
Scriptures and set forth in the
catholic creeds, which faith the
Church is called upon to proclaim
afresh in each generation. The his-
toric formularies of the Church of
England, forged in the context of
the European Reformation and ac-
knowledged and appropriated in
various ways in the Anglican Com-
munion, bear authentic witness to
this faith.
(1.1.3) the Holy Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments as con-
taining all things necessary for sal-
vation and as being the rule and
ultimate standard of faith.
(1.1.4) the Apostles’ Creed, as the
baptismal symbol; and the Nicene
Creed, as the sufficient statement
of the Christian faith.
(1.1.5) the two sacraments or-
dained by Christ himself – Baptism
and the Supper of the Lord – min-
istered with the unfailing use of
Christ’s words of institution, and of
the elements ordained by him.
(1.1.6) the historic episcopate, lo-
cally adapted in the methods of its
administration to the varying needs
of the nations and peoples called of
God into the unity of his Church.
(1.1.7) the shared patterns of our
common prayer and liturgy which
form, sustain and nourish our wor-
ship of God and our faith and life
together.
(1.1.8) its participation in the
apostolic mission of the whole peo-
ple of God, and that this mission is
shared with other Churches and
traditions beyond this Covenant.
1.2 In living out this
inheritance of faith together
in varying contexts, each
Church, reliant on the Holy
Spirit, commits itself:
(1.2.1) to teach and act in conti-
nuity and consonance with Scrip-
ture and the catholic and apostolic
faith, order and tradition, as re-
ceived by the Churches of the An-
glican Communion, mindful of the
common councils of the Commun-
ion and our ecumenical agree-
ments.
(1.2.2) to uphold and proclaim a
pattern of Christian theological and
moral reasoning and discipline that
is rooted in and answerable to the
teaching of Holy Scripture and the
catholic tradition.
(1.2.3) to witness, in this reason-
ing, to the renewal of humanity and
the whole created order through the
death and resurrection of Christ,
and to reflect the holiness that in
consequence God gives to, and re-
quires from, his people.
(1.2.4) to hear, read, mark, learn
and inwardly digest the Scriptures
in our different contexts, informed
by the attentive and communal
reading of - and costly witness to -
the Scriptures by all the faithful, by
the teaching of bishops and synods,
and by the results of rigorous study
by lay and ordained scholars.
(1.2.5) to ensure that biblical texts
are received, read and interpreted
continued next page
 June 2011
The new Anglican Covenant in detail
continued from previous page
faithfully, respectfully, comprehen-
sively and coherently, with the ex-
pectation that Scripture continues
to illuminate and transform the
Church and its members, and
through them, individuals, cultures
and societies.
(1.2.6) to encourage and be open
to prophetic and faithful leadership
in ministry and mission so as to en-
able God’s people to respond in
courageous witness to the power of
the gospel in the world.
(1.2.7) to seek in all things to up-
hold the solemn obligation to nur-
ture and sustain eucharistic
communion, in accordance with
existing canonical disciplines, as
we strive under God for the fuller
realisation of the communion of all
Christians.
(1.2.8) to pursue a common pil-
grimage with the whole Body of
Christ continually to discern the
fullness of truth into which the
Spirit leads us, that peoples from
all nations may be set free to re-
ceive new and abundant life in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Section Two: The Life
We Share with
Others: Our Anglican
Vocation
2.1 Each Church affirms:
(2.1.1) communion as a gift of
God given so that God’s people
from east and west, north and
south, may together declare the
glory of the Lord and be both a
sign of God’s reign in the Holy
Spirit and the first fruits in the
world of God’s redemption in
Christ.
(2.1.2) its gratitude for God’s gra-
cious providence extended to us
down through the ages: our origins
in the Church of the apostles; the
ancient common traditions; the rich
history of the Church in Britain and
Ireland reshaped by the Reforma-
tion, and our growth into a global
communion through the expand-
ing missionary work of the Church;
our ongoing refashioning by the
Holy Spirit through the gifts and
sacrificial witness of Anglicans
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oped communion life.
(2.1.3) in humility our call to con-
stant repentance: for our failures in
exercising patience and charity and
in recognizing Christ in one an-
other; our misuse of God’s gra-
cious gifts; our failure to heed
God’s call to serve; and our ex-
ploitation one of another.
(2.1.4) the imperative of God’s
mission into which the Commun-
ion is called, a vocation and bless-
ing in which each Church is joined
with others in Christ in the work of
establishing God’s reign. As the
Communion continues to develop
into a worldwide family of interde-
pendent churches, we embrace
challenges and opportunities for
mission at local, regional, and in-
ternational levels. In this, we cher-
ish our mission heritage as offering
Anglicans distinctive opportunities
for mission collaboration.
(2.1.5) that our common mission
is a mission shared with other
Churches and traditions beyond
this Covenant. We embrace oppor-
tunities for the discovery of the life
of the whole gospel, and for recon-
ciliation and shared mission with
the Church throughout the world.
We affirm the ecumenical vocation
of Anglicanism to the full visible
unity of the Church in accordance
with Christ’s prayer that “all may
be one”. It is with all the saints in
every place and time that we will
comprehend the fuller dimensions
of Christ’s redemptive and im-
measurable love.
2.2 In recognition of these
affirmations, each Church,
reliant on the Holy Spirit,
commits itself:
(2.2.1) to answer God’s call to
undertake evangelisation and to
share in the healing and reconcil-
ing mission “for our blessed but
broken, hurting and fallen world”,
and, with mutual accountability, to
share our God-given spiritual and
material resources in this task.
(2.2.2) to undertake in this mis-
sion, which is the mission of God
in Christ:
(2.2.2.a) “to proclaim the Good
News of the Kingdom of God” and
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
to bring all to repentance and faith;
(2.2.2.b) “to teach, baptize and
nurture new believers”, making
disciples of all nations (Mt 28.19)
through the quickening power of
the Holy Spirit10 and drawing
them into the one Body of Christ
whose faith, calling and hope are
one in the Lord (Eph 4.4-6);
(2.2.2.c) “to respond to human
need by loving service”, disclosing
God’s reign through humble min-
istry to those most needy (Mk
10.42-45; Mt 18.4; 25.31-45);
(2.2.2.d) “to seek to transform un-
just structures of society” as the
Church stands vigilantly with
Christ proclaiming both judgment
and salvation to the nations of the
world11, and manifesting through
our actions on behalf of God’s
righteousness the Spirit’s transfig-
uring power;
(2.2.2.e) “to strive to safeguard
the integrity of creation and to sus-
tain and renew the life of the earth”
as essential aspects of our mission
in communion.
(2.2.3) to engage in this mission
with humility and an openness to
our own ongoing conversion in the
face of our unfaithfulness and fail-
ures in witness.
(2.2.4) to revive and renew struc-
tures for mission which will
awaken and challenge the whole
people of God to work, pray and
give for the spread of the gospel.
(2.2.5) to order its mission in the
joyful and reverent worship of
God, thankful that in our eucharis-
tic communion “Christ is the
source and goal of the unity of the
Church and of the renewal of
human community” .
Section Three: Our
Unity and Common
Life
3.1 Each Church affirms:
(3.1.1) that by our participation in
Baptism and Eucharist, we are in-
corporated into the one body of the
Church of Jesus Christ, and called
by Christ to pursue all things that
make for peace and build up our
common life.
(3.1.2) its resolve to live in a
Communion of Churches. Each
Church, with its bishops in synod,
orders and regulates its own affairs
and its local responsibility for mis-
sion through its own system of
government and law and is there-
fore described as living “in com-
munion with autonomy and
accountability”. Trusting in the
Holy Spirit, who calls and enables
us to dwell in a shared life of com-
mon worship and prayer for one
another, in mutual affection, com-
mitment and service, we seek to af-
firm our common life through
those Instruments of Communion
by which our Churches are enabled
to be conformed together to the
mind of Christ. Churches of the
Anglican Communion are bound
together “not by a central legisla-
tive and executive authority, but by
mutual loyalty sustained through
the common counsel of the bishops
in conference” and of the other in-
struments of Communion.
(3.1.3) the central role of bishops
as guardians and teachers of faith,
as leaders in mission, and as a vis-
ible sign of unity, representing the
universal Church to the local, and
the local Church to the universal
and the local Churches to one an-
other. This ministry is exercised
personally, collegially and within
and for the eucharistic community.
We receive and maintain the his-
toric threefold ministry of bishops,
priests and deacons, ordained for
service in the Church of God, as
they call all the baptised into the
mission of Christ.
(3.1.4) the importance of instru-
ments in the Anglican Communion
to assist in the discernment, articu-
lation and exercise of our shared
faith and common life and mission.
The life of communion includes an
ongoing engagement with the di-
verse expressions of apostolic au-
thority, from synods and episcopal
councils to local witness, in a way
which continually interprets and
articulates the common faith of the
Church’s members (consensus fi-
delium). In addition to the many
and varied links which sustain our
life together, we acknowledge four
particular Instruments at the level
of the Anglican Communion which
express this co-operative service in
the life of communion.
I. We accord the Archbishop of
Canterbury, as the bishop of the
See of Canterbury with which An-
glicans have historically been in
communion, a primacy of honour
and respect among the college of
bishops in the Anglican Commun-
ion as first among equals (primus
inter pares). As a focus and means
of unity, the Archbishop gathers
and works with the Lambeth Con-
ference and Primates’ Meeting,
and presides in the Anglican Con-
sultative Council.
II. The Lambeth Conference ex-
presses episcopal collegiality
worldwide, and brings together the
bishops for common worship,
counsel, consultation and encour-
agement in their ministry of guard-
ing the faith and unity of the
Communion and equipping the
saints for the work of ministry
(Eph 4.12) and mission.
III. The Anglican Consultative
Council is comprised of lay, cleri-
cal and episcopal representatives
from our Churches. It facilitates the
co-operative work of the Churches
of the Anglican Communion, co-
ordinates aspects of international
Anglican ecumenical and mission
work, calls the Churches into mu-
tual responsibility and interde-
5
pendence, and advises on develop-
ing provincial structures.
IV. The Primates’ Meeting is con-
vened by the Archbishop of Can-
terbury for mutual support, prayer
and counsel. The authority that pri-
mates bring to the meeting arises
from their own positions as the
senior bishops of their Provinces,
and the fact that they are in conver-
sation with their own Houses of
Bishops and located within their
own synodical structures. In the
Primates’ Meeting, the Primates
and Moderators are called to work
as representatives of their
Provinces in collaboration with one
another in mission and in doctrinal,
moral and pastoral matters that
have Communion-wide implica-
tions.
It is the responsibility of each In-
strument to consult with, respond
to, and support each other Instru-
ment and the Churches of the
Communion. Each Instrument may
initiate and commend a process of
discernment and a direction for the
Communion and its Churches.
3.2 Acknowledging our
interdependent life, each
Church, reliant on the Holy
Spirit, commits itself:
(3.2.1) to have regard for the
common good of the Communion
in the exercise of its autonomy, to
support the work of the Instru-
ments of Communion with the
spiritual and material resources
available to it, and to receive their
work with a readiness to undertake
reflection upon their counsels, and
to endeavour to accommodate their
recommendations.
(3.2.2) to respect the constitu-
tional autonomy of all of the
Churches of the Anglican Com-
munion, while upholding our mu-
tual responsibility and
interdependence in the Body of
Christ, and the responsibility of
each to the Communion as a
whole.
(3.2.3) to spend time with open-
ness and patience in matters of the-
ological debate and reflection, to
listen, pray and study with one an-
other in order to discern the will of
God. Such prayer, study and debate
is an essential feature of the life of
the Church as it seeks to be led by
the Spirit into all truth and to pro-
claim the gospel afresh in each
generation. Some issues, which are
perceived as controversial or new
when they arise, may well evoke a
deeper understanding of the impli-
cations of God’s revelation to us;
others may prove to be distractions
or even obstacles to the faith. All
such matters therefore need to be
tested by shared discernment in the
life of the Church.
(3.2.4) to seek a shared mind with
other Churches, through the Com-
munion’s councils, about matters
of common concern, in a way con-
sistent with the Scriptures, the
common standards of faith, and the
canon laws of our churches. Each
Church will undertake wide con-
sultation with the other Churches
of the Anglican Communion and
with the Instruments and Commis-
sions of the Communion.
(3.2.5) to act with diligence, care
and caution in respect of any action
which may provoke controversy,
which by its intensity, substance or
extent could threaten the unity of
continued next page
 6 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011 June 2011

The new Anglican Covenant as proposed

continued from previous page
the Communion and the effective-
ness or credibility of its mission.
(3.2.6) in situations of conflict, to
participate in mediated conversa-
tions, which involve face to face
meetings, agreed parameters and a
willingness to see such processes
through.
(3.2.7) to have in mind that our
bonds of affection and the love of
Christ compel us always to uphold
the highest degree of communion
possible.
Section Four: Our
Covenanted Life
Together
4: Each Church affirms the
following principles and pro-
cedures, and, reliant on the
Holy Spirit, commits itself to
their implementation.
4.1 Adoption of the
Covenant
(4.1.1) Each Church adopting this
Covenant affirms that it enters into
the Covenant as a commitment to
relationship in submission to God.
Each Church freely offers this
commitment to other Churches in
order to live more fully into the ec-
clesial communion and interde-
pendence which is foundational to
the Churches of the Anglican
Communion. The Anglican Com-
munion is a fellowship, within the
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Church, of national or regional
Churches, in which each recog-
nises in the others the bonds of a
common loyalty to Christ ex-
pressed through a common faith
and order, a shared inheritance in
worship, life and mission, and a
readiness to live in an interdepen-
dent life.
(4.1.2) In adopting the Covenant
for itself, each Church recognises
in the preceding sections a state-
ment of faith, mission and interde-
pendence of life which is
consistent with its own life and
with the doctrine and practice of
the Christian faith as it has received
them. It recognises these elements
as foundational for the life of the
Anglican Communion and there-
fore for the relationships among
the covenanting Churches.
(4.1.3) Such mutual commitment
does not represent submission to
any external ecclesiastical jurisdic-
tion. Nothing in this Covenant of
itself shall be deemed to alter any
provision of the Constitution and
Canons of any Church of the Com-
munion, or to limit its autonomy of
governance. The Covenant does
not grant to any one Church or any
agency of the Communion control
or direction over any Church of the
Anglican Communion.
(4.1.4) Every Church of the An-
glican Communion, as recognised
in accordance with the Constitution
of the Anglican Consultative
Council, is invited to enter into this
Covenant according to its own con-
stitutional procedures.
(4.1.5) The Instruments of Com-
munion may invite other Churches
to adopt the Covenant using the
same procedures as set out by the
Anglican Consultative Council for
the amendment of its schedule of
membership. Adoption of this
Covenant does not confer any right
of recognition by, or membership
of, the Instruments of Communion,
which shall be decided by those In-
struments themselves.
(4.1.6) This Covenant becomes
active for a Church when that
Church adopts the Covenant
through the procedures of its own
Constitution and Canons.
4.2 The Maintenance of the
Covenant and Dispute
Resolution
(4.2.1) The Covenant operates to
express the common commitments
and mutual accountability which
hold each Church in the relation-
ship of communion one with an-
other. Recognition of, and fidelity
to, this Covenant, enable mutual
recognition and communion. Par-
ticipation in the Covenant implies
a recognition by each Church of
those elements which must be
maintained in its own life and for
which it is accountable to the
Churches with which it is in Com-
munion in order to sustain the rela-
tionship expressed in this
Covenant.
(4.2.2) The Standing Committee
of the Anglican Communion, re-
sponsible to the Anglican Consul-
tative Council and the Primates’
Meeting, shall monitor the func-
tioning of the Covenant in the life
of the Anglican Communion on
behalf of the Instruments. In this
regard, the Standing Committee
shall be supported by such other
committees or commissions as
may be mandated to assist in car-
rying out this function and to ad-
vise it on questions relating to the
Covenant.
(4.2.3) When questions arise re-
lating to the meaning of the
Covenant, or about the compatibil-
ity of an action by a covenanting
Church with the Covenant, it is the
duty of each covenanting Church
to seek to live out the commitments
of Section 3.2. Such questions may
be raised by a Church itself, an-
other covenanting Church or the
Instruments of Communion.
(4.2.4) Where a shared mind has
not been reached the matter shall
be referred to the Standing Com-
mittee. The Standing Committee
shall make every effort to facilitate
agreement, and may take advice
from such bodies as it deems ap-
propriate to determine a view on
the nature of the matter at question
and those relational consequences
which may result. Where appropri-
ate, the Standing Committee shall
refer the question to both the An-
glican Consultative Council and
the Primates’ Meeting for advice.
(4.2.5) The Standing Committee
may request a Church to defer a
controversial action. If a Church
declines to defer such action, the
Standing Committee may recom-
mend to any Instrument of Com-
munion relational consequences
which may specify a provisional
limitation of participation in, or
suspension from, that Instrument
until the completion of the process
set out below.
(4.2.6) On the basis of advice re-
ceived from the Anglican Consul-
tative Council and the Primates’
Meeting, the Standing Committee
may make a declaration that an ac-
tion or decision is or would be “in-
compatible with the Covenant”.
(4.2.7) On the basis of the advice
received, the Standing Committee
shall make recommendations as to
relational consequences which
flow from an action incompatible
with the Covenant. These recom-
mendations may be addressed to
the Churches of the Anglican
Communion or to the Instruments
of the Communion and address the
extent to which the decision of any
covenanting Church impairs or
limits the communion between that
Church and the other Churches of
the Communion, and the practical
consequences of such impairment
or limitation. Each Church or each
Instrument shall determine whether
or not to accept such recommenda-
tions.
(4.2.8) Participation in the deci-
sion making of the Standing Com-
mittee or of the Instruments of
Communion in respect to section
4.2 shall be limited to those mem-
bers of the Instruments of Com-
munion who are representatives of
those churches who have adopted
the Covenant, or who are still in the
process of adoption.
(4.2.9) Each Church undertakes
to put into place such mechanisms,
agencies or institutions, consistent
with its own Constitution and
Canons, as can undertake to over-
see the maintenance of the affirma-
tions and commitments of the
Covenant in the life of that Church,
matic withdrawal from the Instru-
ments of Communion or a repudi-
ation of its Anglican character, it
may raise a question relating to the
meaning of the Covenant, and of
compatibility with the principles
incorporated within it, and trigger
the provisions set out in section 4.2
above.
4.4 The Covenant Text and
its amendment
(4.4.1) The Covenant consists of
the text set out in this document in
the Preamble, Sections One to Four
and the Declaration. The Introduc-
tion to the Covenant Text, which
shall always be annexed to the
Covenant text, is not part of the
Covenant, but shall be accorded
authority in understanding the pur-
pose of the Covenant.
(4.4.2) Any covenanting Church
or Instrument of Communion may
submit a proposal to amend the
Covenant to the Instruments of
Communion through the Standing
Committee. The Standing Com-
mittee shall send the proposal to
the Anglican Consultative Council,
the Primates’ Meeting, the
covenanting Churches and any
other body as it may consider ap-
propriate for advice. The Standing
Committee shall make a recom-
mendation on the proposal in the
light of advice offered, and submit
the proposal with any revisions to
the covenanting Churches. The
amendment is operative when rati-
fied by three quarters of such
Churches. The Standing Commit-
tee shall adopt a procedure for
promulgation of the amendment.
Our Declaration
With joy and with firm resolve,
we declare our Churches to be par-
takers in this Anglican Commun-
ion Covenant, offering ourselves
for fruitful service and binding our-
selves more closely in the truth and
love of Christ, to whom with the
Father and the Holy Spirit be glory
for ever. Amen.
“Now may the God of Peace, who

Latrobe and to relate to the Instruments of

Communion on matters pertinent
brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of

V
to the Covenant. the sheep, by the blood of the eter-

alley 4.3 Withdrawing from the

nal covenant, make you complete

F
in everything good so that you may

uneral Covenant do his will, working among us that

which is pleasing in his sight,

Services
(4.3.1) Any covenanting Church
may decide to withdraw from the
Covenant. Although such with-
The Anglican Diocese drawal does not imply an auto-
through Jesus Christ, to whom be
the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
(Hebrews 13.20, 21)

of Gippsland
takes complaints of
❏ Qualified, experienced
and caring staff
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abuse and harm
seriously. Conference
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2002900

The Gippsland Anglican

 June 2011
Color in the picture
Dove in stained glass window
Copyright: www.sermons4kids.com
Holy Spirit speaks in our hearts
IT is great fun to watch a kite soaring high
into the sky. What keeps the kite up there? It
is the wind, isn't it? If we cannot see the wind,
how do we know it is there?
We know the wind is there because we can
hear it in the trees and around the windows
and doors. We cannot see the wind, but we
know it is there because we can hear it.
We know the wind is there because we can
see it moving leaves on the trees and blowing
bits of paper around. We know the wind is
there because we can see what the wind is
doing.
We can feel the wind. Blow onto the back of
Third
Generation
Funeral
Director
Creating inspirational funerals
In a time of need, we all turn to our family for
comfort. Gippsland Funeral Services continues to
provide care and attention just as it has for the
Gippsland Community for nearly 70
years. “My grandfather’s attitude
was that every funeral he looked
after would be well conducted. That
has been our philosophy for the
three generations that my family has
assisted your family, and continues
to form the basis of our service.”
- Scott Rossetti
Sale 5143 2477 Maffra 5147 1590
Heyfield 5148 2877 Foster 5682 2443
Yarram 5182 5780
www.gippslandfuneralservices.com.au
The Gippsland Anglican
Our Diocese - Activity Page for Children 7
Puzzles
your hand. We cannot see the wind, but we
can feel it blowing past our faces and blowing
through our hair.
Many churches celebrate a special day called
Pentecost. It was on the day of Pentecost God
sent his Holy Spirit to the church. The Bible
tells us the apostles were together when sud-
denly there was a sound like a mighty, rush-
ing wind. Then, it says, they were filled with
the Holy Spirit.
God's Holy Spirit is like the wind, we can-
not see him, but we can know he is there, just
like we can know the wind is there; We can
hear the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts.
Diocese of Gippslland
land
Safe Miniiisstryy Seminarrss for 2011
Theem
em
me:
e: B
Buul
ully
l yi
ying
i annd
nd Boouunndar
d ri
ries
i
Who needs to attend?
Clergy and stipendiary lay church workers and Lay Readers who have
not attended a seminar in Gippsland in the last two years.
Coordinators of ministries, opportunity shops, etc who have not
attended a seminar in the last two years.
Pastoral associates who have not attended a seminar in the last two
years.
Copyright: www.sermons4kids.com
When and where?
Rosedale June 18 - 10am Ȃ 12noon
Support the Aboriginal Ministry Fund
Wonthaggi September 10 - 10am Ȃ 12noon
Please assist us by emailing Kerrie Schmidt [kerries@gippsanglican.org.au]
or telephone 5144 2044 at the Registry so that we have an idea off numbers Contact the Diocese of Gippsland, 453 Raymond Street, Sale, Victoria
Postal: PO Box 928, Sale, 3853 Fax : 03 5144 7183
for each venue.
You need only attend ONE seminar!ar
If you have further enquiries,
Telephone: 03 5144 2044 Email : registrar@gippsanglican.org.au
please contact Archdeacon Heather Marten, 5134 4674 or 0419597963
 8 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Spotlight on aged care
IN the report to Synod on aged
care in the diocese, emphasis was
placed on the need for more facili-
ties for an ageing population. Dr
Neale Taylor presented the report
on behalf of Bishop-in-Council
and Gippsland Anglican Aged
Care Limited.
Dr Taylor spoke about the need to
expand the number and range of
homes at Clifton Waters Village
(Bairnsdale) and the need to con-
sider building low cost rental facil-
ities at Morwell, to meet growing
needs for aged care residences.
Currently, there is space for 40
new units to be developed at
Clifton Waters Village, Dr Taylor
said. Older units would also need
to be replaced in stages.
There is a need to increase the
number of two and three bedroom
units, where possible, he said.
The GAAC Ltd report to Synod is
reproduced faithfully here.
Gippsland Anglican Aged Care
Limited (GAAC Ltd) oversees the
physical operation of two villages
– Clifton Waters at Bairnsdale and
Botterill Court in Morwell – and its
financial year covers the period
from July to June. As such the fol-
lowing are a few highlights for the
year ended 30th June 2010.
Land and Building Assets:
Clifton Waters, established in
1953, operates on a property cur-
rently valued, at Fair Value under
the Financial Management Act
1994, at just under $10 million.
Under similar assessments, the
seven unit Botterill Court proper-
ties are valued at $550,000. With
an annual cash turnover budgeted
in 2010/2011 at close to $1 million,
GAAC Ltd continues to make a
sizeable contribution to the dioce-
san operation.
Resident Populations:
The resident populations at the
end of June totalled 101 (17 cou-
ples, 59 single women and eight
single men) in 84 cottages and
units at Clifton Waters; and six sin-
gle women and one couple at Bot-
terill Court.
Cottages and Units:
Botterill Court’s units were all oc-
cupied while Clifton Waters had
four cottages in various stages of
upgrade and improvement.
Building Program:
Building redevelopment has been
an ongoing requirement over a
number of years to meet the ever
changing legal, social and health
community demands of retirement
living. Given the age and original
design of some of the vacated cot-
tages, redevelopment at Clifton
Waters has often entailed a pro-
gram of demolition and rebuild.
Staff:
GAAC Ltd currently has five em-
ployees covering a full time equiv-
alent of 3.5 staff members per
week to oversee the operations of
both villages. The head office of
GAAC Ltd has been transferred to
Clifton Waters with the manage-
ment of Botterill Court passing
from the Committee of Manage-
ment at St Mary’s in October of
last year. Members of St Mary’s
parish continue to be an excellent
link in the management operation.
With the likelihood of further de-
velopment, especially at Clifton
Waters, Directors are looking at as-
sessing the requirements of staffing
the maintenance, building and de-
velopment programs.
The residents of both villages and
the staff of Clifton Waters Village
continue to be very welcoming and
supportive of each other and the
wider community. Both villages
are supported by excellent trades
people. Clifton Waters and Botter-
ill Court are special places for the
generally active seniors, and again
members of Synod and the Diocese
are encouraged to visit and meet
the residents of these wonderful
parts of the Diocesan family.
LEFT and above: Residents of
Clifton Waters Village show some
of the goods on display at the Au-
tumn Fair recently. Autumn and
Spring fairs, weekly craft groups
and regular variety performances
are part of the social life for people
in Anglican aged care residences in
Gippsland diocese.
BELOW: Mrs Gladys Vardy
helped on the raffle stall at the Au-
tumn Fair at Clifton Waters Vil-
lage. Photos: Jeanette Severs
ABOVE: Synod youth representatives, Stanley Radford of Rosedale
parish, Lydia Jacka of Paynesville and Jordan Breed, Traralgon.
Support for children
By Mary Nicholls
THE diocesan GFS/KidsPlus+
Network continues to meet four
times annually, with all meetings
advertised for representatives of af-
filiated or interested parishes to at-
tend. Our aim is to support parish
based ministries to children. GFS,
an Anglican ministry with its
broader networking (state, national
and worldwide communication)
has a lot to offer in its variety of
ministry models, resourcing and
leader development programs. Our
local networking evaluates and en-
sures the relevance to our diocesan
ministry practices.
Eleven of 30 Gippsland parishes
have actively registered or affili-
ated to our network, some more ac-
tively than others, however the
potential for growth communica-
tion and support is to be com-
mended. We are thankful for the
coverage of our activities provided
through The Gippsland Anglican
and the diocese, AWA and MU
have all encouraged our ministry
through financial donations. We
use such funding for our outreach
ministry, leader development and
resourcing for an interested parish.
We are particularly keen to sub-
sidise leader development and
skills training events for voluntary
leaders in the diocese. During 2010
the parishes of Moe, Heyfield,
Newborough, Yallourn North,
Rosedale, Sale, Trafalgar, Leon-
gatha, Drouin and Maffra affiliated
with the Gippsland Network, Moe
parish and a number of adults from
across the diocese continue to be
registered with the national and
worldwide society, enjoying the
newsletters, opportunities for con-
ferences and mission support
through GFS ministries. We are
particularly delighted one of our
GFS Moe leaders, Lauren Jankovic
was selected as Australia’s Na-
tional Junior delegate to the GFS
World Council, in Ireland this
June. Gippsland has had a number
of representatives attending World
Councils, as observers, but Lauren
is our first national delegate.
In 2010, the Network organised
leader development workshops in
Morwell and Inverloch, a theatre
sports evening for youth at
Rosedale, the annual Cowwarr
Weir picnic, a diocesan camp at
Mill Valley Ranch and a successful
camp held at Forest Edge, Neerim
East. We had 41 participants at this
event, sponsored so generously, by
a number of Gippsland parishes,
individuals and groups. Thankyou.
The Adult Friends of the Network
have met for fellowship, and wor-
ship several times during the year
The Gippsland Anglican
June 2011
and continue to offer great encour-
agement and support to our min-
istries to younger people. This
support group has a significant
mailing list of approximately 40
adults.
As Chairman, I particularly wish
to acknowledge with appreciation
the individuals from parishes
across the diocese who are fully
committed to their own parish min-
istries and show extra dedication to
voluntarily offer ongoing support
to all others in the diocese. Those
involved recognise the strength
available across the wider Angli-
can Communion and wish to pro-
vide opportunity for our young
people to share support and fel-
lowship. The Network grew out of
our work as the combined councils
of CEBS, The Anglican Boys So-
ciety, and the Girls’ Friendly Soci-
ety (GFS as it is known). After
providing a remarkable contribu-
tion to the diocese, CEBS as an en-
tity ceased its Gippsland
operations in November 2010.
We are now, challenged, but de-
termined, to maintain that special
ministry to boys and young men as
well as to the girls and women of
the diocese. We hope you will join
in that challenge and maintain a
strong diocesan network for these
ministries.
The GFS National Statement of
purpose identifies the goals of our
own diocesan Kidsplus+ Network:
1. To provide ministries to chil-
dren, youth, families and adults in
a safe and accepting environment
where Christ’s love is evident and
the Gospel is proclaimed.
(a) Children’s, youth and family
ministry: to encourage children,
youth and families in local com-
munities; to purposefully support
and encourage family life; to equip
children and youth with life skills
to reach their God-given potential
(b) Adult ministry: to support and
nurture adults in a faith commu-
nity; to encourage prayerful sup-
port to children’s and youth
ministry; to encourage adults to be
positive role models to all mem-
bers, particularly those in leader-
ship.
2. To serve the community lo-
cally, nationally and globally
through our motto ‘Bear one an-
other’s burdens and so fulfil the
law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2)
3. To receive and disseminate in-
formation and facilitate communi-
cation locally, nationally and
globally, within the organisation
and with related service agencies.
4. To encourage dioceses within
the organisation to maintain appro-
priate standards in equipping peo-
ple for ministry.
 June 2011
AWA service from women
THE Anglican Women of Aus-
tralia Gippsland group was last
year facing a crisis when insuffi-
cient people were available to take
up executive roles, at an AGM at-
tended by more than 100 women.
However, the strength of such an
enduring organisation, the um-
brella for women’s groups in the
Anglican church, has shown
through and an executive was
formed and continued with the an-
nual rallies and the upcoming fel-
lowship bus trip and AGM.
Editor
The AWA report to Synod was
presented by AWA Chaplain, Rev-
erend Lyndon Phillips (right) and
is reproduced here.
AWA is an Australia-wide or-
ganisation. Here in Gippsland we
continue the aims of AWA and
bring women together from across
the diocese in worship, service and
fellowship. Our aim is to deepen
the friendship and connections be-
tween women from all parishes big
and small. All women are automat-
ically members of AWA and can
attend any meeting organised by
the organisation.
AWA executive meetings have
been held in Rosedale and in Trar-
algon. We have two members of
the executive who travel from
Bairnsdale and we are attempting
to shorten their travel, by meeting
sometimes in Rosedale. Our meet-
ing always begins with worship.
AWA Chaplain, Reverend Lyndon
Phillips, has been a great support in
planning the worship for meetings.
In May 2010, we held a general
meeting in Rosedale. This meeting
is an opportunity for people from
across the diocese to meet and de-
cide which mission projects will be
supported through the money al-
ready raised from offertories and
trading tables from the Deanery
Rallies, memberships and dona-
tions given from parishes across
the diocese. AWA Gippsland gave
$10,892, divided between 12 dif-
ferent mission projects. Our mis-
sion project for 2010 was the
Abbey of St Barnabas.
The AWA retreat was held in June
at Pallotti College at Millgrove.
Rev. Anne Turner led the retreat.
This was a time for all to pause, to
spend time in quiet, in prayer and
reflection. Anne spent many hours
preparing for the retreat. Each talk
she gave was followed by worship.
The booklets we received are a
continuing guide to worship. They
are an ongoing resource, bringing
to mind the spiritual road we travel
with God.
BARRY AND ANNETTE LETT
Funeral Directors
Barry, Annette and
Bradley Lett offer
care, compassion and
service with
dignity for the people
of Gippsland.
Caring and personal
24-hour service.
Prepaid and prearranged funeral plans available.
67 Macarthur St., Sale 3850
(03) 5143 1232
The Gippsland Anglican
The annual bus trip was held in
October. The bus, as always, was
fully booked. The trip last October
was to Lakes Entrance. Jean Hills-
ley and Anne Connelly led the bus
trip, planned by Merrill Johnstone
and Pat Cameron. As always, it
was a time of fun, interest and fel-
lowship.
The annual meeting is also held
in October at the Cathedral in Sale.
The day began, as always, with a
Eucharist, taken by Bishop John.
The annual meeting is held in Del-
bridge Hall. Our President, Jane
Macqueen, gave her annual report.
At the end of the report she in-
formed everyone she was stepping
down from the president’s position.
Our faithful mission secretary
Ethel Armstrong resigned and
everyone thanked her for her many
years of service to AWA.
Bishop John spoke to the meeting
about the difficulty of finding peo-
ple who are able to stand for office
in AWA. It was decided to have a
small interim committee and spend
next year in seeking support from
across the diocese for a new exec-
utive committee. Pat Cameron
stood in as interim president, Car-
olyn Raymond continued as secre-
tary and Denise Rich as treasurer.
Our guest speaker [at the AGM]
was Pastor Abraham Maluk from
the Sudanese church in Moe. He
spoke of his own journey from a
boy in war-torn Sudan, where
death was an everyday event, to
Australia. He brought several
members of his community and
they completed the day by singing
hymns for us. This was a moving
experience.
The Deanery Rallies were held
early in March. We began in the
east of the diocese at Metung, then
Yarram. Our night meeting was at
Newborough. We travelled on to
Korumburra and finally to Bunyip.
As always we began each rally
with worship. We then had reports
from AWA itself asking for support
for the new executive. We had re-
ports from Mother’s Union, and
our interim mission secretary. The
new mission project was an-
nounced; we will be supporting the
establishment of a new library at
the Newton Theological Training
college at Rabaul.
Our speaker was Beth Hookey
from Anglicord. She informed us
of the work of Anglicord through
the descriptions of inspiring
women who work tirelessly for
those who are so severely disad-
vantaged. She spoke of Valerie
Browning, the director of the Afar
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Pastoralist Association in Ethiopia,
the director of Al Ahli Hospital in
Gaza and the leader for Anglicord
of the Karen people in the refugee
camps on the Thai-Burma border.
Beth encouraged us too to step out-
side our comfort zone, as these
women do on a daily basis.
We have decided to cancel the re-
treat and the Rosedale meeting for
this year due to the small interim
executive.
President: Pat Cameron
Secretary: Carolyn Raymond
Since Synod, AWA has sent a re-
port to The Gippsland Anglican of
its donations for this year. The re-
port of these donations follows.
AWA funds for mission
EVERY year, AWA Gippsland al-
locates money which has been
raised at the deanery rallies, held in
five parishes around the diocese.
The money is given by the gener-
ous people of this diocese. This
year, the rallies were held in
Metung, Yarram, Newborough,
Korumburra and Bunyip. The
speaker this year was Mrs Beth
Hookey. Beth has worked for many
years in Anglicord. In sharing with
us her own journey from local to
international mission, Beth encour-
aged us to set our sights high and
answer God’s call for service. She
told us of three women who are
working for others outside their
comfort zone in Gaza, in Ethiopia
and on the Thai/Burma border.
It was inspiring to hear of the
dedication and sacrifice of these
women.
Normally, AWA Gippsland allo-
cates the money for missions at the
general meeting held in May at
Rosedale. This year, as we have
only a small interim committee, we
did not hold the general meeting
and so distributed the money at our
executive meeting.
As a result of the Rallies and also
of donations, we had $2,000 to
give to missions. The money will
go to:
Bush Church Aid Society, $500
Gippsland Home Mission Fund,
$500
Indigenous Ministry, $500
Rwanda Seeds of Peace Guest
House, specifically for linen, $500
Thank you everyone who so gen-
erously contributed. Please also
think about nominating for the ex-
ecutive of AWA Gippsland. Do
contact interim president, Pat
Cameron, on 03 5147 1990
Contributed by
Carolyn Raymond
9
ABOVE:Representing their parishes at Synod, and enjoying the oppor-
tunities for fellowship, were Heather Scott of Leongatha, Miriam Stack-
house of Yarram and Beverley Littlejohn of Boolarra/Yinnar parish.
BELOW: Mark Woods, of Traralgon parish and Reverend Brenda Burney,
of Westernport parish.
Photos: Jeanette Severs
Cursillo takes on new ideas
THE Cursillo report to Synod
was presented by Reverend Amy
Turner (right). The report follows.
DURING the past 12 months,
Cursillo in Gippsland took some
new initiatives and had some ex-
citing results. It was with pleasure
we saw Gippsland’s Bishop John
McIntyre attend Men’s Cursillo in
Melbourne and we look forward to
his renewed support to Gippsland
Cursillo.
In September last year we held
the first parallel Cursillos. There
were separate teams for both men
and women, led by Len and Chris Makin. The Cursillos were run at the
same time and place and in general the response was positive.
Most of the activities were separate, but some worship and all meals
were together. It was good to see the teams and candidates mixed well,
encouraging and supporting each other. We will be holding parallel Cur-
sillos again next year. It was decided, for various reasons, not to hold
Cursillos in 2011.
During the year, Jodie Pincini and her team ran a very successful Se-
nior’s Day, held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale. More than 40 people at-
tended and enjoyed the time of sharing and fellowship. It is planned to run
another one this year.
The format included two talks based around the thought: ‘There is no
use by date with God’. The Scripture reference chosen was Jeremiah
31:3, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’.
Cursillo Gippsland hosted the National Secretariat meeting in March
this year. There were representatives from many of the Dioceses around
Australia present and it was helpful to hear the challenges and possible
solutions that they were either considering or carrying out.
We have adopted two ideas from the National Secretariat meeting. One
is a revamp of the Ultreya program, which we think will revitalise Ul-
treyas. The second is a three day pilgrimage, run by Cursillo but open for
all who wish to attend. We are hoping to hold this in September this year.
I must acknowledge the great work of Liz Hall who organised the na-
tional meeting, arranged the venue, coordinated transport and all the
meals and general housekeeping tasks, which led to a smooth running
and enjoyable time for all. Thanks, Liz.
Co Lay Director, Gippsland Cursillo, Peter Down
 10 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Cathedral life all-inclusive
IN presenting the report from the
Cathedral Parish of St Paul, to
Synod, the Dean, The Very Rev-
erend Dr Don Saines, highlighted
the focus of the parish to employ a
youth community worker, in com-
bination with the diocese. Dr
Saines (pictured right with dioce-
san registrar, Brian Norris) also
spoke about a vision to deliver the-
ological education and ministry.
[More information in a future issue
of The Gippsland Anglican.]
The report of the Cathedral parish
is reproduced faithfully here.
Liturgical Worship
THE liturgical and worship life of
the Cathedral continues to attract a
steady and hopefully growing at-
tendance of young families. The
spirit of worship in both Sunday
morning services is always encour-
aging and we continue to be built
upon ways to help others connect
to our liturgical tradition, and
parishioners to the community of
Sale. The varied character of the
two Sunday morning services in
the Cathedral is valuable and we
seek to offer thoughtful, lively and
relevant worship. Congregations
average around 45 people at 8am
First Order Holy Communion and
75 people at 10am Family service
with Holy Communion.
We continue to explore our all-
age inclusiveness at the 10am fam-
ily service, especially on a first
Sunday of the month. We are notic-
ing a steady attendance of young
families, if not every week then
certainly returning regularly. This
age group of young families and
younger adults is an area of ongo-
ing concern for outreach and for
Christian formation. Evening serv-
ices are held with the monthly
rhythm of Healing Eucharist,
Hymn Service, families@five and
the Contemplative Prayer service
led by members of the Anam Cara
Community. During Christmas and
Easter we attracted respectively,
congregations totalling 399 and
320.
Christian Formation
FOUR Home Study Groups con-
tinued to meet throughout the year;
these groups have used their own
WITH CARE & DIGNITY WE
RESPECTFULLY SERVE THE DISTRICTS OF:
LEONGATHA/KORUMBURRA
Paul and Margaret Beck
FOSTER
Paul and Margaret Beck
WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH
Ray and Maree Anderson
PHILLIP ISLAND
Ray and Maree Anderson
MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL
DIRECTORS͛ ASSOCIATION
study/discussion resources or the
weekly resources from Seasons of
the Spirit as a link to the Sunday
Liturgy. An Education for Ministry
Group of 10 people, seven of them
new to EfM, meets weekly and is
led by mentors, Kate Campbell,
Heather Toms and the Dean. More
than 50 people joined in Lent
Study Groups using Bishop John’s
study Set free. Several others used
the study for private reflection.
Twelve Candidates were con-
firmed by Bishop John on Sunday
December 5, seven youth and three
adults from the parish, together
with two students from Gippsland
Grammar. Twenty-three baptisms
were performed and five marriages
throughout the year. Making Love
Last workshops for marriage
preparation were held in May and
September.
The Ministry Team
THE ministry of the Cathedral is
ably supported by a well-trained
team of lay and clergy ministers
and volunteers. Reverend Marilyn
Obersby concluded her ministry
with us at the end of 2010. Marilyn
was Senior Assistant Priest and
was paid a stipend for one day per
week during the previous year. As
well as Sunday liturgical ministry,
Marilyn assisted with mainly
music, with pastoral care and in the
latter part of her time organising
and undertaking the baptismal
ministry. The Cathedral congrega-
(03) 5662 2717
(03) 5662 2717
(03) 5672 1074
(03) 5952 5171
tion expressed is thanks to Marilyn
for her ministry and friendship at
her final service at Christmas.
Rev. Lloyd George and Rev. Stu-
art Lawson continue at the Cathe-
dral as assistant priests (hon.). As
well as paying tribute to Stuart and
Lloyd, we are thankful for the min-
istry of lay readers Marion Jones
and Michael Chadwick, who help
minister in other centres in the
parish.
Christine Morris continues in her
capacity as children and youth
minister. Christine has been re-ap-
pointed by Chapter to that position
to the beginning of October 2011.
Chapter applauds Christine Morris
for her untiring energy in this min-
istry and the many other areas of
ministerial support at the Cathe-
dral. I have asked the new Chapter
to explore with me ways for us to
support and develop this ministry
further.
A regular ministry team meeting
has been reinstituted and consists
of clergy, lay readers and pastoral
assistants. Its purpose is to review
Cathedral worship and ministry
and to encourage and pray for each
other in the light of our ministry
goals.
The OUTLOOK magazine has
hitherto been a monthly production
but Chapter decided in late 2010 to
make this a bi-monthly magazine
and to include more articles of re-
flection and thought. An editorial
committee has been convened.
The annual Summer in Seaspray
ministry between Christmas and
New Year was a great success;
many families were contacted,
more than 120 people during the
week, including local families. A
review meeting was held and a
working group will meet mid-year
to plan this year’s event.
A new family, originally from the
Sudan, has joined us. We are de-
lighted this family is among us at
the 10am services. Other families
of Sudanese origin are also coming
to live in Sale.
A new Men’s Group has begun
under the oversight of a team led
by Grant Woolcock, Arthur
McPherson, Joe Sestokas and the
Dean.
Cathedral Events
NUMEROUS diocesan and
parish community events were held
at the Cathedral in the past year.
These included Synod Eucharist
and Synod (May 21-23); Regional
Ultreya (August 21); RSCM Work-
shop (September 11); Organ
Recital (September 12); Police
ABOVE: Some of the delegates at Gippsland Anglican Diocese’s 36th
annual Synod, on May 13 to 15 this year, held at Drouin.
BELOW: Representing Warragul parish were Andrew Ronalds, Archdea-
con Phillip Muston, Tina Dent and Katie Peken.
Memorial Service (September 29);
Anglican Women Rally (October
12); Cathedral Fair (October 16);
Ordination of Priests (November
13); Friends of the Cathedral An-
nual Meeting and Lunch (Novem-
ber 13); Ordination of Deacons and
Priest (February 19); Concert for
Victorian Flood Victims (March
20); Mothers’ Union Lady Day
(March 25); Diocesan Teaching
day on Hope with Rev. Dr David
Powys (April 9); The Easter Art
Show ( April 19-26).
Bishop John presided and
preached at St Paul’s Cathedral on
six occasions in the past 12 months
and we are thankful for his min-
istry and support.
Governance and
Strategic Planning
THE Cathedral Chapter reviewed
the strategic plan and held a special
meeting on August 29 for reflec-
tion and prayer. Valuable discus-
sion and ideas arose about our
ministry to areas of Sale where
membership of our church is mini-
mal. Reponses to these ideas are
part of ongoing discussion by
Chapter.
Cathedral Office Holders and
Volunteers: Cathedral Lay Canons,
Arthur McPherson, Ann Miller,
Pam Schmack, together with other
members of Chapter deserve
thanks for their diligence and min-
istry. Similar thanks go to our fi-
nancial committee, especially
treasurer, Colin Price, (farewelled
in early 2011), Karina King, Kate
Campbell and Helen Gardiner.
Helen Gardiner, who is the Cathe-
dral Sacristan, also deserves spe-
cial thanks for her numerous duties
undertaken with diligence and with
care for the mission of the Cathe-
dral. Cathedral Office volunteers
offer their time each weekday
The Gippsland Anglican
June 2011
Photos: Jeanette Severs
morning and I want to note the
work of Margaret Mynard who
concluded her voluntary office
work in early 2011 after many
years of faithful service.
The Annual Meeting of the
Friends of St Paul’s Cathedral was
held on November 13, following
the Ordination lunch. Guest
speaker was Dean of St Paul’s
Cathedral Melbourne, Bishop
Mark Burton.
The Greater Chapter of the
Cathedral met on November 11
and considered a paper presented
by the Dean proposing a process
for Theological Education and
Ministry Training (TEMT) based
at the Cathedral, arising out of the
Cathedral’s role in the Diocese.
The proposal suggested the
Greater Chapter would help coor-
dinate, encourage and seek ways to
resource clergy and lay leaders
across the diocese. This could
mean encouraging the taking up of
courses currently available through
Trinity College or Ridley College
in Melbourne or CSU/St Mark’s in
Canberra and look into the possi-
bility of formal links with the dio-
cese for further developing TEMT.
While this is still in process, it is
planned to offer in 2012 to clergy
and laity, a Certificate IV in Chris-
tian Counselling and Communica-
tion Skills under the auspices of St
Mark’s Canberra. Further details
about this course will be made
available as soon as possible.
The Cathedral Chapter has ac-
cepted in principal a proposal to
offer part-time employment to a
person at the end of 2011 who will
work in youth/community devel-
opment in the parish and in the dio-
cese but centred in Sale. The
Cathedral’s share in this ministry
remains for the Cathedral a serious
matter of prayer and planning as
the parish finances are to date lan-
guishing behind budget.
 June 2011
ABOVE: Gippsland’s Bishop, Right Reverend John McIntyre and the
Primate of the Anglican Church in Australia, The Most Reverend Dr
Phillip Aspinall, flank Canon Amy Turner as she prepares the high table
during the Synod eucharist service.
Diocesan mission support
THE Diocesan Mission Support
Group was established last year
with Jenny MacRobb as the coor-
dinator. The report was tabled at
Synod. In particular, the Diocesan
Mission Support Group held a mis-
sion expo in Delbridge Hall, Sale
last year, an opportunity for local
and national mission support agen-
cies to speak about their activities.
The report to Synod is repro-
duced faithfully here.
THE Diocesan Mission Support
Group ran its first diocesan func-
tion in October 2010. This was a
mission expo to which we invited
the main mission agencies and
other smaller ministries involved in
local mission to both speak about
their work and to distribute infor-
mation and share with us matters
where prayer support is needed.
Keynote speaker was Reverend
Paul Arnott, who spoke on the
basic principles that should under-
gird the work of missionary min-
istry and mission support.
The day finished with an empha-
sis on Gippsland’s own diocesan
mission support project: the need
to complete ‘Gippsland House’
and our contribution to the Seeds of
Peace Conference and Accommo-
dation Centre in Gahini. Since then
$50,000 has been raised towards
this project.
This May Neville and Lynne
Beaty return to Gahini accompa-
nied by Francis McKinlay, a mas-
ter plumber from Warragul parish,
to assist the local people to move
the project towards completion.
Lynne and Neville will be in
Rwanda for three months and Fran-
cis will work there for one month.
After the success of the diocesan
mission expo at Sale, it was de-
The Gippsland Anglican
Photo: Val Ritchie
cided a diocesan mission rally will
be held at the Cathedral on the sec-
ond Saturday in October each year,
with a regional mission support
function held in each quarter in one
of the three Archdeaconries.
The first of these regional mission
support activities was held in
March this year at Christ Church
Drouin, an ideal venue for a jazz
and blues music evening featuring
BCA state secretary, Rev. Greg
Jones and jazz pianist, Bob Seder-
green.
During the evening, Greg Jones
spoke about the current work and
special needs of BCA. There was
special interest in the new BCA
work being undertaken in semi-
urban rural areas, which is bearing
positive results. Greg also spoke
about the widespread personal sup-
port work provided by BCA in
flooded areas.
The South Gippsland regional
support gathering will be held at
Leongatha with a program to be
arranged by CMS, with possible
other functions around the
Archdeaconry the same week.
The East Gippsland mission sup-
port rally will be held in early No-
vember at Lakes Entrance, with a
special emphasis on both our own
Koori ministry in Gippsland and
the training of Aboriginal priests,
deacons and evangelists at Nun-
galinga College in the Northern
Territory.
We are very conscious a number
of parishes do not have active
parish mission secretaries and that
advertising for diocesan and re-
gional rallies and projects get very
little mention in a number of
parishes.
Contributed by Jenny MacRobb
Coordinator, DMS Group
For Sale
Lowry Organ
as new condition
paid $1399
will accept $600
Contact Jean Hill telephone
03 5174-1767 or Unit 38,
Matthews Crescent, Yallam-
bie Village, Traralgon, 3844.
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Their role involves others
PRESENTING the report on Abo-
riginal ministry in the diocese, Rev-
erend Phyllis Andy and Reverend
Kathy Dalton (right) spoke about their
joy in being ordained priest earlier this
year and being able to minister in that
role to Indigenous people in Gipps-
land. Their work has included funer-
als, baptisms and weddings and, in
particular, celebrating the eucharist as
Aboriginal Anglican priests.
They talked about the importance of
their recognition as priests, and how
they have enabled other Aboriginal
people to participate in services, in
leading prayers, readings and as
servers and involving children in the
service.
Phyllis and Kathy also explained
their roles in travelling across the dio-
cese and connecting with Aboriginal
elders, talking about their role as
priests.
Photo: Jeanette Severs
Cup of Tea team valuable to recovery
REPORT to Synod from David Wilcox, Community
Development Officer, working in partnership with the
Anglican Diocese of Gippsland and the Uniting
Church in Australia, in bushfire (2009) recovery areas.
Nobody seems too sure how many homes were on
Mt Tassie before Black Saturday (February 2009) be-
cause there was so much bush here, but as houses are
rebuilt you start to get an idea how populated this
mountain was.
For the past 20 months, I have endeavored to stand
with the people of Callignee and surrounding district
and have only been able to do so because of the gen-
erous support of you and your people. God has been so
good, as I have seen many breakthroughs in people’s
lives as they rebuild physically and emotionally.
Here is a breakdown of some of what has taken place
since the last Synod meeting:
The ‘Cup of Tea’ team and visits have taken up much
of my time. The team has been reduced in time but
visits still happen. These visits open up many oppor-
tunities and are very valuable. Also, many local
churches and the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland have
helped by supporting us with material goods and fi-
nancial assistance.
Some visits have given us the opportunity to pray
with individuals which is an awesome privilege. I am
considering reducing visits, to essential people who
come in on referrals, thus using the reduced team to
maximum effect. This is probably a natural flow-on
effect that would have happened over time anyway as
people move back into their more normal lives.
Emergency food relief support has come from the
Anglican Diocese of Gippsland through financial sup-
port, from Enjoy Gippsland (formerly Valley Chris-
tian Centre in Morwell) with hampers from their
Helping Hand program, Vic Relief and from the co-
operating churches of Churchill with financial support.
The need for this type of support has almost stopped.
Much furniture was needed to fit-out sheds for acco-
modation. After an appeal through Sarah Gover, I
spent hours travelling through Gippsland collecting
from very generous people. Many people were helped.
My time is consumed by one on one ministry or with
couples. Some of these are ongoing from the start of
my employment. Some are new and have come in over
the past few months. December 2010 was my busiest
month ever, with some work needed to be done while
on leave. Not the best scenario, I know, but I have the
people’s trust (both on the mountain and Government)
and decided to see these people rather than have them
held up with other people on leave. They were serious
issues and know I did the best thing I could at the time.
I was asked by VBRRA to attend a building seminar
that was held in the new Callignee hall and to be avail-
able to talk with anyone that needed it. I talked with
many people over the afternoon and was asked by oth-
ers to do follow up visits to their homes. Most issues
revolve around mental health and people’s fears and
concerns about relationships or rebuilding.
Many of the issues are also about unresolved grief
or anger and have taken nearly two years to come out
in the open. There are many angry men on the moun-
11
tain and these are very time-consuming visits; some
are phone sessions only, as this is a very confronting
issue for the men and their families.
The new Callignee complex has been completed and
opened on Australia Day 2011. It was a great day.
Some fire-affected people have been to our home for
a meal. We plan to continue this, as we think it will be
very beneficial to some of the people.
Twenty large Christmas hampers were handed out
prior to Christmas Day, to families and individuals.
Support came from the Anglican Diocese of Gipps-
land, the Uniting Church in Australia (Gippsland),
Enjoy Church (Gippsland Campus), Vic Relief and
David and Barbara Wilcox.
Some of the shed-dwelling people are now in nearly
completed houses and this has brought about such an
improvement in mental and overall health for them.
I completed a one day course on ‘Alcohol Abuse’ in
Melbourne. This course is available for the fire sur-
vivors and I will look to where I can use it. Alcohol
consumption has certainly increased since Black Sat-
urday, but there is a huge perception in Australia that
if it [alcohol] is legal then it must be okay.
Only in this past month have some of the emergency
situations began to settle down. It has been an enor-
mous task to date and has been some of the hardest
work I have ever undertaken. This will enable me to
re-connect with some of the people who had to be left
for awhile as I dealt with more critical situations.
The two biggest issues, and will remain for a long
time, are building houses and the mental health of peo-
ple. These are very long term issues for these fire-af-
fected people. More free counseling sessions have just
been made available as it becomes more obvious that
more mental health support is required.
The Certificate IV in Christian Chaplaincy and Pas-
toral Care course I am completing will end in July.
The government gave people living in sheds until
March this year to begin rebuilding but have extended
this to March 2012. At least 25 families live in sheds,
some still in caravans, and there are just so many is-
sues associated with this. Building restrictions mean
the cost of rebuilding has increased beyond what it
would have cost to rebuild before the fires. Insurance
does not cover those costs. VBRRA payments are all
but used up getting sheds set up and with day to day
living. This issue alone is causing much stress.
In one instance all available money was poured into
turning a shed into a home only to be told they might
not get permission to live in it. This situation is being
followed up vigorously but I suspect will be some-
thing that recurs often in the next year or so. It will
mean putting some pressure on people to decide what
to do and make the necessary plans.
Since I began working in partnership with the An-
glican Diocese of Gippsland and the Uniting Church
in Australia, reports go to both groups. I meet with
Bishop John McIntyre and Reverend Tim Angus, and
with Rev. Geoff Pittaway, (my supervisor) on a regu-
lar basis.
Please keep praying for these people and my work
as I walk with them through their recovery.
 12 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Anam Cara to seek contemplation
THE report from the Anam Cara Providing resources for individu-
Community was presented to
Synod by Kate Campbell (right),
on behalf of its author, Reverend
als, parishes and other groups to
support the inner journey into God;
Being a community of prayer,
Anne Turner, Soul Carer for the worship, the Bible, reflection, dis-
Community. cernment, justice and mutual sup-
A highlight of the year, among port.
many, was the expansion of the Last year we became aware there
community into the Canberra was were some misunderstandings
Goulburn diocese and liaison be- about the nature of the Anam Cara
tween the Community and Senior Community. To address this, a de-
Staff through Archdeacon Heather finitive statement about the com-
Marten. An edited version of the munity was published which the
report is reproduced here. Bishop forwarded to all rectors and
parish priests. We have also re-
SINCE the last report to Synod in cently sent a copy to all parish sec-
2010, there have been significant retaries for wider parish
changes and growth within the information.
Community. As well, an article was written for
Mission: The Anam Cara Com- The Gippsland Anglican, stating
munity is a dispersed Christian our complete Christian orthodoxy
contemplative community of outlining our understanding of our-
prayer and support for the inner selves as a as a contemplative
journey into God. prayer community committed to
Objectives: The Anam Cara providing many and varied ways of
Community will serve God, the making the inward journey,
Anglican Diocese of Gippsland through prayer, study, reflection,
and the wider church by: silence and stillness. We draw the
Forming a community of individ- inspiration for our journeys from
uals (associates) who seek to live the Bible, the historic tradition, the
the contemplative life, in all its di- creeds and other formularies of the
mensions; church. Our commitment to the
ABOVE: Representing Mirboo North parish at Synod were Reverend
Geoff Pittaway, Lyn Eden and David Pearn.
Photos: Jeanette Severs
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diocesan mission statement and
strategy of ‘making Jesus Christ
known here and now through the
inward journey and through the
outward journey’ remains at the
heart of our motivation as a key
part of our mission. We are not
some ‘new age’ movement, or
only catering for those with a
‘mystical’ bent, but rooted and
grounded in the traditions of the
Christian church as well as being
open and inclusive in exploring
modern dimensions of faith and
spirituality.
The Anam Cara Community un-
derstands itself to have a special
ministry to those who feel distant
from the church or ‘on the outside’
and seeks to provide a safe space
for everyone to explore the inner
journey. We understand some peo-
ple will continue to have questions
or concerns and we encourage
them to speak with us in order to
learn more about us and perhaps
[participate in] part of our ministry.
A decision was made at the end
of 2010 that the leadership team
would comprise one soul carer of
the community, gatherers of meet-
ing places and others with specific
tasks to be known as servant lead-
ers. These leaders continue to meet
bi-monthly to pray and work to-
gether for the good ordering of this
dispersed community.
We are pleased to have Associate,
Archdeacon Heather Marten as our
liaison with senior staff, thus keep-
ing all community matters well ac-
countable and the Bishop and
senior staff informed of activities.
The Bishop continues to encour-
age us as a Community. This last
year saw the beginning of a Meet-
ing Place in the Diocese of Can-
berra Goulburn. Bishop John
liaised with Bishop Stuart Robin-
son who enthusiastically embraced
the concept of the Community and
the leader, Rev. Jeannette McHugh.
Bishop Stuart sent information to
clergy and the tri-diocesan news-
paper of Canberra-Goulburn, Rive-
rina and Bathurst.
We continue to have several lone
associates around the country and
one in London. A new brochure for
Seekers was produced, with basic
information about the community
[brochures were at Synod]. A more
detailed publication for all associ-
ates is in production.
Our chief publication Waterholes
continues to be edited by our web
servant Colin Thornby. We aim to
have quarterly newsletters or more.
For those without internet access,
all publications are in hard copy.
The Community’s web site
(www.anamcara-gippsland.org)
continues to be well used and ac-
cessed, often bringing new associ-
ates from across Australia and
enquiries from across the world.
Every month, quiet days are held
in the meeting places of the com-
munity, led by associates using
their particular gifts. This year‘s
program is well underway. These
days are open to all people and
promoted on the website, in The
Gippsland Anglican and by email
to associates.
There are a growing number of
small groups regularly meeting
around the diocese exploring dif-
ferent aspects of the inner journey
and regular occasions of contem-
plative worship offered in different
parishes. One new group, The Cir-
cle of Friends, is a soul friendship
group of differently-abled adults
meeting weekly in Sale.
As a community we are encour-
aging individual parish days to be
set aside for the inner journey. It is
good if we know of special parish
days we can support and promote.
Within the Community we have
several trained Spiritual Direc-
tors/Companions/Soul carers,
whose expertise and ministry is in-
valuable for those seeking a com-
panion for their own journeys of
faith. We encourage all associates
and others to have such a trusted
spiritual companion.
This ministry is specialised and
the servant leaders recognise the
need for ongoing support and pro-
fessional development for those
engaged in this ministry. May 21
was set aside for a day in conver-
sation with Ms Cheryl Russell, the
Director of Professional Standards
within the diocese. The Commu-
nity also aims to provide ongoing
supervision, support and ministry
development for those engaged in
the ministry of spiritual direction
The Anam Cara Community con-
tinues to support the Abbey of St
Barnabas and has committed to
leading two retreats this year. Jane
Macqueen continues as the liaison
servant leader with the Abbey and
the Community will provide a
praying presence at the Abbey
from July 4 to 16. During this time,
the Dean will lead a quiet day.
The end of year service is now
well established in the diocesan
diary on the Saturday immediately
prior to Advent Sunday. We come
together as a community, as we are
able, to welcome new associates
and commission the servant lead-
ers. This past year, symbols of
membership were set aside at the
service and distributed to the gath-
ered associates. As associates
renew their membership, so they
receive a symbol of membership.
All costs are covered by the an-
nual subscriptions, with a nominal
contribution by participants of
quiet days. Our treasurer, Kate
Campbell, does a great job keeping
the books and we are now in the
habit of giving a substantial dona-
tion at the end of the financial year.
This past year $1000 went to the
Seeds of Peace Project in Gahini,
Rwanda; in the previous year
$1000 was given to the Abbey of
St Barnabas at A’Beckett Park. Fi-
nancial support was also provided
to the Circle of Friends group.
The Gippsland Anglican
June 2011
Helping the
Sudanese to
learn English
By Bruce Charles
INFORMATION was presented
to Synod about an appeal
launched by the diocesan Sudanese
ministry based in Moe, to help
fund an English-speaking program
for the Sudanese people.
Many Sudanese people, like other
refugees arriving in Australia,
struggle to learn English. This is
made more difficult by the fact
many of them have very little edu-
cation in their lives and cannot
write their own language. The
English-speaking programs they
eperience on arrival in this country
are not particularly successful in
helping many of them to learn
English and certainly not to read it.
The appeal is to raise money for
an initial 20 MP3 players (a device
that plays recorded sound files).
These MP3 players, costing about
$100 each, are an important part of
the English-speaking program.
They will be available to be bor-
rowed from, initially the parish of-
fice, and then when established,
the Sudanese community centre.
Information would be read, then
converted into voice files, so the
listener can both hear and read the
information at the same time. Moe
Anglican parish at the moment is
in the process of obtaining high-
quality computing software, those
used in most universities as well is
by organisations assisting people
with disabilities, that will convert
text into voice files. The parish un-
derstands that this software, al-
though expensive, will receive
government funding.
At the moment, Moe parish
struggles to do this task with
cheaper software. With the better
software, a task that previously
took six hours will be done in 10
minutes or five seconds, depending
on the software purchased.
The applications for this process
are many. It can be used for gov-
ernment and information pam-
phlets to make information more
readily accessible to those with
limited or no reading ability. It will
be used for helping Sudanese peo-
ple to read the Bible. At the mo-
ment, the Old Testament has not
been translated into Dinka. Conse-
quently, many Sudanese people
have heard very little of the Old
Testament. This program can also
be used for general reading and the
extended use of talking books.
It is hoped that in developing
their English, this will help the Su-
danese to more readily gain em-
ployment and adapt to Australia.
Moe parish is excited by the pos-
sibilities of the program as it is in-
novative in the Australian context,
but not so innovative when com-
pared with best practices in Europe
and America. The program is
based on a simple principle to help
people learn a new language.
The Parish hopes that in time this
type of program will be used by a
wide range of organisations, espe-
cially government departments and
welfare agencies, to better dissem-
inate information to those who are
either illiterate or partially so.
Contact Moe parish for more in-
formation about supporting this
initiative; telephone 03 5127 5206.
 June 2011
ABOVE: Reverend Stuart Lawson and Reverend Phyllis Andy were en-
joying the fellowship of Synod.
BELOW: The Primate, Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall and Mr Robert
Fordham, of Bishop-in-Council, Gippsland Diocese.
MU supports families
THE report to Synod from Moth-
ers’ Union Gippsland was pre-
sented by Karin McKenzie,
president of the group. She high-
lighted the 165 members of MU
Gippsland, across 10 parishes, in-
cluding some lone members, who
all regularly gather for fellowship
and support. Karin spoke about the
of MU members in prayer; that
worldwide MU members pray 2.8
million prayers each year, a power-
ful force. The MU report is repro-
duced faithfully here.
AT Mothers’ Union Lady Day
celebrations last year, Deanne
Bray, Australian president, said:
“MU is not just prayer, Bible study
and reconciliation, faith and action.
MU struggles with opposition, rel-
evance and credibility.”
Deanne asked: “Do we meet peo-
ple where they are, or do we expect
them to be where we are? That is
the challenge today; meeting fam-
ilies’ needs, often practical needs,
where they are.”
Sarah Gover challenged us at
June Join In to consider the differ-
ent characteristics of the various
generations; to inform us and to en-
courage us to be relevant in the ac-
tivities and programs we provide.
We appreciate working coopera-
tively with Anglicare.
Following establishment of the
MU St Barnabas Family Retreat
Fund, MU invitation week is part
of the program of The Abbey of St
Barnabas at A’Beckett Park, on
Raymond Island. This year, places
will be offered from July 5 to 10,
during the school holidays. Several
families will be invited to take up
the offer of a three-night midweek
break or a two-day weekend stay.
Information about this was pub-
lished in The Gippsland Anglican.
The Gippsland Anglican
Photos: Jeanette Severs
As well as supporting the MU St
Barnabas Family Retreat Fund,
MU Gippsland members con-
tribute to the AWA project. Newton
Theological College at Popendeta
in Papua New Guinea, has a very
old and poorly stocked library for
the use of theological students.
This, in some cases, forces bishops
to send ordination candidates over-
seas for training.
The MU and AWA project seeks
to provide the latest books and best
possible research material so can-
didates will be able to complete
their training in their place. Popon-
deta is in a remote area. The col-
lege relies on a petrol-fuelled
generator for power, four hours
daily.
At the MU Quiet Day at Cowes,
Reverend Greg Magee said: “God
is not just a generating event, God
is Trinity”.
As MU develops its new theme
for 2011, Relationship Not Rules,
we are considering our relation-
ships with God, through Jesus.
This relationship is not a theory, it
is not a set of rules to live by, but
rather a reacting with, responding
to and knowing Jesus personally.
So ... as MU founder, Mary Sum-
ner, saw a need to support families
and set out to meet that need more
than a century ago, inspiring others
to join her in forming a grassroots
movement that continues today,
MU Gippsland in 2011 hopes to ar-
ticulate the needs of our families
and meet them in their place. We
need to tell our congregations
about our vision and plans, so that
others may join us. Our challenge
is to be visible and relevant.
Join me as I pray Mary Sumner’s
personal prayer [from 1876]. The
representatives at Synod joined to-
gether as one in this prayer.
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Reports from schools
THE reports from Gippsland Grammar and St Paul’s
Anglican Grammar schools were presented to Synod
by Reverend Jon Taylor and Archdeacon Phillip Mus-
ton respectively. A highlight of the schools in the past
year was the innovative merger of strategic manage-
ment, which Bishop John, in his President’s address
Gippsland Grammar
IN 2010, Gippsland Grammar finally exceeded an
enrolment of 1000 across all three campuses. We
started the year with 1007 students and this number
steadily increased throughout the year, finishing with
about 1020. Much of this growth has been at St Anne’s
campus where the effect of creating a two-stream ELC
program some years ago is now being seen. This pro-
gram is highly regarded within the local community
and has obviously contributed to a more consistent
prep-grade enrolment now flowing through the middle
years of the primary school. The Bairnsdale campus
has seen gradual growth and we added a seventh class
in 2011. At the Garnsey (senior) campus, numbers
held steady, despite a smaller than usual year seven
cohort. There has been significant interest during the
year in enrolment in years nine to 11, contributing to
steady enrolment growth through the year.
Infrastructure development focused on the junior
campuses. The BER funding enabled completion of
the old girls boarding house conversion into class-
rooms for years five and six and an art room. The old
boys boarding house was transformed into a Music
Centre. The area outside these rooms was landscaped.
At Lorna Sparrow Hall, the funding added a new en-
trance, toilets and a function kitchen to double duty as
the school canteen.
The new multi-purpose building at the Bairnsdale
Campus was ready for occupation at the beginning of
term four. This building, named the James Beard Cen-
tre in honor of our long-serving former principal, con-
tains a hall, library, art room, music centre, changing
rooms and function facilities. It was a particular de-
light to ‘open’ this facility with the Bairnsdale musi-
cal Pirates of Penzance at the beginning of term four.
The rowing facility has been significantly improved
with a floating pontoon,achieved with help from sport
council grants and assistance from Wellington Shire.
At the senior campus, we have installed a specialised
long and triple jump runway and new pits, which has
led to a significant number of new school records set
in these events this year. I would like to acknowledge
the work of our Business Manager, Colin Price, who
managed these projects, along with the bureaucratic
labyrinth of BER funding.
Netbook computers were introduced into year nine in
2010, enabling a very mobile use of technology with
an improved wireless infrastructure allowing us to ac-
commodate the research demand of these very tech-
nology-aware students. This innovation flows into
Year 10 in 2011.
In 2010, the two school boards agreed to trial a joint
venture over the next three years which sees Jan Henry
step into the role of Head of School at Gippsland
Grammar with responsibility for all operational as-
pects of school life, while Mike Clapper works across
both schools as Executive Principal with responsibil-
ity for strategic management. The two schools remain
independent with their own boards, uniforms and
school cultures.
We welcomed our new Chaplain, Jon Taylor, to the
school and were delighted to see Jon becoming or-
dained during the year.
This year’s VCE results are another strong perform-
ance for the school. The School’s mean ATAR (for-
merly ENTER) score was 75.4, well up with the
average over the past 10 years; 21 per cent of students
obtained an ATAR score more than 90, putting them in
the top 10 per cent of the state. These excellent results
in VCE courses were backed up by some very strong
results in university enhancement courses in Mathe-
matics, Biology and Media/Communication.
This year has seen some changes in board member-
ship with Elizabeth Davis and Bruce Savage retiring.
Bishop John McIntyre continued as Chair and Peter
Skeels as the Deputy Chair. Ann Mwagiru and Tony
Wicking, both from Bairnsdale, joined the Board and
the new Dean of the Cathedral, Donald Saines, has
taken up his ex officio position. Work by the board
over the past few years has seen the school move into
a very secure financial situation with good control
over our borrowings and a healthy operating surplus
which will allow us to plan appropriate capital devel-
opment over the years to come.
13
to Synod, stated was showing considerable signs of
success for the two schools. Archdeacon Phillip spoke
about the principal of St Paul’s becoming a regular at-
tendant at Sunday service. Rev. Jon spoke about the
redevelopment of religious education at Gippsland
Grammar. The two edited reports follow.
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar
School
IN 2010 St Paul’s saw the sudden departure of the
former principal in the middle of the year, precipitat-
ing a new strategic structure to be implemented, with
the principal of Gippsland Grammar, Mike Clapper,
asked to assist the school establish a new executive
structure. After much discussion, the decision was
taken by the Boards of both schools to establish a joint
venture over the next three years which would see a
principal appointed at St Paul’s with responsibility for
all operational aspects of school life (with a similar
arrangement in place at Gippsland Grammar). Ms Lisa
Moloney (formerly deputy principal at Radford Col-
lege, Canberra) was appointed the new principal and
began in January this year. Mike Clapper works across
both schools as Executive Principal with responsibil-
ity for strategic management.
In the second half of the year, Ann Moxham stepped
into the position of acting principal, continuing her re-
sponsibilities as Director of Curriculum. At the end of
the year, Ann left the school to take up the position of
principal at Blackheath & Thornburgh College in
Charters Towers, Queensland.
Infrastructure development has been focused on the
junior campuses with the BER funding allowing com-
pletion early in the school year of stage two of the
Warragul Junior School gymnasium, including the art
room, foyer, toilets and additional storage space. At
the Traralgon campus, the new gymnasium was com-
pleted at the very end of the year ready for the begin-
ning of the 2011 school year. The decision was also
made at the Traralgon Middle School to allow two
streams of entry at Year seven and to extend to Year 10
in 2011. Consequently, demountable buildings were-
purchased to form a new module, including a music
room, art room, food technology and hard materials
room. This will allow Middle School to offer the en-
tire curriculum onsite, eliminating the need of previ-
ous cohorts to travel either to Warragul or to Flinders
College for their elective programs. I thank Business
Manager Leah Young and Property Manager Murray
Davidson in particular for their oversight in deliver-
ing our facilities on time and on budget.
As always, the school has had a strong focus on com-
munity service and this year, the SRC organised
fund-raisers for ‘Jeans for Genes’ and the ‘bring a
present’ appeal for underprivileged families. The pre-
fects organised the ‘Largest Morning Tea’ in aid of
cancer research and many students were prepared to
‘Shave for a Cure’ for the Leukaemia Foundation.
The school continues its active program of commu-
nity service in East Timor. The spiritual dimension of
school life continues to be ably led by our Chaplain,
Daniel Lowe, who became an ordained deacon early
in the year.
This year’s VCE results are another strong perform-
ance for the school. The school’s mean ATAR (previ-
ously ENTER) score was an impressive 72.9; 22 per
cent of students obtained an ATAR score of more than
90 putting them in the top 10 per cent of the state.
It is difficult to pick a single highlight from another
very busy year in the school, though the outstanding
school production of West Side Story is most certainly
a contender, along with the junior performance of
Beans. Other fine cultural events included the PASH
(Performing Arts Scholarship Holders) concert, the
year 12 Theatre Studies production, Hoods and the
Centrepiece Concert. The school enjoyed success in
debating, music, drama and sport, with many suc-
cesses in GIS and ICCES competition, cycling, aero-
bics, equestrian and snow sports.
While all people made a contribution to St Paul’s, I
acknowledge Norman McLennan, Donna D’Arcy and
Rob Vermay, who all retired after many years of out-
standing service. There were significant changes to
board membership in 2010. Ian Sowerby stepped
down after over 18 years of service. Ron Gowland,
after 16 years; Louise Curran, Peter Rehfisch, Zvonko
Maric and Peter Holdsworth. New board members are
Mark McKibbin, Brendan Jenkins, Gavin Jones, Tia
Navanteri, Darren Jennings, Liz Keilty, Julie Kennedy
and John Mitchell as Chair after the AGM.
 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
The President’s message to Synod
THE Bishop of Gippsland, Right Reverend
John McIntyre, delivered his President’s Ad-
dress to Synod, held at Drouin, on May 13
this year. The President’s Address is repro-
duced faithfully here. The address is also
available on the diocesan webpage,
www.gippsanglican.org.au
THIS is the sixth time I have stood before
the Synod of the Gippsland Diocese to ad-
dress you on those matters I believe it is im-
portant for us as church to focus on in our
ongoing concern to be God’s people in God’s
world. I think it is fitting after five years to
reflect on the changes that have taken place
in the diocese in that time. These changes are
due to the committed labor of a range of peo-
ple, too many to name but to whom I am im-
mensely grateful.
The most exciting development to my mind
has been the way in which we have been able
to affirm ministry by and to Aboriginal peo-
ple across Gippsland, highlighted by the or-
dination as priest of Phyllis Andy and Kathy
Dalton earlier this year.
In my first address to synod in 2006 I sig-
nalled my intent for the diocese “to put first
our obligation to the original inhabitants of
our land in this region of Australia” and
committed myself to “finding further sources
of funding to enable the employment of
Aboriginal people by the Anglican Church
in Gippsland, and ultimately the ordination
of Aboriginal Anglican Priests as a sign of
our affirmation of their ministry among, with
and to us”.
I am pleased to say we are a significant way
down the path to realising this intent and I
acknowledge the ministry of Phyllis [Andy]
and Kathy [Dalton] and the people and
parishes who have supported them in min-
istry.
Before synod this year is a Bill for an Abo-
riginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Ministry Act, which puts into legislation
structures to ensure longevity for the initia-
tives taken over the past five years to estab-
lish Aboriginal ministry in the diocese.
The critical question which still faces us,
however, is the sustainability of this ministry
by the provision of the resources necessary
to ensure its future. The Bill for an Act in-
cludes establishment of a ministry trust fund
which will take up the existing Gippsland
Aboriginal Ministry Fund. That fund started
off well but the initial enthusiasm has died
down and there is a need to build its re-
sources to enable ongoing sustainability of
the ministry.
Aboriginal people recognise and are com-
mitted to contributing towards the ministry
of which they are a part, but it must be re-
membered they do not of themselves have
the economic capacity to sustain that min-
istry, being on the whole, significantly dis-
advantaged economically. For this reason,
they continue to need our support.
More importantly, however, I believe we
Be a part of supporting the
Aboriginal Ministry
Fund
The AMF exists to resource employment of
Aboriginal people in ministry; training of
Aboriginal people for ministry; development
of Aboriginal ministry in the community; the
planting of Aboriginal churches; education
of the Diocese about Aboriginal issues.
Be a part of achieving these aims.
Contact the Diocese of Gippsland
453 Raymond Street, Sale, Victoria
PO Box 928, Sale, 3853
Telephone 03 5144 2044
Fax 03 5144 7183
Email registrar@gippsanglican.org.au
have an ongoing obligation to provide finan-
cial and other resources to enable ministry
by and to Aboriginal people in our diocese.
This is a matter of just reparation to people
who were unjustly dispossessed and disen-
franchised within their own land. It is the ac-
tions of our forebears and our actions that
have caused their demise and their ongoing
disadvantage in our communities. As Chris-
tians, I contend we are obliged as a matter of
faith and its demand for justice to contribute
significantly towards this vital ministry fun-
damental to the call to be church in Aus-
tralian society.
Accordingly, I challenge each parish, as I
continue to challenge Bishop-in-Council, to
find ways of ensuring the ongoing viability
and sustainability of Anglican Aboriginal
ministry in Gippsland as a regular feature of
parish and diocesan life and annual budgets.
Vision for environment
A SECOND major development of the past
five years has been the vision for The Abbey
of St Barnabas at A’Beckett Park as a Centre
for Spirituality and the Environment. I be-
lieve this vision to be a gift of God and I con-
tinue to encourage the diocese to explore and
further develop it. I am pleased with the way
it has been taken up by people and parishes
across the diocese, many of whom have con-
tributed in various ways to the development
the Abbey. The winter program this year her-
alds the dawn of a new era in its ministry.
Recent news that Anglican Earthcare
Gippsland Incorporated has received De-
ductible Gift Recipient status enhances our
opportunities for fundraising for the Abbey.
In the meantime, I acknowledge the way in
which Bishop-in-Council has been willing to
take some calculated risks in resource allo-
cation to enable the project to develop to its
present situation, where it sits on the cusp of
an exciting new future.
To enhance our understanding of this vision
for ministry, let me put the Abbey in per-
spective as part of the greater vision of what
it means for us to be God’s people in God’s
world.
The fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican
Communion is “to strive to safeguard the in-
tegrity of creation and to sustain and renew
the life of the earth”. This mark is taken up
in the [Gippsland] Diocesan Strategic Plan
under ‘The Journey Outward’ where one pri-
ority is ‘Caring for God’s Creation’.
One of the questions uppermost in the
minds of a vast majority of Australians is the
question of environmental responsibility.
Currently, there is no more pertinent point of
connection with the people of our communi-
ties than the environmental question. It fills
our media outlets; it consumes our govern-
ments agendas and it is the topic of academic
research and everyday conversation.
If we are not a part of conversations on the
environment, we are missing out on a vital
aspect of our mission in the life of the world
of which we are a part. As Christians, we
have unique perspectives to bring to this
matter. Where better to do that than in a cen-
tre established specifically for that purpose?
How better to show our commitment to this
issue in the life of God’s world than to com-
mit significant time, energy and resources to
a ministry focused on spirituality and the en-
vironment?
In 2008, we launched the five year Dioce-
san Strategic Plan, Jesus Christ, Here and
Now, for Gippsland. I remind you of its vi-
sion: ‘We are a sign of the presence of Jesus
Christ in our communities, through which
people are drawn by God’s Spirit to respond
to Christ and to build God’s community to-
gether’.
I am encouraged by the willingness of
parishes to explore under the plan new ini-
tiatives in ministry and mission and take up
the challenge to try something different as
churches to engage with their communities.
This year marks the time when we need to
begin to look forward to the five years be-
yond 2013 when the current strategic plan
comes to an end. I encourage parishes to be
part of the conversations to help us discern
God’s direction for the longer term ministry
and mission of the diocese.
Vision for families
ONE of the key priorities for ‘The Journey
Outward’ in the Diocesan Strategic Plan is a
focus on children, young people and their
families. It is pleasing to see initiatives now
being taken across the diocese in response to
this.
Mainly Music has taken off with fantastic
success in six parishes and is about to begin
or is being contemplated in five more
parishes. It has put us in touch with dozens
of young families with pre-school children
by responding to their need for support at
this critical time of their lives.
Six parishes now have, or are looking for,
paid workers who have a special focus on
children, young people and their families.
Other parishes continue to rely on the tire-
less contribution of enthusiastic and com-
mitted volunteers for their children’s
ministry. I note with thanks those who in the
past have worked under the auspices of
CEBS, now discontinued in the diocese, and
those who continue to work under the aus-
pices of GFS and ‘KidsPlus+’. I commend
also the work of those volunteers who con-
tinue to offer Christian Religious Education
in government schools.
Currently we are developing a brief for a
part-time diocesan-wide position for a chil-
dren’s worker, which ideally would be taken
up by someone already engaged in this min-
istry in one of our parishes. The Cathedral
parish is looking to employ a specialist youth
worker next year, who would have a dioce-
san-wide brief as well. This will, hopefully,
help fill the gap left by the diocesan-wide
youth ministry ‘Cowwarr’, which is in recess
at the moment.
Another priority of ‘The Journey Outward’
in our strategic plan is ‘Serving People in
Need’. In response to the needs of significant
numbers of Southern Sudanese people mov-
ing into the Latrobe Valley, we have estab-
lished a Sudanese Anglican congregation
under the pastoral care of their priest, Abra-
ham Maluk, and Holy Trinity Church build-
ing in Moe has been given to them for use as
a centre for worship and a community cen-
tre. This ministry is a very significant part of
the total response of the local community to
the needs of Sudanese people in Gippsland.
I acknowledge the people of the Moe parish
in their support for and generosity toward
these newcomers in our midst. We celebrate
with and pray for the Southern Sudanese as
they look to the declaration of their inde-
pendent national status on July 9 this year.
The Sudanese ministry is part of the flow-
ering of the relationship between Anglicare
and our diocese, through the parish partner-
ship program, their support of ministry in
Moe and our joint commitment to commu-
nity development as a vital component of the
church’s ministry and mission within the life
of the wider community.
Within our partnership with Anglicare, I
commend to you the work of Sarah Gover,
in assisting parishes better to engage with
their communities and in helping to build
positive relationships with Anglicare staff
and programs across the diocese. She has
worked tirelessly and with passion and en-
thusiasm, to motivate parishes to find ways
of engaging or re-engaging with their com-
munities and to see the benefits of partner-
ships with Anglicare in the local context.
Vision for community
ANOTHER initiative in the life of our dio-
cese in the past five years has been the es-
tablishment of the Anam Cara Community.
This is a ministry consistent with ‘The Jour-
June 2011 14
ney Inward’ in our strategic plan. It encour-
ages growth in the spiritual life of its mem-
bership and all to whom it ministers through
quiet days, contemplative prayer services, re-
treats and individual spiritual direction.
Gatherings are organised by cell groups of
Anam Cara members in each region and the
overall ministry is overseen by a regular
meeting of its team leadership group. In
Sale, Anam Cara also runs a group called
‘Circle of Friends’ for people living with a
range of disabilities. A regular newsletter,
Waterholes, keeps the membership in touch
with the life of the movement and is a source
of encouragement to all who read it.
Fundamentally the brainchild of Anne
Turner, to whom we owe a great debt for its
establishment, Anam Cara has grown in
leaps and bounds since its inception and re-
cently expanded into the Diocese of Can-
berra and Goulburn with the blessing of that
diocese’s bishop.
Vision for schools
THE two Anglican schools in our diocese
now share an Executive Principal. This de-
velopment emerged out of a situation of cri-
sis at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
and is an outstanding case of the ‘silver lin-
ing’ that accompanies every dark cloud.
The turmoil of St Paul’s school last year led
to a complete spill of the board and the res-
ignation of its then principal. Having sought
counsel from the principal of Gippsland
Grammar School, Mike Clapper, he took up
the role of interim principal of St Paul’s
while they searched for a new principal.
This temporary period of cooperation be-
tween the two schools led to the current ex-
perimental three-year arrangement of one
Executive Principal for both schools, work-
ing in partnership with a Head of School at
Gippsland Grammar and a Principal at St
Paul’s Grammar. This arrangement may well
become permanent as together the two
schools explore and evaluate its success.
Alongside the new arrangement and coin-
cidental to it, the two boards of the schools
have been working with the diocese to pro-
duce a statement on what it means to be an
Anglican school. A document is soon to be
presented to Bishop-in-Council for final rat-
ification and publication. I believe this marks
a new beginning in the understanding of both
schools regarding their Anglican ethos. I
pray it will lead to a greater appreciation of
the schools as part of the mission of the dio-
cese by and to children, young people and
their families and of the role of the school
chaplains in the ministry of the diocese.
At a more mundane, but none the less es-
sential level, there has been significant
change in the administrative structures of the
diocese to ensure they work for us in our
ministry and mission priorities.
The diocese continues to operate in three
regions, each with an Archdeacon as before,
and now with a Regional Dean. Together,
they form a Regional Staff, responsible in
continued next page
The Gippsland Anglican
 June 2011
The President’s message to Synod
continued from previous page
partnership with the bishop for ministry and
mission in their region. Regional Deans take
the place of Rural Deans, their responsibility
now covering a whole region. Regional
teams have the potential to be expanded to
cover other areas of ministry.
The major part of the archdeacons time is
now taken up with diocesan-wide portfolio
ministries, sharing the load with me as
bishop in relation to various aspects of min-
istry. Together with the bishop, the dean and
the registrar, the archdeacons make up what
is now known as the Diocesan Staff, a name
that indicates their brief is diocesan-wide.
Four times a year, the regional deans attend
the monthly diocesan staff meetings.
Vision for change
ANOTHER new structural development is
the establishment of Panels rather than net-
works to oversee various aspects of diocesan
ministry and mission. These panels operate
by setting up working groups on an ad-hoc
basis to address particular issues within their
area of concern. Each working group has a
limited life span until its particular task is ac-
complished. The three panels are Parish
Ministry Development, Christian Education
and Social Justice.
One working group set up by Bishop-in-
Council has been the Diocesan Resources
Working Group. Its brief has been to make
recommendations through the Finance Com-
mittee to Bishop-in-Council to ensure the re-
sources of the diocese are utilised in tune
with the priorities of the strategic plan. Its
work is now completed. Its recommenda-
tions include the appointment of a part-time
Diocesan Property Officer to assist parishes
to fulfil their responsibility for the mainte-
nance and development of properties; regu-
lar parish property reviews, and a new
re-investment formula for trust funds.
This short review of various aspects of our
life as church over the last five years reveals
significant progress and leaves us with sig-
nificant challenges. Not least is the challenge
to respond to the telling fact that many of our
congregations continue to age and decline in
numbers. The key challenge of the Diocesan
Strategic Plan is so to present the Gospel in
our communities that people come to faith in
Jesus Christ. It is in and through the growth
of the people of God that the things of God
are born more and more into the life of God’s
world. Our major focus must be to bear wit-
ness to Jesus Christ in a manner that com-
mends our faith to others, by which God will
draw them to share with us in ministry and
mission.
Moving now to the wider church, I com-
mend to you the discussion we are to have
on the covenant for the international Angli-
can Communion. I am delighted the Primate
has accepted my invitation to come to our
synod this year to address issues currently
confronting the Anglican Communion with
special reference to the Covenant. I will
leave to his better knowledge the task of in-
troducing this discussion but I take this op-
portunity to comment on the Covenant.
I have to admit to being initially sceptical
about the Covenant for a couple of reasons.
The first was the difficulty of trying to de-
fine too closely the nature of the relationship
that exists between those of us who partici-
pate in the international family that is the
Anglican Communion. As soon as you com-
mit to a particular form of words there is the
danger those words will be treated as im-
mutable law, rather than as a mutual agree-
ment developed by consent over the years of
a relationship. In contrast to law, the latter
tends to be organic and flexible. My concern
was that we not change the essential nature
of our relationship from mutuality to law.
The second reason for my unease with the
covenant was the implicit understanding
among some of those who advocated for it
The Gippsland Anglican
that it be used as a means to exclude those
with whom they did not agree. Arising as it
has within the context of a strained, if not
broken relationship, my concern was the
danger of some in the communion wanting
to use the Covenant as a mechanism of con-
trol over others in the communion.
I think, however, things have moved in a di-
rection that allays my initial concerns. The
intention of the Covenant should be under-
stood, to quote the Study Guide on the
Covenant, “as a description of life in the An-
glican family, (which) contains an agreement
about what the family’s values are, what its
purpose is and how it lives together”. To
quote the covenant itself, it recognises “the
importance of renewing in a solemn way our
commitment to one another, and to the com-
mon understanding of faith and order we
have received, so that the bonds of affection
which hold us together may be re-affirmed
and intensified”. In other words, its intent is
to be descriptive rather than prescriptive. It
bears authority but not by imposition.
With the development of a Covenant it
seems to me we stand at an historical mo-
ment in the life of the Anglican Commun-
ion. We do well to take the opportunity to
contribute to the discussion about its accept-
ance within the communion. Do not think we
have nothing to offer to this process. The
Australian Anglican Church has already con-
tributed significantly to the covenant process
and we will discuss at the next General
Synod whether or not we will be partakers
in the Covenant. What we as a diocese com-
mit to is an important part of the whole
process. I encourage the synod to enter into
the discussion with energy and enthusiasm
and to encourage their parishes to come to
know the contents and intent of the
Covenant.
Vision to be inclusive
CURRENTLY, the matter which continues
most to divide the Anglican Communion is
the place of homosexual people in the life of
the church. Resolution 1.10 of the 1998
Lambeth Conference encourages the wel-
come and inclusion of homosexual people in
the life of the church but “could not advise
the legitimising or blessing of same sex
unions, nor the ordaining of those involved
in same gender unions”. It further commits
the church to listening to the experiences of
homosexual people. Lambeth 2008 affirms
the continuation of the listening process.
Bishop-in-Council late last year commis-
sioned a group to implement the listening
process in our diocese. I encourage you all
to be a part of it.
It has been my experience that those who
suffer most when matters of human sexuality
are discussed in the church are those whose
lives are being discussed. This means it is
not easy to be homosexual in the church,
even in a church that is attempting to be in-
clusive and welcoming of homosexual peo-
ple. It is never easy to be treated as a topic of
discussion rather than simply as a person.
This is one reason that I have chosen to be
relatively silent in public discussion about
homosexual people in the life of the church.
The other reason for my silence is that the
debate is so polarised it is difficult to engage
without being unfairly categorised. Never-
theless, I have been publicly outspoken when
I have seen homosexual people will be fur-
ther marginalised or harmed by pronounce-
ments of the church and I have sought at a
policy level and in everyday practice to be
inclusive and welcoming of homosexual
people in this diocese. I believe my stance
was understood by those who, on your be-
half, elected me as bishop and I therefore be-
lieve this diocese is committed to that policy
and practice.
In my first address to synod in 2006 I ex-
pressed clearly my commitment to an inclu-
sive church. This means all are welcome,
simply because they are God’s children. I am
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
pleased that homosexual people are part of
the life and ministry of the church in this dio-
cese and I pray they continue to know they
are welcome as brothers and sisters in Christ.
I place inclusivity as a primary call on the
church because I see it to be at the heart of
Jesus’ ministry. He went out of his way
specifically to include those whom others
saw as sinners to be excluded. His approach
to those who were offended by his inclusiv-
ity was to welcome them as well, but not on
the basis that they determine who is not wel-
come. The only people excluded in Jesus’
scheme of things are those who exclude
themselves because they do not want to be a
part of a community which includes those
they think should be excluded.
This irony is made clear in the parable of
the Prodigal Son, better described as the
parable of the two sons. At the end of the
story, the father pleads with the older son to
join the party in which the younger son, of
whom the older son disapproves, is already
taking part. A question is left hanging in the
air. Will the older son accept the gracious in-
vitation or will he reject it because he wants
the younger son to be excluded? He may ex-
clude himself but the father will not exclude
him, just as he has not excluded the younger
son.
The clue to unravelling the parable is God’s
grace. This is why the church must above all
else be inclusive. The desire to exclude
marks a lack of grace. It is not true to the
heart of the God of grace and it leads tragi-
cally to self-exclusion.
To be inclusive as church means, of course,
people with significant differences of opin-
ion on a whole range of matters are sitting
alongside each other in all kinds of contexts
in our diocese. This is certainly true when it
comes to the matter of the place of homo-
sexual people within the life of the church.
All I can hope for is we will be willing to lis-
ten to each other across those differences.
For this to happen we must take seriously
that each person of faith is open to the urging
of God’s spirit in her or his life and is trying
to live out what he or she understands it
means to be a child of God. We will not al-
ways agree on what this means, but we can
agree to trust each other to be as open as we
can to hearing what God is asking of us and
we can be willing to discuss our differences
with respect and openness. This side of the
fulfilment of the reign of God, we will con-
tinue to see ‘through a glass darkly’ about all
manner of things and to disagree on what it
is that God is saying to us about a range of
matters. This is simply a reality of our life
together. Surely it is not asking too much to
include our differing views on homosexual-
ity in this understanding of life in the church.
Let us not isolate this one matter of differ-
ence among us as a continuing reason for ir-
reconcilable division in our communion. Let
us not exclude any child of God from among
us in our continuing quest to engage with
God on any matter of faith and practice in
the church.
I will continue to welcome homosexual
people into the life of this diocese, confident
God is at work in and through all those who
are open to the call of God in their lives and
wanting to offer ministry in the life of our
churches.
Vision for faith
TURNING now to matters in the wider
community and the world at large, I note
with interest the growing focus in the media
on the churches and their role in society.
While not always positive about the church,
‘any publicity is good publicity’.
The attacks of aggressive atheism; the chal-
lenge in Queensland to chaplains in govern-
ment schools funded by the Federal
Government and local challenges to Chris-
tian Religious Education in government
schools have all raised the profile of religion
in society. They give us great opportunity to
15
address matters of faith and the church in the
public arena.
How we do this is as important as what we
say. When attacked by aggressive atheism,
which seems to understand its role as ridding
the world of religion, we do ourselves no fa-
vors if we attack in return or become defen-
sive. This does nothing to commend the
Gospel.
It seems to me the thoughtful atheist is a
person who, like the Christian, is seeking the
truth. They are simply trying to make sense
of life from within a framework of not be-
lieving in God. I certainly have friends who
are atheists. I can enter into dialogue with
them around the common concerns of our
humanity, and in doing so I am given the op-
portunity to make a case for my faith within
a relationship of trust. We in the church need
to take care that the way in which we re-
spond to aggressive atheism does not harm
our capacity to stay in dialogue with those
atheists who genuinely seek the truth.
Far from attacking atheism, perhaps we
might better ask why anyone would be con-
cerned about Christians promoting what lies
at the heart of our faith, which is to live by
grace in all we are, do and say; to show com-
passion and mercy to all; and to seek what is
right and just in life for the sake of the com-
mon good. We commend faith in Jesus
Christ by being like him, most especially in
our response to those who attack us. Here is
an opportunity to present Jesus Christ to the
world in which we live, not by clever argu-
ment or remorseless counter-attack but by a
demonstration of gracious Christlikeness.
This same is true for how we respond to
those who want to remove Christian Reli-
gious Education and federally-funded chap-
lains from government schools. The reality
is an overwhelming majority of schools ap-
preciate the time, commitment and contribu-
tion from volunteer CRE teachers to the life
of their local school. The same can be said
about the common experience of schools that
have chaplains. Their ministry is so appreci-
ated that some of the best advocates for re-
taining them are the principals of the schools
in which they minister, many of whom do
not themselves profess a Christian faith.
As the Archbishop of Melbourne has pub-
licly stated: “Jesus’ parables and teachings
… enshrine a profound wisdom, compassion
and truth which we forget at our peril”. Why
would anyone object to such values being
promoted in the lives of children?
As the Archbishop further points out: in
Western societies “many of our finest insti-
tutions, including hospitals, charities, wel-
fare agencies, schools and universities have
… been established on the rock of (Christ-
ian) values”. These are undeniable historical
truths that we can point to, to demonstrate
the invaluable contribution the Christian
faith has made to society as Australians
know it.
This is not to deny or to denigrate the pres-
ence of other religious groups or non-reli-
gious people and institutions that have
contributed to our common life. Nor is it to
ignore the mistakes we in the churches have
continued next page
 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
The President’s message to Synod
continued from previous page
made and the things we have done of which
we should be rightly ashamed. It is simply to
point out the huge debt Australian society
owes to Christianity. We can rightly be proud
of this heritage.
At the same time, I am convinced we
should not use this heritage as a reason to de-
mand a privileged place in society. For me,
this is the antithesis of what Jesus would
have us do. What Christianity has offered
truly in the name of Jesus is offered as gift.
When we use the gift to claim privilege, we
fall into some of our worst mistakes as
Church in society.
For this reason, I am happy to be on public
record arguing against religious exemption
to equal opportunity legislation and against
religious opposition to human rights legisla-
tion. Groups like the Australian Christian
Lobby do the faith great damage in their self-
interested political lobbying on behalf of the
churches they claim to represent. They cast
us in the guise of just another group seeking
to use its electoral power to gain advantage
over others. We Anglicans, along with the
Roman Catholic Church, have sometimes
shown we are not immune to this kind of
ploy to gain advantage for ourselves. I can-
not imagine anything less Christlike than this
self-serving approach to our engagement
with society. By doing this, we only provide
ammunition to those who seem intent on try-
ing to remove religion from society.
It is my prayer that, in the growing mar-
ginalisation of mainstream religion in soci-
ety, we would recover something of the
humility that marks the life of Jesus. We
should certainly continue to promote in the
life of our nation the beliefs and values at the
heart of our faith. I do not believe, however,
we should expect this will always lead to our
views prevailing in the wider community,
which in the past has tended to be the case.
This I think will be the case in the current
debate on homosexual marriage. The reality
is that the society of which we are a part is
moving more and more towards the view that
the only way in which homosexual people
can be given equal rights before the law is to
include their relationships within the defini-
tion of marriage in the Marriage Act. In the
debate, the Churches have exactly the same
right as any other group to promote a view
of marriage consistent with what we believe.
However, we do not have a right to expect
this view will prevail in the common law of
the land.
Vision for compassion
RECENT news continues to reveal the in-
adequacy of this country’s response to the
plight of asylum seekers. It may be easy to
join the chorus of condemnation against
those who have reacted with violence in a
number of the facilities in which they are
being held and it is true they have done
themselves no favors by doing this. But those
quick to condemn these acts of frustration,
and to condemn those who in the first place
risk life and limb to get into leaky boats and
attempt to make our shores, fail to under-
stand the desperation of people fleeing the
horrors they have confronted in their own
homelands only to languish, sometimes for
years, in incarceration.
We would do well to remember the wisdom
which invites us to ‘walk a mile in their
shoes’. What would you do if your life and
your family’s lives were threatened in your
homeland, where you had no recourse to
legal means because of discrimination and
where you were at the mercy of an army or
marauding bands of armed militias, killing,
pillaging and raping? What would you do if
when you got to a place of refuge you found
there was a waiting time of up to 10 years to
get ‘processed’ regarding your refugee sta-
tus and even then there was no guarantee of
a new home because of the inadequately
small numbers of refugees being accepted in
the immigration policies of countries like
Australia? What would you do if, when you
finally arrived in Australia, you and your
children were incarcerated in overcrowded
conditions for years? What would you do if
the bureaucracy frustrated your every move,
political expediency governed your circum-
stances and shock-jock media constantly car-
icatured your situation?
It is true there are untold complexities to
immigration matters but the fact remains,
Christian compassion and the simple truth
can cut through anything, given the political
will. As a nation, we simply do not seem to
have that will, largely because of irrational
fears of stranger danger fed by prejudice and
misinformation. I applaud those who con-
tinue tirelessly to address the plight of those
who seek asylum in our country and encour-
age you to join with them in this struggle for
justice in our land.
The current turmoil in so many countries in
the Middle East and North Africa reveals the
indomitability of the human spirit rising up
against dictatorial power and corruption in
government. We should be encouraged by it.
At the same time, we should be aware of the
possibilities it brings for violence and hatred
to be let loose in situations where power vac-
uums are emerging. These are complex situ-
ations and create opportunity for simplistic
responses. Be in prayer for those involved in
the various countries impacted by the vio-
lence, both of irresponsible governments,
and of opportunistic groups which use the
opportunity to grasp at power and to exercise
power as irresponsibly as those who they dis-
place. Remember, especially, those minority
groups, including Christians in countries like
Egypt, who are understandably nervous
about new regimes and their intent in seeking
and exercising power.
The killing of Osama Bin Laden has
elicited some deeply troubling responses of
inappropriate celebration in the Western
world. I find it hard to see justice in the sum-
mary execution without trial of an unarmed
man in his own home, but there is real and
symbolic significance in the demise of this
international icon for violence against inno-
cent people. Certainly his killing reminds us
‘who lives by the sword, dies by the sword’,
but it also invites us to contemplate that same
wisdom, if we believe the only resolution to
the international problem of violence against
innocent people is counter-violence. Both
Jesus and St Paul remind us evil is overcome
by doing good, not by repaying evil for evil.
Vision for creation
CLIMATE change is rightly the issue that
will not go away. There is no doubt weather
patterns are changing and the vast majority
of scientific opinion is convinced human ac-
tivity is a major contributor to those changes,
with devastating impact on the lives and
livelihoods of people the world over. Both
scientists and economists are looking for
ways to redress our impact on the environ-
ment and, while political debate continues
on the best way in which to do this, the one
thing that seems obvious is that procrastina-
tion is making our situation more tenuous,
both environmentally and economically.
I am neither a scientist nor an economist,
but from a theological perspective I remind
you of our God-given role in creation, to ex-
ercise stewardship on behalf of God in the
care of the world of which we are a part and
on which we depend for our existence. I have
no doubt Scripture teaches us, if we are wan-
ton in the exercise of our stewardship of
God’s creation we will suffer the conse-
quences but if we are responsible in caring
for and nurturing God’s creation we will
know the reward in fullness of life for all
people.
I am convinced the scientists are telling us
what we already know theologically; that we
are now suffering the consequences of our
wanton misuse of God’s creation. I urge you
to listen. I am also persuaded by economists
like Ross Garnaut there are economically vi-
able ways of reducing the impact of our ac-
tivities on the environment. Furthermore, I
am acutely aware we live in a region for
which strategies that impact on power gen-
eration will have an effect on employment.
Nevertheless, I am encouraged that new re-
sponses to power generation will continue to
require a work force. While there may be
disruption to people’s lives in the changes
that are necessary if we are to be concerned
for the future of the planet and the lives of
our children and grandchildren, we must be
willing to pay the cost of change. Where new
need arises because of those changes, we as
Church must be willing to respond to that
need.
The impact of natural disasters on people
has been brought home to us with unrelent-
ing regularity of late. Whether here in Aus-
tralia, or in New Zealand, Japan or the
United States, it seems natural disasters of
startling impact are striking across the world.
While there is certainly the suggestion a rise
in sea temperatures has added to the feroc-
ity of some weather patterns and that this is
a result of climate change impacted by
human activity, by and large natural disas-
ters are simply natural. They do raise in-
evitable questions of faith for many. ‘Why
does God allow this to happen?’ or ‘Why is
it that some [people] seem miraculously to
escape death and others are tragically
killed?’
No answer to these questions is ever ade-
quate, for when people suffer, the best re-
sponse is simply to wait with them in their
suffering. Of course, this is the real answer to
the questions. God is the one who in Christ
not only waits with people in their suffering
but suffers with and for them.
Things like earthquakes, cyclones and tor-
nados are what happen because the world is
what it is. When tectonic plates in the earth’s
crust grind against each other, because that
is what inevitably happens with movements
of the earth’s fractured crust, an earthquake
results and sometimes a tsunami. When
weather patterns develop at certain times of
their cycle, cyclones and tornados result.
There is a certain amount we can do to pre-
pare for this but the rest is down to the
changes and chances of this fleeting world.
Can we blame God for this? Well, it is true
that in claiming God made the world we are
claiming God is responsible for the way the
world is. But if the world were not the way
it is, would it be an appropriate context in
which to sustain life as we know it? If we ex-
pect God to ‘chip in’ every time something is
about to happen that will not go well for us,
where would be the human freedom we so
cherish?
I have become convinced the real problem
Christians have in responding to many of
life’s tougher questions begins when we say:
“God is in control”. As soon as we say that,
we are left with the problem of explaining
why this controlling God lets bad things hap-
pen.
Are we ready to believe that God is not
only not in control, but God does not want
to be in control? God is not by nature a con-
trolling God. God is a God who in grace sets
us free to be. The only control necessary in
God’s scheme of things is self-control,
which as St Paul points out, is one of the fruit
of the Spirit.
Set free in the midst of a creation that
makes our freedom possible, we live with the
risks and dangers of that creation as well as
its joys and possibilities. In freedom, God
entrusts creation into our hands, but God
does not abandon us to our own devices.
God engages in creation in redemptive
power, rejoicing with us in our delight and
joy and suffering with and for us in our pain
and despair. We would never want God to
take away our freedom when it brings de-
light and joy. Why, then, do we expect God
June 2011 16
to take away our freedom when it brings pain
and despair? This is the dilemma of the
human experience lived in relationship with
the God who is revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
It gives no neat answers to human suffering
but it makes sense of the complexities of re-
ality as we know and experience it.
Honoring people among us
I TURN now to people matters in our dio-
cese. We welcomed a number of clergy into
the diocese last year. Graeme Peters, Rector
of Wonthaggi Inverloch, comes to us having
served in ministry with CMS in Chile, where
he was ordained. John Batt was inducted into
the Cooperating Parish of Neerim South,
having previously served in ordained min-
istry in the dioceses of Armidale where he
was ordained and in Melbourne. Bishop
Michael Hough is currently offering ministry
as Priest Evangelist and Teacher with the
Bunyip congregation. Malcolm Wilson, a
priest ordained in the Diocese of Bunbury,
has returned to active ordained ministry
among us with the congregation at Nar Nar
Goon. Jo White from the Diocese of Mel-
bourne is now Deacon in the Traralgon
Parish.
Those ordained deacon in the past 12
months were Heather Blackman, to honorary
ministry in the Avon Parish; Heather Cahill
to honorary ministry in the Heyfield Parish,
where she was ordained in St James’
Church; Roger Jackman to honorary assis-
tant ministry in the Croajingolong Parish;
and Tom Killingbeck to Deacon-in-Charge
in the Bruthen Parish.
Those ordained priest were Phyllis Andy,
continuing in ministry at Lake Tyers and in
the Lakes Entrance Parish; Kathy Dalton,
continuing in ministry in the Morwell Parish;
Daniel Lowe, continuing as Chaplain to St
Paul’s Anglican Grammar School in War-
ragul; and Anne Perryman, continuing in
honorary ministry in Wonthaggi Inverloch
Parish. It is a delight to affirm in this way
their ministries among us and God’s call on
their lives to these ministries.
A number of our clergy have moved within
the diocese. Jeff Richardson has moved from
his ministry as Rector of Bunyip to be in-
ducted as Rector of Traralgon; and Marilyn
Obersby retired from stipendiary ministry in
the Cathedral Parish. We thank God for her
15 years of ordained ministry within our dio-
cese, in which she has offered us much of
herself and of her gifts. Caroline Nancarrow
completes her ministry as Rector of Avon
this month. After some time spent with fam-
ily in England, she will return to Gippsland
early next year. It is fitting at this point to
thank God for her invaluable ministry among
us so far and we look forward to her further
ministry among us. Neil Thompson has an-
nounced his retirement in January 2012 from
the Newborough Parish and Bob Brown will
retire from the Churchill and Boolarra Yin-
nar Parishes in July this year. I note this is
their last synod.
continued next page
The Gippsland Anglican
 June 2011
The President’s message to Synod
continued from previous page
Russell Macqueen has completed his min-
istry as Rector of Maffra and Archdeacon of
the Eastern Region and is now on long serv-
ice leave. We give thanks to God for his 25
years of faithful ministry in the diocese and
his 10 years as Archdeacon of the Eastern
Region.
I am delighted Edie Ashley was recently
collated as Archdeacon of the Eastern Re-
gion and Jeff Richardson and Amy Turner
were installed as Clerical Canons in the
Cathedral Church of St Paul last year. We
look forward to their ministry among us in
these roles and thank God for their willing-
ness to respond to the call to new duties
within the life of the diocese. Heather
Marten has taken on extra diocesan duties in
the oversight of the professional develop-
ment of clergy and church workers and of
the safe ministry portfolio. I am thankful to
her for her willingness to take on these min-
istries in addition to her current diocesan du-
ties as Vicar General and Archdeacon. I note
with thanks also, the ministry of Brenda Bur-
ney and Sue Jacka in the area of safe min-
istry.
One important aspect of the Professional
Standards regime of the diocese is the ne-
cessity of naming a priest especially autho-
rised to hear the confession of someone who
has been involved in child sexual assault.
Please pray for Jeff Richardson who has
been so authorised.
On the matter of Professional Standards, I
commend to you the work of our Profes-
sional Standards Director, Cheryl Russell.
We are fortunate to have such a competent
and committed professional in this important
role in the diocese. She serves us well. Please
continue to pray for Cheryl in what is a dif-
ficult but necessary role.
Our retired clergy continued to serve us
well in locum ministries, in parishes await-
ing a new rector and when clergy are on
leave. We would be all the poorer without
them and I thank them for their faithful min-
istry to us. I note especially the ministries of
Laurie Baker, Jim Connelly, Gordon Cooper,
Ted Gibson, Fred Morrey and Ken Peters, all
of whom took on extended periods of locum
ministry in parishes looking for a new rector
in this past year.
We welcomed into the diocese, Stipendiary
Lay Workers in this past 12 months. They
are Katie Peken, who recently began pastoral
ministry with a focus on younger families in
the Warragul Parish; and Amanda Ballan-
tyne, employed as the Children’s and Family
Worker at the Bairnsdale Parish. Amanda is
also working in chaplaincy at the Bairnsdale
junior campus of Gippsland Grammar
School. Penne Brook is working as Lay
Chaplain at Gippsland Grammar School,
with responsibility for development of the
Religious and Values Education curriculum.
John Guy, a member of the Morwell Parish,
was awarded the Order of the Medal of Aus-
tralia in the Australia Day honors list for his
work in church and community. We con-
gratulate him on this high distinction. We
thank Colin Price for his ministry as the
Business Manager of Gippsland Grammar
School as he leaves to take up a new position
in Echuca. This year, we celebrated the min-
istries of Jim Beard and Garry Gray in the
life of Gippsland Grammar School by dedi-
cating a building and library at the Bairns-
dale campus in honor of their contributions
to the school.
No year passes without its sadness and in
this past year we note the deaths of three
members of the clergy who served in this
diocese. The much-loved Canon Percy
Moore had a distinguished ministry in a
number of parishes during many years in the
diocese. We give thanks for his ministry
among us and also for the ministry of John
Gale and Kent Small, both of whom have
died in the past year.
Trevor Nankervis, husband to Amy Turner,
the Rector of Drouin Parish, died late last
year after a struggle with cancer. We mourn
The Gippsland Anglican
with Amy, even as we celebrate Trevor’s life,
his faithful Christian witness among us and
his support of Amy in her ministry.
Among the lay members of our diocese we
note the death of Bernie Sather from Avon
Parish; of Geoff Davies and Cedric Johnston
from Drouin Parish; of Pat Pullin, aged 105
years, and Tony Carter from Korumburra
Parish; of Dorothy Scott, Lucy Squires, John
Winter and Colin Kleehammer from Lakes
Entrance and Metung Parish; of George Ker-
mode from Maffra Parish, a former member
of Bishop-in-Council and Synod and a Foun-
dation Board member of Gippsland Gram-
mar School; of Shirley Savige from Moe
Parish; and of Douglas Tookey Hodgson
from Westernport Parish, a former member
of Synod who died a few days after his 90th
birthday. Clearly time does not allow a full
appreciation of the ministries of these faith-
ful parishioners, but each of them is remem-
bered with thanks to God for their
contribution to the life and ministry of their
parishes and this diocese.
Conclusion
IN conclusion, I return to where I began in
my address to review the ministry of the dio-
cese over the past five years. What I hope has
been evident in my ministry in that time is a
commitment to address the key matter of
what it means to be Church in a changing
world and how best we express the heart of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ in who we are and
the way in which we do things, as much as in
what we do and say. Behind this commit-
ment lies a concern, on my part, to address
what we might call the culture of the church;
to ask ourselves if who we are as Church is
consistent with what we proclaim as Gospel.
The over-riding mark of church culture
should surely be grace. It is my intention to
ensure we continue to show God’s grace in
all we are and do; in the way we express our
life as church in every dimension of our ex-
istence. In our leadership, in our member-
ship, in our life together, in the way we touch
the lives of others, in the manner in which
we are present in the community and espe-
cially in the way in which we show concern
for those most marginalised in our commu-
nities, I hope and pray that what shines
through is grace; the grace of God as re-
vealed in Jesus Christ and as nurtured by the
work of God’s Spirit.
The Right Reverend John McIntyre
Bishop of Gippsland
Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011 17
Diocesan Calendar
2011
TBA Blessing of Ena Sheumack House; Abbey of St Barnabas at A’Beckett
Park, Raymond Island
June
May 27 to June 2 Reconciliation Week
May 31 to June 3 Pilgrimage on Raymond Island; Time to journey, time to relax,
to walk and pray within the environment of the Abbey of St Barnabas.
Led by Lyndon Phillips.
3 Blake Poetry Prize closing date; Exploring the Religious & Spiritual
through Poetry. Australian poets to write a new work of up to 100
lines displaying a critical or sympathetic awareness of issues relating to
religious or spiritual. Entry forms and information at
www.nswwriterscentre.org.au or telephone 02 9555 9757
4 Conversations with a Buddhist Monk – the Christian and Buddhist
traditions in dialogue; with Venerable Jampal; Anam Cara Community;
9.30am to 4pm; 198 Bowen Street, Warragul; BYO lunch; contact
Carolyn Raymond, telephone 03 5191 8343 or email
latrobevalley@anamcara-gippsland.org
6–8 Diocesan Clergy Conference, Traralgon
7 – 10 The spirituality of winter. A retreat at The Abbey of St Barnabas, led by
Anne Turner and The Anam Cara Community.
14 – 17 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Environment Week 1A. Explore and under-
stand the interdependence of all life and our role in its nurture and
practical aspects of living a sustainable lifestyle. Led by Dr Ann Miller
and the Environmental Task Force.
15 Mothers’ Union June Join In, Morwell, 10am; BYO lunch
15 Vocational Training Day, Growth in Ministry Training Day, Supervisor
Training; Bishopscourt, Sale
16 Vocational Training Day, Growth in Ministry Training Day, Intentional
Pastoral Practice Seminar; Bishopscourt, Sale
17 – 18 Growth in Ministry Intensive; Bishopscourt, Sale
17 – 19 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Environment Week 1B. Explore and under-
stand the interdependence of all life and our role in its nurture and
practical aspects of living a sustainable lifestyle. Led by Dr Ann Miller
and the Environmental Task Force.
18 Safe Ministry Seminar: Bullying and Boundaries; for clergy, stipendiary
lay church workers and lay readers; 10am to 12noon; Rosedale; contact
Diocesan Registry, telephone 03 5144 2044 or email
kerries@gippsanglican.org.au
19 Bishop John McIntyre in Moe parish
19 – 25 Refugee Week
21 – 24 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Welcoming the Stranger A. Talking with those
who have sought refuge in our land, engaging together in struggle and
journey; matters of faith and life. Led by Dr Don Saines, Cathedral Dean.
24 – 26 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Welcoming the Stranger B. Talking with those
who have sought refuge in our land, engaging together in struggle and
journey; matters of faith and life. Led by Dr Don Saines, Cathedral Dean.
28 – July 1 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Fire, Textiles and Prayer A. The drama of fire
and the journey of faith, explored through the creativity of textiles and
color. Hosted by Rosemary Pounder, led by Anne Connelly.
July
1–3 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Fire, Textiles and Prayer B. The drama of fire
and the journey of faith, explored through the creativity of textiles and
color. Hosted by Rosemary Pounder, led by Anne Connelly.
3 - 10 NAIDOC week
5–8 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Mothers’ Union Invitation Week A. At the
invitation of Mothers’ Union, a few days out for families who need a little
R&R at the Abbey at A’Beckett Park. Expression of interest to Mothers’
Union President, Karin McKenzie, PO Box 3, Leongatha, 3953.
8 – 10 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Mothers’ Union Invitation Week B. At the
invitation of Mothers’ Union, a few days out for families who need a little
R&R at the Abbey at A’Beckett Park. Expression of interest to Mothers’
Union President, Karin McKenzie, PO Box 3, Leongatha, 3953.
12 – 15 The Abbey; Social Justice and the Environment . The nexus between faith,
environment and justice. Led by Sue Jacka and Bruce Charles.
15 – 17 The Abbey; Social Justice and the Environment. A program for young
adults. Led by Sue Jacka and Bruce Charles.
19 Refugee Week service; Moe; contact Sarah Gover, telephone 03 5144
1100 or 0458 450370
19 – 22 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Environment Week 2A. Exploring understand-
ing of the interdependence of all life and our role in its nurture and
practical aspects of living a sustainable lifestyle. Led by Dr Ann Miller and
the Environmental Task Force.
23 St James’ Orbost annual dinner cabaret revue; Beauty and the Beast
22 – 24 The Abbey of St Barnabas; Environment Week 2B. Exploring an under-
standing of the interdependence of all life and our role in its nurture and
practical aspects of living a sustainable lifestyle. Led by Dr Ann Miller and
the Environmental Task Force.
24 Anglican Women of Australia Sunday; contact Pat Cameron 03 5147 1990
26 – 29 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Work Week 1 A. Work and
prayer working together. Leader, Brian Turner.
29 – 30 Messy Church conference; Melbourne; contact Sarah Gover, telephone
03 5144 1100 or 0458 450370
29 – 31 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Work Week 1 B. Work and
prayer working together. Leader, Brian Turner.
NB: All information in this calendar is correct at the time of TGA going to print.
 18 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011
Follow up on past Synod
SYNOD received update reports
on two motions from 2010: 123/12
Impact of Alcohol on the Commu-
nity; and 126/10 Foundations of
the Faith (Synod Resolution
117/09).
In reporting on 123/10 Impact of
Alcohol on the Community, Rev-
erend Sue Jacka (right) spoke
about her disappointment trying to
engage parishes in dialogue about
this issue. She referred to a number
of published articles in The Gipps-
land Anglican and discussion with
people across the diocese. She
spoke about an article prepared by
Rev. Dr Graham Toohill on the im-
pact of alcohol on people and com-
munities.
Sue has been disillusioned by the
lack of feedback and slow take-up
of this topic within parishes. A
show of hands indicated a number
of people at Synod interested in
participating on a voluntary Social
Justice Panel, ongoing from Synod.
Reporting on 126/10 Foundations
of the Faith, Rev. Greg Magee re-
ferred to “robust discussion at a
well attended seminar” in Sale ear-
lier this year, with guest speaker
Rev. Dr David Powys. He referred
to the members of the theology
working group and the support of
The Gippsland Anglican in the past
two years, publishing articles to
stimulate debate, including the ex-
tensive coverage in TGA before
and after the recent seminar. He
confirmed the theology working
Giving a hand up not a hand out
IN reporting to Synod on the five-
year diocesan strategic plan,
Archdeacon Heather Marten noted
the plan is due to come to a con-
clusion at Synod 2013. Bishop
John McIntyre provided an evalua-
tion of the strategic plan in his
president’s address to Synod.
Three parishes reported on im-
plementation of the diocesan
strategic plan and, in particular,
Rosedale parish reported on their
role in assisting people with a
‘hand up’ rather than a ‘hand out’.
Reverend Lyndon Phillips, of
Rosedale, reported firstly on initia-
tives to determine the needs of
youth in the community. Much of
the parish’s focus has been on con-
versation with the community.
Partnered with Life FM, the parish
held a community sausage sizzle.
Parish council donated one
month’s takings to a flood affected
parish in Bendigo diocese. The
parish has also formed a scholar-
ship for a student at the local pri-
mary school, to assist with
transition to the secondary school.
Rather than give the student
money, the funds have been de-
posited with the school, the help
defray costs for the student’s edu-
cation.
A craftsperson with special needs
in the community needed assis-
tance with managing money and
selling their goods, so Rosedale
parish has helped that person learn
the skills to take more responsibil-
ity for their finances and afford a
stall at the regular craft market,
where they are able to sell their
craftwork.
“It is about a hand up, rather than
a hand out,” said Rev. Lyndon.
Ida Hysop reported on how Bass
Philip Island parish is travelling the
group had plans for further work-
shops and seminars.
Rev. Greg also committed the
working group to, if proposed mo-
tion NM4 was passed at Synod,
taking on responsibility for facili-
tating discussion in the diocese.
Proposed motion NM4 became
Resolution 142/11 Study of
Bishop’s Charge and Primate’s
Sermon, which, in part, resolved to
use the Bishop’s Charge and Pri-
mate’s sermon to engage parish-
ioners in discussion and learning,
including inviting the theology
working group to formulate ques-
tions to facilitate this discussion.
Both the Bishop’s Charge and the
Primate’s sermon are published in
full in the June issue of The Gipp-
sland Anglican. This publication
will enable parishioners to engage
in the debate.
By Jeanette Severs
journey inward and outward. She
reported on the renovations of the
hall at Cowes, which has brought
many members of the wider com-
munity into the hall.
“We have heard it referred to as
the community center,” she said.
Ida reported how the congrega-
tion had demolished the fence out-
side the church and, with
agreement and financial support of
the shire council, the congregation
has installed seats for public use.
“People are again using the
church grounds,” Ida said.
In San Remo, the parish began a
regular soup and sandwich lunch,
now supported by the local
Bendigo Community Bank. The
church rooms are also being used
by community groups for their
meetings.
Rev. Jenny Ramage, of Korum-
burra parish, spoke about increased
opportunities to develop bible
study groups and people’s in-
creased involvement in worship.
This included children in worship,
assisting at the front of the church
and the high table.
“We’re becoming more aware of
our involvement in the community
as God’s people,” Rev. Jenny said.
The annual Christmas activity at
Poowong attracts more than 200
people from the community. Reg-
ular monthly services at Poowong
have increased from two people to
40 people, and children are very in-
volved in the service, Rev. Jenny
said.
Archdeacon Heather Marten, on
behalf of Bishop-in-Council, sug-
gested a review of the strategic
plan’s implementation and invited
suggestions for the next diocesan
strategic plan, to be launched at
Synod in 2013.
June 2011
ABOVE: Concentrating on the proceedings of Synod were Rose La Vie and Beverley Littlejohn from Boolarra
Yinnar parish, Chris Bennie from Bunyip parish and Jan Misiurka, Helen Davis, Reverend Neil Thompson and
Heather Quake, from Newborough parish.
Photo: Jeanette Severs
Bill enables
trust fund
A BILL to make further provision for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Min-
istry in the diocese of Gippsland was put to
Synod. The Bill aimed to establish a trust
fund under the Anglican Diocese of Gipp-
sland Trusts Corporation.
Bishop John previously pointed out the
Aboriginal Ministry Fund, while initially
attracting support, had experienced a wan-
ing of funds. It was the intent of Bishop in
Council to establish further provision for
this ministry, within a new vehicle but
under the auspices of the existing Trusts
Corporation, already administered by the
diocese.
Ms Rowena Armstrong, QC and Chan-
cellor of Synod, explained the legislation
enables a trust fund to be created; she
pointed out a trust fund cannot happen
without legislation.
The proposed Bill also enabled establish-
ment of a ministry committee, of the
Bishop, two people elected by Synod and
at least four people appointed by Bishop in
Council in consultation with elders of the
Aboriginal communities in Gippsland. The
ministry committee’s purpose was to make
recommendations to Bishop in Council for
the development of ministry by and to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peo-
ples, the development of congregations,
training in ministry, resourcing of ministry
and education and awareness of the min-
TOP: Dr Neale Taylor of Bishop in Council and diocesan so-
istry. licitor, Viv Braham.
The proposed Bill also enabled arrange-
ABOVE: Reverend Sue Jacka, from Trafalgar and Von Dubbeld
ments to be made for the care of a church of Croajingolong parish.
or building or other property set aside for
BELOW: Ida Hysop of Bass Philip Island parish and Thelma
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Min- Hicks, from Yarram parish.
istry and contains transitional provisions
Photos: Jeanette Severs
for appointment of two members of the
ministry committee by Bishop in Council.
The Bill was passed by Synod.
Elections at Synod
ONE clergy and two lay positions became
vacant on Bishop in Council, with the ex-
piration of the sitting members terms. Rev-
erend Barbara Logan’s term expired and
she was re-elected to Bishop in Council.
Mr Peter Down’s and Mr Roger Jackman’s
terms had expired, creating two lay vacan-
cies. Mr Down was eligible for re-election
but Mr Jackman was no longer eligible for
a lay role since he was ordained deacon. Mr
Down was re-elected to Bishop in Council.
The Gippsland Anglican
 June 2011 Our Diocese - 36th Annual Synod 2011 19

Call for mediation

A MOTION requesting support
Well done, Drouin parish
for people not accepted for ordina-
tion, moved by Kath Grandy of
Lakes Entrance and Metung parish,
received a great deal of support at
Synod. The notice of motion,
NM/6, was put forward to enable
development of a mediation
process to provide spiritual direc-
tion and support, such as pastoral
counselling, for people who have
entered the selection process to-
wards possible ordination but were
not selected.
Kath Grandy (right) spoke about
the time and effort an individual,
supporting parish and the diocese
puts into the period of discernment
and the distress that occurs when
the person feels a genuine call to mechanism to debrief and help the
ordination but is not accepted. person with a calling to move on,
“A mediation process might en- so they can be validated.
able people to come to a more Rev. Barbara Logan spoke about
peaceful understanding of why her experience supporting people
their calling does not lead to ordi- who have felt rejected by the
nation,” Kath said. church for their calling.
Ruth Cross, in seconding the mo- The motion became resolution
tion, also spoke about the impor- 143/11 Support for those not ac-
tance of providing counselling for cepted for ordination: That this SYNOD passed 145/11 a mo-
those who supported the person Synod requests Bishop in Council tion of appreciation which in-
seeking ordination. to put in place a process to provide cluded commending Drouin
Reverend Caroline Nancarrow spiritual direction and pastoral parish, especially Reverend
spoke about her own experience counselling for those who have en- Canon Amy Turner, Mr Max
and pain of being rejected initially tered the selection process towards Hine and Mrs Janet Pursell, for
in her journey of being called and possible ordination as deacon or their hospitality and care in
travelling towards ordination. Car- priest but have not been selected. hosting the Synod session. Ap-
oline spoke about the need for a By/Photo: Jeanette Severs preciation was also noted for
the registry staff for their
preparatory work for Synod.
The motion of appreciation

Synod supports
encompassed the Bishop for
his leadership of Synod and his
presidential address; the Pri-

investigation of
mate for his sermon and ad-
dress to Synod on the Anglican
Communion Covenant; and the

carbon on health
Chancellor and officers of
Synod, the Chair and Deputy
Chair of Committees, the cler-
ical and lay secretaries and the
A POLARISED debate at Synod timekeeper.
on climate change and the impact
of carbon and other emissions saw
Canon Jeff Richardson (right) put ABOVE: Janet Pursell, Iris
forward a motion, NM/5 Impact of Maxfield, Ruth Green and
carbon and other emissions, seek- Colin Maxfield enjoyed look-
ing a working group to be formed ing after Synod attendees,
of Gippsland Anglicans and those along with their parish contem-
within the diocese who would seek poraries (above right) Barbara
advice about the impact of carbon Willingham and Lorraine Kin-
and carbon dioxide emissions on rade and (right) Ian Gaffney
people, the natural environment, and Geoff Willingham.
health impacts and, based on sci- Photos: Jeanette Severs
entific and health research, make
recommendations to Synod 2012
based on their deliberations.
Jeff Richardson, in talking to his
motion, detailed the considerable
health effects perceived by people living in the Latrobe Valley and
Overseas mission will focus in budget
queried whether we should be accepting these effects or seeking
more information and action. He expressed concern about the WHEN the diocesan budget was
health effects on people and the environment across Gippsland. put to Synod, Reverend Dr Graham
Jordan Breed, Youth Synod representative, referring to his sci- Toohill (right) queried the lack of
ence qualifications, research knowledge and ongoing study in med- expenditure by the diocese on over-
icine, supported Jeff’s argument. seas mission. He put forward a no-
The motion was carried, becoming 137/11 Impact of carbon, car- tice of motion, NM/7 Support for
bon dioxide and other emissions. A working group will be formed overseas missions.
to (i) seek advice from the experts as to what the impact of car- In putting the motion, Graham,
bon, carbon dioxide and other emission is on the people living in with considerable experience in
Gippsland; (ii) extend the parameters of this research to include overseas mission, referred to the
what impact carbon, carbon dioxide and other emissions are caus- diocesan strategic plan and its
ing to the natural environment in which we live, work and have focus on the journey inward and
our being; (iii) review and collate the scientific and health research the journey outward. Overseas mis-
already undertaken into the matters which are the subject of (i) sion is looking outside ourselves
and (ii); and (iv) report to the final session of this Synod to be held and should be a diocesan responsi-
in 2012, with recommendations as to any statement of policy or bility, he said. siderable experience in overseas Gahini diocese, in Rwanda.
other action it believes Synod should take as a result of the work- “We have begun and successfully mission work, who spoke about the Synod supported the motion,
ing group’s deliberations. continue to support Aboriginal importance of overseas ministry which became 144/11 Support for
A number of people volunteered to participate in the working ministry, we should also be look- and theological training. Overseas Missions: that the Gipps-
group, including Jeff Richardson, Jordan Breed, Dr Graham ing at our responsibilities for mis- Archdeacon Phillip Muston re- land diocese includes a budget item
Toohill and Jeanette Severs (Editor of The Gippsland Anglican). sion overseas,” he said. He was ferred to parish support for over- committed to overseas mission in
supported by Rev. Graeme Peters, seas mission, as well as the every annual budget.
(above far right) who also has con- ongoing diocesan support for By/Photos: Jeanette Severs

The Gippsland Anglican

 20 Our Diocese - Reconciliation Week at The Abbey of St Barnabas June 2011

ABOVE: Reverend Marilyn Obersby and Dr Ann Miller.

BELOW: Les ‘Bluegum’ Cooper, a respected Gunai/Kurnai
man, raised each of the three flags at A’Beckett Park.
Photos: Jeanette Severs

THE Abbey of St Barnabas hosted a flag raising ceremony and demonstration of local Aboriginal culture and artifacts on
May 31, during Reconciliation Week. Grattan Mullett, Ian ‘Shadow’ Wilson, Nicki Moffatt, Colin Hood, Les ‘Bluegum’
Cooper and Wayne Thorpe represented the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, in Bairnsdale. Local students participated
in dance, song and art sessions, learnt about bush tucker and medicine plants and were introduced to a range of artifacts
and heritage pieces, including the possum skin cloak held by Bluegum and Colin above.
Photo: Jeanette Severs

THE Abbey of St Barnabas hosted a RIGHT: Les ‘Bluegum’ Cooper talked

Festival of Aboriginal Culture during
Reconciliation Week. Local school
children attended, along with residents
of Raymond Island, the surrounding
district and the diocese of Gippsland.
Men of the Gunai/Kurnai people and
supporters from the
Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place
and Gippsland and East Gippsland
Aboriginal Cooperative, brought their
knowledge and artifacts to share.
Grattan Mullett welcomed attendees
to the country and Bishop John McIn-
tyre welcomed attendees to the Abbey,
an asset of the Diocese of Gippsland.
LEFT: Local musician, Nicki Moffatt,
sang a song he wrote about his son,
who was always asking questions;
Nicki used both guitar and didgeridoo
for his music.
to the children about bush tucker and
medicines. He showed how to make
soap, how to tend a wound and what
sort of foods make for good eating, in-
cluding this bottlebrush flower, which
provides a sugary drink.
ABOVE: Grattan Mullett spoke about
a number of ceremonial and historical
artifacts brought from the Keeping
Place. He described the importance of
the detailed art on many of the items
he showed, including this didgeridoo.
Other items included a carved emu
egg, a range of boomerangs from the
1920s to modern day, throwing sticks,
clapping sticks, spears, clubs and bas-
kets. A highlight for attendees was the
possum skin cloak, made of red and
grey possum and with local totems
painted on the underside.
Photos: Jeanette Severs

The Gippsland Anglican