Volume 108, Number 9 October 2011

Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

The Gippsland Anglican is your award winning newspaper: Best Regional Publication Silver Award (ARPA) 2010; Item or Feature that
shows the most originality Highly Commended (ARPA) 2010; Best Social Justice Story Highly Commended (ARPA) 2004; Best Regional
Publication (ARPA) 2003; Most Improved Newspaper (ARPA) 2001.
Bullying - where is
youth responsibility?
page 4
MU contemplates
social responsibility
Page 3
Surf movie focuses
on youth and faith
page 5
Maffra appointment returning to Gippsland
By Jeanette Severs
MAFFRA parish recently
announced the appointment of
Reverend Graham Knott as the
new priest in charge. Graham and
his wife, June, are currently in
Watford, United Kingdom, having
taken up that post in 2009 after
serving in Croajingolong parish.
Graham and June returned to
Gippsland earlier this year for the
ordination of Kathy Dalton and
Phyllis Andy as priests and spent
some time renewing friendships.
They said at the time they would
like an opportunity to return to
Gippsland, having many fond
memories of their time here.
When Graham and June were
leaving Croajingolong, in early
2009, they reflected on the people
they knew and work they had been
involved in, in Mallacoota and
Cann River (The Gippsland
Anglican, March 2009).
Then, as now, they believed the
hand of God had influenced their
journey in ministry. This journey
began when Graham was a young
child, moving from England to
Australia at three years old, with
his family. At 18, he left Australia
for a year in England, but did not
return for 30 years.
Travelling in Australia in 1994
and then 2002, the couple believed
Australia was the place for them.
Initial attempts to move their
entire family to Australia was not
possible.
In 2002, while on holiday, June
and Graham drove through Genoa
and June said: Do you know, I
could live here.
A year later, in England, Graham
met Brian Roberts, the then
National Director of Bush Church
Aid. To cut a long story short,
Graham expressed interest in the
role in Croajingolong parish and
in 2006, the couple moved to
Mallacoota.
This brought to a close 10 years
of working in ministry in a coal
mining town of 100,000 people in
the Midlands, England.
In Croajingolong parish, Graham
and June brought together the con-
gregation to identify their gifts
and looked at ways of planting the
church in the community. This
included developing Christmas
Angels which were scattered
throughout the locality for locals
and the thousands of tourists.
Other developments included
encouraging visits from Lakes
Entrance parish and BCA nomads
helping with maintenance to sup-
port the local peoples faith.
At the beginning of 2009,
Graham and June were called to
serve in Watford, a town of 80,000
people. They left Australia and
Gippsland with heavy hearts but
believing they were going where
God wanted them to be.
That process has now brought
them back to Australia and they
arrive in Maffra in late October, to
be ready for Grahams induction
on November 2.
The pace of life and the scale of
everything in Watford is very dif-
ferent to Maffra where we are
looking forward to living and
serving, Graham said recently.
Watford is a large, noisy town
full of activity and crowds every
hour of the day and night. It can
easily be a lonely and isolating
experience for people, especially
those from another country. Weve
only driven through Maffra in the
past but we get the sense this is a
very special place where
Christians are working to share in
mission together.
There is also something very
special about being part of a com-
munity where people belong,
speak with and care about and for
each other.
We had a great time serving for
a few years in Croajingolong. We
think the Diocese of Gippsland is
a great place and family to be part
of and look forward to not having
to drive quite so far to get to things
that are happening.
It will be great to meet up again
with lots of our friends, meet the
people of Maffra and celebrate the
beginning of the next stage of the
journey together, Graham said.
The Gippsland Anglican wins awards for excellence
EDITOR of The Gippsland Anglican,
Jeanette Severs, was recently pleased to
receive a silver award and a highly com-
mended award for the newspaper. At the
recent Australasian Religious Press
Awards, Jeanette accepted the Silver Award
for Best Regional Publication. The judges
commented on the strong focus on local
community within the newspaper and the
sensitive editing of a wide range of contri-
butions.
Jeanette was especially pleased with these
comments. She has been the editor of The
Gippsland Anglican since December 2006
and said her vision for the newspaper is to
be the primary communication tool of the
diocesan community, reaching across
Gippsland and connecting Anglicans and
other readers interested in the Anglican
Church.
The judges commented the category of
Best Regional Publication was a very chal-
lenging category to judge and the top three
publications were very professionally pro-
duced. These awards recognised those pub-
lications that spoke to the person in the pew,
rather than to church officialdom.
Jeanette also received the Highly
Commended award in the category The
item or feature that shows the most origi-
nality for a feature titled How will you
spend Christmas? in The Gippsland
Anglican of December 2010. The judge
described the entry as an excellent, original
way to ask the question of what con-
sumerism is worth, while promoting the
work of opportunity shops everywhere.
The judges stated that, although this was a
popular category for entries, the four publi-
cations receiving awards showed original
ideas that were creative and exceptional.
This was the first time Jeanette has entered
The Gippsland Anglican in the ARPA
awards for many years and she was pleased
with the acknowledgment of the newspa-
pers excellence. Her role includes design-
ing the newspapers layout, sourcing and
writing articles, photography and editing
contributions from parish correspondents,
advertisers and other articles of interest.
I really appreciate the contributions, par-
ticularly those from parish correspondents,
which help give the newspaper a local com-
munity focus. The feedback I get from read-
ers is they like to read about what is hap-
pening across the diocese. This is balanced
against articles which provide a more ana-
lytical coverage of issues relevant to our
local readers, Jeanette (above) said.
ABOVE: June and Graham Knott are looking forward to returning to
Gippsland when Graham takes up the role as priest in Maffra parish.
2 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
The Gippsland
Anglican
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Index
Awards won by TGA 1
MUs social responsibility 3
Helping youth with bullies 4
Color-in picture 5
MU AGM reports 6
Growing seeds of peace 7
Pioneer women 8, 9
Diocesan calendar 10
Support Defence Sunday 10
NATSIEC National Director 11
Same sex marriage 12
Literary and media reviews 13
Living with fear 14
Stop family violence 15
Desserts for mission 16
Tapestry at Buln Buln 16
The Right Reverend John McIntyre
Anglican Bishop of Gippsland
GENEROSITY is always rewarded with bless-
ing. This is the principle upon which all Chris-
tian giving is properly founded.
I believe this principle to be grounded in a true
understanding of God. God, the generous giver,
is blessed by the love and praise of those who
benefit from Gods generosity. Of course, it is a
complete misunderstanding to see God as giv-
ing only to be blessed.
The opposite is true. It is because God gives
generously that God is blessed.
Translating that principle to our lives is sim-
ple. When we are generous we find we are
blessed by God in all kinds of ways, not least
by the love and affirmation from those who ben-
efit from our generosity. If, however, we give
only to be blessed, we will be sorely disap-
pointed. It is because we give generously that
we are blessed.
This sounds good in theory but it is in fact so
little practised in our churches.
It is my observation that where churches are
generous towards God, each other and others,
churches are blessed by God. This is an unself-
conscious reality on the part of those churches.
Their aim is not to be blessed. Rather, their
focus is so centred on the generous God re-
vealed in Jesus Christ that their lives reflect
Gods generosity as a matter of course. And
their lives are blessed. There is joy, love, fulfil-
ment, healing and growth.
So, generosity is always rewarded with bless-
ing. This is the principle upon which all Chris-
tian giving is properly founded.
The struggle to find the financial resources
necessary for ministry to flourish in the life of
our parishes is becoming harder and harder.
Certainly, the struggle to find the financial re-
sources simply to survive in everyday life is also
becoming harder. Often this becomes the rea-
son we give for our lack of generosity in meet-
ing the financial needs for ministry in the
church.
Sadly, many of our parishes currently suffer
from a lack of the financial resources necessary
for ministry. Are we prepared to believe this
may be an indicator of our lack of generosity?
Are we prepared to believe our lack of generos-
ity may be an indicator that our central focus
has shifted away from the generous God we see
in Jesus?
Often our discussions about our lack of fi-
nances start with a focus on things like the di-
minishing numbers in church; the increasing
costs of living; the increased costs of providing
for ministry and the growing dependence in
ageing congregations on people with fixed and
lower incomes. It is true we cannot ignore these
realities. But perhaps we have financial prob-
lems because we start with a focus on them.
What would happen if we started instead with
a focus on the generosity of God? We will never
know until we try.
A simple exercise will test our capacity for fi-
nancial generosity, just in case we believe we
are being generous when we may not be. Con-
sider for a moment how much you regularly
give in offering to the church. Now compare
that with how much you would spend without
thinking on a cup of coffee; or a piece of cake in
a caf as a treat to yourself; or a newspaper; or
a night out, remembering also how much the
fuel costs to get you where you need to go to
enjoy any of these things. Then get really seri-
ous and consider how much you need to spend
to buy food for a week. That is a proper and
helpful focus on the realities of finances.
Now ask yourself if what you offer for the
ministry of Gods church is really generous.
Remember, generosity is always rewarded with
blessing. This is the principle upon which all
Christian giving is properly founded.
Blessings reward generosity
If so, wed love to hear from you!
ON CAMPUS COURSES
ONLINE COURSES

online.mcd.edu.au
PARISH BASED
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
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THOUGHT OF STUDYING THEOLOGY?
www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/theology
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03 9348 74788
REVEREND Ken Peters and the
Anglican Parish of Yarram have is-
sued an open invitation to a Bless-
ing of the Fleet, at Port Albert, on
Sunday, October 16, 2011. The
service begins at 11am.
Bishop of Gippsland, Right Rev-
erend John McIntyre, will give the
blessing during a short service.
The blessing of the fleet, an an-
cient practice in many cultures,
was revived a few hundred years
ago in Sicily and has spread
throughout the world.
It is some years since there has
been a service at Port Albert giv-
ing thanks for this wonderful asset
to our community and recognising
those who make use of the sea in
so many ways; we intend to bless
them and the vessels in which they
sail, said Rev. Ken.
We hope boat owners will avail
themselves of the opportunity to
get together and accept the prayers
offered for them on this occasion.
We are confident this will de-
velop into a fun day for those who
attend and take advantage of the at-
tractions of Port Albert, including
the maritime museum and listen to
entertainment from local band,
The Unusual Suspects.
Port Albert for
blessing of fleet
October 2011 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries 3
The Gippsland Anglican
Col, Pal & Brad Semmens
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
~Servicing Gippsland~
Maffra 5147 1954
Sale 5144 1954
Heyfield 5148 3354
24 Hour Service
Our Family Caring For Your Family Since 1979
Brad Pal Col
PARISHIONERS from St Philips Cowes spent
an enjoyable and informative evening with Tavis
and Kate Beer during their recent visit to South
Gippsland. The Beer family were touring South
Gippsland as CMS missionaries who are soon
travelling to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
They were talking about their mission.
It was particularly interesting to see Tavis and
Kates novel demonstration of their past, present
and future, using a picture of a many-fingered
signpost. We will certainly watch with pleasure
as they travel further along their lifes pathway
following this signpost.
We all came to the conclusion that what ever
problems they come across in their ministry,
their faith and determination will see them
through, with the help of all of our prayers.
Contributed by Gwen Petersen
RIGHT: Tavis and Kate Beer.
ABOVE: Members of St Philips Cowes will be
praying for the Beer family and their ministry.
Photos: Robert McKay
Beers serve with CMS
Social responsibility in
MU is across marriage,
chaplaincy and wellbeing
By Bev Foster
THIS year has given me opportu-
nities to be informed of current is-
sues through media coverage and
time to appreciate newspaper arti-
cles given to me by members. I
tabled this report on the Social Re-
sponsibility portfolio for Mothers
Union at the recent annual general
meeting.
Marriage
WE are all aware of the benefits
that a stable relationship can pro-
vide for children, and the commu-
nity as a whole. Same sex unions
have been under discussion by the
government and many of our pop-
ulation either support same sex
marriage, believe it is inevitable or
are uncaring and oblivious.
Miranda Devine, Herald-Sun
journalist, has written several arti-
cles of interest. One cites a lesbian
couple who conceived a child with
donor sperm from a male homo-
sexual friend. Initially a compro-
mise was made, allowing the
biological fathers name to be
recorded on the birth certificate. He
contributed to his daughters up-
keep and formed a close relation-
ship with her during 10 years.
Now [according to the outcomes
of a recent court case; Ed.] he has
been deleted from the birth certifi-
cate and access to see his daughter
is denied. What makes it doubly
sad is that the birth mother and her
lesbian partner are now estranged.
The fact a baby is due to the ho-
mosexual partner of Senator Penny
Wong at the time of the Australian
Labor Partys National Conference
in December, when same sex mar-
riage is on the agenda, makes for
an interesting coincidence. Pray for
the outcome of any discussion and
resulting legislation.
Bullying
WE can become overwhelmed as
we contemplate other things, in-
cluding abuse in aged care, bully-
ing in all its forms, domestic
violence, exploitation of children
in various ways, pornography, sui-
cide and the plight of asylum seek-
ers and refugees. Worldwide
poverty and conflict are continu-
ing. These are all issues of impor-
tance to Mothers Union members.
After hearing a recent radio inter-
view with sociologist Gail Dines, I
was able to obtain, from my local
library, a copy of her book: Porn-
land: How porn has hijacked our
sexuality.
School chaplaincy
CHAPLAINCY in schools is
being challenged and government
schools may in the future be
funded for a secular welfare offi-
cer.
R U OK?
RUOK? In closing, I mention
this day on Thursday, September
15. Initiated in 2009 by Gavin
Larkin, whose father took his own
life, the program is designed to
make us be aware of the people
around us. Very often we are hesi-
tant to speak when friends seem
troubled whereas a concerned Are
you OK? could perhaps make a
difference.
As MU members we are required
to uphold our fourth and fifth ob-
jects and this means we should be-
come Aware, Informed and take
Action.
Information about Mothers
Union and its social responsibility
focus is available through the ex-
ecutive committee and parishes.
ABOVE: Wendy Shiel and Ethel
Armstrong consider the jams for
sale on the trading table, at the re-
cent annual general meeting of
Mothers Union.
LEFT: Judy Bunting at the Moth-
ers Union annual general meeting,
held at St Lukes Moe.
Photos: Karin McKenzie
THE deadline is looming for the
opportunity for every Australian to
have your say on recognising Abo-
riginal and Torres Strait Islander
people in the Australian Constitu-
tion.
The Expert Panel established by
the government to manage consul-
tations around this history making
experience will accept submissions
from the public up until 5pm on
September 30, 2011. The Expert
Panel has been touring Australia
and meeting with local communi-
ties for input to the words to use.
Have your say before time runs
out go to http://www.youmeu-
nity.org.au/have-your-say
Have your say
on constitution
ABOVE: Mothers Union mem-
bers at the trading table, at St
Lukes Moe.
4 Our Diocese - Family, Youth and Childrens Ministries October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
THE Australian Human Rights
Commission has announced it is
partnering with the Child Health
Promotion Research Centre at
Edith Cowan University and com-
munications specialists, Primary
Communication, to develop an in-
novative anti-cyber bullying cam-
paign.
Commission President, Catherine
Branson QC, said the campaign
would focus on helping young peo-
ple to take safe and effective action
when they witness cyber bullying.
We repeatedly hear about inci-
dents of cyber bullying involving
young people and we know the
damage it causes can last a life-
time, Ms Branson said.
Cyber bullying is a growing prob-
lem confronting the nation with the
potential for serious mental and
physical impacts.
The Commission is particularly
excited about partnering with the
Child Health Promotion Research
Centre at Edith Cowan University
due to its extensive expertise work-
ing in the field of bullying.
Ms Branson said cyber bullying
was a human rights issue which
could affect a young persons right
to education, health and the right to
be free from violence and harass-
ment whether at home, school,
work or anywhere else.
She said the Commission wel-
comed the recent release of the
JointSelect Committee report on
Cyber Safety Report High Wire
Act: Cyber Safety and the Young
which makes a range of recom-
mendations to tackle cyber bully-
ing and identifies the important
role that bystanders can have in in-
tervening safely when they witness
cyber bullying.
The role of the bystander, in
standing up against bullying and
harassment can be an incredibly
important and powerful one. We
know it is often young people who
witness others being cyber bullied.
This is why this campaign will
be providing young people with the
skills and resources they need to
take appropriate, safe and effective
action, Ms Branson said.
The Child Health Promotion Re-
search Centre, led by Professor
Donna Cross, undertook the
worlds first study into strategies
being used by schools, families and
students to combat the effects of
cyber bullying.
They also spearheaded ground-
breaking research into covert bul-
lying which has informed the cyber
bullying elements of the revised
National Safe Schools Framework.
Young people are key stakehold-
ers in identifying and implement-
ing responses to cyber bullying.
This project includes important op-
portunities for young people to in-
form the content, design and
platform for promoting positive
bystander actions. This is an inno-
vative project focusing on the role
of all young people in bullying sit-
uations, in which we are excited to
be involved, Professor Cross said.
Primary Communication will
provide their expertise in the field
of innovative social marketing
campaigns in mental health and ed-
ucation.
Ms Branson said the cyber bully-
ing and bystander project is a pri-
ority for the Australian Human
Rights Commission as part of its
strategy to tackle violence, harass-
ment and bullying.
This partnership announcement
marks the beginning of what we
hope will be a major force in coun-
tering the adverse impacts and
often irreparable damage caused
by cyber bullying, Ms Branson
said.
Stop bullies
WHAT you can do to stop bullies:
Be a supportive bystander.
If you are being bullied or know
or see someone being bullied, it is
important that you read this fact
sheet to find out how to be a sup-
portive bystander. If you are being
bullied and need help, please con-
tact a support service.
A bystander is someone who sees
or knows about bullying or other
forms of violence that is happening
to someone else.
Bystanders can be either part of
the bullying problem or an impor-
tant part of the solution to stop bul-
lying.
Bystanders can act in different
ways when they see or know about
bullying:
Some bystanders take the side of
the bully by laughing at the victim,
encouraging the bully or by pass-
ing on text messages or messages
on social media sites like Facebook
and YouTube
Some bystanders will give silent
approval or encourage the bully by
looking on
Some bystanders may watch or
know about the bullying but dont
do anything. They may not know
what to do or are scared. This
group of bystanders knows that
bullying is not ok.
Some bystanders will be support-
ive and take safe action to stop the
bully, find help or support the vic-
tim
Supportive bystanders
JUST as we have human rights
we also have responsibilities to re-
spect and protect the rights of oth-
ers. A supportive bystander will
take action to protect the rights of
others.
A supportive bystander will use
words and/or actions that can help
someone who is being bullied.
If bystanders are confident to take
safe and effective action to support
victims, then there is a greater pos-
sibility bullying can stop and the
person who is bullied can recover.
People respect those that stand up
for others who are bullied but
being a supportive bystander can
be tough. Sometimes it is not easy
to work out how to help safely be-
cause bullying happens in different
ways and places such as online, at
work or school.
There is no one-size-fits-all ap-
proach to being a supportive by-
stander. For supportive bystanders
to take safe and effective action
here are some suggestions:
Make it clear to your friends you
will not be involved in bullying be-
havior.
Never stand by and watch or en-
courage bullying behaviour.
Do not harass, tease or spread
gossip about others, this includes
on social networking sites like
Facebook.
Never forward on or respond to
messages or photos that may be of-
fensive or upsetting.
Support the person who is being
bullied to ask for help. For exam-
ple, go with them to a place they
Helping youth deal with bullies
Get Help
If you have been bullied or wit-
nessed others being bullied and
need help, contact:
Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) is
a free and confidential, telephone
counselling service for five to 25
year olds in Australia.
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/
Lifeline (13 11 14) is a free and
confidential service staffed by
trained telephone counsellors.
http://www.lifeline.org.au
The Australian Human Rights
Commission (1300 656 419) has a
complaint handling service to in-
vestigate complaints of discrimi-
nation, harassment and bullying
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/co
mplaints_information/index.html
Other useful resources
Download the Cyber-safety Help
Button, a free Australian Govern-
ment initiative, designed to keep
children and families safe online.
http://www.dcbde.gov.au/helpbut-
ton
To find out about cyberbullying
and how to get help you can also
go to the Australian Communica-
tions and Media Authority
(ACMA) Cybersmart Program.
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/re-
port.aspx
National Centre Against Bullying
http://www.ncab.org.au
The Australian Human Rights
Commission has information on
cyber racism and actions that can
be taken to report cyber racism.
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/ra
cial_discrimination/publications/c
yberracism_factsheet.html
Think U Know conducts internet
safety programs and provides ad-
vice for teachers, parents and car-
ers.
http://www.thinkuknow.org.au/site
/
Bullying No Way provides sup-
port and information for school
communities. http://www.bully-
ingnoway.com.au/
This fact sheet was developed in
partnership with ReachOut.com,
2011
M MO OR RE E B BA AN NG G F FO OR R
Y YO OU UR R B BU UC CK K ! !

A common expression but it describes exactly what
you gain when you make a deposit with the Anglican
Development Fund. You can Save your money with
guaranteed security and Serve the Mission of the
Church in Gippsland at the same time.

Good interest rates, too. Here they are:
o 3.75% At Call
o 4.75% Term Deposits to $20,000
o 5.00 % Term Deposits $20,000 +

The period for a term deposit is 12 months. There is no
minimum deposit for either At Call or Term deposits.

Remember, there are No Fees or Charges to operate your
account with the ADF. Access to your deposit is only a
telephone call away.

Open an account with the ADF today. Telephone us on (03)
5144 2044 or write to The Registrar, at PO Box 928, Sale, Vic.
3850, or you can drop in to the Diocesan Registry at 453
Raymond Street, Sale, for an application form to open your
account with the ADF.

Note: Neither the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland nor the Anglican
Development Fund Gippsland is prudentially supervised by APRA.
Contributions to the Fund do not obtain the benefit of depositor protection
provisions of the Banking Act 1959.
can get help or provide them with
information about where to go for
help.
Report it to someone in authority
or someone you trust. For example,
at school to a teacher, or a school
counsellor; at work to a manager;
if the bullying is serious, report it
to the police; if the bullying occurs
on Facebook, report it to Face-
book.
Source: Human Rights Commis-
sion, www.humanrights.com.au
A COMMUNITY concert was
held on Sunday, September 11, at
St Marks Yarragon, where the
musical talents of some local
youth were showcased. There was
quite a lot of variety in the pro-
gram, with several acoustic pieces
and a rock band from Trafalgar
High School, which even had a
number of the audience dancing.
It is great to see some of the
young singers performing and de-
veloping their confidence. Music
teacher, Norman Cottrell, does a
great job with mentoring his
young students, many who left his
primary school programs years
ago, but still get together to make
music. The audience enjoyed the
music, the sense of community at
afternoon tea and raised some
much needed funds for local
school chaplains.
The next opportunity to enjoy
music from the local community
is on Sunday, October 9, at the
Music Cafe which is part of the
Battle of Trafalgar and will be
held at St Marys in Contingent
Street. Entry fee $5 includes
home-cooked afternoon tea and
the music performances. If you
are a musician, why not share
your love of music, possibly en-
joying an opportunity to play with
other experienced players. Tele-
phone Sue, 03 5633 1021.
Kidsplus+
THE Australian GFS Kidsplus+
Chairman, Kate Brewer, made an
overnight visit to Moe in Septem-
ber, bringing news of her prior
visit to Tasmania and plans for
the forthcoming Australian Con-
ference, being held in Perth,
Western Australia. A late after-
noon arrival enabled Kate to par-
ticipate in the Moe parish
program for primary and second-
ary aged girls, before fellowship
supper in Newborough.
Kates visit gave opportunity for
some of Gippslands network
members from other parishes and
GFS Kidsplus+ chaplain, Rev-
erend Neil Thompson, an oppor-
tunity to meet Kate.
The Kidsplus+ network, along
with Moe GFS group, are plan-
ning a Showcase of Craft on Fri-
day, October 7, beginning
7.30pm, at St Lukes Hall. Entry
is by gold coin donation. Exhibits
include ceramics, patchwork and
Sudanese artefacts. All welcome.
This activity will be preceded at
5pm until 6.30pm by a family
barbecue and childrens activities.
Both activities will assist
fundraising to enable Gippsland
representatives to attend the Aus-
tralian Council in Perth.
Contributed by Mary Nicholls
Youth show
music talents
October 2011 Our Diocese - Family, Youth and Childrens Ministries 5
The Gippsland Anglican
Surf movie for
youth groups
CHRISTIAN youth groups will
benefit from an Australian film
collaboration. Heritage HM are
handling the national church and
school screening program for the
inspirational movie, Soul Surfer.
Heritage HM and SONY collabo-
rated on the theatrical release in
May this year, to offer local
churches and schools the opportu-
nity to show Soul Surfer in their
communities.
Soul Surfer is for youth groups,
Sunday night church services,
school events. In fact, the interest
in this movie has been flooding in
to Heritage HM from all different
age groups.
This movie can also be used to
raise funds.
Thirteen-year-old Bethany
Hamilton is a champion surfer who
was born to be in the water. But
after a fun night out, night surfing
and what should be a fun day in the
water, she is attacked by a shark
and loses her arm. Rushed to the
hospital, she remains calm and
maintains her faith in God.
Now she has to learn how to do
everything with only one arm, in-
cluding how to surf. It will take her
friends, family and her Christian
faith to get her back into the water,
but if that is where she is meant to
be, she will find a way to get there.
Soul Surfer is rated PG for an in-
tense accident sequence and some
thematic material. On its opening
weekend in America, the movie
grossed $10,601,862 in ticket
sales.
AnnaSophia Robb plays Bethany
Hamilton, a 13 year-old girl deter-
mined to continue doing what she
loves after losing an arm to a shark.
Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid are
her supporting parents. The raw
display of emotion from herself
and the rest of the cast is mes-
merising.
The film includes great cine-
matography and well-done surf
scenes which add to the overall ef-
fect. The opening sequences to the
movie include the real Bethany
surfing.
The target audience is teenagers
but the whole family can enjoy
Soul Surfer. You will leave the the-
atre feeling uplifted after viewing
this great film.
The Soul Surfer movie events are
being planned for the weekend of
October 8 and 9, so grab this op-
portunity while it is available. Her-
itage HM cannot guarantee how
long Soul Surfer will be available
to screen like this. This is an op-
portunity to unite with people
across Australia to bring this film
and its inspirational message to
your community, all on the same
weekend.
Contact Kylie Haase from Her-
itage HM; telephone 07 5370
2007, fax 07 5438 8792 or email
kylie@movieschangepeople.com


Owned and operated by Ray & Maree Anderson

With care & dignity, we serve
South Gippsland and Phillip Island

Main Office:
WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH (03) 5672 1074
176-178 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, 3995 Fax: (03) 5672 1747

PHILLIP ISLAND (03) 5952 5171
15 Warley Avenue, Cowes, 3922 (by appointment only)
Email: randm33@bigpond.net.au

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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.
Color in picture: Be a friend to others
THE Bishop of Gippsland, John
McIntyre, and members of the
Diocesan Registry staff recently
participated in a Rotary Youth
Camp at the Lions Village at Li-
cola. The camp is designed to give
opportunities to build self-reliance
and social skills of grade six chil-
dren in the Wellington Shire.
Forty-two children from 13
schools attended the camp and
were challenged by a range of ad-
venture and outdoor activities. The
Bishop excelled at archery and ap-
propriately, the leap of faith.
Diocesan staff members who par-
ticipated were Brian Norris, An-
nette Hollonds and Kerrie
Schmidt. All are members of the
Rotary Club of Sale Central.
The camp is run annually by Ro-
tary and is funded by local busi-
nesses. The diocese sponsored two
of the children who attended and
provided administration support
and adult supervision.
Contributed by Brian Norris
ABOVE left: Kerrie Schmidt and
Bishop John McIntyre with some
of the children who participated,
looking at a local monument while
on a bush walk.
Staff help at
youth camp
6 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
By Karin McKenzie, President, Mothers Union Gippsland
IN March, Mothers Union members throughout the Diocese attended
the Anglican Women of Australia rallies at Metung, Yarram, Bunyip, Ko-
rumburra and Newborough. Beth Hookey spoke of her work with An-
glicord, telling stories of resilient women in Africa and Asia. Thanks must
go to the AWA organizers of the inspirational rallies, to the hosting
parishes and to Leonie Pryde and Sandra Wagner for providing the MU
bookstall at each rally.
Lady day, on March 25, was celebrated at St Pauls Cathedral, Sale. The
Dean, Don Saines, and MU Chaplain, Reverend Thelma Langshaw, offi-
ciated. The Deans message called us to attentiveness and contemplation
in the busyness of our daily lives and to give homage to those who have
gone before, such as Mary. Along with all the special events of the day,
the commissioning of the new Executive was particularly meaningful,
signifying the viability of MU in Gippsland.
Marilyn Oulds, MU Worldwide Trustee, was guest speaker. She gave
us a lively and comprehensive overview of the workings of MU interna-
tionally.
The June-Join-In, on June 15, was a happy occasion as we joined the
congregation of St Marys, Morwell, for the Wednesday service and ex-
perienced their wonderful hospitality. Bev Ovens, MU Overseas and
Northern Outreach coordinator, spoke passionately about MU projects,
particularly the kindergartens on the Thai/Myanmar border and the Par-
enting Program in Melanesia.
I look forward to attending my first State Council in October. It will be
a pleasure to meet other diocesan Mothers Union presidents and mem-
bers from across Victoria.
Last year, our Quiet Day was held at St Phillips, Cowes. Rev. Greg
McGee drew us into meditative mode through the poetry of Ann Weems
and studies of corporate worship. He also spoke of our future hope and
security in Christ. Thank you to the MU members from St Phillips for
your care on the day.
This year, the Quiet Day is scheduled for October 15 at St Peters, Leon-
gatha. Rev. Janet Wallis will lead us. It would be wonderful to have as
many members as possible attending. The day begins at 10:30am, con-
cluding at 2:30pm.
The MU Gippsland Executive meets four times a year; usually Febru-
ary, April, July and November. This year we have met in different loca-
tions, including Bairnsdale and Mirboo North. These meetings are to
organise events, to share information and to strengthen and encourage
each other. They are also times when branches can put forward questions,
ideas and issues for discussion.
Each branch runs its own program for the year and the AGM is a time
to share what is happening around the diocese. As President, I would
enjoy receiving a copy of the program at the start of the year so I can join
branches for special occasions. Also, the information could feed into
Gippy News and for sharing at State Council [also into The Gippsland
Anglican].
Last year, I attended Australia Council Open Day, at Palotti College,
Warburton. There was a buzz as diocesan presidents met with MU Aus-
tralia executive and observers. The stimulating program included role
plays (inviting others to MU), reports and an informative address by
Robin Ray, a nursing administrator and MU member. Robins topic was
Journeying with Others and Ourselves. Sub-topics were Journeying with
those experiencing Challenging Times; the Benefits of Social Support;
and Supporting Others. I look forward to Australia Council, 2012.
The new promotional material is both colorful and informative. As we
seek to revitalize MU in Australia and attract new members, it is imper-
ative we use the material. Please do not let the posters and brochures lan-
guish in the bottom of a box or drawer somewhere. The executive is there
to assist and support branches in this endeavor.
A meeting was held to discuss the future of Caritas. This could be one
way to engage with people in our communities looking for a social group
to belong to. Jan has a strong interest in re-developing this friendship
group and she will tell us more in her report. Society has changed the
way it does things and MU needs to embrace change, too, to remain rel-
evant in 2011 and beyond.
Branches and others are contributing to the Mothers Union Abbey of
St Barnabas Family Retreat Fund; thank you. The Abbey administration
slotted a MU Invitation Week into its July program this year. Two fami-
lies were invited and MU Chaplain, Rev. Thelma Langshaw, along with
Casey and Lauren Langshaw, were the host family.
It was a worthwhile time for all concerned. Due to weather considera-
tions, we have suggested September as a more suitable time for a family
retreat. So, this mission is up and running and we can look forward to
more families participating next year, as the planning is fine-tuned.
Bishop John McIntyre, in his Presidents Report to Synod, called us to
be an inclusive church. I see it to be at the heart of Jesus ministry, he
said. Bishop John was talking about homosexual people in the church, in
particular.
As MU supports families and the sharing of the Gospel, we cannot avoid
the issue; rather, it is an opportunity to be welcoming and part of the lis-
tening process.
MU is privileged to be a prayer partner of the Australian Defence Force
Chaplaincy Unit, led by Bishop Len Eacott. Each branch has the mini
and large versions of the Prayer Diary. Emergency prayer requests are
forwarded by email to participating members.
Our MU Australia president and her executive are in regular contact and
messages are passed on to branches. We appreciate their articles in Mia
Mia. Both Mia Mia and Gippy News editors would welcome publicity of
our special events. Thanks to Jeanette Severs at The Gippsland Anglican
for her coverage of MU news.
Our theme this year was Relationship not Rules, and the resource pack
gave many helpful suggestions for studies and activities. Next year, we
complete our Relationship series with the theme, Faithful Relationships.
A Bible Study has been included with the Spring issue of Gippy News
for branches to use to kick-start the theme.
St Pauls Anglican Grammar School and Gippsland Grammar are ap-
preciative of our continuing sponsorship of their music awards programs.
Our sponsorship is in memory of Mrs Joyce Erbs.
Several milestones were celebrated in branches, this year. Drouin had a
21st birthday and Morwell marked 60 years for MU and 50 years for Car-
itas. Four MU members at Morwell received their 50 year certificates and
two, their certificates for 25 years service. Congratulations and thank you.
It is my prayer that as we seek to fulfil our mission in 2012, we will
grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be
the glory both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
MU looking to now and the future
ABOVE: Leonie Pryde helps Mothers Union members make their choice
of cards and books at the trading table, at the annual general meeting.
IN tabling the Education report at
the Mothers Union annual general
meeting, held in September, Juliet
Bond commended the new Educa-
tion Coordinator (Australia),
Wendy Mayer. In particular, Juliet
commended a mothers prayer for
a child facing exams and this has
been printed on the following page
(page 7), in recognition of the
many students facing VCE and
other exams.
Juliet has also received from
Wendy, some cards that can easily
be printed from the MU Australia
website (for those members with
computers). She suggested these
be used when visiting someone in
hospital or at home, to help switch
the conversation from general talk
and introduce a Bible reading or
prayer.
There are five cards in all; Juliet
printed two and brought these to
the AGM for all to see. The cards
will also be available from MU at
$1 per card, plus postage.
The MU Service Book continues
to be a wonderful resource; there
seems to be prayers for every oc-
casion. Juliet cited, on page 98,
The Stewardship of Gods Creation
and shared it with the meeting.
Juliet encouraged MU members
to take every opportunity to help
each other grow through each
others faith journey and encourage
others to explore the values of
Christian belief.
Outreach about
MUs global links
MARION Jones tabled the Moth-
ers Union Gippsland Overseas
and Northern Outreach and Links
report at the MU annual general
meeting, held at St Lukes Moe in
September.
This role includes informing the
Executive where money from the
branches is sent to the diocesan
treasurer and then to the Australian
treasurer. She has reported on the
distribution of funds to the Dioce-
ses of Northern Territory, North
West Australia, Papua New Guinea
and the Islands in the Pacific.
This year has been challenging
for Marion because both her hus-
band and son needed surgery and
subsequent recovery time.
Marion reported her periodic
frustration at not being very suc-
cessful in linking branches in
Gippsland diocese to branches in
Australia or around the world. She
cited information which used to
come from Mary Sumner House
that was very useful, but this help
was discontinued some time ago.
The Gippsland MU group has
strong links with the Bendigo dio-
cese and the Diocese of Salisbury
in the United Kingdom. Each year,
Christmas and Easter she sends
cards and information about Gipp-
sland to the link groups, on behalf
of all members. Marion also re-
ported on links with many dioce-
ses in Africa. We still pray for
these branches in the Wave of
Prayer, she reported.
This year, rather than the Wave of
Prayer service, Marion asked each
branch to use the service printed in
MUs Prayer and Service Book.
Service book
helpful to MU
October 2011 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries 7
The Gippsland Anglican
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A prayer for
examinations
THE following prayer is provided by Moth-
ers Union to be said in behalf of those people
facing exams, particularly young people under-
taking VCE exams in October and November.
(Please replace her with him if you are praying
for your son or nephew.) The prayer has been
provided by Wendy Mayer, MU Australia Edu-
cation Officer.
Lord,
Im praying for my daughter/son who is facing
exams.In the time before exams I ask that you
will help her use her time wisely, balancing the
need for studying with the need to maintain a
healthy lifestyle. Help her to find the way of
studying that is best for her and will help her
remember what she has learned. Give her de-
termination and perseverance, so she puts in
enough effort at a level appropriate for the im-
portance of the material she is studying.
When the exams come, help her to be calm,
both beforehand and as she reads the papers.
Protect her from jumping to hasty conclusions
about what the questions are asking. Help her
to take time to read carefully and understand
what is actually being asked. Please also pro-
tect her from making careless mistakes such as
overlooking questions or missing pages.
Please help her to recall the work she has
learned and not to suffer any mental blocks due
to the pressure of the limited time available to
answer; and help her plan and use her time well.
May she answer clearly and concisely, demon-
strating her knowledge to the best of her ability.
After the exam, Lord, protect her from need-
lessly replaying in her mind. Help her to learn
from her experience and move on to the next
challenge, whatever that may be. And help her
also to realise that, no matter how important she
feels this particular exam is, it is only a small
part of the opportunities you have provided for
her. It will be good if she passes, but there are
many other possibilities she can pursue if she
doesnt. Help her to keep it in perspective.
Lord, there are lots of other peoples sons and
daughters facing exams, so Im praying for my
daughter and for everyone else
who is facing an exam, too.
Amen

Anglicare awards
THE Chairman of Anglicare Victoria paid tribute to
staff and volunteers on Tuesday, September 6, with the
Chairmans Awards. Eight new award categories en-
abled staff and volunteers to be nominated. The Best
Outcome category also allowed the agency to pay spe-
cial tribute to people who access Anglicares services,
who have set out and achieved their own personal goals.
Staff who had reached significant long service mile-
stones were also congratulated on the night.
Damian Neylon, Chairman of Anglicare Victoria, said
the event was the perfect opportunity to recognise the
valuable contribution and commitment of our staff and
volunteers who tirelessly support the most vulnerable
members of our community.
The judging panel and I were overwhelmed with the
nominations submitted and the exceptional work being
carried out across the state, he said.
Sarah Gover, Anglicare Parish Partnerships Worker,
received the Innovation Award for beginning the mainly
music program in Gippsland in 2009. The program pro-
vides quality, innovative preschool education and par-
enting support while encouraging inter-generational
relationships for families within the Gippsland region.
Initially piloted in Maffra, attracting around 20 young
families, there are now mainly music groups in eight
towns within the area, with an average of 150 families
attening a weekly session.
Benetas wins award
NOT-for-profit aged care provider, Benetas, was recog-
nised at the 2011 Anglicare Australia Awards in the In-
novation category for their Happy Eating project.
Last week at the Anglicare Australia conference in
Western Australia, Benetas CEO Sandra Hills had the
great pleasure of accepting the award for The Buon Ap-
petito, Kali Orexi, Prijatno Jadenje Happy Eating
Pilot Project.
The project was specifically created to improve the
lives of older people from Italian, Greek and Macedon-
ian speaking backgrounds who receive care services
from Benetas. These clients have moderate dementia
and live at home with their families.
A major aim of this project was to reduce any stigma
associated with dementia by demonstrating respect for
the person while also providing helpful information for
carers, said Ms Hills.
By using a familiar activity such as meal preparation
and eating together as a starting point, we can share use-
ful strategies for families living with dementia to make
the overall caring experience less stressful. This ulti-
mately improves the overall quality of life of everyone
involved, the person with dementia and their loved
ones.
Benetas trialled the program in north-west metropoli-
tan Melbourne with 11 families and their Benetas Care
Managers, who volunteered to participate.
The Happy Eating Project has addressed a clearly
identified need for relevant and culturally-appropriate
information about dementia in Victorian communities.
Its implications are far reaching beyond the scope of
mealtimes and the families and individuals that piloted
the program, said Ms Hills.
This program has the capacity to positively impact the
lives of families from culturally and linguistically di-
verse backgrounds across Australia who have a family
member living with dementia. Benetas is currently
working to make the program available to other organ-
isations.
ABOVE: Sarah Gover with her innovation award.
By Lynne Beaty
Mirboo North Parish
VISITING Gahini diocese in
Rwanda with her husband, Neville,
to help further the Seeds of Peace
Project, Lynne Beaty went to
Kawangire parish, accompanied by
Pastor Donat and his wife, Naomi,
for a meeting with the students.
(Donat has moved to another
parish.) Lynne reports on her visit
here.
IF any of you who wrote letters
thought it was a bit of a chore or
that you would have rather done
something else, read on.
About 20 minutes after we ar-
rived, the students arrived. Some
had a meeting to do with school but
eventually they were all there. I
wasnt really happy about all the
time Id spent following up for let-
ter and photos (which started three
months ago), but I too had some-
thing to learn. The afternoon pro-
gram began with a welcome, a
song, followed by prayer. Then
each student stood and came out in
front of where I was sitting, intro-
duced themselves, said what
school they attended, how old they
were and what subjects they ma-
jored in. For many, this was a huge
task due to their lack of English.
As each student came forward, I
photographed them and when they
finished speaking, I presented them
with a letter and photograph from
their sponsors. I had no envelopes
for the emailed ones, so I placed
them all in plastic sleeves. I asked
the odd question and gave encour-
agement as much as possible.
The second student who spoke
was Thomas. I had noticed
Thomas singing with great enthu-
siasm and confidence. His English
was good and what he said follows:
Before, I just rode a bike around
and my life was empty and without
purpose and meaning. But now I
am able to go to school again, I
have a purpose, my life is good. I
have a future and I am happy and
its all because of you. I dont
know how to say thank you enough
but when I sing I am happy.
I assured him I was very moved
by what he said and his happiness
did indeed show when he was
singing.
A couple of students want to go
to university; one wants to be an
accountant. I caused a chuckle
when I said, that was good because
I am doing all this bookkeeping for
the project and I dont like book-
keeping; and I was pleased to hear
he liked it.
Another student is doing a tailor-
ing (dressmaking) course and will
finish this year. She produced two
little garments she made to pass on
to her sponsor for someone they
fitted. Violet is excited to find out
that two of her sponsors, Denise
and Geoff, will actually be here
next week and she will meet them.
The last student, Divine, a girl
aged 18, named some very heavy
subjects and I said, goodness that
sounds hard do you want to be a
doctor?
Yes, she said.
So, look at the opportunities you
are giving these young people with
your sponsorship.
The students then presented an-
other song; I wish I could have
piped that back to you. Pastor Silas
explained the first song was all
about love because that was what
all this is about; your love for them.
I said it made me think of a song
called, Love makes the world go
round and God makes us go round
the world so we can show His love
to each other; and with Gods en-
couragement and a leap of faith
thats how we come to be here.
There was a bit more talking,
with Donat interpreting, followed
by the famous Fantas. I thought
they had not prepared a meal or
anything; famous last words.
I was wondering where the moth-
ers were and when I asked Donat,
he just said, quite vaguely: oh,
theyre around. They certainly
were, they were all out back cook-
ing a meal. While all this was hap-
pening, the students were looking
at their letters and photos. They
read and re-read, they passed them
to each other to read.
I explained about a few of you
and Peter and Margaret Down, you
got applause. I told them how hard
you had both worked to raise the
money for us to be here doing this
project. Take a bow. We know God
encouraged you to take risks and
stick at it. Wait until you see how
God has worked with those funds.
So, greetings to the mothers, an-
other prayer and a final little
farewell song they always sing,
more farewells to the children and
we left. It was worth every minute
in the preparation of the letters and
photographs to see how it has af-
fected these young and a few not so
young lives.
ABOVE: Lynne Beaty (back row)
with the students.
Growing seeds
8 Our Diocese - Celebrating Ordained Women October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
Sally a pioneer woman of Gippsland
By Jeanette Severs
THE first woman to be made
priest in Gippsland is Sally
Boothey, who served a number of
years in the diocese and is now
Archdeacon in Adelaide diocese.
Sally, who served a number of
years as lay reader in Bruthen
parish, was made deacon on De-
cember 17, 1995 by Bishop Arthur
Jones and then ordained priest on
December 21, 1996, alongside
Warren Smith.
Sally, her husband Denis and
their young family settled in
Tambo Upper in 1983 and wor-
shipped at Swan Reach, Bruthen
and Tambo Upper.
Our family was blessed with an
experience of friendly, easy, happy
country church where an ordered
service didnt mean a rigid service
and where children of all ages were
warmly included, Sally once re-
called (The Gippsland Anglican,
February 2007).
In 1988, Sally became a lay
reader and recalled recently the in-
fluence and leadership of the vari-
ous clergy of the time being
significant in influencing and shap-
ing her future ministry.
These clergy included bishops
Colin Sheumack, Arthur Jones,
Jeffrey Driver and John McIntyre,
alongside John White, Ron
Chidgey and others.
I always had a strong spiritual-
ity, a strong relationship with
God, Sally recently recalled.
In 1978, after I was married, I
sought confirmation in the Angli-
can church, mainly because Denis
family were Anglican. This was in
a charismatic church. After a few
years, we moved to Tambo Upper
and I met John White, who was the
priest in charge of Bruthen parish.
I also went to Cursillo and about
that time John asked for lay read-
ers. Part of the expectation of Cur-
sillo is to be more involved in
church, and that lent influence to
me putting my hand up to be a lay
reader.
With Johns support, I began
taking the readings, then sermons.
I then began studying theology
so I could write better sermons and
better understand scripture. I really
immersed myself in my studies and
became passionate about theol-
ogy.
Sally was studying theology by
distance, working as a teacher and
raising her family when Ron
Chidgey, then rector of Bruthen
parish, suggested she attend a dis-
cerning conference.
I had begun to feel God was call-
ing me to greater work in ministry.
I wondered if that was youth work
or something else, Sally said.
Bishop Sheumack spoke to me
and explained if I wanted to be or-
dained, I would have to settle to be
a deacon. I thought I wanted to be
a lay reader rather than a deacon.
At around this time, the question
of ordaining women came up in
Synod and was lost. Sally was sur-
prised how disappointed she felt
she could not become a priest. At
the next Synod, the motion was put
and passed.
I felt jubilant I could become a
priest, Sally recalled.
I took some time for internal re-
flection and then stepped up to be-
come a priest. Its a life changing
decision and I realised it was going
to be a huge responsibility.
But by then I knew that was
what God was calling me to.
Sallys path took her through se-
lection in Gippsland, then Mel-
bourne, then discussion with
Bishop Arthur Jones. At this time,
she was studying and living full
time at Trinity College, during her
year as deacon, and serving at St
Pauls Cathedral, Sale on the week-
ends.
After Sally was priested in De-
cember 1996, she took on the role
of chaplain at Gippsland Grammar,
the second woman in this role.
[Caroline Nancarrow was chaplain
from 1988 to 1996.] Sally held this
role for four years, with many op-
portunities to assist in the Cathe-
dral parish.
In 2001, she took up her first role
as priest in charge, in Westernport
parish. In Gippsland she was also,
variously, Spiritual Advisor to Cur-
sillo, Rural Dean and a member of
Bishop in Council. In August
2005, Sally was made Ministry De-
velopment Officer for Gippsland
diocese, with a focus on discerning
and sharing new ways of enabling
ministry, particularly in outlying
areas, under Jeffrey Drivers strate-
gic vision of developing ministry
in remote Gippsland.
On July 30, 2006, Sally Boothey
took another step into the unknown
and became the first woman in-
stalled as Canon in St Pauls Cathe-
dral in Sale. She was installed in
the seat of St Priscilla, sharing the
roles of Canon with Keith South
and Don Crewe.
Then Adelaide diocese beckoned
and in January 2007, Sally became
the rector of Plympton parish, a
role she still holds. In 2008, she
was made Archdeacon and says
this has enabled her to learn an
enormous amount about Adelaide
diocese and the various centres.
Reflecting on her path, Sally said
she didnt feel like a political trail-
blazer but she did feel like a pio-
neer and hoped she was a good
example to others, as she was in-
fluenced by good people.
TOP: Following her ordination as
priest, Bishop Arthur Jones asked
Reverend Sally Boothey to bless
him.
ABOVE: Bishop Arthur Jones with
Greg Jones, Janet Wallis, Thelma
Langshaw and Sally Boothey, after
they were each awarded their
Diploma of Theology.
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ABOVE: Sally Boothey on De-
cember 21, 1996, after being or-
dained priest at St Pauls
Cathedral, Sale. Sally is the first
woman to be ordained priest in
Gippsland diocese.
By Jeanette Severs
THIS year, 2011, marks 25
years since the first women were
ordained deacon in the Anglican
Church in Australia. Two priests
in Gippsland, Archdeacon
Heather Marten and Reverend
Canon Amy Turner, were among
the second group of women or-
dained deacon in Melbourne in
1986. They were also among
those first women who were or-
dained priest in 1992.
In this and future features, The
Gippsland Anglican pays homage
to the pioneer women of ministry.
In preparing this feature, there is
no doubt that Archbishop Jeffrey
Driver of Adelaide, past Bishop
of Gippsland, was instrumental in
appointing a number of women to
the roles of deacon and priest. He
recently reflected it was not so
much about appointing women,
as about appointing the best peo-
ple for the roles, and among those
were many women.
When I came to the Diocese of
Gippsland, I faced the challenge
of a diocese in which about a
third of the parishes were either
vacant or soon to be vacant,
Archbishop Jeffrey said.
I have been a supporter of the
ordination of women since I first
began to think seriously about
these matters in Ridley College in
the mid 1970s. However, I must
confess, I was not conscious of
the fact that I was ordaining a lot
of women. I was conscious that I
was ordaining a lot of very good
people for ministry.
While I was always grateful for
the opportunity to bring good
people into the diocese from else-
where in the Australian Church, I
quite quickly came to realize we
also needed to look for capable
people from within. These were
people who understood Gipps-
land, who had chosen to live there
and often had a deep love of the
area and its people.
It was a privilege to contribute
to the journey and growth of these
people, female and male, and to
see them develop in ministerial
leadership in the diocese, he
said.
Ordaining
women about
leadership
October 2011 Our Diocese - Celebrating Ordained Women 9
The Gippsland Anglican


The Anglican Diocese
of Gippsland
takes complaints of
abuse and harm
seriously.

If you may have been harmed by a
Church worker, or know someone
who has, please come forward. All
complaints will be treated sensitively
and confidentially.

The Director of Professional
Standards, Cheryl Russell, can be
contacted on telephone 03 5633
1573, on mobile 0407 563313 or
email cherylrussell1@bigpond.com

The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland
does not tolerate any harassment or
abuse in its church community.
By Bishop John McIntyre
THE delightful reality about
those women who are now or-
dained in our church is that their
ordinations pass without so much
as a murmur. Of course, each per-
sons call to ordained ministry is
rightly affirmed with much joy and
celebration, but the matter of gen-
der is now rightly understood to
have nothing to do with the call to
ordained ministry. This is how it
should be.
I have been delighted to find
since my time in Gippsland that
God is slowly redressing the previ-
ous imbalance in gender in the or-
dained ministry of the diocese. Of
late, more women than men have
responded to Gods call to ordina-
tion and have been affirmed in that
call by the church.
I like to think this is Gods way of
affirming it is not gender but voca-
tion and giftedness which is the
basis of ordained ministry.
Of course, God has been telling
us such truths since the ancient sto-
ries of creation were first re-
counted, long before they were
even written down thousands of
years ago. It is both women and
men who participate fully in the
image of God and it is both women
and men who were called to exer-
cise respectful and accountable do-
minion in Gods creation on Gods
behalf.
Women and men have always
been called by God together to ex-
ercise power and authority in
Gods world and among Gods
people. It is a travesty we took so
long to listen. Now that we have,
we are able to celebrate the fullness
of our humanity, male and female,
in every aspect of our life together
as the people of God, including in
ordained ministry.
I give thanks for the wonderful
way in which God ministers to us
through the ordained ministry of
the women whose stories are told
in these pages.
Gi ppsl and r ecogni sed
womens role in ministry
By Jeanette Severs
MORE than half a century before
it became one of the divisive and
controversial issues within the An-
glican church, Gippsland pio-
neered the way with the ordination
of women. From as early as 1918,
the Reverend Deaconesses took
their place among the Gippsland
clergy, ministering to the physical,
emotional and spiritual needs of
the people in a very selfless and
dedicated way.
The Deaconesses were pioneers,
breaking new ground in every
sense of the word, for not only
were their status and authority a
departure from Anglican tradition,
but their appointments took them
to the remote outposts of East
Gippsland, then still largely unex-
plored.
Gippslands second Bishop,
George Harvard Cranswick, was
consecrated in 1917, a young fam-
ily man who quickly perceived the
need for a ministry to women by
women. Within a year of his con-
secration, he had recruited and li-
censed his first Deaconesses. Their
status was exactly equivalent to
Deacons.
These women were employed to
minister to women, to families, to
be involved in mission work and,
for some, also to minister med-
ically in remote areas of Gipps-
land, in often hard working
conditions. Their duties included
conducting funerals, baptisms,
morning and evening prayer,
preaching, preparing and present-
ing candidates for confirmation,
presiding over parochial council
meetings and assisting with Holy
Communion for a visiting Bishop
or Archdeacon.
In 1920, Bishop Cranswick trav-
elled to Lambeth (in England - the
site of international gatherings of
bishops and archbishops). Cran-
swick advocated on behalf of the
status of women in the church and
in November 1922, he hosted the
first conference and retreat of
women workers.
The pioneer Deaconesses led to
the early establishment in Gipps-
land Diocese of many groups that
fostered a sense of Christian com-
munity. They set up the Battalion
of Gippsland Mothers, an affilia-
tion of British Mothers Union.
They established the Sunday
School Mail Bag Scheme, provid-
ing Christian material for the chil-
dren of isolated families. They set
up Girl Guide groups and the Lone
Guide network.
In 1924, it was to the Order of
Deaconesses that Bishop Cran-
swick gave responsibility for the
establishment of the first Anglican
Primary School in the diocese,
which became St Annes Church of
England School and eventually the
primary school campus of Gipps-
land Grammar in Sale. The Dea-
conesses also introducted the girls
diocesan camps to the diocese, on
land donated by Mrs AH aBeckett
at Raymond Island (now the Abbey
of St Barnabas).
One Deaconess, Sister Winifred
Holton, spent some years at St
Annes before eventually being
given pastoral oversight of Nowa
Nowa, serving the Lake Tyers
Aboriginal Settlement, ministering
to many of the women there.
Deaconess Nancy Drew was also
a missioner to the Lake Tyers Abo-
riginal Settlement, ministering in
particular to the children. She
eventually was the first woman
minister made a Rural Dean, lead-
ing the Morwell Deanery from
1973 to 1976.
The author, Mary Grant Bruce,
herself a Gippslander, wrote about
the fascinating and important work
of individual Deaconesses.
Bishop Cranswick, on establish-
ing the Deaconess order, sanc-
tioned them to be known as The
Reverend Deacon. In 1949, Bishop
Donald Burns Blackwood also a
keen supporter of the work of the
Deaconesses, supported a Bill at
Synod elevating the role of Dea-
coness to a status enabling them to
sit in Synod as full representatives
of the House of Clergy.
In October 1989, the Diocesan
Anglican Women of Australia rally
witnessed Bishop Colin Sheumack
dedicate a memorial Cross to the
role of Deaconesses in Gippsland.
This cross hangs in the side chapel
of St Pauls Cathedral in Sale.
TOP: The first conference and re-
treat of women workers, November
2, 1922. Bishop George Cranswick
with Deaconess Winifred Shoo-
bridge, Sister May Lambert, Sister
Marie Sundell, Miss Warden (the
first diocesan youth organiser) and
Sister Dorothy Almond (the first
bush missionary nurse).
ABOVE: Deaconess Nancy Drew,
the first woman to be appointed
Rural Dean in Gippsland, pho-
tographed in Morwell, 1973.
[Extracts and photographs from
Elliot, Ray (1996) The Dea-
conesses of Gippsland; Sale.
Give thanks for
the ordained
ministry of women
LEFT: Caroline Nancarrow is the first woman made deacon to serve
in Gippsland following the vote in Synod to ordain women. She was
made deacon in 1993. She was the first ordained woman in the role
of chaplain at Gippsland Grammar and was ordained priest in 1997.
Caroline is another pioneer
10 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
Diocesan Calendar
2011
TBA Blessing of Ena Sheumack House; Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park, Raymond Island
October
1 Street stall, St Johns Metung
1 International Day of Older Persons
1 2 Bruthen Parish Country Craft and Art Fair
2 Opening of memorial garden, St Johns Metung; dedication by Bishop John
3 6 Annual clergy retreat; Pallotti College; with Reverend Peta Sherlock, Dean of St Pauls
Cathedral, Bendigo
7 Family barbecue and childrens activities, St Lukes hall, Moe.
7 Gippsland Kidsplus+ network and Moe GFS Showcase of Craft; 7.30pm; St Lukes hall.
Entry, gold coin donation.
9 Bishop John McIntyre in Mirboo North parish
9 Music Caf, Battle of Trafalgar; St Marys, Contingent St; entry $5 each, includes afternoon
tea and entertainment. Telephone Sue, 03 5633 1021
9 ICC Hymn-fest at St Georges Wonthaggi; 2.30pm; spend time together singing hymns, bring
a plate of afternoon tea and a retiring offering for the hospital chaplaincy program.
11 Anglican Women of Australia Gippsland Rally and AGM; 9.30am to 3pm; guest speaker
Mike Hansen, on the Camino pilgrim walk; enquiries, Pat Cameron, 03 5147 1990
11 14 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Environment Week A. Exploring an
understanding 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 Environmental Taskforce.
14 16 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Environment Week B. Exploring an
understanding 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 Environmental Taskforce.
15 Mothers Union Quiet Day, Leongatha, 10.30am to 2.30pm; led by Reverend Janet Wallis
16 Blessing of the Fleet, Port Albert; 11am; Reverend Ken Peters and Bishop John McIntyre
16 Diocesan Ultreya, St Nicholas Lakes Entrance; 2pm to 4pm
17 20 Anglican Women of Australia bus trip to Mornington Peninsula; contact Pat Cameron, tel. 03
5147 1990
18 21 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Work and prayer working together. Leader,
Brian Turner.
19 Mothers Union State Council, Melbourne
19 Vocational Training Day, Growth in Ministry Training Day, Clergy Professional
Development Training (Supervision Training); Bishopscourt, Sale
20 Vocational Training Day, Growth in Ministry Training Day, Intentional Pastoral Practice
Seminar; Bishopscourt, Sale
21 Faith in Jazz concert with Reverend Greg Jones, Bob Sedergreen and Matt Kirsch; 8pm;
Lotus room, Warrandyte; for bookings, telephone 03 9844 5155, email
info@earthharmony.com.au
21 22 Growth in Ministry Intensive; Bishopscourt, Sale
21 23 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Work and prayer working together. Leader,
Brian Turner.
23 Bishop John McIntyre at St Pauls Cathedral, Sale
23 Concert for Bush Church Aid with Reverend Greg Jones and local musicians; St Nicholas
Lakes Entrance
26 28 The Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond Island; Intellectual Disability, Spirituality and
Community; Led by Eileen Glass and the LArche Community. A workshop, by invitation,
for those people involved or interested to be involved in ministry with people with
intellectual disability. Expressions of interest to Edie Ashley, edieashley@bigpond.com
29 Ordinations at St Pauls Cathedral, Sale
29 The Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park; Celebration Day for people with intellectual
disability, their families and carers; led by Eileen Glass and the LArche Community; a day
of fun, community and spiritual reflection.
29 Diocesan administration and insurance seminar for parish councillors, with Richard
McDonald of the Anglican National Insurance Program and Brian Norris, Registrar of
Gippsland Diocese; 10am to 2.30pm; Warragul; RSVP Registry 03 5144 2044, email
kerries@gippsanglican.org.au
29 31 (Mixed) Womens and Mens Lay Retreat; Palotti College, Millgrove
November
2 Induction of Reverend Graham Knott as new priest in charge of Maffra parish; St Johns
Maffra
5 Enthronement of new Bishop of Ballarat, Bishop Garry Wetherill; 11am; Christ Church
Cathedral Ballarat
6 Defence Sunday; remember the ministry of the Anglican Church among defence personnel
and their families on this day; contact Bishop Len Eacott, len.eacott@defence.gov.au or visit
www.defenceanglicans.org.au
15 16 Emergency Chaplaincy training course, Level 2, for clergy and pastoral ministers; Victorian
Emergency Chaplaincy Network; 9am to 4pm; $25, incl catering and manual; email
emergencies@vcc.org.au or telephone 03 9654 1736
19 Bairnsdale parish fair, St Johns church grounds
20 Diocesan Ultreya, 2pm to 4pm
24 25 Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training; Latrobe Valley; $275; contact Sarah Gover,
03 5144 1100 or 0458 450370
27 Advent Sunday
29 Mothers Union Gippsland Executive meeting, Morwell; followed by lunch at Gastronomy
December
3 Annual diocesan clergy family end of year gathering, Bishopscourt, Sale; 11am to 5pm
4 Emergency Services Sunday, St Johns Bairnsdale
25 Christmas Day
25 Community Christmas Lunch, Cowes
Dec. 28 Jan. 3 Summer in Seaspray, Sale parish
Dec. 30 Jan. 6 Scripture Union Theos beach mission, Lakes Entrance
Dates and events as provided to The Gippsland Anglican by date of printing.
ABOVE: Young people regularly have opportunities to practice their per-
formance skills and musical ability in front of appreciative audiences in
Trafalgar parish. The next opportunity is on October 9, at the music cafe
during the Battle of Trafalgar, at St Marys, for an afternoon of enter-
tainment and refreshments. See Diocesan Calendar.
Support Defence Sunday
SUNDAY, November 6, 2011 has
been set aside as Defence Sunday,
an opportunity to remember the
ministry of the Anglican church
among defence personnel and fam-
ilies. Bishop Len Eacott, Anglican
Bishop to the Defence Force, en-
courages parishes to invite a de-
fence chaplain to address the
service on that day.
The Defence Anglican Mission
Plan places a high priority in mak-
ing connections, particularly en-
couraging a shared ministry of
parishes with chaplains, Bishop
Len said.
Defence Sunday is an important
occasions to affirm this. In the past,
where defence chaplains have vis-
ited parishes, there has been re-
newed mutual understanding.
Liturgical resources and prayer
points will be forwarded to
parishes. Further information is
available from the Bishops office,
email len.eacott@defence.gov.au
or on the internet, www.de-
fenceanglicans.org.au
Mothers Union has recently
added the Defence Force to its
Wave of Prayer and information is
available from MU chaplain, Rev-
erend Thelma Langshaw, in Omeo
parish.
ABOVE: Mothers
Union Morwell group
meets monthly at St
Marys. In August, the
group remembered their
history. MU was started
in Morwell early in 1950
and Mrs Phillips was the
first MU leader at St
Marys. At the recent
meeting, two of the orig-
inal members from that
time, Mollie Burney and
Marge Dickson, received
their 50 year membership
badges and certificates.
Two other members,
Doreen Smith and Dulcie
Harris, received their 25
year certificates. Another
longtime member of MU,
Lila Crowe, moved to St
Marys from St Johns
Yallourn. Lila was hon-
ored for her long mem-
bership of MU. She is
now leaving to live in
Melbourne.
October 2011 Our Diocese - Clergy Ministry 11
The Gippsland Anglican
RIDLEY Melbourne is working
on empowering workplace chris-
tians. Christians in the marketplace
need help answering complex
questions as they lead people,
make decisions and manage organ-
isations.
Professor Ian Harper, author of
Christian Book of the Year, Eco-
nomics for Life, says he is privi-
leged to serve Jesus through his
professional life, but it isnt always
easy.
Christians who spend their wak-
ing hours in the marketplace en-
counter opportunities as well as
challenges every day. They strug-
gle with the Sunday-Monday di-
vide, wondering how the gospel
calls them to respond to impossible
situations, he said.
Professor Harper (right), who is
also CEO of Access Economics
asks: Who is reflecting on these
challenges? Where can we find re-
sources to help marketplace Chris-
tians think through them, not just
tempted by the sights that daz-
zle?
Ridley Melbourne has a strong
desire to better equip Christians in
the marketplace, and is launching
its Marketplace Institute to facili-
tate this vision.
Ridley Melbourne is a leading
theological college with a vision to
bridge the gap between Sunday
and Monday, says Acting Princi-
pal, Tim Foster.
In particular, Ridley wants peo-
ple to see how their everyday lives
are not a distraction from ministry,
but the very context in which they
can be a transforming presence.
Chair of Ridley Melbourne,
Claire Rogers, a senior executive
with ANZ bank, always wanted her
faith in Jesus to be a part of the
way she served at work. She be-
lieves there has never been a more
important time to engage and sup-
port Christians in secular employ-
ment to be salt and light.
Its time we had a deep under-
standing of the theology of work to
help all of us grapple with faith and
the Sunday-Monday connection,
she said.
Ridley is building an institute
that provides the rigour and theo-
logical depth of training, engage-
ment and influence to support
Christians in secular workplaces,
ministries to workplace contexts,
and fulltime Christian workers to
gain an understanding of the place
of work in Gods plan for the daily
lives of those they serve.
Ian Harper agrees.
Ridley Melbournes Market-
place Institute promises to be an
oasis of theological reflection and
discussion on precisely the issues I
want to talk and think about. It is
not just marketplace Christians
who need help, Prof. Harper said.
Ridleys new initiative will en-
sure pastors are given frameworks
to equip the saints for every good
work. Heaven knows theres plenty
of good work to do in the modern
marketplace!
This ambitious vision, to be
launched in October, will have a
significant impact on churches and
the everyday lives of Christians.
For further information, visit
www.ridley.edu.au/marketplacein-
stitute
Empowering Christians
i n t he wor kpl ace
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS to Jenny Ram-
age who has now completed all the work
necessary to be awarded a Master of Di-
vinity through the Melbourne College of
Divinity.
A New Canon
REVEREND Barbara Logan (above),
of Lakes Entrance and Metung parish,
has been elected by Bishop-in-Council
as a Clerical Canon. Her induction to the
canonical seat and the announcement of
the saint will be at a future date.
Clergy Moves
MALCOLM Wilson has been ap-
pointed Priest-in-Charge part-time for
the congregation of Nar Nar Goon. Mal-
colm was ordained for the Diocese of
Bunbury and has been living in Gipps-
land while taking a break from stipendi-
ary ordained ministry for some years.
Traralgon ordinations
FOLLOWING from the past two issues
of The Gippsland Anglican, regarding
ordinations at Traralgon. Robert Chris-
tensen, of Berwick, writes that in the late
1960s at the old St James Church,
Bishop David Garnsey ordained Peter
Rickards (priest) and John Harvard Lit-
tleton (priest). At the time, Geoffrey
Ross was rector of Traralgon.
Peter died about 10 years ago while
priest at St Thomas, Bunyip. John Lit-
tleton is the grandson of the second
Bishop of Gippsland (George Harvard
Cranswick) and served in the Diocese of
Adelaide.
Octobers lay retreat
FATHER Fred Morrey is the leader of
the Gippsland diocesan mixed lay retreat
at Pallotti College, Millgrove, from Oc-
tober 29 to 31. This year, women and
men will together participate in the lay
retreat, rather than the diocese hold two
separate retreats.
The topic of the retreat is Soul Food.
The cost of the retreat is: double $300,
single $170. Send your deposit of $20 by
October 7, 2011, to Retreat Registration,
11 Growse St, Yarram 3971. Cheques
should be payable to Gippsland Dioce-
san Retreat Account.
THE National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and
the National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Com-
mission (NATSIEC) are pleased to announce Kerry Charlton has
been appointed as the NATSIEC National Director.
Kerry has a background in education and training. Her skills and
experience have been further developed through employment
with TAFE and work with Government departments and the
church, particularly the Christian Brothers. Kerry is held in high
regard as a consultant on Aboriginal issues.
She is well known for her leadership to the Gathering of the
Voices Conference: a National Ecumenical Gathering for Abo-
riginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Kerry is keen to con-
tinue working cross culturally with indigenous and non
indigenous groups.
I am thrilled Kerry is joining NATSIEC and look forward to
her energy and enthusiasm guiding the churches work, said
Reverend Tara Curlewis, NCCA General Secretary.
I believe Kerry will quickly fit into NATSIEC and contribute
much to continuing the journey of reconciliation and healing here
in Australia.
NATSIEC is the peak Indigenous ecumenical body in Australia,
a commission of the NCCA, which organises the Make Indige-
nous Poverty History Campaign and is an advocate for the rights
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NCCA has a membership of 19 national churches, includ-
ing Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches, seven Eastern and
Oriental Churches and a range of Protestant Churches, the Sal-
vation Army and the Quakers.
New NATSIEC National Director
Proposal to explore
ministry education
options in diocese
By Jeanette Severs
THE Dean of St Pauls Cathe-
dral in Sale, Don Saines, is pro-
posing the Cathedral be a hub for
ministry education in the diocese.
Dean Don (right) tabled a pro-
posal before St Pauls Greater
Chapter that analysed the deliv-
ery of theological education and
ministry training and the over-
sight of clergy and lay people
across the diocese.
He noted the need to develop a
comprehensive summary of programs offered throughout the
diocese. For instance, ALPHA has been delivered in a num-
ber of parishes, but how many parishes still deliver that min-
istry and how many have not updated information about its
delivery?
Dean Don also noted the large number of gifted lay and
clergy in the diocese, who are experienced preachers and
teachers and able trainers of women and men for ministry.
He proposes developing a process within the diocese to pro-
mote and strategically and proactively develop a well trained
and theologically informed and ministerially trained church.
Among the courses delivered in the diocese are aspects of
Growth In Ministry (St Marks): The Diploma in Anglican
Orders, including Intentional Pastoral Practice. Dean Don
has noted people in the diocese are studying, or have studied,
other distance education courses available through St Marks
NTC, Trinity College Theological School and Ridley Theo-
logical College.
Education for Ministry is another resource already under-
taken by people in the diocese. Reverend Marilyn Obersby is
currently the diocesan contact for this program.
Dean Don cites the Trinity College Certificate in Theology
and Ministry as an ideal base for an ongoing Christian edu-
cation program. The course is run in small groups locally in
a parish
Dean Dons proposal is to invite the Greater Chapter of the
Cathedral to become a group that, with the Bishop, gives
consideration and oversight to the development of the teach-
ing and training ministry of the diocese. He cites a cathedral
has been the symbolic centre of the Bishops teaching min-
istry. The Greater Chapter could help coordinate, encourage
and resource clergy and lay leaders across the diocese. This
could mean encouraging the take-up of any of the above
mentioned courses and possibly a way of formally estab-
lishing connections for TEMT.
However, Dean Don also believes there is a need for basic
introductory theological education and ministry training for
church members across the diocese and possibly a more co-
ordinated training of lay people (lay readers, pastoral assis-
tants and liturgical assistants). The Greater Chapter could be
a coordinating and action resource for TEMT in the diocese.
This could include support for the current chaplains for lay
ministry by either offering or arranging training days across
the diocese by establishing some basic training modules.
The basic training modules could include liturgical skills
(Know AAPB; leading worship; sacramental ministry, writ-
ing intercessions; reading aloud in the liturgy; inclusive lan-
guage in the liturgy; preaching in the liturgy); pastoral skills
(visiting at home or in hospitals; basic pastoral care; where
to refer); basic Anglicanism; Anglican approach to ethics;
basic biblical overview; thinking theologically. Dean Don
also suggested opportunities for teachers of RaVE in local
schools who would value some professional development.
I am sure we have people around the diocese gifted and able
to develop small learning communities or groups who we
could help mentor as teachers and learners, he says in the
proposal, tabled in September last year.
He proposes initially to offer some basic training days per-
haps at the Cathedral in one or two areas and determine
needs, training modalities preferred, what is already offered
and available in the diocese, develop local learning groups
in the Cathedral parish and explore possible ways to inter-
face more with the programs available through St Marks
NTC, Trinity CTS or Ridley TC.
Youth ministry role at Cathedral
THE Cathedral congregations and Chapter plan to employ
an assistant minister for youth and community work from
the beginning of 2012. This person would also work in a
diocesan role, but principally in Sale parish.
12 Our Diocese - Features October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
By Dr Don Edgar
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard in-
sists that her conservative up-
bringing will not allow her to
accept marriage as anything other
than the union of a man and a
woman. Presumably her conserva-
tive upbringing was put on hold
when she decided to live in sin
with Tim Mathieson. She cites no
religious reason for opposing gay
marriage, being a professed atheist,
merely the conventional past. She
seems not to understand marriage
under the Act is already a civil
union not a fixed moral law or a re-
ligious sacrament to be preserved.
The looming Labor Conference
debate on gay marriage will be a
defining moment not just for the
Labor Party but for the whole of
Australian society. Already several
States recognise what they call
civil unions giving same-sex part-
ners equal rights to medical deci-
sions if one is ill, to state
superannuation and property distri-
bution rights if they split up. The
Marriage Act is under the purview
of the Commonwealth and Prime
Minister Gillard is being called
upon to allow a conscience vote in
Parliament to test the waters. That
is what should happen.
Marriage has a long and varied
history, of which opponents of gay
marriage seem to be ignorant.
With very few exceptions, mar-
riage has been monogamous, secu-
lar and personal. It was an
arrangement between two families
for the purposes of regulating the
natural sexual instincts of young
people, consolidating and manag-
ing family property, ensuring pro-
creation and passing on of a
legitimate family name and pro-
tecting the rights of both partners
(though more the males than the
females) and the rights of children
born or raised within the marriage.
Gay marriage threatens none of
these traditional goals. Indeed, it
may make for greater social stabil-
ity and certainly ensure the equal
rights of all partners who agree to
accept marriages legal obligations
and responsibilities.
In early Greek and Roman times
marriage was virtually compulsory,
the single man being ridiculed and
denied important public roles.
Even the Spartans who openly
practised homosexuality had to
marry and have children. It was
good for society. As Demosthenes
put it: We have prostitutes for our
pleasure, concubines for our health
and wives to bear us lawful off-
spring. The word lawful is the
key word here. It was St Paul who
wrote: Better to marry than to
burn. (1 Corinthians 7:9) Marriage
still serves important legal and so-
cial purposes. Islam enjoins its ad-
herents to marry for the greater
community.
Early Christianity accepted
Roman law, with marriage seen as
a civil and private arrangement, but
stopped penalising singles because
celibacy came to be seen as a de-
sirable state. It stopped the barbaric
northern European practice of sale
marriage (which gave us the wed-
ding ring as a down payment on the
full bride price paid on delivery)
and thus improved the status of
women and gradually civilized
marriage customs. Indeed in Eu-
rope, even after the Catholic
Church declared marriage was a
sacrament, it was still seen to
spring from the free consent of two
partners.
Most marriages throughout his-
tory were not religious, but what
we call common law marriages;
some consensual, recognised sim-
ply by living together for one year;
others marked by a commitment
ceremony with witnesses. Up to
the 10th century, most such cere-
monies took place outside the
church door and it was not until the
13th century the priest took charge.
It was a practical, economic affair,
a union of convenience improving
the capacity of an individual man
or woman to survive and thrive and
joined two families in mutually ad-
vantageous kinship. To say mar-
riage was not yet a romantic
matter of love and personal choice
ignores both the sexual urges of
youth and the reality that even inti-
macy after rather than before mar-
riage can lead to love.
But the 16th century Protestant
Reformation set the cat among the
pigeons. Luther declared marriage
a worldly thing that belonged to
the realm of government. Calvin
agreed. So the Catholic Churchs
response at the 1563 Council of
Trent was to denounce all common
law marriages, insist on having
unions ratified by a priest and two
witnesses. It imposed complex im-
pediments to marriage (through the
banns) such as blood relations to
the seventh degree, family affinity
and godparent relationships and it
abolished divorce. The Catechism
of 1566 spelt out the definition of
marriage as a union between a man
and a woman and indissolubility
for life, until death do us part.
This is the bottom line for those
who oppose homosexual marriage.
The Church hung on for cen-
turies, losing the battle against sec-
ularism and the power of the state,
but not against a broad acceptance
of that basic definition. The French
Revolution made civil marriage
compulsory, regardless of whether
a church service was held. Bis-
marck imposed state control over
the institution of marriage in the
19th century, returning marriage to
its traditional status as a legally
binding economic and social con-
tract between two consenting
adults. This was an important step
in the bureaucratic rationalising of
modern society. The poet John
Milton argued divorce was a must
when mutual love was lacking and
marriage had become a sham. It
was that sentiment informing the
no-fault divorce laws of the 20th
century, based on the breakdown of
an agreement between two equal
partners. It is the quality of the re-
lationship that matters.
This left the protection of part-
ners and childrens civil rights as
the main reason for having a
legally recognised marriage of any
kind. Today, sex is easy to have
outside marriage and long-term
sexual partnerships take the place
of formal marriage for many. In
countries with an over-population
of male youth, social instability
threatens with bride kidnapping
and hormonally riotous youth hav-
ing no ready outlet.
The problem then is no longer the
regulation of sexual behavior but
the legal rights and responsibilities
of the partners and the care of chil-
dren. The economic value of mu-
tual care and financial support
through marriage is clear from the
growing cost of welfare support for
single mothers. Research clearly
supports the view two parents are
better than one in the raising of
children. A violent or unhappy
marriage is not good for children
but divorce often involves ongoing
conflict, unstable housing and
schooling, poverty and disadvan-
tage. Australias marriage rate has
declined by a quarter since the
1980s. We should be encouraging
and supporting marital stability, re-
gardless of the sex of the parents.
Marriages are no longer arranged
between families. If gay couples
want to marry and declare a life-
long commitment, to make their
love and mutual support public,
what harm can there be in that? Far
better to have a publicly declared
commitment than an unstable sex-
ual relationship lacking any legally
binding and reciprocal responsibil-
ities and social obligations.
In Australia, we have already rec-
ognized that de facto couples are
virtually the same as legally mar-
ried couples, with equal rights to
shared property, finances, superan-
nuation. Their children (natural,
step or adopted) have rights of care
from both parents in the same way
as children of married parents and
those parents have a shared re-
sponsibility to care for them after
separation. It is ironic the law
recognises this more unstable form
of relationship but denies recogni-
tion to same-sex couples who want
to take on the legal obligations of
formal marriage. Significantly, in
recognising the social reality of
couples living together, the law
insists on their responsibility to
children and on the economic
equality of the partners.
There is no reason why this
should not hold with homosexual
couples, but the law currently does
not recognise the rights of gay part-
ners; or the rights of children who
may be born of one natural partner,
with a donor parent; or even a sur-
rogate parent; in the same way
married couples can become par-
ents through adoption, surrogacy or
in vitro fertilisation. The law pre-
vents married or de facto couples
denying the other parent access to
their mutually agreed-upon child.
Being a parent is not just a bio-
logical fact; it is a social status car-
rying responsibilities to the child.
There have been traditional soci-
eties where several visiting un-
cles have sex with a woman who
conceives; then one visiting male is
nominated as the social father, re-
gardless of whether genetics would
prove him to be the biological sire,
and he carries that responsibility to
help raise the child for the rest of
its life. That form of social parent-
ing is, in our society, made legal
parenting where a child is adopted
or artificially engendered and any
child whose family is so dysfunc-
tional they cannot act as responsi-
ble parents is made a ward of the
state as the legal parent. While
we might argue that no adult has
the right to become a parent,
every child born through whatever
technique, has the right to have
two parents; we designate two par-
ents as responsible for each childs
upbringing. That is why it is of
more import to resist single-moth-
erhood or single-person adoption
than it is to resist homosexual
adoption, same-sex marriage or
mutually-agreed conception.
So the remaining objection to
same-sex marriage is religious and
moral. Given that church and state
are supposedly separate in a secu-
lar democracy, to continue insist-
ing on a religiously-derived
definition of marriage is an histor-
ical anomaly. The law long ago
took control of the marriage con-
tract away from the Church, but it
left intact the notion only a man
and a woman could legally be mar-
ried. Legislation should keep up
with changing social norms. In
Australia, we have legislation pre-
venting discrimination on grounds
of sexuality, yet this is a clear case
of sexual discrimination. Social
norms around sexuality are much
more fluid and despite some con-
tinuing homophobia there is wide-
spread acceptance that sexual
preference is no-one elses busi-
ness. More than half the population
supports same-sex marriage; three-
quarters believe it will eventually
become a reality.
Australia is out of step with most
of the western world. Countries
such as Sweden and Norway have
long recognised same-sex mar-
riages. The British Civil Rights
Partnership Act covers virtually all
the rights of marriage. Several US
states have legislated for marital
equality, the federal government
under Bush moving rapidly in its
1996 Federal Defense of Marriage
Act to deny federal recognition of
those state laws. No US state has to
recognise same-sex marriages rati-
fied in other states, but the new Act
did not forbid states to allow gay
marriage. Same-sex marriage is
still discriminated against through
taxation and social security.
Similarly in Australia, the
Howard Government moved to
consolidate the man/woman/for
life definition of marriage, despite
the fact, for 100 years after federa-
tion in Australia, marriage re-
mained undefined. As Justice
Alisdair Nicholson pointed out,
even the Family Law Act (S43) in-
junction for the court to have re-
gard to the need to preserve and
protect the institution of marriage
as the union of a man and a woman
to the exclusion of all others vol-
untarily entered into for life was
not really a definition at all. It
harks back, he says, to Lord Pen-
zances 1866 definition which con-
flicted with the 1857 provision
legalising divorce. Nicholson is un-
equivocal in stating discrimination
against same-sex marriage is in
contravention to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights provisions relating to non-
discrimination and to arbitrary in-
terference in privacy and the
family. And the High Court of
Australia in 1996 observed the
concept of marriage was never
frozen in time. Nor, it must be
noted, was the acceptability of ho-
mosexuality, even within the con-
fines of religion. Social practices
and norms change and, in time, the
laws must recognise that change.
Finally, it must be noted in those
countries that have already recog-
nised gay marriage, the evidence is
clear: it does not undermine social
morality or lead to undesirable ef-
fects. On the contrary, in Sweden,
heterosexual marriage rates have
increased 30 per cent; similarly in
Denmark, with the added result of
lower divorce rates and fewer chil-
dren born out of wedlock. Canada
reports a lower divorce rate for
same-sex couples and the Ameri-
can Academy of Pediatrics reports
children with gay parents fare as
well as those with heterosexual
parents on all measures of emo-
tional, social, cognitive and sexual
functioning. Studies repeatedly
find marriage benefits the health
and wellbeing of the partners too.
It is the nature of the relationships
within the family that matter, not
its formal structure or type.
The Churches (and Australias
Labor Government) have to accept
marriage serves secular needs, not
spiritual goals. Marriage is a fun-
damental social institution recog-
nising and regulating adult couple
relationships. In the Canadian de-
bate about same-sex marriage, Ot-
towa Justice Laforme held a civil
union is still an alternative sta-
tus, equivalent to the segregation of
black and white students in pre-
Brown vs Board of Education US
civil rights times. The State already
controls the institution of marriage
as a secular institution; it is the
states responsibility to guarantee
the rights and responsibilities of all
adult partners and of children born
from or being cared for within that
partnership.
As a matter of individual choice,
couples with religious beliefs can
already opt for a church marriage
though more than 60 per cent today
choose a non-church ceremony
using a registered civil celebrant.
The church could still insist on not
conducting or recognising any
same-sex marriage (being immune
from anti-discrimination laws) but
that would be irrelevant to same-
sex couples who simply want full
legal recognition of their commit-
ment to one another. Where the
state must continue to be vigilant is
in the area of mutual care and re-
sponsibility for children who may
become part of that same-sex mar-
riage and in ensuring gay partners
have the same financial and legal
rights as those already granted to
heterosexual and de facto couples.
Legal recognition is not the same
as moral approval. The current law
is out of step with changing social
norms which, history shows, are
never immutable as human rela-
tionships adapt to new circum-
stances. Indeed, recognising
same-sex marriages as equal in the
law to heterosexual marriages may
reinforce the ongoing historical re-
ality that marriage is an honorable
estate which should not be en-
tered into lightly.
What harm would same sex marriage do?
IN light of the ongoing debate
in secular media about same
sex marriage and the Anglican
Church in Australias commit-
ment to a listening process,
The Gippsland Anglican
strives to offer considered ar-
gument on this topic as it does
with other issues. It does not
offer an opinion of the Editor
or the Bishop on this topic.
About the author: Dr Don
Edgar was founding Director
of the Australian Institute of
Family Studies and is a mem-
ber of the Victorian Childrens
Council. See www.patrici-
aedgaranddonedgar.com This
article is printed with the per-
mission of the author.
October 2011 Literary and Media Reviews 13
The Gippsland Anglican
By Dr Muriel Porter
Ogden S (2011) Love Up-
side Down: Life, Love and
the Subversive Jesus; O-
Books; $24.95
DR Steven Ogden, previously
Dean of St Peters Cathedral, Ade-
laide, has been principal of St
Francis Theological College, Bris-
bane, and an academic associate of
Charles Sturt University, since
2009. Now he has embarked on a
second simultaneous career as the
author of theological works.
But his are not the usual tomes
that might be expected from some-
one of Dr Ogdens academic pedi-
gree. He has dedicated himself to
writing theology for that ubiqui-
tous person, the man or woman in
the street. Yes, the street; not pri-
marily the pew.
For the sake of the people outside
our doors, he wants the Church to
grapple honestly with the questions
that agonize so many in modern so-
ciety.
In his first book, I Met God in
Bermuda: Faith in the Twenty First
Century (2009), he identified what
he believes is the key question that
concerns modern people, even if
they do not ask it directly: How can
we reconcile suffering with a God
of love? And if we cannot, then
how can we believe in a God of
love?
In this latest book, he returns to
the theme of love with a wide-
ranging exploration from a dis-
tinctly contemporary perspective.
It is, he says in the preface, an ex-
ploration for 21st century thinkers
and lovers.
At the heart of his exploration is
Jesus, but not the meek and mild
Jesus of Sunday school fame; but
the subversive Jesus of the first
century, who caused great scandal
in the name of love, as he puts it.
He continues: The problem with
Jesus is that for him, people were
more important than venerable in-
stitutions, governing principles and
religious dogma this is not the
kind of love we expected. This is
love upside down.
Not surprisingly, Dr Ogden ar-
gues for a Christian understanding
of love that is courageous, big-
hearted and inclusive. It means
accepting people as they are and
valuing difference, with a new gen-
erosity of spirit.
It means, quite simply, rejecting a
Church based on harsh legalisms,
with adherence to principles over
people.
Dr Ogden has a refreshingly
frank, readable prose style. Inter-
spersed with numerous anecdotes
and reflections, his writing is in-
tensely personal. While that will no
doubt make it attractive to young
post-modern people outside the
church, it makes it hard to pin
down a clear well-argued theolog-
ical basis for the authors passion-
ate appeals for a more generous
and inclusive Church.
Dr Muriel Porter is a Melbourne
author and journalist. This review
first appeared in The Melbourne
Anglican August 2011 issue and is
reprinted here with permission.
The subversive Jesus of the first
century not about harsh legalism
Singers star rising fast
A GIRL NAMED BEL sounds a
bit out of the ordinary, but this
artist is different, so it fits. Bel
Morrison is an Australian singer
songwriter who is not easily la-
belled, which is clearly how she
likes it.
Since graduating from the
Queensland Conservatorium of
Music in 2003, Bel has landed gigs
at Easterfest, World Youth Day,
New Zealands Parachute Festival
and toured throughout Australia.
On You Are My Destination, her
third CD release, Bels expressive
and poignant songs show off a
voice that will stop you in your
tracks.
Josephs Song, her first radio sin-
gle, has already made people sit up
and take notice. In Time With You
garnered first place in the 2010 Na-
tional Australian Songwriting
Competition.
But it is Morrisons ability to let
her songs do the talking, untram-
meled by the niceties of pop pro-
duction, inspirational, yet
grounded in real life, polished but
never overwrought. It is this that
distinguishes her pop/country/folk
inspired melodies.
Very simply, You Are My Desti-
nation is about the songs, stories
and prodigious voice of Bel Mor-
rison.
You can see and hear Bel perform
at Warwick, Queensland, on Octo-
ber 23; Logan City, Queensland,
on November 5; and Dalby,
Queensland, on December 18. For
details about these performances,
please visit www.belmorrison.com
Forest Edge
announces 2012
festival lineup
POPULAR US rockers Ivoryline,
plus a huge line up of Australian
talent, will perform at the Forest
Edge Music Festival 2012, at
Neerim East, next March.
The four-piece Texan band,
Ivoryline, has toured with Auto-
matic Loveletter, Family Force 5,
and Emery and been a part of the
historic Vans Warped tours across
America.
Australian headliners include
Jonday, The Calling Of Levi, Have
You Seen This Boy, and Vita Adam.
Festival organiser, Luke Martin,
said the three-day annual event
aims to create a stress free envi-
ronment where people can im-
merse themselves in positive
alternative music and culture.
Forest Edge is an opportunity to
listen to relevant bands, hear influ-
ential speakers, meet incredible
people and bring your friends, he
said.
Young people can explore their
creativity and enjoy the excitement
of a music festival without alcohol
being served.
It celebrates youth in a safe en-
vironment, he added.
The festival will feature a wide
variety of music genres, including
hardcore, hip hop, folk, pop and
indie-rock.
Forest Edge Music Festival is on
March 9 to 11, 2012 at Forest Edge
CYC camp site, 405 McKenzie Rd,
Neerim East, Victoria. For infor-
mation, ticket prices and registra-
tion, visit www.forestedge.org.au
or Facebook www.facebook.com/
forestedgemusic
Exploring creation and culture in Australia
Hobbins T (2011) Above Help: The
Intercessions; Sid Harta Publishers;
$39.95. Distributed by Dennis Jones
and Associates. Released September
28, 2011.
AUSTRALIAN history with a twist; inter-
woven with tales of bravery, sacrifice and a
Saint-in-waiting, plus a
small dose of the supernatu-
ral, is tantamount to the birth
of Australian culture as we
know it today. Or is it?
How will the historians, academia and reli-
gious zealots react to this book by Tom Hob-
bins, Above Help: The Intercessions?
Tom Hobbins heavily researched writings are
part-religious and non-fiction, highlighting Aus-
tralias past, both historically and culturally,
while acknowledging Australias first saint, Sis-
ter Mary MacKillop and the contribution made
by her, the Josephite Order and other educators
in the mid-19th century.
Their work heralded the commencement of the
birth of a unique Australian culture that would
become reality as Australians fought in the
trenches of Gallipoli and the Western Front dur-
ing World War One and in the jungles of New
Guinea during World War Two.
The Intercessions followed; an interesting rev-
elation regarding possible influence brought to
bear on events and persons by a Saintin-wait-
ing, plus all the political and social pursuits that
were important contributors to Australia be-
coming a nation.
I was told by a high profile actor not to at-
tempt such a story as thered be too much re-
search and work
involved, said
Tom Hobbins,
undeterred by
the criticism.
In fact, the book hangs together in a miracu-
lous fashion buoyed by stories of bravery and
sacrifice about the scallywags who went to war.
Just like my great uncle, a machine-gunner who
was never the same after his return.
This is a detailed and precise grand expose of
some magnitude about the land down-under, its
progression from a penal colony to eventually
establishing its own identity and cultural her-
itage borne out of courage, sacrifice and plain
hard work. Let the critics and sour-pusses have
their say! Hobbins said.
Above Help: The Intersessions was launched
at The Frances Rush Centre, St Stephens
Cathedral in Brisbane.
A Saint in Creation, A Nation
Built, A Culture Established
Opportunity for
young people
ARE you interested in jour-
nalism? Are you still in sec-
ondary school? Do you want
to be published? Submit a re-
view of music, film or book
to The Gippsland Anglican
and if it is published, you will
see your writing in print with
your byline. This can form
part of your portfolio in your
application to university.
Send to editor@gippsangli-
can.org.au If possible, in-
clude a pdf picture to
illustrate the review.
14 Our Diocese - Parishes October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
By Carolyn Raymond
Morwell parish
THE Sudanese congregation of St
Marys in Morwell held a special
service to mark the creation of the
worlds newest state, the state of
Southern Sudan. St Marys people
joined with the Nuer speaking con-
gregation to celebrate that after all
the bloodshed and the dislocation
of the people, the State of the
Southern Sudan has hope to build
a life for its citizens within their
own control.
Archdeacon Heather Marten and
Pastor Stephen Riek led the serv-
ice. Several people from the com-
munity were invited to come and to
speak at the service. The principal
from Traralgon secondary college
and a representative from Centre-
link spoke to the congregation.
Reverend Lyn Williams led the
congregation in prayer. There was
a mens and a womens choir who
sang of the joy of this new state.
Pastor Stephen Riek prepared a
written letter which was handed
out to everyone who came to the
service. With Pastor Stephens per-
mission I quote from this letter.
All of us here today have lost
people and been severely hurt and
disadvantaged by this. As for my-
self, I have been witness to four
wars. I have seen and tasted death.
Today I am here by the grace and
holiness of God. I dont know how
I survived. The wars have cost me
my parents, my wifes parents,
brothers and sisters.
The war and turmoil drove us into
the refugee camps in Ethiopia. The
camps were just a space, some-
where to go. They were not safe
places and food and water were
scarce.
Many days my family was with-
out food and water. The water was
contaminated. We were forced to
drink our own and other peoples
urine.
I remember the day when I left
the camp to gather wood for cook-
ing. I walked perhaps the distance
between Traralgon and Morwell.
The journey took me from 6am to
6pm. It was dangerous to leave the
camp but we needed the wood.
One day I had collected a bundle
of wood and was ready to return to
my family in the camp. Suddenly I
heard people behind me. I froze,
standing very still.
I heard them have a discussion
about shooting me. When I turned,
one of them had a gun pointing at
me.
He said: I will shoot him now.
Others were saying: No, you are
not a good shot! You cant kill him
with that gun.
He argued that yes, he could.
I dropped my bundle of sticks and
walked over to them. I forced my-
self to smile, although I was terri-
fied for my life. I greeted them in
their own language.
Shali, or hello, I said.
They were surprised. They
looked at me.
I tried it again: Shali gori or
hello, how are you?
At last they said to me: Shali
These men were naked. I thought
quickly, offering the shirt I was
wearing. It was my only item of
clothing. I offered them the sticks.
They said No to this.
They told me to go. I walked
away expecting a bullet in my
back. This is one time among many
when my life was spared. I know
many people here have had similar
experiences.
Today I still carry the mental and
physical scares of those days of
war. They will never go away. But
we are the lucky ones. We have our
lives and live in a peaceful land.
We have opportunities.
Independence will mean South
Sudan can grow and prosper. Peo-
ple must put intolerance behind
them. Our people must learn to live
as one. The only way forward is for
tribal tolerance.
At the same time the situation in
South Sudan is desperate. There is
the worst famine for 60 years. Peo-
ple are surviving on nothing at all.
A parent does not have the ability
to put food into the stomachs of
their children. They watch their
children dying.
We are the lucky ones. We are
safe, We are warm. We have food.
We have hope.
Let us celebrate independence.
Let us not forget our brothers and
sisters who are suffering because
of the famine.
This was a moving and powerful
service. For those who can support
the people of the Horn of Africa
suffering such a terrible famine,
please donate through Anglicord.
TOP: The mens choir sings at the
celebration, at St Marys Morwell,
to honor declaring the new State of
South Sudan.
ABOVE: A member of the Su-
dance congregation speaking dur-
ing the service.
Photos: Carolyn Raymond
Living with fear of being shot
By Reverend Neil Thompson,
Newborough Yallourn North parish
I WAS interested to read two responses (The Gippsland Anglican,
September 2011) to my letter (The Gippsland Anglican, August
2011). Both respondents seemed to think I opposed Christian med-
itation, but a fair reading of my letter would show I could not see
the value in Buddhist meditation.
Let me categorically state my opinion that Christian meditation
may be part of anyones Christian journey and I commend both
writers for making that point. Both respondents have made the
mistake, however, of taking the last two words of my letter out of
context.
That people have certain experiences (Reverend Bruce Charles at
university), that people in authority support Buddhist meditation
(the Archbishop of Canterbury according to Dr Colin Thornby)
does not overcome my objections. Buddhist theology cannot lead
us closer to the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nor can yoga nor transcendental meditation (which is based on
Hindu beliefs and neglects the Lord Jesus Christ, replacing resur-
rection with reincarnation and grace and faith with human works),
by itself, bring us to God.
Our Saviour is the Lord Jesus Christ, the cross of Christ is our
means to God. He is the one who transforms us. Here is where we
find our peace, our protection from distractions.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians gives us clear advice about
meditation (and, I believe, thinking in general):
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about
such things [Philippians 4:8]
Christian meditation is meditation with content (Lutheran pas-
tor Keith Gerberding). Biblican passages include psalms 63:6,
77:11-12, 143:5, 119:27, 147-8; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:31,
33.
Let us enrich our faith by Christian meditation, not dilute it by
other forms of meditation. This means to contemplate the great
mercy of God, which in Christ sets us free to be real people, serv-
ing His love to one another (quote from Rev. Gerberding).
Yours in Christ,
Neil Thompson
Rector of Newborough Yallourn North parish
Perspective ... on meditation
WARRAGUL parish recently
celebrated the opening of the
Dulcie Harris Centre, with
Bishop John McIntyre (left) and
musical entertainment (right).
Elizabeth Dulcie Harris
(above) after whom the original
kindergarten building was
named.
Photos: Rod Foster
ABOVE: The congregation during the celebrations at St Marys Mor-
well to recognise the State of South Sudan.
Opening of Dulcie Harris Centre
October 2011 Features 15
The Gippsland Anglican
THE International Anglican Fam-
ily Network has released an action
plan for the Churches to tackle
Abuse: Report of IAFNs Oceania
Consultation. The Consultation
was based in Aotearoa New
Zealand and brought together dele-
gates involved in Anglican family
ministries across Oceania, includ-
ing Australia. It focused on one
issue: violence within the family,
especially domestic abuse and
child abuse.
Step 1. Meeting and sharing
Beginning in our own world
EFFECTIVE work on the issue of
violence has to be rooted in the cul-
tures and communities where it is
occurring. The consultation re-
flected this by beginning with a
Powhiri, a Maori ceremony of wel-
come. This is concerned with the
establishment of right relationships
and with bringing cultural and spir-
itual protection to the people who
are there. A second important ele-
ment is that the delegates were sup-
ported in their work by local
church leaders.
Understanding our strengths
THE delegates accounts of their
community and their work repeat-
edly emphasised the centrality of
cultural traditions, the extended
family and the community. There
are long-established processes for
disputes to be resolved with fami-
lies or, if necessary, involving tribal
elders and community leaders. In
many communities, clergy still
have a high status and are able to
use this as a force for good.
Naming the problems
IT is uncomfortable to face the re-
ality of domestic abuse, so it often
becomes an issue tacitly acknowl-
edged but never named. It is par-
ticularly difficult to do this when
you are sharing your nations prob-
lems before other nations and com-
munities. The strength of this
consultation was people did name
the problems in the confidence
they would be received with un-
derstanding.
So it was acknowledged that for
all its strengths, traditional culture,
as currently practiced, can be toler-
ant of violence against woman and
child which is no longer accept-
able. Delegates said the following
of their own communities:
Violence is often tolerated; there
is a high tolerance of wife beating
and verbal abuse against women.
Violence is a long-established part
of society and respect between
children and parents is fading
away. Violence is inter-connected.
So family violence sits in the cen-
tre of circles of violence; ecologi-
cal, international, national, local
community, religious and cultural.
Violence is very common. Most
common are land disputes and do-
mestic violence. When the husband
pays the bride price, he thinks he
owns his wife and expects to be the
boss. Rape is all too common; even
of girls travelling to school. Fol-
lowing colonisation, some indige-
nous people continue to suffer
trans-generational trauma and as-
sociated problems of family vio-
lence, substance misuse and
self-destructive behaviors.
Recognising achievements
THE creative response to this
problem has been to use the libera-
tive cultural traditions, symbols
and language to challenge and
change some of the current estab-
lished attitudes to women and chil-
dren.
In the Solomon Islands, there is
one refuge for victims of domestic
violence, the only one in the is-
lands. It is run by the church. The
Association for Anglican Women
in Fiji developed the House of
Sarah project concentrating on pre-
vention, for example, offering self-
esteem programs for women and
raising awareness.
Step 2. Theological
Reflection
AS Christians, our response to vi-
olence needs to be rooted in a deep
theological understanding of the is-
sues we face. A superficial under-
standing is not sufficient if we are
to tackle the deep issues that face
us. During the consultation, we re-
flected on Gods Word, guided by
skilled theologians who focused on
a theology of stopping violence.
The full versions can be read at
http://iafn.anglicancommunion.org
/resources
Step 3. Resources
AT this stage there can be a
frightening moment when we think
we face these problems alone.
However there are many skilled or-
ganisations, both christian and sec-
ular, able to provide support and
encouragement. Six organisations
with particular expertise in the field
of violence and the family made
presentations at the consultation.
Each of these organisations was
also chosen for their skill in work-
ing with the various indigenous
communities in Oceania.
For further information about the
presentations see http://iafn.angli-
cancommunion.org/resources
Step 4. Separate groups for
men and women
WE reached the stage in the con-
sultation where it was important to
meet in separate groups. This was
not because of any conflict, but be-
cause the issue of violence is expe-
rienced very differently by the
different genders. These separate
groups enabled us to talk openly
about our own experiences.
The Womens Group
THE women formed themselves
into a yarning circle and passed
around a message stick. Whoever
held the stick was given time and
space to speak without fear of in-
tervention. Gathering as women in
their own space, which is the Pa-
cific way, afforded a character to
the meeting that was clearly differ-
ent from that of the previous group
discussions.
In this space of safety and confi-
dentiality and assured of each
others empathy and co-passion,
the women were able to speak
openly and honestly from their ex-
perience. As the women shared
their experience of family life and
community life, they spoke of their
own encounters with violence in its
many forms; physical, sexual,
emotional, spiritual, psychological
and institutional. Even within and
among church leadership, church
families and *whanau, in Christian
communities, there are incidences
of spousal and child abuse and
other forms of violence, to the ex-
tent of murder.
As the women passed the mes-
sage stick, the group was inspired
by stories of strong Pacific
womens leadership and tremen-
dous courage, where women have
led the way to family and tribal
reconciliations, thus bringing an
end to spirals of violence.
In difficult, highly dangerous and
often isolated situations, Pacific
women have literally taken physi-
cal steps to end violence, even in
one instance lying on the ground
between opposing groups. In in-
carnational ways that witness to
Christ-like leadership, they have
put their lives on the line.
*An Australian Aboriginal term
for extended family.
The Mens Group
THIS group began speaking ob-
jectively about the issue of vio-
lence but as the discussion
continued there were more per-
sonal reflections on our own in-
volvement in abusive relationships.
There was a conscious recognition
of the sheer awfulness of violence
perpetrated on women and girls
and the way it has ruined lives.
There was also an open acknowl-
edgment that, as men, we can name
violence because those elements of
the ability to abuse power lie
within each of us.
We shared reactions to the con-
sistent messages from the women
about the extent of abuse within the
Church and beyond and deter-
mined among ourselves to do
something about it. During the dis-
cussions, it became very clear the
problem of violence has to be ad-
dressed within our churches and in-
cludes the whole Church, clergy
and laity. While many men are re-
sponsible and loving fathers and
husbands, there are too many ex-
ceptions. This is unacceptable for
an institution that proclaims the
love of God. We need to act.
We acknowledged women have
often carried the pain of violence
in the Church and called for change
while we, though sometimes ac-
knowledging it, were slow to act in
a systematic sense to end it. Dur-
ing the latter part of the discus-
sions, we brain-stormed various
strategies to help our churches
grasp the significance of these is-
sues and begin an educative and
mission approach with the goal of
making violence in all its forms un-
acceptable. These were prepared in
a form for discussion with the
women.
Step 5. Coming together
THE two groups came together
and shared their insights.
The womens group recorded its
deliberations, not simply as words
on a page, but in images. One
image was of a glass house, where
family life could be observed. A
second image was a cooking pot,
with children, women and men
stirring the contents together. The
glass house was descriptive of fam-
ily and community life as it is ex-
perienced, both good and bad. The
cooking pot contained those ele-
ments and strategies needed to en-
sure the safety and flourishing of
all. Faith, hope and love, as trans-
formative and restorative, were es-
sential ingredients.
The mens group began by stand-
ing together, acknowledging and
accepting responsibility and apol-
ogising for the violence that is still
experienced in the Church. They
committed themselves to work to
stop violence.
Ending violence on the part of
men means:
Stepping back and stepping
down. Escalation leads to escala-
tion. De-escalation invites de-esca-
lation. Recognising we make
mistakes, too; we are vulnerable. It
is often very difficult for us to say
we are wrong. Starting within and
with our families.
Challenging leaders to lead the
transformation. The Archbishop of
Polynesia made it clear violence is
wrong and he will engage with oth-
ers to help move the issue forward.
Do not fear the question, but ask:
How are you going to follow
through? Training men of differ-
ing cultures to become educators to
overcome resistances.
The men saw they could apply
this to their home situation by:
Respectful discussion looking at
these problems as a whole family
and giving each member of the
family a chance to contribute.
Taking personal responsibility for
this issue as individuals and ex-
pressing this in ways that supports
leaders. There must be no denial of
the reality of violence.
Making a commitment to staying
connected to women and seeking
restorative justice together.
Seeking out what is life-giving
and life-enhancing; non-violent
and safe for women and children in
our own cultural group and work-
ing on this with our leaders.
Step 6. Taking action
AT the end of the consultation,
each national group worked to-
gether on developing a specific ac-
tion plan for when they left the
consultation. These action plans
built on the previous five steps but
were each unique to the local situ-
ation in which people worked.
The delegates included people
who were at a senior level in their
church and others who were based
in a local community and some-
times quite an isolated situation.
All of the delegates were con-
vinced that they could make
change happen.
The essence of the plans is that
they are ambitious but they are also
realistic. They do not compromise
on the view that violence must stop
but they present practical ways in
which this issue can be tackled.
The plans recognise that changing
attitudes is a long-term process but
that every step will improve the
lives of some women and children
whose lives are devastated by do-
mestic violence.
The Consultation jointly will ask
the Primates together to commis-
sion liturgies for November 25,
which is both the International Day
for the Elimination of Violence
against Women and White Ribbon
Day and is the first day of the
global 16 days Activism for the
Elimination of Violence against
Women.
Provincial leadership
CENTRAL to all the plans is the
support of their Archbishop or
Bishop. In some cases this is al-
ready in place. For example, Arch-
bishop Winston Halapua has
declared he will only grant licences
to clergy and lay workers who
commit themselves to consistently
spreading the message that domes-
tic violence is unacceptable.
The New Zealand, delegates will
be seeking a commitment from
their archbishops and bishops to
establish a national strategy for
stopping violence. They want this
message to become part of training
for ministry, at every level; from
training for clergy through to Bible
studies to be used in parishes. Their
target is to have 50 per cent of the
bishops approving the delivery of
non-violence programs in their dio-
ceses in the first year.
In Melanesia, the Bishops and
Standing Committee will be asked
to make a church-wide commit-
ment to a network for stopping vi-
olence. After consultation across
the Church, a detailed plan will go
to the General Synod in November
2011.
In Hawaii, the Bishop will be
asked to be a spokesperson on this
issue and to implement a training
program on stopping violence for
all ordained people.
In Australia, there will be a Re-
port to General Synod Standing
Committee in mid November with
the aim of having the Australian
members of the International An-
glican Womens Network facilitate
a session at the Bishops Confer-
ence in March 2011.
Indigenous leadership
IN Australia, there will be a re-
port to the National Aboriginal and
Torres Island Straits Council and to
the Northern Territories Diocesan
Synod. This will be linked to the
discussions with the Bishop of the
Northern Territory about the way
forward. This will lead on to report
back to urban/indigenous ministers
at St James Darwin and all indige-
nous ministries in Darwin.
For delegates from the Tikanga
Maori of the Anglican Church of
Aotearoa New Zealand and Poly-
nesia, the watchword is Not one
more death, our children are sa-
cred. They note there is no evi-
dence Maori were violent to their
children traditionally. They will
use Maori models of practice to get
the message across: using narra-
tive, identity and connection.
Training
The delegates from Polynesia
diocese planned non-violence
training programs for clergy, laity,
youth and Sunday schools ready
for pilot programs underway in
January and a roll-out in the
churches in February.
Tonga already has the support of
their Bishop and will be rolling out
a similar training program.
In Papua New Guinea, training on
ending violence will be extended to
all deaneries within 12 months
with strong women being recruited
to take the training forward.
Samoa will have anger-manage-
ment training and non-violence
awareness, including womens and
mens groups, youth leaders and
Sunday school teachers.
In the Solomon Islands, a nation-
wide network to stop violence
within one year. In particular, look-
ing at support from religious com-
munities and developing advocacy
by men against violence.
Fijis training program will in-
clude activities for clergy, men and
women, plus a youth rally or camp
and educational and awareness ma-
terials aimed at families.
Other activities
IN Australia, there will be further
encouragement of involvement in
White Ribbon Day with the aim of
getting giant white ribbons on all
churches and cathedrals.
Not one more child or woman subject to family violence
16 Our Diocese - Parishes October 2011
The Gippsland Anglican
ABOVE and below: After the September meeting of Maffra parishs com-
bined Guild and Mothers Union group, members of the parish family
took afternoon tea to friends at Stretton Park. This is a happy time for
residents and visitors alike, with plenty of cream cakes and sponges to be
had.
Photos: Jean Heasley
Ted and women of history
ARCHDEACON Ted Gibson has
been visiting parishes this year,
providing instruction to congrega-
tions about the garments and roles
of men and women of the church.
In a recent service at St Johns
Maffra, Archdeacon Ted spoke
about Christian history and the
women who have made a differ-
ence through the ages. Jean Chap-
ple portrayed a Deaconess, Gloria
Baker was Susannah Wesley,
Jenny Toma was Mother Therese,
Deirdre Crawley was Florence
Nightingale. Pat Cameron was Sis-
ter Hilda, Fairlie Kermode was
Martha and Jean Heasley dressed
as a Lay Reader.
RIGHT: In Morwell parish, Moth-
ers Union members said goodbye
to Lila Crowe, who has moved to
Melbourne.
Photo: Carolyn Raymond
ON Sunday, August 14, St
Marys Morwell celebrated its Pa-
tronal festival. We selected the
Sunday which was closest to the
Feast of the Assumption of the Vir-
gin Mary. Reverend Heather
Marten preached a thought-pro-
voking sermon on our knowledge
of Mary from the Gospels.
Rev. Heather spoke about Marys
life as we know it, from her ac-
ceptance to be the Mother of God
to standing before the cross and
seeing her son die a cruel and
painful death. Even later how she,
with other sons, became active in
the early church. Rev. Kathy Dal-
ton celebrated the Eucharist.
It was a wonderful service to par-
ticipate in, in worship with other
women and men who are uphold-
ing Mary.
St Marys has been working all
year to raise money for our mission
project. This is to improve educa-
tion in the Southern Sudan. We
held a Desserts for all Diets
evening. This was great fun, eating
by candlelight with wonderful
music provided by two of our
parishioners. The desserts were de-
licious and everyone had several
helpings.
In the previous weeks, we col-
lected dessert recipes. These were
printed in an attractive book with
the names of the contributors under
each recipe. The book has the de-
lightful title of Just Desserts.
Janet Harris officially launched the
book. Many people bought the
book, some buying several copies.
We very quickly sold out. All
money was contributed to the mis-
sion project.
Contributed by Carolyn Raymond
ABOVE: The recipe book, Just Desserts raised money for mission dur-
ing the Desserts for all Diets evening at St Marys Morwell (below).
Photos: Carolyn Raymond
Just desserts for mission
and honor i ng Mar y
ON Sunday, September 25, a tapestry worked by Isobel Simon titled
Hands Clasped in Prayer was dedicated to the memory of Stella Trew-
ern and Dorrie Stoll and unveiled at St James Buln Buln, in the cooper-
ating parish of Neerim South.
In a short ceremony during the morning service, Isobel Simon spoke of
the gentle dedication and service to the church at Buln Buln of these two
women. Stella played the organ and set up the communion table for many
years until failing health forced her retirement. Dorrie quietly encour-
aged all worshippers with her thoughtfulness and loving care during a
lifetime of devotion to her Lord.
Members of both families took part in the unveiling of the tapestry
which is now hanging in the church.
Contributed by Joy Andrews
Tapestry honors women
ABOVE: Some of the attendees at the opening of the Dulcie Harris Cen-
tre in Warragul parish.
Photo: Rod Foster