James, Rod, Judy and Patrick travelled to Townsville for the annual Synod (meeting) of the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland, along with members from about 50 churches and schools and other groups, to discuss practical, pastoral and financial issues.
The impact of sexual abuse cases from 25-50 years ago continues to have a drastic effect on the finances of our and other Dioceses. It seems clear that without the assistance of the wider Anglican church in Australia, the Diocese will not remain financially viable into 2025. However, due to the specific legal arrangements in place, it also appears very unlikely that individual churches such as ours will be directly threatened. In the face of financial uncertainty, it was wonderful to hear of encouraging ministry reports from regions as diverse as Cloncurry and the Torres Strait. There was also a constructive discussion on the issue of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), which is now practiced around Australia. It was heartening to hear that most were well aware of the problems, such as coercion of the vulnerable and the erosion of palliative care services. Yet it was also passionately expressed that we need to walk with and support people practically, emotionally and spiritually, whatever their choices as they approach the end of life. Christians know that God is our Saviour and Christ Jesus is our hope (1 Tim 1:1). So, with troubles outside and inside the church, it was encouraging to hear that all 23 Anglican Dioceses in Australia are supporting ‘Hope 25’, an intentional season of sharing this message, from Easter Day to Pentecost in 2025. Despite troubles or hardships of any kind, we should remain confident, because nothing can ‘separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Romans 8:39
James
