The Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) in Australia announced last month that it will hold a conference which is expected to attract up to 1000 evangelical clergy and lay people from around the country. NEAC – National Evangelical Anglican Congress – will be held in 2010 to “seek to set the direction for the evangelisation of our nation” says EFAC secretary, the Rev Richard Trist. NEAC will be the third EFAC event of its nature to be held in Australia. “With the climate of all that is happening in the Anglican Communion, we think we should have another gathering,” Mr Trist said.

The plans were unveiled at EFAC’s National Conference in September, which saw Bishop Graham Cray of Maidstone, UK addressing Australian evangelicals on the growth of discipleship through mission. Archbishop Peter Jensen also spoke on discipleship in a local and global context, in relation to the climate surrounding GAFCON and the Lambeth.

“Australia is such a big country that we need regular networking opportunities that allow everyone to support each other, remind us of the gospel and support those in difficult situations,” says EFAC treasurer, the Rev Richard Trist. “In dioceses where evangelicals are in the minority, they are very keen to come to these events for support.”