Archbishop Writes - No hindrance to good works

Caring for others is a mark of authentic Christian activity and is strengthened by a priority on evangelism says ARCHBISHOP PETER JENSEN.

I am continually surprised at the way in which superficial clichés grow into accepted ‘truths’. One of the big clichés of the moment is that a priority for evangelism hinders or precludes an active interest in the good health of society and the well being of other people. I would put it the other way around – a priority on evangelism arises from such concerns and strengthens action on behalf of others.

Contrary to what some people are now saying, concern for the whole needs of people has been inherent in the Diocesan Mission from the beginning. With this in mind, and after careful discussion, the words ‘in love’ were specifically added to the Mission statement. 

With only a few moments thought, and with no research, I can think of ordinary parishioners of our Diocese who are or have been engaged in the following activities in a voluntary capacity:

- Welcoming refugees
- Visiting prisoners
- Feeding the hungry
- Tending the sick
- Praying for people with special needs,
- Caring for the elderly
- Fostering the unwanted
- Advocating for asylum seekers
- Teaching English to newcomers
- Combating illiteracy
- Counselling the troubled
- Sharing Christ with those who do not know him
- Providing running water for African communities
- Helping educate the poor
- Looking after the disabled.

I am talking here about ‘ordinary parishioners’, that is, I have not even begun to mention the efforts that are made by the organisations we have set up to meet need in the community – schools, hospitals, nursing homes, aged care.

Nor I have mentioned the compassionate works done through bodies such as the Mother’s Union, Deaconess Institution and others as well.  Nor have I included the service of those who give generously to see that such people are helped both here and abroad. 

I don’t for a moment think that our Diocese is unique in this. These are the marks of authentic Christian activity wherever the Lordship of Christ is acknowledged. When a person turns to Christ, he or she will also turn towards other people in love. 

Two further points. The charge is also laid that although we do ‘band-aid’ works we do not engage in serious social policy thinking and acting. Once again this sort of criticism is superficial. For example, our social issues committee involves itself in such activity; so too do members of the Faculty at Moore College; so too does Anglicare.

On the other hand, I would counsel a degree of caution here – the alleged ‘band-aid’ approach does tremendous practical good, and social policy thinking can be divorced from its theological roots and easily stray into mere party politics.

Secondly, what about the priority of evangelism? I am unashamed in speaking up for this. Our spiritual needs are the deepest needs we have. But just as we cannot compartmentalise the Lordship of Christ, so too we cannot compartmentalise the love which we have as a result of following him. It is a false division. History and theology both show us that maintaining the priority of evangelism produces good works, and good works, if the Lord blesses the preaching of his word, done by more people. 

Click here to comment on this article for the next edition of Southern Cross

Latest articles in Latest articles
- Christmas lights up our darkness - 2 days ago
- A response to market meltdown - 1 month, 1 week ago
- The greatest thing of all - 2 months ago