Letters to the editor April 2008

AMS Staff | 31 March 2008

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Featured letters

Thank you for your cover feature bringing this issue to our attention. This level of mercenary fraud in the edu-tainment / docu-tainment industry is shameful.
The Rev Colin Sheehan
Seaforth, NSW

Your article is a typical journalistic beat-up, based on nothing more than speculation and guilt by association. Et tu quoque?
Ken Goodwin
Indooroopilly, QLD

Nerds need our help!

It was with interest that I read two apparently contrasting articles in the recent March issue.
In one, Bishop Rob Forsyth was deploring the poor quality of websites for our churches. In another, Ted Brush notes the advantages of working together (like McDonalds franchises) for the sake of the Connect 09 mission. He lists, amongst other things, websites as one way we can improve branding for Anglican churches.
However, he also notes, “A diocesan-wide initiative such as Connect 09 operating at all levels - regional, deanery and local parish - would harness the strength inherent in our organisation. But seldom is such strength realised due to our desire to do it ourselves”.
There is some irony in these articles running together. What if our web presence was professional and attractive by implementing the franchise model of sharing resources?
I encourage the Connect 09 initiative to explore the current situation of many churches having poor websites, in order to make our mission more effective.
Samantha Castley
via email

Thank you Rob Forsyth for taking the time to look into the growing field of church websites. Having been a “well-meaning nerd” in my congregation, I have gone through the process of establishing a decent church website. I can vouch for the fact that it is not an easy process. Even coming up with a one or two page “simple site” can be daunting, and keeping it up to date is virtually a full-time job.
The Diocesan Secretariat has offered some assistance in this area, however more could be done: a ready-made site all set to be customised; assistance with domain name registration; and providing expert review.
This may improve the online presence of Bible-based churches and encourage a few more friends through our doors.
Edwin Tomlins
Wahroonga, NSW
Bishop Forsyth’s website survey (SC, March) needs to be read in perspective. The quality of the website needs to match the quality of the Sunday service.
An attractive and well-planned website led me to worship at one church. However, quickly into the Sunday service I learnt that the quality of the teaching matched poorly with the quality of the website.
I concluded that I had been a fool to rely solely on the web.
Marisa Blumhagen
Lane Cove, NSW

Great article Rob!
So when is someone going to create a generic Anglican website which is easy to use and navigate and set up for all churches?
Take a look at the A-League websites. The Football Federation Australia has adopted this approach.
James Knowles
via email

Responding to Lambeth with prayer

In declining the invitation to the Lambeth Conference, our Archbishop said the bishops of Sydney will pray for the Archbishop of Canterbury and the forthcoming conference (SC, March).
I would like to draw attention to the following prayer, so Sydney Anglicans may join their bishops. This prayer has been published by the Anglican Communion Office in London for use in the lead-up to the conference.
“Loving Father, who are far above our human ambitions, look kindly upon those whom you have chosen to be the shepherds of your flock. May they be Christ-like in their work within your Church and lead your people on the way to truth and life. We pray that each Bishop within the Anglican Communion may be a faithful guide for those who journey along the road to salvation, love and forgiveness. May each one of them be filled with peace and hope that they may be instruments of justice, love, unity and reconciliation in the world.
We implore your blessings upon us, and pray that Lambeth 2008 may be an encounter, an opportunity for transformation in fellowship that will bring forth a new life within your divine presence. May this encounter be like the seed which will grow within our hearts and yield a people proclaiming the light and compassion of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour of the world.
Amen.”
Ronald Nichols
Alexandria, NSW

Lay views missing

Thank you for the story on the closure of Pyrmont Community Church (SC, March).
The one omission in the story is that the only voices were from clergy. Some may wrongly conclude that this was from the beginning and throughout an initiative of ordained ministers. This church arose from the passion and commitment of lay people (independent of any clergy).
Maybe we should have heard from some of those members of PCC who poured their lives into the church all the way to the end.
The Rev Dr Andrew Ford
Newtown, NSW

Church allergy alert

Did you know that 5 per cent of your church family may experience serious side effects to the perfumes, strong spray-on deodorants, after-shave and some cleaning products used in church?
Asthmatics, those with Lupus and Chronic Fatigue and others with dietary and chemical sensitivities, all suffer to some degree every time they enter your church buildings. A few are so sensitive that unless the listed products are not worn or used, they are unable to attend church - ever!
I praise our Heavenly Father that our minister responded to those with allergies and made our church an Allergy Free Zone. He regularly reminds us all of the need to love others. I do know it was difficult for some to make this minor change in their lifestyle. It was a real sacrifice for them. I thank them for their love. (And no one left the church in protest!)
Ruth Lewis
Warilla, NSW

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