May 2005 Letters to the Editor

Pain over decline

Even when quoting accurately, a newspaper article can’t always give the full story (see my interview under the banner ‘Declining Parish’, SC, April). Thirty minutes of conversation were compressed into five sentences, with potentially unhelpful implications.
I found the ‘science of parishes’ material presented by Phillip Jensen helpful. It stirred me out of the mission inertia that can come from the pace of administering a busy parish. And it’s true that statistically, St Michael’s has probably tipped off the plateau into decline. We need to be honest about that. So I gladly used the concepts at our AVM, hopefully to wake us from any complacency. 
However, it’s a pity the brief summary hid the fact that I also observed (i) there are many committed and gifted Christians at St Michael’s; (ii) the previous rector is a fine and loved gospel man (so too those before); (iii) the difficulties of my job come also in significant measure from my own relative inexperience (not to mention my sin)!

I look forward to partnership in mission at St Michael’s and pray for God’s enabling grace for gospel growth to all parishes who find themselves with the ‘decline’ label.

The Rev Sandy Grant
St Michael’s, Wollongong

I was very saddened when I read ‘No pain no gain’ written by Mark Hadley about an address given by Phillip Jensen to Wollongong church leaders. Mr Jensen comments on judging the viability of parishes. If we were to apply this strategy to New Testament times none of the congregations would have passed the test. 

The sad part is that this strategy measures congregations by the narrow criteria of performance and financial viability. I see nowhere in the New Testament where Paul assessed churches in this way. On the contrary he deemed faithfulness, steadfastness, right doctrine and holiness as his measuring sticks.  Quite frankly, we are reducing activities in the parishes to a corporate mentality and this is dangerously compromising Christ’s standards with the world’s standards and measures. At a time when congregations need so much encouragement and inspiration from their leaders the opposite is happening. The Diocese is in effect picking up a stick and whacking over the head parishes that fall short. 
Maria Johnstone
Clovelly, NSW

It was sad news to read that St Michael’s, Wollongong is a ‘declining parish’. It is a lovely heritage church occupying, as the new rector tells us, ‘prime real estate in the centre of Wollongong’.

I remember, with great affection, years of large congregations at three Sunday services, many family-centred weekday activities including picnics, tennis parties, fellowship teas and the occasional weekend at ‘Gillbulla’, led by devoted rectors with the help of enthusiastic lay people. What went wrong?
Joyce James
Wahroonga, NSW

Don’t apologise for the gospel

I am amazed that Southern Cross felt the need in its March edition, to issue a clarification and express its regret concerning its article ‘Riding the wave of God’s grace’ published in February.

Nowhere did the article suggest that any of the churches mentioned were Anglican or that their ministers were licensed by any Anglican authority.

Nevertheless, the article did highlight several Central Coast church plants that have flourished and which I am sure would be of interest and an encouragement to many Sydney Anglicans. Surely that is the purpose for Southern Cross highlighting church plants as part of its Mission focus.

Is Southern Cross limited to reporting purely ‘Anglican’ news?  If so, it is depriving its readers of valuable learning tools and insights. I don’t see the same apologies, however, when Southern Cross reports on other non-Anglican content.

It begs the question therefore as to whether Southern Cross, in making its apology, is more sensitive to satisfying sectional interests rather than unashamedly promoting gospel outreach. I am reminded of the establishment people in the New Testament that sought to oppose both Jesus and Paul in proclaiming the gospel and that were deservedly condemned as a result.

I am sure that there has been much rejoicing in heaven over the many Central Coast people who have repented and turned to Christ through the ministry of the church plants concerned. This outreach is a matter for praise and not apology!

Peter Boxwell
Green Point NSW

Equal rights for the unborn

We find it sad that some Christians (SC, April) still see a difference between unborn babies and born babies.  To justify murder just because a baby is still in the womb is illogical and not in keeping with God’s law.  As parents, we would prefer to face the potential grief of losing our baby than to have to deal with the guilt of wrongfully taking a life. This way, we give God the opportunity to work a miracle in healing our child. But if this is not in keeping with His good and perfect will, we still will have not robbed ourselves of the hope that He promises us through suffering (Romans 5:3-5).

Mathew and Rachel Markey
Mortdale, NSW

Speak up for our suffering asylum seekers

Moore College student Amir Mesrinejad could face persecution, imprisonment or execution under Iran’s apostasy laws if the Australian Government pushed ahead with his deportation (SC, April).

Even if Amir were eligible for the “removal pending bridging visa” and were granted it, he could still be later removed, at our Government’s bidding.  The bridging visa may well lead to danger for those who cross it. The suffering of many asylum seekers are prolonged under our Government’s current refugee policy. While Christians have been advocating on behalf of Amir, a suffering brother, we ought to also speak up against ill treatment of any refugee, for the Maker of all is a God of justice and compassion.
Hendry Wan
Matraville, NSW

In response to Mr Wrench (SC, March), the so-called ‘queue-jumpers’ are often, in reality, individuals and families that have no home, and are prepared to risk everything, including their lives, to find one. 

It is not always possible for them ‘to follow the proper channels’. Phrases like ‘queue-jumpers’ are examples of political-speak, designed to prompt negative assumptions quite apart from the facts.

It does seem that Mr Howard has Christian leanings, and that is a blessing but this does not mean he is beyond reproof. He is human, and a sinner, like the rest of us.  He is prone to making non-Christian decisions that are politically charged. It is good to offer him our prayers and encouragement, but as responsible citizens we should also admonish him when he fails to do what Christ would expect.
James Parbery
Millers Point, NSW

I was saddened to read, in ‘I am very happy, John’ (SC, March), the suggestion that Christians should reserve compassion only for those who ‘do the right thing‘. Surely it is the most basic fundamental tenet of the Christian gospel that Christ died for sinners, not the righteous, and that we should have mercy on our fellows (even when they are found wanting) just as we have been shown mercy (Matt 18:33).
Robert Brown
Evanston, SA