“The rich young man is bristling with confidence initially and yet leaves the discussion consumed with sorrow...The underlying verb I discovered extends even to grieving…You see, he is on the receiving end of a sharp reality check. He approaches Jesus with the confidence of someone used to control, resolution and achievement,” says Bishop Peter Grice

Reflections

“What is the Holy Spirit gently whispering to us?

“It will be wonderful to celebrate the Eucharist with such a diverse group of clergy at the conference. I took the liberty of checking the Gospel reading for the opening Eucharist,” says Provincial Clergy Conference preacher Bishop Peter Grice

Reflections

What can we learn about mission from one of the world’s most successful religious orders?

“Being sent out in mission does not necessarily mean going somewhere far away. If God’s mission has placed you right where you are at this moment, how could mission bring hope, healing and the flourishing of life into the communities where you find yourself?” asks Brad Chapman, Missioner for the Anglican Board of Mission and Provincial Clergy Conference speaker

Reflections

Tough Questions: What is the Unforgivable Sin?

“Therefore, the unforgiveable sin is not so much a specific category of sin, rather an irrevocable spiritual state of being,” says The Rev’d Charlie Lacey from St Andrew’s, Springfield

Reflections

"In politics the tail often wags the dog"

“Canadians are incredibly gracious drivers. Even those who drive the most ridiculously large utes stop on a dime to let people cross the road — even in places where there is no pedestrian crossing. Italian traffic looks to be incredibly chaotic. It in fact operates under two very important rules that are obeyed to the letter: 1. Go as fast as you can. 2. Do not hit anybody,” says The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt

Reflections

“Holding my mala (hand), Nguma would guide me”

“Through Nguma’s teaching I have learnt that no matter what trials I face, I can always find joy in my heart through my connection with God, as written in scripture,” says MaMu woman and Christian Phyllis Marsh from WestMAC, who will be speaking at this year’s Provincial Clergy Conference

Reflections

Tough Questions: How can we be sure that Jesus rose from the dead?

“The validity of Christianity hinges on the historicity of Jesus’ literal, bodily resurrection. If Jesus rose from the dead, Christianity is true — if he didn’t, it isn’t. There is a lot at stake! So, how can we be sure that Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact?” says The Rev’d Charlie Lacey

Reflections

“The gifts of knowledge, of community and of connection”

“There are many subjects taught at St Francis College that are specifically designed to support those working in schools and with other young people. This study has allowed me to further develop the ethos of the school, to be nourished and to connect with the faith community and engage deeply, both with the content and the shared lived experiences uniting us a Christian community,” says St Francis College student Taryn Hirst

Reflections

Advisory Council on Anglican Religious Life in Australia meets in Melbourne

“As the members of ACARLA returned home from the conference to our various communities, we left with renewed friendships, a strengthened commitment to one another, and a shared joy in the call to religious life in the Anglican Church,” says The Rev’d Gillian Moses SSA

Reflections

“I knew a simple soldier boy”

“Siegfried Sassoon was an English soldier during World War I. Born into a wealthy Jewish family, before the war Siegfried lived the life of a member of the landed gentry…While fighting the war he was decorated for bravery because of his actions on the Western Front. He also became severely depressed as he came to terms with what war was like,” says The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt