“I asked a few of the ordinands, and some longer-term clergy, about their career transitions and everyone said they are glad to have followed the call. The decision to pursue ordination was initially challenging for some, but compelling once they began to truly listen to God’s call on their lives,” says The Rev’d Canon Sarah Plowman
“The St Francis College lecturers come from a wide range of backgrounds, which allows for rich and deep conversation on many topics. It is a safe space in which to learn where everyone’s opinions and values are respected. Face-to-face lectures are second to none, although online attendance is also possible for those who can’t attend in person,” says The Rev’d Dr Gemma Dashwood OAM, who was ordained a Deacon in December last year
“October’s On Earth Festival will be an enriching opportunity for community members to explore their faith, spirituality and connection to our Earth alongside the talented line-up of performers,” says St John’s College within the University of Queensland journalism student, Fenlan Miller
“I know some Christians believe everything happens for a reason. It is good that no-one actually said that to my face, as I probably would have felt like punching them,” reflects Frances Thompson on her cancer diagnosis and recovery
Meet The Rev’d Ken Spreadborough, recently retired Chair of the Diocese’s Anglican Board of Mission Committee, former teacher and beloved member of our Diocesan family
“As someone who has both studied and worked in the creative fields, I have always been interested in anything relating to the arts, especially if it combines spirituality with art. When I heard about Sister Wendy Beckett, long after her first BBC show Sister Wendy’s Odyssey started airing on TV, I was curious as to how a Roman Catholic ‘consecrated virgin’…who lived as a hermit could possibly be such a broadcasting success,” says Fleur Creed from Holy Hermits Online
“The driving force behind the Movement for the Ordination of Women in Australia was Dr Patricia Brennan…As a woman and a lay person, Patricia was not permitted to preach during a visit to Brisbane. The then–Dean got around this restriction by concluding Evensong with a lengthy procession around the Cathedral, after which Patricia entered the pulpit and spoke,” says The Rev’d Canon Dr Marian Free
“Paula’s writing is incredibly accessible and engaging. I can still remember standing in a long queue in the Cairns Airport with her book Searching for Meaning in my hands. Even though the book is ‘academic’ – focusing on different methods of biblical interpretation or hermeneutics – I found it to be a real page-turner,” says The Rev’d Canon Dr Marian Free, as she introduces the speaker for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Clergy Summer School
Diocesan Archivist Michael Rogers offers guidance and tips for managing parish records, including on storage, mould and pest control, and which materials to use
A multi-faith event to mark personal commitments to lifestyle changes (transport, diet and energy usage) for a safe climate: together we can make an impact – make your pledge at www.arrcc.org.au