22 November-5 December

Religious exemptions in anti-discrimination legislation occupy much of the last days of Parliament for 2018; Tasmania's list of churches to be put on the block gets shorter; and Episcopalians host farewells for one of their own who became US President.

December 5 2018

Vote on discrimination act allows for ‘better alternative’, says Church

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne says the “inordinate” delay in releasing the Ruddock report into religious freedom is causing community concern about existing exemptions for faith-based schools in the Sex Discrimination Act.

Freedom to Believe

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Divinity, Professor Peter Sherlock, says his institution has more than 100 years of experience in negotiating religious differences – and this tradition provides wisdom to guide current debates.

We must not forget Christians in the Middle East: Archbishop of Canterbury

Archbishop Justin Welby writes in Britain’s Sunday Telegraph that Christians in the Middle East do not need to be in the majority to survive and prosper. “But they do need freedom to worship – and security for themselves, their children and grandchildren.”

Tasmanian community vows to fight Anglican Church over revised property sell-off list

The ABC reports that the Diocese of Tasmania still faces resistance to its plan to sell churches, even after removing 34 church properties from the more than 100 originally set to be closed and sold.

Washington National Cathedral prepares to host state funeral for former US President George H.W. Bush

Episcopal (Anglican) churches in the US capital and in his adopted state of Texas will be the settings for state and family farewells to the 41st US President, who had a lifelong association with the American branch of the Anglican Communion.

Church of England has prioritised leadership skills over theology, says Dean of Southwark

Dean Andrew Nunn, speaking at a memorial service for former Provost of Southwark the Very Revd Dr David Edwards, the author or editor of more than 60 books, says the Church’s emphasis on a skill set focused on leadership, governance, management, financial reporting and targets leaves little space or time for bishops and clergy to focus on theology.

African-Australians keep the faith

African Christians have created resilient communities of faith since Christianity was introduced to the continent in the 1st Century. In Australia, they find themselves in an increasingly secular landscape.

Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy joins other high-profile West Australians in speaking out for Stop the Violence against Women campaign

Perth Now reports that the most senior Anglican leader in WA has opened up her own home in the past to victims of domestic violence. She says the Church is often seen by victims as a haven to help them come to the realisation that this is not what they deserve and that the violence they’re suffering is not OK.

American’s death revives Evangelical debate over extreme missionary work

Martyr or naïve victim? The death of John Allen Chau on North Sentinel island as he sought to make contact with an isolated tribe has raised questions among Christians about going to extremes for mission, The New York Times reports.

Backstory: Australia's foremost religion journalist Rachael Kohn on why faith still matters

Rachael Kohn, host of ABC Radio National’s The Spirit of Things, reflects on more than a quarter of a century covering religion, terrorism, sects and the good things people of faith do as she prepares to leave the national broadcaster.