Bishop Genieve Blackwell
23 February 2025
As a diocese we are in a time of transition as we give thanks for the ministry of our former Archbishop Philip and Joy Freier and look to the election of the next Archbishop of Melbourne. Globally, our world is experiencing great change and disruption which can lead to much uncertainty, even fear.
In the week leading up to his retirement, Archbishop Philip was a signatory to a public statement from a majority of Anglican bishops on antisemitism affirming a vision of Australia free from hostility and violence and calling on all Australians to work to enhance the peace, justice and harmony that Jewish Australians, like all Australians, are entitled to expect.
In times such as these, the rhythm of the church year has much to offer us. We are moving from focusing on the light manifest in Epiphany to the season of Lent which knows the experience of opposition of darkness to the light. Lent teaches us both how to resist darkness and the cost of responding to the Light – an opportunity for prayerful reflection before God.
Read more: Melbourne pilgrims to walk, pray for peace in Gaza as Lent begins
Lent is often thought of in terms of giving up something but it can also be the opportunity to focus on developing the practices, the habits of our faith. Martha C Nussbaum, an American Jewish philosopher, talks about hope as a choice, a practical habit. A choice to focus on a vision for good and embrace it. As Christians we embrace that vision through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I commend to you the Hope25 Lenten studies book, with each reflection prepared by a bishop from around Australia, and edited by our Bishop Paul Barker. They can be for personal use or as part of a regular group meeting. Our hope is the reflections on Scripture will help you focus on the vision of God’s kingdom revealed in Jesus and explore it more deeply. That you will be inspired to reflect on what it can look like to practically help make that vision a reality: in the immediate, as part of the Hope25 initiative between Easter Day and Pentecost, and beyond.
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