How we take hold of this opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in our nation, is one which demands all of our best efforts and commitment.
The Anglican Future Conference was held this year in Melbourne between 6 – 9 September. This is Dr Freier’s address at the opening of the conference.
Grace and Truth in Uncertain Times
I am glad to take this opportunity to add my personal greetings to my formal welcome as the Primate of the Anglican Church in Australia to you, the participants of the Anglican
Future Conference 2018. I also offer you a warm welcome to the city where I am privileged to be the Archbishop. I’m sorry I can’t be with you personally due to international commitments.
I share your passion for the Anglian Church in Australia and am working to ensure it has a vibrant and healthy future. We face many challenges, not the least of which is restoring confidence as we seek to make the church a safe place, especially for children and young people.
How we maintain a faithful presence in the remote parts of our vast nation is one of my particular concerns. Related to that is drawing on the ancient wisdom and inspiration of our First Nations people.
As our country grows rapidly we face the challenge and opportunity of renewing churches both in the burgeoning inner rings of our major cities as well as in the sprawling growth corridors and growing provincial centres. Children, youth, family and multicultural ministries are all part of our ongoing strategies to meet these challenges.
The Anglican Church of Australia is a diverse church, which is united in the doctrine expressed in our Prayer Books and formularies. Holding to biblical faithfulness in any age is challenging, especially for us as we live in a radically secular society.
As Anglicans, the ministry of word and sacrament is at the heart of our weekly gathering. In this way, we centre our worship by reflecting on God’s written revelation to us, as well as the sacramental celebration of the saving acts of Christ through his death on the cross. Anglicans have a rich Christian heritage and a commitment to apply the key doctrines of our church in the context of our day and age.
The Anglican Church was formed in the midst of a major communication revolution and we are now living in the midst of a similar revolution which is transforming how we connect and how we communicate. How we take hold of this opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in our nation, is one which demands all of our best efforts and commitment.
May God bless your gathering and may you know more of God’s grace and truth in uncertain times.
+Philip
The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier
Archbishop of Melbourne and Primate Anglican Church of Australia