Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Nepal:

I ask you to keep praying for the people of Nepal and for those who are continuing to bring relief and assistance to those in need following the earthquakes.  As mentioned earlier, the recovery will take a long time. 

I am the Patron of the Nepali Family Project.  The Reverend Digby and Mrs Anne Hoyal are in Nepal at the moment.  I was disturbed to read the following email from Digby this morning when I opened my computer.  Please pray for Nepal and for the Constitutional Assembly as they release the draft and for the safety of all at this time when there is physical and emotional suffering, as well as those who are suffering because of the proposed religious changes.

This is the email I received from Digby:

"Dear Bishop Bill

The Constitutional Assembly (really the parliament) of Nepal is due to release a constitutional draft in one week on Friday 13th August that recommends a return to Hinduism as the State religion with penalties under the Criminal Code including lengthy imprisonment for any person assisting another person to change their religion, or any person so assisted. (This was part of the old criminal code before the revolution).

The intention is a return to a Hindu theocracy.  Violence to Moslems, Christians etc is likely if they publicly object and they intend to do so.

I ask that the Anglican Church pray this week for a peaceful, moral and democratic solution.

Our Tansen medical home church has just held a prayer service for this end which we have supported.

We particularly pray for good sense, restraint and a peaceful approach and that the Nepal Churches look to their own behaviour in this respect and commit to Christ led action with strong leadership and moral courage.

Please pray as you are led for the peace of God on Nepal."

Overseas Aid:

At Synod the following motion was passed:

"That this Synod urges members of Synod to contact their local federal politician requesting that the proportion of the national budget for overseas aid be increased."

The addresses of the Federal Members that cover the Diocese of North Queensland are:

Mr George Christensen MP, Member for Dawson, PO Box 1697, MACKAY   QLD   4740

Mr Ewen Jones MP, Member for Herbert, PO Box 226, AITKENVALE   QLD   4814

The Hon Bob Katter MP, Member for Kennedy, PO Box 1638, INNISFAIL   QLD   4860

The Hon Warren Entsch MP, Member for Leichhardt, PO Box 14, BUNGALOW   QLD   4870

Please find enclosed a draft letter to assist people to write to their local politicians. 

Homelessness Week:

Last week was Homelessness Week and I congratulate AnglicareNQ for all the work they put into various activities highlighting the issues surrounding homelessness, as well as the way they are addressing this important issue.  The CEO of AnglicareNQ, Mr Ian Roberts was on the radio giving considerable coverage across North Queensland.

Some of the points made were:

*  105,000 people are homeless each night.

*   Homelessness is not "roof-less-ness". Many are in crowded homes or units. Some are couch surfers.

*   25% are under the age of 18 years.

*   The perception is that most homeless people are males.The reality is that 50% are male and 50% female.

*   Homelessness and domestic violence are related.

*   Two females are killed each week in this country by someone they used to love.

Homelessness is an issue we cannot ignore either as society or as a Church.  I realise that at times people feel helpless, but we can pray for those who are seeking ways forward to address the immediate needs of people, as well as for those who are trying to address the root cause.

Updates from the Diocesan Council Meeting on the weekend:

1. I have been asked to provide questions for the various sections of my Presidential Address, to enable parishioners to better discuss the various topics.  This will be available on the web by the end of the week.  If you require a hard copy please contact my P.A., Julie.

2. The Diocesan Council voted not to proceed with the National Church Life Survey (NCLS)  next year.  Instead, the Council is exploring the National Church Development (NCD). There will be more in later Bulletins on this topic.

3. Please continue to include in your prayers the proposed development of St. Mark's College. 

Provincial Clergy Conference:

This week many of the clergy are at Sea World attending the Provincial Clergy Conference, addressing the ministry area of Fresh Expressions.  I will have a brief summary of the Conference in this Friday's Bulletin. 

Wishing you every blessing and be assured of my prayers.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

                     Sexual Abuse contact line:  1800 242 544   or   07 3835 2266

  24. Overseas Aid.pdf