Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

The World:
We must continue to pray for the world and for the peace of the world. We are living in difficult or as some say, troubled, times. In my travels I find some who are fearful and uncertain about the future. This is understandable with the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. We also need to remember that there are many peaceful Muslims who are also distressed by the current situation and have spoken out against the brutality they read and hear about. I heard a comment the other day which I found helpful. In summary it was:- The West has the military might. The Islamic State does not have the same military might but it seeks to unsettle people and their communities. This creates fear and anxiety.

There are no simple or easy answers to Islamic State's approach. We must pray for those seeking to bring peace. There are several levels that require our prayers.

First, pray for our Government and other governments as they walk a moral and strategic tight rope of seeking a way forward. It is important we pray for all who have the responsibility of addressing terrorism as well, not only here in Australia but across the globe. These folk have a heavy weight on their shoulders.

Second, we must pray for those who are attending to the injured, those who grieve the loss of loved ones, those who are seeking to deliver medical supplies, food and other necessities.

Third, we must pray for our local communities and seek to build good will. I am very grateful for the Imams who have opened up their mosques and provided information. It is important that we as Christians share why we believe and follow Jesus Christ, with love and respect.

Fourth, we must not forget that Australia is a pluralistic and multi cultural society. Respect and tolerance are important values. This past Sunday, the Gospel was we Love God with our whole being, that is our heart, mind strength and soul and our neighbour as ourselves. (Matthew 22:34-40) This is not always easy. In fact Jesus went further and said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44)

Let us never forget that in the midst of all these difficulties and challenges God is always with us. (Matthew 28:20)

I have included two media releases for your consideration.

The Inquiry into the Church of England's response to child abuse allegations made against Robert Waddington:
Late last Thursday I received a copy of the report, as it makes several references to Robert Waddington's time at St Barnabas School Ravenshoe.

My response to the report is as follows:

1. I thank the Archbishop of York for setting up this inquiry.
2. Once again I sincerely apologise to those who have been hurt and distressed by the actions and behaviour of Robert Waddington.
3. Judge Cahill's report is clear and concise.
4. There are many matters that are outlined in the report that the Church of England has to address. I am saddened and disappointed that certain office holders in the Church of England did not follow correct procedure.
5. In the light of this report, the Diocese will be revisiting our ongoing training of people who are involved in ministry. I will be making it a single subject of a Bulletin in the near future.
6. I am of the opinion that matters relating to St. Barnabas School should be fully investigated by the current Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Diocese did make a submission in regard to St. Barnabas School. To my knowledge this submission has not been followed up as yet. I am asking the Commission to consider both the English Report and the St Barnabas submission.

You may find the following references helpful:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29726198
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/oct/22/archbishop-york-deeply-ashamed-church-handling-abuse-allegations-manchester
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w11zJJTsdo4&feature=youtu.be
http://www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/3168/statement-from-the-archbishop-of-york

Also the Primate has issued a press release. It is attached to this Bulletin.

On behalf of the Diocese I thank all those who have attended Faithfulness in Service Training and the Safe Church Training. It is important that each one of us keeps our training up to date. I would like to quote the final paragraph of the English Report:

"We do not wish our comments in this report to be seen as decrying the good work done by many who are volunteers and work in difficult areas on an unremunerated basis but what is essential is that they are guided by experienced and well qualified professionals.”

Nine Lessons and Carols:
The Cathedral will be the venue for the Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday evening 14th December at 6.00pm. Parishioners from other parishes in the region will be involved. Please mark the date in your diary.

Website:
The Diocese of North Queensland now has a new website, which can be found at:

www.anglicannq.org

There are still a number of updates to be attended to, especially in regard to parish service times and relevant information. Please bear with us while we have these details attended to.

New Area Dean for the Central Region:
The Reverend Jeff Coop was elected Area Dean by his peers and I have endorsed the overwhelming vote. We assure Jeff of our prayers as he takes up this new role and I will be issuing Jeff with his license in the near future.

I take this opportunity to thank The Reverend Christian Ford for his ministry as Area Dean over the past three years.

Updates:
The Reverend Ann Dittmar McCollim has had eye concerns in recent times. I am pleased to report that Ann is progressing well and we assure Ann of our love and prayers.

The Reverend Heather Cahill will be returning to Victoria on Thursday. The emergency phone number of 0417 602 868 will still be operating. Heather will return to this ministry in early February next year. On behalf of the Diocese I thank Heather for her ministry over the past few months at the Townsville Hospital.

The Reverend Dr Geoff Holt sustained an injury at the recent School Holiday ministry programme. On Monday Geoff underwent surgery in a Brisbane Hospital. Geoff will be laid low for some time and we assure Geoff, Jane and the family of our prayers during this time of recuperation. The Reverend Henry Kennell is looking after the Parish at the moment.

Please include The Reverend Jase Hodson in your prayers. Jase has been unwell for some time and his health continues to deteriorate at the moment. We not only pray for Jase but his family and loved ones as well at this time.

Jan and Chris Nelson:
On the weekend five people from the Diocese attended the National Ultreya of Cursillo in Coffs Harbour. Chris and Jan were present for the Saturday. It was great to see them looking so well. Chris has recovered well. They send their love and regards to all in the Diocese and thank everyone for their prayers. Speaking with people from the Diocese of Grafton, they are counting themselves as blessed to have Chris’ ministry.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland

Sexual Abuse contact line: 1800 839 839 or 07 3835 2266

Attachments

MEDIA RELEASE SS15 John Azumah