southern cross :: may 2008

sydney stories »

SydAng classic gets Polished up

If you picked up a book called Nowy Poczatek, you might be forgiven for thinking you'd never read it before. Chances are, you'd be wrong.

Meet our street champions

Springwood Anglican Church has become the first parish in Sydney to launch a “Street Champions” scheme - a key ‘grassroots’ ministry initiative for Connect09. The concept is modelled on the Church Army’s “adopt-a-block” program, and the Rev Andrew Nixon, executive director of Connect09, says it will operate as an informal and low-key form of neighbourhood chaplaincy. Could this 'spiritual neighbourhood watch' strategy help your church to connect with your local community?

Who’s their Daddy?

The next generation of leaders are following in their fathers' footsteps as they launch the first ever Young Christians One Day Conference 08 this Saturday.

Paddling against poverty

The inaugural Paddle Against Poverty is one way surfers from St Matthew’s, Manly and other local churches are sharing God’s love in their local community and in Indonesia.

Does Fairtrade boost church outreach?

As Fairtrade Fortnight begins in Australia this week, your.sydneyanglicans.net asks whether church-Fairtrade partnerships are a viable option in Sydney. Over 90 per cent of the individuals who sell the UK's leading Fairtrade organisation's products are committed Christians who operate out of local churches. Could this English model work in Sydney?

PM prays in remembrance

Prime minister Kevin Rudd has led a packed St Andrew’s Cathedral in prayer for remembrance of those lost in the sinking of HMAS Sydney in 1941.

Let’s get smart

Two of Sydney diocese’s key educational bodies are joining forces to give teachers a better understanding of God’s word.

highlight stories »

Gowrie a real eye-opener

St John’s, Gordon has grown by 15 per cent in the last year and rector the Rev Keith Dalby says the parish’s nursing home ministry has been the catalyst.

Church legacy lives on in NT

Prominent Aboriginal leader, Galarrwuy Yunupingu has said life was better for Aboriginal communities when they were run by missionaries, in the 1950s and 60s.

Big decisions May

Southern Cross reports on the main decisions of the diocesan Standing Committee in March.

Crisis as homeless double

An integrated national strategy is urgently required to combat youth homelessness, according to Peter Kell, CEO of Anglicare Sydney.

Pressure rises on NSW Anglican schools

Sydney Anglican leaders are encouraging Anglican school principals to uphold policies in line with the Church’s position on same-sex relationships. Archbishop Peter Jensen outlined his views in an extensive interview with Richard Glover on ABC 702 last month.

PROMOTE THE MAY EDITION OF SOUTHERN CROSS

Southern Cross is a vital source of the news, opinions and views on the latest issues, resources and events affecting the church, both locally and around the world for over 325 parishes, schools and institutions - this month's power-point promotion slide now available...

features & opinion »

Connect…as easy as ABC?

The hard facts prove that aspects of current Sydney Anglican ministry practices are off target. Zac Veron argues that rethinking local ministry aimed at children, youth and young adults should be a key focus of Connect09.

Christianity and US foreign policy

In recent years the link between Christianity and US foreign policy has become a topic of increasing global interest. Historian Mike Thompson gives us a historical perspective.

Fair trade under fire

Misleading marketing or the best answer to world trade failings? Jeremy Halcrow weighs up allegations of deceptive conduct.

No fair share

Compared to the English, Australian Christians are very blasé about the exploitation lying behind the products they buy.

Celebrating Jesus’ ascension anniversary

Ascension Day, like Easter Day, always falls on the same day of the week, moving around the calendar within its own orbit of a possible 35 days.

A virus infects our schools

Bryan Cowling explains why ‘SSD’ syndrome stops us from supporting Christian teachers.

Take the plunge!

Finding the right coffee is one front-line in a spiritual battle.

Connect09 will help us to find our 10%

We’re still on a mission! How Connect09 fits in with our Mission strategy.

watching »

Newstopia

The clock strikes 10pm and glowing graphics stream across a turning digital globe as urgent orchestral music announces the impending arrival of important information – but this is not your normal late night news.

Smart People

If you think being smart and being wise are the same thing, this film will change your mind.

reading »

The End of America

It is tempting to think that political activist Naomi Wolf is nothing more than a panic merchant, someone who has spent too long analysing the inherent dangers of living in America, and not enough time having fun.

The State vs Nelson Mandela

On 11 July, 1963 South African police raided a farm near Johannesburg and arrested 10 men. After 90 days of seclusion from their families and from any legal advice they were charged with conspiracy to commit acts of sabotage and terrorism.