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Each year I take time for a prayer retreat, drawing aside from the daily demands for prayer and reflection, to nurture my relationship with God and to seek wisdom in my life and ministry. It is a precious time.
This year I have decided to conduct the annual ‘Bishop’s Retreat’ myself . I have been developing [...]

The original fridge magnet quoted during staff devotions was,
‘It’s not my fault; I never learnt to take responsibility.’
The suggested staff (was it the Registrar?) amendment, adopted with acclamation, is,
‘It’s not my fault; I was never taught to take responsibility.’
And so to prayer!

A new book dealing with Martin Bryant, the murder of 35 people at the historic Port Arthur convict settlement in 1996, found significant coverage in this anniversary week of 28 April.
The horrendous tragedy profoundly affected those directly involved. In Tasmania the connections between people meant that many, many were affected. Any tragedy is a [...]

It started as the worst nightmare, “Oh, no! The public address system isn’t working!”
I was at the podium to lead the Ceremony of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on the Domain in Hobart. Thousands of people had followed the marchers and now crowded the Cenotaph area. We had watched respectfully as wreaths were placed. I [...]

(post title from Miranda Wilding)
I was still upset by the plight of the recent ‘boat people’ incident and the lack of concern among Australians for these ‘underdogs’ when I heard coming from the family computer Susan Boyle singing, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from the musical ‘Les Miserables’. I was transfixed. I could not move from [...]

In a book published last month I argue for public policy to be developed by focusing on core values of Australian society. (‘Religious Policy, Multi-Faith Dialogue and Australian Values’ in ‘ISLAM: Human Rights and Public Policy’, David Claydon (Editor), Acorn Press, Brunswick East 2009)
This emphasis on Australian values is in response to the ill-conceived desire [...]

There’s something about Death Notices. Consider Tasmanian Sir Marcus Loane, an outstanding Christian and leader of the Church. So, what would be included in his Death Notice?
I appreciated the family Death Notice being so thoroughly Christian, as befitted the man’s life. Sydney Morning Herald April 15 2009, page 30:-
“Forever with the Lord”
“Until the [...]

Having contributed a chapter on ‘dialogue’ to an Australian book seeking to engage in a healthy way the vexed issue of religion and public policy formation in Australia, I was delighted to read Christopher Bantick’s review on page 6, Sundaybooks, Sunday Tasmanian, April 19, 2009:
“The Bishop of Tasmania John Harrower is a contributor to the [...]

I am currently writing a prayer for Pentecost.
(The Day of Pentecost: last Sunday of Easter, also called Whit Sunday. Readings Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104: 26-36; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15)
The prayer is to be part of an inspirational brochure to be distributed in parishes on the Day of Pentecost, 31 May 2009. The brochure will [...]

My Easter celebrations have been terrific and I am strengthened and inspired to continue in the steps of Jesus.
I am encouraged by what Easter has accomplished, challenged to keep going when the going gets tough and rejoice in living out the Resurrection faith.
The following quote from Martin Luther King Jr is at the front of [...]