Is ‘new Anglicanism’ an oxymoron/ a fundamental contradiction in terms? Not if the Institute for New Anglicanism has anything to do with it!

The Launch of the Institute for New Anglicanism was very encouraging. The desire to engage New Zealand with the Good News of God in Jesus Christ was palpable. PTL!

The Launch Event was held at the Nelson Cathedral, New Zealand on 12th February 2010. The Dean of Bishopdale Theological College and Director of the Institute for New Anglicanism, Tim Harris, writes that the Institute’s launch,

represented our hopes, prayers and dreams that new life will come to Anglican ministry throughout the diocese. We live in very challenging times, but firmly believe that in the midst of those challenges, God is at work, and in his grace calls us to be part of his great mission to this world.

 How do the big issues and experiences of our day, whether global, local or personal, fit within the direction of history revealed within Scripture?

The launch was not a normal ‘Anglican’ service, but an event creatively and evocatively reflecting on the theme: what on earth is God doing?

I had the privilege of speaking at the launch and my address notes are at What on Earth is God doing? 

The following day a conference – A Vision for New Anglicanism: Context and Contours – was held by the Institute for New Anglicanism at Bishopdale Theological College.

Dean Tim Harris’ address is available at New Anglicanism and Mission-Shaped Ministry. My address is available at A New Openness to Change:The Tasmanian Experience and  Gayelene, my lovely bride, presented a workshop on Creative Evangelism.

Check out the Institute for New Anglicanism website for ideas, challenge and encouragement. Go Kiwis!

 In the photograph I am pictured with Revd Dr Tim Harris (left) and Bishop Richard Ellena (right) with my ‘cheeky’ gift to the Nelson Diocese of a Tasmania and its territory tea towel as well as a more traditional gift for the library, the outstanding mission biography Montgomery of Tasmania.