Archive Listing

I have an interest in epitaphs. Epitaphs tell us something of the deceased and/or their near family and community. During last week’s visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site I took time to do the harbour tour and read up on the Isle of the Dead. The Isle of the Dead holds many secrets but some valuable research [...]

We have been spending a few days on the Tasman Peninsula and have visited the Port Arthur historic convict precinct on a number of occasions. On a site tour our excellent guide, Mark, described the thinking that shaped the convict penal settlement. Jeremy Bentham was the English penal reformer who believed a model penal settlement was [...]

 Here’s a challenge to Christians to live out their discipleship to Jesus Christ in the workplace. A challenge from our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ. Weng-Jen Wau believes that by encouraging increasing numbers of his staff to convert to Christianity, his business will prosper. And he tells me that when staff do convert to Christianity, [...]

Some prayers for Refugees and asylum seekers, (more NCCA info page 5 here)      Ever loving God, when we were once distant strangers you proclaimed peace and brought us near. Help us extend your grace and welcome in word and deed to all around us. Help us to live out the values to which you have [...]

 Religion may influence doctors’ end-of-life care. Full BBC News article here.    Guidelines stress doctors should discuss treatment with their patients Doctors with religious beliefs are less likely to take decisions which could hasten the death of those who are terminally ill, a study suggests. The survey of nearly 4,000 doctors found those with a strong faith [...]

The rise of ‘marginal seat’ pork barrelling reduces our care for ALL Australians (let alone refugees and international aid recipients). The electorate in which I live has become a marginal seat and an anticipated benefit is that Hobart can expect greater attention from politicians in the form of ‘sweeteners’. This is actually about buying the goodwill of the voter in marginal [...]

The August issue of the Tasmanian Anglican focused on my people@prayer Pilgrimage around Tasmania during the months of June and July. Wow! What a couple of months it has been. I have enjoyed immensely travelling around this beautiful state of Tasmania, praying with people, praying for people, being prayed for, fellowshipping, swapping stories and eating! [...]

  Refugee Mythbusting Animation – GetUp! www.youtube.com An excellent short animation discrediting popular myths surrounding asylum seekers.   I hope our independent members of Federal Parliament will facilitate a more compassionate policy towards boat people by the two major political parties.   An important issue raised regarding the refugees arriving by boat is the idea of a regional processing centre. Frank [...]

Suffering with ET (Election Stress)? Feeling anxious as we await the outcome of today’s Australian Federal election? Did you vote correctly? For the right candidate? Who will win? Don’t stress out. Help is at hand. Science shines light on the answer: think about God! Yes, really.  Thinking about God may make you less upset about making [...]

Ajith Fernando was our guest speaker at CMS Summerview Conference here in Tasmania last year (January 2009]. Ajith is a challenging Christian from Sri Lanka with an often prophetic challenge to the Church. In this article I am personally challenged by –  The Glory of the Gospel – In a world where physical health, appearance, and [...]