Ship of Fools: Ozzi- Kiwi- Angli- Purply stuff

Thread: Ozzi- Kiwi- Angli- Purply stuff Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

To visit this thread, use this URL:
http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=023335

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

I mentioned some time ago on the OZ/NZ thread that the Anglican Diocese of Wellingon was making a radical departure from tradition in its appointment of a new bishop. The news is out now, and it has some remarkable implications. NZ Anglicanism is very different to OZ or UK anglicanism, very close in many ways to US episcopalianism, more ready to make radical leaps (in very early ordination of women and quite remarkable bi-lingual prayer book in the '70s and 80s respectively, and now with gay-inclusive moves afoot that could not be considered for another 50 years in Oz).

From what I can glean this new bishop (who wasn't even ordained until about two years ago) is in the Jim Wallis mold (mould?), very radical in that Sojourners, l'Arche whatever kind of way, probably wouldn't know a prayer book from a bowl of soup, but very effective in other ways. It frightens the pants off a pompous lib-anglo-catholic like me but maybe I've missed the spiritual bus. And my sort don't exist in NZ, it seems.

Meanwhile one of OZ's main non metropolitan anglo-catholic dioceses, Newcastle, is up for grabs. It faces a huge putsch from its southern neighbour, Sydney (representing probably a rather different kind of evangelicalism to the new Wellington dude's, but whatever). The winds of change will be more cautious, there. There is room for much speculation and I suspect a few mitres are under beds already.

There is one other tiny vacant Oz diocese, a poisoned chalice of toxic eccentricity - that too is worth a thought or two as to how the Holy Spirit might listeth (if she dare in so ultra-montane a context). Another one, Grafton, must come up soon.

So the winds of change may blow - have blown in Wellington. Who's up, what does it all mean - will there be a church for pretentions Carflic dickheads like me tomorrow?

So ... what?

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :

Zappa, it may because this topic is not directly relevant to me, but to be honest, I only understand 1 word in 10 of what you have said.
And most of those are conjunctions.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

explanation ... I wonder how the dreadlocks will go down at Lambeth!

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

I understood more of Zappa's post than I did of the link. Not sure just how Newcastle will go, but it seems unlikely to succumb to Sydney. With recent ructions and general problems, I'd hope +Brian will stay on and try to restore some stability.

As for the tiny diocese, perhaps it's time to undo the split of a few decades ago - do what happened with St Arnaud. Tiny increasingly means unviable, even if that means 1 less place to which Zappa can aspire.

Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Zappa:
explanation ... I wonder how the dreadlocks will go down at Lambeth!

He has a wife. Everything else can be overlooked.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gee D:
1 less place to which Zappa can aspire.

Zappa doesn't aspire. I am neither suitable nor eligible, and kuruman would divorce me.

Kuruman on the other hand ...

quote:
Originally posted by Gee D:
Was someone serving Alice B Toklas's biscuits at the Wellington elections?

Yeah - I was trying to be polite - I first heard of this appointment while it was still in process, and was frankly horrified. On the other hand perhaps I have to take a long hard look at myself and admit my church has gone. Suck it up, Zappa. [Tear]

I agree - the Murray should go the way of St Arnaud - and Carpentaria for that matter.

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :

I'm not sure why you are so horrified, Zappa. He seems to be at the social activism end of the spectrum, but that's about all. I'm obviously missing something here.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

WoW!! Stodgy Wellington elected him!! Blew my socks off.

I have been somewhat out of touch with matters Anglican beyond the bounds of dysfunctional Christchurch, with it's nasty squabbles.

Interesting, I wish Wellington's new Bishop well and will watch with interest.

Huia

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

Just a tease Zappa. In any event, your croc's not likely to survive in the climate - and it's probably superfluous.

Would that diocese accept a woman bishop?

[ 29. April 2012, 06:28: Message edited by: Gee D ]

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

This one? Not yet.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Athrawes:
I'm not sure why you are so horrified, Zappa. He seems to be at the social activism end of the spectrum, but that's about all. I'm obviously missing something here.

My impressions are that it is a (best Sir Humphrey voice) brave appointment. Though he's done the social activism thing well, he's only been ordained ten minutes, and comes from as far as I can see a screaming rahrahyippydippydoo parish that wouldn't know liturgy etc if it was slapped up the jaxy with a wet kumara.

This may be a good thing. Perhaps this is what anglicanism needs. I just don't know any more. I've always thought otherwise. Orf maybe I don't belong on that ship any more.

Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on :

Love the hair and the word 'rahrahyippydippydoo'!

Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on :

That tiny diocese would not suit Zappa or his croc. Hot enough in summer but nastily cold in winter.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

In the mean time it seems the Dean of Wellington is translating to be Dean of Adelaide. If I've understood aright.

The trans-Tasman moves are not common nor easy - the church cultures are hugely different. But he wasn't a kiwi in the first place, though he's been there since 1991. He's originally south african.

He won't find much rugby in Adelaide.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Zappa:
This one? Not yet.

That's what I meant.....

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

I'd vote for her. But the boss ain't moving - yet (though his name is mentioned from time to time in the context of Newcastle* as he originally came from the Hunter). He hasn't been there ecclesiologically though - and we don't want to lose him from here.

quote:
Upper Hunter-born Northern Territory Bishop Greg Thompson and Brisbane Bishop Dr Jonathan Holland, the son of former Newcastle Bishop Alfred Holland, are other names being suggested as candidates.

*Linked to page two to avoid all the Kay Goldsworthy stuff. I'd put my money on Jonathan Holland.

[ 29. April 2012, 08:16: Message edited by: Zappa ]

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :

I wish the Dean well in the translation, and I sincerely hope he has a Cope with asbestos lining in it. Adelaide has a flaming reputation in these parts.

[ 29. April 2012, 08:29: Message edited by: Banner Lady ]

Posted by justlooking (# 12079) on :

From reading through the 'explanation' link he seems a very impressive man. He may have been ordained only two years but he's been in Christian ministry for 25 years. What he's been doing looks very much like the role of a deacon. I think he's spot on with this:

quote:
“... the church and society should be judged on how they look after the weakest, and most marginalised people – whether they’re old, young or children.

“We need to remind our church and society that ultimately, it’s fragile and vulnerable people who will be our yardstick.”

Liturgy is meant to help us express our Christian faith in worship. He's got the Christian faith sorted so I doubt if learning liturgy would be any problem for him. We could do with someone like him in the CofE.

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :

GeeD wrote:

quote:
With recent ructions and general problems, I'd hope +Brian will stay on and try to restore some stability.

+Brian is definitely laying up his staff on December 15, having reached his 68th birthday and the end of his three-year extension of term.

It must be said that some of the difficulties which the diocese faces arise from some injudicious appointments on his part.

He also has a tendency to rush into some situations which require more delicate handling, and then have to retreat when given advice from those closer to the action, a situation of which I have personal experience.

As to Grafton, the Bishop's term is limited by ordinance to ten years, with the possibility of extension after a review. Bishop Keith's term theoretically expires next year, but there is still the prospect of an extension, as he has led the Diocese through a difficult financial situation, and seems to be well-liked within the Diocese. He did have some health problems a year or so ago, but seems to have recovered well.

I think the more interesting situation in NSW is what will happen with the three southern/western dioceses, given the life-saving support being given by Canberra-Goulburn to both Riverina and Bathurst. Will three become two? or even one enormous diocese?

Posted by Beeswax Altar (# 11644) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Zappa:

quote:
Originally posted by Athrawes:
I'm not sure why you are so horrified, Zappa. He seems to be at the social activism end of the spectrum, but that's about all. I'm obviously missing something here.
My impressions are that it is a (best Sir Humphrey voice) brave appointment. Though he's done the social activism thing well, he's only been ordained ten minutes, and comes from as far as I can see a screaming rahrahyippydippydoo parish that wouldn't know liturgy etc if it was slapped up the jaxy with a wet kumara.

This may be a good thing. Perhaps this is what anglicanism needs. I just don't know any more. I've always thought otherwise. Orf maybe I don't belong on that ship any more.

For any number of reasons, I wouldn't want him as a bishop. That said. How earth shattering is a rahrahyippydippydoo bishop who wouldn't know liturgy if he was slapped up the jaxy with a wet kumara? Not very. They are par for the course.

Anglicans in Wellington have to stay relevant. [Biased]

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

Belonging to a denomination currently in the hands of a bunch of stuffy reactionary Calvinist escapees from the 17th century I can't help envying my local Anglican brethren & sisters (deadly sin? I don't think so).

We've swung from conservative to liberal and back over the decades. Pray that M may be elected next Moderator of Assembly, in which case a swing back may just be possible.

GG

Posted by Snags (# 15351) on :

Whilst a gambling man would probably favour the odds, do you actually know this chap doesn't have his liturgy down pat? Or that if he doesn't that he's in anyway hostile to liturgical expression?

I'm largely ignorant of 'The System' in Anglican circles, and come from a fairly non-liturgical tradition* so freely admit that most of this is a whoosh over my head, but I'm largely with JustLooking - on the face of it he seems like a thoroughly Good Egg, and a challenge to how I live out my faith, for one. Not sure if that makes for a good bishop or not, but perhaps it ought to.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

That in a way is precisely the issue I'm wrestling with. Is this William Webb Ellis picking up the ball and making an exciting new era, or is this someone on a skate board being given a Formula One start?

Posted by Bookworm (# 11575) on :

There will be plenty of 'watching with interest' going on! I do pray for Wellington, and I have good friends in ministry there.

I've gathered that the bishop-elect was ordained only a year after joining his local Anglican parish, with very little training (what you might call 'Anglican formation'). He's never been in stipended ministry, and never held office as a vicar. I do think his urban/social ministry ('Urban Vision,' which formally linked with the Diocese of Wellington only last year I believe) has been outstanding and the church would have things to learn from him.

But I guess I feel some worry about putting someone in the role of bishop who has so very little experience of the institution he would hope to lead and change. It's a brave move! I hope there are some good solid leaders in the diocese who will work alongside him and that he will listen to their counsel.

Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on :

Many early Church bishops were outside the church when they were called. I wish him luck, though.

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :

quote:
Originally posted by justlooking:
From reading through the 'explanation' link he seems a very impressive man. He may have been ordained only two years but he's been in Christian ministry for 25 years. What he's been doing looks very much like the role of a deacon. I think he's spot on with this:
quote:
“... the church and society should be judged on how they look after the weakest, and most marginalised people – whether they’re old, young or children.

“We need to remind our church and society that ultimately, it’s fragile and vulnerable people who will be our yardstick.”
Liturgy is meant to help us express our Christian faith in worship. He's got the Christian faith sorted so I doubt if learning liturgy would be any problem for him. We could do with someone like him in the CofE.

His idea of Christian ministry is excellent and if he's not good with liturgy, he can learn. My question would be how well he can run the diocese. I was once a member of a church which urgently needed information and action from the diocesan office; it took more than a year to get it. I'm not saying that the bishop personally should have seen to the problem, but he should have organized the office so that matters are taken care of in a timely fashion.

The bishop was doing very good social action stuff, but his administration was so poor that people in the parishes spent a lot of time dealing with the diocesan office rather than doing social action stuff of their own.

Moo

Posted by Angloid (# 159) on :

Fasten your seat-belts and hold onto the rails; it looks like you lot are in for an exhilarating ride. Sounds like a world apart from Sydney anyway.

I somehow don't think the C of E is going to take the same risks and trust the Holy Spirit over the appointment of +Cantuar.

Posted by LutheranChik (# 9826) on :

Good point about a good skill set for a rock-star, edgy (won't use the R word) priest not being the same as a good skill set for a bishop.

I'm not sure the idea of a bishop who'd only been ordained for a few years previously would fly in Lutheran circles. (Despite the precedent in hagiographies -- weren't there a number of the Old Guys who were given that title after only a short time as priests, or were even laypeople elected as bishops?)

It would be interesting, Zappa, to talk to this "Jim Wallis" bishop's former secretary and see what s/he thinks about his mad administrative skillz. (If you came to our church and asked our past and present secretaries what they thought of our pastor's ability to head our synod, they would laugh themselves into cardiac arrest: "And then there was the time that it took him 6 months to send the Annual Report to Synod office..." Our pastor is something of a synodical rockstar, for an old dude, in terms of our church's growth and his reputation as a mentor to younger pastors...but he couldn't be a bishop and he knows that and is okay with that.)

Posted by jugular (# 4174) on :

Speaking as another Australian librul caflick, my initial response to the Wellington appointment was one of excitement. Electing as bishop someone who has a ministry focused on the poor and marginalised is a bold step.

If the diocese is looking for management, I suspect they have backed the wrong horse. But if they're looking for leadership, then they may have just the right horse.

Re. Newcastle, it will be a tricky synodical process methinks. Farran has been true to form and pushed through major reforms very quickly, and with all the subtlety of a battering ram. The question is whether they will stick without his formidable personality behind them, and whether the Synod actually wants to keep them. It will be a bitter fight between various flavours of true believers, I suspect, with little consensus on the sort of person they are seeking. +Kay would be the wrong person at the wrong time. Appropriate to put her on the slate, but she would not do a good job of it IMHO.

The Murray is a whole other problem, and I wouldn't wish the place on my worst enemy. That said, the sort of person the diocese needs is probably someone like... well... me. A prick, I mean. No sense sending in someone clothed in Christian humility, it's sword of the spirit territory.

As for Bathurst... that place will need someone with serious managerial experience. A cold-hearted accountant or lawyer type. I could think of a few. It's a long recovery from the narcissistic tendencies of the incumbent and the sheer idiocy of the financial management of the Diocese.

Posted by leo (# 1458) on :

He looks quite good to me.

When our present bishop was announced, I looked him up and was horrified.

As it turns out, he was/is just what this diocese needs.

Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on :

He might surprise you, Zappa.

On occasion, I think that my ideal church would combine liturgical excellence with Anabaptist social-leanings and practice ... a kind of Jim Wallis thing but with icons and incense.

This might just work.

Imagine how it would be if you had one of the Sydney guys instead. Things could be a lot, lot worse ...

Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on :

Looks like he'll either be wonderful or disastrous- but disastrous in a going-magnificently-down-in-flames sort of way. But worth a go, I'd say.

Posted by justlooking (# 12079) on :

This is worth a read; Prophet in dreadlocks. It fills in the background and shows how Urban Vision has evolved and become linked with the Anglican Church.

quote:
Urban Vision's core passions have never dimmed. But the movement has evolved from being a loose-knit bunch of young Christian radicals into a new monastic order – complete with a three-year formation and vows. Those radicals have changed in other ways, too. In the early days, they'd all quit the mainstream church – because, in the minds of most, it was fatally compromised. Nowadays, two of Urban Vision's founding fathers (1 Martin Robinson and Justin) are Anglican priests, others in the movement are on the ordination track – and Urban Vision is now linked by covenant with the Diocese of Wellington.

As for the charge that he "probably wouldn't know a prayer book from a bowl of soup":

quote:
When they moved to Ngatiawa, the Duckworths began going to St Andrew's Anglican Church, Reikorangi. The Ngatiawa community began using the Anglican prayer book, and settled into a twice-daily rhythm of prayer. "At the end of one year," says Justin, "we began to think – yeah, we actually feel at home doing this."

Looks to me like the bishop-elect has good organisational skills and, very importantly for a church leader, the ability to learn from others and to involve others in decision-making.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

You're convincing me, guys ... I'm even getting optimistic!

Posted by Athrawes (# 9594) on :

I'm thinking if he's run a successful outreach for 25 years, he probably is good at organising, too. And he's got the right end of the stick as far as ministry goes. Hopefully he'll get the support he will need to negotiate the Anglican machine, but I think he's looking like a good choice, depending on where the Anglican communion in NZ wants to go. I suppose, wait and see, and hope the politics doesn't get him!

Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :

... Or that consecration (as it often does) removes his backbone/spine...

Posted by Barnabas Aus (# 15869) on :

Jugular wrote

quote:
+Kay would be the wrong person at the wrong time. Appropriate to put her on the slate, but she would not do a good job of it IMHO.

A source not a million miles removed from the Bishop Nomination Board suggests that no women bishops will reach the final list, to avoid splits which might allow a con evo candidate to sneak through. However, it is many months yet before that will become evident.

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

[Tangent]

quote:
Originally posted by justlooking:
Reikorangi

I grew up picking blackberries there. It was land that native bush was reclaiming after the farmers walked off during the Great Depression (a few decades earlier, I hasten to add). Wild and impenetrable.

I wonder if there's a metaphor there. Somewhere. [Confused]

[/Tangent]

[ 30. April 2012, 06:38: Message edited by: Zappa ]

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

Yeah, there was a world class pottery there many years back - wonder if there still is.

I caught the tail end of an interview of the Bishop elect on Morning Report, but only enough to hear him musing about how to fit a mitre over dreads [Big Grin]

.

Zappa, I'd never heard of the man before, but it was his social justice emphasis that excited me. In Christchurch because of the quakes, there are families living in garages and people sleeping in cars due to the lack and high cost of rental accommodation, while the Anglican chruch has asked for money from rates (which are set to rise by 7%)toward the cost of running the cardboard Cathedral.

I would welcome a Bishop with such an overt social justice agenda here.

Huia

Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :

i'm embarassed by the Christ Church Cathedral bizzo. In my experience Anglicans have been out there after a crisis getting down and dirty and not worrying about their own infrastructure.

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

To be fair, the Cathedral Volunteers and people from other less damaged parishes, have been working away quietly with people in some of the affected areas, but this is not as visible as the demands for ratepayers money from the church.

The Anglican City Mission, despite being badly damaged also continues it's quietly heroic work.

[ 30. April 2012, 21:24: Message edited by: Huia ]

Posted by Arabella Purity Winterbottom (# 3434) on :

I don't have a personal interest, but Urban Vision is doing a damn good job, and you don't have to eat piles of piousness to interact with them. They run a couple of small group homes for very challenging teens (my client group) and they do it well. The staff of those homes are young, committed and very on to it.

When I heard Justin Duckworth had started Urban Vision my heart lifted in terms of the diocese.

Posted by Pre-cambrian (# 2055) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I wish the Dean well in the translation, and I sincerely hope he has a Cope with asbestos lining in it. Adelaide has a flaming reputation in these parts.

Well hopefully he will last longer than his predecessor. A specifically Archbishop-resistant cope is what's needed according to my insider source. (Or preferably a different archbishop.)

Posted by Try (# 4951) on :

Here is Fr. Bosco Peters' reaction to the news. As an American I find Fr. Peters to be a very good source for Anglican news from the far side of the world. When I first saw this thread I was sure that this would end very well or very badly. Now I am confident that this will end well.

Posted by Mr. Rob (# 5823) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Zappa:
explanation ... I wonder how the dreadlocks will go down at Lambeth!

I'm sure you may wonder, Zappa, but that only shows that we are dealing here more with your own problems than those of Justin Duckworth. The wide and assorted experience of bishops at Lambeth probably means that they won't give Bishop Justin more than a passing glance of interest.

If Anglicans need anything now it is to raise up new and authentic leaders with fresh vision for the future. We have enough old Victorian tarnished brass and stained glass. I'm also pleased as punch that Bishop Justin was raised up to the episcopate in Wellington. See if you can't make the leap look beyond surface appearances, the dreadlocks or how many years Justin was ordained a priest to his life and witness as a Christian that will now be brought to bear in a greater leadership role as a bishop.

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
Yeah, there was a world class pottery there many years back - wonder if there still is.

I caught the tail end of an interview of the Bishop elect on Morning Report, but only enough to hear him musing about how to fit a mitre over dreads .

Zappa, I'd never heard of the man before, but it was his social justice emphasis that excited me. In Christchurch because of the quakes, there are families living in garages and people sleeping in cars due to the lack and high cost of rental accommodation, while the Anglican chruch has asked for money from rates (which are set to rise by 7%)toward the cost of running the cardboard Cathedral.

I would welcome a Bishop with such an overt social justice agenda here.

Huia

Another /tangent
Justin's property at Reikorangi was for a couple of generations a Presbyterian Bible Class camp – contemporaries of mine who helped develop it through working parties in their youth were dismayed when it had to be sold. It's heartening to learn that it has a new and greater life.

And yes, Huia, the potteries park and cafe is still there, and Wilf Wright has had his 80th birthday.

/end tangent

GG

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Huia:
Yeah, there was a world class pottery there many years back - wonder if there still is.

Huia

/tangent
Reikorangi was for decades a Presbyterian Bible Class Camp. Some of my contemporaries spend many weekends back in the day working on the site, and were grieved when it had to be sold, still with blackberries nearby. It's heartening to know that it's had a new and greater life.

Yes, Huia, Wilf Wright's pottery and cafe are still there; Wilf's 80the birthday is mentioned on the website./

GG

Posted by Galloping Granny (# 13814) on :

Sorry about the double post. My computer stuffed up. Kind host may delete one if they find it confusing.

GG

Posted by Huia (# 3473) on :

GG, I think I stayed there about 40 years ago, but not with a church group.

Posted by emendator liturgia (# 17245) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jugular:
Re. Newcastle, it will be a tricky synodical process methinks. Farran has been true to form and pushed through major reforms very quickly, and with all the subtlety of a battering ram.

Jugular, you have that characterisation down to a T - whilst my time in Newcastle was well before the arrival of +Brian (during +Alfred's episcopate), I know of a number of parish priests who have been the victim of his 'slash first' think second' approach. They barely lived to tell the tale. Don't forget, though - he had the the job of picking up the mess left after the unlamented (by many or most)departure of +Richard to Perth: now, that was a man who would tell you one thing, do nothing about it, and then lie to you with a straight face (I know that from a hurtful personal experience).

quote:
It's a long recovery from the narcissistic tendencies of the incumbent and the sheer idiocy of the financial management of the Diocese.

Bathurst is another place I know from the inside - it has suffered from a long run of inept leaders. +Bruce, who was in much the same sort of style as +Brian (how many parish clergy do you know who actually, honestely FEARED meeting with their bishop - and had the gale to tell him so! It was +Bruce who sold off the diocesan retirement homes for clergy, much to both the disgrace and dismay of those who believed that their long-serving clergy deserved dignity in their old age.

+Richard is all personality cult, music and politics - when push-come-to-shove, his policy has repeatedly been to get the on the side of power rather than of right. The financial woes of the diocese stem largely from his manic desire for church school even when there was not the call or fianncial backing for them.

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

Uh.

Don't you mean +Roger ?

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

Emli ,

I'm not sure what you meant when you said:

and had the gale to tell him so .

If you meant "gall" and there was a simple typo, of the sort to which I am all too prone, then it does not make any sense at all. The phrase "had the gall to" is synonymous with "had the hide to"; it is not equivalent to "had the courage to".

And as far as I am aware, ++Perth (formerly +Newcastle) is Roger, not Richard. Evensong and I agree on this, so it may well be correct. YMMV.

Posted by Sir Pellinore (ret'd) (# 12163) on :

It is indeed ++ Roger Herft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Herft

Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on :

Crickey folks. No need to batten the hatches. It was a simple mistake.

Posted by emendator liturgia (# 17245) on :

/me sulks and scurries back into the dust bin of life!

Posted by Sir Pellinore (ret'd) (# 12163) on :

I think you're right, Barnabas Aus. Given the vast size, small population and hard economic times some Australian country bishoprics face, some consolidation may be in order.

Given the fact that there doesn't seem to be a surfeit of talent to promote this may be a good thing.

Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Evensong:
Crickey folks. No need to batten the hatches. It was a simple mistake.

Perhaps it was Evensong.

My major concern was that the post seemed to me to be verging on the defamatory. With the Ship being read all around the world, it would be unreasonable to expect that hosts/admins would know all the defamation laws. I don't practise in defamation, but following upon the Gutnik decision of the High Court, there would be a powerful argument that as I and others had read the post in NSW, it had been published here by the Ship, and was subject to the defamation laws of this State. Re-reading the post, I think that someone who does practise in the area would have little problem for both ++Roger and +Brian in extracting a series of defamatory innuendoes to sue upon.

I do not intend this as junior hosting; as I said, I don't see checking for defamation s a hosts job.

[ 10. August 2012, 07:21: Message edited by: Gee D ]

Posted by Sir Pellinore (ret'd) (# 12163) on :

C'mon Emli, don't sulk or scurry away and I'm sure your life is no rubbish bin.

Not wishing to be a junior host either I think Gee D has a point. Sadly, anything on the web, like this, tends not to be private.

Crikey is the correct spelling. [Big Grin]

Posted by Nunc Dimittis (# 848) on :

Interesting turn for the books this week in Brisbane. +Geoff from the Southern Region has been appointed as General Manager (weird but true).

++Phillip would be mad NOT to make a woman his replacement, although the southern region contains the most parishes (catholic and evangelical) which would object.

UBB.classic^TM 6.5.0