Oct2018
National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
by Bishop John Henderson
This email follows on from my earlier message issued on 27th September 2018 Next Monday, 22 October 2018, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, will rise in the National Parliament in Canberra to deliver a National Apology to people who as children were sexually abused in religious and non-religious institutions. Hundreds of victims of… Read more
Oct2018
Free to live Christ-centred lives
by Rev John Henderson
The debate in Australia about religious freedom is surely a sign of the times.
Sep2018
National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse – Monday 22 October 2018
by Bishop John Henderson
In just over three weeks—Monday 22 October—Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, will rise in the National Parliament in Canberra to deliver a National Apology to people who were sexually abused as children in religious and non-religious institutions. This landmark apology is a major outcome of the 5-year-long Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to… Read more
Sep2018
International Day of Peace, Friday 21 September
by Bishop John Henderson
In divine service we regularly speak the words, ‘The peace of the Lord be with you’, responding, ‘And also with you.’ Peace is both a comfort and a constant challenge to the people of the world in their spiritual lives, and in their daily lives. It breaks down all too readily. True peace, we know,… Read more
Sep2018
Jesus replaces fear with life
by Rev John Henderson
It was my privilege recently to visit the Lua people in northern Thailand. The land is steep and mountainous. In the wet season it rains heavily most days.
Aug2018
World Humanitarian Day 19 August 2018
by Bishop John Henderson
Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. [Luke 30:31 NRSV] We all acknowledge that the world is a better place when people do good, rather than evil, and practice love toward… Read more
Aug2018
Being reformed in God’s workshop
by Rev John Henderson
I recently visited St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pittsworth, Queensland, for the 50th anniversary of laying the foundation stone of their church building.
Jul2018
Heartland eNews 16 July 2018
by Bishop John Henderson
From Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th July 2018 over 230 Lutheran pastors from across Australia and New Zealand met at St Michael’s Lutheran Church and School in Hahndorf, SA, for the triennial General Pastors Conference of the Lutheran Church of Australia. Pastors gathered in table groups, ably led by the Conference Chairman, Assistant LCA Bishop… Read more
Jul2018
Faith puts focus on Christ
by Rev John Henderson
Writing five centuries ago in another age, with all the differences in language and culture that means, Petrus Herbert nails it when he describes Christian faith.
Jun2018
National Redress Scheme (Australia)
by Bishop John Henderson
Yesterday the General Church Council (GCC) resolved that the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) will join the National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings. Established by the Commonwealth Government, the scheme is a direct result of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It will… Read more