A Visit Down South
I spent five weeks in February/ March, 2020, supplying the pulpit at Scots Church in Melbourne. As a born and bred Sydneysider I have been part of the ribbing which […]
Concerned for freedom of expression and human rights in Hong Kong? Let’s look to our own backyard first
In June, the central communist powers in Beijing imposed new “security laws” upon Hong Kong. These laws criminalise “succession,” “subversion,” and “collusion.” Given China’s ninety-nine percent conviction rate, those who […]
Who Cares for the Elderly?
“If you don’t have a computer you don’t exist in the eyes of the church”. It was a stunning statement from a ‘mature’ woman in her eighties. Devastating. But it […]
The Vaccine Revealed!
Where will the vaccine come from which will spell the end of this powerfully infectious Covid-19? Once it has been discovered life can return to normal, back to the life […]
Conversion Therapy Legislation
Some of Australia’s regional politicians would have us believe that they truly care for children and the vulnerable. Within a matter of days, two regional governments – Queensland and the […]
Responding to Covid Restrictions: Church and State
John MacArthur and the elders at Grace Community Church have recently issued a clarion call declaring that Christ, not Caesar, is the Head of the Church, and that therefore the […]
Gospel Conversion Therapy
Queensland has just become the first state in Australia to ban Gay Conversion Therapy. Because of Covid 19 restrictions they beat the Victorian government to it, which in keeping with […]
We are all Free to Agree: The Case of Dr Jereth Kok
Dr Jereth Kok is a young medical practitioner in Melbourne, and an evangelical Christian who worships with the Christian Community Churches of Victoria. He has taken his place along with […]
Presbyterianism and Gospel Prosperity in Australia
“We don’t do denominationalism in Australia” – was the somewhat encouraging comment I was given upon arrival in ‘the lucky country’. Having come from tribalistic Scotland – where the clan […]
The Lucky Country?
My French hairdresser was quite adamant. She was so glad to have emigrated to Australia. Why? “because it’s a peaceful country and there is no violence”. I understood where she […]
The Wee Flea in Australia
‘How are you getting on in Australia? Get yourself in trouble yet? What are the Aussie Presbyterians like?” asked a friend from Scotland. “Fine….not yet but give me chance….don’t know […]
‘Black Lives Matter’, Don’t They?
Do black lives matter? Of course! So surely a movement called “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) would be a force for good, wouldn’t it? African Americans and in our context, Aboriginal […]
As a descendent of Australian slaves, I’m grateful for White Missionaries
I was speaking to an aunty from northern Queensland recently who, with great excitement, was filling me in on the latest family developments. Apparently, a politician from the Solomon Islands […]
When a Satanist goes to Hell and back
Will Carroll, the drummer for the black metal band, Death Angel, recently contracted Covid-19. Carroll’s condition was so critical that he was placed in a medically-induced coma for almost two-weeks. […]
Religious Discrimination or Religious Revival?
Moderator’s Comments – Posted 2 March 2020 In any society the legal system plays an important role in steering people in the way we should treat one another. Increasingly, in […]
A Straw in the Wind
Moderator’s Comments – Posted 28 January 2020 Stuart Briscoe once noted: ‘Qualifications of a pastor: the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a […]