The life we have received in Jesus Christ is authentic life.
It is a life with God that death cannot destroy.
It is also life with one another and with the environment.
Jesus came to rebuild the world around himself and bring it under the reign of God.
Christ calls us to the transformation of both individuals and communities and environments, beginning with ourselves and the Church.

A healthy church worships the Triune God of loving relationships and moves out with a commitment to share that love in word and deed.
Since Synod 2000 much has been done to help us move into mission mode.

We have reshaped the Diocesan Staff Team.

The Registrar, the Diocesan Ministry Officer, the Vicar General, the Dean, the CEO of Anglicare, the Media Officer, the Diocesan Office Staff Team in Church House, my Chaplain and I are working in close partnership with a team of Regional Mission Support Officers to facilitate change and encourage mission and evangelism.

To achieve the level of communication and unity needed to move forward in mission, we have relocated the Diocesan Ministry Officer, the Children's and Family Ministry Officer and Administrator in the Diocesan Office to create a single team.

The move has been the source of great joy and encouragement to me and to all involved.

Committed to new life in Christ, we are working hard to create healthy Christian communities.
It is my vision to see loving, welcoming Christian communities throughout the Diocese, in all areas of our life together.
Healthy Christian communities will be:

• Centred in worship on God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - using quality and diverse worship styles-and constant in prayer - praying for the Holy Spirit to bring greater health to our Anglican church in Tasmania.
• Orientated towards the world and its needs-facing the world. Affirm ministry in all areas of life not just in the life of the church and simplify church life of unnecessary activities so that there is time left for mission.
• Connecting with people in new ways, both their communities and their culture. Discover imaginative means to reach out and serve. Make more resources for mission (through our time, talents and money)
• Exploring freely and creatively new patterns of church life. Forming partnerships with people of kindred spirit in the work of the kingdom and developing various forms of shared ministry and leadership.
• Sharing the gospel in word and deed
• Serious about growing as disciples of Christ

We have begun regional mission conversations to explore ways of becoming more effective in ministry, mission and evangelism. I hope that new partnerships will be forged and that people will work together for the Kingdom of God.

These networks bring clergy and lay people together to share and pray and think creatively about new possibilities in mission and church life.

Missional leadership is being developed through:

• the Post Ordination program for clergy in their first 5 years after ordination
• the program of continuing ministerial education
• the Diocesan Ministry Conference
• The Gathering

I rejoice at the way in which Enabler Supported Ministry has developed in the last three years here in Tasmania.
Six parishes, mainly rural communities, now have the capability to sustain and develop mission and ministry in a sustainable way for the long term.
I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Local Ministry Teams, parishioners and of Alister Palmer, Pat Crawshaw, James Collins and others who made ESM happen.
We can all learn from them whether we develop the model or not.
It is my prayer that ESM will go from strength to strength and that the parishes that need to embrace it will embrace it.

February was a time of joy and celebration as six parishes took full responsibility for the mission and life of their communities supported by an Enabler.

We rejoice with you in the new life that is springing from your faith, courage and commitment.

May God the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you as you continue the journey.

On August 10 an exciting new venture will be launched called Mission Afloat.

Based at Montgomery Park and focused on the sea, the venture will be led by Allister Martin in partnership with a bosun, a large team of committed volunteers and the Ministry Council.

I am delighted that we are serious about reaching young Tasmanians for Jesus Christ and at the same time found a way of reinventing our ailing church conference centre at Conningham.

Please remember the venture in your prayers and support it.

It is my prayer that, having set the vision, established the structures and created the teams we will move forward as a healthy church united in God's love and empowered by God's Spirit.

Not the Way of Christ Report Review

Prior to my arrival as the Bishop of Tasmania, Stuart Blackler as Administrator, had initiated a review of the Not the Way of Christ Report of 1998 by one of the report's authors with the specific task of detailing the progress made on the twenty eight recommendations. I am grateful to The Dean for that initiative. Although there has been much heartbreak, those two reports have given the Diocesan Mission Support Team much guidance and Tasmania is well to the forefront in dealing with these matters.

Dr Michael Crowley's review showed that the diocese had come a long way in dealing with the problem of abuse, particularly with children. His comments on the progress and the systems now used in children's ministry and by Anglican Camping Tasmania received much favourable comment. Considerable credit for this must go to Mrs Helen Phillips who, as Children's Development Officer has toured the diocese talking with parish leaders, running seminars, providing information in many different forms and developing a very admirable culture in children's ministry. Helen will continue this role into the future and I urge all parishes to take advantage of her services and expertise.

Copies of a review of progress based on Dr. Crowley's Review were distributed to all Incumbents earlier in the year, but they will be available at morning tea for all Synod representatives. You will be able to see for yourselves the areas in which we have made significant progress and where we must still direct our attention.

Recent publicity in other dioceses has merely emphasised the importance of us being vigilant.

The church has been taking a number of proactive steps to create a safe, healthy environment for our children and young people to grow in faith and friendship.

Safe Ministry with Children and Young People

We have, at some cost and with a great deal of work, developed a Safe Ministry with Children and Young People set of protocols. No new Licences are being issued to clergy unless these protocols have been followed and completed. This applies equally to clergy coming from other dioceses and those changing positions within the diocese.

Within the next three weeks all clergy who have not been accredited under these protocols and holding stipendiary positions in the diocese will receive the questionnaire to complete and return along with the other documentation required. Although the resourcing of this program will not be easy it is my intention that all stipended clergy will have been accredited through these protocols by the end of this year. Other Licence holders will receive the documentation to complete as we progress through the year and resources are available.

In order to implement this new protocol it is necessary that a Safe Ministry Officer be appointed.

I am delighted that the Reverend Eleanor O'Donnell has taken up the position of Safe Ministry Officer and will assist anyone with their application. I expect all Licence holders to co-operate fully with Eleanor in the implementation of these standards.

National Protocols Needed

The recent Bishops' Conference in Perth set up a committee to set benchmark standards for protocols dealing with complaints. I welcome this move and I am sure when these standards are determined, we shall find that Tasmania already meets most of them.

Our task will be to ensure that we at least meet those standards in all aspects of this critical area of ministry.

The educational program will form a vital part in such protocols as it furthers a culture of a safe environment for children and young people.

However, as a church we must resolve past problems.

Complaints against former stipended priests and laity

I regret to have to advise the synod that Garth Hawkins, a retired priest, was found guilty of a number of offences by a diocesan tribunal earlier this week.

It is my role as bishop to determine penalty and I am waiting on the tribunal's detailed reasons for their decision.

Some of you will have known Garth Hawkins and you will be sad, hurt, upset and angry. If you do not have a pastoral support person with whom you can talk please accept my invitation to ring our diocesan support number 1800 017 286.

Some of you will have parishioners who will require special support at this time.

The announcement, like the Governor General's statement earlier this year may well induce other victims to come forward. Care for them, pray with them and encourage them to contact our special 1800 number.

I urge you, if you are affected in any way by this, not to travel alone but to seek support.

Currently seven cases are being processed

In addition to the case above, we have:

• one case before the court, unresolved
• one matter, of long standing, involving complaints of abuse by at least three former priests of the diocese, with which I am dealing
• one complaint which is being dealt with against a former priest
• one continuing enquiry relating to a deceased priest about which details are still being ascertained
• one complaint against a lay person was finalised yesterday.

All these matters occurred some twenty years ago. That does not affect their seriousness, our obligation to deal with them and care for the victims, or our need to remain vigilant and maintain our resolve that we should do all we can to prevent these events happening again.
It is a sad day for all the other wonderful clergy in this diocese. They feel tarnished by every new revelation of clerical misconduct around the world. They feel the disrespect and suspicion grow in the community.

Today would be a good day to encourage your faithful, hard-working priest and commit to pray for them that those giving leadership in mission will not fall into temptation.

The Registrar plays a pivotal role in managing this complex process of justice and compassion.

Sexual Misconduct Response Group

These matters are being managed by the Registrar with specialised assistance from members of the Sexual Misconduct Response Group. This body was set up by the 2001 Synod and I am very grateful for the time, care and commitment given to such serious matters by these people and those whom they have co-opted to perform various tasks. Their workload over the past six months has been considerable. As a diocese we owe them our profound thanks.

A Continuing Commitment

In my first media conference as Bishop of Tasmania I unreservedly apologised to those people who had been victims of abuse by Anglican clergy and church workers in this Diocese. My resolve to deal effectively, justly and compassionately with these matters and these people has not wavered.

I ask for your continuing prayers for the survivors of sexual abuse, the perpetrators of sexual abuse, the Members of the Sexual Misconduct Response Group, the Diocesan staff, the Registrar, my Chancellor and myself who are involved with the just and compassionate resolution of these matters.

A Healthy Tasmania

The context in which we strive, under God's direction, for a healthy church is in this wonderful state of Tasmania. Over the past year I have been privileged to travel across the state and to King and Flinders Islands. In my travels I wonder at the God who created so much beauty. I am also reminded about the stewardship that we are required to exercise over the creation. The debate about how we are to be guardians of the natural resources of this state is a significant one and we have a part to play in ensuring that there are appropriate measures in place to protect the environment, foster industry and build employment opportunities. I do not believe any of these are mutually exclusive but there needs to be a willingness to engage in creative conversations and an openness to try new ways of doing things.

Another aspect to the context in which we are missionaries is the plight of the many Tasmanians who are struggling in their daily lives. We know that approximately 40% of Tasmanians survive on a low income. Also that our unemployment rate is the highest in the country and that the cost of living in Tasmania is higher than other states. There is a clear biblical imperative to care for the poor of the land and our mission and ministry needs to bear this in mind.

Yes we have a wonderful state with wonderful people but it will not remain so unless we ensure we exercise our responsibilities to be stewards of creation and advocates for the poor.

Provision of leadership in social issues

There is a strong expectation within the Tasmanian community, and I must say within our Church, for the Bishop of Tasmania to provide a leadership role in debates on social issues. This is an expectation that I take seriously and it has occupied a great deal of my time at various points through the year.

A positive and proactive media presence can lead to creative engagements with Tasmanians and allow the voice of the Christian Gospel to inform public opinion. However, as you can appreciate there is not uniformity in what should be said and I know some of the comments I have made have not been universally endorsed. However, I remain committed to discerning what God is saying to this world and participating in debates about social issues.

I continue to be surprised at the interest shown by the media in the position of the Bishop in relation to public issues. A useful working relationship has been developed and this is in large measure due to the work of Paul Arnott. I am pleased that Stephen Carnaby has agreed to take on the Media Officer position and I am grateful for the support he has received from the Parish of Bay West to do so.

Church involvement with the media is vital for our mission and we should readily engage with them. The capacity of the media to influence the agenda and direction for public debate is significant and we do well to acknowledge this and work with it. Our quest for a healthy Tasmania can be aided by working with the media.

In this brief presentation there is time to mention just three areas where we have been actively seeking changes to what happens in Tasmania, that is changes to make Tasmania healthier.

Gambling

The amount of money that Tasmanians gambled over the last year is enormous. For instance $60.8 million went into electronic gambling machines. In addition to concern about the sheer volume I am alarmed at the number of problem gamblers and the effect of problem gambling on the family and community. There are some support services in place but we need to ensure that the effects are overcome and the true social and economic cost of gambling is measured.

12 churches responded to my invitation to establish the Inter Church Gambling Taskforce in August 2001. This has been a significant development in the area of ecumenical cooperation on a serious social issue. The Taskforce held a meeting with the Rev. Canon Ray Cleary from the Victorian Inter Church Gambling Taskforce to learn from their experience.

Since then the Taskforce has also made a submission to the Legislative Council's Select Committee into gambling. The Taskforce is currently seeking avenues of funding for its objectives and tasks.

During my appearance before the Select Committee I explained that my reason for concern was due to the obligation we have as Christians to be our brother's and sister's keeper, to love our neighbour. Anecdotally I know of the great pain and distress caused by problem gambling and we have a responsibility to address the causes of this pain.

Aboriginal Reconciliation

is the second area I want to mention. I have spoken about the need for reconciliation previously and remain convinced that we need to continue to listen to the stories of the Aboriginal community and learn our own. Last year we had a preliminary insight into the book God's Own Country? which was subsequently published in June 2001.

Its author, James Boyce, has done a tremendous job for us. The book has been distributed to parishes and sold well.

I encourage parishes to set up a study group to deepen their reflection.

The bicentenary of the foundation of Hobart as a settlement will be marked in 2003-4. This has prompted the Tasmanian Council of Church's history project group to issue a resource encouraging us to learn more about our story. It is a useful compliment to God's Own Country?.

I have continued to advocate for aboriginal reconciliation in various forums. This has included working with Archbishop Doyle and meeting with politicians. I have maintained contact with various members of the Aboriginal community.

At the Gathering we gave due acknowledgement to the traditional custodians of the land and were pleased to receive a welcome from June Swain.

State of the Family

The last area I will mention in this section on 'Healthy Tasmania' is the State of the Family 2002 Report. I was pleased to be able to release this report in Tasmania on the steps of the Cathedral on Thursday 14th March. The Report prepared by Anglicare highlights the plight faced by many families. The Report looks at the plight of children growing up in families where no adult has a job.

In the year 2000, 860 000 Australian children were living in a jobless household. Since then, the figure has fallen to around 650 000 due to the improvement in the official unemployment rate, but the risk of locking so many young Australians into a cycle of intergenerational poverty is alarming.

The Report examines the extent and implications of this social crisis and looks at what Anglicare agencies are doing in response.

The concern that we have as Christians for those who are in need is awakened by the Report. I am concerned about the state of families in Tasmania and will seek ways of advocating positive change to assist them. An example of the sort of change required is contained in the motion on our business paper about the student assistance scheme.

Healthy World (1)

Michael Leunig has drawn a cartoon showing a person seated at a small table with a box of tissues on it. The person crying is pulling a tissue from the tissue box to wipe their tears. Behind the seated person is a very big tissue box. This tissue box is larger than the person and the tissue box has written on it the word 'Issues'. Apparently the very large 'Issues' turn us to the 'Tissues' in order to soak up our tears. Michael Leunig reminds us that the issues faced by our world are a cause of tears and grief.

Will we engage with this needy world? Or are the issues beyond our influence and weeping our only response?

Is it possible for the world to be healthy?

God thinks so! Do you remember what God said to his people as they were being carried off into exile? Through his service Jeremiah (29:1-14), God called his people to 'seek the peace (shalom) of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for your welfare (shalom) is tied up with the welfare of the city.'

'Peace and prosperity' translate the Hebrew concept Shalom - signifying the total quality and completeness of life, the dynamic health and creativity which fills society with divine meaning and transforming love. It means committing ourselves to our community, no matter how unhealthy it may be. Not joining in unhealthy practices but applying godly practices: to build, to plant, to marry, to work and to pray.

Moreover, they were to build houses, plant gardens and start families. These are 'healthy', life-giving activities that will transform both the people of God and the community among whom they live.

The call to mission sees the people of God immersed in the life of the world - for its well-being; for it to become a healthy world.

World Mission - What has happened

Jesus' challenge to his followers to engage with the world in order for it to be healthy is captured in his immortal words, 'You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.' Jesus' followers are to bring health to the world.

We are blessed by Tasmanians who are seeking to bring well-being or health to this needy world. Tasmanian Anglicans are serving communities in many parts of the world. The reality of the tears of our weeping over the sorrows of this world were graphically brought home to us when a Tasmanian family were advised to leave their country of service following the September 11 tragedy and ended up moving into Bishopscourt for 3 months!

We are all connected. We do not live alone. As John Donne has written,

No man is an Island entire of itself. Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.
(John Donne, ed. John Hayward, Complete Poetry and Selected Prose, Nonesuch Press, London, 1929, p.538)

Our call to mission is a call to love and a call to our connectedness as the world of peoples and places that God created and loves. We are called to live in love and serve in love because that is what God does and we are God's children.

Refugee debate

What happened to truth?

Australia is in breach of the 1951 UN Convention on Human Rights - the ability of any person to seek asylum is paramount. The provocative and untrue rhetoric of 'Illegals' and 'queue jumpers' is a callous stain on our national identity. Our national government has mislead the Australian people, enforced a code of silence on workers at the detention centres and appealed to the worst in our Australian character.

What happened to generosity?

I believe the current policies concerning asylum seekers to be a 'blip', even though a profoundly tragic one, on Australia's record of generosity to refugees.

What is happening to me?

Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan when asked 'who is my neighbour?'. In reply Jesus used a despised ethnic people to do the right thing in showing generosity because 'the people of God' were not found generous. May I ask, in whom do we see ourselves in this parable?' - 'the people of God' callous and not being neighbour or 'Samaritan' - caring and being neighbour? Jesus ended with a question, 'which one proved to be neighbour?' The answer, 'the one who showed mercy'. Jesus said to the lawyer and to us, 'Go and do likewise'. The question is, 'will Australia show mercy?'

Sharing means less and more.

Even when sharing means sharing less of things and a lower 'standard of living' we will in fact have more because we will have more of Christ's love and mercy in our Australian character. Can I encourage you to write to your politicians, pray, continue to act as some of you do, through your Parishes and join 'Tasmanians for Refugees' as a practical step of compassion.

Cheapness of the lives of others (but not my own!)

Michael Leunig's reflection on what is happening to us Australians is captured in his cartoon captioned, 'Sacred Text for the Day'. There follows a well known biblical text, from Ecclesiastes chapter 3. You may remember it, 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.'

The Sacred Text for Today, however, deletes significant parts of the biblical text and therefore it reads, 'To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven, a time to die; and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, a time to break down, A time to weep, a time to mourn, a time to gather stones together, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose; and a time to cast away; A time to rend, a time to keep silence, a time to hate, a time of war.'

Leunig is challenging us live out the full text of our Sacred Scripture, least we fail to be fully biblical in our discipleship.

Life is precious firstly because God created life and secondly because Jesus Christ died to redeem life. As Christ's followers let us live fully human lives in order that the Church be healthy, Tasmania be healthy and the world be healthy.

To the glory of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A PRAYER

Amen