Archbishop of York

A wonderful morning visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral and schools nearby, meeting people and seeing the life of the Church in Hong Kong. One of the great joys of visiting churches in different parts of the Anglican Communion is seeing how the same faith is lived out in such different communities and contexts. I’m grateful for the welcome, the conversations and the opportunity to learn from the ministry taking place here. @AnglicanWorld

Today I visited Providence Gardens, seeing at first hand the Church’s commitment to serving people in some of the most challenging circumstances in the Province of Hong Kong. From supporting people with disabilities to providing transitional housing for those experiencing poverty, these ministries are a reminder that Christian faith is lived out not only in our worship, but in the way we care for one another.

Delighted to be in the Province of Hong Kong on my first official visit and to be welcomed by Andrew Chan, Primate and Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. So grateful for the welcome at Holy Trinity Cathedral and schools nearby, the conversations and the opportunity to learn from the ministry taking place here. @AnglicanWorld

My chosen book for #Advent this year is ‘Walking with Angels' by Eleanor Sanderson, Bishop of Hull. She encourages us to live with a greater consciousness of the interactions between heaven and earth, and to use the words of angels found in Scripture to pray for our communities. Through the spiritual practice of prayer walking, this reflective guide encourages readers to slow down, step outside, and engage both body and spirit as you journey through the Advent season. @SPCKPublishing

We need the gospel to transform our lives every day, and hearing afresh in a new context, and in a new way, the story of God’s love for us in Christ is very good news, and it has been wonderful to live and share that these last couple of weeks here in Australia. @AnglicanWorld

How wonderful it has been to visit the Anglican Diocese of Perth and Southern Queensland Australia these past couple of weeks. I’ve been to some incredible places and met some inspiring people along the way. Partnerships between Anglican churches across the world remind us that, although our contexts may be very different, we are part of one family in Christ. @AnglicanWorld

Delighted to spend time with Pastor Ray Minniecon, whose decades of ministry and leadership have been a powerful contribution to the Church and to the journey of reconciliation with First Nations peoples. Ray’s deep commitment to his Kabi Kabi and Gureng Gureng heritage, his South Sea Islander connections, and his work for justice, healing and reconciliation have much to teach us. Grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn and share in conversation. @AnglicanWorld

It was a joy to be at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane, to preach and lead a workshop on the Lord’s Prayer, and to spend time in conversation about preaching at St Francis Theological College, Milton, with Archbishop of Brisbane, The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves. Wherever I go, I find that if people know one prayer, it is usually the Lord’s Prayer. We have heard it and prayed it since childhood — in churches, at christenings and weddings, in moments of celebration and in times of sorrow. And yet, because the words are so familiar, we can sometimes forget just how radical they are. The Lord’s Prayer is not simply something to recite. It is an invitation to a way of life: to seek God’s kingdom, to forgive, to depend on God, to care for our neighbours and to live generously. Perhaps the challenge for all of us is not simply whether we know the Lord’s Prayer, but whether we allow its words to shape the way we live. It was a real privilege to reflect on that together in Brisbane.

I have received such a warm welcome to Brisbane. Had a fruitful time leading a workshop with local clergy, sharing about revitalising and renewing preaching ministry.

I’m in Brisbane visiting the Anglican Church Diocese of Southern Queensland Australia. Looking forward to sharing time and conversations with my sisters and brothers here, and I’ll be preaching, teaching listening and learning over the next few days.

I joined the Western Australian Anglican Schools Association Year 11 Student Leaders’ Day at Wollaston Theological College, speaking with students about Christian leadership. Thank you for the invitation, and for the work you are doing to encourage and equip the next generation of leaders.

Next on my visit to Australia, I visited the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where a collection of paintings by the great English artist Stanley Spencer is displayed. Speaking about Spencer’s paintings, I reflected on Christ in the Wilderness and the invitation that art gives us to pause, to look closely and to see again. Spencer’s work encourages us to spend time with the humanity of Christ — to notice, to wonder and perhaps to encounter familiar stories afresh. I give thanks to the Art Gallery of Western Australia for the opportunity to spend time with these remarkable works and for an evening of reflection, conversation and learning.

His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Jitesh Patel as the next Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow.  His theological insight, talents and experience will be a great gift not only to the Diocese of Durham but to the Province of York.  I am looking forward  to working with him in the service of the gospel. durhamdiocese.org/diocesan-n…

We celebrated Mass at the Church of the Resurrection before gathering with clergy for a conversation about Anglo-Catholic spirituality and mission. We are drawn together by our common life in Christ and by our shared calling to take part in his mission. Photos by Davide Zamboni & David Broadway

I travelled to the Parish of York, around 100 kilometres from Perth, to spend time with the local Anglican community. During my visit I reflected on how special it is to meet those who serve and worship, and seeing the ways in which the Church is present in its local community. I give thanks to the people of the Parish of York for their warm welcome and hospitality, and for their faithful witness and service. @AnglicanWorld

I spent time with students, teachers, chaplains and leaders across three Anglican schools in Perth: John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, Hale School and St George’s Anglican Grammar School. I give thanks for the teachers, chaplains and staff who accompany young people each day, supporting them in their learning and development. Our prayers and thanks go to all those who share in the ministry of Anglican education across the Diocese of Perth.

This morning I preached at St George’s Cathedral, Perth, as the Church celebrated the feast of St Luke, Evangelist, Apostle and Martyr.  St Luke is known as the patron saint of artists, a fitting connection as I look ahead to an evening exploring the work of the great English artist Stanley Spencer and his paintings of Christ in the Wilderness at the Art Gallery of Western Australia this week.  “In his Gospel, St Luke reminds us that we are called to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, sharing His love, hope, and good news with everyone we meet. The world needs the hope of Jesus Christ. May we be faithful disciples, ready to serve and share the joy of the Gospel wherever we are.”

Today we celebrate Luke the Evangelist. We give thanks for his Gospel and for the Acts of the Apostles. Together they tell the story of Jesus and the Church as good news for the whole world.