southern cross :: october 2006

sydney stories »

Churches make PM listen

The Prime Minister John Howard ‘appreciates and understands’ that churches have a right to speak out on policy issues, says the Australian Christian Lobby.

Christians urged to fight cloning

Archbishop Peter Jensen’s bioethics advisor is urging Christians to oppose moves to allow human cloning.

Overcoming roadblocks to mission

Secularism has been rated the top roadblock stopping Sydney churches from seeing 10 per cent of their population in Bible-believing fellowships.

highlight stories »

In brief: Big decisions

Each month Southern Cross reports on the major decisions of the diocesan Standing Committee.

Tafe ministry push gets green light to reach Western Sydney

An integrated schools, TAFE and university ministry for Sydney has gathered more support.

Flying solo on a wing and a prayer

What happens when no one turns up for church? KATRIN ARNHOLZ gets a bird’s eye view of life in a remote township.

Jockeying for souls

Sydney Anglicans are working hard to bring God into the world of horse racing, reports JOSEPH SMITH.

The big change: when believing is a sin

When she arrived in Australia, Mehri* was like many Muslim refugees who fled their native Iran to start a new life in Western Sydney.

features & opinion »

The clone wars

A battle is underway to overturn legislation preventing the cloning of human embryos in Australia. Sydney Anglicans are lobbying hard to ensure the ban stays in place. Here are the resources you need to understand the key issues.

Holy madness in sin city

Sydney is a counter-meek sort of place. We're playing by a different set of rules in this loud, lewd town.

Division or diversity?

Melbourne Synod on its second attempt elected Philip Freier, Bishop of the Northern Territory to be their Archbishop. It is fair to say that this popular figure from the Top End faces a momentous task when he moves south in December.

A wrestle with the truth

Following the death of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, in North Queensland, on September 4, reports circulated throughout the Christian community in Australia and overseas, telling of his conversion to Christ. This has resulted in an electronic wrestle to clarify the truth.

mission thinking »

Ignore God’s wrath at own risk

Modern psychology has played its part in warping the biblical idea of sin, and has gravely weakened Christians’ appreciation of God’s holy wrath.

watching »

The Falling Man

Nothing I write about this documentary can compare to the photograph at its heart. Its ‘can’t look; can’t look away’ nature instantly polarises any audience.

Can horror be saved?

Can a scary movie be the first step towards sharing the gospel?

reading »

90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper

I’m naturally a sceptical person. And so it was with scepticism I approached 90 Minutes in Heaven, an American pastor’s account of his time in heaven.

listening »

Trafalgar St - Revive

Revive's second album Trafalgar St has finally arrived and it seems set to put the 'power' back into Christian rock.