Getting with the programme

Catch up here on the Diocese of South Carolina's response to frequently asked questions about its new situation as a diocese no longer associated with TEC.

Look up the PDF of the programme of ACC-15 formal opening events here.

We are now counting down the days in Christchurch until the Archbishop of Canterbury arrives to grace our fair city. From our diocesan e-news, we anticipate the following:

Public Events where the Archbishop of Canterbury will be present Saturday – Sunday, 3 – 4 November 2012  

Saturday evening, 3 November, the Most Reverend Rowan Williams will attend “The Concert” at the AMI Stadium in Addington, and is expected to address the crowd briefly at 8.30pm. 

 If you plan to attend the 9.00 Sunday morning Eucharist service on 4 November at Christ’s College, please bring your own chair. Preferential indoor seating will be given to Cathedral regulars. In addition to seating in the chapel, the public is invited to sit outdoors (BYO chair) at the College. There will be excellent sound channeled outside and the Archbishop will take communion to the people seated outside, but there are no spare chairs available.  

Sunday afternoon on 4 November Dr Williams will participate in a 2.00pm Service of the Word at St Christopher’s Church, Avonhead. He is expected to speak on the topic: “What does holiness look like? How do we seek holiness, given it is ultimately a gift?” There will be video screens and sound throughout the complex, and it is hoped there will sound outdoors, so it may be a good idea to bring a chair to this service if you are not arriving early. The only reserved seating will be for the ecumenical guests.  

At 3.00pm young people (ages 16–30) will be invited back into St Christopher’s Church to listen to the Archbishop and have a chance for him to answer a few questions. Afterwards he returns to Auckland.

Additionally, there will be a powhiri and meal organised by Pihopa John Gray of Te Wai Pounamou (i.e Maori Anglicans of the South Island, NZ), at Ferry Road, between ++Rowan's arrival late Saturday afternoon and his appearance at The Concert.

Finally, it is interesting to note here on ADU that a new theological education centre is to be opened in Auckland, New Zealand, with Dr Jane Williams featuring in the ceremony. From the first part of the Taonga report:

St Paul's Symonds St is launching a new theological centre in Auckland. 

St Paul's Theological Centre, Auckland, will be officially opened by Dr Jane Williams, the wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury, on Monday, 29 October. 

A theologian in her own right, Dr Williams will also give the opening lecture, from 7.30pm.The Auckland centre is one of a number of satellites of St Paul's Theological Centre, London. 

It enables ordinary people to learn more about the rich theology that is a part of the history and life of the church. It also allows people to listen to some of the best thinkers and communicators of Christian faith from New Zealand and around the world. 

The centre offers short courses in a large range of subjects, including how to understand the books of scripture, Christian doctrine, spiritual disciplines, and the theology and practice of worship.  

The Rev Dr Graham Tomlin, principal of St Paul's Theological Centre and Dean of St Mellitus College, London, says: "Our vision is to see good, high-quality theological teaching available in local churches. 

"SPTC Auckland will be an invaluable resource not just for St Paul's Church but for many other churches in Auckland and beyond." 

The director of the Auckland initiative, the Rev Mathew Newton, says many Christians long to understand their faith more deeply.

Yet another clergyperson whose beginnings in ordained ministry took place in the Nelson Diocese ...!