Bishop Josiah says Australians must stop being polite about their faith if they want to match the more than 14 million people who regularly attend church in Nigeria each Sunday.

It appears intentional strategy-setting, an emphasis on lay participation in ministry and preaching that connects with people's day-to-day lives are key factors for growing churches. These were the most commonly cited factors by clergy of Anglican parishes that doubled in average weekly attendence between 1996 and 2001, Southern Cross has found.

NSW is facing its most severe drought in over a century, with 99 per cent of the state declared drought affected. Yet there is vibrant and caring ministry happening in the state's western dioceses.

Anglicans in Sydney have criticised remarks by Christian Democrat leader, the Rev Fred Nile, that the chador ‘worn only by Islamic extremists' should be banned in public places for security reasons.

It may have taken eleven tiring years, but the Rev George Gayagay is ‘overjoyed' that his congregation of Filipino Anglicans has been officially accepted into the Diocese of Sydney. “This offer came out of the blue,” he said “It's a great joy we have become part of the established Anglican Church otherwise we are just nomads.”

Holy Trinity, Millers Point is one of Sydney's most unique churches. The ‘Garrison Church'has a long-standing link with Australia's defence forces, and its picturesque location makes it a sought-after wedding venue.

After three years of waiting, hoping and praying, an indigenous congregation at Minto has finally found a pastor to help them take the next step in their ministry.

The day after Ivan Lee was announced as the new Bishop of Sydney's Western Region, his phone ran hot. On the phone, members of the media sought interviews, well-organised groups from his new region began filling his 2003 diary, and friends congratulated him on his ‘promotion'. But Mr Lee says he has never seen his new position as a step up the ladder. “I see this as a ministry position, not as a stepping stone or anything like that,” he said. “I'm honoured, and it shows a trust that people have in me, and I can't despise that. But I hardly think of it as a promotion.”