The largest church in the Diocese of Sydney, St Matthias', Centennial Park has undergone major changes over the past year that have seen the parish embarkon a significant rethink of its mission to the city's eastern suburbs.

There are two immediate issues that come from the furore over the 'gay bishops' controversy last month. One is about the Bible and the other about the hidden dangers of homophobia. First, it's clear that in our society 'the Bible says' doesn't have any traction anymore. The reactions to comments about the Bible show that in these days our society has no real idea about what we evangelicals mean.

There are two immediate issues that come from the furore over the 'gay bishops' controversy last month. One is about the Bible and the other about the hidden dangers of homophobia. First, it's clear that in our society 'the Bible says' doesn't have any traction anymore. The reactions to comments about the Bible show that in these days our society has no real idea about what we evangelicals mean.

Newly released evidence from the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) that caring for outsiders, particularly migrants, improves a church's ability to win converts is set to inform church planting strategies in South Sydney.

The 'James Ossuary', originally hailed as a remarkable find last year, is now being widely reported as a forgery.

Mary Andrews College has decades of history, while Youthworks College has been in operation just a few short years. But faculty members from the two colleges are looking to work together to equip men and women for Christian life and ministry.

Two ways to live, the classic outline that has helped thousands of people like Graeme Hoinville to grasp the gospel, is being put back on the agenda as part of basic training for all Christians, writes GEOFF ROBSON.

The rector of one of Sydney's largest churches says leaders must set the example by inviting friends to church.