Some of Australias fastest growing suburbs are experiencing an epidemic of church closures, and internal conflict is a common cause. This week, Jeremy Halcrow looks at why conflict happens in churches and how churches can take steps towards a solution.

Talk of world peace rises every Christmas, reinforced as people hear the story of the birth of 'the prince of peace. Jeremy Halcrow wonders whether Christians should be more committed to being peacemakers in this world.

Ever since I was a member of the General Committee of the Christian Conference of Asia, and then one of the presidents of that regional ecumenical organisation, I have had a profound interest in the nation of Burma, its people, and especially Burmese Christians.

If you havent heard it yet, you are sure to hear it more and more"¦ that 60 per cent of non-church goers in this nation have no close friend who is involved in a church. What is your immediate reaction to that statistic? Mine was one of surprise "“ I expected a much higher number, perhaps 80 per cent or higher.

Is it possible to deceive when telling the truth? This was an intriguing question raised by James Moloney in his childrens fantasy novel, The Book of Lies.

With a few other brief motions, including the motions of thanks to the organisers and hosts, Synod was over. I was thanking God especially, as we drove the trip home to Wollongong through heavy rain on a parched land most of the way.

This was a sad day for me at Synod for a multitude of reasons.

Over 150 people will celebrate 30 years of AFES ministry at the University of Technology Sydney with a formal dinner this Saturday night.