by Margaret Rodgers
Sydney Diocese often receives critical attention from sections of the media. Communication is one of our significant priorities, and it is pursued vigorously. Diocesan views on issues of community debate are carefully prepared, always resting on an appropriate biblical foundation.
Sydney is reported much more than other Australian dioceses, even in overseas media. The high media profile of the Archbishop is well recognised. This is shown by headlines that simply refer to "Jensen', for sub-editors know readers will recognise the name.
Yet we are often surprised and even wounded when we are the target of negative comment. In the last few years books have been written about the Diocese. Why do we receive all this attention? I've asked some friends, all experienced journalists, though they would not label themselves "Sydney Anglicans'.
Following is a report of their answers. I haven't conflated them, as I first intended, for I assume readers may find it interesting to hear the six individual voices. So here they are, unadorned.
"Sydney gets considerable coverage because it is newsworthy, it has focused and developed views, it has made itself a key player in international debate in the Anglican Communion. It is an organised and active protagonist in local, national and world events. From a media point of view, the Diocese is robust. Its Christian conservative views may seem outlandish, but they are carefully thought through, theologically developed, and articulated with conviction. There is not much dissembling. Also the diocese is controversial, and the stuff of media is conflict and resolution. Like the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese retains the ability to surprise and outrage other members of Australian and international society with its views " because it presents a coherent version of Christianity that is both missionary and in direct opposition to relativism and secularism."
"The Diocese of Sydney is running against the general social tide in terms of its vigorous evangelising, its moral conservatism, and its position on women. This gives journalists something to push against. Religion coverage in the media is limited and has to compete with all other possible issues for [space]. This means that those stories that get a run tend to be the unusual, the conflictual, the controversial.”
"You are much the biggest, richest, most influential diocese, with big ambitions within the diocese (your evangelism plan) and aspirations to be among the evangelical leaders in worldwide Anglicanism (or so everyone perceives it). You are opinionated, forthright, and prepared to fight for what you believe. Many outside Sydney dislike, distrust and fear you. You have strong and articulate leadership, and have the ear of influential businesspeople and politicians. You are vastly the most professional when it comes to the media. Lastly, and despite the last comment, you have a strong and not entirely undeserved reputation for arrogance."
"One of the main reasons why the Sydney Anglicans get so much media attention is the curiosity factor. To be blunt, the Sydney Anglicans are strange and interesting, their leading personalities are strong and don't shy away from conflict, and their continuing vitality in a city like Sydney demands some kind of explanation."
"Sydney Diocese is where the action is. Jensen is on a mission, and has declared it formally, and it is different in style to what the rest of the church seems to be on about. And whether or not the growth in numbers is attributable to the formal "mission", something is obviously attracting the young. An essentially liberal-leaning press is probably a bit intrigued with [an Anglican] church that will not accept women as priests. Sydney is one of a very few Australian dioceses that holds that line. Likewise on gay issues, Sydney has a world-role in opposing people in gay relationships becoming priests and bishops. I think there is a bit of a charisma factor with Jensen, but apart from that he is bright, poised and very comfortable in his religious "skin'."
And, finally, "[Our paper's] interest is because Sydney is critically involved in issues of gender and sexuality with wider international ramifications for the Anglican faith, and it has a leader unafraid to state his position on both. While controversy is the stuff of news, [our paper's] interest also reflects Australia's broader debate about the influence of religion on society and politics and the human search for spirituality."
This all leaves us with much to ponder, especially since our communication is intentionally missional.
