Arguably Sydney Diocese's greatest living theologian has been honoured by the launch of three new books that aim to bring his teachings to a new generation.
The former Moore College Vice Principal and Archbishop of Sydney, Donald Robinson, was visibly shocked at Wednesday’s event when he found himself not only at the launch of his two-volume Collected Works but also the launch of a third book honouring his legacy.
In launching the Collected Works, Archbishop Peter Jensen described Bishop Robinson as "Abraham" a father of a multitude' because of "those who have come to faith through those he taught'.
"Without doubt he set others on fire with a love of learning God's Word. This is what this Abraham of ours has truly accomplished."
The Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) meeting was held as part of the CMS Summer School at Katoomba.
Dr Jensen admitted that when he read these volumes "I suddenly recognised my own thoughts'.
"The things that Donald Robinson taught me have become so much my mental furniture that it has become [part of] me."
Dr Mark Thompson then launched a book of essays written by Moore College lecturers and recent graduates, engaging with and developing some of Bishop Robinson's major themes.
Dr Thompson, and his fellow Moore College lecturer Dr Peter Bolt, were inspired to produce the three volumes after seeing the recent publication of the collected works of Dr Broughton Knox.
Dr Thompson says the project, which has been published by Moore College and the Australian Church Record, has taken three years to come to fruition.
Bishop Robinson expressed his "deep appreciation' for those responsible for "gathering together the scraps of the past 50 years'.
"I think they have managed to give them a coherence they may not otherwise have had."
Global South seeks theological support
Meanwhile, former Malaysian Bishop Yong Chen Fah, has told EFAC of the critical role played by Australian missionaries in the newly emerging evangelical leadership of the Global South.
"As a result of EFAC's passion and vision, the Global South has taken the leadership of standing against ECUSA and the liberal agenda."
Bishop Yong says the crisis in the Anglican Communion has forced the Global South not only to assume international leadership responsibilities, but to re-examine the importance of developing home-grown evangelical theological education.
"In what way will CMS prepare for that day?" he asked.
