The ordination of a full- time chaplain on Norfolk Island has brought much-needed hope for the future of the church and the community.

The challenges to provide effective ministry for the Church of England on Norfolk Island (as the Anglican Church there is known) are immense. But in early February a new chapter began for the Diocese’s most remote parish when the Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, ordained David Fell as presbyter and inducted him as chaplain to the island.

“This is a new beginning,” Bishop Forsyth says. “It’s the first time in more than a decade there’s been a young family in ministry here, and after years of struggle it represents a really positive ‘Yes’ to the island and ‘Yes’ to ministry on the island.

The circumstances of ministry and the economy on Norfolk have meant that for the past five years the Church of England chaplaincy has relied on short-term, part- time retired clergy. Their ministry was deeply appreciated but could not be the same as that of a full- time younger man.

By late 2013 it was clear that without change there was a long-term danger to the existence of the Church of England on Norfolk, let alone the task of reaching islanders for Christ.

The then acting chaplain, the Rev Canon Bruce Ballantine-Jones, galvanised the island’s lay leadership, and Bishop Forsyth, to seek a young, full-time man who would set about rebuilding the ministry.

“One of the unique challenges in such a remote place is that there is no parish next door to go to if the one you are in is failing,” Bishop Forsyth says. “Finding the right long-term chaplain was crucial.”

A Southern Cross article on the needs of the ministry caught the attention of Mr Fell, then an assistant minister at Manly. Although he had never been to Norfolk, his wife Crystal’s parents had worked as schoolteachers there in the 1980s and often talked about it. Increasingly David and Crystal came to the conclusion that God was calling them to ministry on the island.

Yet financial support was needed until the Church of England might become self-supporting again. After much thought the South Sydney Regional Council committed to a five-year program of significant support to the ministry.

The Bush Church Aid Society of Australia says it is delighted to be again supporting ministry on Norfolk Island.
Previously, BCA supported ministry on Norfolk Island when The Reverend Captain Rod and Mrs Christene Oldfield served there until 2010. Since then there has been a series of visiting locums. 
 
Under the new arrangement, the Church of England on Norfolk Island and the Diocese of Sydney will cover the direct costs of ministry while BCA will provide pastoral and prayer support for the Fells.  This reflects BCA’s past engagement with the island, as well as its current experience in supporting ministry on Kangaroo, King and the Furneaux Islands.
 
“We are thrilled by this opportunity to reach another remote community for Christ,” said the BCA National Director Mark Short.  “It allows us to partner with others and draw on the insights and experience we have gained over many years of mission.”

Four of the previous short-term chaplains flew back to Norfolk for Mr Fell’s induction and to take part in the service.

Mr Fell expressed gratitude to them all for their example of love and Christian service, adding that “Norfolk Island will be the place where our children will grow and learn about the world, the place where they’ll enjoy those special childhood friendships – and a place where we pray that in God’s kindness, they will come to call on the name of Jesus in repentance and faith... God willing, this will be our life’s work
for the next season of our family’s life – and for that we are grateful to God.”

At a lunch to welcome the Fells and their children, Bishop Forsyth emphasised the significant place of the Church of England in the island’s life and history and its commitment never to give up on Norfolk Island “because God will never give up on Norfolk Island”.

Church member Mary Christian-Bailey expressed her joy and thankfulness on behalf of the islanders that “we have not been forgotten”.

Photo: David Fell receives the Bible from Bishop Forsyth as previous NI chaplains look on.