The Anglican Church League has handed the reins to the Rev Dr Mark Thompson after electing him president at its annual general meeting last night.
Dr Thompson succeeds the Rev Zac Veron, who has led the ACL for four years.
After his election, he reflected on the Sydney Diocesan Mission and the commitment of the ACL to preserve and promote the gospel.
"This is an exciting time of opportunity, but it is also a time of extraordinary challenge,” Dr Thompson says.
“Please pray that the new ACL Council will make the most of the opportunity and meet the challenge.”
Dr Thompson believes many Australians stand at a crossroad and Sydney Anglicans are well placed to help them choose their direction.
“We face a new readiness to hear about Jesus on the part of many in our country. Yet crisis and scandal make the task more difficult at the same time,” he says.
“We cannot afford to forget that the enemy of God's people continues to prowl and lure men and women with his lies. But neither should we forget that our Lord is the King of Kings and his purposes will prevail.”
Dr Thompson is Academic Dean of Moore Theological College where he lectures in Theology and Church History.
He has a special interest in the doctrine of Scripture found in the writings of Martin Luther and holds a D. Phil. from Oxford University.
In August he is giving the Annual Moore College Lectures on the topic, "A Clear and Present Word: the clarity of Scripture in a confused world".
Dr Thompson is also one of the editors of the recently published book, "The Faith Once for All Delivered", written in response to The Windsor Report.
He makes no apologies for the strength of his views.
“Our determination is not the product of fear or anxiety, but is borne out of confidence in the one who is at work building his church. So let's get on with the job.”
He also called on all members to pray for ACL Chairman Robert Tong, after his appointment to the Archbishop of Canterbury's Panel of Reference.
Retiring President Zac Veron continues on the ACL Council as a Vice President.
Former President Bruce Ballantine-Jones was among those honoured with the title of Vice-President Emeritus.
The Rev Mark Charleston, Senior Assistant to Dean Phillip Jensen in his role as Director of Ministry Training and Development, delivered the keynote address.
Mr Charleston spoke in very encouraging terms about the challenge of the Diocesan Mission.
“Since the inception of the Mission in October 2002, sixty-five new congregations have commenced across the Diocese,” he reports.
“All five Regions have seen signs of new growth."
Mr Charleston challenged all present to not only "recruit to train" ministers, but also to "train to recruit", so that there will always be a focus on sending out labourers into the harvest.
Dr Thompson’s full remarks and Mr Charleston’s address can be read on the ACL website.
