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Seminar 3:
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Anglicans have long prided themselves on the theological and cultural diversity of the church in Melbourne. Unlike most Australian dioceses where one strand of Anglicanism has dominated, Melbourne has benefited from a potent mix of evangelical, catholic, charismatic, liberal and conservative beliefs and behaviours, all in one of the world's most multicultural cities. The first Anglicans, of British origin, attempted to reach out to indigenous Australians and Chinese immigrants, while in the twenty-first century the church has come to incorporate large numbers of Sudanese members. Yet much of the Melbourne Anglican outlook remains Anglo-Celtic, and in recent times diocesan politics have seen one party pitted against another in matters as diverse as liturgical expression, evangelism, and the election of an Archbishop. This seminar will investigate the history of the diocese to find out whether Melbourne Anglicanism is indeed characterised primarily by healthy diversity or is in fact wracked by antagonistic division. It will unravel diocesan mythology to bring to light forgotten controversies and achievements, and aims to help contemporary Anglicans reflect on their future. Peter Sherlock will consider four questions:
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