Melbourne Anglicans have been called to a year of prayer by Archbishop Ric Thorpe in his first charge (presidential address) to Melbourne’s Synod (church parliament). “Prayer cannot simply be one activity within our strategy,” Thorpe told the synod delegates meeting in St Paul’s Cathedral. “It is its beginning, foundation and continuing life. I want us to prepare for a diocesan Year of Prayer next year, supported by dedicated leadership and resources, so that our plans arise from dependence upon God rather than confidence in ourselves. Jesus invites us to see the harvest, pray into the gap and go where he sends us.”
To become a renewed church – the first leg of Thorpe’s strategy – is God’s work, the Archbishop makes clear. “First, a renewed Church. Renewal is God’s work. Plans and structures can serve it, but spiritual life comes from Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. At the Cross, Christ enters the depths of human suffering and sin. In the Resurrection, God declares that sin and death do not have the final word. The risen Christ remains Lord of his Church, calling, forgiving, restoring and sending his people. Every church needs renewal in every generation. Renewal may mean strengthening what bears fruit, recovering confidence in prayer and mission, rebuilding trust, releasing something familiar or beginning something new. A renewed Church remains in Jesus.”
In turn, this renewed church will proclaim Christ, “So that every person may encounter the love of God.”
Echoing the words of Jesus, Archbishop Ric called for workers to go into the harvest field. He laid out a vision for the diocese:
“I see a Diocese alive with prayer and confident in Christ; churches renewed and turned towards their communities; children and young people growing as disciples and stepping into leadership; new leaders recognised, formed and sent. I see people meeting Jesus, coming to faith, being baptised and finding a church where they belong. I see the gifts of every culture and Anglican tradition strengthening our common life. I see parishes, schools, agencies and diocesan ministries sharing their strengths and releasing more of what we have for mission. God is already at work in churches and ministries across this Diocese. But there is more. The harvest is plentiful. Look up! Now, we must tend what God has planted. We must ask the Lord of the harvest to raise up and send more workers. And we must be ready to take the next step he gives us. Can you see what Jesus sees? Can you see the harvest? Will you ask him to show you afresh? Will you ask the Lord of the harvest for workers?”
Image: Archbishop Ric Thorpe addresses the 2026 synod. Image Credit: ADOM Facebook