ABSTRACT

For almost a decade, Sydney Diocese has been consumed by its grand 'Mission', a project to have at least 10 per cent of Sydney's population worshipping in 'Bible-believing' churches by 2012. The Mission, signalled by Archbishop Peter Jensen almost immediately he became archbishop in 2001 and formally adopted by the Synod the following year, is a telling symbol of what the diocese now stands for, and of its underlying ideology. According to the most recent census in 2006, Anglicans account for about 19 per cent of the Australian population. That represents a huge erosion of Anglican influence on Australian society. Christianity has always been a missionary religion, committed to spreading the 'Good News' (gospel) of Jesus Christ as required in the writings of the New Testament. St Matthew's Gospel ends by portraying Jesus commanding his disciples to 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations'.