Current Affairs – Mark Conner

Waking Up to My Own ‘Blind Privilege’

Mark Conner — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:36:14 +0000

I am white, I am male, I am tall, I am middle class, I am educated, I am straight, and I grew up in a Christian home. All of these things were given to me by birth, not by choice. I did not earn them or do anything to acquire them - other than live … Continue reading Waking Up to My Own ‘Blind Privilege’

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Church Life AFTER Marriage Equality: The Questions No One Is Asking

Mark Conner — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:37:24 +0000

Right now, Australians are deliberating about just one question - “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” A majority of conservative Christians (as well as Jews and Muslims) are campaigning for a 'No' vote, while less are saying it should be 'Yes'. A majority of society in general seems to be … Continue reading Church Life AFTER Marriage Equality: The Questions No One Is Asking

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The Current Refugee Crisis

Mark Conner — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 11:57:54 +0000

I’m sure like me you’ve been deeply moved by the heart-breaking image of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi washed ashore on a Turkish beach. This precious little boy is only one of thousands of children and adults who’ve perished trying to reach the safety of Europe this year alone. This tragedy represents just a tiny fraction … Continue reading The Current Refugee Crisis

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Beyond the Walls by Brad Chilcott

Mark Conner — Tue, 12 May 2015 05:52:00 +0000

Who would’ve thought that one photo could cause so much trouble? It wasn’t the first time I’d been criticized for my friendship and solidarity with the Muslim community, in fact I’d had some threats of violence when I spoke up about Halal certification but this one took it another level. Had I renounced the gospel? … Continue reading Beyond the Walls by Brad Chilcott

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Nepal Earthquake

Mark Conner — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:56:29 +0000

The people of Nepal continue to grapple with the after shock of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook their country last week. So far more than 5,000 lives have been lost with some remote valleys cut off from help - raising fears that the death toll could rise. International relief and rescue teams have … Continue reading Nepal Earthquake

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The Persecution of Christians (Guest Post: J John)

Mark Conner — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

It is becoming apparent that far from dwelling at the ‘end of history’, as was naively envisaged at the fall of Communism, we are, in fact, living in perplexing, turbulent and dangerous days. One of the most troubling, if overlooked, features of our times is the appalling extent and depth of the persecution of Christians. … Continue reading The Persecution of Christians (Guest Post: J John)

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Nelson Mandela

Mark Conner — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 11:34:42 +0000

Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday at the age of 95. He was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politican and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative election. His government focused on dismantling the … Continue reading Nelson Mandela

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Some thoughts on the current Asylum Seeker Issue (by Tim Costello)

Mark Conner — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:09:28 +0000

Australia's humanity is the casualty of repugnant asylum politics Article written by: Tim Costello chief executive of World Vision Australia. The Australian philosopher Peter Singer asks students to consider whether a person wearing new shoes and a suit has a responsibility to wade into a nearby pond, thus ruining their clothes, if they see a child … Continue reading Some thoughts on the current Asylum Seeker Issue (by Tim Costello)

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Australian Government Considering Diverting Money from Poverty-Reducing Aid

Mark Conner — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:49:53 +0000

NEWSFLASH: The Government is considering diverting money from poverty-reducing aid. The Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, recently admitted plans to divert at least $375 million of Australia's poverty-focused aid program to fund rising refugee support costs at home in Australia. Not only would this reduce the amount available for poverty-focused programs overseas, but it would make Australia … Continue reading Australian Government Considering Diverting Money from Poverty-Reducing Aid

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New Archbishop of Canterbury: Justin Welby

Mark Conner — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:10:35 +0000

[The following article is by Cole Moreton from the Telegraph] The next Archbishop of Canterbury woke up yesterday with something on his mind. “Thought in the night,” he wrote on Twitter. “Those who made money betting on me give it to their local church!” Chatting wittily online to 6,429 online followers is not something the … Continue reading New Archbishop of Canterbury: Justin Welby

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2012 Global Atheist Convention

Mark Conner — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:04:30 +0000

The 2012 Global Atheist Convention is back in Melbourne this year (April 13-15th). Some Christians become concerned and worked up about events such as this. Personally, I don't believe that people of faith have anything to fear about doubt or skepticism. No need to picket or boycott events. In fact, dialogue and discussion can be … Continue reading 2012 Global Atheist Convention

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East Africa Emergency Appeal

Mark Conner — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:41:05 +0000

Many of you would be aware of the dire situation in East Africa right now. More than 11 million people in the Horn of Africa countries, particularly Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, are in need of our prayers for relief from one of the worst prolonged droughts in 60 years. Children are especially in need of … Continue reading East Africa Emergency Appeal

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The Death of Osama bin Laden

Mark Conner — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:09:05 +0000

The biggest breaking news of this week has been the killing of Osama bin Laden, the self-confessed orchestrator of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the USA. The execution was carried out by a US Navy SEAL team and watched by a American national security team, including President Obama, via video.This has been the culmination of … Continue reading The Death of Osama bin Laden

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Prime Minister Julia Gillard backs Chaplain Program

Mark Conner — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:25:17 +0000

Some old but good news ... in August last year, new Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard promised to extend the use of state funds to put staff chaplains in both public and private schools (as it has since 2007) through to 2014. State-funded chaplains now serve 2,700 schools and Gillard wants to add another 1,000. … Continue reading Prime Minister Julia Gillard backs Chaplain Program

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Muslims defending Christians …

Mark Conner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:40:29 +0000

Some of you may have heard about the brutal attacks from militant Muslims on Christians in Egypt at a New Year's Eve Mass. Tragically, at least 21 people were left dead at the Saints Church in Alexandria after a car bomb exploded outside. The attack rocked the nation. This kind of religiously motivated terrorism is … Continue reading Muslims defending Christians …

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