Research Conclusions

A. Generally these confirmed the journalist, Andrew Bolt’s conclusions that the majority of the Christian Churches and ministry organisations knew of the plight of Syrian Christians, but wished to ignore this.

This was evidenced by the following –

1(a) Christian radio stations did not wish to communicate this information to their audiences, even when sponsorship for such programmes was offered.

1(b) The majority of Australian Christian newspapers were not willing to publish this information.

1 (c) However on a positive note, it was very pleasing to find that the Brisbane Anglican Diocese at its 2016 Synod passed a motion on the genocide of Christians in the Middle East, which despite repeated requests the Sydney Anglican Diocese had refused to do. One can imagine how with the strong leadership of the Brisbane Diocese, the parishes would have responded to mount an optimum Christian rescue mission.

Why then was the Sydney Anglican Diocese so opposed to such action?

The initial answer to this is that prior to its 2015 Synod, the Archbishop and Diocesan organisation had identified that there was a wonderful opportunity to evangelise the 12,000 refugees which the government had announced Australia would accept. Based on the research information, 99% of these refugees would have been Muslim.

Should a Muslim convert from Islam to Christianity in Australia, they would not be subject to the death threat which such actions would bring in the Middle East.

To foster this evangelism mission the Archbishop wished all Anglican organisations to welcome and support the refugees and to ensure that they did not to feel that any Christian refugees were receiving more favourable treatment, than they.

This attitude was expressed at the Sydney Anglican Diocese 2015 Synod, when the Rev Dr Mark Thompson stated that that for the Church to seek preference for Christian refugees would be both parochial and sectarian

This policy accorded with the Government’s refugee selection policy. Hence it would also have promoted better acceptance by the government of the church’s status.

The desire for evangelism is a very worthy motive which accords with scripture’s great commission command. However when it is to be done in a manner which involves a refusal to help rescue Christians from slaughter, then Matthew 25 makes it abundantly clear that this is wrong.

However the first principle which accounts for the Sydney Anglican Church’s actions in ignoring the plight of Syrian Christians, must be that whilst all of its leadership “know about Jesus”, only a very few personally “know Him”. If they did, it is inconceivable that they would have done what they did, and continue to do this.

This is the same first principle which accounts for the various Christian organisations actions in ignoring the plight of Syrian Christians.

The only effective solution to this problem is for Christians who have given their life to Christ and who live in Him, to pray for a revival of His church, as well as for the rescue of Syrian Christians.

B. The advertisement web site monitoring results, which were circulated to many churches throughout Australia over a 4 month period, suggests that the majority of church congregations are not interested in learning of church leadership failures to be concerned with the issues, which Jesus is most concerned with. The attitude of many Christian church’s leadership and their congregations in Australia, could unfortunately be summed up as that of “unrighteous apathy.”

Again the only effective solution to this problem is for Christians who have given their life to Christ and who live in Him, to pray for a revival of His church. If ever a revival was needed in Australia, it is now.

C. The Sydney Anglican Diocese case study identified that there was a demonstrated need to improve the training of clergy, so that they may reflect the glory of Christ to both their congregations and the community. This need for improved clergy training also appears to be necessary for many other denominations.

Many people know intuitively that what is being said by Ministers in Church is not being reflected by their actions. Hence is it any wonder that the Australian Church is in decline.

Again the only effective solution to this problem is for Christians who have given their life to Christ and who live in Him, to pray that He will cause Australia’s theological colleges to equip its future Ministers to personally “know Him” and to serve Him whatever the cost may be, knowing that He will make this possible through the empowerment of His grace.