Minister’s letter – 22 October 2026
Image courtesy of YouVersion Bible App.
Friends in Christ, we are all shocked by the attack on Dr Helen Haines MP, federal member for Indi that has left her in critical condition, with amputation of both legs.
On Tuesday, at the same time as the prayer vigil held at Holy Trinity Cathedral Wangaratta, staff and visitors paused in St Andrew’s Cathedral here, to pray for peace and for Dr Haines’ recovery.
I hope you find these same prayers helpful for your personal time with God.
For peace
God of the nations, whose kingdom rules over all, have mercy on our broken and divided world. Shed abroad your peace in the hearts of all people and banish from us the spirit that makes for war; that all races and people may learn to live as members of one family and in obedience to your laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For healing
Almighty God, giver of life and health, hear our prayers for Dr Helen Haines MP, that by your blessing on her and on those who minister to her – especially critical care doctors and nurses – she may be restored to health of body and mind according to your will, and be able to show her thankfulness in love to you and service to her fellow citizens, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Both the Governor General (here) and the Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia (here) have spoken clearly about the situation. For example, Bishop Mark Short said:
"We have forgotten as a society Jesus’s command to ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’. These words were first spoken to people frustrated by injustices, just as many of us are today. But hatred and violence are never the answers— if we hate, hatred will devour us.”
The Primate added:
“If social media is causing you to hate and despise others, cancel your account. If your words are full of anger and violence, keep a close watch over the doors of your mouth. Find the peacemakers and learn from them.”
I add some additional reflections to the national conversation about civility.
Firstly, although current circumstances are awful, so close after Bondi, historical perspective is important. Political violence is rarer in Australia (less so than in England, where another former MP was murdered earlier this year, while we were on holidays or in America, where the current US President has faced at least three assassination attempts.)
And yet, violent threats have been a sad part of our history. For example, in 1994, my first year of ordained ministry, John Newman MP for Cabramatta, our local member at the time, was gunned down in Australia’s only political assassination. That same year, on Australia Day at Darling Harbour, a protestor fired two shots – blanks from a starter’s pistol – at then Prince of Wales, now King Charles. He was bravely crash tackled by our Premier at the time, the Hon. John Fahey, followed by multiple police. This week I also learned that before I was born, during the 1966 federal election campaign, the ALP Leader of the Opposition, Arthur Calwell, was shot through his car window at point blank range. Fortunately he survived with only minor injuries.
So it’s probably a mistake to think the sky is falling and things are worse than ever before.
Nevertheless, I think it is true that widespread social media has amplified anger – the vitriol and abuse is often disgusting. So Bishop Short’s advice above is wise.
And the impact of social media on declining social standards affects you even if you do not go online. Many mainline newspaper oped writers and radio shock jocks also now use more dramatic, dismissive and demeaning language. And I overhear the abusive way some people talk about others on public transport or out in Sydney Square!
What are Christians to do?
The first example we can look to is our own. In James 3:9-10, the brother of our Lord Jesus says:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
To curse someone is to solemnly wish lasting harm on a person.
You might rightly call for justice to be done. And when we are in personal pain because of great injury done by another, I understand the call for judgment – we sometimes see in the Psalms.
But why would you invoke everlasting harm from whatever spiritual powers-that-be on someone made in the image of God? Surely you want repentance and mercy.
In the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.
But, but, but… Some Christians respond! In Matthew 23, didn’t Jesus call the Pharisees and religious experts not only “hypocrites” and “blind guides” but even “whitewashed tombs” and “brood of vipers”? Didn’t the Apostle Paul call the false teachers in Philippians 3 not only “evildoers and mutilators of the flesh” (for pushing circumcisions when it was not needed), but even “dogs”.
The logic seems to be that if Jesus said harsh things then I can too.
The flaw in the logic is that you are certainly not the ever good and sinless Son of God, nor even his appointed Apostle.
So if you continue to protest that it’s your right to call people names without any nuance, then you are in grave danger in underestimating how the fruits of bitterness and hatred and malice so quickly spring up from the root of anger in fallen human hearts.
Offer your criticisms… with gentleness and respect. We can even make trenchant assessments of character and name immoral conduct clearly. But speak with sober judgment as much as possible.
Our national leaders are right to say: turn down the temperature; speak with civility. Think twice, and twice more, before you lash out with words.
And in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christians have the resources to be different from the world around us.
As the Apostle Paul said we are to speak the trith in love, especially gospel truth:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. [Ephesians 4:25-27, 29-32]
Let’s give the last word to the Lord Jesus in Matthew 13:36-37:
I tell you that on the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.’ [CSBA]
Warmly in Christ,
Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney