From its early days, Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA) found conferences an important tool in fulfilling its mandate to ‘care for the nervous system in Christ’s body. As a way of nurturing those impacted and invigorated by the Holy Spirit during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1960s to 1990s, the Anglican Renewal Network was maintained and yearly gatherings organised.
Over the years conferences on spiritual renewal were organised, each with the aim of nurturing and rekindling the fire of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of Anglicans around the worldwide Anglican communion. As John Wyndham, a pioneer of SOMA Australia, records in his book “From Everywhere to Everywhere” the organisation of renewal conferences is an important component of SOMA’s strategic goals.
With all this in mind, as I (Rev. Melinda McMahon) pondered my appointment as National Director of SOMA and wondered how we (SOMA Australia) were caring for the Charismatic Anglicans in Australia. What gatherings or conferences were being organised? As I pondered these questions, the Spirit whispered in my heart to begin to organise small regional conferences which would pave the way for a larger national conference to be organised in the future.
Why the name Anglicans Ablaze? I was aware of the very popular, and visibly vibrant Anglicans Ablaze Conference in Africa held every two years. In no way did I want to detract from their important work, however the likeliness of many Anglican saints in Australia travelling all the way to Southern Africa was slim. So, in the same train of thought as the early pioneers of SOMA (Bill Burnette, Michael Harper and Terry Fullam) when they attended a Catholic Renewal Conference, asked “if they can do it why can’t we?” – the idea of Anglicans Ablaze Australia was sparked.
During 2024 three conferences are being organised:
In early May, he Victorian parish of Wonthaggi and Inverloch are hosting the first Anglicans Ablaze conference as part of their bicentennary SOMA mission celebrations.
Then in July, St Mary’s Bardon in Queensland will organise another mini Anglican’s Ablaze conference.
Finally in October, Southlakes Anglican Church at Morisset in Newcastle’s Lake Macquarie will host the final Anglicans Ablaze Conference for the year.
So, if you’d like to be involved in the organisation of an Anglicans Ablaze conference, or are interested in attending one – please reach out!
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