Apr2025
A message of encouragement ahead of Anzac Day
In a message of encouragement for the church ahead of Anzac Day, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith writes: ‘Each year we remember and we ask the Lord to keep us focused on what serves the common good of all.’
Apr2025
At the death of Pope Francis: A message from Bishop Paul Smith
LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith has shared a message for the church after the death of Pope Francis, thanking God ‘for the witness and service’ of the cherished ‘pastoral Christian leader’ who died this week.
Apr2025
He is risen! That’s worth shouting about
by Bishop Paul Smith
In a message of encouragement shared with the church in the lead-up to Easter, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith says, ‘as we follow his journey to the cross, we are reminded that he is trustworthy and true and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness …’
Apr2025
Because we bear your name April–May 2025
by Bishop Paul Smith
I was listening to a podcast about a familiar parable of our Lord – the one known as the ‘Prodigal Son’ (Luke 15) – and I was reminded how faith sees everything in a new way. Since the parable is given that popular title, we often forget that the story is about TWO sons: the younger and the elder.
Feb2025
Because we bear your name February–March 2025
by Bishop Paul Smith
Lutheran in All Lands: The Wonderful Works of God – that was the title of a hardback book I purchased at a sale of old theological books way back in 1980. That was my first year at seminary.
Dec2024
‘Working together to proclaim the holy birth’
by Bishop Paul Smith
In the lead-up to Christmas, Bishop Paul Smith reflects on the New Zealand and Australian tradition of Christian churches working together to proclaim the holy birth of the Christ-child.
