“The Church does not exist for itself, but for the sake of the world God loves.”

This statement by the Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves, Archbishop of Brisbane, at the ABM 175^th anniversary dinner on Friday 26^th of September, could summarise ABM’s 175-year history. It also echoes a statement made by his grandfather, the then Seventh Missionary Bishop of Melanesia, Bishop Walter Addeley.

During his talk Archbishop Jeremy noted that

ABM has always embodied that conviction: that mission is not something we do to others, but something we share with others. [ABM’s] work has never been simply about charity, but about relationship—mutual giving and receiving, being alongside sisters and brothers in their struggles and in their hopes.

Archbishop Jeremy ended his talk with challenge to ABM and our supporters:

May we take courage from the past, draw strength from the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and recommit ourselves to that same Christian optimism that “recognises no defeat.” With God’s help, and as a faithful whole Church, the work must—and will—go on.

You can read Archbishop Jeremy’s full talk here: DOWNLOAD PDF 

The focus on relationships in mission was reinforced by the presence of the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and his wife Mrs Dorah Dawea. Archbishop Leonard spoke of the impact of the early missionaries, the Province of Melanesia’s recent 50-year anniversary, and the ongoing relationship with ABM.

Archbishop Leonard presented Archbishop Jeremy with a ceremonial necklace to honour Archbishop Jeremy’s connection with Melanesia.

Also present was the Rev’d Andrew Sempell, Chair of the ABM Board, who presented Coaldrake Medals to Margaret and Brough Warren. For the past eight years, Margaret and Brough have coordinated the collection, sorting and sale of stamps to raise funds for God’s mission through ABM. The Coaldrake medal is named after the Rev’d Canon Frank Coaldrake who served with distinction, first as a missionary and later as Chairman of ABM.

The dinner was superbly organised by the Brisbane ABM Committee, chaired by the Rev’d Danni Clark. Committee member Elissa made delicate cupcakes with ABM’s 175^th logo toppers.

ABM thanks Danni, the ABM Committee and St Margaret’s School for hosting such a successful evening. ABM also thanks Archbishop Jeremy and Archbishop Leonard for their commitment to God’s mission through ABM, and St Clements on the Hills for sharing some wonderful photos from the event.