In 2023, I was asked to preach at the ordination of Reverend Ben Paton into the holy priesthood of the North Queensland Anglican Diocese. This occurred at All Souls & St Bartholomew Church on Thursday Island. A passage of my sermon is as follows: There have been many before us who have stood where I stand and carried the cross to preach Christ. Just like in our first reading today, they were called out from among our own people. Here, tonight, Ben is called to be amongst our people, to walk, to talk, to mourn, to show love, to show mercy, to preach Christ – but he can’t do it all himself, he needs us! He will learn our ways. How we sing, praise and worship Christ in culture, but more importantly, how we see Christ through our eyes and our heart. Brother Ben followed Christ before he set foot on Thursday Island, and because of his obedience, and with the support of his wife and family, his journey has brought him here tonight where he will soon carry the cross of Holy Priesthood in the North Queensland Anglican Diocese. In the context of my sermon, I am offering an Indigenous perspective on the Christian Church, referring to the inclusion and integration of our Indigenous culture, traditions, and spirituality within Christianity. Being part of the Anglican Church 63
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