Reach out in name of Christ
THE new Dean of Darwin’s Christ Church Cathedral says he wants to engage locals away from his pulpit.
Father Keith Joseph has a background in the Army and worked as a priest in the Solomon Islands.
His most recent posting was as the parish priest in the coalfields area of the Hunter region of NSW.
Father Joseph said dwindling congregations meant the church faced a modern challenge in trying to reengage ‘‘a non-churchgoing element in society’’.
‘‘Clearly, 10 or 20 years ago, people were far more aware of the Christian story,’’ he said.
‘‘Nowadays, you’re engaging with a population which doesn’t know the story.
‘‘People are just so much more busy now on Sundays than they were in the past.’’
Father Joseph said his role within the community would be as important as his role delivering a Sunday sermon. He said his links to Darwin’s large defence community would help.
‘‘Nowadays, you’ve got to meet the people outside of the church rather than on a Sunday morning,’’ he said.
‘‘I have some links with defence and I hope that’s part of myoutreach.’’
Father Joseph replaced Father Jeremy Greaves, who became known for his strong views and often controversial views on social justice. He left Darwin in March.
Bishop Greg Thomson has also left. Bishop Clyde Wood is administering the diocese until a replacement for Bishop Thomson is elected.