Diocese of Bathurst

Diocesan President

Marilyn Robey

Annual Conference 2011

The Anglican Diocese of Bathurst was formed in 1870, and covers about a third of NSW in the region bordered by Bathurst, Rylstone, Mudgee, Coolah and Coonabarabran in the east, Oberon, Cowra, Grenfell and West Wyalong in the south, Condobolin, Cobar in the West and in the north through Bourke to the Queensland border and covering the north-west towns of Brewarrina and Coonamble. There are 33 Parishes.

The total population of this area is about 280,000, of whom about 30% are Anglicans. The cities of the region are Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo. Major towns are Bourke, Cobar, Cowra, Forbes, Mudgee, Parkes and Wellington and many smaller communities.

Branches of the Mothers’ Union were first formed at Holy Trinity, Orange and Christ Church, Blayney in 1897. From 1905 to 1956 eighteen branches were formed and in 1932 the Diocesan Council was formed.

Today MU in Bathurst Diocese consists of three active and enthusiastic groups who are very involved in their local parishes and communities in all areas of ministry and outreach, especially in ways to encourage family life in their parish communities -

Bathurst,

West Wyalong and

Orange

Narromine has a newly formed Anna Group.

There are a number of Diocesan members throughout the parishes of the Diocese including Dubbo, Forbes and Eugowra.

The on-going drought has taken its toll both physically, mentally and spiritually throughout the Diocese but country people are very resilient and the communities in this vast Diocese continually inspire visitors with their hopefulness and perseverance.

Members are faithful in their commitment to the Aim and Purpose which is to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities through the nurture of the family in its many forms.

And also to the Mission

To promote and support married life

To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children

To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service

To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

Members are encouraged and inspired by Mary Sumner’s Personal Prayer: “All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for you; and every life I touch, do by your Spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breath, or the life I live. In the name of Jesus. Amen"

Last Update: 22/11/2011