Open Doors on Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a natural paradise for tourists and locals alike, but filling the parish vacancy has presented a significant challenge to the Bush Church Aid Society and the Diocese of Adelaide. The Parish of Kangaroo Island, or KI as it is referred to by locals, has been vacant since BCA Field Staff Mark and Sandy Evans retired in April 2009.
Throughout the time it has been vacant, KI has been supported by several locums which have been completed by various clergy.
Canon John Butler, BCA Vice President and Councillor, completed one of these locums and he is passionate about seeing the position taken and ministry continued on KI. “The church needs a pastor” he states. “Short term ministry can only achieve so much.”
The third biggest island in Australia, Kangaroo Island boasts rich natural attractions and a substantial range of wildlife. With a population of only 4,400 spread across the 150 kilometre length of the island, people are quite sparse. As a result, the church pews tend to be quite bare.
However retired minister, Canon Butler sees many opportunities on the island for expansion, innovation and development of ministries. “While the man who goes has a big task ahead of him, the people are waiting with open hearts for someone to come” he says. “They are anxious to support [the new appointment] and there is very valid ministry that can happen in that community.”
BCA is committed to the people of Kangaroo Island and are concerned that they might have adequate ministry. Unfortunately the search to provide this ministry is set to start again as a possible candidate for the position has fallen through. We appreciate your prayers as we look for a candidate and also for the people of Kangaroo Island as they wait patiently.
For information about the Kangaroo Island vacancy click here.