Brian A Curtis

Brian was born in Kent, England and, at the age of twenty, he migrated to Australia, and lived and worked in Melbourne, Launceston, and Hobart. In 1980, he began studying at Ridley College, Melbourne, where he graduated with a Licentiate in Theology and a Diploma of Ministry. He was ordained a deacon (1983) in the Anglican Church of Australia, Diocese of Tasmania, and a year later was made a priest. In 1990, he took a ten-year break from the ordained ministry and, after a period of unemployment, returned to work helping welfare recipients and the long-term unemployed. In 2001, Brian returned to the stipendiary ministry. But in 2009, he retired and in 2020 resigned from the Anglican Church.

Brian has a deep interest in biblical culture and teaching. As a consequence, he has a passion that others should share a good understanding of Hebrew and Christian scriptures. He sees this as particularly relevant in a world where they are so often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Children’s Books
A Day in the life of a Pair of Trousers: 48 Stories for Use in Christian Worship and on Other Occasions

The Wheelie Bin Nightmare: 53 Stories for Use in Christian Worship and on Other Occassions

OPERATION REPENT was created in response to the apparent gulf between the church of the New Testament and the church of today. Indeed, many of the teachings and practices of today appear to be at odds with the teachings and practices of the Bible. Furthermore, many people today do not recognise the church for what God intended it to be. Indeed, many cannot distinguish it from any other not-for-profit welfare organisation. This means that the church has lost its Gospel edge. And while it connects with the community on some levels, it is not connecting in the way that it should. OPERATION REPENT, therefore, is intended to be a vehicle of change. While many will not be happy with change—wanting things to stay the same—my hope is that the need for reform will become evident and be received in a manner that is both biblical and fitting.

Who Is My Neighbour?

The question of ‘Who is my neighbour?’ is as vexed today as it has always been. And, in response to the question, Jesus told the story that we now know as ‘The Good Samaritan’ (Luke 10:25-37). It’s a story where those who should have come to the aid of the man who had been robbed, beaten up, and left for dead, simply passed by. Whilst a Samaritan, who would not have been expected to come to his aid, risked his own life to help him, and then provided the means for him to get back on his feet.

It’s a familiar story for many. And yet, today, the message seems to be well and truly lost.

Indeed, from a secular point of view, in regard to the russian war on Ukraine, there are countries who are just sitting on the sidelines watching the Ukrainians being beaten up and doing nothing. And in regard to the west, well they’re providing some support, but they’re not risking their lives to come to Ukraine’s aid, nor are they providing sufficient support for Ukraine to totally fend off their attackers.

Furthermore, lest anyone think that the church is any better at putting Jesus’s lesson into practice, the current practice is for social welfare to be institutionalised. As a consequence, parishioners pass-by victims thinking that the church has organisations to help people in those sort of circumstances. Meanwhile, the church watches from the sidelines, not risking themselves, but advertising that help is available should victims wish to come and apply for it. But even then, the only help that is available is what is provided for within the framework of a particular funding package. And that help will be provided by someone who is employed to help, but not necessarily by a member of God’s church.

It’s a sad world that after having been told what God expects of his creation, that we totally ignore him. Is it any wonder that the world is in the mess that’s it in today?

Brian A Curtis
Copyright © Brian A Curtis, 2025