Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Five Primates Blast Ingham. "Communion not Abandoned" they say

To the congregations of the Anglican Communion in Canada,

January 15, 2005

Dear brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Christ,

We, Primates of the Anglican Communion, gathered for the 5th annual AMiA Winter Conference, give thanks for the faithful and fruitful ministry of the congregations of the Anglican Communion in Canada (ACiC) for whom we have provided Episcopal oversight since its formation in January 2004.

We are deeply concerned to hear about the recent actions of the Bishop of New Westminster, Michael Ingham. He has deliberately disregarded the recommendations of the Windsor Report, and pre-empted the decisions of our February 2005 Primatial meeting, by his unwarranted attack on our congregations and priests in Canada. We assure you that we will address these issues when we meet in February.

Contrary to the claim that your priests’ ministry has been abandoned, we affirm and rejoice that the gospel has not only continued to be preached, but that the mission of your churches has grown. Our congregations and clergy in Canada have indeed been faithful and fruitful. We are grateful for all that you have achieved over the last 12 months and pray for more growth in the future.

We encourage you to be strong and courageous as you stand firm for the truth of the Gospel and the faith once delivered to the saints. We will continue to stand with you in your hour of need as your Archbishops and your brothers in Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

The Most Rev. Fidele Dirokpa, Archbishop of Congo
The Most Rev. Immanuel Kolini, Archbishop of Rwanda
The Most Rev, Bernard Malango, Archbishop of Central Africa
The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishop of Kenya
The Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung, Archbishop of South East Asia
The Rt. Rev. Thomas W. Johnston, Missionary Bishop of Rwanda

Courtesy of VirtueOnline

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