http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmhaFWP_GssEaDfmBxyMcQmCuOKQ
[The Canadian Press] 11 Oct 2007--Terrence Buckle is retiring a year early as bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada's Yukon diocese.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Ordinations by Two Ugandan Bishops Set for Saturday, October 13 at St. James Church, Newport Beach
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6779/#more
[TitusOneNine] 11 Oct 2007--Hundreds of Anglicans from across the southwest will gather at 10 am this Saturday at St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach to witness three ordinations which will be overseen by Bishop Evans Kisekka of the Anglican Church of Uganda and by Bishop John Guernsey, U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda. Kisekka will officiate at the service and Guernsey will preach.
[TitusOneNine] 11 Oct 2007--Hundreds of Anglicans from across the southwest will gather at 10 am this Saturday at St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach to witness three ordinations which will be overseen by Bishop Evans Kisekka of the Anglican Church of Uganda and by Bishop John Guernsey, U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda. Kisekka will officiate at the service and Guernsey will preach.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A private joke for Archbishops
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/a-private-joke-for-archbishops-1139077.html
[Independent.ie] 10 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was in Dublin yesterday for private talks with fellow bishops of the Church of Ireland and Lutheran leaders from the Baltic and Nordic states.
But if the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion took the opportunity to discuss with his Irish colleagues ways of breaking the impasse among member churches over the ordination of homosexual bishops, he was not letting on to the media.
[Independent.ie] 10 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was in Dublin yesterday for private talks with fellow bishops of the Church of Ireland and Lutheran leaders from the Baltic and Nordic states.
But if the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion took the opportunity to discuss with his Irish colleagues ways of breaking the impasse among member churches over the ordination of homosexual bishops, he was not letting on to the media.
Anglican District of Virginia Welcomes New Congregation
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6756/
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV), an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia and part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North American (CANA), welcomes Christ The King Anglican Church as its newest congregation from Alexandria, Va. Christ the King is a worshipping community whose life is centered on Jesus Christ and whose identity is shaped by His Word.
On Sunday, September 30 at 10:00 am, public worship launched at Christ the King, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., 22301, the site of Alexandria Country Day School. Christ the King is a daughter congregation of The Falls Church and is an extension of its ministry within the Anglican District of Virginia.
The city of Alexandria has a demonstrated tradition of community involvement and Christ the King's congregation is eager to engage in the various outlets which serve to cultivate the life and identity of the community for the sake of the gospel and the hope and health of the city in which it is placed.
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV), an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia and part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North American (CANA), welcomes Christ The King Anglican Church as its newest congregation from Alexandria, Va. Christ the King is a worshipping community whose life is centered on Jesus Christ and whose identity is shaped by His Word.
On Sunday, September 30 at 10:00 am, public worship launched at Christ the King, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., 22301, the site of Alexandria Country Day School. Christ the King is a daughter congregation of The Falls Church and is an extension of its ministry within the Anglican District of Virginia.
The city of Alexandria has a demonstrated tradition of community involvement and Christ the King's congregation is eager to engage in the various outlets which serve to cultivate the life and identity of the community for the sake of the gospel and the hope and health of the city in which it is placed.
A Report from the Diocese of Montana
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6748/
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--Bishop Brookhart said that a retired TEC Bishop (Bob Jones of Wyoming) had sworn at Archbishop Mouneer Anis after he spoke, saying, ‘That’s bullshit’.
He compared African bishops to ‘mafiosi’.
He said several members of the JSC advised them on what ‘words’ they needed to use – which he said was ‘very helpful’.
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--Bishop Brookhart said that a retired TEC Bishop (Bob Jones of Wyoming) had sworn at Archbishop Mouneer Anis after he spoke, saying, ‘That’s bullshit’.
He compared African bishops to ‘mafiosi’.
He said several members of the JSC advised them on what ‘words’ they needed to use – which he said was ‘very helpful’.
Anglicans Plan for Survival Amid Increasing Liberalism
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071009/29633_Biblical_Anglicans_Plan_for_Survival_Amid_Increasing_Liberalism.htm
[The Christian Post] 10 Oct 2007--The question for Anglicans in the next 20 years is no longer how the global family can stay together, but how orthodox Anglicans can help each other survive and guard themselves against the rising tide of Western liberalism, according to the archbishop of Sydney.
After years of talk of schism in the 77-million-member Anglican Communion, the third largest Christian denomination in the world, Dr. Peter Jensen says uncertainty is now over.
"The decisive moments have passed," he said in a statement. "Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future.
"The Anglican Communion will never be the same again."
[The Christian Post] 10 Oct 2007--The question for Anglicans in the next 20 years is no longer how the global family can stay together, but how orthodox Anglicans can help each other survive and guard themselves against the rising tide of Western liberalism, according to the archbishop of Sydney.
After years of talk of schism in the 77-million-member Anglican Communion, the third largest Christian denomination in the world, Dr. Peter Jensen says uncertainty is now over.
"The decisive moments have passed," he said in a statement. "Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future.
"The Anglican Communion will never be the same again."
The Bishops have hurt us - my hope is they would repent: Bishop-elect Anderson
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/09/the-bishops-have-hurt-us-my-hope-is-they-would-repent-bishop-elect-anderson/
[Anglican Mainstream] 10 Oct 2007--On Saturday, October 6, the Central Florida Chapter of the AAC held its annual Convocation at the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud, Florida. The keynote address for the meeting was given by Canon David Anderson, President and CEO of the AAC, and Bishop-Elect of CANA (the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a mission of the Anglican Province of Nigeria).
VirtueOnline: How would you characterize this moment in the history we’re sharing right now?
Anderson: I think the fabric of the Communion is continuing to tear, and we are tearing it now across a seam, because we are at the point where whole dioceses that have been Network dioceses or have claimed Windsor orthodoxy — and that really includes a number of bishops in dioceses that aren’t in the hard core group but still consider themselves conservative — are impatient for the diocese to take some action. Where the dioceses are willing to take action by way of preparing their canons for options on realignment, they will probably hold on to all their orthodox parishes. Where conservative orthodox bishops are basically saying “I’ll die in the Episcopal Church, I’ll never leave,” and are saying, “Well, individuals can leave but parishes and dioceses cannot leave — the new David Booth Beers mantra — they’re going to an acceleration of churches departing, even though they may be orthodox.
[Anglican Mainstream] 10 Oct 2007--On Saturday, October 6, the Central Florida Chapter of the AAC held its annual Convocation at the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud, Florida. The keynote address for the meeting was given by Canon David Anderson, President and CEO of the AAC, and Bishop-Elect of CANA (the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a mission of the Anglican Province of Nigeria).
VirtueOnline: How would you characterize this moment in the history we’re sharing right now?
Anderson: I think the fabric of the Communion is continuing to tear, and we are tearing it now across a seam, because we are at the point where whole dioceses that have been Network dioceses or have claimed Windsor orthodoxy — and that really includes a number of bishops in dioceses that aren’t in the hard core group but still consider themselves conservative — are impatient for the diocese to take some action. Where the dioceses are willing to take action by way of preparing their canons for options on realignment, they will probably hold on to all their orthodox parishes. Where conservative orthodox bishops are basically saying “I’ll die in the Episcopal Church, I’ll never leave,” and are saying, “Well, individuals can leave but parishes and dioceses cannot leave — the new David Booth Beers mantra — they’re going to an acceleration of churches departing, even though they may be orthodox.
Uganda: Bishop Hannington to Be Honoured
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710100016.html
[allAfrica.com] 10 Oct 2007--Preparations to commemorate the death of Bishop James Hannington in Busoga Diocese are underway. The ceremony will take place on October 28 at Kyando in Mayuge district, where Bishop Hannington was killed on October 29, 1885 by the locals on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. Hannington was the first Anglican Bishop in eastern and central Africa.
The Jinja Archdeaconry, which is one of the five archdeacons in Busoga Diocese, is spearheading this year's celebrations, according to Rev. John Bamugemereire, an archdeacon.
The day's theme will be: 'Sacrifice Yourself for Christ'.
"Bishop Hannington sacrificed his life for Christ and urged the people to emulate him," said Bamugemereire.
[allAfrica.com] 10 Oct 2007--Preparations to commemorate the death of Bishop James Hannington in Busoga Diocese are underway. The ceremony will take place on October 28 at Kyando in Mayuge district, where Bishop Hannington was killed on October 29, 1885 by the locals on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. Hannington was the first Anglican Bishop in eastern and central Africa.
The Jinja Archdeaconry, which is one of the five archdeacons in Busoga Diocese, is spearheading this year's celebrations, according to Rev. John Bamugemereire, an archdeacon.
The day's theme will be: 'Sacrifice Yourself for Christ'.
"Bishop Hannington sacrificed his life for Christ and urged the people to emulate him," said Bamugemereire.
An Open Letter to the LGBT Community from Bishop Gene Robinson
http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2007/10/open-letter-to-lgbt-community-from.html
[An Inch At A Time] 10 Oct 2007--Now that the Church has had some time to absorb and consider the recent meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans and its response to the Anglican Communion, I’d like to share with you what I experienced at the recent House of Bishops meeting, and where I think we are as a result.
There is NO “mind of the House” nor a “mind of the Episcopal Church.” In fact, we are a House and a Church of many different minds. We are in transition from the Church we have been called to be in the past, to the Church we are called to be now and in the future. We are not there yet.
[An Inch At A Time] 10 Oct 2007--Now that the Church has had some time to absorb and consider the recent meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans and its response to the Anglican Communion, I’d like to share with you what I experienced at the recent House of Bishops meeting, and where I think we are as a result.
There is NO “mind of the House” nor a “mind of the Episcopal Church.” In fact, we are a House and a Church of many different minds. We are in transition from the Church we have been called to be in the past, to the Church we are called to be now and in the future. We are not there yet.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Council of African Anglican Provinces, CAPA Primates issue communiqués
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90816_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 9 Oct 2007--Eleven of the 12 members of the Council of African Anglican Provinces, meeting October 2-5 in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, have said that they believe they have "come of age."
Meanwhile, the Primates of the provinces attending the Mauritius meeting issued a communiqué (text below) calling for a postponement of the 2008 Lambeth Conference to "allow the current tensions to subside and leave room for the hard work of reconciliation that must be done."
Instead, the Primates, called for a special meeting of the all the Communion's Primates to finalize the proposed Anglican covenant and set a timetable for ratification by individual provinces. They said that the proposed covenant is "the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future,"
The special Primates' meeting would also "review the actual response made by The Episcopal Church -- both their words and their actions."
The Primates were referring to the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council, which the CAPA Primates found "unsatisfactory."
[Episcopal Life Online] 9 Oct 2007--Eleven of the 12 members of the Council of African Anglican Provinces, meeting October 2-5 in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, have said that they believe they have "come of age."
Meanwhile, the Primates of the provinces attending the Mauritius meeting issued a communiqué (text below) calling for a postponement of the 2008 Lambeth Conference to "allow the current tensions to subside and leave room for the hard work of reconciliation that must be done."
Instead, the Primates, called for a special meeting of the all the Communion's Primates to finalize the proposed Anglican covenant and set a timetable for ratification by individual provinces. They said that the proposed covenant is "the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future,"
The special Primates' meeting would also "review the actual response made by The Episcopal Church -- both their words and their actions."
The Primates were referring to the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council, which the CAPA Primates found "unsatisfactory."
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African b
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2007/10/08/english_bishop_hints_at_joining_boycott_of_anglican_meeting_over_gay_issue/
[The Boston Globe] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop says he would have difficulty joining U.S. Episcopal bishops at a gathering of global Anglican leaders next year because they have not repented for consecrating a gay bishop, according to a news report published Monday.
The Daily Telegraph quoted Michael Nazir-Ali, the bishop of Rochester, as siding with African bishops who believe the American church has not adequately dealt with protests about the installation of V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire.
[The Boston Globe] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop says he would have difficulty joining U.S. Episcopal bishops at a gathering of global Anglican leaders next year because they have not repented for consecrating a gay bishop, according to a news report published Monday.
The Daily Telegraph quoted Michael Nazir-Ali, the bishop of Rochester, as siding with African bishops who believe the American church has not adequately dealt with protests about the installation of V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire.
Episcopal Church has not repented for gay stance - CofE bishop
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/senior.cofe.bishop.episcopal.church.has.not.repented.for.gay.stance/13801.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop has criticised the US Episcopal Church for not repenting of its pro-gay stance that goes against traditional Anglican teachings.
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African bishops who maintain that the US Episcopal Church has not fully dealt with the issue of same-sex blessings and the installation of the first openly gay bishop, V Gene Robinson.
There is now speculation that the bishop may boycott the crunch Lambeth Conference in 2008.
[Christianity Today UK] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop has criticised the US Episcopal Church for not repenting of its pro-gay stance that goes against traditional Anglican teachings.
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African bishops who maintain that the US Episcopal Church has not fully dealt with the issue of same-sex blessings and the installation of the first openly gay bishop, V Gene Robinson.
There is now speculation that the bishop may boycott the crunch Lambeth Conference in 2008.
Crucial “process” information from ACNS (all ACC members to be involved in HOB assessment)
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6711/
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--This seems to make it even more difficult to believe that there will be a primates meeting prior to Lambeth for two reasons....
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--This seems to make it even more difficult to believe that there will be a primates meeting prior to Lambeth for two reasons....
An Alumnus of VTS Writes: “An Instant Classic! The Re-Invention of Virginia Theological Seminary”
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6716/
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--The re-invention of VTS happened in back rooms, with carefully scripted, manipulated, Machiavellian politics. The abandonment of the Sexuality Statement in 1998 was the beginning of the new regime. How did this happen? The seminary sent out a survey to all its alumni. Should the seminary keep its statement? An overwhelming majority said, “Yes!” Those results disappeared, somehow. What about the faculty? With new appointments, the faculty was more divided, but they were still carrying the torch. But behind the scenes, Peter Lee, Dean Horne, and other trustees were working overtime to change things, and make it look so clean. I wrote the dean a letter, deeply disappointed. She wrote me back, assuring me that thoughtful, faithful people were on the job. Somehow, I wasn’t convinced.
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--The re-invention of VTS happened in back rooms, with carefully scripted, manipulated, Machiavellian politics. The abandonment of the Sexuality Statement in 1998 was the beginning of the new regime. How did this happen? The seminary sent out a survey to all its alumni. Should the seminary keep its statement? An overwhelming majority said, “Yes!” Those results disappeared, somehow. What about the faculty? With new appointments, the faculty was more divided, but they were still carrying the torch. But behind the scenes, Peter Lee, Dean Horne, and other trustees were working overtime to change things, and make it look so clean. I wrote the dean a letter, deeply disappointed. She wrote me back, assuring me that thoughtful, faithful people were on the job. Somehow, I wasn’t convinced.
Support for Bishop of Rochester’s boycott of the Lambeth Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/08/support-for-bishop-of-rochesters-boycott-of-the-lambeth-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--Prebendary Richard Bewes, the former Rector of All Souls Langham Place and former Chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council writes: “At the basic parish level - which is where the Church of England is really at - thousands of everyday lay church members will be encouraged by the stiffening of resolve that Bishop Nazir-Ali and other orthodox leaders are putting into the Lambeth processes, as the Archbishop of Canterbury continues to consult with his colleagues world-wide..”
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--Prebendary Richard Bewes, the former Rector of All Souls Langham Place and former Chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council writes: “At the basic parish level - which is where the Church of England is really at - thousands of everyday lay church members will be encouraged by the stiffening of resolve that Bishop Nazir-Ali and other orthodox leaders are putting into the Lambeth processes, as the Archbishop of Canterbury continues to consult with his colleagues world-wide..”
Postpone Lambeth Conference, African Primates Urge
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3862
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Only an Anglican Covenant can save the Anglican Communion from disintegration according to the primates from the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), who met and elected new leadership Oct. 3-5 in Mauritius, part of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
The primates said an "Anglican Communion Covenant is the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future." They rejected as “unsatisfactory” a 19-page report by the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates which found that the House of Bishops had largely satisfied the concerns raised by The Episcopal Church’s partners in the Communion.
In a two-page statement, the CAPA primates called for a special primates’ meeting and the postponement of next year’s Lambeth Conference.
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Only an Anglican Covenant can save the Anglican Communion from disintegration according to the primates from the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), who met and elected new leadership Oct. 3-5 in Mauritius, part of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
The primates said an "Anglican Communion Covenant is the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future." They rejected as “unsatisfactory” a 19-page report by the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates which found that the House of Bishops had largely satisfied the concerns raised by The Episcopal Church’s partners in the Communion.
In a two-page statement, the CAPA primates called for a special primates’ meeting and the postponement of next year’s Lambeth Conference.
Presiding Bishop Adds Four 'Episcopal Visitors'
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3859
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has accepted the nomination of four additional bishops to the “episcopal visitor” plan announced at the start of the recent House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans. This brings the total number of visitors to 12.
The four are: Bishop Philip Duncan of the Central Gulf Coast (Fla.), Bishop Duncan Gray of Mississippi, Bishop Suffragan Rayford High of Texas, and assisting Bishop Rodney Michel of Maryland. At least one of the four new visitors was unaware their application had been accepted when contacted by The Living Church.
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has accepted the nomination of four additional bishops to the “episcopal visitor” plan announced at the start of the recent House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans. This brings the total number of visitors to 12.
The four are: Bishop Philip Duncan of the Central Gulf Coast (Fla.), Bishop Duncan Gray of Mississippi, Bishop Suffragan Rayford High of Texas, and assisting Bishop Rodney Michel of Maryland. At least one of the four new visitors was unaware their application had been accepted when contacted by The Living Church.
The Bishop of Rochester speaks further on the Lambeth Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/08/the-bishop-of-rochester-speaks-further-on-the-lambeth-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--During his fifth Chavasse Lecture at Wycliffe Hall on Monday October 8th, on Lord of all, Christ, Culture and Context, the Bishop of Rochester responded to a number of questions about a number of matters, including the interview published in the Daily Telegraph.
“Boycott is not a word that I used. The problem is that the Lambeth conference has been for 150 years where Bishops gather together to teach. That is the main reason for it - to exercise their office as teachers of the faith for the worldwide communion.
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--During his fifth Chavasse Lecture at Wycliffe Hall on Monday October 8th, on Lord of all, Christ, Culture and Context, the Bishop of Rochester responded to a number of questions about a number of matters, including the interview published in the Daily Telegraph.
“Boycott is not a word that I used. The problem is that the Lambeth conference has been for 150 years where Bishops gather together to teach. That is the main reason for it - to exercise their office as teachers of the faith for the worldwide communion.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Bishop: Christ Church dispute will go to court
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/371541
[Savannah Morning News] 8 Oct 2007--A meeting meant for current members of Christ Church drew mostly former parishioners and other local Episcopalians to discuss the decision by leaders of the historic congregation to break away from the national Episcopal Church.
Bishop Henry I. Louttit led a 45-minute question-and-answer session Sunday after a special Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church at 34th and Abercorn streets.
[Savannah Morning News] 8 Oct 2007--A meeting meant for current members of Christ Church drew mostly former parishioners and other local Episcopalians to discuss the decision by leaders of the historic congregation to break away from the national Episcopal Church.
Bishop Henry I. Louttit led a 45-minute question-and-answer session Sunday after a special Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church at 34th and Abercorn streets.
Church clergy warned to remove dog-collars to prevent attacks
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.clergy.warned.to.remove.dogcollars.to.prevent.attacks/13764.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Oct 2007--A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
National Churchwatch, established in 1998 to advise churches and church workers on security and protection, has said that criminals often target clergymen because they believe they will have money.
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Oct 2007--A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
National Churchwatch, established in 1998 to advise churches and church workers on security and protection, has said that criminals often target clergymen because they believe they will have money.
The Next Twenty Years for Anglican Christians - Archbishop Peter Jensen
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/the_next_twenty_years_for_anglican_christians_archbishop_peter_jensen/
[Global South Anglicans] 8 Oct 2007--Crisis’, ‘schism’, ‘division’, ‘break-up’ – this has been the language of the last five years in the Anglican Communion. Again and again we have reached ‘defining moments’, ‘crucial meetings’ and ‘turning points’, only to discover that they simply lead into another period of uncertainty.
Uncertainty is now over. The decisive moments have passed. Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future. The Anglican Communion will never be the same again. The Windsor process has failed, largely because it refused to grapple with the key issue of the truth. A new and more biblical vision is required to help biblically faithful Anglican churches survive and grow in the contemporary world.
Some have still set their hopes on the Lambeth Conference. But that is to misunderstand the significance of our time. It can no longer either unify Anglicanism or speak with authority. The invitations have gone to virtually all, and it is likely that some of those not invited will still attend as guests. There are faithful Anglican bishops who are not invited, and there are others who cannot be present in good conscience. The solemn words of the 1998 Conference were ignored by the American Church in 2003, and any authority which we may have ascribed to the deliberations of the Bishops has been lost permanently. Not surprisingly, Lambeth 2008 is not going to attempt a similar exercise in conciliar pronouncements. Why would it? There is no vision here.
[Global South Anglicans] 8 Oct 2007--Crisis’, ‘schism’, ‘division’, ‘break-up’ – this has been the language of the last five years in the Anglican Communion. Again and again we have reached ‘defining moments’, ‘crucial meetings’ and ‘turning points’, only to discover that they simply lead into another period of uncertainty.
Uncertainty is now over. The decisive moments have passed. Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future. The Anglican Communion will never be the same again. The Windsor process has failed, largely because it refused to grapple with the key issue of the truth. A new and more biblical vision is required to help biblically faithful Anglican churches survive and grow in the contemporary world.
Some have still set their hopes on the Lambeth Conference. But that is to misunderstand the significance of our time. It can no longer either unify Anglicanism or speak with authority. The invitations have gone to virtually all, and it is likely that some of those not invited will still attend as guests. There are faithful Anglican bishops who are not invited, and there are others who cannot be present in good conscience. The solemn words of the 1998 Conference were ignored by the American Church in 2003, and any authority which we may have ascribed to the deliberations of the Bishops has been lost permanently. Not surprisingly, Lambeth 2008 is not going to attempt a similar exercise in conciliar pronouncements. Why would it? There is no vision here.
Nazir-Ali may boycott Lambeth
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=748
[EV News] 8 Oct 2007--The Daily Telegraph reports today that the Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali has said that he would find it difficult to attend the Lambeth Conference alongside those who consecrated or approved the appointment of Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop.
"Unless they are willing to say that what they did was contrary to the Gospel, and we all of us from time to time need to repent about what we have done wrong, I would find it very difficult to be with them in a council of bishops." He said.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali also backed the calls of African archbishops for Dr Williams to convene an emergency meeting of all the primates to decide whether to discipline the Americans or postpone Lambeth.
According to the Telegraph the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Scott-Joynt, has claimed more than half of English bishops are considering whether to attend the Lambeth Conference.
[EV News] 8 Oct 2007--The Daily Telegraph reports today that the Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali has said that he would find it difficult to attend the Lambeth Conference alongside those who consecrated or approved the appointment of Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop.
"Unless they are willing to say that what they did was contrary to the Gospel, and we all of us from time to time need to repent about what we have done wrong, I would find it very difficult to be with them in a council of bishops." He said.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali also backed the calls of African archbishops for Dr Williams to convene an emergency meeting of all the primates to decide whether to discipline the Americans or postpone Lambeth.
According to the Telegraph the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Scott-Joynt, has claimed more than half of English bishops are considering whether to attend the Lambeth Conference.
Foreign Archbishops Flock to U.S. Congregations
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15080014
[National Public Radio] 8 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church has been estranged from parts of the global Anglican church since a church in New Hampshire consecrated a gay bishop. The controversy has abated somewhat, but many in the church now worry about another potential divide. Depending on your point of view, African bishops are either stealing American worshippers — or rescuing them.
Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the United States.
In the past two years, there's been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.
[National Public Radio] 8 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church has been estranged from parts of the global Anglican church since a church in New Hampshire consecrated a gay bishop. The controversy has abated somewhat, but many in the church now worry about another potential divide. Depending on your point of view, African bishops are either stealing American worshippers — or rescuing them.
Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the United States.
In the past two years, there's been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.
Reformed Episcopal bishop of St. Stephen
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/oct/07/reformed_episcopal_bishop_st_stephen18305/
[Charleston Post and Courier] 8 Oct 2007--The Reformed Episcopal Diocese of the Southeast is about to consecrate a new bishop.
It recently elected the Very Rev. Alphonza Gadsden of St. Stephen, and his consecration is tentatively set for 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville.
Invitations will go out as soon as a few remaining standing committees officially endorse the election, said the Rev. Canon J. Ronald Moock. The invitation list will include the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, he said.
[Charleston Post and Courier] 8 Oct 2007--The Reformed Episcopal Diocese of the Southeast is about to consecrate a new bishop.
It recently elected the Very Rev. Alphonza Gadsden of St. Stephen, and his consecration is tentatively set for 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville.
Invitations will go out as soon as a few remaining standing committees officially endorse the election, said the Rev. Canon J. Ronald Moock. The invitation list will include the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, he said.
Archbishop Barry Morgan Misses the Truth in New Orleans
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6685/
[TitusOneNine] 8 Oct 2007--It is remarkable that someone as bright as the Archbishop of Wales could be so mistaken. The Bishops shifted ground considerably?Barry Morgan apparently attended a different meeting than the Bishop of Southern Ohio who accurately noted: we have said nothing new. As for the proposed plan for pastoral care, it was devised without even consulting with the leadership of the movement it was designed to care for. This is the equivalent of General Motors managment announcing a new company policy on health care without consulting the workers.
[TitusOneNine] 8 Oct 2007--It is remarkable that someone as bright as the Archbishop of Wales could be so mistaken. The Bishops shifted ground considerably?Barry Morgan apparently attended a different meeting than the Bishop of Southern Ohio who accurately noted: we have said nothing new. As for the proposed plan for pastoral care, it was devised without even consulting with the leadership of the movement it was designed to care for. This is the equivalent of General Motors managment announcing a new company policy on health care without consulting the workers.
Most Episcopalians just don’t care
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=45624
[Church Times] 8 Oct 2007--The US Church’s obsesssion with gay rights has made it irrelevant, says Harriet Baber
[Church Times] 8 Oct 2007--The US Church’s obsesssion with gay rights has made it irrelevant, says Harriet Baber
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Still Christ, not Christa
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22537060-5013596,00.html
[The Australian] 6 Oct 2007--It's scarcely surprising that since the '80s, whenever they've had the chance, feminists of both sexes have attempted to reinvent Christianity in their own image and likeness. They've used sexually inclusive language to mistranslate the Bible and neuter the divine persons to whom prayers are addressed ("Our parent, who art in heaven"). American Episcopalians have been particularly brazen in their attempts to feminise the Paraclete as Sophia and likewise commissioned statues of "Christa".
[The Australian] 6 Oct 2007--It's scarcely surprising that since the '80s, whenever they've had the chance, feminists of both sexes have attempted to reinvent Christianity in their own image and likeness. They've used sexually inclusive language to mistranslate the Bible and neuter the divine persons to whom prayers are addressed ("Our parent, who art in heaven"). American Episcopalians have been particularly brazen in their attempts to feminise the Paraclete as Sophia and likewise commissioned statues of "Christa".
Why is Bishop Louttit Lying?
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6657/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Why is Bishop Louttit saying that something happened that did not happen?
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Why is Bishop Louttit saying that something happened that did not happen?
Statement From The Rev. Marcus Robertson Concerning Actions Of The Diocese Of Georgia
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6655/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--The following is a statement released by the office of The Rev. Marcus B. Robertson regarding the utterly false claim by The Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia that The Rev. Marcus Robertson and The Rev. Sally Lufburrow have renounced their Holy Orders.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--The following is a statement released by the office of The Rev. Marcus B. Robertson regarding the utterly false claim by The Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia that The Rev. Marcus Robertson and The Rev. Sally Lufburrow have renounced their Holy Orders.
Diocese Of Georgia Fails To Notify Clergy of Action
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6653/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--On information from a commenter (thank you oscewicee!) we posted notices of Renunciation of Ordained Ministry of two priests by Bishop Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia and the revocation of licenses to officiate of the Rev. Layne Hansen and Deacon Greg Malleys, both canonically resident in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This is the content of the email that was received with the documents attached.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--On information from a commenter (thank you oscewicee!) we posted notices of Renunciation of Ordained Ministry of two priests by Bishop Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia and the revocation of licenses to officiate of the Rev. Layne Hansen and Deacon Greg Malleys, both canonically resident in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This is the content of the email that was received with the documents attached.
Diocese of Georgia Bishop Takes Action Against Four Priest
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6650/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Having received in writing a resolution dated September 30, 2007, in which Marcus B. Robertson places himself under the ecclesiastical authority of a province outside The Episcopal Church, thereby renouncing his ordained Ministry in The Episcopal Church, and with the advice and consent of the clerical members of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, I pronounce that the said renunciation is hereby accepted. Marcus B. Robertson is herewith released from the obligation of the Ministerial office and is deprived of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority as a Minister of God’s Word and Sacraments conferred in Ordination. This action is taken for causes that do not affect his moral character.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Having received in writing a resolution dated September 30, 2007, in which Marcus B. Robertson places himself under the ecclesiastical authority of a province outside The Episcopal Church, thereby renouncing his ordained Ministry in The Episcopal Church, and with the advice and consent of the clerical members of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, I pronounce that the said renunciation is hereby accepted. Marcus B. Robertson is herewith released from the obligation of the Ministerial office and is deprived of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority as a Minister of God’s Word and Sacraments conferred in Ordination. This action is taken for causes that do not affect his moral character.
Official support for US Bishops, while others doubt
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=45712
[Church Times] 6 Oct 2007--In the UK, the conservative Evangelical group Reform called for “discipline to be applied to the Episcopal Church”: “Any bishops involved in the consecration of Gene Robinson, or who teach that such consecrations are acceptable, should be disinvited from the Lambeth Conference.”
A statement described the Bishops’ response as “no more than cynical window-dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, the Episcopal Church Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making it quite clear that they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.”
[Church Times] 6 Oct 2007--In the UK, the conservative Evangelical group Reform called for “discipline to be applied to the Episcopal Church”: “Any bishops involved in the consecration of Gene Robinson, or who teach that such consecrations are acceptable, should be disinvited from the Lambeth Conference.”
A statement described the Bishops’ response as “no more than cynical window-dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, the Episcopal Church Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making it quite clear that they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.”
How many in the Anglican Communion? Ruth Gledhill does some counting
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/06/common-cause-partnership-plans-to-create-39th-province/
{Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership , whose leaders claim to represent 600 congregations and 100,000 people, will meet in December to plan how to create the 39th province of the 77 million member Anglican Communion.
Whenever that 77 million figure is quoted, it is worth recalling that 25 million of those are English Anglicans, the number of baptised. The churchgoing figures tell a different story. Fewer than a million go each Sunday. This puts the Anglican Communion closer to 52 million. The Episcopal Church itself is facing its own issues of falling clergy numbers, unviable parishes and costly litigation aimed at preventing the fleeing conservatives from taking their properties with them. The latest parish to defect into the care of the province of Uganda is one of Georgia’s oldest churches, Christ Church in Savannah, established 50 years before The Episcopal Church, in 1733, and the church where Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, was rector. The irony of this is not lost on commentators. While the Episcopal Church claims 2.4 million members, an analysis of the figures by conservative blogger David Virtue has established that fewer than 800,000 attend weekly services. Virtue claims that as many as 700 “orthodox Episcopalians” are leaving every week. Virtue has based his figures on graphs of attendance and figures on the Church’s own website. But even if the true figure is not that high, it nontheless seems that the church is haemorrhaging.
{Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership , whose leaders claim to represent 600 congregations and 100,000 people, will meet in December to plan how to create the 39th province of the 77 million member Anglican Communion.
Whenever that 77 million figure is quoted, it is worth recalling that 25 million of those are English Anglicans, the number of baptised. The churchgoing figures tell a different story. Fewer than a million go each Sunday. This puts the Anglican Communion closer to 52 million. The Episcopal Church itself is facing its own issues of falling clergy numbers, unviable parishes and costly litigation aimed at preventing the fleeing conservatives from taking their properties with them. The latest parish to defect into the care of the province of Uganda is one of Georgia’s oldest churches, Christ Church in Savannah, established 50 years before The Episcopal Church, in 1733, and the church where Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, was rector. The irony of this is not lost on commentators. While the Episcopal Church claims 2.4 million members, an analysis of the figures by conservative blogger David Virtue has established that fewer than 800,000 attend weekly services. Virtue claims that as many as 700 “orthodox Episcopalians” are leaving every week. Virtue has based his figures on graphs of attendance and figures on the Church’s own website. But even if the true figure is not that high, it nontheless seems that the church is haemorrhaging.
TEC “have decided to walk apart; trying to take rest of Anglican Communion with them” Orombi
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/06/tec-have-decided-to-walk-apart-trying-to-take-rest-of-anglican-communion-with-them-orombi/
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) has clarified its commitment to continue on their path to abandon the Biblical and historic faith of Anglicanism. They, in fact, have decided to walk apart, and we are distressed that they are trying to take the rest of the Anglican Communion with them.
We cannot take seriously a statement from TEC that merely pledges “as a body” to not do something. TEC betrayed the Anglican Communion when it elected and confirmed as bishop a divorced man living in a same-sex relationship. We were further betrayed when its. Presiding Bishop agreed to the Communiqué from the 2003 emergency Primates’ Meeting that he deeply regretted the “actions of the…Episcopal Church (USA),” and immediately proceeded to assert at a press conference that he would preside at that consecration. He then explained that the Primates believed their statement “as a body,” but individual primates were free to disagree.
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) has clarified its commitment to continue on their path to abandon the Biblical and historic faith of Anglicanism. They, in fact, have decided to walk apart, and we are distressed that they are trying to take the rest of the Anglican Communion with them.
We cannot take seriously a statement from TEC that merely pledges “as a body” to not do something. TEC betrayed the Anglican Communion when it elected and confirmed as bishop a divorced man living in a same-sex relationship. We were further betrayed when its. Presiding Bishop agreed to the Communiqué from the 2003 emergency Primates’ Meeting that he deeply regretted the “actions of the…Episcopal Church (USA),” and immediately proceeded to assert at a press conference that he would preside at that consecration. He then explained that the Primates believed their statement “as a body,” but individual primates were free to disagree.
CAPA Communique, Mauritius, Indian Ocean, October 2007
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/capa_communique_mauritius_indian_ocean_october_2007/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--We, delegates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, gathered at Hotel El Monaco, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius between the 2nd and 5th October 2007 for the tenth meeting of the Council under the chairmanship of the Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola. We represent eleven of the twelve Provinces of CAPA* as laity, clergy, bishops and archbishops and we issue this Communiqué from our meeting.
We have gathered in Mauritius, a delightful republic that is a bright light of hope for all developing nations after its years as a colonial territory of Great Britain. Mauritius is a diverse multi-ethnic society, with a stable democracy, regular free elections, a positive human rights record and a growing economy that has won world-wide recognition. We have come here to join with our sisters and brothers of the Province of the Indian Ocean to give thanks for their faithfulness as we all bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the only hope for eternal transformation.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--We, delegates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, gathered at Hotel El Monaco, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius between the 2nd and 5th October 2007 for the tenth meeting of the Council under the chairmanship of the Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola. We represent eleven of the twelve Provinces of CAPA* as laity, clergy, bishops and archbishops and we issue this Communiqué from our meeting.
We have gathered in Mauritius, a delightful republic that is a bright light of hope for all developing nations after its years as a colonial territory of Great Britain. Mauritius is a diverse multi-ethnic society, with a stable democracy, regular free elections, a positive human rights record and a growing economy that has won world-wide recognition. We have come here to join with our sisters and brothers of the Province of the Indian Ocean to give thanks for their faithfulness as we all bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the only hope for eternal transformation.
A Statement from the Most Rev’d Ian Ernest, Bishop of Mauritius, Archbishop of the Indian Ocean
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_statement_from_the_most_revd_ian_ernest/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--I write to you as the newly elected Chairman of CAPA with profound gratitude for the trust shown in me by my brother and sister delegates and also with the sure conviction that I can only serve in this role with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy of God our Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have just completed the CAPA Council Meeting for 2007 with the theme “CALLED TO A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS” and this, I believe, will be an appropriate theme for my service among you. I do not bring long years of experience nor the resources of a large Province but what I do bring is a confidence in Jesus Christ who has been my Lord, Savior and Friend since childhood. My family members have all been faithful Anglicans for generations and we know what it is to live by His grace and have seen His hand at work in our lives.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--I write to you as the newly elected Chairman of CAPA with profound gratitude for the trust shown in me by my brother and sister delegates and also with the sure conviction that I can only serve in this role with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy of God our Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have just completed the CAPA Council Meeting for 2007 with the theme “CALLED TO A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS” and this, I believe, will be an appropriate theme for my service among you. I do not bring long years of experience nor the resources of a large Province but what I do bring is a confidence in Jesus Christ who has been my Lord, Savior and Friend since childhood. My family members have all been faithful Anglicans for generations and we know what it is to live by His grace and have seen His hand at work in our lives.
African Archbishops respond to New Orleans, October 2007
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/capa_primates_meeting_in_mauritius_october_2007/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--While meeting in Mauritius we received a copy of the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. On first reading we find it to be unsatisfactory. The assurances made are without credibility and its preparation is severely compromised by numerous conflicts of interest. The report itself appears to be a determined effort to find a way for the full inclusion of The Episcopal Church with no attempt at discipline or change from their prior position.
We are convinced that what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism - to understand it simply in terms of the need for greater inclusivity in the face of changing sexual ethics is a grave mistake. It is not just about sexuality but also about the nature of Christ, the truth of the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. We see a trend that seems to ignore the careful balance of reformed catholicity and missionary endeavor that is our true heritage and replace it with a religion of cultural conformity that offers no transforming power and no eternal hope.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--While meeting in Mauritius we received a copy of the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. On first reading we find it to be unsatisfactory. The assurances made are without credibility and its preparation is severely compromised by numerous conflicts of interest. The report itself appears to be a determined effort to find a way for the full inclusion of The Episcopal Church with no attempt at discipline or change from their prior position.
We are convinced that what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism - to understand it simply in terms of the need for greater inclusivity in the face of changing sexual ethics is a grave mistake. It is not just about sexuality but also about the nature of Christ, the truth of the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. We see a trend that seems to ignore the careful balance of reformed catholicity and missionary endeavor that is our true heritage and replace it with a religion of cultural conformity that offers no transforming power and no eternal hope.
Response to the New Orleans House of Bishops Statement
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/116/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 6 Oct 2007--In July 2006, following the response of General Convention to the requests of the Windsor Report, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "There is no way in which the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment". In February 2007, the Primates at Dar concluded that "the response of The Episcopal Church to the requests made at Dromantine has not persuaded this meeting that we are yet in a position to recognise that The Episcopal Church has mended its broken relationships" and sought a further response with the warning that "if the reassurances requested of the House of Bishops cannot in good conscience be given, the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as a whole remains damaged at best, and this has consequences for the full participation of the Church in the life of the Communion". It is therefore unsurprising that last week, after the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church had met to seek to respond to the Primates, the Secretary General of the Communion wrote that "The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious that the very life of the Communion is standing at a crossroads at present".
[Anglican Communion Institute] 6 Oct 2007--In July 2006, following the response of General Convention to the requests of the Windsor Report, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "There is no way in which the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment". In February 2007, the Primates at Dar concluded that "the response of The Episcopal Church to the requests made at Dromantine has not persuaded this meeting that we are yet in a position to recognise that The Episcopal Church has mended its broken relationships" and sought a further response with the warning that "if the reassurances requested of the House of Bishops cannot in good conscience be given, the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as a whole remains damaged at best, and this has consequences for the full participation of the Church in the life of the Communion". It is therefore unsurprising that last week, after the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church had met to seek to respond to the Primates, the Secretary General of the Communion wrote that "The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious that the very life of the Communion is standing at a crossroads at present".
Friday, October 05, 2007
Church votes to allow gay pastors
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22523014-23109,00.html
[news.au.com] 5 Oct 2007--Bishops of of Norway's Lutheran church voted by a close majority to allow gay pastors, a church official told a press conference.
The Bishops Conference, a seven-man and four-woman panel of 11 Norwegian bishops, voted six to five for the measure, said their official representative, Olav Skjevesland. The panel is a consultative body.
[news.au.com] 5 Oct 2007--Bishops of of Norway's Lutheran church voted by a close majority to allow gay pastors, a church official told a press conference.
The Bishops Conference, a seven-man and four-woman panel of 11 Norwegian bishops, voted six to five for the measure, said their official representative, Olav Skjevesland. The panel is a consultative body.
Largest Orthodox Anglican Parish in San Antonio, Texas Joins Nigerian Body
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6836
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--All Saints Anglican Church, San Antonio's largest Anglican parish, formerly associated with the Anglican Church in America (ACA,) has joined the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a mission outreach under the ecclesiastical authority of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
It is the first San Antonio church to join CANA. There are currently six other CANA parishes in Texas. "The congregational vote was unanimous," said the Rev. C.B. "Chip" Harper, All Saints' rector. The 250-member parish uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--All Saints Anglican Church, San Antonio's largest Anglican parish, formerly associated with the Anglican Church in America (ACA,) has joined the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a mission outreach under the ecclesiastical authority of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
It is the first San Antonio church to join CANA. There are currently six other CANA parishes in Texas. "The congregational vote was unanimous," said the Rev. C.B. "Chip" Harper, All Saints' rector. The 250-member parish uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
Canadian Priest Sees New Ecclesiastical Structure Forged in Pittsburgh as Way Forward
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6843
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--The Rev. Canon Charlie Masters has been fighting the good fight in Canada for more than 25 years.
As the National Director of the Anglican Network in Canada and rector of St. George's in Lowville in the ultra liberal Diocese of Niagara along the U.S. border, he has watched with growing alarm and concern as the Anglican Church of Canada has followed The American Episcopal Church down the same sexual slippery slope, blessing same-sex unions and allowing non-celibate homosexual priests to function with impunity in the pulpit.
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--The Rev. Canon Charlie Masters has been fighting the good fight in Canada for more than 25 years.
As the National Director of the Anglican Network in Canada and rector of St. George's in Lowville in the ultra liberal Diocese of Niagara along the U.S. border, he has watched with growing alarm and concern as the Anglican Church of Canada has followed The American Episcopal Church down the same sexual slippery slope, blessing same-sex unions and allowing non-celibate homosexual priests to function with impunity in the pulpit.
African Anglican bishops steer away from gay row
http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN527862.html
[Reuters] 5 Oct 2007--African Anglican archbishops ducked homosexuality, the issue dividing the worldwide Communion, on Thursday and instead drew attention to the poorest continent's problems.
Last month Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, one of the Church's fiercest critics of gay rights, blasted bishops from the U.S. Episcopal Church for "ignoring" pleas to take a clear stand against consecrating gay clergy or blessing gay unions.
Chairing a meeting of African archbishops in Mauritius, Akinola was at pains to avoid the topic.
[Reuters] 5 Oct 2007--African Anglican archbishops ducked homosexuality, the issue dividing the worldwide Communion, on Thursday and instead drew attention to the poorest continent's problems.
Last month Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, one of the Church's fiercest critics of gay rights, blasted bishops from the U.S. Episcopal Church for "ignoring" pleas to take a clear stand against consecrating gay clergy or blessing gay unions.
Chairing a meeting of African archbishops in Mauritius, Akinola was at pains to avoid the topic.
A Layperson from the Diocese of Missouri Reflects on Our Bishops
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6637/
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--The House of Bishops have only to look in their own mirror to see the cause of the problem. Then if they bother to look at the Bible, they can find the origin of the problem. You can not have it both ways. The House of Bishops want this issue to go away, but they want to keep their 30 peices of silver in the form of money and real estate and sue every member of TEC that does not believe in their actions and silence everyone else so they will feel better---I don't think so.
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--The House of Bishops have only to look in their own mirror to see the cause of the problem. Then if they bother to look at the Bible, they can find the origin of the problem. You can not have it both ways. The House of Bishops want this issue to go away, but they want to keep their 30 peices of silver in the form of money and real estate and sue every member of TEC that does not believe in their actions and silence everyone else so they will feel better---I don't think so.
Gay Network Covers Gay Church
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6627/
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--You'll want to be sure and watch this clip from In The Life on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion....
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--You'll want to be sure and watch this clip from In The Life on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion....
Coming Out Day Liturgy Planned
http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2007/10/coming-out-day-liturgy-planned.html
[An Inch At A Time] 5 Oct 2007--"Removing the Mask" will be the theme of the fourth annual celebration in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm.
The celebration service at St. Wilfrid of York Church, Huntington Beach, is sponsored by the Episcopal Fellowship of Lesbians and Gays and Straights (EFLAGS), a ministry of St. Wilfrid's.
The popular GLBT choral music group, the South Coast Chorale, will once again provide music. The service is designed to encourage and empower all empower people to celebrate their personhood.
[An Inch At A Time] 5 Oct 2007--"Removing the Mask" will be the theme of the fourth annual celebration in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm.
The celebration service at St. Wilfrid of York Church, Huntington Beach, is sponsored by the Episcopal Fellowship of Lesbians and Gays and Straights (EFLAGS), a ministry of St. Wilfrid's.
The popular GLBT choral music group, the South Coast Chorale, will once again provide music. The service is designed to encourage and empower all empower people to celebrate their personhood.
ABC and advisors “making up the rules of the game as they go along”
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/04/abc-and-advisors-making-up-the-rules-of-the-game-as-they-go-along/
[Anglican Mainstrean] 5 Oct 2007--The Anglican Communion is heading for an almighty pile-up. Sometime in November, a conservative archbishop is planning to announce radical plans to adopt a breakaway group of conservative American dioceses,and the resulting collision could prove very messy indeed. Under the plans, between three and five dioceses will - over a period of time - opt out of The Episcopal Church and affiliate with the conservative province thousands of miles away. The proposals, which I have seen, have been drawn up over a number of months and follow extensive consultations between the bishops of the American dioceses and their counterparts in the province concerned. Lawyers have advised the American dioceses that they should enjoy greater protection than parishes when it comes to the inevitable tug-of-war with the litigious leadership of the Episcopal Church over property because they are deemed to be legal entities in their own right. The dioceses will, however, have to respect all the legal niceties before opting out - most have to confirm fundamental constitutional changes at two subsequent meetings of their diocesan synods - so the realignment is expected to be staggered.
[Anglican Mainstrean] 5 Oct 2007--The Anglican Communion is heading for an almighty pile-up. Sometime in November, a conservative archbishop is planning to announce radical plans to adopt a breakaway group of conservative American dioceses,and the resulting collision could prove very messy indeed. Under the plans, between three and five dioceses will - over a period of time - opt out of The Episcopal Church and affiliate with the conservative province thousands of miles away. The proposals, which I have seen, have been drawn up over a number of months and follow extensive consultations between the bishops of the American dioceses and their counterparts in the province concerned. Lawyers have advised the American dioceses that they should enjoy greater protection than parishes when it comes to the inevitable tug-of-war with the litigious leadership of the Episcopal Church over property because they are deemed to be legal entities in their own right. The dioceses will, however, have to respect all the legal niceties before opting out - most have to confirm fundamental constitutional changes at two subsequent meetings of their diocesan synods - so the realignment is expected to be staggered.
Church of Nigeria leaders dismayed that ABC did not check story first
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/04/church-of-nigeria-leaders-dismayed-that-abc-did-not-check-story-first/
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Oct 2007--Contacted by The Church of England Newspaper after the UPI story was published, Archbishop Akinola’s office investigated the matter and told the CEN the story was false. Leaders of the Church of Nigeria were dismayed Dr Williams would issue such a harsh statement without first checking upon its veracity.
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Oct 2007--Contacted by The Church of England Newspaper after the UPI story was published, Archbishop Akinola’s office investigated the matter and told the CEN the story was false. Leaders of the Church of Nigeria were dismayed Dr Williams would issue such a harsh statement without first checking upon its veracity.
The ABC “will be pouring petrol on the flames of schism” if he forces JSC report on the Anglican Communion
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/04/the-abc-will-be-pouring-petrol-on-the-flames-of-schism-if-he-forces-jsc-report-on-the-anglican-communion/
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Oct 2007--A blogger on the Thinking Anglicans website summed up the mood in the evangelical camp with his comment that if Dr Williams attempts to force the report on the Anglican Communion, “he will be pouring petrol on the flames of schism.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Oct 2007--A blogger on the Thinking Anglicans website summed up the mood in the evangelical camp with his comment that if Dr Williams attempts to force the report on the Anglican Communion, “he will be pouring petrol on the flames of schism.”
Primate of Uganda: Episcopal Bishops Were Coached
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3853
[The Living Church] 5 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s participation in the evaluation of the House of Bishops’ response to the primates was a “gross conflict of interest,” according to Archbishop Henry Orombi, Primate of Uganda.
The archbishop said the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates inserted themselves uninvited into a process the primates originally devised.
“Our Dar es Salaam communiqué did not envision interference from the Communion in the American House of Bishops while they were considering our requests,” Archbishop Orombi said in a written statement provided to a reporter for The Living Church. “Yet, members of the Joint Standing Committee met with Presiding Bishop [Jefferts] Schori in the course of the preparation of their House of Bishops’ statement in order to suggest certain words, which, if included in the statement, would assure endorsement by the Joint Standing Committee.”
[The Living Church] 5 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s participation in the evaluation of the House of Bishops’ response to the primates was a “gross conflict of interest,” according to Archbishop Henry Orombi, Primate of Uganda.
The archbishop said the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates inserted themselves uninvited into a process the primates originally devised.
“Our Dar es Salaam communiqué did not envision interference from the Communion in the American House of Bishops while they were considering our requests,” Archbishop Orombi said in a written statement provided to a reporter for The Living Church. “Yet, members of the Joint Standing Committee met with Presiding Bishop [Jefferts] Schori in the course of the preparation of their House of Bishops’ statement in order to suggest certain words, which, if included in the statement, would assure endorsement by the Joint Standing Committee.”
The Dog That Didn't Bark
http://www.stephenswitness.com/2007/10/dog-that-didnt-bark.html
[Stephen's Witness] 5 Oct 2007--Sometimes what you don’t say speaks more tellingly than what you do. One famous case is that of the dog that didn’t bark in the Sherlock Holmes story “Silver Blaze.” The dog did not bark because the crime was an inside job and the malefactor was known to him. Some such case applies to the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in their latest Statement from New Orleans.
I will not rehearse the details of that Statement, as everyone under the sun has already done so. What I want to do is to pose three questions which the bishops chose not to address but for which I think there are obvious unspoken answers.
[Stephen's Witness] 5 Oct 2007--Sometimes what you don’t say speaks more tellingly than what you do. One famous case is that of the dog that didn’t bark in the Sherlock Holmes story “Silver Blaze.” The dog did not bark because the crime was an inside job and the malefactor was known to him. Some such case applies to the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in their latest Statement from New Orleans.
I will not rehearse the details of that Statement, as everyone under the sun has already done so. What I want to do is to pose three questions which the bishops chose not to address but for which I think there are obvious unspoken answers.
Local Episcopalians updated on possible split with main denomination over homosexuality
http://www.whig.com/291484330212284.php
[Quincy Herald Whig] 5 Oct 2007--Local Episcopalians were briefed this week on where the long-simmering dispute involving the church's stance on homosexuality stands, specifically the ordination of homosexuals.
The Rev. Lewis Payne of Quincy, a retired Anglican priest, presided over a general information meeting.
"It was nothing major, there was nothing new," Payne said. "These kinds of meetings are always held a couple of weeks before the (state) convention in each of the deaneries, or regional units."
[Quincy Herald Whig] 5 Oct 2007--Local Episcopalians were briefed this week on where the long-simmering dispute involving the church's stance on homosexuality stands, specifically the ordination of homosexuals.
The Rev. Lewis Payne of Quincy, a retired Anglican priest, presided over a general information meeting.
"It was nothing major, there was nothing new," Payne said. "These kinds of meetings are always held a couple of weeks before the (state) convention in each of the deaneries, or regional units."
Observations of Presiding Bishop Mouneer Anis on the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/observations_of_presiding_bishop_mouneer_anis_on_the_house_of_bishops_meeti/
[Global South Anglican] 5 Oct 2007--The issue of homosexuality and the blessing of same-sex marriages is just a tiny part of the direction that TEC is moving in. Their views of the scriptures, salvation and Jesus Christ, His divinity and uniqueness, are very different from the majority views of the Anglican Communion. They strongly believe that this new direction is prophetic and will lead to reformation within the Church. For this reason they cannot wait for the rest of the Communion because they are taking the lead towards this new direction. Several bishops are very critical of the idea of a Covenant; this is why it was not mentioned in their response to the Primates. The Archbishop of Canterbury graciously addressed the House of Bishops and shared that he believed that the heart of the issue is about the understanding of ecclesiology and Catholicity. He also shared with them that it is a Bishop’s responsibility to serve the common discernment of the whole Church. It was surprising for me to observe the angry response of several Bishops to these remarks. Perhaps this is because the Archbishop of Canterbury pointed out the very reason for the crisis we are in. This reason is the spirit of individualism within the American Church. Such individualism is manifested by their disregard for the rest of the Communion and ecumenical partners.
[Global South Anglican] 5 Oct 2007--The issue of homosexuality and the blessing of same-sex marriages is just a tiny part of the direction that TEC is moving in. Their views of the scriptures, salvation and Jesus Christ, His divinity and uniqueness, are very different from the majority views of the Anglican Communion. They strongly believe that this new direction is prophetic and will lead to reformation within the Church. For this reason they cannot wait for the rest of the Communion because they are taking the lead towards this new direction. Several bishops are very critical of the idea of a Covenant; this is why it was not mentioned in their response to the Primates. The Archbishop of Canterbury graciously addressed the House of Bishops and shared that he believed that the heart of the issue is about the understanding of ecclesiology and Catholicity. He also shared with them that it is a Bishop’s responsibility to serve the common discernment of the whole Church. It was surprising for me to observe the angry response of several Bishops to these remarks. Perhaps this is because the Archbishop of Canterbury pointed out the very reason for the crisis we are in. This reason is the spirit of individualism within the American Church. Such individualism is manifested by their disregard for the rest of the Communion and ecumenical partners.
I am incredibly disappointed and grieved - Archbishop Mouneer Anis
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/why_i_disagree_with_the_jsc_report_archbishop_mouneer_anis/
[Global South Anglican] 5 Oct 2007--It is very unfortunate that not all the members of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) were present when a response to the HOB of TEC was drafted. The lack of discussion and interaction will not produce a report that expresses the view of the whole committee.
The response of the House of Bishops of TEC represents a superficial shift from their previous position; the fact remains that their position since 2003 has not changed. The House of Bishops has not responded positively to either the Windsor Report or the Dar El Salam Primates recommendation.
Therefore I strongly disagree with the report of the JSC which states that "We believe that the Episcopal Church has clarified all outstanding questions relating to their response to the questions directed explicitly to them, and on which clarifications were sought by the 30th of September, and given the necessary assurance sought of them." The reasons for my disagreement are as follows....
[Global South Anglican] 5 Oct 2007--It is very unfortunate that not all the members of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) were present when a response to the HOB of TEC was drafted. The lack of discussion and interaction will not produce a report that expresses the view of the whole committee.
The response of the House of Bishops of TEC represents a superficial shift from their previous position; the fact remains that their position since 2003 has not changed. The House of Bishops has not responded positively to either the Windsor Report or the Dar El Salam Primates recommendation.
Therefore I strongly disagree with the report of the JSC which states that "We believe that the Episcopal Church has clarified all outstanding questions relating to their response to the questions directed explicitly to them, and on which clarifications were sought by the 30th of September, and given the necessary assurance sought of them." The reasons for my disagreement are as follows....
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The New Anglican Revolution
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6827
[VirtueOnline] 4 Oct 2007--Just last week Time Magazine and the New York Times, among others, proclaimed the coming split in the American Episcopal Church. The proclamation comes in the wake of the American House of Bishops' predictable decision not to submit to the judgment of the senior Bishops of the Anglican Communion that TEC should stop consecrating practising homosexuals as bishops and blessing unions of same-sex couples.
Lost in the glaring media headlines is any awareness at all of a fissure within worldwide Anglicanism that cuts far deeper than even our profound theological and ethical differences. This divide lies in the area of what we will call "mission-competence."
The sad reality is that most American Episcopal churches, "orthodox" and "progressive" alike, are increasingly incapable of reaching a post-modern generation with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
[VirtueOnline] 4 Oct 2007--Just last week Time Magazine and the New York Times, among others, proclaimed the coming split in the American Episcopal Church. The proclamation comes in the wake of the American House of Bishops' predictable decision not to submit to the judgment of the senior Bishops of the Anglican Communion that TEC should stop consecrating practising homosexuals as bishops and blessing unions of same-sex couples.
Lost in the glaring media headlines is any awareness at all of a fissure within worldwide Anglicanism that cuts far deeper than even our profound theological and ethical differences. This divide lies in the area of what we will call "mission-competence."
The sad reality is that most American Episcopal churches, "orthodox" and "progressive" alike, are increasingly incapable of reaching a post-modern generation with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
White Anglicans accused of pressuring African churches on anti-gay agenda
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/5848
[ekklesia] 4 Oct 2007--Lesbian and gay Christians in the UK have criticised primarily white conservative Christians for pressurising African Anglican leaders to back them, and have said that the US Episcopal Church's compromise in saying it will not ordain gay people or bless partnerships at the moment is likely to backfire.
The response comes after a press release from the conservative Church Society network in England, effectively telling African Anglican churches meeting in Mauritius over the next few days to take a series of measures to outlaw Western churches who take a different view to them.
[ekklesia] 4 Oct 2007--Lesbian and gay Christians in the UK have criticised primarily white conservative Christians for pressurising African Anglican leaders to back them, and have said that the US Episcopal Church's compromise in saying it will not ordain gay people or bless partnerships at the moment is likely to backfire.
The response comes after a press release from the conservative Church Society network in England, effectively telling African Anglican churches meeting in Mauritius over the next few days to take a series of measures to outlaw Western churches who take a different view to them.
Win, Lose or Draw?
http://gadgetvicar.typepad.com/gadgetvicar/2007/09/win-lose-or-dra.html
[GadgetVicar] 4 Oct 2007--The AB of C is off to New Orleans for a visit to the bishops of The Episcopal Church. They will try to reassure him that they are complying with the requests of the Dar Es Salaam Communique as much as they can, but that their polity prevents them from rolling back the clock and undoing what has been done.
Will Rowan buy it? Maybe. Will the Global South primates? Doubtful. Can there yet be healing for the Anglican Communion? I hope and pray so.
[GadgetVicar] 4 Oct 2007--The AB of C is off to New Orleans for a visit to the bishops of The Episcopal Church. They will try to reassure him that they are complying with the requests of the Dar Es Salaam Communique as much as they can, but that their polity prevents them from rolling back the clock and undoing what has been done.
Will Rowan buy it? Maybe. Will the Global South primates? Doubtful. Can there yet be healing for the Anglican Communion? I hope and pray so.
Christianity's Image Problem
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1667639,00.html
[Time] 4 Oct 2007--It used to be, says David Kinnaman, that Christianity was both big and beloved in the U.S. — even among its non-adherents. Back in 1996, a poll taken by Kinnaman's organization, the Barna Group, found that 83% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, and that fewer than 20% of non-Christians held an unfavorable view of Christianity. But, as Kinnaman puts it in his new book (co-authored with Gabe Lyons) UnChristian, "That was then."
Barna polls conducted between 2004 and this year, sampling 440 non-Christians (and a similar number of Christians) aged 16 to 29, found that 38% had a "bad impression" of present-day Christianity. "It's not a pretty picture" the authors write. Barna's clientele is made up primarily of evangelical groups.
Kinnaman says non-Christians' biggest complaints about the faith are not immediately theological: Jesus and the Bible get relatively good marks. Rather, he sees resentment as focused on perceived Christian attitudes. Nine out of ten outsiders found Christians too "anti-homosexual," and nearly as many perceived it as "hypocritical" and "judgmental." Seventy-five percent found it "too involved in politics."
[Time] 4 Oct 2007--It used to be, says David Kinnaman, that Christianity was both big and beloved in the U.S. — even among its non-adherents. Back in 1996, a poll taken by Kinnaman's organization, the Barna Group, found that 83% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, and that fewer than 20% of non-Christians held an unfavorable view of Christianity. But, as Kinnaman puts it in his new book (co-authored with Gabe Lyons) UnChristian, "That was then."
Barna polls conducted between 2004 and this year, sampling 440 non-Christians (and a similar number of Christians) aged 16 to 29, found that 38% had a "bad impression" of present-day Christianity. "It's not a pretty picture" the authors write. Barna's clientele is made up primarily of evangelical groups.
Kinnaman says non-Christians' biggest complaints about the faith are not immediately theological: Jesus and the Bible get relatively good marks. Rather, he sees resentment as focused on perceived Christian attitudes. Nine out of ten outsiders found Christians too "anti-homosexual," and nearly as many perceived it as "hypocritical" and "judgmental." Seventy-five percent found it "too involved in politics."
Unfortunate split
http://savannahnow.com/node/369312
[Savanah Morning News] 4 Oct 2007--Chatham County tax documents show the Protestant Episcopal Church owns six local properties. Christ Church is not one of them.
Both the Bull Street church building itself, and the nearby structure that holds the parish house, offices and children's school are owned by the Christ Church wardens and vestry.
That's an important bit of information, considering the local congregation's recent announcement that it intends to separate from the Episcopal Church of the United States.
[Savanah Morning News] 4 Oct 2007--Chatham County tax documents show the Protestant Episcopal Church owns six local properties. Christ Church is not one of them.
Both the Bull Street church building itself, and the nearby structure that holds the parish house, offices and children's school are owned by the Christ Church wardens and vestry.
That's an important bit of information, considering the local congregation's recent announcement that it intends to separate from the Episcopal Church of the United States.
Common Cause College of Bishops could lead to union in 15 months
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/03/common-cause-college-of-bishops-could-lead-to-union-in-15-months/
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Oct 2007--Fifty-one bishops, including 13 active and retired bishops of the Episcopal Church meet in Pittsburgh last week to form an Anglican federation in North America independent of the authority of The Episcopal Church.
The Common Cause partnership drew bishops from the conservative wing of the Episcopal Church and nine other jurisdictions, including the American bishops of Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Oct 2007--Fifty-one bishops, including 13 active and retired bishops of the Episcopal Church meet in Pittsburgh last week to form an Anglican federation in North America independent of the authority of The Episcopal Church.
The Common Cause partnership drew bishops from the conservative wing of the Episcopal Church and nine other jurisdictions, including the American bishops of Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda
ACO Manipulating the Communion
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=742
[EV News] 4 Oct 2007--The Anglican Communion Office has issued a report, purportedly from the Joint Standing Committee of Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council essentially affirming the US House of Bishops statement of last week. In an astonishing piece of manipulation the one conservative (Mouneer Anis) who had attended the meeting in New Orleans was squeezed out of the drafting process whereas the US Presiding Bishop was included. The ACO is heavily funded by the US Episcopal Church and has for a long time been considered to be manipulating agendas and events in order to promote the revisionist cause.
This latest move adds weight to the concerns and destroys any credibility the report might have had.
The report has been posted on the ACO website should anyone think it worth reading. As we predicted beforehand it is taking the view that the US Bishops did just enough (which they didn't) in order to satisfy the requirements made of them. Clearly it had already been agreed what the report would say and how the US Bishops would have to phrase their response in order to match it.
Bishops Mouneer's response can be found on the Anglican Mainstream website.
Related articles:
http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2007/10/tec-gone-far-en.html
JSC report to Rowan: TEC gone far enough; serious problems remain - Ruth Gledhill-Times
Online
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90678_ENG_HTM.htm
House of Bishops provides necessary clarifications, Joint Standing Committee report finds - Episcopal Life Online
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6602/#more
Leander Harding: Response to the Report of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Primates - TitusOneNine
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/04episcopal.html?_r=2&ref=us&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Panel Says Episcopalians Have Met Anglican Directive - The New York Times
http://walkingwithintegrity.blogspot.com/2007/10/620-park-avenue-311-rochester-ny-14607.html
Integrity President Comments On Joint Standing Committee Report - Walking with Integrity
[EV News] 4 Oct 2007--The Anglican Communion Office has issued a report, purportedly from the Joint Standing Committee of Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council essentially affirming the US House of Bishops statement of last week. In an astonishing piece of manipulation the one conservative (Mouneer Anis) who had attended the meeting in New Orleans was squeezed out of the drafting process whereas the US Presiding Bishop was included. The ACO is heavily funded by the US Episcopal Church and has for a long time been considered to be manipulating agendas and events in order to promote the revisionist cause.
This latest move adds weight to the concerns and destroys any credibility the report might have had.
The report has been posted on the ACO website should anyone think it worth reading. As we predicted beforehand it is taking the view that the US Bishops did just enough (which they didn't) in order to satisfy the requirements made of them. Clearly it had already been agreed what the report would say and how the US Bishops would have to phrase their response in order to match it.
Bishops Mouneer's response can be found on the Anglican Mainstream website.
Related articles:
http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2007/10/tec-gone-far-en.html
JSC report to Rowan: TEC gone far enough; serious problems remain - Ruth Gledhill-Times
Online
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90678_ENG_HTM.htm
House of Bishops provides necessary clarifications, Joint Standing Committee report finds - Episcopal Life Online
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6602/#more
Leander Harding: Response to the Report of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Primates - TitusOneNine
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/04episcopal.html?_r=2&ref=us&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Panel Says Episcopalians Have Met Anglican Directive - The New York Times
http://walkingwithintegrity.blogspot.com/2007/10/620-park-avenue-311-rochester-ny-14607.html
Integrity President Comments On Joint Standing Committee Report - Walking with Integrity
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
All Saints Angel-i-can or Anglican Church? That is the question
http://www.hsvvoice.com/news/2007/1003/religion/124.html
[Hot Springs Village Voice] 3 Sep 2007--Laughter was heard all over Coronado Center last Wednesday as organizations participated in the Hot Springs Village 4th annual Community Fair. The folks at All Saints Anglican Church had fun teaching the community how to say "Anglican." Many of the community see the word and immediately say, "Angel-i-can.
[Hot Springs Village Voice] 3 Sep 2007--Laughter was heard all over Coronado Center last Wednesday as organizations participated in the Hot Springs Village 4th annual Community Fair. The folks at All Saints Anglican Church had fun teaching the community how to say "Anglican." Many of the community see the word and immediately say, "Angel-i-can.
Call for Meeting of Primates
http://covenant-communion.com/?p=226
[Covenant] 3 Oct 2007--The statement by the American House of Bishops following their recently-concluded meeting in New Orleans may be interpreted as a step—tentative, perhaps—in the right direction, a genuine attempt to articulate a commitment to communion, beyond mere partisanship and assertions of autonomy.
In the context, however, of “torn fabric” in the Anglican Communion, as the American bishops candidly acknowledged, their excruciatingly careful compromise reveals the needed assurance to the Instruments of Communion less fully and clearly than the present circumstances call for. A pragmatic ceasefire among one part of the Anglican family, while surely welcome, does not itself carry off the “repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation enjoined on us by Christ” (Windsor Report §134) that will be the measure of peace truly restored.
[Covenant] 3 Oct 2007--The statement by the American House of Bishops following their recently-concluded meeting in New Orleans may be interpreted as a step—tentative, perhaps—in the right direction, a genuine attempt to articulate a commitment to communion, beyond mere partisanship and assertions of autonomy.
In the context, however, of “torn fabric” in the Anglican Communion, as the American bishops candidly acknowledged, their excruciatingly careful compromise reveals the needed assurance to the Instruments of Communion less fully and clearly than the present circumstances call for. A pragmatic ceasefire among one part of the Anglican family, while surely welcome, does not itself carry off the “repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation enjoined on us by Christ” (Windsor Report §134) that will be the measure of peace truly restored.
An Ecclesiological Question for the Readers of Stand Firm
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6571/
[Stand Firm] 3 Oct 2007--A small but growing number of purportedly orthodox clergy and lay theologians have begun to move in a similar direction; some even suggesting that the historic position with regard to human sexuality may be legitimately overturned so long as it is done decently and in good order with the approval of the various instruments of unity. Perhaps this movement toward compromise points to a deeper divide among the orthodox between those who see sexuality issues (especially as they relate to special revelation) as essential to the Faith and those who do not? Perhaps it reveals a division between those who are opposed to the practice of same sex blessings primarily because it represents a subversion of God’s Word and those who are opposed primarily because it was done apart from the proper conciliar process and authority? All of this leads me to pose two entirely hypothetical questions to Stand Firm readers that I invite you to answer in the threads below....
[Stand Firm] 3 Oct 2007--A small but growing number of purportedly orthodox clergy and lay theologians have begun to move in a similar direction; some even suggesting that the historic position with regard to human sexuality may be legitimately overturned so long as it is done decently and in good order with the approval of the various instruments of unity. Perhaps this movement toward compromise points to a deeper divide among the orthodox between those who see sexuality issues (especially as they relate to special revelation) as essential to the Faith and those who do not? Perhaps it reveals a division between those who are opposed to the practice of same sex blessings primarily because it represents a subversion of God’s Word and those who are opposed primarily because it was done apart from the proper conciliar process and authority? All of this leads me to pose two entirely hypothetical questions to Stand Firm readers that I invite you to answer in the threads below....
So its no Primates’ Meeting then.
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/02/so-its-no-primates-meeting-then/
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Oct 2007--AM website notes that the Windsor Report Process, for which the New Orleans meeting was a significant terminus ad quem, was initiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury calling Primates’ Meetings in London 2003, Northern Ireland 2005 and Dar Es Salaam 2007. It would be quite proper to expect that the process would be concluded by a Primates’ Meeting. But this does not seem to be in view.
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Oct 2007--AM website notes that the Windsor Report Process, for which the New Orleans meeting was a significant terminus ad quem, was initiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury calling Primates’ Meetings in London 2003, Northern Ireland 2005 and Dar Es Salaam 2007. It would be quite proper to expect that the process would be concluded by a Primates’ Meeting. But this does not seem to be in view.
Interview with Bishop Robert Duncan
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1104/interview4.html
[Religion & Ethics News Weekly] 3 Oct 2007--Read more of Kim Lawton's September 27, 2007 interview with Bishop Robert Duncan of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh....
[Religion & Ethics News Weekly] 3 Oct 2007--Read more of Kim Lawton's September 27, 2007 interview with Bishop Robert Duncan of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh....
Marriage and Scripture - the fundamentals: A parish clergyman writes
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/02/marriage-and-scripture-the-fundamentals-a-parish-clergyman-writes/
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Oct 2007--The issue of sexuality dominates the way Western Christians, influenced by their culture, interpret scripture. It must not be allowed to fracture our communion. Children and their potential, rather than the sexual appetites of adults, must be given priority in the Christian church. Created in the image of God, in their vulnerability as with the poor and weak, their potential can so easily be destroyed by adults/ the rich and strong. Created under God by their parents, children nurture best within the love of natural parents. The lie, perpetrated ever more in the west, must be resisted - that we are either born gay or hetero-sexual. For most human beings an emerging ambivalent sexual urge needs guiding, as with most other human urges. Any stable society should encourage that urge towards hetero-sexual and monogamous marriage, for the sake of stable nurturing of the next generation of children. Within the marriage liturgies of the Anglican Communion, please can we revert to Archbishop Cranmer’s statement, that marriage is first for the sake of children?
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Oct 2007--The issue of sexuality dominates the way Western Christians, influenced by their culture, interpret scripture. It must not be allowed to fracture our communion. Children and their potential, rather than the sexual appetites of adults, must be given priority in the Christian church. Created in the image of God, in their vulnerability as with the poor and weak, their potential can so easily be destroyed by adults/ the rich and strong. Created under God by their parents, children nurture best within the love of natural parents. The lie, perpetrated ever more in the west, must be resisted - that we are either born gay or hetero-sexual. For most human beings an emerging ambivalent sexual urge needs guiding, as with most other human urges. Any stable society should encourage that urge towards hetero-sexual and monogamous marriage, for the sake of stable nurturing of the next generation of children. Within the marriage liturgies of the Anglican Communion, please can we revert to Archbishop Cranmer’s statement, that marriage is first for the sake of children?
Split Looming Despite Compromise
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/split-looming-despite-compromise-cen-100507-p-3/
[The Church of England Newspaper] 3 Oct 2007--Reactions to the US House of Bishops New Orleans statement amongst the Primates have broken along factional lines, with conservatives denouncing the statement as insubstantial and dishonest, while liberals have praised its candor and modesty.
The divergent views of the adequacy of the US response to the Primates request for clarification of American church practices towards gay bishops and blessings further complicates the Archbishop of Canterbury’s hopes of forestalling a schism within the Communion.
Straightened finances and fears of a boycott by the primates of Wales, Ireland and Scotland to an emergency primates’ meeting to discuss the American response to the primates’ Dar es Salaam communique, has led to Dr. Williams telephoning the Communion’s primates to try to find a common mind. Whether the primates’ round robin will produce an amicable resolution appears to be further hampered by the different world views of the players in Anglicanism’s great game. Aides to the Archbishop told The Church of England Newspaper during his meeting with the American bishops in New Orleans that Dr. Williams hoped to find the right combination of words that would satisfy the church’s disparate factions.
However, leaders of the Global South coalition have demanded not words, but action from the American church, and have little trust in the veracity of American promises of good behavior. Leaders of the liberal wing of the US Church and across the Communion are also divided, with some arguing that truth must not be subordinated to expediency while others hope their place within the councils of the church can be saved through the artful use of semantics.
[The Church of England Newspaper] 3 Oct 2007--Reactions to the US House of Bishops New Orleans statement amongst the Primates have broken along factional lines, with conservatives denouncing the statement as insubstantial and dishonest, while liberals have praised its candor and modesty.
The divergent views of the adequacy of the US response to the Primates request for clarification of American church practices towards gay bishops and blessings further complicates the Archbishop of Canterbury’s hopes of forestalling a schism within the Communion.
Straightened finances and fears of a boycott by the primates of Wales, Ireland and Scotland to an emergency primates’ meeting to discuss the American response to the primates’ Dar es Salaam communique, has led to Dr. Williams telephoning the Communion’s primates to try to find a common mind. Whether the primates’ round robin will produce an amicable resolution appears to be further hampered by the different world views of the players in Anglicanism’s great game. Aides to the Archbishop told The Church of England Newspaper during his meeting with the American bishops in New Orleans that Dr. Williams hoped to find the right combination of words that would satisfy the church’s disparate factions.
However, leaders of the Global South coalition have demanded not words, but action from the American church, and have little trust in the veracity of American promises of good behavior. Leaders of the liberal wing of the US Church and across the Communion are also divided, with some arguing that truth must not be subordinated to expediency while others hope their place within the councils of the church can be saved through the artful use of semantics.
Christ Church, Savannah, Votes to Place themselves under the Province of Uganda
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6565/
[TitusOneNine] 3 Oct 2007--The vestry of historic Christ Church has voted to continue in a province in good standing with the rest of the worldwide Anglican Communion by placing itself under the pastoral care of The Rt. Reverend John Guernsey, Rector of All Saint’s Church in Woodbridge, VA and a bishop of the worldwide Anglican Communion’s Province of Uganda, Africa. The vestry was unanimous in its decision.
The vote follows a period of discernment and prayer that stretches back to 2000. “For seven years we have studied scripture, prayed and engaged in deep and significant conversations within the vestry, the congregation and the diocese,” Senior Warden Steve Dantin said. “It became clear to us that this was the best direction for us to take in order to proclaim the authority of Holy Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.”
Related article:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6573/
A Statement from the Bishop of Georgia - TitusOneNine
[TitusOneNine] 3 Oct 2007--The vestry of historic Christ Church has voted to continue in a province in good standing with the rest of the worldwide Anglican Communion by placing itself under the pastoral care of The Rt. Reverend John Guernsey, Rector of All Saint’s Church in Woodbridge, VA and a bishop of the worldwide Anglican Communion’s Province of Uganda, Africa. The vestry was unanimous in its decision.
The vote follows a period of discernment and prayer that stretches back to 2000. “For seven years we have studied scripture, prayed and engaged in deep and significant conversations within the vestry, the congregation and the diocese,” Senior Warden Steve Dantin said. “It became clear to us that this was the best direction for us to take in order to proclaim the authority of Holy Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.”
Related article:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6573/
A Statement from the Bishop of Georgia - TitusOneNine
South Africa has elected a new Primate
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/south_africa_has_elected_a_new_primate_cen_5_oct_2007/
[The Church of England Newspaper] 3 Oct 2007--The Cape Town diocesan electoral assembly on Sept 25 selected the Bishop of Grahamstown, the Rt Rev Thabo Cecil Makgoba, as Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan and Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Bishop Makgoba will succeed the Most Rev Njongonkulu Ndungane as archbishop, and will assume office on Jan 1. The Dean of the Province, Bishop David Beetge of the Highveld will serve as interim primate until Bishop Makgoba assumes office.
Viewed as a conservative on issues of human sexuality, the new archbishop is expected to move the South African church closer to the other African Anglican provinces, while maintaining the Province’s support of HIV/AIDS ministries, economic empowerment and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
[The Church of England Newspaper] 3 Oct 2007--The Cape Town diocesan electoral assembly on Sept 25 selected the Bishop of Grahamstown, the Rt Rev Thabo Cecil Makgoba, as Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan and Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Bishop Makgoba will succeed the Most Rev Njongonkulu Ndungane as archbishop, and will assume office on Jan 1. The Dean of the Province, Bishop David Beetge of the Highveld will serve as interim primate until Bishop Makgoba assumes office.
Viewed as a conservative on issues of human sexuality, the new archbishop is expected to move the South African church closer to the other African Anglican provinces, while maintaining the Province’s support of HIV/AIDS ministries, economic empowerment and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Embarking on a hazardous route to a desired holy Destination
http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2007/09/embarking-on-hazardous-route-to-desired.html
[The Prayer Book Society] 3 Oct 2007--I was present for the closing service (“Holy Eucharist” from the ECUSA 1979 Prayer Book, Rite 1, with Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh as the Celebrant) for the fifty or so Bishops of the Common Cause Partnership on Friday September 28, 2007 in Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh; then I stayed for the hospitality, the Press Conference, and, following that, for informal conversations with various bishops.
Here I want to reflect on the public Statement and commitment of the 50 or so Bishops rather then summarize its content, for it is available at websites (see e.g. www.anglicancommunionnetwork.org ). Further, David Virtue, who was present with me at the Service and Press Conference, has written about it already (see. www.virtueonline.org).
What I say may seem critical to some—especially those who want to rejoice without restraint; but, I think that, to the discerning reader, my offering will be seen as truly encouraging, by suggesting important ways to improve what has begun, which like a seed, has the potential to grow and, when growing, to manifest different features, good and bad. I want to encourage firm growth and good fruit. So here we go....
[The Prayer Book Society] 3 Oct 2007--I was present for the closing service (“Holy Eucharist” from the ECUSA 1979 Prayer Book, Rite 1, with Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh as the Celebrant) for the fifty or so Bishops of the Common Cause Partnership on Friday September 28, 2007 in Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh; then I stayed for the hospitality, the Press Conference, and, following that, for informal conversations with various bishops.
Here I want to reflect on the public Statement and commitment of the 50 or so Bishops rather then summarize its content, for it is available at websites (see e.g. www.anglicancommunionnetwork.org ). Further, David Virtue, who was present with me at the Service and Press Conference, has written about it already (see. www.virtueonline.org).
What I say may seem critical to some—especially those who want to rejoice without restraint; but, I think that, to the discerning reader, my offering will be seen as truly encouraging, by suggesting important ways to improve what has begun, which like a seed, has the potential to grow and, when growing, to manifest different features, good and bad. I want to encourage firm growth and good fruit. So here we go....
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
The Church Society Calls for Prayer for African Bishops' Meeting
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=740
[EV News] 2 Oct 2007--As Bishops from the African Anglican churches meet in Mauritius over the next few days we recognise that they have serious and pressing issues to address such as evangelism, poverty, disease and injustice. We pray that God would prosper their efforts to proclaim Christ in Africa and elsewhere, and to transform society for His glory.
We know that many of them are disturbed by the apparent fixation of some in the western churches with promoting homosexual practice and changing the church’s traditional teaching based on Scripture. Yet we hope and pray that out of concern for their brother and sister Anglicans around the world they will find time to do the following...
[EV News] 2 Oct 2007--As Bishops from the African Anglican churches meet in Mauritius over the next few days we recognise that they have serious and pressing issues to address such as evangelism, poverty, disease and injustice. We pray that God would prosper their efforts to proclaim Christ in Africa and elsewhere, and to transform society for His glory.
We know that many of them are disturbed by the apparent fixation of some in the western churches with promoting homosexual practice and changing the church’s traditional teaching based on Scripture. Yet we hope and pray that out of concern for their brother and sister Anglicans around the world they will find time to do the following...
WA bishop slates vote for women
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=42081
[The West Australian] 2 Oct 2007--A WA Anglican bishop has condemned a decision which paved the way for women bishops, declaring it “a sad day” for the Church and vowed to continue his diocese’s stance of no women in senior leadership roles.
The Anglican Church of North-West Australia is one of five rebel dioceses which refuse to break a 2000-yearold ban on women from attaining full leadership.
[The West Australian] 2 Oct 2007--A WA Anglican bishop has condemned a decision which paved the way for women bishops, declaring it “a sad day” for the Church and vowed to continue his diocese’s stance of no women in senior leadership roles.
The Anglican Church of North-West Australia is one of five rebel dioceses which refuse to break a 2000-yearold ban on women from attaining full leadership.
Episcopal Church recommends minister be defrocked
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5712047,00.html
[Rocky Mountain News] 2 Oct 2007--An ecclesiastical court Monday affirmed its conviction of the Rev. Donald Armstrong, who is accused of stealing nearly $400,000 from Grace Church and St. Stephens Parish.
The court, representing the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, also recommended that Armstrong be defrocked, essentially ending all ties between Armstrong and the church. The decision followed a 30-day comment period after its preliminary decision to convict Armstrong in August.
The court's ruling is a step in the disciplinary process of the Episcopal Church. Following a 30-day waiting period, Bishop Robert O'Neill will pronounce a final sentence.
[Rocky Mountain News] 2 Oct 2007--An ecclesiastical court Monday affirmed its conviction of the Rev. Donald Armstrong, who is accused of stealing nearly $400,000 from Grace Church and St. Stephens Parish.
The court, representing the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, also recommended that Armstrong be defrocked, essentially ending all ties between Armstrong and the church. The decision followed a 30-day comment period after its preliminary decision to convict Armstrong in August.
The court's ruling is a step in the disciplinary process of the Episcopal Church. Following a 30-day waiting period, Bishop Robert O'Neill will pronounce a final sentence.
US Anglican Branch Vows No Backing Away from Homosexual Support
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/oct/07100104.html
[LifeSite] 2 Oct 2007--The news that ECUSA will not accept the provisions of the 2004 Windsor Report and that there will be no moratorium on ordaining active homosexuals, is expected to lead to a schism within the Anglican Communion. It has been widely reported that "conservative" or traditionally Christian bishops of the Church of England have met with their counterparts in the US to provide episcopal oversight for Episcopalians who wish to retain their connection to historic Christianity.
In support of the ECUSA decision, Bishop Thomas Ely of the Diocese of Vermont said, "This House is committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church."
"We have ... work to do" he said, to bring the rest of the Anglican Communion into line with the so-called "liberal" opinion.
Related article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071001/29527_Episcopal_Head:_What_Does_it_Mean_to_Follow_Jesus%3F.htm
Episcopal Head: What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? - The Christian Post
[LifeSite] 2 Oct 2007--The news that ECUSA will not accept the provisions of the 2004 Windsor Report and that there will be no moratorium on ordaining active homosexuals, is expected to lead to a schism within the Anglican Communion. It has been widely reported that "conservative" or traditionally Christian bishops of the Church of England have met with their counterparts in the US to provide episcopal oversight for Episcopalians who wish to retain their connection to historic Christianity.
In support of the ECUSA decision, Bishop Thomas Ely of the Diocese of Vermont said, "This House is committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church."
"We have ... work to do" he said, to bring the rest of the Anglican Communion into line with the so-called "liberal" opinion.
Related article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071001/29527_Episcopal_Head:_What_Does_it_Mean_to_Follow_Jesus%3F.htm
Episcopal Head: What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? - The Christian Post
Bishop's letter itself inaccurate
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1191313596257540.xml&coll=2
[The Birmingham News] 2 Oct 2007--Bishop Henry N. Parsley's letter ("Bishops didn't reject Anglicans' request," The News, Sept. 28) alleging inaccuracy in The New York Times story is itself inaccurate.
The Anglican primates addressed three major concerns to the leadership of the Episcopal Church. On the first, the bishops said yes, sort of, but on their terms. In doing so, they continued to use expansive language (referring to bishops "whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church"), which was not the language they were asked to use ("any candidate to the episcopate who is living in a same-gender union").
[The Birmingham News] 2 Oct 2007--Bishop Henry N. Parsley's letter ("Bishops didn't reject Anglicans' request," The News, Sept. 28) alleging inaccuracy in The New York Times story is itself inaccurate.
The Anglican primates addressed three major concerns to the leadership of the Episcopal Church. On the first, the bishops said yes, sort of, but on their terms. In doing so, they continued to use expansive language (referring to bishops "whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church"), which was not the language they were asked to use ("any candidate to the episcopate who is living in a same-gender union").
REFORM refutes Telegraph article
http://chelmsfordanglicanmainstream.blogspot.com/2007/09/reform-refutes-telegraph-article.html
[Chelmsford Anglican Mainstream] 2 Oct 2007--An article in the Sunday Telegraph has made a number of allegations about the response of Reform to statement from the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church and a letter that has gone to the Archbishop of Canterbury. These include that Reform "says it will bring in foreign archbishops to ordain priests in dioceses where incumbent bishops refuse to disassociate themselves from the American church".
However, Rod Thomas, Chairman-elect of Reform, denies that any such 'ultimatum' has gone to the Archbishop, or that anything has been said in a letter to him other than to seek clarification about the Communion service he is apparently to conduct, being organized by the 'Clergy Consultation'.
[Chelmsford Anglican Mainstream] 2 Oct 2007--An article in the Sunday Telegraph has made a number of allegations about the response of Reform to statement from the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church and a letter that has gone to the Archbishop of Canterbury. These include that Reform "says it will bring in foreign archbishops to ordain priests in dioceses where incumbent bishops refuse to disassociate themselves from the American church".
However, Rod Thomas, Chairman-elect of Reform, denies that any such 'ultimatum' has gone to the Archbishop, or that anything has been said in a letter to him other than to seek clarification about the Communion service he is apparently to conduct, being organized by the 'Clergy Consultation'.
Anglican Mainstream responds to TEC HoB and Common Cause College of Bishops
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/02/anglican-mainstream-responds-to-tec-hob-and-common-cause-college-of-bishops/
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Oct 2007--We are disappointed that the response of The Episcopal Church House of Bishops [TEC HoB] fails to address the specific questions asked of it by the Primates’ Meeting in February.
The first two points - on the election of non-celibate gay and lesbian bishops, and on public rites for blessing same-sex unions - suggest that the TEC HoB has agreed not to walk further away from the rest of the Anglican Communion for the moment. However, the TEC HoB gives no indication of being prepared to turn and walk back towards us so that we may walk ahead together, and in reality same-sex blessings are continuing.
The third point - on Episcopal visitors - makes no progress beyond the previous inadequate proposals. It indicates a refusal by the TEC HoB to address the stated needs, for orthodox oversight and also for protection from legal action, of those congregations within TEC who wish to remain faithful to the Bible and the teaching of the Communion. Moreover, there is no response to the Primates’ request to suspend all actions in law against congregations with whom TEC is in dispute over property.
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Oct 2007--We are disappointed that the response of The Episcopal Church House of Bishops [TEC HoB] fails to address the specific questions asked of it by the Primates’ Meeting in February.
The first two points - on the election of non-celibate gay and lesbian bishops, and on public rites for blessing same-sex unions - suggest that the TEC HoB has agreed not to walk further away from the rest of the Anglican Communion for the moment. However, the TEC HoB gives no indication of being prepared to turn and walk back towards us so that we may walk ahead together, and in reality same-sex blessings are continuing.
The third point - on Episcopal visitors - makes no progress beyond the previous inadequate proposals. It indicates a refusal by the TEC HoB to address the stated needs, for orthodox oversight and also for protection from legal action, of those congregations within TEC who wish to remain faithful to the Bible and the teaching of the Communion. Moreover, there is no response to the Primates’ request to suspend all actions in law against congregations with whom TEC is in dispute over property.
Standing Committee proposes changes to diocesan Constitution & Canons
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6538/
[TitusOneNine] 2 Oct 2007--Today the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth announced its decision to sponsor five proposed amendments to the Diocesan Constitution and Canons for consideration at the diocese’s 25th Annual Convention on November 16 and 17, 2007. [PDF document below]
If adopted, the Diocese would take the first step needed to dissociate itself from the General Convention of The Episcopal Church and to begin the process of affiliating with another Province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Since constitutional changes do not go into effect until they are approved by two successive diocesan conventions, the second, ratifying vote would come at the annual meeting in 2008. Under the proposals, the Diocese would reaffirm its position as “a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, a Fellowship of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, consisting of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces and regional churches in communion with the See of Canterbury, upholding and propagating the historic Faith and Order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.”
Related articles:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/100207dnmetepiscopal.2fcc087.html Fort Worth Episcopal Diocese proposes break from church - The Dallas Morning News
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3847
Fort Worth Will Vote on Affiliations at Convention - The Living Church
[TitusOneNine] 2 Oct 2007--Today the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth announced its decision to sponsor five proposed amendments to the Diocesan Constitution and Canons for consideration at the diocese’s 25th Annual Convention on November 16 and 17, 2007. [PDF document below]
If adopted, the Diocese would take the first step needed to dissociate itself from the General Convention of The Episcopal Church and to begin the process of affiliating with another Province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Since constitutional changes do not go into effect until they are approved by two successive diocesan conventions, the second, ratifying vote would come at the annual meeting in 2008. Under the proposals, the Diocese would reaffirm its position as “a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, a Fellowship of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, consisting of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces and regional churches in communion with the See of Canterbury, upholding and propagating the historic Faith and Order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.”
Related articles:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/100207dnmetepiscopal.2fcc087.html Fort Worth Episcopal Diocese proposes break from church - The Dallas Morning News
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3847
Fort Worth Will Vote on Affiliations at Convention - The Living Church
Fulcrum Response to the Statement from the House of Bishops
http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/page.cfm?ID=236
[Fulcrum] 2 Oct 2007--We believe that the response from the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church to the three central questions asked by the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam has been ‘yes, no, and no’:
Yes to the withholding of consent to the consecration to the episcopate of people living in same-sex unions
No to the cessation of the practice of some bishops covertly allowing the blessings of same-sex unions, even though a public rite has not been authorised
No to the proposed Pastoral Scheme and Pastoral Council, even though a scheme of Episcopal Visitors is still being clarified
Furthermore, we believe that there is a series of further ‘no’s to the other concerns that Primates wanted them to address, in particular a complete silence on the Covenant process.
This follows from our careful analysis of the House of Bishops statement and a detailed comparison of it with the requests made by the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
We conclude that the Archbishop of Canterbury should....
[Fulcrum] 2 Oct 2007--We believe that the response from the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church to the three central questions asked by the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam has been ‘yes, no, and no’:
Yes to the withholding of consent to the consecration to the episcopate of people living in same-sex unions
No to the cessation of the practice of some bishops covertly allowing the blessings of same-sex unions, even though a public rite has not been authorised
No to the proposed Pastoral Scheme and Pastoral Council, even though a scheme of Episcopal Visitors is still being clarified
Furthermore, we believe that there is a series of further ‘no’s to the other concerns that Primates wanted them to address, in particular a complete silence on the Covenant process.
This follows from our careful analysis of the House of Bishops statement and a detailed comparison of it with the requests made by the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
We conclude that the Archbishop of Canterbury should....
Monday, October 01, 2007
Canterbury faces pressure to disown US Episcopal Church
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/canterbury.faces.pressure.to.disown.us.episcopal.church/13527.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 1 Oct 2007--Conservative members of the 77 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion will this week demand that the Archbishop of Canterbury disown the US arm of the Church over the gay controversy.
Reform, a UK evangelical group representing around 1,000 parishes, is reportedly to send a letter to Dr Rowan Williams urging him to openly oppose the homosexual stance of the US Episcopal Church.
The letter will warn that a failure to take a firm stand will split the Church of England and demands that the US Church be prohibited from joining the Communion’s annual gathering of bishops.
[Christianity Today UK] 1 Oct 2007--Conservative members of the 77 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion will this week demand that the Archbishop of Canterbury disown the US arm of the Church over the gay controversy.
Reform, a UK evangelical group representing around 1,000 parishes, is reportedly to send a letter to Dr Rowan Williams urging him to openly oppose the homosexual stance of the US Episcopal Church.
The letter will warn that a failure to take a firm stand will split the Church of England and demands that the US Church be prohibited from joining the Communion’s annual gathering of bishops.
More conservative Anglican bishops consecrated to America
http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Articles%20Oct07/Art_Oct07_15.html
[Christian Examiner] 1 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church of Rwanda’s House of Bishops, meeting Sept. 4 in Kigali elected three former Episcopal priests to serve as bishops for the Anglican Mission in the Americas, which describes itself as a “missionary outreach” of the Rwanda Church.
The elections came as more and more conservative congregations in the American communion are seeking to leave The Episcopal Church because of its increasingly liberal interpretation of the Scriptures. Upon leaving, they are looking to overseas communions for jurisdictional oversight.
[Christian Examiner] 1 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church of Rwanda’s House of Bishops, meeting Sept. 4 in Kigali elected three former Episcopal priests to serve as bishops for the Anglican Mission in the Americas, which describes itself as a “missionary outreach” of the Rwanda Church.
The elections came as more and more conservative congregations in the American communion are seeking to leave The Episcopal Church because of its increasingly liberal interpretation of the Scriptures. Upon leaving, they are looking to overseas communions for jurisdictional oversight.
Willful Idiocy
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6512/
[Stand Firm] 1 Oct 2007--It's a good thing shoddy journalism isn't a crime in England, or Giles Fraser would have long ago been put under the jail. No need for introductions or niceties... let's get right down to business....
[Stand Firm] 1 Oct 2007--It's a good thing shoddy journalism isn't a crime in England, or Giles Fraser would have long ago been put under the jail. No need for introductions or niceties... let's get right down to business....
Ultimatum on Anglican church gays
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/30/nchurch130.xml
[Telegraph] 1 Oct 2007--Conservative Christians will throw down the gauntlet to the Archbishop of Canterbury this week by demanding that he openly disowns the American church over gay bishops.
A letter to be sent to Dr Rowan Williams tomorrow by Reform, an evangelical group representing 1,000 parishes, urges him to make it clear that he opposes the American position.
The group warns that his failure to do so would split the Church of England from "top to bottom" and lead to a further demand that the US church is barred from the Lambeth Council, the annual gathering of bishops.
Reform also says it will bring in foreign archbishops to ordain priests in dioceses where incumbent bishops refuse to disassociate themselves from the American church, which appointed the openly homosexual Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003.
[Telegraph] 1 Oct 2007--Conservative Christians will throw down the gauntlet to the Archbishop of Canterbury this week by demanding that he openly disowns the American church over gay bishops.
A letter to be sent to Dr Rowan Williams tomorrow by Reform, an evangelical group representing 1,000 parishes, urges him to make it clear that he opposes the American position.
The group warns that his failure to do so would split the Church of England from "top to bottom" and lead to a further demand that the US church is barred from the Lambeth Council, the annual gathering of bishops.
Reform also says it will bring in foreign archbishops to ordain priests in dioceses where incumbent bishops refuse to disassociate themselves from the American church, which appointed the openly homosexual Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003.
Why Pledges Increase as Membership and Attendance figures Decrease
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6520/
[Stand Firm] 1 Oct 2007--Most congregations choose stasis and death. But in making that (unconscious) decision, those who make up the pledge-base inevitably begin to increase their pledges. Why? While they are unwilling to permit anything more than cosmetic change, they do recognise that the parish is in trouble. They are, literally, throwing money at the problem. The resulting rise in offerings serves to provide some psychological comfort to the core..."So we are smaller than we used to be, but with an income like this we'll be here for a long time..." but since giving at such a high level cannot be maintained interminably and since there will be no replentishing influx of new members, a consistent, year to year, reverse "X" in the graph generally indicates a doomed congregation...
[Stand Firm] 1 Oct 2007--Most congregations choose stasis and death. But in making that (unconscious) decision, those who make up the pledge-base inevitably begin to increase their pledges. Why? While they are unwilling to permit anything more than cosmetic change, they do recognise that the parish is in trouble. They are, literally, throwing money at the problem. The resulting rise in offerings serves to provide some psychological comfort to the core..."So we are smaller than we used to be, but with an income like this we'll be here for a long time..." but since giving at such a high level cannot be maintained interminably and since there will be no replentishing influx of new members, a consistent, year to year, reverse "X" in the graph generally indicates a doomed congregation...
Response to the Primus of Scotland
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/01/response-to-the-primus-of-scotland/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--Response to the Primus of Scotland” - the Anglican Communion is the church in communion with and recognising the leadership of the See of Canterbury ” That’s where it begins - so simple it hardly needs a covenant to define it. Read here
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--Response to the Primus of Scotland” - the Anglican Communion is the church in communion with and recognising the leadership of the See of Canterbury ” That’s where it begins - so simple it hardly needs a covenant to define it. Read here
Communion and Canterbury, by the Primus of Scotland
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/01/communion-and-canterbury-by-the-primus-of-scotland/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--“Anglicanism is a system of doctrine and practice upheld by those who are in communion with the See of Canterbury”
“I am not saying that it doesn’t matter what has been taught - I am saying that as a daily experience of life and faith there are varieties being lived out all the time . There was a period when orthodoxy was demonstrated by conformity - but this is one of those manifestations of church life that has gone and most of us would say that life is richer for that . We still all have our own preferred ways of doing things - but we give others the freedom to have their preferences as well.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--“Anglicanism is a system of doctrine and practice upheld by those who are in communion with the See of Canterbury”
“I am not saying that it doesn’t matter what has been taught - I am saying that as a daily experience of life and faith there are varieties being lived out all the time . There was a period when orthodoxy was demonstrated by conformity - but this is one of those manifestations of church life that has gone and most of us would say that life is richer for that . We still all have our own preferred ways of doing things - but we give others the freedom to have their preferences as well.”
AMiA welcomes Common Cause Partnership
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/09/29/amia-welcomes-common-cause-partnership/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership of orthodox Jurisdictions and Ministries in North America(CCP) gathered this week in Pittsburgh as a “College of Bishops” committed to exploring together the creation of a more unified life and witness in the service of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Serving with me in the Anglican Mission delegation were Bishops Sandy Greene, TJ Johnston, John Rodgers, and retired Archbishop Yong of S.E. Asia. Together, we all sensed that this meeting served to provide another important step in the ultimate creation of that “separate ecclesiastical structure” called for by the Primates that met together in Kigali, Rwanda back in September 2006.
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership of orthodox Jurisdictions and Ministries in North America(CCP) gathered this week in Pittsburgh as a “College of Bishops” committed to exploring together the creation of a more unified life and witness in the service of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Serving with me in the Anglican Mission delegation were Bishops Sandy Greene, TJ Johnston, John Rodgers, and retired Archbishop Yong of S.E. Asia. Together, we all sensed that this meeting served to provide another important step in the ultimate creation of that “separate ecclesiastical structure” called for by the Primates that met together in Kigali, Rwanda back in September 2006.
Presiding Bishop Puts Stipulations on Future Sales of Church Property
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3843
[The Living Church] 1 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church will make sure that any property it sells is not intended for use by parishes that plan to affiliate with other Anglican provinces, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said Sept. 30 on a visit to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Asked if she were satisfied with the agreement by the Diocese of the Rio Grande to sell St. Clement Pro-Cathedral in El Paso, Texas, to the congregation, Bishop Schori said she had recommended two stipulations.
“I’ve told them that my two concerns are that the congregation not set up as another part of the Anglican Communion and that there is some reasonable assurance that it’s a fair sale,” she said.
[The Living Church] 1 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church will make sure that any property it sells is not intended for use by parishes that plan to affiliate with other Anglican provinces, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said Sept. 30 on a visit to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Asked if she were satisfied with the agreement by the Diocese of the Rio Grande to sell St. Clement Pro-Cathedral in El Paso, Texas, to the congregation, Bishop Schori said she had recommended two stipulations.
“I’ve told them that my two concerns are that the congregation not set up as another part of the Anglican Communion and that there is some reasonable assurance that it’s a fair sale,” she said.
Common Cause College of Bishops Formed in Pittsburgh
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3842
[The Living Church] 1 Oct 2007--In a meeting which partially coincided with the House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans, seven diocesan bishops of The Episcopal Church agreed to form a college of bishops with 43 other Anglican bishops from North America as part of a Common Cause Council meeting held Sept. 25-28 in Pittsburgh.
“We have begun the process of creating the separate ecclesial structure we will ask the primates to recognize,” said Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh in an interview with Anglican TV. “A year from now we will be well along with the structural things that will make this partnership possible.”
In addition to creating a college of bishops which will meet every year, the partners also agreed to share sacramental ministry and episcopal acts, to consult with each other before consecrating new bishops and to deploy clergy interchangeably subject to the canons of each jurisdiction. A timeline developed during the meeting in Pittsburgh commits the partners to holding a constitutional convention early in 2009.
[The Living Church] 1 Oct 2007--In a meeting which partially coincided with the House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans, seven diocesan bishops of The Episcopal Church agreed to form a college of bishops with 43 other Anglican bishops from North America as part of a Common Cause Council meeting held Sept. 25-28 in Pittsburgh.
“We have begun the process of creating the separate ecclesial structure we will ask the primates to recognize,” said Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh in an interview with Anglican TV. “A year from now we will be well along with the structural things that will make this partnership possible.”
In addition to creating a college of bishops which will meet every year, the partners also agreed to share sacramental ministry and episcopal acts, to consult with each other before consecrating new bishops and to deploy clergy interchangeably subject to the canons of each jurisdiction. A timeline developed during the meeting in Pittsburgh commits the partners to holding a constitutional convention early in 2009.
U.S. Episcopal Church: What Now?
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1104/cover.html
[Religion and Ethics News Weekly] 1 Oct 2007--Now the Episcopal Church divisions over homosexuality and the interpretation of Scripture. This week the U.S. Episcopal bishops went as far as they said they could to comply with the demand from the worldwide Anglican Communion that the U.S. church clarify its policies on gay issues. The bishops said they would "exercise restraint" on consecrating gay bishops and would not officially authorize same-sex blessings. Conservatives around the world say the bishops did not do enough. So the question remains: can the church avoid schism? Kim Lawton reports.
Related article:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1104/interview.html
Bishop Gene Robinson - Religion and Ethics News Weekly
[Religion and Ethics News Weekly] 1 Oct 2007--Now the Episcopal Church divisions over homosexuality and the interpretation of Scripture. This week the U.S. Episcopal bishops went as far as they said they could to comply with the demand from the worldwide Anglican Communion that the U.S. church clarify its policies on gay issues. The bishops said they would "exercise restraint" on consecrating gay bishops and would not officially authorize same-sex blessings. Conservatives around the world say the bishops did not do enough. So the question remains: can the church avoid schism? Kim Lawton reports.
Related article:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1104/interview.html
Bishop Gene Robinson - Religion and Ethics News Weekly
In S.F., presiding U.S. Episcopal bishop affirms same-sex unions
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/01/MNI9SHAUQ.DTL
[San Francisco Chronicle] 1 Oct 2007--On Sunday - the deadline set by church leaders for the Episcopal Church to roll back support for same-sex unions - the U.S. church's presiding bishop said unequivocally at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral that there would be no retreat.
"All people - including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians - are deserving of the fullest regard of the church," the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori declared during an hourlong discussion before services. "We're not going backward."
Jefferts Schori said these are the views of the church's bishops as well as its lay members - who have increasingly affirmed rights for same-sex couples. As such, Jefferts Schori's comments served as the punctuation to a historic day.
What will happen next is unknown. But a number of U.S. bishops on Friday declared that they are unifying the scores of breakaway churches that view homosexuality as sinful. They are seeking alternative oversight from conservative leaders based abroad.
[San Francisco Chronicle] 1 Oct 2007--On Sunday - the deadline set by church leaders for the Episcopal Church to roll back support for same-sex unions - the U.S. church's presiding bishop said unequivocally at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral that there would be no retreat.
"All people - including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians - are deserving of the fullest regard of the church," the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori declared during an hourlong discussion before services. "We're not going backward."
Jefferts Schori said these are the views of the church's bishops as well as its lay members - who have increasingly affirmed rights for same-sex couples. As such, Jefferts Schori's comments served as the punctuation to a historic day.
What will happen next is unknown. But a number of U.S. bishops on Friday declared that they are unifying the scores of breakaway churches that view homosexuality as sinful. They are seeking alternative oversight from conservative leaders based abroad.
My Response to the HOB Statement
http://texanglican.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-response-to-hob-statement.html
[Texanglican] 1 Oct 2007--The one thing that was clear from the final statement of the HOBs is that nothing is going to change. Every concern of the primates was brushed aside as having already been dealt with sufficiently in accordance with TEC's polity. For example, the Pastoral Council/Primatial Vicar scheme outlined in the Dar es Salaam Communique was tossed aside without discussion, and a hopelessly inadequate DEPO scheme under PB Schori's direction (announced late last week without details) was endorsed in its place, even though the dioceses that had appealed for APO were never consulted and rejected the new plan as insufficient the moment it was announced.
[Texanglican] 1 Oct 2007--The one thing that was clear from the final statement of the HOBs is that nothing is going to change. Every concern of the primates was brushed aside as having already been dealt with sufficiently in accordance with TEC's polity. For example, the Pastoral Council/Primatial Vicar scheme outlined in the Dar es Salaam Communique was tossed aside without discussion, and a hopelessly inadequate DEPO scheme under PB Schori's direction (announced late last week without details) was endorsed in its place, even though the dioceses that had appealed for APO were never consulted and rejected the new plan as insufficient the moment it was announced.
Response from Reform to New Orleans Statement by TEC Bishops
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/09/29/response-from-reform-to-new-orleans-statement-by-tec-bishops/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--The statement from TEC Bishops amounts to no more than cynical window dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, TEC Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making quite clear they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.It seems that those who are sympathetic to TEC’s position wish to keep all parties engaged in discussion, even though it is becoming increasingly evident that there is less and less common ground between TEC and orthodox Anglicans. However good the motives of some may be, the possibilities for compromise are now very limited. Furthermore we are deeply concerned that the Archbishop of Canterbury’s own position has now been seriously weakened. Recent press reports suggest that he has shown solidarity with gay activists in TEC by joining them in a service of Holy Communion and by preparing to preside at Holy Communion with a private group of gay activists within the Church of England in two months’ time. We are currently seeking clarification about this from the Archbishop.
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 Oct 2007--The statement from TEC Bishops amounts to no more than cynical window dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, TEC Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making quite clear they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.It seems that those who are sympathetic to TEC’s position wish to keep all parties engaged in discussion, even though it is becoming increasingly evident that there is less and less common ground between TEC and orthodox Anglicans. However good the motives of some may be, the possibilities for compromise are now very limited. Furthermore we are deeply concerned that the Archbishop of Canterbury’s own position has now been seriously weakened. Recent press reports suggest that he has shown solidarity with gay activists in TEC by joining them in a service of Holy Communion and by preparing to preside at Holy Communion with a private group of gay activists within the Church of England in two months’ time. We are currently seeking clarification about this from the Archbishop.
God, gays and Episcopalians
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-anglicans29sep29,0,1647768.story?coll=la-opinion-leftrail
[Los Angelos Times] 1 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church this week tried to appease conservative fellow Anglicans at home and abroad by reaffirming a promise to "exercise restraint" in approving sexually active gay bishops. The conciliatory statement, which followed some ecclesiastical shuttle diplomacy by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, fell on mostly deaf ears among conservatives. One dismissed it as a "delaying tactic."
Will conservative bishops formally defect from the Episcopal Church and align themselves with like-minded prelates overseas? Will Anglicans abroad break relations with the U.S. church? As this cliffhanger continues, it's tempting to see the dispute as an intramural argument about theology. Conservative Episcopalians cite Scripture that condemns homosexuality, liberal Episcopalians counter with their own deconstruction of the Bible, and members of other faiths (or none) watch from the sidelines.
[Los Angelos Times] 1 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church this week tried to appease conservative fellow Anglicans at home and abroad by reaffirming a promise to "exercise restraint" in approving sexually active gay bishops. The conciliatory statement, which followed some ecclesiastical shuttle diplomacy by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, fell on mostly deaf ears among conservatives. One dismissed it as a "delaying tactic."
Will conservative bishops formally defect from the Episcopal Church and align themselves with like-minded prelates overseas? Will Anglicans abroad break relations with the U.S. church? As this cliffhanger continues, it's tempting to see the dispute as an intramural argument about theology. Conservative Episcopalians cite Scripture that condemns homosexuality, liberal Episcopalians counter with their own deconstruction of the Bible, and members of other faiths (or none) watch from the sidelines.
Studying Your Congregation and Community
http://pr_charts.dfms.org/charts.aspx
[Episcopal Church Congregational Development] 1 Oct 2007--In order to know who you are, you need to examine where you are and where you have been.
Looking at the social and demographic characteristics of the local community sheds light on the people to which we hope to minister. Looking at trends in membership, average worship attendance, and financial giving sheds light on congregational strength and whether current patterns indicate growth, decline or stability.
[Episcopal Church Congregational Development] 1 Oct 2007--In order to know who you are, you need to examine where you are and where you have been.
Looking at the social and demographic characteristics of the local community sheds light on the people to which we hope to minister. Looking at trends in membership, average worship attendance, and financial giving sheds light on congregational strength and whether current patterns indicate growth, decline or stability.
Sadness, confusion after Episcopal bishop quits
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/69530.html
[Santa Fe New Mexican] 1 Oct 2007--Clergy from the Diocese of the Rio Grande greeted Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson with a standing ovation last week during a conference at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, N.M.
The expression of respect and affection for Steenson came five days after he released a “very difficult letter” announcing his intention to resign as bishop of the 8,000-member diocese in New Mexico and West Texas. Steenson said his “conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading.”
[Santa Fe New Mexican] 1 Oct 2007--Clergy from the Diocese of the Rio Grande greeted Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson with a standing ovation last week during a conference at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, N.M.
The expression of respect and affection for Steenson came five days after he released a “very difficult letter” announcing his intention to resign as bishop of the 8,000-member diocese in New Mexico and West Texas. Steenson said his “conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading.”
Groups Plan New Branch to Represent Anglicanism
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/us/30episcopal.html?_r=2&oref=login&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin
[The New York Times] 1 Oct 2007--Bishops from 13 Anglican and Episcopal groups in North America announced Friday that they had formed a partnership as the first step to creating a rival to the Episcopal Church, the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The announcement by the group, the Common Cause Partnership, marks a widening of the fissures within the Episcopal Church and in the greater communion over the church’s liberal stance on homosexuality.
[The New York Times] 1 Oct 2007--Bishops from 13 Anglican and Episcopal groups in North America announced Friday that they had formed a partnership as the first step to creating a rival to the Episcopal Church, the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The announcement by the group, the Common Cause Partnership, marks a widening of the fissures within the Episcopal Church and in the greater communion over the church’s liberal stance on homosexuality.
Anglican call for gay 'inclusion'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7020357.stm
[BBC News] 1 Oct 2007--Anglican leaders from Scotland and Mexico are expected to call for gay people's full inclusion in the church, in a row which has split the Communion.
Their call is anticipated at a conference in Manchester Cathedral to promote "inclusive theology".
Related article:
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1724405.0.0.php
Scottish Anglicans call for gay tolerance - The Herald
[BBC News] 1 Oct 2007--Anglican leaders from Scotland and Mexico are expected to call for gay people's full inclusion in the church, in a row which has split the Communion.
Their call is anticipated at a conference in Manchester Cathedral to promote "inclusive theology".
Related article:
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1724405.0.0.php
Scottish Anglicans call for gay tolerance - The Herald
Uganda Becomes an Anglican Haven
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1666693,00.html
[Time] 1 Oct 2007--This Sunday a number of Episcopal churches in America will be praying under a distinctly foreign authority. God is still in charge, but so will the Church of Uganda. The east African nation's Anglican Church consecrated Virginian John Guernsey as bishop earlier this month to lead 33 American congregations that have defected from the U.S. Episcopal Church, mainly because of the American organization's stand of gay ordination — a stance reaffirmed at a conference this week in New Orleans.
But earlier in September, in a five-hour long, open-air service in southwestern Uganda that blended Anglican hymns with traditional African music, bishops from around the world joined together to anoint the latest conservative U.S. cleric seeking shelter in an African church. Says Guernsey: "Uganda has become a haven for ecclesiastical refugees."
[Time] 1 Oct 2007--This Sunday a number of Episcopal churches in America will be praying under a distinctly foreign authority. God is still in charge, but so will the Church of Uganda. The east African nation's Anglican Church consecrated Virginian John Guernsey as bishop earlier this month to lead 33 American congregations that have defected from the U.S. Episcopal Church, mainly because of the American organization's stand of gay ordination — a stance reaffirmed at a conference this week in New Orleans.
But earlier in September, in a five-hour long, open-air service in southwestern Uganda that blended Anglican hymns with traditional African music, bishops from around the world joined together to anoint the latest conservative U.S. cleric seeking shelter in an African church. Says Guernsey: "Uganda has become a haven for ecclesiastical refugees."
Half Empty? Half Full? Too Little? Too Late?
http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/page.cfm?ID=238
[Fulcrum] 1 Oct 2007--In order to interpret and evaluate TEC’s response it is necessary to identify the key recommendations set out in the Schedule. The Schedule covers 5 areas (foundations, a pastoral council, a pastoral scheme, on clarifying the response to Windsor and on property disputes) and an appendix stating the “Camp Allen Principles”. The main areas where response is sought relate to (a) TEC’s commitment to Windsor and (b) TEC’s provision for and response to those in TEC committed to the Camp Allen Principles. The latter relates to the Pastoral Council, Pastoral Scheme and issue of property disputes while, in relation to the former the key section (“On Clarifying the Response to Windsor”) reads....
[Fulcrum] 1 Oct 2007--In order to interpret and evaluate TEC’s response it is necessary to identify the key recommendations set out in the Schedule. The Schedule covers 5 areas (foundations, a pastoral council, a pastoral scheme, on clarifying the response to Windsor and on property disputes) and an appendix stating the “Camp Allen Principles”. The main areas where response is sought relate to (a) TEC’s commitment to Windsor and (b) TEC’s provision for and response to those in TEC committed to the Camp Allen Principles. The latter relates to the Pastoral Council, Pastoral Scheme and issue of property disputes while, in relation to the former the key section (“On Clarifying the Response to Windsor”) reads....
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