http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/7116/#more
[TitusOneNine] 25 Oct 2007--I think Anglican ecclesiology has probably always been a mess. This is partly a result of the way Anglicanism came about in the 16th century, initially through a break with Rome for the King’s own idiosyncratic reasons. So there’s a sense in which the national identity of the Church came first to Anglicanism in a rather topdown sort of way.
However, what emerged over the ensuing decades, and indeed centuries, was a national and then international church which underwent reformation. This was on a different path from the continental Reformation and Counter Reformation but was heavily influenced by at least the former. However, we can pretend no longer that it was a peaceful reformation that met with little resistance. It had many martyrs and the acts of uniformity were ruthlessly and tyrannically imposed on the English people.
In a recent article for the Church of Ireland Gazette (Anglicanism and Protestantism, October 19) Professor Alister McGrath attacks a sort of wishful thinking that places Anglicanism solely in the Catholic tradition. This type of thinking primarily emerges through the plainly unhistoric way in which Anglicans have imagined themselves to be always in a via media between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Yet as recent historians have pointed out the original English reformation was far more self-consciously about finding a middle way between Zwingli and Luther than between Rome and Geneva. Furthermore, other Protestant churches, not just Anglicanism, retained aspects of Catholic order, high views of the sacraments and even an episcopate while still maintaining a Protestant outlook. Anglicanism can therefore be rightly considered different and unique, like every other single church, but certainly cannot claim to uniquely occupy that mythical via media.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical Faculties Agree on Mission, Future Collaboration
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/7112/#more
[TitusOneNine] 25 Oct 2007--After two days of worship, dialogue and brainstorming, the faculties of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and Trinity School for Ministry, meeting on the Nashotah House campus this week, announced today their commitment to partner together in common witness to a biblically faithful, traditional Anglicanism, and to welcome opportunities to join in common ministry as they emerge.
“While each seminary has its own unique character and ethos, we are united in our core theological convictions,” said the Very Rev. Robert S. Munday, Dean and President of Nashotah House. “Above all, we are united in our commitment to training biblically faithful leaders for the Church, and in our desire to support a renewed orthodoxy within North American Anglicanism today. These past two days of fellowship have only strengthened those shared commitments.”
“We each belong to our own tradition,” said the Right Rev. John Rodgers, Dean and President of Trinity School for Ministry, which is located near Pittsburgh, PA, “and we each need to be faithful to our own tradition. But it’s growing increasingly clear that the fullness of our faith and our tradition is realized when we come together. We rejoice in each other’s encouragement. And we need to be a caution to each other. We want the diversity and the fellowship of both traditions sharing the same table.”
[TitusOneNine] 25 Oct 2007--After two days of worship, dialogue and brainstorming, the faculties of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and Trinity School for Ministry, meeting on the Nashotah House campus this week, announced today their commitment to partner together in common witness to a biblically faithful, traditional Anglicanism, and to welcome opportunities to join in common ministry as they emerge.
“While each seminary has its own unique character and ethos, we are united in our core theological convictions,” said the Very Rev. Robert S. Munday, Dean and President of Nashotah House. “Above all, we are united in our commitment to training biblically faithful leaders for the Church, and in our desire to support a renewed orthodoxy within North American Anglicanism today. These past two days of fellowship have only strengthened those shared commitments.”
“We each belong to our own tradition,” said the Right Rev. John Rodgers, Dean and President of Trinity School for Ministry, which is located near Pittsburgh, PA, “and we each need to be faithful to our own tradition. But it’s growing increasingly clear that the fullness of our faith and our tradition is realized when we come together. We rejoice in each other’s encouragement. And we need to be a caution to each other. We want the diversity and the fellowship of both traditions sharing the same table.”
Are the Priorities and Concerns of Charles Simeon Relevant for Today?
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/7105/
[TitusOneNine] 25 Oct 2007--There is a strong argument for reforming the Church from within rather than through schism and we have a practicable model for pastoral care and social action. In closing, permit me to highlight three areas of Simeon’s ministry which have greatly challenged me in my reflections and which, if we were to follow them, would have the potential to rejuvenate our ministry.
1 Giving priority to an effective devotional lifestyle, with a commitment to spending ‘quality’ time in Bible study and prayer.
2 A commitment to living a holy life, recognizing the need of the renewing and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
3 That, along with Simeon, our understanding of the purpose of our preaching would be: ‘Sir, we would see Jesus’ (John 12:21).
[TitusOneNine] 25 Oct 2007--There is a strong argument for reforming the Church from within rather than through schism and we have a practicable model for pastoral care and social action. In closing, permit me to highlight three areas of Simeon’s ministry which have greatly challenged me in my reflections and which, if we were to follow them, would have the potential to rejuvenate our ministry.
1 Giving priority to an effective devotional lifestyle, with a commitment to spending ‘quality’ time in Bible study and prayer.
2 A commitment to living a holy life, recognizing the need of the renewing and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
3 That, along with Simeon, our understanding of the purpose of our preaching would be: ‘Sir, we would see Jesus’ (John 12:21).
Fort Worth welcomes Archbishop’s view on diocese
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/fort_worth_welcomes_archbishops_view_on_diocese/
[Global South Anglican] 25 Oct 2007--We welcome the comments from the Archbishop of Canterbury, contained in a recent letter to the Bishop of Central Florida, where he reminds us that “the organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such,” calling this a “basic conviction of Catholic theology.” He goes on to say:
“I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church’.”
Given the current atmosphere and controversies in the life of the Anglican Communion, it is helpful to be reminded that dioceses, not provincial structures, are the basic unit of the catholic church. As is stated in the clarifying note issued by Lambeth Palace on Oct. 23, “The diocese is more than a ‘local branch’ of a national organization.” Clearly, provincial alignments are intended for the benefit of the dioceses, and not the reverse.
[Global South Anglican] 25 Oct 2007--We welcome the comments from the Archbishop of Canterbury, contained in a recent letter to the Bishop of Central Florida, where he reminds us that “the organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such,” calling this a “basic conviction of Catholic theology.” He goes on to say:
“I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church’.”
Given the current atmosphere and controversies in the life of the Anglican Communion, it is helpful to be reminded that dioceses, not provincial structures, are the basic unit of the catholic church. As is stated in the clarifying note issued by Lambeth Palace on Oct. 23, “The diocese is more than a ‘local branch’ of a national organization.” Clearly, provincial alignments are intended for the benefit of the dioceses, and not the reverse.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Episcopal Church misguided in downplaying Christ, Bible
http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071013/OPINION02/710130315/1014/OPINION
[The Times Herald] 24 Oct 2007--
When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, all members suffer. As Christians, we are grieved by the direction of several Christian denominations toward a "progressive Christianity," which really isn't Christianity at all.
This progressive Christianity can take many forms, including a denial of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, the only Name given under heaven and earth by which we may be saved.
Progressive Christianity denies the true nature of sin and its offense to God, and our need for a personal Savior. It denies the authority of the Bible as the revealed, inspired word of God, authoritative and applicable today.
As an example of progressive Christianity, take the actions of the Episcopal Church. Over many years, the Episcopal Church has consistently followed a course departing from orthodox Christianity:
[The Times Herald] 24 Oct 2007--
When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, all members suffer. As Christians, we are grieved by the direction of several Christian denominations toward a "progressive Christianity," which really isn't Christianity at all.
This progressive Christianity can take many forms, including a denial of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, the only Name given under heaven and earth by which we may be saved.
Progressive Christianity denies the true nature of sin and its offense to God, and our need for a personal Savior. It denies the authority of the Bible as the revealed, inspired word of God, authoritative and applicable today.
As an example of progressive Christianity, take the actions of the Episcopal Church. Over many years, the Episcopal Church has consistently followed a course departing from orthodox Christianity:
Practicing the Sacrament of Presence
http://www.theamia.org/newsitem/121
[Anglican Mission in America] 24 Oct 2007--Summer brought opportunity for many in the Anglican Mission to travel to Rwanda and experience God in a fresh way. For most on the journey, agendas became secondary as they encountered Christ’s redemption lived out in people still recovering from the ravages of genocide. The spirit of the Rwandan people continues to captivate those who visit, their journey through reconciliation illuminating the supremacy of God often passed over in American culture.
An estimated 10,000 were in attendance for the International Evangelism Convention in Ruhengeri, July 25-28, 2007. The Rt. Rev. John K. Rucyahana, Bishop of the Shyira Diocese that hosted the crusade, estimates that over 1200 people made a first time commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during the event.
“The Lord was very present,” said Bishop John, “and we rejoice in the work which He did in the hearts of all who attended.”
Mission teams representing several Anglican Mission congregations participated in the crusade. The Rt. Rev. Thaddeus Barnum, the Rev. John Richardson of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Birmingham and the Rev. Ken Ross of International Anglican Church (IAC), Colorado Springs delivered daily expository bible preaching. Team members also organized and led break-out sessions for men and women as well as hundreds of children.
[Anglican Mission in America] 24 Oct 2007--Summer brought opportunity for many in the Anglican Mission to travel to Rwanda and experience God in a fresh way. For most on the journey, agendas became secondary as they encountered Christ’s redemption lived out in people still recovering from the ravages of genocide. The spirit of the Rwandan people continues to captivate those who visit, their journey through reconciliation illuminating the supremacy of God often passed over in American culture.
An estimated 10,000 were in attendance for the International Evangelism Convention in Ruhengeri, July 25-28, 2007. The Rt. Rev. John K. Rucyahana, Bishop of the Shyira Diocese that hosted the crusade, estimates that over 1200 people made a first time commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during the event.
“The Lord was very present,” said Bishop John, “and we rejoice in the work which He did in the hearts of all who attended.”
Mission teams representing several Anglican Mission congregations participated in the crusade. The Rt. Rev. Thaddeus Barnum, the Rev. John Richardson of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Birmingham and the Rev. Ken Ross of International Anglican Church (IAC), Colorado Springs delivered daily expository bible preaching. Team members also organized and led break-out sessions for men and women as well as hundreds of children.
Dr. Robert Gagnon: Don’t ENDAnger Your Liberties in the Workplace
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7106/
[Stand Firm] 24 Oct 2007--This bill apparently has a "religious exemption clause." Members of the Diocese of Ft. Worth, for example, know how such "conscience" clauses fare in the long term. I fully expect that within my lifetime Christians in America will face the coercive power of the state for speaking the truth about the sinfulness of homosexual behavior. It is already happening in Europe. It is somewhat hypocritical for leftist Episcopalians to huff and puff with regard to Nigerian legislation while turning a blind eye to the Netherlands....
[Stand Firm] 24 Oct 2007--This bill apparently has a "religious exemption clause." Members of the Diocese of Ft. Worth, for example, know how such "conscience" clauses fare in the long term. I fully expect that within my lifetime Christians in America will face the coercive power of the state for speaking the truth about the sinfulness of homosexual behavior. It is already happening in Europe. It is somewhat hypocritical for leftist Episcopalians to huff and puff with regard to Nigerian legislation while turning a blind eye to the Netherlands....
Baptistries
http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2007/005/8.62.html
[Christianity Today] 24 Oct 2007--Nancy became a Christian last year and was eager to be baptized. But as an Army nurse deployed to a field hospital in Baghdad, her opportunities for full-immersion baptism were extremely limited.
She would have to wait until several of her fellow soldiers were also ready for the rite, then they could dig a shallow hole in the sand in their compound, line it with plastic, and fill it with water. But Nancy didn't want to wait.
"I was ready," she said excitedly. "I decided I had waited long enough. Seeing some of the things I do in my work made me realize that I needed to get my life in order, so after I made the decision to become a Christian, I was going to find a place to be baptized."
The only available water nearby was in a pool at one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces. "I asked the chaplain if there would be anything sacrilegious about using that pool, and he said there wasn't, so that's where I was baptized."
An article on baptistries in an Anglican blog?! In listing dipping first, the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer of 1662 make immersion the preferred method for baptizing adults and those who can answer for themselves. In a century in which we are likely to see more adult baptisms in the Anglican Church, Anglican congregations may want to invest in a portable baptistry for those occasions.
[Christianity Today] 24 Oct 2007--Nancy became a Christian last year and was eager to be baptized. But as an Army nurse deployed to a field hospital in Baghdad, her opportunities for full-immersion baptism were extremely limited.
She would have to wait until several of her fellow soldiers were also ready for the rite, then they could dig a shallow hole in the sand in their compound, line it with plastic, and fill it with water. But Nancy didn't want to wait.
"I was ready," she said excitedly. "I decided I had waited long enough. Seeing some of the things I do in my work made me realize that I needed to get my life in order, so after I made the decision to become a Christian, I was going to find a place to be baptized."
The only available water nearby was in a pool at one of Saddam Hussein's presidential palaces. "I asked the chaplain if there would be anything sacrilegious about using that pool, and he said there wasn't, so that's where I was baptized."
An article on baptistries in an Anglican blog?! In listing dipping first, the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer of 1662 make immersion the preferred method for baptizing adults and those who can answer for themselves. In a century in which we are likely to see more adult baptisms in the Anglican Church, Anglican congregations may want to invest in a portable baptistry for those occasions.
Bishop Jack Iker’s Address to the Forward in Faith International
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7088/
[Stand Firm] 24 Oct 2007--Thank you very much for that welcome. Madam Chairman, members of the Assembly, it’s a privilege to have this opportunity to briefly report on the state of affairs of Forwardin Faith in North America.
I bring you warm greetings and assurances of our prayers and best wishes from all the members of Forward in Faith there, especially our national council and our president,Bishop Keith Ackerman. I ask you to keep Bishop Keith in your prayers. As some of you may have heard, he has had some illness over the past year, some of it most recently related to high blood pressure, and he’s not able to be here to make this presentation himself, not because of his health but because he is presiding at his diocesan synod at this very time.
I’d like to make my report to you in two parts. First, I want to speak about the situation with the Forward in Faith dioceses and our relationship with The Episcopal Church. And then the second part of my report will deal with the Common Cause Partnership and the role that Forward in Faith plays in that new venture.
[Stand Firm] 24 Oct 2007--Thank you very much for that welcome. Madam Chairman, members of the Assembly, it’s a privilege to have this opportunity to briefly report on the state of affairs of Forwardin Faith in North America.
I bring you warm greetings and assurances of our prayers and best wishes from all the members of Forward in Faith there, especially our national council and our president,Bishop Keith Ackerman. I ask you to keep Bishop Keith in your prayers. As some of you may have heard, he has had some illness over the past year, some of it most recently related to high blood pressure, and he’s not able to be here to make this presentation himself, not because of his health but because he is presiding at his diocesan synod at this very time.
I’d like to make my report to you in two parts. First, I want to speak about the situation with the Forward in Faith dioceses and our relationship with The Episcopal Church. And then the second part of my report will deal with the Common Cause Partnership and the role that Forward in Faith plays in that new venture.
Too Many Churches?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/143-22.0.html
[Christianity Today] 24 Oct 2007--Some neighbors tend to complain about too many Wal-Marts or too many strip joints in their midst. In southeast Orlando, it's too many churches.
About a dozen churches—Baptist, Nazarene, Pentecostal and independent—are located within a few miles of each other on city's outskirts, and more are under construction.
Neighbors venturing out Sunday mornings for bagels or errands often find themselves stuck in traffic, heads bowed not in faith but frustration. Some complain the congestion persists all week as religious, youth, sports and other activities draw crowds after work and school, too.
Unmitigated by taxes, zoning, or other restrictions, church development can pose a delicate quandary for municipal leaders who want to balance neighbors' concerns with the valuable services churches provide.
[Christianity Today] 24 Oct 2007--Some neighbors tend to complain about too many Wal-Marts or too many strip joints in their midst. In southeast Orlando, it's too many churches.
About a dozen churches—Baptist, Nazarene, Pentecostal and independent—are located within a few miles of each other on city's outskirts, and more are under construction.
Neighbors venturing out Sunday mornings for bagels or errands often find themselves stuck in traffic, heads bowed not in faith but frustration. Some complain the congestion persists all week as religious, youth, sports and other activities draw crowds after work and school, too.
Unmitigated by taxes, zoning, or other restrictions, church development can pose a delicate quandary for municipal leaders who want to balance neighbors' concerns with the valuable services churches provide.
Questions from the USA which the Archbishop of Canterbury still needs to answer
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/24/questions-from-the-usa-which-the-archbishop-of-canterbury-still-needs-to-answer/
[Anglican Mainstream] 24 Oct 2007--Another batch of fudge from Canterbury October 23, by Todd Wetzel
Although some have tried to hail his statements as a great thing, a recent letter from Archbishop Rowan Williams to Bishop John Howe of Central Florida strikes me as further muddy-ing the waters regarding the future of orthodox Anglicans in the global Communion.
Abp. Williams has stated to Bp. Howe that: “…any Diocese compliant with Windsor remains clearly in communion with Canterbury and the mainstream of the Communion, whatever may be the longer-term result for others in The Episcopal Church. The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such. Those who are rushing into separatist solutions are, I think, weakening that basic conviction of Catholic theology and in a sense treating the provincial structure of The Episcopal Church as if it were the most important thing - which is why I continue to hope and pray for the strengthening of the bonds of mutual support among those Episcopal Church Bishops who want to be clearly loyal to Windsor.” He later said that the orthodox “need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church’.”
So, now we are to understand that each individual American Diocese is considered to have separate membership in the Anglican Communion? If this is the case, why is there an 815 and a TCGC with a General Convention? Why is there a Provincial Primate, i.e., TCGC’s Presiding Bishop, and why does she wield such power? Why are there national Constitution and Cannons to which 815 demand each parish pay fealty? Why does TCGC purport to set theology and policy for the entire American Church? Why is there a national Chancellor who is directing litigation in several individual Dioceses which is being funded by the national Church? And why are all pledges and donations to individual parishes in part being transmitted to TCGC by way of so-called “fair-share” giving?
[Anglican Mainstream] 24 Oct 2007--Another batch of fudge from Canterbury October 23, by Todd Wetzel
Although some have tried to hail his statements as a great thing, a recent letter from Archbishop Rowan Williams to Bishop John Howe of Central Florida strikes me as further muddy-ing the waters regarding the future of orthodox Anglicans in the global Communion.
Abp. Williams has stated to Bp. Howe that: “…any Diocese compliant with Windsor remains clearly in communion with Canterbury and the mainstream of the Communion, whatever may be the longer-term result for others in The Episcopal Church. The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such. Those who are rushing into separatist solutions are, I think, weakening that basic conviction of Catholic theology and in a sense treating the provincial structure of The Episcopal Church as if it were the most important thing - which is why I continue to hope and pray for the strengthening of the bonds of mutual support among those Episcopal Church Bishops who want to be clearly loyal to Windsor.” He later said that the orthodox “need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church’.”
So, now we are to understand that each individual American Diocese is considered to have separate membership in the Anglican Communion? If this is the case, why is there an 815 and a TCGC with a General Convention? Why is there a Provincial Primate, i.e., TCGC’s Presiding Bishop, and why does she wield such power? Why are there national Constitution and Cannons to which 815 demand each parish pay fealty? Why does TCGC purport to set theology and policy for the entire American Church? Why is there a national Chancellor who is directing litigation in several individual Dioceses which is being funded by the national Church? And why are all pledges and donations to individual parishes in part being transmitted to TCGC by way of so-called “fair-share” giving?
The Alternative After-Lifestyle
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/the_alternative.html
[Out of Ur] 24 Oct 2007--In August, leaders at High Point Church in Arlington, Texas, “cancelled a memorial service for a Navy veteran shortly before it was to start because the deceased was gay.” That is how the event was described by the Associated Press. The report ignited a firestorm of bad press for the church with many accusing the congregation of homophobia.
Initially, High Point Church had volunteered to host the funeral because the dead man was the relative of a church employee. However, the church withdrew the offer when the family asked that a choir of homosexual men (Turtle Creek Chorale) perform at the funeral. In addition, they wanted a homosexual minister to officiate the service. The church’s decision to cancel the funeral was “a slap in the face” according to the man’s sister.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the church’s reason for cancelling the funeral had nothing to do with the man’s homosexuality but that “his friends and family wanted that part of his life to be a significant part of the service.” This contradicted the church’s policy and beliefs.
A statement released by High Point Church said:
The issue was not whether we would hold a memorial service for someone in a lifestyle of sin. We have assisted many families in this regard. The issue was whether we would allow an openly homosexual service that celebrated and emphasized homosexuality in our church. We love the homosexual, but cannot condone the homosexual lifestyle. We could not allow homosexuality to be glorified in this house of worship.
[Out of Ur] 24 Oct 2007--In August, leaders at High Point Church in Arlington, Texas, “cancelled a memorial service for a Navy veteran shortly before it was to start because the deceased was gay.” That is how the event was described by the Associated Press. The report ignited a firestorm of bad press for the church with many accusing the congregation of homophobia.
Initially, High Point Church had volunteered to host the funeral because the dead man was the relative of a church employee. However, the church withdrew the offer when the family asked that a choir of homosexual men (Turtle Creek Chorale) perform at the funeral. In addition, they wanted a homosexual minister to officiate the service. The church’s decision to cancel the funeral was “a slap in the face” according to the man’s sister.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the church’s reason for cancelling the funeral had nothing to do with the man’s homosexuality but that “his friends and family wanted that part of his life to be a significant part of the service.” This contradicted the church’s policy and beliefs.
A statement released by High Point Church said:
The issue was not whether we would hold a memorial service for someone in a lifestyle of sin. We have assisted many families in this regard. The issue was whether we would allow an openly homosexual service that celebrated and emphasized homosexuality in our church. We love the homosexual, but cannot condone the homosexual lifestyle. We could not allow homosexuality to be glorified in this house of worship.
Forward in Faith Assembly Resolution on TEC
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/7107/
[TitusOneNine] 24 Oct 2007--This Assembly notes with concern that the actions of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church consistently fail to match its words and assurances. The Assembly cannot agree with the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates’ Meeting that the response to the Windsor Report and the Dar-es-Salaam communiqué was adequate or honourable.
[TitusOneNine] 24 Oct 2007--This Assembly notes with concern that the actions of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church consistently fail to match its words and assurances. The Assembly cannot agree with the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates’ Meeting that the response to the Windsor Report and the Dar-es-Salaam communiqué was adequate or honourable.
Priest Innocent of Fraud and Theft
http://www.graceandststephens.org/Bulletins/forensic_audit_press_release.html
[Grace Church & St. Stephen's] 24 Oct 2007--After a thorough investigation of several months duration, independent forensic auditor Robert D. Johnson, CPA, P.C. today issued a report surrounding the allegations of financial mismanagement, fraud, and theft at Grace Church & St. Stephen’s. His findings concluded that the Parish rector, the Rev. Donald Armstrong, is innocent of allegations of fraud and theft.
The forensic audit was initiated by the vestry in direct response to the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado’s investigation and presentment against Fr. Armstrong. Since 2003 relations between the conservative parish and the diocese have deteriorated over the revisionist theology of The Episcopal Church, creating a tenuous standing within the mainstream of the biblically faithful worldwide Anglican Communion. Grace Church has chosen to remain in the Anglican Communion.
The Rt. Rev. Robert O’Neill, Episcopal Bishop of Colorado, suspended Fr. Armstrong from ministry within the parish during the Christmas season of last year pending completion of an investigation of financial mismanagement. After several frustrated attempts by the vestry over the course of months to mediate in a situation that it viewed as politically motivated, the vestry determined that the Episcopal Diocese’s investigative and ecclesiastical judicial process was fatally compromised.
More importantly and a cause of great concern for the Grace Church leadership were the theological controversies within the Episcopal Church that jeopardized its own historic standing within the worldwide Anglican Communion. In response, last May the parish voted to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church and join the conservative Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) to remain in fellowship with the larger worldwide Anglican Communion.
Since this action, the vestry has been working with the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, Bishop of CANA, to specifically address the allegations brought against Fr. Armstrong by the Episcopal Bishop and Diocese of Colorado. Bishop Minns asked for a complete report of the parish’s internal control and accounting functions based upon an independent forensic audit.
[Grace Church & St. Stephen's] 24 Oct 2007--After a thorough investigation of several months duration, independent forensic auditor Robert D. Johnson, CPA, P.C. today issued a report surrounding the allegations of financial mismanagement, fraud, and theft at Grace Church & St. Stephen’s. His findings concluded that the Parish rector, the Rev. Donald Armstrong, is innocent of allegations of fraud and theft.
The forensic audit was initiated by the vestry in direct response to the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado’s investigation and presentment against Fr. Armstrong. Since 2003 relations between the conservative parish and the diocese have deteriorated over the revisionist theology of The Episcopal Church, creating a tenuous standing within the mainstream of the biblically faithful worldwide Anglican Communion. Grace Church has chosen to remain in the Anglican Communion.
The Rt. Rev. Robert O’Neill, Episcopal Bishop of Colorado, suspended Fr. Armstrong from ministry within the parish during the Christmas season of last year pending completion of an investigation of financial mismanagement. After several frustrated attempts by the vestry over the course of months to mediate in a situation that it viewed as politically motivated, the vestry determined that the Episcopal Diocese’s investigative and ecclesiastical judicial process was fatally compromised.
More importantly and a cause of great concern for the Grace Church leadership were the theological controversies within the Episcopal Church that jeopardized its own historic standing within the worldwide Anglican Communion. In response, last May the parish voted to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church and join the conservative Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) to remain in fellowship with the larger worldwide Anglican Communion.
Since this action, the vestry has been working with the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, Bishop of CANA, to specifically address the allegations brought against Fr. Armstrong by the Episcopal Bishop and Diocese of Colorado. Bishop Minns asked for a complete report of the parish’s internal control and accounting functions based upon an independent forensic audit.
Southwest Florida Halts Apportionment Redirection
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3893
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--For the first time since 2003, delegates to convention in the Diocese of Southwest Florida rejected a resolution which would have allowed congregations to redirect apportionment payments away from the program budget of the General Convention.
Similar resolutions had passed at the 2003-2005 conventions. Last year, a procedural error kept the resolution from being considered but diocesan council approved a mechanism to implement the procedure anyway.
Bishop Dabney Smith used his Oct. 20 convention address, his first as diocesan, to steer a new course for Southwest Florida, one with an emphasis on mission, outreach and young adults. He also elaborated on a line item in the budget providing for an assistant bishop.
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--For the first time since 2003, delegates to convention in the Diocese of Southwest Florida rejected a resolution which would have allowed congregations to redirect apportionment payments away from the program budget of the General Convention.
Similar resolutions had passed at the 2003-2005 conventions. Last year, a procedural error kept the resolution from being considered but diocesan council approved a mechanism to implement the procedure anyway.
Bishop Dabney Smith used his Oct. 20 convention address, his first as diocesan, to steer a new course for Southwest Florida, one with an emphasis on mission, outreach and young adults. He also elaborated on a line item in the budget providing for an assistant bishop.
Archbishop Williams' Letter 'Not a Roadmap for the Future'
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3892
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Oct. 14 letter to Bishop John W. Howe of Central Florida was not a statement of Anglican Communion policy but a particular response to a local situation.
In a formal statement released on Oct. 23, Archbishop Rowan Williams said the letter “was neither a new policy statement nor a roadmap for the future but a plain response to a very urgent and particular question about clergy in traditionalist dioceses in TEC who want to leave TEC for other jurisdictions, a response reiterating a basic presupposition of what the Archbishop believes to be the theology of the Church.
“The primary point was that – theologically and sacramentally speaking – a priest is related in the first place to his/her bishop directly, not through the structure of the national church; that structure serves the dioceses. The diocese is more than a ‘local branch’ of a national organisation,” the statement noted.
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Oct. 14 letter to Bishop John W. Howe of Central Florida was not a statement of Anglican Communion policy but a particular response to a local situation.
In a formal statement released on Oct. 23, Archbishop Rowan Williams said the letter “was neither a new policy statement nor a roadmap for the future but a plain response to a very urgent and particular question about clergy in traditionalist dioceses in TEC who want to leave TEC for other jurisdictions, a response reiterating a basic presupposition of what the Archbishop believes to be the theology of the Church.
“The primary point was that – theologically and sacramentally speaking – a priest is related in the first place to his/her bishop directly, not through the structure of the national church; that structure serves the dioceses. The diocese is more than a ‘local branch’ of a national organisation,” the statement noted.
Quincy Postpones Realignment Decision
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3891
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--With Bishop Keith L. Ackerman of Quincy unable to preside, delegates did not consider resolutions immediately severing the diocese’s affiliation with General Convention during the annual synod Oct. 19-20 at Christ Church, Moline, Ill. A final decision will be made within the next 12 months, according to an amended substitute.
“Far from being a retreat, these decisions give us flexibility,” said Tad Brenner, diocesan chancellor. “We simply made a judicious decision about timing. The original resolution was premature. The circumstances don’t justify it at this time.”
As worded, the resolution not considered would have immediately ended the diocese’s submission to “the authority or governance of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.”
[The Living Church] 24 Oct 2007--With Bishop Keith L. Ackerman of Quincy unable to preside, delegates did not consider resolutions immediately severing the diocese’s affiliation with General Convention during the annual synod Oct. 19-20 at Christ Church, Moline, Ill. A final decision will be made within the next 12 months, according to an amended substitute.
“Far from being a retreat, these decisions give us flexibility,” said Tad Brenner, diocesan chancellor. “We simply made a judicious decision about timing. The original resolution was premature. The circumstances don’t justify it at this time.”
As worded, the resolution not considered would have immediately ended the diocese’s submission to “the authority or governance of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.”
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Responding to the American House of Bishops - Archbishop Peter Jensen
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/responding_to_the_american_house_of_bishops_archbishop_peter_jensen/
[Global South Anglican] 23 Oct 2007--We have heard three weighty defences of the Joint Standing Committee’s response to the American House of Bishops’ Statement – from the Primate, from Canon Kearon, from Mr Fordham. These are men we trust as first-hand participants in the making of these documents.
However, as Proverbs 18:17 says: ‘The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.’ My difficulty with the Primate’s summary is that it omitted to account for the many and strong voices on the other side of this debate. Thus, we already have a negative statement on behalf of thirteen African primates. Since we have been invited to join a political process, we need to hear the concerns of those equally weighty witnesses who believe that the House of Bishops has failed to give the assurances for which it was asked. The political forces which are understandably pushing this forward as a decisive reply by the Americans and one which will lead to an outbreak of peace, are bound to be frustrated
[Global South Anglican] 23 Oct 2007--We have heard three weighty defences of the Joint Standing Committee’s response to the American House of Bishops’ Statement – from the Primate, from Canon Kearon, from Mr Fordham. These are men we trust as first-hand participants in the making of these documents.
However, as Proverbs 18:17 says: ‘The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.’ My difficulty with the Primate’s summary is that it omitted to account for the many and strong voices on the other side of this debate. Thus, we already have a negative statement on behalf of thirteen African primates. Since we have been invited to join a political process, we need to hear the concerns of those equally weighty witnesses who believe that the House of Bishops has failed to give the assurances for which it was asked. The political forces which are understandably pushing this forward as a decisive reply by the Americans and one which will lead to an outbreak of peace, are bound to be frustrated
Archbishop Ndungane condemns Anglican covenant as 'a mechanism for exclusion'
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_91157_ENG_HTM.htm
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa has described a draft covenant designed to deal with disagreements within the Anglican Communion as "a mechanism for exclusion."
Speaking to the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California October 19 during a sermon at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, the Archbishop of Cape Town said the covenant was "wholly contrary" to the nature of God. "I remain to be convinced that a relationship founded on grace can be regulated this way," he said, adding that unity was a gift, given by Jesus Christ.
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa has described a draft covenant designed to deal with disagreements within the Anglican Communion as "a mechanism for exclusion."
Speaking to the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California October 19 during a sermon at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, the Archbishop of Cape Town said the covenant was "wholly contrary" to the nature of God. "I remain to be convinced that a relationship founded on grace can be regulated this way," he said, adding that unity was a gift, given by Jesus Christ.
Will Words and Actions Ever Meet? Canterbury’s Letter to Bishop Howe
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7052/
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--What the Archbishop does not seem to understand is that “those who are rushing to separatist solutions” do not think that maintaining communion with his See is vital when compared to the theological concerns I have articulated above. Nor does he seem to recognize that if he makes the decision not to withdraw Lambeth invitations from bishops who currently permit same sex blessings or who have and/or would give consent to non-celibate homosexual bishops-elect, setting himself, in other words, firmly in the path of agreeing with the conclusions of the Joint Standing Committee Report, that many will consider maintaining communion with Canterbury to be of similar importance as maintaining good relations with the local Elks Club or the Rotary.
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--What the Archbishop does not seem to understand is that “those who are rushing to separatist solutions” do not think that maintaining communion with his See is vital when compared to the theological concerns I have articulated above. Nor does he seem to recognize that if he makes the decision not to withdraw Lambeth invitations from bishops who currently permit same sex blessings or who have and/or would give consent to non-celibate homosexual bishops-elect, setting himself, in other words, firmly in the path of agreeing with the conclusions of the Joint Standing Committee Report, that many will consider maintaining communion with Canterbury to be of similar importance as maintaining good relations with the local Elks Club or the Rotary.
California Diocese Okays Same-Sex Couple Blessings
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200710/CUL20071023a.html
[CNS News] 23 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Diocese of California on Saturday approved religious blessings of homosexual couples, opening the way for same-sex couples to receive the same recognition the church gives to heterosexual couples.
In a statement on the Web site of Oasis California, the homosexual ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of California (EDC), Bishop Marc Andrus pledged to make "lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders" (LGBT) feel welcome in the church.
Related Article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7055/
Diocese of California Endorses Three SSU Rites - Stand Firm
[CNS News] 23 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Diocese of California on Saturday approved religious blessings of homosexual couples, opening the way for same-sex couples to receive the same recognition the church gives to heterosexual couples.
In a statement on the Web site of Oasis California, the homosexual ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of California (EDC), Bishop Marc Andrus pledged to make "lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders" (LGBT) feel welcome in the church.
Related Article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7055/
Diocese of California Endorses Three SSU Rites - Stand Firm
Anglicanism in twilight
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/23/anglicanism-in-twilight/
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--The tale is simply told yet sad to relate.
In response to the challenge from The Episcopal Church (TEC) in consecrating as bishop a man in an active homosexual relationship, the Archbishop of Canterbury called three meetings of the Anglican Primates. He affirmed that he was not a pope and could not take these decisions on his own.
The Primates commissioned the Windsor Report to ask the TEC to comply with the teaching and practice of the Anglican Communion. The TEC General Convention responded in June 2006. The Archbishop of Canterbury judged that their response was adequate in the opening presentation to the Dar-es-Salaam Primates’ meeting in February 2007. Most primates disagreed. After five very uncomfortable days for the Archbishop of Canterbury, the primates unanimously drafted three questions to the TEC to answer by September 30.
One primate has told me personally that the Primates understood that September 30 was a deadline and that the TEC response would be evaluated by their meeting. The Primates’ Meeting has been taking responsibility for addressing the crisis. “The questions posed to TEC were posed by the Primates together. We expect to evaluate the answers together,” he said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has now reversed that direction because the Anglican Communion establishment still thinks that it can manage this matter. The Archbishop indicated in his New Orleans Press Conference that the September 30 date was not a deadline; he has said that that he will not call a Primates’ Meeting ( because he has no funds for it and a number of Celtic archbishops have said they will boycott it); and that he will not postpone the Lambeth Conference as strongly recommended by the Primates of the Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA). Jonathan Petre in the Church of England Newspaper for October 5 said that “the Archbishop of Canterbury and his advisers are making up the rules of the game as they go along.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--The tale is simply told yet sad to relate.
In response to the challenge from The Episcopal Church (TEC) in consecrating as bishop a man in an active homosexual relationship, the Archbishop of Canterbury called three meetings of the Anglican Primates. He affirmed that he was not a pope and could not take these decisions on his own.
The Primates commissioned the Windsor Report to ask the TEC to comply with the teaching and practice of the Anglican Communion. The TEC General Convention responded in June 2006. The Archbishop of Canterbury judged that their response was adequate in the opening presentation to the Dar-es-Salaam Primates’ meeting in February 2007. Most primates disagreed. After five very uncomfortable days for the Archbishop of Canterbury, the primates unanimously drafted three questions to the TEC to answer by September 30.
One primate has told me personally that the Primates understood that September 30 was a deadline and that the TEC response would be evaluated by their meeting. The Primates’ Meeting has been taking responsibility for addressing the crisis. “The questions posed to TEC were posed by the Primates together. We expect to evaluate the answers together,” he said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has now reversed that direction because the Anglican Communion establishment still thinks that it can manage this matter. The Archbishop indicated in his New Orleans Press Conference that the September 30 date was not a deadline; he has said that that he will not call a Primates’ Meeting ( because he has no funds for it and a number of Celtic archbishops have said they will boycott it); and that he will not postpone the Lambeth Conference as strongly recommended by the Primates of the Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA). Jonathan Petre in the Church of England Newspaper for October 5 said that “the Archbishop of Canterbury and his advisers are making up the rules of the game as they go along.”
Questions: Icebreakers and Beyond
http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/icebreakersbeyond.html
[Christianity Today] 23 Oct 2007--Let me describe a common scenario in many small groups. At the beginning of your discussion the leader may ask an icebreaker question like, "How was your week? Does anybody have anything to share with the group?" Or, perhaps the leader has a specific icebreaker question like: "Who was your favorite childhood friend?" or "What is the best trip you have ever taken?" Typically, the icebreaker question sets the tone for the group's discussion time. The remainder of the group time is typically devoted to Bible study, prayer, etc.
[Christianity Today] 23 Oct 2007--Let me describe a common scenario in many small groups. At the beginning of your discussion the leader may ask an icebreaker question like, "How was your week? Does anybody have anything to share with the group?" Or, perhaps the leader has a specific icebreaker question like: "Who was your favorite childhood friend?" or "What is the best trip you have ever taken?" Typically, the icebreaker question sets the tone for the group's discussion time. The remainder of the group time is typically devoted to Bible study, prayer, etc.
What is it to be Anglican?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/23/what-is-it-to-be-anglican/
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--This debate is at the heart of the arguments in the Anglican Communion.
For some, being Anglican means belonging to a particular hierarchical Church organisation with a specific set of rules (canons). Those of “Anglo- or Liberal-Catholic” persuasion identify the church by the “Bishop at the altar”. The Bishop has a geographical jurisdiction. This Roman approach was settled at the Council of Whitby in 697. The Celtic Church “lost” the argument for having more flexible ways of working.
Since all Christians in a geographical area were presumed to be in fellowship with the Bishop round his altar, at the Reformation the Church of England accommodated those who took different views on matters that were not required by the scripture. It differed from some of the Reformation churches in distinguishing those matters required scripture, and those cultural matters which were allowable as long as they did not go against scripture. Elizabeth I insisted that she could not make windows into men’s souls. It was enough to subscribe to the articles of faith and the Book of Common Prayer.
But there is more to be said.
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--This debate is at the heart of the arguments in the Anglican Communion.
For some, being Anglican means belonging to a particular hierarchical Church organisation with a specific set of rules (canons). Those of “Anglo- or Liberal-Catholic” persuasion identify the church by the “Bishop at the altar”. The Bishop has a geographical jurisdiction. This Roman approach was settled at the Council of Whitby in 697. The Celtic Church “lost” the argument for having more flexible ways of working.
Since all Christians in a geographical area were presumed to be in fellowship with the Bishop round his altar, at the Reformation the Church of England accommodated those who took different views on matters that were not required by the scripture. It differed from some of the Reformation churches in distinguishing those matters required scripture, and those cultural matters which were allowable as long as they did not go against scripture. Elizabeth I insisted that she could not make windows into men’s souls. It was enough to subscribe to the articles of faith and the Book of Common Prayer.
But there is more to be said.
CANA ordains ten new clergy
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/22/cana-ordains-ten-new-clergy/
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) ordained nine candidates to the Sacred Order of Deacons and a deacon to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday. Six of the candidates who were ordained to the diaconate are in transition to the priesthood. The new clergy members, representing four Virginia parishes and a parish in Georgia, were ordained by the Rt. Rev’d Martyn Minns, Missionary Bishop of CANA at The Falls Church in Falls Church, Va.
“This ordination ceremony underscores the continued growth of CANA as our parish leaders become new clergy members. We are blessed to have clergy who are committed to moving forward in mission and ministry while preserving the scriptural foundation of the Anglican tradition,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns. “These ordinands are a blessing to CANA and to each of their member parishes.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 23 Oct 2007--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) ordained nine candidates to the Sacred Order of Deacons and a deacon to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday. Six of the candidates who were ordained to the diaconate are in transition to the priesthood. The new clergy members, representing four Virginia parishes and a parish in Georgia, were ordained by the Rt. Rev’d Martyn Minns, Missionary Bishop of CANA at The Falls Church in Falls Church, Va.
“This ordination ceremony underscores the continued growth of CANA as our parish leaders become new clergy members. We are blessed to have clergy who are committed to moving forward in mission and ministry while preserving the scriptural foundation of the Anglican tradition,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns. “These ordinands are a blessing to CANA and to each of their member parishes.”
Has Bishop John Howe averted Schism?
http://blogs.theledger.com/default.asp?item=690916
[The Ledger] 23 Oct 2007--There have been some pretty significant developments in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida within the past week. Nine priests in the diocese -- two with connections here in Polk County -- met on Oct. 16 with Bishop John Howe to discuss ways they might "disaffiliate" with the Episcopal Church. Something like this had been rumored for awhile. (See my story about this meeting here.)
But then, Howe sent a letter to Archbishop of Canterbury Rown Williams, looking for some hint whether or not the Episcopal Church is facing some kind of sanction over its progressive stance toward gays, in defiance of a consensus in the Anglican Communion. In his reply, Williams gave Howe a place to stand in the midst of this whole controversy. In part, Williams wrote: "I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the 'national church'." (Read the entire correspondence at Kendall Harmon's TitusOneNine blog here.)
[The Ledger] 23 Oct 2007--There have been some pretty significant developments in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida within the past week. Nine priests in the diocese -- two with connections here in Polk County -- met on Oct. 16 with Bishop John Howe to discuss ways they might "disaffiliate" with the Episcopal Church. Something like this had been rumored for awhile. (See my story about this meeting here.)
But then, Howe sent a letter to Archbishop of Canterbury Rown Williams, looking for some hint whether or not the Episcopal Church is facing some kind of sanction over its progressive stance toward gays, in defiance of a consensus in the Anglican Communion. In his reply, Williams gave Howe a place to stand in the midst of this whole controversy. In part, Williams wrote: "I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the 'national church'." (Read the entire correspondence at Kendall Harmon's TitusOneNine blog here.)
Anglican Faith Needs “Serious Adjustments” To Remain In Tact
http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45&a=14560
[The Bahama Journal] 23 Oct 2007--The worldwide Anglican Communion will have to undergo a drastic reformation if it is to stave off a split that would shake the faith to its core, Anglican Archbishop His Grace Drexel Gomez suggested last night as he opened the 107th Session of Synod at Christ Church Cathedral.
The crisis over same sex blessings and openly gay clergymen has been simmering ever since some liberal Episcopalians endorsed both, much to the chagrin of conservative Anglican primates.
"It is clear that the future of the Anglican Communion is unclear at the moment but there can be no doubt that the future shape of Anglicanism will have to undergo significant adjustments if the Communion is to remain intact," said Archbishop Gomez, who heads The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Diocese.
[The Bahama Journal] 23 Oct 2007--The worldwide Anglican Communion will have to undergo a drastic reformation if it is to stave off a split that would shake the faith to its core, Anglican Archbishop His Grace Drexel Gomez suggested last night as he opened the 107th Session of Synod at Christ Church Cathedral.
The crisis over same sex blessings and openly gay clergymen has been simmering ever since some liberal Episcopalians endorsed both, much to the chagrin of conservative Anglican primates.
"It is clear that the future of the Anglican Communion is unclear at the moment but there can be no doubt that the future shape of Anglicanism will have to undergo significant adjustments if the Communion is to remain intact," said Archbishop Gomez, who heads The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Diocese.
Constitutional Changes and A Resolution from the Diocese of Dallas
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/7067/#more
[TitusOneNine] 23 Oct 2007--The Church in this Diocese accedes to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and recognizes the authority of the General Convention of said Church.
The foregoing accession and recognition are expressly premised on the Episcopal Church in the United States of America being and at all times remaining a full, constituent member of the Anglican Communion as set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution of the said Church, “a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces, and regional Churches in the communion with the See of Canterbury, upholding and propagating the historic Faith and Order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.” In the event that such premise shall no longer be applicable in whole or in part to the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, such accession and recognition may be revoked, limited, or otherwise amended by this Diocese immediately, notwithstanding Article 17, by a concurrent two-thirds vote of both orders at any Annual or Special Convention.
Moreover, the foregoing accession and recognition shall in no way be deemed to prevent or limit this Diocese from disassociating (as the word is used in Title IV, 3.21 b) itself from any actions of the General Convention by concurrent majority vote of both orders at any Annual or Special Convention.
[TitusOneNine] 23 Oct 2007--The Church in this Diocese accedes to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and recognizes the authority of the General Convention of said Church.
The foregoing accession and recognition are expressly premised on the Episcopal Church in the United States of America being and at all times remaining a full, constituent member of the Anglican Communion as set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution of the said Church, “a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces, and regional Churches in the communion with the See of Canterbury, upholding and propagating the historic Faith and Order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.” In the event that such premise shall no longer be applicable in whole or in part to the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, such accession and recognition may be revoked, limited, or otherwise amended by this Diocese immediately, notwithstanding Article 17, by a concurrent two-thirds vote of both orders at any Annual or Special Convention.
Moreover, the foregoing accession and recognition shall in no way be deemed to prevent or limit this Diocese from disassociating (as the word is used in Title IV, 3.21 b) itself from any actions of the General Convention by concurrent majority vote of both orders at any Annual or Special Convention.
The dangers of an Anglican Covenant
http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/News/tabid/27/ctl/ViewArticle/ArticleId/573/mid/486/Default.aspx
[Diocese of New Westminister] 23 Oct 2007--Will the Anglican Communion be joined together or rent asunder? That was the question that the Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett offered to a group gathered at St. Faiths.
The reason for these discussions is that the current solution to global Anglicanisms difficulties is to craft a covenant document which would make room for what many call a two-tiered membership, with some who are full members and some in association but not fully entitled because of differences in their practice of worship or discipleship.
[Diocese of New Westminister] 23 Oct 2007--Will the Anglican Communion be joined together or rent asunder? That was the question that the Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett offered to a group gathered at St. Faiths.
The reason for these discussions is that the current solution to global Anglicanisms difficulties is to craft a covenant document which would make room for what many call a two-tiered membership, with some who are full members and some in association but not fully entitled because of differences in their practice of worship or discipleship.
Anglican Crises More About Leadership, Doctrine, Not Homosexuality- African Bishops
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710221531.html
[allAfrica.com] 23 Oct 2007--The President of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa(CAPA), Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, Anglican crises hinge on leadership, doctrine - African bishops have said at a convention in Mauritius that the Anglican Church in Africa had more serious problems to address than its stance on homosexuality.
The Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was speaking to journalists after the two-day closed-door CAPA meeting that began in the Indian Ocean Island on Oct. 3. While responding to a question from the press, Archbishop Akinola said the church would focus on problems like the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the crises in Darfur and Zimbabwe, which he said threatened the wellbeing of Africa.
[allAfrica.com] 23 Oct 2007--The President of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa(CAPA), Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, Anglican crises hinge on leadership, doctrine - African bishops have said at a convention in Mauritius that the Anglican Church in Africa had more serious problems to address than its stance on homosexuality.
The Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was speaking to journalists after the two-day closed-door CAPA meeting that began in the Indian Ocean Island on Oct. 3. While responding to a question from the press, Archbishop Akinola said the church would focus on problems like the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the crises in Darfur and Zimbabwe, which he said threatened the wellbeing of Africa.
Two Sees in Central Africa Declared Vacant
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3890
[The Living Church] 23 Oct 2007--The Anglican Province of Central Africa has removed Bishop Nolbert Kunonga of Harare and another diocesan bishop in Zimbabwe from its college of bishops.
In a statement released on Oct. 19, the Dean of the province, Bishop Albert Chama of Northern Zambia, stated that Bishop Kunonga and Bishop Elson Jakazi of Manicaland were no longer bishops of the church and the Sees of Harare and Manicaland had been declared vacant “with immediate effect.” Vicar generals would be appointed to supervise the election of new bishops, Bishop Chama wrote.
[The Living Church] 23 Oct 2007--The Anglican Province of Central Africa has removed Bishop Nolbert Kunonga of Harare and another diocesan bishop in Zimbabwe from its college of bishops.
In a statement released on Oct. 19, the Dean of the province, Bishop Albert Chama of Northern Zambia, stated that Bishop Kunonga and Bishop Elson Jakazi of Manicaland were no longer bishops of the church and the Sees of Harare and Manicaland had been declared vacant “with immediate effect.” Vicar generals would be appointed to supervise the election of new bishops, Bishop Chama wrote.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sunset or New Dawn for Anglican World?
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/sunset_for_anglican_church/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 23 Oct 2007--After-shocks from the earthquake rocking the worldwide Anglican Communion will be felt during the deliberations of the General Synod – or parliament – of the Australian Anglican Church this week.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 23 Oct 2007--After-shocks from the earthquake rocking the worldwide Anglican Communion will be felt during the deliberations of the General Synod – or parliament – of the Australian Anglican Church this week.
Another Glimpse Behind The Curtain
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/7042/
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--Time to face the facts, folks, the GLBT agenda is really a case of tell them what they want to hear in order to get what you want. America would do well to remember that each advance of the GLBT into the political arena has been made at the expense of the basic rights of those who oppose their agenda. Think that’s a bit of hyperbole? An overstatement? You might want to review the facts. There’s Canada and now England’s hate speech laws, pending federal hate speech laws in Washington, and most recently, California SB777.
[Stand Firm] 23 Oct 2007--Time to face the facts, folks, the GLBT agenda is really a case of tell them what they want to hear in order to get what you want. America would do well to remember that each advance of the GLBT into the political arena has been made at the expense of the basic rights of those who oppose their agenda. Think that’s a bit of hyperbole? An overstatement? You might want to review the facts. There’s Canada and now England’s hate speech laws, pending federal hate speech laws in Washington, and most recently, California SB777.
The Great Betrayal - Rowan Williams and the end of the Anglican Communion as we know it
http://islandpriest.blogspot.com/2007/10/great-betrayal-rowan-williams-and-end.html
[THe BLOG] 23 Oct 2007--At 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 27 any respect I have been able to maintain for Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and any hope for the survival of the Anglican Communion as we currently know it, died.
[THe BLOG] 23 Oct 2007--At 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 27 any respect I have been able to maintain for Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and any hope for the survival of the Anglican Communion as we currently know it, died.
Quincy Episcopalians will wait on realigning
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/102107/TRI_BEMTVMBL.044.php
[PJStar.com] 23 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Diocese of Quincy "opened the door" to possible realignment with a different province of the Anglican Communion at its annual synod Friday and Saturday.
[PJStar.com] 23 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Diocese of Quincy "opened the door" to possible realignment with a different province of the Anglican Communion at its annual synod Friday and Saturday.
Same Gender Blessings Backed by Episcopal Diocese of California
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-20-2007/0004686215&EDATE=
[PRNewsWire] 23 Oct 2007--Electedrepresentatives of the Episcopal Diocese of California today approved useof rites for the blessing of same gender couples by an overwhelming margin.The action opens the way for Diocesan Bishop Marc Andrus to allow theseservices to be used on a trial basis by Episcopal churches across the BayArea.
[PRNewsWire] 23 Oct 2007--Electedrepresentatives of the Episcopal Diocese of California today approved useof rites for the blessing of same gender couples by an overwhelming margin.The action opens the way for Diocesan Bishop Marc Andrus to allow theseservices to be used on a trial basis by Episcopal churches across the BayArea.
A Statement Regarding Upholding the Ministry of Faithful Bishops
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/119/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 23 Oct 2007--Many Anglicans were convinced that September 30th, 2007, would bring clarity to the ongoing struggle within the Anglican Communion over the church's coherent witness. By this day, it was hoped, there would be a clear decision as to the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops commitment to abide by the common teaching and discipline of the Communion; by this date "realignment" according to the definitions of this teaching and discipline would proceed with general and orderly consent. Obviously, this has not happened. But a new push to re-order the lines of jurisdiction within American Anglicanism has occurred nonetheless, one that has necessarily proceeded without common consent or order. Oddly enough, it is happening - as it has in the past - with a special intensity and passion within dioceses led by bishops who have long opposed the innovations of TEC's leadership and General Convention and remained faithful to the teaching and discipline of the Communion. The current work of breaking up traditional dioceses, whose bishops are still recognized as faithful leaders by the Communion's Instruments of Unity, including by her Primates, has been going on at least since 2000. Its pace, however, has recently accelerated in some places, like the Diocese of Central Florida and the Southwestern part of the church. What shall we say about this trend?
[Anglican Communion Institute] 23 Oct 2007--Many Anglicans were convinced that September 30th, 2007, would bring clarity to the ongoing struggle within the Anglican Communion over the church's coherent witness. By this day, it was hoped, there would be a clear decision as to the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops commitment to abide by the common teaching and discipline of the Communion; by this date "realignment" according to the definitions of this teaching and discipline would proceed with general and orderly consent. Obviously, this has not happened. But a new push to re-order the lines of jurisdiction within American Anglicanism has occurred nonetheless, one that has necessarily proceeded without common consent or order. Oddly enough, it is happening - as it has in the past - with a special intensity and passion within dioceses led by bishops who have long opposed the innovations of TEC's leadership and General Convention and remained faithful to the teaching and discipline of the Communion. The current work of breaking up traditional dioceses, whose bishops are still recognized as faithful leaders by the Communion's Instruments of Unity, including by her Primates, has been going on at least since 2000. Its pace, however, has recently accelerated in some places, like the Diocese of Central Florida and the Southwestern part of the church. What shall we say about this trend?
Archbishop Rowan Williams’ Letter to Bishop John Howe
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/archbishop_rowan_williams_letter_to_bishop_john_howe/
[Global South Anglican] 23 Oct 2007--The exchange between Bishop John Howe (Central Florida) and the Archbishop of Canterbury gives some further insight.
“Any Diocese compliant with Windsor remains clearly in communion with Canterbury and the mainstream of the Communion, whatever may be the longer-term result for others in The Episcopal Church. The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such…. I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the “National Church.” - Abp Williams
Bishop Howe’s pastoral letter here
Archbishop of Canterbury reply here.
[Global South Anglican] 23 Oct 2007--The exchange between Bishop John Howe (Central Florida) and the Archbishop of Canterbury gives some further insight.
“Any Diocese compliant with Windsor remains clearly in communion with Canterbury and the mainstream of the Communion, whatever may be the longer-term result for others in The Episcopal Church. The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such…. I should feel a great deal happier, I must say, if those who are most eloquent for a traditionalist view in the United States showed a fuller understanding of the need to regard the Bishop and the Diocese as the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the “National Church.” - Abp Williams
Bishop Howe’s pastoral letter here
Archbishop of Canterbury reply here.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Zimbabwe: Anglican Church Fires Kunonga - Declares Vacancy
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710190699.html
[allAfrica.com] 20 Oct 2007--The Anglican Church's Province of Central Africa has expelled the bishop of Harare, Nolbert Kunonga, and declared his post vacant after he withdrew the diocese from the province alleging rampant homosexuality in the church.
[allAfrica.com] 20 Oct 2007--The Anglican Church's Province of Central Africa has expelled the bishop of Harare, Nolbert Kunonga, and declared his post vacant after he withdrew the diocese from the province alleging rampant homosexuality in the church.
Conservative Anglicans may split off over ordination of gay bishop
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_7229072
[Los Angelos Daily News] 20 Oct 2007--A worldwide rift in Anglican churches over the ordination of a gay Episcopal priest is being felt in Santa Clarita, where plans are under way to establish a conservative offshoot.
The African-based Anglican Mission in America is advertising locally to see how much interest there is in the church, a breakaway from the more liberal Episcopal denomination.
Both are under the umbrella of the Anglican Communion, the third-largest Christian denomination in the world.
"A number of families are interested in starting a new parish," said the Rev. Jim Obermeyer, an Anglican priest now on sabbatical in Phoenix.
"The plan is to see, after having the ads in the paper, to hold a meeting and decide how we want to proceed."
[Los Angelos Daily News] 20 Oct 2007--A worldwide rift in Anglican churches over the ordination of a gay Episcopal priest is being felt in Santa Clarita, where plans are under way to establish a conservative offshoot.
The African-based Anglican Mission in America is advertising locally to see how much interest there is in the church, a breakaway from the more liberal Episcopal denomination.
Both are under the umbrella of the Anglican Communion, the third-largest Christian denomination in the world.
"A number of families are interested in starting a new parish," said the Rev. Jim Obermeyer, an Anglican priest now on sabbatical in Phoenix.
"The plan is to see, after having the ads in the paper, to hold a meeting and decide how we want to proceed."
Australian way could help heal Anglicans' global rift over gays
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/australian-way-could-help-heal-anglicans-global-rift-over-gays/2007/10/20/1192301103474.html
[The Age] 20 Oct 2007--Australia's national Anglican leader yesterday backed the American church in the homosexuality row that has brought the worldwide church to the brink of schism, and suggested that Australia might offer a solution.
[The Age] 20 Oct 2007--Australia's national Anglican leader yesterday backed the American church in the homosexuality row that has brought the worldwide church to the brink of schism, and suggested that Australia might offer a solution.
Let the Spin Begin!
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6997/
[Stand Firm] 20 Oct 2007--The liberal apparatchiks of the Episcopal Church have begun pushing "For the Bible Tells Me So," their cinematic equivalent of the Davis Mac-Iyalla Fraud Tour '07™. There have been a few remarks on liberal blogs, a quip here and there in the mainstream media, and now articles like this, which will be more numerous and higher-profile in the months to come. Keep this in mind as you watch the secular media promote this film. The writers of articles like this take pains to make you think they've just discovered - mirabile dictu - this little jewel of a film, all by their widdle selves:
[Stand Firm] 20 Oct 2007--The liberal apparatchiks of the Episcopal Church have begun pushing "For the Bible Tells Me So," their cinematic equivalent of the Davis Mac-Iyalla Fraud Tour '07™. There have been a few remarks on liberal blogs, a quip here and there in the mainstream media, and now articles like this, which will be more numerous and higher-profile in the months to come. Keep this in mind as you watch the secular media promote this film. The writers of articles like this take pains to make you think they've just discovered - mirabile dictu - this little jewel of a film, all by their widdle selves:
Montreal Synod asks Bishop to consider blessings of same-sex unions
http://www.montreal.anglican.ca/synod/same-sex-unions.htm
[Synod of the Diocese of Montreal] 20 Oct 2007--At its annual synod or general meeting, held 19 October 2007, the Anglican clergy and laity of the Diocese of Montreal voted in favour of a motion requesting "that the Bishop grant permission for clergy, whose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages, including marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized; and that the Bishop authorize an appropriate rite and make regulations for its use in supportive parishes." The vote taken on Friday night was passed in the order of clergy (44 - 25) and in the order of laity (59 – 32).
[Synod of the Diocese of Montreal] 20 Oct 2007--At its annual synod or general meeting, held 19 October 2007, the Anglican clergy and laity of the Diocese of Montreal voted in favour of a motion requesting "that the Bishop grant permission for clergy, whose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages, including marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized; and that the Bishop authorize an appropriate rite and make regulations for its use in supportive parishes." The vote taken on Friday night was passed in the order of clergy (44 - 25) and in the order of laity (59 – 32).
The Constitution of the Anglican Communion and the Current Crisis
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/20/the-constitution-of-the-anglican-communion-and-the-current-crisis/
[Anglican Mainstream] 20 Oct 2007--Roger Beckwith argues that since the 1930 Lambeth Conference established the autonomy of individual provinces, it is entirely proper for a province to declare itself out of communion with another province. Cross boundary oversight does not apply because the boundary is no longer recognised.
[Anglican Mainstream] 20 Oct 2007--Roger Beckwith argues that since the 1930 Lambeth Conference established the autonomy of individual provinces, it is entirely proper for a province to declare itself out of communion with another province. Cross boundary oversight does not apply because the boundary is no longer recognised.
The Rector and Vestry of Saint Stephen’s Sewickley Write the Parish
http://kendallharmon.net/t19/
[TitusOneNine] 20 May 2007--We have come to a moment of decision. After years of effort and much personal anguish, I now believe that the Episcopal Church has clarified and hardened its opposition to the historic and biblical Christian faith to such an extent that we cannot pursue our gospel mission fruitfully while remaining under its authority. Your Vestry concurs. For the sake of our health and future mission, we believe that we must now partner with our diocese to realign our congregation and affiliate with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
[TitusOneNine] 20 May 2007--We have come to a moment of decision. After years of effort and much personal anguish, I now believe that the Episcopal Church has clarified and hardened its opposition to the historic and biblical Christian faith to such an extent that we cannot pursue our gospel mission fruitfully while remaining under its authority. Your Vestry concurs. For the sake of our health and future mission, we believe that we must now partner with our diocese to realign our congregation and affiliate with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
Porvoo meeting Overshadowed by Crisis over Homosexuality
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6984/
[TitusOneNine] 20 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, met in Dublin last week with the leaders of the Porvoo Communion of Anglican and Nordic Lutheran churches for private talks. However Dr Williams’ Irish excursion did not bring him a change of scene as the vexing issue of gay clergy followed him to Dublin. While a spokesman for the Church of Ireland told The Church of England Newspaper there would be no formal statement of the gathering of Anglican and Lutheran bishops, sources familiar with the deliberations, held every two years, tell CEN that issues of common national and ecclesial concern were raised at the gathering.
[TitusOneNine] 20 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, met in Dublin last week with the leaders of the Porvoo Communion of Anglican and Nordic Lutheran churches for private talks. However Dr Williams’ Irish excursion did not bring him a change of scene as the vexing issue of gay clergy followed him to Dublin. While a spokesman for the Church of Ireland told The Church of England Newspaper there would be no formal statement of the gathering of Anglican and Lutheran bishops, sources familiar with the deliberations, held every two years, tell CEN that issues of common national and ecclesial concern were raised at the gathering.
Central Florida Parishes, Church Plants Plan to Disaffiliate
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3884
[The Living Church] 20 Oct 2007--The rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Diocese of Central Florida and two church planters met with Bishop John Howe and representatives of the diocese Oct. 17 to “discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations may disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.”
Related articles:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6990/
A Press Release About a Recent meeting in the Diocese of Central Florida - TitusOneNine
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/20/seven-parishes-announce-exodus-from-diocese-of-central-florida-and-tec/
Seven Parishes Announce Exodus from Diocese of Central Florida and TEC - Anglican
Mainstream
http://www.theledger.com/article/20071020/NEWS/710200434/1004
Episcopal Leaders in Separation Talks - The Ledger
[The Living Church] 20 Oct 2007--The rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Diocese of Central Florida and two church planters met with Bishop John Howe and representatives of the diocese Oct. 17 to “discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations may disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.”
Related articles:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6990/
A Press Release About a Recent meeting in the Diocese of Central Florida - TitusOneNine
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/20/seven-parishes-announce-exodus-from-diocese-of-central-florida-and-tec/
Seven Parishes Announce Exodus from Diocese of Central Florida and TEC - Anglican
Mainstream
http://www.theledger.com/article/20071020/NEWS/710200434/1004
Episcopal Leaders in Separation Talks - The Ledger
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fallout from Women Bishops Ruling
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/women_bishops_ruling/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 19 Oct 2007--As General Synod approaches, Sydney’s Standing Committee has made clear its “disappointment” with the majority opinion of the Appellate Tribunal on women bishops.
The “disappointment” concerns the Tribunal’s September 28 decision that there is nothing in the wording of the current Constitution which would prevent women becoming bishops.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 19 Oct 2007--As General Synod approaches, Sydney’s Standing Committee has made clear its “disappointment” with the majority opinion of the Appellate Tribunal on women bishops.
The “disappointment” concerns the Tribunal’s September 28 decision that there is nothing in the wording of the current Constitution which would prevent women becoming bishops.
‘Orthodox lite’ services draw ritual-hungry evangelicals
http://larknews.com/september_2007/secondary.php?page=5
[Lark News] 19 Oct 2007--When a new Antiochian Orthodox church opened up and drew families from several evangelical churches, it created a minor buzz around town.
At the Evangelical Free church, it also created another service.
"I’ve been caught off guard by other shifts in church trends," says EV Free pastor Brian Fitzgerald, 44. "Not this time."
In a defensive maneuver, his church soon added an Orthodox-style service to cater to people who want more ritual and a feeling of connection to historical tradition.
"It’s the same sermon, same worship songs in many cases, just done in a more liturgical style," Fitzgerald says. "I don’t mind changing the packaging for people. It freshens it up for them and for me."
The new "Liturgical Service," as they call it, has become the most popular service even among young people. After the "standard" evangelical service at 9:30 a.m., workers decorate the platform with candles, non-specific iconography and other religious-looking items. Fitzgerald wears generic vestments and adopts a more somber manner. He reads from a liturgical book and the congregation responds by reading words on the screens.
"I like the reverence and the mood," says one girl, 16. "It feels more spiritual."
"I like the candles," her friend chimes in.
[Lark News] 19 Oct 2007--When a new Antiochian Orthodox church opened up and drew families from several evangelical churches, it created a minor buzz around town.
At the Evangelical Free church, it also created another service.
"I’ve been caught off guard by other shifts in church trends," says EV Free pastor Brian Fitzgerald, 44. "Not this time."
In a defensive maneuver, his church soon added an Orthodox-style service to cater to people who want more ritual and a feeling of connection to historical tradition.
"It’s the same sermon, same worship songs in many cases, just done in a more liturgical style," Fitzgerald says. "I don’t mind changing the packaging for people. It freshens it up for them and for me."
The new "Liturgical Service," as they call it, has become the most popular service even among young people. After the "standard" evangelical service at 9:30 a.m., workers decorate the platform with candles, non-specific iconography and other religious-looking items. Fitzgerald wears generic vestments and adopts a more somber manner. He reads from a liturgical book and the congregation responds by reading words on the screens.
"I like the reverence and the mood," says one girl, 16. "It feels more spiritual."
"I like the candles," her friend chimes in.
Motions from Reform Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/18/motions-from-reform-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Oct 2007--1. Reform Conference 2007 proposal on Future Ministry in the Church of England
This conference believes that the Church of England can provide a uniquely effective framework for the exercise of full-time Bible-teaching ministries. In the light of growing divisions within the Anglican Communion, it requests the [Reform] Council to explore ways of fostering these ministries in a new climate, in particular by developing the work of the panel of reference, and by considering what further steps might be necessary to provide financial and episcopal support for ministers who have to consider irregular action to defend biblical truth and promote the gospel....
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Oct 2007--1. Reform Conference 2007 proposal on Future Ministry in the Church of England
This conference believes that the Church of England can provide a uniquely effective framework for the exercise of full-time Bible-teaching ministries. In the light of growing divisions within the Anglican Communion, it requests the [Reform] Council to explore ways of fostering these ministries in a new climate, in particular by developing the work of the panel of reference, and by considering what further steps might be necessary to provide financial and episcopal support for ministers who have to consider irregular action to defend biblical truth and promote the gospel....
Akinola’s Anti-gay Campaign
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=92652
[This Day Online] 19 Oct 2007--It is true that the American society largely runs on a liberal path. Its social ethos is strongly anchored on near laissez-faire attitude. That explains why the American society is very elastic in terms of tolerance of sometimes strange, if not outlandish habits.
However, if the social norms could accommodate such dispositions, the sacred order of religion is supposed to be tempered by some restraint and moderation. But the curious ordination of Jean Robinson, a gay Bishop, a couple of years ago, manifestly proves that not even the sanctity of divine laws espoused by the major religions can tame the wild libertine philosophy of the American society.
[This Day Online] 19 Oct 2007--It is true that the American society largely runs on a liberal path. Its social ethos is strongly anchored on near laissez-faire attitude. That explains why the American society is very elastic in terms of tolerance of sometimes strange, if not outlandish habits.
However, if the social norms could accommodate such dispositions, the sacred order of religion is supposed to be tempered by some restraint and moderation. But the curious ordination of Jean Robinson, a gay Bishop, a couple of years ago, manifestly proves that not even the sanctity of divine laws espoused by the major religions can tame the wild libertine philosophy of the American society.
Traditional Anglican Communion Petitions Rome for Union
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3883
[The Living Church] 19 Oct 2007--The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) recently petitioned for “full, corporate, sacramental union” with the Roman Catholic Church recently.
The appeal for union was debated during a meeting of bishops in Portsmouth, England during the first week of October. It was delivered in a letter, which was signed by all the bishops present. The letter was delivered personally to the Holy See by the Most Rev. John Hepworth, Primate of TAC, and two other bishops selected by the college.
[The Living Church] 19 Oct 2007--The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) recently petitioned for “full, corporate, sacramental union” with the Roman Catholic Church recently.
The appeal for union was debated during a meeting of bishops in Portsmouth, England during the first week of October. It was delivered in a letter, which was signed by all the bishops present. The letter was delivered personally to the Holy See by the Most Rev. John Hepworth, Primate of TAC, and two other bishops selected by the college.
Anglicans prepare to fight against 'liberal threat'
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglicans.prepare.to.fight.against.liberal.threat/14050.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 19 Oct 2007--As the "liberal threat" in the Church of England increases, orthodox Anglicans warned that they may distance themselves from the church and carry out its own ordinations.
At an Oct. 16-17 meeting in Central London, the head of Reform – a traditionalist network of churches and individuals within the Church of England – said parishes discontent with the Church of England's liberal drift must prepare for "courageous action" which may include looking overseas for irregular ordinations in the future.
[Christianity Today UK] 19 Oct 2007--As the "liberal threat" in the Church of England increases, orthodox Anglicans warned that they may distance themselves from the church and carry out its own ordinations.
At an Oct. 16-17 meeting in Central London, the head of Reform – a traditionalist network of churches and individuals within the Church of England – said parishes discontent with the Church of England's liberal drift must prepare for "courageous action" which may include looking overseas for irregular ordinations in the future.
Love must prevail
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_91030_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 19 Oct 2007--The contentious relationship between the Episcopal Church based in the United States and the worldwide Anglican Communion is appropriately called a "civil war over homosexuality" by The New York Times. I, also, think it is an event of civil stress about love and justice. In 1966, Joseph Fletcher, an Episcopal priest on the faculty of the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, wrote a book titled Situation Ethics in which he declared that "love is the boss principle of life" and "justice is love distributed."
"God is love" is a fact of life some of us learned in Sunday school. We also learned that covenants, creeds, doctrines and traditions may pass away, but love endures. How, then, can a church with a responsibility of promoting love and justice adopt a policy of discrimination that prohibits homosexual people from being elected and consecrated as bishops? There is no evidence that such people cannot "love and be loved in return." If love is the boss principle of life, arbitrary and capricious acts of discrimination against all sorts and conditions of people, including male and female people, heterosexual and homosexual people, is unjust and should cease and desist.
[Episcopal Life Online] 19 Oct 2007--The contentious relationship between the Episcopal Church based in the United States and the worldwide Anglican Communion is appropriately called a "civil war over homosexuality" by The New York Times. I, also, think it is an event of civil stress about love and justice. In 1966, Joseph Fletcher, an Episcopal priest on the faculty of the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, wrote a book titled Situation Ethics in which he declared that "love is the boss principle of life" and "justice is love distributed."
"God is love" is a fact of life some of us learned in Sunday school. We also learned that covenants, creeds, doctrines and traditions may pass away, but love endures. How, then, can a church with a responsibility of promoting love and justice adopt a policy of discrimination that prohibits homosexual people from being elected and consecrated as bishops? There is no evidence that such people cannot "love and be loved in return." If love is the boss principle of life, arbitrary and capricious acts of discrimination against all sorts and conditions of people, including male and female people, heterosexual and homosexual people, is unjust and should cease and desist.
Ottawa synod followed process, says primate
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/nc/100/article/ottawa-synod-followed-process-says-primate/
[Anglican Journal] 19 Oct 2007--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he believes that “due process was followed” by the diocese of Ottawa when a majority of its synod members approved on Oct. 13 a motion asking its bishop to allow local parishes to bless civil marriages between same-sex couples.
“I believe due process was followed with respect to the handling of this resolution. The outcome of the resolution is a reflection of the mind of the church local in this matter,” Archbishop Hiltz told the Anglican Journal.
[Anglican Journal] 19 Oct 2007--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he believes that “due process was followed” by the diocese of Ottawa when a majority of its synod members approved on Oct. 13 a motion asking its bishop to allow local parishes to bless civil marriages between same-sex couples.
“I believe due process was followed with respect to the handling of this resolution. The outcome of the resolution is a reflection of the mind of the church local in this matter,” Archbishop Hiltz told the Anglican Journal.
U.S. House of Bishops Letter Sparks Debate on Both Sides
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6965/#more
[TitusOneNine] 19 Oct 2007--The New Orleans Statement by the US House of Bishops has generated a wide and contradictory spate of explanatory letters and speeches from the American bishops to their dioceses. While the Primates ACC Joint Standing Committee’s report of Sept 30 argues the New Orleans statement complied with the primates’ request for a moratorium on gay bishops and blessings, liberal and conservative bishops in the US are united in saying it promised no such thing.
Speaking at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Sept 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said the US Church was ‘not going backward’ on gay rights. “All people, including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians, are deserving of the fullest regard of the church,” she said, noting the New Orleans statement was part of a larger conversation leading to the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of the church.
[TitusOneNine] 19 Oct 2007--The New Orleans Statement by the US House of Bishops has generated a wide and contradictory spate of explanatory letters and speeches from the American bishops to their dioceses. While the Primates ACC Joint Standing Committee’s report of Sept 30 argues the New Orleans statement complied with the primates’ request for a moratorium on gay bishops and blessings, liberal and conservative bishops in the US are united in saying it promised no such thing.
Speaking at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Sept 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said the US Church was ‘not going backward’ on gay rights. “All people, including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians, are deserving of the fullest regard of the church,” she said, noting the New Orleans statement was part of a larger conversation leading to the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of the church.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Foundation for Spiritual Renewal 1
http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=13&d=32&p_t=index.php
[Church of Nigeria] 18 Oct 2007--What a deep mine the Holy Bible is! And yet how few there are who have discovered the hidden treasures awaiting us as we devote ourselves to the diligent study of the Bible.
[Church of Nigeria] 18 Oct 2007--What a deep mine the Holy Bible is! And yet how few there are who have discovered the hidden treasures awaiting us as we devote ourselves to the diligent study of the Bible.
St. Stephen’s Announces Intention to Realign
http://parishtoolbox.org/index.php/tbx/entry/55
{Parish Toolbox] 18 Oct 2007--The leadership of St. Stephen’s in Sewickley, the largest church in the diocese in both membership and Sunday attendance, has announced its intention to realign with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
{Parish Toolbox] 18 Oct 2007--The leadership of St. Stephen’s in Sewickley, the largest church in the diocese in both membership and Sunday attendance, has announced its intention to realign with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
Schori Writes Bishops, Requests Opinions on JSC Report
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6942/
[Stand Firm] 18 Oct 2007--I am grateful for the considered way in which the House worked together in New Orleans, and for our demonstration of solidarity with the people of Louisiana and Mississippi. I am finding that most of you would rather focus on the latter!
[Stand Firm] 18 Oct 2007--I am grateful for the considered way in which the House worked together in New Orleans, and for our demonstration of solidarity with the people of Louisiana and Mississippi. I am finding that most of you would rather focus on the latter!
“People and parishes prepared for irregular action” Reform Chairman
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/18/people-and-parishes-prepared-for-irregular-action-reform-chairman/
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Oct 2007--The new chairman of an Anglican traditionalist network seeking to uphold orthodox teaching in the Church of England warned that it may be forced to carry out irregular ordinations in the future. The Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform network after replacing the Rev David Banting, was due to say in his speech at the group’s national conference in London this week that as the ‘liberal threat’ in the Church of England increases, ‘people and parishes will have to be prepared for irregular action in response’. He was due to add: “Increasingly, parishes will want to distance themselves from those bishops whose teaching is unbiblical and divisive. “This may amount no more to an unwillingness to join such bishops around the Communion table. “But as we’ve seen in Chelmsford, even these actions can be costly when a bishop refuses to ordain bona fide candidates.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Oct 2007--The new chairman of an Anglican traditionalist network seeking to uphold orthodox teaching in the Church of England warned that it may be forced to carry out irregular ordinations in the future. The Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform network after replacing the Rev David Banting, was due to say in his speech at the group’s national conference in London this week that as the ‘liberal threat’ in the Church of England increases, ‘people and parishes will have to be prepared for irregular action in response’. He was due to add: “Increasingly, parishes will want to distance themselves from those bishops whose teaching is unbiblical and divisive. “This may amount no more to an unwillingness to join such bishops around the Communion table. “But as we’ve seen in Chelmsford, even these actions can be costly when a bishop refuses to ordain bona fide candidates.”
The Anglican Communion after New Orleans and The Joint Standing Committee Report
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/118/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 18 Oct 2007--As many predicted, some hopefully and some fearfully, the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) have given a positive assessment of the response of the The Episcopal Church's (TEC) House of Bishops to the Primates' Questions from Dar Es Salaam. In particular, in relation to the two key requests concerning TEC's response to The Windsor Report (TWR), JSC conclude....
[Anglican Communion Institute] 18 Oct 2007--As many predicted, some hopefully and some fearfully, the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) have given a positive assessment of the response of the The Episcopal Church's (TEC) House of Bishops to the Primates' Questions from Dar Es Salaam. In particular, in relation to the two key requests concerning TEC's response to The Windsor Report (TWR), JSC conclude....
Anglican parishes to ordain own clergy
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/18/nchurch118.xml
[Telegraph] 18 Oct 2007--Dozens of conservative parishes will start ordaining their own clergy in an open revolt against their bishops if the Church of England continues its liberal drift, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
[Telegraph] 18 Oct 2007--Dozens of conservative parishes will start ordaining their own clergy in an open revolt against their bishops if the Church of England continues its liberal drift, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
Another American Parish Quits
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/another-american-parish-quits-cen-101907-p-7/
[Conger] 18 Oct 2007--The unraveling of the American Church continues as parishioners at one of the Diocese of Arizona’s “cardinal parishes” announced on Sept 28 they were quitting the Episcopal Church to come under the Church of Uganda.
[Conger] 18 Oct 2007--The unraveling of the American Church continues as parishioners at one of the Diocese of Arizona’s “cardinal parishes” announced on Sept 28 they were quitting the Episcopal Church to come under the Church of Uganda.
Converting to the RCL
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3879
[The Living Church] 18 Oct 2007--The last few years have had no scarce supply of headline-grabbing events in The Episcopal Church. A less widely publicized happening, but one with great potential effect upon the weekly experience of those in the pews, was the formal adoption at last year’s General Convention of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This thumbnail introduction is for those who may have missed this action, and the years of discussion that preceded it.
[The Living Church] 18 Oct 2007--The last few years have had no scarce supply of headline-grabbing events in The Episcopal Church. A less widely publicized happening, but one with great potential effect upon the weekly experience of those in the pews, was the formal adoption at last year’s General Convention of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This thumbnail introduction is for those who may have missed this action, and the years of discussion that preceded it.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Satanist guilty of vicar killing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7047096.stm
[BBC News] 17 Oct 2007--Geraint Evans, 24, of Trecynon, near Aberdare, repeatedly stabbed Father Paul Bennett on 14 March in the grounds of the town's St Fagan's Church.
[BBC News] 17 Oct 2007--Geraint Evans, 24, of Trecynon, near Aberdare, repeatedly stabbed Father Paul Bennett on 14 March in the grounds of the town's St Fagan's Church.
Small Church, Global Reach
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2007/005/6.14.html
[Today's Christian] 17 Oct 2007--In this age of overflowing megachurches and high-profile Christian ministries, can a tiny congregation hidden in the middle of America make a difference?
[Today's Christian] 17 Oct 2007--In this age of overflowing megachurches and high-profile Christian ministries, can a tiny congregation hidden in the middle of America make a difference?
'There will be no outcasts in this Church,' Presiding Bishop tells live webcast audience
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_91034_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 17 Oct 2007--Opening with an overview of the mission-driven September 20-25 House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori set the tone October 16 for her second webcast held at the studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City.
[Episcopal Life Online] 17 Oct 2007--Opening with an overview of the mission-driven September 20-25 House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori set the tone October 16 for her second webcast held at the studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City.
Traditional Anglican Communion [TAC] Seeks Full Union with Rome
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6920/
[Stand Firm] 17 Oct 2007--“ The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) met in Plenary Session in Portsmouth, England, in the first week of October 2007. The Bishops and Vicars-General unanimously agreed to the text of a letter to the See of Rome seeking full, corporate, sacramental union. The letter was signed solemnly by all the College and entrusted to the Primate and two bishops chosen by the College to be presented to the Holy See. The letter was cordially received at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Primate of the TAC has agreed that no member of the College will give interviews until the Holy See has considered the letter and responded.”
[Stand Firm] 17 Oct 2007--“ The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) met in Plenary Session in Portsmouth, England, in the first week of October 2007. The Bishops and Vicars-General unanimously agreed to the text of a letter to the See of Rome seeking full, corporate, sacramental union. The letter was signed solemnly by all the College and entrusted to the Primate and two bishops chosen by the College to be presented to the Holy See. The letter was cordially received at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Primate of the TAC has agreed that no member of the College will give interviews until the Holy See has considered the letter and responded.”
Provincial Leaders Tell Harare Bishop to Resign
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3878
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rt. Rev. Norbert Kunonga must go, leaders of the Anglican Province of Central Africa said, calling upon the controversial Bishop of Harare to relinquish control of diocesan assets by Oct. 16 or face a civil lawsuit.
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rt. Rev. Norbert Kunonga must go, leaders of the Anglican Province of Central Africa said, calling upon the controversial Bishop of Harare to relinquish control of diocesan assets by Oct. 16 or face a civil lawsuit.
Priest Ordained in Jail Temporarily Inhibited
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3877
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rev. James Tramel, the California priest whose highly publicized ordination occurred while he was in prison, has been temporarily inhibited by the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California.
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rev. James Tramel, the California priest whose highly publicized ordination occurred while he was in prison, has been temporarily inhibited by the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California.
A Proposal for the Anglican Communion
http://resignatio.blogspot.com/2007/10/proposal-for-anglican-communion-getting.html
[Resignatio Ad Infernum] 17 Oct 2007--Recently, in response to a post on the website of Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian to the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and a leading voice against the ordination of gays and lesbians and blessings of same-sex couples, I wrote the following words....
[Resignatio Ad Infernum] 17 Oct 2007--Recently, in response to a post on the website of Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian to the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and a leading voice against the ordination of gays and lesbians and blessings of same-sex couples, I wrote the following words....
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
New Anglican row emerges with gay blessing request
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnN15284107.html
[Reuters] 16 Oct 2007--The Ottawa branch of the Anglican Church of Canada has thrown a challenge to the worldwide Anglican movement by asking the Ottawa bishop to authorize the blessing of homosexual marriages.
In a weekend vote, the Ottawa diocese voted 177 to 97 to ask Bishop John Chapman to allow clergy "to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized."
If Chapman, an advocate of such blessings, approves the request, it will be a red flag to the conservative branches of the church in Africa, Latin America and Asia, and could hasten a split in the global Anglican church.
Chapman told a news conference it could take anywhere between a day to 10 years to make his decision and that he would consult Canada's bishops later this month.
[Reuters] 16 Oct 2007--The Ottawa branch of the Anglican Church of Canada has thrown a challenge to the worldwide Anglican movement by asking the Ottawa bishop to authorize the blessing of homosexual marriages.
In a weekend vote, the Ottawa diocese voted 177 to 97 to ask Bishop John Chapman to allow clergy "to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized."
If Chapman, an advocate of such blessings, approves the request, it will be a red flag to the conservative branches of the church in Africa, Latin America and Asia, and could hasten a split in the global Anglican church.
Chapman told a news conference it could take anywhere between a day to 10 years to make his decision and that he would consult Canada's bishops later this month.
How Real Property Is Held Within The Diocese of Fort Worth
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/diocesanconvention/07convention/realproperty.html
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 16 Oct 2007--Over the past several months, a great deal of interest has been expressed concerning the ownership of church property in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. A fair amount of misinformation has been bandied about in various forums.
In the interest of clarifying this matter, I have asked the Diocesan Chancellors to issue an explanation that I could share with you. Their very helpful statement is below. If you wish to refer to our Constitution and Canons in greater detail, they are available in the “Documents and Publications” section of the Web site. Please share this statement with your vestries, as well as any other interested parties.
The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth
October 15, 2007
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 16 Oct 2007--Over the past several months, a great deal of interest has been expressed concerning the ownership of church property in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. A fair amount of misinformation has been bandied about in various forums.
In the interest of clarifying this matter, I have asked the Diocesan Chancellors to issue an explanation that I could share with you. Their very helpful statement is below. If you wish to refer to our Constitution and Canons in greater detail, they are available in the “Documents and Publications” section of the Web site. Please share this statement with your vestries, as well as any other interested parties.
The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth
October 15, 2007
Anglican Archbishop of Sydney: Peter Jensen
http://www.abc.net.au/sundayprofile/stories/s2058735.htm
[ABC Sunday Profile] 16 Oct 2007--Tonight, we're talking to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen.
The Anglican Church's highest legal authority, the Appellate Tribunal, has ruled in favour of female bishops – a milestone in the Church's history and of course its development. But the Sydney diocese, arguably the most powerful and conservative in Australia, which Archbishop Jensen heads, was vehemently opposed to the move.
Archbishop Jensen thinks, as a matter of Biblical principle, ordaining women as bishops is wrong. But why, given the Church has ordained women as priests? And given the Catholic Archbishop, George Pell, has come out in support of the ALP (Australian Labor Party) and its education policy in particular, which party does Archbishop Jensen think will win the election when it's finally called?But he's keen to point out that at one stage it looked like the fight to protect the Franklin River was lost. Twenty-five years later, that river continues to run free.
[ABC Sunday Profile] 16 Oct 2007--Tonight, we're talking to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen.
The Anglican Church's highest legal authority, the Appellate Tribunal, has ruled in favour of female bishops – a milestone in the Church's history and of course its development. But the Sydney diocese, arguably the most powerful and conservative in Australia, which Archbishop Jensen heads, was vehemently opposed to the move.
Archbishop Jensen thinks, as a matter of Biblical principle, ordaining women as bishops is wrong. But why, given the Church has ordained women as priests? And given the Catholic Archbishop, George Pell, has come out in support of the ALP (Australian Labor Party) and its education policy in particular, which party does Archbishop Jensen think will win the election when it's finally called?But he's keen to point out that at one stage it looked like the fight to protect the Franklin River was lost. Twenty-five years later, that river continues to run free.
Questions facing American Anglicans and The Common Cause Parternship: The Anglican Way as the Church-type or Denomination-type but not Sect-type
http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2007/10/questions-facing-american-anglicans-and.html
[The Prayer Book Society] 16 Oct 2007--Here I shall use the terms used by sociologists when describing different types of churches. The terms are not meant to be pejorative but to function descriptively only.
1.Ecclesia Anglicana, the ancient church in England, was and is a National, Established Church and has two provinces, Canterbury and York. It was a Church-type both before and after the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
2. In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, “the Anglican Church” eventually became a national denomination, existing alongside Presbyterian and R. C. churches. Yet is was territorial, arranged into dioceses geographically. So the Anglican Church is thus a Denomination-type in all parts of the United Kingdom, except in England.
[The Prayer Book Society] 16 Oct 2007--Here I shall use the terms used by sociologists when describing different types of churches. The terms are not meant to be pejorative but to function descriptively only.
1.Ecclesia Anglicana, the ancient church in England, was and is a National, Established Church and has two provinces, Canterbury and York. It was a Church-type both before and after the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
2. In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, “the Anglican Church” eventually became a national denomination, existing alongside Presbyterian and R. C. churches. Yet is was territorial, arranged into dioceses geographically. So the Anglican Church is thus a Denomination-type in all parts of the United Kingdom, except in England.
Episcopal bishop talks of homosexuality and Anglican church
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/patriotnews/article239682.ece
[The Express-Times] 16 Oct 2007-- The Episcopal Church has experienced a victory in its efforts to remain part of the worldwide family of Anglican churches, despite sharp differences over homosexuality.
Many Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa, were angered when the church’s General Convention approved the 2003 election by New Hampshire Episcopalians of a bishop with a longtime gay partner.
Central Pennsylvania Bishop Nathan Baxter was one of eight Episcopal bishops who wrote a carefully worded statement pledging not to authorize blessings for same-sex unions for now and reaffirming a resolution to “exercise restraint” by withholding consent for consecration of bishops with gay partners.
[The Express-Times] 16 Oct 2007-- The Episcopal Church has experienced a victory in its efforts to remain part of the worldwide family of Anglican churches, despite sharp differences over homosexuality.
Many Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa, were angered when the church’s General Convention approved the 2003 election by New Hampshire Episcopalians of a bishop with a longtime gay partner.
Central Pennsylvania Bishop Nathan Baxter was one of eight Episcopal bishops who wrote a carefully worded statement pledging not to authorize blessings for same-sex unions for now and reaffirming a resolution to “exercise restraint” by withholding consent for consecration of bishops with gay partners.
'God has blessed our socks off'
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/bucks/nabes/20071014_God_has_blessed_our_socks_off.html
[The Philadelphia Inquirer] 16 Oct 2007--Half a dozen years ago, a congregation looked one last time toward the building raised by members' hands and out across the graves in the churchyard, and wept. Then, the churchgoers turned and left.
This week, they'll install a new rector, welcome the public to a talk by an Anglican bishop from Rwanda, and play host for the second time to a regional meeting of their new affiliate, the Anglican Mission in the Americas.
"God has blessed our socks off," said the Rev. Kenneth Cook, assistant to the rector at what was St. John's Episcopal Church of Huntingdon Valley and now is St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church of Churchville.
[The Philadelphia Inquirer] 16 Oct 2007--Half a dozen years ago, a congregation looked one last time toward the building raised by members' hands and out across the graves in the churchyard, and wept. Then, the churchgoers turned and left.
This week, they'll install a new rector, welcome the public to a talk by an Anglican bishop from Rwanda, and play host for the second time to a regional meeting of their new affiliate, the Anglican Mission in the Americas.
"God has blessed our socks off," said the Rev. Kenneth Cook, assistant to the rector at what was St. John's Episcopal Church of Huntingdon Valley and now is St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church of Churchville.
California Convention to Vote on Same-Sex Rites
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3876
[Stand Firm] 16 Oct 2007--Clergy and lay delegates to convention in the Diocese of California will consider a resolution calling on Bishop Marc Handley Andrus to approve for trial use three same-sex blessing rites endorsed by the diocesan Commission on Marriage and Blessing. Convention meets Oct. 19-20 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Two years ago, the diocesan convention authorized creation of the Commission on Marriage and Blessing. The 13-member group has adapted three extant rites for use in the liturgical blessing of same-gender unions in the diocese. The group, whose mandate extends through October 2010, submitted a 48-page report, proposing that Bishop Andrus authorize those liturgies for trial use in the diocese.
“The Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our church and state,” the group said in an introduction to the report.
[Stand Firm] 16 Oct 2007--Clergy and lay delegates to convention in the Diocese of California will consider a resolution calling on Bishop Marc Handley Andrus to approve for trial use three same-sex blessing rites endorsed by the diocesan Commission on Marriage and Blessing. Convention meets Oct. 19-20 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Two years ago, the diocesan convention authorized creation of the Commission on Marriage and Blessing. The 13-member group has adapted three extant rites for use in the liturgical blessing of same-gender unions in the diocese. The group, whose mandate extends through October 2010, submitted a 48-page report, proposing that Bishop Andrus authorize those liturgies for trial use in the diocese.
“The Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our church and state,” the group said in an introduction to the report.
Canadian Primate, Archbishop Williams to Discuss Same-Sex Blessings
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3875
[The Living Church] 16 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury will welcome Canada’s new primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, to Lambeth Palace for a private meeting Tuesday. Archbishop Hiltz said recently he would raise the issue of gay blessings as a pastoral measure during the meeting.
The meeting was scheduled before the Diocese of Ottawa approved a resolution supporting same-sex blessings during its annual synod Oct. 13, becoming the first diocesan legislature in Canada to address the issue since the nationwide General Synod approved seemingly contradictory resolutions last summer.
By a margin of 177-97 delegates approved a resolution Saturday asking that priests be given the right to approach the bishop for permission for such a blessing, should their parish approve.
[The Living Church] 16 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury will welcome Canada’s new primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, to Lambeth Palace for a private meeting Tuesday. Archbishop Hiltz said recently he would raise the issue of gay blessings as a pastoral measure during the meeting.
The meeting was scheduled before the Diocese of Ottawa approved a resolution supporting same-sex blessings during its annual synod Oct. 13, becoming the first diocesan legislature in Canada to address the issue since the nationwide General Synod approved seemingly contradictory resolutions last summer.
By a margin of 177-97 delegates approved a resolution Saturday asking that priests be given the right to approach the bishop for permission for such a blessing, should their parish approve.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Christ Church parishioners support split with Episcopalians
http://www.savannahnow.com/node/375296
[Savannah Morning Herald] 15 Oct 2007--Christ Church leaders canceled a late morning worship service Sunday to measure the congregation's support of their recent decision to break from the Episcopal Church.
More than 200 parishioners gathered at the downtown parish at 11 a.m. to cast ballots and find out what happens next. A vast majority of voters said they supported the split.
[Savannah Morning Herald] 15 Oct 2007--Christ Church leaders canceled a late morning worship service Sunday to measure the congregation's support of their recent decision to break from the Episcopal Church.
More than 200 parishioners gathered at the downtown parish at 11 a.m. to cast ballots and find out what happens next. A vast majority of voters said they supported the split.
Episcopalians now face a reunited opposition
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/views/orl-episcopal1407oct14,0,6391877,print.story
[Orlando Sentinel] 15 Oct 2007--Anglicans don't do schism well. Schism is a split in the structure of the church and Anglicans (also known in this country as Episcopalians) do it badly.
Which is surprising, considering that Anglicans are famous for doing things well, or at least doing them with an enviable sense of style. But when it comes to schism (arguably America's favorite indoor ecclesiastical sport), most Anglicans are embarrassingly clumsy.
[Orlando Sentinel] 15 Oct 2007--Anglicans don't do schism well. Schism is a split in the structure of the church and Anglicans (also known in this country as Episcopalians) do it badly.
Which is surprising, considering that Anglicans are famous for doing things well, or at least doing them with an enviable sense of style. But when it comes to schism (arguably America's favorite indoor ecclesiastical sport), most Anglicans are embarrassingly clumsy.
A Conversation with Elizabeth Paver, member of the ACC Standing Committee
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6883/
[TitusOneNine] 15 Oct 2007--Lay Canon Elizabeth Paver (picture here) is one of three members on the Anglican Consultative Council from the Church of England, and is a member of the ACC Standing Committee. She was therefore one of the international guests at the recent House of Bishops in New Orleans which was attended by the Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and the Primates. Canon Paver worked for 40 years in education before her recent retirement, and served many roles over that time, as for example Head Teacher at Intake Primary School in Doncaster and President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
I met Canon Paver when I was an observer to the ACC 13 meeting in Nottingham. A participant on my blog, Sander, wrote in a comment in the midst of a lengthy discussion of the Joint Standing Committee Report in a thread below as follows:
#76, I have heard reports this afternoon that Canon Elizabeth Paver, one of the four who did not respond in time, has since responded and given her concurrence to the opinions of the other 9 who did respond.
Because I am aware of Mrs. Paver’s convictions, I wanted to understand more fully her sense of the recently released Report on the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the ACC (Anglican Consultative Council) on the New Orleans meeting of the House of Bishops. The following is an article I wrote based on several conversations with Canon Paver--KSH.
[TitusOneNine] 15 Oct 2007--Lay Canon Elizabeth Paver (picture here) is one of three members on the Anglican Consultative Council from the Church of England, and is a member of the ACC Standing Committee. She was therefore one of the international guests at the recent House of Bishops in New Orleans which was attended by the Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and the Primates. Canon Paver worked for 40 years in education before her recent retirement, and served many roles over that time, as for example Head Teacher at Intake Primary School in Doncaster and President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
I met Canon Paver when I was an observer to the ACC 13 meeting in Nottingham. A participant on my blog, Sander, wrote in a comment in the midst of a lengthy discussion of the Joint Standing Committee Report in a thread below as follows:
#76, I have heard reports this afternoon that Canon Elizabeth Paver, one of the four who did not respond in time, has since responded and given her concurrence to the opinions of the other 9 who did respond.
Because I am aware of Mrs. Paver’s convictions, I wanted to understand more fully her sense of the recently released Report on the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the ACC (Anglican Consultative Council) on the New Orleans meeting of the House of Bishops. The following is an article I wrote based on several conversations with Canon Paver--KSH.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Anglican Communion ends synod in Calabar
http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=10/13/2007&qrTitle=Anglican%20Communion%20ends%20synod%20in%20Calabar&qrColumn=NIGER%20DELTA
[The Tide] 13 Oct 2007--This year’s Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Cross River State, has ended with a call on Christians to embrace fully the tenets of God as a means of bringing more development to the country.
Giving the synthesis of the progress of the church, Bishop Tunde Adeleye said in Ogoja Archedeaconry, the organisation was at least three additional Archdeaconries following a general restructuring and overwhelming evangelism within the area.
Obudu and Okuku Missionary Archdeacon as well as Yala North and South, he explained were at the threshold of being commissioned stressing that the plan was to make the place mature enough to further grow into a higher platform within the organogram of the Church of Nigeria.
[The Tide] 13 Oct 2007--This year’s Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Cross River State, has ended with a call on Christians to embrace fully the tenets of God as a means of bringing more development to the country.
Giving the synthesis of the progress of the church, Bishop Tunde Adeleye said in Ogoja Archedeaconry, the organisation was at least three additional Archdeaconries following a general restructuring and overwhelming evangelism within the area.
Obudu and Okuku Missionary Archdeacon as well as Yala North and South, he explained were at the threshold of being commissioned stressing that the plan was to make the place mature enough to further grow into a higher platform within the organogram of the Church of Nigeria.
St. James Anglican pastor to become deacon
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2007/10/13/religion/dpt-ordination13.txt
[Daily Pilot] 13 Oct 2007--Cathie Young, the discipleship pastor at St. James Anglican Church, loves working where she has worshiped for the past 20 years.
“You can walk down the halls and smell God,” Young said. “Yes, God has a smell.”
After working at St. James for the past 16 years as a lay person, Young will be ordained as deacon 10 a.m. today at St. James in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Evans Kisekka, of the Anglican Church of Uganda, and Bishop John Guernsey, the U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Guernsey made international headlines last month when he was ordained to serve the church’s 26 Ugandan congregations in the United States.
[Daily Pilot] 13 Oct 2007--Cathie Young, the discipleship pastor at St. James Anglican Church, loves working where she has worshiped for the past 20 years.
“You can walk down the halls and smell God,” Young said. “Yes, God has a smell.”
After working at St. James for the past 16 years as a lay person, Young will be ordained as deacon 10 a.m. today at St. James in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Evans Kisekka, of the Anglican Church of Uganda, and Bishop John Guernsey, the U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Guernsey made international headlines last month when he was ordained to serve the church’s 26 Ugandan congregations in the United States.
Zimbabwe: Anglican Church Moves to Seize Control From Bishop Kunonga
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710121072.html
[allAfrica.com] 13 Oct 2007--The controversial reign of Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga might be coming to an end if the Anglican Church has its way in court. The Church will now seek court intervention to seize control of its assets from Kunonga. This follows his decision to withdraw the diocese from the province over a feud on homosexuality that exploded at a meeting in Malawi. In papers submitted by lawyers the church says it has a well-founded fear that the bishop, 'will fund his new ministry with the Church's resources as he has access to the Church's investments and funds.'
The bishop who has strong links with Zanu PF announced plans to set up a breakaway province drawing on the Anglican community in Zimbabwe. He boasted in an interview in the state owned Herald that he had support from the dioceses of Central Zimbabwe and Manicaland, and expressed surprise that the other 2 dioceses of Matabeleland and Manicaland have refused to support his stance. A parishioner at the Cathedral in Harare however said this was not true. Only a former ex-combatant that Kunonga helped to install as the Bishop in Manicaland has backed his crusade. Within the church Kunonga remains isolated and has been offered state protection from the angry parishioners eager to demonstrate their displeasure at his running of the diocese.
[allAfrica.com] 13 Oct 2007--The controversial reign of Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga might be coming to an end if the Anglican Church has its way in court. The Church will now seek court intervention to seize control of its assets from Kunonga. This follows his decision to withdraw the diocese from the province over a feud on homosexuality that exploded at a meeting in Malawi. In papers submitted by lawyers the church says it has a well-founded fear that the bishop, 'will fund his new ministry with the Church's resources as he has access to the Church's investments and funds.'
The bishop who has strong links with Zanu PF announced plans to set up a breakaway province drawing on the Anglican community in Zimbabwe. He boasted in an interview in the state owned Herald that he had support from the dioceses of Central Zimbabwe and Manicaland, and expressed surprise that the other 2 dioceses of Matabeleland and Manicaland have refused to support his stance. A parishioner at the Cathedral in Harare however said this was not true. Only a former ex-combatant that Kunonga helped to install as the Bishop in Manicaland has backed his crusade. Within the church Kunonga remains isolated and has been offered state protection from the angry parishioners eager to demonstrate their displeasure at his running of the diocese.
The Fifth Article: Of the Holy Ghost part 2
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6829/
[Stand Firm] 13 Oct 2007--Logically speaking, God’s first redeeming act was the Incarnation, the miraculous conception of his Son in the Virgin’s Womb announced by the angel Gabriel and accomplished through the Spirit. We are, in fact, given in the life of Christ a living picture of creation and redemption. There is a parallel between the Spirit’s “coming upon” Mary as Jesus was conceived in her womb apart from the seed of a human male and the Spirit’s hovering over the void in Genesis 1. The apostolic authors of all four Gospels consciously employ the language of Genesis 1 to describe either the conception of Jesus Christ and/or the inception of his ministry. The re-creation or “new creation” signified by the conception and ministry of the Word in the world culminates with his redemptive resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of the Father. Dry bones live. God creates life and redeems it from the grave.
[Stand Firm] 13 Oct 2007--Logically speaking, God’s first redeeming act was the Incarnation, the miraculous conception of his Son in the Virgin’s Womb announced by the angel Gabriel and accomplished through the Spirit. We are, in fact, given in the life of Christ a living picture of creation and redemption. There is a parallel between the Spirit’s “coming upon” Mary as Jesus was conceived in her womb apart from the seed of a human male and the Spirit’s hovering over the void in Genesis 1. The apostolic authors of all four Gospels consciously employ the language of Genesis 1 to describe either the conception of Jesus Christ and/or the inception of his ministry. The re-creation or “new creation” signified by the conception and ministry of the Word in the world culminates with his redemptive resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of the Father. Dry bones live. God creates life and redeems it from the grave.
Wrongly Matched
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3867
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--In 2006, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council affirmed its membership in a pro-choice organization called the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). Since then, five dioceses (Albany, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Quincy, and Springfield) have adopted resolutions objecting to the decision.
In addition, two resolutions were introduced at General Convention seeking to rescind the RCRC affiliation, but were rejected, and two dioceses (San Diego and Virginia) considered resolutions expressing concern with TEC’s choice. Also, conferences representing United Methodists in eastern Tennessee, South Indiana, and Northwest Texas passed resolutions calling on their denomination to withdraw its membership of RCRC.
What is it about the RCRC that creates this response? Could it be one of the following reasons?
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--In 2006, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council affirmed its membership in a pro-choice organization called the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). Since then, five dioceses (Albany, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Quincy, and Springfield) have adopted resolutions objecting to the decision.
In addition, two resolutions were introduced at General Convention seeking to rescind the RCRC affiliation, but were rejected, and two dioceses (San Diego and Virginia) considered resolutions expressing concern with TEC’s choice. Also, conferences representing United Methodists in eastern Tennessee, South Indiana, and Northwest Texas passed resolutions calling on their denomination to withdraw its membership of RCRC.
What is it about the RCRC that creates this response? Could it be one of the following reasons?
Survey: Youth See Christianity as Anti-Gay
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3871
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--The church is not helping its youth to apply the traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality in their everyday life, according to a new survey of 16-29-year-olds by The Barna Group.
In a culture in which homosexual persons and homosexuality are increasingly considered mainstream, young Christians believe the church has not helped them to apply traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality to situations such as friendships with gays and lesbians.
“In our interviews we kept encountering young people – both those inside the church and outside of it – who said that something was broken in present-day expression of Christianity,” said David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and co-author of the study. “Their perceptions about Christianity were not always accurate, but what surprised me was not only the severity of their frustration with Christians, but also how frequently young born-again Christians expressed some of the very same comments as young non-Christians.”
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--The church is not helping its youth to apply the traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality in their everyday life, according to a new survey of 16-29-year-olds by The Barna Group.
In a culture in which homosexual persons and homosexuality are increasingly considered mainstream, young Christians believe the church has not helped them to apply traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality to situations such as friendships with gays and lesbians.
“In our interviews we kept encountering young people – both those inside the church and outside of it – who said that something was broken in present-day expression of Christianity,” said David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and co-author of the study. “Their perceptions about Christianity were not always accurate, but what surprised me was not only the severity of their frustration with Christians, but also how frequently young born-again Christians expressed some of the very same comments as young non-Christians.”
ACC Solicits Funds to Underwrite Lambeth Attendance
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3870
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--With the start of the Lambeth Conference just eight months away, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) recently announced plans to raise $4.2 million through a fundraising appeal.
The donations are intended “to enable all those who wish to attend the conference to do so,” according to a recent press release announcing the appeal. “Bursaries enable bishops and bishop’s spouses to attend the Lambeth Conference as well as helping fund those attending who will help ensure the smooth running of both the Lambeth Conference and the spouses' conference when it meets in Canterbury next July.”
The ACC has maintained a bursary fund to provide assistance with travel and conference expenses at previous Lambeth Conferences. Appeals for contributions to the bursary fund at those Lambeth Conferences began much earlier than the current one, however.
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--With the start of the Lambeth Conference just eight months away, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) recently announced plans to raise $4.2 million through a fundraising appeal.
The donations are intended “to enable all those who wish to attend the conference to do so,” according to a recent press release announcing the appeal. “Bursaries enable bishops and bishop’s spouses to attend the Lambeth Conference as well as helping fund those attending who will help ensure the smooth running of both the Lambeth Conference and the spouses' conference when it meets in Canterbury next July.”
The ACC has maintained a bursary fund to provide assistance with travel and conference expenses at previous Lambeth Conferences. Appeals for contributions to the bursary fund at those Lambeth Conferences began much earlier than the current one, however.
C of E faces boycott over gay priests row
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/13/nchurch113.xml
[Telegraph] 13 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury faced further pressure over gay priests yesterday when the Church of England’s largest conservative grouping urged English bishops to boycott next year’s Lambeth Conference over the issue.
The Church of England Evangelical Council, which represents up to a quarter of the Church’s clergy, told Dr Rowan Williams that the liberal American bishops had torn the worldwide Church "almost beyond repair".
The Council, whose president is the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, said it supported those English bishops who are already intending to avoid the ten-yearly gathering of Anglican bishops if the liberal Americans attend.
It added that it "prayerfully" counselled other bishops who had yet to make up their minds to follow suit.
[Telegraph] 13 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury faced further pressure over gay priests yesterday when the Church of England’s largest conservative grouping urged English bishops to boycott next year’s Lambeth Conference over the issue.
The Church of England Evangelical Council, which represents up to a quarter of the Church’s clergy, told Dr Rowan Williams that the liberal American bishops had torn the worldwide Church "almost beyond repair".
The Council, whose president is the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, said it supported those English bishops who are already intending to avoid the ten-yearly gathering of Anglican bishops if the liberal Americans attend.
It added that it "prayerfully" counselled other bishops who had yet to make up their minds to follow suit.
Further (non) compliance report issued by American Anglican Council
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/12/further-non-compliance-report-issued-by-american-anglican-council/
[Anglican Mainstream] 13 Oct 2007--The American Anglican Council has been monitoring the ways in which TEC has or has not complied with the requests of the Windsor Report since the Dar Es Salaam Primates meeting.
Here is their report for the period September 10 - October 10 2007.
[Anglican Mainstream] 13 Oct 2007--The American Anglican Council has been monitoring the ways in which TEC has or has not complied with the requests of the Windsor Report since the Dar Es Salaam Primates meeting.
Here is their report for the period September 10 - October 10 2007.
Controversial Resolutions to come in N. California
http://www.americananglican.org/site/c.ikLUK3MJIpG/b.2604393/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id=%7b9E451A65-07DD-4914-B6E5-5C8C6F96D775%7d¬oc=1
[American Anglican Council] 13 Oct 2007--Eleven US dioceses have already approved official written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships, a resolution for the Convention of the Diocese of Northern Califorian reveals.
[American Anglican Council] 13 Oct 2007--Eleven US dioceses have already approved official written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships, a resolution for the Convention of the Diocese of Northern Califorian reveals.
When Episcopal Church Struggles Hit Your Father's Home Town
http://anglicanaction.blogspot.com/2007/10/when-episcopal-church-struggles-hit.html
[Anglican Action] 13 Oct 2007--Even in small-town New England, Episcopal Church issues are hitting home.
My wife Sharon and I spent an extended Columbus Day weekend in the Northeast, largely in Newburyport, MA. My father was born there over 80 years ago and grew up during the depression. His family attended a Congregational church that now is a member of the United Church of Christ. We were blessed to visit family there, but we found that even in small town New England, Episcopal Church issues were having an impact.
Because when I picked up Saturday's local paper, I couldn't help notice a front-page article detailing the local Episcopal Church's (one town over) struggle to survive after the majority of its congregants left for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Only 10 families remained to keep the original Episcopal Church afloat. In contrast, according to congregational statistics from the Episcopal Church, average worship attendance had been at over 300 in 2006.
That's a huge drop. If we apply the U.S. 2006 average family size of 3.20 persons to the families that remain (and that seems to be close to the mark, given year 2000 census figures for both the town and the county), we're looking at roughly 32 members left in the Episcopal congregation. That means that at most roughly 11 percent of the congregation did not break away to form the new All Saints Anglican Church in a nearby community and remained with the Episcopal Church.
[Anglican Action] 13 Oct 2007--Even in small-town New England, Episcopal Church issues are hitting home.
My wife Sharon and I spent an extended Columbus Day weekend in the Northeast, largely in Newburyport, MA. My father was born there over 80 years ago and grew up during the depression. His family attended a Congregational church that now is a member of the United Church of Christ. We were blessed to visit family there, but we found that even in small town New England, Episcopal Church issues were having an impact.
Because when I picked up Saturday's local paper, I couldn't help notice a front-page article detailing the local Episcopal Church's (one town over) struggle to survive after the majority of its congregants left for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Only 10 families remained to keep the original Episcopal Church afloat. In contrast, according to congregational statistics from the Episcopal Church, average worship attendance had been at over 300 in 2006.
That's a huge drop. If we apply the U.S. 2006 average family size of 3.20 persons to the families that remain (and that seems to be close to the mark, given year 2000 census figures for both the town and the county), we're looking at roughly 32 members left in the Episcopal congregation. That means that at most roughly 11 percent of the congregation did not break away to form the new All Saints Anglican Church in a nearby community and remained with the Episcopal Church.
Rebuff for Episcopal Green Light
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/rebuff_for_episcopal_green_light/
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--The New Orleans statement of the US House of Bishops has ‘clarified all outstanding questions’ posed by the Primates to the American Church, a report prepared by the Primates/ACC Joint Standing Committee (JSC) has found.
However, the 19-page report has been dismissed as dishonest by US conservatives, and its conclusions rejected by the African churches. Observers note the clumsy attempt of the JSC to usurp the prerogatives of the Primates, and to become a de facto fifth ‘instrument of unity,’ has served to worsen the already bitter climate within the Communion.
The Primates had asked the US Church to clarify the statement of its 2006 General Convention that it would not permit the election of more gay bishops or authorise gay blessings, that an autonomous scheme for pastoral oversight be given to traditionalists, and that the lawsuits against breakaway conservative parishes would cease.
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--The New Orleans statement of the US House of Bishops has ‘clarified all outstanding questions’ posed by the Primates to the American Church, a report prepared by the Primates/ACC Joint Standing Committee (JSC) has found.
However, the 19-page report has been dismissed as dishonest by US conservatives, and its conclusions rejected by the African churches. Observers note the clumsy attempt of the JSC to usurp the prerogatives of the Primates, and to become a de facto fifth ‘instrument of unity,’ has served to worsen the already bitter climate within the Communion.
The Primates had asked the US Church to clarify the statement of its 2006 General Convention that it would not permit the election of more gay bishops or authorise gay blessings, that an autonomous scheme for pastoral oversight be given to traditionalists, and that the lawsuits against breakaway conservative parishes would cease.
The Church of England Evangelical Council Statement on The Episcopal Church’s Response
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/the_church_of_england_evangelical_council_statement_on_the_episcopal_church/
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--“The Church of England Evangelical Council has met and considered the responses of The Episcopal Church (TEC) to the questions asked of it from the Primates′ Meeting in Tanzania. We wish to report back to the Anglican Evangelical churches we represent the results of our consultation.
We are committed to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
We believe TEC′s response does not meet the requests of the Primates from Dar es Salaam, not merely for clarification but for repentance and turning back from their clear intention to affirm same-sex blessings and the consecration of practising homosexuals to the episcopate. They have continued to widen a gap of their own making. As a result the fabric of the Communion is torn almost beyond repair.
We support attempts to draw the Communion back together around a covenant, but in the light of TEC′s response this covenant may not hold. TEC has shown by its pronouncements and its practice to have placed itself outside the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the Catholic Creeds.
We support the intentions of the Common Cause Council and those bishops invited to give pastoral care for congregations in the United States.
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--“The Church of England Evangelical Council has met and considered the responses of The Episcopal Church (TEC) to the questions asked of it from the Primates′ Meeting in Tanzania. We wish to report back to the Anglican Evangelical churches we represent the results of our consultation.
We are committed to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
We believe TEC′s response does not meet the requests of the Primates from Dar es Salaam, not merely for clarification but for repentance and turning back from their clear intention to affirm same-sex blessings and the consecration of practising homosexuals to the episcopate. They have continued to widen a gap of their own making. As a result the fabric of the Communion is torn almost beyond repair.
We support attempts to draw the Communion back together around a covenant, but in the light of TEC′s response this covenant may not hold. TEC has shown by its pronouncements and its practice to have placed itself outside the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the Catholic Creeds.
We support the intentions of the Common Cause Council and those bishops invited to give pastoral care for congregations in the United States.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Bishop Of Exeter Backs Bishop Of Rochester’s Concerns About Lambeth Conference
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6826/
[Stand Firm] 12 Oct 2007--The Church of England Newspaper reports that the Bishop of Exeter, Michael Langrish, said he backed Bishop Nazir-Ali. He said: “I agree with the Bishop of Rochester about both the need for greater clarity about the purpose and nature of next summer’s gathering.” He added he was concerned about the possibility the Conference could make Gene Robinson a scapegoat, ‘rather than focusing on the action of those who, through their decision to act in disregard of the pleas and mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion, precipitated this crisis’.
[Stand Firm] 12 Oct 2007--The Church of England Newspaper reports that the Bishop of Exeter, Michael Langrish, said he backed Bishop Nazir-Ali. He said: “I agree with the Bishop of Rochester about both the need for greater clarity about the purpose and nature of next summer’s gathering.” He added he was concerned about the possibility the Conference could make Gene Robinson a scapegoat, ‘rather than focusing on the action of those who, through their decision to act in disregard of the pleas and mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion, precipitated this crisis’.
Northern California resolution pushes for authorized SSB rites
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6632/
[TitusOneNine] 12 Oct 2007--If anyone thinks the Episcopal Church actually intended in New Orleans to abide by any kind of slow down on the march to fully authorized rites for SSB's, resolutions like this may cause them to think again. Here's proposed resolution 5 in the diocese of Northern California....
[TitusOneNine] 12 Oct 2007--If anyone thinks the Episcopal Church actually intended in New Orleans to abide by any kind of slow down on the march to fully authorized rites for SSB's, resolutions like this may cause them to think again. Here's proposed resolution 5 in the diocese of Northern California....
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Zomba Theological College shuts down
http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=6811
[The Malawi Daily Times] 11 Oct 2007--Students at CCAP-run Zomba Theological College have been forced to go home without completing their studies because funds dried up, Maurice Munthali, board chairperson of the college has said.
[The Malawi Daily Times] 11 Oct 2007--Students at CCAP-run Zomba Theological College have been forced to go home without completing their studies because funds dried up, Maurice Munthali, board chairperson of the college has said.
Bishop wants unity amid discord
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=629095&category=REGION&newsdate=10/11/2007
[Times Union] 11 Oct 2007--Bishop William Love has broken his public silence on the latest national Episcopal drama with both a call for unity and a strong reaffirmation of his conservative views.
[Times Union] 11 Oct 2007--Bishop William Love has broken his public silence on the latest national Episcopal drama with both a call for unity and a strong reaffirmation of his conservative views.
Church to welcome new Priest and its Bishop
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/10/11/news/07anglican.txt
[Highland Community News] 11 Oct 2007--Christ's Church (formerly known as Inland Anglican Fellowship) will say goodbye to its current pastor, Deacon Brian Schulz on Saturday morning, Oct. 13 and will say hello later the same day to its new pastor, Brian Schulz.
[Highland Community News] 11 Oct 2007--Christ's Church (formerly known as Inland Anglican Fellowship) will say goodbye to its current pastor, Deacon Brian Schulz on Saturday morning, Oct. 13 and will say hello later the same day to its new pastor, Brian Schulz.
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