http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1463
[Religious Intelligence] 16 Jan 2008--Lex orandi, lex credendi should be the rule of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Peter Akinola told members of that Church’s House of Bishops last week, urging a reform of liturgical practices to strengthen the faith of all believers.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Nigeria, The Anglican Communion, The Book of Common Prayer and The See of Canterbury
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7498
[Virtue Online] 16 Jan 2008--"This Constitution shall be known as the Constitution of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2002." Thus begins The Constitution of the Anglican Church in Nigeria.
Though it often refers to "The Anglican Communion," nowhere does it mention "The See of Canterbury" for this connection was removed in the 2002 revision. It thus envisions the possibility of an Anglican Communion, of which it is a bona fide member, without the See of Canterbury as "the first instrument of unity," or technically, in it. Here is the opening section of the General Provisions....
[Virtue Online] 16 Jan 2008--"This Constitution shall be known as the Constitution of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2002." Thus begins The Constitution of the Anglican Church in Nigeria.
Though it often refers to "The Anglican Communion," nowhere does it mention "The See of Canterbury" for this connection was removed in the 2002 revision. It thus envisions the possibility of an Anglican Communion, of which it is a bona fide member, without the See of Canterbury as "the first instrument of unity," or technically, in it. Here is the opening section of the General Provisions....
Attempted Coup to Unseat Bishop Fails
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7503
[Virtue Online] 16 Jan 2008--An attempted coup by Mrs. Jefferts Schori, David Booth Beers her attorney and liberal parish priest Harold Lewis to unseat Bishop Robert Duncan the Bishop of Pittsburgh failed recently when three canonically required senior bishops refused to sign inhibition papers that would have prevented him from functioning as a bishop.
The backroom attempts to fast track and inhibit the evangelical catholic bishop saying that he had abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church had all the makings of Tammany Hall politics, but it all fell apart when bishops Leo Frade of Southeast Florida, Peter Lee of Virginia, and Don Wimberly of Texas refused to go along with the public lynching. (It is not known at this time how many of the three bishops did not give consent).
[Virtue Online] 16 Jan 2008--An attempted coup by Mrs. Jefferts Schori, David Booth Beers her attorney and liberal parish priest Harold Lewis to unseat Bishop Robert Duncan the Bishop of Pittsburgh failed recently when three canonically required senior bishops refused to sign inhibition papers that would have prevented him from functioning as a bishop.
The backroom attempts to fast track and inhibit the evangelical catholic bishop saying that he had abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church had all the makings of Tammany Hall politics, but it all fell apart when bishops Leo Frade of Southeast Florida, Peter Lee of Virginia, and Don Wimberly of Texas refused to go along with the public lynching. (It is not known at this time how many of the three bishops did not give consent).
Bid to depose US Bishop backfires
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1458
[Religious Intelligence] 16 Jan 2008--US Presding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s bid to depose Bishop Robert Duncan before the opening of the 2008 Lambeth Conference has misfired, leaving the Pittsburgh Bishop in office pending a trial at the autumn meeting of the House of Bishops.
[Religious Intelligence] 16 Jan 2008--US Presding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s bid to depose Bishop Robert Duncan before the opening of the 2008 Lambeth Conference has misfired, leaving the Pittsburgh Bishop in office pending a trial at the autumn meeting of the House of Bishops.
Bishop Iker Receives Another Letter Threatening Disciplinary Action
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/16/bishop-iker-receives-another-letter-threatening-disciplinary-action
[The Living Church] ,16 Jan 2008--Bishop Jack Leo Iker of Fort Worth informed The Living Church on Jan. 15 that he has received a second letter from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori threatening him with new disciplinary action.
“Unlike her November letter, it did not imply a charge of ‘abandonment of the communion of this church’, but it said that I would be liable for charges of violation of my ordination vows if I continue ‘any encouragement of such a belief’ (i.e. that parishes and dioceses can leave The Episcopal Church),” Bishop Iker said.
Related article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9226/
+Schori to +Iker: You Misunderstood - Stand Firm
[The Living Church] ,16 Jan 2008--Bishop Jack Leo Iker of Fort Worth informed The Living Church on Jan. 15 that he has received a second letter from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori threatening him with new disciplinary action.
“Unlike her November letter, it did not imply a charge of ‘abandonment of the communion of this church’, but it said that I would be liable for charges of violation of my ordination vows if I continue ‘any encouragement of such a belief’ (i.e. that parishes and dioceses can leave The Episcopal Church),” Bishop Iker said.
Related article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9226/
+Schori to +Iker: You Misunderstood - Stand Firm
Irondequoit church granted appeal for land
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/NEWS01/801160364/1002/NEWS
[Rochester Democrat & Chronicle] 16 Jan 2008--All Saints Anglican Church in Irondequoit has another chance to argue that it should keep what it believes is its property.
New York state's highest appellate court, the Court of Appeals, agreed Tuesday to hear the case between the congregation and the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester following the church's request to appeal earlier decisions issued at the state Supreme Court and Appellate Division levels.
The Court of Appeals is expected to hear the case sometime this year.
[Rochester Democrat & Chronicle] 16 Jan 2008--All Saints Anglican Church in Irondequoit has another chance to argue that it should keep what it believes is its property.
New York state's highest appellate court, the Court of Appeals, agreed Tuesday to hear the case between the congregation and the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester following the church's request to appeal earlier decisions issued at the state Supreme Court and Appellate Division levels.
The Court of Appeals is expected to hear the case sometime this year.
Where’s the Science? A Conversation with the Presiding Bishop
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/128/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 16 JAN 2008--In August of 2007, we posted on the ACI site an essay by Dr. Jacqueline Jenkins Keenan. (Why Theology Should Precede Change ) In this essay, Dr. Keenan provided an overview of a number of recent scientific studies questioning the claims made by many that there is a biological basis to homosexuality that renders it an immutable condition. These claims have also been made by some leaders in the Episcopal Church as part of their defense of the church's affirmation of homosexual unions. They were made quite formally by the official response of TEC to the Anglican Communion's request for an explanation of the American church's reasoning in pressing for such affirmation, a response contained in the report To Set Our Hope On Christ. Dr. Keenan's essay, therefore, stood as a direct challenge to at least one important aspect of TEC's argument offered to the rest of the Communion.
[Anglican Communion Institute] 16 JAN 2008--In August of 2007, we posted on the ACI site an essay by Dr. Jacqueline Jenkins Keenan. (Why Theology Should Precede Change ) In this essay, Dr. Keenan provided an overview of a number of recent scientific studies questioning the claims made by many that there is a biological basis to homosexuality that renders it an immutable condition. These claims have also been made by some leaders in the Episcopal Church as part of their defense of the church's affirmation of homosexual unions. They were made quite formally by the official response of TEC to the Anglican Communion's request for an explanation of the American church's reasoning in pressing for such affirmation, a response contained in the report To Set Our Hope On Christ. Dr. Keenan's essay, therefore, stood as a direct challenge to at least one important aspect of TEC's argument offered to the rest of the Communion.
Toronto Church is First Anglican Parish in Canada to Approve Weddings for Homosexuals
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2008/jan/08011504.html
[LifeSite] 16 Jan 2008--Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity has presented a direct challenge to the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada by voting to hold weddings for same sex couples.
Their statement says, "Holy Trinity will continue to exercise its conscience and bless same-sex unions and marry same-sex couples."
[LifeSite] 16 Jan 2008--Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity has presented a direct challenge to the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada by voting to hold weddings for same sex couples.
Their statement says, "Holy Trinity will continue to exercise its conscience and bless same-sex unions and marry same-sex couples."
The Episcopal Church vs CANA
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/dojustice/j523.html
[Unofficial Anglican Pages of Louie Crew] 16 Jan 2008--Two trials occurred in Rooms 5-E and 5-D of the Fairfax County Circuit Court of Virginia building and ran for five days, ending on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. The court judge, Randy I. Bellows, insisted that theological issues be excluded, not wanting to enter the “thicket” of differences at that level but preferring to focus on the legal question of whether former Diocese of Virginia congregations now composing part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) “divided” from The Episcopal Church or was alienated and withdrew.
[Unofficial Anglican Pages of Louie Crew] 16 Jan 2008--Two trials occurred in Rooms 5-E and 5-D of the Fairfax County Circuit Court of Virginia building and ran for five days, ending on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. The court judge, Randy I. Bellows, insisted that theological issues be excluded, not wanting to enter the “thicket” of differences at that level but preferring to focus on the legal question of whether former Diocese of Virginia congregations now composing part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) “divided” from The Episcopal Church or was alienated and withdrew.
Pittsburgh bishop has abandoned communion of Episcopal Church, Title IV Review Committee says
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_93969_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 16 Jan 2008--The Episcopal Church's Title IV Review Committee has certified that Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of the church.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori informed Duncan on January 15 of the certification and sent him a copy.
Related article:
http://www.pgh.anglican.org/news/local/failedinhibition011508
Effort to Inhibit Pittsburgh Bishop Unsuccessful - The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/15/pittsburgh-bishop-accused-of-abandonment-senior-bishops-deny-inhibition
Pittsburgh Bishop Accused of Abandonment; Senior Bishops Deny Inhibition - The Living Church
[Episcopal Life Online] 16 Jan 2008--The Episcopal Church's Title IV Review Committee has certified that Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of the church.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori informed Duncan on January 15 of the certification and sent him a copy.
Related article:
http://www.pgh.anglican.org/news/local/failedinhibition011508
Effort to Inhibit Pittsburgh Bishop Unsuccessful - The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/15/pittsburgh-bishop-accused-of-abandonment-senior-bishops-deny-inhibition
Pittsburgh Bishop Accused of Abandonment; Senior Bishops Deny Inhibition - The Living Church
Reaffirming our vows and rekindling our first love: for the sanctification of the Anglican Communion
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/reaffirming_our_vows_and_rekindling_our_first_love_for_the_sanctification_o/
[Global South Anglican] 16 Jan 2008--The challenge in the months leading up to GAFCON and Lambeth is whether those who share AM’s concerns about the Advent letter will accept and act on the basis of these assumptions or whether there is room for serious discussion about the important issues AM raises and a common discernment together as to the way forward for the Communion as a whole.
[Global South Anglican] 16 Jan 2008--The challenge in the months leading up to GAFCON and Lambeth is whether those who share AM’s concerns about the Advent letter will accept and act on the basis of these assumptions or whether there is room for serious discussion about the important issues AM raises and a common discernment together as to the way forward for the Communion as a whole.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Churches raided in Zimbabwe for opposing disgraced bishop
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3186802.ece
[Times Online] 15 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, issued an unprecedented condemnation of a former Anglican bishop today after police in Zimbabwe used force to intervene and stop official Anglican church services from going ahead.
Related article:
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6581
Pro-Mugabe Anglican bishop in Zimbabwe has priest's license removed - ekklesia
[Times Online] 15 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, issued an unprecedented condemnation of a former Anglican bishop today after police in Zimbabwe used force to intervene and stop official Anglican church services from going ahead.
Related article:
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6581
Pro-Mugabe Anglican bishop in Zimbabwe has priest's license removed - ekklesia
APA Opts Not to Join Common Cause Partnership
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9179/
[Stand Firm] 15 Jan 2008--At this point, as Presiding Bishop, I must ask myself the question, is it wise and is it the best course of action to force through a decision to join the CCP with the strong possibility that there will be significant fall out among some of our parishes and missions. As a Church, we have developed a solid reputation as a stable jurisdiction that is outgoing and welcoming. We have managed to attract good and faithful men for the ministry in a Classical Anglican Church that has a balanced approach to the faith. When we have concentrated our efforts upon building up our parishes and dioceses, we have been successful.
[Stand Firm] 15 Jan 2008--At this point, as Presiding Bishop, I must ask myself the question, is it wise and is it the best course of action to force through a decision to join the CCP with the strong possibility that there will be significant fall out among some of our parishes and missions. As a Church, we have developed a solid reputation as a stable jurisdiction that is outgoing and welcoming. We have managed to attract good and faithful men for the ministry in a Classical Anglican Church that has a balanced approach to the faith. When we have concentrated our efforts upon building up our parishes and dioceses, we have been successful.
Bishop Schofield Will Ignore Inhibition
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/14/bishop-schofield-will-ignore-inhibition
[The Living Church] 15 Jan 2008--The Diocese of San Joaquin and its Bishop, John-David Schofield, will not participate in any ecclesiastical disciplinary action brought against them by The Episcopal Church, according to statements released by the diocese and Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables, Primate of the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone.
[The Living Church] 15 Jan 2008--The Diocese of San Joaquin and its Bishop, John-David Schofield, will not participate in any ecclesiastical disciplinary action brought against them by The Episcopal Church, according to statements released by the diocese and Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables, Primate of the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone.
The CoE: Who’s in? Who’s out? Who decides?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/15/the-coe-whos-in-whos-out-who-decides/#more-2697
[Anglican Mainstream] 15 Jan 2008--Part of the reason for the polarization between the various branches of the CoE, including the increasingly ‘diverse’ evangelical wing, is that there is a fundamental difference of perception: some feel the CoE is essentially on track, while others are deeply worried by the fluidity and ‘flexibility’ of moral and theological boundaries and issues like whether or not we actually believe the words of the Nicene creed. For them, this is not about who is in, but can we say and act upon the fact that some are out?
[Anglican Mainstream] 15 Jan 2008--Part of the reason for the polarization between the various branches of the CoE, including the increasingly ‘diverse’ evangelical wing, is that there is a fundamental difference of perception: some feel the CoE is essentially on track, while others are deeply worried by the fluidity and ‘flexibility’ of moral and theological boundaries and issues like whether or not we actually believe the words of the Nicene creed. For them, this is not about who is in, but can we say and act upon the fact that some are out?
Church brands draw members
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS06/801150370/1023/NEWS
[Tennessean] 15 Jan 2008--On Sunday morning, just past the signs for Red Roof Inn and Go USA Fun Park on Armory Drive in Murfreesboro, and in the shadow of a billboard for Verizon Wireless, 110 people met to celebrate the first worship service of Faith Anglican Fellowship.
A temporary banner, with the church's name, stood in front of Integrity House, where worshippers gathered after leaving behind their former home, Holy Cross Church.
[Tennessean] 15 Jan 2008--On Sunday morning, just past the signs for Red Roof Inn and Go USA Fun Park on Armory Drive in Murfreesboro, and in the shadow of a billboard for Verizon Wireless, 110 people met to celebrate the first worship service of Faith Anglican Fellowship.
A temporary banner, with the church's name, stood in front of Integrity House, where worshippers gathered after leaving behind their former home, Holy Cross Church.
Bruce MacPherson Has Been Invited and Will Be Attending GAFCON in Israel
http://descant.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/bruce-macpherson-has-been-invited-and-will-be-attending-gafcon-in-isreal/
[Drell's Descants] 15 Jan 2008--Obviously, this is a very welcome development and an indicator of where Western Louisiana stands with the broader Communion.
[Drell's Descants] 15 Jan 2008--Obviously, this is a very welcome development and an indicator of where Western Louisiana stands with the broader Communion.
In San Joaquin, conflicting responses to bishop's inhibition issued on his behalf
http://www.episcopal-life.org/79901_93913_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 15 Jan 2008--Conflicting statements about Bishop John-David Schofield's understanding of his place in the Episcopal Church were issued on his behalf the day after Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori inhibited him from the exercise of episcopal duties in the Diocese of San Joaquin.
In the end, Schofield claims that since he is no longer a member of the Episcopal Church, its canons do not apply to him or his actions.
[Episcopal Life Online] 15 Jan 2008--Conflicting statements about Bishop John-David Schofield's understanding of his place in the Episcopal Church were issued on his behalf the day after Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori inhibited him from the exercise of episcopal duties in the Diocese of San Joaquin.
In the end, Schofield claims that since he is no longer a member of the Episcopal Church, its canons do not apply to him or his actions.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Southern Cone Archbishop Says San Joaquin Bishop is Under His Ecclesiastical Authority
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7478
[Virtue Online] 14 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Rev. Gregory Venables, has come out blasting a statement that the Episcopal Church has oversight or jurisdiction of either the Diocese or Bishop of San Joaquin, John-David Schofield.
[Virtue Online] 14 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Rev. Gregory Venables, has come out blasting a statement that the Episcopal Church has oversight or jurisdiction of either the Diocese or Bishop of San Joaquin, John-David Schofield.
Faith Anglican holds first service
http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/NEWS01/801140307/1002
[The Daily News Journal] 14 Jan 2008--The parking lot of the Integrity House was filled to capacity Sunday morning as the Faith Anglican Fellowship held its first worship service there after splitting from the Holy Cross Church last week.
[The Daily News Journal] 14 Jan 2008--The parking lot of the Integrity House was filled to capacity Sunday morning as the Faith Anglican Fellowship held its first worship service there after splitting from the Holy Cross Church last week.
Anglican mission from Rwanda in Michigan
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=13574&t=Anglican+mission+from+Rwanda+in+Michigan
[Spero News] 14 Jan 2008--A new Anglican mission parish, affiliated with the Anglican Diocese of Rwanda, has taken the name "New Wine Anglican Mission" and is operating in Flint, Michigan. According to the Flint Journal, the congregation is led by the Rev. Dave Kulchar and meets for Sunday worship in a community room provided by a local non-profit group. During the week, members of the congregation meet for Bible study and outreach to the nearby campuses of the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College and the greater Flint urban area.
[Spero News] 14 Jan 2008--A new Anglican mission parish, affiliated with the Anglican Diocese of Rwanda, has taken the name "New Wine Anglican Mission" and is operating in Flint, Michigan. According to the Flint Journal, the congregation is led by the Rev. Dave Kulchar and meets for Sunday worship in a community room provided by a local non-profit group. During the week, members of the congregation meet for Bible study and outreach to the nearby campuses of the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College and the greater Flint urban area.
Valley Bishop Defies Ban From Religious Duties
http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=7619027&nav=menu612_2_6
[KMPH Fox 26] 14 Jan 2008--Bishop John-David Schofield says he will not comply with the Episcopal Church's orders that he stop practicing his religious duties.
Sundays are typically busy for Bishop Schofield, but now the man who played a key role in separating the Diocese of San Joaquin from the Episcopal Church, is being banned from practicing his religious duties.
[KMPH Fox 26] 14 Jan 2008--Bishop John-David Schofield says he will not comply with the Episcopal Church's orders that he stop practicing his religious duties.
Sundays are typically busy for Bishop Schofield, but now the man who played a key role in separating the Diocese of San Joaquin from the Episcopal Church, is being banned from practicing his religious duties.
Pro-Mugabe Anglican bishop forms splinter church: report
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hGWyqdT2JMU2WnrautWrN3h1naZg
[AFP] 14 Jan 2008--Axed Anglican bishop Nolbert Kunonga, an ally of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, has formed a splinter church after his ousting in a dispute over homosexuality, a state weekly reported Sunday.
[AFP] 14 Jan 2008--Axed Anglican bishop Nolbert Kunonga, an ally of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, has formed a splinter church after his ousting in a dispute over homosexuality, a state weekly reported Sunday.
The Presiding Bishop’s Top Five
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/1503
[Stand Firm] 14 Jan 2008--Over the course of writing my latest set of articles on the doctrinal positions of the new Presiding Bishop, I've collected quite a large body of her interviews, sermons, and articles. The following is a summary of what I have found. I've already published some of the material below under other titles, but this is the first time I've put it all together in a cohesive summary.
[Stand Firm] 14 Jan 2008--Over the course of writing my latest set of articles on the doctrinal positions of the new Presiding Bishop, I've collected quite a large body of her interviews, sermons, and articles. The following is a summary of what I have found. I've already published some of the material below under other titles, but this is the first time I've put it all together in a cohesive summary.
The Fruit of New Orleans
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9120/
[Stand Firm] 14 Jan 2008--This present betrayal fleshes out the decisions at New Orleans. These are the sort of shameful deeds that necessarily flow from weak passivity and spineless accommodation to wolves in ecclesial garb. Inevitably you must cooperate with the pack or be consumed.
[Stand Firm] 14 Jan 2008--This present betrayal fleshes out the decisions at New Orleans. These are the sort of shameful deeds that necessarily flow from weak passivity and spineless accommodation to wolves in ecclesial garb. Inevitably you must cooperate with the pack or be consumed.
New Creed
http://wvparson.blogspot.com/2008/01/new-creed.html
[Fr. Tony Clavier] 14 Jan 2008--A friend of mine, a priest who is also a blogger, by no means a traditionalist, made this comment to some of us yesterday after reviewing some of the blither posted to the Bishops/Deputies email list on the subject of the old adage, "Hate the sin and love the sinner", a catch phrase which is no longer PC because it suggests that some may sin.
[Fr. Tony Clavier] 14 Jan 2008--A friend of mine, a priest who is also a blogger, by no means a traditionalist, made this comment to some of us yesterday after reviewing some of the blither posted to the Bishops/Deputies email list on the subject of the old adage, "Hate the sin and love the sinner", a catch phrase which is no longer PC because it suggests that some may sin.
An Update from the Diocese of San Joaquin and Archbishop Greg Venables
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9124/
[TitusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--As a point of clarification, there is no confusion on the part of the Bishop of San Joaquin or the clergy, people, leadership, and convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin of their status. The claims of the Episcopal Church to have oversight or jurisdiction are not correct. The fact is that neither the Diocese nor Bishop John-David Schofield are part of The Episcopal Church. The Bishop is a member of the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone as of December 8th, 2007. The Diocese is a part of the Southern Cone. Neither the Presiding Bishop or the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church have any further jurisdiction. Bishop Schofield is no longer a member of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church.
[TitusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--As a point of clarification, there is no confusion on the part of the Bishop of San Joaquin or the clergy, people, leadership, and convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin of their status. The claims of the Episcopal Church to have oversight or jurisdiction are not correct. The fact is that neither the Diocese nor Bishop John-David Schofield are part of The Episcopal Church. The Bishop is a member of the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone as of December 8th, 2007. The Diocese is a part of the Southern Cone. Neither the Presiding Bishop or the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church have any further jurisdiction. Bishop Schofield is no longer a member of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church.
A Statement from the Bishop of Fort Worth on Bishop Schofield’s Inhibition
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9123/
[TitrusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--It comes as no surprise that the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church has initiated canonical actions against the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield to remove him from office. However, the matter is complicated by the fact that Bishop Schofield and the Diocese of San Joaquin, by constitutional action of their Convention, are no longer a part of The Episcopal Church. They now function under the authority of the Province of the Southern Cone. Disciplinary actions cannot be taken by this Province against a Bishop who is a member of another Province of the Anglican Communion.
[TitrusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--It comes as no surprise that the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church has initiated canonical actions against the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield to remove him from office. However, the matter is complicated by the fact that Bishop Schofield and the Diocese of San Joaquin, by constitutional action of their Convention, are no longer a part of The Episcopal Church. They now function under the authority of the Province of the Southern Cone. Disciplinary actions cannot be taken by this Province against a Bishop who is a member of another Province of the Anglican Communion.
Priest, members form new church
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/local.aspx?articleid=28236&zoneid=77
[Chattanooga Times Free Press] 14 Jan 2008--The rector, vestry and most members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Winchester, Tenn., began worship in a new location today as Christ the King Anglican Church.
[Chattanooga Times Free Press] 14 Jan 2008--The rector, vestry and most members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Winchester, Tenn., began worship in a new location today as Christ the King Anglican Church.
The ACANZP response to The Anglican Covenant
http://www.duomo.ac.nz/acnz/?p=1005
[Anglicans All] 14 Jan 2008--Further to the recent discussion about our response to the Covenant proposal, attached is the final version of the text which has now been forwarded to Archbiship Drexel Gomez’s committee.
[Anglicans All] 14 Jan 2008--Further to the recent discussion about our response to the Covenant proposal, attached is the final version of the text which has now been forwarded to Archbiship Drexel Gomez’s committee.
SEC Response to Draft Anglican Covenant
http://www.scotland.anglican.org/index.php/news/entry/sec_response_to_draft_anglican_covenant/
[The Scottish Episcopal Church] 14 Jan 2008--The Faith and Order Board of the Scottish Episcopal Church has issued the following response to the draft Anglican Covenant published at the Anglican Primates Meeting at Dar es Salaam in February 2007.
[The Scottish Episcopal Church] 14 Jan 2008--The Faith and Order Board of the Scottish Episcopal Church has issued the following response to the draft Anglican Covenant published at the Anglican Primates Meeting at Dar es Salaam in February 2007.
Documents and Press Coverage of the Inhibition of the Bishop of San Joaquin
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9167/
[TitusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--First, make sure to see the report of the Title IV Review Committee here and the Inhibition itself there.
Second, note the articles from the LA Times, the Bakersfield Californian and the Fresno Bee. An AP article began this way....
[TitusOneNine] 14 Jan 2008--First, make sure to see the report of the Title IV Review Committee here and the Inhibition itself there.
Second, note the articles from the LA Times, the Bakersfield Californian and the Fresno Bee. An AP article began this way....
Andrew Goddard's Response to Anglican Mainstream on the Advent Letter
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/andrew_goddards_response_to_anglican_mainstream_on_the_advent_letter/
[Global South Anglican] 14 Jan 2008--A great deal of the language that is around in the Communion at present seems to presuppose that any change from our current deadlock is impossible, that division is unavoidable and that any such division represents so radical a difference in fundamental faith that no recognition and future co-operation can be imagined. I cannot accept these assumptions, and I do not believe that as Christians we should see them as beyond challenge, least of all as we think and pray our way through Advent.
[Global South Anglican] 14 Jan 2008--A great deal of the language that is around in the Communion at present seems to presuppose that any change from our current deadlock is impossible, that division is unavoidable and that any such division represents so radical a difference in fundamental faith that no recognition and future co-operation can be imagined. I cannot accept these assumptions, and I do not believe that as Christians we should see them as beyond challenge, least of all as we think and pray our way through Advent.
Anglican Bishops call for dialogue
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=1&newsid=114523
[Daily Nation] 14 Jan 2008--The Anglican Church of Kenya has expressed fears of violence during the countrywide mass action called for next week by ODM leaders.
Consequently, the Church appealed to would-be demonstrators to avoid violence and police to shun use of live bullets to avoid loss of lives.
[Daily Nation] 14 Jan 2008--The Anglican Church of Kenya has expressed fears of violence during the countrywide mass action called for next week by ODM leaders.
Consequently, the Church appealed to would-be demonstrators to avoid violence and police to shun use of live bullets to avoid loss of lives.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Two Churches Leave The Episcopal Church
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7439
[Virtue Online] 12 Jan 2008--The new Bishop of Tennessee, the Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, is following in the footsteps of liberal Episcopal bishops across the country, playing by the Jefferts Schori rules of Episcopal engagement, namely inhibition, deposition of orthodox priests and property takeover of those who ditch the Episcopal Church fold.
It is now an all too familiar chorus. An orthodox Episcopal priest wakes up and realizes that the Episcopal Church is on a one way road going in the wrong direction. The arrows are pointing in one direction, he and his church are going in another. The besetting issues are always the same, the authority (or lack) of Scripture, the legitimating of sodomy, same sex rites and the consecration of the homogenital Bishop of New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson. This quartet of sins is now enthroned and enshrined by church resolution, with some of it, according to Mrs. Schori, deemed to be prophetic.
[Virtue Online] 12 Jan 2008--The new Bishop of Tennessee, the Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, is following in the footsteps of liberal Episcopal bishops across the country, playing by the Jefferts Schori rules of Episcopal engagement, namely inhibition, deposition of orthodox priests and property takeover of those who ditch the Episcopal Church fold.
It is now an all too familiar chorus. An orthodox Episcopal priest wakes up and realizes that the Episcopal Church is on a one way road going in the wrong direction. The arrows are pointing in one direction, he and his church are going in another. The besetting issues are always the same, the authority (or lack) of Scripture, the legitimating of sodomy, same sex rites and the consecration of the homogenital Bishop of New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson. This quartet of sins is now enthroned and enshrined by church resolution, with some of it, according to Mrs. Schori, deemed to be prophetic.
Carey says Anglican Communion is in crisis
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/5448093.html
[The Houston Chronicle] 12 Jan 2008--The former archbishop of Canterbury wants the Episcopal Church to support an international agreement calling for a moratorium in the Anglican Church on the consecration of gay bishops and church blessing of same-sex unions.
[The Houston Chronicle] 12 Jan 2008--The former archbishop of Canterbury wants the Episcopal Church to support an international agreement calling for a moratorium in the Anglican Church on the consecration of gay bishops and church blessing of same-sex unions.
Some Ecclesiological Questions
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9065/
[Stand Firm] 12 Jan 2008--Must the Church "reconsider" Nicea every time a false teacher with a following arises advocating a new form of Arianism or Docetism? Must the Church "reconsider" the Resurrection, the Virgin birth, and the Ascension simply because some modern day gnostics employing bankrupt 19th century hermeneutics suggest that these events did not occur? Of course not. So why must we be open to the reconsideration of a teaching just as firmly articulated in scripture and affirmed in Tradition as those named above?
[Stand Firm] 12 Jan 2008--Must the Church "reconsider" Nicea every time a false teacher with a following arises advocating a new form of Arianism or Docetism? Must the Church "reconsider" the Resurrection, the Virgin birth, and the Ascension simply because some modern day gnostics employing bankrupt 19th century hermeneutics suggest that these events did not occur? Of course not. So why must we be open to the reconsideration of a teaching just as firmly articulated in scripture and affirmed in Tradition as those named above?
How Bad Is Homosexual Practice According to Scripture
http://www.robgagnon.net/articles/HomosexHowBadIsIt.pdf
{Robert Gagnon] 12 Jan 2008--
This brief essay explores two of the most common questions asked about the Bible’s view of homosexual practice. First, how bad is homosexual practice according to Scripture? Second, does Scripture’s indictment of homosexual practice apply to committed homosexual unions?
{Robert Gagnon] 12 Jan 2008--
This brief essay explores two of the most common questions asked about the Bible’s view of homosexual practice. First, how bad is homosexual practice according to Scripture? Second, does Scripture’s indictment of homosexual practice apply to committed homosexual unions?
The Presiding Bishop’s Challenge Has Been Met
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/8972/
[Stand Firm] 12 Jan 2008--There is no mention in the article if the bishop in question continues unrepentant in the alleged acts; only an implication that having participated in homosexual acts, it is now hypocritical to take an Orthodox view or support others in their stand for Biblical Authority. If one follows this logic, it means once you have sinned, you may never condemn that particular activity as a sin. Every bank robber must condone theft, every unfaithful spouse must embrace adultery. Repentance is never even considered. Since we are all sinners in desperate need of the redeeming grace and salvation of Our Lord and Savior, this would be bad news indeed.
[Stand Firm] 12 Jan 2008--There is no mention in the article if the bishop in question continues unrepentant in the alleged acts; only an implication that having participated in homosexual acts, it is now hypocritical to take an Orthodox view or support others in their stand for Biblical Authority. If one follows this logic, it means once you have sinned, you may never condemn that particular activity as a sin. Every bank robber must condone theft, every unfaithful spouse must embrace adultery. Repentance is never even considered. Since we are all sinners in desperate need of the redeeming grace and salvation of Our Lord and Savior, this would be bad news indeed.
Anglican Mainstream responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advent Letter
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/10/anglican-mainstream-responds-to-the-archbishop-of-canterburys-advent-letter/
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 Jan 2008-The leaders of the traditionalist pressure group Anglican Mainstream have pressed the Archbishop of Canterbury to clarify his Advent Letter to the Primates, saying his prescriptions for the healing of the Anglican Communion do not take into account the causes of the disease. In a Jan 8 letter given to The Church of England Newspaper, the Rev Canon Chris Sugden and Mr Philip Giddings applauded Dr Williams’ commitment to resolve the Anglican crisis, and for exercising strong leadership in a difficult time. However, they questioned a number of Dr Williams’ suppositions that underlay the call for dialogue. There appeared to be no consequences for the repeated bad actions of the Episcopal Church. The invitation to invite to the Lambeth Conference those bishops who consecrated Gene Robinson contradicts the ‘clear assertion of the Windsor Report’ in paragraph 134 which asked that they ‘withdraw from representative functions’ in the Communion.
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 Jan 2008-The leaders of the traditionalist pressure group Anglican Mainstream have pressed the Archbishop of Canterbury to clarify his Advent Letter to the Primates, saying his prescriptions for the healing of the Anglican Communion do not take into account the causes of the disease. In a Jan 8 letter given to The Church of England Newspaper, the Rev Canon Chris Sugden and Mr Philip Giddings applauded Dr Williams’ commitment to resolve the Anglican crisis, and for exercising strong leadership in a difficult time. However, they questioned a number of Dr Williams’ suppositions that underlay the call for dialogue. There appeared to be no consequences for the repeated bad actions of the Episcopal Church. The invitation to invite to the Lambeth Conference those bishops who consecrated Gene Robinson contradicts the ‘clear assertion of the Windsor Report’ in paragraph 134 which asked that they ‘withdraw from representative functions’ in the Communion.
Jefferts Schori plays the England card
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/06/jefferts-schori-plays-the-england-card/
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 Jan 2008--Terry Mattigley asks: How would a reporter verify the presence of gay, partnered bishops in the Church of England, short of hostile investigative reporting? How would reporters verify her claim that there are more gay union rites taking place in England than in the U.S. church?
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 Jan 2008--Terry Mattigley asks: How would a reporter verify the presence of gay, partnered bishops in the Church of England, short of hostile investigative reporting? How would reporters verify her claim that there are more gay union rites taking place in England than in the U.S. church?
However You Try to Mend It, the Anglican Communion Is Broken
http://ugleyvicar.blogspot.com/2008/01/however-you-try-to-mend-it-anglican.html
[The Ugley Vicar] 12 Jan 2008--Believe it or not, they used to make cars in the UK without locking petrol caps. I know, I had one. A locking petrol cap was an ‘accessory’ that you had to buy in a store like Halfords. They became popular in the 1970s for one simple reason — people started stealing petrol from cars.
[The Ugley Vicar] 12 Jan 2008--Believe it or not, they used to make cars in the UK without locking petrol caps. I know, I had one. A locking petrol cap was an ‘accessory’ that you had to buy in a store like Halfords. They became popular in the 1970s for one simple reason — people started stealing petrol from cars.
The Church of England's Global Anglican Future
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7457
[Virtue Online] 12 Jan 2008--Nearly a quarter of a century ago what was to become a persistent weakness of the evangelical movement in the Church of England was revealed - an unwillingness to take action and break fellowship with ungodly leaders. Shortly after becoming Bishop of Durham in 1984, David Jenkins notoriously denied the physical resurrection and the virgin birth, yet continued to be accepted by most evangelicals as a bishop in good standing.
[Virtue Online] 12 Jan 2008--Nearly a quarter of a century ago what was to become a persistent weakness of the evangelical movement in the Church of England was revealed - an unwillingness to take action and break fellowship with ungodly leaders. Shortly after becoming Bishop of Durham in 1984, David Jenkins notoriously denied the physical resurrection and the virgin birth, yet continued to be accepted by most evangelicals as a bishop in good standing.
San Joaquin Bishop Inhibited
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/11/san-joaquin-bishop-inhibited
[The Living Chuerch] 12 Jan 2008--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on January 11 inhibited the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin. Bishop Jefferts Schori acted after the Title 4 Review Committee certified that Bishop Schofield had abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church.
Related article:
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7468
Bishop Schofield Responds to Presiding Bishop over Inhibition - VirtueOnline
[The Living Chuerch] 12 Jan 2008--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on January 11 inhibited the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin. Bishop Jefferts Schori acted after the Title 4 Review Committee certified that Bishop Schofield had abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church.
Related article:
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7468
Bishop Schofield Responds to Presiding Bishop over Inhibition - VirtueOnline
Virginia Attorney General Sides with Departing Congregations
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/11/virginia-attorney-general-sides-with-departing-congregations
[The Living Churcvhg] 12 Jan 2008--Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell has filed a motion to intervene and a brief in the church property litigation involving 11 Virginia congregations where the majority voted to leave The Episcopal Church.
“As a matter of federal constitutional law, the Episcopal Church is simply wrong,” Attorney General McConnell wrote in his motion to intervene. “The Constitution does not require that local church property disputes be resolved by deferring to national and regional church leaders.”
[The Living Churcvhg] 12 Jan 2008--Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell has filed a motion to intervene and a brief in the church property litigation involving 11 Virginia congregations where the majority voted to leave The Episcopal Church.
“As a matter of federal constitutional law, the Episcopal Church is simply wrong,” Attorney General McConnell wrote in his motion to intervene. “The Constitution does not require that local church property disputes be resolved by deferring to national and regional church leaders.”
The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt: Statement on Resignation of The Rev. F.J. Richardson and The Rev. William Midgett
http://episcopaldiocese-tn.org/bishops-forum/the-rt-rev-john-c-bauerschmidt-statement-on-resignation-of-the-rev-fj-richardson-and-the-rev-william-midgett
[The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee] 12 Jan 2007--On Monday, January 7th, I received letters of resignation from the Rev’d Frederick Richardson, Jr as Vicar of Holy Cross Church, Murfreesboro, and from the Rev’d William Midgett, as Rector of Trinity Church, Winchester. At this same time I received letters of resignation from the Wardens and various members of the Mission Council of Holy Cross Church and of Trinity Church. Frs Richardson and Midgett have also resigned from other positions that they held in the Diocese of Tennessee.
[The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee] 12 Jan 2007--On Monday, January 7th, I received letters of resignation from the Rev’d Frederick Richardson, Jr as Vicar of Holy Cross Church, Murfreesboro, and from the Rev’d William Midgett, as Rector of Trinity Church, Winchester. At this same time I received letters of resignation from the Wardens and various members of the Mission Council of Holy Cross Church and of Trinity Church. Frs Richardson and Midgett have also resigned from other positions that they held in the Diocese of Tennessee.
New Anglican Church Forms in Winchester
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9066/#more
[TitusOneNine] 12 Jan 2008--Following the annual congregational meeting on January 6, the rector, staff, lay leadership, and most of the members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Winchester, TN walked away from the historical building on First Avenue, N.W. in order to form Christ the King Anglican Church, a new Anglican congregation in Winchester.
[TitusOneNine] 12 Jan 2008--Following the annual congregational meeting on January 6, the rector, staff, lay leadership, and most of the members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Winchester, TN walked away from the historical building on First Avenue, N.W. in order to form Christ the King Anglican Church, a new Anglican congregation in Winchester.
A Preliminary Report from the Bishop and Standing Committee
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/diocesanconvention/07convention/reportonres2.html
[The Episciopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 12 Jan 2008--In accordance with the Resolution adopted by our Diocesan Convention, this is our preliminary report on some of the implications of accepting an offer which we received from the Southern Cone shortly before our Convention.
[The Episciopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 12 Jan 2008--In accordance with the Resolution adopted by our Diocesan Convention, this is our preliminary report on some of the implications of accepting an offer which we received from the Southern Cone shortly before our Convention.
Anglican clergy told to declare loyalties
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/292698
[The Toronto Star] 12 Jan 2008--In what could be the start of real schism in the Anglican Church, a Newfoundland bishop is demanding clergy come to the provincial capital to declare whether their loyalties lie with him or his predecessor, the leader of a breakaway conservative movement.
[The Toronto Star] 12 Jan 2008--In what could be the start of real schism in the Anglican Church, a Newfoundland bishop is demanding clergy come to the provincial capital to declare whether their loyalties lie with him or his predecessor, the leader of a breakaway conservative movement.
Terry Mattingly: Invading Anglican closets
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9078/
[TitusOneNine] 12 Jan 2008--What we have here is an attempt to pull British bishops out and into open combat with conservatives in Africa, South America, Asia and other parts of the 70-million-member Anglican Communion. The presiding bishop has played the England card in a high-stakes game of ecclesiastical poker inside the Church of England.
[TitusOneNine] 12 Jan 2008--What we have here is an attempt to pull British bishops out and into open combat with conservatives in Africa, South America, Asia and other parts of the 70-million-member Anglican Communion. The presiding bishop has played the England card in a high-stakes game of ecclesiastical poker inside the Church of England.
San Joaquin's remaining Episcopalians to gather for reconciliation, inclusion, celebration
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_93539_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 12 Jan 2008--A January 26 gathering of continuing Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin and national church leaders, "Moving Forward, Welcoming All," will focus on reconciliation, inclusion, and celebration, event organizers said.
[Episcopal Life Online] 12 Jan 2008--A January 26 gathering of continuing Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin and national church leaders, "Moving Forward, Welcoming All," will focus on reconciliation, inclusion, and celebration, event organizers said.
A Pastoral letter from Archbishop Peter Akinola
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_pastoral_letter_from_archbishop_peter_akinola/
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2007--The Bishops came together again from 7-12 January, 2008 for our annual retreat at the Ibru Anglican Retreat Centre at Agbarha-Otor. We were particularly pleased to have our brother Bishops from our outreaches to CANA (in the USA), and the Province of Congo with us. It afforded us the opportunity for further reflection on OUR LITURGICAL HERITAGE. We had as our chief resource person Archbishop Drexel Gomez, Primate of the West Indies (Anglican Communion) and we spent quality time rediscovering the Biblical foundations of our liturgy. We came to the conclusion that we do indeed have a rich and strongly biblical heritage which must be rediscovered, cherished, and guarded by all true Anglicans. Our Liturgy is a dramatization of The Bible and should therefore be held sacred without casual departures at the discretion of individuals. Our liturgy promotes fellowship, teaching, mission, and relevant spirituality. All of us – Bishops, Clergy and Laity have a great role to play in this regard. We must take time to prepare prayerfully so that the liturgy does not become a cold and lifeless aspect of our worship life, but a vibrant, inspiring and liberating encounter with our self-revealing God. Our liturgy enables us to respond to God’s self-disclosure. As Anglicans, we are encouraged to live godly lives in the Church and in society. Our members in public office should go with a sense of mission as those who have been inspired by this encounter with the living God.
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2007--The Bishops came together again from 7-12 January, 2008 for our annual retreat at the Ibru Anglican Retreat Centre at Agbarha-Otor. We were particularly pleased to have our brother Bishops from our outreaches to CANA (in the USA), and the Province of Congo with us. It afforded us the opportunity for further reflection on OUR LITURGICAL HERITAGE. We had as our chief resource person Archbishop Drexel Gomez, Primate of the West Indies (Anglican Communion) and we spent quality time rediscovering the Biblical foundations of our liturgy. We came to the conclusion that we do indeed have a rich and strongly biblical heritage which must be rediscovered, cherished, and guarded by all true Anglicans. Our Liturgy is a dramatization of The Bible and should therefore be held sacred without casual departures at the discretion of individuals. Our liturgy promotes fellowship, teaching, mission, and relevant spirituality. All of us – Bishops, Clergy and Laity have a great role to play in this regard. We must take time to prepare prayerfully so that the liturgy does not become a cold and lifeless aspect of our worship life, but a vibrant, inspiring and liberating encounter with our self-revealing God. Our liturgy enables us to respond to God’s self-disclosure. As Anglicans, we are encouraged to live godly lives in the Church and in society. Our members in public office should go with a sense of mission as those who have been inspired by this encounter with the living God.
A Communiqué released by the Bishops of Nigeria
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_comunique_released_by_the_bishops_of_nigeria_january_2008/
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--We reaffirm our endorsement of all the steps taken by our Primate to broker a peaceful resolution of the Lambeth Conference 2008 impasse which unfortunately has met with subtle inflexibility. Believing the time has come for us to explore other options, we stand with all like-minded Primates, Bishops and leaders of our communion who are organizing a Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in a pilgrimage setting in the Holy Land (Jerusalem), in June 2008 with the stated goal of informing and inspiring the invited leaders to shape this future, and to reform the church and transform persons, ommunities and societies through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--We reaffirm our endorsement of all the steps taken by our Primate to broker a peaceful resolution of the Lambeth Conference 2008 impasse which unfortunately has met with subtle inflexibility. Believing the time has come for us to explore other options, we stand with all like-minded Primates, Bishops and leaders of our communion who are organizing a Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in a pilgrimage setting in the Holy Land (Jerusalem), in June 2008 with the stated goal of informing and inspiring the invited leaders to shape this future, and to reform the church and transform persons, ommunities and societies through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Common Cause Bishops Receive Invitations to Jerusalem
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/common_cause_bishops_receive_invitations_to_jerusalem/
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--Bishop Robert Duncan, moderator of the Common Cause Partnership, a federation of Anglican jurisdictions in North America, has invited members of the Common Cause College of Bishops to join him and other Anglican archbishops, bishops, clergy and laity from around the world in Jerusalem June 14-22.
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--Bishop Robert Duncan, moderator of the Common Cause Partnership, a federation of Anglican jurisdictions in North America, has invited members of the Common Cause College of Bishops to join him and other Anglican archbishops, bishops, clergy and laity from around the world in Jerusalem June 14-22.
CANA Welcomes Ten U.S. Churches Commended to CANA Oversight by Bishop of Bolivia
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/cana_welcomes_ten_us_churches_commended_to_cana_oversight_by_bishop_of_boli/
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) has welcomed ten new congregations into its membership. The Rt. Rev. Francis R. Lyons, the Bishop of Bolivia, commended these U.S. Anglican congregations and their clergy to the oversight of CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) has welcomed ten new congregations into its membership. The Rt. Rev. Francis R. Lyons, the Bishop of Bolivia, commended these U.S. Anglican congregations and their clergy to the oversight of CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.
A year of turmoil but the Communion is still intact
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_year_of_turmoil_but_the_communion_is_still_intact_cen_5_january_2008/
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--The Anglican Communion staggered through 2007, and as a Communion of Churches reached the end of the year—bloodied, bruised but still together.
While the Communion’s sex wars dominated much of the news, Anglicans across the globe were active in almost all spheres of life with mission and ministry paramount in much of the Church.
[Global South Anglican] 12 Jan 2008--The Anglican Communion staggered through 2007, and as a Communion of Churches reached the end of the year—bloodied, bruised but still together.
While the Communion’s sex wars dominated much of the news, Anglicans across the globe were active in almost all spheres of life with mission and ministry paramount in much of the Church.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
To Anglicans Ablaze readers
Due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be making posts on Anglicans Ablaze from Sunday January 5th through Friday January 11th. I will resume making posts on Saturday January 12th. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause Anglican Ablaze readers.
What's Good for the Goose...
Commentary by Robin G. Jordan
A number of stories this past week have not been getting the attention that they deserve. Before he flew to the United States to meeting with the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops in New Orleans Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams "invaded" the diocese of the Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Richard Chartres, and celebrated a secret Eucharist with the Lesbian and Gay Clergy Consultation. Lord Carey suggested, when the Times reporter covering the story spoke with him, that the reporter check his facts. A spokesman of Archbishop Williams pointed to Canon C8, paragraph 2 (a) of the Church of England’s canons to justify the "invasion." This permits a minister who has the cure of souls of a church to invite "a duly ordained priest or deacon" to minister within his church or chapel for a period of not more than seven days without informing the bishop. As was subsequently drawn to the reporter’s attention by a canon lawyer this rule does not cover invitations to bishops from outside the diocese.
Later in his Advent Letter Archbishop Williams criticized the crossing of boundaries to minister to orthodox Christians wishing to practice their faith as Anglicans but unable to do so in the fellowship of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada and the appointment of new bishops to care for the disaffected. He, however, evidenced no prick of conscience over his "invasion" of the Diocese of London to give communion to practicing gay clergy who are flouting the teaching of the Bible, orthodox Christianity, and the Church of England.
Another story in The Christian Challenge involved a reported conversation between Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and Bishop of Washington DC John Chane in which Canon Kearon told Bishop Chane that the US bishops would "pass muster" if they adopted the practice of the Church of England, banning public blessings of same sex unions but countenancing private blessings.
Kearon denied the accuracy of the report. He further asserted as a member of the Church of Ireland he would not know what goes on in the Church of England. From a top official in a key position, who is expected to know a lot about what is going on in the provinces of the Anglican Communion, such a claim sound disingenuous at best. From an Irishman it sounds like blarney.
Chane also denied the accuracy of the report. He expressed unhappiness that what he considered a private conversation had become the object of public scrutiny.
When The Christian Challenge investigated what was the practice in the Church of England, it indeed found that while the bishops of the Church of England permitted clergy to register same-sex civil partnerships provided they pledge to abstain from sexual activity, they did not officially sanction the public blessing of these partnerships. At the same time a number of bishops were giving a wink and a nod to private blessings.
The Christian Challenge further reported that the blessing of same sex unions continue in The Episcopal Church unabated.
In an interview with BBC Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori complained that The Episcopal Church is the victim of a double standard. She alleged that there were not only gay bishops in other provinces of the Anglican Communion but also there were "partnered gay bishops." The Episcopal Church was being singled out because it was the only church in which there was a partnered gay bishop who was open about his status. The Presiding Bishop expressed hope that Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson would eventually be invited to the 2008 Lambeth Conference. "Well, it’s a long time til July," she said.
The Church Society released its analysis of the response from the Church of England to the draft Anglican covenant. It pointed out that the General Synod of the Church of England had been unwise in giving the Archbishops authority to respond on their behalf and the fears of some who had questioned the wisdom of this decision have been realized. In effect the Church of England’s response completely re-writes the original Covenant Design Group version of the covenant. The changes weaken the role and authority of Scripture and shift the focus to how Scripture is interpreted and received. The analysis goes on to point out:
"The Archbishops however take issue with the idea of biblically derived moral values, stating that this ‘assumes a deductive approach to the relationship between Christian ethics and the Bible to which many Anglicans would not subscribe’. This is precisely the point and where the division comes, some believe what the Articles of Religion claim that the Bible is the Word of God and that morality should be derived from what God has said, others do not believe this and so do not derive their moral values primarily from Scripture."
The analysis notes that the Archbishops make no attempt to address the presenting issue that is dividing the Anglican Communion, that is, some sections of the churches in the Communion have adopted new sexual ethics that reject the Bible’s authority and are seeking to promote these ethics throughout the Communion. They, however, show no such reluctance in proscribing the crossing of provincial boundaries. The Covenant would prohibit all interventions except those "specifically authorised by the relevant Instruments of Communion" 6(6). Williams and Sentamu would leave biblically faithful Anglicans in the United States, Canada, Brazil—and dare we say the United Kingdom—hanging in the wind. The provinces of Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Southern Cone would be violating the covenant if they offer help to them.
The analysis further states:
"The experience of the last few years shows what a farce this process has become with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion Office apparently deliberately manipulating affairs to ensure the best possible interpretation of the failure of the US Episcopal Church to do what was asked of it."
It concludes:
"Neither the Draft Covenant nor the proposed revision attempt to do what the original Windsor Report seemed to envisage which was give real teeth to the Instruments (the Archbishop of Canterbury in particular) but therefore they do not really change anything. In fact when this long process is over it is hard to see how the Covenant is going to make the slightest difference except that it will allow those who have abandoned Biblical teaching and morality to claim that they are genuine Anglicans and very little will be done to say otherwise."
Is it surprising then that biblically faithful Anglicans are highly skeptical whether the 2008 Lambeth Conference is going to do anything other than rubberstamp William’s claim that The Episcopal Church has done all that it can be expected to do and to hand the communion franchise to the liberal agenda?
Shortly after her election Williams assured Presiding Bishop Schori that The Episcopal Church would not be ousted from the Anglican Communion on his watch. So far he has kept his promise. He has blocked every real effort to discipline The Episcopal Church. Perhaps in the back of his mind he knows that if the primates of the Anglican Communion were to successfully discipline The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, the Church of England might be next.
After all, what’s good for the goose, an old proverbial saying reminds us, is good for the gander.
A number of stories this past week have not been getting the attention that they deserve. Before he flew to the United States to meeting with the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops in New Orleans Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams "invaded" the diocese of the Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Richard Chartres, and celebrated a secret Eucharist with the Lesbian and Gay Clergy Consultation. Lord Carey suggested, when the Times reporter covering the story spoke with him, that the reporter check his facts. A spokesman of Archbishop Williams pointed to Canon C8, paragraph 2 (a) of the Church of England’s canons to justify the "invasion." This permits a minister who has the cure of souls of a church to invite "a duly ordained priest or deacon" to minister within his church or chapel for a period of not more than seven days without informing the bishop. As was subsequently drawn to the reporter’s attention by a canon lawyer this rule does not cover invitations to bishops from outside the diocese.
Later in his Advent Letter Archbishop Williams criticized the crossing of boundaries to minister to orthodox Christians wishing to practice their faith as Anglicans but unable to do so in the fellowship of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada and the appointment of new bishops to care for the disaffected. He, however, evidenced no prick of conscience over his "invasion" of the Diocese of London to give communion to practicing gay clergy who are flouting the teaching of the Bible, orthodox Christianity, and the Church of England.
Another story in The Christian Challenge involved a reported conversation between Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and Bishop of Washington DC John Chane in which Canon Kearon told Bishop Chane that the US bishops would "pass muster" if they adopted the practice of the Church of England, banning public blessings of same sex unions but countenancing private blessings.
Kearon denied the accuracy of the report. He further asserted as a member of the Church of Ireland he would not know what goes on in the Church of England. From a top official in a key position, who is expected to know a lot about what is going on in the provinces of the Anglican Communion, such a claim sound disingenuous at best. From an Irishman it sounds like blarney.
Chane also denied the accuracy of the report. He expressed unhappiness that what he considered a private conversation had become the object of public scrutiny.
When The Christian Challenge investigated what was the practice in the Church of England, it indeed found that while the bishops of the Church of England permitted clergy to register same-sex civil partnerships provided they pledge to abstain from sexual activity, they did not officially sanction the public blessing of these partnerships. At the same time a number of bishops were giving a wink and a nod to private blessings.
The Christian Challenge further reported that the blessing of same sex unions continue in The Episcopal Church unabated.
In an interview with BBC Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori complained that The Episcopal Church is the victim of a double standard. She alleged that there were not only gay bishops in other provinces of the Anglican Communion but also there were "partnered gay bishops." The Episcopal Church was being singled out because it was the only church in which there was a partnered gay bishop who was open about his status. The Presiding Bishop expressed hope that Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson would eventually be invited to the 2008 Lambeth Conference. "Well, it’s a long time til July," she said.
The Church Society released its analysis of the response from the Church of England to the draft Anglican covenant. It pointed out that the General Synod of the Church of England had been unwise in giving the Archbishops authority to respond on their behalf and the fears of some who had questioned the wisdom of this decision have been realized. In effect the Church of England’s response completely re-writes the original Covenant Design Group version of the covenant. The changes weaken the role and authority of Scripture and shift the focus to how Scripture is interpreted and received. The analysis goes on to point out:
"The Archbishops however take issue with the idea of biblically derived moral values, stating that this ‘assumes a deductive approach to the relationship between Christian ethics and the Bible to which many Anglicans would not subscribe’. This is precisely the point and where the division comes, some believe what the Articles of Religion claim that the Bible is the Word of God and that morality should be derived from what God has said, others do not believe this and so do not derive their moral values primarily from Scripture."
The analysis notes that the Archbishops make no attempt to address the presenting issue that is dividing the Anglican Communion, that is, some sections of the churches in the Communion have adopted new sexual ethics that reject the Bible’s authority and are seeking to promote these ethics throughout the Communion. They, however, show no such reluctance in proscribing the crossing of provincial boundaries. The Covenant would prohibit all interventions except those "specifically authorised by the relevant Instruments of Communion" 6(6). Williams and Sentamu would leave biblically faithful Anglicans in the United States, Canada, Brazil—and dare we say the United Kingdom—hanging in the wind. The provinces of Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Southern Cone would be violating the covenant if they offer help to them.
The analysis further states:
"The experience of the last few years shows what a farce this process has become with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion Office apparently deliberately manipulating affairs to ensure the best possible interpretation of the failure of the US Episcopal Church to do what was asked of it."
It concludes:
"Neither the Draft Covenant nor the proposed revision attempt to do what the original Windsor Report seemed to envisage which was give real teeth to the Instruments (the Archbishop of Canterbury in particular) but therefore they do not really change anything. In fact when this long process is over it is hard to see how the Covenant is going to make the slightest difference except that it will allow those who have abandoned Biblical teaching and morality to claim that they are genuine Anglicans and very little will be done to say otherwise."
Is it surprising then that biblically faithful Anglicans are highly skeptical whether the 2008 Lambeth Conference is going to do anything other than rubberstamp William’s claim that The Episcopal Church has done all that it can be expected to do and to hand the communion franchise to the liberal agenda?
Shortly after her election Williams assured Presiding Bishop Schori that The Episcopal Church would not be ousted from the Anglican Communion on his watch. So far he has kept his promise. He has blocked every real effort to discipline The Episcopal Church. Perhaps in the back of his mind he knows that if the primates of the Anglican Communion were to successfully discipline The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, the Church of England might be next.
After all, what’s good for the goose, an old proverbial saying reminds us, is good for the gander.
God with Us; God for Us
http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=13&d=41&p_t=index.php
[Church of Nigeria] 5 Jan 2008--Christmas is here again, and with it the debate on the propriety of the celebration. It has been argued that Christmas is an invention of the Church and that Christ would be embarrassed to find his birth celebrated as it is today. Agreed, much of what passes today for Christmas celebration has little or no bearing with Christ.
Despite the bastardization, Christians should rediscover and take joy in Christmas. They would be doing nothing strange; only following in the steps of the angelic band that heralded the mystery divine.
[Church of Nigeria] 5 Jan 2008--Christmas is here again, and with it the debate on the propriety of the celebration. It has been argued that Christmas is an invention of the Church and that Christ would be embarrassed to find his birth celebrated as it is today. Agreed, much of what passes today for Christmas celebration has little or no bearing with Christ.
Despite the bastardization, Christians should rediscover and take joy in Christmas. They would be doing nothing strange; only following in the steps of the angelic band that heralded the mystery divine.
Trinity Anglican gets ready to mark a year in existence
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080105/NEWS/801050422/-1/newssitemap
[Herald Tribune] 5 Jan 2008--Though it was founded a mere 12 months ago, the traditions and beliefs of Trinity Anglican Church of Port Charlotte are steeped in religious history.
Margo Lang, whose late husband served as rector at St. Paul's Anglican Church, joined forces with Ed and Joy Robedee to found the new church on Jan. 14, 2007, after the membership of St. Paul's had dwindled, and the church disbanded.
The retired Rt. Rev. Stanley Lazarczyk, bishop ordinary, agreed to lead the fledgling church, which meets at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County on Sundays and holy days.
Lazarczyk made it clear that Anglican Catholic Church is not to be confused with the Episcopal Church
[Herald Tribune] 5 Jan 2008--Though it was founded a mere 12 months ago, the traditions and beliefs of Trinity Anglican Church of Port Charlotte are steeped in religious history.
Margo Lang, whose late husband served as rector at St. Paul's Anglican Church, joined forces with Ed and Joy Robedee to found the new church on Jan. 14, 2007, after the membership of St. Paul's had dwindled, and the church disbanded.
The retired Rt. Rev. Stanley Lazarczyk, bishop ordinary, agreed to lead the fledgling church, which meets at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County on Sundays and holy days.
Lazarczyk made it clear that Anglican Catholic Church is not to be confused with the Episcopal Church
Do Evangelicals Have a Future?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/januaryweb-only/101-52.0.html
[Christianity Today] 5 Jan 2008--It's an American pastime to speculate about the future around the New Year. And it's an evangelical pastime to take stabs at defining the movement. A recent Touchstone magazine symposium of evangelical leaders offers a little of both.
Touchstone pulled together an eclectic group of contributors: Russell Moore, Denny Burk, John Franke, D. G. Hart, Michael Horton, and David Lyle Jeffrey. Horton offers the most provocative observation about the movement's theological character. "Ironically, [evangelicalism] is a largely anti-creedal, anti-theological movement that has nevertheless defended the Fundamentals enshrined in historic Christianity more faithfully than many creedal and confessional denominations."
[Christianity Today] 5 Jan 2008--It's an American pastime to speculate about the future around the New Year. And it's an evangelical pastime to take stabs at defining the movement. A recent Touchstone magazine symposium of evangelical leaders offers a little of both.
Touchstone pulled together an eclectic group of contributors: Russell Moore, Denny Burk, John Franke, D. G. Hart, Michael Horton, and David Lyle Jeffrey. Horton offers the most provocative observation about the movement's theological character. "Ironically, [evangelicalism] is a largely anti-creedal, anti-theological movement that has nevertheless defended the Fundamentals enshrined in historic Christianity more faithfully than many creedal and confessional denominations."
Giles Fraser needs to ditch philosophy
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/8927/
[Stand Fiurm] 5 Jan 2008--It's the weekend so it's time for another Giles Fraser rant. This week's treat is "Christianity needs to ditch Plato". Off we go...
The Christmas Gospel reading — “In the beginning was the Word” — always reminds me that when the early Church spoke about the Word of God, it did not mean the Bible, it meant Jesus. Jesus was the Word — in Greek, the logos.
[Stand Fiurm] 5 Jan 2008--It's the weekend so it's time for another Giles Fraser rant. This week's treat is "Christianity needs to ditch Plato". Off we go...
The Christmas Gospel reading — “In the beginning was the Word” — always reminds me that when the early Church spoke about the Word of God, it did not mean the Bible, it meant Jesus. Jesus was the Word — in Greek, the logos.
Deciphering Venables
http://www.peter-ould.net/2008/01/03/deciphering-venables/
[An Exercise in the Fundamentals of Orthodoxy] 5 Jan 2008--It’s not every day that a Primate of the Anglican Communion gets involved in a blog conversation. Most of us like to flatter ourselves that some of the big hats read our offerings (I personally believe that the person at the ACO who reads my contributions - I can see them when they happen - is the great bearded one himself) but that they actually get involved in the chats and comments?
That’s exactly what Greg Venables, the Primate of the Southern Cone has done by commenting on a thread on Stand Firm ( as I report below). He was writing in response to some worries about the GAFCON meeting in June (splendid website by the way don’t you think?) and his remarks are fascinating, giving a clear insight into the thinking of those behind the Holy Land gathering. Let’s have a closer look:
[An Exercise in the Fundamentals of Orthodoxy] 5 Jan 2008--It’s not every day that a Primate of the Anglican Communion gets involved in a blog conversation. Most of us like to flatter ourselves that some of the big hats read our offerings (I personally believe that the person at the ACO who reads my contributions - I can see them when they happen - is the great bearded one himself) but that they actually get involved in the chats and comments?
That’s exactly what Greg Venables, the Primate of the Southern Cone has done by commenting on a thread on Stand Firm ( as I report below). He was writing in response to some worries about the GAFCON meeting in June (splendid website by the way don’t you think?) and his remarks are fascinating, giving a clear insight into the thinking of those behind the Holy Land gathering. Let’s have a closer look:
A Conversation with Archbishop Venables - “The system is not allowing a solution”
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/04/a-conversation-with-archbishop-venables-the-system-is-not-allowing-a-solution/
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Jan 2008--Earlier today I had the opportunity to speak with the Primate of the Southern Cone, The Most Rev. Gregory Venables. I asked him what his thoughts were on current events in the Anglican Communion. Below are some questions and answers from that conversation.
AAC: Are you going to attend the Lambeth conference? If not, then why?
++Venables: My personal conviction after a very long period of active participation in this drawn-out process is that the system is not allowing a solution. It’s Catch 22. We believed initially that there was a simple, albeit painful, solution but there seemed to be an overwhelming reluctance to pay the price. It’s not even “unity whatever the cost” because that’s the one thing we won’t end up with. The Anglican Communion has already unraveled, and things are even further away from resolving the deadlock. Under these conditions, Lambeth will not only fall far short of anything positive but actually make things worse. Perhaps, looking at it from the outside, it looks easy but inside it’s not only labyrinthine, but there is no centre to get to. It’s an ecclesiastical Alice through the Looking Glass, but there’s no humour and little real love.
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Jan 2008--Earlier today I had the opportunity to speak with the Primate of the Southern Cone, The Most Rev. Gregory Venables. I asked him what his thoughts were on current events in the Anglican Communion. Below are some questions and answers from that conversation.
AAC: Are you going to attend the Lambeth conference? If not, then why?
++Venables: My personal conviction after a very long period of active participation in this drawn-out process is that the system is not allowing a solution. It’s Catch 22. We believed initially that there was a simple, albeit painful, solution but there seemed to be an overwhelming reluctance to pay the price. It’s not even “unity whatever the cost” because that’s the one thing we won’t end up with. The Anglican Communion has already unraveled, and things are even further away from resolving the deadlock. Under these conditions, Lambeth will not only fall far short of anything positive but actually make things worse. Perhaps, looking at it from the outside, it looks easy but inside it’s not only labyrinthine, but there is no centre to get to. It’s an ecclesiastical Alice through the Looking Glass, but there’s no humour and little real love.
Asian Episcopalians Face Growing Church Splits
http://www.asianweek.com/2008/01/04/asian-episcopalians-face-growing-church-splits/
[AsianWeek] 5 Jan 2008--The growing split within the Episcopal Church in the United States has generated new challenges to its more than 17,000 Asian American baptized members and clergy.
“Sometimes it is necessary that there be divisions in the Church — as it was in the apostolic times on the question of circumcision as requisite for Christian baptism, on the issue of slavery which divided the American Church, the ordination of women and the ordination of the gay bishop — so that the genuine among us would be recognized,” says the Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, the current missioner for the national Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry, which has 120 congregations and approximately 1.8 percent of the Episcopal Church membership. “Father Fred,” as he is known, describes the current disharmony in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as “worrisome and burdensome,” especially if elements of the church end up in litigation with the national church or local diocese over church money and property.
Yet, he is hardly neutral about the international controversy that has roiled one of America’s oldest denominations, and he speaks passionately about an “essential message of love and reconciliation.”
“It is not revisionism, but progressive revelation when we come to have a more sympathetic understanding of gay persons in light of Scriptures,” Vergara said. “The Bible was culture-bound even as it shaped the development of the church. The world moves faster due to increasing globalization. I think conservative Christianity is jaded and is reactionary.”
Anglicanism has historically rejected the notion of "progressive revelation." Both the Church of Rome and 16th century Anabaptistism, the two extremes that the Anglican "via media" seeks to avoid, embrace the notion of "progressive revelation."
[AsianWeek] 5 Jan 2008--The growing split within the Episcopal Church in the United States has generated new challenges to its more than 17,000 Asian American baptized members and clergy.
“Sometimes it is necessary that there be divisions in the Church — as it was in the apostolic times on the question of circumcision as requisite for Christian baptism, on the issue of slavery which divided the American Church, the ordination of women and the ordination of the gay bishop — so that the genuine among us would be recognized,” says the Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, the current missioner for the national Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry, which has 120 congregations and approximately 1.8 percent of the Episcopal Church membership. “Father Fred,” as he is known, describes the current disharmony in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as “worrisome and burdensome,” especially if elements of the church end up in litigation with the national church or local diocese over church money and property.
Yet, he is hardly neutral about the international controversy that has roiled one of America’s oldest denominations, and he speaks passionately about an “essential message of love and reconciliation.”
“It is not revisionism, but progressive revelation when we come to have a more sympathetic understanding of gay persons in light of Scriptures,” Vergara said. “The Bible was culture-bound even as it shaped the development of the church. The world moves faster due to increasing globalization. I think conservative Christianity is jaded and is reactionary.”
Anglicanism has historically rejected the notion of "progressive revelation." Both the Church of Rome and 16th century Anabaptistism, the two extremes that the Anglican "via media" seeks to avoid, embrace the notion of "progressive revelation."
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Episcopal Church, Anglican Communion Network and Reform in 2008?
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7407
[VirtueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--Will TEC ever be able to reform itself or be reformed in 2008? More to the point, will the ACN ever be able to reform itself or be reformed in 2008?I shall approach these pressing questions for 2008 through two entrances, that is, through reference to two important practical doctrines. I shall show just how far off the traditional track TEC got from the 1970s and then move on to indicate that ACN has always been within that new track because of its membership of TEC and inability to be removed from it, in ethos and in practical matters.
I shall begin with Holy Matrimony and note that what is called Christian Marriage today (within the doctrine and place of the Canons of TEC and its Prayer Book of 1979) is a denial of Holy Matrimony. Then I shall move to the doctrine of the Church and note that alien principles have invaded and become a necessary part of the present way of describing and being the Church.
[VirtueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--Will TEC ever be able to reform itself or be reformed in 2008? More to the point, will the ACN ever be able to reform itself or be reformed in 2008?I shall approach these pressing questions for 2008 through two entrances, that is, through reference to two important practical doctrines. I shall show just how far off the traditional track TEC got from the 1970s and then move on to indicate that ACN has always been within that new track because of its membership of TEC and inability to be removed from it, in ethos and in practical matters.
I shall begin with Holy Matrimony and note that what is called Christian Marriage today (within the doctrine and place of the Canons of TEC and its Prayer Book of 1979) is a denial of Holy Matrimony. Then I shall move to the doctrine of the Church and note that alien principles have invaded and become a necessary part of the present way of describing and being the Church.
Articles are ‘too much’
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1393
[Religiuous Intelligence] 4 Jan 2008--Among the alterations suggested by the Church of England, there is concern about the reference to the Thirty Nine Articles, They say: “This can be seen to suggest a ‘maximalist’ approach to doctrinal agreement whereas arguably the Covenant requires a more ‘minimalist’ approach. On the other hand, having a reference to the formularies is important to many Anglicans who see them as a guarantee of fidelity to orthodox biblical theology. “A way forward might be to use the language of the Church of England’s Declaration of Assent and to talk about ‘the faith to which the formularies bear witness’.”
[Religiuous Intelligence] 4 Jan 2008--Among the alterations suggested by the Church of England, there is concern about the reference to the Thirty Nine Articles, They say: “This can be seen to suggest a ‘maximalist’ approach to doctrinal agreement whereas arguably the Covenant requires a more ‘minimalist’ approach. On the other hand, having a reference to the formularies is important to many Anglicans who see them as a guarantee of fidelity to orthodox biblical theology. “A way forward might be to use the language of the Church of England’s Declaration of Assent and to talk about ‘the faith to which the formularies bear witness’.”
Changing Attitude Spins Disinformation on Homosexuality to Anglican Communion
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7404
[VirtueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--The Church of England's unofficial homosexual organization, Changing Attitude, wants you to believe that there are literally millions of homosexuals in the Anglican Communion whose voices are not being heard because of homophobic Attitude by African Anglican evangelicals, particularly Nigeria, as well as from other western orthodox anti-homosexual Anglican activists.
The Rev. Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, recently released figures he alleges show that if the Anglican Communion has a total membership of 75 million, then 5% or 3.75 million are engaging in homosexual activity. When challenged by VOL to demonstrate the validity of these figures, Coward wrote back, "No proof, just a provocative figure."
[VirtueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--The Church of England's unofficial homosexual organization, Changing Attitude, wants you to believe that there are literally millions of homosexuals in the Anglican Communion whose voices are not being heard because of homophobic Attitude by African Anglican evangelicals, particularly Nigeria, as well as from other western orthodox anti-homosexual Anglican activists.
The Rev. Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, recently released figures he alleges show that if the Anglican Communion has a total membership of 75 million, then 5% or 3.75 million are engaging in homosexual activity. When challenged by VOL to demonstrate the validity of these figures, Coward wrote back, "No proof, just a provocative figure."
Regional Anglicans fear Jerusalem conference could 'inflame tensions'
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1198517289975&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
[The Jerusalem Post] 4 Jan 2008--Arab Anglican leaders are concerned the conference, known as GAFCON, could wreck the Anglican Church's carefully balanced position within Palestinian society and the Anglican Communion.
The Palestinian church is strongly opposed to gay or female clergy and follows the conservative tradition within Anglicanism. However, it receives financial support from American dioceses that are at the forefront of the gay rights movement. Highlighting the diocese's conservative position in the midst of the Anglican Communion's civil war over homosexuality could have immediate financial consequences, church leaders note.
In addition, the strong pro-Israel sentiments of the African and American bishops could have physical consequences for Anglicans living in the West Bank and Gaza, Jerusalem Anglican leaders fear.
[The Jerusalem Post] 4 Jan 2008--Arab Anglican leaders are concerned the conference, known as GAFCON, could wreck the Anglican Church's carefully balanced position within Palestinian society and the Anglican Communion.
The Palestinian church is strongly opposed to gay or female clergy and follows the conservative tradition within Anglicanism. However, it receives financial support from American dioceses that are at the forefront of the gay rights movement. Highlighting the diocese's conservative position in the midst of the Anglican Communion's civil war over homosexuality could have immediate financial consequences, church leaders note.
In addition, the strong pro-Israel sentiments of the African and American bishops could have physical consequences for Anglicans living in the West Bank and Gaza, Jerusalem Anglican leaders fear.
The Scriptures and the Created Order part 4: A Response to Fr. Tobias Haller’s “True Union”
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/8860/
[Stand Firm] 4 Jan 2008--It is, as an aside, both refreshing and encouraging to find in Fr. Haller a staunch advocate of the doctrine of the Virgin birth. Though he applies it incorrectly; that he holds to it is admirable. I wonder, moreover, whether this biblical truth once greeted with such skepticism on the left, might, now that it has been employed to argue in favor of homosexual relationships, enjoy something of a comeback?
[Stand Firm] 4 Jan 2008--It is, as an aside, both refreshing and encouraging to find in Fr. Haller a staunch advocate of the doctrine of the Virgin birth. Though he applies it incorrectly; that he holds to it is admirable. I wonder, moreover, whether this biblical truth once greeted with such skepticism on the left, might, now that it has been employed to argue in favor of homosexual relationships, enjoy something of a comeback?
Gay-Activist Group Targets Several Megachurches
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000006191.cfm
[CitizenLink] 4 Jan 2008--Soulforce, a gay-activist group, will visit several evangelical megachurches this year to "initiate conversation" and "change hearts and minds." Joel Osteen’s church is on the list. So are Saddleback and Willow Creek. Bishops Harry Jackson and T.D. Jakes will be receiving visits, as well.
Same-sex couples who are raising children are being recruited to be a part of the group’s American Family Outing.
[CitizenLink] 4 Jan 2008--Soulforce, a gay-activist group, will visit several evangelical megachurches this year to "initiate conversation" and "change hearts and minds." Joel Osteen’s church is on the list. So are Saddleback and Willow Creek. Bishops Harry Jackson and T.D. Jakes will be receiving visits, as well.
Same-sex couples who are raising children are being recruited to be a part of the group’s American Family Outing.
Churches of England, Ireland Respond Positively to Proposed Covenant
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/3/churches-of-england-ireland-respond-positively-to-proposed-covenant
[The Living Church] 4 Jan 2008--In contrast to the response offered by the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, the Church of England and the Church of Ireland recently released responses to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s proposed Anglican Covenant that are largely positive.
All Anglican provinces have been invited to comment on the text prepared by the Covenant Design Group, chaired by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Rev. Drexel Gomez. The Church of England’s 22-page response was preceded by a General Synod debate of the covenant in July 2007.
[The Living Church] 4 Jan 2008--In contrast to the response offered by the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, the Church of England and the Church of Ireland recently released responses to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s proposed Anglican Covenant that are largely positive.
All Anglican provinces have been invited to comment on the text prepared by the Covenant Design Group, chaired by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Rev. Drexel Gomez. The Church of England’s 22-page response was preceded by a General Synod debate of the covenant in July 2007.
Departing Connecticut Church Searches for New Home
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/3/departing-connecticut-church-searches-for-new-home
[The Living Church] 4 Jan 2008--Unable to go “further in a church that continued in a false gospel,” the entire congregation of historic Christ Church in Watertown, Conn., left The Episcopal Church at the end of the year. Title to deeds and property worth an estimated $7 million was deposited with the Diocese of Connecticut following the final service Dec. 30.
Christ Church was founded under the Church of England in 1764. In recent years, its rector, the Rev. Allyn Benedict, and the parish leadership were part of the “Connecticut Six” group of congregations which clashed with Bishop Andrew D. Smith of Connecticut over interpretation of scripture. The churches have ended a protracted legal battle with the bishop and diocese, and Christ Church became the fourth of the six congregations to leave.
[The Living Church] 4 Jan 2008--Unable to go “further in a church that continued in a false gospel,” the entire congregation of historic Christ Church in Watertown, Conn., left The Episcopal Church at the end of the year. Title to deeds and property worth an estimated $7 million was deposited with the Diocese of Connecticut following the final service Dec. 30.
Christ Church was founded under the Church of England in 1764. In recent years, its rector, the Rev. Allyn Benedict, and the parish leadership were part of the “Connecticut Six” group of congregations which clashed with Bishop Andrew D. Smith of Connecticut over interpretation of scripture. The churches have ended a protracted legal battle with the bishop and diocese, and Christ Church became the fourth of the six congregations to leave.
Unity in Truth and Love
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/03/truth-and-unity-donald-carson/
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--Christian unity is first of all the unity enjoyed by genuine Christians. It flows from the cross, from the gift of the Spirit, from regeneration; we were all baptised in one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, Asian or Caucasian or African, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.208. Inevitably that imposes upon us the test of the gospel itself. If people are claiming to be Christians, but are in fact preaching another Jesus and a different gospel,21 then they are ‘false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ’.22 Our current infatuation with the widespread cultural commitment to refuse to say anyone is wrong makes us uncomfortable with such plain speech. Paul’s own assessment is more robust: he says we should not be surprised by false apostles and deceitful workers because Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.23
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--Christian unity is first of all the unity enjoyed by genuine Christians. It flows from the cross, from the gift of the Spirit, from regeneration; we were all baptised in one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, Asian or Caucasian or African, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.208. Inevitably that imposes upon us the test of the gospel itself. If people are claiming to be Christians, but are in fact preaching another Jesus and a different gospel,21 then they are ‘false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ’.22 Our current infatuation with the widespread cultural commitment to refuse to say anyone is wrong makes us uncomfortable with such plain speech. Paul’s own assessment is more robust: he says we should not be surprised by false apostles and deceitful workers because Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.23
Update on now inaccurate Church Times report
Update on now inaccurate Church Times report
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--The office of the Primate of Nigeria issued this statement on Thursday January 3rd at 5.p.m. to Thinking Anglicans
Dear Graham, JPM and Malcom+
Regarding your comments above, Archbishop Peter Akinola will like you and others so inclined to know that he has not been in conversation written or otherwise with Dr Poon concerning GAFCON.
I however believe Dr. Poon knows how to reach the Archbishop if he wants to.
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--The office of the Primate of Nigeria issued this statement on Thursday January 3rd at 5.p.m. to Thinking Anglicans
Dear Graham, JPM and Malcom+
Regarding your comments above, Archbishop Peter Akinola will like you and others so inclined to know that he has not been in conversation written or otherwise with Dr Poon concerning GAFCON.
I however believe Dr. Poon knows how to reach the Archbishop if he wants to.
Diocese of Virginia takes out $2 million "line of credit" to pursue lawsuits; pledges fall short of expectations
http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/2008/01/virginia-episcopalian-diocese-of.html
[BabyBlueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--The Virginia Episcopalian, the official publication of the Diocese of Virginia, is reporting in the current edition that the Executive Board has "authorized the treasurer to open a $1 million line of credit to cover anticipated legal expenses for the near-term. That line has since been increased to $2 million and about $1 million has been accessed."
In addition, the Executive Board of the Diocese of Virginia authorized diocesan staff to plan "the sale of non-strategic diocesan real property" to raise needed cash.
While they are at it, they might want to ask Presiding Bishop Schori to donate her salary to the cause.
[BabyBlueOnline] 4 Jan 2008--The Virginia Episcopalian, the official publication of the Diocese of Virginia, is reporting in the current edition that the Executive Board has "authorized the treasurer to open a $1 million line of credit to cover anticipated legal expenses for the near-term. That line has since been increased to $2 million and about $1 million has been accessed."
In addition, the Executive Board of the Diocese of Virginia authorized diocesan staff to plan "the sale of non-strategic diocesan real property" to raise needed cash.
While they are at it, they might want to ask Presiding Bishop Schori to donate her salary to the cause.
Plans for pre-Lambeth meeting for conservatives do not signal disloyalty - Archbishop of Canterbury
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/03/plans-for-pre-lambeth-meeting-for-conservatives-do-not-signal-disloyalty-archbishop-of-canterbury/
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury told a national radio audience on December 19 that the gist of his Advent letter was that he “wanted to encourage bishops around the world to come to the Lambeth conference because I think that it is better to meet face to face and talk about these things rather than dealing with them at right angles or through other people or through slogans.”
He said he intended his Dec 14 Advent letter to ‘set out what I thought were the basic minimum conditions for staying in a close relationship as a world wide church. I wanted to suggest some practical steps in the next few months to make some conversation happen and get some facilitated meeting moving among the Anglican Communion’s disparate factions.’
Plans to hold a pre-Lambeth meeting for conservatives did not signal disloyalty, Dr Williams said, as such a meeting ‘would not have any official status as far as the Communion is concerned’.
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury told a national radio audience on December 19 that the gist of his Advent letter was that he “wanted to encourage bishops around the world to come to the Lambeth conference because I think that it is better to meet face to face and talk about these things rather than dealing with them at right angles or through other people or through slogans.”
He said he intended his Dec 14 Advent letter to ‘set out what I thought were the basic minimum conditions for staying in a close relationship as a world wide church. I wanted to suggest some practical steps in the next few months to make some conversation happen and get some facilitated meeting moving among the Anglican Communion’s disparate factions.’
Plans to hold a pre-Lambeth meeting for conservatives did not signal disloyalty, Dr Williams said, as such a meeting ‘would not have any official status as far as the Communion is concerned’.
C of E told it cannot cede power to Primates
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=49400
[Church Times] 4 Jan 2008--Stephen Slack, head of the legal office and legal adviser to the General Synod, said that it would be unlawful for the Synod to delegate its decision-making power to the Primates. It “could not sign up to a Covenant which purported to give the Primates of the Communion the ability to give ‘direction’ about the course of action the C of E should take”. A new form of words that removes the word “direction” is suggested.
The C of E text also includes a new subsection that addresses intervention in the affairs of Anglican churches — absent from the original draft. In the suggested wording, signatories commit themselves “to [refraining] from intervening in the life of other Anglican Churches (sc. provinces) except in extraordinary circumstances where such intervention has been specifically authorised by the relevant Instruments of Communion.”
[Church Times] 4 Jan 2008--Stephen Slack, head of the legal office and legal adviser to the General Synod, said that it would be unlawful for the Synod to delegate its decision-making power to the Primates. It “could not sign up to a Covenant which purported to give the Primates of the Communion the ability to give ‘direction’ about the course of action the C of E should take”. A new form of words that removes the word “direction” is suggested.
The C of E text also includes a new subsection that addresses intervention in the affairs of Anglican churches — absent from the original draft. In the suggested wording, signatories commit themselves “to [refraining] from intervening in the life of other Anglican Churches (sc. provinces) except in extraordinary circumstances where such intervention has been specifically authorised by the relevant Instruments of Communion.”
Church Society analysis of the response from The Church of England to the draft Anglican Covenant
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=797
[EV News] 4 Dec 2008--The Church of England has issued its response to the Anglican Covenant first mooted by the Windsor Group and then put out by the Covenant Design Group. The General Synod unwisely gave the Archbishops authority to respond on their behalf and the fears of some in doing so have been realised. In effect the response completely re-writes the original CDG version.
What is the point of a Covenant?
The aim is to provide a self-defining agreement which national or provincial churches adopt as a means of indicating that they are in the Communion. It also seeks to provide a mechanism by which disputes can be resolved when one constituent member of the Communion says that another has broken the agreement.
[EV News] 4 Dec 2008--The Church of England has issued its response to the Anglican Covenant first mooted by the Windsor Group and then put out by the Covenant Design Group. The General Synod unwisely gave the Archbishops authority to respond on their behalf and the fears of some in doing so have been realised. In effect the response completely re-writes the original CDG version.
What is the point of a Covenant?
The aim is to provide a self-defining agreement which national or provincial churches adopt as a means of indicating that they are in the Communion. It also seeks to provide a mechanism by which disputes can be resolved when one constituent member of the Communion says that another has broken the agreement.
Yours Prayers for Kenya Encouraged
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/yours_prayers_for_kenya_encouraged/
[Global South Anglican] 4 Jan 2008--You may have heard that there is a terrible outbreak of violence in Kenya in the wake of the most closely contested election in Kenya’s history. So far probably 300 have been killed. In Eldoret, about fifty were burned to death when an Assembly of God church containing people seeking refuge was set on fire.
I was able to speak with the Archbishop. He and Mama Alice were in good spirits despite the fact that they were unable to leave the house because the streets are so dangerous. He has also been battling malaria, but is feeling better today.
Bishop Murdoch and I are asking that you please re-double your prayers for the Archbishop and for Kenya that peace would prevail. ABp Nzimbi confirmed that the overwhelming majority of Kenyans want peace.
[Global South Anglican] 4 Jan 2008--You may have heard that there is a terrible outbreak of violence in Kenya in the wake of the most closely contested election in Kenya’s history. So far probably 300 have been killed. In Eldoret, about fifty were burned to death when an Assembly of God church containing people seeking refuge was set on fire.
I was able to speak with the Archbishop. He and Mama Alice were in good spirits despite the fact that they were unable to leave the house because the streets are so dangerous. He has also been battling malaria, but is feeling better today.
Bishop Murdoch and I are asking that you please re-double your prayers for the Archbishop and for Kenya that peace would prevail. ABp Nzimbi confirmed that the overwhelming majority of Kenyans want peace.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Jerusalem bishop objects to conservative Anglicans' planned Holy Land pilgrimage
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_93270_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 3 Jan 2008--A group of conservative Anglican leaders, including several Primates, who met in Nairobi in December, have announced that they will invite bishops, senior clergy and laity from every province of the Anglican Communion to attend a June 15-22 Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in the Holy Land.
But the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, the Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, has objected, saying that he was not consulted about the planned conference that is set to be held in his diocese.
[Episcopal Life Online] 3 Jan 2008--A group of conservative Anglican leaders, including several Primates, who met in Nairobi in December, have announced that they will invite bishops, senior clergy and laity from every province of the Anglican Communion to attend a June 15-22 Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in the Holy Land.
But the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, the Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani, has objected, saying that he was not consulted about the planned conference that is set to be held in his diocese.
Orthodox Anglicans Deeply Divided Over Global Anglican Future Conference in Holy Land
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7391
[Virtue Online] 3 Jan 2008--While liberal Anglicans are united in their opposition to a conference of orthodox Anglicans in the Holy Land this summer, Evangelical Anglicans from across the globe are deeply divided over whether such a conference is historically permissible, ecclesiastically justified or theologically appropriate, dividing as it is, a communion already conflicted over human sexuality and doctrinal denial.
The Rt. Rev. C. FitzSimons Allison, the former bishop of South Carolina, told VOL that plans for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) are the most encouraging news in years. "The apparently willful reluctance to face the issue of faith as the indispensable ground for Anglican unity is finally broken. The fatal flaw of the Windsor Report was substituting the breaking of "bonds of affection" for the reality of broken bonds of faith. 'Instruments of unity' have their integrity only so far as they represent the Anglican faith."
[Virtue Online] 3 Jan 2008--While liberal Anglicans are united in their opposition to a conference of orthodox Anglicans in the Holy Land this summer, Evangelical Anglicans from across the globe are deeply divided over whether such a conference is historically permissible, ecclesiastically justified or theologically appropriate, dividing as it is, a communion already conflicted over human sexuality and doctrinal denial.
The Rt. Rev. C. FitzSimons Allison, the former bishop of South Carolina, told VOL that plans for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) are the most encouraging news in years. "The apparently willful reluctance to face the issue of faith as the indispensable ground for Anglican unity is finally broken. The fatal flaw of the Windsor Report was substituting the breaking of "bonds of affection" for the reality of broken bonds of faith. 'Instruments of unity' have their integrity only so far as they represent the Anglican faith."
Future Anglicans Unite
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/future_anglicans_unite/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 3 Jan 2008--Archbishop Peter Jensen has given firm support to an Anglican conference that aims to call the Communion back to the basic tenets of the Christian faith.
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) will be held in the Holy Land in June 2008.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 3 Jan 2008--Archbishop Peter Jensen has given firm support to an Anglican conference that aims to call the Communion back to the basic tenets of the Christian faith.
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) will be held in the Holy Land in June 2008.
Church of England speaks out in gay clergy debate
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.speaks.out.in.gay.clergy.debate/15950.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Jan 2008--The Church of England has indicated its opposition to Anglican provinces that choose to intervene in other churches without authorisation, saying such actions should only be taken as part of “properly authorised schemes of pastoral oversight”.
The Church's position has been affirmed in a response to the draft Anglican Covenant submitted on Wednesday by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who are Presidents of the General Synod.
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Jan 2008--The Church of England has indicated its opposition to Anglican provinces that choose to intervene in other churches without authorisation, saying such actions should only be taken as part of “properly authorised schemes of pastoral oversight”.
The Church's position has been affirmed in a response to the draft Anglican Covenant submitted on Wednesday by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who are Presidents of the General Synod.
Jensen leads separate force
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23004540-2702,00.html
[The Australian] 3 Jan 2008--The conservative Anglican Archbishop of Sydney has emerged as a leader of a "provocative" breakaway summit for bishops opposed to gay clergy.
Peter Jensen confirmed yesterday he was part of the leadership group of the Global Anglican Future Conference, an international meeting of bishops and churchmen in Israel, to take place in June, just weeks before the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lambeth Conference.
For "moderate" read "liberal." Liberals often masquerade as "moderates" and "centrists."
[The Australian] 3 Jan 2008--The conservative Anglican Archbishop of Sydney has emerged as a leader of a "provocative" breakaway summit for bishops opposed to gay clergy.
Peter Jensen confirmed yesterday he was part of the leadership group of the Global Anglican Future Conference, an international meeting of bishops and churchmen in Israel, to take place in June, just weeks before the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lambeth Conference.
For "moderate" read "liberal." Liberals often masquerade as "moderates" and "centrists."
Anglican archbishop spurs opposition to gays
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/anglican-archbishop-spurs-opposition-to-gays/2008/01/03/1198949988088.html
[The Age] 3 Jan 2008--Outspoken Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen is galvanising opposition to homosexuality in the church, in the lead-up to an unofficial meeting of conservative bishops in Jerusalem.
As rifts in the worldwide Anglican Church threaten to become a schism, the Sydney Archbishop said American Anglicans had become missionaries for homosexuality in defiance of the Bible and Anglican teaching.
[The Age] 3 Jan 2008--Outspoken Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen is galvanising opposition to homosexuality in the church, in the lead-up to an unofficial meeting of conservative bishops in Jerusalem.
As rifts in the worldwide Anglican Church threaten to become a schism, the Sydney Archbishop said American Anglicans had become missionaries for homosexuality in defiance of the Bible and Anglican teaching.
Transcript of Presiding Bishop Schori Interview With BBC
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/8862/
[Stand Firm] 3 Jan 2008--A T-19 commenter (thank you Anonymous Layperson) transcribed the recent interview of the Presiding Bishop with BBC.
This might be a good one to provide that friend who has been sleeping through the last four years.
[Stand Firm] 3 Jan 2008--A T-19 commenter (thank you Anonymous Layperson) transcribed the recent interview of the Presiding Bishop with BBC.
This might be a good one to provide that friend who has been sleeping through the last four years.
Presiding Bishop Venables blogs on why he is going to GAFCON and not Lambeth
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/03/presiding-bishop-venables-blogs-on-why-he-is-going-to-gafcon-and-not-lambeth/#more-2646
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Jan 2007--In what might be an unprecedented discussion, an Anglican Primate has been blogging with a number of bloggers on attendance or non-attendance at the Lambeth Conference. Archbishop Venables (++GV) was at home in Buenos Aires with grandchildren crawling over him while discussing with bloggers on Stand Firm. His major contributions are found here. The thread can be found here:
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Jan 2007--In what might be an unprecedented discussion, an Anglican Primate has been blogging with a number of bloggers on attendance or non-attendance at the Lambeth Conference. Archbishop Venables (++GV) was at home in Buenos Aires with grandchildren crawling over him while discussing with bloggers on Stand Firm. His major contributions are found here. The thread can be found here:
You are not alone
http://sanjoaquin.anglican.org/about_us.htm
[Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin] 3 Jan 2007--We, Episcopal colleagues from across the Anglican Communion and across the world, write to salute you on the courageous decision of the Diocesan Convention of San Joaquin to take leave of The Episcopal Church and to align with the Province of the Southern Cone. We know that decision was to a large extent the result of your tenacity and faithful leadership, and for that we give thanks to God. It has been said that you are isolated and alone. We want you and the world to know that in this decision for the faith once delivered to the saints, we stand with you and beside you. May Christ abundantly bless you and your diocese with all the gifts of the Spirit and with joy in believing.
[Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin] 3 Jan 2007--We, Episcopal colleagues from across the Anglican Communion and across the world, write to salute you on the courageous decision of the Diocesan Convention of San Joaquin to take leave of The Episcopal Church and to align with the Province of the Southern Cone. We know that decision was to a large extent the result of your tenacity and faithful leadership, and for that we give thanks to God. It has been said that you are isolated and alone. We want you and the world to know that in this decision for the faith once delivered to the saints, we stand with you and beside you. May Christ abundantly bless you and your diocese with all the gifts of the Spirit and with joy in believing.
Canada calls on Canterbury to intervene
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2008/134/jan/article/canada-calls-on-canterbury-to-intervene/
[Anglican Journal] 3 Jan 2008--Canadian church leaders have appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury to address moves by dissidents to join a South American church and minister illegitimately in Canada.
In a pastoral statement dated Nov. 29, a week after the Anglican Network met, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate (national bishop) of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he deplored “recent actions on the part of the primate and General Synod of the Province of the Southern Cone to extend its jurisdiction in Canada.” The statement was also signed by the church’s four metropolitans, or regional archbishops.
[Anglican Journal] 3 Jan 2008--Canadian church leaders have appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury to address moves by dissidents to join a South American church and minister illegitimately in Canada.
In a pastoral statement dated Nov. 29, a week after the Anglican Network met, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate (national bishop) of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he deplored “recent actions on the part of the primate and General Synod of the Province of the Southern Cone to extend its jurisdiction in Canada.” The statement was also signed by the church’s four metropolitans, or regional archbishops.
“Simply a spiritual affiliation”
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=a2f5ad46-d57a-4190-8cc4-4258db472fe5
[California Catholic Daily] 3 Jan 2008--The bishop of the formerly Episcopal and now Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin is a strong-willed, though jovial man who loves opera and throwing dinner parties, the Los Angeles Times reports.
But Bishop John-David Schofield, 69, is more than that, said the Dec. 24 Times -- as a man who stands on what he considers biblical orthodoxy, Schofield more than 20 years ago “received permission from his bishop to spend time at a Roman Catholic monastery, where he eventually took vows as an external member of the order.”
[California Catholic Daily] 3 Jan 2008--The bishop of the formerly Episcopal and now Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin is a strong-willed, though jovial man who loves opera and throwing dinner parties, the Los Angeles Times reports.
But Bishop John-David Schofield, 69, is more than that, said the Dec. 24 Times -- as a man who stands on what he considers biblical orthodoxy, Schofield more than 20 years ago “received permission from his bishop to spend time at a Roman Catholic monastery, where he eventually took vows as an external member of the order.”
A Resolution and a Plea
http://wannabeanglican.blogspot.com/2008/01/resolution-and-plea-i-perhaps-should.html
[newbie anglican] 3 Jan 2008--I perhaps should have made this post on New Years Day or before. But I’ve struggled with how to approach what I think needs to be said and still do even as I type this (which will probably show).
Those who peruse the big Anglican blogs know that “Communion Conservatives” (those who advocate contending for the faith by staying in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion) and “Federal Conservatives” (those who are convinced one or both of those bodies are too far gone to the point they think it best orthodox at least prepare to leave) are rather close to each other’s throats at the moment.
[newbie anglican] 3 Jan 2008--I perhaps should have made this post on New Years Day or before. But I’ve struggled with how to approach what I think needs to be said and still do even as I type this (which will probably show).
Those who peruse the big Anglican blogs know that “Communion Conservatives” (those who advocate contending for the faith by staying in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion) and “Federal Conservatives” (those who are convinced one or both of those bodies are too far gone to the point they think it best orthodox at least prepare to leave) are rather close to each other’s throats at the moment.
Are Private Same-Sex Blessings Okay?
http://www.challengeonline.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=153
[The Christian Challenge] 3 Jan 2008--A leading conservative archbishop confirms the answer is no, but did a high Anglican official tell an Episcopal bishop otherwise? And if so, was he actually acting within the bounds of an unresolved gray area that has grown up around the issue?
[The Christian Challenge] 3 Jan 2008--A leading conservative archbishop confirms the answer is no, but did a high Anglican official tell an Episcopal bishop otherwise? And if so, was he actually acting within the bounds of an unresolved gray area that has grown up around the issue?
Church of England response to the draft Covenant
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/church_of_england_response_to_the_draft_covenant/
[Global South Anglican] 3 Jan 2008--The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, as Presidents of the General Synod, have submitted a Church of England Response to the draft Anglican Covenant published last year for discussion around the Anglican Communion.
All Anglican Provinces were invited to comment on the text prepared by the Covenant Design Group chaired by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Revd Drexel Gomez. The Church of England’s response follows a General Synod debate on the principle of an Anglican Covenant in July 2007, when the following motion was carried.
[Global South Anglican] 3 Jan 2008--The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, as Presidents of the General Synod, have submitted a Church of England Response to the draft Anglican Covenant published last year for discussion around the Anglican Communion.
All Anglican Provinces were invited to comment on the text prepared by the Covenant Design Group chaired by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Revd Drexel Gomez. The Church of England’s response follows a General Synod debate on the principle of an Anglican Covenant in July 2007, when the following motion was carried.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Bishop calls for conference rethink
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1388
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Jan 2007--The bishop of Jerusalem has called for the planned Global Anglican Future Conference in the Holy Land to be reconsidered.
The Rt Rev Suheil Salman Dawani today expressed his concern, saying that he had not been consulted about the gathering, noting that he only learnt about it through a press release.
“I am aware that the post-Christmas announcement that this conference is to be held here has excited considerable interest around the Anglican Communion, and has become the subject of online discussion. Yet we Anglicans who minister here have been left out in the cold.”
He also expressed concern that the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, had encouraged clergy and lay people from his diocese to attend.
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Jan 2007--The bishop of Jerusalem has called for the planned Global Anglican Future Conference in the Holy Land to be reconsidered.
The Rt Rev Suheil Salman Dawani today expressed his concern, saying that he had not been consulted about the gathering, noting that he only learnt about it through a press release.
“I am aware that the post-Christmas announcement that this conference is to be held here has excited considerable interest around the Anglican Communion, and has become the subject of online discussion. Yet we Anglicans who minister here have been left out in the cold.”
He also expressed concern that the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, had encouraged clergy and lay people from his diocese to attend.
An Open Letter to the Anglican Church of Canada
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/02/an-open-letter-to-the-anglican-church-of-canada/
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Jan 2008--As a result of the report in the December issue of the Anglican Journal regarding the November Meetings of the House of Bishops, I find it most distressing that the House of Bishops and Council of General Synod has been totally dishonest with themselves by publically condemning the Rt. Rev. Don Harvey (retired Bishop of Eastern NL.) for causing the Schism which now engulfs the Anglican Church - with serious ramifications to the World Wide Anglican Communion (WWAC). If the honoured clergy and their representatives would truthfully examine the history of the difficulty, they would realize that the current schism in the ACC was precipitated by the Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham (Bishop of New Westminister) who unilaterally decided, some ten years ago, to allow within his diocese, the blessing of same-sex relationships and marriage; contrary to Anglican Church Canon, and the law of the land. For a minister of the Church, let alone a Bishop of the ACC, blatantly to disregard the law of the land, as well as the Canon of the Church and its traditional faith and teaching, is nothing short of scandalous and schismatic. The dispute never should have occurred, let alone taken over a decade of debate and chaos within the whole church, but should have been settled immediately by prudent dismissal of the perpetrators of such illegal action. Today the WWAC is in deep turmoil by the failure to deal expeditiously in this crucial matter of Faith and Doctrine.
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Jan 2008--As a result of the report in the December issue of the Anglican Journal regarding the November Meetings of the House of Bishops, I find it most distressing that the House of Bishops and Council of General Synod has been totally dishonest with themselves by publically condemning the Rt. Rev. Don Harvey (retired Bishop of Eastern NL.) for causing the Schism which now engulfs the Anglican Church - with serious ramifications to the World Wide Anglican Communion (WWAC). If the honoured clergy and their representatives would truthfully examine the history of the difficulty, they would realize that the current schism in the ACC was precipitated by the Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham (Bishop of New Westminister) who unilaterally decided, some ten years ago, to allow within his diocese, the blessing of same-sex relationships and marriage; contrary to Anglican Church Canon, and the law of the land. For a minister of the Church, let alone a Bishop of the ACC, blatantly to disregard the law of the land, as well as the Canon of the Church and its traditional faith and teaching, is nothing short of scandalous and schismatic. The dispute never should have occurred, let alone taken over a decade of debate and chaos within the whole church, but should have been settled immediately by prudent dismissal of the perpetrators of such illegal action. Today the WWAC is in deep turmoil by the failure to deal expeditiously in this crucial matter of Faith and Doctrine.
Enough of this 'New Age' church
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/166235.html
[The Modesto Bee] 2 Jan 2008--My ancestors were Church of England people from the colonial times. My maternal grandparents were married by a minister who later became head of the American Episcopal Church. I was baptized in an Episcopal cathedral in 1922. The writer of "One-sided reporting in Episcopal split" (Dec. 20, Letters) has not lived long enough to see what I have seen. She admires a ghost.
The parent Episcopal Church today has metamorphosed into a weird concoction of Catholic ceremonials and New Age thinking. People like the writer put the institution first, I suppose, because she loves the ceremonials, which are (or were) beautiful.
[The Modesto Bee] 2 Jan 2008--My ancestors were Church of England people from the colonial times. My maternal grandparents were married by a minister who later became head of the American Episcopal Church. I was baptized in an Episcopal cathedral in 1922. The writer of "One-sided reporting in Episcopal split" (Dec. 20, Letters) has not lived long enough to see what I have seen. She admires a ghost.
The parent Episcopal Church today has metamorphosed into a weird concoction of Catholic ceremonials and New Age thinking. People like the writer put the institution first, I suppose, because she loves the ceremonials, which are (or were) beautiful.
Bishops 'must face gay clergy debate'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=0ID4U4HD1JQRTQFIQMFCFFOAVCBQYIV0?xml=/news/2008/01/02/nchurch102.xml
[Telegraph] 2 Jan 2008--A Church of England bishop has criticised the Lambeth Conference, which starts in July, for shying away from the issue of homosexuality.
The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, said it would be "odd" and "irresponsible" for the meeting to sweep the controversy "under the carpet".
There are no plans for a major public debate on the issue of gay clergy and much of the conference will take place behind closed doors.
[Telegraph] 2 Jan 2008--A Church of England bishop has criticised the Lambeth Conference, which starts in July, for shying away from the issue of homosexuality.
The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, said it would be "odd" and "irresponsible" for the meeting to sweep the controversy "under the carpet".
There are no plans for a major public debate on the issue of gay clergy and much of the conference will take place behind closed doors.
A Church in Conflict – The Secular Environment of the Battle
http://www.bohemionews.com/news.php?nid=2422&pag=2
[El Bohemio] 2 Jan 2008--This picture seems to reduce the discussion to one of whether homosexual conduct is acceptable either on the individual or the pastoral level. While the issue of homosexuality itself figures prominently in this debate, the orthodox dioceses appear to be deeply concerned about the overall direction of the Episcopal Church. The complaints appear to be extensive and include everything from criticisms of Episcopalian seminary programs to questions as to whether the church is remaining true to the scripture on the issue of salvation occurring only through Jesus Christ – and the list goes on.
[El Bohemio] 2 Jan 2008--This picture seems to reduce the discussion to one of whether homosexual conduct is acceptable either on the individual or the pastoral level. While the issue of homosexuality itself figures prominently in this debate, the orthodox dioceses appear to be deeply concerned about the overall direction of the Episcopal Church. The complaints appear to be extensive and include everything from criticisms of Episcopalian seminary programs to questions as to whether the church is remaining true to the scripture on the issue of salvation occurring only through Jesus Christ – and the list goes on.
CofE accused of double standards over sexuality
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=796
[EV News] 2 Jan 2008--In an interview with the BBC the presiding Bishop of the American Episcopal Church, Katherine Jefferts Schori, accused other Churches of double standards over homosexual practice. She is reported as saying "He [Gene Robinson] is certainly not alone in being a gay bishop, he's certainly not alone in being a gay partnered bishop. He is alone in being the only gay partnered bishop who's open about that status."
Related article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7166964.stm
US Anglican head in sexuality row - BBC News
[EV News] 2 Jan 2008--In an interview with the BBC the presiding Bishop of the American Episcopal Church, Katherine Jefferts Schori, accused other Churches of double standards over homosexual practice. She is reported as saying "He [Gene Robinson] is certainly not alone in being a gay bishop, he's certainly not alone in being a gay partnered bishop. He is alone in being the only gay partnered bishop who's open about that status."
Related article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7166964.stm
US Anglican head in sexuality row - BBC News
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