http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=14021&tag=
{Spero News] 28 Jan 2008--I know that you’re thinking, well some of you: “This Fr. Hart wants to make Protestants out of us. After all, since he does not want to swim the Tiber he must have descended to some sort of Low Churchmanship. We all know that the opposite of 'Catholic' must be 'Protestant,' mustn’t it? The opposite of 'Papalist' must be 'Puritan.'” Ah, but what if I am really so Catholic that I believe that the opposite of "Tridentine" must be "Patristic?"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Consecrations of Three Bishops to AMiA Challenge Diocesan Boundaries
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7578
[Virtue Online] 28 Jan 2008--With more than 1,500 orthodox Anglicans watching, three Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) priests were consecrated by a cross section of the Anglican Communion's bishops during an emotional three-hour worship service in a ballroom of the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas.
The Rt. Rev. Terrell Glenn Jr. of Pawley's Island, SC; the Rt. Rev. John Miller III of Melbourne, Fla.; and the Rt. Rev. Philip Jones from Little Rock, Arkansas were consecrated using a service drawn from the new Book of Common Prayer (1662 revised) and modern praise and worship music. The service concluded the three-day winter conference of the Anglican mission that brought together a bevy of evangelical motivational speakers.
[Virtue Online] 28 Jan 2008--With more than 1,500 orthodox Anglicans watching, three Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) priests were consecrated by a cross section of the Anglican Communion's bishops during an emotional three-hour worship service in a ballroom of the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas.
The Rt. Rev. Terrell Glenn Jr. of Pawley's Island, SC; the Rt. Rev. John Miller III of Melbourne, Fla.; and the Rt. Rev. Philip Jones from Little Rock, Arkansas were consecrated using a service drawn from the new Book of Common Prayer (1662 revised) and modern praise and worship music. The service concluded the three-day winter conference of the Anglican mission that brought together a bevy of evangelical motivational speakers.
Jefferts Schori Accuses Fleeing Episcopalians Who Want Their Properties of Being Like Child Abusers
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7577
[Virtue Online] 28 Jan 2008--The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church believes that Episcopalians who flee the Episcopal Church and want to keep their properties are being like child abusers.
Here is what she said; "It would be easier to let U.S. conservatives secede to join another Anglican province without a fight, but I don't think that's a faithful thing to do. Episcopal leaders are stewards of church property and assets, protecting past generations' legacies and passing them on to future Episcopalians. Allowing congregations to walk away with church property condones bad behavior. In a sense, it's related to the old ecclesiastical behavior toward child abuse, when priests essentially looked the other way. Bad behavior must be confronted."
So there you have it.
[Virtue Online] 28 Jan 2008--The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church believes that Episcopalians who flee the Episcopal Church and want to keep their properties are being like child abusers.
Here is what she said; "It would be easier to let U.S. conservatives secede to join another Anglican province without a fight, but I don't think that's a faithful thing to do. Episcopal leaders are stewards of church property and assets, protecting past generations' legacies and passing them on to future Episcopalians. Allowing congregations to walk away with church property condones bad behavior. In a sense, it's related to the old ecclesiastical behavior toward child abuse, when priests essentially looked the other way. Bad behavior must be confronted."
So there you have it.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
N.C. Episcopalians back inclusion of gays
http://origin.montereyherald.com/religion/ci_8085377?nclick_check=1
[Monterey Herald] 26 Jan 2008--Delegates to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina adopted a resolution asking the national body to support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians and to encourage the development of liturgies to bless same-sex unions.
The resolution passed by a majority vote of the more than 700 delegates to the convention, which met in Greensboro last week.
[Monterey Herald] 26 Jan 2008--Delegates to the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina adopted a resolution asking the national body to support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians and to encourage the development of liturgies to bless same-sex unions.
The resolution passed by a majority vote of the more than 700 delegates to the convention, which met in Greensboro last week.
Quote of the Day: Not so happy in Whoville?
http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/2008/01/quote-of-day-not-so-happy-in-whoville.html
[BabyBlueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--The Presiding Bishop recently took a Q&A following the consecration of Alabama Bishop Suffragan Kee Sloan on January 12th. Here is one of the questions followed by her answer:
Question: May I just ask how is your conversation with the Bishop of Canterbury?
Katherine Jefferts Schori: How is my conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury? Right. I don’t know him terribly well. (laughter) I’ve met him only three times. I think there is a desire for greater relationship there. Certainly there is on my part. Charles Robertson - Chuck Robertson, the Canon to the Presiding Bishop who was here until this afternoon - is going to England on Monday to try and increase the level of conversation with the Archbishop’s Office and the office of the Anglican Communion; the General Secretary of the Anglican Communion. We’re working at it. I think the biggest difficulty is the conflict in the Church of England is far greater than it is in this church. And the Archbishop of Canterbury is first and foremost head of the Church of England. Everything that impacts the rest of the communion is being played out even on a larger stage in his own church. He’s in a very difficult position. Very difficult. I empathize with him. And I pray for him and I hope you do too.
[BabyBlueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--The Presiding Bishop recently took a Q&A following the consecration of Alabama Bishop Suffragan Kee Sloan on January 12th. Here is one of the questions followed by her answer:
Question: May I just ask how is your conversation with the Bishop of Canterbury?
Katherine Jefferts Schori: How is my conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury? Right. I don’t know him terribly well. (laughter) I’ve met him only three times. I think there is a desire for greater relationship there. Certainly there is on my part. Charles Robertson - Chuck Robertson, the Canon to the Presiding Bishop who was here until this afternoon - is going to England on Monday to try and increase the level of conversation with the Archbishop’s Office and the office of the Anglican Communion; the General Secretary of the Anglican Communion. We’re working at it. I think the biggest difficulty is the conflict in the Church of England is far greater than it is in this church. And the Archbishop of Canterbury is first and foremost head of the Church of England. Everything that impacts the rest of the communion is being played out even on a larger stage in his own church. He’s in a very difficult position. Very difficult. I empathize with him. And I pray for him and I hope you do too.
Traditionalists Need to Be Dealt with Like Abusers
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/01/25/traditionalists-need-to-be-dealt-with-like-abusers-says-dr-schori-cen-12508-p-1/
[Conger] 26 Jan 2008--US Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has defended her legal assault on traditionalist leaders, telling a reporter last week the desire of conservatives to secede from the Episcopal Church with their property was akin to child abuse.
Allowing congregations or dioceses to walk away with church property condones “bad behavior,” she told the Religion News Service on Jan 16.
[Conger] 26 Jan 2008--US Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has defended her legal assault on traditionalist leaders, telling a reporter last week the desire of conservatives to secede from the Episcopal Church with their property was akin to child abuse.
Allowing congregations or dioceses to walk away with church property condones “bad behavior,” she told the Religion News Service on Jan 16.
Frail vicar hauled before Church court
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3253878.ece
[Times Online] 26 Jan 2008--A 62-year-old clergyman suffering from ill health was suspended and hauled before some of the best legal brains in the Church of England in a long-running dispute over suspicions of "fraud or embezzlement". The allegations against the Rev David Faulks led to a secret ecclesiastical tribunal which met in a chapel at the heart of the west London building which is the headquarters of the worldwide Anglican Communion, representing 77 million souls.
The weight and majesty of the Church's legal system was brought to bear in this way, all because Mr Fauls had failed to keep "full and accurate financial records" - in relation to a few hundred pounds each year to do with the profit made by his parish magazine.
[Times Online] 26 Jan 2008--A 62-year-old clergyman suffering from ill health was suspended and hauled before some of the best legal brains in the Church of England in a long-running dispute over suspicions of "fraud or embezzlement". The allegations against the Rev David Faulks led to a secret ecclesiastical tribunal which met in a chapel at the heart of the west London building which is the headquarters of the worldwide Anglican Communion, representing 77 million souls.
The weight and majesty of the Church's legal system was brought to bear in this way, all because Mr Fauls had failed to keep "full and accurate financial records" - in relation to a few hundred pounds each year to do with the profit made by his parish magazine.
Schori: "You're Fired"; Schofield: "I Already Quit"
http://stillonpatrol.typepad.com/still_on_patrol/2008/01/schori-youre-fi.html
[Still On Patrol] 26 Jan 2008--With more utterly predictable wrongheadedness, PB Schori last Friday issued an inhibition of Bishop John-David Schofield of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, based upon his alleged "abandonment" of communion with the Episcopal Church. Just as predictably, Bishop Schofield and Archbishop Gregory Venables responded that Bishop Schofield and his Diocese are now part of the Province of the Southern Cone and thus not within the disciplinary jurisdiction of TCGC. I seriously doubt that ++Schofield or ++ Venables were the least bit surprised, nor are they the least bit concerned with this weak shot taken in their direction. Sticks and stones.
[Still On Patrol] 26 Jan 2008--With more utterly predictable wrongheadedness, PB Schori last Friday issued an inhibition of Bishop John-David Schofield of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, based upon his alleged "abandonment" of communion with the Episcopal Church. Just as predictably, Bishop Schofield and Archbishop Gregory Venables responded that Bishop Schofield and his Diocese are now part of the Province of the Southern Cone and thus not within the disciplinary jurisdiction of TCGC. I seriously doubt that ++Schofield or ++ Venables were the least bit surprised, nor are they the least bit concerned with this weak shot taken in their direction. Sticks and stones.
New Anglican American bishop to visit Christ Church Sunday
http://www.mywesttexas.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19235054&BRD=2288&PAG=461&dept_id=475613&rfi=6
[MyWestTexaS.COM] 26 Jan 2008--The new Anglican bishop for protesting Episcopal churches, including Christ Church Midland, will pay a visit and lead worship Sunday.
On Sept. 2, Anglican Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi of Uganda consecrated the Rev. John Guernsey as bishop over all American Anglican congregations currently under the protection of the Uganda's Anglican Church.
[MyWestTexaS.COM] 26 Jan 2008--The new Anglican bishop for protesting Episcopal churches, including Christ Church Midland, will pay a visit and lead worship Sunday.
On Sept. 2, Anglican Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi of Uganda consecrated the Rev. John Guernsey as bishop over all American Anglican congregations currently under the protection of the Uganda's Anglican Church.
"Scripture and the Gospel have no boundaries"
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7567
[VirtueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--He looks the picture of health. At 68, Bishop Donald Harvey might have just cause to feel a tad down and out after being ecclesiastically beaten up by a church he served faithfully for most of his adult life, for daring to make a stand for the Faith in his home province of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador in the Anglican Church of Canada.
Today, though, is a special day in his life. On 25 January 1993, exactly 15 years ago, he was consecrated as a bishop in the church of God. "I never thought I would be celebrating this anniversary here in Dallas with people from across the world who share the same gospel I do and who want to share it with others," he says somewhat wistfully, but with deep joy.
[VirtueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--He looks the picture of health. At 68, Bishop Donald Harvey might have just cause to feel a tad down and out after being ecclesiastically beaten up by a church he served faithfully for most of his adult life, for daring to make a stand for the Faith in his home province of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador in the Anglican Church of Canada.
Today, though, is a special day in his life. On 25 January 1993, exactly 15 years ago, he was consecrated as a bishop in the church of God. "I never thought I would be celebrating this anniversary here in Dallas with people from across the world who share the same gospel I do and who want to share it with others," he says somewhat wistfully, but with deep joy.
African Bishop Spins Homosexuality Debate in TEC Diocese
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7557
[VirtueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--A liberal African bishop, who has wrought havoc in his own diocese and the Province of Central Africa over his liberal views on homosexuality, told delegates to the 192nd annual meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in Greensboro, recently, that the majority of African Anglicans, about 37 million, are not bothered by the debate about sexuality.
The Rt. Rev. Musonda Trevor Mwamba of Botswana blasted the African Anglican Church, which represents the vast majority of the Anglican Communion, saying the majority of African Anglicans have their minds focused on life and death issues, like AIDS, poverty ... and not what the church thinks about sex or the color of your pajama pants. "Villagers who live on less than $1 a day aren't aware this is going on. The majority of Africans who can afford TVs and radios, they don't want to see the communion incinerate," he said.
[VirtueOnline] 26 Jan 2008--A liberal African bishop, who has wrought havoc in his own diocese and the Province of Central Africa over his liberal views on homosexuality, told delegates to the 192nd annual meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in Greensboro, recently, that the majority of African Anglicans, about 37 million, are not bothered by the debate about sexuality.
The Rt. Rev. Musonda Trevor Mwamba of Botswana blasted the African Anglican Church, which represents the vast majority of the Anglican Communion, saying the majority of African Anglicans have their minds focused on life and death issues, like AIDS, poverty ... and not what the church thinks about sex or the color of your pajama pants. "Villagers who live on less than $1 a day aren't aware this is going on. The majority of Africans who can afford TVs and radios, they don't want to see the communion incinerate," he said.
Clergy without degrees not suitable as bishops or deans
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/26/clergy-without-degrees-not-suitable-as-bishops-or-deans/
[Anglican Mainstream] 26 Jan 2008--Ed: Well, it’s not the actual headline, or indeed the story, but it is the response of Anglican officialdom to new government proposals to charge full fees to students taking a second degree of the same or lower level than their first - which would indeed include a lot of trainee clergy. However, the ‘case against’ presented by the director of the Ministry Division overlooks the fact that the Church of England has been downgrading theological training from degree level for decades, encouraging people onto part-time courses and precisely the two year foundation degrees it now apparently says are not suitable for the “brightest and best”. Just as a ‘for instance’, how many ordinands study Greek, let alone Hebrew, to any level of competence?
[Anglican Mainstream] 26 Jan 2008--Ed: Well, it’s not the actual headline, or indeed the story, but it is the response of Anglican officialdom to new government proposals to charge full fees to students taking a second degree of the same or lower level than their first - which would indeed include a lot of trainee clergy. However, the ‘case against’ presented by the director of the Ministry Division overlooks the fact that the Church of England has been downgrading theological training from degree level for decades, encouraging people onto part-time courses and precisely the two year foundation degrees it now apparently says are not suitable for the “brightest and best”. Just as a ‘for instance’, how many ordinands study Greek, let alone Hebrew, to any level of competence?
Who is running the Anglican Communion?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/26/who-is-running-the-anglican-communion/
[Anglican Mainstream] 26 Jan 2008--Readers of the Anglican Communion Office’s website might begin to wonder who is running the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion Office is described on the site as “the permanent secretariat of the Anglican Consultative Council, which is led by the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General” and is “based in London, England”.
As such, it has a finger in many pies, but it is clearly a ’service and support’ organization, supporting the working of the Communion in a ‘diaconal’ rather than presbyteral (much less, episcopal) role.
Curious, then, that the ACO website lists the Diocese of San Joaquin as ‘vacant’ - curious, because it isn’t. The Diocesan Bishop, John-David Schofield, has been inhibited by the Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts-Schori, but he is still the Bishop, unless or until he is deposed. Moreover, he is still on the ‘guest list’ of the Lambeth Conference, though this may change (and will doubtless precipitate further crisis, insofar as he regards himself as part of the Province of the Southern Cone, regarding which Greg Venables may have something to say.)
We may then ask why the ACO has jumped the gun. It may, of course, be a misunderstanding on the part of the website manager, in which case it will doubtless be corrected soon.
[Anglican Mainstream] 26 Jan 2008--Readers of the Anglican Communion Office’s website might begin to wonder who is running the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion Office is described on the site as “the permanent secretariat of the Anglican Consultative Council, which is led by the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General” and is “based in London, England”.
As such, it has a finger in many pies, but it is clearly a ’service and support’ organization, supporting the working of the Communion in a ‘diaconal’ rather than presbyteral (much less, episcopal) role.
Curious, then, that the ACO website lists the Diocese of San Joaquin as ‘vacant’ - curious, because it isn’t. The Diocesan Bishop, John-David Schofield, has been inhibited by the Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts-Schori, but he is still the Bishop, unless or until he is deposed. Moreover, he is still on the ‘guest list’ of the Lambeth Conference, though this may change (and will doubtless precipitate further crisis, insofar as he regards himself as part of the Province of the Southern Cone, regarding which Greg Venables may have something to say.)
We may then ask why the ACO has jumped the gun. It may, of course, be a misunderstanding on the part of the website manager, in which case it will doubtless be corrected soon.
Virginia Bishop: Conflict a Religious Liberty Issue
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/25/virginia-bishop-conflict-a-religious-liberty-issue
[The Living Church] 26 Jan 2008--The Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, Bishop of Virginia, told members and guests attending the first day of the diocese’s annual council in Reston that the current “shadow” of litigation over the diocese is worth the expense because of the cause’s “serious consequences for religious liberty.
“If the attorney general’s view of the law prevails, it will mean that the Commonwealth of Virginia gives preference to churches with congregational governance, discriminates against churches that are hierarchical or connectional in their governance, and intrudes into the doctrine and discipline of communities of faith,” Bishop Lee said in his Jan. 25 address.
[The Living Church] 26 Jan 2008--The Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, Bishop of Virginia, told members and guests attending the first day of the diocese’s annual council in Reston that the current “shadow” of litigation over the diocese is worth the expense because of the cause’s “serious consequences for religious liberty.
“If the attorney general’s view of the law prevails, it will mean that the Commonwealth of Virginia gives preference to churches with congregational governance, discriminates against churches that are hierarchical or connectional in their governance, and intrudes into the doctrine and discipline of communities of faith,” Bishop Lee said in his Jan. 25 address.
Province 8 Removes Executive Council Representative
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/25/province-8-removes-executive-council-representative
[The Living Church] 26 Jaqn 2008--The president of Province 8, the Rev. Jack Eastwood, announced Jan. 24 that the province’s executive committee has vacated the seat held by Ted Yumoto on the national Executive Council after Mr. Yumoto told them he had voted in December in favor of amending the canons and the constitution of the Diocese of San Joaquin to join the Province of the Southern Cone.
Fr. Eastwood said he was appreciative of Mr. Yumoto's “stable and consistent” leadership to Province 8 and the church but that provincial leadership “agreed that we need to have a representative who is professing to be a member of the Episcopal Church and not some other loyalty.” The committee is seeking nominations for a new lay representative, and hopes that person will be in place in time to attend the next Executive Council meeting February 11-14 in Quito, Ecuador.
[The Living Church] 26 Jaqn 2008--The president of Province 8, the Rev. Jack Eastwood, announced Jan. 24 that the province’s executive committee has vacated the seat held by Ted Yumoto on the national Executive Council after Mr. Yumoto told them he had voted in December in favor of amending the canons and the constitution of the Diocese of San Joaquin to join the Province of the Southern Cone.
Fr. Eastwood said he was appreciative of Mr. Yumoto's “stable and consistent” leadership to Province 8 and the church but that provincial leadership “agreed that we need to have a representative who is professing to be a member of the Episcopal Church and not some other loyalty.” The committee is seeking nominations for a new lay representative, and hopes that person will be in place in time to attend the next Executive Council meeting February 11-14 in Quito, Ecuador.
Friday, January 25, 2008
AMIA Conference Draws Record Crowd to Hear Call to Grow Church
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7561
[Virtue Online] 25 Jan 2008--Announcing that this was the largest turnout ever in the history of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA), a jubilant Bishop Chuck Murphy stood before nearly 1,700 evangelical Anglicans at their winter conference, to announce a broad plan to reach 130 million unchurched Americans."
God has given us a vision he has given us a dream to think big. Don't think in small categories, dream real big. We must continue to think, don't relax or step back God has given us the dream to dream big. We are called to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God and that requires us to think big," he told an expectant audience."
God is pulling together His people from the US, Canada and across the world. This is our eighth winter conference. We have people from 37 states and the District of Columbia. We have representatives from 13 different countries - from Canada in the north to South America, from Europe, Africa and Asia, God's people are celebrating what God is doing in and through the AMIA."
[Virtue Online] 25 Jan 2008--Announcing that this was the largest turnout ever in the history of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA), a jubilant Bishop Chuck Murphy stood before nearly 1,700 evangelical Anglicans at their winter conference, to announce a broad plan to reach 130 million unchurched Americans."
God has given us a vision he has given us a dream to think big. Don't think in small categories, dream real big. We must continue to think, don't relax or step back God has given us the dream to dream big. We are called to expect great things from God and attempt great things for God and that requires us to think big," he told an expectant audience."
God is pulling together His people from the US, Canada and across the world. This is our eighth winter conference. We have people from 37 states and the District of Columbia. We have representatives from 13 different countries - from Canada in the north to South America, from Europe, Africa and Asia, God's people are celebrating what God is doing in and through the AMIA."
"Liberal theology without the gospel has the smell of death rather than of life"
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7564
[VirtueOnline] 25 Jan 2008--In a wide-ranging interview, the Canadian Anglican theologian J.I. Packer talked with David W. Virtue about the state of the Anglican Communion at the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) Winter Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Packer, 81, is a British-born Canadian Christian theologian in the Calvinistic Anglican tradition. He currently serves as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is considered to be one of the most important evangelical theologians of the late 20th century.
[VirtueOnline] 25 Jan 2008--In a wide-ranging interview, the Canadian Anglican theologian J.I. Packer talked with David W. Virtue about the state of the Anglican Communion at the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) Winter Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. Packer, 81, is a British-born Canadian Christian theologian in the Calvinistic Anglican tradition. He currently serves as the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is considered to be one of the most important evangelical theologians of the late 20th century.
The Dean of the Cathedral of South Carolina Writes about Lambeth
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9350/
[Stand Firm] 25 Jan 2008--That most prolific of authors, Anonymous, nailed the human condition as it so often expresses itself amidst the deceptively dreaming spires of Oxford in the U. K., and Sewanee in the U.S., where his (or her?) ditty about the good and the clever has been passed down from generation to generation.
In Sewanee’s case, a more profound expression of another perspective on the same truth, that of the cross of Christ, is regularly sung in the University Chapel as penned by the late William Alexander Percy (one of Sewanee’s sons) and as found in the hymnal of The Episcopal Church.
[Stand Firm] 25 Jan 2008--That most prolific of authors, Anonymous, nailed the human condition as it so often expresses itself amidst the deceptively dreaming spires of Oxford in the U. K., and Sewanee in the U.S., where his (or her?) ditty about the good and the clever has been passed down from generation to generation.
In Sewanee’s case, a more profound expression of another perspective on the same truth, that of the cross of Christ, is regularly sung in the University Chapel as penned by the late William Alexander Percy (one of Sewanee’s sons) and as found in the hymnal of The Episcopal Church.
Pres. Anderson and PBp Jefferts Schori: How to Offend those You hope to Serve
http://sanjoaquin.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/pres-anderson-and-pbp-jefferts-schori-how-to-offend-those-you-hope-to-serve/
[Surrounded] 25 Jan 2008--You know, when our parish sent out Stewardship letters, we made every effort to make sure that the addresses being used were correct. In a couple of cases, we had parishioners whose spouses had just died, and their names were not yet removed from the address label. As well, we noted some incorrect addresses. Incorrect addresses are one thing — but the insensitivity of sending a Stewardship letter (especially) to a newly widowed member, asking for their continued involvement financially in the life of the parish, without the apparent consideration of THEIR life…. well, it’s not good. It is insensitive. It is negatively pastoral. It is impersonal, and even dehumanizing in the sense of not being “known.”We made those changes. Because we know them and love them and choose not to be rude and insensitive, especially the exacerbation of their grief by our lack of administrative attention.
[Surrounded] 25 Jan 2008--You know, when our parish sent out Stewardship letters, we made every effort to make sure that the addresses being used were correct. In a couple of cases, we had parishioners whose spouses had just died, and their names were not yet removed from the address label. As well, we noted some incorrect addresses. Incorrect addresses are one thing — but the insensitivity of sending a Stewardship letter (especially) to a newly widowed member, asking for their continued involvement financially in the life of the parish, without the apparent consideration of THEIR life…. well, it’s not good. It is insensitive. It is negatively pastoral. It is impersonal, and even dehumanizing in the sense of not being “known.”We made those changes. Because we know them and love them and choose not to be rude and insensitive, especially the exacerbation of their grief by our lack of administrative attention.
The Covenant tightrope walk
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=49306
[Church Times] 25 Jan 2008--My contribution to the consultations that followed the announcement of the retirement of Archbishop George Carey included the suggestion that his successor should spend less time on the Anglican Communion.
It has proved a fond hope. The past five years have seen a constant stream of reports, ultimatums, high-level meetings, and unilateral actions requiring archiepiscopal initiative or response.
[Church Times] 25 Jan 2008--My contribution to the consultations that followed the announcement of the retirement of Archbishop George Carey included the suggestion that his successor should spend less time on the Anglican Communion.
It has proved a fond hope. The past five years have seen a constant stream of reports, ultimatums, high-level meetings, and unilateral actions requiring archiepiscopal initiative or response.
Global Anglican Future - Travel Plans
http://www.gafcon.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=12
[GAFCON] 25 Jan 2008--This morning we have released the following communication on behalf of the leadership team of GAFCON:
"We have heard that GAFCON has aroused considerable interest and enthusiasm. We would encourage those who are planning visits to the Holy Land to coincide with GAFCON to await the announcement of the venue and the exact start and finish dates before making final plans"
The GAFCON Leadership Team.
[GAFCON] 25 Jan 2008--This morning we have released the following communication on behalf of the leadership team of GAFCON:
"We have heard that GAFCON has aroused considerable interest and enthusiasm. We would encourage those who are planning visits to the Holy Land to coincide with GAFCON to await the announcement of the venue and the exact start and finish dates before making final plans"
The GAFCON Leadership Team.
Quiet Deal May End Bristol Church Furor
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-cttrinity0125.artjan25,0,4241740.story
[ourant] 25 Jan 2008--A bitter and potentially expensive battle over the question of who owns a historic Episcopal church in Bristol may be drawing to a quiet close.
Lawyers for a Bristol congregation, which defected from the Episcopal Church to join a more conservative Anglican group last year, and the Connecticut Diocese are negotiating an end to litigation over the church property, according to church sources.
[ourant] 25 Jan 2008--A bitter and potentially expensive battle over the question of who owns a historic Episcopal church in Bristol may be drawing to a quiet close.
Lawyers for a Bristol congregation, which defected from the Episcopal Church to join a more conservative Anglican group last year, and the Connecticut Diocese are negotiating an end to litigation over the church property, according to church sources.
Catholic opinion on Rowan Williams, the Church and ’secret communions’
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/25/catholic-opinion-on-rowan-williams-the-church-and-secret-communions/
[Anglican Mainstream] 25 Jan 2008--Part of the problem with Dr. Williams approach to schism is the way in which he is trying to be the only point of unity between the factions in tension. As long as each faction of the church can have relationship with him, he feels unity can be achieved.The problem is much greater than just a relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury as a person. While the Anglican Communion qualifies its members by their relationship with Canterbury, that relationship has been historically built upon the faithfulness of Canterbury to Christian faith as it has been understood within Protestant Anglicanism.
[Anglican Mainstream] 25 Jan 2008--Part of the problem with Dr. Williams approach to schism is the way in which he is trying to be the only point of unity between the factions in tension. As long as each faction of the church can have relationship with him, he feels unity can be achieved.The problem is much greater than just a relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury as a person. While the Anglican Communion qualifies its members by their relationship with Canterbury, that relationship has been historically built upon the faithfulness of Canterbury to Christian faith as it has been understood within Protestant Anglicanism.
Lambeth Conference to go ahead with most of the bishops present
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=50434
[Church Times] 25 Jan 2008--Seventy per cent of bishops have said yes to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitation to attend this year’s Lambeth Conference.
At a press conference at Lambeth Palace on Monday, Dr Williams said that, in addition, he knew of others who intended coming. To those who had declined (on the grounds that the bishops of the US Episcopal Church were attending), he said: “I recognise their absolute right to choose in good faith and in conscience whether or not they can be there. The invitation is on the table. Naturally, I would be delighted to see more rather than fewer bishops there. That’s their choice, but the door is open.”
[Church Times] 25 Jan 2008--Seventy per cent of bishops have said yes to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitation to attend this year’s Lambeth Conference.
At a press conference at Lambeth Palace on Monday, Dr Williams said that, in addition, he knew of others who intended coming. To those who had declined (on the grounds that the bishops of the US Episcopal Church were attending), he said: “I recognise their absolute right to choose in good faith and in conscience whether or not they can be there. The invitation is on the table. Naturally, I would be delighted to see more rather than fewer bishops there. That’s their choice, but the door is open.”
"He being dead yet speaketh": JC Ryle and loyalty to the Church of England
http://ugleyvicar.blogspot.com/2008/01/he-being-dead-yet-speaketh-jc-ryle-and.html
[The Ugley Vicar] 25 Jan 2008--Writing a hundred and thirty years ago, to a different crisis, Bishop JC Ryle has potent words both for the Anglican Communion today and for those who represent orthodoxy:
“In the last place, would you understand what the times require of you in reference to the Church of England? Listen to me, and I will tell you. No doubt you live in days when our time-honoured church is in very perilous, distressing and critical position. Her rowers have brought her into troubled water. Her very existence is endangered by papists, infidels, and liberationists without. Her life-blood is drained away by the behaviour of traitors, false friends and timid officers within. Nevertheless, so long as the Church of England sticks firmly to the Bible, the [39] Articles, and the principles of the Protestant Reformation, so long I advise you strongly to stick to the church. When the Articles are thrown overboard, and the old flag is hauled down, then, and not till then, it will be time for you and me to launch the boats and quit the wreck. At present, let us stick to the old ship.
[The Ugley Vicar] 25 Jan 2008--Writing a hundred and thirty years ago, to a different crisis, Bishop JC Ryle has potent words both for the Anglican Communion today and for those who represent orthodoxy:
“In the last place, would you understand what the times require of you in reference to the Church of England? Listen to me, and I will tell you. No doubt you live in days when our time-honoured church is in very perilous, distressing and critical position. Her rowers have brought her into troubled water. Her very existence is endangered by papists, infidels, and liberationists without. Her life-blood is drained away by the behaviour of traitors, false friends and timid officers within. Nevertheless, so long as the Church of England sticks firmly to the Bible, the [39] Articles, and the principles of the Protestant Reformation, so long I advise you strongly to stick to the church. When the Articles are thrown overboard, and the old flag is hauled down, then, and not till then, it will be time for you and me to launch the boats and quit the wreck. At present, let us stick to the old ship.
Tom Wright attacks GAFCON
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9509/
[Stand Firm] 25 Jan 2008--If Wright thinks that there is still a future for enforcement of the Windsor Report, the Anglican Covenant, or whatever new piece of paper will be waved in front of us promising "peace in our time", he is very much mistaken. The story of the last 5 years is one of intransigent contempt from TEC and her allies coupled with negligent and spineless inactivity from Lambeth.
Blaming the GAFCON organisers for "manning the lifeboats" and thus dooming the Communion to sink is the equivalent of the Captain of the Titanic doing the same. The problem is the destructive iceberg of unbelief which everyone is pretending could never sink the ship. Wright is fiddling as the Titanic sinks. It may be well-intentioned but it does nothing to solve the situation.
[Stand Firm] 25 Jan 2008--If Wright thinks that there is still a future for enforcement of the Windsor Report, the Anglican Covenant, or whatever new piece of paper will be waved in front of us promising "peace in our time", he is very much mistaken. The story of the last 5 years is one of intransigent contempt from TEC and her allies coupled with negligent and spineless inactivity from Lambeth.
Blaming the GAFCON organisers for "manning the lifeboats" and thus dooming the Communion to sink is the equivalent of the Captain of the Titanic doing the same. The problem is the destructive iceberg of unbelief which everyone is pretending could never sink the ship. Wright is fiddling as the Titanic sinks. It may be well-intentioned but it does nothing to solve the situation.
Now the MDG liturgy
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/now-the-mdg-liturgy-cen-12508/
[Conger] 25 Jan 2008--The Episcopal Church’s charitable arm, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has released a liturgy to encourage American Anglicans to focus their Lenten devotions upon the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The liturgy “Stations of the MDGs” is “designed to be used during Lent in lieu of the traditional Stations of the Cross service,” Luke Fodor, the Network Coordinator at the Office of Church Relations at ERD said in an email.
[Conger] 25 Jan 2008--The Episcopal Church’s charitable arm, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has released a liturgy to encourage American Anglicans to focus their Lenten devotions upon the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The liturgy “Stations of the MDGs” is “designed to be used during Lent in lieu of the traditional Stations of the Cross service,” Luke Fodor, the Network Coordinator at the Office of Church Relations at ERD said in an email.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bonnie Anderson: Mischief Maker, Trouble Maker and Meddler
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7556
[VirtueOnline] 24 Jan 2008--Wherever she goes, Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, stirs up trouble. She is a mischief maker. She does it with a smile and the promise of good things to come, if one simply stays with The Episcopal Church.
She made big trouble in the Diocese of Ft. Worth, recently when she went there to consult with the handful of remaining Episcopalians who might, on a good day, fit into a Chinese rickshaw. She managed to tick off Bishop Jack Iker who ripped her presence in his diocese by saying, "This visit by Mrs. Anderson further exacerbates an already tense, adversarial relationship that has developed between national leaders and diocesan officials. Unfortunately, she has sought to further divide the people of this diocese rather than to promote reconciliation. I regret that Mrs. Anderson has chosen to fan the flames of division and to advocate a rather one-sided view of the controversies that have overtaken The Episcopal Church in recent decades."
[VirtueOnline] 24 Jan 2008--Wherever she goes, Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, stirs up trouble. She is a mischief maker. She does it with a smile and the promise of good things to come, if one simply stays with The Episcopal Church.
She made big trouble in the Diocese of Ft. Worth, recently when she went there to consult with the handful of remaining Episcopalians who might, on a good day, fit into a Chinese rickshaw. She managed to tick off Bishop Jack Iker who ripped her presence in his diocese by saying, "This visit by Mrs. Anderson further exacerbates an already tense, adversarial relationship that has developed between national leaders and diocesan officials. Unfortunately, she has sought to further divide the people of this diocese rather than to promote reconciliation. I regret that Mrs. Anderson has chosen to fan the flames of division and to advocate a rather one-sided view of the controversies that have overtaken The Episcopal Church in recent decades."
Episcopal Church Discourages Home-Schooling
http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2008/01/episcopal-church-discourages-home.html
[Tom in the Box] 24 Jan 2008--We are concerned, however, about the education of a very small sub-segment of our Episcopal body. This small group is our home-schooled children. We have discovered that our children who are ‘educated’ in their homes are not receiving the same curriculum as other children their age in public or private school.
For example, children taught at home are not learning enough about evolution (the process by which God brought about creation; all smart people know this). They are not being instructed in how to ‘say no to drugs.’ They are not being exposed to the various sexual options available to them in society.
Of great concern also is what these home-schooled kids are being taught. We have learned that they simply know too much of the bible. They understand not only the content of the bible, but also how to properly interpret it. Furthermore, they believe that the scriptures actually mean what they say, and do not change in meaning over time. An alarming number hold to Reformed Theology.
We, the leadership of the Episcopal Church, are greatly concerned by the threat that the home-schooled children could bring against the church in the upcoming years. If these children bring their fundamentalist ideas into the church, they will only cause division and stir up strife within the Episcopal body.
[Tom in the Box] 24 Jan 2008--We are concerned, however, about the education of a very small sub-segment of our Episcopal body. This small group is our home-schooled children. We have discovered that our children who are ‘educated’ in their homes are not receiving the same curriculum as other children their age in public or private school.
For example, children taught at home are not learning enough about evolution (the process by which God brought about creation; all smart people know this). They are not being instructed in how to ‘say no to drugs.’ They are not being exposed to the various sexual options available to them in society.
Of great concern also is what these home-schooled kids are being taught. We have learned that they simply know too much of the bible. They understand not only the content of the bible, but also how to properly interpret it. Furthermore, they believe that the scriptures actually mean what they say, and do not change in meaning over time. An alarming number hold to Reformed Theology.
We, the leadership of the Episcopal Church, are greatly concerned by the threat that the home-schooled children could bring against the church in the upcoming years. If these children bring their fundamentalist ideas into the church, they will only cause division and stir up strife within the Episcopal body.
Episcopal Life: San Joaquin ‘Moving Forward Welcoming All’ conference to host online audience Jan 26
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9480/
[Stand Firm] 24 Jan 2008--The comments on this Episcopal Life Online article on Stand Firm raise some interesting issues.
[Stand Firm] 24 Jan 2008--The comments on this Episcopal Life Online article on Stand Firm raise some interesting issues.
Archbishop Williams: I Can’t Stop Defections
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/23/archbishop-williams-i-cant-stop-defections
[The Living Church] 24 Jan 2008--Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has responded to an appeal from the Canadian Primate by saying that that he cannot stop congregations from leaving one province of the Anglican Communion and affiliating with another.
In a letter made public on the Anglican Church of Canada’s website, Archbishop Williams wrote to Archbishop Fred Hiltz that “I have no canonical authority to prevent these things.
[The Living Church] 24 Jan 2008--Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has responded to an appeal from the Canadian Primate by saying that that he cannot stop congregations from leaving one province of the Anglican Communion and affiliating with another.
In a letter made public on the Anglican Church of Canada’s website, Archbishop Williams wrote to Archbishop Fred Hiltz that “I have no canonical authority to prevent these things.
Archbishop Outlines Lambeth Goals
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/23/archbishop-outlines-lambeth-goals
[The Living Church] 24 Jan 2008--Joined by 30 bishops from 17 provinces, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams announced the official program for the 2008 Lambeth Conference on Jan. 21.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Williams pointed out that the first Lambeth Conference in 1867 was called in part in response to “a crisis about the limits of diversity allowed in the Anglican churches around the world; so there’s nothing so very new about a Lambeth Conference meeting in a climate of some controversy.”
[The Living Church] 24 Jan 2008--Joined by 30 bishops from 17 provinces, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams announced the official program for the 2008 Lambeth Conference on Jan. 21.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Williams pointed out that the first Lambeth Conference in 1867 was called in part in response to “a crisis about the limits of diversity allowed in the Anglican churches around the world; so there’s nothing so very new about a Lambeth Conference meeting in a climate of some controversy.”
Vicar resigns
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=news&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED24%20Jan%202008%2009%3A06%3A05%3A330
[The Weston & Somerset Mercury] 24 Jan 2008--A vicar from Yatton who decided to take a course in becoming a white witch has resigned from his day job.
The Weston & Somerset Mercury revealed last week how Reverend Chris Horseman of Westaway Park, has begun his training to become a white witch, whose supposed magic is designed to do good or counteract evil.
[The Weston & Somerset Mercury] 24 Jan 2008--A vicar from Yatton who decided to take a course in becoming a white witch has resigned from his day job.
The Weston & Somerset Mercury revealed last week how Reverend Chris Horseman of Westaway Park, has begun his training to become a white witch, whose supposed magic is designed to do good or counteract evil.
Lambeth Conference in no sense a law making body.
http://modernchurchblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/lambeth-conference-in-no-sense-law.html
[Modern Church People's Union] 24 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury has officially launched the Lambeth Conference 2008. He said,
The Conference has never been a lawmaking body in the strict sense and it wasn’t designed to be one: every local Anglican province around the world has its own independent system of church law and there is no supreme court. But there was already in 1867 a deep concern to find ways short of passing formal laws that would make sure that Anglicans around the world acted in a responsible way towards each other and stayed faithful to the common inheritance of biblical and doctrinal faith. This is as much a challenge now as it was then. But the very fact of the Conference shows that we have always been willing to look for such ways of setting our common life on a firm basis so that we can act and serve more effectively in our world.
[Modern Church People's Union] 24 Jan 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury has officially launched the Lambeth Conference 2008. He said,
The Conference has never been a lawmaking body in the strict sense and it wasn’t designed to be one: every local Anglican province around the world has its own independent system of church law and there is no supreme court. But there was already in 1867 a deep concern to find ways short of passing formal laws that would make sure that Anglicans around the world acted in a responsible way towards each other and stayed faithful to the common inheritance of biblical and doctrinal faith. This is as much a challenge now as it was then. But the very fact of the Conference shows that we have always been willing to look for such ways of setting our common life on a firm basis so that we can act and serve more effectively in our world.
FiF NA President responds to inhibition of Bishop Schofield
http://www.forwardinfaith.com/artman/publish/article_386.shtml
[Forward in Faith North America] 24 Jan 2008--We note with great sadness the retaliatory canonical actions of certain members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, a Province of the Anglican Communion, against a Bishop of another Province of the Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend John David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin. We applaud, Bishop Schofield’s Primate, (since December 8, 2007) the Most Reverend Gregory Venables, for coming to the defense of one of his bishops.
We further must call into question the use of the particular Canon pertaining to the abandonment of the Communion inasmuch as the American Province is not a Communion. That particular designation is reserved for the worldwide expression of Anglicanism. In an age when Christianity must be increasingly serious in its endeavors to proclaim the received Gospel of Jesus Christ and to take seriously the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations,” by baptizing, teaching, and obeying all that our Savior has commanded, we are distressed by litigious behavior that inhibits mission ministry.
Forward in Faith North America has endeavored to provide a safe place for orthodox Christians, and has sought a variety of measures, such as Alternative Primatial Oversight, as a means of preserving the “Faith once delivered to the saints.”
We commend Bishop Schofield, as one of the founding members of Forward in Faith North America
[Forward in Faith North America] 24 Jan 2008--We note with great sadness the retaliatory canonical actions of certain members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, a Province of the Anglican Communion, against a Bishop of another Province of the Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend John David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin. We applaud, Bishop Schofield’s Primate, (since December 8, 2007) the Most Reverend Gregory Venables, for coming to the defense of one of his bishops.
We further must call into question the use of the particular Canon pertaining to the abandonment of the Communion inasmuch as the American Province is not a Communion. That particular designation is reserved for the worldwide expression of Anglicanism. In an age when Christianity must be increasingly serious in its endeavors to proclaim the received Gospel of Jesus Christ and to take seriously the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations,” by baptizing, teaching, and obeying all that our Savior has commanded, we are distressed by litigious behavior that inhibits mission ministry.
Forward in Faith North America has endeavored to provide a safe place for orthodox Christians, and has sought a variety of measures, such as Alternative Primatial Oversight, as a means of preserving the “Faith once delivered to the saints.”
We commend Bishop Schofield, as one of the founding members of Forward in Faith North America
Discipline and the Bishops in a Time of Confusion and Discernment: The Case of Bishop Duncan
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/129/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 24 Jan 2008--III. However, third, it is an open question as to whether "the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this church" are in fact being upheld and/or embodied by the current executive offices of the Episcopal Church. (Myself, I believe they are not; but that is not the point here.) The question is "open" because it has been in dispute, at least since General Convention 2003. It has been disputed in the explicit mind of a series of TEC bishops, theologians, clergy, and laity, as well as in the explicit mind of other formal leaders and members of the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is bound, by its own Constitution, to be a "constituent member". The dispute has been openly engaged, and has continued unabated, and in fact with growing force, despite attempts by General Convention 2006 and meetings by the TEC's House of Bishops to answer, in certain respects, charges as to the constitutional integrity of its executive life.
IV. Fourth, and to further explicate the previous point, this dispute is not an artificial or tendentious construct insofar as it touches the "Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this church". The matter of "discipline" is bound up with a host of extensive theological and practical realities that, as we know, include liturgy and liturgical form, teaching, moral behavior, and the more narrow "disciplinary" matters of how clergy and bishops are directed, admonished, and corrected. When, as has happened in now literally hundreds of cases among clergy (and some bishops), an ordained Episcopalian declares that it is no longer possible to "keep" his or her "ordination vows" given the formal teaching, decisions, and actions of the executive leadership of the Episcopal Church itself, and on grounds that have been concretely enumerated in a host of cases and with respect to a host of matters, just insofar as this, the question of whether that leadership itself has openly renounced the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this church has been formally raised. Raised and asserted, furthermore, by the departure of many thousands of the faithful.
V. Fifth, the Title Review Committee that received the charges against Bishop Duncan and formally "certified" his "abandonment of communion" simply and irresponsibly ignored this serious dispute in question and its constraining implications for their decision-making. They did not even make an attempt to assess the nature of the charges brought to them and argue for their pertinence to their judgment.
[Anglican Communion Institute] 24 Jan 2008--III. However, third, it is an open question as to whether "the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this church" are in fact being upheld and/or embodied by the current executive offices of the Episcopal Church. (Myself, I believe they are not; but that is not the point here.) The question is "open" because it has been in dispute, at least since General Convention 2003. It has been disputed in the explicit mind of a series of TEC bishops, theologians, clergy, and laity, as well as in the explicit mind of other formal leaders and members of the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is bound, by its own Constitution, to be a "constituent member". The dispute has been openly engaged, and has continued unabated, and in fact with growing force, despite attempts by General Convention 2006 and meetings by the TEC's House of Bishops to answer, in certain respects, charges as to the constitutional integrity of its executive life.
IV. Fourth, and to further explicate the previous point, this dispute is not an artificial or tendentious construct insofar as it touches the "Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this church". The matter of "discipline" is bound up with a host of extensive theological and practical realities that, as we know, include liturgy and liturgical form, teaching, moral behavior, and the more narrow "disciplinary" matters of how clergy and bishops are directed, admonished, and corrected. When, as has happened in now literally hundreds of cases among clergy (and some bishops), an ordained Episcopalian declares that it is no longer possible to "keep" his or her "ordination vows" given the formal teaching, decisions, and actions of the executive leadership of the Episcopal Church itself, and on grounds that have been concretely enumerated in a host of cases and with respect to a host of matters, just insofar as this, the question of whether that leadership itself has openly renounced the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this church has been formally raised. Raised and asserted, furthermore, by the departure of many thousands of the faithful.
V. Fifth, the Title Review Committee that received the charges against Bishop Duncan and formally "certified" his "abandonment of communion" simply and irresponsibly ignored this serious dispute in question and its constraining implications for their decision-making. They did not even make an attempt to assess the nature of the charges brought to them and argue for their pertinence to their judgment.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Significance of Corporate Prayer
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/mission/missionthinking/the_significance_of_corporate_prayer/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 23 Jan 2008--Corporate prayer - an powerhouse for spiritual growth or public embarrassment? Mark Dever, the pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC shares his insights on the significance of corporate prayer for believers and non-believers in a church service.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 23 Jan 2008--Corporate prayer - an powerhouse for spiritual growth or public embarrassment? Mark Dever, the pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC shares his insights on the significance of corporate prayer for believers and non-believers in a church service.
Britain's Atlantis: the search for our lost capital
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/britains-atlantis-the-search-for-our-lost-capital-771709.html
[The Independent] 23 Jan 2008--Around midnight, at certain tides, church bells can still be heard tolling from the lost city of Dunwich. Or so local legend has it. The sound comes from beneath the waves of the North Sea, for Dunwich – one of England's most prosperous medieval centres, a place some consider a rival to 14th-century London – has been sunk beneath the waters for 500 years and more.
[The Independent] 23 Jan 2008--Around midnight, at certain tides, church bells can still be heard tolling from the lost city of Dunwich. Or so local legend has it. The sound comes from beneath the waves of the North Sea, for Dunwich – one of England's most prosperous medieval centres, a place some consider a rival to 14th-century London – has been sunk beneath the waters for 500 years and more.
The three-legged Stool: No checks and balances
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=13879&t=The+three-legged+Stool%3A+No+checks+and+balances
[Spero News] 23 Jan 2008--“Be it in matter of the one kind or of the other, what Scripture doth plainly deliver, to that the first place both of credit and obedience is due; the next whereunto is whatsoever any man can necessarily conclude by force of reason; after this the Church succeedeth that which the Church by her ecclesiastical authority shall probably think and define to be true or good, must in congruity of reason overrule all other inferior judgments whatsoever.” (Richard Hooker, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 5.VIII.2)
[Spero News] 23 Jan 2008--“Be it in matter of the one kind or of the other, what Scripture doth plainly deliver, to that the first place both of credit and obedience is due; the next whereunto is whatsoever any man can necessarily conclude by force of reason; after this the Church succeedeth that which the Church by her ecclesiastical authority shall probably think and define to be true or good, must in congruity of reason overrule all other inferior judgments whatsoever.” (Richard Hooker, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 5.VIII.2)
Gafcon 'disastrous' for Holy Land says local bishop
http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2008/01/gafcon-disastro.html
[Articles of Faith] 23 Jan 2008--Thinking Anglicans, the Guardian and I have been leaked (and posted almost simultaneously!) a copy of the minutes of two recent meetings that took place in Jerusalem between Bishop Suheil Dawani, Archbishop Peter Akinola and Archbishop Peter Jensen. The other attendees are listed below. You can read my news story on our online faith page. (See also Libby's latest blog on Britain's first Jedi church.) Bishop Suheil did not mince his words. Gafcon would be 'disastrous' for his ministry in the Holy Land. The minutes are self-explanatory. It rather fits with what Rowan Williams was saying yesterday at Lambeth. If any of you want a reminder of what Lambeth was like last time, and what Rowan Williams might be trying to avoid by turning it into something approaching a university seminar, read Andrew Brown's long essay which he's dug out of his archives for me. Meanwhile, Bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson has dreamed up Ten Rules for Cooking up a Schism. Quite amusing. See below for the Gafcon-Jerusalem minutes in full.
[Articles of Faith] 23 Jan 2008--Thinking Anglicans, the Guardian and I have been leaked (and posted almost simultaneously!) a copy of the minutes of two recent meetings that took place in Jerusalem between Bishop Suheil Dawani, Archbishop Peter Akinola and Archbishop Peter Jensen. The other attendees are listed below. You can read my news story on our online faith page. (See also Libby's latest blog on Britain's first Jedi church.) Bishop Suheil did not mince his words. Gafcon would be 'disastrous' for his ministry in the Holy Land. The minutes are self-explanatory. It rather fits with what Rowan Williams was saying yesterday at Lambeth. If any of you want a reminder of what Lambeth was like last time, and what Rowan Williams might be trying to avoid by turning it into something approaching a university seminar, read Andrew Brown's long essay which he's dug out of his archives for me. Meanwhile, Bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson has dreamed up Ten Rules for Cooking up a Schism. Quite amusing. See below for the Gafcon-Jerusalem minutes in full.
Oldest Bishop in the Episcopal Church Served Deposition Papers
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7527
[VirtueOnloine] 23 Jan 2008--The oldest bishop in the history of The Episcopal Church, who has served as both priest and bishop for more than half a century, has been served a notice of deposition by Mrs. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop, for abandoning the communion of the Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. William A. Cox, 87, now a resident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, told VOL that he has been served the papers and has 60 days to respond as to why he should not be tossed out of the church. The purging of orthodox bishops from The Episcopal Church is now in full throttle.
[VirtueOnloine] 23 Jan 2008--The oldest bishop in the history of The Episcopal Church, who has served as both priest and bishop for more than half a century, has been served a notice of deposition by Mrs. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop, for abandoning the communion of the Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. William A. Cox, 87, now a resident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, told VOL that he has been served the papers and has 60 days to respond as to why he should not be tossed out of the church. The purging of orthodox bishops from The Episcopal Church is now in full throttle.
The Presiding Bishop Takes some Questions in Alabama
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9394/
[Stand Firm] 23 Jan 2008--Katharine Schori spent about 45 minutes answering questions in Birmingham on January 12, 2008, following the consecration of Alabama Bishop Suffragan Kee Sloan.
Related article:
http://stillonpatrol.typepad.com/still_on_patrol/2008/01/read-it-and-wee.html
Read It and Weep: More From PB Schori - Still On Patrol
[Stand Firm] 23 Jan 2008--Katharine Schori spent about 45 minutes answering questions in Birmingham on January 12, 2008, following the consecration of Alabama Bishop Suffragan Kee Sloan.
Related article:
http://stillonpatrol.typepad.com/still_on_patrol/2008/01/read-it-and-wee.html
Read It and Weep: More From PB Schori - Still On Patrol
Report of the R-5 Commission to the 213th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia
http://www.thediocese.net/Councils/213Council/files/r_5_report.pdf
[The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia] 23 Jan 2008--The R-5 Commission was created by Bishop Peter James Lee in response to the 212th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, which recommended, in Resolution 5 (R-5)i that he appoint a Commission “to discern a possible ‘emerging consensus’ regarding the permitting of ‘local option’ for the blessing of same-sex unions,” with the Commission reporting to the 213th Annual Council.
[The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia] 23 Jan 2008--The R-5 Commission was created by Bishop Peter James Lee in response to the 212th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, which recommended, in Resolution 5 (R-5)i that he appoint a Commission “to discern a possible ‘emerging consensus’ regarding the permitting of ‘local option’ for the blessing of same-sex unions,” with the Commission reporting to the 213th Annual Council.
Lee also did not consent to Duncan inhibition
http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/bishops/lee_also_did_not_consent_to_du.html
[Episcopal Cafe] 23 Jan 2008--Bishop Peter Lee, the bishop of the Diocese of Virginia has released the following statement in response to questions about whether or not he agreed to consent to acting to inhibit Bishop Robert Duncan of the Diocese of Pittsburgh who has been charged with the abandonment of the Communion of the Episcopal Church....
[Episcopal Cafe] 23 Jan 2008--Bishop Peter Lee, the bishop of the Diocese of Virginia has released the following statement in response to questions about whether or not he agreed to consent to acting to inhibit Bishop Robert Duncan of the Diocese of Pittsburgh who has been charged with the abandonment of the Communion of the Episcopal Church....
Clergy asked to renew licences over same-sex unions
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080121.SCHISM21/TPStory/National
[The Globe and Mail] 23 Jan 2008--An Anglican diocese in Newfoundland will take the rare step today of requiring all of its clergy to declare their allegiances to the church, or "do the honourable thing and resign" if they support a breakaway movement that opposes same-sex unions.
In a letter written to clergy last month, the bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador asks them to attend a mandatory meeting in St. John's to renew their licences, a move the diocese has not taken in at least 20 years.
Related article:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2008/jan/08012204.html
Canadian Anglican Bishop to Priests: Approve Homosexual Blessings or Resign - LifeSite
[The Globe and Mail] 23 Jan 2008--An Anglican diocese in Newfoundland will take the rare step today of requiring all of its clergy to declare their allegiances to the church, or "do the honourable thing and resign" if they support a breakaway movement that opposes same-sex unions.
In a letter written to clergy last month, the bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador asks them to attend a mandatory meeting in St. John's to renew their licences, a move the diocese has not taken in at least 20 years.
Related article:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2008/jan/08012204.html
Canadian Anglican Bishop to Priests: Approve Homosexual Blessings or Resign - LifeSite
Canada Anglicans can't halt conservative defections
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnN22535195.html
[Reuters] 23 Jan 2008--The head of the Anglican church has made it clear he is powerless to stop conservative Canadian and U.S. congregations, upset with their national churches' positions on homosexuality, from leaving and affiliating with orthodox branches in Latin America and Africa.
It was a frank admission by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans, of the limits of his power, even though he is opposed to cross-border ecclesiastical moves.
[Reuters] 23 Jan 2008--The head of the Anglican church has made it clear he is powerless to stop conservative Canadian and U.S. congregations, upset with their national churches' positions on homosexuality, from leaving and affiliating with orthodox branches in Latin America and Africa.
It was a frank admission by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans, of the limits of his power, even though he is opposed to cross-border ecclesiastical moves.
Congregation won't budge on church
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/EarlyEdition/article_view.cfm?recordID=8481&publishdate=01/22/2008
[The Press Democrat] 23 Jan 2008--The Petaluma congregation that split from the Episcopal Church over the issue of homosexuality, taking a landmark downtown church with it, has rejected an offer to return the building, and the two sides appear headed to court, a local vestry member said Monday.
The impasse between St. John's Anglican Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California grew from the national schism that began with the ordination of a gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003 and church support for same-sex unions.
[The Press Democrat] 23 Jan 2008--The Petaluma congregation that split from the Episcopal Church over the issue of homosexuality, taking a landmark downtown church with it, has rejected an offer to return the building, and the two sides appear headed to court, a local vestry member said Monday.
The impasse between St. John's Anglican Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California grew from the national schism that began with the ordination of a gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003 and church support for same-sex unions.
Synod to debate lack of bibles in churches
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=811
[EV News] 23 Jan 2008--The Daily Telegraph reports today that Tim Cox, a Synod member from Blackpool (and Church Society Council member) has submitted a private members' motion to the General Synod next month to ask why there are so few bibles in Church of England Churches.
Tim Cox said he had been dismayed to discover that churches he visited “all too often” had no Bibles for worshippers to follow the readings and the sermon.
[EV News] 23 Jan 2008--The Daily Telegraph reports today that Tim Cox, a Synod member from Blackpool (and Church Society Council member) has submitted a private members' motion to the General Synod next month to ask why there are so few bibles in Church of England Churches.
Tim Cox said he had been dismayed to discover that churches he visited “all too often” had no Bibles for worshippers to follow the readings and the sermon.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Church stalls over deal on women bishops
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/01/20/nchurch120.xml
[Telegraph] 22 Jan 2008--Attempts to heal a damaging split over women bishops in the Church of England have faltered after bishops could not agree on a compromise deal.
It was widely expected that plans to appoint women bishops, backed by the liberal and conservative wings of the Church, would be presented to the General Synod next month.
But when bishops met behind closed doors to thrash out proposals, there were heated exchanges and no final decision could be reached. It means that the Church is back at square one on the issue.
[Telegraph] 22 Jan 2008--Attempts to heal a damaging split over women bishops in the Church of England have faltered after bishops could not agree on a compromise deal.
It was widely expected that plans to appoint women bishops, backed by the liberal and conservative wings of the Church, would be presented to the General Synod next month.
But when bishops met behind closed doors to thrash out proposals, there were heated exchanges and no final decision could be reached. It means that the Church is back at square one on the issue.
Archbishop speaks out against poaching of priests
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080122.wanglican22/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080122.wanglican22
[Globe and Mail] 22 Jan 2008--The world Anglican Communion's titular leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury, declared yesterday he won't sanction priest-poaching in Canada by branches of Anglicanism that disagree with practices of the Canadian church.
It's the first time Archbishop Rowan Williams has directly addressed what's happening in Canada despite earlier letters of protest from Canadian Anglican leaders.
But the archbishop, writing to the Canadian primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, also said he has no authority to prevent what he called "interventions and irregular ordinations" by outside Anglican churches, although he made clear he doesn't support them.
[Globe and Mail] 22 Jan 2008--The world Anglican Communion's titular leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury, declared yesterday he won't sanction priest-poaching in Canada by branches of Anglicanism that disagree with practices of the Canadian church.
It's the first time Archbishop Rowan Williams has directly addressed what's happening in Canada despite earlier letters of protest from Canadian Anglican leaders.
But the archbishop, writing to the Canadian primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, also said he has no authority to prevent what he called "interventions and irregular ordinations" by outside Anglican churches, although he made clear he doesn't support them.
Pastor offers up a small-church manifesto
http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_relcol_0112jan12,0,6380026.story
[Daily Press] 22 Jan 2008--Enough already.
Is it just me, or are mega-churches the only Christian congregations deemed worthy of mention in the media or for discussion in religious circles these days? These congregations with 2,000 or more in attendance for regular weekend services (by accepted definition) have started gobbling up the scenery like Sylvester Stallone in a Rambo flick.
[Daily Press] 22 Jan 2008--Enough already.
Is it just me, or are mega-churches the only Christian congregations deemed worthy of mention in the media or for discussion in religious circles these days? These congregations with 2,000 or more in attendance for regular weekend services (by accepted definition) have started gobbling up the scenery like Sylvester Stallone in a Rambo flick.
But Where To Go?
http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2008/01/on-seceding-from-episcopal-church-but.html
[The Prayer Book Society] 22 Jan 2008--A part of my daily e-mail traffic comes from people who have read my various pieces, in which I show the mess into which North American Anglicanism has got itself through (a) the initial infidelity of The Episcopal Church [for details of this see my Episcopal Innovations, 1960-2004, from www.anglicanmarketplace.com] and then (b) the indiscriminate creation of small groups bearing the name “Anglican” from 1977 through to 2008 [see further my Anglican Identity from the same site]. They ask simply: what are we to do? And some of them expect that there is a simple answer which applies in all the 48 contiguous states, not to mention Alaska and Hawaii.
[The Prayer Book Society] 22 Jan 2008--A part of my daily e-mail traffic comes from people who have read my various pieces, in which I show the mess into which North American Anglicanism has got itself through (a) the initial infidelity of The Episcopal Church [for details of this see my Episcopal Innovations, 1960-2004, from www.anglicanmarketplace.com] and then (b) the indiscriminate creation of small groups bearing the name “Anglican” from 1977 through to 2008 [see further my Anglican Identity from the same site]. They ask simply: what are we to do? And some of them expect that there is a simple answer which applies in all the 48 contiguous states, not to mention Alaska and Hawaii.
When controversy speaks for itself
http://www.getreligion.org/?p=3101
[Get Religion] 22 Jan 2008--Los Angeles Times reporter K. Connie Kang had another interesting story on the Godbeat or, in this case, the gods beat. Yes, the Episcopalians are involved.
More on this story can be read below.
[Get Religion] 22 Jan 2008--Los Angeles Times reporter K. Connie Kang had another interesting story on the Godbeat or, in this case, the gods beat. Yes, the Episcopalians are involved.
More on this story can be read below.
Diocese of N. California Comtemplates Lawsuit
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9436/
[Stand Firm] 22 Jan 2008--The Petaluma congregation that split from the Episcopal Church over the issue of homosexuality, taking a landmark downtown church with it, has rejected an offer to return the building, and the two sides appear headed to court, a local vestry member said Monday.
[Stand Firm] 22 Jan 2008--The Petaluma congregation that split from the Episcopal Church over the issue of homosexuality, taking a landmark downtown church with it, has rejected an offer to return the building, and the two sides appear headed to court, a local vestry member said Monday.
Open Letter to the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/22/open-letter-to-the-presiding-bishop-katharine-jefferts-schori/#more-2741
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 JHan 2008--I write in the spirit of openness expressed in your BBC interview on 1st January 2008 when you said, “The Episcopal Church lives in a society that values transparency …. [and has felt led] to bring these issues [of human sexuality] out into the public sphere where we can do public theologising about them”. I am a member of General Synod in the Church of Ireland, a layman with a scientific rather than a theological education, and this public theologising is helpful to people like me as we try to think through the theological and scientific evaluation of the phenomenon of same-sex attraction.
The correspondence between Dr Jacqueline Keenan and yourself recently publicised on the internet http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/128/1/ caught my attention, not least because I had just been re-reading The Episcopal Church’s report To Set Our Hope on Christ, to which both of you refer.
I hope that, in view of the discussion already circulating on the internet, and your sense of TEC’s calling to bring these matters into the public sphere, you will find acceptable my submission of these thoughts and questions in the form of an open letter.
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 JHan 2008--I write in the spirit of openness expressed in your BBC interview on 1st January 2008 when you said, “The Episcopal Church lives in a society that values transparency …. [and has felt led] to bring these issues [of human sexuality] out into the public sphere where we can do public theologising about them”. I am a member of General Synod in the Church of Ireland, a layman with a scientific rather than a theological education, and this public theologising is helpful to people like me as we try to think through the theological and scientific evaluation of the phenomenon of same-sex attraction.
The correspondence between Dr Jacqueline Keenan and yourself recently publicised on the internet http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/128/1/ caught my attention, not least because I had just been re-reading The Episcopal Church’s report To Set Our Hope on Christ, to which both of you refer.
I hope that, in view of the discussion already circulating on the internet, and your sense of TEC’s calling to bring these matters into the public sphere, you will find acceptable my submission of these thoughts and questions in the form of an open letter.
Changing Attitude: Strong supporters of Lambeth
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/22/changing-attitude-strong-supporters-of-lambeth/
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 Jan 2008--‘Changing Attitude wants the Lambeth Conference to take place because it represents the best hope for a change of attitude for the majority of the communion and because it provides an opportunity to effect change. We will be working for radical change with our friends in Integrity and Inclusive Church. We may not achieve change, but we’ll be working hard for it. We believe change is possible and practical because we are people rooted in God and prayer. If we were as the conservatives try to portray us, as barely Christian, then our faith might be misplaced. But we are people as faithful in prayer and as rooted in God as the conservatives. If change occurs it will happen because there is something godly in what we believe and who we are …
A tactic that brings the majority of bishops to Canterbury in July is advantageous for us. It gives us access to bishops and to the world’s media. It gives us a further opportunity to tell our stories, educate bishops and change attitudes.’
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 Jan 2008--‘Changing Attitude wants the Lambeth Conference to take place because it represents the best hope for a change of attitude for the majority of the communion and because it provides an opportunity to effect change. We will be working for radical change with our friends in Integrity and Inclusive Church. We may not achieve change, but we’ll be working hard for it. We believe change is possible and practical because we are people rooted in God and prayer. If we were as the conservatives try to portray us, as barely Christian, then our faith might be misplaced. But we are people as faithful in prayer and as rooted in God as the conservatives. If change occurs it will happen because there is something godly in what we believe and who we are …
A tactic that brings the majority of bishops to Canterbury in July is advantageous for us. It gives us access to bishops and to the world’s media. It gives us a further opportunity to tell our stories, educate bishops and change attitudes.’
The importance of Archbishop Ernest
http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2008/01/the-importance.html#more
[Articles of Faith] 22 Jan 2008--In October, Archbishop Ian Ernest, Primate of the Indian Ocean, was along with other leading Global South primates co-signatory to a document in which they called for Lambeth to be postponed and said that 'what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism.' Today he sat next to the Archbishop of Canterbury at the press conference at Lambeth Palace to launch the 2008 Lambeth Conference. Our brief news report is now online.
[Articles of Faith] 22 Jan 2008--In October, Archbishop Ian Ernest, Primate of the Indian Ocean, was along with other leading Global South primates co-signatory to a document in which they called for Lambeth to be postponed and said that 'what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism.' Today he sat next to the Archbishop of Canterbury at the press conference at Lambeth Palace to launch the 2008 Lambeth Conference. Our brief news report is now online.
Gay ‘climate of controversy’ clouds Anglican gathering
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/21/gay-climate-of-controversy-clouds-anglican-gathering/#more-2736
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 Jan 2008--Homosexuality dominated today’s official launch of the Lambeth Conference, the 10-yearly gathering of the world’s Anglican bishops taking place in Kent this summer, with the Archbishop of Canterbury speaking frankly of the “climate of controversy” in which they were meeting.Dr Rowan Williams acknowledged that despite the “painful controversies” clouding the life of the communion for the past few years, about 70% of bishops worldwide had formally registered for the conference while a number of others had signalled their intention to attend. It showed, he said, “a strong loyalty to each other and a desire to stay together”.
[Anglican Mainstream] 22 Jan 2008--Homosexuality dominated today’s official launch of the Lambeth Conference, the 10-yearly gathering of the world’s Anglican bishops taking place in Kent this summer, with the Archbishop of Canterbury speaking frankly of the “climate of controversy” in which they were meeting.Dr Rowan Williams acknowledged that despite the “painful controversies” clouding the life of the communion for the past few years, about 70% of bishops worldwide had formally registered for the conference while a number of others had signalled their intention to attend. It showed, he said, “a strong loyalty to each other and a desire to stay together”.
Lambeth 2008: Lift Off or Fizzle?
http://ugleyvicar.blogspot.com/2008/01/lambeth-2008-lift-off-or-fizzle.html
[The Ugley Vicar] 22 Jan 2008--Was Rowan Williams’s speech launching the 2008 Lambeth Conference written by him or by someone else? That is the question I am asking having just read it online.
When the Archbishop’s Advent Letter to the Primates of the Anglican Communion was published back in December, I wrote an assessment of it which was more favourable than comments made by some of my other colleagues in Anglican Mainstream — comments which were roundly rejected by Andrew Goddard writing in his capacity as a member of Fulcrum.
[The Ugley Vicar] 22 Jan 2008--Was Rowan Williams’s speech launching the 2008 Lambeth Conference written by him or by someone else? That is the question I am asking having just read it online.
When the Archbishop’s Advent Letter to the Primates of the Anglican Communion was published back in December, I wrote an assessment of it which was more favourable than comments made by some of my other colleagues in Anglican Mainstream — comments which were roundly rejected by Andrew Goddard writing in his capacity as a member of Fulcrum.
Diocese closer to resolving 'disaffiliation' issues
http://centralflorida.anglican.org/news/news07/dis011808.htm
[The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida] 22 Jan 2008--Central Florida's Diocesan Board on Jan. 18 moved closer to resolving questions about seven rectors’ stated intention to disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.
On Thursday, October 18, 2007, the rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, and two church planters, met with Bishop John W. Howe and representatives of the Diocese to discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations might leave The Episcopal Church.
[The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida] 22 Jan 2008--Central Florida's Diocesan Board on Jan. 18 moved closer to resolving questions about seven rectors’ stated intention to disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.
On Thursday, October 18, 2007, the rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, and two church planters, met with Bishop John W. Howe and representatives of the Diocese to discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations might leave The Episcopal Church.
Archbishop of Canterbury responds to Primate's letter
http://www.anglican.ca/news/news.php?newsItem=2008-01-21_rw.news
[The Anglican Church of Canada] 22 Jan 2008--Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has written to Canadian Primate Archbishop Fred Hiltz to say that he "cannot support or sanction" foreign interventions in the affairs of the Canadian Church.
Archbishop Williams was responding to a letter Archbishop Hiltz wrote to all the Primates of the Anglican Communion earlier this year in which he explained where the Canadian Church was in its discussion of same-sex blessings.
[The Anglican Church of Canada] 22 Jan 2008--Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has written to Canadian Primate Archbishop Fred Hiltz to say that he "cannot support or sanction" foreign interventions in the affairs of the Canadian Church.
Archbishop Williams was responding to a letter Archbishop Hiltz wrote to all the Primates of the Anglican Communion earlier this year in which he explained where the Canadian Church was in its discussion of same-sex blessings.
Recent Occurrences in the Diocese of San Joaquin
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/9388/
[TitusOneNine] 22 Jan 2008--The members of the Standing Committee were elected and seated prior to the convention’s overwhelming vote to accept the invitation of the Province of the Southern Cone. At the moment of ratification, qualification for service on Standing Committee, as well as elected and appointed diocesan leadership positions changed. Therefore, certain members of that Standing Committee who do not meet the above qualifications, by their own conscience, understood that they were not qualified to remain in those positions unless and until they can accept fully their membership in the Province of the Southern Cone. Every one of these former members of that Committee are strong, faithful and orthodox leaders within this Diocese who are taking the opportunity afforded them for discernment as parish priests and we thank them for their past, present and future service. Communication and correspondence related to the Standing Committee should now be directed to the new President of the Standing Committee, Mr. Ted Yumoto, at the Diocesan Offices.
[TitusOneNine] 22 Jan 2008--The members of the Standing Committee were elected and seated prior to the convention’s overwhelming vote to accept the invitation of the Province of the Southern Cone. At the moment of ratification, qualification for service on Standing Committee, as well as elected and appointed diocesan leadership positions changed. Therefore, certain members of that Standing Committee who do not meet the above qualifications, by their own conscience, understood that they were not qualified to remain in those positions unless and until they can accept fully their membership in the Province of the Southern Cone. Every one of these former members of that Committee are strong, faithful and orthodox leaders within this Diocese who are taking the opportunity afforded them for discernment as parish priests and we thank them for their past, present and future service. Communication and correspondence related to the Standing Committee should now be directed to the new President of the Standing Committee, Mr. Ted Yumoto, at the Diocesan Offices.
Episcopalians hold an Indian Rite Mass with Hindus
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-hindu20jan20,1,7144896.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california
[Los Angelos Times] 22 Jan 2008--Hindu nun Pravrajika Saradeshaprana, dressed in a saffron robe, blew into a conch shell three times, calling to worship Hindu and Episcopal religious leaders who joined Saturday to celebrate an Indian Rite Mass at St. John's Cathedral near downtown.
The rare joint service included chants from the Temple Bhajan Band of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and a moving rendition of "Bless the Lord, O My Soul" sung by the St. John's choir.
Related article:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/21/attacks-on-christians-in-india-by-hindu-extremists/
Attacks on Christians in India by Hindu extremists - Anglican Mainstream
No apologies for the Hindu persecution of Christians in India.
[Los Angelos Times] 22 Jan 2008--Hindu nun Pravrajika Saradeshaprana, dressed in a saffron robe, blew into a conch shell three times, calling to worship Hindu and Episcopal religious leaders who joined Saturday to celebrate an Indian Rite Mass at St. John's Cathedral near downtown.
The rare joint service included chants from the Temple Bhajan Band of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and a moving rendition of "Bless the Lord, O My Soul" sung by the St. John's choir.
Related article:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/21/attacks-on-christians-in-india-by-hindu-extremists/
Attacks on Christians in India by Hindu extremists - Anglican Mainstream
No apologies for the Hindu persecution of Christians in India.
Bishop of Lincoln Guardian letter: 'Liberal Anglicans will stay and fight'
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=808
[EV News] 22 Jan 2008--The Bishop of Lincoln, John Saxbee, has written to the Guardian in response to an article in Saturday's Guardian by Theo Hobson titled 'Face to faith: The Church of England's gay crisis makes clear that liberal Anglicanism is finished.'
In the letter Saxbee calls Hobson a 'quitter' and says that Liberals must stay and fight.
[EV News] 22 Jan 2008--The Bishop of Lincoln, John Saxbee, has written to the Guardian in response to an article in Saturday's Guardian by Theo Hobson titled 'Face to faith: The Church of England's gay crisis makes clear that liberal Anglicanism is finished.'
In the letter Saxbee calls Hobson a 'quitter' and says that Liberals must stay and fight.
Charity Commission asked to investigate parsonage transfers
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=805
[EV News] 22 Jan 2008--The Dean of Christ Church Oxford has written to the Charity Commission asking them to investigate the current proposals to all parsonages from local to Diocesan ownership. Christ Church is one of the many Oxford and Cambridge colleges and the letter has the backing of a number of other patronage bodies and individual patrons.
Most parsonages are currently owned by the incumbent who hold the property in trust for the parish for the duration of his incumbency. Therefore the parsonage, along with the Church and graveyard are locally owned on behalf of the parish. The new Ecclesiastical Offices Measure being considered by General Synod in February proposes that part of the conditions of office should be the provision of a house and that the Diocesan Parsonages Board should therefore become the owner of all the parsonages. As the Dean, Christopher Lewis, points out this will involve the transfer of four billion pounds worth of assets which were generally given by local people for the ministry of their local Church. In view of this the Commission are being asked to investigate whether the legislation if it is approved amounts to a breach of trust.
Related article:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/22/anglican-layity-in-revolt-over-coe-bid-to-grab-4-billion-of-vicarage-assets-from-parishes/#more-2740
Anglican laity in revolt over CoE bid to grab £4 billion of vicarage assets from parishes - Anglican Mainstream
[EV News] 22 Jan 2008--The Dean of Christ Church Oxford has written to the Charity Commission asking them to investigate the current proposals to all parsonages from local to Diocesan ownership. Christ Church is one of the many Oxford and Cambridge colleges and the letter has the backing of a number of other patronage bodies and individual patrons.
Most parsonages are currently owned by the incumbent who hold the property in trust for the parish for the duration of his incumbency. Therefore the parsonage, along with the Church and graveyard are locally owned on behalf of the parish. The new Ecclesiastical Offices Measure being considered by General Synod in February proposes that part of the conditions of office should be the provision of a house and that the Diocesan Parsonages Board should therefore become the owner of all the parsonages. As the Dean, Christopher Lewis, points out this will involve the transfer of four billion pounds worth of assets which were generally given by local people for the ministry of their local Church. In view of this the Commission are being asked to investigate whether the legislation if it is approved amounts to a breach of trust.
Related article:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/22/anglican-layity-in-revolt-over-coe-bid-to-grab-4-billion-of-vicarage-assets-from-parishes/#more-2740
Anglican laity in revolt over CoE bid to grab £4 billion of vicarage assets from parishes - Anglican Mainstream
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Old churches converted to new condos
http://www.getreligion.org/?p=3080
[Get Religion] 19 Jan 2008--The abandoned church buildings are the tip of the iceberg of a huge story that encompasses religion, culture, family life and politics. Part of that story was told Saturday in The Chicago Tribune in a special by Jeffrey Steele, who describes how abandoned churches are being converted into fancy condo buildings for the new generation of downtown city dwellers....
The future of the Episcopal Church?
[Get Religion] 19 Jan 2008--The abandoned church buildings are the tip of the iceberg of a huge story that encompasses religion, culture, family life and politics. Part of that story was told Saturday in The Chicago Tribune in a special by Jeffrey Steele, who describes how abandoned churches are being converted into fancy condo buildings for the new generation of downtown city dwellers....
The future of the Episcopal Church?
Gay Jesus play blasted by bishop
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/gay-jesus-play-blasted-by-bishop/2008/01/19/1200620272704.html
[Sydney Morning Heral] 19 Jan 2008--A play that depicts Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas and conducts a gay marriage for two apostles has been condemned by religious leaders as it prepares to open in Sydney.
The Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, questioned the integrity of Corpus Christi and expressed his outrage at the "unhistorical and untrue" depiction of the son of God and some of his disciples as homosexual.
"It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they're obviously having a laugh about it," he said.
"It's historical nonsense and I wouldn't want to go and see it. Life's too short."
[Sydney Morning Heral] 19 Jan 2008--A play that depicts Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas and conducts a gay marriage for two apostles has been condemned by religious leaders as it prepares to open in Sydney.
The Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, questioned the integrity of Corpus Christi and expressed his outrage at the "unhistorical and untrue" depiction of the son of God and some of his disciples as homosexual.
"It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they're obviously having a laugh about it," he said.
"It's historical nonsense and I wouldn't want to go and see it. Life's too short."
Zimbabwe: Ousted Bishop Kunonga Goes Berserk in Church
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801180878.html
[allAfrica.com] 19 Jan 2008--As more information filters through on the dramatic clashes within the Anglican Church last weekend, it turns out that ousted Bishop Nolbert Kunonga personally resorted to violence, in order to disrupt one of many services in the capital. According to a report by the Zimbabwe Independent a service in Greendale was interrupted when Kunonga, his wife and a number of bodyguards entered the church before the 8am start time. The paper quoted a parishioner saying, 'as our front servers prepared for mass and as we waited for Bishop Bakare and our rector to emerge from the vestry, Kunonga unashamedly, and in full view of the congregation, walked to the altar, grabbed the wine, cups and wafers, threw them on the ground, grabbed a chair, placed it right in front of the altar and sat cross-legged, defiantly gazing at the stunned congregation.'
[allAfrica.com] 19 Jan 2008--As more information filters through on the dramatic clashes within the Anglican Church last weekend, it turns out that ousted Bishop Nolbert Kunonga personally resorted to violence, in order to disrupt one of many services in the capital. According to a report by the Zimbabwe Independent a service in Greendale was interrupted when Kunonga, his wife and a number of bodyguards entered the church before the 8am start time. The paper quoted a parishioner saying, 'as our front servers prepared for mass and as we waited for Bishop Bakare and our rector to emerge from the vestry, Kunonga unashamedly, and in full view of the congregation, walked to the altar, grabbed the wine, cups and wafers, threw them on the ground, grabbed a chair, placed it right in front of the altar and sat cross-legged, defiantly gazing at the stunned congregation.'
Starting a church from scratch
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/294279
[The Toronto Star] 19 Jan 2008--An altar from a nearby decommissioned church, the pulpit borrowed from a Baptist congregation in Owen Sound, a lectern and kneelers made by a parishioner, the minister's own piano and a box of prayer books salvaged from curbside in Brantford and destined for the landfill.
With these gathered things, conservative Anglicans in this southwestern Ontario town are striking out on their own.
[The Toronto Star] 19 Jan 2008--An altar from a nearby decommissioned church, the pulpit borrowed from a Baptist congregation in Owen Sound, a lectern and kneelers made by a parishioner, the minister's own piano and a box of prayer books salvaged from curbside in Brantford and destined for the landfill.
With these gathered things, conservative Anglicans in this southwestern Ontario town are striking out on their own.
Giles Fraser leads with his chin
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9306/
[Stand Firm] 19 Jan 2008--A couple of weeks ago Fraser, the Sufi of South-West London and Pied Piper of its intelligensia, started a series on Plato. I commented on it at the time, in particular noting...
Plato struggled to understand shadows on the wall of a cave, we may bask in the very light of the Word of God as He is revealed to us by His own words in Scripture. Let no Philosopher, professor at Oxford or not, tell you otherwise.
This week Fraser begins to show where he's taking all this Plato stuff. Can you guess where it's all going? Go on, take a wild stab in the dark. You'll never get it.
[Stand Firm] 19 Jan 2008--A couple of weeks ago Fraser, the Sufi of South-West London and Pied Piper of its intelligensia, started a series on Plato. I commented on it at the time, in particular noting...
Plato struggled to understand shadows on the wall of a cave, we may bask in the very light of the Word of God as He is revealed to us by His own words in Scripture. Let no Philosopher, professor at Oxford or not, tell you otherwise.
This week Fraser begins to show where he's taking all this Plato stuff. Can you guess where it's all going? Go on, take a wild stab in the dark. You'll never get it.
William Laud and Katherine Jefforts Schori
http://hillsofthenorth.blogspot.com/2008/01/william-laud-and-katherine-jefforts.html
[Hills of the North] 19 Jan 2008--Today Anglicans mark the life of Archbishop William Laud, who at Tower Hill this date in 1645 lost his head. More than 360 years on, Laud remains a controversial figure in English and Anglican history.
Laud's detractors tend to ignore his great strengths—his bureaucratic acumen, his scholarship, and his affection for a truly English church—to name but three. They tend to share the understandable, but unjustified, suspicions of those who accused him of “popery,” and of maneuvering the English church toward Rome. They emphasize his short stature as evidence of a (pre-Napoleon) Napoleonic complex. They remind us of his cruelty—sadism in their view—evidenced by his removing the ears of Prynne and others who did not succumb to his will. They cite Laud’s apparent failures in human relationships and disinterest in the opposite sex as evidence of his lack of humanity, noting that he remained single throughout his life, married, as it were, solely to his work. (Historian Diarmaid MacCulloch asserts that Laud's diaries reveal him to be an unhappy homosexual.) Not displeased with his getting what they view as his just desserts, his detractors tend to gloss over the legal injustice that permitted his death.
[Hills of the North] 19 Jan 2008--Today Anglicans mark the life of Archbishop William Laud, who at Tower Hill this date in 1645 lost his head. More than 360 years on, Laud remains a controversial figure in English and Anglican history.
Laud's detractors tend to ignore his great strengths—his bureaucratic acumen, his scholarship, and his affection for a truly English church—to name but three. They tend to share the understandable, but unjustified, suspicions of those who accused him of “popery,” and of maneuvering the English church toward Rome. They emphasize his short stature as evidence of a (pre-Napoleon) Napoleonic complex. They remind us of his cruelty—sadism in their view—evidenced by his removing the ears of Prynne and others who did not succumb to his will. They cite Laud’s apparent failures in human relationships and disinterest in the opposite sex as evidence of his lack of humanity, noting that he remained single throughout his life, married, as it were, solely to his work. (Historian Diarmaid MacCulloch asserts that Laud's diaries reveal him to be an unhappy homosexual.) Not displeased with his getting what they view as his just desserts, his detractors tend to gloss over the legal injustice that permitted his death.
Somerset congregation splits
http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2008/01/18/news/news281.txt
[Daily American] 19 Jan 2008--Starting Sunday, members of St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Somerset, PA, will have two options for church services.
The Rev. Mark Zimmerman announced he is leaving the church to start the Somerset Anglican Fellowship, which will still be governed under the Anglican Communion.
St. Francis released a statement Friday stating: “As in most religious communities, there are current issues in the Episcopal Church that are being faced, discussed, and acted upon on an international, national, state, diocesan and local level. Time and space constraints limit a full explanation/discussion of the actual issues in this forum. Suffice it to say there have been two primary groups at St. Francis who now desire to follow separate paths along a fork in the road.”
Zimmerman said the two groups both needed some space to grow.
[Daily American] 19 Jan 2008--Starting Sunday, members of St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Somerset, PA, will have two options for church services.
The Rev. Mark Zimmerman announced he is leaving the church to start the Somerset Anglican Fellowship, which will still be governed under the Anglican Communion.
St. Francis released a statement Friday stating: “As in most religious communities, there are current issues in the Episcopal Church that are being faced, discussed, and acted upon on an international, national, state, diocesan and local level. Time and space constraints limit a full explanation/discussion of the actual issues in this forum. Suffice it to say there have been two primary groups at St. Francis who now desire to follow separate paths along a fork in the road.”
Zimmerman said the two groups both needed some space to grow.
“The Anglican Church Kicks off the March for Life”
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/18/the-anglican-church-kicks-off-the-march-for-life/#more-2712
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--Anglicans for Life is pleased to announce that the Right Reverend Henry Scriven, Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA and Anglicans for Life Board Member will give the opening prayer at the March for Life Rally in Washington DC, on January 22, 2008 at noon.
Each year thousands of people travel to Washington DC on the anniversary of the Roe versus Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion all nine months of pregnancy. Busloads of adults, teens and stalwart ‘pro-lifers’ make this annual pilgrimage as a way to acknowledge their support for the sanctity of life.
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--Anglicans for Life is pleased to announce that the Right Reverend Henry Scriven, Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA and Anglicans for Life Board Member will give the opening prayer at the March for Life Rally in Washington DC, on January 22, 2008 at noon.
Each year thousands of people travel to Washington DC on the anniversary of the Roe versus Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion all nine months of pregnancy. Busloads of adults, teens and stalwart ‘pro-lifers’ make this annual pilgrimage as a way to acknowledge their support for the sanctity of life.
The largest twin study and the search for the illusive ‘gay gene’
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/18/the-largest-twin-study-and-the-search-for-the-illusive-gay-gene/
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--Twin studies are favorites of mine because of the potential light they throw on the origin of SSA. The latest one (Santtila et al., 2008) is three times larger than any previous one - in fact bigger than all the rest put together. Does it change anything? Quick answer: No. It confirms the best recent studies: genetic factors are minor; non-genetic factors are major. That is, critical idiosyncratic reactions predominate.
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--Twin studies are favorites of mine because of the potential light they throw on the origin of SSA. The latest one (Santtila et al., 2008) is three times larger than any previous one - in fact bigger than all the rest put together. Does it change anything? Quick answer: No. It confirms the best recent studies: genetic factors are minor; non-genetic factors are major. That is, critical idiosyncratic reactions predominate.
Gay 2008: Why ‘Gay’ matters to all of us - Part I
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/18/i-gay-2008-why-gay-matters-to-all-of-us/#more-2708
[Anglicaqn Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--I realise many of my reader think I have a fixation on the topic… deeply repressed homophobia, no doubt. Why I go ‘on and on’ is not because I am ‘homophobic’. Eyebrows are raised as readers may respond with a disbelieving ‘Oh Yes?’ Well, I have shared my life, my house and my Golden Retriever with lovely gay men and a close female friend who was also bi fell in love with me - the friendship survived intact. And I have spent years listening to the various types of narrative in circulation so I can understand ‘gayworld’ and its inhabitants better. So, I return to the initial ‘fixation’ issue, hopefully cleared of the charge of homophobia, at least.
[Anglicaqn Mainstream] 19 Jan 2008--I realise many of my reader think I have a fixation on the topic… deeply repressed homophobia, no doubt. Why I go ‘on and on’ is not because I am ‘homophobic’. Eyebrows are raised as readers may respond with a disbelieving ‘Oh Yes?’ Well, I have shared my life, my house and my Golden Retriever with lovely gay men and a close female friend who was also bi fell in love with me - the friendship survived intact. And I have spent years listening to the various types of narrative in circulation so I can understand ‘gayworld’ and its inhabitants better. So, I return to the initial ‘fixation’ issue, hopefully cleared of the charge of homophobia, at least.
Episcopal Headquarters Takes Steps to Remove Conservative Bishops
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/januaryweb-only/103-52.0.html
[Christianity Today] 19 Jan 2008--Three conservative bishops of the Episcopal Church are under fire from the church's national leaders and are being threatened with dismissal for seeking to pull their dioceses out of the church in protest of its leftward drift.
The attempted purge of conservative bishops Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh, Jack L. Iker of Fort Worth, and John-David Schofield of Fresno from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori marks a new stage in the battle over church doctrine and discipline that has threatened to split the Episcopal Church since the hotly contested 2003 consecration of a non-celibate gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire.
[Christianity Today] 19 Jan 2008--Three conservative bishops of the Episcopal Church are under fire from the church's national leaders and are being threatened with dismissal for seeking to pull their dioceses out of the church in protest of its leftward drift.
The attempted purge of conservative bishops Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh, Jack L. Iker of Fort Worth, and John-David Schofield of Fresno from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori marks a new stage in the battle over church doctrine and discipline that has threatened to split the Episcopal Church since the hotly contested 2003 consecration of a non-celibate gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire.
Orlando-area church that left Episcopal diocese finds home with Pentecostals
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lministers1908jan19,0,6612588,print.story
[Orlando Sentinel] 19 Jan 2008--The only Episcopal congregation in Lake County to leave the national denomination over the issue of homosexuality and other doctrines has found a new home and ally in its quest to begin worshipping anew -- a tiny Pentecostal congregation.
[Orlando Sentinel] 19 Jan 2008--The only Episcopal congregation in Lake County to leave the national denomination over the issue of homosexuality and other doctrines has found a new home and ally in its quest to begin worshipping anew -- a tiny Pentecostal congregation.
Video: Presiding Bishop Schori’s Deposition in Virginia Property Trial
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9155/
[Stand Firm] 19 Jan 2008--This video contains some of the highlights (such as they are) of Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori's video deposition in the Virginia property trial. Schori was deposed on videotape, at TEC headquarters in New York, and the videotape shown to the court in Virginia.
[Stand Firm] 19 Jan 2008--This video contains some of the highlights (such as they are) of Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori's video deposition in the Virginia property trial. Schori was deposed on videotape, at TEC headquarters in New York, and the videotape shown to the court in Virginia.
Why hold a conservative Anglican conference?
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=49621
[Church Times] 19 Jan 2008--Archbishops and bishops from both the Evangelical and Anglo-Catholic wings of the Church, who lead 30 million of the world’s 55 million active Anglicans, will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in June 2008 for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON: News, 4 January). They are travelling to the places of Christ’s ministry, where the gift of the Holy Spirit was first poured out, in order to strengthen them for what they believe will be difficult days ahead.
The vision, according to the Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Revd Benjamin Nzimbi, is to inform and inspire the invited leaders “to seek transformation in our own lives and help impact communities and societies through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
[Church Times] 19 Jan 2008--Archbishops and bishops from both the Evangelical and Anglo-Catholic wings of the Church, who lead 30 million of the world’s 55 million active Anglicans, will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in June 2008 for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON: News, 4 January). They are travelling to the places of Christ’s ministry, where the gift of the Holy Spirit was first poured out, in order to strengthen them for what they believe will be difficult days ahead.
The vision, according to the Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Revd Benjamin Nzimbi, is to inform and inspire the invited leaders “to seek transformation in our own lives and help impact communities and societies through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Dissident Groups Organize to Oppose Diocesan Departures
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/17/dissident-groups-organize-to-oppose-diocesan-departures
[The Living Church] 18 Jan 2008--In conjunction with disciplinary actions initiated by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, groups in the dioceses of San Joaquin, Pittsburgh, and Fort Worth are proceeding with strategies to oppose plans by the dioceses to dissociate from the Episcopal Church.
On Jan. 11 Bishop Jefferts Schori inhibited Bishop John-David Schofield of San Joaquin, whose diocese left the Episcopal Church in December, charging him with abandonment of communion after securing the unanimous consent of three senior bishops with jurisdiction. She recently appointed the Rev. Canon Bob Moore as an ‘interim pastoral presence’ in the diocese.
A website maintained by the group Remain Episcopal in the Diocese of San Joaquin reports that Canon Moore will embark on a five-day listening tour of the diocese from Jan. 21-25. The tour is scheduled to conclude with a day-long rally at Church of the Saviour, Hanford, Calif., on Jan. 26. The Remain Episcopal announcement states that “the title of this event, ‘Moving Forward, Welcoming All,’ expresses the desire of Remain Episcopal membership that their diocese be rebuilt with an inclusive and Christ-centered message of love and salvation, rather than a judgmental attitude that demands schism.”
[The Living Church] 18 Jan 2008--In conjunction with disciplinary actions initiated by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, groups in the dioceses of San Joaquin, Pittsburgh, and Fort Worth are proceeding with strategies to oppose plans by the dioceses to dissociate from the Episcopal Church.
On Jan. 11 Bishop Jefferts Schori inhibited Bishop John-David Schofield of San Joaquin, whose diocese left the Episcopal Church in December, charging him with abandonment of communion after securing the unanimous consent of three senior bishops with jurisdiction. She recently appointed the Rev. Canon Bob Moore as an ‘interim pastoral presence’ in the diocese.
A website maintained by the group Remain Episcopal in the Diocese of San Joaquin reports that Canon Moore will embark on a five-day listening tour of the diocese from Jan. 21-25. The tour is scheduled to conclude with a day-long rally at Church of the Saviour, Hanford, Calif., on Jan. 26. The Remain Episcopal announcement states that “the title of this event, ‘Moving Forward, Welcoming All,’ expresses the desire of Remain Episcopal membership that their diocese be rebuilt with an inclusive and Christ-centered message of love and salvation, rather than a judgmental attitude that demands schism.”
Another straw in the wind: The installation of the bishop of Nevada
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/01/18/another-straw-in-the-wind-the-installation-of-the-bishop-of-nevada/
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Jan 2008--In yet another body blow to orthodox Anglicanism, the new tenth Episcopal Bishop of Nevada, the Rt. Rev. Dan Thomas Edwards, 57, was blessed by a Roman Catholic Bishop, a Hindu chaplain, a Muslim Imam, a Jewish Rabbi, a Bahai leader, a Baptist minister, a Native American, “smudgers” and drummers, choirs and churchgoers from throughout Nevada as well as Mrs. Katharine Jefferts Schori, The Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop …
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Jan 2008--In yet another body blow to orthodox Anglicanism, the new tenth Episcopal Bishop of Nevada, the Rt. Rev. Dan Thomas Edwards, 57, was blessed by a Roman Catholic Bishop, a Hindu chaplain, a Muslim Imam, a Jewish Rabbi, a Bahai leader, a Baptist minister, a Native American, “smudgers” and drummers, choirs and churchgoers from throughout Nevada as well as Mrs. Katharine Jefferts Schori, The Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop …
Make a Note: Judge Bellows puts trial dates on calendar - has not yet ruled what will be covered on those dates
http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/2008/01/make-note-judge-bellows-puts-trial.html
[BabyBlueOnline] 18 Jan 2008--The Diocese of Virginia has just released a statement on the state of their lawsuits against the eleven Virginia Churches that followed the Protocol for Departing Churches and voted to separate from the Episcopal Church.
[BabyBlueOnline] 18 Jan 2008--The Diocese of Virginia has just released a statement on the state of their lawsuits against the eleven Virginia Churches that followed the Protocol for Departing Churches and voted to separate from the Episcopal Church.
Bishops to Focus on Media Relations at Spring Meeting
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/17/bishops-to-focus-on-media-relations-at-spring-meeting
[The Living Church] 18 Jan 2008--The spring House of Bishops’ meeting will include development of a media strategy for next summer’s Lambeth Conference of Bishops, according to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. Bishop Jefferts Schori briefed bishops on the agenda for the March 7-13 meeting at Camp Allen in an email message dated Jan. 10.
“With over 100 [TEC] bishops consecrated since the 1998 gathering, it is helpful to offer some historical perspective, as well as consider the practical realities of our time there,” wrote Bishop Jefferts Schori, who was not consecrated Bishop of Nevada until two years after the conclusion of the 1998 conference. “As part of preparing for Lambeth, we will also discuss communications strategies and reflect on how best to work with the media both leading up to and following the conference.”
[The Living Church] 18 Jan 2008--The spring House of Bishops’ meeting will include development of a media strategy for next summer’s Lambeth Conference of Bishops, according to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. Bishop Jefferts Schori briefed bishops on the agenda for the March 7-13 meeting at Camp Allen in an email message dated Jan. 10.
“With over 100 [TEC] bishops consecrated since the 1998 gathering, it is helpful to offer some historical perspective, as well as consider the practical realities of our time there,” wrote Bishop Jefferts Schori, who was not consecrated Bishop of Nevada until two years after the conclusion of the 1998 conference. “As part of preparing for Lambeth, we will also discuss communications strategies and reflect on how best to work with the media both leading up to and following the conference.”
Diocese of Virginia, Episcopal Church, Other Faith Groups Oppose Attorney General Intervention
http://www.thediocese.net/News_services/pressroom/newsrelease47.html
[The Diocese of Virginia] 18 Jan 2008--Today, The Diocese of Virginia and The Episcopal Church filed their opposition to the motion by Virginia Attorney General Robert McDonnell to intervene in the consolidated church property cases currently being heard in Fairfax Circuit Court by the Hon. Randy I. Bellows.
In stating their opposition, the Diocese and the Church noted that the Commonwealth had failed to meet the requirements that govern intervention in such a dispute and that the state “lacks any right or interest in the subject matter,” namely the property unlawfully occupied by individuals in the CANA breakaway congregations. The Diocese and the Church raised no objections, however, to the Attorney General filing an amicus curiae or friend of the court brief on the matter of the constitutionality of section 57-9 of the Code of Virginia which is at issue at this stage in the case.
[The Diocese of Virginia] 18 Jan 2008--Today, The Diocese of Virginia and The Episcopal Church filed their opposition to the motion by Virginia Attorney General Robert McDonnell to intervene in the consolidated church property cases currently being heard in Fairfax Circuit Court by the Hon. Randy I. Bellows.
In stating their opposition, the Diocese and the Church noted that the Commonwealth had failed to meet the requirements that govern intervention in such a dispute and that the state “lacks any right or interest in the subject matter,” namely the property unlawfully occupied by individuals in the CANA breakaway congregations. The Diocese and the Church raised no objections, however, to the Attorney General filing an amicus curiae or friend of the court brief on the matter of the constitutionality of section 57-9 of the Code of Virginia which is at issue at this stage in the case.
Accountability Globalism: The Wave of the Future?
http://catholicandreformed.blogspot.com/2008/01/accountability-globalism-wave-of-future.html
[Catholic and Reformed] 18 Jan 2008--Miranda Hassett has set herself a challenging task, yet the result is worthy of wide scrutiny, by liberal and conservative alike. Indeed, the title of this book combined with the author’s forthright disclosure that she is both a liberal Episcopalian and an anthropologist, makes her balanced treatment of the subject matter all the more commendable.
[Catholic and Reformed] 18 Jan 2008--Miranda Hassett has set herself a challenging task, yet the result is worthy of wide scrutiny, by liberal and conservative alike. Indeed, the title of this book combined with the author’s forthright disclosure that she is both a liberal Episcopalian and an anthropologist, makes her balanced treatment of the subject matter all the more commendable.
Bishop Wimberly: why I did not consent to inhibition
http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/bishops/bishop_wimberly_why_i_did_not.html
[Episcopal Cafe] 18 Jan 2008--Bishop Don Wimberly of Texas has released the following statement on his reasons for not consenting to inhibit Bishop Duncan of Pittsburgh:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori asked me along with the other two most senior bishops (Peter Lee of Virginia and Leo Frade of Southeast Florida) for consent to move forward with two inhibitions, one for John-David Scofield, Bishop of San Joaquin and Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburg, for abandonment of the Communion of the Church. We consented to Scofield because the Diocese of San Joaquin had recently voted to leave the Episcopal Church. We did not consent to the request for Bishop Duncan because the Diocese of Pittsburgh has not held their annual convention yet and therefore has not formalized any change to their membership within the Episcopal Church, as the Diocese of San Joaquin had. Even though waiting postpones the issue coming before the House of Bishops, I believe it is prudent to take every precaution and afford Bishop Duncan the opportunity to remain in the Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly, Bishop of Texas
It is not known whether or not the other senior bishops gave consent.
[Episcopal Cafe] 18 Jan 2008--Bishop Don Wimberly of Texas has released the following statement on his reasons for not consenting to inhibit Bishop Duncan of Pittsburgh:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori asked me along with the other two most senior bishops (Peter Lee of Virginia and Leo Frade of Southeast Florida) for consent to move forward with two inhibitions, one for John-David Scofield, Bishop of San Joaquin and Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburg, for abandonment of the Communion of the Church. We consented to Scofield because the Diocese of San Joaquin had recently voted to leave the Episcopal Church. We did not consent to the request for Bishop Duncan because the Diocese of Pittsburgh has not held their annual convention yet and therefore has not formalized any change to their membership within the Episcopal Church, as the Diocese of San Joaquin had. Even though waiting postpones the issue coming before the House of Bishops, I believe it is prudent to take every precaution and afford Bishop Duncan the opportunity to remain in the Episcopal Church.
The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly, Bishop of Texas
It is not known whether or not the other senior bishops gave consent.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Removal vote nearing for Episcopal bishop
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08017/849893-85.stm
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 17 Jan 2008--Officials of the Episcopal Church have taken a first step toward removing theologically conservative Bishop Robert Duncan as head of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, but he dodged an ecclesiastical bullet when the three senior bishops of the church declined the presiding bishop's request to immediately suspend him.
Instead, all the bishops of the Episcopal Church will vote on whether to depose him, most likely at their fall meeting, for "abandoning the communion" of the Episcopal Church. "Communion" is a broad term that encompasses the beliefs, fellowship and structure of a church.
Bishop Duncan yesterday denied the charge.
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 17 Jan 2008--Officials of the Episcopal Church have taken a first step toward removing theologically conservative Bishop Robert Duncan as head of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, but he dodged an ecclesiastical bullet when the three senior bishops of the church declined the presiding bishop's request to immediately suspend him.
Instead, all the bishops of the Episcopal Church will vote on whether to depose him, most likely at their fall meeting, for "abandoning the communion" of the Episcopal Church. "Communion" is a broad term that encompasses the beliefs, fellowship and structure of a church.
Bishop Duncan yesterday denied the charge.
Grace Episcopal's split becomes official Feb. 3
http://www.ocala.com/article/20080117/NEWS/801170340/1368/googlesitemapnews
[OCALA.com] 17 Jan 2008--Feb. 3 will be a day of change and challenges for Grace Episcopal Church.
On that day, the Rev. Donald J. Curran will resign as rector of the historical church. The 12-member vestry board will follow. And so will several staff members, the musicians and a big chunk of the congregation.
Those leaving will make up a new church, Christ the King Anglican Church. Those staying will remain members of Grace Episcopal.
[OCALA.com] 17 Jan 2008--Feb. 3 will be a day of change and challenges for Grace Episcopal Church.
On that day, the Rev. Donald J. Curran will resign as rector of the historical church. The 12-member vestry board will follow. And so will several staff members, the musicians and a big chunk of the congregation.
Those leaving will make up a new church, Christ the King Anglican Church. Those staying will remain members of Grace Episcopal.
The Archbishop As Head Janitor
http://lonestartimes.com/2008/01/17/the-archbishop-as-head-janitor/
[Lone Star Times] 17 Jan 2008--The Anglican Communion is a term used to describe the worldwide Episcopal Church of 55 million members in all of its manifestations across the continents. Stateside, it is called the Episcopal Church of the United States of America. These unifying titles have become a charade as the various structures of the Anglicanism are crashing down the mountain like so many houses in a California mudslide. ECUSA is in shambles, beset by lawsuits and restraining orders, disputed properties and a hierarchy of leftist bishops hell-bent on crushing the rebellion of their unwashed, unenlightened more conservative flocks. Individual American congregations and entire dioceses are asking the orthodox conservative African and South American Anglican bishops to accept authority over them.
[Lone Star Times] 17 Jan 2008--The Anglican Communion is a term used to describe the worldwide Episcopal Church of 55 million members in all of its manifestations across the continents. Stateside, it is called the Episcopal Church of the United States of America. These unifying titles have become a charade as the various structures of the Anglicanism are crashing down the mountain like so many houses in a California mudslide. ECUSA is in shambles, beset by lawsuits and restraining orders, disputed properties and a hierarchy of leftist bishops hell-bent on crushing the rebellion of their unwashed, unenlightened more conservative flocks. Individual American congregations and entire dioceses are asking the orthodox conservative African and South American Anglican bishops to accept authority over them.
United beyond truth
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=bb66da8e-f676-473e-800d-314e5460a023
[California Catholic Daily] 17 Jan 2008--On Nov. 10, the U.S. Episcopal Church’s first female presiding bishop ordained California’s first woman bishop. In a service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal church in Saratoga, Episcopal Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Shori witnessed the vows of Mary Gray-Reeves, following which Anglican bishops from around the world laid hands on her. Gray-Reeves now presides over the Episcopal diocese of El Camino Real, which includes the Silicon Valley and the Central Coast.
The ordination service was a multi-cultural affair, according to San Jose Mercury News. It featured a Sudanese choir, prayers spoken in both English and Spanish, and one Sherry LeBeau, “smudg[ing] the church with sage as her husband spoke in Lakota.”
[California Catholic Daily] 17 Jan 2008--On Nov. 10, the U.S. Episcopal Church’s first female presiding bishop ordained California’s first woman bishop. In a service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal church in Saratoga, Episcopal Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Shori witnessed the vows of Mary Gray-Reeves, following which Anglican bishops from around the world laid hands on her. Gray-Reeves now presides over the Episcopal diocese of El Camino Real, which includes the Silicon Valley and the Central Coast.
The ordination service was a multi-cultural affair, according to San Jose Mercury News. It featured a Sudanese choir, prayers spoken in both English and Spanish, and one Sherry LeBeau, “smudg[ing] the church with sage as her husband spoke in Lakota.”
San Joaquin Bishop Fights Back in Verbal Slugfest with the Episcopal Church
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7502
[VirtueOnline] 17 Jan 2008--"I feel betrayed. This isn't Christianity. This is power politics. Whatever the American [Episcopal] Church does, doesn't apply to me. That's their laws for their people.
"With these words, the Anglo-Catholic Bishop of San Joaquin kicked off what looks to become a major legal and ecclesiastical battle that will undoubtedly wind up in the secular law courts, a major public relations disaster for The Episcopal Church.
[VirtueOnline] 17 Jan 2008--"I feel betrayed. This isn't Christianity. This is power politics. Whatever the American [Episcopal] Church does, doesn't apply to me. That's their laws for their people.
"With these words, the Anglo-Catholic Bishop of San Joaquin kicked off what looks to become a major legal and ecclesiastical battle that will undoubtedly wind up in the secular law courts, a major public relations disaster for The Episcopal Church.
Oprah to Hawk New-Age ‘Christ’ on XM Radio Show
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/9230/
[Stand Firm] 17 Jan 2008--Oprah Winfrey will be letting out all the stops on her XM Satellite Radio program this coming year. Beginning January 1, 2008, “Oprah & Friends” will offer a year-long course on the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles....
[Stand Firm] 17 Jan 2008--Oprah Winfrey will be letting out all the stops on her XM Satellite Radio program this coming year. Beginning January 1, 2008, “Oprah & Friends” will offer a year-long course on the New Age teachings of A Course in Miracles....
Primate of Rwanda Re-elected; Calls for Education Reform
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/1/16/primate-of-rwanda-re-elected-calls-for-education-reform
[The Living Church] 17 Jan 2008--Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini was re-elected to another three-year term as Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda during that church’s General Synod late last year at St. Etienne’s Cathedral in Biryogo.
Delegates to the General Synod also voted to broaden and increase the curriculum of the church’s theological college in Kabunga. The changes are intended to transform the theological college into an academic university offering new degrees in a variety of secular subjects. Synod also voted to change the legal name of the church from the Episcopal Church of Rwanda to the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
[The Living Church] 17 Jan 2008--Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini was re-elected to another three-year term as Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda during that church’s General Synod late last year at St. Etienne’s Cathedral in Biryogo.
Delegates to the General Synod also voted to broaden and increase the curriculum of the church’s theological college in Kabunga. The changes are intended to transform the theological college into an academic university offering new degrees in a variety of secular subjects. Synod also voted to change the legal name of the church from the Episcopal Church of Rwanda to the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
Episcopal Church acts against Pittsburgh bishop
http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-58/120049857261730.xml&storylist=penn
[pennlive.com] 17 Jan 2008--An Episcopal committee says that conservative Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has "abandoned the communion of this church" — a potential first step toward stripping him of religious authority in the denomination.
The committee blocked the national Episcopal Church from imposing the penalty of "inhibition," which would have barred him from performing religious duties. But the Episcopal House of Bishops is expected to consider imposing the punishment near the end of this year.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who notified Duncan that he had abandoned the communion on Tuesday, told Duncan that she sought permission to inhibit him.
[pennlive.com] 17 Jan 2008--An Episcopal committee says that conservative Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has "abandoned the communion of this church" — a potential first step toward stripping him of religious authority in the denomination.
The committee blocked the national Episcopal Church from imposing the penalty of "inhibition," which would have barred him from performing religious duties. But the Episcopal House of Bishops is expected to consider imposing the punishment near the end of this year.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who notified Duncan that he had abandoned the communion on Tuesday, told Duncan that she sought permission to inhibit him.
Episcopal Church formally warns Pittsburgh bishop over split
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08016/849575-100.stm
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 17 Jan 2008--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori of the Episcopal Church has warned Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh that he has been declared out of communion with the Episcopal Church and is danger of being removed from office if he does not abandon his efforts to realign the diocese with an Anglican province outside the United States.
Earlier today the Associated Press distributed a story claiming that Bishop Duncan had been banned from his duties. In fact, a key committee of three bishops on Friday had refused Bishop Jefferts-Schori's request to take immediate action against Bishop Duncan.
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 17 Jan 2008--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori of the Episcopal Church has warned Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh that he has been declared out of communion with the Episcopal Church and is danger of being removed from office if he does not abandon his efforts to realign the diocese with an Anglican province outside the United States.
Earlier today the Associated Press distributed a story claiming that Bishop Duncan had been banned from his duties. In fact, a key committee of three bishops on Friday had refused Bishop Jefferts-Schori's request to take immediate action against Bishop Duncan.
Episcopal church cracks down on dissidents
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1614194620080117
[Reuters] 17 Jan 2008--Leaders of the U.S. Episcopal Church have stepped up a crackdown on conservative dissidents, ordering one bishop to stop his religious work and threatening a second with the same thing.
Both rebuffed the moves.
[Reuters] 17 Jan 2008--Leaders of the U.S. Episcopal Church have stepped up a crackdown on conservative dissidents, ordering one bishop to stop his religious work and threatening a second with the same thing.
Both rebuffed the moves.
A Message from Bishop Iker
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/bishop/message010908.html
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 17 Jan 2008--BISHOP SAM HULSEY, the retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, hosted an organizational meeting yesterday afternoon at his home here in Fort Worth for all clergy of this Diocese who are opposed to the decisions made by our Diocesan Convention in November and who are committed to keeping this Diocese in The Episcopal Church, no matter what. Though I was not given a list of those invited, I understand that only two or three rectors attended and that the rest were a handful of retired priests and a couple of deacons. Of the 14 clergy who voted against the constitutional changes in November, it is believed that half are retired or non-parochial.
I HAVE RECEIVED A SECOND THREATENING LETTER from the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. Interestingly enough, it arrived on the same day as the meeting convened by Bishop Hulsey. As you will recall, in a much-publicized letter in November the PB had threatened me with disciplinary charges of “abandonment of the communion of this church” if I permitted the Diocesan Convention to vote on the proposed constitutional revisions that were put before us. This time she threatens me with charges of a violation of my ordination vows if I continue “any encouragement of such a belief” that parishes and dioceses can leave The Episcopal Church. Well, so much for an invitation to dialogue and conversation! It’s all about threats of dire consequences if you don’t comply with the party line.
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 17 Jan 2008--BISHOP SAM HULSEY, the retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, hosted an organizational meeting yesterday afternoon at his home here in Fort Worth for all clergy of this Diocese who are opposed to the decisions made by our Diocesan Convention in November and who are committed to keeping this Diocese in The Episcopal Church, no matter what. Though I was not given a list of those invited, I understand that only two or three rectors attended and that the rest were a handful of retired priests and a couple of deacons. Of the 14 clergy who voted against the constitutional changes in November, it is believed that half are retired or non-parochial.
I HAVE RECEIVED A SECOND THREATENING LETTER from the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. Interestingly enough, it arrived on the same day as the meeting convened by Bishop Hulsey. As you will recall, in a much-publicized letter in November the PB had threatened me with disciplinary charges of “abandonment of the communion of this church” if I permitted the Diocesan Convention to vote on the proposed constitutional revisions that were put before us. This time she threatens me with charges of a violation of my ordination vows if I continue “any encouragement of such a belief” that parishes and dioceses can leave The Episcopal Church. Well, so much for an invitation to dialogue and conversation! It’s all about threats of dire consequences if you don’t comply with the party line.
Bishop Iker's Comments to the Press
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/news/press011509.html
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 17 Jan 2008--I find it tragic and deeply disturbing that the Presiding Bishop would seek to take canonical action against the Bishop of Pittsburgh prior to any final decision by his diocesan convention concerning separation from The Episcopal Church. The fact that Bishop Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh are still a part of The Episcopal Church was clearly affirmed by the refusal of the three senior diocesan bishops to consent to his being inhibited for this alleged offense. The Episcopal Church continually gives lip service to the need for ongoing conversation and dialogue to heal our divisions while at the same time closing off any possibility of continuing conversations by aggressive, punitive actions such as this.
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 17 Jan 2008--I find it tragic and deeply disturbing that the Presiding Bishop would seek to take canonical action against the Bishop of Pittsburgh prior to any final decision by his diocesan convention concerning separation from The Episcopal Church. The fact that Bishop Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh are still a part of The Episcopal Church was clearly affirmed by the refusal of the three senior diocesan bishops to consent to his being inhibited for this alleged offense. The Episcopal Church continually gives lip service to the need for ongoing conversation and dialogue to heal our divisions while at the same time closing off any possibility of continuing conversations by aggressive, punitive actions such as this.
Progressive Episcopalians See Review Committee Action
http://progressiveepiscopalians.org/html/2008-01-16opportunity.html
[Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh] 17 Jan 2008--Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) sees reason for hope in the statement issued yesterday by The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Review Committee certifying that, in its view, Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of The Episcopal Church. PEP believes that the canonical procedures set in motion by this decision will clarify issues of polity that have become confused in this diocese.
[Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh] 17 Jan 2008--Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) sees reason for hope in the statement issued yesterday by The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Review Committee certifying that, in its view, Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of The Episcopal Church. PEP believes that the canonical procedures set in motion by this decision will clarify issues of polity that have become confused in this diocese.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Akinola urges Bishops to make worship more interesting
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.
[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.
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