http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12574/
[Stand Firm] 19 May 2008--Subsequently, this radically subjective turn, this move from theology—the study of God—to theological anthropology—the investigation of our own perceptions about God—began to effect and infect the mainline protestant bodies in the west. The Anglican bodies including the Episcopal Church in the United States were no exception. The classic Christian position, that God reveals himself and his law to humanity generally in nature and specially in Holy Scripture and the Church and that this revelation was knowable in an objective sense, gradually became, in many denominations, especially the mainline denominations whose leading theologians and clergy were heavily influenced by Schleiermacher, a minority position. So, along with western culture, the western church began to slowly succumb to epistemological doubt, to uncertainty, and as she did, she began to adopt a pluralist paradigm if we cannot know truth with certainty we cannot assert it with certainty.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe police target Anglican churches
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/1983058/Zimbabwe-Robert-Mugabe-police-target-Anglican-churches.html
[Telegraph] 19 May 2008--Armed riot police prevented Harare's beleagured Anglican congregations from worshipping in their churches on Sunday in defiance of a supreme court order.
Police moved into the gardens of Anglican churches around the city from early morning and senior officers telephoned priests and warned them not to try and hold services yesterday.
Two weeks ago the usually pro government Supreme Court of Zimbabwe dismissed an application by Nolbert Kunonga, the former Bishop of Harare, to take control all Harare's 58 Anglican churches.
Mr Kunonga, who is an avid supporter of President Robert Mugabe and was given a 1600 acre white-owned farm in 2003, was sacked by the Church of the Province of Central Africa last November.
[Telegraph] 19 May 2008--Armed riot police prevented Harare's beleagured Anglican congregations from worshipping in their churches on Sunday in defiance of a supreme court order.
Police moved into the gardens of Anglican churches around the city from early morning and senior officers telephoned priests and warned them not to try and hold services yesterday.
Two weeks ago the usually pro government Supreme Court of Zimbabwe dismissed an application by Nolbert Kunonga, the former Bishop of Harare, to take control all Harare's 58 Anglican churches.
Mr Kunonga, who is an avid supporter of President Robert Mugabe and was given a 1600 acre white-owned farm in 2003, was sacked by the Church of the Province of Central Africa last November.
Splitting up: Anglican angst
http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=4770
[The Christian Century] 19 May 2008--Last year the Church of the Resurrection in suburban West Chicago closed its doors and put its building up for sale. The Episcopal congregation had suffered membership losses 14 years earlier when some conservative members left to start their own church, also called the Church of the Resurrection, in nearby Glen Ellyn. The new congregation later aligned itself with the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA), which is connected to the Anglican Church in Rwanda.
The new Church of the Resurrection later experienced its own split, with some members leaving to launch the Church of the Great Shepherd-also affiliated with AMIA-in Wheaton. The Church of the Great Shepherd eventually closed its doors, but not before a 2004 split led to the formation of the Church of the Savior back in West Chicago.
[The Christian Century] 19 May 2008--Last year the Church of the Resurrection in suburban West Chicago closed its doors and put its building up for sale. The Episcopal congregation had suffered membership losses 14 years earlier when some conservative members left to start their own church, also called the Church of the Resurrection, in nearby Glen Ellyn. The new congregation later aligned itself with the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA), which is connected to the Anglican Church in Rwanda.
The new Church of the Resurrection later experienced its own split, with some members leaving to launch the Church of the Great Shepherd-also affiliated with AMIA-in Wheaton. The Church of the Great Shepherd eventually closed its doors, but not before a 2004 split led to the formation of the Church of the Savior back in West Chicago.
Uganda: Church of Uganda Steps Farther Away Over Gays
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805190643.html
[allAfrica.com] 19 May 2008--The fallout over the ordination of gay priests as bishops in the worldwide Anglican Communion reaches a critical point next month when the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) kicks off in Israel.
Gafcon brings together the more conservative bishops, several of whom have said they are boycotting the Lambeth Conference that takes place a month later in July.
Archbishop Luke Orombi of the Church of Uganda is one of the primates who will not be attending Lambeth but will be in Jerusalem at Gafcon, which some have christened the "alternative Lambeth".
If the boycott goes through on the anticipated scale, it could damage the unity of the Anglican Church.
[allAfrica.com] 19 May 2008--The fallout over the ordination of gay priests as bishops in the worldwide Anglican Communion reaches a critical point next month when the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) kicks off in Israel.
Gafcon brings together the more conservative bishops, several of whom have said they are boycotting the Lambeth Conference that takes place a month later in July.
Archbishop Luke Orombi of the Church of Uganda is one of the primates who will not be attending Lambeth but will be in Jerusalem at Gafcon, which some have christened the "alternative Lambeth".
If the boycott goes through on the anticipated scale, it could damage the unity of the Anglican Church.
Southern Cone Changes Constitution to Welcome Others
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/southern-cone-changes-constitution-to-welcome-others-cen-51608-p-7/
[Conger] 19 May 2008--The Province of the Southern Cone has begun work to amend its Constitution and Canons to permit parishes and dioceses outside of South America to affiliate with the church.
In an address to the Diocese of Fort Worth on May 3, Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables of Argentina said his province had agreed to accept the diocese of San Joaquin into the South American church as a “pastoral” and interim response to the divisions within the US Episcopal Church. Work was now underway to alter the church’s constitution, removing language that limited membership to dioceses located in South America.
The “Anglican Communion in the United States has been hijacked,” Bishop Venables said, by a liberal clique that is less concerned with theological integrity than with power. They do not “mind what happens as long as they control it,” he said according to a report prepared by the diocese’s communications officer.
[Conger] 19 May 2008--The Province of the Southern Cone has begun work to amend its Constitution and Canons to permit parishes and dioceses outside of South America to affiliate with the church.
In an address to the Diocese of Fort Worth on May 3, Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables of Argentina said his province had agreed to accept the diocese of San Joaquin into the South American church as a “pastoral” and interim response to the divisions within the US Episcopal Church. Work was now underway to alter the church’s constitution, removing language that limited membership to dioceses located in South America.
The “Anglican Communion in the United States has been hijacked,” Bishop Venables said, by a liberal clique that is less concerned with theological integrity than with power. They do not “mind what happens as long as they control it,” he said according to a report prepared by the diocese’s communications officer.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
CANA to Ordain New Priests and Deacons
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12522/
[Stand Firm] 17 May 2008--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) will ordain five candidates to the Sacred Priesthood and three candidates to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, May 17. The candidates represent five Virginia parishes and Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. The celebrant and ordaining bishop is the Rt. Rev’d David Bena, Suffragan Bishop of CANA, who will perform the ordinations at a 1:00 pm service at The Falls Church, in Falls Church, Va.
“CANA is committed to providing the church with the next generation of American Anglican clergy who are well-trained, Spirit-filled, and mission driven. These new ordinands are certainly no exception. The fact that CANA’s 60 congregations with an average Sunday attendance of 8,600 are thriving, despite relentless opposition and some of the largest lawsuits ever mounted by The Episcopal Church, speaks volumes to the faith of our parishioners and our commitment to the Scriptural foundation of the Anglican tradition,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.
[Stand Firm] 17 May 2008--The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) will ordain five candidates to the Sacred Priesthood and three candidates to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, May 17. The candidates represent five Virginia parishes and Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. The celebrant and ordaining bishop is the Rt. Rev’d David Bena, Suffragan Bishop of CANA, who will perform the ordinations at a 1:00 pm service at The Falls Church, in Falls Church, Va.
“CANA is committed to providing the church with the next generation of American Anglican clergy who are well-trained, Spirit-filled, and mission driven. These new ordinands are certainly no exception. The fact that CANA’s 60 congregations with an average Sunday attendance of 8,600 are thriving, despite relentless opposition and some of the largest lawsuits ever mounted by The Episcopal Church, speaks volumes to the faith of our parishioners and our commitment to the Scriptural foundation of the Anglican tradition,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.
Bishop David Anderson: The Present State of Affairs, 16 May 2008
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/05/17/bishop-david-anderson-the-present-state-of-affairs-16-may-2008/
[Anglican Mainstream] 17 May 2008--This week let me begin with a personal praise report. My grandson Palmer has this week passed his five year cancer-free date, and the doctors have pronounced him cured. It was a long battle and at several time we worried that we might lose him, but the prayers of thousands around the world and the Grace of God preserved and healed him. He has no cognitive damage, nor any physical impairment that we can ascertain. He is very intelligent, very loving, and a good soccer player. To God be the glory.
We note the letter of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to Archbishop and Primate Henry Orombi telling him to stay out of "her domain." She of course sent a copy to Bishop Henry Louttit, who is under pressure to continue litigation against Christ Church, Savannah, the Mother Church of all Georgia and the Rev. John Wesley’s American parish. She also sent a copy to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The interesting thing is she waited to notify Orombi until he was already within a stone’s throw of Georgia, leaving him to discover her letter posted on the Internet. It is clear that this was ninety percent theatrics on the part of Schori.
[Anglican Mainstream] 17 May 2008--This week let me begin with a personal praise report. My grandson Palmer has this week passed his five year cancer-free date, and the doctors have pronounced him cured. It was a long battle and at several time we worried that we might lose him, but the prayers of thousands around the world and the Grace of God preserved and healed him. He has no cognitive damage, nor any physical impairment that we can ascertain. He is very intelligent, very loving, and a good soccer player. To God be the glory.
We note the letter of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to Archbishop and Primate Henry Orombi telling him to stay out of "her domain." She of course sent a copy to Bishop Henry Louttit, who is under pressure to continue litigation against Christ Church, Savannah, the Mother Church of all Georgia and the Rev. John Wesley’s American parish. She also sent a copy to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The interesting thing is she waited to notify Orombi until he was already within a stone’s throw of Georgia, leaving him to discover her letter posted on the Internet. It is clear that this was ninety percent theatrics on the part of Schori.
The Presiding Bishop of TEC: Does She Know What She Is Doing?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/05/17/the-presiding-bishop-of-tec-does-she-know-what-she-is-doing/
[Anglican Mainstream] 17 May 2008--Three events in the recent past have posed a serious question. Does the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC) know what she is doing? The possible answers to this question have raised even greater concern than the question itself. For, I have concluded, if, on the one hand, she does not know what she is doing then TEC is without effective leadership at perhaps the most crucial time in its history. If, on the other hand, she does know what she is doing, she is leading TEC in directions for which she has no warrant.
To be specific, her decline of an invitation to greet the Pope on his present visit calls into question her understanding of the office of Presiding Bishop. The canonical irregularities surrounding the specially called convention in the Diocese of San Joaquin and the actions to depose Bishops Cox, Schofield and Duncan raise questions about the way in which she understands and deploys the Constitution and Canons of TEC. Finally, her Easter Message to TEC raises a question about the adequacy of her grasp of the Christian Gospel.
[Anglican Mainstream] 17 May 2008--Three events in the recent past have posed a serious question. Does the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC) know what she is doing? The possible answers to this question have raised even greater concern than the question itself. For, I have concluded, if, on the one hand, she does not know what she is doing then TEC is without effective leadership at perhaps the most crucial time in its history. If, on the other hand, she does know what she is doing, she is leading TEC in directions for which she has no warrant.
To be specific, her decline of an invitation to greet the Pope on his present visit calls into question her understanding of the office of Presiding Bishop. The canonical irregularities surrounding the specially called convention in the Diocese of San Joaquin and the actions to depose Bishops Cox, Schofield and Duncan raise questions about the way in which she understands and deploys the Constitution and Canons of TEC. Finally, her Easter Message to TEC raises a question about the adequacy of her grasp of the Christian Gospel.
Police continue to persecute Anglican Church
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12803:police-continue-to-persecute-anglican-church&catid=31:top%20zimbabwe%20stories&Itemid=66
[The Zimbabwean] 17 May 2008--Continuous disruption of church services by the police and the army, who have disregarded four High Court orders, is causing deep concern in the Anglican Church, says Bishop Sebastian Bakare.The Bishop has taken the unusual step of issuing a statement condemning the actions by police and highlighting their abuses.
“These (High Court) orders do not give any right to the police to interfere in the civil disputes in the Church affairs before the Court. Regrettably, all the Court orders are being disregarded by some individuals who give “orders from above”.“The police are supposed to be the custodians of the law, but what we are experiencing as the Diocese of Harare proves that the have become a law unto themselves by accepting orders from above,” he said.“Police are supposed to uphold, protect the people of Zimbabwe and their properties without fear or favour and not to disobey court orders. This Godless behaviour displayed by the police officers of pulling up people who are in prayer and worship is not a true reflection of levels of lawlessness in Zimbabwe or in the force - but in individual police officers.“What we are experiencing in the Diocese of Harare CPCA indicates that Police do not only refuse to obey court orders but also show their unacceptable bias,” Bishop Bakare added.
On May 4, Holy Communion Services were disrupted through out the Diocese except for a few isolated churches in rural areas areas.
[The Zimbabwean] 17 May 2008--Continuous disruption of church services by the police and the army, who have disregarded four High Court orders, is causing deep concern in the Anglican Church, says Bishop Sebastian Bakare.The Bishop has taken the unusual step of issuing a statement condemning the actions by police and highlighting their abuses.
“These (High Court) orders do not give any right to the police to interfere in the civil disputes in the Church affairs before the Court. Regrettably, all the Court orders are being disregarded by some individuals who give “orders from above”.“The police are supposed to be the custodians of the law, but what we are experiencing as the Diocese of Harare proves that the have become a law unto themselves by accepting orders from above,” he said.“Police are supposed to uphold, protect the people of Zimbabwe and their properties without fear or favour and not to disobey court orders. This Godless behaviour displayed by the police officers of pulling up people who are in prayer and worship is not a true reflection of levels of lawlessness in Zimbabwe or in the force - but in individual police officers.“What we are experiencing in the Diocese of Harare CPCA indicates that Police do not only refuse to obey court orders but also show their unacceptable bias,” Bishop Bakare added.
On May 4, Holy Communion Services were disrupted through out the Diocese except for a few isolated churches in rural areas areas.
Church split over woman bishop
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,23713567-2761,00.html
[news.com.au] 17 May 2008--A BREAKAWAY group of Anglicans will snub the historic ordination of Australia's first woman bishop, West Australian Kay Goldsworthy, this week.
They claim the event is the death of traditional religion as stated in the Bible.
[news.com.au] 17 May 2008--A BREAKAWAY group of Anglicans will snub the historic ordination of Australia's first woman bishop, West Australian Kay Goldsworthy, this week.
They claim the event is the death of traditional religion as stated in the Bible.
Anglican Acceptance of both Abortion and Sanctity of Life will Allow the Creation of a Gay Church: Gene Robinson
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/may/08051611.html
[LifeSite.com] 17 May 2008--The Anglican Church is the perfect vehicle for creating a new “gay” Christianity by virtue of the fact that it is the only church that accepts the logical contradiction of asserting both the sanctity of human life and the existence of a right to abortion.
Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, whose ordination to the episcopate has precipitated the ongoing schism between traditionally Christian Anglicans and its ultra-liberal, secularized branches, is in London to talk about his vision for the homosexual future of the Anglican Church. He was visiting and promoting his cause in preparation for the upcoming Lambeth Conference in July.
He told an admiring audience in Putney, in southwest London, that Anglicanism is uniquely suited to the establishment of the contradiction of homosexual Christianity. “The Anglican tradition is uniquely capable of holding two seemingly contradictory ideas together. Its position on abortion, for example is that all human life is sacred. And, that no one has the right to tell a woman what to do with her body. Both are true,” he said.
The logical principle of non-contradiction, a basic philosophical concept identified by Aristotle, is defined as the idea that two opposed things cannot both be true. Aristotle put it that, “One cannot say of something that it is and that it is not in the same respect and at the same time.” It is not possible, for example, for a person to both be in a room and not in a room at the same time. This principle is regarded by philosophers as one of the three first principles of rational thought, without which no assertion of any truth is possible.
[LifeSite.com] 17 May 2008--The Anglican Church is the perfect vehicle for creating a new “gay” Christianity by virtue of the fact that it is the only church that accepts the logical contradiction of asserting both the sanctity of human life and the existence of a right to abortion.
Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, whose ordination to the episcopate has precipitated the ongoing schism between traditionally Christian Anglicans and its ultra-liberal, secularized branches, is in London to talk about his vision for the homosexual future of the Anglican Church. He was visiting and promoting his cause in preparation for the upcoming Lambeth Conference in July.
He told an admiring audience in Putney, in southwest London, that Anglicanism is uniquely suited to the establishment of the contradiction of homosexual Christianity. “The Anglican tradition is uniquely capable of holding two seemingly contradictory ideas together. Its position on abortion, for example is that all human life is sacred. And, that no one has the right to tell a woman what to do with her body. Both are true,” he said.
The logical principle of non-contradiction, a basic philosophical concept identified by Aristotle, is defined as the idea that two opposed things cannot both be true. Aristotle put it that, “One cannot say of something that it is and that it is not in the same respect and at the same time.” It is not possible, for example, for a person to both be in a room and not in a room at the same time. This principle is regarded by philosophers as one of the three first principles of rational thought, without which no assertion of any truth is possible.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Zimbabwe’s Rulers Unleash Police on Anglicans
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/africa/16zimbabwe.html?em&ex=1211083200&en=d119c15cf1021ff4&ei=5087%0A
[The New York Times] 16 May 2008--The parishioners were lined up for Holy Communion on Sunday when the riot police stormed the stately St. Francis Anglican Church in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Helmeted, black-booted officers banged on the pews with their batons as terrified members of the congregation stampeded for the doors, witnesses said.
A policeman swung his stick in vicious arcs, striking matrons, a girl and a grandmother who had bent over to pick up a Bible dropped in the melee. A lone housewife began singing from a hymn in Shona, “We will keep worshiping no matter the trials!” Hundreds of women, many dressed in the Anglican Mothers’ Union uniform of black skirt, white shirt and blue headdress, lifted their voices to join hers.
[The New York Times] 16 May 2008--The parishioners were lined up for Holy Communion on Sunday when the riot police stormed the stately St. Francis Anglican Church in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Helmeted, black-booted officers banged on the pews with their batons as terrified members of the congregation stampeded for the doors, witnesses said.
A policeman swung his stick in vicious arcs, striking matrons, a girl and a grandmother who had bent over to pick up a Bible dropped in the melee. A lone housewife began singing from a hymn in Shona, “We will keep worshiping no matter the trials!” Hundreds of women, many dressed in the Anglican Mothers’ Union uniform of black skirt, white shirt and blue headdress, lifted their voices to join hers.
Anglicanism: Orthodox or Progressive?
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8248
[VirtueOnline] 16 May 2008--There are now two very distinct understandings of the Christian Faith at work both in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, especially in the US and Canada, as well as in New Zealand, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. They can best be summed up as orthodox, faithful, biblical, evangelical, Anglo-Catholic on the one hand, and liberal, revisionist and/or progressive (a relatively new word) on the other.
The progressive view was echoed this week by George Pitcher, the new Religion Editor of London's "Daily Telegraph", in an opinion piece where he argues that the Church of England isn't dying...it just needs to evolve."This is not a charter for trendy, relevant vicars. But at the risk of summoning discredited spirits, there must be a third way. It's part of the Church's genius that it evolves contextually in our society while maintaining eternal constants. It needs to meet its new-millennial people where they are, rather than where they used to be. It needs to redevelop the pluralistic and tolerant voice that has been at the heart of Anglicanism at its best," he writes.
[VirtueOnline] 16 May 2008--There are now two very distinct understandings of the Christian Faith at work both in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, especially in the US and Canada, as well as in New Zealand, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. They can best be summed up as orthodox, faithful, biblical, evangelical, Anglo-Catholic on the one hand, and liberal, revisionist and/or progressive (a relatively new word) on the other.
The progressive view was echoed this week by George Pitcher, the new Religion Editor of London's "Daily Telegraph", in an opinion piece where he argues that the Church of England isn't dying...it just needs to evolve."This is not a charter for trendy, relevant vicars. But at the risk of summoning discredited spirits, there must be a third way. It's part of the Church's genius that it evolves contextually in our society while maintaining eternal constants. It needs to meet its new-millennial people where they are, rather than where they used to be. It needs to redevelop the pluralistic and tolerant voice that has been at the heart of Anglicanism at its best," he writes.
More Hierarchical Denominations Support Diocese in Amici Filing
http://www.thediocese.net/press/pressroom.shtml
[Diocese of Virginia] 16 May 2008--Over the past four days, eight more religious denominations and judicatories, as well as the two other Virginia Episcopal dioceses have asked the Court to allow them to join the Amici Curiae brief supporting the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church in recognizing that the §57-9 division statute is unconstitutional. All churches in Virginia are threatened by this statute, which discriminates against hierarchical churches in favor of congregational ones, in violation of their faith and the right of churches to structure and govern themselves based on their religious beliefs. All churches in Virginia must have the right to structure themselves according to their faith beliefs without the intrusion of the government.
[Diocese of Virginia] 16 May 2008--Over the past four days, eight more religious denominations and judicatories, as well as the two other Virginia Episcopal dioceses have asked the Court to allow them to join the Amici Curiae brief supporting the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church in recognizing that the §57-9 division statute is unconstitutional. All churches in Virginia are threatened by this statute, which discriminates against hierarchical churches in favor of congregational ones, in violation of their faith and the right of churches to structure and govern themselves based on their religious beliefs. All churches in Virginia must have the right to structure themselves according to their faith beliefs without the intrusion of the government.
Religious underpinnings of the Narnia chronicles
http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=RELIGION-FAITH-05-14-08
[Scripps Howard News Service] 16 May 2008--While there are no cars in Narnia, screenwriter Stephen McFeely rolled out an automotive image to express the message at the heart of the second film drawn from the seven-book fantasy series by C.S. Lewis.
At its heart, he said, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" describes what happens "when people lose faith, when you don't keep Aslan in your windshield and he's in your rear-view mirror."
But if the most important thing to do during a life-shaking crisis is to keep one's eyes on a character named Aslan, then it's crucial to know who Aslan is and why following him is so important.
[Scripps Howard News Service] 16 May 2008--While there are no cars in Narnia, screenwriter Stephen McFeely rolled out an automotive image to express the message at the heart of the second film drawn from the seven-book fantasy series by C.S. Lewis.
At its heart, he said, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" describes what happens "when people lose faith, when you don't keep Aslan in your windshield and he's in your rear-view mirror."
But if the most important thing to do during a life-shaking crisis is to keep one's eyes on a character named Aslan, then it's crucial to know who Aslan is and why following him is so important.
The Search For An Anglican Future
http://www.challengeonline.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=155
[The Christian Challenge] 16 May 2008--“See you in court.” That seems, increasingly, to be the pastoral response of The Episcopal Church to those who act in institutionally irregular ways in order to defend orthodox belief. But while the pressure of North American woes will be evident this summer, as separate meetings in Jerusalem and Canterbury seek to shape the future of Anglicanism, could the tide be turning a bit for an under-attended Lambeth Conference?
[The Christian Challenge] 16 May 2008--“See you in court.” That seems, increasingly, to be the pastoral response of The Episcopal Church to those who act in institutionally irregular ways in order to defend orthodox belief. But while the pressure of North American woes will be evident this summer, as separate meetings in Jerusalem and Canterbury seek to shape the future of Anglicanism, could the tide be turning a bit for an under-attended Lambeth Conference?
A house divided
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/369378
[The Hamilton Spectator] 16 May 2008--It was an awkward Sunday.
Church members divided, sharing the same building.
One service run by a priest from the national church body, the other by the church's pastor.
[The Hamilton Spectator] 16 May 2008--It was an awkward Sunday.
Church members divided, sharing the same building.
One service run by a priest from the national church body, the other by the church's pastor.
Ugandan Archbishop: P.B.’s Visitation Request ‘Sadly Ironic’
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/5/15/ugandan-archbishop-pbs-visitation-request-sadly-ironic
[The Living Church] 16 May 2008--Following a May 14 visitation to Christ Church, Savannah, Ga., Archbishop Henry Orombi, Primate of the Anglican Church of Uganda, responded to a letter he said he never received from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
A majority of members at the 275-year-old congregation voted in September to disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church and to accept an offer of episcopal oversight from the Church of Uganda.
[The Living Church] 16 May 2008--Following a May 14 visitation to Christ Church, Savannah, Ga., Archbishop Henry Orombi, Primate of the Anglican Church of Uganda, responded to a letter he said he never received from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
A majority of members at the 275-year-old congregation voted in September to disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church and to accept an offer of episcopal oversight from the Church of Uganda.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The trashing of parliamentary procedure
http://hillsofthenorth.blogspot.com/2008/05/trashing-of-parliamentary-procedure.html
[Hills of the North] 15 May 2008--Parliamentary procedure is at its core about democracy at its best: achieving in decent and orderly fashion the will of the majority while fully respecting and protecting the minority (or as one writer put it, "to give the minority a fighting chance.") There is a reason that every democratic voting organization uses a form of parliamentary procedure (in this country, usually Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised), whether it be church, or city council, or stockholders' meeting, or legislature. Those who object to parliamentary procedure, or who abuse it, are almost inevitably those who have no patience for democracy or dissent, or those who simply do not like the result that would be forthcoming when the ayes and nos aren't to their liking.
In our church we have two recent and regrettable examples of antipathy toward parliamentary procedure. The first, of course, is the Presiding Bishop, who has lawlessly decided to ignore the very basics of Robert's and the canons themselves in a whole range of actions where she can't be bothered to follow the rules, or where she worries she might not get the votes necessary to do what she wants. She has, in essence, with the apparent acquiescence of a majority of bishops, turned parliamentary procedure into a sham--something no more meaningful to them than, say, a Book of Common Prayer liturgy. This certainly reflects her anger at, disrespect for, and, some say, hatred of the minority orthodox, who after all have the temerity to do what minorities generally do--object and disagree and attempt to obstruct the majority. And in a sense her suspension of parliamentary procedure (for that is what she has done) is evidence of her own weakness, her inability to reason with those with whom she disagrees, and her intolerance of those who do not see the world exactly as she does. It is a rejection of democracy, since the rules came about by democratic vote, not by fiat. And it is with her, as with Mugabe in Zimbabwe and every other tinhorn dictator who cannot accept the norms of democratic procedure, an unequivocal admission of defeat.
[Hills of the North] 15 May 2008--Parliamentary procedure is at its core about democracy at its best: achieving in decent and orderly fashion the will of the majority while fully respecting and protecting the minority (or as one writer put it, "to give the minority a fighting chance.") There is a reason that every democratic voting organization uses a form of parliamentary procedure (in this country, usually Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised), whether it be church, or city council, or stockholders' meeting, or legislature. Those who object to parliamentary procedure, or who abuse it, are almost inevitably those who have no patience for democracy or dissent, or those who simply do not like the result that would be forthcoming when the ayes and nos aren't to their liking.
In our church we have two recent and regrettable examples of antipathy toward parliamentary procedure. The first, of course, is the Presiding Bishop, who has lawlessly decided to ignore the very basics of Robert's and the canons themselves in a whole range of actions where she can't be bothered to follow the rules, or where she worries she might not get the votes necessary to do what she wants. She has, in essence, with the apparent acquiescence of a majority of bishops, turned parliamentary procedure into a sham--something no more meaningful to them than, say, a Book of Common Prayer liturgy. This certainly reflects her anger at, disrespect for, and, some say, hatred of the minority orthodox, who after all have the temerity to do what minorities generally do--object and disagree and attempt to obstruct the majority. And in a sense her suspension of parliamentary procedure (for that is what she has done) is evidence of her own weakness, her inability to reason with those with whom she disagrees, and her intolerance of those who do not see the world exactly as she does. It is a rejection of democracy, since the rules came about by democratic vote, not by fiat. And it is with her, as with Mugabe in Zimbabwe and every other tinhorn dictator who cannot accept the norms of democratic procedure, an unequivocal admission of defeat.
Gay issue dividing Lutheran Church
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=517259
[National Post] 15 May 2008--A Toronto-area Lutheran church parish plans on ordaining a married gay man despite warnings it is breaking Church teachings and it will face disciplinary action, including expulsion, if it goes ahead.
Lionel Ketola will be ordained tomorrow night by a non-traditional American Lutheran group that ordains gay candidates. Their ordinations are not officially recognized in Canada or the United States. But despite that, he will then be hired by Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newmarket, Ont., as an associate pastor, where he has interned for the past two years. Members of Holy Cross will also take part in the ordination ceremony.
[National Post] 15 May 2008--A Toronto-area Lutheran church parish plans on ordaining a married gay man despite warnings it is breaking Church teachings and it will face disciplinary action, including expulsion, if it goes ahead.
Lionel Ketola will be ordained tomorrow night by a non-traditional American Lutheran group that ordains gay candidates. Their ordinations are not officially recognized in Canada or the United States. But despite that, he will then be hired by Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newmarket, Ont., as an associate pastor, where he has interned for the past two years. Members of Holy Cross will also take part in the ordination ceremony.
Aliens may exist, says Vatican
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23696471-23109,00.html
[news.com.au] 15 May 2008--The search for extraterrestrial life does not contradict belief in God, the Pope's chief astronomer says.
And some aliens may even be innocent of the original sin.
[news.com.au] 15 May 2008--The search for extraterrestrial life does not contradict belief in God, the Pope's chief astronomer says.
And some aliens may even be innocent of the original sin.
Women priests write protest letter to Anglican bishops
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3933913.ece
[Times Online] 15 May 2008--Women priests in the Church of England say they would rather never be bishops at all than have to accept special arrangements for opponents of women’s ordination.
Nearly half of all the serving women priests in the Church of England have signed an open letter to the Church’s bishops warning that the entire integrity and mission of the Church is at stake.
[Times Online] 15 May 2008--Women priests in the Church of England say they would rather never be bishops at all than have to accept special arrangements for opponents of women’s ordination.
Nearly half of all the serving women priests in the Church of England have signed an open letter to the Church’s bishops warning that the entire integrity and mission of the Church is at stake.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mere Christianity in a Pluralistic World (part 1)
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12462/
[Stand Firm] 14 May 2008--Most Episcopalians know too little about classic doctrine to question it, too little about scripture to reject its contents, too little about the Christian worldview to sense that it has gone missing because the past emphasis on these things has long since been discarded by the “shepherds” and “pastors” of the church who considered them irrelevant to modern humanity, replacing them with superficial calls to “love one another” and to “social justice.” And so absent a firm grasp of classic doctrine, absent the ongoing presence and proclamation of the content of the apostolic faith, inevitably the values, mores, habits of thought and life that characterize the culture began to characterize the church. The Episcopal Church is a sick body. Like any sick body she manifests visible symptoms that tell knowledgeable observers that something has gone terribly wrong. The consecration of Gene Robinson to the office of bishop was a particularly illustrative symptom of a far greater disease.
[Stand Firm] 14 May 2008--Most Episcopalians know too little about classic doctrine to question it, too little about scripture to reject its contents, too little about the Christian worldview to sense that it has gone missing because the past emphasis on these things has long since been discarded by the “shepherds” and “pastors” of the church who considered them irrelevant to modern humanity, replacing them with superficial calls to “love one another” and to “social justice.” And so absent a firm grasp of classic doctrine, absent the ongoing presence and proclamation of the content of the apostolic faith, inevitably the values, mores, habits of thought and life that characterize the culture began to characterize the church. The Episcopal Church is a sick body. Like any sick body she manifests visible symptoms that tell knowledgeable observers that something has gone terribly wrong. The consecration of Gene Robinson to the office of bishop was a particularly illustrative symptom of a far greater disease.
Post-Decision Briefs Filed in Virginia Property Cases
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12463/
[Stand Firm] 14 May 2008--The Attorney General's Office for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia have all filed their post-decision briefs in advance of the scheduled May 28 hearing on who owns the property of the 11 parishes that have departed the Diocese of Virginia.
The Attorney General's brief is a defense of Virginia statute 57-9, the so-called "division statute" on which part of the Virginia parishes' cases rest, the applicability of which Judge Bellows ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the parishes a few weeks ago. Bellows will issue his ruling on the constitutionality of the statute at a date following the May 28 hearing.
[Stand Firm] 14 May 2008--The Attorney General's Office for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia have all filed their post-decision briefs in advance of the scheduled May 28 hearing on who owns the property of the 11 parishes that have departed the Diocese of Virginia.
The Attorney General's brief is a defense of Virginia statute 57-9, the so-called "division statute" on which part of the Virginia parishes' cases rest, the applicability of which Judge Bellows ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the parishes a few weeks ago. Bellows will issue his ruling on the constitutionality of the statute at a date following the May 28 hearing.
Bishop Seizes Continuing Congregation Property
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8232
[VirtueOnline] 14 May 2008--On Friday, May 2, Diocesan Bishop James McNeley and Bishop Leo Michael Suffragan Bishop of the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican rite (named by Bishop McNeley to be his successor) seized the building, bank accounts, and personal property of St. James Church, Kansas City, under a court order they obtained without prior notice to the congregation, its Rector, Senior Warden, or Vestry.
Representatives of St James say this suit is the "flight test" of a new procedure for HCC(AR) Bishops to deprive other HCC(AR) congregations of their assets. The Bishops' suit against the parish and their attempted takeover of parish property are expressly forbidden by the HCC(AR)'s Constitution, sources said. Autonomy of parish property is common to all the "continuing Anglican churches" which began in the late 1970s by separations from the Episcopal Church (ECUSA). These were reactions to ECUSA's ordaining women clergy, promoting homosexuality, and abandoning Scripture as the source of moral principles.
Most of these withdrawing Episcopalians lost their parishes and property to the Episcopal Church. This experience made local ownership of parish property a cornerstone of the "continuing church" movement. Since the HCC(AR) formed in 1997 in a schism from one of the original "continuing churches", HCC(AR) members have declined to eliminate the constitutional guarantee of parishes' freedom to leave that body with their property intact.
[VirtueOnline] 14 May 2008--On Friday, May 2, Diocesan Bishop James McNeley and Bishop Leo Michael Suffragan Bishop of the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican rite (named by Bishop McNeley to be his successor) seized the building, bank accounts, and personal property of St. James Church, Kansas City, under a court order they obtained without prior notice to the congregation, its Rector, Senior Warden, or Vestry.
Representatives of St James say this suit is the "flight test" of a new procedure for HCC(AR) Bishops to deprive other HCC(AR) congregations of their assets. The Bishops' suit against the parish and their attempted takeover of parish property are expressly forbidden by the HCC(AR)'s Constitution, sources said. Autonomy of parish property is common to all the "continuing Anglican churches" which began in the late 1970s by separations from the Episcopal Church (ECUSA). These were reactions to ECUSA's ordaining women clergy, promoting homosexuality, and abandoning Scripture as the source of moral principles.
Most of these withdrawing Episcopalians lost their parishes and property to the Episcopal Church. This experience made local ownership of parish property a cornerstone of the "continuing church" movement. Since the HCC(AR) formed in 1997 in a schism from one of the original "continuing churches", HCC(AR) members have declined to eliminate the constitutional guarantee of parishes' freedom to leave that body with their property intact.
Colorado Church Property Dispute Unresolved
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/12459/#more
[TitusOneNine] 14 May 2008--Judge Larry E. Schwartz of the El Paso County District Court issued a decision today that the property dispute between Grace Church and St. Stephen’s and the Episcopal Bishop and Diocese of Colorado cannot be resolved by summary judgment and must go to trial court. Yet, significantly and critical to Grace Church and St. Stephen’s legal argument for ownership of the property in question, Judge Swartz concluded that the parish is a valid, non-profit corporation recognized by the State of Colorado since 1973.
Judge Schwartz’s decision was in response to a hearing held on May 2, 2008 at the El Paso County Courthouse in which 18 members of Grace Church and St. Stephen’s requested that personal lawsuits brought against them by the Episcopal Bishop of Colorado be dismissed.
[TitusOneNine] 14 May 2008--Judge Larry E. Schwartz of the El Paso County District Court issued a decision today that the property dispute between Grace Church and St. Stephen’s and the Episcopal Bishop and Diocese of Colorado cannot be resolved by summary judgment and must go to trial court. Yet, significantly and critical to Grace Church and St. Stephen’s legal argument for ownership of the property in question, Judge Swartz concluded that the parish is a valid, non-profit corporation recognized by the State of Colorado since 1973.
Judge Schwartz’s decision was in response to a hearing held on May 2, 2008 at the El Paso County Courthouse in which 18 members of Grace Church and St. Stephen’s requested that personal lawsuits brought against them by the Episcopal Bishop of Colorado be dismissed.
President Apostate?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/opinion/12luttwak.html?_r=3&ref=opinion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
[The New York Times] Barack Obama has emerged as a classic example of charismatic leadership — a figure upon whom others project their own hopes and desires. The resulting emotional intensity adds greatly to the more conventional strengths of the well-organized Obama campaign, and it has certainly sufficed to overcome the formidable initial advantages of Senator Hillary Clinton.
One danger of such charisma, however, is that it can evoke unrealistic hopes of what a candidate could actually accomplish in office regardless of his own personal abilities. Case in point is the oft-made claim that an Obama presidency would be welcomed by the Muslim world.
[The New York Times] Barack Obama has emerged as a classic example of charismatic leadership — a figure upon whom others project their own hopes and desires. The resulting emotional intensity adds greatly to the more conventional strengths of the well-organized Obama campaign, and it has certainly sufficed to overcome the formidable initial advantages of Senator Hillary Clinton.
One danger of such charisma, however, is that it can evoke unrealistic hopes of what a candidate could actually accomplish in office regardless of his own personal abilities. Case in point is the oft-made claim that an Obama presidency would be welcomed by the Muslim world.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Treasures of the Church
http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/articles/treasuresofthechurch.html
[Christianity Today] 13 May 2008--The relationship between the early church and the Roman government was a turbulent one. Persecution and peace surfaced sporadically at the whim of the emperor. The Roman officials, ignorant of the true practices of Christianity, often acted out of fear, superstition, and misinformation. The royal court assumed that the Christian church operated just like their greedy religions.
There is a story told of the emperor who coveted the riches he believed the church possessed and ordered their head bishop to produce "the treasures of the church." The bishop tried to tell the emperor that the church had no gold, silver, jewels, or other valuables, but still he ordered that "the treasures of the church" be brought before him the next morning.
Early the next day the bishop appeared before the emperor empty-handed. Outraged, the emperor demanded an answer about why "the treasures of the church" were not being given to him.
The bishop invited the emperor to look out at the palace steps. Gathered together, cautiously gazing up at the great doors of the royal palace, was a mass of ragged beggars, cripples, slaves and outcasts.
"These," said the bishop, with a broad gesture of his arm, "are the treasures of the church."
For his unappreciated but very accurate insight, the bishop was promptly martyred.
[Christianity Today] 13 May 2008--The relationship between the early church and the Roman government was a turbulent one. Persecution and peace surfaced sporadically at the whim of the emperor. The Roman officials, ignorant of the true practices of Christianity, often acted out of fear, superstition, and misinformation. The royal court assumed that the Christian church operated just like their greedy religions.
There is a story told of the emperor who coveted the riches he believed the church possessed and ordered their head bishop to produce "the treasures of the church." The bishop tried to tell the emperor that the church had no gold, silver, jewels, or other valuables, but still he ordered that "the treasures of the church" be brought before him the next morning.
Early the next day the bishop appeared before the emperor empty-handed. Outraged, the emperor demanded an answer about why "the treasures of the church" were not being given to him.
The bishop invited the emperor to look out at the palace steps. Gathered together, cautiously gazing up at the great doors of the royal palace, was a mass of ragged beggars, cripples, slaves and outcasts.
"These," said the bishop, with a broad gesture of his arm, "are the treasures of the church."
For his unappreciated but very accurate insight, the bishop was promptly martyred.
Breakaway congregation recognition is blow to Canadian Church
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/breakaway-congregation-recognition-is-blow-to-canadian-church-cen-50908-p-6/
[Conger] 13 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Canada’s united front against the breakaway congregations and clergy of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) received a major blow last week after a diocesan synod voted to recognize the secessions.
“All of these churches have by their decisions stayed within the Anglican Communion,” the synod of the Diocese of Athabasca said on April 26, disputing assertions made by Bishop Michael Ingham of New Westminster and other Canadian bishops that by quitting the Canadian Church the secessionists were no longer Anglicans.
The Northern Alberta-based diocese adopted a series of resolutions affirming that it was in “full communion” with ANiC and its sponsor, the Province of the Southern Cone.
The diocese also expressed “its dismay” at the attempts by several bishops to respond to the secessions by turning to the civil courts. “By resorting to the civil courts so readily, the bishops of those dioceses where there are dissident parishes and clergy have displayed so visibly that, to them, the issue is power, not the will of God,” synod said, according to a statement posted on the diocesan website.
[Conger] 13 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Canada’s united front against the breakaway congregations and clergy of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) received a major blow last week after a diocesan synod voted to recognize the secessions.
“All of these churches have by their decisions stayed within the Anglican Communion,” the synod of the Diocese of Athabasca said on April 26, disputing assertions made by Bishop Michael Ingham of New Westminster and other Canadian bishops that by quitting the Canadian Church the secessionists were no longer Anglicans.
The Northern Alberta-based diocese adopted a series of resolutions affirming that it was in “full communion” with ANiC and its sponsor, the Province of the Southern Cone.
The diocese also expressed “its dismay” at the attempts by several bishops to respond to the secessions by turning to the civil courts. “By resorting to the civil courts so readily, the bishops of those dioceses where there are dissident parishes and clergy have displayed so visibly that, to them, the issue is power, not the will of God,” synod said, according to a statement posted on the diocesan website.
Parishes file to appeal court ruling
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/367977
[The Hamilton Spectator] 13 May 2008--Three Anglican parishes are seeking permission to appeal a court ruling that requires them to share their buildings with the church body they left.
Lawyers for St. George's in Lowville, St. Hilda's in Oakville and Church of the Good Shepherd in St. Catharines notified diocese lawyers of their intent to appeal yesterday.
"What we have are two conflicting decisions out of the Ontario court which are based on the same facts and that, in and of itself, is a grounds for appeal," said Cheryl Chang, chancellor for the Anglican Network in Canada. The three churches joined the network just over two months ago after leaving the Niagara diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada, arguing it had developed too liberal an interpretation of scripture.
[The Hamilton Spectator] 13 May 2008--Three Anglican parishes are seeking permission to appeal a court ruling that requires them to share their buildings with the church body they left.
Lawyers for St. George's in Lowville, St. Hilda's in Oakville and Church of the Good Shepherd in St. Catharines notified diocese lawyers of their intent to appeal yesterday.
"What we have are two conflicting decisions out of the Ontario court which are based on the same facts and that, in and of itself, is a grounds for appeal," said Cheryl Chang, chancellor for the Anglican Network in Canada. The three churches joined the network just over two months ago after leaving the Niagara diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada, arguing it had developed too liberal an interpretation of scripture.
Archbishop of Canterbury writes to the bishops of the Anglican Communion
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_97047_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 13 May 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has sent an open letter to the bishops of the Anglican Communion in advance of the 2008 Lambeth Conference, set for July 16-August 4 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.
The full text of the May 12 letter follows.
Related article:
http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/2008/05/archbishop-of-canterbury-writes-to.html
The Archbishop of Canterbury writes to the Bishops of the Anglican Communion - BabyBlueOnline
[Episcopal Life Online] 13 May 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has sent an open letter to the bishops of the Anglican Communion in advance of the 2008 Lambeth Conference, set for July 16-August 4 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.
The full text of the May 12 letter follows.
Related article:
http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/2008/05/archbishop-of-canterbury-writes-to.html
The Archbishop of Canterbury writes to the Bishops of the Anglican Communion - BabyBlueOnline
Ugandan primate's 'incursion' into Georgia violates Windsor Report, Presiding Bishop notes
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_97043_ENG_HTM.htm
{Episcopal Life Online] 13 May 2008--Archbishop of Uganda Henry Orombi's actions to visit a Savannah congregation on May 14 without the invitation of Episcopal Bishop of Georgia Henry Louttit "violate the spirit and letter of the work of the Windsor Report, and only lead to heightened tensions," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote in a May 12 letter to Orombi.
"We are more than willing to receive you for conversation, dialogue, and reconciliation, yet you continue to act without speaking with us," Jefferts Schori wrote in her letter sent by email. "I hope and pray that you might respond to our invitation and meet with representatives of this Church."
But noting that Orombi's planned visit comes without Louttit's invitation, "I must protest this unwarranted incursion into The Episcopal Church," Jefferts Schori wrote in her letter.
According to reports, Orombi plans to meet May 14 with clergy and laity who voted in October 2007 to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church. The group continues to occupy historic Christ Church, Savannah, while the continuing Episcopal congregation meets at Savannah's Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Christ Church, Savannah, dates from 1733.
The full text of Jefferts Schori's letter follows.
{Episcopal Life Online] 13 May 2008--Archbishop of Uganda Henry Orombi's actions to visit a Savannah congregation on May 14 without the invitation of Episcopal Bishop of Georgia Henry Louttit "violate the spirit and letter of the work of the Windsor Report, and only lead to heightened tensions," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote in a May 12 letter to Orombi.
"We are more than willing to receive you for conversation, dialogue, and reconciliation, yet you continue to act without speaking with us," Jefferts Schori wrote in her letter sent by email. "I hope and pray that you might respond to our invitation and meet with representatives of this Church."
But noting that Orombi's planned visit comes without Louttit's invitation, "I must protest this unwarranted incursion into The Episcopal Church," Jefferts Schori wrote in her letter.
According to reports, Orombi plans to meet May 14 with clergy and laity who voted in October 2007 to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church. The group continues to occupy historic Christ Church, Savannah, while the continuing Episcopal congregation meets at Savannah's Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Christ Church, Savannah, dates from 1733.
The full text of Jefferts Schori's letter follows.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Connect...as easy as ABC
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/indepth/articles/connectas_easy_as_abc/
[www.sydneayanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Six months after the launch of the Diocesan Mission in 2002, it seemed that every ministry connected to the Sydney Diocese was about the Mission and the goal of reaching 10 per cent of the population in Bible-based churches.
Today, about six months after the launch of Connect09, it seems every ministry is about connecting, and has always been!
[www.sydneayanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Six months after the launch of the Diocesan Mission in 2002, it seemed that every ministry connected to the Sydney Diocese was about the Mission and the goal of reaching 10 per cent of the population in Bible-based churches.
Today, about six months after the launch of Connect09, it seems every ministry is about connecting, and has always been!
Repentance
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/media/video/?bcpid=1321273398&bclid=1376842859&bctid=1533001552
[www.sydneyanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Phillip Jensen video on repentance.
[www.sydneyanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Phillip Jensen video on repentance.
Meet Our Street Champions
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/meet_our_street_champions/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Springwood Anglican Church has become the first parish in Sydney to launch a “Street Champions” scheme - a key ‘grass-roots’ ministry initiative for Connect09.
The concept is modelled on the Church Army’s “adopt-a-block” program, and the Rev Andrew Nixon, executive director of Connect09, says it will operate as an informal and low-key form of neighbourhood chaplaincy.
Related article:
http://www.next1000.org/index.php?q=node/48
Wrestling against flesh and blood - Next 1000
http://www.next1000.org/index.php?q=node/68
Wrestling Against Flesh and Blood II - Next 1000
http://www.lightourworld.com/highhopes.html
High Hopes - Light Our World
http://loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=548
Tips from the Dream Center Part 1 - Building an 'Adopt-A-Block' - Love Your Neighbor
http://www.loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=562
Tips from the Dream Center Part 2 - The Key Ingredients of a Successful Adopt-A-Block - Love Your Neighbor
http://loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=599
Tips from The Dream Center Part 3 - How to make an Adopt-A-Block work long-term - Love Your Neighbor
[sydneyanglicans.net] 12 May 2008--Springwood Anglican Church has become the first parish in Sydney to launch a “Street Champions” scheme - a key ‘grass-roots’ ministry initiative for Connect09.
The concept is modelled on the Church Army’s “adopt-a-block” program, and the Rev Andrew Nixon, executive director of Connect09, says it will operate as an informal and low-key form of neighbourhood chaplaincy.
Related article:
http://www.next1000.org/index.php?q=node/48
Wrestling against flesh and blood - Next 1000
http://www.next1000.org/index.php?q=node/68
Wrestling Against Flesh and Blood II - Next 1000
http://www.lightourworld.com/highhopes.html
High Hopes - Light Our World
http://loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=548
Tips from the Dream Center Part 1 - Building an 'Adopt-A-Block' - Love Your Neighbor
http://www.loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=562
Tips from the Dream Center Part 2 - The Key Ingredients of a Successful Adopt-A-Block - Love Your Neighbor
http://loveyourneighbour.co.nz/?sid=599
Tips from The Dream Center Part 3 - How to make an Adopt-A-Block work long-term - Love Your Neighbor
The Anglican Curmudgeon: History of the “Abandonment of Communion” Canons
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12411/
[Stand Firm] 12 May 2008--Episcopalian and lawyer A. S. Haley has produced a remarkable and complete set of posts on the canonical issues surrounding the San Joaquin debacle. They are quite important, and for this reason -- though all of us can visit his blog at Anglican Curmudgeon and read at our leisure -- I am posting one of his posts every morning this week for discussion and analysis.
[Stand Firm] 12 May 2008--Episcopalian and lawyer A. S. Haley has produced a remarkable and complete set of posts on the canonical issues surrounding the San Joaquin debacle. They are quite important, and for this reason -- though all of us can visit his blog at Anglican Curmudgeon and read at our leisure -- I am posting one of his posts every morning this week for discussion and analysis.
The Anglican Communion: Whither Bound?
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8219
[VirtueOnline] 12 May 2008--David Virtue was the guest speaker at the General Meeting of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the AAC (SEWAAC) on Saturday, March 29th, at Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc, WI.
[VirtueOnline] 12 May 2008--David Virtue was the guest speaker at the General Meeting of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the AAC (SEWAAC) on Saturday, March 29th, at Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc, WI.
Going up, or going down? Which way for the Church of England?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/05/12/going-up-or-going-down-which-way-for-the-church-of-england/
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 May 2008--Research behind an article by Ruth Gledhill in today’s Times, on the basis of which it is suggested that by 2050 there will be nearly three times the number of active Muslims in the UK as there are churchgoing Christians, has been greeted with disbelief verging on contempt by a number of commentators.
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 May 2008--Research behind an article by Ruth Gledhill in today’s Times, on the basis of which it is suggested that by 2050 there will be nearly three times the number of active Muslims in the UK as there are churchgoing Christians, has been greeted with disbelief verging on contempt by a number of commentators.
Anglicans hesitate on the path to Rome
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/ukcorrespondents/holysmoke/may2008/anglicanshesitateonpathtorome.htm
[Telegraph] 12 May 2008--At least one Church of England “flying bishop” is ready to convert to Catholicism, and so are thousands of Anglicans. What is stopping them? According to a highly placed source, they simply cannot face the hostility of the current bishops of England and Wales.
[Telegraph] 12 May 2008--At least one Church of England “flying bishop” is ready to convert to Catholicism, and so are thousands of Anglicans. What is stopping them? According to a highly placed source, they simply cannot face the hostility of the current bishops of England and Wales.
1,000 Christian leaders, 280 bishops to GAFCON in Jerusalem
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/05/12/1000-christian-leaders-280-bishops-to-gafcon-in-jerusalem/
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 May 2008--Over 1000 senior leaders from seventeen provinces in the Anglican Communion, representing 35 million church-going Anglicans, have registered for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Jerusalem at the close of the online registration process. They include 280 bishops, almost all accompanied by their wives. Final attendance figures will depend on smooth processing of requested visas, and other factors.
[Anglican Mainstream] 12 May 2008--Over 1000 senior leaders from seventeen provinces in the Anglican Communion, representing 35 million church-going Anglicans, have registered for the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Jerusalem at the close of the online registration process. They include 280 bishops, almost all accompanied by their wives. Final attendance figures will depend on smooth processing of requested visas, and other factors.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
'Lost' Christians Greatest Crisis in American Church, says Author
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080509/32312_%27Lost%27_Christians_Greatest_Crisis_in_American_Church%2C_says_Author.htm
[The Christian Post] 11 May 2008--The inability of the church to discuss a topic that has become taboo among many Christians is one of the root causes why millions of Americans are leaving the church and never to return, says one author.
There are "Christians who have experientially lost their faith" but have no one to turn to since church culture shuns the topic, Dave Samford said Thursday.
It's not that these Christians lost their salvation, but that they have lost their faith in the Bible, the church and Christian beliefs, said the author, who was addressing attendants at the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association in Portland, Ore.
Over 31 million Americans are part of this exodus from the church, Samford said, citing a Barna Group study.
Any business that is losing 31 million customers is going out of business," he told a room of Christian journalists and editors. "[It] is the greatest crisis among Christians today in the U.S., Canada and some parts of Europe…We must break the silence in our publications.”
In his upcoming book, If God Disappears: 9 Faith Wreckers and What to Do About Them, Samford details nine reasons he uncovered through listening to stories of those who exited the church on why Christians abandon faith.
[The Christian Post] 11 May 2008--The inability of the church to discuss a topic that has become taboo among many Christians is one of the root causes why millions of Americans are leaving the church and never to return, says one author.
There are "Christians who have experientially lost their faith" but have no one to turn to since church culture shuns the topic, Dave Samford said Thursday.
It's not that these Christians lost their salvation, but that they have lost their faith in the Bible, the church and Christian beliefs, said the author, who was addressing attendants at the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association in Portland, Ore.
Over 31 million Americans are part of this exodus from the church, Samford said, citing a Barna Group study.
Any business that is losing 31 million customers is going out of business," he told a room of Christian journalists and editors. "[It] is the greatest crisis among Christians today in the U.S., Canada and some parts of Europe…We must break the silence in our publications.”
In his upcoming book, If God Disappears: 9 Faith Wreckers and What to Do About Them, Samford details nine reasons he uncovered through listening to stories of those who exited the church on why Christians abandon faith.
Methodists Vote To Retain Policies on Homosexuality
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/mayweb-only/118-52.0.html
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--The United Methodist Church held to its traditional rules on homosexuality Wednesday (April 30), refusing to support or celebrate same-sex unions and maintaining language that calls homosexual activity "incompatible with Christian teaching."
While many Methodists gathered here acknowledged sharp disagreement within their church on sexuality and biblical interpretation, delegates voted down efforts that would reflect that division in church rules or social policies.
A measure to remove the "incompatible" phrase and replace it with a mandate to "refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices as the Spirit leads us to new insight" was defeated 517 to 416.
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--The United Methodist Church held to its traditional rules on homosexuality Wednesday (April 30), refusing to support or celebrate same-sex unions and maintaining language that calls homosexual activity "incompatible with Christian teaching."
While many Methodists gathered here acknowledged sharp disagreement within their church on sexuality and biblical interpretation, delegates voted down efforts that would reflect that division in church rules or social policies.
A measure to remove the "incompatible" phrase and replace it with a mandate to "refrain from judgment regarding homosexual persons and practices as the Spirit leads us to new insight" was defeated 517 to 416.
Emergent's New Christians and the Young and Restless Reformed
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/mayweb-only/118-51.0.html
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--Tony Jones and Collin Hansen find connections as they discuss each other's books and movements.
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--Tony Jones and Collin Hansen find connections as they discuss each other's books and movements.
What Was I Afraid Of?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/002/20.7.html
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--I didn't want to risk losing her friendship. So, I stayed silent.
[Christianity Today] 11 May 2008--I didn't want to risk losing her friendship. So, I stayed silent.
Anglican leader's plea to faithful claims extra wives are 'making a mockery' of the church
http://news.scotsman.com/world/Anglican-leader39s-plea-to-.4071486.jp
[Scotsman] 11 May 2008--Mirroring the renewed drive in the US to combat polygamy, Nigeria's Anglican leader has this week told the country's many Christian polygamists that the time has come to give up their extra wives.
In a letter to the faithful, Archbishop Peter Akinola warned the issue could "make a mockery" of the church. Until now, converts to Christianity have been allowed to keep their polygamous relationships.
Bishop Ali Buba Lamido said that it was difficult to convert polygamous Muslims to Christianity unless they could keep their wives, while Bishop Ali Buba of the Wusasa diocese in northern Kaduna State said 10% of some congregations in the north can be in polygamous marriages.
As with Sudan, Nigeria is deeply divided between the mostly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian and animist south.
[Scotsman] 11 May 2008--Mirroring the renewed drive in the US to combat polygamy, Nigeria's Anglican leader has this week told the country's many Christian polygamists that the time has come to give up their extra wives.
In a letter to the faithful, Archbishop Peter Akinola warned the issue could "make a mockery" of the church. Until now, converts to Christianity have been allowed to keep their polygamous relationships.
Bishop Ali Buba Lamido said that it was difficult to convert polygamous Muslims to Christianity unless they could keep their wives, while Bishop Ali Buba of the Wusasa diocese in northern Kaduna State said 10% of some congregations in the north can be in polygamous marriages.
As with Sudan, Nigeria is deeply divided between the mostly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian and animist south.
The Church of Uganda Names Two New Bishops
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805090890.html
[AllAfrica.com] 11 May 2008--The Church of Uganda House of Bishops has appointed the Rev. Can. Samuel Kaziimba bishop of Mityana Diocese, while the Rev. canon Patrick Gidudu is for Mbale.
Kaziimba has replaced Bishop Dustan Bukenya, who has reached the retirement age of 65, while Gidudu has replaced Samwiri Wabulakha.
.Kaziimba, who will be consecrated on October 26, was the Provost of St. Andrew's Church, Mukono
[AllAfrica.com] 11 May 2008--The Church of Uganda House of Bishops has appointed the Rev. Can. Samuel Kaziimba bishop of Mityana Diocese, while the Rev. canon Patrick Gidudu is for Mbale.
Kaziimba has replaced Bishop Dustan Bukenya, who has reached the retirement age of 65, while Gidudu has replaced Samwiri Wabulakha.
.Kaziimba, who will be consecrated on October 26, was the Provost of St. Andrew's Church, Mukono
Episcopal Diocese sues for control of Groton church
http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-10164835.apds.m0261.bc-ct--epismay10,0,2628177.story
[The Courant] 11 May 2008--Connecticut's Episcopal Diocese has filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the Bishop Seabury Church, demanding it turn over control of the church property after voting to leave the national church in a dispute over theology and the appointment of a gay bishop.
The Rev. Ronald Gauss was suspended by the church May 3, when it appointed another priest, the Rev. David Cannon, to take over at Bishop Seabury. Rev. Gauss and 12 former and current church leaders were served this week with the lawsuit, which was filed in Superior Court.
[The Courant] 11 May 2008--Connecticut's Episcopal Diocese has filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the Bishop Seabury Church, demanding it turn over control of the church property after voting to leave the national church in a dispute over theology and the appointment of a gay bishop.
The Rev. Ronald Gauss was suspended by the church May 3, when it appointed another priest, the Rev. David Cannon, to take over at Bishop Seabury. Rev. Gauss and 12 former and current church leaders were served this week with the lawsuit, which was filed in Superior Court.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
In the World but not of the World
http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=13&d=50&p_t=index.php
[Church of Nigeria News] 10 May 2008--I could not help choosing this theme for our current meeting because of my conviction that were Christ Jesus to be physically present on planet earth today, he would have been shocked and utterly disappointed by the extent to which the Church he purchased by the effusion of his blood has compromised its values and has become more and more like the world.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between the Church and the world. Believers do with impunity what the unbelievers in the world do. Christ’s followers of today have ceased in many ways to
‘ …be examples to the world, in conversation, in charity in spirit, in faith and in purity’ (I Timothy 4:12).
It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between the Church and the world. Believers do with impunity what the unbelievers in the world do. Christ’s followers of today have ceased in many ways to
‘ …be examples to the world, in conversation, in charity in spirit, in faith and in purity’ (I Timothy 4:12).
More Missionaries sent into Mission fields
http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=12&d=185&p_t=index.php?
[Church of Nigeria News] 10 May 2008--The Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS), the missions arm of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has recently commissioned 16 missionaries and sent 13 of them into different mission fields within the country now.
Speaking in Ibadan at the commissioning ceremony held at the Chapel of the Pentecost in Ibadan North Diocese, the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Segun Okubadejo, PhD who presided over the service on behalf of the Chairman of the CNMS board, Rt. Rev. ‘Ken Okeke, charged the mission partners (MPs) to go into the ripened harvest and bring souls into the kingdom of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaking further, Bishop Okubadejo reminded them that the discharge of the duties of kingdom multiplication is not one to be done with personal comfort in mind. To him, it behooves on them to do all that is required of them to reach perishing souls for Christ. He thus charged them to GO to every nook and cranny – the ends of the earth to search for and rescue souls in the power of the Lord from the hands of the devil, from the powers of darkness and consequently sin, into the waiting arms of He who died for sin, and is risen and rules for ever.
The Bishop further reminded them of the promise of the Lord to be with His servants always and encouraged them to be courageous, faithful and focused on the task at hand as the Lord will always protect and care for them.
[Church of Nigeria News] 10 May 2008--The Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS), the missions arm of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has recently commissioned 16 missionaries and sent 13 of them into different mission fields within the country now.
Speaking in Ibadan at the commissioning ceremony held at the Chapel of the Pentecost in Ibadan North Diocese, the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Segun Okubadejo, PhD who presided over the service on behalf of the Chairman of the CNMS board, Rt. Rev. ‘Ken Okeke, charged the mission partners (MPs) to go into the ripened harvest and bring souls into the kingdom of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Speaking further, Bishop Okubadejo reminded them that the discharge of the duties of kingdom multiplication is not one to be done with personal comfort in mind. To him, it behooves on them to do all that is required of them to reach perishing souls for Christ. He thus charged them to GO to every nook and cranny – the ends of the earth to search for and rescue souls in the power of the Lord from the hands of the devil, from the powers of darkness and consequently sin, into the waiting arms of He who died for sin, and is risen and rules for ever.
The Bishop further reminded them of the promise of the Lord to be with His servants always and encouraged them to be courageous, faithful and focused on the task at hand as the Lord will always protect and care for them.
What Lies Ahead For the Leavers At Trinity, Vero Beach
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12348/
[Stand Firm] 10 May 2008--The leadership of those leaving Trinity, Vero Beach in the Diocese of Central Florida, released a Safe Pastures Update to parishioners who have indicated a desire to be a part of the new community. I found it to be an example of grace and light and thank our brothers and sisters in sunny Florida who are doing the hard work of building Christian Community.
[Stand Firm] 10 May 2008--The leadership of those leaving Trinity, Vero Beach in the Diocese of Central Florida, released a Safe Pastures Update to parishioners who have indicated a desire to be a part of the new community. I found it to be an example of grace and light and thank our brothers and sisters in sunny Florida who are doing the hard work of building Christian Community.
'Prince Caspian': Interview with Doug Gresham
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=27907
[Catholic Online] 10 May 2008--Like millions the world over, my life was forever changed by the literary genius and the deep Christian faith of C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis.
I had the privilege of sharing a bit of my own story in an exclusive interview that Catholic Online had with Douglas Gresham, a co-producer of the upcoming spectacular second movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series entitled “Prince Caspian”.
The film debuts in theatres throughout the United States on May 16, 2008.
[Catholic Online] 10 May 2008--Like millions the world over, my life was forever changed by the literary genius and the deep Christian faith of C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis.
I had the privilege of sharing a bit of my own story in an exclusive interview that Catholic Online had with Douglas Gresham, a co-producer of the upcoming spectacular second movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series entitled “Prince Caspian”.
The film debuts in theatres throughout the United States on May 16, 2008.
Former Parishioners To Meet & Worship Together for Next Three Sundays
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12347/
[Stand Firm] 10 May 2008--Former St. Christopher's parishioners will be meeting on the next three Sundays at three different homes to discern their direction and to worship together.
The ex-Episcopalians have already decided to form a new parish. They have yet to determine the details of that new parish formation and will meet in a coffee hour prior to worship for that discernment. Several areas of discernment include those typical for a new church plant; worship, Christian formation, children and youth programs, facilities search, Anglican Communion Primatial oversight, and more will need discussion and committee formation.
In honor of Pentecost Sunday, the former parishioners will be wearing red.
[Stand Firm] 10 May 2008--Former St. Christopher's parishioners will be meeting on the next three Sundays at three different homes to discern their direction and to worship together.
The ex-Episcopalians have already decided to form a new parish. They have yet to determine the details of that new parish formation and will meet in a coffee hour prior to worship for that discernment. Several areas of discernment include those typical for a new church plant; worship, Christian formation, children and youth programs, facilities search, Anglican Communion Primatial oversight, and more will need discussion and committee formation.
In honor of Pentecost Sunday, the former parishioners will be wearing red.
Rev. Martyn Minns to lead All Saints service
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080510/LIFE07/805100325
[The Springfield News-Leader] 10 May 2008--The Rev. Martyn Minns, founding missionary Bishop of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, will lead worship at All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield Sunday.
Minns will preside at the 9:30 a.m. service at All Saints for the observance of Pentecost. The public is invited to attend.
There will be a continental breakfast at 8:30 at the church for a time of casual conversation with the bishop.
[The Springfield News-Leader] 10 May 2008--The Rev. Martyn Minns, founding missionary Bishop of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, will lead worship at All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield Sunday.
Minns will preside at the 9:30 a.m. service at All Saints for the observance of Pentecost. The public is invited to attend.
There will be a continental breakfast at 8:30 at the church for a time of casual conversation with the bishop.
Members move church services
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/366967
[The Hamilton Spectator] 10 May 2008--Members of two Anglican churches are choosing not to worship in their buildings tomorrow in the wake of a court order that they share the facilities with the diocese they have left.
A Superior Court ruling on Monday required three breakaway churches to share the property Sunday mornings until ownership is decided -- a process that could take up to 10 years in trial. The churches voted to join the Anglican Network in Canada just over two months ago, claiming the Anglican Church of Canada was growing too liberal in its interpretation of scripture.
St. George's in Lowville will meet tomorrow at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, where they expect to stay for several months. The church will be seeking a space to meet in Milton over the next few months.
St. Hilda's will meet tomorrow at Oakville Christian School and hopes to use it on following Sundays.
[The Hamilton Spectator] 10 May 2008--Members of two Anglican churches are choosing not to worship in their buildings tomorrow in the wake of a court order that they share the facilities with the diocese they have left.
A Superior Court ruling on Monday required three breakaway churches to share the property Sunday mornings until ownership is decided -- a process that could take up to 10 years in trial. The churches voted to join the Anglican Network in Canada just over two months ago, claiming the Anglican Church of Canada was growing too liberal in its interpretation of scripture.
St. George's in Lowville will meet tomorrow at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, where they expect to stay for several months. The church will be seeking a space to meet in Milton over the next few months.
St. Hilda's will meet tomorrow at Oakville Christian School and hopes to use it on following Sundays.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Take the Plunge!
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/indepth/articles/take_the_plunge/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 9 May 2008--It was the morning of the Episcopal visitation. We all knew we would be gently chided about something. So we had painted the church, fixed the lights - this time it was going to be something else.
Trapped between a purple shirt and the morning tea table the hapless pewsitter found out what was next on the hit-list.
The Bishop picked up a tin with a well-known multinational label on it.
“You have to fix the coffee,” came the Episcopal command.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 9 May 2008--It was the morning of the Episcopal visitation. We all knew we would be gently chided about something. So we had painted the church, fixed the lights - this time it was going to be something else.
Trapped between a purple shirt and the morning tea table the hapless pewsitter found out what was next on the hit-list.
The Bishop picked up a tin with a well-known multinational label on it.
“You have to fix the coffee,” came the Episcopal command.
Philippi or Corinth: Where is the Anglican Communion? A Response to Graham Kings
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12335/
[Stand Firm] 9 May 2008--As I sit here at the beginning of May, one major question is facing all those who want to uphold the truth of the gospel in the Anglican Communion: should we go to Lambeth? Of course, for most of us that's an academic question - we don't have an invitation (although that's not stopping some). Nevertheless we have an emotional investment in the issue, for the question of how much we associate with those that we disagree with is (or at least should be) a constant dilemma for those who take the Scripture seriously, especially where there is clear evidence of willful unrepentance in the matter of public sin.
[Stand Firm] 9 May 2008--As I sit here at the beginning of May, one major question is facing all those who want to uphold the truth of the gospel in the Anglican Communion: should we go to Lambeth? Of course, for most of us that's an academic question - we don't have an invitation (although that's not stopping some). Nevertheless we have an emotional investment in the issue, for the question of how much we associate with those that we disagree with is (or at least should be) a constant dilemma for those who take the Scripture seriously, especially where there is clear evidence of willful unrepentance in the matter of public sin.
Rector’s Journal: Hope For an Amicable Parting
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12316/
[Stand Firm] 9 May 2008--The meeting went very well. We arrived ready to offer half of a six hundred thousand dollar bequest in exchange for a diocesan agreement to quit any claim to parish property. Property prices in Central New York are quite low compared to those in Virginia and elsewhere so the offer was a generous one. The amount offered would, we would later (after a joint appraisal) discover, fall just under fair market value. But, we reasoned, this first meeting was just the beginning of negotiations and we were ready to offer more if necessary. It did not prove necessary. Bishop Adams expressed a great deal of interest in the arrangement. Not only did he think such a deal possible but he expressed the opinion that it was preferable to any court proceeding...
[Stand Firm] 9 May 2008--The meeting went very well. We arrived ready to offer half of a six hundred thousand dollar bequest in exchange for a diocesan agreement to quit any claim to parish property. Property prices in Central New York are quite low compared to those in Virginia and elsewhere so the offer was a generous one. The amount offered would, we would later (after a joint appraisal) discover, fall just under fair market value. But, we reasoned, this first meeting was just the beginning of negotiations and we were ready to offer more if necessary. It did not prove necessary. Bishop Adams expressed a great deal of interest in the arrangement. Not only did he think such a deal possible but he expressed the opinion that it was preferable to any court proceeding...
“Compelled by Christ’s love” – conference summary
http://www.anglicannetwork.ca/mm_050408.htm
[Anglican Network in Canada] 9 May 2008--Once again we have come through some very eventful weeks. Our recently completed conference was a highlight, I believe, for all who attended. It was a joy to welcome our Primate and express our appreciation for his bold intervention on our behalf. We were blessed by his ministry to us and his biblically-based messages as he challenged us to choose faithfulness and obedience to Christ, to not be deterred by persecution, and to “get on with it”.
[Anglican Network in Canada] 9 May 2008--Once again we have come through some very eventful weeks. Our recently completed conference was a highlight, I believe, for all who attended. It was a joy to welcome our Primate and express our appreciation for his bold intervention on our behalf. We were blessed by his ministry to us and his biblically-based messages as he challenged us to choose faithfulness and obedience to Christ, to not be deterred by persecution, and to “get on with it”.
267 bishops say they will attend Gafcon conference
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/267-bishops-say-they-will-attend-gafcon-conference-cen-50908-p-1/
[Conger] 9 May 2008--Organizers of Gafcon report that as of April 25, 267 bishops have registered for the June meeting in Jerusalem.
Denounced as a rival gathering to the July Lambeth conference, a detailed agenda has yet to be released. Like Lambeth much of the conference will be devoted to worship and spiritual reflection. However, Gafcon will play host to bishops, clergy and lay leaders, and will also seek to formulate a common approach to the divisions of doctrine and discipline within the Anglican Communion.
Approximately 150 bishops and conferees from Muslim majority countries unable to travel freely to Israel along with the Gafcon leadership team will meet at a resort on the Dead Sea in Jordan from June 18-22, while a further 600 are expected to join the self-styled “pilgrimage” in Jerusalem from June 22-29.
[Conger] 9 May 2008--Organizers of Gafcon report that as of April 25, 267 bishops have registered for the June meeting in Jerusalem.
Denounced as a rival gathering to the July Lambeth conference, a detailed agenda has yet to be released. Like Lambeth much of the conference will be devoted to worship and spiritual reflection. However, Gafcon will play host to bishops, clergy and lay leaders, and will also seek to formulate a common approach to the divisions of doctrine and discipline within the Anglican Communion.
Approximately 150 bishops and conferees from Muslim majority countries unable to travel freely to Israel along with the Gafcon leadership team will meet at a resort on the Dead Sea in Jordan from June 18-22, while a further 600 are expected to join the self-styled “pilgrimage” in Jerusalem from June 22-29.
Conservative bishops head for Lambeth
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=56355
[Church Times] 9 May 2008--It is becoming clear that the conservative case is going to be well represented at the forthcoming Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. At least two conservative bishops have confirmed that they will be attending, with the express purpose of promoting their cause.
One is the Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Revd Greg Venables. He told The Times that he would attend both the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in June and the Lambeth Conference in July.
Bishop Venables has been censured in recent weeks for ministering to congregations in Canada and San Joaquin, in the US, without the permission of the Anglican leadership in those provinces, and in contravention of the Windsor process.
[Church Times] 9 May 2008--It is becoming clear that the conservative case is going to be well represented at the forthcoming Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. At least two conservative bishops have confirmed that they will be attending, with the express purpose of promoting their cause.
One is the Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Revd Greg Venables. He told The Times that he would attend both the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in June and the Lambeth Conference in July.
Bishop Venables has been censured in recent weeks for ministering to congregations in Canada and San Joaquin, in the US, without the permission of the Anglican leadership in those provinces, and in contravention of the Windsor process.
Rift deeper than gay unions
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/365276
[The Hamilton Spectator] 9 May 2008--Pat Decker nearly fell off her chair when she heard a representative from the Anglican Church of Canada call controversial filmmaker Michael Moore a modern-day prophet at a baptism three years ago
[The Hamilton Spectator] 9 May 2008--Pat Decker nearly fell off her chair when she heard a representative from the Anglican Church of Canada call controversial filmmaker Michael Moore a modern-day prophet at a baptism three years ago
Thursday, May 08, 2008
St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg Splits, Rector & Vestry Majority Resign
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12309/
[Stand Firm] 8 May 2008--I have been in contact with a former member of the vestry at St. Christopher's, Spartanburg, this week and other key people, as well as a number of other parishioners over the past six months, and with those conversations in mind have put together a summary timeline of the events of the past several months.
Six vestry members (among them the Senior Warden), the parish treasurer, the Rector, and a staff member resigned on Monday, May 5, [one of the six vestry members resigned on Sunday evening]. Additional vestry members may resign or depart the parish later. Monday's events were the culmination in the short term of the past six months of discernment by the vestry and the parish -- but in the long term, they are the consequences of the heretical actions of the national church's leadership [General Conventions, House of Bishops, Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori, and the Executive Council] over the past four years, the effects of which have been felt in every parish in the diocese.
[Stand Firm] 8 May 2008--I have been in contact with a former member of the vestry at St. Christopher's, Spartanburg, this week and other key people, as well as a number of other parishioners over the past six months, and with those conversations in mind have put together a summary timeline of the events of the past several months.
Six vestry members (among them the Senior Warden), the parish treasurer, the Rector, and a staff member resigned on Monday, May 5, [one of the six vestry members resigned on Sunday evening]. Additional vestry members may resign or depart the parish later. Monday's events were the culmination in the short term of the past six months of discernment by the vestry and the parish -- but in the long term, they are the consequences of the heretical actions of the national church's leadership [General Conventions, House of Bishops, Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori, and the Executive Council] over the past four years, the effects of which have been felt in every parish in the diocese.
Rethinking Suburban Evangelism
http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/articles/rethinkingsuburbevangelism.html
[Christianity Today] 8 May 2008--In a day when privacy is prized, how can a church reach its insulated neighbors?
[Christianity Today] 8 May 2008--In a day when privacy is prized, how can a church reach its insulated neighbors?
Anglican Church concerned about food crisis
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080507/lead/lead7.html
[Jamaica Gleaner] 8 May 2008--The leadership of the Anglican Church in the Caribbean has expressed concern about the growing difficulties being experienced by people of the region because of the rising cost of food and other commodities.
Bishops and members of the Standing Committee of the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies, recorded their concern at a recent meeting in Barbados.
They said the worsening global situation is creating undue hardships for people everywhere.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the church leaders expressed concern for the poor and those on the margins of society who are finding it impossible to provide the basic needs for their families and to cope with the demands of daily living.
The bishops have called for the church to pursue "strategies of intervention in practical ways".
[Jamaica Gleaner] 8 May 2008--The leadership of the Anglican Church in the Caribbean has expressed concern about the growing difficulties being experienced by people of the region because of the rising cost of food and other commodities.
Bishops and members of the Standing Committee of the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies, recorded their concern at a recent meeting in Barbados.
They said the worsening global situation is creating undue hardships for people everywhere.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the church leaders expressed concern for the poor and those on the margins of society who are finding it impossible to provide the basic needs for their families and to cope with the demands of daily living.
The bishops have called for the church to pursue "strategies of intervention in practical ways".
Anglican Church Opens Its 30th Diocese in Kericho
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805060996.html
[AllAfrica.com] 8 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Kenya has opened a new diocese in Kericho, bringing its ecclesial territories to 30.
The new see will be headed by Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who was inaugurated at the Holy Trinity Pro-Cathedral Church last Thursday.
[AllAfrica.com] 8 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Kenya has opened a new diocese in Kericho, bringing its ecclesial territories to 30.
The new see will be headed by Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who was inaugurated at the Holy Trinity Pro-Cathedral Church last Thursday.
Episcopal Bishop Opens Old Wounds and Deposes 18 Former TEC Priests
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8206
[VirtueOnline] 8 May 2008--Seven years after 18 priests in the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado left the diocese and were given Letters Dimissory to the Province of South East Asia by then Episcopal Bishop Jerry Winterrowd, the present Episcopal Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev. Rob O'Neill, has decided to reopen old wounds. He has sent letters to the priests saying they must either renounce their orders in the Episcopal Church (TEC) or he will officially depose them.
[VirtueOnline] 8 May 2008--Seven years after 18 priests in the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado left the diocese and were given Letters Dimissory to the Province of South East Asia by then Episcopal Bishop Jerry Winterrowd, the present Episcopal Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev. Rob O'Neill, has decided to reopen old wounds. He has sent letters to the priests saying they must either renounce their orders in the Episcopal Church (TEC) or he will officially depose them.
Anglican Church Bans Polygamy
http://thepmnews.com/2008/05/05/anglican-church-bans-polygamy?version=print
[The PM News] 8 May 2008--The Anglican Communion in Nigeria has banned polygamy among members of the church.
The ban was handed down by the Archbishop and Primate of the Church, Most Reverend Peter Akinola.
Worried by the proliferation of marriages in the church among polygamous members, Akinola wrote to all Anglican Communions in the country to desist from such practice, which he described as unscriptural.
According to him, the integrity of the Christian faith is far more important than the reputation of those who turn their backs on the word of God.
[The PM News] 8 May 2008--The Anglican Communion in Nigeria has banned polygamy among members of the church.
The ban was handed down by the Archbishop and Primate of the Church, Most Reverend Peter Akinola.
Worried by the proliferation of marriages in the church among polygamous members, Akinola wrote to all Anglican Communions in the country to desist from such practice, which he described as unscriptural.
According to him, the integrity of the Christian faith is far more important than the reputation of those who turn their backs on the word of God.
Latest research indicates that church attendance will fall dramatically by 2050
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=864
[EV News] 8 May 2008--The Times reports that according to the latest research released yesterday by Religious Trends (a statistical analysis of religious practice in Britain), published by Christian Research, Church attendance in Britain is declining so quickly that the number of regular churchgoers will be fewer than those attending mosques by 2050.
[EV News] 8 May 2008--The Times reports that according to the latest research released yesterday by Religious Trends (a statistical analysis of religious practice in Britain), published by Christian Research, Church attendance in Britain is declining so quickly that the number of regular churchgoers will be fewer than those attending mosques by 2050.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Seven Advantages of Sermon-Based Small Groups
http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/7advantagesofsermon.html
[Christianity Today] 7 May 2008--At North Coast Church, where I serve as senior pastor, we've had a long and interesting journey with small groups. We had no groups when we first started out. But after a while, I began to realize that our congregation was more of a crowd than a living, breathing community. So we launched small groups, and things began to change immediately.
For a number of years we hunted down the best curriculum available and provided it to our groups. They grew, and people's lives did change. But when I put together a sermon series called "The Company of the Committed"—in which I wanted to paint the picture of what a committed Christian lifestyle would look like on a day-to-day basis—we experimented with our first sermon-based groups. The response was off the charts. It was so positive that we never looked back.
Over the years, I've noticed that tying the study guide to the sermon has several advantages over a curriculum-based model. Here are seven of the most powerful advantages.
[Christianity Today] 7 May 2008--At North Coast Church, where I serve as senior pastor, we've had a long and interesting journey with small groups. We had no groups when we first started out. But after a while, I began to realize that our congregation was more of a crowd than a living, breathing community. So we launched small groups, and things began to change immediately.
For a number of years we hunted down the best curriculum available and provided it to our groups. They grew, and people's lives did change. But when I put together a sermon series called "The Company of the Committed"—in which I wanted to paint the picture of what a committed Christian lifestyle would look like on a day-to-day basis—we experimented with our first sermon-based groups. The response was off the charts. It was so positive that we never looked back.
Over the years, I've noticed that tying the study guide to the sermon has several advantages over a curriculum-based model. Here are seven of the most powerful advantages.
Breakaway Niagara Anglican churches consider appealing order to share with diocese
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNfGByqSlvXl7eP0DBH_3PoWQBqQ
[The Canadian Press] 7 May 2008--As three breakaway Ontario Anglican parishes decide whether to appeal an interim court ruling that requires they share their churches with the diocese, efforts are underway to figure out what to do about this Sunday's services.
Because Monday's ruling is so vastly different than that of an earlier judge, Anglican Network in Canada director Cheryl Chang said the breakaway group is seriously considering an appeal and has seven days to make a decision.
Justice Jane Milanetti's interim ruling, released Monday, is expected to remain in effect until the issue of who owns the church properties is resolved - a process that could take years.
[The Canadian Press] 7 May 2008--As three breakaway Ontario Anglican parishes decide whether to appeal an interim court ruling that requires they share their churches with the diocese, efforts are underway to figure out what to do about this Sunday's services.
Because Monday's ruling is so vastly different than that of an earlier judge, Anglican Network in Canada director Cheryl Chang said the breakaway group is seriously considering an appeal and has seven days to make a decision.
Justice Jane Milanetti's interim ruling, released Monday, is expected to remain in effect until the issue of who owns the church properties is resolved - a process that could take years.
Addendum in light of the Presiding Bishop’s April 30, 2008 Letter to the House of Bishops:
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/141/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 7 May 2008--A defense now proffered by the Presiding Bishop and her supporters is that the same procedures were followed in the recent cases of Bishops Davies and Moreno. Past violations of the canon’s clear provisions are said to justify current ones. In considering this defense, it is necessary to distinguish three senses of “precedent” in legal usage. One is the well-known sense of precedent as a formal ruling on a legal issue by a competent juridical body. This is clearly not the case here as no one has suggested that the prior cases were determined to be canonical by any body reviewing the canonical issues. These cases are not offered as reasoned legal rulings, but as a fait accompli.
[Anglican Communion Institute] 7 May 2008--A defense now proffered by the Presiding Bishop and her supporters is that the same procedures were followed in the recent cases of Bishops Davies and Moreno. Past violations of the canon’s clear provisions are said to justify current ones. In considering this defense, it is necessary to distinguish three senses of “precedent” in legal usage. One is the well-known sense of precedent as a formal ruling on a legal issue by a competent juridical body. This is clearly not the case here as no one has suggested that the prior cases were determined to be canonical by any body reviewing the canonical issues. These cases are not offered as reasoned legal rulings, but as a fait accompli.
Bishop David Anderson on getting our AC statistics right
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/?p=3494
[Anglican Mainstream] 7 May 2008--‘Under the Schori public mantra, we are about at the end of the churches leaving - most of those so disposed to leave have done so. In fact, she is terribly out of touch with the real world; churches are leaving on a weekly basis. Now it is true that as long as one or two people don’t leave with the rest of the parish, and the bishop can hold onto the name and the building (four walls and a janitor) then TEC will claim that they haven’t lost the congregation. The truth is that a viable church has been lost to the diocese, and down the street in a school cafeteria or gymnasium a new orthodox Anglican Church has been formed with most of the former Episcopalians, now under the care of an overseas Anglican province …
[Anglican Mainstream] 7 May 2008--‘Under the Schori public mantra, we are about at the end of the churches leaving - most of those so disposed to leave have done so. In fact, she is terribly out of touch with the real world; churches are leaving on a weekly basis. Now it is true that as long as one or two people don’t leave with the rest of the parish, and the bishop can hold onto the name and the building (four walls and a janitor) then TEC will claim that they haven’t lost the congregation. The truth is that a viable church has been lost to the diocese, and down the street in a school cafeteria or gymnasium a new orthodox Anglican Church has been formed with most of the former Episcopalians, now under the care of an overseas Anglican province …
Standing On Solid Ground
http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=5653&srcid=469
[The Evangelical Fellowhip of Canada] 7 May 2008--.I. Packer has been described as one of the most important evangelical theologians of the late 20th century. In 2005 Time magazine dubbed him the “doctrinal Solomon” of Christian thinkers and named him one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals in North America.
Dr. Packer is the Board of Governors Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, a school he has served for 28 years. Considered a Christian classic, Packer’s Knowing God (one of his more than 40 books), was released in 1973 and has sold over a million copies.
Today, J.I. Packer, 81, is embroiled in the same-sex blessing controversy rocking The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC). Packer is honorary assistant in the largest congregation in the ACC, a church that voted to leave the ACC and realign with a more orthodox branch of the Anglican Communion based in South America.
In response, New Westminster Bishop Michael Ingham sent Packer and other clergy a “notice of presumption of abandonment of the exercise of ministry.” Packer (JP) talked to Faith Today’s Karen Stiller (KS) a little about his life so far and what is to come.
[The Evangelical Fellowhip of Canada] 7 May 2008--.I. Packer has been described as one of the most important evangelical theologians of the late 20th century. In 2005 Time magazine dubbed him the “doctrinal Solomon” of Christian thinkers and named him one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals in North America.
Dr. Packer is the Board of Governors Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, a school he has served for 28 years. Considered a Christian classic, Packer’s Knowing God (one of his more than 40 books), was released in 1973 and has sold over a million copies.
Today, J.I. Packer, 81, is embroiled in the same-sex blessing controversy rocking The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC). Packer is honorary assistant in the largest congregation in the ACC, a church that voted to leave the ACC and realign with a more orthodox branch of the Anglican Communion based in South America.
In response, New Westminster Bishop Michael Ingham sent Packer and other clergy a “notice of presumption of abandonment of the exercise of ministry.” Packer (JP) talked to Faith Today’s Karen Stiller (KS) a little about his life so far and what is to come.
Gay issues prompt church to split
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/localandstate/orl-churchsplit0608may06,0,6902517,print.story
[Orlando Sentinel] 7 May 2008--Another Central Florida Episcopal congregation has split over the issue of the denomination's policy on homosexuality.
Most of the members and ministerial staff of Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach will leave their historic facility in July to form a new congregation separate from the Episcopal Church, USA, if an agreement is ratified later this week with the Diocese of Central Florida. The agreement would formally separate the two groups.
On Sunday, about 200 of the congregation's 700 members who wish to remain part of the diocese elected a new vestry, the congregation's governing board. That board is expected to sign a separation agreement already approved by the diocese and the departing members.
[Orlando Sentinel] 7 May 2008--Another Central Florida Episcopal congregation has split over the issue of the denomination's policy on homosexuality.
Most of the members and ministerial staff of Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach will leave their historic facility in July to form a new congregation separate from the Episcopal Church, USA, if an agreement is ratified later this week with the Diocese of Central Florida. The agreement would formally separate the two groups.
On Sunday, about 200 of the congregation's 700 members who wish to remain part of the diocese elected a new vestry, the congregation's governing board. That board is expected to sign a separation agreement already approved by the diocese and the departing members.
Archbishop Venables: He came, He saw, He conquered
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8197
[VirtueOnline] 7 May 2008--The Most Rev. Gregory Venables, Archbishop of the Southern Cone, is, at this moment of ecclesiastical history, probably the most revered orthodox Archbishop in the Anglican Communion... and the most reviled.
No Anglican Archbishop in modern history has dived into the turbulent North American ecclesiastical waters of Anglicanism and managed to "offend" not one, but two heads of the most liberal provinces of the Anglican Communion with one single aim - to rescue whole dioceses from the clutches of a decaying, poisonous and self-destructive liberalism.
When he appeared on Canadian soil recently to inaugurate what might, in time, become a rival Anglican Communion, he was greeted with derision and scorn by the ultra-liberal leader of the Anglican Church of Canada, Fred Hiltz who told him in no uncertain terms that he was not welcome in his country and to get lost.
[VirtueOnline] 7 May 2008--The Most Rev. Gregory Venables, Archbishop of the Southern Cone, is, at this moment of ecclesiastical history, probably the most revered orthodox Archbishop in the Anglican Communion... and the most reviled.
No Anglican Archbishop in modern history has dived into the turbulent North American ecclesiastical waters of Anglicanism and managed to "offend" not one, but two heads of the most liberal provinces of the Anglican Communion with one single aim - to rescue whole dioceses from the clutches of a decaying, poisonous and self-destructive liberalism.
When he appeared on Canadian soil recently to inaugurate what might, in time, become a rival Anglican Communion, he was greeted with derision and scorn by the ultra-liberal leader of the Anglican Church of Canada, Fred Hiltz who told him in no uncertain terms that he was not welcome in his country and to get lost.
Bishop Venables: Communion “Breaking Up Because Nobody is Leading”
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/5/6/bishop-venables-communion-breaking-up-because-nobody-is-leading
{The Living Church] 7 May 2008--The work of amending the Constitution and Canons of the Southern Cone in order to regularize the admission of parishes and dioceses beyond South America is about to begin, according to Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables. The Primate of the Southern Cone made a visit to the Diocese of Fort Worth for a series of meetings with clergy and lay leaders May 2-4.
“The Anglican Communion in the United States has been hijacked,” Bishop Venables said, by an Episcopal Church leadership that doesn’t “mind what happens as long as they control it.
“I am astounded that in America, the land of the free, so many people have been robbed of their freedom,” he said.
{The Living Church] 7 May 2008--The work of amending the Constitution and Canons of the Southern Cone in order to regularize the admission of parishes and dioceses beyond South America is about to begin, according to Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables. The Primate of the Southern Cone made a visit to the Diocese of Fort Worth for a series of meetings with clergy and lay leaders May 2-4.
“The Anglican Communion in the United States has been hijacked,” Bishop Venables said, by an Episcopal Church leadership that doesn’t “mind what happens as long as they control it.
“I am astounded that in America, the land of the free, so many people have been robbed of their freedom,” he said.
Anglicans must choose between Protestantism and tradition, says Vatican
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/articles/a0000273.shtml
[The Catholic Herald] 7 May 2008--The Vatican has said that the time has come for the Anglican Church to choose between Protestantism and the ancient churches of Rome and Orthodoxy.
Speaking on the day that the Archbishop of Canterbury met Benedict XVI in Rome, Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Pontifical Council of Christian Unity, said it was time for Anglicanism to "clarify its identity".
He told the Catholic Herald: "Ultimately, it is a question of the identity of the Anglican Church. Where does it belong?
"Does it belong more to the churches of the first millennium -Catholic and Orthodox - or does it belong more to the Protestant churches of the 16th century? At the moment it is somewhere in between, but it must clarify its identity now and that will not be possible without certain difficult decisions."
[The Catholic Herald] 7 May 2008--The Vatican has said that the time has come for the Anglican Church to choose between Protestantism and the ancient churches of Rome and Orthodoxy.
Speaking on the day that the Archbishop of Canterbury met Benedict XVI in Rome, Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Pontifical Council of Christian Unity, said it was time for Anglicanism to "clarify its identity".
He told the Catholic Herald: "Ultimately, it is a question of the identity of the Anglican Church. Where does it belong?
"Does it belong more to the churches of the first millennium -Catholic and Orthodox - or does it belong more to the Protestant churches of the 16th century? At the moment it is somewhere in between, but it must clarify its identity now and that will not be possible without certain difficult decisions."
Bishops of Pittsburgh to Attend Lambeth
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/5/6/bishops-of-pittsburgh-to-attend-lambeth
[The Living Church] 7 May 2008--In a media statement published May 6 on their diocesan website, Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh and assistant Bishop Henry Scriven said they plan to attend the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops July 16-Aug. 4.
Both previously said they would be attending the Global Anglican Future Conference organized by traditionalist Global South Anglican leaders and scheduled to be held in the Holy Land in late June.
“After consulting with the people of Pittsburgh and our friends around the globe, we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary for us to be present at both gatherings,” Bishop Duncan said. “Given the expense and the stated intent of the Archbishop of Canterbury that Lambeth can no longer be considered a decision-making council of the church, choosing to be present was not easy.”
[The Living Church] 7 May 2008--In a media statement published May 6 on their diocesan website, Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh and assistant Bishop Henry Scriven said they plan to attend the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops July 16-Aug. 4.
Both previously said they would be attending the Global Anglican Future Conference organized by traditionalist Global South Anglican leaders and scheduled to be held in the Holy Land in late June.
“After consulting with the people of Pittsburgh and our friends around the globe, we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary for us to be present at both gatherings,” Bishop Duncan said. “Given the expense and the stated intent of the Archbishop of Canterbury that Lambeth can no longer be considered a decision-making council of the church, choosing to be present was not easy.”
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Archbishop Venables addresses diocesan convention in Fort Worth
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8188
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--After an introduction by Bishop Jack Iker, Archbishop Venables began with Scripture, choosing Acts 2: especially verses 36 and 37: where the crowd responds, "Brothers, what shall we do?" These are my notes on his 90-minute presentation.
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--After an introduction by Bishop Jack Iker, Archbishop Venables began with Scripture, choosing Acts 2: especially verses 36 and 37: where the crowd responds, "Brothers, what shall we do?" These are my notes on his 90-minute presentation.
Good try, Ruth
http://hillsofthenorth.blogspot.com/2008/05/good-try-ruth.html
[Hills of the North] 6 May 2008--Ruth Gledhill is the first journalist to put to Gene Robinson the questions he should answer about the in-your-face timing of his civil union and his need for the "legal protections" a civil union purportedly provides someone being threatened. She is the first person to press him about the exact nature of the threats against him.
She specifically asked him what "protections" it was he needed that required his nuptials so soon before Lambeth. He did not answer the question. There's a reason he did not answer the question. That's because it is simply not true that he gets any legal "protections" from a civil union that he could not otherwise have in some other fashion. And if, as he says, the threats are the reason he needs these protections, then why is he not singing "for God's sake get me to the church on time" and getting on with it--since he says he's already getting such threats? Gene Robinson is lying. He is getting civilly unionized when he is just so he can make a point. But he is too much of a coward to be honest, or is too invested in his lie, or he truly believes everyone listening to him is too stupid to realize exactly what he's doing and that he's lying. Or maybe he thinks he's being clever and cute. Most likely it is all of these.
[Hills of the North] 6 May 2008--Ruth Gledhill is the first journalist to put to Gene Robinson the questions he should answer about the in-your-face timing of his civil union and his need for the "legal protections" a civil union purportedly provides someone being threatened. She is the first person to press him about the exact nature of the threats against him.
She specifically asked him what "protections" it was he needed that required his nuptials so soon before Lambeth. He did not answer the question. There's a reason he did not answer the question. That's because it is simply not true that he gets any legal "protections" from a civil union that he could not otherwise have in some other fashion. And if, as he says, the threats are the reason he needs these protections, then why is he not singing "for God's sake get me to the church on time" and getting on with it--since he says he's already getting such threats? Gene Robinson is lying. He is getting civilly unionized when he is just so he can make a point. But he is too much of a coward to be honest, or is too invested in his lie, or he truly believes everyone listening to him is too stupid to realize exactly what he's doing and that he's lying. Or maybe he thinks he's being clever and cute. Most likely it is all of these.
The Memo on Possible Canonical Violations by the Presiding Bishop
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/12273/#more
[TitusOneNine] 6 May 2008--You have asked for advice as to whether the Presiding Bishop has violated the constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church and what procedures would be applicable for charging her with a presentable offense. This memorandum identifies at least eleven violations of TEC’s constitution and canons by the Presiding Bishop in her dealings with Bishops Cox, Schofield and Duncan and the Diocese of San Joaquin. Taken together, these actions demonstrate willful violation of the canons, an intention to repeat the violations and a pattern of concealment and lack of candor. In the case of DSJ, the fundamental polity of TEC as a “fellowship of duly constituted dioceses” under the ecclesiastical authority of the diocesan bishop has been subverted. The memorandum then addresses the procedural requirements for filing charges against the Presiding Bishop.
[TitusOneNine] 6 May 2008--You have asked for advice as to whether the Presiding Bishop has violated the constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church and what procedures would be applicable for charging her with a presentable offense. This memorandum identifies at least eleven violations of TEC’s constitution and canons by the Presiding Bishop in her dealings with Bishops Cox, Schofield and Duncan and the Diocese of San Joaquin. Taken together, these actions demonstrate willful violation of the canons, an intention to repeat the violations and a pattern of concealment and lack of candor. In the case of DSJ, the fundamental polity of TEC as a “fellowship of duly constituted dioceses” under the ecclesiastical authority of the diocesan bishop has been subverted. The memorandum then addresses the procedural requirements for filing charges against the Presiding Bishop.
42 Orthodox Episcopal Priests Deposed Since 2004 by Liberal Bishop
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8186
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--When he first took office, Samuel Johnson Howard seemed the picture of sweet reasonableness, promising to work with everyone, his door open to all, announcing that he was orthodox as he followed in the footsteps of the late evangelical Bishop of Florida, Steve Jecko.
In January 2004, things looked promising when the Diocese of Florida decided to uninvite Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold for the much-anticipated consecration of Howard as the next Bishop Coadjutor of Florida. There was an air of euphoria, a general feeling then that the change from Bishop Jecko to Howard would be a transition that orthodox priests could live with.
They soon became disillusioned.
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--When he first took office, Samuel Johnson Howard seemed the picture of sweet reasonableness, promising to work with everyone, his door open to all, announcing that he was orthodox as he followed in the footsteps of the late evangelical Bishop of Florida, Steve Jecko.
In January 2004, things looked promising when the Diocese of Florida decided to uninvite Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold for the much-anticipated consecration of Howard as the next Bishop Coadjutor of Florida. There was an air of euphoria, a general feeling then that the change from Bishop Jecko to Howard would be a transition that orthodox priests could live with.
They soon became disillusioned.
No Pulpit Ban for Bishop Robinson
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/5/2/no-pulpit-ban-for-bishop-robinson
[The Living Church] 6 May 2008--Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire has not been banned from pulpits in the Church of England according to a spokesman for the Archbishop of Canterbury, who denied press speculation that the Archbishop Rowan Williams was attempting to silence Bishop Robinson.
A press officer confirmed on May 2 that Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams had not issued Bishop Robinson a license to officiate in the Province of Canterbury. However, Church of England canon law does not grant the archbishop the authority to ban preachers, the spokesman noted.
While traveling in Britain to promote his book, Bishop Robinson told the BBC “in the past [Archbishop Williams] has... declined to give me permission to preach and to celebrate the Holy Communion and I would never do so without his permission.” Episcopal News Service reported April 30 that Archbishop Williams would not permit Bishop Robinson “to preach or preside at a Eucharist while he is in England, according to reports.”
[The Living Church] 6 May 2008--Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire has not been banned from pulpits in the Church of England according to a spokesman for the Archbishop of Canterbury, who denied press speculation that the Archbishop Rowan Williams was attempting to silence Bishop Robinson.
A press officer confirmed on May 2 that Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams had not issued Bishop Robinson a license to officiate in the Province of Canterbury. However, Church of England canon law does not grant the archbishop the authority to ban preachers, the spokesman noted.
While traveling in Britain to promote his book, Bishop Robinson told the BBC “in the past [Archbishop Williams] has... declined to give me permission to preach and to celebrate the Holy Communion and I would never do so without his permission.” Episcopal News Service reported April 30 that Archbishop Williams would not permit Bishop Robinson “to preach or preside at a Eucharist while he is in England, according to reports.”
Parishioners disappointed by court decision
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8192
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--A judge in the Ontario Superior Court in Hamilton, Madam Justice Milanetti, has ordered three southern Ontario Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) parishes to share their building facilities with a diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada pending the resolution of a trial over who is legally entitled to exclusive possession.
Representatives of the parishes of St George's (Lowville), St Hilda's ( Oakville ) and Church of the Good Shepherd ( St Catharines ) had argued that sharing the church building created untenable conditions for parishioners. They are now considering their options.
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--A judge in the Ontario Superior Court in Hamilton, Madam Justice Milanetti, has ordered three southern Ontario Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) parishes to share their building facilities with a diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada pending the resolution of a trial over who is legally entitled to exclusive possession.
Representatives of the parishes of St George's (Lowville), St Hilda's ( Oakville ) and Church of the Good Shepherd ( St Catharines ) had argued that sharing the church building created untenable conditions for parishioners. They are now considering their options.
Heretical Perspectives on Scripture
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8183
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--The revisionists accept Anglican sources such as Scripture and creeds, but understand them from a heretical perspective. In a previous essay,(1) I analyzed the distorted view of the Trinity found in the St. Andrew's Draft, suggesting some articles that would both affirm orthodox Trinitarian doctrine and define and deny revisionist Trinitarian teaching. In this essay I will do the same for Scripture. Here is what the St. Andrew's Draft has to say about Scripture,(1.1.2) that, reliant on the Holy Spirit, it [each Church of the Anglican Communion] professes the faith which is uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as containing all things necessary for salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith, and which is set forth in the catholic creeds, and to which the historic formularies of the Church of England bear significant witness, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation; ... (1.2.4) to ensure that biblical texts are handled faithfully, respectfully, comprehensively and coherently, primarily through the teaching and initiative of bishops and synods, and building on habits and disciplines of Bible study across the Church and on rigorous scholarship, believing that scriptural revelation continues to illuminate and transform individuals, cultures and societies....
[VirtueOnline] 6 May 2008--The revisionists accept Anglican sources such as Scripture and creeds, but understand them from a heretical perspective. In a previous essay,(1) I analyzed the distorted view of the Trinity found in the St. Andrew's Draft, suggesting some articles that would both affirm orthodox Trinitarian doctrine and define and deny revisionist Trinitarian teaching. In this essay I will do the same for Scripture. Here is what the St. Andrew's Draft has to say about Scripture,(1.1.2) that, reliant on the Holy Spirit, it [each Church of the Anglican Communion] professes the faith which is uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as containing all things necessary for salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith, and which is set forth in the catholic creeds, and to which the historic formularies of the Church of England bear significant witness, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation; ... (1.2.4) to ensure that biblical texts are handled faithfully, respectfully, comprehensively and coherently, primarily through the teaching and initiative of bishops and synods, and building on habits and disciplines of Bible study across the Church and on rigorous scholarship, believing that scriptural revelation continues to illuminate and transform individuals, cultures and societies....
Bishop Iker Will Attend Lambeth Conference
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/5/2/bishop-iker-will-attend-lambeth-conference
[The Living Church] 6 May 2008--Bishop Jack Iker of Fort Worth confirmed May 2 on the diocesan website that he has accepted the invitation from Archbishop of Canterbury to attend the Lambeth Conference in England this summer.
“I stand in solidarity with all those bishops who have decided, as a matter of conscience, that they are unable to be at Lambeth,” he said. “However, given the situation the diocese of Fort Worth finds itself in with the unfolding realignment that is taking place in Anglicanism, I think it is important for me to be there to make our case and to face our detractors.”
The announcement noted that in addition to demonstrating a willingness to work with the Instruments of Communion for the unity of the Church, Bishop Iker believes it is important for him to be present to defend orthodox believers who are being accused of abandonment of communion by the Presiding Bishop and other leaders of The Episcopal Church (TEC).
[The Living Church] 6 May 2008--Bishop Jack Iker of Fort Worth confirmed May 2 on the diocesan website that he has accepted the invitation from Archbishop of Canterbury to attend the Lambeth Conference in England this summer.
“I stand in solidarity with all those bishops who have decided, as a matter of conscience, that they are unable to be at Lambeth,” he said. “However, given the situation the diocese of Fort Worth finds itself in with the unfolding realignment that is taking place in Anglicanism, I think it is important for me to be there to make our case and to face our detractors.”
The announcement noted that in addition to demonstrating a willingness to work with the Instruments of Communion for the unity of the Church, Bishop Iker believes it is important for him to be present to defend orthodox believers who are being accused of abandonment of communion by the Presiding Bishop and other leaders of The Episcopal Church (TEC).
Thursday, May 01, 2008
The Shortcomings of the "Attactional" Church
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/mission/missionthinking/the_shortcomings_of_attractional_church/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 1 May 2008--In almost every book I have read on church growth over the last decade the same model of what we are trying to do underlies the practice. The model proposes that there are people in the world who have rejected or never heard the gospel and they are left all alone and without hope because those with the gospel are cloistered in churches, unable or unwilling to reach the lost. These books call us to move out of our safe cloisters and draw people from the world into our churches.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 1 May 2008--In almost every book I have read on church growth over the last decade the same model of what we are trying to do underlies the practice. The model proposes that there are people in the world who have rejected or never heard the gospel and they are left all alone and without hope because those with the gospel are cloistered in churches, unable or unwilling to reach the lost. These books call us to move out of our safe cloisters and draw people from the world into our churches.
“Catholics” Do Not Dither
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12155/
[Stand Firm] 1 May 2008--When a church or province presumes to violate the plain teaching of God's Word and established doctrine and refuses to repent, there is little need for "consultation" or study. The only council that is necessary is the council that meets to issue the formal anathema and excommunication. The substance of the matter has already been decided.
[Stand Firm] 1 May 2008--When a church or province presumes to violate the plain teaching of God's Word and established doctrine and refuses to repent, there is little need for "consultation" or study. The only council that is necessary is the council that meets to issue the formal anathema and excommunication. The substance of the matter has already been decided.
Why Muslims Convert to Christianity: Charles Colson
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/04/30/why-muslims-convert-to-christianity-charles-colson/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 May 2008--A few days ago, Fox News ran a grim special titled "Jihad USA: Confronting the Threat of Homegrown Terror." It is a warning of the continuing danger of Islamo-fascism.
The program probably deepened many Americans’ fear of and hostility toward Muslims. That is unfortunate, because most Muslims are not would-be jihadists. But we Christians especially need to guard our emotions so we can be a good witness to Muslims — a caution raised by Dr. Dudley Woodberry, professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller.
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 May 2008--A few days ago, Fox News ran a grim special titled "Jihad USA: Confronting the Threat of Homegrown Terror." It is a warning of the continuing danger of Islamo-fascism.
The program probably deepened many Americans’ fear of and hostility toward Muslims. That is unfortunate, because most Muslims are not would-be jihadists. But we Christians especially need to guard our emotions so we can be a good witness to Muslims — a caution raised by Dr. Dudley Woodberry, professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller.
Canterbury denies New Hampshire bishop permission to preach or preside
http://www.episcopal-life.org/81808_96801_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 1 May 2008--New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson has been told by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams not to preach or preside at a eucharist while he is in England, according to reports.
Robinson, the first openly gay priest to be elected bishop in the Anglican Communion, is visiting the U.K. to promote his new book, "In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God."
In an interview with BBC Radio's Robert Piggott, Robinson criticized Williams for failing to speak out against homophobia in the Anglican Communion.
According to Piggott, Robinson said that Williams had criticized the Episcopal Church for ordaining him as a bishop in 2003, but had done little to tackle conservative Anglican leaders for their interference in the United States.
[Episcopal Life Online] 1 May 2008--New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson has been told by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams not to preach or preside at a eucharist while he is in England, according to reports.
Robinson, the first openly gay priest to be elected bishop in the Anglican Communion, is visiting the U.K. to promote his new book, "In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God."
In an interview with BBC Radio's Robert Piggott, Robinson criticized Williams for failing to speak out against homophobia in the Anglican Communion.
According to Piggott, Robinson said that Williams had criticized the Episcopal Church for ordaining him as a bishop in 2003, but had done little to tackle conservative Anglican leaders for their interference in the United States.
The oppressed GLBT - not alone!
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/05/01/the-oppressed-glbt-not-alone/
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 May 2008--Thank you Peter Ould for this highlight. It is most helpful! The overwhelming reality of pain, rejection and angst for at least some folk in the GLBT community cannot be doubted. They know they are somehow not ‘right’ and become masters of self-censorship. However, validating everyone as she/he ‘is’ cannot be the solution. I keep raising the issue of all the other sexual minorities still in their closets whose lived experience of pain etc. match those of the GLBT to the smallest detail. They too know they are somehow not ‘right’. What about them? Either let everyone out of their closets - as long as the ‘relationships’ are consensual etc. (though this social norm too could give, at some point) and pay the devil - or have the integrity to admit that some sexual minorities need to remain in the closet. What they publicly embrace and advance as a lifestyle is deemed to be transgressive, wrong, toxic for both them and for those around them. In fact, there are various sexual orientations out there - some whose ’alternative’ nature makes the GLBT constellation look almost conservative by comparison - it is just that they have remained under the radar. Given the present state of moral disintegration and the increasing inability to say certain behaviours are categorically ‘wrong’ it is only a matter of time before they too emerge.
[Anglican Mainstream] 1 May 2008--Thank you Peter Ould for this highlight. It is most helpful! The overwhelming reality of pain, rejection and angst for at least some folk in the GLBT community cannot be doubted. They know they are somehow not ‘right’ and become masters of self-censorship. However, validating everyone as she/he ‘is’ cannot be the solution. I keep raising the issue of all the other sexual minorities still in their closets whose lived experience of pain etc. match those of the GLBT to the smallest detail. They too know they are somehow not ‘right’. What about them? Either let everyone out of their closets - as long as the ‘relationships’ are consensual etc. (though this social norm too could give, at some point) and pay the devil - or have the integrity to admit that some sexual minorities need to remain in the closet. What they publicly embrace and advance as a lifestyle is deemed to be transgressive, wrong, toxic for both them and for those around them. In fact, there are various sexual orientations out there - some whose ’alternative’ nature makes the GLBT constellation look almost conservative by comparison - it is just that they have remained under the radar. Given the present state of moral disintegration and the increasing inability to say certain behaviours are categorically ‘wrong’ it is only a matter of time before they too emerge.
New Anglican Entity Inaugurated in Canada: Archbishop Venables commissions two Bishops and thirty two clergy.
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2008/05/01/new-anglican-entity-inaugurated-in-canada-archbishop-venables-commissions-two-bishops-and-thirty-two-clergy/
[Anglican Mianstream] 1 May 2008--Before 1000 people, Presiding Bishop Greg Venables commissioned two Bishops, and one of them, Bishop Donald Harvey, then licenced 32 priests and deacons for the Anglican Network in Canada on Saturday April 27. The Network comprises 15 churches, whose average Sunday attendance is larger than 12 of the 31 dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada (according to the 2001 published statistics, but recent numbers are presumed to be much lower).
The Network was first offered as an ecclesial alternative in Burlington Ontario in November 2007. Since then these 15 churches have all held votes in which their congregations voted overwhelmingly to join the Network or left their buildings and planted new churches.
The Presiding Bishop commissioned Don Harvey and Malcolm Harding as Bishops with the words " I offer you pastoral oversight and fellowship. I commission you to preach the gospel and love the people."
Bishop Albert Vun from the Diocese of Sabah, representing Archbishop John Chew, retired Archbishop Yong Ping Chung ( a former chair of the Anglican Consultative Council) and 15 other Bishops from Anglican Jurisdictions in Kenya, Uganda and in the United States attended.
[Anglican Mianstream] 1 May 2008--Before 1000 people, Presiding Bishop Greg Venables commissioned two Bishops, and one of them, Bishop Donald Harvey, then licenced 32 priests and deacons for the Anglican Network in Canada on Saturday April 27. The Network comprises 15 churches, whose average Sunday attendance is larger than 12 of the 31 dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada (according to the 2001 published statistics, but recent numbers are presumed to be much lower).
The Network was first offered as an ecclesial alternative in Burlington Ontario in November 2007. Since then these 15 churches have all held votes in which their congregations voted overwhelmingly to join the Network or left their buildings and planted new churches.
The Presiding Bishop commissioned Don Harvey and Malcolm Harding as Bishops with the words " I offer you pastoral oversight and fellowship. I commission you to preach the gospel and love the people."
Bishop Albert Vun from the Diocese of Sabah, representing Archbishop John Chew, retired Archbishop Yong Ping Chung ( a former chair of the Anglican Consultative Council) and 15 other Bishops from Anglican Jurisdictions in Kenya, Uganda and in the United States attended.
Shakespeare’s Religion
http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=6202
[First Things] 1 May 2008--In 1613, at the end of his career, Shakespeare joined John Fletcher to dramatize the reign of Henry VIII—the king who broke with Rome and started the Protestant revolution in England. The play ends with Thomas Cranmer’s rhapsodic paean to the once and future queen, Elizabeth, who would consolidate the Anglican settlement:
This royal infant—heaven still move about her!— Though in her cradle, yet now promises Upon this land a thousand, thousand blessings, Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be— But few now living can behold that goodness— A pattern to all princes living with her, And all that shall succeed.
Elizabeth’s foes, Cranmer predicts, will shake like a field of beaten corn; and, since those foes included the Catholics whom Elizabeth relentlessly persecuted, imprisoned, and executed, readers have traditionally seen the play as Protestant propaganda.
And yet Henry VIII is also the tale of another queen: Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s discarded, staunchly Catholic wife. Katherine courageously endures the trial, stands by her “honour,” her “bond to wedlock,” and her “love and duty.” She assails Wolsey for his “arrogancy, spleen, and pride” and wishes to make appeal “unto the Pope,” to bring her case before “His Holiness.” Onstage she has a vision of angelic spirits dancing and welcoming her to heaven before she dies. Shakespeare and Fletcher portray Katherine as a wronged, heroic, and saintly queen.
Henry VIII, in other words, is hot ice and wondrous strange snow, as Theseus says in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Does the play extol the Protestant Reformation or the Protestant Deformation? How shall we find the concord of this discord?
[First Things] 1 May 2008--In 1613, at the end of his career, Shakespeare joined John Fletcher to dramatize the reign of Henry VIII—the king who broke with Rome and started the Protestant revolution in England. The play ends with Thomas Cranmer’s rhapsodic paean to the once and future queen, Elizabeth, who would consolidate the Anglican settlement:
This royal infant—heaven still move about her!— Though in her cradle, yet now promises Upon this land a thousand, thousand blessings, Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be— But few now living can behold that goodness— A pattern to all princes living with her, And all that shall succeed.
Elizabeth’s foes, Cranmer predicts, will shake like a field of beaten corn; and, since those foes included the Catholics whom Elizabeth relentlessly persecuted, imprisoned, and executed, readers have traditionally seen the play as Protestant propaganda.
And yet Henry VIII is also the tale of another queen: Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s discarded, staunchly Catholic wife. Katherine courageously endures the trial, stands by her “honour,” her “bond to wedlock,” and her “love and duty.” She assails Wolsey for his “arrogancy, spleen, and pride” and wishes to make appeal “unto the Pope,” to bring her case before “His Holiness.” Onstage she has a vision of angelic spirits dancing and welcoming her to heaven before she dies. Shakespeare and Fletcher portray Katherine as a wronged, heroic, and saintly queen.
Henry VIII, in other words, is hot ice and wondrous strange snow, as Theseus says in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Does the play extol the Protestant Reformation or the Protestant Deformation? How shall we find the concord of this discord?
Venables predicts end of Anglican Communion
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/100/article/venables-predicts-end-of-anglican-communion/
[Anglican Journal] 1 May 2008--The South American primate who has welcomed dissenting Canadian Anglican parishes into his province says he sees the beginning of the end of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
“I believe we’re in the early stages of divorce,” Archbishop Gregory Venables, presiding (national) bishop of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, told a news conference during a meeting of the Anglican Network in Canada from April 25 to 26.
“I think there comes a point when a marriage is no longer a marriage and you have to recognize it,” he said. But Archbishop Venables suggested that Anglican churches could still stay together in some form. “Maybe we can have an Anglican federation,” he said.
[Anglican Journal] 1 May 2008--The South American primate who has welcomed dissenting Canadian Anglican parishes into his province says he sees the beginning of the end of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
“I believe we’re in the early stages of divorce,” Archbishop Gregory Venables, presiding (national) bishop of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, told a news conference during a meeting of the Anglican Network in Canada from April 25 to 26.
“I think there comes a point when a marriage is no longer a marriage and you have to recognize it,” he said. But Archbishop Venables suggested that Anglican churches could still stay together in some form. “Maybe we can have an Anglican federation,” he said.
Anglican Church of Canada Loses Prominent Theologian over its "Poisonous Liberalism"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08043008.html
[LifeSiteNews.com] 1 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Canada has lost another prominent member due to its "poisonous liberalism" which holds homosexuality in high esteem but increasingly marginalizes Christian morality and scriptural tradition.
James Innell Packer, a British-born Canadian theologian in the Calvinistic or Evangelical Anglican tradition, has announced that he will be aligning himself with the groups of Anglicans who have left the jurisdiction of the ultra-liberal Anglican Church of Canada and are seeking episcopal oversight from more traditional wings of the Anglican Church.
[LifeSiteNews.com] 1 May 2008--The Anglican Church of Canada has lost another prominent member due to its "poisonous liberalism" which holds homosexuality in high esteem but increasingly marginalizes Christian morality and scriptural tradition.
James Innell Packer, a British-born Canadian theologian in the Calvinistic or Evangelical Anglican tradition, has announced that he will be aligning himself with the groups of Anglicans who have left the jurisdiction of the ultra-liberal Anglican Church of Canada and are seeking episcopal oversight from more traditional wings of the Anglican Church.
Memo: Presiding Bishop Subverting Constitution and Canons
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/4/30/memorandum-concludes-presiding-bishop-is-subverting-constitution-and-canons
[The Living Church] 1 May 2008--Sufficient legal grounds exist for presenting Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for ecclesiastical trial on 11 counts of violating the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, according to a legal memorandum that has begun circulating among members of the House of Bishops.
A copy of the April 21 document seen by a reporter representing The Living Church states Bishop Jefferts Schori demonstrated a “willful violation of the canons, an intention to repeat the violations, and a pattern of concealment and lack of candor” in her handling of the cases of bishops Robert W. Duncan, John-David Schofield and William Cox, and that she “subverted” the “fundamental polity” of The Episcopal Church in the matter of the Diocese of San Joaquin.
[The Living Church] 1 May 2008--Sufficient legal grounds exist for presenting Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for ecclesiastical trial on 11 counts of violating the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, according to a legal memorandum that has begun circulating among members of the House of Bishops.
A copy of the April 21 document seen by a reporter representing The Living Church states Bishop Jefferts Schori demonstrated a “willful violation of the canons, an intention to repeat the violations, and a pattern of concealment and lack of candor” in her handling of the cases of bishops Robert W. Duncan, John-David Schofield and William Cox, and that she “subverted” the “fundamental polity” of The Episcopal Church in the matter of the Diocese of San Joaquin.
Presiding Bishop Explains Process Used to Depose Bishops for Abandonment
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/4/30/presiding-bishop-explains-process-used-to-depose-bishops-for-abandonment
[The Living Church] 1 May 2008--A variety of appointed experts on Episcopal Church canon law concur with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who does not believe it is necessary to obtain an inhibition prior to holding a vote to depose a bishop charged with abandonment of communion. Bishop Jefferts Schori sent a two-page letter that sets out her understanding of the abandonment canons for the House of Bishops on April 30.
Once the nine-member Title IV [disciplinary] Review Committee has certified that a bishop has abandoned communion, Bishop Jefferts Schori said “the bishop in question is given 60 days to respond. In her letter, she explained that the provision requiring the consent of the three senior active bishops of the church in order to inhibit the accused bishop does not grant the three senior bishops veto power “over consideration of the merits of the deposition by the House of Bishops,” and she notes that a significant number of persons, many of whose positions are filled by appointment of the Presiding Bishop, agree with her.
[The Living Church] 1 May 2008--A variety of appointed experts on Episcopal Church canon law concur with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who does not believe it is necessary to obtain an inhibition prior to holding a vote to depose a bishop charged with abandonment of communion. Bishop Jefferts Schori sent a two-page letter that sets out her understanding of the abandonment canons for the House of Bishops on April 30.
Once the nine-member Title IV [disciplinary] Review Committee has certified that a bishop has abandoned communion, Bishop Jefferts Schori said “the bishop in question is given 60 days to respond. In her letter, she explained that the provision requiring the consent of the three senior active bishops of the church in order to inhibit the accused bishop does not grant the three senior bishops veto power “over consideration of the merits of the deposition by the House of Bishops,” and she notes that a significant number of persons, many of whose positions are filled by appointment of the Presiding Bishop, agree with her.
"Bishop" Protests Visit of Southern Cone Primate to Anglican Diocese Venables
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8164
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--The bishop who claims to be the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin has written a letter to the orthodox Archbishop of the Southern Cone protesting his visit to the diocese.
In blunt language Episcopal Bishop Jerry A. Lamb asked Archbishop Gregory Venables to stay out the diocese and not preach and celebrate the Eucharist at St. James Cathedral held by the Bishop of San Joaquin, the Rt. Rev. David Schofield.
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--The bishop who claims to be the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin has written a letter to the orthodox Archbishop of the Southern Cone protesting his visit to the diocese.
In blunt language Episcopal Bishop Jerry A. Lamb asked Archbishop Gregory Venables to stay out the diocese and not preach and celebrate the Eucharist at St. James Cathedral held by the Bishop of San Joaquin, the Rt. Rev. David Schofield.
Iker Blasts Schori over Venables Visitation
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8165
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--I am shocked and saddened by the rude letter you released yesterday to Archbishop Greg Venables, concerning his visit this weekend to the Diocese of Fort Worth. Far from being "an unwarranted interference," he is coming at my request as an honored visitor and guest speaker.
You should know that under the canons this does not require either your approval or your support. You have no say in this matter. A diocesan bishop is free to invite other bishops to visit and speak in his diocese.
There are no efforts at reconciliation proceeding within this Province, which is one reason why faithful people continue to leave TEC in droves. Your attitude and actions simply reinforce alienation and bring further discord.
Once again, you are the one meddling in the internal affairs of this diocese, and I ask you to stop your unwelcome intrusions.
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--I am shocked and saddened by the rude letter you released yesterday to Archbishop Greg Venables, concerning his visit this weekend to the Diocese of Fort Worth. Far from being "an unwarranted interference," he is coming at my request as an honored visitor and guest speaker.
You should know that under the canons this does not require either your approval or your support. You have no say in this matter. A diocesan bishop is free to invite other bishops to visit and speak in his diocese.
There are no efforts at reconciliation proceeding within this Province, which is one reason why faithful people continue to leave TEC in droves. Your attitude and actions simply reinforce alienation and bring further discord.
Once again, you are the one meddling in the internal affairs of this diocese, and I ask you to stop your unwelcome intrusions.
The Anglican Formularies Are Not Enough
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8113
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--The Anglican Formularies are not enough to meet the crisis that now afflicts the Anglican Communion.
Let me explain. What is the nature of the problem that faces us? The problem is theological, a powerful false teaching that undermines the church. There is nothing new about this. The church has always been assaulted by heresy. When false doctrine became powerful, as it is at the present moment, the response of the church has been to counter heresy with orthodox truth. That truth was a double-edged sword, both sides equally important -- to affirm true doctrine and to deny the false doctrines of the heretics. This is the tradition, starting in the New Testament and continuing throughout the history of the church. Let me give a few examples, chosen from a multitude.
[VirtueOnline] 1 May 2008--The Anglican Formularies are not enough to meet the crisis that now afflicts the Anglican Communion.
Let me explain. What is the nature of the problem that faces us? The problem is theological, a powerful false teaching that undermines the church. There is nothing new about this. The church has always been assaulted by heresy. When false doctrine became powerful, as it is at the present moment, the response of the church has been to counter heresy with orthodox truth. That truth was a double-edged sword, both sides equally important -- to affirm true doctrine and to deny the false doctrines of the heretics. This is the tradition, starting in the New Testament and continuing throughout the history of the church. Let me give a few examples, chosen from a multitude.
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