http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/9/9/pb-hosts-rectors-of-large-congregations
[The Living Church] 10 Sep 2008--Rectors of some of the largest parishes in the Episcopal Church are meeting with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori this evening for a private reception and dinner.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Confession: fewer know their Bible
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/confession-fewer-know-their-bible/2008/09/09/1220857547474.html
[Sydney Morning Herald] 10 Sep 2008--It might be the greatest story ever told, but Bible literacy is slipping and not just among atheists. Devout churchgoers, especially Catholics, are losing touch with the scriptures of their faith, research shows.
[Sydney Morning Herald] 10 Sep 2008--It might be the greatest story ever told, but Bible literacy is slipping and not just among atheists. Devout churchgoers, especially Catholics, are losing touch with the scriptures of their faith, research shows.
Lambeth cease-fire ‘collapses’
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2720
[Religious Intelligence] 10 Sep 2008--The Lambeth ceasefire has collapsed in Canada after the Diocese of New Westminster moved to reassert “control” over two conservative congregations who had broken with Bishop Michael Ingham to join the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC).
[Religious Intelligence] 10 Sep 2008--The Lambeth ceasefire has collapsed in Canada after the Diocese of New Westminster moved to reassert “control” over two conservative congregations who had broken with Bishop Michael Ingham to join the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC).
California Bishops to Fight State Marriage Amendment
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/9/9/california-bishops-to-fight-state-marriage-amendment
[The Living Church] 10 Sep 2008--Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California announced that he will deliver a statement signed by all six California diocesan bishops of The Episcopal Church that calls on Episcopalians to defeat a state ballot initiative that would amend the state’s constitution to read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
In May, the California Supreme Court overturned by a 4-3 margin state laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples.
Bishop Andrus will hold a press conference on Sept. 10 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. He will be joined by assisting Bishop Steven Charleston of California and Bishop Barry Beisner of Northern California. Earlier that day, clergy and lay leaders from throughout southern Califorina will join Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles, who will hold his own press conference at the Los Angeles Cathedral Center.
“The Episcopal Church stands for equal rights for all persons and fair treatment for all Californians,” a spokesperson for the Diocese of California said.
The Episcopal bishops of California are the latest religious leaders to voice their opinion on Proposition 8. Last month Christians, Mormons, Jews, Sikhs and Hindus were asked to join an interfaith alliance in hopes of placing 1 million signs supporting Proposition 8 across the state, according to Pink News, a British online publication.
[The Living Church] 10 Sep 2008--Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California announced that he will deliver a statement signed by all six California diocesan bishops of The Episcopal Church that calls on Episcopalians to defeat a state ballot initiative that would amend the state’s constitution to read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
In May, the California Supreme Court overturned by a 4-3 margin state laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples.
Bishop Andrus will hold a press conference on Sept. 10 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. He will be joined by assisting Bishop Steven Charleston of California and Bishop Barry Beisner of Northern California. Earlier that day, clergy and lay leaders from throughout southern Califorina will join Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles, who will hold his own press conference at the Los Angeles Cathedral Center.
“The Episcopal Church stands for equal rights for all persons and fair treatment for all Californians,” a spokesperson for the Diocese of California said.
The Episcopal bishops of California are the latest religious leaders to voice their opinion on Proposition 8. Last month Christians, Mormons, Jews, Sikhs and Hindus were asked to join an interfaith alliance in hopes of placing 1 million signs supporting Proposition 8 across the state, according to Pink News, a British online publication.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Palin by comparison
http://www.melaniephillips.com/articles-new/?p=610
[melaniephillips.com] 9 Sep 2008--Are ordinary people beginning to fight back at last against the forces which, over the past halfcentury, have turned their world totally upside down?
Across the Atlantic, Americans have been convulsed by the overnight sensation of Sarah Palin.
At a stroke, this hockey-mom ‘pitbull with lipstick’ has galvanised John McCain’s presidential ticket and given the Obama Democrats their biggest and maybe insuperable problem.
But her significance does not stop there. Despite obvious differences between the U.S. and the UK, her triumph carries important lessons for British politics, too.
[melaniephillips.com] 9 Sep 2008--Are ordinary people beginning to fight back at last against the forces which, over the past halfcentury, have turned their world totally upside down?
Across the Atlantic, Americans have been convulsed by the overnight sensation of Sarah Palin.
At a stroke, this hockey-mom ‘pitbull with lipstick’ has galvanised John McCain’s presidential ticket and given the Obama Democrats their biggest and maybe insuperable problem.
But her significance does not stop there. Despite obvious differences between the U.S. and the UK, her triumph carries important lessons for British politics, too.
The Canterbury Declaration of the Global South Anglican Theological Network
http://covenant-communion.com/?p=872
[Covenant] 9 Sep 2008--Congratulations to the founders of the new Global South Anglican Theological Network. Several influential Global South Communion-minded theologians have joined together to offer their distinctive witness to the Communion as we strive towards much needed healing.
What follows is a Declaration made at the Lambeth Conference 2008 by these important Global South theologians. The public release of the declaration was withheld until now in deference to Archbishop John Chew’s request to brief CAPA bishops in their September Meeting of this undertaking.
As stated from the outset of the Declaration, the Global South Anglican Theological Network is an initiative the theologians assume in their own personal capacity. They report that they are not aligned with any other organization, nor do they speak on behalf of any church body
[Covenant] 9 Sep 2008--Congratulations to the founders of the new Global South Anglican Theological Network. Several influential Global South Communion-minded theologians have joined together to offer their distinctive witness to the Communion as we strive towards much needed healing.
What follows is a Declaration made at the Lambeth Conference 2008 by these important Global South theologians. The public release of the declaration was withheld until now in deference to Archbishop John Chew’s request to brief CAPA bishops in their September Meeting of this undertaking.
As stated from the outset of the Declaration, the Global South Anglican Theological Network is an initiative the theologians assume in their own personal capacity. They report that they are not aligned with any other organization, nor do they speak on behalf of any church body
'Now we have risen and we will destroy them all...'
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2008/09/now_we_have_ris.html
[Christianity Today] 9 Sep 2008--New video reveals intent of Hindu fundamentalists to purge Orissa of Dalit Christians.
[Christianity Today] 9 Sep 2008--New video reveals intent of Hindu fundamentalists to purge Orissa of Dalit Christians.
APA Bishop Boyce Explains Why He Joined Common Cause Partnership
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8961
[Virtue Online] 9 Sep 2008--This message is in response to questions about the position of APA and the Diocese of the West in particular regarding the Common Cause Partnership (CCP).
You have asked each of us for our response in regard to CCP. Although you are aware of my general position already, the following is a statement of why I believe CCP is a necessary commitment for us at present.
[Virtue Online] 9 Sep 2008--This message is in response to questions about the position of APA and the Diocese of the West in particular regarding the Common Cause Partnership (CCP).
You have asked each of us for our response in regard to CCP. Although you are aware of my general position already, the following is a statement of why I believe CCP is a necessary commitment for us at present.
Lambeth: Those Reflections
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/09/lambeth-those-reflections/
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Sep 2008--John Richardson takes a less than sanguine approach to the final Reflections that emerged from the Lambeth Conference.
Is there somewhere on earth where the Sunday afternoons are so interminably long that ones life would be more enhanced by reading in detail the Reflections on the Lambeth Conference 2008 than by, say, watching another re-run of The Great Escape or re-attempting a Sudoku puzzle? Perhaps there is, but for most of us life is too short for me to recommend the exercise.
What was the Lambeth Conference convened to achieve? The answer is: nothing. Remember, with the exception of the very first (and with interruptions for world wars), Lambeth Conferences have occurred decennially. They are held because it is time to hold one, not (essentially) because there is something that needs to be done which only a gathering of Anglican bishops from all the corners of the globe can achieve.
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Sep 2008--John Richardson takes a less than sanguine approach to the final Reflections that emerged from the Lambeth Conference.
Is there somewhere on earth where the Sunday afternoons are so interminably long that ones life would be more enhanced by reading in detail the Reflections on the Lambeth Conference 2008 than by, say, watching another re-run of The Great Escape or re-attempting a Sudoku puzzle? Perhaps there is, but for most of us life is too short for me to recommend the exercise.
What was the Lambeth Conference convened to achieve? The answer is: nothing. Remember, with the exception of the very first (and with interruptions for world wars), Lambeth Conferences have occurred decennially. They are held because it is time to hold one, not (essentially) because there is something that needs to be done which only a gathering of Anglican bishops from all the corners of the globe can achieve.
Episcopal Diocese prepares for secession vote
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08253/910530-85.stm
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 9 Sep 2008--In response to a lawsuit led by one of its parishes, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has agreed to have a court-appointed neutral party inventory all of its property and assets as it prepares for a final vote on seceding from the Episcopal Church.
The agreement between representatives of the diocese and Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside, came after a hearing yesterday before Joseph M. James, president judge of Common Pleas Court. In 2005, he oversaw a settlement after Calvary sued the diocese to prevent the transfer of property from the denomination to individual parishes.
Calvary has led a minority of parishes that oppose Bishop Robert Duncan's plan to leave the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion and realign with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America over concerns about doctrine and sexual ethics. A final vote is set for Oct. 4.
[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] 9 Sep 2008--In response to a lawsuit led by one of its parishes, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has agreed to have a court-appointed neutral party inventory all of its property and assets as it prepares for a final vote on seceding from the Episcopal Church.
The agreement between representatives of the diocese and Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside, came after a hearing yesterday before Joseph M. James, president judge of Common Pleas Court. In 2005, he oversaw a settlement after Calvary sued the diocese to prevent the transfer of property from the denomination to individual parishes.
Calvary has led a minority of parishes that oppose Bishop Robert Duncan's plan to leave the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion and realign with the more conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America over concerns about doctrine and sexual ethics. A final vote is set for Oct. 4.
Amid dwindling numbers, megachurches seek the 'seekers'
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-09-08-megachurches-numbers_N.htm
[USA Today] 9 Sep 2008--After decades of soaring growth, the phenomenon of Protestant megachurches — behemoths of belief where 2,000 to 20,000 or more people attend weekend worship — may be stalled.
And Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., the granddaddy of "seeker-sensitive" megachurches geared to attract the spiritually curious, is on a mission to rev the engines.
[USA Today] 9 Sep 2008--After decades of soaring growth, the phenomenon of Protestant megachurches — behemoths of belief where 2,000 to 20,000 or more people attend weekend worship — may be stalled.
And Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., the granddaddy of "seeker-sensitive" megachurches geared to attract the spiritually curious, is on a mission to rev the engines.
Orissa Christians: Attacks will Glorify God and Bring More to Christ
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080909/orissa-christians-attacks-will-glorify-god-and-bring-more-to-christ.htm
[The Christian Post] 9 Sep 2008--Christians in the Indian state of Orissa are refusing to abandon their faith despite weeks of killings, beatings and attacks on their homes and churches.
Juria Bardhan, Orissa state leader for Gospel for Asia, said he had seen missionaries and Christians being beaten and killed. Yet he remains unwavering in his faith.
“We know the Lord is in control,” he said.
Hindu extremists have killed dozens of Christians and burned down hundreds of homes and churches since the killing of Hindu leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati last month. Although Maoists have claimed responsibility, Hindu extremists insist that Christians are behind the killing. Around 13,000 Christians are sheltering in government refugee camps or hiding out in surrounding forests.
[The Christian Post] 9 Sep 2008--Christians in the Indian state of Orissa are refusing to abandon their faith despite weeks of killings, beatings and attacks on their homes and churches.
Juria Bardhan, Orissa state leader for Gospel for Asia, said he had seen missionaries and Christians being beaten and killed. Yet he remains unwavering in his faith.
“We know the Lord is in control,” he said.
Hindu extremists have killed dozens of Christians and burned down hundreds of homes and churches since the killing of Hindu leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati last month. Although Maoists have claimed responsibility, Hindu extremists insist that Christians are behind the killing. Around 13,000 Christians are sheltering in government refugee camps or hiding out in surrounding forests.
More Details on TEC Loyalist, 815 Plans to Depose +Iker, Take Property
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15999/
[Stand Firm] 9 Sep 2008--There's a group of TEC loyalists in the diocese of Fort Worth calling themselves the "Steering Committee" or some such; we recently posted an excerpt from one of their Yahoo! Groups discussion here.
Now we're inside their OODA loop with this report from their meeting on September 6th, and if you're an orthodox Anglican in Fort Worth I strongly recommend you first save this post, in digital and/or print form (use the "Print-friendly" link below if you wish), then take 20 minutes and read Bill Whittle's excellent essay on what OODA is and how to use it to your advantage, then as soon as you're able, get together with your most trusted allies in your parish and devise your own plans to neutralize the ones this "steering committee" is trying to put in place. To paraphrase Whittle: Own the initiative, and never give it back.
[Stand Firm] 9 Sep 2008--There's a group of TEC loyalists in the diocese of Fort Worth calling themselves the "Steering Committee" or some such; we recently posted an excerpt from one of their Yahoo! Groups discussion here.
Now we're inside their OODA loop with this report from their meeting on September 6th, and if you're an orthodox Anglican in Fort Worth I strongly recommend you first save this post, in digital and/or print form (use the "Print-friendly" link below if you wish), then take 20 minutes and read Bill Whittle's excellent essay on what OODA is and how to use it to your advantage, then as soon as you're able, get together with your most trusted allies in your parish and devise your own plans to neutralize the ones this "steering committee" is trying to put in place. To paraphrase Whittle: Own the initiative, and never give it back.
APA Bishop seeks to transfer his jurisdiction to the Reformed Episcopal Church
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15996/
[Stand Firm] 9 Sep 2008--The Bishop Ordinary of the Anglican Province in America(APA) Diocese of the West has moved from the APA to the Reformed Episcopal Church. It is at this point unknown how many, priests within his former jurisdiction will follow. Apparently, the bishop's move was prompted by his desire to remain within the Common Cause Partnership.
Bishop Boyce's letter (linked above) indicates that he intends to retain his jurisdictional authority. He states:
We have requested that the REC receive the DOW into that intercommunion we have shared for these many years that we might work as one to bring the Gospel to all who are in need. Since the APA and REC remain in Communion with each other, we will continue to be in Communion with our brothers and sisters in the APA. We will keep you informed as we move ahead.
Related article:
http://sandiegoanglicans.com/node/504
APA's Diocese of the West Seeking Intercommunion with REC and Common Cause - San Diego Anglicans
The correspondence between Bishop Boyce and APA Presiding Bishop Grundorf suggest that the two bishops have quite different understandings of the APA Constitution and Canons and the authority of the Presiding Bishop in the APA. Grundorf by his actions and statements appears to view that office as that of an Archbishop or Primate. Boyce's view of the office conforms more closely to that set forth in the APA Constitution and Canons. Grundorf's response to Boyce's withdrawal of the American Diocese of the West from APA is strikingly similar to that of TEC Presiding Bishop Jeffert Shori's response to the realignment of the Diocese of San Joquin with the Province of the Southern Cone.
[Stand Firm] 9 Sep 2008--The Bishop Ordinary of the Anglican Province in America(APA) Diocese of the West has moved from the APA to the Reformed Episcopal Church. It is at this point unknown how many, priests within his former jurisdiction will follow. Apparently, the bishop's move was prompted by his desire to remain within the Common Cause Partnership.
Bishop Boyce's letter (linked above) indicates that he intends to retain his jurisdictional authority. He states:
We have requested that the REC receive the DOW into that intercommunion we have shared for these many years that we might work as one to bring the Gospel to all who are in need. Since the APA and REC remain in Communion with each other, we will continue to be in Communion with our brothers and sisters in the APA. We will keep you informed as we move ahead.
Related article:
http://sandiegoanglicans.com/node/504
APA's Diocese of the West Seeking Intercommunion with REC and Common Cause - San Diego Anglicans
The correspondence between Bishop Boyce and APA Presiding Bishop Grundorf suggest that the two bishops have quite different understandings of the APA Constitution and Canons and the authority of the Presiding Bishop in the APA. Grundorf by his actions and statements appears to view that office as that of an Archbishop or Primate. Boyce's view of the office conforms more closely to that set forth in the APA Constitution and Canons. Grundorf's response to Boyce's withdrawal of the American Diocese of the West from APA is strikingly similar to that of TEC Presiding Bishop Jeffert Shori's response to the realignment of the Diocese of San Joquin with the Province of the Southern Cone.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Creating a Culture in Your Home Stronger Than the Culture of the World
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080904/creating-a-culture-in-your-home-stronger-than-the-culture-of-the-world.htm
[The Christian Post] 8 Sep 2008--As a new school year descends upon us, with all the obligatory “back-to-school” sales and hype, we have to ask ourselves, “What are my kids going to learn this year besides the three ‘r’s’—reading, writing, and arithmetic?” What I mean is, many of us have seen our kids pick up things at school that we don’t particularly like. Maybe it is a disrespectful attitude, the shocking new music lyrics of Katy Perry, a pastor’s daughter, in her new hit “I kissed a girl,” or even a pornographic ad that pops up while our children are doing their homework. Get ready, because these things will happen.
[The Christian Post] 8 Sep 2008--As a new school year descends upon us, with all the obligatory “back-to-school” sales and hype, we have to ask ourselves, “What are my kids going to learn this year besides the three ‘r’s’—reading, writing, and arithmetic?” What I mean is, many of us have seen our kids pick up things at school that we don’t particularly like. Maybe it is a disrespectful attitude, the shocking new music lyrics of Katy Perry, a pastor’s daughter, in her new hit “I kissed a girl,” or even a pornographic ad that pops up while our children are doing their homework. Get ready, because these things will happen.
Is the 'Word' the right word?
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/mission/missionthinking/is_word_the_right_word/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 8 Sep 2008--Have you ever been involved in creating a mission or purpose statement for a Christian group? If you have, then you will know the challenge in trying to generate a sentiment that is broad enough to include every possible activity of the organisation, and yet narrow enough to help define the core passion.
A way in which this can be achieved is by selecting words that can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the perspective of the reader. For example, if we say that “we exist to share love”, then even though there are many definitions of ‘love’, this will be a one-size-fits-all mission statement.
A similar ambiguity exists in the word ‘ministry’. If we were to get a group of people across diverse Christian traditions, it is likely that nearly all people in the room would claim that ministry is a central aim of their life or work. Yet, when the nature of the ministry was examined, we would see stark differences.
[sydneyanglicans.net] 8 Sep 2008--Have you ever been involved in creating a mission or purpose statement for a Christian group? If you have, then you will know the challenge in trying to generate a sentiment that is broad enough to include every possible activity of the organisation, and yet narrow enough to help define the core passion.
A way in which this can be achieved is by selecting words that can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the perspective of the reader. For example, if we say that “we exist to share love”, then even though there are many definitions of ‘love’, this will be a one-size-fits-all mission statement.
A similar ambiguity exists in the word ‘ministry’. If we were to get a group of people across diverse Christian traditions, it is likely that nearly all people in the room would claim that ministry is a central aim of their life or work. Yet, when the nature of the ministry was examined, we would see stark differences.
Tradtitionalists concerned over Covenant plans
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2699
[Religious Intelligence] 8 Sep 2008--The Proposed Anglican Covenant is already exciting debate ahead of the design group’s September meeting, as the Prayer Book Society stands up for the place of the Church of England in the Communion.
Singapore has been selected for the next meeting by the Covenant Design Group, encouraging a non-Canterbury-centric attitude. The last meeting was held in London in January, but included 12 representatives of Anglicanism from around the world who drew up a draft of the new Covenant which would provide a guide of Anglican orthodoxy as suggested in 2004’s Windsor Report.
This was offered for contemplation at the Lambeth Conference, but a letter from the Prayer Book Society notes: “At Lambeth the Bishops' thoughts were that the document, and I quote, 'needs to have a less Church of England basis, particularly in regard to the formularies'.”
This is repugnant to the society which defends the Formularies that include the 1662 Prayer Book, the Ordinal and the 39 Articles. The letter continues: “They represent the root of worldwide Anglicanism, and are still officially recognised in the majority of Anglican provinces -- not just the Church of England.”
[Religious Intelligence] 8 Sep 2008--The Proposed Anglican Covenant is already exciting debate ahead of the design group’s September meeting, as the Prayer Book Society stands up for the place of the Church of England in the Communion.
Singapore has been selected for the next meeting by the Covenant Design Group, encouraging a non-Canterbury-centric attitude. The last meeting was held in London in January, but included 12 representatives of Anglicanism from around the world who drew up a draft of the new Covenant which would provide a guide of Anglican orthodoxy as suggested in 2004’s Windsor Report.
This was offered for contemplation at the Lambeth Conference, but a letter from the Prayer Book Society notes: “At Lambeth the Bishops' thoughts were that the document, and I quote, 'needs to have a less Church of England basis, particularly in regard to the formularies'.”
This is repugnant to the society which defends the Formularies that include the 1662 Prayer Book, the Ordinal and the 39 Articles. The letter continues: “They represent the root of worldwide Anglicanism, and are still officially recognised in the majority of Anglican provinces -- not just the Church of England.”
Analysis: India does not need a debate on conversions
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2706
[Religious Intelligence] 8 Sep 2008--It is typical of Hindu nationalist groups in India to attack Christians and then seek to justify and displace the blame for it by raising the issue of religious conversions.
It is therefore not surprising that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) is calling for debate on conversions in the wake of a massive spate of attacks on Christians in the eastern state of Orissa following the killing of a VHP leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples by suspected Maoists on August 23 in Kandhamal district. The ongoing violence is allegedly being instigated by the VHP, which is blaming local Christians for Saraswati’s murder in spite of the fact that Maoists or radical Marxists have claimed responsibility for it. The VHP is suggesting that Christians killed Saraswati because he was resisting conversion of local Hindus to Christianity.
When Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two children were burnt alive by a mob of Hindu nationalists in January 1999 in Orissa’s Keonjhar district, the then prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, called for a national debate on conversions. The civil society rightly condemned the appeal, saying the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was seeking to justify the brutal act and divert people’s attention away from a dark side of their ideology.
Close to a decade later, the Hindu nationalist groups are once again trying to justify another incident of mindless bloodbath in Orissa and shift the blame for it by raising the issue of conversions. What is more regrettable, however, is that sections of the media are also suggesting that conversions lie at the root of the ongoing violence, which has killed more than 36 people and burned hundreds of houses and churches, instead of focusing on the anarchy being witnessed and those responsible for it.
[Religious Intelligence] 8 Sep 2008--It is typical of Hindu nationalist groups in India to attack Christians and then seek to justify and displace the blame for it by raising the issue of religious conversions.
It is therefore not surprising that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) is calling for debate on conversions in the wake of a massive spate of attacks on Christians in the eastern state of Orissa following the killing of a VHP leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples by suspected Maoists on August 23 in Kandhamal district. The ongoing violence is allegedly being instigated by the VHP, which is blaming local Christians for Saraswati’s murder in spite of the fact that Maoists or radical Marxists have claimed responsibility for it. The VHP is suggesting that Christians killed Saraswati because he was resisting conversion of local Hindus to Christianity.
When Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two children were burnt alive by a mob of Hindu nationalists in January 1999 in Orissa’s Keonjhar district, the then prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, called for a national debate on conversions. The civil society rightly condemned the appeal, saying the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was seeking to justify the brutal act and divert people’s attention away from a dark side of their ideology.
Close to a decade later, the Hindu nationalist groups are once again trying to justify another incident of mindless bloodbath in Orissa and shift the blame for it by raising the issue of conversions. What is more regrettable, however, is that sections of the media are also suggesting that conversions lie at the root of the ongoing violence, which has killed more than 36 people and burned hundreds of houses and churches, instead of focusing on the anarchy being witnessed and those responsible for it.
Orissa Christians forced to choose between faith, homes
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/orissa.christians.forced.to.choose.between.faith.homes/21373.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Sep 2008--Christians in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, plagued with sectarian violence in recent weeks, are reportedly being coerced into converting to Hinduism in order to save their homes.
Hindu militants behind the deaths of dozens of believers as well as the torching of churches and Christian-owned homes and businesses are demanding Christians sign papers renouncing their faith and convert to Hinduism. If they refuse, the Christians are reportedly threatened with having their property destroyed or face social ostracism, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Sep 2008--Christians in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, plagued with sectarian violence in recent weeks, are reportedly being coerced into converting to Hinduism in order to save their homes.
Hindu militants behind the deaths of dozens of believers as well as the torching of churches and Christian-owned homes and businesses are demanding Christians sign papers renouncing their faith and convert to Hinduism. If they refuse, the Christians are reportedly threatened with having their property destroyed or face social ostracism, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
Gender and the vice presidency
http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=28848
[Baptist Press} 8 Sep 2008--Arizona senator and Republican presidential nominee John McCain recently made history with the announcement that his vice presidential running mate is a woman. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the second female to be chosen as a major party's vice presidential candidate; Democrat Geraldine Ferraro received her party's nomination in 1984.
Other women have run for the presidency itself, including Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democrat Hillary Clinton, but to date a woman has never been elected to the first or second highest office in the land.
Gov. Palin's candidacy has sparked debate among some conservative Christians. While many applaud her pro-life convictions and traditional conservative policy positions, some have raised concerns about a woman occupying high office. Some complementarians -- those who affirm traditional gender roles in the home and the church -- are concerned that electing a woman to the vice presidency (or presidency) undermines the biblical understanding of male spiritual headship. The question is whether or not female governmental leadership is consistent with Scripture.
[Baptist Press} 8 Sep 2008--Arizona senator and Republican presidential nominee John McCain recently made history with the announcement that his vice presidential running mate is a woman. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the second female to be chosen as a major party's vice presidential candidate; Democrat Geraldine Ferraro received her party's nomination in 1984.
Other women have run for the presidency itself, including Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democrat Hillary Clinton, but to date a woman has never been elected to the first or second highest office in the land.
Gov. Palin's candidacy has sparked debate among some conservative Christians. While many applaud her pro-life convictions and traditional conservative policy positions, some have raised concerns about a woman occupying high office. Some complementarians -- those who affirm traditional gender roles in the home and the church -- are concerned that electing a woman to the vice presidency (or presidency) undermines the biblical understanding of male spiritual headship. The question is whether or not female governmental leadership is consistent with Scripture.
Gene Robinson Hits the Campaign Trail for Barack Obama
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/08/listening-to-bp-gene-robinson-again/#more-4867
[Anglican Mainstream] 8 Sep 2008--Okay, it’s time to get serious. As LGBT voters, it’s time to put our differences and disappointments aside, and get behind the one candidate who has our interests at heart.
If you’re still stinging over the unsuccessful bid for nomination by Hillary Clinton, it’s time to look forward, even if the disappointment still hurts. We are faced with the most stark choice in recent memory, with ramifications for our community like no other. If nothing else convinces you to vote for Barack Obama, surely the likelihood of the next president appointing one, two, or possibly even three Supreme Court justices should do it.
With John McCain, we will see the conservative near-majority on the Court shift to a solid majority – with devastating results when the “full faith and credit clause” of the Constitution is challenged in the recognition of gay marriages. With Barack Obama, we have someone who is utterly sympathetic to our full and equal rights as citizens. I know, he won’t say he’s for equal marriage rights (neither did Hillary), but he still is the most LGBT-friendly president we will have ever had. I know from my own private conversations with him that he is totally in our court. I believe him, and I trust him, not to throw us under the bus when the election is over….
[Anglican Mainstream] 8 Sep 2008--Okay, it’s time to get serious. As LGBT voters, it’s time to put our differences and disappointments aside, and get behind the one candidate who has our interests at heart.
If you’re still stinging over the unsuccessful bid for nomination by Hillary Clinton, it’s time to look forward, even if the disappointment still hurts. We are faced with the most stark choice in recent memory, with ramifications for our community like no other. If nothing else convinces you to vote for Barack Obama, surely the likelihood of the next president appointing one, two, or possibly even three Supreme Court justices should do it.
With John McCain, we will see the conservative near-majority on the Court shift to a solid majority – with devastating results when the “full faith and credit clause” of the Constitution is challenged in the recognition of gay marriages. With Barack Obama, we have someone who is utterly sympathetic to our full and equal rights as citizens. I know, he won’t say he’s for equal marriage rights (neither did Hillary), but he still is the most LGBT-friendly president we will have ever had. I know from my own private conversations with him that he is totally in our court. I believe him, and I trust him, not to throw us under the bus when the election is over….
Anglican Province of America Diocese of the West Joins Reformed Episcopal Church
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/08/anglican-province-of-america-diocese-of-the-west-joins-reformed-episcopal-church/#more-4865
[Anglican Mainstream] 8 Sep 2008--For those who may not be aware, the Anglican Province of America is not part of Common Cause, while the REC (the Reformed Episcopal Church) is!
David’s final paragraph provides an important perspective here: "One observer told VOL that APA’s Diocese of the West’s decision to secede was to join Common Cause by way of the REC. It is believed that, in time, CCP will form the basis of a new North American Anglican Province, an orthodox alternative jurisdiction separate from The Episcopal Church and coming under the oversight of the newly formed Global Anglican Fellowship Conference (GAFCON.)
Given what conservatives of all stripes are up against in relation to TEC today, we pray for all involved and that an acceptable resolution will be reached quickly, graciously and honourably.
[Anglican Mainstream] 8 Sep 2008--For those who may not be aware, the Anglican Province of America is not part of Common Cause, while the REC (the Reformed Episcopal Church) is!
David’s final paragraph provides an important perspective here: "One observer told VOL that APA’s Diocese of the West’s decision to secede was to join Common Cause by way of the REC. It is believed that, in time, CCP will form the basis of a new North American Anglican Province, an orthodox alternative jurisdiction separate from The Episcopal Church and coming under the oversight of the newly formed Global Anglican Fellowship Conference (GAFCON.)
Given what conservatives of all stripes are up against in relation to TEC today, we pray for all involved and that an acceptable resolution will be reached quickly, graciously and honourably.
Violence in India Is Fueled by Religious and Economic Divide
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/world/asia/04christians.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin
[The New York Times] 8 Sep 2008--Those who came to attack Christians here early last week set their trap well, residents say.
First, they built makeshift barricades of trees and small boulders along the roads leading into this village, apparently to stop the police from intervening.
Then, villagers say, the attackers went on a rampage. Chanting “Kill these pigs” and “All Hindus are brothers,” the mob began breaking into homes that displayed posters of Jesus, stealing valuables and eventually burning the buildings. When they found residents who had not fled to the nearby jungle, they beat them with sticks or maimed them with axes and left them to die.
A local official said three people died as a result of the attack on Aug. 25. The carefully placed roadblocks accomplished their purpose; residents say a full day passed before help arrived.
One villager, Asha Lata Nayak, said, “I saw the mob carrying sticks, axes, swords, knives and small guns. They first demolished the village church and later Christian houses. Nobody came forward to help us.”
The scene in Tiangia was repeated in villages throughout the Kandhamal district and several other areas of Orissa, a remote and destitute state in eastern India, witnesses and the police said. The violence, which left at least 16 dead, was among the worst in decades against Christians in this Hindu-dominated nation and appears to have been fueled, at least in part, by discontent at a time when the gap between India’s haves and have-nots is growing.
Related video:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/08/video-of-violence-in-orissa/
Video of Violence in Orissa - Anglican Mainstream
[The New York Times] 8 Sep 2008--Those who came to attack Christians here early last week set their trap well, residents say.
First, they built makeshift barricades of trees and small boulders along the roads leading into this village, apparently to stop the police from intervening.
Then, villagers say, the attackers went on a rampage. Chanting “Kill these pigs” and “All Hindus are brothers,” the mob began breaking into homes that displayed posters of Jesus, stealing valuables and eventually burning the buildings. When they found residents who had not fled to the nearby jungle, they beat them with sticks or maimed them with axes and left them to die.
A local official said three people died as a result of the attack on Aug. 25. The carefully placed roadblocks accomplished their purpose; residents say a full day passed before help arrived.
One villager, Asha Lata Nayak, said, “I saw the mob carrying sticks, axes, swords, knives and small guns. They first demolished the village church and later Christian houses. Nobody came forward to help us.”
The scene in Tiangia was repeated in villages throughout the Kandhamal district and several other areas of Orissa, a remote and destitute state in eastern India, witnesses and the police said. The violence, which left at least 16 dead, was among the worst in decades against Christians in this Hindu-dominated nation and appears to have been fueled, at least in part, by discontent at a time when the gap between India’s haves and have-nots is growing.
Related video:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/08/video-of-violence-in-orissa/
Video of Violence in Orissa - Anglican Mainstream
Mark McCall: Is the Episcopal Church Hierarchical? (Very Important)
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15958/
[Stand Firm] 8 Sep 2008--Below is the introduction.
Please Download the paper here (PDF)
This document was posted first on the ACI website where the ACI posts a longish introduction which turns out to be a hand-wringing paroxysm of anxiety. They are worried dioceses and congregations might use the document to do what the ACI does not want them to do, leave TEC "prematurely". That the ACI even entertained the possibility of not releasing McCall's piece is, in my view, unconscionable given the legal war TEC is waging against their fellow orthodox congregations and dioceses. I recommend skipping the ACI introduction, reading the full introduction by Mr. McCall posted below, and then proceeding to the PDF document above.
Related article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15983/
Peter Field summarizes Mark McCall’s paper - Stand Firm
[Stand Firm] 8 Sep 2008--Below is the introduction.
Please Download the paper here (PDF)
This document was posted first on the ACI website where the ACI posts a longish introduction which turns out to be a hand-wringing paroxysm of anxiety. They are worried dioceses and congregations might use the document to do what the ACI does not want them to do, leave TEC "prematurely". That the ACI even entertained the possibility of not releasing McCall's piece is, in my view, unconscionable given the legal war TEC is waging against their fellow orthodox congregations and dioceses. I recommend skipping the ACI introduction, reading the full introduction by Mr. McCall posted below, and then proceeding to the PDF document above.
Related article:
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15983/
Peter Field summarizes Mark McCall’s paper - Stand Firm
Yukon Bishop Changes Retirement Plans
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/9/5/yukon-bishop-changes-retirement-plans
[The Living Church] 8 Sep 2008--After taking the summer to reflect, Archbishop Terrence Buckle, Metropolitan of British Columbia and Bishop of the Yukon in the Anglican Church of Canada, has changed his mind and will not retire at the end of the year as previously announced.
In May, members of the Diocese of the Yukon failed to elect a successor to Archbishop Buckle during a special electing convention. None of the five candidates was able to achieve the required simple majority in each of the two houses of clergy and laity as well as an overall two-thirds majority.
[The Living Church] 8 Sep 2008--After taking the summer to reflect, Archbishop Terrence Buckle, Metropolitan of British Columbia and Bishop of the Yukon in the Anglican Church of Canada, has changed his mind and will not retire at the end of the year as previously announced.
In May, members of the Diocese of the Yukon failed to elect a successor to Archbishop Buckle during a special electing convention. None of the five candidates was able to achieve the required simple majority in each of the two houses of clergy and laity as well as an overall two-thirds majority.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Why They Hate Her
http://www.firstthings.com/blog/2008/09/04/why-they-hate-her/
[First Things] 6 Sep 2008--There are reasonable criticisms that can be made of Sarah Palin, both as governor and a vice presidential selection. Yet little of what we have seen in the last six days has been either reasonable or critical (in the traditional sense of the word). Instead, much of the left and many in the media simply lashed out at Palin, particularly at her family.
And not only the fringiest parts of the political fringe: A writer at the Washington Post attacked Palin for the fact that her seventeen-year-old daughter was going to have a baby. A writer for The Atlantic openly questioned whether or not Palin’s four-month-old baby, who has Down’s Syndrome, was actually hers. The utterly unfounded suggestion was that the baby was Palin’s daughter’s and that the governor had faked her pregnancy. Proof of the baby’s birth was demanded.
Again, we are not talking about an anonymous blogger at Daily Kos—this is the commentary from the Washington Post and The Atlantic Monthly. And there was more—much more—where that came from.
So why? What is it about Sarah Palin that convinced so much of the left to objectify and assault her so quickly, and with such manifest maliciousness? There are many reasons, but four of them stick out in particular, each having to do not with Palin’s politics, but with her family.
[First Things] 6 Sep 2008--There are reasonable criticisms that can be made of Sarah Palin, both as governor and a vice presidential selection. Yet little of what we have seen in the last six days has been either reasonable or critical (in the traditional sense of the word). Instead, much of the left and many in the media simply lashed out at Palin, particularly at her family.
And not only the fringiest parts of the political fringe: A writer at the Washington Post attacked Palin for the fact that her seventeen-year-old daughter was going to have a baby. A writer for The Atlantic openly questioned whether or not Palin’s four-month-old baby, who has Down’s Syndrome, was actually hers. The utterly unfounded suggestion was that the baby was Palin’s daughter’s and that the governor had faked her pregnancy. Proof of the baby’s birth was demanded.
Again, we are not talking about an anonymous blogger at Daily Kos—this is the commentary from the Washington Post and The Atlantic Monthly. And there was more—much more—where that came from.
So why? What is it about Sarah Palin that convinced so much of the left to objectify and assault her so quickly, and with such manifest maliciousness? There are many reasons, but four of them stick out in particular, each having to do not with Palin’s politics, but with her family.
APA's Diocese of the West Seeking Intercommunion with REC and Common Cause
http://sandiegoanglicans.com/node/504
[San Diago Anglicans] 6 Sep 2008--An important letter from APA Bishop Richard Boyce, which signals an important move toward alliance with Common Cause Partners. APA as a whole has, so far, chosen not to join Common Cause. The Reformed Episcopal Church (REC), on the other hand, is a CC partner, which should allow priests and parishes within Bishop Boyce's Diocese of the West to participate in the bespoke North American Anglican Province.
[San Diago Anglicans] 6 Sep 2008--An important letter from APA Bishop Richard Boyce, which signals an important move toward alliance with Common Cause Partners. APA as a whole has, so far, chosen not to join Common Cause. The Reformed Episcopal Church (REC), on the other hand, is a CC partner, which should allow priests and parishes within Bishop Boyce's Diocese of the West to participate in the bespoke North American Anglican Province.
Persecution Index 11: Orissa
http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2008/09/persecution-ind.html
[Times Online] 6 Sep 2008--One of the biggest waves of anti-Christian violence for some years is currently sweeping through the state of Orissa in India. Websites and blogs from the area have for many months been reporting deaths, mainly of Dalits or low-caste Indians, and thousands fleeing for their lives. But as sites here are reporting now, the persecuction is reaching a new intensity. The All Indian Christian Council has this today: 'The situation in Orissa's riot-hit Kandhamal district continues to be volatile on 02 September 2008 with at least 80 houses being torched in fresh violence.' And our own Lapido Media is carrying a report that eight churches have been burned down and 15 Christians murdered by Hindu extremists.
Anglican Mainstream has set up a fund for donations to aid agencies in the area and reports this: 'As of September 1st, over 50,000 people have been displaced; 300 villages attacked; over 4000 homes totally destroyed; 10000 people who fled into the forest are still hiding there waiting to get into relief camps; 13000 are now in relief camps; 20 bodies have been recovered and more bodies are found each day.' The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has written privately to Joel Dal, Moderator of North India, calling for an end to the violence. The conflict is on Google News as well.
[Times Online] 6 Sep 2008--One of the biggest waves of anti-Christian violence for some years is currently sweeping through the state of Orissa in India. Websites and blogs from the area have for many months been reporting deaths, mainly of Dalits or low-caste Indians, and thousands fleeing for their lives. But as sites here are reporting now, the persecuction is reaching a new intensity. The All Indian Christian Council has this today: 'The situation in Orissa's riot-hit Kandhamal district continues to be volatile on 02 September 2008 with at least 80 houses being torched in fresh violence.' And our own Lapido Media is carrying a report that eight churches have been burned down and 15 Christians murdered by Hindu extremists.
Anglican Mainstream has set up a fund for donations to aid agencies in the area and reports this: 'As of September 1st, over 50,000 people have been displaced; 300 villages attacked; over 4000 homes totally destroyed; 10000 people who fled into the forest are still hiding there waiting to get into relief camps; 13000 are now in relief camps; 20 bodies have been recovered and more bodies are found each day.' The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has written privately to Joel Dal, Moderator of North India, calling for an end to the violence. The conflict is on Google News as well.
September 7th - Day of Prayer support for Suffering Christians in Orissa
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/06/september-7th-day-of-prayer-support-for-suffering-christians-in-orissa/
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--The India Missions Association announces a
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING on Sunday, the 7th September 2008
for ‘The Suffering Christians in Orissa’.
· Pray for the rebuilding of houses, churches and mission centers burnt in the violence
· Pray for the bereaved families who have lost their near & dear ones
· Pray for the thousands of Christians who live either in the jungle or relief camps
· Pray that God would minister, console and encourage all and remove their fears
· Pray for a movement of God in withdrawing the ‘Hate Campaigns’ against Christians
· Pray for the peace to be restored immediately in all places and levels
· Pray for the 51 different IMA member missions that are working in Orissa. Some of the most affected missions are HVM, IEA, IEHC, IGOSA, ICCC, AGSM, RHS, OFU, C&SM, AJI, FMPB, NMS, IMS, IEM, NPMI, NLFI, NF and many others. The churches of all denominations and levels have been affected greatly by this violence.
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--The India Missions Association announces a
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING on Sunday, the 7th September 2008
for ‘The Suffering Christians in Orissa’.
· Pray for the rebuilding of houses, churches and mission centers burnt in the violence
· Pray for the bereaved families who have lost their near & dear ones
· Pray for the thousands of Christians who live either in the jungle or relief camps
· Pray that God would minister, console and encourage all and remove their fears
· Pray for a movement of God in withdrawing the ‘Hate Campaigns’ against Christians
· Pray for the peace to be restored immediately in all places and levels
· Pray for the 51 different IMA member missions that are working in Orissa. Some of the most affected missions are HVM, IEA, IEHC, IGOSA, ICCC, AGSM, RHS, OFU, C&SM, AJI, FMPB, NMS, IMS, IEM, NPMI, NLFI, NF and many others. The churches of all denominations and levels have been affected greatly by this violence.
Attempts to poison water at Christian schools and relief camps in Orissa
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/06/attempts-to-poison-water-at-christian-schools-and-relief-camps-in-orissa/
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--An attempt to poison the drinking water source of the relief camp in Habaq High School, Relief Camp at G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal was foiled by an alert security guard at 9 pm on 2nd September.
The Government Relief Camp at Vijay High School Raikia, Kandhamal reported that drinking water was poisoned on 3rd September 2008. Fortunately the fanatics evil plot was discovered in time just before the dinner was about to be served.
Six Christians fell ill because of the water poisoning and were taken to hospitals in Berhampur and Phulbani.
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--An attempt to poison the drinking water source of the relief camp in Habaq High School, Relief Camp at G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal was foiled by an alert security guard at 9 pm on 2nd September.
The Government Relief Camp at Vijay High School Raikia, Kandhamal reported that drinking water was poisoned on 3rd September 2008. Fortunately the fanatics evil plot was discovered in time just before the dinner was about to be served.
Six Christians fell ill because of the water poisoning and were taken to hospitals in Berhampur and Phulbani.
Modern Liberalism - Religion with Politics as a Sacrament
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8945
[VirtueOnline] 6 Sep 2008--The American liberal denominations, along with every American (and perhaps every Western) institution, have become utterly politicized. I don't just mean institutions have become "too political", devoting too much time and resources to influencing the political process. I mean the people themselves have become self-conscious about the political implications of the most mundane human interactions to the point that they have, in effect, become politicians.
This development of a pathological self-conscious is implied by the term "politically correct". Human spontaneity is replaced by a paralyzing vigilance and self-protection. Like politicians people have learned to measure every word and gesture according to how it will be judged by a rigid code of orthodoxy. A class of self-appointed inquisitors has arisen to challenge the composure of the common people, keeping them perpetually on the defensive in order to advance an unstated political agenda.
[VirtueOnline] 6 Sep 2008--The American liberal denominations, along with every American (and perhaps every Western) institution, have become utterly politicized. I don't just mean institutions have become "too political", devoting too much time and resources to influencing the political process. I mean the people themselves have become self-conscious about the political implications of the most mundane human interactions to the point that they have, in effect, become politicians.
This development of a pathological self-conscious is implied by the term "politically correct". Human spontaneity is replaced by a paralyzing vigilance and self-protection. Like politicians people have learned to measure every word and gesture according to how it will be judged by a rigid code of orthodoxy. A class of self-appointed inquisitors has arisen to challenge the composure of the common people, keeping them perpetually on the defensive in order to advance an unstated political agenda.
Episcopal Diocese near vote on split
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_586793.html
[Pittsburgh Tribube-Review] 6 Sep 2008--Supporters and opponents of a plan to realign the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh with another Anglican body will outline their positions at two meetings before taking a final vote.
The Coalition for Realignment, a group of clergy, lay people and church leaders, will discuss the issue at its third and final public meeting today at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sewickley. The session begins at 9:30 a.m.
Across the Aisle, a coalition of clergy and lay people who oppose realignment, will hold its first public meeting at 1 p.m. next Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon.
[Pittsburgh Tribube-Review] 6 Sep 2008--Supporters and opponents of a plan to realign the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh with another Anglican body will outline their positions at two meetings before taking a final vote.
The Coalition for Realignment, a group of clergy, lay people and church leaders, will discuss the issue at its third and final public meeting today at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sewickley. The session begins at 9:30 a.m.
Across the Aisle, a coalition of clergy and lay people who oppose realignment, will hold its first public meeting at 1 p.m. next Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon.
Media is anti-Christian,
http://www.christian.org.uk/news/20080905/media-is-anti-christian-says-sky-news-reporter/
[The Christian Institute] 6 Sep 2008--Widespread anti-Christian bias in the media means that groups like The Christian Institute face an “uphill struggle” for fair coverage, says a Sky News journalist.
Journalists select the information they wish to report based on a largely anti-Christian ideology, says David Blevins, a former Washington correspondent for Sky News.
Mr Blevins made his comments on Christian blog, To Whom It May Concern. When asked if the media in America and the UK understands evangelical Christians, he said:
“Not at all. It’s important to remember that what appears in the newspapers is not an objective summary of the significant things that happened yesterday but an ideological selection based on the prejudices, agendas and assumptions of a relatively small group of people.
[The Christian Institute] 6 Sep 2008--Widespread anti-Christian bias in the media means that groups like The Christian Institute face an “uphill struggle” for fair coverage, says a Sky News journalist.
Journalists select the information they wish to report based on a largely anti-Christian ideology, says David Blevins, a former Washington correspondent for Sky News.
Mr Blevins made his comments on Christian blog, To Whom It May Concern. When asked if the media in America and the UK understands evangelical Christians, he said:
“Not at all. It’s important to remember that what appears in the newspapers is not an objective summary of the significant things that happened yesterday but an ideological selection based on the prejudices, agendas and assumptions of a relatively small group of people.
The Good News of Jesus Christ requires plain, clear and simple speech: Bishop David Anderson
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/05/the-good-news-of-jesus-christ-requires-plaine-clear-and-simple-speech-bishop-david-anderson/#more-4854
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--In the United States, there is high interest in what will happen at the TEC House of Bishops meeting in late September. Will Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori heed advice being given her and leave Bishop Duncan alone for the time being, or will she proceed with her deposition plans for him? If she tries to depose him based on what he might do in the future, will she succeed or fail? Also, will the fact that the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Fort Worth and Quincy are all poised to take votes in their respective Diocesan Conventions with regard to separation from the Episcopal Church affect the proceedings?
Presiding Bishop Schori seems to have only one response to crises and that is to invoke the names of "Dewey, Sue’m & Howe" and commence litigation. We would suggest to her a great little book called "Getting to Yes" which might offer a few more options in conflict situations. If Bishop Schori opens up too much litigation all at once she may find herself in the same position that some nations have been - fighting in too many theatres of battle at once and unable to maintain adequate material and resources for each one. If she thinks she can use the trust fund reserve or the pension fund, she should look down the hall to the picture of Ellen Cooke, former TEC treasurer, who was sent to the "time out" box for just such actions.
North of the border in Canada, things are tense as the Anglican Church of Canada in the Diocese of New Westminster continues its assault on the orthodox Anglicans occupying their own property. The attacks by TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada on faithful Anglican believers continue unabated in courtrooms across the North American continent.
In the US, most of the churches that TEC is suing are still able to occupy their buildings and hold services while litigation is underway, whereas in Canada several churches have effectively been thrown out onto the curb, pending full trial. Cheryl Chang, a lawyer and legal director for the churches, reported that the judge "ordered us out at both churches and gave both churches to the diocese until full trial."
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Sep 2008--In the United States, there is high interest in what will happen at the TEC House of Bishops meeting in late September. Will Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori heed advice being given her and leave Bishop Duncan alone for the time being, or will she proceed with her deposition plans for him? If she tries to depose him based on what he might do in the future, will she succeed or fail? Also, will the fact that the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Fort Worth and Quincy are all poised to take votes in their respective Diocesan Conventions with regard to separation from the Episcopal Church affect the proceedings?
Presiding Bishop Schori seems to have only one response to crises and that is to invoke the names of "Dewey, Sue’m & Howe" and commence litigation. We would suggest to her a great little book called "Getting to Yes" which might offer a few more options in conflict situations. If Bishop Schori opens up too much litigation all at once she may find herself in the same position that some nations have been - fighting in too many theatres of battle at once and unable to maintain adequate material and resources for each one. If she thinks she can use the trust fund reserve or the pension fund, she should look down the hall to the picture of Ellen Cooke, former TEC treasurer, who was sent to the "time out" box for just such actions.
North of the border in Canada, things are tense as the Anglican Church of Canada in the Diocese of New Westminster continues its assault on the orthodox Anglicans occupying their own property. The attacks by TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada on faithful Anglican believers continue unabated in courtrooms across the North American continent.
In the US, most of the churches that TEC is suing are still able to occupy their buildings and hold services while litigation is underway, whereas in Canada several churches have effectively been thrown out onto the curb, pending full trial. Cheryl Chang, a lawyer and legal director for the churches, reported that the judge "ordered us out at both churches and gave both churches to the diocese until full trial."
True Martyrdom
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080905/true-martyrdom.htm
[The Christian Post] 6 Sep 2008--Not long ago, three suicide bombers killed 52 people in Iraq, 30 in Pakistan, and a police officer in Yemen. If you pay attention to the news, you cannot help but notice what radical Islamic groups call these suicide bombers: They call them martyrs. But for Christians, who uphold many martyrs like Stephen or Peter as pillars of the Church, this raises the question—what does it mean to be a martyr?
[The Christian Post] 6 Sep 2008--Not long ago, three suicide bombers killed 52 people in Iraq, 30 in Pakistan, and a police officer in Yemen. If you pay attention to the news, you cannot help but notice what radical Islamic groups call these suicide bombers: They call them martyrs. But for Christians, who uphold many martyrs like Stephen or Peter as pillars of the Church, this raises the question—what does it mean to be a martyr?
Lawsuit: Young Pro-lifers Jailed, Shackled, Strip Searched for Peacefully Sharing Message
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090402.html
[LifeSiteNews] 6 Sep 2008--Alliance Defense Fund and allied attorneys filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Harford County, the town of Bel Air, and seven police officials on behalf of three young, pro-life women. At least a dozen police officers arrived in more than seven marked vehicles and then arrested, jailed, shackled, and/or strip searched 18 pro-life advocates, including the three women, after they held signs and shared their message along a public street.
"The state shouldn't persecute Christians for expressing their beliefs on important social issues, nor deny them their constitutional rights," said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. "This incident paints an ugly picture of the state of religious freedom and free speech in America today."
"The truth of the matter is that our clients were heckled, arrested, imprisoned, shackled, and strip searched twice for exercising their First Amendment rights," said ADF-allied attorney Daniel Cox, who is serving as local counsel. "No excuse exists for how our young clients were treated."
[LifeSiteNews] 6 Sep 2008--Alliance Defense Fund and allied attorneys filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Harford County, the town of Bel Air, and seven police officials on behalf of three young, pro-life women. At least a dozen police officers arrived in more than seven marked vehicles and then arrested, jailed, shackled, and/or strip searched 18 pro-life advocates, including the three women, after they held signs and shared their message along a public street.
"The state shouldn't persecute Christians for expressing their beliefs on important social issues, nor deny them their constitutional rights," said ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot. "This incident paints an ugly picture of the state of religious freedom and free speech in America today."
"The truth of the matter is that our clients were heckled, arrested, imprisoned, shackled, and strip searched twice for exercising their First Amendment rights," said ADF-allied attorney Daniel Cox, who is serving as local counsel. "No excuse exists for how our young clients were treated."
Two Christians kidnapped, then killed in Iraq
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/two.christians.kidnapped.then.killed.in.iraq/21364.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 6 Sep 2008--Two Iraqi Christians were kidnapped then later killed by Islamic fundamentalists in Mosul within the span of a few days, a news agency with connections to Iraq has reported.
Tariq Qattan, a 65-year-old doctor, was recently kidnapped by a terrorist group. Then on Wednesday, news emerged that he had been killed, according to Assyrian International News Agency.
His family had reportedly paid around £10,000 in ransom money, but it was not enough to free the Christian man.
On the same day, news also was released about the kidnapping and murder of another Christian, Nafi Haddad. Nafi was kidnapped on Monday and it is unclear whether the captors demanded ransom money.
Kidnapping Christians for ransom money has unfortunately become a common occurrence in Iraq. Many Muslims kidnappers are motivated by the false notion that Christians have relatives living in Western countries that can send money for their release.
[Christianity Today UK] 6 Sep 2008--Two Iraqi Christians were kidnapped then later killed by Islamic fundamentalists in Mosul within the span of a few days, a news agency with connections to Iraq has reported.
Tariq Qattan, a 65-year-old doctor, was recently kidnapped by a terrorist group. Then on Wednesday, news emerged that he had been killed, according to Assyrian International News Agency.
His family had reportedly paid around £10,000 in ransom money, but it was not enough to free the Christian man.
On the same day, news also was released about the kidnapping and murder of another Christian, Nafi Haddad. Nafi was kidnapped on Monday and it is unclear whether the captors demanded ransom money.
Kidnapping Christians for ransom money has unfortunately become a common occurrence in Iraq. Many Muslims kidnappers are motivated by the false notion that Christians have relatives living in Western countries that can send money for their release.
Scripture Union launches SchoolsLive
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/scripture.union.launches.schoolslive/21366.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 6 Sep 2008--Scripture Union has announced the launch of a new free online resource for leaders of Christian groups in school, ready for the start of the new school year.
SchoolsLive is the new platform for Scripture Union’s resources for SUPA Clubs (Scripture Union Primary Age) and RE:source, for secondary school Christian groups. It provides Bible-based resources to the leaders of these groups and puts a wealth of activities and ideas at their fingertips. There is an outline for each week of the school year plus access to search the archive of SchoolsLive and LightLive activities.
Through SchoolsLive, believed to be the first of its kind, leaders of school groups can set up group profiles and have activities recommended that are tailored to their group and facilities. They can also plan and manage their weekly programme following a syllabus or even devise their own.
In addition, they can view and select activities most suitable for their group and compile and print their sessions and download resources. There is also help and advice for those wanting to start a group and forums for leaders to share ideas and experiences. Most importantly SchoolsLive is free to use.
[Christianity Today UK] 6 Sep 2008--Scripture Union has announced the launch of a new free online resource for leaders of Christian groups in school, ready for the start of the new school year.
SchoolsLive is the new platform for Scripture Union’s resources for SUPA Clubs (Scripture Union Primary Age) and RE:source, for secondary school Christian groups. It provides Bible-based resources to the leaders of these groups and puts a wealth of activities and ideas at their fingertips. There is an outline for each week of the school year plus access to search the archive of SchoolsLive and LightLive activities.
Through SchoolsLive, believed to be the first of its kind, leaders of school groups can set up group profiles and have activities recommended that are tailored to their group and facilities. They can also plan and manage their weekly programme following a syllabus or even devise their own.
In addition, they can view and select activities most suitable for their group and compile and print their sessions and download resources. There is also help and advice for those wanting to start a group and forums for leaders to share ideas and experiences. Most importantly SchoolsLive is free to use.
Foiled Again - Attempt to Paint Palin as Slashing Funds to Teen Moms Proven False
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090504.html
[LifeSiteNews] 6 Sep 2008--Contrary to a widely circulated report in Tuesday's Washington Post, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, did not slash funding for a program supporting teen mothers.
The Washington Post's Paul Kane reported that "Palin Slashed Funding for Teen Moms." The far-left Huffington Post repeated the story the next day, and it was off and running. To support this contention, Kane produced the 2008 Alaska budget, along with Governor Palin's line-item reductions. Kane said, "Palin reduced funding for Covenant House Alaska by more than 20 percent, cutting funds from $5 million to $3.9 million." Sounds like a reduction, right?
Not so. Here's the background.
[LifeSiteNews] 6 Sep 2008--Contrary to a widely circulated report in Tuesday's Washington Post, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, did not slash funding for a program supporting teen mothers.
The Washington Post's Paul Kane reported that "Palin Slashed Funding for Teen Moms." The far-left Huffington Post repeated the story the next day, and it was off and running. To support this contention, Kane produced the 2008 Alaska budget, along with Governor Palin's line-item reductions. Kane said, "Palin reduced funding for Covenant House Alaska by more than 20 percent, cutting funds from $5 million to $3.9 million." Sounds like a reduction, right?
Not so. Here's the background.
Open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Primates of the Anglican Communion
http://www.anglicannetwork.ca/mm_090508.htm
[Anglican Network in Canada] 6 Sep 2008--After consulting with my Primate, Archbishop Gregory Venables, I report with great sadness that two Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) churches under my jurisdiction – St Matthews (Abbotsford, BC) and St Matthias and St Luke’s (Vancouver, BC) – received letters on 26 August 2008, informing them that the Bishop of New Westminster had taken action on 10 July 2008 to seize control of those parish properties. The letters also notified the wardens, trustees and parish councils that Bishop Michael Ingham had dismissed and replaced them and ordered the clergy to vacate the church buildings by mid-September. It is clear that our other two ANiC parishes in Vancouver, St. John’s Shaughnessy and Church of the Good Shepherd, will receive the same action in the near future.
This is the fourth Canadian diocese to act in this way against ANiC churches which have come under the jurisdiction of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. The actions of two of the other dioceses have led to the secular legal courts. This latest action by the Diocese of New Westminster almost certainly will end in the courts as well and is particularly ironic given these letters implementing such hostile action arrived the same day we received the Archbishop of Canterbury’s appraisal of the Lambeth Conference, emphasizing the need to build trust.
[Anglican Network in Canada] 6 Sep 2008--After consulting with my Primate, Archbishop Gregory Venables, I report with great sadness that two Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) churches under my jurisdiction – St Matthews (Abbotsford, BC) and St Matthias and St Luke’s (Vancouver, BC) – received letters on 26 August 2008, informing them that the Bishop of New Westminster had taken action on 10 July 2008 to seize control of those parish properties. The letters also notified the wardens, trustees and parish councils that Bishop Michael Ingham had dismissed and replaced them and ordered the clergy to vacate the church buildings by mid-September. It is clear that our other two ANiC parishes in Vancouver, St. John’s Shaughnessy and Church of the Good Shepherd, will receive the same action in the near future.
This is the fourth Canadian diocese to act in this way against ANiC churches which have come under the jurisdiction of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. The actions of two of the other dioceses have led to the secular legal courts. This latest action by the Diocese of New Westminster almost certainly will end in the courts as well and is particularly ironic given these letters implementing such hostile action arrived the same day we received the Archbishop of Canterbury’s appraisal of the Lambeth Conference, emphasizing the need to build trust.
Anglican identity crisis
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080906/LIFESTYLE/809060302
[Jackson Sun] 6 Sep 2008--Jeff Garrety of All Saints Anglican Church in Jackson said the latest Lambeth Conference demonstrated that the Anglican Communion has no way to discipline itself. All Saints Anglican Church was formed in 2004 after some members left St. Luke's Episcopal Church in disagreements on theological issues.
"That's a real failure," he said. "They have this colonial structure applied to a global communion."
The conference was successful in accomplishing the agenda of not talking about the moral and theological vacuum the church has become, Garrety said.
"The archbishop has never spoken out against those married homosexual priests," he said. "Silence on a subject usually means agreement. And the vast majority of the Anglican Communion believes the opposite of him."
[Jackson Sun] 6 Sep 2008--Jeff Garrety of All Saints Anglican Church in Jackson said the latest Lambeth Conference demonstrated that the Anglican Communion has no way to discipline itself. All Saints Anglican Church was formed in 2004 after some members left St. Luke's Episcopal Church in disagreements on theological issues.
"That's a real failure," he said. "They have this colonial structure applied to a global communion."
The conference was successful in accomplishing the agenda of not talking about the moral and theological vacuum the church has become, Garrety said.
"The archbishop has never spoken out against those married homosexual priests," he said. "Silence on a subject usually means agreement. And the vast majority of the Anglican Communion believes the opposite of him."
Friday, September 05, 2008
No sign of India violence subsiding, says ministry
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.sign.of.india.violence.subsiding.says.ministry/21358.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 5 Sep 2008--More than a week after the outbreak of violence in Orissa, the situation is getting worse with no sign of subsiding, reported a Christian ministry working in India.
Religious violence between Hindus and Christians in the north-eastern state has killed at least 16 people, mainly Christians.
Thousands of Christians have been forced to take refuge in government buildings, makeshift camps, and forests in Orissa state after Hindu mobs torched churches, Christian-owned homes and businesses, as well as an orphanage following the murder of a Hindu leader.
Christians have denied involvement in the death of the radical leader, who was running a campaign against Christian conversion at the time, but Hindus in the region insist that “Christian militants” were behind the death.
Police have blamed Maoist rebels for the murder, whilst the rebels have also claimed responsibility for the death. Yet Hindu mobs maintain that Christians are to blame for the incident.
Indian Christian leaders believe the Hindus are just using the death as an excuse to attack Christians in the state long tarnished by sectarian violence.
Hundreds of homes have been burned and looted, whilst the government has been slow to respond to the Hindu mobs.
[Christianity Today UK] 5 Sep 2008--More than a week after the outbreak of violence in Orissa, the situation is getting worse with no sign of subsiding, reported a Christian ministry working in India.
Religious violence between Hindus and Christians in the north-eastern state has killed at least 16 people, mainly Christians.
Thousands of Christians have been forced to take refuge in government buildings, makeshift camps, and forests in Orissa state after Hindu mobs torched churches, Christian-owned homes and businesses, as well as an orphanage following the murder of a Hindu leader.
Christians have denied involvement in the death of the radical leader, who was running a campaign against Christian conversion at the time, but Hindus in the region insist that “Christian militants” were behind the death.
Police have blamed Maoist rebels for the murder, whilst the rebels have also claimed responsibility for the death. Yet Hindu mobs maintain that Christians are to blame for the incident.
Indian Christian leaders believe the Hindus are just using the death as an excuse to attack Christians in the state long tarnished by sectarian violence.
Hundreds of homes have been burned and looted, whilst the government has been slow to respond to the Hindu mobs.
Do Americans Really Know Who Evangelicals Are?
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080904/do-americans-really-know-who-evangelicals-are.htm
[The Christian Post] 5 Sep 2008--The word "evangelical" floats around in churches, the media and particularly this year's election but Americans often have no idea what an evangelical is, a new study shows.
As Christians themselves still have a hard time agreeing on what exactly defines an evangelical, Ellison Research asked the average adult American what they believe is an "evangelical Christian." Thirty-six percent of them said they had no idea.
"I'm not sure; all I can think of is Billy Graham," said one 40 year-old woman from Florida who does not attend worship services, in the survey.
"I am not sure, and I am a Christian," said a 55-year-old man from Indiana.
Although Americans who would call themselves evangelical were much more likely to have an actual definition for the word than others, the survey, released Wednesday, found that 14 percent of those self-described evangelicals couldn't guess what an evangelical is.
[The Christian Post] 5 Sep 2008--The word "evangelical" floats around in churches, the media and particularly this year's election but Americans often have no idea what an evangelical is, a new study shows.
As Christians themselves still have a hard time agreeing on what exactly defines an evangelical, Ellison Research asked the average adult American what they believe is an "evangelical Christian." Thirty-six percent of them said they had no idea.
"I'm not sure; all I can think of is Billy Graham," said one 40 year-old woman from Florida who does not attend worship services, in the survey.
"I am not sure, and I am a Christian," said a 55-year-old man from Indiana.
Although Americans who would call themselves evangelical were much more likely to have an actual definition for the word than others, the survey, released Wednesday, found that 14 percent of those self-described evangelicals couldn't guess what an evangelical is.
Anglican Church of Kenya approves reorganisation plan
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2689
[Religious Intelligence] 5 Sep 2008--The Standing Committee of the Anglican Church of Kenya has endorsed a plan to reorganize the 4.5 million-member church into four ecclesiastical provinces, each to be headed by an archbishop.
Approval for the plan was given last month at the provincial standing committee meeting in Nairobi. The four archdioceses will be Mombasa, Mt Kenya, Nakura and Maseno.
[Religious Intelligence] 5 Sep 2008--The Standing Committee of the Anglican Church of Kenya has endorsed a plan to reorganize the 4.5 million-member church into four ecclesiastical provinces, each to be headed by an archbishop.
Approval for the plan was given last month at the provincial standing committee meeting in Nairobi. The four archdioceses will be Mombasa, Mt Kenya, Nakura and Maseno.
GAFCON Primates say there can be no going back on the gay issue
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/gafcon-primates-say-there-can-be-no-going-back-on-the-gay-issue-cen-90508-p-4/
[Conger] 5 Sep 2008--The Anglican Communion has been broken and it is an “illusion” to believe things can ever be the same again, the archbishops of the Gafcon movement said last week following their first organizational meeting in London.
The leaders of the conservative wing of the Anglican Communion, representing more than half of the church’s active members, on Aug 29 released a statement affirming the aims of the movement—now known as the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA)—and restated its commitment to the reform and renewal of the communion.
However, they disagreed sharply with the course taken by Archbishop Rowan Williams in avoiding a full and frank airing of the issues, with one insider telling The Church of England Newspaper the Anglican Communion’s sex wars had taken on a Dickensian quality, and like “Jarndyce and Jarndyce” was still dragging its “dreary length before the court, perennially hopeless.”
[Conger] 5 Sep 2008--The Anglican Communion has been broken and it is an “illusion” to believe things can ever be the same again, the archbishops of the Gafcon movement said last week following their first organizational meeting in London.
The leaders of the conservative wing of the Anglican Communion, representing more than half of the church’s active members, on Aug 29 released a statement affirming the aims of the movement—now known as the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA)—and restated its commitment to the reform and renewal of the communion.
However, they disagreed sharply with the course taken by Archbishop Rowan Williams in avoiding a full and frank airing of the issues, with one insider telling The Church of England Newspaper the Anglican Communion’s sex wars had taken on a Dickensian quality, and like “Jarndyce and Jarndyce” was still dragging its “dreary length before the court, perennially hopeless.”
Police do little to protect Christians in Orissa
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/05/police-do-little-to-protect-christians-in-orissa/
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Sep 2008--Summary: BHUBANESWAR, India, September 4 (Compass Direct News) – Christian victims of Hindu extremist violence who have fled to the capital of the eastern state of Orissa said state police have been mere spectators as mayhem continued a 12th consecutive day. Attacks on Christians and their property and institutions began in Orissa’s Kandhamal district following the killing of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples on August 23. Maoists claimed responsibility for the murders on Monday (Sept. 1), though the statement did nothing to slow Hindu extremist violence that Christian leaders say has claimed more than 100 lives.
[Anglican Mainstream] 5 Sep 2008--Summary: BHUBANESWAR, India, September 4 (Compass Direct News) – Christian victims of Hindu extremist violence who have fled to the capital of the eastern state of Orissa said state police have been mere spectators as mayhem continued a 12th consecutive day. Attacks on Christians and their property and institutions began in Orissa’s Kandhamal district following the killing of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples on August 23. Maoists claimed responsibility for the murders on Monday (Sept. 1), though the statement did nothing to slow Hindu extremist violence that Christian leaders say has claimed more than 100 lives.
Archbishop accused of marginalising homosexuals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/05/anglicanism.religion
[Guardian] 5 Sep 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury has pandered to conservatives in the Anglican communion by scapegoating and marginalising homosexual Christians, a senior cleric claimed yesterday.
The Right Rev John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington and one of the most influential figures in the liberal-majority wing of the US Episcopal church, made the remarks about the Lambeth conference, the 10-yearly gathering of the world's Anglican bishops that took place in Canterbury in July and August this year.
Related article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/05/religion.usa
Scapegoats of the Anglican communion - Guardian
[Guardian] 5 Sep 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury has pandered to conservatives in the Anglican communion by scapegoating and marginalising homosexual Christians, a senior cleric claimed yesterday.
The Right Rev John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington and one of the most influential figures in the liberal-majority wing of the US Episcopal church, made the remarks about the Lambeth conference, the 10-yearly gathering of the world's Anglican bishops that took place in Canterbury in July and August this year.
Related article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/05/religion.usa
Scapegoats of the Anglican communion - Guardian
Outcry grows after atrocities against Christians in Orissa
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=62826
[Church Times] 5 Sep 2008--Protests have mounted in Orissa against the wave of attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians, and the destruction of churches, homes, and businesses. The violence erupted in the wake of the murder by Maoist guerrillas of a Hindu leader, Lakhmananda Saraswati (News, 29 August).
Atrocities included the public hacking to death and burning of a diocesan executive of the Church of North India (CNI), who was for many years superintendent of a boys’ hostel near Raikia. Christians in Bolangir, the base of the diocese of Sambalpur, have described themselves as living in constant fear.
Up to 20 people are known to have died in the violence, which is said now to be decreasing, although there are still fresh attacks in some areas. Security forces are thinly spread. An estimated 4000 Christians are reported to have been made homeless, and it is alleged that with little or no police protection, many frightened Christians have been forcibly “reconverted” to Hinduism.
[Church Times] 5 Sep 2008--Protests have mounted in Orissa against the wave of attacks by Hindu extremists against Christians, and the destruction of churches, homes, and businesses. The violence erupted in the wake of the murder by Maoist guerrillas of a Hindu leader, Lakhmananda Saraswati (News, 29 August).
Atrocities included the public hacking to death and burning of a diocesan executive of the Church of North India (CNI), who was for many years superintendent of a boys’ hostel near Raikia. Christians in Bolangir, the base of the diocese of Sambalpur, have described themselves as living in constant fear.
Up to 20 people are known to have died in the violence, which is said now to be decreasing, although there are still fresh attacks in some areas. Security forces are thinly spread. An estimated 4000 Christians are reported to have been made homeless, and it is alleged that with little or no police protection, many frightened Christians have been forcibly “reconverted” to Hinduism.
Hypocrisy and Bristol Palin’s Baby
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/15891/
[Stand Firm] 5 Sep 2008--When Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson expressed his continuing support for Governor Palin in a statement released Monday, there was confusion mixed with anger on the left. “Hypocrisy!” was the cry. How can evangelicals overlook the fact that Palin's daughter has done what evangelicals tell other people not to do? Had it been Chelsae Clinton, they speculated, then the response would have been quick and judgmental. Dobson and other evangelicals, they said, demonstrate, once again, that political expediency trumps moral consistency.
[Stand Firm] 5 Sep 2008--When Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson expressed his continuing support for Governor Palin in a statement released Monday, there was confusion mixed with anger on the left. “Hypocrisy!” was the cry. How can evangelicals overlook the fact that Palin's daughter has done what evangelicals tell other people not to do? Had it been Chelsae Clinton, they speculated, then the response would have been quick and judgmental. Dobson and other evangelicals, they said, demonstrate, once again, that political expediency trumps moral consistency.
Lambeth absentees press on as letters wait to be sent out
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=62817
[Church Times] 5 Sep 2008--A month after the Lambeth Conference, the 230 or so absent Anglican bishops have not yet been contacted in order to “build bridges” with them. In the mean time, their leaders have stated that they have heard nothing from Lambeth to give them pause as they seek to form a new North American province.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Canon Kenneth Kearon, the secretary general of the Anglican Communion, committed themselves at the Lambeth Conference to ensuring that the absent bishops were kept fully informed of what had taken place, and of the process expected to lead to the Anglican Covenant.
All the Primates have been sent copies of Dr Williams’s post-Conference reflections; but on Wednesday the promised “bridge-building” letters had still not been sent out. “I know it is being worked on in the office, and it is in process. But the letters have not physically gone out to everyone absent yet,” a source in the Anglican Communion Office said.
The press officer, Canon Jim Rosenthal, confirmed later in the day that they would be sent out at the end of the week.
Dr Williams and Canon Kearon have both been on leave.
[Church Times] 5 Sep 2008--A month after the Lambeth Conference, the 230 or so absent Anglican bishops have not yet been contacted in order to “build bridges” with them. In the mean time, their leaders have stated that they have heard nothing from Lambeth to give them pause as they seek to form a new North American province.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Canon Kenneth Kearon, the secretary general of the Anglican Communion, committed themselves at the Lambeth Conference to ensuring that the absent bishops were kept fully informed of what had taken place, and of the process expected to lead to the Anglican Covenant.
All the Primates have been sent copies of Dr Williams’s post-Conference reflections; but on Wednesday the promised “bridge-building” letters had still not been sent out. “I know it is being worked on in the office, and it is in process. But the letters have not physically gone out to everyone absent yet,” a source in the Anglican Communion Office said.
The press officer, Canon Jim Rosenthal, confirmed later in the day that they would be sent out at the end of the week.
Dr Williams and Canon Kearon have both been on leave.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Anglican Head Calls Christians to Express Horror at Orissa Violence
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/anglican-head-calls-christians-to-express-horror-at-orissa-violence/4221.htm
[Christainity Today Australia] 4 Sep 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has added his voice to calls for an immediate end to the violence being waged against Christians in India’s Orissa state.
“I hope that Christians and people of faith around the world will make known their horror at this violence, their support for the rebuilding of lives and the churches, orphanages and schools destroyed, and for work towards future reconciliation,” Williams said in a letter sent to the Most Rev. Joel Dal, moderator of North India.
[Christainity Today Australia] 4 Sep 2008--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has added his voice to calls for an immediate end to the violence being waged against Christians in India’s Orissa state.
“I hope that Christians and people of faith around the world will make known their horror at this violence, their support for the rebuilding of lives and the churches, orphanages and schools destroyed, and for work towards future reconciliation,” Williams said in a letter sent to the Most Rev. Joel Dal, moderator of North India.
18 Obstacles to Effective Evangelism
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/insight/driscoll_18_obstacles_to_effective_evangelism/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 4 Aug 2008--At Monday’s ministry intensive in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Mark Driscoll presented 18 points which he says are “obstacles to effective evangelism” in the Sydney Diocese. Below is Natasha Percy’s summary of his challenge.
Mr Driscoll introduced these points asserting that, if we are seeing no fruit from our ministry, rather than doing more, we have to ask what we are doing wrong. He also asserted that “pruning” must precede “harvesting”. This pruning could involve such things as people and programs.
“You need to cut that which is taking energy away from evangelism,” he said.
Mark Driscoll asserted that these 18 points were coming from a “friend”, as he asked all present to consider whether their ministry was doing “all” that it could to ensure people were “meeting Jesus” (1 Cor 9:22).
[sydneyanglicans.net] 4 Aug 2008--At Monday’s ministry intensive in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Mark Driscoll presented 18 points which he says are “obstacles to effective evangelism” in the Sydney Diocese. Below is Natasha Percy’s summary of his challenge.
Mr Driscoll introduced these points asserting that, if we are seeing no fruit from our ministry, rather than doing more, we have to ask what we are doing wrong. He also asserted that “pruning” must precede “harvesting”. This pruning could involve such things as people and programs.
“You need to cut that which is taking energy away from evangelism,” he said.
Mark Driscoll asserted that these 18 points were coming from a “friend”, as he asked all present to consider whether their ministry was doing “all” that it could to ensure people were “meeting Jesus” (1 Cor 9:22).
India court demands report on anti-Christian violence
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2HKL26IMn2CB3GEE2igPxWvkL0A
[AFP]\ 4 Sep 2008--India's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered eastern Orissa state to report on steps taken to stop a wave of anti-Christian rioting that has claimed at least 16 lives, a court official said.
Some 200 people have been arrested in connection with the riots that have left 13,000 people, mostly Christians, sheltering under police guard in seven camps in Orissa's Kandhamal district.
Thousands of others have fled to the jungles after their homes, churches and prayer halls were torched.
[AFP]\ 4 Sep 2008--India's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered eastern Orissa state to report on steps taken to stop a wave of anti-Christian rioting that has claimed at least 16 lives, a court official said.
Some 200 people have been arrested in connection with the riots that have left 13,000 people, mostly Christians, sheltering under police guard in seven camps in Orissa's Kandhamal district.
Thousands of others have fled to the jungles after their homes, churches and prayer halls were torched.
Obama Launches Ad Campaign Attacking McCain for Pro-Life Policy
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090301.html
[LifeSiteNews] 4 Sep 2008--The Obama campaign threw their vehemently pro-abortion stance into relief by investing in radio ads attacking pro-life Sen. McCain for threatening to take away women's "right to choose."
The ads feature the voice of a "nurse-practitioner with Planned Parenthood" warning her listeners that McCain will seek to have Roe v. Wade overturned and ban abortion.
[LifeSiteNews] 4 Sep 2008--The Obama campaign threw their vehemently pro-abortion stance into relief by investing in radio ads attacking pro-life Sen. McCain for threatening to take away women's "right to choose."
The ads feature the voice of a "nurse-practitioner with Planned Parenthood" warning her listeners that McCain will seek to have Roe v. Wade overturned and ban abortion.
Media on Palin - a sudden case of 'family values'?
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Election2008/Default.aspx?id=236178
[OneNewsNow] 4 Aug 2008--A conservative analyst says the media are currently in a feeding frenzy, trying to assert that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is unfit to be vice president because her teenage daughter is pregnant. One pro-family leader says the way liberal media is reporting the story exposes a "rank hypocrisy."
Female news anchors and reporters from various media outlets, including CBS, NBC, and CNN, have suggested 17-year-old Bristol Palin's pregnancy should have disqualified her mother from becoming John McCain's running mate and raises questions about McCain's judgment. Katie Couric of CBS News even chided the McCain campaign for not notifying the press about the pregnancy sooner.
[OneNewsNow] 4 Aug 2008--A conservative analyst says the media are currently in a feeding frenzy, trying to assert that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is unfit to be vice president because her teenage daughter is pregnant. One pro-family leader says the way liberal media is reporting the story exposes a "rank hypocrisy."
Female news anchors and reporters from various media outlets, including CBS, NBC, and CNN, have suggested 17-year-old Bristol Palin's pregnancy should have disqualified her mother from becoming John McCain's running mate and raises questions about McCain's judgment. Katie Couric of CBS News even chided the McCain campaign for not notifying the press about the pregnancy sooner.
PG&E Pushes Same-Sex 'Marriage' in California
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000008010.cfm
[citizenlink.com] 4 Sep 2008--One of the largest natural gas and electric utilities in the nation has donated $250,000 to defeat California's marriage-protection amendment.
Prop. 8, which goes to voters in November, would restore the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Tom Strobhar, president of the corporate-research firm Pro Vita Advisors, called PG&E's intervention outrageous.
[citizenlink.com] 4 Sep 2008--One of the largest natural gas and electric utilities in the nation has donated $250,000 to defeat California's marriage-protection amendment.
Prop. 8, which goes to voters in November, would restore the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Tom Strobhar, president of the corporate-research firm Pro Vita Advisors, called PG&E's intervention outrageous.
‘Family-friendly’ McDonald’s: Not any more
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/04/family-friendly-mcdonalds-not-any-more/
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Aug 2008--In January, McDonald’s paid for travel and accommodations for 56 employees to attend the “Pioneer Summit” in San Diego. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a plan to promote the gay agenda within the company. Those attending were thrilled that McDonald’s showed such support for their agenda.
“It was truly inspiring to see McDonald’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender members come together to share heartfelt, personal stories about their journeys, challenges and personal reflections. Better understanding these journeys … will help us better grow our people in the restaurants and across the company,” said Brian Unger, senior vice president.
AFA has asked McDonald’s to remain neutral in the culture battle – to neither oppose nor support the gay agenda. McDonald’s has refused, choosing to support those groups and individuals promoting the gay agenda — including homosexual marriage. A McDonald’s official (Bill Whitman) went so far as to say that those who oppose the gay agenda are motivated by hate.
[Anglican Mainstream] 4 Aug 2008--In January, McDonald’s paid for travel and accommodations for 56 employees to attend the “Pioneer Summit” in San Diego. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a plan to promote the gay agenda within the company. Those attending were thrilled that McDonald’s showed such support for their agenda.
“It was truly inspiring to see McDonald’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender members come together to share heartfelt, personal stories about their journeys, challenges and personal reflections. Better understanding these journeys … will help us better grow our people in the restaurants and across the company,” said Brian Unger, senior vice president.
AFA has asked McDonald’s to remain neutral in the culture battle – to neither oppose nor support the gay agenda. McDonald’s has refused, choosing to support those groups and individuals promoting the gay agenda — including homosexual marriage. A McDonald’s official (Bill Whitman) went so far as to say that those who oppose the gay agenda are motivated by hate.
Canon says he would quit over gay bishop
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/09/04/canon-says-he-would-quit-over-gay-bishop-91466-21670384/
[Wales Online] 4 Sep 2008--A senior clergyman has threatened to quit rather than work alongside the man who could become the UK’s first openly gay bishop because he says homosexual acts are “sinful and wrong”.
Canon Peter Jones said he would consider his position should the Dean of St Albans, Dr Jeffrey John, become the new Bishop of Bangor.
Mr Jones, who is Vicar of Conwy in the diocese of Bangor, hinted the appointment of Dr John would lead many others to walk away from the Church in Wales.
[Wales Online] 4 Sep 2008--A senior clergyman has threatened to quit rather than work alongside the man who could become the UK’s first openly gay bishop because he says homosexual acts are “sinful and wrong”.
Canon Peter Jones said he would consider his position should the Dean of St Albans, Dr Jeffrey John, become the new Bishop of Bangor.
Mr Jones, who is Vicar of Conwy in the diocese of Bangor, hinted the appointment of Dr John would lead many others to walk away from the Church in Wales.
Episcopalians weigh options as secession vote draws near
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08248/909272-85.stm
[Pittsvurgh Post-Gazette] 4 Aug 2008--As a final vote approaches on whether the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh should secede from the national church, local Episcopalians who want to remain part of the New York-based denomination are meeting to plan for their future.
"A Hopeful Future for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh: An Alternative Solution" will present reasons for opting to stay in the Episcopal Church.
It will also present what may happen with property, a new diocesan government and other issues if Bishop Robert Duncan and most local Episcopalians change their allegiance to the theologically conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, which covers six nations in southernmost South America. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion
[Pittsvurgh Post-Gazette] 4 Aug 2008--As a final vote approaches on whether the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh should secede from the national church, local Episcopalians who want to remain part of the New York-based denomination are meeting to plan for their future.
"A Hopeful Future for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh: An Alternative Solution" will present reasons for opting to stay in the Episcopal Church.
It will also present what may happen with property, a new diocesan government and other issues if Bishop Robert Duncan and most local Episcopalians change their allegiance to the theologically conservative Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, which covers six nations in southernmost South America. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion
Diocese of New Westminster moves to evict breakaway clergy
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/100/article/diocese-of-new-westminster-moves-to-evict-breakaway-clergy/
[Anglican Journal] 4 Aug 2008--The Vancouver-based diocese of New Westminster, invoking a provision in its bylaws, announced on Aug. 26 the removal of clergy who have left the Anglican Church of Canada over theological differences over same-sex blessings but who continue to use diocesan parishes.
[Anglican Journal] 4 Aug 2008--The Vancouver-based diocese of New Westminster, invoking a provision in its bylaws, announced on Aug. 26 the removal of clergy who have left the Anglican Church of Canada over theological differences over same-sex blessings but who continue to use diocesan parishes.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Church plays down speculation of gay cleric as next Bishop of Bangor
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.plays.down.speculation.of.gay.cleric.as.next.bishop.of.bangor/21346.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Sep 2008--The Church in Wales has played down media reports speculating that controversial gay cleric Dr Jeffrey John could become the next Bishop of Bangor.
If elected, Dr John would be the first openly gay bishop in the Church in Wales and the UK.
Welsh bishops will meet at Bangor Cathedral on October 10 to vote on a successor to the previous Bishop of Bangor, the Rt Rev Tony Crockett, who died of cancer earlier this year.
A spokeswoman for the Church in Wales did not confirm that Dr John was in the running for the position, telling the Western Mail that nominations are not made until bishops in the electoral college meet to make the appointment.
According to the newspaper, the spokeswoman inferred that it was unlikely Dr John would be selected for the post in light of the moratorium on homosexual consecrations agreed by bishops at the recent Lambeth Conference.
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Sep 2008--The Church in Wales has played down media reports speculating that controversial gay cleric Dr Jeffrey John could become the next Bishop of Bangor.
If elected, Dr John would be the first openly gay bishop in the Church in Wales and the UK.
Welsh bishops will meet at Bangor Cathedral on October 10 to vote on a successor to the previous Bishop of Bangor, the Rt Rev Tony Crockett, who died of cancer earlier this year.
A spokeswoman for the Church in Wales did not confirm that Dr John was in the running for the position, telling the Western Mail that nominations are not made until bishops in the electoral college meet to make the appointment.
According to the newspaper, the spokeswoman inferred that it was unlikely Dr John would be selected for the post in light of the moratorium on homosexual consecrations agreed by bishops at the recent Lambeth Conference.
THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION: The End Is the Beginning
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8930
[VirtueOPnline] 3 Sep 2008--When the GAFCON primates met in London to decide how they would respond to the Lambeth Conference, they made their position abundantly clear - there will be no going back on what was accomplished in Jerusalem. The new ship of Anglican orthodoxy has set sail. It will not turn back.
In a single breath, they rejected any overture by the Archbishop of Canterbury that would require them to compromise on the faith once for all delivered to the saints. They will have no truck with sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage between a man and a woman.
The finality in their communiqué must have sent chills around Lambeth Palace and across town at the Anglican Communion Office run by Canon Kenneth Kearon and his liberal staff.
The only question left is whether the Archbishop of Canterbury wants to join the GAFCON primates or form his own Global South equivalent by co-opting Archbishops like John Chew (Singapore) and the CAPA (African) bishops. There is no middle ground. The high moral ground is now firmly in the hands of the Global South, so are the numbers.
GAFCON might have had only 303 bishops in Jerusalem, but they represent more than 75% of the Anglican Communion's church going worshippers. The 600 plus bishops at Lambeth represented less than 25% of the communion.
It is ironic that the largest bloc of bishops in attendance at Lambeth was The Episcopal Church USA with 127 bishops. The second largest contingent came from the Church of England, which registered 103 (39 diocesan and 64 suffragan/assistant bishops) people. The Episcopal Church has less than 800,000 church-going Episcopalians, the C of E a little over 1 million, the equivalent of two medium-sized Nigerian Anglican dioceses. The Lambeth conference had a budget shortfall. There was no budget shortfall for GAFCON attendees.
[VirtueOPnline] 3 Sep 2008--When the GAFCON primates met in London to decide how they would respond to the Lambeth Conference, they made their position abundantly clear - there will be no going back on what was accomplished in Jerusalem. The new ship of Anglican orthodoxy has set sail. It will not turn back.
In a single breath, they rejected any overture by the Archbishop of Canterbury that would require them to compromise on the faith once for all delivered to the saints. They will have no truck with sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage between a man and a woman.
The finality in their communiqué must have sent chills around Lambeth Palace and across town at the Anglican Communion Office run by Canon Kenneth Kearon and his liberal staff.
The only question left is whether the Archbishop of Canterbury wants to join the GAFCON primates or form his own Global South equivalent by co-opting Archbishops like John Chew (Singapore) and the CAPA (African) bishops. There is no middle ground. The high moral ground is now firmly in the hands of the Global South, so are the numbers.
GAFCON might have had only 303 bishops in Jerusalem, but they represent more than 75% of the Anglican Communion's church going worshippers. The 600 plus bishops at Lambeth represented less than 25% of the communion.
It is ironic that the largest bloc of bishops in attendance at Lambeth was The Episcopal Church USA with 127 bishops. The second largest contingent came from the Church of England, which registered 103 (39 diocesan and 64 suffragan/assistant bishops) people. The Episcopal Church has less than 800,000 church-going Episcopalians, the C of E a little over 1 million, the equivalent of two medium-sized Nigerian Anglican dioceses. The Lambeth conference had a budget shortfall. There was no budget shortfall for GAFCON attendees.
Book Review: ‘Permanent, Faithful, Stable’ by Jeffrey John
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/03/4825/
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--This review of Dr John’s book, Permanent, Faithful, Stable, was published in New Directions in February 2004, several months prior to his appointment as Dean of St Albans.
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--This review of Dr John’s book, Permanent, Faithful, Stable, was published in New Directions in February 2004, several months prior to his appointment as Dean of St Albans.
Republican VP-Hopeful Palin's Daughter Bristol Pregnant, Chooses Life
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090202.html
[LifeSiteNews] 3 Sep 2008--The news that Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter Bristol Palin is pregnant and has chosen to keep and raise the child with the support of her family became public within days after Palin accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination - news that pro-family advocates consider further proof that the Alaska governor upholds the pro-life values she preaches.
[LifeSiteNews] 3 Sep 2008--The news that Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter Bristol Palin is pregnant and has chosen to keep and raise the child with the support of her family became public within days after Palin accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination - news that pro-family advocates consider further proof that the Alaska governor upholds the pro-life values she preaches.
An Unexpected New Motherhood Debate
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog.php
[Albert Mohler] 3 Sep 2008--Labor Day 2008 came with a bang as Hurricane Gustav plowed into the Gulf Coast and as the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain revealed that the daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is five months pregnant, and yet unmarried. The word spread quickly, even as Americans celebrated their end-of-summer holiday with an unusual attentiveness to the news.
A statement released by the McCain campaign got right to the point, quoting Gov. Palin and her husband, Todd:
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents."
The release added little to that statement, other than that the father is an 18-year-old named Levi and that the young couple plans to get married.
[Albert Mohler] 3 Sep 2008--Labor Day 2008 came with a bang as Hurricane Gustav plowed into the Gulf Coast and as the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain revealed that the daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is five months pregnant, and yet unmarried. The word spread quickly, even as Americans celebrated their end-of-summer holiday with an unusual attentiveness to the news.
A statement released by the McCain campaign got right to the point, quoting Gov. Palin and her husband, Todd:
"Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents."
The release added little to that statement, other than that the father is an 18-year-old named Levi and that the young couple plans to get married.
Potential Vice-President of the United States of America - Who is Sarah Palin?
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090210.html
[LifeSite News] 3 Sep 2008--The McCain campaign's announcement of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice-President choice has sent the political realm in America nation spinning. Many conservatives reacted quickly, praising McCain's decision and voicing staunch support for the reinvigorated McCain-Palin ticket. Likewise, McCain opponents were quick to hit the airwaves slamming Palin as "extreme" and "rigid."
Palin's record stands for itself. Governor Sarah Palin is a pro-life, pro-family mother of 5 who lives out the beliefs in her own life that she avows in her political career.
[LifeSite News] 3 Sep 2008--The McCain campaign's announcement of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice-President choice has sent the political realm in America nation spinning. Many conservatives reacted quickly, praising McCain's decision and voicing staunch support for the reinvigorated McCain-Palin ticket. Likewise, McCain opponents were quick to hit the airwaves slamming Palin as "extreme" and "rigid."
Palin's record stands for itself. Governor Sarah Palin is a pro-life, pro-family mother of 5 who lives out the beliefs in her own life that she avows in her political career.
Lancet Journal Challenges the APA on Need for Counseling after Abortion
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090206.html
[LifeSiteNews] 3 Sep 2008--The Lancet, one of the most reputable medical journals in the world, has published a report that opposes the American Psychological Association's (APA) dismissal of abortion-related psychological trauma, and calls for post-abortion counseling as an important part of patient care, reports BioEdge.org.
The Lancet states that, "The fact that some women do experience psychological problems after a termination should not be trivialized. ... Women choosing to terminate must be offered an appropriate package of follow-up care, which includes psychological counselling when needed."
[LifeSiteNews] 3 Sep 2008--The Lancet, one of the most reputable medical journals in the world, has published a report that opposes the American Psychological Association's (APA) dismissal of abortion-related psychological trauma, and calls for post-abortion counseling as an important part of patient care, reports BioEdge.org.
The Lancet states that, "The fact that some women do experience psychological problems after a termination should not be trivialized. ... Women choosing to terminate must be offered an appropriate package of follow-up care, which includes psychological counselling when needed."
Exclusivity: How can there be just one true religion?
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/media/audio/exclusivity_how_can_there_be_just_one_true_religion/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 3 Sep 2008--The first sermon in the series, 'The Trouble with Christianity: Why it's so hard to believe it" by Tim Keller and other preachers from The Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City.
[sydneyanglicans.net] 3 Sep 2008--The first sermon in the series, 'The Trouble with Christianity: Why it's so hard to believe it" by Tim Keller and other preachers from The Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City.
Appeal to assist Christians made homeless under persecution in Orissa, and flood victims in Bihar
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/03/appeal-to-assist-christians-made-homeless-under-persecution-in-orissa-and-flood-victims-in-bihar/
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--Following the reports of violence against Christians in Orissa state in India ( see latest www.lapidomedia.com/news/christian-persecution-india_01-09-2008.php), Anglican Mainstream has been asked to support the work of Christian mission groups in Orissa state assisting the thousands of Christians who have been made homeless.
The police have been protecting people’s lives. But the Christians have been driven out of their homes to take refuge in the forest areas. Militant gangs have been burning and looting their houses so that the people do not even have the utensils needed to cook their food. The Hindu fundamentalists want to drive Christians from the state and the Maoists want to recruit the Christians made homeless to their cause. So the Christians are caught between the two.
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--Following the reports of violence against Christians in Orissa state in India ( see latest www.lapidomedia.com/news/christian-persecution-india_01-09-2008.php), Anglican Mainstream has been asked to support the work of Christian mission groups in Orissa state assisting the thousands of Christians who have been made homeless.
The police have been protecting people’s lives. But the Christians have been driven out of their homes to take refuge in the forest areas. Militant gangs have been burning and looting their houses so that the people do not even have the utensils needed to cook their food. The Hindu fundamentalists want to drive Christians from the state and the Maoists want to recruit the Christians made homeless to their cause. So the Christians are caught between the two.
India Violence a Sign of 'Christianophobia,' Says Archbishop
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080902/india-violence-a-sign-of-christianophobia-says-archbishop.htm
[The Christian Post] 3 Sep 2008--The international community must demonstrate the same commitment to wiping out growing "Christianophobia" as to tackling anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, the Vatican’s foreign minister said on Friday.
Archbishop Dominique Mamberti was speaking as Hindu mobs continue to go on the rampage against Christians in India’s Orissa state in retaliation for the killing of a Hindu leader, despite the Indian government saying that Maoists are most likely responsible for the murder. At least 13 people have been killed in the violence and hundreds of Christian churches and homes have been burned down.
Mamberti said religious freedom is fundamental to upholding human dignity.
"In order to promote this dignity in an integral way, so-called 'Christianophobia' should be combated as decisively as 'Islamophobia' and anti-Semitism," he said.
Related article:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090205.html
Vatican Equates Christianophobia with Anti-Semitism - LifeSiteNews
[The Christian Post] 3 Sep 2008--The international community must demonstrate the same commitment to wiping out growing "Christianophobia" as to tackling anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, the Vatican’s foreign minister said on Friday.
Archbishop Dominique Mamberti was speaking as Hindu mobs continue to go on the rampage against Christians in India’s Orissa state in retaliation for the killing of a Hindu leader, despite the Indian government saying that Maoists are most likely responsible for the murder. At least 13 people have been killed in the violence and hundreds of Christian churches and homes have been burned down.
Mamberti said religious freedom is fundamental to upholding human dignity.
"In order to promote this dignity in an integral way, so-called 'Christianophobia' should be combated as decisively as 'Islamophobia' and anti-Semitism," he said.
Related article:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/sep/08090205.html
Vatican Equates Christianophobia with Anti-Semitism - LifeSiteNews
Indian PM labels violence against Christian as a ‘shame’
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/indian-pm-labels-violence-against-christian-as-a-shame/4209.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Sep 2008--The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has called the recent religious violence targeting Christians as a ‘shame’ on the nation.
In a statement, Mr. Singh expressed that he had been closely monitoring the situation and wanted the rioters be brought to justice for the violent acts committed against Christians in the state of Orissa.
"The central government has taken a very serious notice of the happenings in Orissa and he has personally spoken to the chief minister to ensure communal harmony and bring to book the culprits behind the violent incidents," it said.
[Christianity Today UK] 3 Sep 2008--The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has called the recent religious violence targeting Christians as a ‘shame’ on the nation.
In a statement, Mr. Singh expressed that he had been closely monitoring the situation and wanted the rioters be brought to justice for the violent acts committed against Christians in the state of Orissa.
"The central government has taken a very serious notice of the happenings in Orissa and he has personally spoken to the chief minister to ensure communal harmony and bring to book the culprits behind the violent incidents," it said.
Christian Persecution in India Escalates
http://www.lapidomedia.com/news/christian-persecution-india_01-09-2008.php
[Lapido Media] 3 Sep 2008--Anti-Christian violence, targeted on former Baptist Mission Society centres, has reached new heights in the east Indian state of Orissa. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India, eight churches have been torched and at least fifteen Christians have been murdered by Hindu extremists in recent days.
[Lapido Media] 3 Sep 2008--Anti-Christian violence, targeted on former Baptist Mission Society centres, has reached new heights in the east Indian state of Orissa. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India, eight churches have been torched and at least fifteen Christians have been murdered by Hindu extremists in recent days.
Churches burnt as anti-Christian violence hits eastern India
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/01/india.religion?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews
[Guardian] 3 Sep 2008--Four more churches in eastern India have been burnt after a week of religious violence that has driven thousands of people from their homes and into hiding.
At least 14 people have died in attacks by groups of Hindus, who went on the rampage after a Hindu leader was killed last week.
Reports say more than 60 churches in the state of Orissa have been burnt and around 3,000 homes have been destroyed as mobs tore through mainly Christian villages.
Hindu and Christian leaders have been appealing for calm, but violence spread to new parts of the state over the weekend.
[Guardian] 3 Sep 2008--Four more churches in eastern India have been burnt after a week of religious violence that has driven thousands of people from their homes and into hiding.
At least 14 people have died in attacks by groups of Hindus, who went on the rampage after a Hindu leader was killed last week.
Reports say more than 60 churches in the state of Orissa have been burnt and around 3,000 homes have been destroyed as mobs tore through mainly Christian villages.
Hindu and Christian leaders have been appealing for calm, but violence spread to new parts of the state over the weekend.
Is Wales ready for a gay bishop?
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/09/02/is-wales-ready-for-a-gay-bishop/#more-4815
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--The possibility of Dr Jeffrey John becoming Britain’s first openly-gay bishop is back on the agenda after word leaked that there are plans afoot to nominate him as the next Bishop of Bangor. We have a report and commentary in the paper today. The story first emerged on the Religious Intelligence website in an article by George Conger. Bishop David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council, had sent a letter out about the possibility, posted by David Virtue. Wales Online had just before Lambeth reported Welsh Archbishop Barry Morgan’s liberal views on the issue of consecrating an openly-gay bishop. Those following the story today, Tuesday, include Richard Evans on Radio Wales, Anglican Mainstream, BabyBlue, Episcopal Cafe’s Andrew Gerns, Pluralist and Tom Jackson. Many more links at Thinking Anglicans.
Back in 2003, during the Reading dispute, I did an exclusive interview with Jeffrey John that was the cover of our feature section, T2. As that article does not seem to be easily available online, I’ve reproduced it below for the interest of readers with a few minutes to spare to read on.
[Anglican Mainstream] 3 Sep 2008--The possibility of Dr Jeffrey John becoming Britain’s first openly-gay bishop is back on the agenda after word leaked that there are plans afoot to nominate him as the next Bishop of Bangor. We have a report and commentary in the paper today. The story first emerged on the Religious Intelligence website in an article by George Conger. Bishop David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council, had sent a letter out about the possibility, posted by David Virtue. Wales Online had just before Lambeth reported Welsh Archbishop Barry Morgan’s liberal views on the issue of consecrating an openly-gay bishop. Those following the story today, Tuesday, include Richard Evans on Radio Wales, Anglican Mainstream, BabyBlue, Episcopal Cafe’s Andrew Gerns, Pluralist and Tom Jackson. Many more links at Thinking Anglicans.
Back in 2003, during the Reading dispute, I did an exclusive interview with Jeffrey John that was the cover of our feature section, T2. As that article does not seem to be easily available online, I’ve reproduced it below for the interest of readers with a few minutes to spare to read on.
It is impossible to go back, bishops say of moratoria
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/issues/2008/134/sep/07/article/it-is-impossible-to-go-back-bishops-say-of-moratoria/
[Anglican Journal] 3 Sep 2008--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he wasn’t surprised with the Lambeth Conference’s call for a moratorium on actions that have led to divisions over sexuality. He said that bishops needed to be honest that this has been “a huge, huge challenge to implement.”
Archbishop Hiltz said that the moratorium and other recommendations are matters for the Canadian house of bishops and the Council of General Synod – the church’s governing body between General Synods – to discuss. Bishops were also presented with a proposal to create a pastoral forum that would create a “safe space” for conservative Anglicans who have left their churches.
There was wide agreement that moratoria on same-sex blessings, the ordination of gay bishops and cross-border interventions by conservative bishops would help to heal the conflict engulfing the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury warned that failure to heed the call would put the Communion “in grave peril.” (Please see related story, p. 1).
Earlier, the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) suggested that the moratoria be “retrospective.” However, the final document issued by bishops dropped the word “retrospective,” which has further sowed confusion. The WCG was formed last February by Archbishop Rowan Williams to “address outstanding questions arising from the Windsor Report and the various formal responses from provinces and instruments of the Anglican Communion.”
[Anglican Journal] 3 Sep 2008--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he wasn’t surprised with the Lambeth Conference’s call for a moratorium on actions that have led to divisions over sexuality. He said that bishops needed to be honest that this has been “a huge, huge challenge to implement.”
Archbishop Hiltz said that the moratorium and other recommendations are matters for the Canadian house of bishops and the Council of General Synod – the church’s governing body between General Synods – to discuss. Bishops were also presented with a proposal to create a pastoral forum that would create a “safe space” for conservative Anglicans who have left their churches.
There was wide agreement that moratoria on same-sex blessings, the ordination of gay bishops and cross-border interventions by conservative bishops would help to heal the conflict engulfing the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury warned that failure to heed the call would put the Communion “in grave peril.” (Please see related story, p. 1).
Earlier, the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) suggested that the moratoria be “retrospective.” However, the final document issued by bishops dropped the word “retrospective,” which has further sowed confusion. The WCG was formed last February by Archbishop Rowan Williams to “address outstanding questions arising from the Windsor Report and the various formal responses from provinces and instruments of the Anglican Communion.”
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Kenyan church dedicated in Lawrence
http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_244232243.html
[The Eagle-Tribune] 2 Sep 2008--As he tapped on the door with his staff, members of St. Paul's Kenyan Community Church opened the glass doors adorned with crosses and led Bishop William Murdoch inside.
He then blessed the door frames before moving on to the sanctuary, where he blessed the baptismal font, altar and the pulpit.
After that, he headed back to the tent next to the white clapboard building where the entire congregation gathered for the church's dedication, confirmation and enrollment of women in the Mother's Union.
The pastor, the Rev. Peter Ndiho Gachathi, could not have been happier.
[The Eagle-Tribune] 2 Sep 2008--As he tapped on the door with his staff, members of St. Paul's Kenyan Community Church opened the glass doors adorned with crosses and led Bishop William Murdoch inside.
He then blessed the door frames before moving on to the sanctuary, where he blessed the baptismal font, altar and the pulpit.
After that, he headed back to the tent next to the white clapboard building where the entire congregation gathered for the church's dedication, confirmation and enrollment of women in the Mother's Union.
The pastor, the Rev. Peter Ndiho Gachathi, could not have been happier.
If Dean Jeffrey John becomes a bishop, the floodgates will open
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson/blog/2008/09/02/if_dean_jeffrey_john_becomes_a_bishop_the_floodgates_will_open
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--It was only a matter of time. Dean Jeffrey John is in the running to become Bishop of Bangor and therefore Britain's first openly gay bishop. And there is not a damned thing that the Archbishop of Canterbury can do to stop it happening because (a) the Church in Wales is disestablished and (b) Dean John, though in a civil partnership, is celibate.
You asked for this, Rowan. When you first became Archbishop, you encouraged your old friend to put himself forward as Bishop of Reading and then dropped him in the most humiliating manner possible when evangelicals made a fuss.
This is just a guess, but I reckon that the Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, remembers the great betrayal of 2003 and is perfectly happy to cause +Cantuar maximum embarrassment. If Dean John was in a sexually active relationship, then Morgan would be treading on thin ice. But he is celibate, and in addition ticks just the right boxes – "affirming Catholic", noted theologian, Welsh speaker. (Remind you of anyone?)
Anyway, if Britain does acquire a Bishop Jeffrey John, then the attempts by Rowan's spin doctors to present Lambeth '08 as a healing experience will soon look even sillier and more desperate than they do already.
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--It was only a matter of time. Dean Jeffrey John is in the running to become Bishop of Bangor and therefore Britain's first openly gay bishop. And there is not a damned thing that the Archbishop of Canterbury can do to stop it happening because (a) the Church in Wales is disestablished and (b) Dean John, though in a civil partnership, is celibate.
You asked for this, Rowan. When you first became Archbishop, you encouraged your old friend to put himself forward as Bishop of Reading and then dropped him in the most humiliating manner possible when evangelicals made a fuss.
This is just a guess, but I reckon that the Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, remembers the great betrayal of 2003 and is perfectly happy to cause +Cantuar maximum embarrassment. If Dean John was in a sexually active relationship, then Morgan would be treading on thin ice. But he is celibate, and in addition ticks just the right boxes – "affirming Catholic", noted theologian, Welsh speaker. (Remind you of anyone?)
Anyway, if Britain does acquire a Bishop Jeffrey John, then the attempts by Rowan's spin doctors to present Lambeth '08 as a healing experience will soon look even sillier and more desperate than they do already.
Anglican church dispute over Bible moves into new territory in Canada
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5halUt50zZEUyG83pId8ePp4JWMMg
[The Canadian Press] 2 Sep 2008--The Bible battle that has been dividing Anglicans in Canada for more than a decade is moving into new territory, with a third court battle looming in a Vancouver court.
The battle over same-sex blessings specifically, and interpretation of the Bible generally, is splitting liberal and conservative Anglicans and the fight over church property ownership has already resulted in two interim court rulings - one in Ontario and one in British Columbia.
[The Canadian Press] 2 Sep 2008--The Bible battle that has been dividing Anglicans in Canada for more than a decade is moving into new territory, with a third court battle looming in a Vancouver court.
The battle over same-sex blessings specifically, and interpretation of the Bible generally, is splitting liberal and conservative Anglicans and the fight over church property ownership has already resulted in two interim court rulings - one in Ontario and one in British Columbia.
Bishop Atwood’s Reflections on TEC and the Anglican Communion
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/08/30/bishop-atwood%e2%80%99s-reflections-on-tec-and-the-anglican-communion/#more-4799
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Sep 2008--The problem with Indabbaing your way through life without addressing the crises that are strangling life (and members) out of the church is that it is based on a post-modern fantasy that the atmosphere is more important than the true state of things. In the emerging train wreck, it is like focusing on the musical program in the ballroom of the Titanic. In the case of our crisis, there are plenty of life boats available for the people. The problem is that they are being lulled into thinking that the crisis is exaggerated.
[Anglican Mainstream] 2 Sep 2008--The problem with Indabbaing your way through life without addressing the crises that are strangling life (and members) out of the church is that it is based on a post-modern fantasy that the atmosphere is more important than the true state of things. In the emerging train wreck, it is like focusing on the musical program in the ballroom of the Titanic. In the case of our crisis, there are plenty of life boats available for the people. The problem is that they are being lulled into thinking that the crisis is exaggerated.
Freedom Fighters Call for Int'l Solidarity Amid Orissa Violence
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080901/freedom-fighters-call-for-int-l-solidarity-amid-orissa-violence.htm
[The Christian Post] 2 Sep 2008--Human Rights Watch, Christian Solidarity Network, Dalit Freedom Network and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty have appealed to foreign ministers in the European Union and the United States to immediately call for an end to the sectarian violence in India's Orissa state.
[The Christian Post] 2 Sep 2008--Human Rights Watch, Christian Solidarity Network, Dalit Freedom Network and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty have appealed to foreign ministers in the European Union and the United States to immediately call for an end to the sectarian violence in India's Orissa state.
Cathedral dean elected as new Bishop of St Davids
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/cathedral.dean.elected.as.new.bishop.of.st.davids/21339.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 2 Sep 2008--The man in charge of one of the country’s best loved landmarks and the cradle of Christianity in Wales was today elected as the new Bishop of St Davids.
The Dean of St Davids Cathedral, the Very Reverend John Wyn Evans, was elected as the 128th bishop of the diocese by the Electoral College of the Church in Wales, at a “lock in" meeting at the cathedral on Monday.
The election took place following the resignation of the former bishop, Rt Rev Carl Cooper in May amid speculation of an improper relationship with his chaplain.
[Christianity Today UK] 2 Sep 2008--The man in charge of one of the country’s best loved landmarks and the cradle of Christianity in Wales was today elected as the new Bishop of St Davids.
The Dean of St Davids Cathedral, the Very Reverend John Wyn Evans, was elected as the 128th bishop of the diocese by the Electoral College of the Church in Wales, at a “lock in" meeting at the cathedral on Monday.
The election took place following the resignation of the former bishop, Rt Rev Carl Cooper in May amid speculation of an improper relationship with his chaplain.
Court setback for Episcopal Church
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2624
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Sep 2008--The Virginia courts have handed the Episcopal Church its third straight legal defeat in its battle with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), all but assuring a final legal victory for the Nigerian-overseen group led by Bishop Martyn Minns.
On Aug 19, Fairfax County Circuit Judge Randy Bellows rejected arguments put forward by lawyers for the Episcopal Church and Diocese of Virginia, which seeks to acquire control of property worth £20 million from the 11 CANA parishes. The national church had argued that contract law as codified in the US Constitution took precedence over state church property law. It also argued that an 1867 Virginia law that permitted congregations to quit their parent church with their property in the event of a schism was not applicable to the Episcopal Church.
Judge Bellows rejected the national church’s contentions, ruling that federal contract law would take precedence only for property acquired by the diocese or national church before 1867. He noted that in Virginia at that time the diocese could not own church property. Title to parish property was vested in the parish council.
The Episcopal Church also argued that it was unfair to apply democratic principles to church governance and that by being part of the diocese the 11 parishes had waived their right to invoke the 1867 law.
Judge Bellows ruled it was “too late” to assert this point, stating that the diocese and national church had waived this argument by not presenting it before it instituted the litigation.
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Sep 2008--The Virginia courts have handed the Episcopal Church its third straight legal defeat in its battle with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), all but assuring a final legal victory for the Nigerian-overseen group led by Bishop Martyn Minns.
On Aug 19, Fairfax County Circuit Judge Randy Bellows rejected arguments put forward by lawyers for the Episcopal Church and Diocese of Virginia, which seeks to acquire control of property worth £20 million from the 11 CANA parishes. The national church had argued that contract law as codified in the US Constitution took precedence over state church property law. It also argued that an 1867 Virginia law that permitted congregations to quit their parent church with their property in the event of a schism was not applicable to the Episcopal Church.
Judge Bellows rejected the national church’s contentions, ruling that federal contract law would take precedence only for property acquired by the diocese or national church before 1867. He noted that in Virginia at that time the diocese could not own church property. Title to parish property was vested in the parish council.
The Episcopal Church also argued that it was unfair to apply democratic principles to church governance and that by being part of the diocese the 11 parishes had waived their right to invoke the 1867 law.
Judge Bellows ruled it was “too late” to assert this point, stating that the diocese and national church had waived this argument by not presenting it before it instituted the litigation.
Freddo Frog changed my view of evangelism
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/mission/missionthinking/freddo_frog_changed_my_view_of_evangelism/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Doorknocking is generally considered to be an extreme activity. The sky-surfing of evangelism. Well, perhaps without the ‘cool’ – but you know what I mean: it’s a bit ‘out there’. Something only adrenaline junkies do. And we all have to admit to secretly trying to avoid it.
After all, we’ve all been on the receiving end of visits by the JWs, and their scripted patter has done little except annoy. Surely that is not the effect we are after for Connect09?
I have done a bit of doorknocking. Let me tell you about the most recent time. It was in my street where we’ve lived for several years. I was with my seven-year-old daughter, selling fundraiser Freddos for her school. Some people weren’t home, others weren’t interested. Some were happy to have a little chat, others were clearly busy and we left right away. Some were very keen to buy what we were selling, others just said no thanks. But I think I can say that no-one thought we were nutters – nor did we feel like freaks.
Related article:
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/help_i_doorknocked_a_mormon/
Help! I doorknocked a Mormon - sydneyanglicans.net
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Doorknocking is generally considered to be an extreme activity. The sky-surfing of evangelism. Well, perhaps without the ‘cool’ – but you know what I mean: it’s a bit ‘out there’. Something only adrenaline junkies do. And we all have to admit to secretly trying to avoid it.
After all, we’ve all been on the receiving end of visits by the JWs, and their scripted patter has done little except annoy. Surely that is not the effect we are after for Connect09?
I have done a bit of doorknocking. Let me tell you about the most recent time. It was in my street where we’ve lived for several years. I was with my seven-year-old daughter, selling fundraiser Freddos for her school. Some people weren’t home, others weren’t interested. Some were happy to have a little chat, others were clearly busy and we left right away. Some were very keen to buy what we were selling, others just said no thanks. But I think I can say that no-one thought we were nutters – nor did we feel like freaks.
Related article:
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/help_i_doorknocked_a_mormon/
Help! I doorknocked a Mormon - sydneyanglicans.net
Trusting God at GAFCON
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/senior_clergy/archbishop_jensen/articles/trusting_god_at_gafcon/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Let me be personal. The Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem was one of the highlights of my life.
Primarily it was a spiritual conference and a spiritual experience. As one of the organisers, I was in a position to see how the Lord answered prayer again and again. To organise a conference of this nature in the time available was simply extraordinary and I must testify to you the Lord’s continual faithfulness. I know that many people all round the world were praying for us during the whole time, not to mention that the conference itself was much given to intercession.
There was a sense of seeking the Lord’s will. I will illustrate. My natural personality prefers to have things organised well in advance. I was therefore giving a great deal of thought in the run-up to the conference about what the conference should say and do. The chairman Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria asked us all to stop doing this. To him, it was very important that we sought the mind of the Lord in listening to God’s word and listening to each other. I found this decision a difficult one, as I was conscious of how little time there was to achieve our purposes, the sheer variety of people attending and the complexity of the issues facing us. It meant a new level of trust in the Lord.
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Let me be personal. The Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem was one of the highlights of my life.
Primarily it was a spiritual conference and a spiritual experience. As one of the organisers, I was in a position to see how the Lord answered prayer again and again. To organise a conference of this nature in the time available was simply extraordinary and I must testify to you the Lord’s continual faithfulness. I know that many people all round the world were praying for us during the whole time, not to mention that the conference itself was much given to intercession.
There was a sense of seeking the Lord’s will. I will illustrate. My natural personality prefers to have things organised well in advance. I was therefore giving a great deal of thought in the run-up to the conference about what the conference should say and do. The chairman Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria asked us all to stop doing this. To him, it was very important that we sought the mind of the Lord in listening to God’s word and listening to each other. I found this decision a difficult one, as I was conscious of how little time there was to achieve our purposes, the sheer variety of people attending and the complexity of the issues facing us. It meant a new level of trust in the Lord.
Indonesian churches reduced to rubble
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/southerncross/articles/indo_churches_reduced_to_rubble/
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Church buildings are the latest target in a fresh wave of persecution facing Christian churches in Indonesia.
SC was told of one case where police moved in one morning to allow bulldozers to demolish a church building.
Within an hour, the building was a pile of rubble with only a cross marking the spot where the church had stood.
The pastor, nursing a head wound sustained as police moved in, was back at the site, with his congregation that Sunday and held a service under a tarpaulin.
[sydneyanglicans.net] 2 Sep 2008--Church buildings are the latest target in a fresh wave of persecution facing Christian churches in Indonesia.
SC was told of one case where police moved in one morning to allow bulldozers to demolish a church building.
Within an hour, the building was a pile of rubble with only a cross marking the spot where the church had stood.
The pastor, nursing a head wound sustained as police moved in, was back at the site, with his congregation that Sunday and held a service under a tarpaulin.
Preachers of separatism at work inside Britain's mosques
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2653266/Preachers-of-separatism-at-work-inside-Britains-mosques.html
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--Britain's leading Muslim bodies say they are fighting extremism. In one of our most respected mosques, Sara Hassan came face to face with hardline female preachers of separatism. Here, she reports on the shocking results of her investigation.
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--Britain's leading Muslim bodies say they are fighting extremism. In one of our most respected mosques, Sara Hassan came face to face with hardline female preachers of separatism. Here, she reports on the shocking results of her investigation.
Quincy diocese 'likely' to leave Episcopal Church
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=2625
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Sep 2008--The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Quincy has sent a 35-page report to all members of the diocese, responding to questions and concerns over plans for the diocese to quit the Episcopal Church.
On Nov 7-8 the Quincy synod will have the second reading of a constitutional amendment that would permit the diocese to withdraw from the Episcopal Church and affiliate with another province of the Anglican Communion. While no formal resolution so far has been submitted to the synod that would seek formal separation, the president of the standing committee, the Rev James Marshall told The Living Church magazine such a move was likely.
[Religious Intelligence] 2 Sep 2008--The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Quincy has sent a 35-page report to all members of the diocese, responding to questions and concerns over plans for the diocese to quit the Episcopal Church.
On Nov 7-8 the Quincy synod will have the second reading of a constitutional amendment that would permit the diocese to withdraw from the Episcopal Church and affiliate with another province of the Anglican Communion. While no formal resolution so far has been submitted to the synod that would seek formal separation, the president of the standing committee, the Rev James Marshall told The Living Church magazine such a move was likely.
Christians ‘forced’ into Hinduism after attacks
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080831/FOREIGN/982341780/1103/NEWS&Profile=1103
[The National] 2 Sep 2008--As anti-Christian riots triggered by the killing of a local Hindu leader continued to engulf new areas in eastern Orissa state, scores of fearful Christian families have started converting to Hinduism, local leaders said.
[The National] 2 Sep 2008--As anti-Christian riots triggered by the killing of a local Hindu leader continued to engulf new areas in eastern Orissa state, scores of fearful Christian families have started converting to Hinduism, local leaders said.
A House Divided
http://www.vanmag.com/articles/08sept/House.shtml
[Vancouver Magazine] 2 Sep 2008--Wealthy Anglican churches like St. John’s Shaughnessy are split over the issue of gay marriage, and there’s much more at stake than theology.
[Vancouver Magazine] 2 Sep 2008--Wealthy Anglican churches like St. John’s Shaughnessy are split over the issue of gay marriage, and there’s much more at stake than theology.
New fears of schism in Anglican Church
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4656621.ece
[Times Online] 2 Sep 2008--The day in 2003 when the Archbishop of Canterbury forced his friend Dr Jeffrey John to reject his appointment as Bishop of Reading became a defining moment of his archiepiscopate. The consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire became a defining moment for the entire Anglican Communion.
Now Britain could be about to have its own “Gene Robinson moment” with growing support in the province of Wales for his election to a bishopric, possibly as soon as in Bangor next month.
The Church in Wales is outside the Church of England, having been disestablished early in the 20th century, and with just six dioceses is one of the smaller of the 38 provinces with 75 million Anglicans worldwide.
But it has a tradition of liberal Catholicism, having nurtured this in Jeffrey John himself in his childhood in the province.
[Times Online] 2 Sep 2008--The day in 2003 when the Archbishop of Canterbury forced his friend Dr Jeffrey John to reject his appointment as Bishop of Reading became a defining moment of his archiepiscopate. The consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire became a defining moment for the entire Anglican Communion.
Now Britain could be about to have its own “Gene Robinson moment” with growing support in the province of Wales for his election to a bishopric, possibly as soon as in Bangor next month.
The Church in Wales is outside the Church of England, having been disestablished early in the 20th century, and with just six dioceses is one of the smaller of the 38 provinces with 75 million Anglicans worldwide.
But it has a tradition of liberal Catholicism, having nurtured this in Jeffrey John himself in his childhood in the province.
Gay priest Dr Jeffrey John could become a bishop in Wales
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4656617.ece
[Times Online] 2 Sep 2008--The gay clergyman whose abortive appointment as Bishop of Reading came close to splitting the Church of England could soon become Britain’s first openly gay diocesan bishop.
Dr Jeffrey John, the Dean of St Albans, who two years ago celebrated a civil partnership ceremony with another priest, is to be nominated as Bishop of Bangor in North Wales.
Liberals welcomed the news, but conservatives gave warning that it would aggravate the tensions over sexuality that are threatening to rend the Anglican Communion in two and revive the rancour that followed the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire in the US five years ago. Since then, the 38 provinces of the Church have agreed to observe a moratorium on such consecrations.
[Times Online] 2 Sep 2008--The gay clergyman whose abortive appointment as Bishop of Reading came close to splitting the Church of England could soon become Britain’s first openly gay diocesan bishop.
Dr Jeffrey John, the Dean of St Albans, who two years ago celebrated a civil partnership ceremony with another priest, is to be nominated as Bishop of Bangor in North Wales.
Liberals welcomed the news, but conservatives gave warning that it would aggravate the tensions over sexuality that are threatening to rend the Anglican Communion in two and revive the rancour that followed the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire in the US five years ago. Since then, the 38 provinces of the Church have agreed to observe a moratorium on such consecrations.
Gay cleric Jeffrey John could become Britain's first openly homosexual bishop
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/2663278/Gay-cleric-Jeffrey-John-could-become-Britains-first-openly-homosexual-bishop.html
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--The Very Rev Jeffrey John was appointed Bishop of Reading five years ago but was forced to stand down by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a personal friend of his, after the election sparked outrage among conservatives.
He was later made the Dean of St Albans but is now being considered for the post of Bishop of Bangor in North Wales, following the death of the previous incumbent from cancer in June.
Insiders believe 55-year-old Dr John is highly likely to be chosen, because he is a Welsh speaker as well as being a respected theologian.
In addition, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, recently admitted he would support the election of a gay bishop despite opposition among orthodox Anglicans and guidelines stating that practising homosexuals should not become clergy.
His appointment would likely deepen the crisis in the 80 million-strong worldwide church over homosexuality.
[Telegraph] 2 Sep 2008--The Very Rev Jeffrey John was appointed Bishop of Reading five years ago but was forced to stand down by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a personal friend of his, after the election sparked outrage among conservatives.
He was later made the Dean of St Albans but is now being considered for the post of Bishop of Bangor in North Wales, following the death of the previous incumbent from cancer in June.
Insiders believe 55-year-old Dr John is highly likely to be chosen, because he is a Welsh speaker as well as being a respected theologian.
In addition, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, recently admitted he would support the election of a gay bishop despite opposition among orthodox Anglicans and guidelines stating that practising homosexuals should not become clergy.
His appointment would likely deepen the crisis in the 80 million-strong worldwide church over homosexuality.
Outing some rumors about Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls and yours truly
http://northernplainsanglicans.blogspot.com/2008/09/outing-some-rumors-about-good-shepherd.html
[Nothern Plains Anglican] 2 Sep 2008--Normally, I let this stuff pass. But several sources have passed on several consistent reports of several priests spreading several rumors about me and about my parish....
[Nothern Plains Anglican] 2 Sep 2008--Normally, I let this stuff pass. But several sources have passed on several consistent reports of several priests spreading several rumors about me and about my parish....
Gafcon and the Pastoral Forum
http://www.leanderharding.com/blog/2008/08/29/gafcon-and-the-pastoral-forum/
[Leander Harding] 2 Sep 2008--It is clear from the recent communique from GAFCON that the move to establish a North American Province without the express approval of Canterbury is unstoppable. It is a tragically missed opportunity that a robust response to the needs of alienated orthodox Anglicans in North America was not negotiated at Lambeth. I think a unified and unifying response could still be made if the Archbishop of Canterbury immediately announces a chair for the pastoral forum who is a figure credible in Global South and GAFCON quarters. Drexel Gomez and Mouneer Anis are two names that come immediately to mind. The non-negotiable needs to be that any interim arrangement of alternate primatial oversight is acceptable to the parties seeking relief. The window of opportunity for a Canterbury sponsored solution is nearly closed.
[Leander Harding] 2 Sep 2008--It is clear from the recent communique from GAFCON that the move to establish a North American Province without the express approval of Canterbury is unstoppable. It is a tragically missed opportunity that a robust response to the needs of alienated orthodox Anglicans in North America was not negotiated at Lambeth. I think a unified and unifying response could still be made if the Archbishop of Canterbury immediately announces a chair for the pastoral forum who is a figure credible in Global South and GAFCON quarters. Drexel Gomez and Mouneer Anis are two names that come immediately to mind. The non-negotiable needs to be that any interim arrangement of alternate primatial oversight is acceptable to the parties seeking relief. The window of opportunity for a Canterbury sponsored solution is nearly closed.
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