http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6984/
[TitusOneNine] 20 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, met in Dublin last week with the leaders of the Porvoo Communion of Anglican and Nordic Lutheran churches for private talks. However Dr Williams’ Irish excursion did not bring him a change of scene as the vexing issue of gay clergy followed him to Dublin. While a spokesman for the Church of Ireland told The Church of England Newspaper there would be no formal statement of the gathering of Anglican and Lutheran bishops, sources familiar with the deliberations, held every two years, tell CEN that issues of common national and ecclesial concern were raised at the gathering.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Central Florida Parishes, Church Plants Plan to Disaffiliate
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3884
[The Living Church] 20 Oct 2007--The rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Diocese of Central Florida and two church planters met with Bishop John Howe and representatives of the diocese Oct. 17 to “discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations may disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.”
Related articles:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6990/
A Press Release About a Recent meeting in the Diocese of Central Florida - TitusOneNine
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/20/seven-parishes-announce-exodus-from-diocese-of-central-florida-and-tec/
Seven Parishes Announce Exodus from Diocese of Central Florida and TEC - Anglican
Mainstream
http://www.theledger.com/article/20071020/NEWS/710200434/1004
Episcopal Leaders in Separation Talks - The Ledger
[The Living Church] 20 Oct 2007--The rectors and senior wardens of seven parishes of the Diocese of Central Florida and two church planters met with Bishop John Howe and representatives of the diocese Oct. 17 to “discuss the possible scenarios by which all or part of the congregations may disaffiliate from The Episcopal Church.”
Related articles:
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6990/
A Press Release About a Recent meeting in the Diocese of Central Florida - TitusOneNine
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/20/seven-parishes-announce-exodus-from-diocese-of-central-florida-and-tec/
Seven Parishes Announce Exodus from Diocese of Central Florida and TEC - Anglican
Mainstream
http://www.theledger.com/article/20071020/NEWS/710200434/1004
Episcopal Leaders in Separation Talks - The Ledger
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fallout from Women Bishops Ruling
http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/women_bishops_ruling/
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 19 Oct 2007--As General Synod approaches, Sydney’s Standing Committee has made clear its “disappointment” with the majority opinion of the Appellate Tribunal on women bishops.
The “disappointment” concerns the Tribunal’s September 28 decision that there is nothing in the wording of the current Constitution which would prevent women becoming bishops.
[your.sydneyanglicans.net] 19 Oct 2007--As General Synod approaches, Sydney’s Standing Committee has made clear its “disappointment” with the majority opinion of the Appellate Tribunal on women bishops.
The “disappointment” concerns the Tribunal’s September 28 decision that there is nothing in the wording of the current Constitution which would prevent women becoming bishops.
‘Orthodox lite’ services draw ritual-hungry evangelicals
http://larknews.com/september_2007/secondary.php?page=5
[Lark News] 19 Oct 2007--When a new Antiochian Orthodox church opened up and drew families from several evangelical churches, it created a minor buzz around town.
At the Evangelical Free church, it also created another service.
"I’ve been caught off guard by other shifts in church trends," says EV Free pastor Brian Fitzgerald, 44. "Not this time."
In a defensive maneuver, his church soon added an Orthodox-style service to cater to people who want more ritual and a feeling of connection to historical tradition.
"It’s the same sermon, same worship songs in many cases, just done in a more liturgical style," Fitzgerald says. "I don’t mind changing the packaging for people. It freshens it up for them and for me."
The new "Liturgical Service," as they call it, has become the most popular service even among young people. After the "standard" evangelical service at 9:30 a.m., workers decorate the platform with candles, non-specific iconography and other religious-looking items. Fitzgerald wears generic vestments and adopts a more somber manner. He reads from a liturgical book and the congregation responds by reading words on the screens.
"I like the reverence and the mood," says one girl, 16. "It feels more spiritual."
"I like the candles," her friend chimes in.
[Lark News] 19 Oct 2007--When a new Antiochian Orthodox church opened up and drew families from several evangelical churches, it created a minor buzz around town.
At the Evangelical Free church, it also created another service.
"I’ve been caught off guard by other shifts in church trends," says EV Free pastor Brian Fitzgerald, 44. "Not this time."
In a defensive maneuver, his church soon added an Orthodox-style service to cater to people who want more ritual and a feeling of connection to historical tradition.
"It’s the same sermon, same worship songs in many cases, just done in a more liturgical style," Fitzgerald says. "I don’t mind changing the packaging for people. It freshens it up for them and for me."
The new "Liturgical Service," as they call it, has become the most popular service even among young people. After the "standard" evangelical service at 9:30 a.m., workers decorate the platform with candles, non-specific iconography and other religious-looking items. Fitzgerald wears generic vestments and adopts a more somber manner. He reads from a liturgical book and the congregation responds by reading words on the screens.
"I like the reverence and the mood," says one girl, 16. "It feels more spiritual."
"I like the candles," her friend chimes in.
Motions from Reform Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/18/motions-from-reform-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Oct 2007--1. Reform Conference 2007 proposal on Future Ministry in the Church of England
This conference believes that the Church of England can provide a uniquely effective framework for the exercise of full-time Bible-teaching ministries. In the light of growing divisions within the Anglican Communion, it requests the [Reform] Council to explore ways of fostering these ministries in a new climate, in particular by developing the work of the panel of reference, and by considering what further steps might be necessary to provide financial and episcopal support for ministers who have to consider irregular action to defend biblical truth and promote the gospel....
[Anglican Mainstream] 19 Oct 2007--1. Reform Conference 2007 proposal on Future Ministry in the Church of England
This conference believes that the Church of England can provide a uniquely effective framework for the exercise of full-time Bible-teaching ministries. In the light of growing divisions within the Anglican Communion, it requests the [Reform] Council to explore ways of fostering these ministries in a new climate, in particular by developing the work of the panel of reference, and by considering what further steps might be necessary to provide financial and episcopal support for ministers who have to consider irregular action to defend biblical truth and promote the gospel....
Akinola’s Anti-gay Campaign
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=92652
[This Day Online] 19 Oct 2007--It is true that the American society largely runs on a liberal path. Its social ethos is strongly anchored on near laissez-faire attitude. That explains why the American society is very elastic in terms of tolerance of sometimes strange, if not outlandish habits.
However, if the social norms could accommodate such dispositions, the sacred order of religion is supposed to be tempered by some restraint and moderation. But the curious ordination of Jean Robinson, a gay Bishop, a couple of years ago, manifestly proves that not even the sanctity of divine laws espoused by the major religions can tame the wild libertine philosophy of the American society.
[This Day Online] 19 Oct 2007--It is true that the American society largely runs on a liberal path. Its social ethos is strongly anchored on near laissez-faire attitude. That explains why the American society is very elastic in terms of tolerance of sometimes strange, if not outlandish habits.
However, if the social norms could accommodate such dispositions, the sacred order of religion is supposed to be tempered by some restraint and moderation. But the curious ordination of Jean Robinson, a gay Bishop, a couple of years ago, manifestly proves that not even the sanctity of divine laws espoused by the major religions can tame the wild libertine philosophy of the American society.
Traditional Anglican Communion Petitions Rome for Union
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3883
[The Living Church] 19 Oct 2007--The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) recently petitioned for “full, corporate, sacramental union” with the Roman Catholic Church recently.
The appeal for union was debated during a meeting of bishops in Portsmouth, England during the first week of October. It was delivered in a letter, which was signed by all the bishops present. The letter was delivered personally to the Holy See by the Most Rev. John Hepworth, Primate of TAC, and two other bishops selected by the college.
[The Living Church] 19 Oct 2007--The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) recently petitioned for “full, corporate, sacramental union” with the Roman Catholic Church recently.
The appeal for union was debated during a meeting of bishops in Portsmouth, England during the first week of October. It was delivered in a letter, which was signed by all the bishops present. The letter was delivered personally to the Holy See by the Most Rev. John Hepworth, Primate of TAC, and two other bishops selected by the college.
Anglicans prepare to fight against 'liberal threat'
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglicans.prepare.to.fight.against.liberal.threat/14050.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 19 Oct 2007--As the "liberal threat" in the Church of England increases, orthodox Anglicans warned that they may distance themselves from the church and carry out its own ordinations.
At an Oct. 16-17 meeting in Central London, the head of Reform – a traditionalist network of churches and individuals within the Church of England – said parishes discontent with the Church of England's liberal drift must prepare for "courageous action" which may include looking overseas for irregular ordinations in the future.
[Christianity Today UK] 19 Oct 2007--As the "liberal threat" in the Church of England increases, orthodox Anglicans warned that they may distance themselves from the church and carry out its own ordinations.
At an Oct. 16-17 meeting in Central London, the head of Reform – a traditionalist network of churches and individuals within the Church of England – said parishes discontent with the Church of England's liberal drift must prepare for "courageous action" which may include looking overseas for irregular ordinations in the future.
Love must prevail
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_91030_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 19 Oct 2007--The contentious relationship between the Episcopal Church based in the United States and the worldwide Anglican Communion is appropriately called a "civil war over homosexuality" by The New York Times. I, also, think it is an event of civil stress about love and justice. In 1966, Joseph Fletcher, an Episcopal priest on the faculty of the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, wrote a book titled Situation Ethics in which he declared that "love is the boss principle of life" and "justice is love distributed."
"God is love" is a fact of life some of us learned in Sunday school. We also learned that covenants, creeds, doctrines and traditions may pass away, but love endures. How, then, can a church with a responsibility of promoting love and justice adopt a policy of discrimination that prohibits homosexual people from being elected and consecrated as bishops? There is no evidence that such people cannot "love and be loved in return." If love is the boss principle of life, arbitrary and capricious acts of discrimination against all sorts and conditions of people, including male and female people, heterosexual and homosexual people, is unjust and should cease and desist.
[Episcopal Life Online] 19 Oct 2007--The contentious relationship between the Episcopal Church based in the United States and the worldwide Anglican Communion is appropriately called a "civil war over homosexuality" by The New York Times. I, also, think it is an event of civil stress about love and justice. In 1966, Joseph Fletcher, an Episcopal priest on the faculty of the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, wrote a book titled Situation Ethics in which he declared that "love is the boss principle of life" and "justice is love distributed."
"God is love" is a fact of life some of us learned in Sunday school. We also learned that covenants, creeds, doctrines and traditions may pass away, but love endures. How, then, can a church with a responsibility of promoting love and justice adopt a policy of discrimination that prohibits homosexual people from being elected and consecrated as bishops? There is no evidence that such people cannot "love and be loved in return." If love is the boss principle of life, arbitrary and capricious acts of discrimination against all sorts and conditions of people, including male and female people, heterosexual and homosexual people, is unjust and should cease and desist.
Ottawa synod followed process, says primate
http://www.anglicanjournal.com/nc/100/article/ottawa-synod-followed-process-says-primate/
[Anglican Journal] 19 Oct 2007--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he believes that “due process was followed” by the diocese of Ottawa when a majority of its synod members approved on Oct. 13 a motion asking its bishop to allow local parishes to bless civil marriages between same-sex couples.
“I believe due process was followed with respect to the handling of this resolution. The outcome of the resolution is a reflection of the mind of the church local in this matter,” Archbishop Hiltz told the Anglican Journal.
[Anglican Journal] 19 Oct 2007--Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said he believes that “due process was followed” by the diocese of Ottawa when a majority of its synod members approved on Oct. 13 a motion asking its bishop to allow local parishes to bless civil marriages between same-sex couples.
“I believe due process was followed with respect to the handling of this resolution. The outcome of the resolution is a reflection of the mind of the church local in this matter,” Archbishop Hiltz told the Anglican Journal.
U.S. House of Bishops Letter Sparks Debate on Both Sides
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6965/#more
[TitusOneNine] 19 Oct 2007--The New Orleans Statement by the US House of Bishops has generated a wide and contradictory spate of explanatory letters and speeches from the American bishops to their dioceses. While the Primates ACC Joint Standing Committee’s report of Sept 30 argues the New Orleans statement complied with the primates’ request for a moratorium on gay bishops and blessings, liberal and conservative bishops in the US are united in saying it promised no such thing.
Speaking at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Sept 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said the US Church was ‘not going backward’ on gay rights. “All people, including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians, are deserving of the fullest regard of the church,” she said, noting the New Orleans statement was part of a larger conversation leading to the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of the church.
[TitusOneNine] 19 Oct 2007--The New Orleans Statement by the US House of Bishops has generated a wide and contradictory spate of explanatory letters and speeches from the American bishops to their dioceses. While the Primates ACC Joint Standing Committee’s report of Sept 30 argues the New Orleans statement complied with the primates’ request for a moratorium on gay bishops and blessings, liberal and conservative bishops in the US are united in saying it promised no such thing.
Speaking at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Sept 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said the US Church was ‘not going backward’ on gay rights. “All people, including gay and lesbian Christians and non-Christians, are deserving of the fullest regard of the church,” she said, noting the New Orleans statement was part of a larger conversation leading to the full inclusion of gays and lesbians into the life of the church.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Foundation for Spiritual Renewal 1
http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=13&d=32&p_t=index.php
[Church of Nigeria] 18 Oct 2007--What a deep mine the Holy Bible is! And yet how few there are who have discovered the hidden treasures awaiting us as we devote ourselves to the diligent study of the Bible.
[Church of Nigeria] 18 Oct 2007--What a deep mine the Holy Bible is! And yet how few there are who have discovered the hidden treasures awaiting us as we devote ourselves to the diligent study of the Bible.
St. Stephen’s Announces Intention to Realign
http://parishtoolbox.org/index.php/tbx/entry/55
{Parish Toolbox] 18 Oct 2007--The leadership of St. Stephen’s in Sewickley, the largest church in the diocese in both membership and Sunday attendance, has announced its intention to realign with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
{Parish Toolbox] 18 Oct 2007--The leadership of St. Stephen’s in Sewickley, the largest church in the diocese in both membership and Sunday attendance, has announced its intention to realign with a different Province of the Anglican Communion.
Schori Writes Bishops, Requests Opinions on JSC Report
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6942/
[Stand Firm] 18 Oct 2007--I am grateful for the considered way in which the House worked together in New Orleans, and for our demonstration of solidarity with the people of Louisiana and Mississippi. I am finding that most of you would rather focus on the latter!
[Stand Firm] 18 Oct 2007--I am grateful for the considered way in which the House worked together in New Orleans, and for our demonstration of solidarity with the people of Louisiana and Mississippi. I am finding that most of you would rather focus on the latter!
“People and parishes prepared for irregular action” Reform Chairman
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/18/people-and-parishes-prepared-for-irregular-action-reform-chairman/
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Oct 2007--The new chairman of an Anglican traditionalist network seeking to uphold orthodox teaching in the Church of England warned that it may be forced to carry out irregular ordinations in the future. The Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform network after replacing the Rev David Banting, was due to say in his speech at the group’s national conference in London this week that as the ‘liberal threat’ in the Church of England increases, ‘people and parishes will have to be prepared for irregular action in response’. He was due to add: “Increasingly, parishes will want to distance themselves from those bishops whose teaching is unbiblical and divisive. “This may amount no more to an unwillingness to join such bishops around the Communion table. “But as we’ve seen in Chelmsford, even these actions can be costly when a bishop refuses to ordain bona fide candidates.”
[Anglican Mainstream] 18 Oct 2007--The new chairman of an Anglican traditionalist network seeking to uphold orthodox teaching in the Church of England warned that it may be forced to carry out irregular ordinations in the future. The Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform network after replacing the Rev David Banting, was due to say in his speech at the group’s national conference in London this week that as the ‘liberal threat’ in the Church of England increases, ‘people and parishes will have to be prepared for irregular action in response’. He was due to add: “Increasingly, parishes will want to distance themselves from those bishops whose teaching is unbiblical and divisive. “This may amount no more to an unwillingness to join such bishops around the Communion table. “But as we’ve seen in Chelmsford, even these actions can be costly when a bishop refuses to ordain bona fide candidates.”
The Anglican Communion after New Orleans and The Joint Standing Committee Report
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/118/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 18 Oct 2007--As many predicted, some hopefully and some fearfully, the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) have given a positive assessment of the response of the The Episcopal Church's (TEC) House of Bishops to the Primates' Questions from Dar Es Salaam. In particular, in relation to the two key requests concerning TEC's response to The Windsor Report (TWR), JSC conclude....
[Anglican Communion Institute] 18 Oct 2007--As many predicted, some hopefully and some fearfully, the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) have given a positive assessment of the response of the The Episcopal Church's (TEC) House of Bishops to the Primates' Questions from Dar Es Salaam. In particular, in relation to the two key requests concerning TEC's response to The Windsor Report (TWR), JSC conclude....
Anglican parishes to ordain own clergy
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/18/nchurch118.xml
[Telegraph] 18 Oct 2007--Dozens of conservative parishes will start ordaining their own clergy in an open revolt against their bishops if the Church of England continues its liberal drift, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
[Telegraph] 18 Oct 2007--Dozens of conservative parishes will start ordaining their own clergy in an open revolt against their bishops if the Church of England continues its liberal drift, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.
Another American Parish Quits
http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/another-american-parish-quits-cen-101907-p-7/
[Conger] 18 Oct 2007--The unraveling of the American Church continues as parishioners at one of the Diocese of Arizona’s “cardinal parishes” announced on Sept 28 they were quitting the Episcopal Church to come under the Church of Uganda.
[Conger] 18 Oct 2007--The unraveling of the American Church continues as parishioners at one of the Diocese of Arizona’s “cardinal parishes” announced on Sept 28 they were quitting the Episcopal Church to come under the Church of Uganda.
Converting to the RCL
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3879
[The Living Church] 18 Oct 2007--The last few years have had no scarce supply of headline-grabbing events in The Episcopal Church. A less widely publicized happening, but one with great potential effect upon the weekly experience of those in the pews, was the formal adoption at last year’s General Convention of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This thumbnail introduction is for those who may have missed this action, and the years of discussion that preceded it.
[The Living Church] 18 Oct 2007--The last few years have had no scarce supply of headline-grabbing events in The Episcopal Church. A less widely publicized happening, but one with great potential effect upon the weekly experience of those in the pews, was the formal adoption at last year’s General Convention of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This thumbnail introduction is for those who may have missed this action, and the years of discussion that preceded it.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Satanist guilty of vicar killing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7047096.stm
[BBC News] 17 Oct 2007--Geraint Evans, 24, of Trecynon, near Aberdare, repeatedly stabbed Father Paul Bennett on 14 March in the grounds of the town's St Fagan's Church.
[BBC News] 17 Oct 2007--Geraint Evans, 24, of Trecynon, near Aberdare, repeatedly stabbed Father Paul Bennett on 14 March in the grounds of the town's St Fagan's Church.
Small Church, Global Reach
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2007/005/6.14.html
[Today's Christian] 17 Oct 2007--In this age of overflowing megachurches and high-profile Christian ministries, can a tiny congregation hidden in the middle of America make a difference?
[Today's Christian] 17 Oct 2007--In this age of overflowing megachurches and high-profile Christian ministries, can a tiny congregation hidden in the middle of America make a difference?
'There will be no outcasts in this Church,' Presiding Bishop tells live webcast audience
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_91034_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 17 Oct 2007--Opening with an overview of the mission-driven September 20-25 House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori set the tone October 16 for her second webcast held at the studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City.
[Episcopal Life Online] 17 Oct 2007--Opening with an overview of the mission-driven September 20-25 House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori set the tone October 16 for her second webcast held at the studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City.
Traditional Anglican Communion [TAC] Seeks Full Union with Rome
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6920/
[Stand Firm] 17 Oct 2007--“ The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) met in Plenary Session in Portsmouth, England, in the first week of October 2007. The Bishops and Vicars-General unanimously agreed to the text of a letter to the See of Rome seeking full, corporate, sacramental union. The letter was signed solemnly by all the College and entrusted to the Primate and two bishops chosen by the College to be presented to the Holy See. The letter was cordially received at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Primate of the TAC has agreed that no member of the College will give interviews until the Holy See has considered the letter and responded.”
[Stand Firm] 17 Oct 2007--“ The College of Bishops of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) met in Plenary Session in Portsmouth, England, in the first week of October 2007. The Bishops and Vicars-General unanimously agreed to the text of a letter to the See of Rome seeking full, corporate, sacramental union. The letter was signed solemnly by all the College and entrusted to the Primate and two bishops chosen by the College to be presented to the Holy See. The letter was cordially received at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Primate of the TAC has agreed that no member of the College will give interviews until the Holy See has considered the letter and responded.”
Provincial Leaders Tell Harare Bishop to Resign
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3878
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rt. Rev. Norbert Kunonga must go, leaders of the Anglican Province of Central Africa said, calling upon the controversial Bishop of Harare to relinquish control of diocesan assets by Oct. 16 or face a civil lawsuit.
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rt. Rev. Norbert Kunonga must go, leaders of the Anglican Province of Central Africa said, calling upon the controversial Bishop of Harare to relinquish control of diocesan assets by Oct. 16 or face a civil lawsuit.
Priest Ordained in Jail Temporarily Inhibited
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3877
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rev. James Tramel, the California priest whose highly publicized ordination occurred while he was in prison, has been temporarily inhibited by the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California.
[The Living Church] 17 Oct 2007--The Rev. James Tramel, the California priest whose highly publicized ordination occurred while he was in prison, has been temporarily inhibited by the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of California.
A Proposal for the Anglican Communion
http://resignatio.blogspot.com/2007/10/proposal-for-anglican-communion-getting.html
[Resignatio Ad Infernum] 17 Oct 2007--Recently, in response to a post on the website of Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian to the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and a leading voice against the ordination of gays and lesbians and blessings of same-sex couples, I wrote the following words....
[Resignatio Ad Infernum] 17 Oct 2007--Recently, in response to a post on the website of Canon Kendall Harmon, canon theologian to the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and a leading voice against the ordination of gays and lesbians and blessings of same-sex couples, I wrote the following words....
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
New Anglican row emerges with gay blessing request
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnN15284107.html
[Reuters] 16 Oct 2007--The Ottawa branch of the Anglican Church of Canada has thrown a challenge to the worldwide Anglican movement by asking the Ottawa bishop to authorize the blessing of homosexual marriages.
In a weekend vote, the Ottawa diocese voted 177 to 97 to ask Bishop John Chapman to allow clergy "to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized."
If Chapman, an advocate of such blessings, approves the request, it will be a red flag to the conservative branches of the church in Africa, Latin America and Asia, and could hasten a split in the global Anglican church.
Chapman told a news conference it could take anywhere between a day to 10 years to make his decision and that he would consult Canada's bishops later this month.
[Reuters] 16 Oct 2007--The Ottawa branch of the Anglican Church of Canada has thrown a challenge to the worldwide Anglican movement by asking the Ottawa bishop to authorize the blessing of homosexual marriages.
In a weekend vote, the Ottawa diocese voted 177 to 97 to ask Bishop John Chapman to allow clergy "to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized."
If Chapman, an advocate of such blessings, approves the request, it will be a red flag to the conservative branches of the church in Africa, Latin America and Asia, and could hasten a split in the global Anglican church.
Chapman told a news conference it could take anywhere between a day to 10 years to make his decision and that he would consult Canada's bishops later this month.
How Real Property Is Held Within The Diocese of Fort Worth
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/diocesanconvention/07convention/realproperty.html
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 16 Oct 2007--Over the past several months, a great deal of interest has been expressed concerning the ownership of church property in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. A fair amount of misinformation has been bandied about in various forums.
In the interest of clarifying this matter, I have asked the Diocesan Chancellors to issue an explanation that I could share with you. Their very helpful statement is below. If you wish to refer to our Constitution and Canons in greater detail, they are available in the “Documents and Publications” section of the Web site. Please share this statement with your vestries, as well as any other interested parties.
The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth
October 15, 2007
[The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth] 16 Oct 2007--Over the past several months, a great deal of interest has been expressed concerning the ownership of church property in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. A fair amount of misinformation has been bandied about in various forums.
In the interest of clarifying this matter, I have asked the Diocesan Chancellors to issue an explanation that I could share with you. Their very helpful statement is below. If you wish to refer to our Constitution and Canons in greater detail, they are available in the “Documents and Publications” section of the Web site. Please share this statement with your vestries, as well as any other interested parties.
The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth
October 15, 2007
Anglican Archbishop of Sydney: Peter Jensen
http://www.abc.net.au/sundayprofile/stories/s2058735.htm
[ABC Sunday Profile] 16 Oct 2007--Tonight, we're talking to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen.
The Anglican Church's highest legal authority, the Appellate Tribunal, has ruled in favour of female bishops – a milestone in the Church's history and of course its development. But the Sydney diocese, arguably the most powerful and conservative in Australia, which Archbishop Jensen heads, was vehemently opposed to the move.
Archbishop Jensen thinks, as a matter of Biblical principle, ordaining women as bishops is wrong. But why, given the Church has ordained women as priests? And given the Catholic Archbishop, George Pell, has come out in support of the ALP (Australian Labor Party) and its education policy in particular, which party does Archbishop Jensen think will win the election when it's finally called?But he's keen to point out that at one stage it looked like the fight to protect the Franklin River was lost. Twenty-five years later, that river continues to run free.
[ABC Sunday Profile] 16 Oct 2007--Tonight, we're talking to the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen.
The Anglican Church's highest legal authority, the Appellate Tribunal, has ruled in favour of female bishops – a milestone in the Church's history and of course its development. But the Sydney diocese, arguably the most powerful and conservative in Australia, which Archbishop Jensen heads, was vehemently opposed to the move.
Archbishop Jensen thinks, as a matter of Biblical principle, ordaining women as bishops is wrong. But why, given the Church has ordained women as priests? And given the Catholic Archbishop, George Pell, has come out in support of the ALP (Australian Labor Party) and its education policy in particular, which party does Archbishop Jensen think will win the election when it's finally called?But he's keen to point out that at one stage it looked like the fight to protect the Franklin River was lost. Twenty-five years later, that river continues to run free.
Questions facing American Anglicans and The Common Cause Parternship: The Anglican Way as the Church-type or Denomination-type but not Sect-type
http://pbs1928.blogspot.com/2007/10/questions-facing-american-anglicans-and.html
[The Prayer Book Society] 16 Oct 2007--Here I shall use the terms used by sociologists when describing different types of churches. The terms are not meant to be pejorative but to function descriptively only.
1.Ecclesia Anglicana, the ancient church in England, was and is a National, Established Church and has two provinces, Canterbury and York. It was a Church-type both before and after the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
2. In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, “the Anglican Church” eventually became a national denomination, existing alongside Presbyterian and R. C. churches. Yet is was territorial, arranged into dioceses geographically. So the Anglican Church is thus a Denomination-type in all parts of the United Kingdom, except in England.
[The Prayer Book Society] 16 Oct 2007--Here I shall use the terms used by sociologists when describing different types of churches. The terms are not meant to be pejorative but to function descriptively only.
1.Ecclesia Anglicana, the ancient church in England, was and is a National, Established Church and has two provinces, Canterbury and York. It was a Church-type both before and after the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
2. In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, “the Anglican Church” eventually became a national denomination, existing alongside Presbyterian and R. C. churches. Yet is was territorial, arranged into dioceses geographically. So the Anglican Church is thus a Denomination-type in all parts of the United Kingdom, except in England.
Episcopal bishop talks of homosexuality and Anglican church
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/patriotnews/article239682.ece
[The Express-Times] 16 Oct 2007-- The Episcopal Church has experienced a victory in its efforts to remain part of the worldwide family of Anglican churches, despite sharp differences over homosexuality.
Many Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa, were angered when the church’s General Convention approved the 2003 election by New Hampshire Episcopalians of a bishop with a longtime gay partner.
Central Pennsylvania Bishop Nathan Baxter was one of eight Episcopal bishops who wrote a carefully worded statement pledging not to authorize blessings for same-sex unions for now and reaffirming a resolution to “exercise restraint” by withholding consent for consecration of bishops with gay partners.
[The Express-Times] 16 Oct 2007-- The Episcopal Church has experienced a victory in its efforts to remain part of the worldwide family of Anglican churches, despite sharp differences over homosexuality.
Many Anglican leaders, particularly in Africa, were angered when the church’s General Convention approved the 2003 election by New Hampshire Episcopalians of a bishop with a longtime gay partner.
Central Pennsylvania Bishop Nathan Baxter was one of eight Episcopal bishops who wrote a carefully worded statement pledging not to authorize blessings for same-sex unions for now and reaffirming a resolution to “exercise restraint” by withholding consent for consecration of bishops with gay partners.
'God has blessed our socks off'
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/bucks/nabes/20071014_God_has_blessed_our_socks_off.html
[The Philadelphia Inquirer] 16 Oct 2007--Half a dozen years ago, a congregation looked one last time toward the building raised by members' hands and out across the graves in the churchyard, and wept. Then, the churchgoers turned and left.
This week, they'll install a new rector, welcome the public to a talk by an Anglican bishop from Rwanda, and play host for the second time to a regional meeting of their new affiliate, the Anglican Mission in the Americas.
"God has blessed our socks off," said the Rev. Kenneth Cook, assistant to the rector at what was St. John's Episcopal Church of Huntingdon Valley and now is St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church of Churchville.
[The Philadelphia Inquirer] 16 Oct 2007--Half a dozen years ago, a congregation looked one last time toward the building raised by members' hands and out across the graves in the churchyard, and wept. Then, the churchgoers turned and left.
This week, they'll install a new rector, welcome the public to a talk by an Anglican bishop from Rwanda, and play host for the second time to a regional meeting of their new affiliate, the Anglican Mission in the Americas.
"God has blessed our socks off," said the Rev. Kenneth Cook, assistant to the rector at what was St. John's Episcopal Church of Huntingdon Valley and now is St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church of Churchville.
California Convention to Vote on Same-Sex Rites
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3876
[Stand Firm] 16 Oct 2007--Clergy and lay delegates to convention in the Diocese of California will consider a resolution calling on Bishop Marc Handley Andrus to approve for trial use three same-sex blessing rites endorsed by the diocesan Commission on Marriage and Blessing. Convention meets Oct. 19-20 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Two years ago, the diocesan convention authorized creation of the Commission on Marriage and Blessing. The 13-member group has adapted three extant rites for use in the liturgical blessing of same-gender unions in the diocese. The group, whose mandate extends through October 2010, submitted a 48-page report, proposing that Bishop Andrus authorize those liturgies for trial use in the diocese.
“The Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our church and state,” the group said in an introduction to the report.
[Stand Firm] 16 Oct 2007--Clergy and lay delegates to convention in the Diocese of California will consider a resolution calling on Bishop Marc Handley Andrus to approve for trial use three same-sex blessing rites endorsed by the diocesan Commission on Marriage and Blessing. Convention meets Oct. 19-20 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
Two years ago, the diocesan convention authorized creation of the Commission on Marriage and Blessing. The 13-member group has adapted three extant rites for use in the liturgical blessing of same-gender unions in the diocese. The group, whose mandate extends through October 2010, submitted a 48-page report, proposing that Bishop Andrus authorize those liturgies for trial use in the diocese.
“The Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our church and state,” the group said in an introduction to the report.
Canadian Primate, Archbishop Williams to Discuss Same-Sex Blessings
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3875
[The Living Church] 16 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury will welcome Canada’s new primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, to Lambeth Palace for a private meeting Tuesday. Archbishop Hiltz said recently he would raise the issue of gay blessings as a pastoral measure during the meeting.
The meeting was scheduled before the Diocese of Ottawa approved a resolution supporting same-sex blessings during its annual synod Oct. 13, becoming the first diocesan legislature in Canada to address the issue since the nationwide General Synod approved seemingly contradictory resolutions last summer.
By a margin of 177-97 delegates approved a resolution Saturday asking that priests be given the right to approach the bishop for permission for such a blessing, should their parish approve.
[The Living Church] 16 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury will welcome Canada’s new primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, to Lambeth Palace for a private meeting Tuesday. Archbishop Hiltz said recently he would raise the issue of gay blessings as a pastoral measure during the meeting.
The meeting was scheduled before the Diocese of Ottawa approved a resolution supporting same-sex blessings during its annual synod Oct. 13, becoming the first diocesan legislature in Canada to address the issue since the nationwide General Synod approved seemingly contradictory resolutions last summer.
By a margin of 177-97 delegates approved a resolution Saturday asking that priests be given the right to approach the bishop for permission for such a blessing, should their parish approve.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Christ Church parishioners support split with Episcopalians
http://www.savannahnow.com/node/375296
[Savannah Morning Herald] 15 Oct 2007--Christ Church leaders canceled a late morning worship service Sunday to measure the congregation's support of their recent decision to break from the Episcopal Church.
More than 200 parishioners gathered at the downtown parish at 11 a.m. to cast ballots and find out what happens next. A vast majority of voters said they supported the split.
[Savannah Morning Herald] 15 Oct 2007--Christ Church leaders canceled a late morning worship service Sunday to measure the congregation's support of their recent decision to break from the Episcopal Church.
More than 200 parishioners gathered at the downtown parish at 11 a.m. to cast ballots and find out what happens next. A vast majority of voters said they supported the split.
Episcopalians now face a reunited opposition
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/views/orl-episcopal1407oct14,0,6391877,print.story
[Orlando Sentinel] 15 Oct 2007--Anglicans don't do schism well. Schism is a split in the structure of the church and Anglicans (also known in this country as Episcopalians) do it badly.
Which is surprising, considering that Anglicans are famous for doing things well, or at least doing them with an enviable sense of style. But when it comes to schism (arguably America's favorite indoor ecclesiastical sport), most Anglicans are embarrassingly clumsy.
[Orlando Sentinel] 15 Oct 2007--Anglicans don't do schism well. Schism is a split in the structure of the church and Anglicans (also known in this country as Episcopalians) do it badly.
Which is surprising, considering that Anglicans are famous for doing things well, or at least doing them with an enviable sense of style. But when it comes to schism (arguably America's favorite indoor ecclesiastical sport), most Anglicans are embarrassingly clumsy.
A Conversation with Elizabeth Paver, member of the ACC Standing Committee
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6883/
[TitusOneNine] 15 Oct 2007--Lay Canon Elizabeth Paver (picture here) is one of three members on the Anglican Consultative Council from the Church of England, and is a member of the ACC Standing Committee. She was therefore one of the international guests at the recent House of Bishops in New Orleans which was attended by the Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and the Primates. Canon Paver worked for 40 years in education before her recent retirement, and served many roles over that time, as for example Head Teacher at Intake Primary School in Doncaster and President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
I met Canon Paver when I was an observer to the ACC 13 meeting in Nottingham. A participant on my blog, Sander, wrote in a comment in the midst of a lengthy discussion of the Joint Standing Committee Report in a thread below as follows:
#76, I have heard reports this afternoon that Canon Elizabeth Paver, one of the four who did not respond in time, has since responded and given her concurrence to the opinions of the other 9 who did respond.
Because I am aware of Mrs. Paver’s convictions, I wanted to understand more fully her sense of the recently released Report on the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the ACC (Anglican Consultative Council) on the New Orleans meeting of the House of Bishops. The following is an article I wrote based on several conversations with Canon Paver--KSH.
[TitusOneNine] 15 Oct 2007--Lay Canon Elizabeth Paver (picture here) is one of three members on the Anglican Consultative Council from the Church of England, and is a member of the ACC Standing Committee. She was therefore one of the international guests at the recent House of Bishops in New Orleans which was attended by the Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and the Primates. Canon Paver worked for 40 years in education before her recent retirement, and served many roles over that time, as for example Head Teacher at Intake Primary School in Doncaster and President of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).
I met Canon Paver when I was an observer to the ACC 13 meeting in Nottingham. A participant on my blog, Sander, wrote in a comment in the midst of a lengthy discussion of the Joint Standing Committee Report in a thread below as follows:
#76, I have heard reports this afternoon that Canon Elizabeth Paver, one of the four who did not respond in time, has since responded and given her concurrence to the opinions of the other 9 who did respond.
Because I am aware of Mrs. Paver’s convictions, I wanted to understand more fully her sense of the recently released Report on the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the ACC (Anglican Consultative Council) on the New Orleans meeting of the House of Bishops. The following is an article I wrote based on several conversations with Canon Paver--KSH.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Anglican Communion ends synod in Calabar
http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=10/13/2007&qrTitle=Anglican%20Communion%20ends%20synod%20in%20Calabar&qrColumn=NIGER%20DELTA
[The Tide] 13 Oct 2007--This year’s Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Cross River State, has ended with a call on Christians to embrace fully the tenets of God as a means of bringing more development to the country.
Giving the synthesis of the progress of the church, Bishop Tunde Adeleye said in Ogoja Archedeaconry, the organisation was at least three additional Archdeaconries following a general restructuring and overwhelming evangelism within the area.
Obudu and Okuku Missionary Archdeacon as well as Yala North and South, he explained were at the threshold of being commissioned stressing that the plan was to make the place mature enough to further grow into a higher platform within the organogram of the Church of Nigeria.
[The Tide] 13 Oct 2007--This year’s Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Cross River State, has ended with a call on Christians to embrace fully the tenets of God as a means of bringing more development to the country.
Giving the synthesis of the progress of the church, Bishop Tunde Adeleye said in Ogoja Archedeaconry, the organisation was at least three additional Archdeaconries following a general restructuring and overwhelming evangelism within the area.
Obudu and Okuku Missionary Archdeacon as well as Yala North and South, he explained were at the threshold of being commissioned stressing that the plan was to make the place mature enough to further grow into a higher platform within the organogram of the Church of Nigeria.
St. James Anglican pastor to become deacon
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2007/10/13/religion/dpt-ordination13.txt
[Daily Pilot] 13 Oct 2007--Cathie Young, the discipleship pastor at St. James Anglican Church, loves working where she has worshiped for the past 20 years.
“You can walk down the halls and smell God,” Young said. “Yes, God has a smell.”
After working at St. James for the past 16 years as a lay person, Young will be ordained as deacon 10 a.m. today at St. James in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Evans Kisekka, of the Anglican Church of Uganda, and Bishop John Guernsey, the U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Guernsey made international headlines last month when he was ordained to serve the church’s 26 Ugandan congregations in the United States.
[Daily Pilot] 13 Oct 2007--Cathie Young, the discipleship pastor at St. James Anglican Church, loves working where she has worshiped for the past 20 years.
“You can walk down the halls and smell God,” Young said. “Yes, God has a smell.”
After working at St. James for the past 16 years as a lay person, Young will be ordained as deacon 10 a.m. today at St. James in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Evans Kisekka, of the Anglican Church of Uganda, and Bishop John Guernsey, the U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Guernsey made international headlines last month when he was ordained to serve the church’s 26 Ugandan congregations in the United States.
Zimbabwe: Anglican Church Moves to Seize Control From Bishop Kunonga
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710121072.html
[allAfrica.com] 13 Oct 2007--The controversial reign of Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga might be coming to an end if the Anglican Church has its way in court. The Church will now seek court intervention to seize control of its assets from Kunonga. This follows his decision to withdraw the diocese from the province over a feud on homosexuality that exploded at a meeting in Malawi. In papers submitted by lawyers the church says it has a well-founded fear that the bishop, 'will fund his new ministry with the Church's resources as he has access to the Church's investments and funds.'
The bishop who has strong links with Zanu PF announced plans to set up a breakaway province drawing on the Anglican community in Zimbabwe. He boasted in an interview in the state owned Herald that he had support from the dioceses of Central Zimbabwe and Manicaland, and expressed surprise that the other 2 dioceses of Matabeleland and Manicaland have refused to support his stance. A parishioner at the Cathedral in Harare however said this was not true. Only a former ex-combatant that Kunonga helped to install as the Bishop in Manicaland has backed his crusade. Within the church Kunonga remains isolated and has been offered state protection from the angry parishioners eager to demonstrate their displeasure at his running of the diocese.
[allAfrica.com] 13 Oct 2007--The controversial reign of Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga might be coming to an end if the Anglican Church has its way in court. The Church will now seek court intervention to seize control of its assets from Kunonga. This follows his decision to withdraw the diocese from the province over a feud on homosexuality that exploded at a meeting in Malawi. In papers submitted by lawyers the church says it has a well-founded fear that the bishop, 'will fund his new ministry with the Church's resources as he has access to the Church's investments and funds.'
The bishop who has strong links with Zanu PF announced plans to set up a breakaway province drawing on the Anglican community in Zimbabwe. He boasted in an interview in the state owned Herald that he had support from the dioceses of Central Zimbabwe and Manicaland, and expressed surprise that the other 2 dioceses of Matabeleland and Manicaland have refused to support his stance. A parishioner at the Cathedral in Harare however said this was not true. Only a former ex-combatant that Kunonga helped to install as the Bishop in Manicaland has backed his crusade. Within the church Kunonga remains isolated and has been offered state protection from the angry parishioners eager to demonstrate their displeasure at his running of the diocese.
The Fifth Article: Of the Holy Ghost part 2
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6829/
[Stand Firm] 13 Oct 2007--Logically speaking, God’s first redeeming act was the Incarnation, the miraculous conception of his Son in the Virgin’s Womb announced by the angel Gabriel and accomplished through the Spirit. We are, in fact, given in the life of Christ a living picture of creation and redemption. There is a parallel between the Spirit’s “coming upon” Mary as Jesus was conceived in her womb apart from the seed of a human male and the Spirit’s hovering over the void in Genesis 1. The apostolic authors of all four Gospels consciously employ the language of Genesis 1 to describe either the conception of Jesus Christ and/or the inception of his ministry. The re-creation or “new creation” signified by the conception and ministry of the Word in the world culminates with his redemptive resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of the Father. Dry bones live. God creates life and redeems it from the grave.
[Stand Firm] 13 Oct 2007--Logically speaking, God’s first redeeming act was the Incarnation, the miraculous conception of his Son in the Virgin’s Womb announced by the angel Gabriel and accomplished through the Spirit. We are, in fact, given in the life of Christ a living picture of creation and redemption. There is a parallel between the Spirit’s “coming upon” Mary as Jesus was conceived in her womb apart from the seed of a human male and the Spirit’s hovering over the void in Genesis 1. The apostolic authors of all four Gospels consciously employ the language of Genesis 1 to describe either the conception of Jesus Christ and/or the inception of his ministry. The re-creation or “new creation” signified by the conception and ministry of the Word in the world culminates with his redemptive resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of the Father. Dry bones live. God creates life and redeems it from the grave.
Wrongly Matched
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3867
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--In 2006, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council affirmed its membership in a pro-choice organization called the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). Since then, five dioceses (Albany, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Quincy, and Springfield) have adopted resolutions objecting to the decision.
In addition, two resolutions were introduced at General Convention seeking to rescind the RCRC affiliation, but were rejected, and two dioceses (San Diego and Virginia) considered resolutions expressing concern with TEC’s choice. Also, conferences representing United Methodists in eastern Tennessee, South Indiana, and Northwest Texas passed resolutions calling on their denomination to withdraw its membership of RCRC.
What is it about the RCRC that creates this response? Could it be one of the following reasons?
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--In 2006, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council affirmed its membership in a pro-choice organization called the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). Since then, five dioceses (Albany, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, Quincy, and Springfield) have adopted resolutions objecting to the decision.
In addition, two resolutions were introduced at General Convention seeking to rescind the RCRC affiliation, but were rejected, and two dioceses (San Diego and Virginia) considered resolutions expressing concern with TEC’s choice. Also, conferences representing United Methodists in eastern Tennessee, South Indiana, and Northwest Texas passed resolutions calling on their denomination to withdraw its membership of RCRC.
What is it about the RCRC that creates this response? Could it be one of the following reasons?
Survey: Youth See Christianity as Anti-Gay
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3871
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--The church is not helping its youth to apply the traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality in their everyday life, according to a new survey of 16-29-year-olds by The Barna Group.
In a culture in which homosexual persons and homosexuality are increasingly considered mainstream, young Christians believe the church has not helped them to apply traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality to situations such as friendships with gays and lesbians.
“In our interviews we kept encountering young people – both those inside the church and outside of it – who said that something was broken in present-day expression of Christianity,” said David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and co-author of the study. “Their perceptions about Christianity were not always accurate, but what surprised me was not only the severity of their frustration with Christians, but also how frequently young born-again Christians expressed some of the very same comments as young non-Christians.”
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--The church is not helping its youth to apply the traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality in their everyday life, according to a new survey of 16-29-year-olds by The Barna Group.
In a culture in which homosexual persons and homosexuality are increasingly considered mainstream, young Christians believe the church has not helped them to apply traditional biblical teaching on homosexuality to situations such as friendships with gays and lesbians.
“In our interviews we kept encountering young people – both those inside the church and outside of it – who said that something was broken in present-day expression of Christianity,” said David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and co-author of the study. “Their perceptions about Christianity were not always accurate, but what surprised me was not only the severity of their frustration with Christians, but also how frequently young born-again Christians expressed some of the very same comments as young non-Christians.”
ACC Solicits Funds to Underwrite Lambeth Attendance
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3870
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--With the start of the Lambeth Conference just eight months away, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) recently announced plans to raise $4.2 million through a fundraising appeal.
The donations are intended “to enable all those who wish to attend the conference to do so,” according to a recent press release announcing the appeal. “Bursaries enable bishops and bishop’s spouses to attend the Lambeth Conference as well as helping fund those attending who will help ensure the smooth running of both the Lambeth Conference and the spouses' conference when it meets in Canterbury next July.”
The ACC has maintained a bursary fund to provide assistance with travel and conference expenses at previous Lambeth Conferences. Appeals for contributions to the bursary fund at those Lambeth Conferences began much earlier than the current one, however.
[The Living Church] 13 Oct 2007--With the start of the Lambeth Conference just eight months away, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) recently announced plans to raise $4.2 million through a fundraising appeal.
The donations are intended “to enable all those who wish to attend the conference to do so,” according to a recent press release announcing the appeal. “Bursaries enable bishops and bishop’s spouses to attend the Lambeth Conference as well as helping fund those attending who will help ensure the smooth running of both the Lambeth Conference and the spouses' conference when it meets in Canterbury next July.”
The ACC has maintained a bursary fund to provide assistance with travel and conference expenses at previous Lambeth Conferences. Appeals for contributions to the bursary fund at those Lambeth Conferences began much earlier than the current one, however.
C of E faces boycott over gay priests row
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/13/nchurch113.xml
[Telegraph] 13 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury faced further pressure over gay priests yesterday when the Church of England’s largest conservative grouping urged English bishops to boycott next year’s Lambeth Conference over the issue.
The Church of England Evangelical Council, which represents up to a quarter of the Church’s clergy, told Dr Rowan Williams that the liberal American bishops had torn the worldwide Church "almost beyond repair".
The Council, whose president is the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, said it supported those English bishops who are already intending to avoid the ten-yearly gathering of Anglican bishops if the liberal Americans attend.
It added that it "prayerfully" counselled other bishops who had yet to make up their minds to follow suit.
[Telegraph] 13 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury faced further pressure over gay priests yesterday when the Church of England’s largest conservative grouping urged English bishops to boycott next year’s Lambeth Conference over the issue.
The Church of England Evangelical Council, which represents up to a quarter of the Church’s clergy, told Dr Rowan Williams that the liberal American bishops had torn the worldwide Church "almost beyond repair".
The Council, whose president is the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, said it supported those English bishops who are already intending to avoid the ten-yearly gathering of Anglican bishops if the liberal Americans attend.
It added that it "prayerfully" counselled other bishops who had yet to make up their minds to follow suit.
Further (non) compliance report issued by American Anglican Council
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/12/further-non-compliance-report-issued-by-american-anglican-council/
[Anglican Mainstream] 13 Oct 2007--The American Anglican Council has been monitoring the ways in which TEC has or has not complied with the requests of the Windsor Report since the Dar Es Salaam Primates meeting.
Here is their report for the period September 10 - October 10 2007.
[Anglican Mainstream] 13 Oct 2007--The American Anglican Council has been monitoring the ways in which TEC has or has not complied with the requests of the Windsor Report since the Dar Es Salaam Primates meeting.
Here is their report for the period September 10 - October 10 2007.
Controversial Resolutions to come in N. California
http://www.americananglican.org/site/c.ikLUK3MJIpG/b.2604393/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id=%7b9E451A65-07DD-4914-B6E5-5C8C6F96D775%7d¬oc=1
[American Anglican Council] 13 Oct 2007--Eleven US dioceses have already approved official written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships, a resolution for the Convention of the Diocese of Northern Califorian reveals.
[American Anglican Council] 13 Oct 2007--Eleven US dioceses have already approved official written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships, a resolution for the Convention of the Diocese of Northern Califorian reveals.
When Episcopal Church Struggles Hit Your Father's Home Town
http://anglicanaction.blogspot.com/2007/10/when-episcopal-church-struggles-hit.html
[Anglican Action] 13 Oct 2007--Even in small-town New England, Episcopal Church issues are hitting home.
My wife Sharon and I spent an extended Columbus Day weekend in the Northeast, largely in Newburyport, MA. My father was born there over 80 years ago and grew up during the depression. His family attended a Congregational church that now is a member of the United Church of Christ. We were blessed to visit family there, but we found that even in small town New England, Episcopal Church issues were having an impact.
Because when I picked up Saturday's local paper, I couldn't help notice a front-page article detailing the local Episcopal Church's (one town over) struggle to survive after the majority of its congregants left for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Only 10 families remained to keep the original Episcopal Church afloat. In contrast, according to congregational statistics from the Episcopal Church, average worship attendance had been at over 300 in 2006.
That's a huge drop. If we apply the U.S. 2006 average family size of 3.20 persons to the families that remain (and that seems to be close to the mark, given year 2000 census figures for both the town and the county), we're looking at roughly 32 members left in the Episcopal congregation. That means that at most roughly 11 percent of the congregation did not break away to form the new All Saints Anglican Church in a nearby community and remained with the Episcopal Church.
[Anglican Action] 13 Oct 2007--Even in small-town New England, Episcopal Church issues are hitting home.
My wife Sharon and I spent an extended Columbus Day weekend in the Northeast, largely in Newburyport, MA. My father was born there over 80 years ago and grew up during the depression. His family attended a Congregational church that now is a member of the United Church of Christ. We were blessed to visit family there, but we found that even in small town New England, Episcopal Church issues were having an impact.
Because when I picked up Saturday's local paper, I couldn't help notice a front-page article detailing the local Episcopal Church's (one town over) struggle to survive after the majority of its congregants left for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Only 10 families remained to keep the original Episcopal Church afloat. In contrast, according to congregational statistics from the Episcopal Church, average worship attendance had been at over 300 in 2006.
That's a huge drop. If we apply the U.S. 2006 average family size of 3.20 persons to the families that remain (and that seems to be close to the mark, given year 2000 census figures for both the town and the county), we're looking at roughly 32 members left in the Episcopal congregation. That means that at most roughly 11 percent of the congregation did not break away to form the new All Saints Anglican Church in a nearby community and remained with the Episcopal Church.
Rebuff for Episcopal Green Light
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/rebuff_for_episcopal_green_light/
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--The New Orleans statement of the US House of Bishops has ‘clarified all outstanding questions’ posed by the Primates to the American Church, a report prepared by the Primates/ACC Joint Standing Committee (JSC) has found.
However, the 19-page report has been dismissed as dishonest by US conservatives, and its conclusions rejected by the African churches. Observers note the clumsy attempt of the JSC to usurp the prerogatives of the Primates, and to become a de facto fifth ‘instrument of unity,’ has served to worsen the already bitter climate within the Communion.
The Primates had asked the US Church to clarify the statement of its 2006 General Convention that it would not permit the election of more gay bishops or authorise gay blessings, that an autonomous scheme for pastoral oversight be given to traditionalists, and that the lawsuits against breakaway conservative parishes would cease.
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--The New Orleans statement of the US House of Bishops has ‘clarified all outstanding questions’ posed by the Primates to the American Church, a report prepared by the Primates/ACC Joint Standing Committee (JSC) has found.
However, the 19-page report has been dismissed as dishonest by US conservatives, and its conclusions rejected by the African churches. Observers note the clumsy attempt of the JSC to usurp the prerogatives of the Primates, and to become a de facto fifth ‘instrument of unity,’ has served to worsen the already bitter climate within the Communion.
The Primates had asked the US Church to clarify the statement of its 2006 General Convention that it would not permit the election of more gay bishops or authorise gay blessings, that an autonomous scheme for pastoral oversight be given to traditionalists, and that the lawsuits against breakaway conservative parishes would cease.
The Church of England Evangelical Council Statement on The Episcopal Church’s Response
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/the_church_of_england_evangelical_council_statement_on_the_episcopal_church/
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--“The Church of England Evangelical Council has met and considered the responses of The Episcopal Church (TEC) to the questions asked of it from the Primates′ Meeting in Tanzania. We wish to report back to the Anglican Evangelical churches we represent the results of our consultation.
We are committed to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
We believe TEC′s response does not meet the requests of the Primates from Dar es Salaam, not merely for clarification but for repentance and turning back from their clear intention to affirm same-sex blessings and the consecration of practising homosexuals to the episcopate. They have continued to widen a gap of their own making. As a result the fabric of the Communion is torn almost beyond repair.
We support attempts to draw the Communion back together around a covenant, but in the light of TEC′s response this covenant may not hold. TEC has shown by its pronouncements and its practice to have placed itself outside the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the Catholic Creeds.
We support the intentions of the Common Cause Council and those bishops invited to give pastoral care for congregations in the United States.
[Global South Anglican] 13 Oct 2007--“The Church of England Evangelical Council has met and considered the responses of The Episcopal Church (TEC) to the questions asked of it from the Primates′ Meeting in Tanzania. We wish to report back to the Anglican Evangelical churches we represent the results of our consultation.
We are committed to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
We believe TEC′s response does not meet the requests of the Primates from Dar es Salaam, not merely for clarification but for repentance and turning back from their clear intention to affirm same-sex blessings and the consecration of practising homosexuals to the episcopate. They have continued to widen a gap of their own making. As a result the fabric of the Communion is torn almost beyond repair.
We support attempts to draw the Communion back together around a covenant, but in the light of TEC′s response this covenant may not hold. TEC has shown by its pronouncements and its practice to have placed itself outside the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the Catholic Creeds.
We support the intentions of the Common Cause Council and those bishops invited to give pastoral care for congregations in the United States.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Bishop Of Exeter Backs Bishop Of Rochester’s Concerns About Lambeth Conference
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6826/
[Stand Firm] 12 Oct 2007--The Church of England Newspaper reports that the Bishop of Exeter, Michael Langrish, said he backed Bishop Nazir-Ali. He said: “I agree with the Bishop of Rochester about both the need for greater clarity about the purpose and nature of next summer’s gathering.” He added he was concerned about the possibility the Conference could make Gene Robinson a scapegoat, ‘rather than focusing on the action of those who, through their decision to act in disregard of the pleas and mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion, precipitated this crisis’.
[Stand Firm] 12 Oct 2007--The Church of England Newspaper reports that the Bishop of Exeter, Michael Langrish, said he backed Bishop Nazir-Ali. He said: “I agree with the Bishop of Rochester about both the need for greater clarity about the purpose and nature of next summer’s gathering.” He added he was concerned about the possibility the Conference could make Gene Robinson a scapegoat, ‘rather than focusing on the action of those who, through their decision to act in disregard of the pleas and mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion, precipitated this crisis’.
Northern California resolution pushes for authorized SSB rites
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6632/
[TitusOneNine] 12 Oct 2007--If anyone thinks the Episcopal Church actually intended in New Orleans to abide by any kind of slow down on the march to fully authorized rites for SSB's, resolutions like this may cause them to think again. Here's proposed resolution 5 in the diocese of Northern California....
[TitusOneNine] 12 Oct 2007--If anyone thinks the Episcopal Church actually intended in New Orleans to abide by any kind of slow down on the march to fully authorized rites for SSB's, resolutions like this may cause them to think again. Here's proposed resolution 5 in the diocese of Northern California....
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Zomba Theological College shuts down
http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=6811
[The Malawi Daily Times] 11 Oct 2007--Students at CCAP-run Zomba Theological College have been forced to go home without completing their studies because funds dried up, Maurice Munthali, board chairperson of the college has said.
[The Malawi Daily Times] 11 Oct 2007--Students at CCAP-run Zomba Theological College have been forced to go home without completing their studies because funds dried up, Maurice Munthali, board chairperson of the college has said.
Bishop wants unity amid discord
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=629095&category=REGION&newsdate=10/11/2007
[Times Union] 11 Oct 2007--Bishop William Love has broken his public silence on the latest national Episcopal drama with both a call for unity and a strong reaffirmation of his conservative views.
[Times Union] 11 Oct 2007--Bishop William Love has broken his public silence on the latest national Episcopal drama with both a call for unity and a strong reaffirmation of his conservative views.
Church to welcome new Priest and its Bishop
http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2007/10/11/news/07anglican.txt
[Highland Community News] 11 Oct 2007--Christ's Church (formerly known as Inland Anglican Fellowship) will say goodbye to its current pastor, Deacon Brian Schulz on Saturday morning, Oct. 13 and will say hello later the same day to its new pastor, Brian Schulz.
[Highland Community News] 11 Oct 2007--Christ's Church (formerly known as Inland Anglican Fellowship) will say goodbye to its current pastor, Deacon Brian Schulz on Saturday morning, Oct. 13 and will say hello later the same day to its new pastor, Brian Schulz.
Buckle to retire as bishop of Anglican Yukon diocese
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hmhaFWP_GssEaDfmBxyMcQmCuOKQ
[The Canadian Press] 11 Oct 2007--Terrence Buckle is retiring a year early as bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada's Yukon diocese.
[The Canadian Press] 11 Oct 2007--Terrence Buckle is retiring a year early as bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada's Yukon diocese.
Ordinations by Two Ugandan Bishops Set for Saturday, October 13 at St. James Church, Newport Beach
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6779/#more
[TitusOneNine] 11 Oct 2007--Hundreds of Anglicans from across the southwest will gather at 10 am this Saturday at St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach to witness three ordinations which will be overseen by Bishop Evans Kisekka of the Anglican Church of Uganda and by Bishop John Guernsey, U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda. Kisekka will officiate at the service and Guernsey will preach.
[TitusOneNine] 11 Oct 2007--Hundreds of Anglicans from across the southwest will gather at 10 am this Saturday at St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach to witness three ordinations which will be overseen by Bishop Evans Kisekka of the Anglican Church of Uganda and by Bishop John Guernsey, U.S.-based missionary bishop from the Anglican Church of Uganda. Kisekka will officiate at the service and Guernsey will preach.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A private joke for Archbishops
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/a-private-joke-for-archbishops-1139077.html
[Independent.ie] 10 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was in Dublin yesterday for private talks with fellow bishops of the Church of Ireland and Lutheran leaders from the Baltic and Nordic states.
But if the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion took the opportunity to discuss with his Irish colleagues ways of breaking the impasse among member churches over the ordination of homosexual bishops, he was not letting on to the media.
[Independent.ie] 10 Oct 2007--The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was in Dublin yesterday for private talks with fellow bishops of the Church of Ireland and Lutheran leaders from the Baltic and Nordic states.
But if the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion took the opportunity to discuss with his Irish colleagues ways of breaking the impasse among member churches over the ordination of homosexual bishops, he was not letting on to the media.
Anglican District of Virginia Welcomes New Congregation
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6756/
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV), an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia and part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North American (CANA), welcomes Christ The King Anglican Church as its newest congregation from Alexandria, Va. Christ the King is a worshipping community whose life is centered on Jesus Christ and whose identity is shaped by His Word.
On Sunday, September 30 at 10:00 am, public worship launched at Christ the King, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., 22301, the site of Alexandria Country Day School. Christ the King is a daughter congregation of The Falls Church and is an extension of its ministry within the Anglican District of Virginia.
The city of Alexandria has a demonstrated tradition of community involvement and Christ the King's congregation is eager to engage in the various outlets which serve to cultivate the life and identity of the community for the sake of the gospel and the hope and health of the city in which it is placed.
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV), an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia and part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North American (CANA), welcomes Christ The King Anglican Church as its newest congregation from Alexandria, Va. Christ the King is a worshipping community whose life is centered on Jesus Christ and whose identity is shaped by His Word.
On Sunday, September 30 at 10:00 am, public worship launched at Christ the King, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., 22301, the site of Alexandria Country Day School. Christ the King is a daughter congregation of The Falls Church and is an extension of its ministry within the Anglican District of Virginia.
The city of Alexandria has a demonstrated tradition of community involvement and Christ the King's congregation is eager to engage in the various outlets which serve to cultivate the life and identity of the community for the sake of the gospel and the hope and health of the city in which it is placed.
A Report from the Diocese of Montana
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6748/
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--Bishop Brookhart said that a retired TEC Bishop (Bob Jones of Wyoming) had sworn at Archbishop Mouneer Anis after he spoke, saying, ‘That’s bullshit’.
He compared African bishops to ‘mafiosi’.
He said several members of the JSC advised them on what ‘words’ they needed to use – which he said was ‘very helpful’.
[Stand Firm] 10 Oct 2007--Bishop Brookhart said that a retired TEC Bishop (Bob Jones of Wyoming) had sworn at Archbishop Mouneer Anis after he spoke, saying, ‘That’s bullshit’.
He compared African bishops to ‘mafiosi’.
He said several members of the JSC advised them on what ‘words’ they needed to use – which he said was ‘very helpful’.
Anglicans Plan for Survival Amid Increasing Liberalism
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071009/29633_Biblical_Anglicans_Plan_for_Survival_Amid_Increasing_Liberalism.htm
[The Christian Post] 10 Oct 2007--The question for Anglicans in the next 20 years is no longer how the global family can stay together, but how orthodox Anglicans can help each other survive and guard themselves against the rising tide of Western liberalism, according to the archbishop of Sydney.
After years of talk of schism in the 77-million-member Anglican Communion, the third largest Christian denomination in the world, Dr. Peter Jensen says uncertainty is now over.
"The decisive moments have passed," he said in a statement. "Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future.
"The Anglican Communion will never be the same again."
[The Christian Post] 10 Oct 2007--The question for Anglicans in the next 20 years is no longer how the global family can stay together, but how orthodox Anglicans can help each other survive and guard themselves against the rising tide of Western liberalism, according to the archbishop of Sydney.
After years of talk of schism in the 77-million-member Anglican Communion, the third largest Christian denomination in the world, Dr. Peter Jensen says uncertainty is now over.
"The decisive moments have passed," he said in a statement. "Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future.
"The Anglican Communion will never be the same again."
The Bishops have hurt us - my hope is they would repent: Bishop-elect Anderson
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/09/the-bishops-have-hurt-us-my-hope-is-they-would-repent-bishop-elect-anderson/
[Anglican Mainstream] 10 Oct 2007--On Saturday, October 6, the Central Florida Chapter of the AAC held its annual Convocation at the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud, Florida. The keynote address for the meeting was given by Canon David Anderson, President and CEO of the AAC, and Bishop-Elect of CANA (the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a mission of the Anglican Province of Nigeria).
VirtueOnline: How would you characterize this moment in the history we’re sharing right now?
Anderson: I think the fabric of the Communion is continuing to tear, and we are tearing it now across a seam, because we are at the point where whole dioceses that have been Network dioceses or have claimed Windsor orthodoxy — and that really includes a number of bishops in dioceses that aren’t in the hard core group but still consider themselves conservative — are impatient for the diocese to take some action. Where the dioceses are willing to take action by way of preparing their canons for options on realignment, they will probably hold on to all their orthodox parishes. Where conservative orthodox bishops are basically saying “I’ll die in the Episcopal Church, I’ll never leave,” and are saying, “Well, individuals can leave but parishes and dioceses cannot leave — the new David Booth Beers mantra — they’re going to an acceleration of churches departing, even though they may be orthodox.
[Anglican Mainstream] 10 Oct 2007--On Saturday, October 6, the Central Florida Chapter of the AAC held its annual Convocation at the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud, Florida. The keynote address for the meeting was given by Canon David Anderson, President and CEO of the AAC, and Bishop-Elect of CANA (the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a mission of the Anglican Province of Nigeria).
VirtueOnline: How would you characterize this moment in the history we’re sharing right now?
Anderson: I think the fabric of the Communion is continuing to tear, and we are tearing it now across a seam, because we are at the point where whole dioceses that have been Network dioceses or have claimed Windsor orthodoxy — and that really includes a number of bishops in dioceses that aren’t in the hard core group but still consider themselves conservative — are impatient for the diocese to take some action. Where the dioceses are willing to take action by way of preparing their canons for options on realignment, they will probably hold on to all their orthodox parishes. Where conservative orthodox bishops are basically saying “I’ll die in the Episcopal Church, I’ll never leave,” and are saying, “Well, individuals can leave but parishes and dioceses cannot leave — the new David Booth Beers mantra — they’re going to an acceleration of churches departing, even though they may be orthodox.
Uganda: Bishop Hannington to Be Honoured
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710100016.html
[allAfrica.com] 10 Oct 2007--Preparations to commemorate the death of Bishop James Hannington in Busoga Diocese are underway. The ceremony will take place on October 28 at Kyando in Mayuge district, where Bishop Hannington was killed on October 29, 1885 by the locals on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. Hannington was the first Anglican Bishop in eastern and central Africa.
The Jinja Archdeaconry, which is one of the five archdeacons in Busoga Diocese, is spearheading this year's celebrations, according to Rev. John Bamugemereire, an archdeacon.
The day's theme will be: 'Sacrifice Yourself for Christ'.
"Bishop Hannington sacrificed his life for Christ and urged the people to emulate him," said Bamugemereire.
[allAfrica.com] 10 Oct 2007--Preparations to commemorate the death of Bishop James Hannington in Busoga Diocese are underway. The ceremony will take place on October 28 at Kyando in Mayuge district, where Bishop Hannington was killed on October 29, 1885 by the locals on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. Hannington was the first Anglican Bishop in eastern and central Africa.
The Jinja Archdeaconry, which is one of the five archdeacons in Busoga Diocese, is spearheading this year's celebrations, according to Rev. John Bamugemereire, an archdeacon.
The day's theme will be: 'Sacrifice Yourself for Christ'.
"Bishop Hannington sacrificed his life for Christ and urged the people to emulate him," said Bamugemereire.
An Open Letter to the LGBT Community from Bishop Gene Robinson
http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2007/10/open-letter-to-lgbt-community-from.html
[An Inch At A Time] 10 Oct 2007--Now that the Church has had some time to absorb and consider the recent meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans and its response to the Anglican Communion, I’d like to share with you what I experienced at the recent House of Bishops meeting, and where I think we are as a result.
There is NO “mind of the House” nor a “mind of the Episcopal Church.” In fact, we are a House and a Church of many different minds. We are in transition from the Church we have been called to be in the past, to the Church we are called to be now and in the future. We are not there yet.
[An Inch At A Time] 10 Oct 2007--Now that the Church has had some time to absorb and consider the recent meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans and its response to the Anglican Communion, I’d like to share with you what I experienced at the recent House of Bishops meeting, and where I think we are as a result.
There is NO “mind of the House” nor a “mind of the Episcopal Church.” In fact, we are a House and a Church of many different minds. We are in transition from the Church we have been called to be in the past, to the Church we are called to be now and in the future. We are not there yet.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Council of African Anglican Provinces, CAPA Primates issue communiqués
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90816_ENG_HTM.htm
[Episcopal Life Online] 9 Oct 2007--Eleven of the 12 members of the Council of African Anglican Provinces, meeting October 2-5 in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, have said that they believe they have "come of age."
Meanwhile, the Primates of the provinces attending the Mauritius meeting issued a communiqué (text below) calling for a postponement of the 2008 Lambeth Conference to "allow the current tensions to subside and leave room for the hard work of reconciliation that must be done."
Instead, the Primates, called for a special meeting of the all the Communion's Primates to finalize the proposed Anglican covenant and set a timetable for ratification by individual provinces. They said that the proposed covenant is "the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future,"
The special Primates' meeting would also "review the actual response made by The Episcopal Church -- both their words and their actions."
The Primates were referring to the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council, which the CAPA Primates found "unsatisfactory."
[Episcopal Life Online] 9 Oct 2007--Eleven of the 12 members of the Council of African Anglican Provinces, meeting October 2-5 in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, have said that they believe they have "come of age."
Meanwhile, the Primates of the provinces attending the Mauritius meeting issued a communiqué (text below) calling for a postponement of the 2008 Lambeth Conference to "allow the current tensions to subside and leave room for the hard work of reconciliation that must be done."
Instead, the Primates, called for a special meeting of the all the Communion's Primates to finalize the proposed Anglican covenant and set a timetable for ratification by individual provinces. They said that the proposed covenant is "the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future,"
The special Primates' meeting would also "review the actual response made by The Episcopal Church -- both their words and their actions."
The Primates were referring to the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council, which the CAPA Primates found "unsatisfactory."
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African b
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2007/10/08/english_bishop_hints_at_joining_boycott_of_anglican_meeting_over_gay_issue/
[The Boston Globe] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop says he would have difficulty joining U.S. Episcopal bishops at a gathering of global Anglican leaders next year because they have not repented for consecrating a gay bishop, according to a news report published Monday.
The Daily Telegraph quoted Michael Nazir-Ali, the bishop of Rochester, as siding with African bishops who believe the American church has not adequately dealt with protests about the installation of V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire.
[The Boston Globe] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop says he would have difficulty joining U.S. Episcopal bishops at a gathering of global Anglican leaders next year because they have not repented for consecrating a gay bishop, according to a news report published Monday.
The Daily Telegraph quoted Michael Nazir-Ali, the bishop of Rochester, as siding with African bishops who believe the American church has not adequately dealt with protests about the installation of V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire.
Episcopal Church has not repented for gay stance - CofE bishop
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/senior.cofe.bishop.episcopal.church.has.not.repented.for.gay.stance/13801.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop has criticised the US Episcopal Church for not repenting of its pro-gay stance that goes against traditional Anglican teachings.
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African bishops who maintain that the US Episcopal Church has not fully dealt with the issue of same-sex blessings and the installation of the first openly gay bishop, V Gene Robinson.
There is now speculation that the bishop may boycott the crunch Lambeth Conference in 2008.
[Christianity Today UK] 9 Oct 2007--A senior Church of England bishop has criticised the US Episcopal Church for not repenting of its pro-gay stance that goes against traditional Anglican teachings.
The Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, indicated to The Daily Telegraph on Monday that he leaned to the side of conservative African bishops who maintain that the US Episcopal Church has not fully dealt with the issue of same-sex blessings and the installation of the first openly gay bishop, V Gene Robinson.
There is now speculation that the bishop may boycott the crunch Lambeth Conference in 2008.
Crucial “process” information from ACNS (all ACC members to be involved in HOB assessment)
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6711/
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--This seems to make it even more difficult to believe that there will be a primates meeting prior to Lambeth for two reasons....
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--This seems to make it even more difficult to believe that there will be a primates meeting prior to Lambeth for two reasons....
An Alumnus of VTS Writes: “An Instant Classic! The Re-Invention of Virginia Theological Seminary”
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6716/
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--The re-invention of VTS happened in back rooms, with carefully scripted, manipulated, Machiavellian politics. The abandonment of the Sexuality Statement in 1998 was the beginning of the new regime. How did this happen? The seminary sent out a survey to all its alumni. Should the seminary keep its statement? An overwhelming majority said, “Yes!” Those results disappeared, somehow. What about the faculty? With new appointments, the faculty was more divided, but they were still carrying the torch. But behind the scenes, Peter Lee, Dean Horne, and other trustees were working overtime to change things, and make it look so clean. I wrote the dean a letter, deeply disappointed. She wrote me back, assuring me that thoughtful, faithful people were on the job. Somehow, I wasn’t convinced.
[Stand Firm] 9 Oct 2007--The re-invention of VTS happened in back rooms, with carefully scripted, manipulated, Machiavellian politics. The abandonment of the Sexuality Statement in 1998 was the beginning of the new regime. How did this happen? The seminary sent out a survey to all its alumni. Should the seminary keep its statement? An overwhelming majority said, “Yes!” Those results disappeared, somehow. What about the faculty? With new appointments, the faculty was more divided, but they were still carrying the torch. But behind the scenes, Peter Lee, Dean Horne, and other trustees were working overtime to change things, and make it look so clean. I wrote the dean a letter, deeply disappointed. She wrote me back, assuring me that thoughtful, faithful people were on the job. Somehow, I wasn’t convinced.
Support for Bishop of Rochester’s boycott of the Lambeth Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/08/support-for-bishop-of-rochesters-boycott-of-the-lambeth-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--Prebendary Richard Bewes, the former Rector of All Souls Langham Place and former Chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council writes: “At the basic parish level - which is where the Church of England is really at - thousands of everyday lay church members will be encouraged by the stiffening of resolve that Bishop Nazir-Ali and other orthodox leaders are putting into the Lambeth processes, as the Archbishop of Canterbury continues to consult with his colleagues world-wide..”
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--Prebendary Richard Bewes, the former Rector of All Souls Langham Place and former Chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council writes: “At the basic parish level - which is where the Church of England is really at - thousands of everyday lay church members will be encouraged by the stiffening of resolve that Bishop Nazir-Ali and other orthodox leaders are putting into the Lambeth processes, as the Archbishop of Canterbury continues to consult with his colleagues world-wide..”
Postpone Lambeth Conference, African Primates Urge
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3862
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Only an Anglican Covenant can save the Anglican Communion from disintegration according to the primates from the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), who met and elected new leadership Oct. 3-5 in Mauritius, part of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
The primates said an "Anglican Communion Covenant is the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future." They rejected as “unsatisfactory” a 19-page report by the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates which found that the House of Bishops had largely satisfied the concerns raised by The Episcopal Church’s partners in the Communion.
In a two-page statement, the CAPA primates called for a special primates’ meeting and the postponement of next year’s Lambeth Conference.
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Only an Anglican Covenant can save the Anglican Communion from disintegration according to the primates from the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), who met and elected new leadership Oct. 3-5 in Mauritius, part of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
The primates said an "Anglican Communion Covenant is the one way for us to uphold our common heritage of faith while at the same time holding each one of us accountable to those teachings that have defined our life together and also guide us into the future." They rejected as “unsatisfactory” a 19-page report by the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates which found that the House of Bishops had largely satisfied the concerns raised by The Episcopal Church’s partners in the Communion.
In a two-page statement, the CAPA primates called for a special primates’ meeting and the postponement of next year’s Lambeth Conference.
Presiding Bishop Adds Four 'Episcopal Visitors'
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=3859
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has accepted the nomination of four additional bishops to the “episcopal visitor” plan announced at the start of the recent House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans. This brings the total number of visitors to 12.
The four are: Bishop Philip Duncan of the Central Gulf Coast (Fla.), Bishop Duncan Gray of Mississippi, Bishop Suffragan Rayford High of Texas, and assisting Bishop Rodney Michel of Maryland. At least one of the four new visitors was unaware their application had been accepted when contacted by The Living Church.
[The Living Church] 9 Oct 2007--Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has accepted the nomination of four additional bishops to the “episcopal visitor” plan announced at the start of the recent House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans. This brings the total number of visitors to 12.
The four are: Bishop Philip Duncan of the Central Gulf Coast (Fla.), Bishop Duncan Gray of Mississippi, Bishop Suffragan Rayford High of Texas, and assisting Bishop Rodney Michel of Maryland. At least one of the four new visitors was unaware their application had been accepted when contacted by The Living Church.
The Bishop of Rochester speaks further on the Lambeth Conference
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/08/the-bishop-of-rochester-speaks-further-on-the-lambeth-conference/
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--During his fifth Chavasse Lecture at Wycliffe Hall on Monday October 8th, on Lord of all, Christ, Culture and Context, the Bishop of Rochester responded to a number of questions about a number of matters, including the interview published in the Daily Telegraph.
“Boycott is not a word that I used. The problem is that the Lambeth conference has been for 150 years where Bishops gather together to teach. That is the main reason for it - to exercise their office as teachers of the faith for the worldwide communion.
[Anglican Mainstream] 9 Oct 2007--During his fifth Chavasse Lecture at Wycliffe Hall on Monday October 8th, on Lord of all, Christ, Culture and Context, the Bishop of Rochester responded to a number of questions about a number of matters, including the interview published in the Daily Telegraph.
“Boycott is not a word that I used. The problem is that the Lambeth conference has been for 150 years where Bishops gather together to teach. That is the main reason for it - to exercise their office as teachers of the faith for the worldwide communion.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Bishop: Christ Church dispute will go to court
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/371541
[Savannah Morning News] 8 Oct 2007--A meeting meant for current members of Christ Church drew mostly former parishioners and other local Episcopalians to discuss the decision by leaders of the historic congregation to break away from the national Episcopal Church.
Bishop Henry I. Louttit led a 45-minute question-and-answer session Sunday after a special Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church at 34th and Abercorn streets.
[Savannah Morning News] 8 Oct 2007--A meeting meant for current members of Christ Church drew mostly former parishioners and other local Episcopalians to discuss the decision by leaders of the historic congregation to break away from the national Episcopal Church.
Bishop Henry I. Louttit led a 45-minute question-and-answer session Sunday after a special Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church at 34th and Abercorn streets.
Church clergy warned to remove dog-collars to prevent attacks
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.clergy.warned.to.remove.dogcollars.to.prevent.attacks/13764.htm
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Oct 2007--A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
National Churchwatch, established in 1998 to advise churches and church workers on security and protection, has said that criminals often target clergymen because they believe they will have money.
[Christianity Today UK] 8 Oct 2007--A British Christian group has warned Catholic and Anglican clergy should remove their clerical collars when off-duty so that they will not be singled-out for attack.
National Churchwatch, established in 1998 to advise churches and church workers on security and protection, has said that criminals often target clergymen because they believe they will have money.
The Next Twenty Years for Anglican Christians - Archbishop Peter Jensen
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/the_next_twenty_years_for_anglican_christians_archbishop_peter_jensen/
[Global South Anglicans] 8 Oct 2007--Crisis’, ‘schism’, ‘division’, ‘break-up’ – this has been the language of the last five years in the Anglican Communion. Again and again we have reached ‘defining moments’, ‘crucial meetings’ and ‘turning points’, only to discover that they simply lead into another period of uncertainty.
Uncertainty is now over. The decisive moments have passed. Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future. The Anglican Communion will never be the same again. The Windsor process has failed, largely because it refused to grapple with the key issue of the truth. A new and more biblical vision is required to help biblically faithful Anglican churches survive and grow in the contemporary world.
Some have still set their hopes on the Lambeth Conference. But that is to misunderstand the significance of our time. It can no longer either unify Anglicanism or speak with authority. The invitations have gone to virtually all, and it is likely that some of those not invited will still attend as guests. There are faithful Anglican bishops who are not invited, and there are others who cannot be present in good conscience. The solemn words of the 1998 Conference were ignored by the American Church in 2003, and any authority which we may have ascribed to the deliberations of the Bishops has been lost permanently. Not surprisingly, Lambeth 2008 is not going to attempt a similar exercise in conciliar pronouncements. Why would it? There is no vision here.
[Global South Anglicans] 8 Oct 2007--Crisis’, ‘schism’, ‘division’, ‘break-up’ – this has been the language of the last five years in the Anglican Communion. Again and again we have reached ‘defining moments’, ‘crucial meetings’ and ‘turning points’, only to discover that they simply lead into another period of uncertainty.
Uncertainty is now over. The decisive moments have passed. Irreversible actions have occurred. The time has come for sustained thought about a different future. The Anglican Communion will never be the same again. The Windsor process has failed, largely because it refused to grapple with the key issue of the truth. A new and more biblical vision is required to help biblically faithful Anglican churches survive and grow in the contemporary world.
Some have still set their hopes on the Lambeth Conference. But that is to misunderstand the significance of our time. It can no longer either unify Anglicanism or speak with authority. The invitations have gone to virtually all, and it is likely that some of those not invited will still attend as guests. There are faithful Anglican bishops who are not invited, and there are others who cannot be present in good conscience. The solemn words of the 1998 Conference were ignored by the American Church in 2003, and any authority which we may have ascribed to the deliberations of the Bishops has been lost permanently. Not surprisingly, Lambeth 2008 is not going to attempt a similar exercise in conciliar pronouncements. Why would it? There is no vision here.
Nazir-Ali may boycott Lambeth
http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=748
[EV News] 8 Oct 2007--The Daily Telegraph reports today that the Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali has said that he would find it difficult to attend the Lambeth Conference alongside those who consecrated or approved the appointment of Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop.
"Unless they are willing to say that what they did was contrary to the Gospel, and we all of us from time to time need to repent about what we have done wrong, I would find it very difficult to be with them in a council of bishops." He said.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali also backed the calls of African archbishops for Dr Williams to convene an emergency meeting of all the primates to decide whether to discipline the Americans or postpone Lambeth.
According to the Telegraph the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Scott-Joynt, has claimed more than half of English bishops are considering whether to attend the Lambeth Conference.
[EV News] 8 Oct 2007--The Daily Telegraph reports today that the Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali has said that he would find it difficult to attend the Lambeth Conference alongside those who consecrated or approved the appointment of Anglicanism's first openly gay bishop.
"Unless they are willing to say that what they did was contrary to the Gospel, and we all of us from time to time need to repent about what we have done wrong, I would find it very difficult to be with them in a council of bishops." He said.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali also backed the calls of African archbishops for Dr Williams to convene an emergency meeting of all the primates to decide whether to discipline the Americans or postpone Lambeth.
According to the Telegraph the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Scott-Joynt, has claimed more than half of English bishops are considering whether to attend the Lambeth Conference.
Foreign Archbishops Flock to U.S. Congregations
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15080014
[National Public Radio] 8 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church has been estranged from parts of the global Anglican church since a church in New Hampshire consecrated a gay bishop. The controversy has abated somewhat, but many in the church now worry about another potential divide. Depending on your point of view, African bishops are either stealing American worshippers — or rescuing them.
Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the United States.
In the past two years, there's been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.
[National Public Radio] 8 Oct 2007--The U.S. Episcopal Church has been estranged from parts of the global Anglican church since a church in New Hampshire consecrated a gay bishop. The controversy has abated somewhat, but many in the church now worry about another potential divide. Depending on your point of view, African bishops are either stealing American worshippers — or rescuing them.
Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the United States.
In the past two years, there's been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.
Reformed Episcopal bishop of St. Stephen
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/oct/07/reformed_episcopal_bishop_st_stephen18305/
[Charleston Post and Courier] 8 Oct 2007--The Reformed Episcopal Diocese of the Southeast is about to consecrate a new bishop.
It recently elected the Very Rev. Alphonza Gadsden of St. Stephen, and his consecration is tentatively set for 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville.
Invitations will go out as soon as a few remaining standing committees officially endorse the election, said the Rev. Canon J. Ronald Moock. The invitation list will include the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, he said.
[Charleston Post and Courier] 8 Oct 2007--The Reformed Episcopal Diocese of the Southeast is about to consecrate a new bishop.
It recently elected the Very Rev. Alphonza Gadsden of St. Stephen, and his consecration is tentatively set for 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville.
Invitations will go out as soon as a few remaining standing committees officially endorse the election, said the Rev. Canon J. Ronald Moock. The invitation list will include the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, he said.
Archbishop Barry Morgan Misses the Truth in New Orleans
http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/6685/
[TitusOneNine] 8 Oct 2007--It is remarkable that someone as bright as the Archbishop of Wales could be so mistaken. The Bishops shifted ground considerably?Barry Morgan apparently attended a different meeting than the Bishop of Southern Ohio who accurately noted: we have said nothing new. As for the proposed plan for pastoral care, it was devised without even consulting with the leadership of the movement it was designed to care for. This is the equivalent of General Motors managment announcing a new company policy on health care without consulting the workers.
[TitusOneNine] 8 Oct 2007--It is remarkable that someone as bright as the Archbishop of Wales could be so mistaken. The Bishops shifted ground considerably?Barry Morgan apparently attended a different meeting than the Bishop of Southern Ohio who accurately noted: we have said nothing new. As for the proposed plan for pastoral care, it was devised without even consulting with the leadership of the movement it was designed to care for. This is the equivalent of General Motors managment announcing a new company policy on health care without consulting the workers.
Most Episcopalians just don’t care
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=45624
[Church Times] 8 Oct 2007--The US Church’s obsesssion with gay rights has made it irrelevant, says Harriet Baber
[Church Times] 8 Oct 2007--The US Church’s obsesssion with gay rights has made it irrelevant, says Harriet Baber
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Still Christ, not Christa
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22537060-5013596,00.html
[The Australian] 6 Oct 2007--It's scarcely surprising that since the '80s, whenever they've had the chance, feminists of both sexes have attempted to reinvent Christianity in their own image and likeness. They've used sexually inclusive language to mistranslate the Bible and neuter the divine persons to whom prayers are addressed ("Our parent, who art in heaven"). American Episcopalians have been particularly brazen in their attempts to feminise the Paraclete as Sophia and likewise commissioned statues of "Christa".
[The Australian] 6 Oct 2007--It's scarcely surprising that since the '80s, whenever they've had the chance, feminists of both sexes have attempted to reinvent Christianity in their own image and likeness. They've used sexually inclusive language to mistranslate the Bible and neuter the divine persons to whom prayers are addressed ("Our parent, who art in heaven"). American Episcopalians have been particularly brazen in their attempts to feminise the Paraclete as Sophia and likewise commissioned statues of "Christa".
Why is Bishop Louttit Lying?
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6657/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Why is Bishop Louttit saying that something happened that did not happen?
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Why is Bishop Louttit saying that something happened that did not happen?
Statement From The Rev. Marcus Robertson Concerning Actions Of The Diocese Of Georgia
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6655/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--The following is a statement released by the office of The Rev. Marcus B. Robertson regarding the utterly false claim by The Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia that The Rev. Marcus Robertson and The Rev. Sally Lufburrow have renounced their Holy Orders.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--The following is a statement released by the office of The Rev. Marcus B. Robertson regarding the utterly false claim by The Rt. Rev. Henry Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia that The Rev. Marcus Robertson and The Rev. Sally Lufburrow have renounced their Holy Orders.
Diocese Of Georgia Fails To Notify Clergy of Action
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6653/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--On information from a commenter (thank you oscewicee!) we posted notices of Renunciation of Ordained Ministry of two priests by Bishop Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia and the revocation of licenses to officiate of the Rev. Layne Hansen and Deacon Greg Malleys, both canonically resident in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This is the content of the email that was received with the documents attached.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--On information from a commenter (thank you oscewicee!) we posted notices of Renunciation of Ordained Ministry of two priests by Bishop Louttit of the Diocese of Georgia and the revocation of licenses to officiate of the Rev. Layne Hansen and Deacon Greg Malleys, both canonically resident in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This is the content of the email that was received with the documents attached.
Diocese of Georgia Bishop Takes Action Against Four Priest
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6650/
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Having received in writing a resolution dated September 30, 2007, in which Marcus B. Robertson places himself under the ecclesiastical authority of a province outside The Episcopal Church, thereby renouncing his ordained Ministry in The Episcopal Church, and with the advice and consent of the clerical members of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, I pronounce that the said renunciation is hereby accepted. Marcus B. Robertson is herewith released from the obligation of the Ministerial office and is deprived of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority as a Minister of God’s Word and Sacraments conferred in Ordination. This action is taken for causes that do not affect his moral character.
[Stand Firm] 6 Oct 2007--Having received in writing a resolution dated September 30, 2007, in which Marcus B. Robertson places himself under the ecclesiastical authority of a province outside The Episcopal Church, thereby renouncing his ordained Ministry in The Episcopal Church, and with the advice and consent of the clerical members of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, I pronounce that the said renunciation is hereby accepted. Marcus B. Robertson is herewith released from the obligation of the Ministerial office and is deprived of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority as a Minister of God’s Word and Sacraments conferred in Ordination. This action is taken for causes that do not affect his moral character.
Official support for US Bishops, while others doubt
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=45712
[Church Times] 6 Oct 2007--In the UK, the conservative Evangelical group Reform called for “discipline to be applied to the Episcopal Church”: “Any bishops involved in the consecration of Gene Robinson, or who teach that such consecrations are acceptable, should be disinvited from the Lambeth Conference.”
A statement described the Bishops’ response as “no more than cynical window-dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, the Episcopal Church Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making it quite clear that they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.”
[Church Times] 6 Oct 2007--In the UK, the conservative Evangelical group Reform called for “discipline to be applied to the Episcopal Church”: “Any bishops involved in the consecration of Gene Robinson, or who teach that such consecrations are acceptable, should be disinvited from the Lambeth Conference.”
A statement described the Bishops’ response as “no more than cynical window-dressing. In an attempt to keep their place at the Anglican table, the Episcopal Church Bishops have acquiesced only in the most formal way to the requests made by Anglican Primates at Dar es Salaam last February, while at the same time making it quite clear that they intend to pursue their liberalising agenda.”
How many in the Anglican Communion? Ruth Gledhill does some counting
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/06/common-cause-partnership-plans-to-create-39th-province/
{Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership , whose leaders claim to represent 600 congregations and 100,000 people, will meet in December to plan how to create the 39th province of the 77 million member Anglican Communion.
Whenever that 77 million figure is quoted, it is worth recalling that 25 million of those are English Anglicans, the number of baptised. The churchgoing figures tell a different story. Fewer than a million go each Sunday. This puts the Anglican Communion closer to 52 million. The Episcopal Church itself is facing its own issues of falling clergy numbers, unviable parishes and costly litigation aimed at preventing the fleeing conservatives from taking their properties with them. The latest parish to defect into the care of the province of Uganda is one of Georgia’s oldest churches, Christ Church in Savannah, established 50 years before The Episcopal Church, in 1733, and the church where Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, was rector. The irony of this is not lost on commentators. While the Episcopal Church claims 2.4 million members, an analysis of the figures by conservative blogger David Virtue has established that fewer than 800,000 attend weekly services. Virtue claims that as many as 700 “orthodox Episcopalians” are leaving every week. Virtue has based his figures on graphs of attendance and figures on the Church’s own website. But even if the true figure is not that high, it nontheless seems that the church is haemorrhaging.
{Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Common Cause Partnership , whose leaders claim to represent 600 congregations and 100,000 people, will meet in December to plan how to create the 39th province of the 77 million member Anglican Communion.
Whenever that 77 million figure is quoted, it is worth recalling that 25 million of those are English Anglicans, the number of baptised. The churchgoing figures tell a different story. Fewer than a million go each Sunday. This puts the Anglican Communion closer to 52 million. The Episcopal Church itself is facing its own issues of falling clergy numbers, unviable parishes and costly litigation aimed at preventing the fleeing conservatives from taking their properties with them. The latest parish to defect into the care of the province of Uganda is one of Georgia’s oldest churches, Christ Church in Savannah, established 50 years before The Episcopal Church, in 1733, and the church where Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, was rector. The irony of this is not lost on commentators. While the Episcopal Church claims 2.4 million members, an analysis of the figures by conservative blogger David Virtue has established that fewer than 800,000 attend weekly services. Virtue claims that as many as 700 “orthodox Episcopalians” are leaving every week. Virtue has based his figures on graphs of attendance and figures on the Church’s own website. But even if the true figure is not that high, it nontheless seems that the church is haemorrhaging.
TEC “have decided to walk apart; trying to take rest of Anglican Communion with them” Orombi
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/index.php/2007/10/06/tec-have-decided-to-walk-apart-trying-to-take-rest-of-anglican-communion-with-them-orombi/
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) has clarified its commitment to continue on their path to abandon the Biblical and historic faith of Anglicanism. They, in fact, have decided to walk apart, and we are distressed that they are trying to take the rest of the Anglican Communion with them.
We cannot take seriously a statement from TEC that merely pledges “as a body” to not do something. TEC betrayed the Anglican Communion when it elected and confirmed as bishop a divorced man living in a same-sex relationship. We were further betrayed when its. Presiding Bishop agreed to the Communiqué from the 2003 emergency Primates’ Meeting that he deeply regretted the “actions of the…Episcopal Church (USA),” and immediately proceeded to assert at a press conference that he would preside at that consecration. He then explained that the Primates believed their statement “as a body,” but individual primates were free to disagree.
[Anglican Mainstream] 6 Oct 2007--The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) has clarified its commitment to continue on their path to abandon the Biblical and historic faith of Anglicanism. They, in fact, have decided to walk apart, and we are distressed that they are trying to take the rest of the Anglican Communion with them.
We cannot take seriously a statement from TEC that merely pledges “as a body” to not do something. TEC betrayed the Anglican Communion when it elected and confirmed as bishop a divorced man living in a same-sex relationship. We were further betrayed when its. Presiding Bishop agreed to the Communiqué from the 2003 emergency Primates’ Meeting that he deeply regretted the “actions of the…Episcopal Church (USA),” and immediately proceeded to assert at a press conference that he would preside at that consecration. He then explained that the Primates believed their statement “as a body,” but individual primates were free to disagree.
CAPA Communique, Mauritius, Indian Ocean, October 2007
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/capa_communique_mauritius_indian_ocean_october_2007/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--We, delegates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, gathered at Hotel El Monaco, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius between the 2nd and 5th October 2007 for the tenth meeting of the Council under the chairmanship of the Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola. We represent eleven of the twelve Provinces of CAPA* as laity, clergy, bishops and archbishops and we issue this Communiqué from our meeting.
We have gathered in Mauritius, a delightful republic that is a bright light of hope for all developing nations after its years as a colonial territory of Great Britain. Mauritius is a diverse multi-ethnic society, with a stable democracy, regular free elections, a positive human rights record and a growing economy that has won world-wide recognition. We have come here to join with our sisters and brothers of the Province of the Indian Ocean to give thanks for their faithfulness as we all bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the only hope for eternal transformation.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--We, delegates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, gathered at Hotel El Monaco, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius between the 2nd and 5th October 2007 for the tenth meeting of the Council under the chairmanship of the Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola. We represent eleven of the twelve Provinces of CAPA* as laity, clergy, bishops and archbishops and we issue this Communiqué from our meeting.
We have gathered in Mauritius, a delightful republic that is a bright light of hope for all developing nations after its years as a colonial territory of Great Britain. Mauritius is a diverse multi-ethnic society, with a stable democracy, regular free elections, a positive human rights record and a growing economy that has won world-wide recognition. We have come here to join with our sisters and brothers of the Province of the Indian Ocean to give thanks for their faithfulness as we all bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is the only hope for eternal transformation.
A Statement from the Most Rev’d Ian Ernest, Bishop of Mauritius, Archbishop of the Indian Ocean
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_statement_from_the_most_revd_ian_ernest/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--I write to you as the newly elected Chairman of CAPA with profound gratitude for the trust shown in me by my brother and sister delegates and also with the sure conviction that I can only serve in this role with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy of God our Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have just completed the CAPA Council Meeting for 2007 with the theme “CALLED TO A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS” and this, I believe, will be an appropriate theme for my service among you. I do not bring long years of experience nor the resources of a large Province but what I do bring is a confidence in Jesus Christ who has been my Lord, Savior and Friend since childhood. My family members have all been faithful Anglicans for generations and we know what it is to live by His grace and have seen His hand at work in our lives.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--I write to you as the newly elected Chairman of CAPA with profound gratitude for the trust shown in me by my brother and sister delegates and also with the sure conviction that I can only serve in this role with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mercy of God our Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have just completed the CAPA Council Meeting for 2007 with the theme “CALLED TO A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS” and this, I believe, will be an appropriate theme for my service among you. I do not bring long years of experience nor the resources of a large Province but what I do bring is a confidence in Jesus Christ who has been my Lord, Savior and Friend since childhood. My family members have all been faithful Anglicans for generations and we know what it is to live by His grace and have seen His hand at work in our lives.
African Archbishops respond to New Orleans, October 2007
http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/capa_primates_meeting_in_mauritius_october_2007/
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--While meeting in Mauritius we received a copy of the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. On first reading we find it to be unsatisfactory. The assurances made are without credibility and its preparation is severely compromised by numerous conflicts of interest. The report itself appears to be a determined effort to find a way for the full inclusion of The Episcopal Church with no attempt at discipline or change from their prior position.
We are convinced that what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism - to understand it simply in terms of the need for greater inclusivity in the face of changing sexual ethics is a grave mistake. It is not just about sexuality but also about the nature of Christ, the truth of the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. We see a trend that seems to ignore the careful balance of reformed catholicity and missionary endeavor that is our true heritage and replace it with a religion of cultural conformity that offers no transforming power and no eternal hope.
[Global South Anglican] 6 Oct 2007--While meeting in Mauritius we received a copy of the report of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. On first reading we find it to be unsatisfactory. The assurances made are without credibility and its preparation is severely compromised by numerous conflicts of interest. The report itself appears to be a determined effort to find a way for the full inclusion of The Episcopal Church with no attempt at discipline or change from their prior position.
We are convinced that what is at stake in this crisis is the very nature of Anglicanism - to understand it simply in terms of the need for greater inclusivity in the face of changing sexual ethics is a grave mistake. It is not just about sexuality but also about the nature of Christ, the truth of the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. We see a trend that seems to ignore the careful balance of reformed catholicity and missionary endeavor that is our true heritage and replace it with a religion of cultural conformity that offers no transforming power and no eternal hope.
Response to the New Orleans House of Bishops Statement
http://anglicancommunioninstitute.com/content/view/116/1/
[Anglican Communion Institute] 6 Oct 2007--In July 2006, following the response of General Convention to the requests of the Windsor Report, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "There is no way in which the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment". In February 2007, the Primates at Dar concluded that "the response of The Episcopal Church to the requests made at Dromantine has not persuaded this meeting that we are yet in a position to recognise that The Episcopal Church has mended its broken relationships" and sought a further response with the warning that "if the reassurances requested of the House of Bishops cannot in good conscience be given, the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as a whole remains damaged at best, and this has consequences for the full participation of the Church in the life of the Communion". It is therefore unsurprising that last week, after the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church had met to seek to respond to the Primates, the Secretary General of the Communion wrote that "The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious that the very life of the Communion is standing at a crossroads at present".
[Anglican Communion Institute] 6 Oct 2007--In July 2006, following the response of General Convention to the requests of the Windsor Report, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "There is no way in which the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment". In February 2007, the Primates at Dar concluded that "the response of The Episcopal Church to the requests made at Dromantine has not persuaded this meeting that we are yet in a position to recognise that The Episcopal Church has mended its broken relationships" and sought a further response with the warning that "if the reassurances requested of the House of Bishops cannot in good conscience be given, the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion as a whole remains damaged at best, and this has consequences for the full participation of the Church in the life of the Communion". It is therefore unsurprising that last week, after the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church had met to seek to respond to the Primates, the Secretary General of the Communion wrote that "The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious that the very life of the Communion is standing at a crossroads at present".
Friday, October 05, 2007
Church votes to allow gay pastors
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22523014-23109,00.html
[news.au.com] 5 Oct 2007--Bishops of of Norway's Lutheran church voted by a close majority to allow gay pastors, a church official told a press conference.
The Bishops Conference, a seven-man and four-woman panel of 11 Norwegian bishops, voted six to five for the measure, said their official representative, Olav Skjevesland. The panel is a consultative body.
[news.au.com] 5 Oct 2007--Bishops of of Norway's Lutheran church voted by a close majority to allow gay pastors, a church official told a press conference.
The Bishops Conference, a seven-man and four-woman panel of 11 Norwegian bishops, voted six to five for the measure, said their official representative, Olav Skjevesland. The panel is a consultative body.
Largest Orthodox Anglican Parish in San Antonio, Texas Joins Nigerian Body
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6836
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--All Saints Anglican Church, San Antonio's largest Anglican parish, formerly associated with the Anglican Church in America (ACA,) has joined the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a mission outreach under the ecclesiastical authority of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
It is the first San Antonio church to join CANA. There are currently six other CANA parishes in Texas. "The congregational vote was unanimous," said the Rev. C.B. "Chip" Harper, All Saints' rector. The 250-member parish uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--All Saints Anglican Church, San Antonio's largest Anglican parish, formerly associated with the Anglican Church in America (ACA,) has joined the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a mission outreach under the ecclesiastical authority of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
It is the first San Antonio church to join CANA. There are currently six other CANA parishes in Texas. "The congregational vote was unanimous," said the Rev. C.B. "Chip" Harper, All Saints' rector. The 250-member parish uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
Canadian Priest Sees New Ecclesiastical Structure Forged in Pittsburgh as Way Forward
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6843
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--The Rev. Canon Charlie Masters has been fighting the good fight in Canada for more than 25 years.
As the National Director of the Anglican Network in Canada and rector of St. George's in Lowville in the ultra liberal Diocese of Niagara along the U.S. border, he has watched with growing alarm and concern as the Anglican Church of Canada has followed The American Episcopal Church down the same sexual slippery slope, blessing same-sex unions and allowing non-celibate homosexual priests to function with impunity in the pulpit.
[VirtueOnline] 5 Oct 2007--The Rev. Canon Charlie Masters has been fighting the good fight in Canada for more than 25 years.
As the National Director of the Anglican Network in Canada and rector of St. George's in Lowville in the ultra liberal Diocese of Niagara along the U.S. border, he has watched with growing alarm and concern as the Anglican Church of Canada has followed The American Episcopal Church down the same sexual slippery slope, blessing same-sex unions and allowing non-celibate homosexual priests to function with impunity in the pulpit.
African Anglican bishops steer away from gay row
http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN527862.html
[Reuters] 5 Oct 2007--African Anglican archbishops ducked homosexuality, the issue dividing the worldwide Communion, on Thursday and instead drew attention to the poorest continent's problems.
Last month Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, one of the Church's fiercest critics of gay rights, blasted bishops from the U.S. Episcopal Church for "ignoring" pleas to take a clear stand against consecrating gay clergy or blessing gay unions.
Chairing a meeting of African archbishops in Mauritius, Akinola was at pains to avoid the topic.
[Reuters] 5 Oct 2007--African Anglican archbishops ducked homosexuality, the issue dividing the worldwide Communion, on Thursday and instead drew attention to the poorest continent's problems.
Last month Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, one of the Church's fiercest critics of gay rights, blasted bishops from the U.S. Episcopal Church for "ignoring" pleas to take a clear stand against consecrating gay clergy or blessing gay unions.
Chairing a meeting of African archbishops in Mauritius, Akinola was at pains to avoid the topic.
A Layperson from the Diocese of Missouri Reflects on Our Bishops
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6637/
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--The House of Bishops have only to look in their own mirror to see the cause of the problem. Then if they bother to look at the Bible, they can find the origin of the problem. You can not have it both ways. The House of Bishops want this issue to go away, but they want to keep their 30 peices of silver in the form of money and real estate and sue every member of TEC that does not believe in their actions and silence everyone else so they will feel better---I don't think so.
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--The House of Bishops have only to look in their own mirror to see the cause of the problem. Then if they bother to look at the Bible, they can find the origin of the problem. You can not have it both ways. The House of Bishops want this issue to go away, but they want to keep their 30 peices of silver in the form of money and real estate and sue every member of TEC that does not believe in their actions and silence everyone else so they will feel better---I don't think so.
Gay Network Covers Gay Church
http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/6627/
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--You'll want to be sure and watch this clip from In The Life on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion....
[Stand Firm] 5 Oct 2007--You'll want to be sure and watch this clip from In The Life on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion....
Coming Out Day Liturgy Planned
http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2007/10/coming-out-day-liturgy-planned.html
[An Inch At A Time] 5 Oct 2007--"Removing the Mask" will be the theme of the fourth annual celebration in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm.
The celebration service at St. Wilfrid of York Church, Huntington Beach, is sponsored by the Episcopal Fellowship of Lesbians and Gays and Straights (EFLAGS), a ministry of St. Wilfrid's.
The popular GLBT choral music group, the South Coast Chorale, will once again provide music. The service is designed to encourage and empower all empower people to celebrate their personhood.
[An Inch At A Time] 5 Oct 2007--"Removing the Mask" will be the theme of the fourth annual celebration in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 pm.
The celebration service at St. Wilfrid of York Church, Huntington Beach, is sponsored by the Episcopal Fellowship of Lesbians and Gays and Straights (EFLAGS), a ministry of St. Wilfrid's.
The popular GLBT choral music group, the South Coast Chorale, will once again provide music. The service is designed to encourage and empower all empower people to celebrate their personhood.
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