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Letter to members from Federation leadership –
An important call to action
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... pdf version |
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[originally published at www.anglicanfederation.com]
April 2, 2008
To our dear members and friends –
As leaders of Anglican Essentials Federation, we understand that a majority of our constituency are moderate in their views and, like us, have been praying for an amicable way through the present crisis in our Church. Together we have been praying fervently that God would turn the tide and that He would cause repentance, revival and renewal. We all long for the Anglican Church of Canada to, once again, become the church envisioned when the Solemn Declaration of 1893 was penned.
Our approach, within Federation, to effecting this change has been to quietly, faithfully, persistently work within our congregations, dioceses and synods to build God's Kingdom. As your leadership, however, we sense that the time has come to change our approach. The “quiet” approach has simply not been working. The “faith once received” has been so altered as to be unrecognizable in many parts of our Church.
While same sex blessings are only one barometer of this fundamental shift in Church teaching, it is the most visible indication of a Church that is abandoning Biblical Christian doctrine and historic Anglican practice. In 2003, the Diocese of New Westminster forged ahead with same sex blessings, disregarding the repeated admonitions of the global Anglican Communion leaders and propelling our Communion into our current crisis. Now, despite years of the Windsor process and continued appeals from global Primates, last fall, three more dioceses - Ottawa, Montreal and Niagara - voted to approve same sex blessings. Not only did these diocesan votes demonstrate disdain for the unity for our Communion, but also for the decision of the 2007 General Synod of our Church which voted to not authorize such blessings at this time. In other dioceses, we have seen bishops using “strong arm” tactics to ensure loyalty or to force faithful Anglicans out of their church buildings.
Our “quiet”, non-confrontational approach has simply not stemmed the tide.
The policy of the Anglican Essentials Federation is not that we will “stay” but that we will “stand”. As leaders of Federation, we have determined that it is now time to chart a new course. You will see this unfold over the next weeks and months as we take a higher profile, unequivocal stand.
We, as leaders of Federation will publicly take a stand. We expect Bishops committed to orthodox Christian teaching, historic Anglican practice, and our position within the Anglican Communion to take a stand, particularly in the House of Bishops' meeting next month.
Now we call on you, and all those within the Anglican Church of Canada who are committed to orthodox Anglican teaching, to join us in taking this stand. We know that there are many, many people who are deeply distressed by the actions of the church they love and are feeling increasingly isolated in a church that claims to be inclusive. If we stand together we can make a visible witness.
First we call on you to act. These are some concrete ways you can stand with us:
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Start or revive your local Essentials chapter by gathering faithful Christians in your church or town for prayer meetings. |
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Write letters to your rector, Bishop, the House of Bishops and to the Primate, respectfully but clearly stating your concern |
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Support the work of Anglican Essentials Federation prayerfully and, if God leads, financially. If you currently support Federation financially, thank you for your support. Please prayerfully consider making your contributions part of your stewardship commitment. This work will take dedication, communication and resources. |
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If you are not a member, perhaps now is the time to join the Federation. |
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We would also love to hear from you so we can support your initiatives. |
This country is vast and each diocese different, so we need people at the grassroots making their voices heard. And with your support, we will be able to continue the national work, speaking out on behalf of the many who share our concerns, strengthening relationships within the Global Communion, and forming a strong unified movement for reformation here in Canada.
Secondly, and most importantly, we ask you to pray.
Please pray:
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For the House of Bishops' meeting the week of April 14th, that God would be glorified and honoured in their midst |
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For those faithful Bishops taking a stand and others to join them in that stand |
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For the leaders of Federation, that we would be wise and know God's leading as we prepare to stand more visibly |
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For biblically-faithful Anglicans throughout the Anglican Church of Canada, that all would take a clear, visible and courageous stand for righteousness and that we would move forward in unity |
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For God's provision of the funds needed to support the Federation's work in communications, including improved web communications, travel and relationship-building within Canada and the Global Communion |
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For Christian unity among orthodox Anglicans in Canada; may we demonstrate Christ's love for one another so that, even in our differing strategies, we will remain united in Christian witness in Canada |
Executive Committee:
Chair: Rev. Jennifer Wickham, Ottawa ON
Vice-chair: Rev. Dr. Brett Cane, Winnipeg MB
Episcopal Visitor: Rt. Rev. William Anderson, Prince Rupert BC
AEC Board Representative: Mrs. Mary Robinson, Wickham NB
AEC Board Representative: Rev. Pat Langlois, Turner Valley, AB
Recording Secretary: Mr. Roger Spack, Montreal QC
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes”
Romans 1:16
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