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General Synod Update – Friday June 22, 2007
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What happened today…
Bishop Fred Hiltz, the well-loved bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, was elected 13th Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada on the fifth ballot today. He was one of four bishops nominated last April by the House of Bishops. Bishop Hiltz, 53, was one of the first bishops to endorse the Diocese of New Westminster’s action when they began to bless same sex unions. He will succeed Archbishop Andrew Hutchison who is retiring. |
Incidentally, the blog was very busy during the Primatial elections. Over 4600 people accessed the blog today, with over 17,800 hits. Tomorrow the numbers should be even higher.
Other highlights of the day:
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The Rev’d Dawn McDonald, of Zacchaeus Fellowship, presented on pastoral care for homosexual persons at a well-attended Essentials dessert/presentation evening. Her presentation was followed by a testimonial from fellow Zacchaeus member, Alan MacGowan, who told of his deliverance and journey of faith. For more on Zacchaeus, see www.zacchaeus.ca. |
What’s coming up Saturday…
The contentious motions put forward by the Council of General Synod regarding same sex blessings will be debated and put to a vote.
News from the Communion
The first news of the day came, not from Winnipeg, but from Uganda. In a news release, the Most Rev’d Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of Uganda, announced that he will consecrate the Rev. John Guernsey, rector of All Saints Church in Dale City, Virginia, as a Bishop in the Church of Uganda on September 2nd. Bishop-elect Guernsey will provide local episcopal oversight to the 26 congregations in the United States that are part of the Church of Uganda, on behalf of the ten Ugandan Bishops currently providing episcopal care to Biblically orthodox American congregations. Rev Guernsey was with the Essentials team at General Synod until today.
Please pray
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Pray that the Zacchaeus Fellowship is given the opportunity to address General Synod |
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Pray for leadership team members and delegates who have suffered health problems this week and for others who are feeling exhausted and spiritually drained. |
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For good communication among team members so work progresses smoothly. |
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For families of AEC volunteers and leaders who are feeling the separation. |
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That Essentials delegates will put on the full armour of God in preparation for an extremely intense day of spiritual battle on Saturday. Already many have experienced verbal and spiritual attack. |
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For our delegates to have peace, sensitivity and security, knowing the Holy Spirit is working in and through them. |
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For godly wisdom and unity of spirit for our leaders and delegates who must react quickly and strategically as events unfold. |
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For our new Primate, that he will know the full counsel of the Lord’s guidance and demonstrate magnanimity. |
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That God will bring people into a new relationship with Himself during General Synod. |
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For ongoing interest by and favour with the media. |
Please give thanks
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For the 110+ who came to the Essentials event featuring Zacchaeus Fellowship. |
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For our faithful prayer team and the local volunteers who have so graciously served and supported the Essentials team in every imaginable way. |
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For the donations that are coming in daily at the Essentials table here in Winnipeg. |
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For courageous delegates who stand in the face of hostility on the General Synod floor to make motions. |
Preparing for spiritual battle
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20
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