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Handle with prayer!
News shorts – ANiC and AEN
ANiC receives royal letter
ANiC has received a letter from Buckingham Palace. The correspondence acknowledges ANiC’s official greetings, sent on the occasion of our inaugural synod, and adds that the Queen appreciates our prayers, and “sends her warm, good wishes”.
New ANiC church plants
Last week we told you about two new church plants – St Timothy’s (Montreal) and Church of the Messiah (Norwich, ON). This week we have more information on these two AND one more church plant to welcome to the ANiC family!
St Timothy’s Anglican Bible Church (West Island, Montreal, PQ) is led by newly licenced ANiC clergy: the Rev Dan Endresen (Deacon in charge) and the Reverend Alan Cameron, both of whom recently left the ACoC Church of St. Augustine in Montreal. They report that about 100 people attended their first service – held in a Christian school – and enjoyed good fellowship afterward.
The Church of the Messiah (Norwich, ON) currently does not have a pastor and they are under the direct supervision of the Rev Ray David Glenn (rector of St George’s Lowville).
Living Waters Anglican Fellowship (Athabasca, AB) has been meeting since May 2008, feeling that they could no longer continue within the Anglican Church of Canada. ANiC has already shared with the leadership of the Diocese of Athabasca our decision to accept LWAF as a church plant of ANiC and we look forward to labouring as Anglicans side by side for the cause of the gospel in the city of Athabasca.
ANiC synod videos and podcasts available online
If you didn’t attend synod, you now have the opportunity to see the entire event for yourself. You will find videos of our inaugural synod (13-15 November 2008) posted to ANiC’s website. Podcasts of the synod sessions (as well as of the April conference sessions) are also posted to our website. Among the gems you’ll hear are these:
Bishop Don telling about his recent meeting with Archbishop Orombi (Uganda). As Bishop Don approached, Archbishop Orombi rose from his meal. When Bishop Don urged him to not trouble himself, to sit and to enjoy his meal, the Archbishop replied, “My brother, in my country it always is our custom to stand up in the presence of a warrior.” Bishop Don told synod, “Whether I deserved it or not, I was deeply, deeply moved by this tribute from a man who himself had endured the battles in his own country and abroad to a degree greater than most of us can even imagine.” Then Bishop Don told those gathered that he was honoured to now stand in their presence, warriors in the Church in Canada.
You’ll also hear moving presentations from 23 ANiC parishes telling about their journey and ministry. Many synod delegates felt that hearing about the ministries and experiences of all the ANiC parishes was a highlight of synod.
Canon Dr J I Packer reflecting on those of us in the Anglican Network in Canada, says we are “refugees” who are a community of:
• conscience committed to Anglican conviction
• church people committed to the Anglican Communion
• consecration committed to the Anglican calling
• courage committed to the Anglican confidence in the faithfulness of God
Dr Packer went on to liken attempts to hold the Anglican Communion together via the Covenant to Canadian icon, Red Green’s attempts to hold any and everything together with duct tape.
Rev Stephen Leung challenges ANiC to pursue a vision for ministry to Canada’s ethnic communities. And Joyce Lee recounts the incredible story of how leaders and parishioners at Church of the Good Shepherd are responding to the challenge of raising funds to purchase the $3.4 million church building they have been leasing.
Other ANiC church news
Church of the Resurrection (Hope, BC) recently moved to a new facility. The Rev Dr Archie Pell tells us, “Folks are very happy with our new worship space. In addition to a "sanctuary" room, we also have an office room and a small meeting room.” Praise the LORD!
St Luke’s (Pembroke, Ontario) will be moving to two services effective January 25 to accommodate the growing congregation. Currently, about 100 parishioners attend Sunday mornings and the building is “jam-packed”. Two services will allow more room for newcomers.
New Westminster Trial Date Set
On Tuesday, January 6, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. agreed to appoint a trial judge for a three week trial beginning May 25 in the case of four ANiC parishes in the Vancouver area: St. John’s (Shaughnessy), St. Matthew’s (Abbotsford), St. Matthias and St. Luke, and Church of the Good Shepherd. The parties had agreed upon an expedited trial schedule and had agreed that the congregations would continue to use the church buildings pending the outcome of the trial. For more information, see the news release and backgrounder.
You can help
If you wish to help, donations to the legal fund can be made online. Please specify “Legal Fund” under “Message/instructions” or, if you prefer to donate by cheque, specify “Legal Fund” on the Subject line of your cheque.
Who are your Anglican heroes?
It’s not too late to submit your nominations for Anglican hero of 2008. See the Anglican Essentials Canada blog to make your nomination. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to narrow the field!
News shorts – Canada
Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC) adds new congregation
Jericho Road Church in Port Alberni, BC has affiliated with the ACiC.
Anglican Church of Canada sets theme for synod
The Anglican Journal reports that the theme for the 2010 ACoC synod in Halifax (June 4-10) will be “Feeling the Winds of God – charting a new course”.
Well-known Canon Albert Knight passes
Our condolences to the family of Captain Canon Albert Knight who passed away on January 3rd in Brandon, MB. Al served for 60 years in the Church Army and was well known across Canada. Al, his wife Lucille and their daughter Ann and her husband have all been keen members of ANiC’s Church of the Resurrection in Brandon since its founding last year. Another daughter, Christine Assailly, is a member of ANiC’s Church of the Redeemer in Dauphin, MB. Their rector the Reverend Paul Crossland, together with Bishop Malcolm Harding, will lead the funeral service on Thursday, January 8th in Brandon. ANiC sends sincere condolences to the family and to all who have served with Captain Al in the Church Army of Canada.
In the Canadian media
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Anglican Church in North America: A new province or a new church?
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Hawkins elected bishop in Saskatchewan
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Williams appointed Journal staff writer
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Huron bishop not yet acting on same-sex blessings
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Rupert’s Land may authorize rites if General Synod approves
Anglican Journal – Jan 5 09 – Things that unite us
News shorts – USA and North America
TEC stalwarts upset with Anglican Communion Office website
The Anglican Communion Office (ACO) website had been displaying the names of bishops the Episcopal Church (TEC) reportedly deposed this past year. On December 30th, The Episcopal Café raised the issue; by January 1st, Bishop Bob Duncan had been replaced on the ACO website Diocese of Pittsburg page as had Bishop John David Schofield on the Diocese of San Joaquin webpage. However, Bishop Jack Iker was still listed as bishop of Fort Worth . See the follow-up story on the Episcopal Café.
California court sides with TEC
Living Church reports that:
“The California Supreme Court ruled Jan. 5 that title to church property reverts to the denomination when a congregation disaffiliates. The decision… upheld a decision in June 2007 by a panel of three judges from the Fourth District Court of Appeal. That decision reversed a lower court ruling which found in favor of the parishes.”
A subsequent article reports:
“The Supreme Court decision also establishes a judicial precedent requiring that all future California church property disputes be resolved in favor of a “neutral principle of law” approach. The dispute has been remanded back to the lower court for trial using that standard.
“[T]o the extent the court can resolve a property dispute without reference to church doctrine, it should apply neutral principles of law,” the justices said in their decision…
“In a brief statement after the decision was announced, Eric Sohlgren, the lawyer retained by the departing congregations, said the leadership at St. James’ was pleased that the court had embraced a neutral principles of law approach and that the case was far from over.
“We look forward to returning to the trial court under neutral principles of law so that additional pieces of evidence can come before the trial court for decision,” he said. “In the meantime, St. James’ leadership will be considering a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.”
“Since the Supreme Court decision did not contain a judgement requiring the local congregations to turn over the property to the Diocese of Los Angeles, it will have to obtain a court order evicting the congregations if the diocese wants to take possession of the properties before a final verdict by the lower court, Mr. Sohlgren said.”
Anglican Communion Institute says there is no “inside strategy”
Philip Turner, Christopher Seitz and Ephraim Radner have posted an article which states that those, like themselves, committed to remaining in the Episcopal Church (TEC), and presumably the Anglican Church of Canada, “…do not see any near possibility of reform and they no longer pursue such purposes. They have recognized the futility for [the] near term of politically realistic change. However, they do hold certain convictions, and they do have certain commitments that give shape to their present actions—actions that hardly qualify as passive. These convictions and commitments are reflected in patient and enduring witness rather than in strategies and tactics designed to bring about desired future states. They grow from trust that God will use faithful witness in his own time and in his own way to bring about his purposes—purposes that do not stem from our imaginings or our desires but from God’s justice and God’s mercy.”
They go on to say that the problems in the TEC are a result of God’s judgement and that “It is a form of delusion and disobedience to place oneself and ones friends outside the judgment God intends for the health of his church. Rather… [i]t calls also for faithful Christians to live through that judgment to the end.”
In the US media and on the blogs
Newsweek – Dec 15 08 – No case for homosexuality in Bible
News shorts – International
Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year’s message
You can access the Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year’s message on YouTube.
Church of England moves closer to consecrating women bishops
The Times reports that Church of England (CoE) “…bishops have agreed [upon] a formula that enshrines the principle of equality for male and female bishops while appeasing opponents of women’s ordination. The first women bishops could take their place in the Anglican Church within three years. The deal… provides for a class of “complementary” traditionalist bishop for parishes that refuse to accept a woman diocesan bishop.” Such “flying” bishops would have to abide by the authority of the woman bishop, according to the accompanying code of practice.” The article goes on to say “There is expected to be fierce fighting over the detail when the Church’s General Synod discusses the proposed legislation and code of practice in February.” “Traditionalists” who oppose women bishops are said to feel the formula offered inadequate safeguards for them, while “liberals” claim the concessions are too great.
The Telegraph reports that, “Stephen Parkinson, director of Forward in Faith, the Anglo-Catholic group, said: "If we're going to have women bishops we need proper provision and what we have been offered is not acceptable. A large number of traditionalists will go if these proposals go through without being changed."” The Church Times reports that group drafting the proposed church legislation attempted to strike a balance, by encroaching on the consciences of both sides – placing “some limitation on the scope of the exercise of the ministry of women as priests and bishops”, and also placing a require–ment on traditionalists “nevertheless to accept that the ordination of wo–men as priests and their conse–cration as bishops… is valid in legal terms”.
Year in review
George Conger, in the Church of England Newsletter offers a good summary of 2008 events from all over the Anglican world.
“Sex and the City: Redeeming sex today” conference (London)
Anglican Mainstream is co-sponsoring a two-day conference in London on April 24-25 for those “concerned about the plethora of sexual issues confronting us in today’s society. There will be a special focus on how religious professionals and friends/relatives can respond biblically and pastorally to those struggling with unwanted SSA (same-sex attraction).”
Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion appointed bishop
Canon Gregory Cameron has been elected Bishop of St Aspah (Wales).
A world in need
Bishop Suheil Dawani, Bishop in Jerusalem, has issued a statement commenting on the recent military operations in Gaza. He said “As the casualties and human suffering continue to rise, we appeal to the Israeli and Palestinian communities to exercise responsible restraint. We urgently call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, and provide for the humanitarian needs of those directly affected by the conflict. At the same time, we can assure the Gaza communities that the Al Ahli Hospital will continue, as it has for many decades.”
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Ugandan Archbishop Henry Orombi has denounced witchcraft and specifically the practice of child sacrifice which is reportedly practiced by some Ugandans in their “greed for money and lust for power”.
In the international media
Independent Catholic News – Dec 28 08 – Anglican bishops question morality of UK government …
Telegraph – Dec 21 08 – The conservative case for an established Church
Guardian – Dec 29 08 – The Anglican Communion will finally split in 2009
Church of England newspaper – Jan 3 09 – Virginia court ruling blow for US Church
The Times – Dec 5 08 – Death in the streets as Christians flee
VirtueOnline – Jan 6 09 – What does the future hold for Anglican Catholics in England?
Soul food
Just for fun
Worth reading
In 2003, atheist and self-proclaimed homosexual Matthew Parris wrote an article in the Times entitled “No, God would not have approved of gay bishops”. His analysis of Biblical teaching and the inconsistent logic of liberal teaching is surprisingly “evangelical”.
So this, in summary, is my charge against the Anglican modernists. Can they point to biblical authority for what, on any estimate, amounts to a disturbing challenge to the values assumed in both Testaments? No. Can they point to any divinely inspired religious leader since to whom has been revealed God’s benevolent intentions towards homosexuals? I know of no such saint or holy man. Most have taught the opposite. Can they honestly say that they would have drawn from Christ’s teachings the same lessons of sexual tolerance in 1000, or 1590, or indeed 1950? Surely not, for almost no such voices were heard then.
In which case, to what does this “reform” amount? Like the changes to Church teaching on divorce or Sunday observance, the new tolerance gains its force within the Anglican Communion from a fear of becoming isolated from changing public morals. Is that a reason for a Christian to modify his own morality? … A religion needs a compass. Logic alone does not point the way and religion adds to the general stock of human reasonableness a new directional needle — if it adds anything at all. I cannot read the Gospels in any way other than as declaring that this was revealed to man by God through Jesus. Revelation, therefore, not logic, must lie at the core of the Church’s message. You cannot pick and choose from revealed truth… I believe this Revelation is false, but Christians have nothing else firm to cling to.”
Resources
Is reading through the Bible in 2009 one of your New Year’s resolutions? The English Standard Bible website has a nice selection of reading plans for you to choose from.
Prayer and praise
We ask your prayers for....
All the partners in the new Anglican Church in North American (ANCA). Pray also for Primates considering recognizing ACNA as a new orthodox Province in the Communion.
Archbishop-designate, Bob Duncan, for the Lead Bishops, including Bishop Donald Harvey, and for all those involved in bringing this new Province to fruition.
New ANiC congregations as they get organized and take care of all the many practical details. Pray for healing where needed, hunger for the pure Word of God, and joy in the Lord.
Congregations still involved in court proceedings: for wisdom and clear-sightedness for the judges.
Orthodox clergy and laity in the ACoC, particularly in dioceses that are departing from historic Christian teaching.
Suffering and persecuted Christians in Iraq, Eritrea and around the world. Also pray for peace in the Holy Land, Uganda and the Congo.
And now a word from our sponsor
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:1-12
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