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  ANiC Newsletter: 23 January, 2010 ... pdf version
    

Handle with prayer!

News – ANiC and AEN   

Helping relief efforts in Haiti
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF) reports it received more than $70,000 in donations to support Haitian relief in the first week of the crisis. You can see a video prepared by World Relief, ARDF’s partner in Haiti, which notes that they are working in partnership with local Christian churches in Haiti to distribute food, water and blankets to those in need.  World Relief’s team is also providing medical care to the injured at the Kings Hospital in the capital city, Port-au-Prince. We are asked to pray, give and advocate for Haitian relief.


Report from the Board of Director’s meeting
New board member – Frank Johnson, an Ottawa businessman and engineer, has joined the ANiC board of directors. The other members of the board are posted to the ANiC website.

A
church planting working group has been formed to nurture and advance ANiC’s vision – shared with synod in November – to proactively plant churches in key urban areas across Canada. Members of the working group are: the Rev Ray David Glenn (chair), Bishop Ron Ferris, Bishop Stephen Leung, the Rev Brian De Visser (Ottawa, ON), the Rev Sean Love (Richmond, BC), the Rev Dan Endresen (Montreal), Father Michael McKinnon and Phil Varcoe (Brandon, MB). Their goal is to research and identify six cities across Canada where church plants are needed, as well as recruit, resource and release the next generation of church planters.

Gratitude – The board of Directors expressed its gratitude to those who had key roles in making synod and the consecration service such wonderful events, especially, Bishop Don Harvey, John MacDonald, Father Darrell Critch, and all volunteers and committee members.


Vancouver-area parishes ponder appeal
Christian Week reports on the ongoing discernment process in the ANiC parishes involved in litigation with the Diocese of New Westminster. The Rev Mike Stewart (St Matthew’s, Abbotsford) is quoted saying,
“There is a sense in which it would be nice to put this whole thing behind us. But there is also a sense that we believe God called us into this to stand as witnesses for the truth of the gospel and our love for the Lord Jesus. So we're not wanting to escape from that…too soon, but when God tells us so… The issue obviously before us, is not the fate of their buildings, but "how we can best maintain our witness in the current conditions." People’s warden at St John’s Shaughnessy says, "Maybe [a legal challenge] is the mission that God's given us right now.”

ANiC Chancellor Cheryl Chang predicts an appeal would “…likely have to go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. This decision impacts churches across the country—and I think that there needs to be a national decision." The report says, “…even from a strictly legal perspective, Chang believes the ruling contains some "huge implications" for Canada's faith communities that need to be challenged on appeal.”



Bishop Don heads to England and Nigeria
England – In his capacity as Dean of ACNA, Bishop Don has been appointed to lead a four person ACNA team going to London for the Church of England synod, February 8-12. This synod will debate a motion for the Church of England to recognize ACNA. Anglican Mainstream reports that this private members motion “…has gained 126 signatures in support, including, unusually, eight bishops, plus the prolocutors of both Houses of Clergy of Canterbury and York, and three elected members of the Archbishops’ Council”. The Bishop of Winchester, Bishop Michael Scott Joynt, will co-host a luncheon for delegates on February 9 at which Bishop Don and the other ACNA representatives will speak and answer questions. A press conference will likely follow. Please remember to pray for Bishop Don and for this vote.

Nigeria – Archbishop Peter Akinola has invited Bishop Don to go to Abuja, Nigeria for the March 25 enthronement of the new Primate, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, who was elected last September to replace Archbishop Akinola as primate of the Church of Nigeria when he retires this spring. A service of thanksgiving for the leadership of Archbishop Akinola will take place on Palm Sunday.     


Lambeth responds to ANiC letter from synod
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s office has kindly acknowledged a letter of greeting from Bishop Don written at synod’s request.


Clergy spouses encouraged to attend ANiC clergy conference
Clergy conference speaker Father David Roseberry will be accompanied by his wife who will hold a session for clergy spouses during the conference. Clergy and spouses can register online. For more information see our website.
Date: March 16-18
Location: Cedar Springs Conference Center, Sumas, Washington (just minutes south of the border near Abbotsford, BC)
Speaker: The Rev Canon David Roseberry, rector Christ Church Plano (Texas), who is
spearheading ACNA’s church planting thrust – accompanied by his wife Fran


Bishop Stephen’s Asian Mission is seeking project coordinator
The Asian Mission in Canada , an ANiC ministry under Bishop Stephen Leung, is seeking a project coordinator to organize its inaugural Asian Mission Conference in Vancouver in October 2010. This ministry is dedicated to the development and growth of Asian churches in Canada. Interested candidates should be fluent in English and the Chinese languages and familiar with the Vancouver-area Asian-Canadian community. February 15 is the deadline for applications.


Parish and project news
St Andrew’s ANiC project (Delta, BC) – On March 19-20, Bishop Malcolm Harding and Archdeacon Paul Crossland will lead a parish renewal event called God’s Loving Touch which will focus on the Holy Spirit, healing and discipleship. Watch for more information.

St John’s Vancouver – In March, St John’s is sending a team to one of the most desperate corners of Cambodia to finish work on a new Christian Community Centre. Svay Pak, a notorious brothel area, will soon be blessed with the opening of “the Sanctuary”.

As a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness, St John’s reported that giving surpassed their budget in 2009 – a year which saw the economy in recession and parishioners also contributing generously to the legal defence fund.

Encourage others – Does your church have a testimony to God’s goodness? Please share it through the newsletter by emailing Marilyn 1-351-2642 extension 4020.  


Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support
Feb 8-12 – Bishop Don leads ACNA representatives at Church of England synod
Feb 26-28 – St George’s (Burlington, ON) – Spiritual renewal conference with Bishop Malcolm
Mar 16-18 – 5th Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)
Mar 18 – Ministry leadership seminar at Heritage Seminary, Cambridge ON
Mar 19-20 – St Andrew’s (Delta, BC) – parish renewal with +Malcolm & the Ven Paul Crossland
Apr 7-9 – reFocus Canada, a preaching and theology conference, in Burnaby, BC
April 17-24 –Church of the Good Samaritan (St John’s, NL) mission to Guatemala
June 3-11 – Anglican Church of Canada General Synod, Halifax, NS
June 7 - 11 – ACNA House of Bishops, Provincial Executive and Council meet in Amesbury, MA
Nov 3 – Clergy day, Ottawa
Nov 4-6 – ANiC synod, Ottawa, ON


News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)

Clergy couples marriage retreat planned for Virginia
One of the dioceses in ACNA, the Convocation of Anglican in North America (CANA), is organizing a marriage retreat for clergy couples, March 4-6, in Herndon, Virginia. For more information contact Mrs Angela Minns.


News shorts – Canada

Quebec policy against homophobia
In December, the Quebec government issued a policy designed to
“improve the situation of sexual minorities in Québec and allow them to attain social equality”. Others believe the policy’s intent is to “normalize” non-hetrosexuality and silence any criticism of “sexual minorities”.


Family policy conference
The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada is holding a conference in Ottawa on March 11. See the website for full information.


Forgiveness to be extended
A gathering in Ottawa is planned from June 11-13 at which representatives of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, along with believers from across Canada, will gather to formally extend forgiveness to the government and others who have been responsible for past abuse. This follows Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s formal apology to Canada’s First Nations people two years ago. Prior to the gathering, a team, under the leadership of First Nations leader Kenny Blacksmith, will travel to aboriginal communities and churches throughout Canada to prepare the hearts of First Peoples to release forgiveness.


Unrealistic proposal
Dr Ephraim Radner makes what he calls an “unrealistic proposal for the sake of the Gospel” by suggesting that, in light of the tragedy in Haiti, the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and all Anglicans involved in litigation over property cease their court battles. The money, he says, could be better used to rebuild Haiti.


St Simon’s annual Renewal Mission
St Simon’s (Anglican Coalition in Canada, a partner diocese in the ACNA) is holding its annual Renewal Mission in Vancouver on March 5-7. Speakers include: Pastor David Carson, the Rev William Beasley, Dr George Johnson and Dr David Demian. See St Simon’s website for more information.


New bishops for the Anglican Church of Canada
Aboriginal parishes in Northern Ontario in the Diocese of Keewatin are getting their own area bishop. The Anglican Journal reports that
“A similar proposal for an area bishop in the Northern Manitoba region, comprised of parishes from both the dioceses of Keewatin and Brandon, is awaiting final decision.”


Controversy over ACoC- associated charity defunding by government
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Kairos, a charity devoted to ecumenical justice and which includes the Anglican Church of Canada in its coalition, has been cut off from government funding due to its seeming anti-Semitic bias. The report says that “Canadian Minister of Immigration, Jason Kenney told the Global Forum to Counter Anti-Semitism meeting in Jerusalem that the Harper government had “defunded organizations … like Kairos for taking a leadership role in the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign” against Israel.” Kairos and the Anglican Church of Canada have vigorously protested the decision, saying “Criticism of Israel does not constitute anti-Semitism.”  A Jerusalem-based think tank which monitors the activities of such non-governmental organizations disagrees. Citing specific Kairos documents, it says,
“While Kairos seeks to promote social change, NGO Monitor stated it “promotes a political agenda” at odds with Canadian government policy on Gaza.”

In an article that provides much more detail, the Jerusalem Post praises Canada for going against the tide of international sentiment and bringing an end to taxpayer funding of groups like Kairos
“that played a central role” in promoting an agenda of demonizing Israel.


Canadian news
Anglican Journal – Jan 21 2010 – Need to redefine church is urgent, bishop says


News shorts – United States

Bogus olive branch
Bishop Kenneth Price of the Episcopal Church’s newly created Diocese of Pittsburgh has written parishes which are now in the ACNA Diocese of Pittsburgh inviting them to face-to-face meetings to address “misunderstandings” and seek reconciliation. The irony is that litigation continues unabated. The timing of the letters might suggest that litigious TEC bodies are attempting to influence the vote in the Church of England.


US news
Texas Monthly – Feb 2010 – Bishop takes castle
San Angelo Standard Times – Jan 20 2010 – Anglican church in lawsuit limbo


News shorts – International

Response to TEC-supported attack on Africa Churches
Canon Chris Sugden and Canon Vinay Samuel have responded to a paper distributed to aid and development agencies which was designed to discredit conservative African churches and thus influence government aid decisions. The original report, “Globalizing the Culture Wars: US Conservatives, African Churches and Homophobia”, which lists a number of US Episcopal Church leaders as advisors, implies African Churches have been “bought” by western conservatives to promote the “anti-homosexual agenda”.


Church of England debates motion to recognize the ACNA
When the Church of England general synod meets February 8-12, delegates will discuss a motion, put forward by delegate Lorna Ashworth to recognize the Anglican Church in North America.  Mrs Ashworth has prepared a background paper for delegates detailing the abuse of many Biblically-faithful Anglicans in North America at the hands of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada.

The Secretary General of general synod also prepared a background paper which “provides information on the Anglican Church in North America… [and] on how new provinces are admitted to the Anglican Communion, how the Church of England has entered into communion with churches outside the Anglican Communion and how epis–copally ordained ministers of some churches which are not in communion with the Church of England can be permitted to minister in the Church of England.” It also discusses what it means to be in communion and suggests that matters of communion belong to the archbishops not to synod. “In practice the final decision about whether or not a church is in communion with the Church of England belongs to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York…”

A Church Times report says
“Bishops were said at the pre-Synod briefing on Monday to be producing an alternative motion…”  It then quotes an Episcopal Church official, Jim Naughton, saying: “My primary concern about this motion is that it would set a bizarre precedent that would encourage schismatic activity in other provinces. When you look at ACNA’s numbers, then subtract the folks who were never Episcopal–ians to begin with, you see that they’ve spent millions of dollars to draw away about three per cent of our Church. That sets the bar for the quasi-recognition that is being discussed awfully low, and can only encourage similar splinter groups — who may be upset about other issues — to take similar initiatives. Passing this resolution, or one like it, will make it harder for the Covenant to get a fair hearing in the Episcopal Church.”

AnglicanTV plans to attend to webcast the Church of England general synod, so, if all goes to schedule, you should be able to watch the debate on this motion on Wednesday afternoon (London time), February 10.


Honours for the Archbishop of Canterbury
Two honours will be bestowed on the Archbishop of Canterbury in New York this week, but both have drawn criticism, reports the Living Church. A Jesuit publication is giving Dr Williams an award named, ironically, after a Roman Catholic martyr of the English Reformation. Then St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary will confer an honorary doctor of divinity on Dr Williams – which has drawn fire from Orthodox clergy because of Dr Williams’ liberal stance on issues.


News in brief from around the Communion and the world
Malaysia – A number of churches, including several Anglican churches, were attacked and badly damaged by Muslim militants in Malaysia, January 8-10. The Church of England Newspaper reports that “The attacks follow a Dec 31 High Court ruling overturning a ban on Christians using the word ‘Allah’ to refer to God.”

EnglandThe Times reports that recent research has found that nearly 97 per cent of church-goers in Britain look forward to the Sunday sermon. The motivation varied between denominations, however, with Anglicans wanting sermons to be entertaining and short.

One in five Church of England bishops’ palaces could be sold in the next year, the Telegraph reports.

The Church of England has released statistics for 2008 which show that 1.1 million people attending church on any given week.

Nigeria – More violence erupted in Jos, Nigeria resulting in hundreds being killed, many injured, buildings burnt, and a reported 18,000 fleeing their homes. The Bishop of Jos, Bishop Ben Kwashi, says that this violence often goes under the guise of religious conflict but seems to be perpetrated by unemployed, demoralized youth. “It should be noted that in Jos we are coming face to face in confrontation with Satan and the powers in hell, and only God can save us… [T]hose who have in the past used violence to settle political issues, economic issues, social matters, intertribal disagreements, or any issue for that matter, now continue to use that same path of violence and cover it up with religion. Nigeria as a nation has a large and ever-increasing army of leader-less, law-less, unemployable, unemployed, demoralised and near hope-less youth… [E]very crisis in Nigeria in the last ten years has been executed by this generation of young people. With each passing year, they perfect their skills and when they run out of a supply of money, or when they become bored with any situation, then any opportunity for action gives them satisfaction. This army has no religion, but can choose to go under the name of religion to achieve its motives.”

Bishop Kwashi, noting the persistent anti-Christian media bias in reporting the events and a number of anomalies, asks us to pray that God would intervene and bring peace, ending the cycle of violence, and that the authorities would pursue truth and justice. In an earlier statement, he said, “Over the last 2 months, there has been concern over widespread rumours of plans to bomb the homes Christian leaders and to kill senior members of Christian churches.”


Uganda – The Church of Uganda will host about 500 Anglican bishops from Africa as well as representatives from Lambeth Palace and other church leaders at the second All Africa Bishops’ Conference, August 23-28 in Entebbe, Uganda. Under the theme, “Securing our future; Unlocking our potential,” the conference will address the growing crises of poverty, moral decay, youth disillusionment, and poor leadership. In addition, the event will expose church leaders to various resources and investment and management models, as well as create a platform for networking.


International news
Catholic Online – Jan 19 2010 – Abp Hepworth on Traditional Anglican Communion’s coming full communion [with the Roman Catholic Church]

Ekklesia – Jan 22 2010 – Alarm as campaigners promote “therapy” for gay people


Soul food

Just for fun
Four-year-old James was listening as his Dad read the children’s version of Genesis 19.  His dad read: “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.” Concerned, James asked: “What happened to the flea?”

Another little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his older cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?" "Sixteen," the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know that?" "Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up. Like the Bishop said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."


Christian ethics – abortion
A documentary video exposing the abortion business is attracting attention and changing peoples’ opinion. According to OneNewsNow, “The documentary, Maafa 21, traces the history of Planned Parenthood to its founder, Margaret Sanger, who believed in eugenics -- controlling and eliminating certain population groups, especially… African-Americans.” The video producer says the video makes the “irrefutable argument that “…abortion is about eugenics and black genocide."

An Angus Reid poll has found that only 20 per cent of Canadians know that abortions are legal at any point during pregnancy with no restrictions; and about equal numbers say abortion should be legal under any circumstances as say it should be legally restricted to a limited number of circumstances.

Meanwhile, a Marist Poll of those in the States has found that 56 per cent of American’s say abortion is morally wrong. Broken down by age group, this view was held by:
58 per cent of 18-29 year olds
60 per cent of 30-44 year olds
51 per cent of 45-64 year olds
over 60 per cent of those 65+.


Freedom of religion under attack
Canadian church loses charitable status - The National Post reports that Kings Glory Fellowship Association, a non-denominational church in Canada has had its charitable status revoked by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), in part, for it “non-partisan political activities”. A letter from CRA said, “We note ... the members of the Board of Directors espouse strong negative views about sensitive and controversial issues, which may also be viewed as political, such as abortion, homosexuality, divorce, etc.” The church, which ministers to and feeds Calgary’s homeless, has had a rocky relationship with city officials. However, Calgary Roman Catholic Bishop Fred Henry, who himself ran afoul of the CRA for speaking out against Prime Minister Paul Martin’s support of abortion and same sex marriage, was quick to defend the church, saying they are “dealing with people who no one else seems concerned about. [The church] takes care of their physical and spiritual well being… the CRA needs… to have a seminar about religious liberty. They don’t seem to get what religion is about. It starts with worship but it doesn’t end there. Religion cannot be privatized. It has the right to influence public affairs.”

Christian university black listed - Macleans magazine reports that highly regarded Trinity Western University in Langley, BC has been singled out by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) for its requirement that professors ascribe to a statement of Christian faith. CAUT says this violates academic freedom. Essentially, Macleans say, TWU “rejects relativism, which many academics would say is incompatible with the primary role of a university.”

“The [CAUT] report points to TWU’s own claims of being a “disciple-making academic community” and “an arm of the Church” where “all teaching, learning, thinking, and scholarship take place under the direction of the Bible, the wholly authoritative and truthful Word of God.” CAUT does indeed appear to be targeting Christian schools, as TWU is certainly not the only one—just the first. Investigations of “faith tests” at other universities are in the works, including the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Crandall University in Moncton (formerly the Atlantic Baptist University) and Redeemer University College in Ancaster.”



Ministry resources
A video produced by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada documents young adults’ perspectives on today’s church.


Who is most likely to be prejudiced against Muslims?
A Gallup poll in the US examining attitudes toward four religious groups, Muslims, Christians, Jews and Buddhists, has found that a slight majority of Americans report negative attitudes toward Islam, and are more than twice as likely to report negative feelings about Islam compared to the other three religions. Interestingly those who report high prejudice toward Jews were 32 times as likely to report high levels of prejudice toward Muslims. Conversely those who were least likely to report prejudice against Muslims were those who reported no prejudice against Jews. Also,
“Americans who say they attend religious services more than once a week are more than twice as likely to say they feel no prejudice toward Muslims, countering popular assumptions that religious devotion contributes to having negative opinions about people of another faith.”


Thought
Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is optional.   
(Courtesy: www.mikeysFunnies.com)


Please pray...
For the people of
Haiti and for all those seeking to help them. May God grant strength and comfort.
For our
ANiC projects, church plants and parishes. May we share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.
For our bishops and rectors.
For
Bishop Malcolm and the spiritual renewal missions at St George’s (Burlington, ON) on Feb 26-28 and St Andrew’s (Delta, BC) on March 19-20.
For legal cases and disputes
For the four Vancouver-area ANiC parishes and their lawyers who are considering proceeding with an appeal of the November 25 court decision. May God grant clarity and unity.
For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London, Ontario.
For all the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for peace for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of risk and responsibility. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil.
For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes, in particular, need greater financial support at this time.
For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court.
That God will be glorified in all court proceedings.
Praise God for the interim negotiated agreement with the Diocese of Niagara providing stability for St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd.

For speedy granting of charitable status to the Anglican Relief & Development Fund – Canada.

For our fellow Anglicans and other
Christians facing violent persecution in Nigeria, Sudan, Malaysia and other Muslim lands as well as in Communist countries, especially North Korea.


And now a word from our sponsor
Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”

And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”


Luke 11:1-13­­­­



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