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Handle with prayer!
News – ANiC and AEN
Please pray
Mrs Rhonda Glenn, wife of the Rev Ray David Glenn (St George’s Burlington) has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The biopsy is scheduled for Friday in Hamilton General Hospital. The Rev Garth Hunt writes, “Nothing short of a miraculous intervention of the Lord will suffice.” Please pray for Rhonda and for Ray David and their young son, Matthew. You can read a report from Ray David on the St George’s website.
Father, in Jesus’ mighty Name, we claim victory for Rhonda over this tumour and we ask you, Lord, for a complete recovery for her. Manifest your power and your covenant mercy, O Lord. Come to Rhonda’s hospital room “with healing in your wings”. We resist the enemy’s agenda against your people and especially the attacks on the spouses of ANiC clergy in Jesus’ Name.
Legal update – Vancouver area parishes
Following the “case management conference” involving the Chief Justice of BC, the lawyers for the Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of New Westminster and the lawyers for ANiC’s Vancouver-area parishes, September 13 is set as the start date for the legal appeal. Four days have been booked for the appeal which will be heard by a panel of three judges in the BC Court of Appeal.
Update from the ANiC Board of Directors
New board members – Several new members of the board have been added:
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The Rev Sharon Hayton (Open Gate Anglican Church , Victoria, BC) |
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The Rev Mike Stewart (St Matthew’s, Abbotsford, BC) |
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Frank Johnson (parishioner at St Alban’s, Ottawa, ON) |
ANiC project in Sioux Lookout, ON – The board approved a proposal by Church of the Good Shepherd (Sioux Lookout) for a drop-in centre – which would also be used for church services – to provide a faith-based holistic ministry in the heart of this strategic community. Sioux Lookout has become a gateway to northern Ontario and a centre for First Nations communities.
Work in progress
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Discipleship – Work is underway assessing tools to help parishes make disciples “equipped for every good work”. (2Tim 3:17) |
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Constitution and canons – Draft constitution and canons documents have been provided to parishes for review and comment by the end of April. In May, comments from the parishes will be reviewed and improvements will be incorporated in the next drafts. These will be discussed at the June 22 board meeting. In early September, final drafts will go to synod members, clergy and parishes in preparation for discussion at synod. All synod motions related to these documents must be submitted to the Canons and Constitution Committee prior to synod. |
Progress on 2009 Synod motions
Several motions passed by the 2009 synod required follow-up by the board or Bishop Don:
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Church planting funds – “THAT this Synod recommends to the Anglican Network in Canada Board that when considering the allocation of Church planting funds in the 2009/2010 budget, 50% be allocated to existing and new independent projects and Church plants and 50% to the Anglican Network in Canada Strategic Planting Initiatives”. Carried (61 in favour, 57 opposed).”
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The board discussed this motion and learned that the funding for church planting had already been dedicated for the intentional planting of congregations where there is no grass-roots movement able to do so. However, a fund for parish development already exists under a separate account within the ANiC’s current budget and will be available to church plants where financial assistance from the plant’s sponsoring parish is not available. Criteria for accessing these funds will be available at the ANiC office shortly. |
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Clergy development funding – “THAT this Synod recommends to the Board of the Anglican Network in Canada that $25,000 be earmarked in the 2009/2010 Budget for the Anglican Network in Canada for education purposes, biblical studies, preaching, theology and pastoral training. Approved”
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The board is developing a list of strategic priorities – including “leadership development” – as well as strategies and objectives for achieving those priorities. Once these are finalized, funding will be allocated for implementation in the 2010/11 proposed budget. |
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Greetings to the Queen – THAT this Second Synod of the Anglican Network in Canada Church sends its loyal greetings to Her Majesty the Queen and assures her of our prayers for her long reign and for success in all her endeavours as the Queen of Canada. Approved
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Bishop Donald Harvey sent greetings immediately following synod. He reports receiving “a most gracious reply from the Private Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen who, she said, greatly appreciated receiving our greetings”. |
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Greetings to the Archbishop of Canterbury – THAT this Synod of the Anglican Network in Canada Church sends its greetings to His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and assures him of our continued prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the strengthening of the bonds of affection in the Anglican Communion as a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. Approved
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Bishop Donald Harvey sent greetings immediately following synod. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s response is on the ANiC website. |
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Help wanted - youth pastor
St Matthew’s Anglican Church (Abbotsford, BC) is looking for a full-time youth pastor. For a job description and parish profile, please contact stmatts1@telus.net or call 604.853.2416. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2010.
ANiC parish and project news
Church of the Resurrection (Hope, BC) – The Rev Dr Archie Pell, retires on May 1. He has served the Church of the Resurrection since its formation in early 2006 and was the first priest licenced by Bishop Don Harvey, ANiC moderator. The Church of the Resurrection was also the first parish accepted into ANiC. Dr Pell will continue as an ANiC examining chaplain. He is also an instructor of Anglican Studies at Regent College (on the UBC campus in Vancouver) and is writing another book in the Anglican Agenda Series, edited by Dr J I Packer.
Our best wishes to Dr Pell on his retirement – and on his recent marriage to Caron Cave! They were married by Bishop Don on April 24 at the Church of the Resurrection – the first wedding for the church. Congratulations Caron and Archie!
On June 1, Doug Beattie will be installed as the new minister at Church of the Resurrection. He will be ordained by Bishop Trevor Walters on May 16 at 4pm in Grace Baptist Church (Hope).
Church of the Resurrection got some great publicity by sending a news release to the local paper regarding Dr Pell’s retirement and Doug Beattie’s upcoming ordination and installation.
St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) reports experiencing many blessings, particularly a wonderful Holy Week and the start of an Alpha course with between 60 and 70 people. The last month has also seen the beginning of fledgling youth and young adult ministries. The Rev Tim Parent reports that with the blessings have come challenges – largely due to growth and newness. He says that “virtually every Sunday we have new people at least visiting, if not church shopping or joining us”. St Luke’s is planning a "Wholeness through Christ" inner healing week June 14-18, and a spiritual renewal weekend, "Going Deeper, Going Further", with Bishop Malcolm and Archdeacon Paul Crossland, September 17-19.
Church of the Ascension (Langley, BC) is holding a banquet, May 14, to mark the Ascension season, and to celebrate its first year together as a parish family. The speaker will be the Rev Kevin Allen from St Brendan's Anglican Church in Bellingham, Washington. Friends who have been encouraging and praying for the congregation are invited. It will be held Friday, May 14 at 7pm at the Best Western Langley Inn (Glover Road and Hwy10). Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for children. Please call Jan Ferris at 778-278-6525 for tickets.
St George’s Burlington has a great new website. Check it out!
Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support
May 2, 2:30pm - St John Sudanese (Surrey, BC) baptism & confirmation service
May 2 – Good Shepherd Richmond launches
May 8, 9am-5pm – St George’s (Burlington) women’s conference: “Disciples making disciples”
May 14, 7pm – Church of the Ascension (Langley) banquet celebrating parish’s 1st anniversary
May 15, 3pm – Grace Anglican (Clayton, ON) – Service with +Charlie & community barbeque
May 16, 10:30am – Eternal Hope (Carleton Pl, ON) – Service with +Charlie & community meal
May 16, 7pm – St Timothy’s (Montreal, QC) – Confirmation service with +Charlie
May 16 – Good Shepherd (Vancouver, BC) – Confirmation service
May 16, 4pm – Ordination of Doug Beattie to the deaconate at Grace Baptist Church (Hope, BC)
May 16 – Good Shepherd Richmond official dedication with Bishop Don
May 23 – St Stephen the Martyr (St John’s, NL) – Ordination of Marilyn Flower to the diaconate
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
June 14-18 – St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) – "Wholeness through Christ" inner healing week
Sept 17-19 – St Luke’s – Spiritual renewal with Bishop Malcolm & Archdeacon Paul Crossland
Sept 13-16 – BC Court of Appeal hearing in Vancouver
Sept 18 – St George's Ottawa, Day of Prayer in preparation for the ANiC synod
Nov 3 – Clergy day, Ottawa, ON
Nov 4-6 – ANiC synod with Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, Ottawa, ON
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
ACNA responds to Global South Encounter communiqué
The official statement from the meeting of leaders of 20 Anglican provinces, representing eighty percent of the world’s active Anglicans pointedly welcomed the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) as “partners in the Gospel”. The Global South Encounter communiqué said, “We are grateful that the recently formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is a faithful expression of Anglicanism. We welcomed them as partners in the Gospel and our hope is that all provinces will be in full communion with the clergy and people of the ACNA and the Communion Partners.”
In welcoming the communiqué, our primate, Archbishop Robert Duncan, is quoted in an ACNA statement saying, “We [in ACNA] are moving forward in mission and relationship with Anglicans all over the world. Our unity [with the Global South] and shared commitment to the work of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is a reason for great joy.” Archbishop Bob represented the ACNA at the meeting, presided at Holy Communion and, together with Communion Partner Bishop John Howe (TEC, Central Florida), addressed the gathering. [See more under International news]
ACNA priest starts food coop
The Squamish Chief reports that the Rev Barclay Mayo and his wife Mary have begun a food coop in Squamish, BC designed to minister to the poor. Step two will be to plant a church meeting in the coop building, with an inaugural service on May 25.
News shorts – Canada
Anglican Church of Canada General Synod
The AEC blog notes that Essentials Nova Scotia needs volunteers to help with a multitude of tasks at the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) General Synod in Halifax this June. Together with the Anglican Communion Alliance, they will spearhead efforts to encourage delegates to vote according to Biblical standards.
Anglican Communion Alliance tour
The Anglican Communion Alliance (formerly the Anglican Essentials Federation) is planning a cross-Canada speaking tour for Canon George Kovoor, principal of Trinity College (Bristol, UK) and chaplain to the Queen. Speaking engagements begin in Victoria on May 21 and end in Halifax with a two-day gathering on June 2 & 3, immediately prior to the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) general synod in Halifax. Professor Ephraim Radner will speak on June 3. A full schedule is available on the ACA’s new website. ACA plans to have a presence at general synod in much the same way that Anglican Essentials did at previous synods. The ACA website contains more information on the tour and their plans for synod. ACA requests prayer that God would use these meetings for His glory and to bring about a change of heart in the ACoC.
Anglican Church of Canada announces details of General Synod
A release from the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) says that “more than 500 people will gather in Halifax, NS” June 3-11, “uniting under the nautical theme "Feeling the Winds of God—Charting a New Course". The approximately 300 synod delegates will consider: a proposed strategic plan for the Church, governance changes including a national indigenous ministry, the Anglican Covenant and human sexuality issues. International guests are to include: Bishop Suheil Dawani (Jerusalem), Bishop Miguel Tamayo (Uruguay), Hellen Wangusa (Anglican UN observer), and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori (US Episcopal Church).
The release continues: “More information about General Synod can be accessed online. The convening circular, containing all General Synod documents, is available for viewing, as are the General Synod Times newsletters and the web forum Setting Sail: Conversations before General Synod.”
Canadian news
Vancouver Province – April 19 2010 – Churches testing new territory
Globe & Mail – April 20 2010 – Anglican church calls for corporate sponsors
Anglican Journal – April 21 2010 – Canadian Anglicans ‘changing lives’ for African schoolchildren
News shorts – United States
US legal update
Diocese of San Joaquin – The recently created TEC Diocese of San Joaquin continues to file lawsuits against departed parishes. The Modesto Bee reports that “St James [in Sonora, CA], started in 1860, is the fifth incorporated parish in the San Joaquin Diocese to be sued by [TEC Bishop Jerry] Lamb since the 2007 diocesan split from the national church over differences of biblical interpretation, such as whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and whether homosexuals should be ordained.” Bishop Lamb had earlier sued Bishop John-David Schofield and his ACNA Diocese of San Joaquin as well as those former TEC parishes that are diocesan-owned. However, about eight ACNA San Joaquin parishes are incorporated, so they, not the diocese, own the property deeds. It is these congregations that the TEC diocese is now pursuing in the courts.
Diocese of Fort Worth – ACNA Bishop Jack Iker called on his diocese to observe April 27 as a day of prayer and fasting while oral arguments were heard in the Fort Worth Second Court of Appeals. According to the ACNA Diocese of Fort Worth statement, it was arguing that “the question of name identity can be decided on neutral principles of law, without reference to church doctrine. As a practical matter, both parties cannot have the same name… because it makes any ruling in the case confusing and ineffective.” They said that the newly created TEC diocese had filed suit against the ACNA diocese as if it were the original Diocese of Fort Worth formed in 1983. The TEC diocese argument was that the court must defer to TEC’s decisions because TEC has sole authority to name the diocesan bishop and the trustees of the corporation. “All the court can do is accept [TEC’s] decision.” Pray that judge will have the wisdom of Solomon in determining the true Diocese of Fort Worth.
Additional US news
Christian Post – April 19 2010 – N.Y. Episcopal priest to marry gay partner
Church of England Newspaper – April 16 2010 – Push in US for third ‘gay’ bishop
News shorts – International
Archbishop Greg Venables to chair GAFCon Primates
With the retirement of Archbishop Peter Akinola, Archbishop Gregory Venables (Southern Cone) has been elected chair of the GAFCon/Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans Primates Committee.
“Fourth Trumpet” from the Global South to South Encounter, Singapore
The final communiqué of the 4th Global South Encounter in Singapore was released on April 23. Of special note:
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The insistence that control of the Anglican Covenant must reside with the Primates, not with the recently formed Archbishop of Canterbury’s Standing Committee. And the rejection of the current draft of the Covenant, which the Global South is reviewing to find ways “to strengthen it in order for it to fulfill its purpose.”(section #21) |
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The encouragement for provinces to declare broken communion with the US’s Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC). And the support expressed for both the ACNA and the Communion Partners (TEC members who remain Biblically faithful) and encouragement for provinces to declare full communion with them. (#18) |
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The recognition of ACNA “as a faithful expression of Anglicanism.” |
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The call for a review of “the entire Anglican Communion structure; especially the Instruments of Communion and the Anglican Communion office; in order to achieve an authentic expression of the current reality of our Anglican Communion.” (#22) |
The general secretary of the GAFCon Primates Council, Archbishop Peter Jensen (Diocese of Sydney, Australia), offered his observations on the Global South communiqué, including:
“The Global South Encounter could not in itself recognize the authenticity of churches. But the communiqué goes as far as is possible to recognizing the authenticity of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) and declaring this body to be the true heirs of the Anglican tradition on that continent. This is precisely what the GAFCON/FCA Primates Council did in 2009, and it really means that the leadership of the vast majority of the Anglican Communion regards itself as being in communion with ACNA and out of fellowship with the other North Americans. This was symbolized by the part played by Archbishop Bob Duncan at the conference, especially when he presided at Holy Communion. Furthermore the welcome accorded to the two bishops from the Communion Partners demonstrated the Global South commitment to Biblical standards as a test of fellowship.”
The entire Encounter was devoted to forward-thinking evangelism and church growth. In “Dispatch from Singapore: What is at stake”, Christopher Wells reports, “Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda (via his representative, the archbishop himself having been stranded in London) invited… the global south to commit itself anew to mission over the next ten years, with a goal of doubling the size of each province. To accomplish this he proposed reinvigorated evangelism and church planting, along with increased “regional collaboration” among and between global south Anglican provinces as well as ecumenically.”
It was this missional focus – call to holiness, evangelism and church growth – that the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) emphasized in its official response to the communiqué, downplaying those aspects of the statement with implications for Communion structures and relationships.
One of the observers from New Zealand at the event, the Rev Dr Tim Harris, has some interesting comments in response to a post on Titus One Nine. He indicates that there are a small minority in the Global South who are parroting the views of TEC and ACoC, however, these were “strongly challenged”. He adds, “be in no doubt as to the insight, resolve and maturity of leadership within the Global South. One specific area of action that should not be underestimated is the determination to become financially independent from finance received from TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada. Another is the acceptance of a call for a [Global South] ‘Decade of Mission and Networking’… the resolve and passion was and is in terms of being a light to the nations and covenant to the people… God is at work through the GS, and the trumpet call is not limited to the words of a communiqué.”
Dr Harris also reports that in his address to the Global South event, he distinguished between the concepts of being “of one mind” – a common political/institutional concept in New Testament times – and being “of the same mind”, specifically the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). This he said is the choice before all in the Anglican Communion: institutional unity or a deeper unity “grounded in sharing the mind of Christ”.
In addressing the Global South Encounter, one of the ecumenical observers, Coptic Orthodox Bishop Anba Suriel, told about being hissed by the 2001 Australian Anglican synod when he, as a guest, spoke up about matters of sexual morality. He said he refused to be politically correct in addressing the heresy, Scriptural truth and cultural corruption. “My brethren, I believe it is time for the Anglican Global South to make a strong stand; there is no room here for political correctness and niceties. Your young people and indeed many ecumenical partners are watching closely the outcome of this Encounter. Will a strong message go out to the rest of the Anglican Communion to repent and return to God and to return to His Holy commandments to be holy and perfect? … Darkness cannot overcome the light of the Gospel, be of good cheer the Lord tells us because in the world we will find tribulation. He has overcome the world."
A summary of the communiqué is posted on the ANiC website, as is an earlier report on the event. A concise report is also posted in the Church Times. And more speakers and interviews from the Global South encounter are now available on AnglicanTV.
Other reports and editorials include:
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In “Shadow and Substance”, Charles Raven says, “We are seeing the emergence of a global Anglicanism of substance, displacing the shadow Anglicanism of institutional pragmatism… [A]lthough Singapore may seem a far off place, the decisions being made there this week could soon pose sharp questions about the choice between shadow and substance at home.” |
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David Virtue speaks highly of newly elected Global South chair, Archbishop John Chew, saying he "…is a man solidly grounded in the Word of God… a theologically solid Evangelical… steeped in Holy Scripture [who] will not depart or deviate from it…” Virtue adds, “A week with these global Anglican leaders has convinced me that they are solidly united under the authority of Holy Scripture” |
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A Christian Post report mentions that “Anglicanism is two-thirds African, with four African Churches gathering at least five million Christians each. Leading them is the Church of Nigeria, also the largest Anglican Church, with 20 million members. The Church of the Province of Uganda has ten million members. These African Churches show no signs of slowing. The five million-member Anglican Church of Southern Africa, for instance, has added one diocese each year. Churches in other parts of the world like Nepal, Myanmar and North America have also recorded phenomenal growth. This is at the same time that the Church of England has declined in weekly attendance to less than one million people, most of them older people.” |
Latest Anglican Communion Numbers
In a detailed, province-by-province accounting of Church membership, Anglican Mainstream estimates that there are about 62 million Anglicans globally – not the 80 million often reported – since the Church of England dramatically over-reports its membership. Of this 62 million, Global South provinces account for over 50 million – or over 80 per cent. The total for the other provinces in the Communion is less than 12 million.
A Canterbury Tale, recounted by The New Yorker
A New Yorker article, “A Canterbury Tale”, looks at challenges facing the Church of England and interviews the Archbishop of Canterbury at length. The nine-page piece focuses on the push for women in high office and reveals that Dr Williams is keen to see female bishops but is hoping to achieve this without pushing others out of the church. The piece also touches on: the offer from the Roman Catholic Church to accept Anglo-Catholics, especially those who can't accept women in spiritual authority; the homosexual agenda; and conservative African Anglican leaders - for whom he expresses some sympathy. Dr Williams says, "You think of Peter [Akinola] or Henry [Orombi] as ultra-conservative. Let me introduce you to a few of the people to their right so you can see that they are liberals in their own context.’' [page 9]
Talking about his methodology for encouraging paradigm shifts in the Church, he says, "I suppose it’s by using as best I can the existing consultative mechanisms to create a climate—and I think that’s often the best, to create a climate…There’s a phrase which has struck me very much: that you can actually ruin a good cause by pushing it at the wrong moment and not allowing the process of discernment and consent to go on, and that’s part of my view.” [page 3]
Bishop N T Wright to retire
The Bishop of Durham has announced his early retirement effective August 31. He will return to the academic world, taking up an appointment as research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
News in brief from around the world and the Communion
Rwanda – Bishop-elected Louis Muvunyi, archdeacon of Kigali and acting dean of the Kigali Anglican Theological College, has been elected as the next Archbishop of Anglican Church in Rwanda, replacing Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini who is retiring. Although he lost three brothers and both parents in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, according to the Church of England Newspaper, he marked the 16th anniversary of that madness by calling on both Hutus and Tutsis “to live in peace, to set aside hatreds and the desire for revenge and work together to build a new Rwanda.”
Nigeria – Compass Direct reports a Church of Christ pastor and his wife were abducted and killed in Boto village, Bauchi State of northern Nigeria on April 13, reportedly by Muslims.
India – The Church of England Newspaper reports that, in an effort to ensure Dalit [untouchable class] Christians are given equal treatment under government programs for disadvantaged castes, the Anglican Church of North India has initiated a census of its membership. There is concern that previous government censuses have under reported Christians.
Bangladesh – Buddhist extremists destroyed a church building, then beat and took captive several Christians, including a local pastor, in a remote tribal area. The captives are reported to be undergoing forced indoctrination aimed at making them return to Buddhism. Compass Direct News also reports that the armed extremist group has issued an ultimatum to all Christians in the area, threatening them with the same consequences if they do not return to Buddhism by April 30.
Sudan – The Globe & Mail reports that President Omar al-Bashir easily won reelection in a deeply flawed election, the first in 24 years. The report states, “The elections show Sudan drifting into two solitudes, with Mr. al-Bashir dominant in the north and secessionist leader Salva Kiir equally dominant in the south. Southern Sudan is now expected to vote for independence in a referendum in January, paving the way for the world’s newest country to be created next year.” Most members of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan are located in the south.
International media coverage
Church of England Newspaper – April 16 2010 – Ugandan archbishop calls for action…
Church of England Newspaper – April 16 2010 – Congo Bishop attacked
Church of England Newspaper – April 22 2010 – Muted response to Archbishop’s call for caution
Christian Post – April 23 2010 – Global South… reconsider communion with western counterparts
Anglican Planet – April 26 2010 – Primates critical of Communion structures
EpiscopalLife Online – April 23 2010 – Singapore: Global South Anglicans call for action against Episcopal Church, Anglican Church of Canada
AllAfrica – April 26 2010 – Nigeria: New Anglican Primate (editorial)
Soul food
God’s created order marred by sin
Sexualizing children - The National Post reports that, just two days after Ontario’s proposed new sex education program was discovered and brought to light, the Premier has been forced to scrap it due to public outcry. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa had called for and helped create the “firestorm of response” that forced the government’s hasty retreat.
Abortion – The partisan politics continue on Parliament Hill over the government’s refusal to include abortion in its funding of maternal health in poor countries. But the Toronto Star reports that the G8 meeting in Halifax has concluded with Canada holding to its position. It reports, “Delegates to a three-day meeting in Halifax left abortion out of their joint communiqué, agreeing to focus on on-the-ground efforts at all stages on the “continuum of care” from pre-pregnancy to early childhood.”
Coerced abortion – The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), of which ANiC is a member, has come out in support of the so-called “Roxanne’s Law”, a private member’s bill – Bill C-510 – before the House of Commons that would protect pregnant women from being coerced into having an unwanted abortion. LifeSiteNews says that this bill is vehemently opposed by the abortion advocates. It reports that, “The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) has responded to Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge's proposed bill to ban coercive abortion, unveiled in a press conference last week, by calling instead for a ban on “coerced childbirth,” and even suggesting that Canada outlaw pro-life activism. “The entire anti-choice movement has been trying to force women into pregnancy and motherhood for decades, by working to outlaw or restrict abortion,” said Joyce Arthur, ARCC's coordinator, in a Monday press release. “Perhaps we need to protect women from this coercion by criminalizing anti-choice activism!””
Euthanasia – Don Hutchinson, general legal counsel and vice-president of the EFC, tells us that the pro-euthanasia bill introduced in the House of Commons was defeated by a vote of 228 to 59 on April 21 – “a stronger reflection than anticipated of the understanding that what was being proposed is not good public policy”. The battle is not over however. The debate must be reframed to focus on how people can live with dignity. The EFC on its Euthanasia and assisted suicide resource page says that “Life is a gift from God which should be respected and protected through all of its stages. Each human life has inherent worth, regardless of age or physical, mental or other abilities. Care for the sick and the elderly is part of God’s call for Christians. We must not abandon those in need, and we must not deliberately bring about their death, even for compassionate reasons.”
Creation stewardship – Of all people, Christians should be the most motivated to care for our environment. On Earth Day last week, Kevin DeYoung offered good advice on how to think “Christianly” about the environment – as responsible stewards of God’s good creation. Some of his key points are:
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We must understand the underlying assumptions and tenets of the environmental movement. “Earth Day is steeped in politics, advocacy, and a host of assumed solutions so that it becomes difficult for Christians of a different ideological bent to appreciate what may be good about the modern environmental movement.” |
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We are accountable before God for our stewardship of His creation, but we must remember that “people matter most”. We must be careful not to impose our environmental “sensibilities on people in the developing world still struggling to survive”. We must be careful not to impose such a heavy environmental burden on developing nations that it exacerbates poverty, disease and early death. |
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People can be forces for environmental good, as well as evil. Many environmentalists seem to assume that “the earth is a healthy organism and humans are cancerous cells. All we do is pillage, pollute, and destroy. The world would be better off without us.” The obvious corollary is that the human “footprint” must be reduced at all costs – which can lead to advocacy of policies that minimize the human population. However, DeYoung reminds us that “We can create beauty as well as despoil it. We can actually make a harsh planet more inhabitable, more conducive for human flourishing…. We must resist the temptation to think of humans as intruders from another world wrecking carnage in a pristine environment. Instead we must see ourselves as stewards, called to subdue, enjoy, protect, use, develop, and make more humane God’s fallen creation.” |
Resources
Church growth – The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is offering a set of DVDs containing one-hour presentations on such topics as: Understanding Church and Faith Trends, Evangelicals Engaging in a Secular Canada, Canadian Public Policy: Impacting Christian Ministries and Celebration: Influence Your Community. Since ANiC is an EFC affiliate, ANiC parishes can order this DVD set for 50 per cent off the $10 price.
Of interest…
Dr Margaret Helder’s article, “Anglicans and the good fight of faith”, chronicles the history of the orthodox response to the growing apostasy in the Anglican Communion and the ACoC and appeared in the 14 April 2010 edition of Christian Renewal.
Just for fun
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
Thought
The Kingdom of God is never at risk!
Please pray...
For Rhonda Glenn, wife of the Rev Ray David Glenn (St George’s Burlington) diagnosed with a brain tumour. Pray also for other spouses of clergy experiencing health problems.
For Archbishop Greg Venables (Southern Cone) as he mourns the passing of his mother and travels to England for the funeral.
For funding of the Anglican Relief & Development Fund Canada’s Kenya Malaria Prevention Project – as well as for funds for Chile earthquake relief.
For ANiC projects, church plants and parishes, especially as they seek to proclaim the Good News to those in their communities who desperately need new life in Christ.
For the Church of the Good Shepherd Richmond as it holds it’s first service May 2.
For our bishops and clergy and their families.
For adequate funding of the legal cases and disputes involving ANiC congregations:
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For the Vancouver-area parishes appealing the earlier court decision and for their legal counsel, Geoff Cowper and Stanley Martin as they prepare the appeal to be hear Sept 13-16. |
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For all the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. Pray for peace for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of risk and responsibility. |
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For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court. |
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That God will be glorified in all court proceedings. |
For the work of the Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) at the ACoC’s General Synod in June and for the pre-synod ACA-sponsored cross-Canada speaking tour of Canon George Kovoor.
For the pending legal decisions involving ACNA dioceses, including the Diocese of Fort Worth.
For Christians facing violence and persecution in the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Bangladesh and other Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu countries.
That our nation would return to God and His moral principles.
And now a word from our sponsor
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:2-23
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