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Handle with prayer!
News – ANiC and AEN
Court case involving Vancouver-area parishes enters final week
The first week of the Vancouver court case was devoted to the opening statement and witnesses for the ANiC parishes. The second week was for the opening statement and witnesses for the Diocese of New Westminster. The final week, beginning Monday, June 8, will be devoted to concluding arguments by the lawyers for both sides. Summaries of each day’s proceedings, as well as a wealth of related material, are available on the ANiC website.
The Rev Charles Raven has written an excellent summary, noting the importance of the case. He says: “So what is being revealed in this case is that the Diocese of New Westminster’s defence gives rise to a line of argument which leads inexorably to the conclusion that Anglican Churches do not in principle have any doctrine which cannot be changed, but… it is maintained that the institutional structures of episcopacy which arose to preserve this doctrine are beyond debate… [I]t is clear that what is evolving in New Westminster is a ‘new gospel’… The revisionist aim is not, initially, to exclude orthodox ministry, but to neutralise it through defining the church institutionally. If it can be generally accepted that doctrine is provisional and can be changed by a Church following due process… then the legal ground has been conceded and the defences against false teaching are undermined.”
Media coverage of the court case:
Vancouver Sun – June 2 2009 – It’s all church property – but which church?
Abbotsford News – June 5 2009 – Church lawsuit in court
Announcing: The Church of the Ascension
The ANiC congregation forming in Langley, BC has settled on a new name – Church of the Ascension. During the summer, Sunday services are planned for the fourth Sunday of each month – June 28, July 26 and August 23 – at 11am at Willoughby Recreation Centre, Room #1, 200 St and 80 Ave, Langley. Regular Bible studies are also ongoing. Launch plans for the fall – with the first regular weekly Sunday service slated for September 13 – are coming together. Bishop Ron says, “We give thanks to God for the many people that are showing interest and the many who have enrolled as parishioners. Please pray for the Church of the Ascension, that the Lord will use her to gather many to himself, and to help many find joy in Him, and abundance of life.” For more information you can contact Bishop Ron.
And Emmaus makes it 30
On Sunday June 7, Bishop Donald Harvey officially welcomed ANiC’s newest congregation, now known as Emmaus Church (Montreal, PQ). The former “ANiC Atwater Project” celebrated their first regular service with their priest-in-charge, the Rev Dean Brady, preaching and Bishop Don as celebrant. The Emmaus parish, ANiC’s 30th, numbers about 105 adults and youth plus 25 children – most former parishioners at St Stephen’s (Anglican Church of Canada).
More clergy added to ANiC
Bishop Don has given ANiC licences to three more clergy. The Rev Dr Jamin Hivale-Quibell and the Rev George Quibell are currently parishioners at Good Shepherd (St Catharines, ON) and have been active in prison chaplaincy ministry. The Rev Dean Brady is the priest-in-charge of ANiC’s new Emmaus Church in Montreal. Like the Quibell’s, Rev Brady relinquished his Anglican Church of Canada licence prior to receiving a licence to minister in ANiC.
Clergy position available
St George’s (Ottawa) is looking for an associate minister to oversee and develop the spiritual formation, Christian education requirements of the congregation from nursery through adult programs. The position includes some liturgical and preaching responsibilities. Applicants should be ordained Anglican priests in good standing with at least two years' experience; and members of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) – or willing to become members. For more information see the position posting or email the church office or call St George’s at (613) 235-1636.
Sunday service children’s ministry resource online
The Rev Andrew Hewlett (St Mary’s Open Gate) is developing a resource website for the Sunday service children’s Bible lesson. The short stories and lessons on the website are Biblical, fun, interactive and Christ-centred. Check it out!
ANiC parish gets unexpected endorsement
ANiC registrar, Brian Ellis, points out a Mad Padre blog entry, in which the writer, an Anglican Church of Canada priest and Canadian Forces chaplain comments favourably on his visit to St George’s (Ottawa) on Pentecost Sunday. Titling his entry, An amazing day in church, he writes, “I can only say that the Holy Spirit blew my socks off this morning.”
Calendar of events – for your interest and prayer support
June 10 – Toronto Centre ANiC project meeting
June 21 – St Chad’s (Toronto, ON) – 100th Anniversary celebration service
Aug 31 - Sept 3 – St John’s Shaughnessy (Vancouver) – Youth Leadership Conference
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
Registration for ACNA provincial assembly closes June 10
Space is limited and filling up fast for the inaugural Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America. Already more 700 have registered from across North America. More details of the schedule have been announced including optional seminars and tours specifically for non-delegates, including seminars on the organizational structure of ACNA (co-lead by the Ven Charlie Masters of ANiC), serving the church in missions, and Islam in North America.
ACNA constitution and canons explored
A number of blogs have featured discussions about various aspects of the draft ACNA constitution and canons. In response, Bishop John Rodgers, retired dean of Trinity School for Ministry, offers an evangelical Anglican perspective on these documents. And Bishop Wantland – retired bishop of Eau Claire (Wisconsin) and assisting bishop to Jack Iker, Bishop of Forth Worth – provides an Anglo-Catholic perspective.
Former Bishop of Paraguay excited about ACNA
Bishop John Ellison, retired Bishop of Paraguay, has written about his excitement regarding the formation of a new province in North America. He addresses the need for doctrinal unity trumping institutional unity. In his article, The marks of a true church are seen in ACNA, he says, “My firm conviction is that the ACNA shows the marks of the true church as affirmed by the Nicene and the Niceno Constantinoplan Creeds, that is to say: apostolicity, catholicity, holiness and unity.” He then expands on each of these four marks. See also a videotaped interview with Bishop Ellison.
Anglican Catholic Church acting primate declines invitation to ACNA assembly
In declining Bishop Duncan’s invitation to the upcoming provincial assembly in Bedford, Texas, the Most Reverend Mark Haverland, acting primate of the Anglican Catholic Church, cites differences in first principles, chiefly women’s ordination. You can read his letter of explanation.
Inviting people to The Table in Victoria
The Revs Josh Wilton and Andy Withrow, who are planting an ACNA church plant in Victoria, BC, decided to get to know the neighbours. You can watch their engaging video of interviews with Victorians in which they asked about superhero powers, the nature of God, and how they’d spend a financial windfall. You can see their website for their church plant, which they’ve called The Table. Canadian Christianity posted an article on their ministry as well.
News shorts – Canada
Diocese of Toronto synod using indaba to discuss blessings
Following up on the earlier statement form the Toronto bishops, Bishop Colin Johnson kicked off the diocese’s synod by laying the framework for the ensuing “indaba” discussions - “not leading to a vote but leading to an opportunity to give advice and feedback”. With the bishops having already made their decision to begin blessings, Bishop Johnson said for a one year trial period, a limited number of parishes would be allowed to offer prayers of blessing to same-sex couples and that pastoral guidelines, but not an authorized rite, would be established.
Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI synod defeats motion supporting Biblical marriage
Scott reports on the AEC blog that the recent synod of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI resoundingly defeated a motion upholding the traditional Anglican and Biblical position on marriage. The bishop then stated that this vote simply reflected the desire to not take a stand but continue the “listening process”.
AEN parishioner to lead prayer conference in Stayner, ON, June 19-20
Good Shepherd (Stayner, ON), an Anglican Church of Canada parish, is hosting a prayer conference that promises to be very worthwhile. The conference will be led by Jane Jones, who is the National Prayer Coordinator for Anglican Renewal Ministries (ARM) and a parishioner at AEN parish St Peter’s (Okotoks). Full details are available on the church website.
In the Canadian media
LifeSiteNews – June 2 2009 – Ontario…diocese celebrates homosexual lifestyle with special liturgy
Church of England Newspaper – May 27 2009 – Canada’s gay blessings will be “pastoral’
News shorts – United States
Episcopal Church sending video to all bishops of the Communion
The Episcopal Church has produced a video designed to promote greater acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle within all Anglican Provinces. The producers say that they wanted “to emphasize that homosexuality is "not just a North American or European issue…The voices of LGBT folks from around the world need to be heard.”. The video will be send to all bishops in the Communion.
Roman Catholic priest embroiled in scandal welcomed into Episcopal Church
A high-profile Catholic priest, Fr Alberto Cutié, was not only received into the Diocese of Southeast Florida but immediately allowed to preach. Bishop Bill Godfrey (Peru) wasn’t impressed, calling it “tragic” and suggesting it would “cause problems between the two churches”. He added, "It is very sad that such a talented priest with all that influence… wounded many people who held him as an example." The National Post reports that the Catholic Archbishop of Miami shares Bishop Godfrey’s views, telling his flock, “Father Cutié’s actions have caused grave scandal within the Catholic Church, harmed the Archdiocese of Miami – especially our priests – and led to division within the ecumenical community and the community at large,’
Diocese of New Hampshire to offer same-sex weddings
Now that New Hampshire has legalized same-sex marriages, a clergy member in the Bishop Gene Robinson’s diocese has confirmed that he has given permission for clergy to offer same-sex couples marriage ceremonies.
In US news
Church of England Newspaper – May 29 2009 – Breakaway church leader indicted
Church of England Newspaper – May 27 2009 – Archbishops divided over… recent summit
Christian Post – June 4 2009 – Episcopal theologians study same-sex relationships
Associated Press – June 4 2009 – Gay bishop rejoices in NH’s gay marriage vote
Church of England Newspaper – June 5 2009 – 61 priests deposed for joining Southern Cone
Colorado Springs Gazette – June 3 2009 – ‘Everyone just agreed to walk away’ from…dispute
News shorts – International
Church of Melanesia installs new primate
The Anglican Church of Melanesia – which encompasses Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia – installed the Rt Rev David Vunagi as the new Archbishop.
Church in Sri Lanka appeals for aid
The Bishop of Kurungala describes the desperate and deplorable situation of thousands left wounded or destitute by the civil war in northern Sri Lanka– and appeals for urgent aid. He says, “The injured are now being evacuated to hospitals across the country… to try to share the burden and deliver the necessary emergency treatment… Resources here are now stretched beyond capacity. There are severe shortages of medicines, particularly pain relief and antibiotics, a lack of staff, beds and mosquito nets and not enough food or clean drinking water. The evacuees arriving are in need not only of medical care. They have been forced to leave everything behind, are separated from their families and have no clothing, money or belongings.”
New Catholic Archbishop becoming voice of Christianity in England
Newly appointed Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, is impressing some as the emerging voice of Christianity in that nation. Commenting on a recent speech, a Telegraph report calls it, “Well-argued, passionate, and theological”. It says, “He is at ease with the press, understands the power of the media, understands he needs to get journalists on side and wants to be proactive rather than reactive. It marks a whole new way of doing things in the ecclesiastical world that has so rarely been willing to raise its head above the pulpit… In the Church of England, Rowan Williams's public comments have become less frequent and when he does speak out… he finds himself being shot down. Apart from John Sentamu, the Church will be bereft of anyone willing or able to capture the public imagination, particularly with the imminent departure of Michael Nazir-Ali… The Catholic Church could well find that with [Nichols] as Archbishop of Westminster it will become the main Christian voice in this country.
More questions about the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meeting
The Anglican Communion Institute has posted several analyses of the transcripts of the recent ACC meeting in Jamaica and concludes that the majority of ACC members likely intended to approve the full Covenant and that the critical motion to open a part of the Covenant to further discussion and revision was actually never passed. They say that their analysis raises “significant questions about the way the votes at ACC-14 were interpreted by ACC officials”.
Bishop Nazir-Ali wades into England’s political debates
In an article in the Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali (Rochester) speaks to the political issues of the day from a thoroughly Christian perspective. He identifies the root of the problem and says, “What is needed is moral and spiritual renewal… We need a robust moral framework for our life together. In this country, the Judaeo-Christian tradition has provided the basis for the institutions of state, the laws of the land and the values by which we live. It has also given rise to a sense of mutual obligation which has characterised British society at its best… Once, responsibility, trust, truth-telling and hard work characterised what was best about us… We should reaffirm a Christian basis for society and the need for a common framework for our life together.”
In the international media
Church of England Newspaper – June 5 2009 – Archbishop announces Covenant working group
Soul food
Worth reading
In “Our own worst media enemies”, Professor John Stackhouse scolds Christians, especially clergy for treating journalists shabbily. He says:
Journalists rarely come to us when we think we have a story – although most of them are glad for us to suggest ideas. They come to us when they think they have a story already. And Christmas and Easter are still occasions in Canada for Christian stories to be told.
I don’t understand why pastors who pride themselves on being able to preach well to seekers can’t speak well to journalists. I particularly don’t understand why churches anxious to connect with their communities at Christmas and Easter won’t make it a high priority to connect with the mass media of those communities.
So get ready.
And, please, answer the phone.
The Rev Canon Dr Chris Sugden has written a good overview/summary of the “state of play” in the Communion. He outlines how, while the Communion is coming apart, the orthodox – Evangelical, Charismatic and Anglo-Catholic – are coming together as witnessed by events and developments in the UK, North America and internationally. He says, “Those who hold the levers of power are offering further delay and prolonged discussion… The Archbishop of Canterbury expects…“that the Communion shifts towards an agglomeration of more strongly bonded and less strongly bonded Provinces or constituent parts” in which the less strongly bonded Provinces are still part of the instruments of unity. The GAFCON Provinces will form the heart of the strongly bonded parts. As 80% of the Communion they are already bonded as such in the Primates Council.”
Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, writes that mainline protestant churches will not inevitably fall under the sway of liberalism and cites the failure of liberalism to carry the day in a number of recent denominational conventions.
Two wrongs don’t make a right
The recent murder of a high-profile abortionist – specializing in late-term abortions – has raised the profile of abortion in the media and given opportunity for pro-abortionists to negatively portray the prolife movement. A commentary in LifeSiteNews decries the murder and provides prolife advocates with facts to counter to hysteria. The writer says, “Let's not be bullied or silenced by those who are trying to tar the whole pro-life movement by cynically exploiting the murder of George Tiller. Let's instead reply with facts which add context to the "abortionists are heroes, pro-lifers are violent" narrative that the "mainstream" media seems too willing to parrot.”
Meanwhile, the new dean of Episcopal Divinity School has called the murdered abortionist a “martyr” and a “saint” and added ““He was a deeply spiritual, prayerful man.”
Interesting reading
Andrew Carey, writing, in the Church of England Newspaper expresses his astonishment at the extremist tactics liberals in the Church of England use in an attempt to stamp out the orthodox. He marvels that liberal activists and positions that were considered extremist just a decade ago are now very mainstream. “While views which were absolutely mainstream only a decade ago about marriage and sexuality, are now regarded as homophobic heresies… And impatient with their slow rate of progress in winning the theological argument on human sexuality in the Church of England, liberal Anglicans resort instead to placing facts on the ground, and ultimately imposing change through Parliament and the courts on the Church of England, bypassing Synods and proper theological decision-making.” He concludes: “The loss of significant numbers of evangelicals in the Church of England would lead to the bankruptcy of dioceses and the large-scale closure of churches. The fact is that in pressing for victory, liberals are making an unholy gamble because they are likely to lose it all.”
Robert Gagnon, PhD addresses the illogic of the “hate crimes” legislation recently passed by the US House of Representatives, calling it “an Orwellian thought-crimes bill” and a “a hate-promotion bill” – against those who disagree with unbiblical sexual behaviour.
Colin Campbell, PhD – a St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) parishioner – discusses two extremes of error we can fall into – either discounting Scripture and embracing “new revelation”, or embracing Scripture without evidencing the fruit of the Spirit.
Just for laughs
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
Please pray...
For the legal cases
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For the Vancouver court case – especially the legal team and for Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher. May God grant grace, insight and discernment beyond their own. |
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For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London |
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For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for peace particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. |
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For the judges hearing these cases throughout Canada, but particularly in Hamilton, London and Vancouver – as well as ANiC’s lawyers representing our parishes. |
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For generous contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. |
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For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court. |
For the Anglican Church in North America provincial assembly, June 22-25 – and particularly for ANiC delegates and leaders as they prepare.
For new ANiC congregations, church plants and projects – especially for Emmaus Church (Montreal) and for the Toronto Centre ANiC project meeting (June 10). May they know the Lord's leading and experience His blessing on their congregations.
For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.
That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.
For the unity of orthodox Anglicans in the Communion.
For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation. May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.
For those suffering in Sri Lanka as a result of the civil war and for those ministering to them.
And now a word from our sponsor
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison… And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men…. [I]n the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5: 17-42
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