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News shorts – ANiC
Changes to the newsletter distribution system
We are in the process of changing our distribution systems for Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) communications. If you attend an ANiC church, you likely will start to receive ANiC email communication (newsletters, letters from Bishop Don, prayer calendars, etc) directly from your parish. If you find you are receiving duplicate emails, please simply reply to the email from “ANiC communication” with “Duplicate” in the subject line. Thanks for your patience with us as we iron out all the wrinkles.
ANiC / AEN cross-Canada “tour” planned for fall
We are planning a series of about 20 meetings across the country in September, October and early November. A schedule of planned meetings will be posted to our website shortly. Additional locations will be considered if we are invited. As Bishop Don said in his recent letter,
These meetings will report to ANiC and AEN members and our friends on:
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GAFCon, Lambeth and the Common Cause Partnership – helping make sense of all the ‘moving pieces’ at the global level |
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Developments in ANiC and AEN, including new churches and church plants, national ministries serving our churches, legal considerations and
ANiC’s upcoming synod |
These meetings will also provide opportunity for you to get your questions answered and for Network staff and leaders to hear from you. A schedule of meetings should be available in early September. Looking to Jesus is the theme we have chosen for these meetings. In a world of confusion, disillusionment and hopelessness – Jesus is our Compass, our Guide, our Example and our Companion.
GAFCon – up close and personal
Some Canadian participants are beginning to post videos recounting their GAFCon experience and impressions. Go to the ANiC website to hear these firsthand accounts of what it was like to be in Jerusalem at the historic GAFCon gathering with nearly 1200 Anglicans from around the world.
Thanks to Claus Lenk, a presentation (pdf) about GAFCon is now posted to the ANiC website.
The Rev Keith and Jenny Stodart have prepared a written reflection on their time at GAFCon in St George’s parish newspaper – starting on page 6.
The Church Times quotes Bishop Don
Bishop Don’s recent letter to members somehow caught the attention of the August 15 08 Church Times (a UK publication). In a story focused on various bishop’s reactions to Lambeth, they had this to say about Bishop Don:
Bishop Donald Harvey of the Anglican Network in Canada, now part of the Southern Cone, has termed cross-border intervention as “an administrative matter” not on a par with the other two moratoriums. He was not present at the Conference, but has let it be known: “Archbishop Greg Venables tells us he was not able to partake in the Lord’s Table — the sacrament we often call ‘Communion’ — during his entire time at Lambeth.”
ANiC website additions
We’ve added more links and more documents and resources to the Anglican Network in Canada website – as well as more “quick links” from the home page, under “Stay Informed”.
St. Chad (Toronto West) invites you to two services this fall
On September 14, St Chad’s is holding a special covenanting service, Call to Holy Living, with Bishop Don Harvey. This is followed by an October 19 community service with Bishop Malcolm Harding. All are welcome! See more information or call Rev Barbara Richardson, 905-873-8962.
A parish tells its story
On the Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) website, you’ll find two interesting resources this innovative congregation has produced, including:
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A two part video (available with Cantonese or English subtitles) recounting the story of the parish and its unanimous decision to become an ANiC parish. It is narrated in Cantonese with interviews in English of Bishops Don and Albert Vun and Archbishop Greg in Part II. |
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A pdf document in both Cantonese and English, called Never been on this road before that outlines the crisis in the Anglican Church of Canada (and how the entire Communion) that drove them to join ANiC. |
Manitoba parishes celebrate new rector
Two priests, the Rev Paul Crossland and the Rev Ann Crossland, will be licensed by Bishop Don to begin their new ministry on September 1. They will be serving two ANiC church plants in Manitoba: Church of the Resurrection in Brandon, and Church of the Redeemer in Dauphin. Paul will serve as the full-time rector of the two new church plants while his wife Ann and the Rev Larry Winslow will serve as assistant clergy. An induction service, officiated by Bishop Malcolm and the Venerable Charlie Masters, will be held on September 28, at which time both congregations will gather in Brandon. Bishop Malcolm has ministered in these parishes while they awaited their permanent rector. The Crosslands previously served in the Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of Athabasca.
News shorts – Canada
Diocese of BC to hold Synod in St Mary’s building
The Diocese of BC is holding the second session of its synod on September 19 – 20 in the building from which they banished ANiC’s St Mary’s congregation (Victoria). The diocese won the right to use the facility until the issue of ownership is finally decided by the courts.
News shorts – USA and North America
Court continues to rule against TEC in Virginia law suit
The 11 Virginia Anglican congregations being sued by TEC and the Diocese of Virginia got good news this week when the judge hearing the case issued more rulings in their favour. These rulings dealt with some technical issued raised by the TEC and the Diocese. However, there are still a few issues to be decided at an October trial.
How does TEC fund litigation against fleeing parishes and diocese?
David Virtue says,
A reliable source sent the following report to VOL: “At the Executive Council meeting in NYC, June 2007, there was conversation about taking endowments and trust funds to probate court and getting their expressed purpose changed so that the money could be spent for other 'purposes.' These were primarily trust funds and endowments established more than 60 years ago and were deemed to have '"archaic'" language in their purpose statements. Also, at the February Executive Council meeting, there was discussion about broadening the stated language of trust funds. Those designated for '"missionary'" purposes were originally used for overseas mission. Now, they can be used to reestablish dioceses here in the States. The prime example was $500,000 designated to rebuild San Joaquin, Ft. Worth and Pittsburgh that came from 8 funds designated for '"mission'" purposes. If the trust language does not include the word '"overseas'" mission work that money can be used anywhere.”
San Joaquin – Episcopal bishop threatens clergy
Bishop Jerry Lamb – of the TEC diocese recently-established in San Joaquin as a rival to Bishop John-David Schofield’s diocese which is now under the Province of the Southern Cone – has written follow-up letters to the clergy in the departed diocese demanding they declare their allegiance or face discipline. (See local media coverage.) Speculation is that Bishop Lamb must act prior to the TEC diocese’s October 24 synod (called to coincide with synod of the original San Joaquin diocese) since, If the clergy are not disciplined prior to the synod, they would be canonically eligible to vote in the TEC diocese’s synod.
Fort Worth – rumours and threats
Bishop Jack Iker clearly counters rumors that his diocese is investigating possible union with the Catholic Church. “There is no proposal under consideration, either publicly or privately, for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to become part of the Roman Catholic Church. Our only plan of action remains as it has been for the past year, as affirmed by our Diocesan Convention in November 2007. The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth intends to realign with an orthodox Province as a constituent member of the worldwide Anglican Communion.”
As the Diocese of Fort Worth prepares to vote this fall on realigning under the Province of the Southern Cone, it has responded to threats regarding “fiduciary” relationships by explaining this concept. They say, “While there is no factual or legal justification for making a claim that anyone is in a fiduciary relationship with TEC [the Episcopal Church], that does not guarantee that TEC will refrain from filing a lawsuit… While it is our hope that TEC does not file frivolous lawsuits, we cannot guarantee that it will refrain from such a sad and abusive course of action.”
Important US events to remember in prayer
The Episcopal Church House of Bishops meets September 17-19 in Salt Lake City, at which time there will likely be an attempt to depose Bishop Bob Duncan before his diocese can vote to realign. David Virtue says:
THE next big speed bump for the HOUSE OF BISHOPS is the deposition of the Rt. Rev. Bob Duncan at the HOB meeting in Salt Lake City, Sept 16-19. Mrs. Jefferts Schori is planning on installing her bishop within days after the vote, not giving the 30-day time required for deposition to take effect as per the canons, VOL has learned. "Her" bishop will then run the diocesan convention and attempt to avert the vote to withdraw. But Mrs. Jefferts Schori and David Booth Beers need to read the canons: 1) The canons require that a bishop be inhibited before there is a vote. Duncan has not been inhibited. 2) The canons require abandonment of communion. Duncan has not taken any action. 3) The canons require abandonment to a group not in communion with The Episcopal Church. The Province of the Southern Cone is in communion with TEC and 4) the canons require a majority vote of ALL bishops entitled to vote - not merely a majority of those present.
Diocese of Pittsburgh’s convention at which it will vote on realigning with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone – October 4. On first reading, last year, these constitutional changes were supported by 82 per cent of the clergy and 67 per cent of the laity.
The Diocese of Quincy, under Bishop Keith Ackerman, holds its synod November 7-8 at which it could well make the same move, however no resolutions have been prepared as yet.
The Diocese of Fort Worth, under Bishop Jack Iker, holds its synod November 14-15 at which delegates will decide whether the diocese will remain aligned with the Episcopal Church.
The Living Church reports that the Windsor Continuation Group is “…unlikely to complete its work in time to have any affect on plans by the dioceses of For Worth, Pittsburgh and Quincy to hold second and decisive votes to withdraw from the Episcopal Church this fall.” In fact, “…the group’s work… [will not have] any sort of official status within the Communion until after the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in May 2009…” The Living Church article also says, “It is likely that in 2009, [TEC’s] General Convention will seek to amend its own bylaws… explicitly to prevent such votes from being considered.”
Bishop’s concerns regarding Windsor Continuation Group leaked
A letter from Bishop Bob Duncan (Pittsburg) to Bishop Gary Lillibridge (West Texas) expressing deep concern with the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) process unveiled at and then leaked to liberal activists. In the letter, Bishop Duncan outlined four flaws of the WCG process:
1. An implied moral equivalence between the three moratoria – prohibiting same-sex blessings, consecration of those actively engaging in homosexuality and cross border interventions – “a notion specifically rejected in the original Windsor Report and at Dromantine”.
2. The notion that it is possible to stop processes already set in motion by dioceses departing TEC. “This process cannot be stopped – constitutions require an automatic second vote, and to recommend against passage without guarantees from the other side would be suicidal.”
3. The idea that realigned parishes and diocese would consent to the pastoral forum solution. “[They] will never consent to the “holding tank” whose stated purpose is eventual “reconciliation” with TEC or the Anglican Church of Canada. (It was obvious to all at Lambeth that the majorities in the US and Canada have no intention of reversing direction.)”
4. “The fourth matter is that the legal proceedings brought by TEC and ACC against many of us have been nowhere suspended by these aggressor provinces, with no willingness to mediate or negotiate though we have proposed it repeatedly
Contributors to Covenant-Communion.com (including the Rev Dr Ephraim Radner) responded to Bishop Duncan’s leaked letter with their own “open letter’. They urge the Archbishop of Canterbury to convene emergency meetings before September 30 in an attempt to achieve what years of process has failed to achieve: agreements from the Anglican Church of Canada and the US Episcopal Church to both implement the moratoria suggested by the WCG and stop legal action against fleeing churches.
News shorts – International
GAFCon highlights video complete
A 22-minute video of highlights of the GAFCon gathering and pilgrimage is now posted to AnglicanTV. (Select the GAFCon tab.) It features cameo appearances by several ANiC leaders – including Bishop Malcolm, the Venerable Charlie and Judy Masters, the Rev Keith Stodart, the Rev David Short, Cheryl and Dr Terry Chang, our Primate Archbishop Greg – and likely more.
More fallout from revelation of Dr Williams’ personal views
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s “evolving” position on homosexual behaviour is explored in an August 15 08 Religious Intelligence article – with no definitive conclusion. Meanwhile the recipient of the Archbishop’s 1989/90 letters on the matter explains why she made them public recently. In a letter to The Times, Dr Deborah Pitt says she has written at length to the Bishop of Durham – who initiated an August 9 letter from a number of Church of England bishops protesting The Times earlier publication of these letters. She says, “…suffice it to say that as events moved from GAFCon to Lambeth I became almost sure for various reasons that the liberals knew far more about Dr Williams’s personal views than the traditionalists did and, if so, the balance should be redressed.”
More on Lambeth
George Conger’s summation – In an excellent article for the Church of England Newspaper, George Conger provides a fair and insightful summation of Lambeth.
The 14th Lambeth Conference was a triumph for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, in light of the criteria set forward for success by its organizers, but did not prevent the collapse of the Anglican Communion… The central failure of the conference, however, flowed from the decision not to confront the issues dividing the communion.”
Conger quotes extensively from Archbishop Greg on the issues and the failure of governance:
“The division is over what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a church… Anglicanism has always said we were not a vertical church, but now it would help to have a council of cardinals to help us… You have authority in the local church, authority in the diocese, authority in the province, why not have it in the whole church?”... However, there are “…no ground rules to define the Anglican Church. No ground rules outside the province. Now we have no way of avoiding the division... We talk but nothing is decided. People are frustrated.”
By the numbers – The Living Church provides a fascinating breakdown of Lambeth numbers – both bishops and finances. He says that, “After the Episcopal Church’s 127 bishops, the second largest contingent came from the Church of England, which registered 113: 39 diocesan and 64 suffragan/assistant bishops. Australia registered 39 bishops… Canada 37… Southern Africa 27… North India 22; South India 21; Tanzania 20; the Sudan 17 and New Zealand 14… Approximately 75 ecumenical guests attended Lambeth, acting as full participants…” While details have not been officially released, a total of 617 Anglican bishops were known to have registered, but at least 17 were no-shows, while a handful arrived without registering. About 600 bishops turned up for the official conference photo. Officially, Lambeth spokespeople said that 680 bishops participated.
Another interesting tidbit: “The Anglican Communion comprises 729 dioceses, missionary districts, and ecclesial entities divided into 38 provinces and six extra-provincial jurisdictions.”
An analysis – If you are still puzzled by Lambeth, the American Anglican Council (AAC) has issued a well-organized and comprehensive summary analysis.
Hope from Lambeth – In his article, The last Lambeth Conference?, Bishop John Howe (Central Florida) disagrees with those who say Lambeth accomplished nothing. He says, coming out of Lambeth, “I believe there is more hope for our future than there has been in a very long time.”
Challenging the spin TEC bishops have been putting on Lambeth in the American media, one Alabama priest writes, “…the vast majority (85% or more) of Anglicans consider the American and Canadian branches of Anglicanism apostate having abandoned the faith once delivered….no longer considers the corporation called TEC to be Christian in any biblical or historical sense.”
Blogging bishops - An Anglican Church of Canada story tells about the growing importance of blogging – specifically among bishops attending Lambeth. “This potential for instantaneous Internet communications dramatically shaped Lambeth 2008. Before, during, and after the conference, Lambeth news and opinion could be found all over the Internet…”
Church of England bishops encourage clergy
Fourteen bishops in the Church of England have written a letter to the 1400 clergy who earlier wrote an open letter to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York expressing their concern about the ordination of women to the episcopate. The bishops say, “We share the shock and disappointment you must be feeling following the recent debate and decision of the General Synod on provision for those opposed to the ordination of women to the episcopate in the Church of England… We are not saying, “We are bishops, trust us”, but we are assuring you that we are doing what we can to ensure that the Church of England at the very least honours the solemn assurances of an honoured and permanent place given by undertakings it made in the early 1990s [for those unable for reasons of theological conviction to recognise or accept the ordination of women to the episcopate]…”
Church of England implicated in growth in bogus weddings
The Telegraph reports that “illegal immigrants are exploiting a legal loophole to gain British citizenship by getting married in Church of England ceremonies”. By some reports, bogus CoE weddings have seen a 400 per cent increase. The CoE is said to be implementing new procedures that will safeguard against these sham marriages.
Episcopal Church of the Sudan installs first female dean
The Sudanese Church has installed <http://www.episcopal-life.org/81808_100130_ENG_HTM.htm> The Very Rev Martha Deng Nhial as the first female dean, serving St Matthew’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Renk.
Important Global South event
On September 3-4, the standing committee and primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) will meet in Nairobi.
In the international media and blogs
Jamaica Gleaner – August 9 08 – Purple-shirted flatulence: Schism is better than heresy
Townhall.com – August 12 08 – The collapse of Anglicanism (Interview with George Conger)
New Vision – Aug 13 08 – What is the future of the Anglican Church?
Fulcrum – By Wim Houtman – Out of the fog, a way ahead – an analysis of Lambeth 2008
Fulcrum – By Wim Houtman – The Church is not inclusive (a 2006 interview with Dr Williams)
Religious Intelligence – George Conger – Anglican-Roman dialogue ‘not at an end’
LifeSiteNews.com – Hilary White – Gay Anglican poster boy Gene Robinson complains of bigotry...
Stuff.co.nz – Aug 24 08 – Christchurch bishop: It’s a matter of faith not gender
Anglican-Mainstream – Aug 23 08 – But I as born that way (an interesting response to the ‘genetics’ argument for sexual orientation)
Religious Intelligence – George Conger – Aug 25 08 – Moscow in warning to Anglican Communion
Religious Intelligence –Graham King – Aug 25 08 – Analysis: The future after Lambeth for Anglicans
Anglican-Mainstream – Andrew Carey – A Church under judgement
Soul food
Just for laughs
From: www.reverendfun.com
Prayer and Praise
Praise God for the many copies of Scripture distributed at the Beijing Olympics. Pray that God’s Word will work powerfully in the lives of all who receive copies. Pray for the Christian Church in China – for increased freedom and less persecution and for sound Biblical teaching.
ANiC membership – Please pray for congregations and groups considering membership in ANiC that they would know the mind of Christ.
GAFCon prayer bulletin, September – December 2008 (From Archbishop Kwashi)
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Pray for a Spirit-led, united leadership for the GAFCON Primates Council, that they may remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible, steadfast in promoting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and uncompromising in the pursuit of the truth of the Word of God and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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Pray for the GAFCON Theological Resource Group and the GAFCON Leadership team that they may remain faithful, focused and not distracted. |
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Pray earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit powerfully to bring about renewal, revival and transformation of lives, communities and environments. |
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Pray for a clear focus for the Anglican Church to pursue God's agenda from Scripture, God's authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God's mission in saving sinners and turning them to saints through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray sincerely that all other agendas be lost, and Jesus alone be Lord. |
And now a word from our sponsor
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4: 4-9
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
O descendants of Israel his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.
He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."
When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.
He allowed no man to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."
Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength, ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.
Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
Tremble before him, all the earth!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."
Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD."
1 Chronicles 16: 8 - 36
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