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GAFCon Primates issue Communique
The GAFCon Primates Council issued a clear, succinct communiqué following their 20-22 August meeting. The communiqué indicates that the operational structure necessary to sustain the GAFCon movement is taking shape, with a permanent secretariat being established in Sydney. They list three key facts that have shaped their response, saying:
“We maintain that three new facts of the Anglican Communion must be faced. We are past the time when they can be reversed. First, some Anglicans have sanctified sinful practices and will continue to do so whatever others may think. Second, churches and even dioceses affected by this disobedience have rightly withdrawn fellowship while wishing to remain authentic Anglicans. So-called ‘border-crossing’ is another way of describing the provision of recognition and care for those who have been faithful to the teachings of Holy Scripture. Third, there is widespread impaired and broken sacramental communion amongst Anglicans with far-reaching global implications. The hope that we may somehow return to the state of affairs before 2003 is an illusion. Any sound strategy must accommodate itself to these facts.”
They add that:
“GAFCON remains a gospel movement. It is far from saying that its membership are the only true Anglicans or the only gospel people in the Anglican Communion. We thank God that this is not the case. But the movement recognises the acute spiritual dangers of a compromised theology and aims to be a resource and inspiration for those who wish to defend and promote the biblical gospel.
“The Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans will function as a means of sharing in this great task. We invite individuals, churches, dioceses, provinces and parachurch organisations who assent to the Jerusalem Declaration to signify their desire to become members of the fellowship via the GAFCON website or written communication with the Secretariat. The Fellowship will develop networks, commissions and publications intended to defend and promote the biblical gospel in ways which support one another.”
About a North American Province they write: “It is expected that priority will be given to the possible formation of a province in North America for the Common Cause Partnership.”
In responding to proposals emerging from Lambeth they say:
“It seems that the facts which we have identified as the new reality have not yet been recognised as such, and we are therefore continually offered the same strategies which mean further delay and unlikely results. Indeed, delay itself seems to be a strategy employed by some in order to resolve the issue through weariness. The Anglican Covenant will take a long time to be widely accepted and may have no particular force when it does. The idea of ‘moratoria’ has never dealt with the underlying problem as is shown by the equivalence of cross-border care and protection with the sexual sins which have caused the problems.
Common Cause bishops write GAFCon Primates
Together with the communiqué, the primates also released a letter they had received from five Common Cause bishops, including Bishop Don, which offered a six-point response to the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) proposals. Among these points was the observation that the concept of the Pastoral Forum was developed without consult with those most affected and the statement these bishops would not consider any arrangement such as envisioned by the Pastoral Forum until litigation is halted and a settlement achieved. The bishops provided some interesting statistics, saying, ”We represent approximately 300 congregations, with more than 450 clergy and an Average Sunday Attendance of 50,000.”
Archbishop Venables comments on the Communique
Commenting to the Living Church, Archbishop Greg indicated that the Windsor Continuation Group proposals “offered nothing that doesn’t already have a proven track record of failure” and could “take the Anglican Communion in the wrong direction”.
Archbishop Greg also expressed concerns about the proposed format for the upcoming Primates meeting called by the Archbishop of Canterbury for early next year. Dr Williams intends for the meeting to incorporate Indaba small-group discussions. Archbishop Greg told Living Church, “I think it is up to the primates to decide how they are going to do things. I don’t think we can be told ahead of time what type of meeting we are going to have or how we are going to talk.” He also indicated the GAFCon Primates will be asking some hard questions at the meeting, such as “…what happened to the pastoral scheme that the primates proposed in their communiqué following the previous meeting of the primates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in February 2007? Is that proposal dead and if so who made that decision?”
News shorts – ANiC
Diocese of New Westminster
ANiC parishes of St Matthew’s (Abbotsford, BC) and St Matthias and St Luke’s (Vancouver) both received letters on August 26 from the Diocese of New Westminster notifying them that Canon 15 had been implemented against them – on July 10! Yes, that’s right; Bishop Ingham signed the documents implementing Canon 15 before Lambeth but with an effective date of August 25. The churches had their bank accounts frozen on August 25 without any prior notice of action being taken against them. This meant that some staff payroll cheques could not be cashed on August 29.
Linda Seale, warden at St Matthews says "Parishioners are saddened by the aggressive stance of the diocese, but continue faithfully to worship God and to do the work of ministry. Sunday services continue as usual under the leadership of the Ven Dr Trevor Walters and Rev Mike Stewart. The trustees of the parish feel it would be irresponsible to turn over property or information unless a court of law relieves them of the duties they were elected to perform. The parish of St Matthews cooperated fully with the diocese in a joint inventory of the church contents as a demonstration of their continuing stewardship of the assets God has given them."
Zenia Cheng from St Matthias and St Luke tells us that, “While it is very disturbing that the diocese would do this to interrupt God’s ministry in our parish and intimidate parishioners, God is meeting us in a marvelous way during this trial. We had a tremendous turn out on Sunday. The hymns were sung with such enthusiasm, it drowned out the organ. And the sermon and readings were precisely what we needed to hear from God: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me;” and “Love must be sincere”. God is good.
See:
• ANiC news release
• St John’s (Shaughnessy) statement
• Diocese’s version of events
• Letters from the diocese to parishioners at St Matthew’s and St Matthias and St Luke’s
ANiC hires key staff member
The Anglican Network in Canada has a new staff member to manage program development – John MacDonald. John has resigned from his current position as chief administrative officer for the city of Niagara Falls effective October 31. In its story on his departure from city hall, the Niagara Falls Review calls John, the “city’s top staffer” and quotes the mayor lavishing praise on him: "He brought to the table wisdom built of solid experience, as well as sound guidance," [Mayor] Salci said. "It is with much regret that we will see John leave his position as CAO."
“I’m thrilled to welcome John to our team,” says the Venerable Charlie Masters. “Not only is he extremely capable, with a wealth of experience but, as a warden at the ANiC parish of Good Shepherd in St Catharines, he is well acquainted with our organization and, most importantly, loves the Lord. I believe John’s gifting is exactly what we need during this time of growth and development.”
John joins ANiC in time for our inaugural synod on November 13-15.
ANiC / AEN cross-Canada “tour” this fall
We are finalizing details for about 20 meetings across the country in September, October and early November. By the end of the week specifics of dates, locations and venues should be posted to the website. Please look for the meeting in your area and do try to come!
GAFCon – up close and personal
More Canadian GAFCon ‘pilgrims’ are posting videos recounting their GAFCon experience and impressions – and additional videos will be posted soon. 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.
Bishop Don goes south, way south
Bishop Don is in Buenos Aires at Archbishop Greg’s invitation for the annual gathering of Southern Cone bishops and leaders. “I’m looking forward to getting to know some of the key people who make up our province, and to worshipping and fellowshipping with them,” said Bishop Don. “I also hope to set up contacts for future exchanges and “twinning” relationships with parishes and dioceses. Then, after the conference, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with our Primate to discuss important matters which may come to our November synod.”
The Venerable Charlie Masters was to have gone as well, but was prevented at the last minute by his mother’s sudden health crisis. [Charlie’s mother passed away this morning – September 2. Please uphold the family in prayer.]
Upcoming events
ANiC South Delta Project (Vancouver area) – On September 6 (Saturday), a communion service and information meeting will be held at Cedar Park Church (Ladner) for all those in the South Delta area interested in the possibility of ultimately forming an ANiC church plant. Archdeacon Rev Dr Trevor Walters will officiate and leaders of the South Delta Project will provide information on ANiC and the project. The South Delta Project will be holding bible studies every Thursday in the Cedar Park Church beginning on September 11. In addition, a communion service will be held the first Sunday of every month. See South Delta’s brochure and event advertisement.
Coaching training for ministry leaders – The Diocese and Pittsburgh and the Titus Institute for Church Planting are holding a training session in Sewickley, Pennsylvania Sept 11-12 which is open to ANiC parishes. Titus Institute Executive Director Tom Herrick says that, church planters have a significantly better success rate in their work when they have a coach to help guide them in the initial phase of development.
St. Chad (Toronto West) is holding a special covenanting service, Call to Holy Living, with Bishop Don on September 14. This is followed by an October 19 community service with Bishop Malcolm. All are welcome! See here for information or call Rev Barbara Richardson, 905-873-8962.
Women’s conference (Vancouver) – St John’s Shaughnessy is hosting a one day LIVEWORD women’s conference, October 18. The conference is designed to edify and strengthen women through solid Bible teaching, encouraging fellowship and great music. With the theme, Songs of the King, the day will focus on discovering the riches in Psalms 22, 23 and 24 which point to our true and eternal King, Jesus. Register by October 14.
News shorts – Canada
In the Canadian media
Canadian Press – August 31 08 – Anglican Church dispute over Bible moves into new territory in Canada
News shorts – USA and North America
Court orders division of endowment for San Joaquin
The Living Church reports that a court in California has ordered “…that endowment assets be divided between the two dioceses of San Joaquin…” The original diocese voted overwhelmingly to realign under the Province of the Southern Cone last fall. In March, the Episcopal Church set up a competing diocese in San Joaquin which then sued for control of the endowments.
In the media - US
Religious Intelligence – August 31 08 – Quincy diocese ‘likely’ to leave Episcopal Church
News shorts – International
More Lambeth
The Archbishop of Canterbury has written a pastoral letter to bishops with his personal reflections on the Lambeth Conference – which he viewed as highly successful. While he recognized the “possibility of further division” and “that some will not be able to agree” to the proposed Covenant, he says “there was a clear sense that some sort of covenant will help our identity and cohesion, although the bishops wish to avoid a legalistic or juridical tone. A strong majority of bishops present agreed that moratoria on same-sex blessings and on cross-provincial interventions were necessary, but they were aware of the conscientious difficulties this posed for some, and there needs to be a greater clarity about the exact expectations and what can be realistically implemented… on the controversial issue of the day regarding human sexuality, there was a very widely-held conviction that premature or unilateral local change was risky and divisive, in spite of the diversity of opinion expressed on specific questions. There was no appetite for revising Resolution 1.10 of Lambeth 1998, though there was also a clear commitment to continue theological and pastoral discussion of the questions involved. In addition to a widespread support for moratoria in the areas already mentioned, there was much support for the idea of a 'Pastoral Forum' as a means of addressing present and future tensions, and as a clearing house for proposals concerning the care of groups at odds with dominant views within their Provinces, so as to avoid the confusing situation of violations of provincial boundaries and competing jurisdictions.”
And more numbers – George Conger has calculated the number of bishops who actually declined the Lambeth invitation at 214. While previous Lambeths have experienced boycotts, Conger says “the 2008 boycott was the most serious challenge to the integrity of the meeting… From Africa’s 324 dioceses, 200 diocesan bishops (61 percent) were identified as having refused Dr. Williams’ invitation.”
Bishop William Love (Albany) reflects on his experience of both Lambeth and GAFCon.
The Rev Dr Leander Harding of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry says:
It is clear from the recent communiqué from GAFCON that the move to establish a North American Province without the express approval of Canterbury is unstoppable. It is a tragically missed opportunity that a robust response to the needs of alienated orthodox Anglicans in North America was not negotiated at Lambeth. I think a unified and unifying response could still be made if the Archbishop of Canterbury immediately announces a chair for the pastoral forum who is a figure credible in Global South and GAFCON quarters. Drexel Gomez and Mouneer Anis are two names that come immediately to mind. The non-negotiable needs to be that any interim arrangement of alternate primatial oversight is acceptable to the parties seeking relief. The window of opportunity for a Canterbury sponsored solution is nearly closed.
Province of Singapore clearly states stand on sexuality
You can’t be much clearer that Archbishop John Chew’s statement in his recent pastoral response to a newspaper article: “The Diocese of Singapore, in its teaching on biblical faith and order, is firmly committed to this orthodox position on sexual ethics… We believe and hold that the Bible is clear and authoritative in bearing witness to God’s will regarding human sexuality; namely that sexual relations are to be expressed only within the life-long union of a man and a woman in holy matrimony. All forms of sexual promiscuity, including homosexual practices, between men or women, as well as heterosexual relationships outside marriage are incompatible with the divine vision and design of human life. The Bible describes them as sinful practices that are contrary to God’s good purposes. They dehumanise God’s image in humanity and need to be repented of. At the same time, we hold that there is divine grace of forgiveness, healing and transformation for all who repent of homosexual or other illicit forms of sexual practice. We do not condone inhuman and unsocial acts against homosexuals nor do we discriminate against them. Rather, we extend to them God’s love, compassionate ministry and true freedom through Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Victoria Matthews consecrated in New Zealand
The former Bishop of Edmonton, Victoria Matthews, was consecrate Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand recently.
Muslims target Anglicans in Tanzania
There are media reports that, “On Aug 17, fighting broke out in the small town of Nguruka in the diocese of Western Tanganyika near Lake Victoria after Muslim evangelists accused an Anglican evangelist of blaspheming Islam… While Tanzanian Islam has traditionally been tolerant, in recent years Wahabist influenced preachers have sought to radicalize Islam in East Africa and have gained a foothold in Zanzibar.”
Hindu’s attack Christians in Orissa (India)
Numerous reports out of India tell of nuns being raped and burned to death, orphanages torched, homes destroyed and Christians fleeing into the jungle to hide. The Church Times reports that more that 15 people have been killed and there appears to be a complete collapse of governance in Orissa. Concerned Christians are asked to write the PM of India and others – and pray!
Sexual orientation myths addressed
Peter Tatchell, a UK homosexual activist who was front and centre during Lambeth, does not believe people are “born gay”. In a June 2008 article titled “Homosexuality: It isn’t natural”, Tatchell says sexual orientation isn’t genetically determined and to “ignore those researchers who claim to have discovered a ‘gay gene’.” Prominent UK psychiatrist, in a letter to the Church Times, also questions genetic determinism in sexual orientation and says that there is considerable movement on the sexual orientation continuum. “…we are all subject to a range of impulses and desires that come “naturally”… The fact that they are experienced as occurring “naturally” does not negate the need for ethical standards to guide their translation into behaviour. The question surely is not whether our desires are “natural”, but how should we then live?”
Anglican-Mainstream says that,” One of the main original proponents of gay gene theory, Dr Dean Hamer, now concedes that it is unlikely that something as complex as human sexuality can be explained solely in terms of genetic inheritance. He seems to accept that while genetic factors may establish a predisposition towards homosexuality, a predisposition is not the same as a causation.”
Church of England cathedral resorts to wine bars to recruit
The Telegraph reports that Birmingham Cathedral is considering opening “…a chain of city-centre wine bars with “loyalty cards” for regular worshippers to obtain discounts at the cathedral’s shops.
In the international media and blogs
Guardian – August 27 08 – Anglicans: Lambeth exceeded expectations, says Williams
The Telegraph – August 29 08 – …Canterbury’s rescue plan for the Anglican Communion rejected
The Living Church – August 29 08 – GAFCON Primates: Priority will be given to the possible formation of a province in North America
Religious Intelligence – August 30 08 – Bishop warns that Wales is set to appoint a gay bishop
Soul food
Food for thought - new on the ANiC website
A sermon preached by Dr Gordon Arthur at St Timothy’s in Burnaby (ACoC) on Romans 12:2 – “be not conformed to this world but be transformed” – can be accessed on the ANiC website.
Just for laughs
A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"
Prayer and Praise
Persecuted Christians – Pray for Christians in Orissa state in north India and for Christians in Tanzania. Please pray for peace, for protection, and for a powerful witness.
Masters family – Please pray for the Ven Charlie and Judy Masters and family as they grieve Charlie’s mother’s passing and attend to all the details and arrangements.
Vancouver area ANiC parishes – Please pray for wisdom for their leaders and a focus on the ultimate goal: Our Heavenly Father’s “Well done!”
ANiC membership – Please pray for congregations and groups considering membership in ANiC that they would know the mind of Christ.
Hurricane – Please remember in prayer those whose lives have been turned upside down by the hurricanes in the Caribbean and Gulf Coast.
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
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6: 19-34 ESV
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