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News – ANiC and AEN
Cursillo experience to be continued within ACNA under new name
A group of Cursillo leaders from the Anglican Church in North American have created a new organization, know as Anglican 4thDay, to continue the Cursillo training and traditions. Articles of Incorporation have been approved and signed, board members elected, bylaws adopted, and a first draft of the Anglican 4thDay handbook prepared and reviewed. By early 2010, it will be possible to form Anglican 4thDay branches and become full members of Cursillo through a new secretariat in our own province, ACNA. More details will be available later.
“The name “Anglican 4thDay” was selected as it best symbolizes the Cursillo experience, which begins with small group interactions and leads to a three-day retreat,” says a news release from ACNA. “The emphasis on Piety, Study, and Action provides pilgrims with a pattern to living a meaningful and robust Christian life. The evangelical teaching and experience offered by Cursillo has been formative in the spiritual development of many within ANiC.”
“I am delighted with this welcome news from ACNA of the formation of Anglican 4th Day,” said Bishop Don Harvey. “The exclusionary decision of the existing Canadian Cursillo leadership has caused great distress for many within ANiC.”
Early last spring, Bishop Don heard from a number of people within ANiC – many of whom had been leaders in Cursillo – who were concerned with what appeared to be a new policy from the national Cursillo secretariat. An article in their publication indicated that ANiC members were explicitly excluded from leadership in Cursillo. Bishop Don immediately took the matter up with the national president who confirmed the new policy. Because many Cursillo leaders were concerned, the matter was referred to the ACoC House of Bishops who confirmed the new policy. As it stands, Anglicans who are not part of the Anglican Church of Canada may attend Cursillo but cannot hold leadership positions.
But he doesn’t look a day over 60!
Next Sunday, September 13th, our much loved moderator, Bishop Don, will celebrate his 70th birthday. Bishop-elect Charlie Masters asks us join him in thanking the Lord for Bishop Don, for his wise and godly leadership, and for the health and vitality God has granted him. Also pray for the Lord’s continued blessing on Bishop Don and his dear wife Trudy.
Please continue to pray for visas for Good Shepherd evangelists
The guest speakers at evangelism meetings planned by the Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) have been denied Canadian visas despite two applications. Please pray for Mr & Mrs Fang from China and that their third application for visas will be successful. They should know by the end of this week. The evangelism meetings are scheduled for September 19-20 but will have to be cancelled if the speakers are denied entry into Canada.
New on the website
ANiC is involved with a number of developing congregations. Some are so early in their development that they do not yet qualify for official “church plant” status. However, these “projects” need our encouragement and prayer support – as well as committed members. We’ve now listed these ANiC projects on our website together with the ANiC parishes. There are a number of projects in the Ottawa area, two in Vancouver suburbs, a number in southern Ontario, one in Toronto centre, one in rural Manitoba, and one in north-western Ontario. Please pray for these forming congregations. And, if you know people in those communities, let them know about the ANiC congregation forming in their area.
ANiC and St Aidan’s (Windsor) member, Phil Rutledge has been busy writing inspirational articles for his local newspaper. We’ve posted these on the ANiC website for your encouragement.
ANiC conference, synod and consecration advertising
A poster and bulletin inserts have been created for parishes wishing to promote this event to their parishioners. Both the poster pdf and bulletin insert pdf are on our website.
St George’s (Lowville) youth work with St Bede’s (Kinosota) in community ministry
Nine youth and four adults from St George’s (Lowville) invested a week of their summer holiday ministering in Kinosota and Amaranth – two communities on the north-west shore of Lake Manitoba. In the mornings, half the team went with the Rev Jona Weitzel to conduct Vacation Bible School (VBS) for 25-30 children in Amaranth, while the remaining youth conducted VBS for another 25-30 children at St Bede’s (Kinosota) – the Rev Weitzel’s church. In the afternoons, the team gathered in Amaranth – which is a 30+ minute drive from Kinosota – to paint community buildings, including the fire hall and Gospel Mission. All agreed it was a fantastic week of mutual encouragement and blessing. The Rev Garth Hunt, who stepped in to lead the team, said he never heard one word of complaint from the youth despite the hard work and early mornings. He adds, “If kidnapping weren’t illegal we’d have come home with a whole lot more kids than we went with!” Some photos are posted to the ANiC website .
St John’s Shaughnessy youth ministers to address Lutheran convention
Ken and Julie Moser are the featured speakers at the convention of the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations – an association of congregations that are no longer affiliated with the increasingly liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The November 6-8 convention in West Kelowna, BC will have the theme: “Passing on our faith to our children and youth”.
Happy 1st birthday, St Aidan’s!
On Sunday September 27th, St Aidan's, Windsor is celebrating the anniversary of the congregation’s decision to join ANiC. Bishop Donald Harvey will be the guest preacher and celebrant at the 11am service, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.
St Chad’s has a cuppa with the neighbours
Freshly brewed coffee and tasty home baking served on the church lawn – these were the Sunday morning treats awaiting folks passing by St Chad’s (Toronto) on several Sundays this summer. It was one expression of the ministry of hospitality that God has given to the people of St Chad’s as they reach out to their community and resulted in many good conversations with neighbours – some of whom they’d not met before.
Leadership training for Manitoba parishioners
The Venerable Paul Crossland is offering training for parish leaders for ANiC’s Manitoba parishes using materials provided by Anglican Renewal Ministries (ARM) – as organization Paul served for many years as National Director of Leadership Training. The objective is to learn models of parish leadership that equip participants to serve Christ and his Church more effectively. The training is offered in Brandon September 18-19 and in Dauphin September 25-26.
Calendar of events – for your interest and prayer support
Sept 9 – Toronto Centre project regular bi-weekly meeting
Sept 12 – Vision party for ACNA church plant in Victoria called The Table
Sept 27 – Church of the Ascension (Langley) begins weekly services
Sept 27 – St Aidan’s Windsor celebrates 1st anniversary as an ANiC parish
Sept 19-20 – Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) Cantonese evangelistic rally
Sept 19 – Ignite the Light Conference (Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc.) – Richmond Hill, ON
Oct 3 – Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) celebrates 120th anniversary
Oct 14 – Victoria, BC – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection event
Oct 17 – St Luke’s (Pembroke) open house to celebrate and dedicate new building
Nov 11-13 – ANiC synod and conference, St Catharines, ON
Nov 13 – Consecration of three ANiC bishops, St Catharines, ON
Unexpected praise from the Diocese of Niagara
An article written by Michael Burslem and published in the September 2009 Niagara Anglican newspaper commends Charlie for his gracious treatment of those who oppose him. Burslem, who was a parishioner when Charlie was rector at St George’s (Lowville), elected to remain in the Anglican Church of Canada when the congregation voted overwhelmingly to realign and by his own admission was a thorn in Charlie’s side. He writes:
“Now that the Anglican Church of North America is a fact on the ground it may be an appropriate time to access what, or whom, we have lost, and what led to the schism between them and us. The one person whom I miss the most in our diocese is my former pastor and friend, Charlie Masters… I may fault Charlie for putting the Holy Bible on a higher pedestal than the Holy Spirit, but I can never say enough about his love for people, literally everybody, and his genuine humility. He's a totally unpretentious guy, even though he is now a Venerable. He wears that title lightly. He's still the same old Charlie.
“Sadly, such humility and unpretentiousness is a rare find in our church. Those who say that any who disagree with them have parked their minds outside the church door, reveal a hubris all too common… I believe that such a lack of humility before God, both in our leaders and in the pews, has led to this schism, which I find so pathetically sad, since I bear some responsibility for it.”
ANiC in the news
Abbotsford Times – August 28 2009 – Abbotsford Anglicans join Church of England province
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
ANiC to host provincial council meeting
Toronto has been selected as the location of the next ACNA provincial council meeting, December 10-12. The provincial council is the governing body of ACNA.
Bishop Iker (Fort Worth) calls for pray and fast
In preparation for a court appearance on September 9, Bishop Jack Iker is asking everyone in the Diocese of Fort Worth to pray and fast, asking God both for a just ruling and that those acting on behalf of the diocese would honour the Lord in all they do. In particular he asks prayer for diocesan attorney Shelby Sharpe and Judge Chupp.
New bishop elected for ACNA diocese
The Rev Neil Lebhar was elected August 29 to become bishop of ACNA’s Gulf Anglican Diocese – formerly known as the Anglican Diocese of the Southeast. The diocese includes 22 parishes and about 5000 parishioners in North Florida and South Georgia. The Rev Lebhar’s election must be confirmed by the ACNA College of Bishops. Like many ACNA bishops, he will continue as the rector of his parish in Jacksonville.
ACNA clergy retreat focuses on personal holiness
A group of ACNA bishops will be hosting a clergy and spouse retreat on Holiness at Ridgecrest, North Carolina, October 19 -22 (Monday-Thursday). All ACNA clergy and their spouses are invited. Details can be found at www.regonline.com/759010. Archbishop Duncan will be there, and the keynote addresses will be by Bishop Wellington Boone.
Christ Awakening for Mission Worldwide conference
On September 24-26, a Christ Awakening conference will be held in Wheaton, Illinois focusing on church growth and ministry. Archbishop Bob Duncan will be one of the speakers.
ACNA in the news
Christianity Today – August 31 2009 – The accidental Anglican (re. Bishop Todd Hunter of AMiA)
Religious Intelligence – September 4 2009 – American Anglican launch Muslim education drive
News shorts – Canada
Canadian named to Communion positions
The Anglican Church of Canada’s Elaine Scully will serve as the new chair of the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation. She was also appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the working group that is now reviewing the Anglican Covenant – which was derailed in early May due in large part to questionable procedural decisions.
News shorts – United States
Orthodox Episcopal Church (TEC) bishops visit Canterbury
Seven “Communion Partner” TEC bishops – who remain committed to TEC while opposing its unbiblical actions – had a private audience with the Archbishop of Canterbury recently. Their statement, released today, calls for:
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the adoption of the Anglican Covenant |
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all in TEC who endorse the Covenant – including dioceses, parishes, clergy and laypeople – to record their support on the Communion Partners website |
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supportive dioceses and congregations to form relationships |
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TEC bishops to call on Communion Partner bishops to provide “delegated episcopal pastoral oversight” |
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relationships between Communion Partners and primates, bishops, provinces and dioceses in other parts of the Communion |
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public support from Primates for these efforts |
The seven are: Bishops Lawrence (South Carolina), Lillibridge (West Texas), Little (Northern Indiana), Love (Albany),MacPherson (Western Louisiana), Smith (North Dakota) & Stanton (Dallas).
For a thorough exploration of events leading up to this meeting – from a British perspective – see Charles Raven’s article: “Tea or tanks of the Lambeth Palace lawn?” Raven says, “…there are good reasons to think that Mrs Jefferts Schori’s tanks are heading for the Lambeth Palace lawn, supported by willing recruits from the Church of England itself. And this is why Rowan Williams’ two track proposal will not work. It relies upon a willingness to accept mutual co-existence, but it is becoming increasing obvious that there is a fundamental theological flaw… as England itself becomes the battle ground for the future of Anglicanism, spiritual leadership of the Communion must come from elsewhere.”
Is TEC disqualified already from signing the Covenant?
In an extensive essay on the Covenant and the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion Institute argues that, “…in ways not yet properly noted by all, the text endorsed by the Anglican Consultative Council, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Joint Standing Committee in May 2009 has already raised and to a large extent provisionally answered the question “who can adopt this Covenant?”” After making their case at great length, the ACI authors conclude:
An Anglican church cannot simultaneously commit itself through the Anglican Covenant to shared discernment and reject that discernment; to interdependence and then act independently; to accountability and remain determined to be unaccountable. If the battle over homosexuality in The Episcopal Church is truly over, then so is the battle over the Anglican Covenant in The Episcopal Church, at least provisionally. As Christians, we live in hope that The Episcopal Church will at some future General Convention reverse the course to which it has committed itself, but we acknowledge the decisions that already have been taken. These decisions and actions run counter to the shared discernment of the Communion and the recommendations of the Instruments of Communion implementing this discernment. They are, therefore, also incompatible with the express substance, meaning, and committed direction of the first three Sections of the proposed Anglican Covenant. As a consequence, only a formal overturning by The Episcopal Church of these decisions and actions could place the church in a position capable of truly assuming the Covenant’s already articulated commitments. Until such time, The Episcopal Church has rejected the Covenant commitments openly and concretely, and her members and other Anglican churches within the Communion must take this into account. This conclusion is reached not on the basis of animus or prejudice, but on a straightforward and careful reading of the Covenant’s language and its meaning within the history of the Anglican Communion’s well-articulated life.
Presiding Bishop responds to criticism
Stung by the reaction to her opening address at the Episcopal Church convention in Anaheim earlier this summer, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has now “clarified” her assertion that the heresy at the root of the crisis in Anglicanism was confessional Christianity – the belief “that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God." In a statement issued by TEC on August 27 she says, "If salvation is understood only as 'getting right with God' without considering 'getting right with (all) our neighbors,' then we've got a heresy (an unorthodox belief) on our hands… Individualism ... is basically unbiblical and unchristian… Salvation depends on love of God and our relationship with Jesus, and we give evidence of our relationship with God in how we treat our neighbors… Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn by our own works, but neither is salvation assured by words alone."
The Episcopal Church (TEC) involved in 60 court cases
According to the legal authority A S Haley, “the Episcopal Church currently is a party to some sixty lawsuits across the United States.” Haley provides a summary of the status of TEC’s suits against the four dioceses that left to join ACNA. He also says that TEC (previously known as ECUSA) is playing a “high-stakes, winner-take-all-strategy which depends for its success on its ability to prove in court the proposition that a diocese is not free to withdraw from the voluntary unincorporated association which ECUSA has been since its formation at common law in 1789.”
In the news - US
Church of England Newspaper – August 21 2009 – South Carolina splits from TEC leadership
Church of England Newspaper – August 28 2009 – More bishops back Anaheim statement
Baltimore Sun – Sept 4 2009 – Episcopal nuns’ exit widens rift
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Sept 3 2009 – New Episcopal bishop for Pittsburgh nominated
News shorts – International
HIV/AIDS consultation of Anglican archbishops in Kenya hears “fidelity” is key
A gathering of Anglican Church leaders and former heads of state in Nairobi heard the vice-president of Kenya declare that fidelity was the key to stopping the spread of the HIV virus in Africa. The UN projects that HIV cases could double in Africa by 2015. "That means returning to the basics by strict observance of our values as Christians," Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Our suffering world
Southern Sudan – Once again the Archbishop of Sudan has issued an urgent appeal in the wake of rampant violence. On August 29, at least 40 men, women and children were killed in a town in Southern Sudan – including the Ven Joseph Mabior Garang who was shot at the alter of a church during Morning Prayer. Many more were wounded. The attackers were reported to be well armed, trained and organized and dressed in army uniforms. In another attack in mid-August the Lord’s Resistance Army (a terrorist group) killed three people, including a lay reader. The attackers abducted children from an Episcopal church building, looted and vandalized a hospital and forced thousands to flee their homes. These attacks imperil the fragile peace process in Sudan and could be prevented with more international government attention. He says that, if this violence continues, “…there is no hope of conducting free and fair elections in these areas in 2010 and no hope of a fair referendum on Southern secession in 2011.” The archbishop urges us to pressure our government to make peace in the Sudan a priority and to provide humanitarian assistance to the 39,000 displaced and wounded in the two most affected counties. For more on the on the ineffectiveness of the peace process in Sudan, see the Church of England Newspaper article.
Darfur, Sudan – Meanwhile in western Sudan, Roman Catholic bishop is shocked to hear the UN declare that the war is over, despite the ongoing attacks by the Janjaweed militia – which is allied with the Sudanese government – and no peace agreement. The six year war in Darfur – which is the size of France – is said by the UN to have killed 300,000 people and displaced an additional 2.7 million. The report carried in the Anglican Journal claims that “Secular and church-related relief agencies have reported facing increased car-jackings, kidnapping and government restrictions, since the announcement of an international arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in relation to allegations of war crimes in Darfur.”
Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans launches in South Africa
Speaking at the recent launch of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in South Africa, Canon Dr Vinay Samuel asked those attending, “Can you bring the biblical resources of faith to shape the heart of South Africa’s agenda? You will draw on the best of South Africa’s journey of social transformation. But you are called to the prophetic stance of the obedient disciple… The liberals have become… messianic... with the new universal of human rights which is being imposed… and if the Bible teaches anything different, the Bible is either wrong or is corrected… What is needed is obedience to the word, humility in the light of what God wants to teach us. This is what the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans is about. This is the heart of the struggle.”
Archbishop Peter Akinola (Nigeria) wrote those attending the launch:
“…The actions of TEC at its recent General Convention have confirmed our fears that for them, there is no going back. They are intensifying their search for new disciples in Africa, using mammon to buy silence and cheap compromise of the Gospel. They claim to be theologically with us, but are in full alliance with all that we stand against.
“GAFCON and FCA people must continue to stand very firm on the word. We must not waver or succumb to pressures posed by finance and economics. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. We must trust him who has called us. He is faithful and will provide what is needed for his work.
“Our world is full of erroneous teachings and false doctrines. False prophets are in large supply. Neo-paganism wearing the appearance of ‘Christianity’ is becoming very popular in our continent. The only solution the LORD has provided is the WORD, proclaimed with power and conviction- it heals, it restores, it transforms and it saves. To this we are committed.”
International media
Port Elizabeth Herald (South Africa) – Sept 4 2009 – Anglicans opposed to gay clergy, ‘marriage'
Christian Post – Sept 3 2009 – South Africans launch conservative Anglican fellowship
Institute on Religion & Democracy – September 1 2009 – The other Global South
Telegraph – Sept 2 2009 – The Bishop of Rochester farewell interview
Soul food
Questions of morality and God’s design for His creation
What does monogamy mean? – Different things to different people, it seems. In First Things, Joe Walker discusses how monogamy is being redefined in the same-sex debate without an open discussion of what is meant by monogamy. Just as so many other words have been redefined to suit current agendas, monogamy can mean anything from a lifelong exclusive relationship, to serial relationship, to “open” relationships that are “emotionally monogamous” but sexually polyamorous. Walker concludes: “…you’ll find few homosexual activists openly discussing in public their disdain for traditional monogamy. But while they no longer want to talk about it, the issue must be addressed. If monogamy is not considered a necessary component of same-sex marriage, then it will only be a matter of time before the leavening effect of language reduces the importance of monogamy in all marriages.
Is it time to reopen the abortion debate? – Christianity.ca says it is. Legal Counsel for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Faye Sonier challenges us to become educated since it is wide-spread ignorance of the facts that has smothered debate. Faye says, “According to a 2008 survey, 92 per cent of Canadians were found not to know that an abortion could be performed during all nine months of pregnancy” – including partial birth abortions. “A 2008 Environics poll found that a majority of Canadians want some legal protections in place for the unborn child. Nearly six out of ten respondents were in favour of some legal protection while only 33 percent support the status quo – no protection for children until after a live birth. Interestingly, it found that more women (33 percent) than men (24 percent) supported protection from the point of conception.” Canada has “no laws whatsoever regulating this important medical procedure” and is the “only developed country in the world to have no law at all”. Read the entire article and check out the links to educate yourself.
Sexual healing – In an informative interview with David Virtue, David Kyle Foster explores the extent of sexual brokenness in the Church and discusses his ministry to those struggling with every form of sexual sin – including his Pure Passion television program. Having lived in extreme sexual brokenness for years before turning to God for heal, Foster is uniquely qualified to speak to the subject. He says, “"One of my goals has been to teach the body of Christ that the cause for most every major area of sexual sin is fundamentally the same (with only a few minor variations) and that the cure for them all is also essentially the same, which is developing intimacy with God and receiving His power and direction to change."
Sexual brokenness affects the majority of Christians according to the article. Virtue writes: “Out of every 16 people sitting in the front row of your church, there are two struggling with some degree of sexual identity confusion. Four are victims of childhood sexual abuse while four more struggle with some form of sexually immoral and addictive behaviors….”
Worth reading
Prayer and knowing God – In an article on prayer, Andrée Seu refers to “the best book on prayer I have come across” - A Praying Life, by Paul Miller. Miller writes, "When we have a praying life, we become aware of and enter into the story God is weaving in our lives… Prayer is not the center of this book. Getting to know a person, God, is the center… We are actors in his drama, listening for our lines, quieting our hearts so we can hear the voice of the Playwright…If you are going to enter this divine dance we call prayer, you have to surrender your desire to be in control, to figure out how prayer works… I often find that when God doesn't answer a prayer, he wants to expose something in me. Our prayers don't exist in a world of their own… As I watch God's stories unfold, I watch for his little design touches, his poetry."
The Anglican crisis and the dangers of moralism – In a fascinating blog, David Ould provides snippets of a “panel discussion” at a celebratory event in the Diocese of Sydney involving Dr Ashley Null and Archbishop Peter Jensen in which they discuss the crisis in Anglicanism and how we came to this point of crisis. Ould says, “On the question of why we are seeing such a fracture now when previously Anglicans have managed to hold together, Null made the observation that the splits were already occurring in the 19th Century, but then our theological differences were masked by a common agreement on morality. Even the theological liberals, in their Pelagianism, were arguing for the same morality - just a different way of achieving it. But now, that common agreement is gone and so there is nothing that holds us together.”
Ould then juxtaposes this analysis with an article by Dr Albert Mohler, in which Dr Mohler says:
“In our own context, one of the most seductive false gospels is moralism… [T]he basic structure of moralism comes down to this -- the belief that the Gospel can be reduced to improvements in behavior… Moralists can be categorized as both liberal and conservative. In each case, a specific set of moral concerns frames the moral expectation. As a generalization, it is often true that liberals focus on a set of moral expectations related to social ethics while conservatives tend to focus on personal ethics. The essence of moralism is apparent in both -- the belief that we can achieve righteousness by means of proper behavior…
“The danger is that the church will communicate by both direct and indirect means that what God expects of fallen humanity is moral improvement… We sin against Christ and we misrepresent the Gospel when we suggest to sinners that what God demands of them is moral improvement… The only gospel that saves is the Gospel of Christ… We are justified by faith alone, saved by grace alone, and redeemed from our sin by Christ alone. Moralism produces sinners who are (potentially) better behaved. The Gospel of Christ transforms sinners into the adopted sons and daughters of God. Christ transforms sinners into the adopted sons and daughters of God.
Ould concludes: “This is especially important for those of us involved in the current Anglican war (since that is what it now is) - even though the presenting issue is moral behaviour, the answer is the gospel itself. Let's keep holding that out as we fight for the soul of Anglicanism.”
Tolerating false teachers for the sake of unity – StandFirm: “Those who think that unsound ministers ought never to be exposed and held up to notice, and men ought never to be warned against them, would do well to study this passage. No class of character throughout our Lord's ministry seems to call forth such severe denunciation as that of false pastors. The reason is obvious. Other men ruin themselves alone: false pastors ruin their flocks as well as themselves. To flatter all ordained men, and say they never should be called unsound and dangerous guides, is the surest way to injure the Church and offend Christ.”
Just for fun
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
Please pray...
For Canadian visas to be issued for the guest speakers from China scheduled to lead Church of the Good Shepherd’s evangelistic crusade, September 19-20.
For those planning and preparing for ANiC’s November 11-13 synod and conference – and consecration of our three new bishops.
For the many ANiC “projects” across the country building congregations and preparing to launch as church plants.
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 legal cases
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For Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher as he reviews all the written material and considers his decision in the Vancouver court case. May God grant insight and discernment. |
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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 remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd in Southern Ontario. Praise God for the satisfactory settlement of a number of outstanding issues through arbitration. |
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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 increased contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The legal expenses in Ontario are expected to increase substantially as they begin to prepare for trials and the Ontario parishes need much more support. |
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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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For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation. |
For the Anglican Church in North America, Archbishop Bob Duncan and the other 27 dioceses.
For ANiC deacon the Rev Jess Cantelon & family as they minister at Christ Church in Jerusalem.
For Bishop Nazir-Ali as he begins his new mission supporting and training persecuted Christians in Muslim nations.
For the unity of orthodox Anglicans in the Communion.
For suffering Christians in the Sudan experiencing persecution, violence, hunger and dislocation.
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.
And now a word from our sponsor
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man;
from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,
he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.
The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalm 33
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