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ANiC news
ANiC and ACNA events calendar
September 17, 1-6pm – CMJ Canada seminar, Church of Our Lord (Victoria)
September 22, 5:30-8pm – AMMiC information dinner and fundraiser, Good Shepherd (Vancouver)
October 6, 6pm – Alastair Sterne, Mike Chase, Jordan Senner & Geoff Chapman ordained to the transitional diaconate at St John’s Vancouver
October 5, 10am-1pm – ANiC women’s gathering at 2300 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON
October 6, 4pm – Aretta Hagle ordained deacon, Christ The King (Toronto)
October 17-19 – Anglican 4th Day Grand Ultreya (Lewes, Delaware)
October 19 – Good Shepherd Vancouver’s fundraising concert for ministries in Thailand & China
October 21-26 – GAFCon 2 international gathering in Nairobi, Kenya
October 25-26 – Ontario youth retreat hosted by St George’s at Faith Mission (near Campbellville)
October 26, 9am – “Sex and spirituality… talking about it” seminar, New Song, Port Perry, ON
October 31 – November 3 – ANiC Clergy Retreat in New England
October 31- November 1 – ANiC Clergy Retreat, St Peter & St Paul’s (Ottawa, ON)
November 2, 9am – “Sex and spirituality… talking about it” seminar, St Peter & St Paul’s, Ottawa
November 8-9 – “Band of Brothers” men's weekend at Faith Mission (near Campbellville, ON)
November 10 – International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted
November 16 – ANiC’s electronic synod at 1pm eastern time (Please note revised date and time)
January 28-29 – Ontario clergy gathering on the “Craft of Preaching”. Information to come.
March 2014 – ANiC vision/mission trip to partner with Anglican churches in Cuba
April 8-10 – Ontario clergy silent retreat (details to come)
May 20-24 – Anglican 1000 church planting regional conference, Toronto, ON
November 5-7, 2014 – Gathering of ANiC synod at a location to be announced
Regular newsletter schedule resumes
With this edition of the newsletter we resume our usual schedule of one edition every two weeks.
ANiC’s St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON) loses appeal; requests prayer
In a decision dated September 4, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the conclusions of the trial court judge, Justice Little, on both the matter of St Aidan's property and the St Aidan's bequeathment and finance fund. Justice Little had awarded all St Aidan's property to its former diocese, the Diocese of Huron in the Anglican Church of Canada. In addition, the Diocese of Huron was awarded partial costs in the amount of $100,000.
Although St Aidan's had a strong case, based on trust law, the courts accepted the diocese's argument that a parish only exists as an entity within the structures of the diocese and that it is impossible for a "parish" to leave a diocese.
The legal counsel for the ANiC congregation is quoted in the Windsor Star saying, "Does this seem fair? Everything's been taken from them ... And now these people have to pay for the privilege of giving their building away." For more information, see the ANIC website or an article in Anglican Ink.
Montreal ANiC priest, the Rev Alan Cameron, passes away
The Rev Alan Cameron entered into rest late last week in Montreal after a lengthy illness. He was an honorary assistant at St Timothy's Bible Church. Bishop Don Harvey says, “Alan was a faithful priest who touched the lives of many – even from his hospital bed.” Our prayers are with his relatives and many friends in the St Timothy’s church family. The funeral will be October 4 at a location to be announced.
We raised $9359 for Alberta flood relief
Thanks to donor’s generosity, the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) was able to contribute $9359 to help with caring for those most affected by the devastating floods that hit Southern Alberta communities this summer.
Taking a stand for religious freedom in Quebec
A member of Emmaus Anglican Church (Montreal, QC) is taking a public stand against the provincial government’s “Charter of Quebec values” by wearing jewelry. Professor Ian Henderson, writing in The Globe and Mail, says “…a government which claims me as its subject has indicated that it would like to restrict my and my neighbour’s personal use of religious symbols. As a citizen, I cannot allow that. As a researcher and an educator in a free academy I cannot allow that. I do not usually wear jewellery, but this term at least I guess I will have to dust off that old cross, the one that remembers what the State tried to do to Jesus when he proclaimed God’s sovereignty.”
In a subsequent Montreal Gazette article, Ian is pictured wearing a cross. The article begins, “During the last couple of weeks, Ian Henderson has been showing up for work as a McGill University professor and then doing something he has never done before: Putting a cross around his neck. That simple gesture may be symbolic of the defiance that could spread across Quebec university campuses now that the Parti Québécois has outlined its proposal for a Charter of Quebec Values.”
Ian is not alone in his concern about the proposed legislation. Many, including the federal government, have expressed concern.
Please pray for ANiC’s GAFCon delegates
ANiC’s delegation to the second Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCon 2) in Nairobi, Kenya is taking shape. Together with our bishops and their wives, our representatives will include: Deidre Corcoran, Claus Lenk, Caron Pell, Michael Bentley, Canon George Sinclair, the Venerables Ron Corcoran and Darrell Critch, and the Revs Keith Ganzer, David McElrea, Jess Cantelon, Paul Donison, Melvin Tai and Anson Ann. Dean Archie Pell is attending as a representative of AMMiC. Along with these delegates, the Rev Ray David Glenn has been asked to serve on staff. Most delegates are covering their own expenses in representing ANiC at this historic gathering.
Please pray for GAFCon 2 that it would be a blessing throughout the Anglican Communion; also pray for our delegates, that they would be spiritually prepared, make good connections, and enjoy safe travel.
Rev Dawn McDonald featured in Faith Today
The current edition of Faith Today includes an interview with the Rev Dawn McDonald, a frequent ANiC synod speaker (p50).
The freely accessible online version of the publication is packed with interesting ideas, including:
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Lessons learned from the Church’s response to the Alberta floods this past summer and how churches – especially those with buildings – can prepare and why they should plug into their community’s emergency response plans. |
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An idea that’s catching on in Winnipeg: distributing Gideon’s New Testaments with the Halloween candy to all those interested in the gift (p12). |
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And much, much more. |
Parish and regional news
St Matthew’s School of Life and Ministry has posted its Fall 2013-14 calendar of courseson its website. Fall courses include, Catechism 1, Jesus in the Marketplace, Exceptional Couples, and Understanding Anglican Worship. If you live in BC’s Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland check it out!
Victoria area – Those in the Victoria, BC area have the opportunity of gaining new insights into our faith and the Bible by better understanding Jewish traditions. The Rev Aaron Eime of Christ Church Jerusalem to Canada will be speaking at a number of locations in the Victoria this week:
Tuesday, Sept 17, 7pm – Church of Our Lord, 626 Blanchard St, Victoria [Note new time]
Thursday, Sept 19, 7pm – Gateway Baptist Church, 898 Royal Oak Ave, Victoria
Friday & Saturday, Sept 20 & 21, 6pm both days – 550 Obed St, Victoria – Celebration of Sukkot with a “pot bless”
Sunday, Sept 22, 10am – Providence Community Church, 1442 Monterey Ave, Victoria
For more information, see CMJ Canada website or call the Rev Sharon Hayton, at 250 478-3460.
Good Shepherd (Vancouver, BC) is holding another of its highly successful fundraising concerts on October 19 at 7:30pm at the church. Called “From Thy Bounty”, the concert will feature performances by the Vancouver Oratorio Society, Emmanuel Children’s Chorus and the Stradivari Ensemble. Free admission tickets can be requested on the church website. The goal is to raise $20,000, via a free will offering, for two projects: relief and development work among the Karen refugees at the Thai-Burma border; and care of disabled children in an orphanage in China. Good Shepherd has an ongoing commitment to both projects, including sending mission teams. More information will be available soon.
Church of the Epiphany (Hamilton, ON) is seeking a keyboard musician (paid position) as well as volunteer vocalists from the wider community to join in creating a traditional choir. It is hoped that the choir will become more than just a Sunday experience.
Regional Woman’s luncheon, October 5
ANiC’s first regional women’s luncheon will be held in Scarborough on Saturday, October 5 from 10am to 1pm. Brenda Leroux will speak on the theme of relationships; Judy Masters will bring greetings. Cost is $22 and includes lunch. Register by September 22 through your local ANiC parish contact person. The meeting/lunch will be held at Flipper’s Fish House, White Shield Plaza, 2300 Lawrence Ave at Kennedy Rd.
Ontario Youth Retreat – St George’s Burlington is hosting a retreat for youth and youth leaders, October 25-26, at Faith Mission, near Campbellville (Hwy 401 and Guelph Line). For costs and registration information, please see the St George’s website.
Ontario regional men's weekend - The "Band of Brothers" men's weekend will be held November 8-9 at Faith Mission, 10463 Second Line, Milton (near Hwy 401 and Guelph Line). More information will be available soon.
Ontario clergy gathering – Clergy are invited to reserve January 28-29 for a clergy event with guest speaker Peter Moore, former principal of Trinity School of Ministry in Ambridge PA. The topic will be “The Craft of Preaching”. Details are still being worked out, but plan on the event running from 10am Tuesday through 3pm Wednesday. Watch for more information.
Ontario clergy silent retreat – A clergy silent retreat led by Bishop Don Harvey is planned for April 8-10 at Valley of the Mother of God Coptic Retreat Centre, 953376 – 7th Line, Mono (near Orangeville) ON. This will be a classic “silent” retreat. More information to come.
Be sure to email your parish news to Marilyn Jacobson.
Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) news
ACNA bishops with overlapping jurisdictions meet
The ACNA website reports that “The challenge of overlapping geographic dioceses was addressed by the Governance Task Force of the Anglican Church in North America at its Provincial Council in June of this year… the task force expressed the conviction that “geographic density will follow relational density,” and encouraged its bishops to take the first steps toward greater unity.” As a result, Archbishop Bob Duncan and seven Anglican bishops – all with jurisdictions in South Carolina, including some who are not in the ACNA – “…came together for a day of open conversation and prayer.” These meetings are planned to continue with Bishop Mark Lawrence serving as convener.
ACNA Diocese of Quincy wins big in court
A trial court has ruled decidedly in favour of the ACNA Diocese of Quincy (in Illinois) in its property dispute with the Episcopal Church. Lawyer Alan Haley who was on the team representing the ACNA diocese provides a detailed analysis of the judgment and its importance for other existing and potential future cases:
Just how important is the ruling handed down yesterday in the Diocese of Quincy litigation? As a precedent binding on other courts—both in Illinois and other states—it is of little significance, because it is the opinion of a trial court, and therefore binding only on the parties to it.
But as a roadmap for other judges—both trial and appellate judges—the decision is of enormous importance. The reason is that most judges have very little time to devote to any one case. (Appellate judges by design have more time, but even they, it has been estimated, spend at most about four hours, on average, in considering any one case.)
In this instance, Judge Ortbal of the Adams County Circuit Court spent literally hundreds of hours presiding over pretrial proceedings and the trial itself, together with another hundred or more hours going patiently through the mountain of exhibits introduced at trial and the post-trial briefs of the various parties. Indeed, it is probably accurate to say that at this point, the Hon. Thomas J. Ortbal is the most knowledgeable judge in the entire United States on the history and polity of the Episcopal Church (USA).
His 21-page Findings, Opinion and Order reflect that fact…
It would indeed appear that the tide may be turning, and that State court judges now have the tools at hand with which to dispose of ECUSA’s hand-waving and many red herrings offered in the place of substantive court precedents and real evidentiary facts that can affect outcomes.
The recent absorption of the rump diocese into the Diocese of Chicago may present a thorny question for any planned appeal of Judge Ortbal’s decision.
You can also hear Mr Haley interviewed on AnglicanTV here, read the news release for the ACNA diocese here, and learn more background thanks to Anglican Ink.
Texas Supreme Court may allow a rehearing of the Fort Worth case
The ACNA Diocese of Fort Worth reports that the Texas Supreme Court “…has granted a TEC [US Episcopal Church] request for an extension of 30 days of time to file a motion to rehear the case decided against them on August 30th.”
Call to prayer for victims of September 16th Navy Yard shooting
The Rt Rev Derek Jones, ACNA Bishop of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy, writes: “No one is immune to the emotions of sorrow, anger, and fear when hearing of the horrific events that have taken place at the Navy Yard today. As the sanctity of life continues to be diminished in our nation,
may our thoughts and prayers be not just for the victims and their families, but for this entire nation.”
Anglican Communion
Diocese of Sydney (Australia)
The new Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies discusses the issue of “lay presidency” which has been controversial. He explained that the diocese position is that a deacon or a layperson may administer the Eucharist under the authority of a presbyter. He also explained that a landmark decision by the highest ecclesiastical court in the Australian national church ruled that this was consistent with Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles – however a General Synod canon is needed to allow diaconal or lay administration of the Eucharist.
International news in brief
Canada
The Anglican Church of Canada website announces that it has added a promise to safeguard creation “…to the baptismal covenant in the Book of Alternative Services (BAS) as the ninth question of the "covenant inquiry”.”
The Anglican Samizdat reports that the Diocese of Niagara has sold St Hilda’s Church building in Oakville, ON to the Halton Region which intends to use the property to build a paramedic station. Similarly, the Diocese of New Westminster is considering moving administrative offices into part of the St John’s Shaughnessy building complex. This would help offset the $20,000 per month costs associated with church buildings – costs far beyond the means and needs of the tiny remnant congregation.
United States
The Anglican Communion Institute’s Mark McCall, a lawyer, has posted an affidavit he prepared which was submitted to the South Carolina federal court by the Diocese of South Carolina, led by Bishop Mark Lawrence, in its dispute with the US Episcopal Church. The affidavit contains a detailed analysis of the legal structure and history of TEC which demonstrates the “numerous errors, misrepresentations” and misunderstandings contained in the “profoundly mistaken” testimony of TEC main witness in all its cases with departing dioceses and parishes.
New Zealand
A motion to allow same-sex marriages in the Diocese of Auckland (New Zealand) fell just short of the required two-thirds majority at the recent diocesan synod.
Wales
The Anglican Communion News Service reports that the Church of Waleshas voted to allow women to serve as bishops as soon as next year. Provision for those who in conscience cannot accept the ministry of women bishops will be limited to a “code of practice”...
Syria
Reports out of Syria are that factions of the rebel forces have used the unrest to attack Christians. CTV news reports “The battle over Maaloula, an ancient [predominantly Christian] village that is home to two of the oldest surviving monasteries in Syria, has thrown a spotlight on the deep-seated fears that many of Syria's religious minorities harbor about the growing role of Islamic extremists on the rebel side in the civil war against President Bashar Assad's regime… [R]esidents of Maaloula reached by telephone described fierce battles in the streets that forced them and other locals to flee as opposition fighters flooded the village… [O]ne of the churches, called Demyanos, had been torched and… gunmen stormed into two other churches and robbed them… A third resident reached by phone said he saw militants forcing some Christian residents to convert to Islam. "I saw the militants grabbing five villagers Wednesday and threatening them: `Either you convert to Islam or you will be beheaded,'" he said… The village was a major tourist attraction before the civil war. Some of its residents still speak a version of Aramaic, the language of biblical times believed to have been used by Jesus.”
A CTV new map visually depicts the massive refugee crisis and the countries to which refugees – many of whom are Christians – a have fled. And an excellent Telegraph article provides deeper insight into the conflict.
Our Primate, in a message posted on the ACNA website, calls us to pray:
“As the threat to the vulnerable Christian minorities continues across Syria, the Most Rev Robert Duncan is calling the Anglican Church in North America to pray for the Syrian Church.
“Syria’s destructive civil war has now been raging for more than two years, and millions of helpless Christians are innocently caught in the conflict, having already suffered significant pressure and persecution, some of which has been intentional at the hands of Islamic radicals…. Many thousands of Christians have been displaced by threats and violence, as mainly Christian areas have been invaded or attacked. Many Syrian Christian leaders are concerned that the Church in their country may be wiped out altogether, despite its long history.
“Two bishops of the Syrian Orthodox Church have been abducted and remain unaccounted for.
“I am calling the Anglican Church in North America to pray for protection for the Syrian Church, relief for those who are suffering and wisdom for the international community as they consider how to respond.”
King Abdullah of Jordan recently convened a conference focused on the dangers facing Arab Christians in the Middle East. You can read the address given to the conference by Geoff Tunnicliffe of the World Evangelical Alliance, in which he said in part, “In the past twenty years Arab Christians have been killed, raped, abducted and tortured by terrorists. Their children have also been killed, raped, abducted and tortured. Their suffering, grief and despair are an affront to humanity. Their suffering, grief and despair are an affront to God.”
Egypt
Sat7, which provides Christian satellite television programming through the Middle East, posted a statement which provides a detailed counter to western media portrayals of the situation in Egypt. It says in part:
“Many of us involved in Christian ministry in Egypt are appalled at the misunderstandings about the situation in Egypt being propagated by even normally balanced international media like the BBC, and the way it has, in general, portrayed the Muslim Brotherhood as the victims of injustice…
“By the 30th June 2013, on the first anniversary of [President] Morsi’s election to office, the Egyptian people had had enough! Perhaps as many as 30 million people came out to demonstrate against Morsi continuing in office – this included many who had voted for Morsi a year before… by (very) popular demand and with due notice, the army did step in and remove the former President – to the absolute delight and relief of MOST Egyptians!
“In the past 6 weeks the Muslim Brotherhood has occupied a number of public spaces… these Muslim Brotherhood occupations were dominated by calls for violence against the army, the police, the liberals and, specifically, the Coptic Christians in Egypt – all resulting in the violence witnessed on 14th August, when police stations, hospitals, private and public property were destroyed. Many Christian churches (at least 40 so far), homes and businesses were also attacked, as well as a monastery, three religious societies, three key bookshops belonging to the Bible Society in Egypt, three Christian schools and an orphanage…”
International Christian Concern reports that there has been a rash of kidnapping of Christians in Egypt – some as young as 6 years old. Many of the kidnap victims are tortured and killed, even if the ransom is paid.
VirtueOnline reports that “Muslims… are demanding [Egyptian] Christians pay them "jizya," a kind of tax that Islamic law requires religious minorities to pay Muslims”. Some have been killed for failing to pay this exorbitant "protection" money.
Eritrea
30 Christians were arrested as they gathered for evening prayer in a church in the capital city, Asmara. They are reportedly faced with the option of recanting their faith or facing imprisonment. Eritrea is considered one of the worst persecutors of Christians in the world and the prisons are among the most inhumane.
Nigeria
Anglican Ink reports that the second most senior leader in the Anglican Church of Nigeria Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Niger Delta) was kidnapped on the evening of September 6. A subsequent report indicated that he was released unharmed on the evening of September 14. Kidnapping for ransom has become all too common in southern Nigeria, however ransom demands have not yet been received and the Church has stated that it would not pay a ransom.
Christian Today reports that, once again, armed Muslim terrorists have killed seven members of one Roman Catholic family as well as two other Christians in the same village in northern Nigeria. More were wounded. Just days earlier, International Christian Concern reports, five Christians were forced off an ambushed minibus after they confessed their faith and were executed by Islamic militants.
The Daily Times of Nigeria offers a detailed account of the confirmation of 54 prison inmates by the local Anglican bishop.
Africa
The Anglican Communion News Service reports that Anglican bishops in South Sudan, Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are working together, and with other denominational leaders, to end the terrorism perpetrated by the Lord’s Resistance Army. They lobbied in Washington, DC a year ago and go to Brussels this fall to lobby the European Union. At the local level, they are working on spiritual counseling and healing programs for those traumatized by the atrocities.
Resources
International day of prayer for the persecuted church
The 2013 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 10; the theme is “Present sufferings, future glory”. A website is now available which offers resources for churches and groups to prepare for their prayer event. The website states: “…more than 200 million are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. Each year, Christians in more than 130 countries stand in prayer with our persecuted sisters and brothers through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Join with us as Christians across Canada unite for our brothers and sisters who suffer because they declare their faith in Christ.”
Ministry resources
Evangelism – The current (free) edition of the 9Marks journal is devoted to evangelism: creating a culture of evangelism, obstacles to evangelism, and tools to aid evangelism.
Preaching matters – St Helen’s Bishopsgate offers “…a monthly video series designed to equip, encourage and inspire those who teach God's word. Each month we sit down with preachers and ask what they have recently been thinking about and preaching on.” You can see the videos here.
Preaching with authority – Dr Albert Mohler expands on his thesis that “Authentic expository preaching is marked by three distinct characteristics: authority, reverence, and centrality.”
Preparing the church for an economic crash – Using the Kenyan parish model, Bishop Bill Atwood challenges us: “In your setting and situation, you might think about how the church should re-engage ministry in the face of circumstances where there is not only change but there will likely be an economic downturn that is far worse than the latest recession.”
An alternative to the Boy Scouts – One News Now reports that “a new Christ-centered organization for boys” has been launched. Trail Life USA will “provide a faith-based program for those who have become disenchanted with the Boy Scouts of America”.
Resources for Christian living
How to criticize your pastor – A pastor offers 10 questions to ask that will help you formulate the right words and say them in the right way.
Using Facebook well – Julia Sterne of St Peter’s Fireside in Vancouver and a new mother defends Facebook and expresses high hopes that this online forum can be used, “as Paul used the pen and paper to build up the church.” She also challenges us to post what is “edifying and true and loving”.
39 Articles – Canon Phil Ashey – citing Dr J I Packer – provides a very brief overview of how the 39 Articles help us today.
Soul food
Just for laughs
Have you ever felt guilty for falling asleep while praying? See a cartoonist’s redemptive version.
Thoughts
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. ~ Phillips Brooks
If we choose a false way of worship we shall, ere long, choose to worship a false God. ~ CH Spurgeon
And now a Word from our Sponsor
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2: 15-17
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