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News shorts – ANiC and AEN
Update on our first synod, November 13-15
Our inaugural synod is just one month away! Delegate registration information was sent this week to ANiC parishes. Information related to obtaining observer status will be available shortly.
Here’s what Archdeacon Charlie Masters has be say about synod:
Any gathering ANiC calls will always try to model the church we are seeking to become. It is our hope that the way we conduct this meeting will reflect a commitment to be a thoroughly Christian organization. We don’t want to just give lip-service to being biblical.
This means that worship, Bible teaching and prayer will be prominent at our Inaugural Synod even though it is our “business meeting.” We also plan to incorporate testimonies of God’s faithfulness over the past year.
Diocese of New Westminster files counterclaim
From the Diocese of New Westminster’s website:
The Diocese of New Westminster has filed its statement of defence in a suit brought in BC Supreme Court by former clergy and trustees at three diocesan parishes where clergy have left the Anglican Church of Canada—but have not left the church properties.
In its statement of defence and counterclaim, the Diocese is now asking the court to declare that the individuals who brought the court action—in particular the former clergy, David Short, Trevor Walters and Simon Chin—are not entitled to possession or control of the church buildings they now occupy, and to grant a permanent injunction to that effect...
In its statement of defense, the Diocese notes that… the term “historic, orthodox Anglican teaching and practice” has no basis in law or in Anglicanism, and that “the Solemn Declaration does not constrain the evolution of doctrine.”
Blogger, the Rev Joseph Walker, points out that the Diocese of Athabasca has taken a very different view of the Solemn Declaration. And our AEC blogger Scott Gilbreath also has some interesting insights.
Diocese of Niagara struggles with the facts
The Diocese of Niagara has posted a news release about the realignment of the parish of St Peter’s. Unfortunately, the diocese seems to have the facts a bit twisted. Misstatements include:
“The Rev Sandy Copland [rector of St Peter’s]…has resigned as rector of the parish.” FACT: She is still the rector although she now holds a licence from Bishop Don and the Anglican Network in Canada.
“The diocese is also aware that there are many members of St Peter’s who did not attend the vote and do not agree with the direction of this parish.” FACT: Of the 46 members eligible to vote, 42 voted in favour of the realignment; only one opposed the motion.
Finally, the diocese seems unable to recall our full name, calling us the “Network in Canada”. For more interesting information on St Peter’s vote, see a parishioner’s comments on the Anglican Essentials blog.
Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans update
If you signed up to receive information from the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (the successor to the GAFCon movement), you would have received an email this week from Archbishop Peter Jensen. The following is a synopsis of his message.
The purpose of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA)
The FA is a joyful and energetic fellowship of people from all around the world with two goals:
| 1. |
The proclamation and defence of the gospel throughout the world, especially in and through Anglican churches. |
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To pray for and encourage the GAFCon Primates Council in their work of keeping in the Anglican family those faithful Anglicans who have been forced to disaffiliate from their original ecclesial structures because of false teaching and practice. |
Organizational structure
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Seven Primates have formed themselves into the Primates' Council with Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria as chairman and Archbishop Greg Venables of the Southern Cone as deputy chairman. |
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They have also created an international Advisory Board to assist them in their deliberations and have appointed Archbishop Peter Jensen of Sydney as secretary and asked him to help constitute an international secretariat to create and sustain the work of FCA. There is no present intention of creating paid positions or an office. |
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It is likely that the FCA will create Networks of people with similar interests and Commissions to work on key areas such as Theology, Mission and Development. Regional groupings are also a possibility as are Conferences and publications. These developments still lie in the future and may be modified according to need and the sense of the GAFCON movement. |
ANiC clergy ordained
On October 12, Bishop Don ordained two clergy in the Vancouver area: the Rev Jim Salladin was ordained to the priesthood at St John’s (Shaughnessy) and the Rev Jakob Valsson to the diaconate at St Matthew’s (Abbotsford).
Another Network member records video of her GAFCon impressions
Dr Barbara Pell is the latest ANiC member to post a video recounting her impressions of GAFCon.
Essentials blog hits one million
Congratulations to Peter, Kate, David and Scott – the intrepid Anglican Essentials blogging team – on reading the big 1,000,000 page views. They are now zeroing in on a 1/4 million unique visitors to the blog. If you haven’t visited the blog recently, check it out!
Upcoming Network events
St. Chad (Toronto West) is holding a community service on October 19 with Bishop Malcolm. All are welcome! Check out this information or call Rev Barbara Richardson, 905-873-8962.
ANiC’s Looking to Jesus cross-Canada gatherings provide an overview of momentous recent developments in the Anglican world and how ANiC is preparing for this exciting future. Please come and bring friends. Check our website for details of times and locations for meetings.
| Oct 24 (Fri) |
Windsor, ON |
Oct 28 (Tues) |
Athabasca, AB |
| Oct 25 (Sat) |
Burlington, ON |
Nov 2 (Sun) |
St John’s, NF |
| Oct 25 (Sat) |
Calgary, AB |
Nov 3 (Mon) |
Halifax, NS |
| Oct 26 (Sun) |
Medicine Hat, AB |
Nov 4 (Tues) |
Moncton, NB |
| Oct 26 (Sun) |
Toronto, ON |
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Would you like ANiC to come to your community?
We will attempt to accommodate invitations to bring the “Looking to Jesus” presentation to additional communities. Please contact Jude to discuss the possibilities – email or call 1-866-351-2642 extension 4015.
News shorts – Canada
Anglican Essentials Federation to hold consultation
The Federation has announced a consultation to be held at Wycliffe College (Toronto) on November 25 – timed to immediately precede the Anglican Communion Institute/Wycliffe conference on Nov 25-27. Their invitation says, “In response to the various changes in Canadian Anglicanism, the Federation, as a movement within the ACoC, is reconstituting itself as an independent body to further its mission “to call the Anglican Church of Canada to embrace and live by its orthodox Christian Heritage under the renewing guidance of the Holy Spirit.” The goals of the event are: Identification of key leadership; Setting of priorities; and Allocation of tasks. The announcement notes that a major National Conference to officially “relaunch” the Federation is anticipated in the Spring of 2009.
“No hasty decisions” in response to Lambeth’s moratorium call
The Diocese of New Westminster’s website reports that, at a public meeting in Vancouver on September 16, Bishop Michael Ingham (New Westminster) said there will be no hasty decisions in response to Lambeth’s call for a moratorium on same sex blessings. Saying the decision could only be made by synod, Bishop Ingham says be will “…ask the Diocesan Synod in May of next year to seriously consider what we should do… The difficult decisions at this point in Canada are far more likely to be with the dioceses of Niagara, Huron, Ottawa and Montreal – all of whom have synods coming up in the next few weeks, all of whom voted as we did several years ago to move forward with the blessing of homosexual unions.” The report says Ingham anticipates other Canadian diocese will proceed with these blessing shortly, saying, “In a year’s time I think we’ll see where the Canadian Church is moving because we’ll see these large dioceses moving to join where we are. And I do not think the communion will come apart over it.”
Abortionist awarded Order of Canada
Ignoring widespread opposition, Abortionist Henry Morgentaler was awarded the Order of Canada on October 10th in Quebec City. Catholic Archbishop of Toronto, the Rev Thomas Collins’ asks for special prayer: “That the scourge of abortion be lifted from our land, that those who promote it may be brought to a change of heart, that all who are tempted to abortion may be lovingly helped to protect the precious gift of life, and that all who have experienced an abortion may be comforted with the healing gift of love."
In the Canadian media
Hamilton Spectator – Oct 7 08 – Let’s share, says church in split: Anglicans seek deal with diocese
Hamilton Spectator – Oct 7 08 – Anglicans not leaving – just joining new network
The Southern Gazette – Oct 7 08 – Anglican Church Primate discusses array of issues…
Hamilton Spectator – Oct 8 08 – The great Anglican divide
VirtueOnline – Oct 8 08 – New Westminster Bishop spins Lambeth… to Canadian Anglicans
OttawaCitizen.com blog – Oct 10 08 – St George’s leaves Ottawa Anglicans for South Americans
Canwest News – Oct 13 08 – Breakaway Anglican congregations in BC go to court…
News shorts – USA and North America
TEC presiding bishop says “worst is over”
The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori has declared that the Episcopal Church (TEC) is past the worst of the crisis, following the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s decision to realign – despite the upcoming votes in the dioceses of Quincy and Fort Worth on the same proposal. She referred to the crisis in Pittsburgh as “Arguing about fine details of theology…” While saying she would go to court to reclaim property, she said “Our job isn't to be vindictive about their departure but to say, 'We bless your journey, we wish you all the best. And if you want to come back, the door's open and we'll keep the porch light on.' "
TEC moves to set up rival diocese in Pittsburgh
TEC’s Presiding Bishop has created a rival standing committee to govern her pretender diocese in Pittsburgh following the original diocese’s decision to realign under the Province of the Southern Cone earlier this month.
Diocese of Fort Worth bishop reports on failure to resolve conflict
Bishop Jack Iker (Fort Worth) has written his diocese reporting the failure of a committee he had established to work out an amicable plan for parishes, clergy and parishioners wishing to remain in the Episcopal Church (TEC) to do so. The committee, comprised of equal numbers of clergy in both “camps”, came up with a plan whereby parishes wishing to remain with TEC (should the diocese vote in November to realign under the Southern Cone) would become associate members of the adjoining diocese, Dallas. The leadership of the Diocese of Dallas was in substantive agreement, until Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori and her Chancellor, David Booth Beers, put an end to it.
Writing to convention delegates, vestries and executive councils, Dean Ryan Reed briefly recounts the reasons for the diocese’s upcoming vote to realign, then encourages them saying, “Regardless of how the vote turns out, on Sunday, November 16th, the day after Convention, we will continue to do what we have always done here. We will continue to teach what we have always taught. Same faith, same rector, same music, same prayer book, same familiar faces that you have come to know and love in the pews around you… if we keep Jesus Christ first and each other next, then all the church politics, all the intimidation and threats of depositions and lawsuits, as stressful and distasteful as they are, pale in comparison to knowing and serving our Lord. There is nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
TEC tries a new tactic in litigation with Virginia churches
After a string of defeats, the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church have taken a different approach in their litigation against Virginia churches now in the Convocation of Anglican in North America. On September 5, they decided to add a church in the diocese as a co-litigant; however, they failed to ask the church vestry until September 22. Although the vestry approved the decision two days later, they in turn failed to notify the congregation until October 5. TEC alleges that this church owns some of the land on which the CANA churches are built.
Bishop Duncan answers tough questions
In an interview with Christianity Today, Bishop Bob Duncan responded to hard-hitting questions with answers like the following:
On valuing church property – “Their property isn't worth their souls' health. While our property is precious and important, if it becomes an overwhelming aim, it's probably good to let go of it.”
On the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s realignment and impending litigation – “First, I hope that the way we go through this will provide a precedent both moral and legal for the way other situations might be settled across the country. Second, I hope that the continued failure of the Episcopal Church in its litigation might help it wake up and cease the litigation. And third, in any place where the property has become an overwhelming issue, it might be better for evangelicals to let go of it. Trust the Lord that he's got the cattle on 10,000 hills. He's able to restore to us what we lost.”
· On his deposition – “The significance of the Episcopal Church deposing me is much greater than what most people would assume in this battle for a province. For the worldwide Anglican Communion to see me deposed has been absolutely sobering, and even moderates are shocked and stunned by it.”
On the Archbishop of Canterbury – “He is redefining his own role by his silence. He redefined the role of the Lambeth Conference. Those redefinitions are necessary in light of the emergence of a global communion. The existing Anglican structures are largely colonial. I acknowledge his authority to exercise his role the way he sees it, actually diminishing his role substantially for the future of the communion.”
On the Anglican Communion – “A post-colonial Anglicanism with a conciliar structure will emerge. The notion that the Archbishop of Canterbury is first among equals is going to fade away.”
On an orthodox North American province – “I do believe that the Common Cause partners will put everything in place that we need to put in place by Christmas. The time has come… We will operate in a way in which the primate of the province is a diocesan bishop, will serve for a term, and may be reelected for a term. Then another will take up that primacy.”
Anglican Awakening event in Akron, Ohio
A cross-jurisdictional Common Cause gathering is taking place in Akron, Ohio, October 21-23. Bishop Don is one of the featured speakers along with Bishop Martyn Minns (CANA), Bishop Frank Lyons (Bolivia), Bishop Bob Duncan (leader of Common Cause), Bishop John Guernsey (Uganda), Bishop Bill Murdoch (Kenya), Bishop Chuck Murphy (AMiA) and others.
Peter Toon considers the new orthodox Anglican province
Speculating about the anticipated orthodox province in North America, the Rev Dr Peter Toon says it will:
1. Be very different from any province previously seen in the Anglican world – based on historical Anglican worship, doctrine and discipline, rather than territorial dioceses.
2. Bringing together this collection of diverse entities into a province will be a work of divine wisdom and providence – “a story of grace to tell to generations to come.”
3. “Need a level of commitment, consecration, cooperation, “holy compromise” and collaboration not known or seen in Western Christianity… before.”
He concludes: “So the BIG question facing those who sincerely pray for, and work towards, a new Province is simple: Are you willing to go ALL the way, whatever the costs to your current position and prestige, in the growing together, and the necessary spiritual pruning which this growth will require, until you find a working model for the new Province—a model that truly embraces all and is wholly faithful to the Anglican Way as we have received it?”
Office of Human Rights sued for failure to protect rights of ex-gays
The Washington DC Office of Human Rights is being sued by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) for not including ex-gays within its purview. Under existing legislation, “The Office of Human Rights maintains that homosexuals, bisexuals, transgenders, and cross-dressers qualify for protection under this Act, but ex-gays do not.” Saying “the ex-gay community is the most bullied and maligned group in America”, PFOX asks, “Shouldn't ex-gays enjoy the same legal protections that gays enjoy?”
In the US media and on the blogs
Religious Intelligence – Oct 9 08 – New York parish quits Episcopal Church
VirtueOnline – Oct 9 08 – Four groups emerge as the future of the Episcopal Church is being weighed in the balance
News shorts – International
Ugandan synod endorses creation of orthodox Anglican province in NA
Meeting at the end of August, the synod of the Church of Uganda overwhelmingly affirmed the Jerusalem Declaration and supported the transition of the Common Cause Partnership into the orthodox Anglican Province in North America – the 39th Province in the Anglican Communion. According to George Conger, the synod also approved in principle, “…making shared doctrine rather than communion with Canterbury, the defining relationship of the church”. In Archbishop Orombi’s words, the Church of Uganda is “…in full communion with all Churches, Dioceses and Provinces of the Anglican Communion throughout the world that receive, hold, and maintain the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the Word of God written and the ultimate rule and standard of faith given by inspiration of God, and containing all things necessary for salvation.”
In his address to synod, Archbishop Orombi condemned the widespread corruption in the country, and “…proposed a five-fold mission programme that would focus on personal regeneration, revitalization of the churches and community, transformation of the nation, and the reform and renewal of the Anglican Communion.”
Iraqi Christians flee for their lives
Thousands of Christians are fleeing a campaign of abductions and murder by extremist Islamic groups in Iraq’s third largest city – Mosul. Fox News reports that: “Iraq's Christian community has been estimated at 3 percent of Iraq's 26 million people, or about 800,000, and has a significant presence in the northern Ninevah province. In Mosul, where Christians have lived for some 1,800 years, a number of centuries-old churches still stand… Islamic extremists have frequently targeted Christians since the invasion, forcing tens of thousands to flee Iraq.”
Congolese church delegates trapped following synod
Following the close of synod on October 5, about 150 delegates were reportedly stranded and unable to return to their homes due to renewed rebel activities in the war-torn country. According to the Episcopal News Service, “The civil war and ethnic strife in the Congo has claimed four million lives since 1994 and is widely recognized as the bloodiest conflict since World War II.” Please pray for peace in this nation – the peace that comes when Christ transforms hearts and lives.
GAFCon Ireland conference (October 1)
On the GAFCon website you can watch Bishop Wallace Benn expound the book of Jude and apply it to our situation in Anglicanism today. A second video is of Bishop Benn speaking about his experience at GAFCon. (Scroll down to near the bottom of the page to see both videos.)
GAFCon Theological Resource Group drafts commentary
38 theologians from across the Anglican Communion met recently in Uganda to draft a commentary on the Jerusalem Declaration, applying it to church life. The commentary is expected to be circulated in several months. This group met prior to the conference in Jerusalem in June to produce the book The Way, the Truth and the Life, which was pre-reading for conference participants and is expected to continue to produce various resources for the ongoing Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans.
Efforts to rebuild diocese underway in Zimbabwe
The Bishop of Harare, Zimbabwe is reported to be trying to rebuild his diocese in the wake of political and ecclesial unrest. Calling it the “Nehemiah Project”, Bishop Sebastian Bakara is organizing fund raising and activities including a mass confirmation of almost 1000 people on October 26.
Church of England parishes looking at alternative oversight
The Rev Rod Thomas, chairman of the Reform network of evangelicals, says 25 or more parishes are already considering alternative episcopal oversight due to fundamental theological disagreements with their bishop. He hopes this need can be met internally by conservative Church of England bishops providing the needed episcopal care for these parishes. See also a blog by Ruth Gledhill, The Times religion reporter and her article in The Times.
New Zealand diocese joins Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans
At its annual synod, the Diocese of Nelson adopted a resolution to commend the Jerusalem Declaration saying, “the Diocese of Nelson upholds the orthodox faith and practice of the Anglican Church as represented in the Jerusalem Declaration and continues to look for ways to be in relationship with those represented at GAFCon.”
Archbishop Jensen (Sydney) discusses GAFCon and evangelism
In his address to the Diocese of Sydney synod, Archbishop Peter Jensen links GAFCon and the evangelistic / church planting thrust upon which the diocese is embarking. The diocese’s goal is to have 10 per cent of those in a parish’s community become active parishioners.
In the international media and on the blogs
Church Times – Oct 10 08 – Pittsburgh diocese votes to secede from the Episcopal Church
Church of England Newspaper – Oct 13 08 – Canadian parishes quit Church
New York Times – Oct 12 08 – Hindu threat to Christians: Convert or flee
Sydney Morning Herald – Oct 14 08 – Mateship doing it tough as cash cult cracks
Soul food
Having fun investing our talents for the Kingdom of God
In his weekly email, Bishop David Anderson (American Anglican Council) recounts a wonderful example of a church inspired to raise funds using their God-given creativity and talents. Christ the King Episcopal Church in Atascocita, Texas (average weekly attendance of 100-120 people) decided to try something creative to engage parishioner in building Christ’s Kingdom.
Bishop Anderson writes: “The Rector and vestry gave a five dollar bill to 100 men, women and children (a total of $500), as seed money to raise funds to help individuals start up businesses in Kenya. Like the servants given two talents or five talents in Jesus' parable, they were challenged to multiply their gifts - for mission… Here's what Liz wrote us:
One lady made and raffled off a beautiful quilt. One tiny girl and her mother made lemonade and set up a lemonade stand in the narthex between the services one Sunday. Our Rector made and sold pies as did one other lady. Three ladies from Liberia gathered a large number of other Liberians from churches in the Houston area. They put on a "Taste of Africa" night with singing, dancing, food, and demonstrations of how to tie the head cloths and skirts. My son and I held a basic computer skills class. One man (from Kenya, by the way) made a CD of an archaeological project currently being pursued in eastern Kenya. One lady made pots and pots full of gumbo and fed everyone. Dozens of other projects kept us interested and, more importantly, spending. We were hoping against hope to raise at least $3,000 to send to [the Bishop and Diocese in Kenya]… That is a tremendous amount of money in Kenya. Well, when all the money was gathered and counted on September 7 and subsequent days, we did not raise the $3,000 we had hoped for. No, we raised over $10,000. Even after the operating fund was reimbursed, we were able to send $9,500 to the bishop."
Evangelism resources
The Diocese of Sydney has created a website with a plethora of evangelism resources to support it “Connect 09” evangelism thrust. These resources include information on how to pray for, prepare for and do evangelism.
Worth reading
The Catholic Education Resource Center has posted an extensive resource with answers for the claims made by advocates of same sex marriage.
Putting the current economic crisis in perspective – Biblical perspective, that is – Rick Phillips says the real crisis is the moral and spiritual decay in our land.
Just for fun
Ducking into confession with a turkey in his arms, Brian said, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I stole this turkey to feed my family. Would you take it and settle my guilt?"
"Certainly not," said the Priest. "As penance, you must return it to the one from whom you stole it."
"I tried," Brian sobbed, "but he refused. Oh, Father, what should I do?"
"If what you say is true, then it is all right for you to keep it for your family."
Thanking the Priest, Brian hurried off.
When confession was over, the Priest returned to his residence. Walking into his kitchen, he discovered…. that his turkey had been stolen!
Food for thought
'Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being.' -- Goethe
Prayer and praise
Pray for Anglicans and other Christians in distress in trouble spots in our world – such as Zimbabwe, Sudan, Congo, India, Iraq and Iran.
Continue to pray for Ceri Hynes as she recovers from surgery.
Pray for the clergy and congregations of St Aidan’s (Windsor), St George’s (Ottawa) and St Peter’s (Hamilton) as they now face pressure from their former diocese following their votes to realign with ANiC.
Pray also for the clergy and people of the Vancouver ANiC parishes forced to seek court protection from the Diocese of New Westminster’s actions.
Please pray for parishes contemplating votes on aligning with ANiC.
Pray for our bishops – Bishop Don and Bishop Malcolm – as they travel extensively ministering to parishes across the country. Pray for health and stamina.
Pray for the newly realigned Diocese of Pittsburgh and its leaders as they navigate the difficult waters ahead. Pray for Bishop Bob Duncan.
And now a word from our sponsor
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
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