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Handle with prayer!
News shorts – ANiC and AEN
ANiC (ANiC) synod
More photos from synod have been posted to our website and to the AEC blog.
Bishop Don attends Recife synod
At Archbishop Gregory Venables request, ANiC Bishop Donald Harvey will be in Recife attending the diocesan synod later this week. The Diocese of Recife, geographically located in Brazil but ecclesiastically under the protection of the Southern Cone and Archbishop Greg, is facing a legal assault and is in dire need of financial assistance to pay its legal bills.
Spurred on by the Episcopal Church in the US, the liberal Province of Brazil has sued the orthodox Diocese of Recife (formerly in the Province of Brazil and now aligned with the Province of the Southern Cone) attempting to seize key properties. To defend its ministries in the courts, Recife needs $10,000 by December 1. The American Anglican Council has pledged to match one for one funds raised to support their legal defence fund up to $5000 raised. So far $2500 has been raised; so, with the match, half the needed funds have come in. Donations can be made through Anglican Mainstream using PayPal. (Unfortunately, due to Canada Revenue Agency rules, no tax receipts can be issued for donations from Canada to this foreign project.)
When the orthodox bishop of Recife, Robinson Cavalcanti and 32 clergy members were deposed by the Province of Brazil in 2005, 95 per cent of the parishioners in the diocese remained with their bishop. At that time, Archbishop Greg Venables accepted Bishop Cavalcanti as a bishop of the Southern Cone, providing refuge to the bishop, clergy and diocese.
News shorts – Canada
Diocese discontinues Sunday services in vacated building
The Diocese of New Westminster has discontinued Sunday services in the building vacated in 2005 by the congregation of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Pender Harbour, BC. The congregation that left the building became Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church and joined the Rwandan-sponsored Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC), one of the North American Common Cause Partners.
In the Canadian media
The Windsor Star – Nov 25 08 – Same-sex blessing just tip of iceberg (St Aidan’s parishioner letter)
Anglican Journal – Nov 28 08 – Conservative Anglicans determined to stay within church
News shorts – USA and North America
Presiding Bishop tries (again) to inhibit bishop not under her jurisdiction
Once again, Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori has purported to inhibit (suspend) a bishop outside her jurisdiction. However, it appears that, this time, her efforts to inhibit him prior to the Diocese of Fort Worth voting to realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, met with resistance – despite the precedent set by the deposition of Bishop Bob Duncan prior to his diocese voting. Apparently, she initially attempted in late August to have the three senior bishops of the Episcopal Church expedite Bishop Iker’s deposition based on a conspiracy charge. Despite evidence of repeated pressure from the presiding bishop’s office, the three senior bishops only consented to the inhibition following the diocese’s vote. In response to Presiding Bishop Schori’s Nov 21 certificate of inhibition, Bishop Iker said, “Katharine Jefferts Schori has no authority over me or my ministry as a Bishop in the Church of God. She never has, and she never will.” The head of the Diocesan Standing Committee also responded by asking that the presiding bishop “…desist from any further actions in our diocese and that she refrain from any further border crossing.”
Proposed new North American Church generates discussion
The Rev Robert Munday, a priest in the Episcopal Church and President/Dean of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin, has written a well-reasoned point-by-point response to a critique written by Wycliffe College’s Dr Ephraim Radner in which he provides six reasons for opposing the proposed orthodox North American province.
George Conger speculates that it will take years for the new province to be fully formed and recognized. He says that it is highly unlikely the constitutional work necessary to form the new province will be competed in time for consideration by the primates’ meeting, Jan 31 – Feb 5. The four former TEC diocese (Quincy, Fort Worth, Pittsburgh and San Joaquin) would have to endorse the constitution over two meetings of their convention (synod). All the other partners in Common Cause would also have to “ratify the constitution and amend their own governing documents so as to bring its terms into force”.
Conger does reveal, however, that “Meetings have been tentatively scheduled between the Gafcon primates and Archbishop Williams before the primates meeting in Alexandria [Jan 31], to seek his counsel and input into the process. However, Archbishop Williams’ approval is not a prerequisite for creating a new province for the Anglican Communion.”
In a subsequent Church of England Newspaper article, Conger reports that the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for May will not consider a third province for North America. He writes, “Senior Communion sources tell The Church of England Newspaper the “agenda is largely preparing for ACC-14 next year”… No formal discussion of the Gafcon call for a third province in North America has been planned for the gathering, sources report.”
The “liberal” blog, Episcopal Café, has an article entitled “An ‘alternative’ province? Why not?” The author, George Clifford, argues that, “Who – other than Anglicans (and only a minority of us) – cares about the structure of the Anglican Communion? Who else cares if the Episcopal Church is the sole Anglican body in the United States or if other provinces also function in the States? I honestly cannot think of any non-Anglicans who might care. Consequently, I recognized that my fighting about Anglican jurisdictional boundaries is a red herring that distracts me (and the larger Church) from the much more difficult task of the Church’s real mission...”
ACI implies TEC is in danger of becoming a dictatorship
The Anglican Communion Institute’s (ACI) Rev Dr Philip Turner, in a lengthy paper, argues that “…TEC’s membership faces a situation in which it may come to be governed by the will of people in office rather than by constitutional and legal provision.” This is because “…measures now being taken by the Office of the Presiding Bishop and the House of Bishops to address this crisis lack an adequate constitutional and canonical foundation. Further, because of this lack, those who belong to TEC are in fact being confronted with attempts to address the present crisis by actions that effect changes in the polity of their church that are neither constitutional nor canonical.
“The changes now well underway simply described are these. At present, TEC’s Constitution renders the General Convention and the Office of the Presiding Bishop as instruments of its various Dioceses. The change sought by the Office of the Presiding Bishop and many within the House of Bishops would alter this arrangement by rendering each Diocese a creature of the General Convention. Along with this change comes another. The Office of the Presiding Bishop at present serves to execute the policies of the General Convention but does not stand in a hierarchical relation to TEC’s various Dioceses. The change now in progress would place the Office of Presiding Bishops in a hierarchical relation to these Dioceses, and in so doing give the holder of that office executive powers within the several Dioceses not accorded by the Constitution.”
To support his argument, Turner analyzes “the replacement of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of San Joaquin and the deposition of Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh” and clearly demonstrates how the Presiding Bishop and House of Bishops flaunted TEC’s canons and constitution.
ACI paper attempts to understand differences among evangelical
The Rev Dr Charles Alley attempts a new analysis of the two different strategies among evangelical Anglicans. In his view, those who remain in the establishment churches (Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church in the US) do so because they do not see themselves called to reform their church but simply to maintain a witness within the church. Brad Drell doesn’t buy this argument. There is also a discussion on the AEC blog.
In the US media and on the blogs
USA Today – Nov 21 08 – The split in the Anglican Communion widens a tad
Reuters – Nov 20 08 – Episcopal Church dissidents aim for new church
Washington Post – Nov 20 08 – Episcopal Church dissidents aim for new church
Living Church – Nov 24 08 – Bishop Iker describes inhibition by PB as ‘irrelevant’
The Bulletin (Philadelphia, PA) – Nov 26 08 – Conservative Anglicans plan new province
Indianapolis Star – Nov29 08 – Church’ separatist stance ignores much bigger issues
Long Beach Press-Telegram – Nov 28 08 – Monks are left homeless after Santa Barbara wildfire
News shorts – International
Archbishop of Myanmar appeals for funding for cyclone relief
Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo reports that much work remains to be done following the summer cyclone and monsoons that killed nearly 80,000 people and left a million homeless. So far, the Burmese church has raised over $900,000 to fund relief efforts but still needs $600,000 to continue its work of helping those in the affected areas get back on their feet.
Church of Uganda joins anti-corruption campaign
Saying that corruption was Uganda’s national shame, Archbishop Orombi and the Church of Uganda have partnered with other church and civic organizations to launch a “Name and Shame” campaign to focus attention on corruption and encourage integrity. A public record of government officials and business personnel caught acting corruptly will be kept. George Conger reports that Archbishop Orombi has called for a strengthening of “our work ethic”. “Work is sacred,” he said, and “should be done to the glory of God.”
Christmas project to buy bikes for Sudanese pastors
GAFCon is partnering with the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) to supply bicycles for priests and bishops in Sudan this Christmas. Anglican Mainstream reports that:
The ECS is launching a Decade of Evangelism on December 13. In the Diocese of Rumbek for example, 178 pastors cover 3500 square miles. All their congregations meet under trees. The Bishop has a Cathedral Tree, and no buildings. Neither the bishop nor the pastors have salaries from the church. Many work as government workers. To get around, the bishop and 73 of the pastors travel by bicycle. 105 walk. For a Christmas gift, [we are]…seeking to provide bicycles to these pastors, costing £100 each. This will enable them to travel up to 1000 miles a month visiting their communities of over 5000 people. Currently most have to walk 10-12 miles to take services.
This partnership between GAFCon and the Sudanese Church is a long-term relationship focusing on the following priorities:
• Children’s education
• Micro-finance with the Mothers Union
• Vocational training in hospitality and building trades.
Racked by decades of war, Sudan is a desperately poor country.
Anglican Christians are about a third of the population of Southern Sudan. They have survived a determined onslaught by the overwhelmingly Muslim north to subdue them. After twenty one years of war, which killed millions of southerners, an agreement was reached three years ago giving Southern Sudan autonomy. In 2011 there will be a referendum on the issue of independence or union between north and south. There is a desperate need for development on every front in the next few years and advocacy on behalf of Southern Sudan.
Cheques may be made to Anglican Mainstream (21 High Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HE) marked for AID (Anglican International Development) or gifts may be sent through PayPal on the donations section of the Anglican Mainstream website, marked for AID. (Again, due to Canada Revenue Agency rules, no tax receipts can be issued for donations from Canada to these foreign projects. However, we do hope this will not defer people from prayerfully considering how we can help meet the needs of our beleaguered brothers and sisters in the Sudan.)
Nigerian archbishop reports church burnt and Christians attacked
On Friday, Archbishop Ben Kashi (Jos, Nigeria) reported that Muslims burned Trinity Church (in Jos) during the night then began attacking people with machetes. Associated Press confirmed these reports. On Saturday morning, Archbishop Kwashi said: "The reports from those I have sent out to collect information are that the Muslims are attacking and burning this morning. It looks well co-ordinated. They are well armed with AK 47 and pump machine guns. This morning they have been at Dogonduste. Quite a number of Christian homes have been burnt. We do not know how many have been killed. The local government has underestimated the vehemence of the militants. At the moment this is all restricted to Jos City. We ask prayer for knowing the right thing to do. I have moved one of our archdeacons and his family to live in our home. St Luke's Cathedral is in the middle of the area of violence. We hope we can proceed with our normal services tomorrow."
By Sunday morning (today),Archbishop Kwashi reported that violence had subsided. But “…there are many internally displaced persons and food is scarce.” Please continue to pray. Again this is collaborated by an Associated Press article which reported, “Troops on foot and in armored personnel carriers appeared Sunday to have quelled two days of ethnic and religious rioting that left more than 300 people dead in Jos, apparently ending the worst violence in the West African nation since 2004.”
Christians in Orissa, India reported to have “price on their heads”
Religious Intelligence reports that Hindu extremists are offering rewards to those who kill Christians and destroy their property. At least 200 Christians have been killed and thousands more have fled their homes – many of which have been looted and burned. 90 per cent of churches in Orissa state are also said to have been destroyed.
Bishop warns of silent genocide in Congo
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Bishop Bahati Balibusane of Bukavu (Congo) is warning that more that a million people have been displaced by fighting between national troops and rebels and that, “Men, women, children are living outside, in schools, in churches and in some hospitable families. They don’t have water, food, materials, clothes, utensils and latrines. These people living in hardship are exposed to hunger, illness and death of some fathers, mothers and children.” Dr Elaine Storkey, president of Tearfund and chair of Fulcrum, says “One human-rights activist has described the Congo as “the most dangerous place on earth for women”: a place where rape as a weapon of war, mutilation, gang torture, blinding, and maiming are all inflicted indiscriminately on women and young girls.”
In the international media
Telegraph – Nov 22 08 – Anglicans who’ve lost their memory
Church Times – Oct 31 08 – The C of E needs a strong story
Anglican Communion News Service – Nov 25 08 – Joint Standing Committee… meeting
Times Online – Nov 25 08 – Conservative Anglicans face “punishment” for helping US rebels
EpiscopalLife Online – Nov 26 08 – Joint Standing Committee plans for 2009 ACC meeting
Church Times – Nov28 08 – Province plan to be unveiled
Sydney Morning Herald – Nov 29 08 – Faith is a very Christian journey
Telegraph – Nov 25 08 – Squabbling evangelicals need to find a united voice
Church of England Newspaper – Nov 28 08 – Fort Worth Bishop is inhibited over vote
Church of England Newspaper – Nov 28 08 – Gafcon leaders are unrepresentative
Soul food
Just for fun
One Sunday, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the exasperated father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"
Resources
If you need spiritual nourishment, check out these links to Sermons & Podcasts from ANiC parishes.
In this short video, Mark Dever talks about creating a culture of evangelism in our churches. Other videos on evangelism by Mark Dever can be found here.
Looking for a 2009 liturgical calendar? St Peter Publications (publishers of the Anglican Planet) offer an inexpensive, beautifully illustrated Church calendar with the Sundays, Holy Days, Saints' Days and seasons of the Church Year, in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer (1962). Parishes should consider ordering these in bulk (at a discount) and using for fund-raising projects.
Bible study resources available - The GAFCon Theological Resource Group is publishing a series of six Bible studies early next year entitled: "The Way of the Cross: Biblical Resources for a Global Anglican Future". These are suitable for parish and group studies, particularly for the Lenten Season. The six studies are:
| The Way of the Cross Today (Introduction) |
Canon Vinay Samuel |
| The promise of God (Genesis 12) |
Archbishop Justice Akrofi (West Africa) |
| The presence of God (Exodus 24) |
The Rev David Short (Canada) |
| The king of God (2 Samuel 7) |
The Rev Vaughan Roberts (England) |
| The Son of God (Luke 24) |
Bishop Michael Fape (Nigeria) |
| The Throne of God (Revelation 21) |
Archbishop Yong Ping Chung (Malaysia) |
| The Book of Jude |
Bishop Wallace Benn (England) |
More information is available at: mainstreamanglican@gmail.com. Price will be approximately £5.00 / $7.50 (US)
Prayer and praise
Pray that Canada Revenue Agency will approve quickly the “Application for Registration as a Charity” for the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and provide a charitable receipting number.
Pray for the ANiC churches involved in legal disputes that they won’t be distracted from ministry.
Pray for church plants and new ANiC congregations as they get organized and take care of all the many practical details. Pray for hunger for the pure Word of God and joy in the Lord.
Pray for God’s leading in the building of a new orthodox Anglican Province in North America. Please pray particularly for the important Council meeting in Chicago this week and the celebration service on Wednesday evening.
Please pray for orthodox clergy and laity in the ACoC, particularly in dioceses that are departing from historic Christian teaching.
Pray for global Anglicans:
Myanmar – and the Church’s efforts to aid those devastated by the cyclone and monsoons
Uganda – and the Church’s bold leadership in the anti-corruption campaign
India – for Christians under attack by Hindu extremists and for a country shaken by terrorism
Nigeria – for Christians under constant threat from Muslim extremists
Congo – for an end to war and the establishment of a lasting peace in this troubled land
Ghana – for peaceful national elections Dec 7 (See Church of England Newspaper article)
And now a word from our sponsor
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
Isaiah 11:1-10
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