ACNS 4242 | ACO | 31 JANUARY 2007
The Primates of the world-wide Anglican Communion will gather for their regularly scheduled meeting 14-19 February, 2007, Jangwani Beach, near Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Other Inter Anglican Meetings will be held around those dates at the same venue.
There are 38 Primates (Senior bishops, Presiding Bishops, Moderators) of the Anglican Communion. The Primates come together from the geographic Provinces around the globe. The Archbishop of Canterbury chairs the meetings with the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion (AC), serving as secretary.
As "primus inter pares" - first among equals, the Archbishop of Canterbury gathers his fellow primates together for Bible study, worship and conversation on the current state of affairs and mission in the global church. Archbishop Rowan Williams has stated that he is looking to the Primates for guidance on matters relating to the Lambeth Conference 2008 as well as looking at the Episcopal Church's response to the Windsor Report, in light of a special report to be discussed from a sub-committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and Primates Standing Committee. There will also be reports on the Panel of Reference and The Listening Process work. Also on the agenda is the welcoming of Mrs Hellen Wasanga of Uganda as the new Anglican Observer at the United Nations in New York. She will be installed at services in New York at Trinity Church, Wall Street and in Zanzibar Cathedral.
New primates will be welcomed from including Ireland, USA, Scotland, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Japan, Indian Ocean, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Burundi. This is the first time an Archbishop of York will officially attend a Primates Meeting. Canon Kearon said, "It is the hope that the presence of Dr Sentamu will allow more discussion of church life in Britain, as the Archbishop of Canterbury's focus is heavily global during these gatherings."
On the Sunday of the meeting the Primates will travel by boat to Zanzibar for a Solemn Eucharist in the Anglican Cathedral, where the altar is built over an old slave trading post, as the people of Zanzibar commemorate the 100th anniversary of the last slave sold in Zanzibar and the 200th anniversary of the end of slavery in the British empire.
The Primates Meetings have always been private. Press and media briefings will be offered as appropriate and if needed. There will be a final press briefing if a communiqué is issued. Anglican Communion News Service (ACNS) will be updated on www.anglicancommunion.org with photos on a daily basis.
You can subscribe to the ACNS List here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html
We do ask press and media to register with us to make certain they receive all news and information items coming from the Tanzania meeting. There is no press facility on site but local hotels, we understand, have internet and wireless access.
A formal public photo call will follow the Eucharist on Sunday in Zanzibar.
ENDS
For additional information on the Primates Meeting
Contact: Canon Jim Rosenthal Mobile/Cell +44 (0) 780 389 4751; Office 0207 313 3909
or Suminder Duggal on 0207 313 3914;
email: jim.rosenthal@aco.org
ON SITE TELEPHONE NUMBERS from 12 February: +255 (22) 264 7620 or mobile/cell
For matters relating to the Archbishop of Canterbury
Contact: The Revd Jonathan Jennings +44 (0) 207 898 1280 (London)
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Prime Minister
ACNS 4239 | ENGLAND | 24 JANUARY 2007
The following is the text of a letter dated 23 January 2007 from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair.
Dear Prime Minister,
The Church of England, along with others in the voluntary sector, including other churches and faith communities, have been in discussion with the government for some time over what has become known as the Sexual Orientation Regulations. Those discussions have been conducted in good faith, in mutual respect and with an appropriate level of confidence on all sides.
Last week that changed. Speculation about splits within government, fuelled by public comment from government ministers, appears to have created an atmosphere that threatens to polarise opinions. This does no justice to any of those whose interests are at stake, not least vulnerable children whose life chances could be adversely, and possibly irrevocably, affected by the overriding of reasoned discussion and proper negotiation in an atmosphere of mistrust and political expediency.
The one thing on which all seem able to agree is that these are serious matters requiring the most careful consideration. There is a great deal to gain. It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that much could also be lost, as the letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor makes clear.
Many in the voluntary sector are dedicated to public service because of the dictates of their conscience. In legislating to protect and promote the rights of particular groups the government is faced with the delicate but important challenge of not thereby creating the conditions within which others feel their rights to have been ignored or sacrificed, or in which the dictates of personal conscience are put at risk.
The rights of conscience cannot be made subject to legislation, however well meaning.
On numerous occasions in the past proper consideration has been given to the requirements of consciences alongside other considerations contributing to the common good, such as social need or human rights - the right, for example, of some doctors not to perform abortions, even though employed by the National Health Service.
It would be deeply regrettable if in seeking, quite properly, better to defend the rights of a particular group not to be discriminated against, a climate were to be created in which, for example, some feel free to argue that members of the government are not fit to hold public office on the grounds of their faith affiliation. This is hardly evidence of a balanced and reasonable public debate.
As you approach the final phase of what has, until very recently, been a careful and respectful consideration of the best way in which to introduce and administer new protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in England and Wales, we hope you, and cabinet colleagues, will do justice to the interests of the much wider grouping of interests within the nation that will be affected. It is vitally important that the interests of vulnerable children are not relegated to suit any political interest. And that conditions are not inadvertently created which make the claims of conscience an obstacle to, rather than the inspiration for, the invaluable public service rendered by parts of the voluntary sector.
Yours faithfully,
Most Rev and Rt Hon Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury
Most Rev and Rt Hon John Sentamu Archbishop of York
Editors Note:
Reference is made above to a letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor. That letter can be read here. http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/cn/07/070122.htm
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
For subscription INFORMATION please go to: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html
The following is the text of a letter dated 23 January 2007 from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair.
Dear Prime Minister,
The Church of England, along with others in the voluntary sector, including other churches and faith communities, have been in discussion with the government for some time over what has become known as the Sexual Orientation Regulations. Those discussions have been conducted in good faith, in mutual respect and with an appropriate level of confidence on all sides.
Last week that changed. Speculation about splits within government, fuelled by public comment from government ministers, appears to have created an atmosphere that threatens to polarise opinions. This does no justice to any of those whose interests are at stake, not least vulnerable children whose life chances could be adversely, and possibly irrevocably, affected by the overriding of reasoned discussion and proper negotiation in an atmosphere of mistrust and political expediency.
The one thing on which all seem able to agree is that these are serious matters requiring the most careful consideration. There is a great deal to gain. It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that much could also be lost, as the letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor makes clear.
Many in the voluntary sector are dedicated to public service because of the dictates of their conscience. In legislating to protect and promote the rights of particular groups the government is faced with the delicate but important challenge of not thereby creating the conditions within which others feel their rights to have been ignored or sacrificed, or in which the dictates of personal conscience are put at risk.
The rights of conscience cannot be made subject to legislation, however well meaning.
On numerous occasions in the past proper consideration has been given to the requirements of consciences alongside other considerations contributing to the common good, such as social need or human rights - the right, for example, of some doctors not to perform abortions, even though employed by the National Health Service.
It would be deeply regrettable if in seeking, quite properly, better to defend the rights of a particular group not to be discriminated against, a climate were to be created in which, for example, some feel free to argue that members of the government are not fit to hold public office on the grounds of their faith affiliation. This is hardly evidence of a balanced and reasonable public debate.
As you approach the final phase of what has, until very recently, been a careful and respectful consideration of the best way in which to introduce and administer new protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in England and Wales, we hope you, and cabinet colleagues, will do justice to the interests of the much wider grouping of interests within the nation that will be affected. It is vitally important that the interests of vulnerable children are not relegated to suit any political interest. And that conditions are not inadvertently created which make the claims of conscience an obstacle to, rather than the inspiration for, the invaluable public service rendered by parts of the voluntary sector.
Yours faithfully,
Most Rev and Rt Hon Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury
Most Rev and Rt Hon John Sentamu Archbishop of York
Editors Note:
Reference is made above to a letter from Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor. That letter can be read here. http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/cn/07/070122.htm
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
For subscription INFORMATION please go to: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html
Saturday, January 20, 2007
25,000 Participate in Pro-Life Walk in Pelosi's Home City of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Two days shy of the 34th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision, more than 25,000 people walked the streets of San Francisco during Saturday's Third Annual Walk for Life West Coast. The event has rapidly become one of the fastest growing, most diverse Pro-Women /Pro-Life events in the nation and drew a larger than expected crowd of support in the home district of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"San Francisco is well-known for its counter-cultural protests - the Gay Pride Parade, anti-war protests, and anti-Bush protests," said Dolores Meehan, co- founder of Walk for Life West Coast. "We wanted to send a message that it's okay to be Pro-Woman and Pro-Life—even in the city of San Francisco."
The walk began with a rally at Justin Herman Plaza and proceeded along the San Francisco Waterfront to the Marina Green. Last year, 15,000 people attended the Walk for Life West Coast to celebrate women and to celebrate life. This year, organizers and law enforcement officials estimated that crowds were nearly double in size.
"The Walk for Life West Coast is a growing movement that is young, wonderful and vibrant," said Meehan, co-founder of Walk for Life West Coast. "Clearly, the pro-life movement is quite alive in California."
As in previous years, a number of well-known Pro- woman/Pro-Life advocates delivered remarks and participated in the 'walk.' Speakers included: Pastor Clenard Childress, Jr., Regional Director of the Life Education And Resource Network (LEARN); Carol Crossed, Democrats for Life; Vera Lord, Through the Looking Glass; Talitha Phillips, Silent No More Awareness Campaign; Alfredo Abarca, San Francisco Activist for Life and Family; and Father Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life.
"The value of life is not measured in days, months or years," said Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. "The value of life is measured in love and the love parents have for their children. This is the civil rights movement."
"Our sisterhood is not a healthy one," said Vera Lord as she explained her own experience with aborting a child. "No matter what politically correct nickname we've given abortion, there comes a moment when we know what we have done. And, we need to grieve as part of the healing process. But, here's the irony, for those of us who have had abortions, our lives have never been the same. The dirty little secret behind what they call choice is that the baby isn't the only one who dies; part of our souls dies, too. We must make abortion not just illegal, but unthinkable."
Talitha Phillips of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign told her story of visiting a Planned Parenthood counselor. "She kept using the word choice, but was telling me I had no choice but to have an abortion. Abortion was not freeing, it was not liberating, it was devastating."
Pastor Clenard Childress, Jr., Regional Director of the Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN), said the baby aborted is "just like us, struggling and wanting to pursue the American dream of life, liberty and justice."
"I was very impressed by the number of young people who came today to show there is another culture in society which defends and appreciates life," said Alfredo Abarca, San Francisco Activist for Life and Family.
Despite the fact that Democrat political leadership has turned abortion into a partisan issue, Walk for Life organizers point out increasing numbers of Democrats are self-identifying as Pro-life on abortion.
"Pro-life Democrats won their elections last November," said Carol Crossed of Democrats for Life.
"Walk for Life's primary goal is to reach out to women and men of all political persuasions with the message that abortion hurts all women," said Eva Muntean Walk for Life co-founder. "Why San Francisco? We live here. This is our home."
It is also the congressional district represented by House Speaker Pelosi. Organizers of the Walk for Life West Coast requested a meeting this week with their member of Congress, a request that went ignored by Pelosi and her staff.
"Pelosi is the nation's highest-ranking woman ever elected in the history of the United States. Speaker Pelosi now has a greater responsibility to serve as a role model for all women in America, not just in San Francisco. She must no longer ignore Pro-Life women. Many of us share the same Catholic faith and we hope as Speaker, Pelosi will bring a broader perspective to women's' issues," Meehan said.
"We've all heard the argument for choice, but isn't time we started listening to the experiences of that choice? The purpose of the Walk for Life is to reach these men and women with a message of hope and healing," Meehan said.
"San Francisco is well-known for its counter-cultural protests - the Gay Pride Parade, anti-war protests, and anti-Bush protests," said Dolores Meehan, co- founder of Walk for Life West Coast. "We wanted to send a message that it's okay to be Pro-Woman and Pro-Life—even in the city of San Francisco."
The walk began with a rally at Justin Herman Plaza and proceeded along the San Francisco Waterfront to the Marina Green. Last year, 15,000 people attended the Walk for Life West Coast to celebrate women and to celebrate life. This year, organizers and law enforcement officials estimated that crowds were nearly double in size.
"The Walk for Life West Coast is a growing movement that is young, wonderful and vibrant," said Meehan, co-founder of Walk for Life West Coast. "Clearly, the pro-life movement is quite alive in California."
As in previous years, a number of well-known Pro- woman/Pro-Life advocates delivered remarks and participated in the 'walk.' Speakers included: Pastor Clenard Childress, Jr., Regional Director of the Life Education And Resource Network (LEARN); Carol Crossed, Democrats for Life; Vera Lord, Through the Looking Glass; Talitha Phillips, Silent No More Awareness Campaign; Alfredo Abarca, San Francisco Activist for Life and Family; and Father Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life.
"The value of life is not measured in days, months or years," said Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. "The value of life is measured in love and the love parents have for their children. This is the civil rights movement."
"Our sisterhood is not a healthy one," said Vera Lord as she explained her own experience with aborting a child. "No matter what politically correct nickname we've given abortion, there comes a moment when we know what we have done. And, we need to grieve as part of the healing process. But, here's the irony, for those of us who have had abortions, our lives have never been the same. The dirty little secret behind what they call choice is that the baby isn't the only one who dies; part of our souls dies, too. We must make abortion not just illegal, but unthinkable."
Talitha Phillips of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign told her story of visiting a Planned Parenthood counselor. "She kept using the word choice, but was telling me I had no choice but to have an abortion. Abortion was not freeing, it was not liberating, it was devastating."
Pastor Clenard Childress, Jr., Regional Director of the Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN), said the baby aborted is "just like us, struggling and wanting to pursue the American dream of life, liberty and justice."
"I was very impressed by the number of young people who came today to show there is another culture in society which defends and appreciates life," said Alfredo Abarca, San Francisco Activist for Life and Family.
Despite the fact that Democrat political leadership has turned abortion into a partisan issue, Walk for Life organizers point out increasing numbers of Democrats are self-identifying as Pro-life on abortion.
"Pro-life Democrats won their elections last November," said Carol Crossed of Democrats for Life.
"Walk for Life's primary goal is to reach out to women and men of all political persuasions with the message that abortion hurts all women," said Eva Muntean Walk for Life co-founder. "Why San Francisco? We live here. This is our home."
It is also the congressional district represented by House Speaker Pelosi. Organizers of the Walk for Life West Coast requested a meeting this week with their member of Congress, a request that went ignored by Pelosi and her staff.
"Pelosi is the nation's highest-ranking woman ever elected in the history of the United States. Speaker Pelosi now has a greater responsibility to serve as a role model for all women in America, not just in San Francisco. She must no longer ignore Pro-Life women. Many of us share the same Catholic faith and we hope as Speaker, Pelosi will bring a broader perspective to women's' issues," Meehan said.
"We've all heard the argument for choice, but isn't time we started listening to the experiences of that choice? The purpose of the Walk for Life is to reach these men and women with a message of hope and healing," Meehan said.
The Bishop vs. the ECUSA Tool
I understand Bishop Lee will be creating a new ECUSA organization. Mrs Schori’s marionette has named this group, Thinking up Our Own Lectionary. We’ll call it TOOL for short.
This letter is from the ECUSA TOOL:
January 10, 2007 - Letter from the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee to the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns
Next we will contrast +Lee's letter with the response from Bishop Minns:
January 16, 2007 - Letter from the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns to the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee
This letter is from the ECUSA TOOL:
January 10, 2007 - Letter from the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee to the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns
Next we will contrast +Lee's letter with the response from Bishop Minns:
January 16, 2007 - Letter from the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns to the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee
The DNA test is in America; It's your baby!
"We are right, they are wrong""Abortion is the greatest deception that has plagued the black church since Lucifer himself."
The Rev Clenard Childress
Director of LEARN
Friday, January 19, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Communiqué from the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria
ACNS 4237 | NIGERIA | 15 JANUARY 2007
A Communiqué issued at the episcopal retreat held at the Ibru Anglican Retreat Centre, Agbarha Otor, Delata State Nigeria
The House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with 93 participants met for their annual Retreat at the Ibru Retreat Centre, Agbarha Otor, from 8th -13th January, 2007, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Peter J. Akinola, DD, CON presiding. The Bishops deliberated extensively on the theme, 'Empowered Leadership' and came up with the conviction that leadership is a trust from God which must be exercised in a responsible manner for the good of the people and the glory of God, bearing in mind that all who hold leadership positions will one day give an account of their stewardship to God. During the retreat several sessions were devoted to intensive spiritual rejuvenation and reflection after which the following communiqué was issued:
The Cornerstones of Leadership
We believe that the cornerstones of good leadership include honesty, integrity, sacrifice, selflessness, and accountability. We therefore call on our leaders to ensure that such qualities guide their conduct in and out of office bearing in mind the judgment of posterity. We strongly reject the prevailing conception of power as an avenue for personal enrichment.
Lambeth 2008
We stand by our earlier endorsement of the recommendations of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) document: "The Road to Lambeth" and maintain the posture that we cannot claim to share fellowship with member-Provinces that denigrate the authority of Scripture on the life of the Church. Our participation in this worldwide fellowship is contingent on genuine repentance by those who have chosen to walk away, for two cannot walk together except they are in agreement. Christian unity must be anchored on Biblical truth.
The Bishops are delighted that the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) - an outreach initiative of the Church of Nigeria is taking giant strides. Worthy of special mention also is the success story of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society outreaches to other parts of world. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission, which is the primary reason for the election of 19 new Bishops for newly created missionary dioceses in different parts of the country.
INEC and the 2007 General Elections
The Church is deeply worried by the uncertainties and obvious signs of unpreparedness that have trailed such a vital exercise as the registration and revalidation of voters for the 2007 General Elections at this stage of our democratic experience. We urge INEC and all security operatives to be alert to the confidence reposed on them by Nigerians and the watching world, to ensure that a peaceful, free and fair election is conducted, and the verdict of the electorate at the polls is held sacred. We also urge all political office seekers, their supporters, and indeed all Nigerians to shun every form of violence resulting from desperation; and they should use their votes with sense of responsibility and God-consciousness to bequeath an enduring legacy of freedom to future generations.
Open Conflict between the President and the Vice President
We consider it an embarrassment to the image of our nation that the two top citizens should engage in such open mudslinging without regard to their high offices, their personalities, their party, and the overall interest of our nation. We call on the Press to bear in mind their social responsibility in the manner of reporting these issues, since they are major stakeholders in the development of this nation. We also urge restraint and mature conduct by both the chief actors and their supporters to spare this country further embarrassment.
Party Primaries
We have observed with grave concern, the widespread outcry alleging a subtle rape of democratic processes in the recently concluded primaries at all levels in most political parties in many parts of the country. Any likelihood of such a scenario of blatant injustices, could, if not promptly redressed, portend grave consequences for the forth-coming general elections. While we watch and pray, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad to engage legitimate means to resist any attempt at derailing the ongoing political process. We cannot afford a replay of our historical misadventures at this stage of our nascent democracy. We may expect to see gallant winners and losers only when fair play is assured. We believe God Himself will oppose all who attempt to tamper with His plans for this nation. We call on all Nigerians to intensify prayers for successful elections.
The Judiciary and the 2007 General Elections
The performance of the Judiciary in the spate of impeachment proceedings in recent times has left serious dents on the esteemed integrity of that arm of government. For the judiciary to remain the last hope of the common man rather than the ass of respectable criminals, the remedial action of suspension meted out to some judges by the Nigerian Judicial Commission over their inglorious roles must be applauded, implemented, and sustained as a deterrent to others. We urge the Federal Government to beef up the security around these guardians of the laws of the land.
Security in the Nation
We commend the police for their effort in combating the increasing crime wave to the extent of paying the supreme price in some cases. However, we call on the Federal Government to sustain even more vigorously the fight against insecurity of lives and property in the land. The incessant cases of armed robbery in banks, and private residences, as well as hired assassinations in different settings are indicative of the security rating of our nation.
Poverty in the Land
The Bishops are disturbed by the prevalence of poverty in the midst of plenty in our nation so richly blessed by God. That the poverty level has remained high in spite of various poverty alleviation programmes of the present administration is a matter for much concern. We urge all poverty alleviation agencies to ensure that necessary steps are taken to open up the opportunities afforded by these programmes to more people especially the youth as a way of engaging them positively thereby reducing the crime rate and the propensity for violence in the land. Efforts should be made to ensure that the money voted for this does not get into the hands of fraudsters and impostors.
The Safety of the Nigerian Air Space
We are gratified by the recent steps taken by both the Federal Government and the National Assembly to ensure the safety of the Nigerian Air Space and we call on all major players in the aviation industry in Nigeria to ensure that the highest ethical and professional standards are kept in order to put the carnage of our air disasters permanently behind us.
EFCC, ICPC
We commend the present administration for taking the fight against high-profile looting of public funds to unprecedented levels. However, we strongly appeal that care should be taken to ensure that the business of these bodies are conducted dispassionately, and that lasting solutions are proffered.
Oil Bunkering and attendant Casualties
We express our profound condolences to the families of the victims of the recent pipeline vandalization and explosions, the Lagos State government and indeed the Federal Government. We urge the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to track down and prosecute all these notorious enemies of the State who engage in oil bunkering which has become too costly for our nation. We plead with those who may be attracted by the tempting opportunities for making quick money through bunkering to resist such temptations.
Conclusion
Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and preserve all that has been committed to Him, the Immortal, Invisible and only wise God we commit our dear Nation.
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, D.D.
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
For subscription INFORMATION please go to: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html
A Communiqué issued at the episcopal retreat held at the Ibru Anglican Retreat Centre, Agbarha Otor, Delata State Nigeria
The House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with 93 participants met for their annual Retreat at the Ibru Retreat Centre, Agbarha Otor, from 8th -13th January, 2007, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Peter J. Akinola, DD, CON presiding. The Bishops deliberated extensively on the theme, 'Empowered Leadership' and came up with the conviction that leadership is a trust from God which must be exercised in a responsible manner for the good of the people and the glory of God, bearing in mind that all who hold leadership positions will one day give an account of their stewardship to God. During the retreat several sessions were devoted to intensive spiritual rejuvenation and reflection after which the following communiqué was issued:
The Cornerstones of Leadership
We believe that the cornerstones of good leadership include honesty, integrity, sacrifice, selflessness, and accountability. We therefore call on our leaders to ensure that such qualities guide their conduct in and out of office bearing in mind the judgment of posterity. We strongly reject the prevailing conception of power as an avenue for personal enrichment.
Lambeth 2008
We stand by our earlier endorsement of the recommendations of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) document: "The Road to Lambeth" and maintain the posture that we cannot claim to share fellowship with member-Provinces that denigrate the authority of Scripture on the life of the Church. Our participation in this worldwide fellowship is contingent on genuine repentance by those who have chosen to walk away, for two cannot walk together except they are in agreement. Christian unity must be anchored on Biblical truth.
The Bishops are delighted that the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) - an outreach initiative of the Church of Nigeria is taking giant strides. Worthy of special mention also is the success story of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society outreaches to other parts of world. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission, which is the primary reason for the election of 19 new Bishops for newly created missionary dioceses in different parts of the country.
INEC and the 2007 General Elections
The Church is deeply worried by the uncertainties and obvious signs of unpreparedness that have trailed such a vital exercise as the registration and revalidation of voters for the 2007 General Elections at this stage of our democratic experience. We urge INEC and all security operatives to be alert to the confidence reposed on them by Nigerians and the watching world, to ensure that a peaceful, free and fair election is conducted, and the verdict of the electorate at the polls is held sacred. We also urge all political office seekers, their supporters, and indeed all Nigerians to shun every form of violence resulting from desperation; and they should use their votes with sense of responsibility and God-consciousness to bequeath an enduring legacy of freedom to future generations.
Open Conflict between the President and the Vice President
We consider it an embarrassment to the image of our nation that the two top citizens should engage in such open mudslinging without regard to their high offices, their personalities, their party, and the overall interest of our nation. We call on the Press to bear in mind their social responsibility in the manner of reporting these issues, since they are major stakeholders in the development of this nation. We also urge restraint and mature conduct by both the chief actors and their supporters to spare this country further embarrassment.
Party Primaries
We have observed with grave concern, the widespread outcry alleging a subtle rape of democratic processes in the recently concluded primaries at all levels in most political parties in many parts of the country. Any likelihood of such a scenario of blatant injustices, could, if not promptly redressed, portend grave consequences for the forth-coming general elections. While we watch and pray, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad to engage legitimate means to resist any attempt at derailing the ongoing political process. We cannot afford a replay of our historical misadventures at this stage of our nascent democracy. We may expect to see gallant winners and losers only when fair play is assured. We believe God Himself will oppose all who attempt to tamper with His plans for this nation. We call on all Nigerians to intensify prayers for successful elections.
The Judiciary and the 2007 General Elections
The performance of the Judiciary in the spate of impeachment proceedings in recent times has left serious dents on the esteemed integrity of that arm of government. For the judiciary to remain the last hope of the common man rather than the ass of respectable criminals, the remedial action of suspension meted out to some judges by the Nigerian Judicial Commission over their inglorious roles must be applauded, implemented, and sustained as a deterrent to others. We urge the Federal Government to beef up the security around these guardians of the laws of the land.
Security in the Nation
We commend the police for their effort in combating the increasing crime wave to the extent of paying the supreme price in some cases. However, we call on the Federal Government to sustain even more vigorously the fight against insecurity of lives and property in the land. The incessant cases of armed robbery in banks, and private residences, as well as hired assassinations in different settings are indicative of the security rating of our nation.
Poverty in the Land
The Bishops are disturbed by the prevalence of poverty in the midst of plenty in our nation so richly blessed by God. That the poverty level has remained high in spite of various poverty alleviation programmes of the present administration is a matter for much concern. We urge all poverty alleviation agencies to ensure that necessary steps are taken to open up the opportunities afforded by these programmes to more people especially the youth as a way of engaging them positively thereby reducing the crime rate and the propensity for violence in the land. Efforts should be made to ensure that the money voted for this does not get into the hands of fraudsters and impostors.
The Safety of the Nigerian Air Space
We are gratified by the recent steps taken by both the Federal Government and the National Assembly to ensure the safety of the Nigerian Air Space and we call on all major players in the aviation industry in Nigeria to ensure that the highest ethical and professional standards are kept in order to put the carnage of our air disasters permanently behind us.
EFCC, ICPC
We commend the present administration for taking the fight against high-profile looting of public funds to unprecedented levels. However, we strongly appeal that care should be taken to ensure that the business of these bodies are conducted dispassionately, and that lasting solutions are proffered.
Oil Bunkering and attendant Casualties
We express our profound condolences to the families of the victims of the recent pipeline vandalization and explosions, the Lagos State government and indeed the Federal Government. We urge the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to track down and prosecute all these notorious enemies of the State who engage in oil bunkering which has become too costly for our nation. We plead with those who may be attracted by the tempting opportunities for making quick money through bunkering to resist such temptations.
Conclusion
Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling and preserve all that has been committed to Him, the Immortal, Invisible and only wise God we commit our dear Nation.
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, D.D.
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
___________________________________________________________________
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Sunday, January 14, 2007
Primates Meeting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzinia
Please pray for the Primates Meeting
12-19 Feb 2007
Dar es Salaam, Tanzinia
Lent & Beyond Prayer Resource
The Most Reverend William Brown Turei
The Most Reverend Phillip John Aspinall
The Right Reverend Michael S Baroi
The Most Reverend Maurício José Araújo de Andrade
The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi
The Most Reverend Andrew Sandford Hutchison
The Most Reverend Bernard Amos Malango
The Most Reverend Martin de Jesus Barahona
The Most Reverend Dirokpa Balufuga Fidèle
The Most Reverend Rowan Douglas Williams
The Most Reverend Peter Kwong
The Most Reverend Gerald James (Ian) Ernest
The Most Reverend Robert Henry Alexander Eames
The Most Reverend Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu
The Most Reverend George Clive Handford
The Most Reverend Benjamin M P Nzimbi
The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
The Most Reverend Sir Ellison Leslie Pogo
The Most Reverend Carlos Touche-Porter
The Most Reverend Samuel San Si Htay
The Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola
The Most Reverend Joel Vidyasagar Mal
The Right Reverend Dr Alexander John Malik
The Most Reverend James Simon Ayong
The Most Reverend Ignacio Capuyan Soliba
The Most Reverend Emmanuel Musaba Kolini
The Most Reverend Idris Jones
The Most Reverend John Chew
The Most Reverend Badda Peter Sugandhar
The Most Reverend Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane
The Most Reverend Gregory James Venables
The Most Reverend Joseph Biringi Hassan Marona
The Most Reverend Donald Leo Mtetemela
The Most Reverend Henry Luke Orombi
The Most Reverend Barry Cennydd Morgan
The Most Reverend Justice Ofei Akrofi
The Most Reverend Drexel Wellington Gomez
12-19 Feb 2007
Dar es Salaam, Tanzinia
Lent & Beyond Prayer Resource
The Most Reverend William Brown Turei
The Most Reverend Phillip John Aspinall
The Right Reverend Michael S Baroi
The Most Reverend Maurício José Araújo de Andrade
The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi
The Most Reverend Andrew Sandford Hutchison
The Most Reverend Bernard Amos Malango
The Most Reverend Martin de Jesus Barahona
The Most Reverend Dirokpa Balufuga Fidèle
The Most Reverend Rowan Douglas Williams
The Most Reverend Peter Kwong
The Most Reverend Gerald James (Ian) Ernest
The Most Reverend Robert Henry Alexander Eames
The Most Reverend Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu
The Most Reverend George Clive Handford
The Most Reverend Benjamin M P Nzimbi
The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
The Most Reverend Sir Ellison Leslie Pogo
The Most Reverend Carlos Touche-Porter
The Most Reverend Samuel San Si Htay
The Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola
The Most Reverend Joel Vidyasagar Mal
The Right Reverend Dr Alexander John Malik
The Most Reverend James Simon Ayong
The Most Reverend Ignacio Capuyan Soliba
The Most Reverend Emmanuel Musaba Kolini
The Most Reverend Idris Jones
The Most Reverend John Chew
The Most Reverend Badda Peter Sugandhar
The Most Reverend Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane
The Most Reverend Gregory James Venables
The Most Reverend Joseph Biringi Hassan Marona
The Most Reverend Donald Leo Mtetemela
The Most Reverend Henry Luke Orombi
The Most Reverend Barry Cennydd Morgan
The Most Reverend Justice Ofei Akrofi
The Most Reverend Drexel Wellington Gomez
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Epiphany
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only begotten Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know thee now by faith, to thy presence, where we may behold thy glory face to face; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2007 Predictions for ECUSA
10. In December 2006 the US Episcopal Church claims a national membership of 2.3 million for the sixth year in a row.
9. The Rt Rev Peter Lee goes from being the most powerful bishop in TEC, to the second most powerful bishop in Virginia.
8. Mrs Katherine Schori begins reading a new book. It’s called The Bible or something like that.
7. After reading 1 Timothy 3:2 in this new book, Mrs Schori immediately proposes to The Rt Rev V Gene Robinson (you figure it out).
6. When asked how losing almost 20% of the Sunday attendance of the Diocese of Virginia in one week could be considered a small percentage, Mrs Schori begins a 3 hour filibuster on the migratory habits of squids (confusing yes, but it did cause everyone to forget the original question).
5. After it is explained to Mrs Schori that there are actually twelve days during the Christmas Season, she pens one more homily on the importance of the birth of Santa.
4. After this homily, Mrs Schori immediately begins preparing for the 40 days that we will be allowed to buy Cadbury Eggs in preparation for the birth of a six foot Bunny.
3. In December 2007 the membership of Christ Church, Plano reaches four-times the size of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.
2. In what she thought to be a victory at Dar es Salaam; Mrs Schori is told she is being promoted to Presiding Layperson. Since this Holy Orders thing is new to her, she accepts the “promotion” and goes back to a vacant 815.
And now for number one:
1. In December 2007 the US Episcopal Church claims a national membership of 2.3 million for the seventh year in a row.
9. The Rt Rev Peter Lee goes from being the most powerful bishop in TEC, to the second most powerful bishop in Virginia.
8. Mrs Katherine Schori begins reading a new book. It’s called The Bible or something like that.
7. After reading 1 Timothy 3:2 in this new book, Mrs Schori immediately proposes to The Rt Rev V Gene Robinson (you figure it out).
6. When asked how losing almost 20% of the Sunday attendance of the Diocese of Virginia in one week could be considered a small percentage, Mrs Schori begins a 3 hour filibuster on the migratory habits of squids (confusing yes, but it did cause everyone to forget the original question).
5. After it is explained to Mrs Schori that there are actually twelve days during the Christmas Season, she pens one more homily on the importance of the birth of Santa.
4. After this homily, Mrs Schori immediately begins preparing for the 40 days that we will be allowed to buy Cadbury Eggs in preparation for the birth of a six foot Bunny.
3. In December 2007 the membership of Christ Church, Plano reaches four-times the size of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.
2. In what she thought to be a victory at Dar es Salaam; Mrs Schori is told she is being promoted to Presiding Layperson. Since this Holy Orders thing is new to her, she accepts the “promotion” and goes back to a vacant 815.
And now for number one:
1. In December 2007 the US Episcopal Church claims a national membership of 2.3 million for the seventh year in a row.
Monday, January 01, 2007
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Eternal Father, who didst give to thine incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we beseech thee, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, even our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
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