WASHINGTON, Mar. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Hillary Rodham Clinton, a presidential candidate for the 2008 elections, is touting the endorsement of the National Organization of Women (NOW) - a feminist group whose values are largely rejected by mainstream American women. Clinton is using NOW's support as leverage to win the votes of women, but Dr. Janice Crouse, Senior Fellow of the Beverly LaHaye Institute of Concerned Women for America (CWA), contends that women have a negative connotation of feminism and will not be swayed or impressed by any candidate who holds this radical ideology.
Dr. Crouse is an international authority and commentator on political, feminist, family, social, religious and women's issues. She has released a commentary entitled, NOW Embraces Hillary. Will She Hug Back?, which details the problems with feminist issues and icons.
"Hillary needs a reality check if she thinks that a majority of women voters embrace radical feminism or will be swayed to vote for her because she has been endorsed by NOW," said Dr. Crouse. "Three out of four women describe the word 'feminist' as an insult, according to a CBS poll. Women recognize that the feminist ideology poses problems like abortion-on- demand, federally mandated day care, sexual orientation special agenda, and anti-masculinity. The movement is largely dead because their basic premise and icons are being rejected by mainstream America."
Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.
Christian Newswire
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Former 'Roe' Joins Battle to Reinstate Tiller Charges as KS House Falters
TOPEKA, Kans., Mar. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The former "Roe" of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision that decriminalized abortion in America has announced her support for the Kansas House Resolution that would require Attorney General Paul Morrison to reinstate 30 criminal charges related to illegal late-term abortions against George R. Tiller of Wichita.
Norma McCorvey, who was represented as Jane Roe in the landmark abortion case is now a pro-life activist and works to overturn the decision that led to abortion on demand.
McCorvey has sent a letter to each member of the Kansas House saying in part, "As the woman who helped make abortion 'legal' in America, I urge you to do everything in your power to stop one of the worst abortionists in America. George Tiller MUST be punished for the crimes he has committed-and you can help make that happen."
The resolution passed out of the Federal and State Affairs Committee on Monday, but is now being delayed and may never reach the floor of the House for a full vote as time continues to tick on the legislative season. Morrison told the committee in a letter on Tuesday that he alone would decided it charges against Tiller would be filed.
"Any further charges will be based on my professional judgment, not legislative action or political calculations," Morrison stated.
Charges against Tiller, filed by Morrison's predecessor Phill Kline, were dismissed on shaky jurisdictional grounds even though other two judges who saw the evidence ruled that there is probable cause to believe that Tiller committed the crimes. Upon taking office, Morrison fired the special independent prosecutor assigned to the case then withdrew a motion that was before the Kansas Supreme Court asking it to reinstate Tiller's criminal charges. Tiller spent hundreds of thousands of dollars through his PAC, ProKanDo, and two dubious non- profit groups to defeat Kline.
"We cannot allow justice to be subverted by backroom, under-the-table deals between dishonorable politicians and Tiller's pocket-book," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "We stand with Norma McCorvey in continuing to call for the House to do everything in its power to reinstate Kansas v. Tiller, and let justice be decided in a court of law."
Read full text of McCorvey letter to the KS House members.
Please contact:
Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeldmneufeld@ink.org
Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, Chair of the Federal and State Affairs Committeesiegfreid@sbcglobal.net
For those inside Kansas contact the representative from your home district. For a roster and contact information, click here.
To find your legislator, click here.
Christian Newswire
Norma McCorvey, who was represented as Jane Roe in the landmark abortion case is now a pro-life activist and works to overturn the decision that led to abortion on demand.
McCorvey has sent a letter to each member of the Kansas House saying in part, "As the woman who helped make abortion 'legal' in America, I urge you to do everything in your power to stop one of the worst abortionists in America. George Tiller MUST be punished for the crimes he has committed-and you can help make that happen."
The resolution passed out of the Federal and State Affairs Committee on Monday, but is now being delayed and may never reach the floor of the House for a full vote as time continues to tick on the legislative season. Morrison told the committee in a letter on Tuesday that he alone would decided it charges against Tiller would be filed.
"Any further charges will be based on my professional judgment, not legislative action or political calculations," Morrison stated.
Charges against Tiller, filed by Morrison's predecessor Phill Kline, were dismissed on shaky jurisdictional grounds even though other two judges who saw the evidence ruled that there is probable cause to believe that Tiller committed the crimes. Upon taking office, Morrison fired the special independent prosecutor assigned to the case then withdrew a motion that was before the Kansas Supreme Court asking it to reinstate Tiller's criminal charges. Tiller spent hundreds of thousands of dollars through his PAC, ProKanDo, and two dubious non- profit groups to defeat Kline.
"We cannot allow justice to be subverted by backroom, under-the-table deals between dishonorable politicians and Tiller's pocket-book," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "We stand with Norma McCorvey in continuing to call for the House to do everything in its power to reinstate Kansas v. Tiller, and let justice be decided in a court of law."
Read full text of McCorvey letter to the KS House members.
Please contact:
Speaker of the House Melvin Neufeldmneufeld@ink.org
Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, Chair of the Federal and State Affairs Committeesiegfreid@sbcglobal.net
For those inside Kansas contact the representative from your home district. For a roster and contact information, click here.
To find your legislator, click here.
Christian Newswire
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Abolitionists Remembered in Westminster Abbey Ceremony
ACNS 4271 | ACO | 28 MARCH 2007
International congregation gathers to pray - "set all free"
By the editor
Historic Westminster Abbey hosted a service today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act. The occasion spoke of the reality of how Britain was a "major beneficiary of slavery;" yet it was also the British who "led the struggle to abolish the system."
The opening words of the service were offered by the Very Revd John Hall in the "bidding" - he said, "We have come to remember the commitment and courage of a group of abolitionists, black and white, male and female, who gave much and risked much to end the cruelty of the transatlantic trade in slaves. We have come to reflect, in penitence, on the destructive power of a terrible evil, and on the ways in which its effects are still manifest in the world today. And we have come to respond, by committing ourselves to pray and work for a world in which no-one is enslaved."
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were present, along with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, many notable political leaders and a large group of ecumenical clerics including the Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop and Dr David Coffey of the Baptist Union.
Music included Afro-American spirituals as well as the Adventist Vocal Ensemble, Percussion and Mmenson Players of Efiba Arts and the Freedom 200 Chamber Orchestra who played music by abolitionst Le Chevalier de Saint-George.
Included at the beginning of the service was a quote from abolitionist leader William Wilberforce, on the horrors of the slave trade. The quote was read by the great great great granddaughter of Dr Wilberforce. Kate Davson read these words of Dr Wilberforce: "I mean not to accuse anyone but to take the shame upon myself, in common indeed with the whole Parliament of Great Britain, for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are all guilty - we all ought to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others.
"...And, sir, when we think of eternity, and of the future consequences of all human conduct, what is there in this life that should make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice, the laws of religion, and of God? Sir, the nature and all the circumstances of this trade are now laid open to us; we can no longer plead ignorance, we can not evade it; it is now an object placed before us, we can not pass it; we may spurn it, we may kick it out of our way, but we can not turn aside so as to avoid seeing it; for it is brought now so directly before our eyes that this House must decide, and must justify to all the world, and to their own consciences, the rectitude of the grounds and principles of their decision."
The Queen laid a wreath at the memorial to William Wilberforce
(1759-1833) in the north quire aisle of the Abbey at the end of the service.
In his address the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, said, "So have we good news to tell the world today, or only the grim recognition of just how deeply addicted human beings are to inhuman behaviour? Yes, we have good news; without it, we cannot hope for the transformation achieved through the witness of those like Equiano and Wilberforce who woke up the conscience of an entire civilisation. Yes, because the Spirit of which Jesus speaks in his 'manifesto' in the synagogue at Nazareth is of inexhaustible power and eternal energy, God's own person and act. Slavery was taken for granted by Christians and non-Christians and irreligious people for centuries if not millennia; humanistic scholars and atheist liberals alike accepted it no less than the majority of religious believers in all faith. Yet the Spirit that spoke in Jesus was a Spirit contemporary and alive for those who, two hundred years ago and more, refused to take it for granted because they saw something of the truth about God and about humanity."
Before the prayer of confession, Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, declared: During the four centuries of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: At least eleven million Africans were enslaved and transported. As many as two in ten perished on the ships which carried the Africans to the Americas. The life expectancy of an enslaved African on a plantation was seven years.
At this point, also, a lone protester made his way to the centre of the crossing, close to the Queen, Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Bishop of London, the Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, shouting in protest to the event. He was forcibly removed by security and Abbey staff but not before making his comments to a shocked abbey congregation. His words were to the effect that as an African he was opposed the nature of the commemoration. The service was televised.
In the prayers during the 90 minute service, thanksgiving for those who fought to end the slave trade was offered. The petitions included: For those who led the abolition movement in this country: for Thomas Fowell Buxton, Thomas Clarkson, Ottobah Cugoano, Olaudah Equiano, and John Newton; for Mary Prince, Ignatius Sancho, Sam Sharpe, and John Wesley, For members of the Clapham Sect and all who used their influence in politics and in society: for Thomas Babington, Zachary Macaulay, Hannah More, and Granville Sharp; for James Stephen, Henry Thornton, and William Wilberforce, let us bless the Lord: the people responding, Thanks be to God.
Two extraordinary choral pieces were composed for the occasion, one "The Gift of Grace", based on Psalm 130 and a text from Amazing Grace, sung by Roderick Williams with the Abbey choir of men and boys and "The Hand of God" music, by James O'Donnell of Westminster Abbey with words by abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.
In the preface of the order of service, Richard Reddie, project director of set all free, said, "Although slavery is largely illegal, it continues today, as human trafficking, bonded and forced labour, slavery by descent, and the unconditional worst forms of child labour. The Transatlantic Slave Trade set in places legacies which endure in racism, inequalities, under-development of nations, and poverty.
"set all free was established by Churches Together in England to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. It works with churches, organisations, and individuals that accept its Christian ethos; it focuses on remembering, reflecting, and responding to slavery-related issues. In collaboration with a number of groups, including Anti-Slavery International and Rendezvous of Victory, set all free has produced resources and hosted activities to inform and raise awareness of slavery and freedom on a local, national, and global level.
"set all free is a project financed entirely by the churches, by donations, and by charities, among them The Jerusalem Trust, Congregational and General Insurance, and Christian Aid."
The service concluded with The Prayer of Commitment, read by the Very Revd John Hall;
Gracious and liberating God:
Lift us beyond the burdens of pain and guilt,
Build our memories into life-giving resolutions,
Give us the vision of a new creation,
Strengthen us to act for justice and human dignity
And set all free. Amen.
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
International congregation gathers to pray - "set all free"
By the editor
Historic Westminster Abbey hosted a service today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act. The occasion spoke of the reality of how Britain was a "major beneficiary of slavery;" yet it was also the British who "led the struggle to abolish the system."
The opening words of the service were offered by the Very Revd John Hall in the "bidding" - he said, "We have come to remember the commitment and courage of a group of abolitionists, black and white, male and female, who gave much and risked much to end the cruelty of the transatlantic trade in slaves. We have come to reflect, in penitence, on the destructive power of a terrible evil, and on the ways in which its effects are still manifest in the world today. And we have come to respond, by committing ourselves to pray and work for a world in which no-one is enslaved."
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were present, along with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, many notable political leaders and a large group of ecumenical clerics including the Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop and Dr David Coffey of the Baptist Union.
Music included Afro-American spirituals as well as the Adventist Vocal Ensemble, Percussion and Mmenson Players of Efiba Arts and the Freedom 200 Chamber Orchestra who played music by abolitionst Le Chevalier de Saint-George.
Included at the beginning of the service was a quote from abolitionist leader William Wilberforce, on the horrors of the slave trade. The quote was read by the great great great granddaughter of Dr Wilberforce. Kate Davson read these words of Dr Wilberforce: "I mean not to accuse anyone but to take the shame upon myself, in common indeed with the whole Parliament of Great Britain, for having suffered this horrid trade to be carried on under their authority. We are all guilty - we all ought to plead guilty, and not to exculpate ourselves by throwing the blame on others.
"...And, sir, when we think of eternity, and of the future consequences of all human conduct, what is there in this life that should make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice, the laws of religion, and of God? Sir, the nature and all the circumstances of this trade are now laid open to us; we can no longer plead ignorance, we can not evade it; it is now an object placed before us, we can not pass it; we may spurn it, we may kick it out of our way, but we can not turn aside so as to avoid seeing it; for it is brought now so directly before our eyes that this House must decide, and must justify to all the world, and to their own consciences, the rectitude of the grounds and principles of their decision."
The Queen laid a wreath at the memorial to William Wilberforce
(1759-1833) in the north quire aisle of the Abbey at the end of the service.
In his address the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, said, "So have we good news to tell the world today, or only the grim recognition of just how deeply addicted human beings are to inhuman behaviour? Yes, we have good news; without it, we cannot hope for the transformation achieved through the witness of those like Equiano and Wilberforce who woke up the conscience of an entire civilisation. Yes, because the Spirit of which Jesus speaks in his 'manifesto' in the synagogue at Nazareth is of inexhaustible power and eternal energy, God's own person and act. Slavery was taken for granted by Christians and non-Christians and irreligious people for centuries if not millennia; humanistic scholars and atheist liberals alike accepted it no less than the majority of religious believers in all faith. Yet the Spirit that spoke in Jesus was a Spirit contemporary and alive for those who, two hundred years ago and more, refused to take it for granted because they saw something of the truth about God and about humanity."
Before the prayer of confession, Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, declared: During the four centuries of the Transatlantic Slave Trade: At least eleven million Africans were enslaved and transported. As many as two in ten perished on the ships which carried the Africans to the Americas. The life expectancy of an enslaved African on a plantation was seven years.
At this point, also, a lone protester made his way to the centre of the crossing, close to the Queen, Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Bishop of London, the Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, shouting in protest to the event. He was forcibly removed by security and Abbey staff but not before making his comments to a shocked abbey congregation. His words were to the effect that as an African he was opposed the nature of the commemoration. The service was televised.
In the prayers during the 90 minute service, thanksgiving for those who fought to end the slave trade was offered. The petitions included: For those who led the abolition movement in this country: for Thomas Fowell Buxton, Thomas Clarkson, Ottobah Cugoano, Olaudah Equiano, and John Newton; for Mary Prince, Ignatius Sancho, Sam Sharpe, and John Wesley, For members of the Clapham Sect and all who used their influence in politics and in society: for Thomas Babington, Zachary Macaulay, Hannah More, and Granville Sharp; for James Stephen, Henry Thornton, and William Wilberforce, let us bless the Lord: the people responding, Thanks be to God.
Two extraordinary choral pieces were composed for the occasion, one "The Gift of Grace", based on Psalm 130 and a text from Amazing Grace, sung by Roderick Williams with the Abbey choir of men and boys and "The Hand of God" music, by James O'Donnell of Westminster Abbey with words by abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.
In the preface of the order of service, Richard Reddie, project director of set all free, said, "Although slavery is largely illegal, it continues today, as human trafficking, bonded and forced labour, slavery by descent, and the unconditional worst forms of child labour. The Transatlantic Slave Trade set in places legacies which endure in racism, inequalities, under-development of nations, and poverty.
"set all free was established by Churches Together in England to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. It works with churches, organisations, and individuals that accept its Christian ethos; it focuses on remembering, reflecting, and responding to slavery-related issues. In collaboration with a number of groups, including Anti-Slavery International and Rendezvous of Victory, set all free has produced resources and hosted activities to inform and raise awareness of slavery and freedom on a local, national, and global level.
"set all free is a project financed entirely by the churches, by donations, and by charities, among them The Jerusalem Trust, Congregational and General Insurance, and Christian Aid."
The service concluded with The Prayer of Commitment, read by the Very Revd John Hall;
Gracious and liberating God:
Lift us beyond the burdens of pain and guilt,
Build our memories into life-giving resolutions,
Give us the vision of a new creation,
Strengthen us to act for justice and human dignity
And set all free. Amen.
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Listening Process Summaries now on-line
ACNS 4270 | ACO | 27 MARCH 2007
Preparation of a Study Guide on Human Sexuality for the 2008 Lambeth Conference Announced
The culmination of months of work on what is known as "The Listening Process," a process begun in response to the mandate of Lambeth Conference 1998 Resolution 1.10, and subsequent Primates Meetings, is now set out on the Anglican Communion website for use around the Anglican world. The Anglican Consultative Council, at their meeting in Nottingham, requested the appointment of a facilitator for this work.
Each of the summaries has been compiled in co-operation with the Primate of that Province. Facilitator Canon Phil Groves of the Anglican Communion Office said, 'The summaries have drawn upon public statements and further research. Each Primate has approved the final text.'
Each Province has sent reports, statements and papers. In addition the Facilitator has taken time to speak to Primates and their representatives form each of the Provinces and in order to produce these summaries. The primates asked for the summaries to be 'made more fully available across the Communion for study and reflection
In addition to the summaries, and the materials being formulated on our website, A Study Guide for use at the Lambeth Conference 2008 on: The Process of Listening to Gay and Lesbian people and Mutual Listening on Human Sexuality is underway. The facilitator requests contributions for the study guide, the full details are on the website.
The Primates also asked for 'the preparation of material to assist the bishops at 2008 Lambeth Conference.' The Facilitator for the Listening Process is asking for contributions to be used in the writing of a Study Guide.
The Revd Canon Phil Groves can be reached at the Anglican Communion Office in London. Email is phil.groves@aco.org, telephone +44 (0) 207 313 3917.
Summaries are available here: http://www.aco.org/listening/reports/
Study Guide can be found here: http://www.aco.org/listening/study/
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Preparation of a Study Guide on Human Sexuality for the 2008 Lambeth Conference Announced
The culmination of months of work on what is known as "The Listening Process," a process begun in response to the mandate of Lambeth Conference 1998 Resolution 1.10, and subsequent Primates Meetings, is now set out on the Anglican Communion website for use around the Anglican world. The Anglican Consultative Council, at their meeting in Nottingham, requested the appointment of a facilitator for this work.
Each of the summaries has been compiled in co-operation with the Primate of that Province. Facilitator Canon Phil Groves of the Anglican Communion Office said, 'The summaries have drawn upon public statements and further research. Each Primate has approved the final text.'
Each Province has sent reports, statements and papers. In addition the Facilitator has taken time to speak to Primates and their representatives form each of the Provinces and in order to produce these summaries. The primates asked for the summaries to be 'made more fully available across the Communion for study and reflection
In addition to the summaries, and the materials being formulated on our website, A Study Guide for use at the Lambeth Conference 2008 on: The Process of Listening to Gay and Lesbian people and Mutual Listening on Human Sexuality is underway. The facilitator requests contributions for the study guide, the full details are on the website.
The Primates also asked for 'the preparation of material to assist the bishops at 2008 Lambeth Conference.' The Facilitator for the Listening Process is asking for contributions to be used in the writing of a Study Guide.
The Revd Canon Phil Groves can be reached at the Anglican Communion Office in London. Email is phil.groves@aco.org, telephone +44 (0) 207 313 3917.
Summaries are available here: http://www.aco.org/listening/reports/
Study Guide can be found here: http://www.aco.org/listening/study/
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Anglicans fill the streets of London to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade
ACNS 4269 | ENGLAND | 26 MARCH 2007
Archbishops of Canterbury and York joined by the Archbishops of West Africa and West Indies on walk of witness
24 March 2007
As the Procession of Witness reached Lambeth Bridge, London, as part of a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, a large choir sang Amazing Grace, the hymn written by John Newton, himself a reformed slavemaster. It was from this bridge that some 2700 ships set sail on the first leg of a journey which would ship slaves and other cargoes between Britain, America and the West Indies. 2 out of every 10 slaves died on the ships.
The pier lies in the shadow of Lambeth Palace, home to successive Archbishops of Canterbury. A wreath was laid on the River Thames as the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams prayed, "..grant to all those who inherit this history of greed and cruelty, that we may be brought to newness of life, reconciliation and commitment to you and one another.."
The marchers , led by Archbishops , gathered in Clapham, south London, home of the Clapham Sect and such Christian leaders as William Wilberforce, and at Whitehall near Parliament, in central London. The two groups converged on Kennington Park, after a walk of an hour, for a 2 hour programme.
Banners, and processional crosses, were carried and people of all ages and races joined the march. There were clergy in cassocks and capes and children in prams or in the arms of parents The Lord Mayor of Westminster and ecumenical leaders were there including Joel Edwards from the Evangelical Alliance .
Among the dioceses represented were London, Chelmsford, Oxford, Southwark, Portsmouth, York, Exeter, Canterbury as well as representatives of such agencies as USPG, CMS, WMA, Anglican Communion Office, Anglicans in Development, the Church Army, Lambeth Palace staff, and religious communities.
There was a large press and media presence and hundreds of tourists in Parliament Square, , rushed to watch the march pass through these famous streets. In front of the Buxton Anti Slavery Monument in the Victoria Tower Gardens walkers from the "March of the Abolitionists" were being symbolically released from chains and yokes by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, .
This week London hosted the premiere of the feature film, 'Amazing Grace' telling the story William Wilberforce and the struggle to bring an end to the slave trade. Already it is drawing crowds to cinemas and is being used by parishes around the country as a tool for evangelism.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York offered reflections while readings from the Bible were followed by Afro-American spirituals and traditional freedom songs and hymns including a new text by Anglican bishop Timothy Dudley Smith.
The thousands gathered in the park joined in a prayer written by Clare Amos of USPG , "...grant us courage to name injustice wherever it appears, and to speak your word of truth". One parishioner from All Saints Church, South London, said "I wonder whom the church will be apologising to in 200 years from now."
People were moved by the occasion . A member of St Matthews Church, Westminster said, "It is so good for the church to be seen in great numbers outside the safety of the building. What a witness!" The organisers provided commitment cards and suggestions on what can be done to keep alive the momentum of this gathering in the church, not least noting and expressing concern for those caught in the slaveries of our times.
The Archbishop of York led the crowds in a prayer entitled "Set All Free" as the activities of the day closed.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Archbishops of Canterbury and York joined by the Archbishops of West Africa and West Indies on walk of witness
24 March 2007
As the Procession of Witness reached Lambeth Bridge, London, as part of a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, a large choir sang Amazing Grace, the hymn written by John Newton, himself a reformed slavemaster. It was from this bridge that some 2700 ships set sail on the first leg of a journey which would ship slaves and other cargoes between Britain, America and the West Indies. 2 out of every 10 slaves died on the ships.
The pier lies in the shadow of Lambeth Palace, home to successive Archbishops of Canterbury. A wreath was laid on the River Thames as the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams prayed, "..grant to all those who inherit this history of greed and cruelty, that we may be brought to newness of life, reconciliation and commitment to you and one another.."
The marchers , led by Archbishops , gathered in Clapham, south London, home of the Clapham Sect and such Christian leaders as William Wilberforce, and at Whitehall near Parliament, in central London. The two groups converged on Kennington Park, after a walk of an hour, for a 2 hour programme.
Banners, and processional crosses, were carried and people of all ages and races joined the march. There were clergy in cassocks and capes and children in prams or in the arms of parents The Lord Mayor of Westminster and ecumenical leaders were there including Joel Edwards from the Evangelical Alliance .
Among the dioceses represented were London, Chelmsford, Oxford, Southwark, Portsmouth, York, Exeter, Canterbury as well as representatives of such agencies as USPG, CMS, WMA, Anglican Communion Office, Anglicans in Development, the Church Army, Lambeth Palace staff, and religious communities.
There was a large press and media presence and hundreds of tourists in Parliament Square, , rushed to watch the march pass through these famous streets. In front of the Buxton Anti Slavery Monument in the Victoria Tower Gardens walkers from the "March of the Abolitionists" were being symbolically released from chains and yokes by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, .
This week London hosted the premiere of the feature film, 'Amazing Grace' telling the story William Wilberforce and the struggle to bring an end to the slave trade. Already it is drawing crowds to cinemas and is being used by parishes around the country as a tool for evangelism.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York offered reflections while readings from the Bible were followed by Afro-American spirituals and traditional freedom songs and hymns including a new text by Anglican bishop Timothy Dudley Smith.
The thousands gathered in the park joined in a prayer written by Clare Amos of USPG , "...grant us courage to name injustice wherever it appears, and to speak your word of truth". One parishioner from All Saints Church, South London, said "I wonder whom the church will be apologising to in 200 years from now."
People were moved by the occasion . A member of St Matthews Church, Westminster said, "It is so good for the church to be seen in great numbers outside the safety of the building. What a witness!" The organisers provided commitment cards and suggestions on what can be done to keep alive the momentum of this gathering in the church, not least noting and expressing concern for those caught in the slaveries of our times.
The Archbishop of York led the crowds in a prayer entitled "Set All Free" as the activities of the day closed.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Denial of Consents Sets Dangerous Precedent
by David Virtue on 2007/3/20 16:10
SOUTH CAROLINA: Denial of Consents Sets Dangerous Precedent for TEC
Orthodox Bishops Say New Election Should Include Lawrence
The denial of consents for the consecration of the orthodox Bishop of South Carolina - the first time in 72 years - has set a dangerous precedent in The Episcopal Church (TEC), indicating a degree of intolerance that has sent shock waves around the Anglican Communion. A number of orthodox Episcopal bishops have said that the diocese should either go ahead and consecrate the Rev. Mark Lawrence, 56, or that he should be re-elected on a second vote.
...The Rt. Rev. Jack Iker, Bishop of Ft. Worth, said he thought the diocese should proceed with the consecration, but that it is their decision to make. "After all, he got a majority of both the bishops and standing committees. Those disqualified on a technicality could still be verified." Iker said Lawrence should stand for re-election as soon as possible. "This signals the continuation of the battle that has been going on in ECUSA for the past 25 years or so. The liberals are trying to force conformity to a new religion they are creating. And yes, I expect this will motivate others who have been thinking about it to go ahead and leave the TEC."
Read the full story here... http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5708
SOUTH CAROLINA: Denial of Consents Sets Dangerous Precedent for TEC
Orthodox Bishops Say New Election Should Include Lawrence
The denial of consents for the consecration of the orthodox Bishop of South Carolina - the first time in 72 years - has set a dangerous precedent in The Episcopal Church (TEC), indicating a degree of intolerance that has sent shock waves around the Anglican Communion. A number of orthodox Episcopal bishops have said that the diocese should either go ahead and consecrate the Rev. Mark Lawrence, 56, or that he should be re-elected on a second vote.
...The Rt. Rev. Jack Iker, Bishop of Ft. Worth, said he thought the diocese should proceed with the consecration, but that it is their decision to make. "After all, he got a majority of both the bishops and standing committees. Those disqualified on a technicality could still be verified." Iker said Lawrence should stand for re-election as soon as possible. "This signals the continuation of the battle that has been going on in ECUSA for the past 25 years or so. The liberals are trying to force conformity to a new religion they are creating. And yes, I expect this will motivate others who have been thinking about it to go ahead and leave the TEC."
Read the full story here... http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5708
Friday, March 16, 2007
Communique from the Anglican Old Catholic International Co-ordinating = Council
ACNS 4267 | ACO | 16 MARCH 2007
Article is available in German here http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/50/acns4267d.cfm
Madrid, 8 March 2007
The Anglican Old Catholic International Co-ordinating Council (AOCICC) = met in the Monasterio de Benedictinas de la Natividad de Nuestra = Se=F1ora in Madrid from 5 to 9 March. This was the first meeting = following the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Bonn = Agreement in 2006. The Council reviewed the events held during the = anniversary year, reflecting on the stimulus this has given to closer = joint life and mission.
The members reviewed the present ecumenical dialogues with which our = Communions are engaged and proposed either joint discussions with common = ecumenical dialogue partners or the possibility of sending observers to = dialogues involving our sister Communion, where appropriate.
Three major papers were presented on Anglican and Old Catholic = ecclesiological understanding. These theological reflections were = complemented by reports on the present level of collaboration between = Old Catholic and Anglican communities and future closer partnerships = between churches of both traditions. This discussion took into account = the outstanding issue of parallel jurisdictions mainly in continental = Europe. The Council took note of the evolution of terms such as = inter-communion, full communion and visible unity in describing the = relationship between our Churches since 1931. Further work on a common = statement of ecclesiological understanding, including missiological = dimensions to the Church's life, was commissioned.
Initial considerations were shared on the variety of approaches to the = challenges posed by changing sexual ethics in our societies.
The Council was grateful for the presence of Bishop Pierre Whalon, the = Bishop-in-charge of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, as a = guest at this meeting.
Daily morning and evening prayer were celebrated and each morning a = bible study was led by a member of the Council. The Holy Eucharist was = celebrated at the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Cathedral of the Redeemer, = with the Rt Revd Carlos L=F3pez Lozano presiding. Afterwards the Council = was hosted at a reception given by the Cathedral congregation.
For further information, please contact the Revd Professor Dr Angela = Berlis, tel +31 (0)23 532 68 78, email aocicc@alt-katholisch.de, or the = Revd Canon Gregory K Cameron at the Anglican Communion Office, tel +44 = (0)20 7313 3900, email gregory.cameron@anglicancommunion.org.
The members of the Anglican Old Catholic International Co-ordination = Council are:
Anglicans
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill - Co-Chair
The Revd Canon Gregory K Cameron - Co-Secretary
The Rt Revd David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe Mrs Maryon J=E4gers The Revd Dr Jeremy Morris
Administrative Support: The Revd Terrie Robinson
Old Catholic
The Rt Revd Fritz-Ren=E9 M=FCller - Co-Chair
The Revd Professor Dr Angela Berlis - Co-Secretary
The Revd Professor David R Holeton
The Revd Dr Harald Rein
The Revd Dr Dick Schoon
Administrative Support: The Revd Lars Simpson
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Article is available in German here http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/50/acns4267d.cfm
Madrid, 8 March 2007
The Anglican Old Catholic International Co-ordinating Council (AOCICC) = met in the Monasterio de Benedictinas de la Natividad de Nuestra = Se=F1ora in Madrid from 5 to 9 March. This was the first meeting = following the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Bonn = Agreement in 2006. The Council reviewed the events held during the = anniversary year, reflecting on the stimulus this has given to closer = joint life and mission.
The members reviewed the present ecumenical dialogues with which our = Communions are engaged and proposed either joint discussions with common = ecumenical dialogue partners or the possibility of sending observers to = dialogues involving our sister Communion, where appropriate.
Three major papers were presented on Anglican and Old Catholic = ecclesiological understanding. These theological reflections were = complemented by reports on the present level of collaboration between = Old Catholic and Anglican communities and future closer partnerships = between churches of both traditions. This discussion took into account = the outstanding issue of parallel jurisdictions mainly in continental = Europe. The Council took note of the evolution of terms such as = inter-communion, full communion and visible unity in describing the = relationship between our Churches since 1931. Further work on a common = statement of ecclesiological understanding, including missiological = dimensions to the Church's life, was commissioned.
Initial considerations were shared on the variety of approaches to the = challenges posed by changing sexual ethics in our societies.
The Council was grateful for the presence of Bishop Pierre Whalon, the = Bishop-in-charge of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, as a = guest at this meeting.
Daily morning and evening prayer were celebrated and each morning a = bible study was led by a member of the Council. The Holy Eucharist was = celebrated at the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Cathedral of the Redeemer, = with the Rt Revd Carlos L=F3pez Lozano presiding. Afterwards the Council = was hosted at a reception given by the Cathedral congregation.
For further information, please contact the Revd Professor Dr Angela = Berlis, tel +31 (0)23 532 68 78, email aocicc@alt-katholisch.de, or the = Revd Canon Gregory K Cameron at the Anglican Communion Office, tel +44 = (0)20 7313 3900, email gregory.cameron@anglicancommunion.org.
The members of the Anglican Old Catholic International Co-ordination = Council are:
Anglicans
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill - Co-Chair
The Revd Canon Gregory K Cameron - Co-Secretary
The Rt Revd David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe Mrs Maryon J=E4gers The Revd Dr Jeremy Morris
Administrative Support: The Revd Terrie Robinson
Old Catholic
The Rt Revd Fritz-Ren=E9 M=FCller - Co-Chair
The Revd Professor Dr Angela Berlis - Co-Secretary
The Revd Professor David R Holeton
The Revd Dr Harald Rein
The Revd Dr Dick Schoon
Administrative Support: The Revd Lars Simpson
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Anglican Christians Experience Libyan Generosity
ACNS 4266 | MDDLE EAST | 15 MARCH 2007
March has been an historic month for Anglicans and other Christians living in Libya. The Libyan Government with the help of the Islamic Call Society handed over the historic building of the church of St. Mary's to the Episcopal Anglican Church in Tripoli. The church is situated in the beautiful Old City of Tripoli and was first built in the fifteenth century. This historic section of Tripoli contains among other monuments two churches, several old mosques and one synagogue, a historic witness to the ability of how the children of Abraham from different faiths have lived together in peace and harmony in an Islamic country.
The re-consecration of the church was led by the Rt Revd Dr. Mouneer Anis the bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt and North Africa. Bishop Anis invited the Roman Catholic Bishop of Tripoli the Rt Revd J. Martinelli to join in the re consecration.
The Greek Orthodox bishop and other church leaders participated in this outstanding ecumenical event which was conducted in Arabic and English. Mr. Ibrahim Rabu representing the Islamic Call Society, as well as the British, Egyptian, other ambassadors and around three hundred worshippers celebrated this event together. The Anglican, Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox bishops consecrated the sanctuary by sprinkling water with an olive branch. The Anglican choir and the Catholic Sisters of Charity enriched the worship with their singing. This ceremony marked the official opening of the church for worship.
In his sermon Bishop Anis expressed his gratitude to the Libyan leader Colonel Gadafi and Dr. Mohammad El Sharif Secretary General of the World Islamic Call Society for this great gift that affirms the religious tolerance of the Libyan people.
Deacon Kosti H. Ketola
Episcopal/Anglican Church of Tripoli
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
March has been an historic month for Anglicans and other Christians living in Libya. The Libyan Government with the help of the Islamic Call Society handed over the historic building of the church of St. Mary's to the Episcopal Anglican Church in Tripoli. The church is situated in the beautiful Old City of Tripoli and was first built in the fifteenth century. This historic section of Tripoli contains among other monuments two churches, several old mosques and one synagogue, a historic witness to the ability of how the children of Abraham from different faiths have lived together in peace and harmony in an Islamic country.
The re-consecration of the church was led by the Rt Revd Dr. Mouneer Anis the bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt and North Africa. Bishop Anis invited the Roman Catholic Bishop of Tripoli the Rt Revd J. Martinelli to join in the re consecration.
The Greek Orthodox bishop and other church leaders participated in this outstanding ecumenical event which was conducted in Arabic and English. Mr. Ibrahim Rabu representing the Islamic Call Society, as well as the British, Egyptian, other ambassadors and around three hundred worshippers celebrated this event together. The Anglican, Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox bishops consecrated the sanctuary by sprinkling water with an olive branch. The Anglican choir and the Catholic Sisters of Charity enriched the worship with their singing. This ceremony marked the official opening of the church for worship.
In his sermon Bishop Anis expressed his gratitude to the Libyan leader Colonel Gadafi and Dr. Mohammad El Sharif Secretary General of the World Islamic Call Society for this great gift that affirms the religious tolerance of the Libyan people.
Deacon Kosti H. Ketola
Episcopal/Anglican Church of Tripoli
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Archbishops of Canterbury and York online reflection - 'Slavery still with us'
ACNS 4265 | LAMBETH | 14 MARCH 2007
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today published an innovative online reflection on the nature of the Slave Trade in readiness for the Church of England's Walk of Witness to take place in London on Saturday March 24.
The joint reflection has been posted on youtube and is also available on this site. It was filmed at the site of the Slave Market in Zanzibar, now the island's Anglican Cathedral, during the recent Anglican Primates Meeting. The Archbishops were shown two small preserved slave pits, where up to 175 men, women and children were held in appalling conditions, chained and in darkness, often without food and water. Archbishop Sentamu spent some time at a memorial to the slaves which features some of the original chains used when the market was operating.
In the film, Archbishop Williams says that the experience brought home the reality of the trade:
"You see there the fetters that were used for slaves, the fetters used to bring slaves in convoy, so that they could barely stand and walk, they were so closely shackled together; and to see some of the real, the actual shackles that were used until really very recently in this part of the world as part of the paraphernalia of the slave trade, it's a reminder that it really happened, it really happened not very long ago."
He says that the instinct to enslave is still very much present in the modern world:
"It's as if slavery is a kind of compulsion for human societies, people go back again and again to treating people as objects, as possessions, and I don't think we can simply sit back and say 'it's a thing of the past and no more'. All those modern forms of slavery, economic slavery, debt slavery in effect, the slavery of sex trafficking; these things are still with us."
Archbishop Sentamu says that holding the original chains was a harrowing
experience:
"I found the whole experience heart-rending...When I went outside and actually saw those figures - how slaves were tied together - and touched the actual chains that were used, I was rendered absolutely speechless. I felt I was going back in history, but I was also in the present where still slavery in some parts of the world still happens.
"Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, of great worth and of great value and to be treated with great dignity. In that place was almost I felt, almost like an altar where you couldn't but take off your shoes ... you were on holy ground - holy ground."
The Archbishops' reflection has been issued in the run up to the Church's Walk of Witness, to be held in London on March 24th. The walk will be led by both Archbishops and will culminate in an act of public worship in Kennington Park, where the Archbishops will offer further reflections on the nature of the slave trade and its modern legacies.
More details of the walk can be found at: www.makingourmark.org.uk
Link to the reflection:
youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBTErUDIcz8
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today published an innovative online reflection on the nature of the Slave Trade in readiness for the Church of England's Walk of Witness to take place in London on Saturday March 24.
The joint reflection has been posted on youtube and is also available on this site. It was filmed at the site of the Slave Market in Zanzibar, now the island's Anglican Cathedral, during the recent Anglican Primates Meeting. The Archbishops were shown two small preserved slave pits, where up to 175 men, women and children were held in appalling conditions, chained and in darkness, often without food and water. Archbishop Sentamu spent some time at a memorial to the slaves which features some of the original chains used when the market was operating.
In the film, Archbishop Williams says that the experience brought home the reality of the trade:
"You see there the fetters that were used for slaves, the fetters used to bring slaves in convoy, so that they could barely stand and walk, they were so closely shackled together; and to see some of the real, the actual shackles that were used until really very recently in this part of the world as part of the paraphernalia of the slave trade, it's a reminder that it really happened, it really happened not very long ago."
He says that the instinct to enslave is still very much present in the modern world:
"It's as if slavery is a kind of compulsion for human societies, people go back again and again to treating people as objects, as possessions, and I don't think we can simply sit back and say 'it's a thing of the past and no more'. All those modern forms of slavery, economic slavery, debt slavery in effect, the slavery of sex trafficking; these things are still with us."
Archbishop Sentamu says that holding the original chains was a harrowing
experience:
"I found the whole experience heart-rending...When I went outside and actually saw those figures - how slaves were tied together - and touched the actual chains that were used, I was rendered absolutely speechless. I felt I was going back in history, but I was also in the present where still slavery in some parts of the world still happens.
"Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, of great worth and of great value and to be treated with great dignity. In that place was almost I felt, almost like an altar where you couldn't but take off your shoes ... you were on holy ground - holy ground."
The Archbishops' reflection has been issued in the run up to the Church's Walk of Witness, to be held in London on March 24th. The walk will be led by both Archbishops and will culminate in an act of public worship in Kennington Park, where the Archbishops will offer further reflections on the nature of the slave trade and its modern legacies.
More details of the walk can be found at: www.makingourmark.org.uk
Link to the reflection:
youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBTErUDIcz8
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
2000 Greet the Archbishop of Canterbury in Angola
ACNS 4264 | ACO | 13 MARCH 2007
Clergy from this war-torn nation plead for "concrete ways" todefend the poor
Special Report Luanda, Angola, 12 March 2007
Photographs for this article can be found here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/50/acns4264.cfm
A weekend of emotion, praise, prayer and promises, marked the visit to
Angola of the Most Revd Rowan Williams and his delegation. A sports stadium
in the capital city of Luanda was overflowing with people coming to join in
a special Eucharist to mark the first ever visit of an Archbishop of
Canterbury to Angola, on Sunday, 11 March, 2007. However, the praise was
mixed with sadness for the "reality" of the situation, while local
Christians cheered and applauded as their
guest made his way into the stadium styled "cathedral".
In his sermon, which was translated into Portuguese, Archbishop Williams
said, "my prayer for this country and for the churches here is this; may the
Christians of this land hear day by day the word of God that is the word of
hope. May they hear the word of the God 'I am what I choose to be', I do
what I have decided to do. The word of the God who has said 'I have decided
to be with you and nothing will change that'. And because of that may the
Christians of this country be courageous day by day. May they have the
courage to do what is in front of them, even if it seems small, it will be
great in God's eyes. And as Christians grow in that confidence, that honesty
and that courage, they will build a community and a nation that is confident
and honest, a nation which will give glory to God. May God give us all in
this country and across the world, that courage and that faith so that we
may work together to do away with the violence and the terror the disease
and poverty that make us less than human."
He said, "An ancient Christian writer once said that the glory of God is a
human being full of life, so may the glory of God be seen in this country,
as human beings become full of life, free from fear and poverty."
Bands, drummers and dancers, young and old, ecumenical clergy and choirs,
and the many Anglican congregations in the Diocese of Angola joined in to
nearly three hour service and heard the Most Revd Rowan Williams, robed in
his "African" cope and mitre given by the church in Ghana, praise the people
of Angola for "faithfulness to the gospel" in the aftermath of terror, ruin
and war. The banners around the arena read "Blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord" while others named parishes St John Baptist, Christ the
King, St Mary, St Stephen and a host of others, all with greetings to the
archbishop.
The young and growing diocese is under the pastoral care of its first
bishop, the Rt Revd Andre Soares and his small but lively staff. The
archbishop was greeted officially with speeches from the youth of the
diocese, the Mothers' Union and from the bishop. The diocese here has a
strong link with the Diocese of London (England).
Sunday afternoon the Archbishop and Bishop Soares met with local ecumenical
Protestant leaders in the Council of Christian Churches in Angola (CICA), a
group that includes 16 denominations, from the United Methodists to the
Evangelical Baptist Church, as well as the Church of the Twelve Apostles to
the Evangelical Mennonite Brothers. The church leaders shared their ministry
priorities with Archbishop Williams with the fight against malaria as a
number one item. With the archbishop is the Revd David Peck who heads the
Anglican Communion development programme at Lambeth Palace whose task is to
follow through on identified ministries and projects of the local Anglican
diocese.
The Roman Catholic Papal Nuncio and the Archbishop of Angola joined the
Archbishop and his delegation for dinner on Saturday as guest of HE Mrs
Cynthia Efird, USA Ambassador and a worshipper at the local church of Christ
the King. She and her husband are active Anglicans from St Paul's Episcopal
Church, K Street, Washington, DC. Sunday evening the delegation met with
John Yale of World Vision and Rosario Advirta of Christian Aid. Many NGO
official and clergy attended the Sunday worship in Luanda.
On Saturday a small turbo prop flight was the mode of travel for the
itinerary of the delegation as they visited Uige (pronounced weeje), where
the main Anglican work and mission has been the strongest. A Eucharist
attended by over 1000 included 40 candidates for the sacrament of
confirmation administered by the Archbishop. Archbishop Williams also
travelled over rural roads to reach a site for a proposed school where he
joined in laying the foundation stone, a task he would later enjoy again
later back in Luanda at St Stephen's Church and school, near the airport.
A dramatic and moving visit to the church of All Martyrs in Uige found the
Archbishop remembering the life and witness the church's pastor who was
killed in 1961.
Bishop Soares, in his official welcome speech on Sunday, praised the
Archbishop for "your determination, courage and pastoral care in making sure
you visited this little flock". The bishop also thanked Archbishop Williams
for his willingness to "struggle to hold the Anglican Communion together as
a visible sign of God's love to his people." The bishop noted that the
Archbishop's visit comes just as Angola begins its celebration of 5 years of
peace "after a long and bitter time of war". The bishop reminded the
assembly that Angolans had suffered for 41 years including the War of
Independence and the Civil War. The bishop said, "As a result of this, the
country has lost its best sons, thousands were left without limbs, millions
driven from their homes.we are left with a a nation disfigured by poverty
and misery."
Bishop Soares pleaded for the Anglican Communion to be an advocate for the
people and for "solidarity" so the church can be "prophetic in its witness
to society defending the cause of the poor in concrete ways".
The pastoral visits continues through Tuesday.
Jim Rosenthal is the director of communications for the Anglican Communion
and is with the Archbishop and Marie Papworth from the Lambeth Press and
Fiona Millican, Anglican Communion Liaison Officer at Lambeth Palace.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Clergy from this war-torn nation plead for "concrete ways" todefend the poor
Special Report Luanda, Angola, 12 March 2007
Photographs for this article can be found here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/50/acns4264.cfm
A weekend of emotion, praise, prayer and promises, marked the visit to
Angola of the Most Revd Rowan Williams and his delegation. A sports stadium
in the capital city of Luanda was overflowing with people coming to join in
a special Eucharist to mark the first ever visit of an Archbishop of
Canterbury to Angola, on Sunday, 11 March, 2007. However, the praise was
mixed with sadness for the "reality" of the situation, while local
Christians cheered and applauded as their
guest made his way into the stadium styled "cathedral".
In his sermon, which was translated into Portuguese, Archbishop Williams
said, "my prayer for this country and for the churches here is this; may the
Christians of this land hear day by day the word of God that is the word of
hope. May they hear the word of the God 'I am what I choose to be', I do
what I have decided to do. The word of the God who has said 'I have decided
to be with you and nothing will change that'. And because of that may the
Christians of this country be courageous day by day. May they have the
courage to do what is in front of them, even if it seems small, it will be
great in God's eyes. And as Christians grow in that confidence, that honesty
and that courage, they will build a community and a nation that is confident
and honest, a nation which will give glory to God. May God give us all in
this country and across the world, that courage and that faith so that we
may work together to do away with the violence and the terror the disease
and poverty that make us less than human."
He said, "An ancient Christian writer once said that the glory of God is a
human being full of life, so may the glory of God be seen in this country,
as human beings become full of life, free from fear and poverty."
Bands, drummers and dancers, young and old, ecumenical clergy and choirs,
and the many Anglican congregations in the Diocese of Angola joined in to
nearly three hour service and heard the Most Revd Rowan Williams, robed in
his "African" cope and mitre given by the church in Ghana, praise the people
of Angola for "faithfulness to the gospel" in the aftermath of terror, ruin
and war. The banners around the arena read "Blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord" while others named parishes St John Baptist, Christ the
King, St Mary, St Stephen and a host of others, all with greetings to the
archbishop.
The young and growing diocese is under the pastoral care of its first
bishop, the Rt Revd Andre Soares and his small but lively staff. The
archbishop was greeted officially with speeches from the youth of the
diocese, the Mothers' Union and from the bishop. The diocese here has a
strong link with the Diocese of London (England).
Sunday afternoon the Archbishop and Bishop Soares met with local ecumenical
Protestant leaders in the Council of Christian Churches in Angola (CICA), a
group that includes 16 denominations, from the United Methodists to the
Evangelical Baptist Church, as well as the Church of the Twelve Apostles to
the Evangelical Mennonite Brothers. The church leaders shared their ministry
priorities with Archbishop Williams with the fight against malaria as a
number one item. With the archbishop is the Revd David Peck who heads the
Anglican Communion development programme at Lambeth Palace whose task is to
follow through on identified ministries and projects of the local Anglican
diocese.
The Roman Catholic Papal Nuncio and the Archbishop of Angola joined the
Archbishop and his delegation for dinner on Saturday as guest of HE Mrs
Cynthia Efird, USA Ambassador and a worshipper at the local church of Christ
the King. She and her husband are active Anglicans from St Paul's Episcopal
Church, K Street, Washington, DC. Sunday evening the delegation met with
John Yale of World Vision and Rosario Advirta of Christian Aid. Many NGO
official and clergy attended the Sunday worship in Luanda.
On Saturday a small turbo prop flight was the mode of travel for the
itinerary of the delegation as they visited Uige (pronounced weeje), where
the main Anglican work and mission has been the strongest. A Eucharist
attended by over 1000 included 40 candidates for the sacrament of
confirmation administered by the Archbishop. Archbishop Williams also
travelled over rural roads to reach a site for a proposed school where he
joined in laying the foundation stone, a task he would later enjoy again
later back in Luanda at St Stephen's Church and school, near the airport.
A dramatic and moving visit to the church of All Martyrs in Uige found the
Archbishop remembering the life and witness the church's pastor who was
killed in 1961.
Bishop Soares, in his official welcome speech on Sunday, praised the
Archbishop for "your determination, courage and pastoral care in making sure
you visited this little flock". The bishop also thanked Archbishop Williams
for his willingness to "struggle to hold the Anglican Communion together as
a visible sign of God's love to his people." The bishop noted that the
Archbishop's visit comes just as Angola begins its celebration of 5 years of
peace "after a long and bitter time of war". The bishop reminded the
assembly that Angolans had suffered for 41 years including the War of
Independence and the Civil War. The bishop said, "As a result of this, the
country has lost its best sons, thousands were left without limbs, millions
driven from their homes.we are left with a a nation disfigured by poverty
and misery."
Bishop Soares pleaded for the Anglican Communion to be an advocate for the
people and for "solidarity" so the church can be "prophetic in its witness
to society defending the cause of the poor in concrete ways".
The pastoral visits continues through Tuesday.
Jim Rosenthal is the director of communications for the Anglican Communion
and is with the Archbishop and Marie Papworth from the Lambeth Press and
Fiona Millican, Anglican Communion Liaison Officer at Lambeth Palace.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Zimbabwe's Anglican Church encouraged to develop 'independent voice' on human rights
ACNS 4263 | LAMBETH | 07 MARCH 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and Archbishop Bernard Malango, Archbishop of Central Africa, have held a meeting with Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, Anglican Bishop of Harare. The meeting took place today in South Africa against the background of the continuing tense situation in the diocese of Harare and the grave challenges faced by the Church, civil society and the State in Zimbabwe.
The two Primates issued a joint statement at its conclusion:
"We are grateful for the chance to meet face to face and discuss the role of the church in Zimbabwe and the wider region in working towards the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals.
"We shared our deep concerns with the Bishop of Harare about the situation in Zimbabwe, affirming those places where Anglican ministries are bearing fruit and the church is growing, but also expressing the widespread concerns in the global church and in the international community about the deteriorating economic life of Zimbabwe and issues of human rights and peaceful non-partisan protest.
"We encouraged the development of an independent voice for the church in response to these challenges. All ministers of the gospel must be free to serve and to speak for the needs of those most deprived and disadvantaged.
"We want to find new channels of communication and to facilitate regional conversations about issues of development and justice, including the impact of sanctions, so that Anglicans may work together more effectively with and for the poor whom they serve in Christ's name."
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and Archbishop Bernard Malango, Archbishop of Central Africa, have held a meeting with Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, Anglican Bishop of Harare. The meeting took place today in South Africa against the background of the continuing tense situation in the diocese of Harare and the grave challenges faced by the Church, civil society and the State in Zimbabwe.
The two Primates issued a joint statement at its conclusion:
"We are grateful for the chance to meet face to face and discuss the role of the church in Zimbabwe and the wider region in working towards the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals.
"We shared our deep concerns with the Bishop of Harare about the situation in Zimbabwe, affirming those places where Anglican ministries are bearing fruit and the church is growing, but also expressing the widespread concerns in the global church and in the international community about the deteriorating economic life of Zimbabwe and issues of human rights and peaceful non-partisan protest.
"We encouraged the development of an independent voice for the church in response to these challenges. All ministers of the gospel must be free to serve and to speak for the needs of those most deprived and disadvantaged.
"We want to find new channels of communication and to facilitate regional conversations about issues of development and justice, including the impact of sanctions, so that Anglicans may work together more effectively with and for the poor whom they serve in Christ's name."
Ends
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Friday, March 02, 2007
If James Cameron Were Honest About His "Discovery"
From Fox News
By Father Jonathan Morris
This week “Titanic” director James Cameron and Canadian television director, Simcha Jacobovici stood proudly at the New York City library to announce the release of a new book and documentary called “The Tomb of Jesus.” They claim to have uncovered the remains of Jesus and his family, including Mary Magdalene, (Jesus’ supposed wife) and their child, Judah.
If he were honest, this is what Mr. Cameron would have said to the press:
“My dearest friends in the media,
Thank you for being here. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised so many of you have come. Our public relations company had quite the challenge to convince you our commercial projects were headline-worthy. After all, what we are peddling is pseudo-science based on old and discredited news. But we obviously hired the right company. They came through on their promise that you wouldn’t remember, or wouldn’t care, that when this tomb was discovered twenty seven years ago, the Jewish archeologist in charge of the investigation, Amos Kloner, determined it was not the tomb of Jesus and his family and that, in fact, it is unlikely Jesus and his relatives even had a family tomb. To think that not a single respected archeologist from the Holy Land region is willing to go on record that our claims are true, and still you are here with us today, is mind-boggling. How can we thank you enough?
We really got scared when people like Joe Zias, who spent 25 years as an archeologist at Rockefeller University in Jerusalam, called into question our integrity. I think he said publicly “Simcha has no credibility whatsoever.” And even though the great archeologist, Amos Kloner, tried to rain on our party when he said, “The claim that the burial site has been found is not based on any proof, and is only an attempt to sell,” you were not deterred. You are here, and we are so happy!
By the way, did you hear our book is now in the top five of Amazon.com? Amazing! I am thinking about doing some other projects where I set science — even pseudo-science — up against religion. I think I’ll release them during the annual “slam Christianity season” — Lent and Easter — featuring a New York City press conference. We’ll win every time. Christians will be quiet. They won’t set cars on fire or blow anyone up, precisely because they believe in the Resurrection, that Jesus’ way of peace is better. They will, however, get nervous because they don’t really know much about their faith and will buy the book and watch the show.
This brings me to the real point of today’s press conference. Today is my day for revenge. When I received my Oscar for best director a few years ago, I looked out into the crowd and proclaimed, “I am the king of the world”. That’s what I felt on that day and I wouldn’t have said it, if I didn’t believe it. But some of my Hollywood colleagues have looked down on me ever since. They thought I was exaggerating. As my movie credits prove, I’ve been sidelined since that day. But when I found the two-thousand year old scribblings on a tomb wall and, with the help of mathematicians, extrapolated that Jesus’ tomb was not really empty, that he may not have risen from the dead, as two billion people believe today, I realized how true my Oscar’s acceptance speech really was. It was kind of prophetic, I guess. The real king of the world — James Cameron — calls into question the King of Kings.
So don’t forget to buy our book and watch the Discovery Channel on March 4th.”
By Father Jonathan Morris
This week “Titanic” director James Cameron and Canadian television director, Simcha Jacobovici stood proudly at the New York City library to announce the release of a new book and documentary called “The Tomb of Jesus.” They claim to have uncovered the remains of Jesus and his family, including Mary Magdalene, (Jesus’ supposed wife) and their child, Judah.
If he were honest, this is what Mr. Cameron would have said to the press:
“My dearest friends in the media,
Thank you for being here. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised so many of you have come. Our public relations company had quite the challenge to convince you our commercial projects were headline-worthy. After all, what we are peddling is pseudo-science based on old and discredited news. But we obviously hired the right company. They came through on their promise that you wouldn’t remember, or wouldn’t care, that when this tomb was discovered twenty seven years ago, the Jewish archeologist in charge of the investigation, Amos Kloner, determined it was not the tomb of Jesus and his family and that, in fact, it is unlikely Jesus and his relatives even had a family tomb. To think that not a single respected archeologist from the Holy Land region is willing to go on record that our claims are true, and still you are here with us today, is mind-boggling. How can we thank you enough?
We really got scared when people like Joe Zias, who spent 25 years as an archeologist at Rockefeller University in Jerusalam, called into question our integrity. I think he said publicly “Simcha has no credibility whatsoever.” And even though the great archeologist, Amos Kloner, tried to rain on our party when he said, “The claim that the burial site has been found is not based on any proof, and is only an attempt to sell,” you were not deterred. You are here, and we are so happy!
By the way, did you hear our book is now in the top five of Amazon.com? Amazing! I am thinking about doing some other projects where I set science — even pseudo-science — up against religion. I think I’ll release them during the annual “slam Christianity season” — Lent and Easter — featuring a New York City press conference. We’ll win every time. Christians will be quiet. They won’t set cars on fire or blow anyone up, precisely because they believe in the Resurrection, that Jesus’ way of peace is better. They will, however, get nervous because they don’t really know much about their faith and will buy the book and watch the show.
This brings me to the real point of today’s press conference. Today is my day for revenge. When I received my Oscar for best director a few years ago, I looked out into the crowd and proclaimed, “I am the king of the world”. That’s what I felt on that day and I wouldn’t have said it, if I didn’t believe it. But some of my Hollywood colleagues have looked down on me ever since. They thought I was exaggerating. As my movie credits prove, I’ve been sidelined since that day. But when I found the two-thousand year old scribblings on a tomb wall and, with the help of mathematicians, extrapolated that Jesus’ tomb was not really empty, that he may not have risen from the dead, as two billion people believe today, I realized how true my Oscar’s acceptance speech really was. It was kind of prophetic, I guess. The real king of the world — James Cameron — calls into question the King of Kings.
So don’t forget to buy our book and watch the Discovery Channel on March 4th.”
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