ACNS 4250 | ACO | 17 FEBRUARY 2007
Given by Archbishop Philip Aspinall, Archbishop of Melbourne (designated by the Primates as the official spokesperson for the Primates'
Meeting)
Accompanied by the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, Primate of the West Indies.
Archbishop Aspinall
It's good to be with you again to give you a brief update on today's
proceedings; as I anticipated with you last evening, we spent the morning
today considering further the Primates' responses to The Episcopal Church's
reactions to the Windsor Report and the Dromantine requests from the
Primate.
Unfortunately I'm not in a position to tell you much about that because it
hasn't reached definite conclusions yet; certainly we moved from the intense
listening mode I described on the first day into much more of a discussion,
exchange of views, debate, so there was free and frank exchange of views and
certainly some areas of concern and tension. It would be wrong to give an
impression that it's all sooth sailing; there are real tensions for us still
to work through and hopefully there'll be more to report on that tomorrow,
as those discussions mature.
We then moved on; the second major thing we tackled today was to receive the
report from the Covenant Design Group, and Archbishop Drexel is the chair of
that group and has been intimately associated with its work, so he may wish
to speak and you may wish to ask Archbishop Drexel some questions about the
work of the covenant design group.
Let me say that Joint Standing Committee considered the report of the
Covenant Design Group earlier in the week and the Joint Standing Committee
resolved in these terms:
'The Joint Standing Committee informs the Primates meeting that it wishes
to commend the work of the Covenant Design Group for further study and
reflection in the Anglican Communion.'
So the Primates today received with deep thanks the report from the Covenant
Design Group which includes a draft covenant. Discussion, comment,
suggestions for clarifying and improving the text have been made both by the
Joint Standing Committee and by the Primates themselves; the Primates have
requested the archbishop of Canterbury to prepare on behalf of the Primates
a letter commending the report and the draft covenant to the provinces for
study and response. The Primates noted an urgent need to translate the
report and the covenant into a number of together languages so that it can
be considered by the whole Communion and that needs to happen as a matter of
urgency.
The kind of time-line we're looking at: the covenant design group is hoping
for initial responses from around the Communion over the next twelve months,
with a view to a revised version of the covenant going to the Lambeth
Conference in 2008. It's anticipated that the Lambeth Conference itself will
revise the covenant further and that that further revision will then be
submitted to the churches of the Communion for final adoption or
ratification following the Lambeth Conference in 2008.
The Primates also considered with some care the public release of the report
and the draft covenant and the decision they came to was that they believe
they have an obligation to share the document with the bishops of the
Communion prior to its public release and arrangements are being made for
that to happen electronically over the next couple of days, so the hope is
that when we provide you with the communiqué on Monday, we will also provide
you with the covenant design group's report and the draft covenant. You may
wish to pursue that further with me and with Archbishop Drexel in a few
minutes.
The third major task we tackled today was to consider the report from the
Panel of reference; and we had Archbishop Peter Carnley with us, the former
Primate of Australia and Chair of the Panel of Reference; a number of
difficulties in the operation of the Panel were pointed out to the Primates
and chief among them are these three.
First, the sheer effort that is required to establish the facts in a case
when large volumes of written material are produced by all sorts of people
involved in a particular matter. Second, sometimes there are constraints
around the Panel of reference's work caused by the fact that legal actions
are underway which impinge on the Panel's work and the cases it's
considering; and third, just the purely human problems of getting timely
responses from a large number of people who are distant from each other.
So we had an account of those difficulties that the Panel has experienced;
the very blunt question was asked among the Primates about whether the
outcomes achieved are proportionate to the work carried out by the Panel;
that question was faced squarely and while there's no definitive answer
reached yet, it was pointed out by a number of participants in the
discussion that there really has to be a will for reconciliation in these
circumstances in order for the work of the Panel to be effective. We also
considered how the Church should respond if at all to public criticism of
reports issued by the Panel; such reports not always being factually
correct; those reports can tend to undermine confidence in the Panel. Again
those questions require further reflection and the Archbishop of Canterbury
will take them up with members of the Panel themselves and with other
advisers.
The final thing today we dealt with, which we've just come from, was a
session dealing with the listening process, Canon Phil Groves joined the
Primates to describe the work he's been doing since his appointment
following Dromantine; he's been making contacts around the Communion and
compiling reports of what different churches around the Communion are doing
in relation to listening to gay and lesbian people and he's also done some
theoretical work research on listening processes.
He reported to the Primates that there's an increasing awareness among the
churches of the Communion of gay and lesbian people and the issues they
face; he emphasised that, for the listening process to be effective, there
needs to be established safe ground for homosexual people in order for them
to feel safe and to share their experience with the church; and that in some
of the listening processes that have been attempted, it has not been always
possible to establish such safe ground so that homosexual people feel safe
sharing their experiences.
Canon Groves outlined preliminary proposals for the kind of approach being
considered for the Lambeth Conference; he is working on developing high
quality materials which will deal with the experience of homosexual people;
what science can tell us about homosexuality, the legal and cultural
contexts around the Communion, reflection on bible and tradition in those
specific contexts as well as training materials to develop skills in
listening and facilitating listening.
So that's very much a progress report to update Primates on where that
listening process is up to. So they're the matters that have taken our time
and attention today.
Archbishop Drexel, do you wish to say anything in a preliminary way about
the covenant and the design group's work?
Archbishop Drexel
Good evening; I was appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to serve as
Chairman of the Covenant Design Group and we had our first meeting in Nassau
early in January and as a result of that meeting we were able to prepare a
report and to produce a draft covenant for the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The overall purpose of the covenant - the draft covenant is to provide the
Anglican Communion with a mechanism for mutual accountability and holding
one another together. We believe that when the covenant is finally approved
we will have a means of holding each other in check and also dealing with
difficult situations that may arise from time to time. Unfortunately the
Anglican Communion has no central legal authority and we have really no
means of holding one another in check other than through mutual admonition
and meeting and talking, so we're trying to make some progress as a global
community to establish this mutual accountability and the building up of one
another in Christ.
It's not possible for me to discuss the details of what we've proposed until
Monday evening when it is publicly released, but what I can say is that we
have produced what we consider to be a statement of classical Anglicanism,
given our history, and our background we are producing something that has
merit and power for the Anglican Community. It is not one size fits all', so
it wouldn't apply to all Christian denominations, it is designed
specifically to deal with the Anglican Communion in the sets of
circumstances that prevail in our church.
We believe that we have been faithful to our tradition and that we have
produced a very comprehensive report. I think that both groups that have
discussed the report - both the Joint Standing Committee and the Primates
themselves - both groups were surprised at the progress that we were able to
make; that in a relatively short period -we met for four days - and in that
short period of time we were able to produced a full report and to produce a
full draft, and so both groups expressed appreciation for the work and gave
us reason to believe that in the final analysis the overall recommendations
will be well-received. I think more than that I can't say.
ENDS
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
New Archbishop of Hong Kong elected
ACNS 4248 | HONG KONG | 12 FEBRUARY 2007
The Most Revd Paul Kwong becomes the new Primate
Photographs for this article are available here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/25/acns4248.cfm
On 3rd February, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui elected the Rt. Revd. Paul Kwong, Diocesan Bishop of Hong Kong Island, to be their next Archbishop, following the retirement of Archbishop Peter Kwong on 31st December 2006. The result of the election was endorsed in a special session of the Third General Synod later the same day.
Archbishop Paul was brought up in an Anglican family, his great grandfather being one of the first Chinese Anglican priests in the 19th Century. Archbishop Paul Kwong was ordained deacon and priest in 1982 and 1983 respectively. He served as curate in Holy Trinity Church for four years and became vicar of St. Matthias's Church for more than ten years. He was founder of two mission churches: St. Philip's Church and The Church of the Ascension. His ministry has involved various roles, including Chairman of different social service units and a Supervisor of church schools.
Archbishop Paul was consecrated bishop on the Feast of Annunciation 25th March 2006 and was enthroned as Diocesan Bishop on 15th January 2007.
Archbishop Paul pursued his under-graduate studies in the Lingnan College, Hong Kong and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. His theological training was at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and he was awarded a M.Div. degree in 1982. He is currently a candidate for Ph.D at the University of Birmingham, England and candidate for D.D. (Hon.) at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto.
In the last twenty-five years, Archbishop Paul has served the Church in various positions in the Diocese and Province. He was Chairman of the Diocesan Youth Committee, lecturer at Minghua Theological College, Assistant to the Archbishop, and Provincial General Secretary. He has also been actively involved in the Anglican Communion as a member of the Anglican Commission's Mission Commission and Asia Region Conference - Anglican Encounter in the South.
Archbishop Paul is a man of both holiness and ability. Hong Kong Anglicans believe that he will make a great contribution to the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and to the Anglican Communion.
Prayers for the new Archbishop would be greatly appreciated.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
The Most Revd Paul Kwong becomes the new Primate
Photographs for this article are available here: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/42/25/acns4248.cfm
On 3rd February, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui elected the Rt. Revd. Paul Kwong, Diocesan Bishop of Hong Kong Island, to be their next Archbishop, following the retirement of Archbishop Peter Kwong on 31st December 2006. The result of the election was endorsed in a special session of the Third General Synod later the same day.
Archbishop Paul was brought up in an Anglican family, his great grandfather being one of the first Chinese Anglican priests in the 19th Century. Archbishop Paul Kwong was ordained deacon and priest in 1982 and 1983 respectively. He served as curate in Holy Trinity Church for four years and became vicar of St. Matthias's Church for more than ten years. He was founder of two mission churches: St. Philip's Church and The Church of the Ascension. His ministry has involved various roles, including Chairman of different social service units and a Supervisor of church schools.
Archbishop Paul was consecrated bishop on the Feast of Annunciation 25th March 2006 and was enthroned as Diocesan Bishop on 15th January 2007.
Archbishop Paul pursued his under-graduate studies in the Lingnan College, Hong Kong and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. His theological training was at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and he was awarded a M.Div. degree in 1982. He is currently a candidate for Ph.D at the University of Birmingham, England and candidate for D.D. (Hon.) at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto.
In the last twenty-five years, Archbishop Paul has served the Church in various positions in the Diocese and Province. He was Chairman of the Diocesan Youth Committee, lecturer at Minghua Theological College, Assistant to the Archbishop, and Provincial General Secretary. He has also been actively involved in the Anglican Communion as a member of the Anglican Commission's Mission Commission and Asia Region Conference - Anglican Encounter in the South.
Archbishop Paul is a man of both holiness and ability. Hong Kong Anglicans believe that he will make a great contribution to the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and to the Anglican Communion.
Prayers for the new Archbishop would be greatly appreciated.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
World-wide Anglican leaders gather in Tanzania
ACNS 4247 | ACO | 12 FEBRUARY 2007
ACNS Special Media Advisory
In the days running up to the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion (15-19 February), the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and the Primates will meet in the White Sands Hotel for their regular annual meeting.
The ACC is one of the "instruments of communion" with laity, clergy and bishops included in the membership from eight provinces of the Communion. The meetings include the examination of funding through the Inter Anglican Finance Committee, as each province is asked to help fund the operations and programmes of the London based Anglican Communion Office (ACO). The staff members come from England, Jamaica, Uganda, USA, Zambia, Ireland, Colombia and Australia.
On Tuesday, the Archbishop of Canterbury will arrive from London (scheduled for 7.25 a.m.) at the airport and will be greeted by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and other officials and church people. Press and media welcome for this photo-call (only).
Notes for Editors and Media Persons
The meetings are always private and are not open to the public. There is no official press facility (as previously announced). There is a small business centre run by the hotel (internet connections were not functioning on Sunday the 11th).
>From 14 February, as needed, a media briefing (accredited press see:
http://www.aco.org/primates/press/index.cfm ) will be held each evening at 6.45 p.m. in the main reception area of the hotel. The official spokesperson for the meeting is the Archbishop of Australia, the Most Revd Philip Aspinall.
Media/Press information and briefing contact number for Canon James Rosenthal, Communications Director, is 077 33 86 845 in Tanzania and from abroad +255 77 33 86 845.
Additional mobile/cell is +44 780 389 4751 or from UK 0780 3894751.
Fr Jonathan Jennings can be reached at the same number for matters relating directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury or call Marie Papworth at Lambeth Palace +44 207 898-1280
ADVANCE NOTICE
The Primates will travel to Zanzibar Cathedral next Sunday (18th). IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND PLEASE CONTACT us asap. Boat transport (2 hours) may be able to be provided at a reasonable cost from the port at Dar. (Passport numbers needed for non-residents for the state tax fee). Last minute arrangements are not possible due to government requirements.
See www.anglicancommunion.org for information on Anglican Churches and Anglican Christianity.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
ACNS Special Media Advisory
In the days running up to the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion (15-19 February), the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and the Primates will meet in the White Sands Hotel for their regular annual meeting.
The ACC is one of the "instruments of communion" with laity, clergy and bishops included in the membership from eight provinces of the Communion. The meetings include the examination of funding through the Inter Anglican Finance Committee, as each province is asked to help fund the operations and programmes of the London based Anglican Communion Office (ACO). The staff members come from England, Jamaica, Uganda, USA, Zambia, Ireland, Colombia and Australia.
On Tuesday, the Archbishop of Canterbury will arrive from London (scheduled for 7.25 a.m.) at the airport and will be greeted by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and other officials and church people. Press and media welcome for this photo-call (only).
Notes for Editors and Media Persons
The meetings are always private and are not open to the public. There is no official press facility (as previously announced). There is a small business centre run by the hotel (internet connections were not functioning on Sunday the 11th).
>From 14 February, as needed, a media briefing (accredited press see:
http://www.aco.org/primates/press/index.cfm ) will be held each evening at 6.45 p.m. in the main reception area of the hotel. The official spokesperson for the meeting is the Archbishop of Australia, the Most Revd Philip Aspinall.
Media/Press information and briefing contact number for Canon James Rosenthal, Communications Director, is 077 33 86 845 in Tanzania and from abroad +255 77 33 86 845.
Additional mobile/cell is +44 780 389 4751 or from UK 0780 3894751.
Fr Jonathan Jennings can be reached at the same number for matters relating directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury or call Marie Papworth at Lambeth Palace +44 207 898-1280
ADVANCE NOTICE
The Primates will travel to Zanzibar Cathedral next Sunday (18th). IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND PLEASE CONTACT us asap. Boat transport (2 hours) may be able to be provided at a reasonable cost from the port at Dar. (Passport numbers needed for non-residents for the state tax fee). Last minute arrangements are not possible due to government requirements.
See www.anglicancommunion.org for information on Anglican Churches and Anglican Christianity.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
World-wide Anglican leaders gather in Tanzania
ACNS 4247 | ACO | 12 FEBRUARY 2007
ACNS Special Media Advisory
In the days running up to the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion (15-19 February), the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and the Primates will meet in the White Sands Hotel for their regular annual meeting.
The ACC is one of the "instruments of communion" with laity, clergy and bishops included in the membership from eight provinces of the Communion. The meetings include the examination of funding through the Inter Anglican Finance Committee, as each province is asked to help fund the operations and programmes of the London based Anglican Communion Office (ACO). The staff members come from England, Jamaica, Uganda, USA, Zambia, Ireland, Colombia and Australia.
On Tuesday, the Archbishop of Canterbury will arrive from London (scheduled for 7.25 a.m.) at the airport and will be greeted by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and other officials and church people. Press and media welcome for this photo-call (only).
Notes for Editors and Media Persons
The meetings are always private and are not open to the public. There is no official press facility (as previously announced). There is a small business centre run by the hotel (internet connections were not functioning on Sunday the 11th).
>From 14 February, as needed, a media briefing (accredited press see:
http://www.aco.org/primates/press/index.cfm ) will be held each evening at 6.45 p.m. in the main reception area of the hotel. The official spokesperson for the meeting is the Archbishop of Australia, the Most Revd Philip Aspinall.
Media/Press information and briefing contact number for Canon James Rosenthal, Communications Director, is 077 33 86 845 in Tanzania and from abroad +255 77 33 86 845.
Additional mobile/cell is +44 780 389 4751 or from UK 0780 3894751.
Fr Jonathan Jennings can be reached at the same number for matters relating directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury or call Marie Papworth at Lambeth Palace +44 207 898-1280
ADVANCE NOTICE
The Primates will travel to Zanzibar Cathedral next Sunday (18th). IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND PLEASE CONTACT us asap. Boat transport (2 hours) may be able to be provided at a reasonable cost from the port at Dar. (Passport numbers needed for non-residents for the state tax fee). Last minute arrangements are not possible due to government requirements.
See www.anglicancommunion.org for information on Anglican Churches and Anglican Christianity.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
ACNS Special Media Advisory
In the days running up to the meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion (15-19 February), the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and the Primates will meet in the White Sands Hotel for their regular annual meeting.
The ACC is one of the "instruments of communion" with laity, clergy and bishops included in the membership from eight provinces of the Communion. The meetings include the examination of funding through the Inter Anglican Finance Committee, as each province is asked to help fund the operations and programmes of the London based Anglican Communion Office (ACO). The staff members come from England, Jamaica, Uganda, USA, Zambia, Ireland, Colombia and Australia.
On Tuesday, the Archbishop of Canterbury will arrive from London (scheduled for 7.25 a.m.) at the airport and will be greeted by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and other officials and church people. Press and media welcome for this photo-call (only).
Notes for Editors and Media Persons
The meetings are always private and are not open to the public. There is no official press facility (as previously announced). There is a small business centre run by the hotel (internet connections were not functioning on Sunday the 11th).
>From 14 February, as needed, a media briefing (accredited press see:
http://www.aco.org/primates/press/index.cfm ) will be held each evening at 6.45 p.m. in the main reception area of the hotel. The official spokesperson for the meeting is the Archbishop of Australia, the Most Revd Philip Aspinall.
Media/Press information and briefing contact number for Canon James Rosenthal, Communications Director, is 077 33 86 845 in Tanzania and from abroad +255 77 33 86 845.
Additional mobile/cell is +44 780 389 4751 or from UK 0780 3894751.
Fr Jonathan Jennings can be reached at the same number for matters relating directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury or call Marie Papworth at Lambeth Palace +44 207 898-1280
ADVANCE NOTICE
The Primates will travel to Zanzibar Cathedral next Sunday (18th). IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND PLEASE CONTACT us asap. Boat transport (2 hours) may be able to be provided at a reasonable cost from the port at Dar. (Passport numbers needed for non-residents for the state tax fee). Last minute arrangements are not possible due to government requirements.
See www.anglicancommunion.org for information on Anglican Churches and Anglican Christianity.
___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 8,000 journalists and other readers around the world.
List of the current Primates of our Communion, February 2007
The Scottish Episcopal Church The Most Revd Idris Jones (New)
The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan) The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu (New)
The Episcopal Church of Burundi The Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi (New)
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem &The Middle East The Rt Revd Mouneer Anis (to be installed) (New)
The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean The Most Revd Gerald James (Ian) Ernest (New)
The Church of North India (United) The Most Revd Joel Vidyasagar Mal (New)
The Church of Ireland The Most Revd Alan Edwin Thomas Harper (New)
The Anglican Church of Australia The Most Revd Phillip John Aspinall (New)
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand &Polynesia The Most Revd William Brown Turei (New)
Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil The Most Revd Maurício José Araújo de Andrade (New)
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Rt Revd Paul Kwong (to be installed) (New)
Church of the Province of South East Asia The Most Revd Dr John Chew (New)
The Episcopal Church of the Sudan The Most Revd Joseph Biringi Hassan Marona
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines The Most Revd Ignacio Capuyan Soliba
The Church of the Province of West Africa The Most Revd Justice Ofei Akrofi
The Church of the Province of Uganda The Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi
The Church of the Province of Southern Africa The Most Revd Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane
The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma) The Most Revd Samuel San Si Htay
The Church of the Province of Melanesia The Most Revd Sir Ellison Leslie Pogo KBE
The Church of the Province of Central Africa The Most Revd Bernard Amos Malango
The Church of South India (United) The Most Revd Badda Peter Sugandhar
The Church of Pakistan (United) The Rt Revd Dr Alexander John Malik
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) The Most Revd Peter Jasper Akinola DD
The Church of England The Most Revd Rowan Douglas Williams
The Church of Bangladesh The Rt Revd Michael S Baroi
The Church in Wales The Most Revd Dr. Barry Cennydd Morgan
The Church in the Province of the West Indies The Most Revd Drexel Wellington Gomez
The Anglican Church of Tanzania The Most Revd Donald Leo Mtetemela
The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea The Most Revd James Simon Ayong
The Anglican Church of Korea The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
The Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Revd Benjamin M P Nzimbi
The Anglican Church of Canada The Most Revd Andrew Sandford Hutchison
Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo The Most Revd Dr. Dirokpa Balufuga Fidèle
La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico The Most Revd Carlos Touche - Porter
L’Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda The Most Revd Emmanuel Musaba Kolini
Iglesia Anglicana del Cono Sur de America The Most Revd Gregory James Venables
Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America The Most Revd Martin de Jesus Barahona
and
The Rt Rev Robert Duncan, Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network
The Scottish Episcopal Church The Most Revd Idris Jones (New)
The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan) The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu (New)
The Episcopal Church of Burundi The Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi (New)
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem &The Middle East The Rt Revd Mouneer Anis (to be installed) (New)
The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean The Most Revd Gerald James (Ian) Ernest (New)
The Church of North India (United) The Most Revd Joel Vidyasagar Mal (New)
The Church of Ireland The Most Revd Alan Edwin Thomas Harper (New)
The Anglican Church of Australia The Most Revd Phillip John Aspinall (New)
The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand &Polynesia The Most Revd William Brown Turei (New)
Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil The Most Revd Maurício José Araújo de Andrade (New)
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Rt Revd Paul Kwong (to be installed) (New)
Church of the Province of South East Asia The Most Revd Dr John Chew (New)
The Episcopal Church of the Sudan The Most Revd Joseph Biringi Hassan Marona
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines The Most Revd Ignacio Capuyan Soliba
The Church of the Province of West Africa The Most Revd Justice Ofei Akrofi
The Church of the Province of Uganda The Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi
The Church of the Province of Southern Africa The Most Revd Njongonkulu Winston Hugh Ndungane
The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma) The Most Revd Samuel San Si Htay
The Church of the Province of Melanesia The Most Revd Sir Ellison Leslie Pogo KBE
The Church of the Province of Central Africa The Most Revd Bernard Amos Malango
The Church of South India (United) The Most Revd Badda Peter Sugandhar
The Church of Pakistan (United) The Rt Revd Dr Alexander John Malik
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) The Most Revd Peter Jasper Akinola DD
The Church of England The Most Revd Rowan Douglas Williams
The Church of Bangladesh The Rt Revd Michael S Baroi
The Church in Wales The Most Revd Dr. Barry Cennydd Morgan
The Church in the Province of the West Indies The Most Revd Drexel Wellington Gomez
The Anglican Church of Tanzania The Most Revd Donald Leo Mtetemela
The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea The Most Revd James Simon Ayong
The Anglican Church of Korea The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
The Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Revd Benjamin M P Nzimbi
The Anglican Church of Canada The Most Revd Andrew Sandford Hutchison
Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo The Most Revd Dr. Dirokpa Balufuga Fidèle
La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico The Most Revd Carlos Touche - Porter
L’Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda The Most Revd Emmanuel Musaba Kolini
Iglesia Anglicana del Cono Sur de America The Most Revd Gregory James Venables
Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America The Most Revd Martin de Jesus Barahona
and
The Rt Rev Robert Duncan, Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network
Sunday, February 11, 2007
When in trouble, turn to mom
For the Primates of the Anglican Communion and the Rt Rev Robert Duncan, God let your will be done.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen
The Holy Father has designated 11 February 2007 the World Day of the Sick.
May the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, comfort those who are ill and sustain all who have devoted their lives, as Good Samaritans, to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of those who suffer, I especially ask your blessing upon your servant, La Donna (mother of Mark+ a priest).
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen
The Holy Father has designated 11 February 2007 the World Day of the Sick.
May the Blessed Virgin, our Mother, comfort those who are ill and sustain all who have devoted their lives, as Good Samaritans, to healing the physical and spiritual wounds of those who suffer, I especially ask your blessing upon your servant, La Donna (mother of Mark+ a priest).
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Anglican Communion Leaders to meet in Tanzania
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.
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 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
___________________________________________________________________
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
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.
Monday, December 18, 2006
A new day has begun (CANA)
This is great! In one day Bishop Peter Lee of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia goes from the most powerful bishop in ECUSA, to the second most powerful bishop in Virginia.
This is a ministry of AnglicanTV
This is a ministry of AnglicanTV
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Please Pray for...
Please pray for:
The Holy Father Benedictus PP XVI
Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.
and for:
The 37 Primates of the Anglican Communion
and for:
The vacated Primacy of The Episcopal Church of the United States
and for:
The Bishops of the Anglican Communion Network
and for:
all SSC priests
The Holy Father Benedictus PP XVI
Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.
and for:
The 37 Primates of the Anglican Communion
and for:
The vacated Primacy of The Episcopal Church of the United States
and for:
The Bishops of the Anglican Communion Network
and for:
all SSC priests
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Bishop Iker Writes His Clergy about TEC's Proposal
To the clergy:
As many of you are aware, the Episcopal News Service today released the contents of a proposal for the Presiding Bishop to appoint a "Primatial Vicar" for the eight APO-requesting dioceses. Earlier this afternoon, a response quoting Bishop Duncan was posted via the Network Web site.
Here are links to both items:
Episcopal News Service story
Anglican Communion Network response
Below is a brief statement from Bishop Iker with his thoughts on the proposal.
Suzanne Gill
Director of Communications
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While I am grateful for the efforts of those who crafted the proposal, I find it unacceptable and unworkable in its present form.
Perhaps it needs to be clarified that we have not requested someone to serve as “the Presiding Bishop’s designated pastor” to us; we have appealed for an alternative primate. Nor has this appeal been made to the Presiding Bishop, but to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the primates of the Anglican Communion. We expect a suitable response from them at the primates’ Meeting in February.
This new proposal is deficient in that it seeks to reinforce the PB’s authority over us rather than provide an acceptable alternative. We cannot accept a Primatial Vicar appointed by her and accountable to her, who “could” function for her only when so delegated by her. In addition, the provisional nature of the proposal does not meet our needs for a long-term solution to our irreconcilable differences.
As many of you are aware, the Episcopal News Service today released the contents of a proposal for the Presiding Bishop to appoint a "Primatial Vicar" for the eight APO-requesting dioceses. Earlier this afternoon, a response quoting Bishop Duncan was posted via the Network Web site.
Here are links to both items:
Episcopal News Service story
Anglican Communion Network response
Below is a brief statement from Bishop Iker with his thoughts on the proposal.
Suzanne Gill
Director of Communications
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While I am grateful for the efforts of those who crafted the proposal, I find it unacceptable and unworkable in its present form.
Perhaps it needs to be clarified that we have not requested someone to serve as “the Presiding Bishop’s designated pastor” to us; we have appealed for an alternative primate. Nor has this appeal been made to the Presiding Bishop, but to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the primates of the Anglican Communion. We expect a suitable response from them at the primates’ Meeting in February.
This new proposal is deficient in that it seeks to reinforce the PB’s authority over us rather than provide an acceptable alternative. We cannot accept a Primatial Vicar appointed by her and accountable to her, who “could” function for her only when so delegated by her. In addition, the provisional nature of the proposal does not meet our needs for a long-term solution to our irreconcilable differences.
Kate wants to keep playing dress up
Kate Schori, has proposed a relationship that would allow her feel like she's playing bishop over the APO Dioceses. If you are interested in reading her drivel be my guest.As for me I will recall those most eloquent words of General Anthony McAuliffe, "To the German Commander, Nuts!"
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Please pray for Pope Benedict XVI
Prayer Thread for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on his apostolic journey to Turkey."I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me. " My dear friends -- at this moment I can only say: pray for me, that I may learn to love the Lord more and more.
"Pray for me, that I may learn to love his flock more and more -- in other words, you, the holy Church, each one of you and all of you together. Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves. Let us pray for one another, that the Lord will carry us and that we will learn to carry one another."
~from the homily for his installation as the 265th Pope of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, April 25, 2005 "I ask you all to accompany me with prayer that this pilgrimage may bring all the fruits that God desires."
~from the Angelus, November 26, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
+Lee's failed ambush
BISHOPS DECLINE INVITATION TO SECOND SUMMIT
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, and the Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, have declined an invitation from the Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, Bishop of Virginia, to attend a second Summit Meeting of bishops requesting Alternate Primatial Oversight with the Presiding Bishop and two co-conveners, Bishop Lee and the Rt. Rev. John Lipscomb, Bishop of Southwest Florida. In fact, none of the bishops of those dioceses that have requested APO will be attending. The proposed meeting was scheduled to begin today.
The first Summit, convened at the request of the Rt. Rev. and Most Hon. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, was held in September at the offices of the Church Pension Group in New York City.
Bishop Iker enumerated the reasons for the decision in a reply he sent to Bishop Lee on Tuesday, Nov. 21, on behalf of Bishop Duncan and himself. The full text of the reply is as follows:
Dear Peter,
I am responding to your e-mail from yesterday on behalf of Bob Duncan and myself regarding the proposed meeting for November 27th. He and I have agreed that the following points must be made at this time:
1. Our position has been the same since the last day of our New York meeting back in September. We will not attend another meeting “to continue the conversation” unless there is a specific proposal on the table to provide APO. Apparently this is not the case for next Monday. You speak of a skeleton, but nothing has been shared with either of us. We assume the other side has seen your proposal.
2. We made a specific proposal to the Archbishop of Canterbury back in July, and we shared this document with you and John Lipscomb as the conveners of the September meeting. You did not share it with all of the other participants at that time, and it was never discussed.
3. We note that David Booth Beers has been quoted in the press as telling the meeting of The Episcopal Majority several days ago that Alternative Primatial Oversight is not going to be provided. The Presiding Bishop’s office has not denied his claim, and we have concluded that she agrees with David’s assertion.
4. We agree that mediation is required at this time to move toward a negotiated settlement. The time frame you propose for the 27th is insufficient for significant progress to be made in this regard, and we would need additional parties in attendance in order to participate in such negotiations.
5. We believe the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks with threats of lawsuits against bishops appealing for APO and of declaring “vacant sees.” We note that we are now tagged as “problem dioceses” and that we will continue to be monitored by the property task force headed by Bishop Sauls. We also note that this task force is going to cultivate relationships with persons in our dioceses who oppose the position taken by our diocesan conventions. Such posturing is meant to
intimidate us and does not promote dialogue and conversation about the matters before us. I have been advised that legal counsel should accompany me to any future meetings with representatives from 815 or the General Convention.
Should you elect to proceed with your meeting on Monday, please know that you will be in our prayers and that Bob and I wish you good success.
Sincerely,
+Jack L. Iker
Contacts: Suzanne Gill
Director of Communications
The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
sgill@fwepiscopal.org
Peter Frank
Director of Communications
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
frank@pgh.anglican.org
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, and the Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, have declined an invitation from the Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, Bishop of Virginia, to attend a second Summit Meeting of bishops requesting Alternate Primatial Oversight with the Presiding Bishop and two co-conveners, Bishop Lee and the Rt. Rev. John Lipscomb, Bishop of Southwest Florida. In fact, none of the bishops of those dioceses that have requested APO will be attending. The proposed meeting was scheduled to begin today.
The first Summit, convened at the request of the Rt. Rev. and Most Hon. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, was held in September at the offices of the Church Pension Group in New York City.
Bishop Iker enumerated the reasons for the decision in a reply he sent to Bishop Lee on Tuesday, Nov. 21, on behalf of Bishop Duncan and himself. The full text of the reply is as follows:
Dear Peter,
I am responding to your e-mail from yesterday on behalf of Bob Duncan and myself regarding the proposed meeting for November 27th. He and I have agreed that the following points must be made at this time:
1. Our position has been the same since the last day of our New York meeting back in September. We will not attend another meeting “to continue the conversation” unless there is a specific proposal on the table to provide APO. Apparently this is not the case for next Monday. You speak of a skeleton, but nothing has been shared with either of us. We assume the other side has seen your proposal.
2. We made a specific proposal to the Archbishop of Canterbury back in July, and we shared this document with you and John Lipscomb as the conveners of the September meeting. You did not share it with all of the other participants at that time, and it was never discussed.
3. We note that David Booth Beers has been quoted in the press as telling the meeting of The Episcopal Majority several days ago that Alternative Primatial Oversight is not going to be provided. The Presiding Bishop’s office has not denied his claim, and we have concluded that she agrees with David’s assertion.
4. We agree that mediation is required at this time to move toward a negotiated settlement. The time frame you propose for the 27th is insufficient for significant progress to be made in this regard, and we would need additional parties in attendance in order to participate in such negotiations.
5. We believe the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks with threats of lawsuits against bishops appealing for APO and of declaring “vacant sees.” We note that we are now tagged as “problem dioceses” and that we will continue to be monitored by the property task force headed by Bishop Sauls. We also note that this task force is going to cultivate relationships with persons in our dioceses who oppose the position taken by our diocesan conventions. Such posturing is meant to
intimidate us and does not promote dialogue and conversation about the matters before us. I have been advised that legal counsel should accompany me to any future meetings with representatives from 815 or the General Convention.
Should you elect to proceed with your meeting on Monday, please know that you will be in our prayers and that Bob and I wish you good success.
Sincerely,
+Jack L. Iker
Contacts: Suzanne Gill
Director of Communications
The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
sgill@fwepiscopal.org
Peter Frank
Director of Communications
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
frank@pgh.anglican.org
Monday, November 20, 2006
Would someone please wake Bishop Stanton
Dear Bishop Stanton,
Bishop Iker and the Diocese of Fort Worth have taken steps to regain the church of my birth. It’s now safe for you to tag along; no one is saying you have to take a leadership position.
Is the final year of your pension so important that you would stand by while Vicky Gene, Kate and the rest of the girls drive the final nail?
Bishop Iker and the Diocese of Fort Worth have taken steps to regain the church of my birth. It’s now safe for you to tag along; no one is saying you have to take a leadership position.
Is the final year of your pension so important that you would stand by while Vicky Gene, Kate and the rest of the girls drive the final nail?
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Fort Worth Stands Firm...Again
24th Diocesan Convention“Continue in the Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship”
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 & 18, 2006
at St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church, Arlington
18 November 2006
Election Results
Resolution 1: The Appeal for Alternate Primatial Oversight • adopted
Clerical order: 51 for (80%) • 12 against • 2 not voting
Lay order: 102 for (82%) • 21 against • 1 abstention
Be it resolved this 24th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth endorses and affirms the appeal made to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Primates of the Anglican Communion by the Standing Committee and Bishop of our diocese for Alternative Primatial Oversight and pastoral care.
Resolution 2: Withdrawing Consent for Membership in Province VII • adopted
Clerical order: 51 for (80%) • 12 against • 2 not voting
Lay order: 98 for (79%) • 25 against • 3 abstentions
Be it resolved this 24th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth endorses, affirms and ratifies the decision of the Standing Committee of this diocese on July 24, 2006, to withdraw its consent, pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, to be included in the Seventh Province of the Episcopal Church.
Resolution 3: Acknowledging the Minority • substitute resolutions adopted
The resolution, as submitted, was ruled out of order by the Resolutions Committee, which introduced two substitutes. At the Bishop's request, substitute resolution 3B was voted on first.
It was adopted unanimously by voice vote
Be it resolved that this 24th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth recognizes that a minority of Episcopalians in this diocese do not agree with the decisions made by the canonical authorities of the diocese (that is, the Bishop, Standing Committee, Diocesan Convention, and Executive Council), and that they remain valued members of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.
Substitute resolution 3A went to a simple ballot (not by orders) after the chair was unable to determine either by voice vote or by standing vote which side had prevailed.
The result was 106 for • 72 against • 11 abstentions
The text is below; boldface type indicates words added by amendment from the floor.
Be it resolved that this 24th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth establish the following procedure for a parish o withdraw its membership from the Anglican Communion Network of Dioceses and Parishes: Withdrawl may be effected by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the vestry, followed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the qualified voting members (as proscribed in Canon 26, Section 2 of the diocesan Canons) of a parish at either an Annual Meeting of the parish or a special meeting of the parish as defined in Canon 26, Section 3. Due notice of such a meeting shall be in accordance with Canon 26, Sections 1 and 3.
Resolution 4: Listening Process • substitute resolution adopted
It was passed by voice vote
Resolution 4 as submitted was ruled out of order by the Resolutions Committee, which introduced the following substitute.
Be it resolved that this 24th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth affirms and endorses Resolution 1:10, Lambeth 1998, affirmed by the Primates Meetings 2003, 2005 and further affirmed by the Windsor Report, in its entirety and recognizes it to be the official teaching of the Anglican Communion on Human Sexuality.
Article 12: Deputies to General Convention • adopted by voice vote
The Annual Convention in the second year preceding a stated meeting of General Convention shall elect by ballot two (2) Priests or Deacons and two (2) Lay Persons as Deputies to General Convention. The Annual Convention in the year preceding a stated meeting of General Convention shall elect by ballot two (2) Priests or Deacons and two (2) Lay Persons as Alternate Deputies. Deputies and Alternate Deputies shall take office on the first day of January in the year in which the General Convention is to be held and shall hold office until their successors take office. They shall possess the same qualifications as members of The Standing Committee and shall be elected by a concurrent majority of both orders.
The Bishop shall assign the Alternate Deputies according to the order of their election to fill any vacancy in the deputation. In case there be no Bishop or he is unable to act, this power shall be exercised by The Standing Committee.
Article 13: See City and Cathedral • adopted unanimously by voice vote
The City of Fort Worth is hereby declared to be the See City of this Diocese.
The Bishop and a Parish may agree to the designation of that Parish as The Cathedral under such terms as both approve.
Canon 29: Business Methods • adopted unanimously by voice vote
29.1 e. All Parishes, Missions, Diocesan Schools and institutions shall maintain insurance protection for personnel, property and liability according to the minimum standards currently in effect by the Diocesan Risk Management Committee. All Parishes, Missions, Diocesan Schools and institutions shall make their records of insurance and total insured values available from time to time for inspection and audit by an appointee of the Diocesan Risk Management Committee.
Canon 43: Holy Matrimony • adopted by voice vote
Section 43.1 As used in this Diocese, the terms “Holy Matrimony” and “Marriage” defined as the exclusive physical and spiritual union of one man and one woman, by mutual consent of the heart, mind and will, and with the intent that it be lifelong.
Section 43.2 The blessing of same sex unions is prohibited in churches, missions and congregations of this Diocese; and clergy resident or licensed in this Diocese are prohibited from performing such blessings in any venue.
Clerical member of Standing Committee • Fr. Thomas Hightower
Lay member of Standing Committee • Walter Virden III
Lay member of the University of the South Board of Trustees • Walter Virden IV
Clerical member of the Ecclesiastical Trial Court • Fr. Richard McHenry
Lay member of the Ecclesiastical Trial Court • Thom Murrell
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Could you run that by me again???
Someone please explain to Mrs Schori, that November 1 is All Saints Day, not April Fools Day...
Please note, the AP mistakenly referred to Mrs Schori as a Bishop.
Church Head Doubts Jesus is Only Way
Associated Press
November 1, 2006
CBNNews.com - NEW YORK (AP) - In an Associated Press interview, Mrs Katharine Schori said, "If we insist that we know the one way to God, we've put God in a very small box."
The Bible declares that "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
But Schori says she doesn't believe that "one person can have the fullness of truth in him or herself."
Instead, she says, "Truth is, like God, more than any one person can encompass."
Eight Episcopal dioceses have asked Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who heads the world Anglican Communion, to put them under a leader other than Mrs Schori.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights reserved.
Please note, the AP mistakenly referred to Mrs Schori as a Bishop.
Church Head Doubts Jesus is Only Way
Associated Press
November 1, 2006
CBNNews.com - NEW YORK (AP) - In an Associated Press interview, Mrs Katharine Schori said, "If we insist that we know the one way to God, we've put God in a very small box."
The Bible declares that "in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
But Schori says she doesn't believe that "one person can have the fullness of truth in him or herself."
Instead, she says, "Truth is, like God, more than any one person can encompass."
Eight Episcopal dioceses have asked Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who heads the world Anglican Communion, to put them under a leader other than Mrs Schori.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights reserved.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Kate fires her first salvo
According to The Living Church, David Booth Beers (Bishop Griswold’s Chancellor) has written identical letters to Bishops Iker, SSC and Ackerman, SSC. Demanding that they change language "that can be read as cutting against an 'unqualified accession' to the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church." Obviously, 815's words have no teeth.Kate, VGR and the crew will have difficult time justifying their actions to the body Anglican. Canterbury has allowed them to play their little word games, but they are beginning to feel the heat from ++Akinola, ++Gomez, et al.
Stay faithful, Bishops Iker and Ackerman. Spring will be here soon.
~ Now praise the lord, and pass the ammo...
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Global South comes through...again
Thanks again to the Primates of the Anglican Communion’s Global South. Once again, while the rest of the Communion is impotent or worse yet, heretical; Global South, makes an impassioned and completely fitting statement.
The message they are sending is clear. You can line up with Mrs Schori, VGR, and the rest, or you can get back on the righteous path.
Kigali Communiqué
The message they are sending is clear. You can line up with Mrs Schori, VGR, and the rest, or you can get back on the righteous path.
Kigali Communiqué
Monday, September 18, 2006
So the Pope was wrong about what?
I'm guessing Muslims are upset because Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that religion can be distorted.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Quincy makes it 8
Virtue Online is reporting that the Diocese of Quincy is joining the Dioceses of Fort Worth, San Joaquin, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Central Florida, South Carolina, and Springfield in requesting pastoral oversight from a source other than the soon to be invalid position of Presiding Bishop of ECUSA.
While ECUSA has been on life support since 1976, the death nail was driven at the 75 General Convention. ECUSA chose to ignore the mandates of the Windsor Report. Instead they decided to hold their own little "lick-fest" over how it's doors are open to all but those who have actually read the Bible.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4709
While ECUSA has been on life support since 1976, the death nail was driven at the 75 General Convention. ECUSA chose to ignore the mandates of the Windsor Report. Instead they decided to hold their own little "lick-fest" over how it's doors are open to all but those who have actually read the Bible.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4709
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
New York Summit
Please pray for Bishop Iker and all of the Network bishops meeting with Bishop Griswold and Mrs Schori.
Monday, September 11, 2006
God Bless America
May God bless those killed at The Pentagon, in southwest Pennsylvania and in New York on September 11, 2001.
Monday, September 04, 2006
A Little Research for Mrs Schori...
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Newly elected leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said on Monday she believed homosexuality was no sin and homosexuals were created by God to love people of the same gender...
I understand liberals have more important things to do than actually read scripture, but here are a few Mrs Schori might want to read before she plays dress-up in November.
Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."
Leviticus 20:13: "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them."
Romans 1:18-32: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. . .For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. . .
"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. . .
"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire towards one another, men with men committed indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
"God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice. . . without understanding. . . and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
I Corinthians 6:9: "Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
I understand liberals have more important things to do than actually read scripture, but here are a few Mrs Schori might want to read before she plays dress-up in November.
Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."
Leviticus 20:13: "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them."
Romans 1:18-32: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. . .For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. . .
"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. . .
"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire towards one another, men with men committed indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
"God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice. . . without understanding. . . and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
I Corinthians 6:9: "Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
Heiresses
For those of you trying to rationalize Vicky Gene, Katharine and other female clergy:
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. ~2 Tim. 4:3–4
Heresy -- the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him" (CCC 2089).
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. ~2 Tim. 4:3–4
Heresy -- the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and Catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him" (CCC 2089).
More on the Ordination of Women
Jesus did not ordain any women. All of the apostles were men.
I have heard the argument that he did this because this was the culture of his time. So I’m guessing these people are saying Jesus was sexist. Or perhaps they are saying Jesus didn’t have the foresight to know what culture would be like in our highly enlightened times. Both of these arguments are preposterous. Jesus turned the world on its collective head and he was crucified for it. Did Jesus not select women to lessen the pain of his suffering or to take the easy way out? I think you can answer this question for yourself.
If a woman could be a priest, wouldn’t it have made sense for Jesus to have taken his mother? In an earthly sense it is her body and her blood. Carrying this a step farther, women give the world life, so why wouldn’t all priests be women.
There were female priests in Jesus’ time; Judaism however did not practice this. So are the progressives making the argument that Jesus just didn’t think about female priests?
Women have other roles in the church. Women were the first to spread the word that “Christ has risen.”
The substance of the sacrament cannot be changed. Baptism is by water, the body comes from bread, and priests acting in the person of the male Christ, must obviously be male. Sorry to break the news to our liberal friends, but an invalid sacrament is an invalid sacrament.
Men and woman are equal in the eyes of God, but not the same. Likewise no one has the right to a sacrament; it’s through the Jesus that we are given the sacrament.
Q: But the early church had female priests, right?
A: Women belonged to orders of virgins, widows, and deaconesses which were the earliest roots of our modern nuns. Gnosticism, that allowed women to become priestesses, so if anyone wants to follow these examples, good luck.
I have heard the argument that he did this because this was the culture of his time. So I’m guessing these people are saying Jesus was sexist. Or perhaps they are saying Jesus didn’t have the foresight to know what culture would be like in our highly enlightened times. Both of these arguments are preposterous. Jesus turned the world on its collective head and he was crucified for it. Did Jesus not select women to lessen the pain of his suffering or to take the easy way out? I think you can answer this question for yourself.
If a woman could be a priest, wouldn’t it have made sense for Jesus to have taken his mother? In an earthly sense it is her body and her blood. Carrying this a step farther, women give the world life, so why wouldn’t all priests be women.
There were female priests in Jesus’ time; Judaism however did not practice this. So are the progressives making the argument that Jesus just didn’t think about female priests?
Women have other roles in the church. Women were the first to spread the word that “Christ has risen.”
The substance of the sacrament cannot be changed. Baptism is by water, the body comes from bread, and priests acting in the person of the male Christ, must obviously be male. Sorry to break the news to our liberal friends, but an invalid sacrament is an invalid sacrament.
Men and woman are equal in the eyes of God, but not the same. Likewise no one has the right to a sacrament; it’s through the Jesus that we are given the sacrament.
Q: But the early church had female priests, right?
A: Women belonged to orders of virgins, widows, and deaconesses which were the earliest roots of our modern nuns. Gnosticism, that allowed women to become priestesses, so if anyone wants to follow these examples, good luck.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
ECUSA an organization that cannot admit to its worldwide irrelevancy
I have heard claims that Jesus chose no women as Apostles because of the time in which he lived.
To those who make this argument I’m curious if you think Jesus could not see that in the year 2006 it would be a great idea to have female priests or if you think Jesus was a chauvinist.
If you believe the first argument, one would assume Jesus bowed to the pressure of the times, I can’t recall Jesus taking the politically correct route in anything he did.
If you subscribe to the second, that would seem to be a claim that Jesus was susceptible to human pettiness.
To those who make this argument I’m curious if you think Jesus could not see that in the year 2006 it would be a great idea to have female priests or if you think Jesus was a chauvinist.
If you believe the first argument, one would assume Jesus bowed to the pressure of the times, I can’t recall Jesus taking the politically correct route in anything he did.
If you subscribe to the second, that would seem to be a claim that Jesus was susceptible to human pettiness.
The Holy See on the Ordination of Women
St Augustine of Hippo and St John Damascene refer to female priesthood as heresy.
Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure too rejected the female priesthood.
John Paul II, echoed the words of his predecessor Pius XII when he stated that the church has no authority to change that which is given by Christ. Sacred Tradition will admit no change.
If Anglicans are truly part of one, holy, catholic and apostolic church as we profess, we cannot only choose the mandates from the Holy See that we feel are modern and politically correct.
Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure too rejected the female priesthood.
John Paul II, echoed the words of his predecessor Pius XII when he stated that the church has no authority to change that which is given by Christ. Sacred Tradition will admit no change.
If Anglicans are truly part of one, holy, catholic and apostolic church as we profess, we cannot only choose the mandates from the Holy See that we feel are modern and politically correct.
Head of the household, head of the church
Too many times scripture is twisted to justify men placing women in a subservient role, with no requirements or consequences for the men. If you read Ephesians 5:21-33 without chopping it up, you’ll see man is not let off the hook in the family relationship. The priest too has an incredible responsibility as the head of his congregation.
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.Ephesians 5:21-33
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.Ephesians 5:21-33
The Apostolic Tradition
Now a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, no drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and no lover of money. 1 Tim. 3:2-3
This is why I left you in Crete, that you might amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of being profligate or insubordinate. Titus 1:5-6
This is why I left you in Crete, that you might amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of being profligate or insubordinate. Titus 1:5-6
Requirements for Ordination
God is clear when speaking to Moses regarding the requirements of the Priesthood. God made man and woman equal, but not interchangeable. We have different roles as well as different consequences.
Admission to the priesthood required a male descendant of Aaron without disease or bodily defect, it involved total separation from the obligations of war and farming, and it demanded conformity to ritual, vestment and purity standards set out by God.
Hierarchy is not inequality. Jesus Said, “I and the Father are one." John 10:30; and “You heard me say to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.” John 14:28. Again god gave us roles.
The justification for the ordination of women is never scripturally based. Instead arguments are made for rights or for pragmatic reasons.
Admission to the priesthood required a male descendant of Aaron without disease or bodily defect, it involved total separation from the obligations of war and farming, and it demanded conformity to ritual, vestment and purity standards set out by God.
Hierarchy is not inequality. Jesus Said, “I and the Father are one." John 10:30; and “You heard me say to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.” John 14:28. Again god gave us roles.
The justification for the ordination of women is never scripturally based. Instead arguments are made for rights or for pragmatic reasons.
Monday, June 19, 2006
A Statement from Bishop Jack Iker: on the Election of Mrs Schori
Diocese of Fort Worth
on the Election of the New Presiding Bishop
June 18, 2006
In a rather surprising election today, the House of Bishops chose Katharine Jefferts Schori to become the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. When first nominated, she was widely regarded as a “dark horse candidate” and as “the token woman” on the slate. I for one never expected that she could be elected.
Her election signals a continuation of the policies of the outgoing Presiding Bishop, namely support for the ordination of practicing homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions, practices which have divided the Episcopal Church, impaired our relationship with a majority of other Provinces, and brought the Anglican Communion to the breaking point. The fact that her ordination as a bishop is not recognized or accepted by a large portion of the Communion introduces an additional element of division and impairment. When she becomes the first female primate of the Anglican Communion, it remains to be seen as to how she will be regarded by the other 37 primates, the vast majority of whom come from Provinces where women cannot be elected as bishops.
In one sense, we should not be surprised, at all, for this is The Episcopal Church, which takes pride in being first with every new innovation: women priests and bishops, the blessing of same-sex unions, the election of the first gay bishop in 2003, and now the selection of the first female primate in 2006. One wonders what might be next.
on the Election of the New Presiding Bishop
June 18, 2006
In a rather surprising election today, the House of Bishops chose Katharine Jefferts Schori to become the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. When first nominated, she was widely regarded as a “dark horse candidate” and as “the token woman” on the slate. I for one never expected that she could be elected.
Her election signals a continuation of the policies of the outgoing Presiding Bishop, namely support for the ordination of practicing homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions, practices which have divided the Episcopal Church, impaired our relationship with a majority of other Provinces, and brought the Anglican Communion to the breaking point. The fact that her ordination as a bishop is not recognized or accepted by a large portion of the Communion introduces an additional element of division and impairment. When she becomes the first female primate of the Anglican Communion, it remains to be seen as to how she will be regarded by the other 37 primates, the vast majority of whom come from Provinces where women cannot be elected as bishops.
In one sense, we should not be surprised, at all, for this is The Episcopal Church, which takes pride in being first with every new innovation: women priests and bishops, the blessing of same-sex unions, the election of the first gay bishop in 2003, and now the selection of the first female primate in 2006. One wonders what might be next.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Q & A Interview with the Bishop of Fort Worth
The Living Church magazine
7/27/2005
Earlier today, the Rt. Rev. Jack L. Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, was one of nine diocesan bishops to sign “A Second Open Letter to the Bishop and Standing Committee of Connecticut.” Written in response to the inhibition of the Rev. Mark S. Hansen, as rector of St. John’s, Bristol, Conn., the letter informs the Bishop of Connecticut, the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, that the nine bishops do not recognize the inhibition and are preparing ecclesiastical charges against Bishop Smith for conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. Yesterday, the Diocese of Fort Worth announced that it had petitioned the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference, claiming a “serious theological disagreement” with the Episcopal Church. The Living Church spoke with Bishop Iker about these two developments.
Q: Why did you sign this letter?
A: Bishop Smith has declared war on these six priests. We are going to take him on for abusive misuse of canons. It’s very disturbing that he has not only thumbed his nose at the primates, he’s also dismissed the Windsor Report and, if the reports are true, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference.
Q: Who first proposed the idea of the letters (the one on April 14 and the one published earlier today)?
A: One of the priests contacted us, saying “Don’t you care? We’re being attacked for holding the same beliefs as you.’ The primates also advised us. They have told us not to expect them to take all the risks if we are not willing to take some ourselves. There are ways other than inhibition to deal with a priest who violates guidelines. We are not going to stand by and watch [Bishop Smith] annihilate those six parishes.
Q: Have you had any communication with Bishop Smith since you signed the first letter?
A: To my knowledge he has never responded to our first letter in any way.
Q: You realize that presentments and geographical incursions can travel in many directions and that you and the other signatories represent a minority within the House of Bishops?
A: We are willing to pay the consequences. If [Bishop Smith] continues to turn up the heat, we are going to respond. It is sad to see those who claim to be liberal behaving like fascists when someone disagrees with them.
Q: Do you already have flight reservations for Hartford or New Haven?
A: (Laughter) I’ve been up there once already. I think that kind of thing will be repeated. Part of episcopal care means being with your clergy when they are hurting.
Q: Turning to the petition that you and the president of the standing committee recently filed with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference, why did you decide to file now; what’s changed?
A: We began talking about this soon after it was announced [at the conclusion of the primates’ meeting last February]. We wanted to wait until the panel met. I have brought our concerns to the Archbishop of Canterbury on more than one occasion previously. One of the problems in the Episcopal Church right now is that there is no independent court system. The same goes for the Anglican Communion. We have previously had no means to appeal beyond our Province.
Q: Do you think your petition will have any impact on calls for the creation of a third province within the Church of England?
A: I think they all touch upon one another. Our appeal illustrates the hypocrisy of the Episcopal Church when they say that they honor all theological views. That simply isn’t true.
7/27/2005
Earlier today, the Rt. Rev. Jack L. Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, was one of nine diocesan bishops to sign “A Second Open Letter to the Bishop and Standing Committee of Connecticut.” Written in response to the inhibition of the Rev. Mark S. Hansen, as rector of St. John’s, Bristol, Conn., the letter informs the Bishop of Connecticut, the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, that the nine bishops do not recognize the inhibition and are preparing ecclesiastical charges against Bishop Smith for conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. Yesterday, the Diocese of Fort Worth announced that it had petitioned the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference, claiming a “serious theological disagreement” with the Episcopal Church. The Living Church spoke with Bishop Iker about these two developments.
Q: Why did you sign this letter?
A: Bishop Smith has declared war on these six priests. We are going to take him on for abusive misuse of canons. It’s very disturbing that he has not only thumbed his nose at the primates, he’s also dismissed the Windsor Report and, if the reports are true, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference.
Q: Who first proposed the idea of the letters (the one on April 14 and the one published earlier today)?
A: One of the priests contacted us, saying “Don’t you care? We’re being attacked for holding the same beliefs as you.’ The primates also advised us. They have told us not to expect them to take all the risks if we are not willing to take some ourselves. There are ways other than inhibition to deal with a priest who violates guidelines. We are not going to stand by and watch [Bishop Smith] annihilate those six parishes.
Q: Have you had any communication with Bishop Smith since you signed the first letter?
A: To my knowledge he has never responded to our first letter in any way.
Q: You realize that presentments and geographical incursions can travel in many directions and that you and the other signatories represent a minority within the House of Bishops?
A: We are willing to pay the consequences. If [Bishop Smith] continues to turn up the heat, we are going to respond. It is sad to see those who claim to be liberal behaving like fascists when someone disagrees with them.
Q: Do you already have flight reservations for Hartford or New Haven?
A: (Laughter) I’ve been up there once already. I think that kind of thing will be repeated. Part of episcopal care means being with your clergy when they are hurting.
Q: Turning to the petition that you and the president of the standing committee recently filed with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference, why did you decide to file now; what’s changed?
A: We began talking about this soon after it was announced [at the conclusion of the primates’ meeting last February]. We wanted to wait until the panel met. I have brought our concerns to the Archbishop of Canterbury on more than one occasion previously. One of the problems in the Episcopal Church right now is that there is no independent court system. The same goes for the Anglican Communion. We have previously had no means to appeal beyond our Province.
Q: Do you think your petition will have any impact on calls for the creation of a third province within the Church of England?
A: I think they all touch upon one another. Our appeal illustrates the hypocrisy of the Episcopal Church when they say that they honor all theological views. That simply isn’t true.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Concerning the Anglican Primates Meeting in Armagh, Ireland
The following statements have been issued in response to the Primates’ Communiqué
Statement of the Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan
Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network
The clarity with which the Primates have spoken is breath-taking. Individual provinces do have the freedom to act as they see fit under their various constitutions, but the exercise of that freedom beyond agreed teaching and practice will imperil their standing and participation in the Communion. The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada have been asked to withdraw their representatives from the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) effectively immediately. This suspension of relationship continues until the constitutional assemblies of each church indicate their willingness to conform to what was asked of them in the Windsor Report.
The teaching of the Communion is sustained. The authority of Scripture is upheld. ‘Autonomy in Communion’ is defined. Moratoria are called for Communion-wide. The need to turn our global attention to the great social crises of disease and poverty is re-asserted.
Provision for the ‘integrity and legitimate needs’ of theological minorities is guaranteed by the creation of an international ‘panel of reference.’ This is an extraordinary and essential development. The Anglican Communion Network, together with the much wider circle of orthodox believers in the United States and Canada (including especially the Common Cause movement) now has an international promise and an Anglican Communion provision that should stem the flow of three decades of believing life-blood.
For some months now, I have maintained that the 2005 Primates Meeting would prove a defining moment in Anglican history. So it has proved. As the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD decided for unity with the universal Christian Church in matters of worship and church order, so the 2005 Primates meeting has decided for unity with the universal Christian Church in matters of doctrine and morals. The decisions taken at Newry in Northern Ireland are epochal.
For all of this, we should be profoundly grateful to Almighty God and to the godly leaders of the Anglican Communion for a new day dawning for Anglicanism and for us.
Statement of the Anglican Communion Network and the American
Anglican Council
We are thankful for the work of the Primates of the Anglican Communion in addressing the complicated issues before them this week. This is a pivotal moment in Anglican history in which Biblical faithfulness has been reaffirmed. At last a clear and unequivocal choice has been presented to the Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Church of Canada. Being asked voluntarily to withdraw, the two provinces have been effectively suspended from the Communion until at least July 2008 in order to consider their place within that body. They must choose between repentance marked by compliance with the Windsor Report or continued theological innovations that separate them from the teaching and life of the Anglican Communion. We applaud the pastoral sensitivity with which the Primates have addressed the concerns of those who feel betrayed by their church leadership as well as those of homosexual orientation.
Out of twenty-two paragraphs of the Communiqué, 15 focus on the Windsor Report, clearly indicating that the theological crisis faced by the Communion was the primates’ central concern. The Communiqué gives hopeful evidence, however, that having dealt with this issue, the Communion can turn to critical matters such as developing effective strategies to address HIV AIDS, TB, malaria, absolute poverty and hunger reduction.
We will continue to pray for the Communion in this solemn period of transition as the church sorts out the various implications and ramifications of the Primates’ 2005 Communiqué.
Statement of the Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan
Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network
The clarity with which the Primates have spoken is breath-taking. Individual provinces do have the freedom to act as they see fit under their various constitutions, but the exercise of that freedom beyond agreed teaching and practice will imperil their standing and participation in the Communion. The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada have been asked to withdraw their representatives from the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) effectively immediately. This suspension of relationship continues until the constitutional assemblies of each church indicate their willingness to conform to what was asked of them in the Windsor Report.
The teaching of the Communion is sustained. The authority of Scripture is upheld. ‘Autonomy in Communion’ is defined. Moratoria are called for Communion-wide. The need to turn our global attention to the great social crises of disease and poverty is re-asserted.
Provision for the ‘integrity and legitimate needs’ of theological minorities is guaranteed by the creation of an international ‘panel of reference.’ This is an extraordinary and essential development. The Anglican Communion Network, together with the much wider circle of orthodox believers in the United States and Canada (including especially the Common Cause movement) now has an international promise and an Anglican Communion provision that should stem the flow of three decades of believing life-blood.
For some months now, I have maintained that the 2005 Primates Meeting would prove a defining moment in Anglican history. So it has proved. As the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD decided for unity with the universal Christian Church in matters of worship and church order, so the 2005 Primates meeting has decided for unity with the universal Christian Church in matters of doctrine and morals. The decisions taken at Newry in Northern Ireland are epochal.
For all of this, we should be profoundly grateful to Almighty God and to the godly leaders of the Anglican Communion for a new day dawning for Anglicanism and for us.
Statement of the Anglican Communion Network and the American
Anglican Council
We are thankful for the work of the Primates of the Anglican Communion in addressing the complicated issues before them this week. This is a pivotal moment in Anglican history in which Biblical faithfulness has been reaffirmed. At last a clear and unequivocal choice has been presented to the Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Church of Canada. Being asked voluntarily to withdraw, the two provinces have been effectively suspended from the Communion until at least July 2008 in order to consider their place within that body. They must choose between repentance marked by compliance with the Windsor Report or continued theological innovations that separate them from the teaching and life of the Anglican Communion. We applaud the pastoral sensitivity with which the Primates have addressed the concerns of those who feel betrayed by their church leadership as well as those of homosexual orientation.
Out of twenty-two paragraphs of the Communiqué, 15 focus on the Windsor Report, clearly indicating that the theological crisis faced by the Communion was the primates’ central concern. The Communiqué gives hopeful evidence, however, that having dealt with this issue, the Communion can turn to critical matters such as developing effective strategies to address HIV AIDS, TB, malaria, absolute poverty and hunger reduction.
We will continue to pray for the Communion in this solemn period of transition as the church sorts out the various implications and ramifications of the Primates’ 2005 Communiqué.
Tuesday, May 07, 1996
Forth Worth Commission Questions Women's Ordination Canon
March 7, 1996 Forth Worth Commission Questions Women's Ordination Canon 96-1409U
Episcopal News Service
(ENS) The commission on ministry of the diocese of Fort Worth recently sent a letter to Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning stating that it was "alarmed and dismayed at the proposed canonical changes to the canons on ministry." The changes endorsed by both the House of Bishops and the Executive Council, would require all dioceses to allow the ordination of women and the licensing of women priests from other dioceses. Complaining that alternative plans presented by Bishop Jack Iker of Forth Worth had been ignored, the commission argued that it was being called upon "to surrender our 'theologically recognized position' and accede to unjust ultimatums." The commission emphasized that it did not voluntarily seek to leave the Episcopal Church, but felt they must follow "the directives of Scriptures as the Church has universally understood them and we must resist any unjust requirements. We therefore strongly object to the proposed changes to the ministry canons. If they are passed, the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Fort Worth cannot obey them."
Episcopal News Service
(ENS) The commission on ministry of the diocese of Fort Worth recently sent a letter to Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning stating that it was "alarmed and dismayed at the proposed canonical changes to the canons on ministry." The changes endorsed by both the House of Bishops and the Executive Council, would require all dioceses to allow the ordination of women and the licensing of women priests from other dioceses. Complaining that alternative plans presented by Bishop Jack Iker of Forth Worth had been ignored, the commission argued that it was being called upon "to surrender our 'theologically recognized position' and accede to unjust ultimatums." The commission emphasized that it did not voluntarily seek to leave the Episcopal Church, but felt they must follow "the directives of Scriptures as the Church has universally understood them and we must resist any unjust requirements. We therefore strongly object to the proposed changes to the ministry canons. If they are passed, the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Fort Worth cannot obey them."
Friday, April 30, 1993
Iker is Consecrated Bishop Coadjutor in Fort Worth
April 30, 1993 In Mix of Celebration and Protest, Iker is Consecrated Bishop Coadjutor in Fort Worth 93075
Episcopal News Service
Jerry Hames, Editor of Episcopal Life
The Rev. Jack Iker was consecrated bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Fort Worth on April 24, despite protests of six people during the service and a demonstration of nearly 100 others who lined the sidewalk outside the church, some wearing gags and carrying placards in support of women priests.
Iker, 43, who helped to establish the traditionalist Episcopal Synod of America (ESA) in 1989, has said that he does not accept women priests and bishops and that arguments in favor of women in the priesthood are an effort to rewrite the faith according to a feminist perspective.
Katie Sherrod, a local radio and television commentator and member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, said that she had organized the protest at the church entrance in order to witness to the positive contribution of women priests and the fact that their ministry is denied in the diocese.
"We are asking to have the consciences of everyone recognized," Sherrod said, as she and others distributed buttons, handouts and T-shirts. "In this diocese, they [the leadership] recognize only one side. We are making no attempt to stop or disrupt the proceedings. We are standing in solidarity with the national church."
Protests made with 'patience, respect'
Inside, more than 1,500 people crowded Fort Worth's Stephen's Presbyterian Church, site of the consecration. At an appointed time during the service, six people, including a woman priest from the Diocese of Washington, lined up at the microphone to register their protest and ask that the service not proceed. When it came time for the protests to be read, the members of the congregation heeded the request of Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning to listen with "patience and respect."
The Rev. Philip Cook of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, one of several clergy wearing a purple and white ribbon in support of women priests, told Browning that the consecration would force Episcopalians in the diocese to live "in a double bind," choosing obedience either to their church or to their bishop.
The Rev. Lauren Anne Gough from the Diocese of Washington, one of five women priests at the consecration and a native of Fort Worth, told Browning she is effectively exiled from priestly ministry in her home area. "If we allow this consecration, we strike at the fundamental communion of our church," Gough said. "For in his [Iker's] refusal to accept women duly ordained as presbyter and bishop, he repudiates the sacramental acts of other bishops and presbyters."
Does 'Conscience Clause' work both ways?
Cindy Hearne, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, told Browning that, in not recognizing women priests, Iker was breaching the oath "to conform to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the church."
Hearne said that the so-called Conscience Clause, adopted by the House of Bishops in 1977 which stated that no Episcopalian should be coerced or penalized for his or her objection to, or support of, General Convention's action to allow the ordination of women, must work both ways. "If Mr. Iker can be consecrated because of the Conscience Clause, he cannot then deny permission to a congregation to call a well-qualified rector on the grounds that the candidate is a woman," Hearne contended. "That would 'penalize' the parish for its support of ordained women."
Kathryne McDorman, a professor at Texas Christian University, said that the diocese, although it has the key for healing, sits mired in divisiveness, petty accusations and name calling. "Frankly, as a historian, I find it shocking that in our church laws can be passed which do not apply to everyone, rules are made that only apply to those who want to follow them and resolutions can be resolved, but not ever entirely," McDorman said. "Such eccentricities have proven in the past to spell disaster for the societies that have built such irrational and wayward regimes."
It took more than a half-hour for the statements to be read; then the objectors returned to their seats.
Browning calls for spirit of reconciliation
Browning told the congregation that he would proceed with the service because the bishop coadjutor had been duly elected by the diocese and received consent from a majority of standing committees and bishops across the church.
However, Browning said that Episcopalians in the Diocese of Fort Worth must not ignore or dismiss reservations that had been raised during the consent process both within the diocese and beyond. A narrow margin of 62 of the 119 diocesan standing committees had consented to Iker's election -- several with messages that they had consented despite their disagreement with Iker's position on women in the priesthood.
Browning reaffirmed his support for the new bishop, saying that he was impressed by Iker's ability, sensitivity and earnest desire to serve all of the people of the diocese.
Healing the diocese's divisions
However, Browning also warned that it would require "great leadership and sensitive ministry" to heal the diocese's divisions. He urged the diocese not to isolate itself from others which have women priests and bishops, and urged parishes in the dioceses not to distance themselves from one another over the issue.
"Finally," Browning said, "it would distress me beyond measure if men and women both inside and outside this diocese who have been raised up and canonically certified as clergy could not, despite their differences, respect each other and the mutuality of their shared calling to serve the one Christ."
Minutes after his consecration, Iker asked for the texts of the protests that had been read. He also said he plans visits throughout the diocese to foster better communication, and expressed his hope to meet soon with leaders of the Council of the Laity, a local organization that had urged standing committees to withhold consent to the election. "A lot of animosity can be overcome if we establish that," Iker said.
Women bishops were absent
Neither Bishop Barbara Harris, suffragan of the Diocese of Massachusetts, nor Bishop Jane Dixon, suffragan of the Diocese of Washington, were among the 26 bishops who participated in the consecration. The Rev. Terry Cairo, the only woman priest who resides in the diocese and who serves as a deacon in her Fort Worth parish, was seated with visiting clergy from other dioceses.
Iker, who has been rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida, for the past 14 years, will become bishop of Fort Worth when Bishop Clarence Pope retires. Pope, 63, has not yet announced his retirement date.
Episcopal News Service
Jerry Hames, Editor of Episcopal Life
The Rev. Jack Iker was consecrated bishop coadjutor of the Diocese of Fort Worth on April 24, despite protests of six people during the service and a demonstration of nearly 100 others who lined the sidewalk outside the church, some wearing gags and carrying placards in support of women priests.
Iker, 43, who helped to establish the traditionalist Episcopal Synod of America (ESA) in 1989, has said that he does not accept women priests and bishops and that arguments in favor of women in the priesthood are an effort to rewrite the faith according to a feminist perspective.
Katie Sherrod, a local radio and television commentator and member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, said that she had organized the protest at the church entrance in order to witness to the positive contribution of women priests and the fact that their ministry is denied in the diocese.
"We are asking to have the consciences of everyone recognized," Sherrod said, as she and others distributed buttons, handouts and T-shirts. "In this diocese, they [the leadership] recognize only one side. We are making no attempt to stop or disrupt the proceedings. We are standing in solidarity with the national church."
Protests made with 'patience, respect'
Inside, more than 1,500 people crowded Fort Worth's Stephen's Presbyterian Church, site of the consecration. At an appointed time during the service, six people, including a woman priest from the Diocese of Washington, lined up at the microphone to register their protest and ask that the service not proceed. When it came time for the protests to be read, the members of the congregation heeded the request of Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning to listen with "patience and respect."
The Rev. Philip Cook of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, one of several clergy wearing a purple and white ribbon in support of women priests, told Browning that the consecration would force Episcopalians in the diocese to live "in a double bind," choosing obedience either to their church or to their bishop.
The Rev. Lauren Anne Gough from the Diocese of Washington, one of five women priests at the consecration and a native of Fort Worth, told Browning she is effectively exiled from priestly ministry in her home area. "If we allow this consecration, we strike at the fundamental communion of our church," Gough said. "For in his [Iker's] refusal to accept women duly ordained as presbyter and bishop, he repudiates the sacramental acts of other bishops and presbyters."
Does 'Conscience Clause' work both ways?
Cindy Hearne, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, told Browning that, in not recognizing women priests, Iker was breaching the oath "to conform to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the church."
Hearne said that the so-called Conscience Clause, adopted by the House of Bishops in 1977 which stated that no Episcopalian should be coerced or penalized for his or her objection to, or support of, General Convention's action to allow the ordination of women, must work both ways. "If Mr. Iker can be consecrated because of the Conscience Clause, he cannot then deny permission to a congregation to call a well-qualified rector on the grounds that the candidate is a woman," Hearne contended. "That would 'penalize' the parish for its support of ordained women."
Kathryne McDorman, a professor at Texas Christian University, said that the diocese, although it has the key for healing, sits mired in divisiveness, petty accusations and name calling. "Frankly, as a historian, I find it shocking that in our church laws can be passed which do not apply to everyone, rules are made that only apply to those who want to follow them and resolutions can be resolved, but not ever entirely," McDorman said. "Such eccentricities have proven in the past to spell disaster for the societies that have built such irrational and wayward regimes."
It took more than a half-hour for the statements to be read; then the objectors returned to their seats.
Browning calls for spirit of reconciliation
Browning told the congregation that he would proceed with the service because the bishop coadjutor had been duly elected by the diocese and received consent from a majority of standing committees and bishops across the church.
However, Browning said that Episcopalians in the Diocese of Fort Worth must not ignore or dismiss reservations that had been raised during the consent process both within the diocese and beyond. A narrow margin of 62 of the 119 diocesan standing committees had consented to Iker's election -- several with messages that they had consented despite their disagreement with Iker's position on women in the priesthood.
Browning reaffirmed his support for the new bishop, saying that he was impressed by Iker's ability, sensitivity and earnest desire to serve all of the people of the diocese.
Healing the diocese's divisions
However, Browning also warned that it would require "great leadership and sensitive ministry" to heal the diocese's divisions. He urged the diocese not to isolate itself from others which have women priests and bishops, and urged parishes in the dioceses not to distance themselves from one another over the issue.
"Finally," Browning said, "it would distress me beyond measure if men and women both inside and outside this diocese who have been raised up and canonically certified as clergy could not, despite their differences, respect each other and the mutuality of their shared calling to serve the one Christ."
Minutes after his consecration, Iker asked for the texts of the protests that had been read. He also said he plans visits throughout the diocese to foster better communication, and expressed his hope to meet soon with leaders of the Council of the Laity, a local organization that had urged standing committees to withhold consent to the election. "A lot of animosity can be overcome if we establish that," Iker said.
Women bishops were absent
Neither Bishop Barbara Harris, suffragan of the Diocese of Massachusetts, nor Bishop Jane Dixon, suffragan of the Diocese of Washington, were among the 26 bishops who participated in the consecration. The Rev. Terry Cairo, the only woman priest who resides in the diocese and who serves as a deacon in her Fort Worth parish, was seated with visiting clergy from other dioceses.
Iker, who has been rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida, for the past 14 years, will become bishop of Fort Worth when Bishop Clarence Pope retires. Pope, 63, has not yet announced his retirement date.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
