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What more do we need to know? There is no need for us to speculate about the precise nature of heaven. We are assured on the authority of Jesus Christ that it is the house and the home of his Father and ours (there are twenty-two references to the Father in John 14), that his home is a prepared place containing many rooms or resting places, and that he himself will be there. What more do we need to know? To be certain that where he is, there we shall be also should be enough to satisfy our curiosity and allay our fears. --- From 'The Upper Room Discourse', in "Christ the Liberator", by John Stott and others.
Eternal security. At the centre of the universe is a throne. From it the wheeling planets receive their orders. To it gigantic galaxies give their allegiance. In it the tiniest living organism finds its life. Before it angels and human beings and all created things in heaven above and earth beneath bow down and humbly worship. Encircling the throne is the rainbow of God's covenant, and surrounding it are twenty-four other thrones, occupied by twenty-four elders, who doubtless represent the twelve tribes of the Old Testament and the twelve apostles of the New, and so the completed and perfect church ... These chapters of the book of Revelation (4 to 7) leave us in no doubt about the security of the people of God. The Eternal Father sits on his throne, surrounded by the worshipping host of heaven. The Book of Destiny is in the hand of Christ, and no calamity can befall humankind unless he breaks the seals of the book. Moreover the winds of judgment are not permitted to blow upon those who have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. These are the symbols of divine sovereignty. The church's security is guaranteed by the Holy Trinity. --- From "What Christ Thinks of the Church" by John R.W. Stott
The parts of the Bible that seem to Western Christians the most frighteningly severe are the parts that the suffering, poor and vulnerable people of this world find most comfort in and the parts that speak powerfully to nations to whom disaster has come about the need to repent of the evils that afflict society. The message Jesus speaks in the 'Tower of Siloam' passage in Luke 13 v1-5 is not that such disasters have nothing at all to do with God's judgment, but that nobody else should assume they are less ripe for judgment, and that we should all take warning and repent, less we in our complacency perish as well. --- Martin Kuhrt is Vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Bedgrove in Aylesbury
Responsibility and rule. Scripture contains many indications that the new heaven and the new earth will be for the believer a place not only of privilege but of responsibility. The 'good and faithful servant', who has been 'faithful with a few things', will be put 'in charge of many things' and will 'share [his] master's happiness' (Mt. 25:21, 23). Similarly, to the good servant in the parable of the ten minas the nobleman says: 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities' (Lk. 19:17). And Paul adds to the Corinthians: 'Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?' (1 Cor. 6:2). It seems fitting that it should be so. Those who have learned to do Christ's works in this life will continue to do them in the next. Those who have come to rule their own passions on earth will rule over people in heaven. --- From "What Christ Thinks of the Church" by John R.W. Stott
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
www.virtueonline.org
April 15, 2010
The week got off to an auspicious start when Baroness Caroline Cox told some 825 participants at a New Wineskins Conference in Ridgecrest, NC, which included some 20 bishops and three archbishops that England is at a crossroads. The English evangelical Anglican with a long political pedigree said that resurgent Islamic fundamentalism poses a threat to Western Civilization. Citing Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, Caroline Cox said the British nation has "lost its soul."
England, she said, is in a perilous situation, "Where there is a vacuum, it is liable to be filled with alternative ideologies and belief systems. Without a vision the people perish," she said to New Wineskins for Global Mission participants coming from 28 countries of the world. VOL attended this conference and I have posted a number of stories for your consideration from this vital global missions outreach.
The week ended with two Global South archbishops writing to the Archbishop of Canterbury blasting the actions of TEC over the pending lesbian Glaspool consecration saying it threatened an already shaky Anglican Communion. They then told the Archbishop of Canterbury that primates from The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada should be excluded from future meetings of the primates.
It was a bold move by Ugandan Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi and Indian Ocean Archbishop Ian Ernest. They have hit the ball squarely into the court of the Archbishop of Canterbury who must now respond.
All of this comes just days before the Fourth Global South to South Encounter meets in Singapore. Couple these two bishops and the resignation in January from the Primates Council by Egyptian Archbishop Mouneer Anis with the recent meeting of the GAFCON/FCA primates in Bermuda, and you have a recipe for a serious realignment of the whole Anglican Communion. I have written about this in a story in today's digest which you can read here. http://tinyurl.com/y275yxv Both letters of both archbishops can also be found in today's digest.
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Two Episcopal bishops revealed this week how they voted in the election of Mary Glasspool as suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Virginia declined to consent to the election of the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Los Angeles because, in the view of a majority of the Committee, her election is inconsistent with the moratorium agreed to by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. The committee said it found no other reason to withhold its consent to the election of Canon Glasspool.
On the other side of the ecclesiastical fence, Bishop Scott Benhase of the Diocese of Georgia said he gave consents to Glasspool. He commented, "I have known Mary for a long time. She has done remarkable ministry in leading congregations and is one of the most orthodox priests I have known (as was her father)."
This comes as no surprise as Benhase hired a homosexual associate rector living with a man when he was rector in a Washington, DC parish. The real tragedy in all this is the support the evangelical and former TSM president Dr. Paul Zahl gave Benhase by preaching at his consecration. It sent the wrong message to orthodox Episcopalians around the country.
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When the GAFCON/FCA Primates met in Bermuda recently they produced a statement upholding the gospel which said, "We acknowledged that the issues that divide our beloved Communion are far from settled and that the election of the Reverend Mary Glasspool, a partnered lesbian, as a Bishop in Los Angeles in The Episcopal Church (TEC), makes clear to all that the American Episcopal Church leadership has formally committed itself to a pattern of life which is contrary to Scripture."
The Rev. Canon James Francis, Canon Capitular of the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton, didn't take kindly to the Primates appearance in Bermuda and made this caustic comment: "They are a religious group and they decided to form their own coalition and therefore they have the right to meet anywhere they want to meet. I prefer not to join them because they're not in communion with the Anglican Church." Really.
That's total rubbish. All the primates, with the possible exception of ACNA Archbishop Robert Duncan, are in The Anglican Communion and they meet regularly with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Said Francis, "I consider them to be conservative. I don't know why they were here. They pay their way wherever they go. I don't know what they consider themselves to be."
Well, Mr. Francis they consider themselves to be orthodox Anglicans and they represent more than 80% of the Anglican Communion. Whatever you consider yourself to be, sir, you are a minority, looking to a departed and dying colonialism and faded royalty that has lost its spiritual moorings while you are still practicing whatever brand of Anglicanism you hold to.
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In the Diocese of Virginia A group of conservative former Episcopal churches tangled with the Episcopal Church and its former diocese before the Virginia Supreme Court over a unique state law that awards property to congregations that bolt their parent denomination.
The 90-minute session before a packed courtroom of 140 onlookers, plus more outside, appealed a Fairfax Circuit Court verdict that awarded about $30 million worth of historic property to the eleven churches that broke away from the diocese three years ago.
Five justices - three others recused themselves from the case - grilled lawyers about the meaning and constitutionality of the state's division statute. The 1867 law allowed congregations - many of which had differed with their denominations over slavery - to leave with their property.
A ruling from the Appellate Court is expected in June.
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The Anglican District of Virginia announced the addition of one congregation and three mission fellowships to its membership this week. Winchester Anglican Church, Winchester, Va., joins ADV as a new member congregation. Epiphany Anglican Church, Williamsburg, Va., Eternity Anglican Church, Richmond, Va., and St. Patrick's-in-the-Mountains, Fort Valley, Va., join ADV as mission fellowships, which are considered developing congregations.
"We are excited about the growth we're seeing in the Anglican District of Virginia and welcome this congregation and these mission fellowships. We look forward to partnering with them to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the state of Virginia and beyond," said ADV Chairman Jim Oakes.
The Rev. Patrick Ware, mission pastor and church planter of Winchester Anglican Church, stated, "It's great to be a part of the vision that is shared both by The Falls Church and the Anglican District of Virginia to plant churches. Winchester Anglican Church was planted to spread the Gospel throughout Virginia. I am glad that my congregation is part of the growth within the Anglican District of Virginia. It's great to see how the Lord is working among his people." Winchester Anglican is a daughter church of The Falls Church, planted through its Timothy Program.
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A bar-hopping Episcopal priest, who was once a big-spending mainstay of the Manhattan nightclub scene, was defrocked this week by the Rev. Paul Marshall, bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem.
Ex-Rev. Gregory Malia was ousted from the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, PA, on grounds he "abandoned the communion of this church." Church officials suspended Malia, 44, after he was arrested last July for pulling a gun when his daughter and a gal pal got into a fight at a bar.
"Gregory Malia has not made renunciation, retraction or denial" of charges he violated church canons, said the Rev. Paul Marshall, bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem.
"He is therefore deposed from the ordained ministry, released from his obligations and deprived of the right to exercise the gifts of spiritual authority as a minister of God's word and sacrament conferred on him at his ordination," Marshall wrote in a Feb. 15 notice of deposition.
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The "holy heresy" of "original sin" The Diocese of British Columbia newspaper
Right, and a lot of Canadians have outgrown the Anglican Church of Canada deeming it irrelevant to their lives with a message indistinguishable from the Times Colonist newspaper, the Vancouver SUN or the Toronto STAR.
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A judge's decision on whether or not to accept a court injunction sought by the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Newfoundland was held over until next week. The town hastily slapped heritage status on the old Anglican Church two weeks ago after someone hauled down the old steeple. Since then, the town has sought a court injunction to help further protect the building and enable the town to seek charges if further damage is caused to the church. Town Manager Chris Milley says the court hearing has now been held over until April 15.
The rector responsible for a century-old church near St. John's that mysteriously had its steeple removed last week says he won't speak about what happened. Rev. Ed Keeping, rector of St. Philip's Anglican Church, was asked by CBC News on Monday what he knew about the toppling of the steeple. He said he couldn't comment.
The fate of the church building has divided local residents ever since the church council voted for demolition to make room for more graveyard space. The congregation uses a new church building. A group of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's residents spoke out against the demolition plan, saying the church should be designated a heritage building.
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A former Anglican Church pedophile priest in Adelaide, Australia, was jailed for the second time after serving a six-month sentence in 1970 for crimes against two altar boys in 1968. His jail term this time will last just 20 months, but, for a pedophile as old and sick as Wilfred Dennis, that could be a life sentence. A District Court jailed the former Anglican Church priest, 74, for one count of carnal knowledge. Judge Sydney Tilmouth had earlier found him guilty of having sex with his parish's altar boy between 1975 and 1977.
It is the second time for Dennis - who left the Anglican Church to become a priest with a splinter group - the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC). In sentencing, Judge Tilmouth said the "striking similarities" between Dennis' offences - and the short time between them - made them too serious for anything but immediate imprisonment.
During the trial, the splinter group's archbishop, John Hepworth, claimed Dennis had admitted abusing more than 40 boys while he was with the Anglican Church. Throughout his latest trial, Dennis denied any wrongdoing, saying his victim had asked him about masturbating after other boys at school had told him about it.
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A drunken Solomon Islands Anglican bishop crashed his diocesan vehicle into the sea during New Year's Day celebrations and was fined 300 Solomon dollars ($A40) by a Solomon's court.
The Rt. Rev. Charles Koete pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor and driving without a license, when he appeared at the Tulagi Magistrates Court in Solomon's Central Province. The Solomon Star newspaper reported Koete committed the offences on January 1 this year when he was with his son and friends celebrating New Year's Day. Deputy Chief Magistrate Jefferson Leua gave credit to the bishop for his early guilty plea and said he was lenient because Koete is a church figure.
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In 2010, St. John's Episcopal Church, America's oldest Anglican parish situated in Hampton, VA, is celebrating its 400th Anniversary all year long with special events and activities. Established in 1610 when English colonists settled at Kecoughtan, the parish has survived four centuries of sometimes turbulent history in order to celebrate this fortunate milestone.
In 1610, English settlers established a community and church at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, three years after the colonization of Jamestown. A small group of civilians and soldiers moved to the site located south and inland in order to escape the famine and disease that had plagued the original colony. There these settlers established St. John's first parish site (1610-1623), which was located near present-day LaSalle and Chesapeake Avenues in Hampton. In 1623, the settlement moved east of the Hampton River and a second parish site (1623-1667) was established on these grounds (what is now Hampton University).
The second site was abandoned in 1667. That year the third parish site (1667-1728) was constructed on the west side of the Hampton River. In 1698, the vestry levied 400 pounds of tobacco to William Bailey to tear down the second parish church and to move the pews into the courthouse. Like the previous structure, the third church was a wood building and was used for about 60 years until it was moved to its current location. During the 18th century, activity in Hampton commerce and community centered on its busy port, (now Downtown Hampton) and the fourth (and final) parish site (1728-PRESENT) was constructed. Completed in 1728, the cruciform building was built with the sole purpose of being closer to the population base. During both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, the British heavily damaged the church. In 1861, during the Civil War, the church was burned and only its walls remained standing. However, contributions were raised at the war's end to restore and rebuild the sanctuary.
In 2010, St. John's Episcopal Church will celebrate all four centuries, all four parishes, with highlighted events, including special services, activities, receptions, and one very special community project entitled Sole to Soul: Walk 400 Miles in Celebration of 400 Years.
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The Diocese of BC Synod set in motion same-sex blessings with the Synod of the diocese requesting the Bishop, at a time he judges appropriate, to grant permission for clergy whose conscience permits to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where one party is baptized; and that he authorize an appropriate rite and guidelines for its use in supportive parishes. An AEC blog commenter says the motion was passed with around 75% in favor. By contrast, in 2008, the following motion was passed (item 31): "That the Synod of the Diocese of British Columbia not entertain motions related to the approval of same-sex unions until the matter has been considered and decided upon by General Synod." How times have changed.
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The Episcopal News Service reports that a group of unidentified gunmen forced their way into the home of Congolese Bishop Sylvestre Bali-Busane Bahati of the Diocese of Bukavu, Congo, during the early hours of April 9, looting the property and leaving with money, clothes and electronic equipment.
The bishop was unharmed, but the gunmen tied up his eldest son insisting they be directed to him, according to an e-mail sent from Bahati to church partners. The gunmen also assaulted the security man on duty.
According to the e-mail, the gunmen said they had been paid US$20,000 "to assassinate the Anglican bishop of Bukavu diocese."
When the bishop pleaded with the gunmen not to kill him, they requested money, which Bahati gave them, the e-mail said.
Bahati didn't disclose the amount in his e-mail, and couldn't be reached for further comment.
The Rev. Jean-Paul Muhindo Matabaro, in an e-mail to church partners, said that Bahati isn't the first church leader to be targeted in this way.
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An academic has received a grant of 2.5 million Canadian dollars (US$2.5 million) to lead a study of religious diversity in Canada. Lori Beaman, professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa, will head a team of 36 researchers from Australia, Britain, Canada, France and the United States. Over the next seven years, they will work together online and in person. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, a Canadian funding agency, granted the award. One element of the study is an upcoming workshop in India that will examine religion there. "Then, we can start to build a comparative basis to think about how is religious diversity and religious freedom thought about more globally," said Beaman.
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Fr. William Beasley of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and Pastor Bob Suhr of Christ Lutheran Church, Mequon, will hold a Mission Conference (Mission Together) on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The venue will be All Saints, Milwaukee (this will allow mission partners to see the wonderful progress of this vibrant congregation.) The time will be 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Please RSVP to either Canon Chris Ozodi, BCC, PhD at 414-429-1351 or Rev. Tom L. Duncan, M.A., PhD at 715-422-7744. The mission conference comes from the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Anglican Council (SEWAAC).
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Would you like to be a part of the Reconciliation Church in Kimotong Village, Sudan? Would you stand with these Sudanese heroes? Darfurian Muslims, in gratitude to Lost Boy Lopez Lomong, who are building a church as a symbol of peace." To see more details follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=226903069475&mid=22db831G28f781ceG480f647G6&n_m=david%40virtueonline.org
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British author and atheist campaigner Richard Dawkins will try to have Pope Benedict arrested to face questions over the Catholic church's child abuse scandal when he visits Britain later this year, one of his lawyers said on Sunday.
Dawkins, a scientist and outspoken critic of religion, has asked human rights lawyers to examine whether charges could be brought against the pope. The four-day trip, from Sept. 16 to 19, will be the first papal visit since Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982 and is Pope Benedict's first official papal visit to Britain.
The Catholic Church has rejected claims the pope helped to cover up abuse by priests. The Vatican has accused the media of waging a "despicable campaign of defamation" against him.
Dawkins and the English journalist Christopher Hitchens have commissioned lawyers Geoffrey Robertson and Mark Stephens to explore ways of taking legal action against the pope.
VOL's source in London tells us that "a false arrest is a very serious offence in the UK and might lead to a five year sentence if attempted by a member of the public. At the root of all this is his firm line on homosexuality within the world-wide RC Church. The gays are out to get him." The notion of arresting the Pope is so strange and unprecedented that I can't figure out if it is harebrained, lame brained, or a scheme of the Mad Hatter. It certainly is not sane, logical, or helpful to anyone concerned. It is something one might have expected from "Saturday Night Live", but never expects to hear in reality.
Canon Jim Rosenthal, who has visited the Vatican many times in his past role, said, "For the Pope to come to England to break tradition and canonize a former Anglican priest will be most unfortunate for Anglicans here. What is he trying to say in this is what I wonder. Those of us who openly wear our collars on the streets of London are often very rudely greeted as being associated with the scandal of the Irish Catholic church." Another source told VOL that the Pope might bypass England altogether and go straight to Ireland.
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Alan Chambers, President, Exodus International will visit Northern Ireland, April 22-23. Chambers is president of the largest ex-gay ministry in the world, Exodus International. It links some 250 agencies who work with those with unwanted same sex attraction (SSA) issues across the globe. The rights of sexual strugglers to resolve their unwanted SSA and develop their heterosexual potential are under serious threat in the UK at present, especially in the public (versus the far safer, often religious, private) realms. That is one reason why this set of public meetings is crucial.
In fact, according to its website, the leader of a vitriolic U.S. gay organization out to destroy ministries of this kind is flying in to Belfast earlier in the week. "We believe we are facing serious spiritual opposition and covet your prayers for the events themselves as well as for fair and balanced media presentation of them. We believe people deserve to hear both sides so they can make up their own minds." writes Anglican Mainstream theologian Dr. Chris Sugden.
Thursday evening 22nd April: "Leaving Homosexuality" is an opportunity to thank God for His all-sufficient grace in the area of sexual redemption. The gathering will begin at 7.30 pm with light refreshments and follow with a service including testimony and song. This is an open invitation for those interested in the work of Exodus and its related ministries.
Friday morning 23rd April: An opportunity to meet Alan Chambers (Main Speaker). This is primarily provided for pastors, pastoral care workers, youth leaders, professional counselors and psychotherapists or those supporting men and women working through issues of homosexuality. The event will start at 10.00 and finish at 12.00 with a light lunch also at 12.00. The venue for both events is 1st Presbyterian Church Ballynahinch, Windmill Street, Ballynahinch, County Down BT24 8HB, Northern Ireland. All welcome. If you know folk who might be interested, please pass on this information to them.
Please contact Dr Mike Davidson www.core-issues.org or at 0289 263 9631 if you are able to come (for catering purposes) and/or if you have any questions.
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A group calling themselves "Free Anglicans" in Bruce and Grey Counties of Ontario, Canada has joined together to worship God according to Anglican Liturgy and traditions. There are several Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) Congregations in Grey and Bruce Counties. However, due to the ACoC drift away from the Word of God, a group has formed to join together with other Anglicans and formed a new congregation called "Free Anglicans". They are looking for a suitable place to conduct worship services. They currently rent a community hall (in the Village of Hepworth) from the Township of South Bruce Peninsula. Coincidentally, about 40 years ago, this community hall was an Anglican Church, and still has the stained glass windows and altar rails. Even the bell is on display in the front yard and, although exposed to decades of Ontario winters, rings beautifully, writes Allan Pearson, church treasurer.
The building, now being over 100 years old, and not having been well maintained, is in need of repairs. The township is considering its options, including selling or demolishing. There will be a public meeting this Wednesday to discuss the options. "We are a new Congregation of only about a dozen people of four households and so don't have the financial ability to purchase and repair the building ourselves. But if the Township decides to keep and repair the building we shall be supporting and raising money for this," writes Allan Pearson.
"We 'borrow' a Priest, Father Robert Mansfield, from the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada about once a month so that we may be ministered to with the Holy Sacrament of Communion. Father Robert drives about 3 1/2 hours, 140 miles, one way to do this for us." A flyer explaining the group's objectives can be found here: http://alice.bmts.com/~bruceparish/trinity.html
"The Church of the Redeemer, Hepworth, built in 1886, had its last service in the early 1960s." Any money raised for the repair of this building would have to go directly to the Township of South Bruce Peninsula. "That this building was once an Anglican Church makes it a bit special. Once again the ancient Anglican Liturgy and tradition will again be practiced here," writes Pearson.
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Homosexual activists eager to repeal California's ban on same-sex "marriage" have admitted defeat for this year, as they could not gather enough signatures from Californians who share their enthusiasm to put their initiative on the November ballot... The full text of the story is available at: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/apr/10041313.html
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A Banquet of Bishops. Listen to Bishop Michael Nazir Ali and three other bishops including Mark Lawrence, Alden Hathaway and Dr. C. FitzSimons Allison when they spoke recently at St. Helena in Beaufort, SC. Their presentations are worth the price of admission and more. http://www.sthelenas1712.org/index.php?page=other-presentations
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Finally, the No. 1 song played at British funerals is the immortal words of the late Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way". No kidding, writes a VOL reader. "At funeral after funeral, they turn up the loudspeakers for good old Frank Sinatra. A good epitaph for TEC and Jefferts Schori," he observed. While most of these funerals do not take place in churches, some of them do and Sinatra can be heard.
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I have posted some very fine columns in today's digest including one by Canon Gary L'Hommedieu titled Anglican Consultative Council Reinstates the White Man's Burden. Why I am not an Episcopalian by Perry Robinson tells how he was received into the Orthodox Church and Defending the Faith, and Church Property by CANA Bishop David Bena, formerly suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Albany is a must read. Daily Mail writer Melanie Phillips comes out in defense of former ABC George Carey in a piece titled, "Thank God for Lord Carey."
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By the time you receive this digest, I will be winging my way to Singapore to cover the Fourth Global South to South Encounter with some 130 Anglican leaders in attendance. I will be reporting daily from St. Andrew's cathedral. You can read stories at www.virtueonline.org
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