from Loriane & Steve

BC Supreme Court decision  

Exactly six months after the start of the court hearing in the BC Supreme Court in Vancouver, Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher issued his decision and Reasons for Judgment on November 25 in the case involving four Vancouver-area ANiC churches (St John’s Shaughnessy, St Matthews (Abbotsford), St Matthias and St Luke’s and Church of the Good Shepherd) and the Diocese of New Westminster.   

You can see our news release, background information on the trial, the Diocese of New Westminster’s news release and St John Shaughnessy’s letter to parishioners.  In his pastoral letter to the Diocese of New Westminster, Bishop Michael Ingham invites ANiC parishioners in the Greater Vancouver area back into the “big tent” of the Anglican Church of Canada so they can continue to worship in their buildings.   

Some dioceses received the decision gleefully. The Diocese of Niagara’s statement is here.     

The Anglican Church League (Australia) posted an encouraging message of support for the ANiC Vancouver churches saying, “The Anglican Church League commends the leadership of the Anglican Network in Canada on its godly response to the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court.  We remain committed to supporting the faithful men and women of the four congregations… who have suffered over the past months and now face a measure of uncertainty about the future. Throughout this ordeal it has been apparent to those who have been watching around the world that these four congregations are facing persecution for their steadfast resolve to remain true to the word of God. In this they have shown themselves to be faithful disciples of Christ and true heirs of the Anglican heritage of Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley and others. We have been encouraged by their graciousness amidst extraordinary provocation and by their refusal to surrender biblical principles for the sake of an illusory peace. With or without their buildings they are the blessed people of God who by their example are blessing others”.  

Media coverage of the decision included:  

CP – Nov 25 2009 – BC Supreme Court rules bishop can’t fire trustees of break-away parishes  [Interestingly, this article was quickly removed by CP and replaced on Nov 26 with the following article – but not before the AEC bloggers copied and preserved the original]  

CP – Nov 26 2009 – Dissident Anglicans can leave church, but can’t take churches with them  

Vancouver Sun – Nov 25 2009 – Anglican Diocese retains ownership of four disputed church…    

News 1130 – Nov 25 2009 – BC Supreme Court: Anglican Diocese to keep ownership of churches  

Canadian Press – Churches don’t belong to Anglican dissidents, says B.C. court ruling  

National Post – Nov 26 2009 – Dissident Anglican parishes in B.C. have no rights to property: court  

CBC – Nov 26 2009 – Breakaway Anglican parishes told to settle with church  

Anglican Journal – Nov 26 2009 – Court rules church properties remain with diocese…  

LifeSiteNews – Nov 27 2009 – Breakaway Traditional Anglicans Can’t Keep Churches: B.C. Judge

A Wall Street Journal article offers some interesting insight into the historic differences between British/Canadian law and US law in church disputes.  

Motions of synod   

The resolutions passed by synod are now posted to the ANiC website.  The only motion which was not overwhelmingly approved dealt with a formula for allocating funds for church plants. Bishop Don reports that he has already acted on motions 3, 4, 5 and 6 – writing to the Queen, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Gregory Venables, and ANiC leaders who were unable to attend due to health concerns, including Dr J I Packer, Canon David Short and the Rev Howard Hines.  

Ordering commemorative photo albums of the consecration  

By Friday, December 4, you will be able to order a beautiful photo album featuring the historic November 13^th consecration service for Bishops Charlie, Stephen and Trevor. This bound book will feature about 40 pages of quality photos from the consecration service and synod.  By Friday, you will be able to see example pages on our website, giving you a sense of the quality and appearance of the book. The book can be ordered in hard cover for $60 or soft cover for $45.  (Prices include shipping.) The deadline for pre-ordering the books is December 20.  We anticipate the books will be printed and shipped by the end of January.   

Prayer requested for ordination of four new deacons    

Bishop Don will ordain four men – Ted Powell, Andrew Carlson, Michael Bickford and Chris Logan – to the deaconate at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Marlborough, Massachusetts) on December 7. Father Michael McKinnon asks us to pray that these new deacons, “by the grace of God given through the Laying on of Hands, may serve the Lord and His Church with the heart of a servant”.  Once ordained, these new deacons will serve at Holy Trinity and her church plants/missions. Ted Powell will serve as deacon in Marlborough and from time to time in a possible fourth mission to be launched in early 2010.  Andrew Carlson will have primary care for one of Holy Trinity’s three missions, while Chris Logan will serve as a civilian chaplain to military personnel in the region.  Michael Bickford intends to finish his PhD and assist Father McKinnon at Holy Trinity.  Andrew Carlson, Michael Bickford and Chris Logan intend to pursue ordination to the priesthood.  Please remember Bishop Don and these four ordinands in your prayers.  

reFocus Canada: Preaching and theology conference for pastors and seminarians  

Bishop Charlie Masters has now joined the “line up” of keynote speakers at the reFocus conference, one of the best clergy conferences in the country.  Conference information and registration is available on the reFocus website.  

Date:          7-9 April 2010  

Location:    Willingdon Church, Burnaby, BC   

Theme:       Suffering for the Gospel  

Keynotes:   Dr John Piper, the Hon Preston Manning, Dr John Neufeld, Dr Bruce Ware and Bishop Charlie Masters.  

Please continue to pray for the ACNA summit which ANiC is hosting  

Our ANiC staff and bishops are hosting the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) House of Bishops and Provincial Council meetings in Toronto, December 9-12.  Please pray for ANiC staff members who are coordinating arrangements and for God’s blessing and leading in the meetings.  

Bishop Don’s citation  

The Rev Darrell Critch attended the Fall Convocation at Nashotah House Seminary (Wisconsin) at which Bishop Don was awarded a honourary doctorate and has obtained the citation that was read.  This citation is now posted on our website.   It concludes: “For his exemplary and faithful ministry and his leadership in these times of great challenges and renewal in the Anglican Communion, Nashotah House is pleased to confer upon Donald Frederick Harvey, the degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.”  

Parish news  

St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON)   – The people of St Hilda’s celebrated their 50^th anniversary this past weekend by meeting in their church building for a special Sunday worship & celebration service for the first time since May 2008.  Church warden, Paula Valentine reports that the weekend kicked off with an open house on Saturday which featured displays set up by parishioners to showcase parish life and community outreach over the years.  The congregation was joined by old friends – some travelling quite a distance – as well as many community visitors who came to join the celebration and show their support.  A coffee house Saturday evening brought together current and former church youth – many bringing along spouses and children.  The weekend culminated with a festive congregational dinner.  Paula reports, “We look forward with great anticipation to what God has in store for the next 50 years.”  David Jenkins has captured the event in photos.  

Church of the Good Samaritan (St John’s, NL) – 14 parishioners are headed to Guatemala in April for a missions trip coordinated through the Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission.  They will travel to Parramos, Guatemala to bring 1400 pounds of donated medical, hygienic and school supplies, as well as clothing, and other goods to the local mission school. While in Parramos, the team will build six houses, conduct educational workshops and medical clinics, and participate in food and clothing distribution.  If you would like to assist the team, you can send your donation, payable to ANIC-Parish of the Good Samaritan, to the following address:   

Parish of the Good Samaritan  

58 Ferryland Street West   

St. John’s, NL  A1E2L7   

Attn: Father Darrell Critch   

Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support  

Dec 7 – Ordination of four deacons at Holy Trinity, Marlborough, MA  

Dec 9-12 – ACNA House of Bishops and Provincial Council meetings in Toronto   

Mar 16 -18 – Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)   

Apr 7-9 – reFocus Canada – a preaching and theology conference for pastors and seminarians   

ANiC in the news   

Bishop Trevor Walters – Newly consecrated Bishop Walters was featured recently in the Abbotsford News.   

Chatham, ON church plant – A recent Chatham Daily News article featured the embryonic ANiC church plant proposed for Chatham by St Aidan’s Ministries (Windsor, ON).  It says, “Local Anglicans could have another choice in what church they attend locally, including what interpretation of scriptures they agree with. The Anglican Network In Canada (ANiC) is exploring the possibility of establishing new churches in Chatham and Belle River.”  The article quotes ANiC church planter Phil Rutledge as well as a diocesan spokesperson who said the division in the Huron diocese “simply is a reflection of what’s going on in the Anglican church in North America and, in fact, the Anglican communion around the world.”  

Dr J I Packer – Vancouver Sun religion reporter Douglas Todd profiles Dr Packer in a recent blog.  Todd says,” Unlike many clergy and theologians today, Packer is not abundantly cautious in sharing his views with the wider, secular world, which he judges, along with liberal Christianity, infected by Satan… Packer does not pull his punches. Like it or not, and many don’t (including most mainline Christians and even many evangelicals), with Packer you know exactly where you stand.”   Todd drew his material from a World Magazine article.  

The Rev Ray David Glenn was interviewed November 30^th on 100 Huntley Street about the consecration of our three new bishops and recent developments within Anglicanism.  You can watch the interview in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.  In addition, the Rev Glenn is providing “Truth to Go” teaching segments each day in December on 100 Huntley Street in which he traces how the first Christmas fulfilled God’s covenant promises found throughout Scripture.  He also explores that covenant fulfilment through the eyes of the Christmas “cast”, including Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Simeon and even King Herod.  

News shorts – Canada   

Christian Leaders Connection seminars planned   

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada – of which ANiC is a member – has scheduled more highly recommended one-day seminars.  These seminars address the theme “Being Evangelical in a Complex World: Stats, Facts and Trends“.  New dates and locations are:   

January 19 – Edmonton, AB ·       January 21 – Calgary, AB  

·       January 25 - Toronto, ON  

·       February 16 – Belleville, ON  

·       March 25 – Winnipeg (Otterburne), MB  

·       March 26/27 – Caronport (Briercrest), SK  

·       April 13 – Ottawa, ON   

Diocese of Huron releases liturgy for blessing same-sex unionshe Diocese of Huron has issued a liturgy and protocols for “the celebration of a civil marriage with same se x couples”.  

The Anglican Journal reports that Bishop James Cowan (British Columbia) “…has reversed a policy that prohibits clergy in same-gender relationships from serving in the diocese. As a result, he has been able to match up a parish looking for clergy, with “a fine, fine priest.”  She had been on leave for eight years because she was in a same-gender relationship.  His rationale was based on the Lambeth moratorium on the ordination of clergy in same-gender relationships as bishops. He said, “That wording said to me…[that] Lambeth is acknowledging that there are people in same-gender relationships who are priests who canonically would be eligible for election and consecration… The moratoria says we will not elect and consecrate… But it [still] says that they are there.”  

Diocesan finances collapse  

According of the Anglican Journal, “the Diocese of Quebec is “teetering on the verge of extinction” as parish finances continue to collapse and the number of parishioners dwindles.”  The bishop, Bishop Drainville, told the recent ACoC House of Bishops meeting that he could well be “the last bishop of Quebec” and that “There will be many other dioceses that will fail.” He attributed this to churches that were “unfocused, had difficulty in understanding the call of God,” and clergy who were “unengaged and felt directionless.” Diocesan demographics reflect the malaise.  The Journal reports, “[Bishop Drainville] noted that a vast majority of Quebec congregations (50 of 82) virtually have no children, 35 had parishioners with an average age of 75, and usually had only 8 to 10 people attending Sunday services.”  

ACoC bishop entangled in TEC canon contortions  

Bishop Mark MacDonald, former Bishop of Alaska and now serving as the Anglican Church of Canada’s (ACoC) National Indigenous Bishop, was shocked to learn that the Episcopal Church’s (TEC) presiding bishop is calling on him to renounce his orders in TEC – despite being on loan to the ACoC under the presiding bishop’s supervision.  It seems this latest action was required in order to support the presiding bishop’s refusal to allow Bishop Keith Ackerman (retired Bishop of Quincy) to serve in the Diocese of Bolivia.  In removing him as a bishop in TEC, she told Bishop Ackerman, “…as you know there is no provision for transferring a bishop to another province”.  Bishop Ackerman has since been admitted into the ACNA. The Living Church has the full story.  

Canadian Lutherans head down same path as Anglicans  

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada has issued a Study of Human Sexuality and begun the process of encouraging members to study it and provide feedback. Critiquing the study, the Rev Dr Peeter Vanker says, “One of the premises embedded in the study seems to be that human sexuality is inexorably linked with the issue of social, political as well as personal justice… The study would therefore have the reader simply proceed from the premise that the issue of human sexuality, whether in the social, political or personal realm has to be considered largely in the context of power and discrimination.  Another premise seems to be that the Scriptures are not a particularly helpful vehicle in a study of human sexuality because the ancient Scripture writers were unaware of modern social, political and cultural changes, and especially of the modern notion of sexual orientation.  A further premise is that sexual orientation is genetic… [and] irreversible.”  He says, “The participants should, the study suggests, “agree to disagree”  

Critiquing revisionist’s case for same-sex marriage  

Writing in the Living Church, Professor Ephraim Radner offers a point by point rebuttal to a recent article by Episcopal Church Bishop John Chane (Washington, DC) posted on the Washington Post weblog and titled “A Christian case for same-sex marriage”.  Dr Radner writes, “Bishop Chane’s logic, in making all his (largely unfounded) points, is that “our evolving understanding of what marriage is leads, of necessity, to a re-examination of who it is for.” That is, we now believe marriage is about mutual love, but we didn’t before; we now believe it has spiritual, not just economic, potential, but we didn’t before; and therefore, if we can change in this direction, we can apply these insights to same-sex partnerships. Bishop Chane’s rhetoric of “continual change” masks his argument’s many weaknesses: the purported changes never really took place as described, and never moved logically or closely in the direction of same-sex marriage. His argument and conclusion are false…. Finally, it is important to point out that the errors in this picture are not merely the mistakes of the misinformed. They serve a political purpose within Bishop Chane’s church whose malice cannot be overlooked.”  

News shorts – United States  

Massachusetts bishop approves solemnizing same-sex ‘marriages’  

The Boston Globe reports that Bishop Thomas Shaw, whose diocese covers eastern Massachusetts, has released a letter to diocesan priests and parishes informing them of his decision to allow the solemnizing of marriages of “all eligible couples”.   He said, “Christian marriage is a sacramental rite that has evolved in the church” and marriage “must be open to all as a means of grace and sustenance to our Christian hope.” He indicated that homosexual ‘marriages’ like heterosexual marriages are “characterized, just as our church expects, by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, and the holy love which enables spouses to see in one another the image of God… It’s time for us to offer to gay and lesbian people the same sacrament of fidelity that we offer to the heterosexual world.”   

US church in the news  

Washington Times – Nov 19 2009 – Lutherans second church to split over gays  

Religious Intelligence – Nov 25 2009 – New lawsuits face Church in USA  

Wall Street Journal – Nov 25 2009 – Church fights for assets, members and legitimacy  

News shorts – International  

British politician accuses Church of making “global warming” its new faith  

The Church of England Newspaper reports that, “MEP Roger Helmer stated the “Church of England seems to have abandoned religious faith entirely and taken up the new religion of climate alarmism instead.”  He added, “Many commentators have remarked on the similarities between religion and climate alarmism… both are based more on faith than on evidence. Both warn of dire consequences unless we have faith and change our way of life.”  Mr Helmer cited noted children’s author and former Anglican priest GP Taylor who said that “many bishops spend more time preaching about climate change than preaching a gospel of salvation”.  

How many will take up Rome’s offer?  

While many commentators believe the exodus from the Anglican Communion for the Roman Catholic Church will be a small trickle, others claim that it will be much more significant.  The Times claims the Church of England could face a loss of one-tenth of its clergy within five years.   

News from around the Communion  

Sudan – The Archbishop and bishops of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan are urging us to take up the cause of the poor and oppressed in the Sudan by bringing the urgent need in the Sudan before our government.  They ask that the previously negotiated Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the warring factions in the government/Muslim controlled north and the Christian/animist south be enforced so that a free and fair election and referendum on southern self-determination can be held.  

They say, “With less than five months before National Elections and just over one year to the referendum on southern self-determination, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is on the brink of collapse… We strongly condemn all [externally instigated] inter-ethnic violence currently witnessed across much of Southern Sudan, the ongoing violence against civilians in Darfur, and the violent attacks on civilians being perpetrated by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the south-west of the country… We strongly condemn the damage being done to the environment by oil companies in Unity and Upper Nile states. Our waterways are being polluted and our people displaced by the profit making of others. We bring this before our government and the international community, and ask and pray that the resources of our land be fairly utilized in future for the good of all our people.  

We call…attention… to the sever threat of famine in Southern Sudan at this time, due to the failure of rains in various parts of the country this year.  We appeal to our partners to assist us… in providing for the physical as well as the spiritual needs of our people…   

…It is the escalation of non-traditional de-stabilising violence, specifically targeting civilians and the government that will make registration and voting in the elections and referendum very difficult. The conclusion that is drawn is that this violence is intended to negatively effect the elections and referendum.  

…Unless international support for the CPA is urgently stepped up, the Sudan is in very real danger of descending back into a war which will not harm those people who create it, but which will again destroy the lives of those voiceless masses for which the Church now cries.”     

Uganda – The Church of England Newspaper reports that the Church of Uganda has come under severe pressure because of a legislation proposed by the government of Uganda that would “toughen” sodomy laws in that country. The report says, “…the furor in church circles over the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” speaks more to the rift between the African and Western Anglicans than to the politics of the proposed legislation. The campaign mounted in the West to defeat the bill will likely change few minds in Uganda, while the Church of Uganda’s response will likely [be] seen… as moral cowardice in the face of injustice… The church’s role in lobbying the government, one senior Ugandan cleric explained, was to avoid partisan politics but preach the practical lessons of the Bible. Public political lobbying demanded by activists in the UK is not how the Church of Uganda operates. “The church will tend to make statements to guide moral thinking rather than interfere in ‘word-smithing’ proposed legislation,” the Kampala cleric said.”   

LifeSiteNews reports that the impetus for the Ugandan legislation was the external interference “from European and American gay activists attempting to do in Uganda what they’ve done around the world – homosexualize that society.”  In particular, legislators are concerned about “the many male homosexuals coming into the country and abusing boys who are on the streets.” Uganda still celebrates an annual feast on June 3^rd to commemorate 22 Christian attendants of the king of Uganda who were executed in the 1800s for refusing the king’s homosexual advances.  

India – The Church of England Newspaper reports that, “The Government of India’s Maharashtra state has ordered the halt of all sales of Anglican Church property, pending an investigation into insider dealing and corrupt practices in the administration of church lands in the Diocese of Bombay…. While Anglican attention has focused on the 60 US church property lawsuits, the DNA India news service reports that over 5,000 church property lawsuits are making their way through the Indian courts.”   

Soul food  

Issues related to God’s design for His creation   

Euthanasia – If you want to make your voice heard on the legislation before the House of Commons, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has provided a sample letter you can adapt and send to your parliamentarians.  The EFC also provides to resources to help you learn more about the issue.  

Just for fun   

The little boy wasn’t getting good marks in school. One day he surprised the teacher by tapping her on the shoulder and saying, “I don’t want to scare you, but my daddy says if I don’t get better grades, somebody is going to get a spanking.”  

Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com  

A (non-Anglican) minister was completing a temperance sermon.   

With great emphasis he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.” With even greater emphasis he said, “And if I had all the wine in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.”  And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.”  

Sermon complete, he sat down.   

The hymn-leader slowly stood to his feet and nervously announced the closing hymn. “Let us close by singing hymn #365, ‘Shall We Gather at the River.”   

Please pray…  

For our ANiC projects, church plants, parishes, bishops and rectors.  

That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.  

For the legal cases  

·    For the four Vancouver area ANiC parishes and their lawyers who are reviewing the decision issued by Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher and seeking God’s clear leading.  May God grant clarity and unity as they discern whether or not to appeal the decision.  

·    For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London, Ontario.  

·    For the remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd (in Southern Ontario), particularly in light of the Diocese of Niagara’s letter following the New Westminster court decision.  

·    For all the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes.  Pray for peace, particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of risk and responsibility.  Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil.  

·     For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes, in particular, need greater financial support at this time.  

·     For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court.  

·     For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation.  

·     That God will be glorified in all court proceedings and may people who would not otherwise attend a church hear the good news and turn to Jesus.  

For the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and those in government who are considering the application for charitable status.  

For the Anglican Church in North America and its dioceses.  

For the persecuted church around the world and Christians who are suffering for their faith.  

For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation of Canada.  May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.     

And now a word from our sponsor   

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.   

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!   

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”   

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!     

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.   

Psalm 96 (ESV)

Marilyn Jacobson  

Anglican Network in Canada communication  

604 929-0369  OR  1-866-351-2642 ext 4020   

mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca  

www.anglicannetwork.ca  

]]> http://occasionalchristian.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/anic-newsletter-%e2%80%93-2-december-2009/feed/ 0 Steve L. http://occasionalchristian.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/bc-supreme-court-issues-mixed-decision-in-church-property-dispute/ http://occasionalchristian.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/bc-supreme-court-issues-mixed-decision-in-church-property-dispute/#comments Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:11:17 +0000 Steve L. http://occasionalchristian.wordpress.com/?p=1447 ]]>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  25 November 2009, 4:30pm PST

Vancouver, BC – Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher of the British Columbia Supreme Court issued a mixed decision today in the case involving the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) Diocese of New Westminster and four Greater Vancouver parishes in the Anglican Network in Canada.

The four parishes – St Matthew’s (Abbotsford), St Matthias & St Luke’s (Vancouver), St John’s Shaughnessy (Vancouver) and Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) – had asked the courts in early September 2008 to clarify their Trustees’ responsibilities in light of hostile action taken by the Diocese of New Westminster.  After all four parishes voted overwhelmingly in February 2008 to disaffiliate with the ACoC and realign with the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC), the bishop purported to terminate and replace the Trustees and take control of two of the churches’ properties and their bank accounts.  ANiC is now part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), a new Anglican province formed as a result of the worldwide split in the Anglican Church over profound disagreement on issues of doctrine.

Mr. Justice Kelleher found that the Bishop of New Westminster did not have legal or canonical authority for his purported termination and replacement of the Trustees, who were validly elected by the congregations and who control the use of the properties. However, he said the Trustees were required to exercise their authority “in relation to the parish properties in accordance with the Act, as well as the Constitution, Canons, Rules and Regulations of the Diocese.”   He then said he would “leave it to the parties to arrive at a workable solution”.  This clearly leaves the parties in a difficult position as they dispute the interpretation of those documents, particularly the Constitution.

Mr Justice Kelleher preferred to follow American legal principles rather than apply British and Canadian cases which have held that “As a rule, where a church organization is formed for the purpose of promoting certain defined doctrines of religion, the church property which it acquires is impressed with a trust to carry out that purpose, and a majority cannot divert the property to inconsistent uses against the protest of a minority however small.” (See Anderson v. Gislason 1920 Man. CA)  He also chose not to apply established British and Canadian “cy pres” trust principles in dealing with the church properties.

However, he did apply trust principles in finding that the $2.2 million bequest of Dr. Daphne Chun to “the building fund of the Church of Good Shepherd” should be held on trust for the building needs of the ANiC congregation.                  

“We are very grateful that Mr. Justice Kelleher understood and respected Dr. Chun’s intention when she left her bequest to our building fund” said Eric Law, a Trustee of the congregation of Good Shepherd.  “We look forward to using those funds toward the building we currently worship in.” 

Without deciding the issue, Mr. Justice Kelleher also expressed his opinion that “the parish properties are held on trust for Anglican ministry as defined by the [Anglican Church of Canada].”  In recent years, the ACoC’s governing body has changed church doctrine to the dismay of the global Anglican Communion. 

“The 98 page decision is very complex and our lawyers will need some time to review it before we make any decisions about whether to appeal” said Cheryl Chang, Chancellor (in-house legal advisor) to the ANiC.  “It is a great concern to hear that a majority can redefine and change the doctrine of the church and that those who wish to remain faithful to the church’s teaching must change their beliefs or sacrifice their buildings.  At the end of the day, if forced to choose, we will have to choose our faith over our buildings.”

“People will turn to what is true,” said Bishop Donald Harvey.  “So, as Archbishop Bob Duncan, our ACNA Primate said last week, even if we have to leave our properties, “We’ll have the souls and they’ll get the stuff. We’ll get the future, they’ll get the past. I’d rather have the souls and the future”. Our greatest concern is for the congregations and the ministries.  We will continue to preach the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ, even if called to sacrifice buildings and money in the process.” 

ANiC now numbers 33 parishes and eight forming congregations in North America with more than 3500 in church on an average Sunday. Members of the Anglican Network in Canada are committed to remaining faithful to Holy Scripture and established Anglican doctrine and to ensuring that orthodox Anglicans are able to remain in full communion with their Anglican brothers and sisters outside North America. 

ANiC is under the Episcopal authority of Bishop Harvey and is a diocese in the Anglican Church in North America which unites over 100,000 faithful Anglicans from across this continent.  ANiC is also affiliated with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone (in South America) under Primate Gregory Venables.

For more information see the ANiC website.

Contact: Marilyn Jacobson  Communications, Anglican Network in Canada  604 929-0369, 604 788-4222 (cell) 

mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca www.anglicannetwork.ca

New vision and mission statements for ANiC

ANiC’s new vision and mission statements were presented to synod delegates and observers in St Catharines last week together with a short explanation.

Mission: Building Biblically faithful, Gospel sharing, Anglican churches.We will not only be used by God to build new churches, but will also build-up existing churches. These churches will be fully Anglican, biblically faithful, evangelizing and discipling communities. 

Vision: Every region, enduring churches, excellence in leadership, equipped membersWe believe God is calling us to have churches from coast to coast to coast and accessible to most Canadians. We will pray and plan that the churches will thrive until Jesus returns. We will humbly seek to be servant leaders always desiring to grow and learn the best practices.  We desire to have every person in our congregation growing in Christ. 

Installation services 

Bishop Charlie Masters was installed on November 15 at St George’s in Burlington; Bishop Stephen Leung was installed on November 21 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Vancouver; and Bishop Trevor Walters was installed on November 22 at St Matthew’s in Abbotsford.  

You can see a cute photo of Bishop Don at St George’s (Burlington) with his newest “bishops”! 

Synod wrap-up 

You can go to ANiC’s website to review our synod, including photos and presentations.  AnglicanTV has now posted video of several of sessions from synod, with more to come.  Canon Chris Sugden brought greetings to synod from a number of Church of England bishops and organizations.  These are also posted to the ANIC website. 

Announcements made at synod 

Evangelist Marney Paterson welcomed into ANiC – The Rev Dr Marney Paterson was welcomed into ANiC at synod.  In making this announcement, Bishop Don said, “We have among us a dear friend who undisputedly has preached the Word of God to more people at home and around the world than any other Canadian Anglican…” 

The Fourth Day coordinator – Bishop Don appointing Deacon Gary Stobbs of St Matthew’s, Abbotsford as ANiC coordinator for The Fourth Day – ACNA’s equivalent to Cursillo. 

New Archdeacon – The Venerable Ron Corcoran (Christ the King, Victoria, BC) was appointed archdeacon for the west, taking over from Bishop Trevor Walters. 

New Examining Chaplain – The Venerable Paul Crossland is now an examining chaplain. 

Consecration photo albums 

We are preparing a beautiful memento of our historic consecration service for Bishops Charlie, Stephen and Trevor on November 13.  This bound book will feature about 40 pages of quality photos from the consecration service.  Although the book will take several weeks to prepare and several more weeks to publish, we will post several pages to the ANiC website in the next week to give you an idea of the final product.  The book can be ordered in hard cover for $60 (including shipping) or soft cover for $45.  If you’d like a copy, please watch our website Purchase Online page where you will be able to order the books very soon. ( 

Synod lost and found 

The Rev Gerry Brodie (Church of the Good Shepherd, St Catharines) is missing his well-used, much-loved Scoffield Bible which was left in a synod bag at Bethany Community Church in St Catharines.  If found, please contact info@anglicannetwork.ca. 

Synod in the news 

Reporting from synod, Canon Chris Sugden writes in the Church of England Newspaper that Archbishop Bob Duncan told ANiC’s three new bishops at their consecration service that they, like the Apostle Paul, should be “worth a riot”. 

Message from Bishop Malcolm and Marylou Harding 

Marylou and I wish to convey our heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of Christian love we experienced at the recent ANiC Synod banquet in Niagara Falls.  Entering retirement again from Episcopal  ministry seemed to be truly in God’s good timing for Malcolm and how blessed we are that the Lord has raised up three wonderful new bishops to assist Bishop Don. 

We are both most grateful for all that was said and done at the Synod banquet with respect to our past ministry with ANiC. From the unveiling of Malcolm’s photograph to the slide of him serving “Southern (ice cream) Cones” at a local parish event here in Brandon, it was a truly memorable evening. And as for the gift of a train trip for two to Jasper, for a railroad enthusiast like Malcolm—-well, that was right over the top!!! 

May the Lord now continue to lead and guide all of you serving ANiC in this new and exciting ministry of renewal and, God willing, revival in North America. 

In Jesus,  

+Malcolm and Marylou Harding  

Ordination in Ottawa 

Bishop Charlie Masters will ordain David Robinson to the transitional deaconate at St Albans, Ottawa on Sunday November 29 at 7pm.  David is an Artizo graduate and leads the thriving university ministry at St Alban’s.   Bishop Charlie and (his wife) Judy will be at St Alban’s from November 26-29. 

Bishop Charlie to visit in New Brunswick and minister in Montreal 

From December 1-3, Bishop Charlie and Judy will meet with friends of ANiC in the Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton areas.  Bishop Charlie will also celebrate Holy Communion and speak at Taylor College’s regular mid-week service on the afternoon of December 2. If you’d like to meet with them, please email Bishop Charlie. 

They then drive to Montreal where Bishop Charlie will be with Emmaus Anglican Church, Sunday morning and St Timothy Anglican Bible Church on Sunday evening, December 6. 

Please remember our bishops in prayer, especially Bishops Don and Charlie as they must travel so much on behalf of ANiC.  Pray for safety, endurance and sufficient rest.   

ANiC hosts ACNA summit 

Our ANiC staff and bishops are hosting the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) House of Bishops and Provincial Council meetings in Toronto, December 9-12.  Please pray for ANiC staff who are coordinating these arrangements and for God’s blessing and leading in these meetings.

2010 Church Calendar 

Thanks to the Rev Tom Carman (St Aidan’s, Windsor) we have a church calendar posted to the ANiC website that you can download and print.  This will be especially useful for clergy and parish altar guilds.  Tom says the calendar, “…lays out the Sundays of the Christian year, the Red Letter Days (according to the BCP), and a few other Holy Days that I thought appropriate for a church such as ours that has taken its stand on the word of God…”

ANiC rector on TV

The Rev Ray David Glenn will be doing 5-8 minute Truth to Go segments on 100 Huntley Street during the month of December.  These segments will focus on God’s covenant fulfillment in “Christmas”.  The Rev Glenn says the pastoral point every day will be, “God makes promises and fulfills them in Jesus.”  He would appreciate our prayer as he tapes these segments this week.  You can watch 100 Huntley Street on Global TV, on CTS TV or online at www.100huntley.com.

Parish news

St John’s Shaughnessy (Vancouver) – The Rev Canon David Short has taken a medical leave. 

St Paul (Stoney Creek, ON project) – The congregation at St Paul is undertaking an evangelism project this Christmas using the Share the Good News of Christmas evangelism kit.  They encourage other ANiC congregations to join them in using this excellent resource to reach out to our communities.  Learn more here.  Dr J I Packer says, “Share the Good News of Christmas is a visionary program which I heartily commend. The gift and invitation from the local church will bring home to people that Jesus is the reason for the season, and that from his throne he calls us all to enter into new life with him. May many respond to that call this Christmastide!”

ANiC rector provides excellent overview of Anglicanism vs Roman Catholicism

Writing in his local newspaper, Father Michael McKinnon, rector of ANiC’s only USA parish Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Marlborough, Massachusetts), explains that the Church in England didn’t come under the Bishop of Rome until after 664AD and the English Reformation simply “…sought to return the Church of this region to the Faith and Order of the undivided Catholic Church under the authority and primacy of Holy Scripture as God’s Word. Thus, despite differences, these two great communions of the one Church have had for many centuries a shared heritage as Catholic Churches of the West… With so much in common, will many orthodox Anglicans be taking the Pope up on his recent offer? Is this the end of the English Reformation? Probably not. The primacy of Scripture and the Catholic Faith and Order of the early Church serve as the very foundation of the English Reformation and historic Anglicanism.”  

Interview with Dr Packer

The Modesto Bee printed an interview with Dr Packer in which he implies that retirement isn’t a Biblical concept, discusses the impact CS Lewis had on his own development and his motivation for writing his classic bestseller Knowing God.  

World Magazine recounts how when several people compared Dr Packer to Gandalf (from The Lord of the Rings), he responded, “I’m much closer to the lowly Sam.”  The article provides interesting insights into this godly leader.

Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support

Nov 26-29 – Bishop Charlie is in Ottawa

Nov 29, 7pm – Ordination of David Robinson at St Alban’s Ottawa

Dec 1-3 – Bishop Charlie is in New Brunswick

Dec 6 – Bishop Charlie is in Montreal

Mar 16 -18 – Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)

ANiC in the news

Capital News Online – Nov 6 2009 – Rapping in the rafters

The Star – Nov 12 2009 – Invite from Rome ‘offensive’, says Anglican bishop

Hope Standard – Nov 23 2009 – The Anglican church of the Resurrection hosts two bishops

News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) 

American Anglican Council (AAC) to begin Leadership Institute

An AAC-sponsored Clergy Leadership Institute for Anglican clergy and other North American leaders will be launched in the second half of 2010. The purpose of this Institute will be to:

• Raise up, establish, encourage, equip and release Christ-centered, visionary leaders with entrepreneurial skills to transform their churches and their communities. ·       Save leaders from distraction, diversion and destruction by equipping them to deal with conflict. ·       Provide ongoing support, pastoral care, encouragement and skill development for leaders of the local church through small groups and coaching. Archbishop Duncan interviewed in the National Post
• In an interview published in the National Post, our Primate, Archbishop Bob Duncan said, “People are looking for a saviour who can save. They are really looking for how they can shape their lives and what they can trust in. And what the [national churches] are offering is Jesus lite. Folks don’t need a Jesus lite.”The Table ACNA church plant

  The Victoria church plant The Table which involves three ACNA dioceses – the Anglican Coalition in Canada, the Reformed Episcopal (REC) and the Anglican Network in Canada – had their first public worship event on November 15 with 94 adults and 11 children – many of whom were well-wishers from supporting churches Church of Our Lord (REC) and Open Gate (ANiC).  Church planters the Revs Andy Withrow and Josh Wilton report that they need $14,000 to break even in 2009 and ask prayer.  You can watch a video here.  

  ACNA in the news

  Church of England Newspaper – Nov 13 2009 – Sydney gives its backing to American traditionalists

  News shorts – Canada

• Anglican Essentials Federation changes name to Anglican Communion Alliance The Federation has announced that “In the light of recent developments within orthodoxy in Canadian Anglicanism, we are establishing ourselves as a separate organization to continue affirmation of classical Anglicanism within the Anglican Church of Canada”.  The Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) intends to be:   “The theological and spiritual rallying point for historic orthodoxy in the Anglican Church of Canada” (ACoC) with the mission of calling the ACoC “to embrace and live by its orthodox Christian heritage under the renewing guidance of the Holy Spirit”.  Writing to the ACoC bishops, the Rev Dr Brett Cane, ACA chair, says, “While we continue in informal fellowship with those who share our theological viewpoint but who are in other jurisdictions in Canada, we are organizationally separate from them to better address the specific situation within our own Anglican Church of Canada.”   

  Other news and documents of interest on the ACA website includes:

  ·       In Hope for an erring church, the Rev Murray Henderson gives a rationale for “why it is a godly and evangelical response to stay in the ACC” 

  ·       ACA is planning a high profile presence at the ACoC’s General Synod in Halifax in June.  

  ·       Prior to General Synod, ACA is sponsoring a cross-Canada tour of the Rev Canon George Kovoor, Principal of Trinity College in Bristol, UK.   

  Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) implements budget cuts

  The Journal reports that the Anglican church of Canada faces staff cuts to achieve a $450,000 reduction in operating costs – and even then is budgeting for a $500,000 deficit in 2010.

  Clergy conference

  One of the best clergy conferences in the country, know as reFocus Canada, will be held again at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, BC on 7-9 April 2010.  The theme of the conference is Suffering for the Gospel and features Dr John Piper, Preston Manning, Dr John Neufeld, and Dr Bruce Ware.  Conference information and registration is available on the reFocus website.

  Evangelical Fellowship of Canada seminar recommended

  If you are interested in church planting and evangelism, you will benefit from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Christian Leaders Connection.  This one-day seminar focuses on Canadian demographics and trends and the implications for ministry.  It is scheduled for Ancaster, Ontario on December1 and other Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan venues in 2010.   

  New bishop elected for Diocese of Saskatoon (Anglican Church of Canada)

  The Venerable David Irving, currently executive archdeacon of the Diocese of Kootenay, was elected by the Diocese of Saskatoon to replace Bishop Rodney Andrews who retires February 28.

  News shorts – United States

  Biblically faithful Lutherans head toward forming new denomination

  The Associated Press reports that Biblically faithful Lutherans within the increasingly liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are beginning to draft “…a constitution and taking other steps to form the denomination, with hopes to have it off the ground by next August.”

  Media roundup – US

  Fort Worth Star Telegram – Nov 15 2009 – First woman is ordained… in Forth Worth…

  North County Times – Nov 13 2009 – …congregation loses legal battle with Episcopal Church

  Wall Street Journal – Nov 10 2009 – An Episcopal flock breaks – and heals – apart

  News shorts – International

  Vatican releases the much anticipated “Apostolic Constitution”

  Several weeks after announcing its imminent arrival, Pope Benedict XVI issued his “Apostolic Constitution providing for Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering into full communion with the [Roman] Catholic Church”

  The GAFCon (Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans) Primates responded saying, the while the offer is gracious, they are “grieved that the current crisis… has made necessary such an unprecedented offer. It represents a grave indictment of the Instruments of Communion whose very purpose is to strengthen and protect our unity in obedience to our Lord’s clear command. Their failure to fully address the abandonment of biblical faith and practice by The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada has now brought shame to the name of Christ and seriously impedes the cause of the Gospel…”

  Bishop John Broadhurst (Fulham) of Forward in Faith was very receptive, saying, “I had thought the original notice from Rome was extremely generous. Today all the accompanying papers have been published and they are extremely impressive. I have been horrified that the Church of England while trying to accommodate us has consistently said we cannot have the jurisdiction and independent life that most of us feel we need to continue on our Christian pilgrimage.  What Rome has done is offer exactly what the Church of England has refused”.

  The Independent reports that the Vatican’s offer is really directed at the US and Australia where the majority of requests from Anglicans for group reception into the Roman Catholic Church are said to have originated.

  Archbishop Rowan Williams to visits the Vatican

  The Archbishop of Canterbury met briefly with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome this past weekend. Prior to that meeting, Reuters reports that Dr Williams spoke at a university in Rome, where he said that the disagreements between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches – specifically women’s ordination, authority and primacy – were second order issues.

  Covenant gains momentum

  George Conger provides a summary of dioceses and provinces supporting the Covenant to date.  He says, “The Church of Ireland, the American dioceses of Western Louisiana and South Carolina and the New Zealand dioceses of Christchurch and Nelson have endorsed the Ridley-Cambridge draft of the Anglican Covenant, joining Central Florida in backing the Archbishop of Canterbury’s plan for creating a structure to manage the divisions over doctrine and discipline dividing the Anglican Communion.”

  News from around the Communion

  Church of England – Once again the Church of England seems to be headed toward allowing female bishops without providing adequate accommodation for those within the Church who oppose this move.  The General Synod’s Revision Committee has backed away from proposals that would have allowed the transfer of jurisdiction from female to male bishops where parishes could not accept female oversight.  The Telegraph reports that this is likely to lead an exodus of clergy and parishioners from the Church of England.  And Andrew Carey, writing in the Church of England Newspaper says, “The Church of England is giving up no sacred principle by offering the most generous provision to traditionalist Anglicans, so why is it so reluctant to do so? …by insisting so dogmatically on the imposition of women’s Episcopal ministry even on those who will refuse it, they risk failing completely to pass a measure for women bishops.”    

  Soul food

  Manhattan Declaration

  On November 20, 148 American Christian leaders, including Dr J I Packer, took a stand by signing and releasing the Manhattan Declaration, a statement of Christian convictions on the sanctity of life, the dignity of marriage, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty.  They say, “…Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  Since the statement was released, over 72,000 have signed on. You can add your signature by clicking on the above link to the Manhattan Declaration. 

  Issues related to God’s design for His creation

  Pornography – With pornography use and addiction now epidemic in society and, unfortunately, even amongst Christians, we are reminded of the need to support the “silenced sufferers” – the spouses of those who are entrapped by pornography and who have no one to turn to.

  Sexual detox – Tim Challies (Diocese of Sydney) has published two free downloadable resources:

  ·       Sexual Detox: A guide for the single guy

  ·       Sexual Detox: A guide for the married guy

  Both “Sexual Detox” resources include chapters on:

  ·       Pornifying the Marriage Bed

  ·       Breaking Free

  ·       A Theology of Sex

  ·       Self-Centered Sex

  ·       Detoxification

  ·       Freedom

  ·       Recommended Resources

  Homosexuality – The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) has released a “…landscape review” compiling “…over a century of experiential evidence, clinical reports, and research evidence demonstrate that it is possible for both men and women to change from homosexuality to heterosexuality; that efforts to change are not generally harmful; and that homosexual men and women do indeed have greater risk factors for medical, psychological and relational pathology than do the general population.”  The report, called What Research Shows, is a response to the American Psychological Association’s stand against “…providing psychological care to those distressed by unwanted homosexual attractions”.  StandFirm provides more background on NARTH

  Abortion – The Washington Post has published an exposé on forced abortions in China due to the “one child policy” which “causes more violence against women and girls than any other official policy on Earth”.  The result has been the highest rate in the world of women committing suicide and a gender imbalance in China that is “a driving force behind sex slavery in Asia”.

  A former Planned Parenthood director tells why she quit her job after witnessing an abortion ultrasound video and seeing the 13-week-old child struggling for its life.  She said, “If clinic workers saw what was happening on that screen, they would be running out of those clinics… This is what the abortion industry does not want their workers to see … they don’t want people to see what’s actually happening in the woman’s womb.”

  The UN Petition for the Unborn Child and the Family has achieved over 600,000 of the target one  million signatures.  You can read the petition here and decide if you wish to add your name.

  Assisted suicide – Faye Sonier, legal council for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, writes that the proposed bill before Parliament to allow assisted suicide would turn “…the life affirming principles of Canadian law on their collective head… Assisted suicide advocates cannot claim that this is simply a private, personal decision. It implicates every citizen and every Canadian institution of government and health care. It requires substantive changes to our legal philosophy.”  You can download In the Shadow of Death: A Christian perspective on euthanasia and assisted suicide from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada website.

  Points to ponder

  Confidence is that feeling you have just before you fully understand the situation.

  Safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God.

  Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com

  Just for fun

  There was this lady who was visiting a church for the first time one Sunday. The sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the congregation actually fell asleep.

  After the service, to be social, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman, extended her hand in greeting, and said, “Hello, I’m Gladys Dunn.”

  The man replied, “You’re not the only one, ma’am. I’m glad it’s done, too!”

  Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com  

  Please pray…

  For our new bishops as they enter new ministries – as well as our long-time bishops.

  For Ceri Hynes, wife of the Rev Howard Hynes, (St Stephen the Martyr in St John’s, NL) who has been released from hospital and is recovering from cellulitis. Thank you for your continued prayers.   

  For our ANiC projects, church plants and parishes.  

  For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.

  That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.

  For the legal cases

  For Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher as he reviews all the written material and considers his decision in the Vancouver court case. May God grant insight and discernment.  

  For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London.

  For the remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd in Southern Ontario.

  For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes.  Pray for peace, particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility.  Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil.

  For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes, in particular, need greater financial support at this time.

  For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court.

  For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation.

  For the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and those in government who are considering the application for charitable status.

  For the Anglican Church in North America and its dioceses.

  For the persecuted church around the world and Christians who are suffering for their faith.

  For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation of Canada.  May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.   

  And now a word from our sponsor

  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

  Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

  Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  James 1: 2 – 18

  Marilyn Jacobson Anglican Network in Canada communication 604 929-0369  OR  1-866-351-2642 ext 4020 

  mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca www.anglicannetwork.ca

St Catharines, Ontario – Three bishops were consecrated today in St Catharines, Ontario into the Church of God for ministry in the Anglican Network in Canada.  The Right Reverend Stephen Leung, the Right Reverend Charles Masters and the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Walters were consecrated today by the Most Reverend Robert Duncan in a service which saw the participation of 15 bishops and more than 60 priests and deacons from across North America.

The service of consecration was the culmination of the second synod (church convention) of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC).  During the synod, ANiC moderator, the Right Reverend Donald Harvey announced his intention to step down in November 2010.  The Right Reverend Malcolm Harding, who like Bishop Harvey emerged from retirement in November 2007 to serve as the original bishops of ANiC, re-retired earlier in June.

It was also announced that the third synod would be held in Ottawa in early November 2010.  The synod is planned to coincide with the visit by the Right Reverend Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, recently retired Bishop of Rochester, to ANiC’s St George’s Anglican Church for their 125^th anniversary celebration.         

Messages of greeting, support and encouragement were sent to synod from a number of bishops from the Church of England and from Primates (Church leaders) representing the majority of active Anglicans in the global Anglican Communion.

ANiC is under the Episcopal authority of Bishop Harvey and is a diocese in the Anglican Church in North America which unites over 100,000 faithful Anglicans from across this continent.  It now numbers 33 parishes and eight forming congregations in North America with more than 3500 in church on an average Sunday.

Members of the Anglican Network in Canada are committed to remaining faithful to Holy Scripture and established Anglican doctrine and to ensuring that orthodox Anglicans are able to remain in full communion with their Anglican brothers and sisters outside North America.  The newly adopted mission statement for the Anglican Network in Canada is “Building Biblically faithful, Gospel sharing, Anglican churches.”

Contact:  Marilyn Jacobson  Communications, Anglican Network in Canada604 929-0369, 604 788-4222 (cell)

Friday  is the culminating day of synod with the consecration service for the three new bishops in the afternoon.  While the morning schedule is subject to slight changes, this is the current plan for Friday:

• 9am (EST) – Morning prayer
• 9:30am – Archbishop Bob Duncan
• 10:30am – Final business (and likely the last three parish/project presentations)  
• 11am – Moderator’s final comments
• 1 – 3:30 – Consecration service 1-3:30pm

You can follow synod in the following ways:

• Watch synod live on www.AnglicanTV.org (Select the “live stream” tab (in the top menu). 
• Read the AEC blog where David Jenkins is posting reports regularly (as well as taking photos)
• See photos from synod as well as presentations by selecting the links from this page.  We’ll post more photos and presentations as we are able.  Check this one out! Fit to be hung in a Cathedral eh? SL

Following synod, we will prepare DVDs of the presentations and services which will be available to purchase.  (Price to be determined!)  These likely will take about a month to produce. 

We are also producing a professionally, bound 40-page photo album of the consecration service.  These books will be available for purchase at $60 for a hard copy edition and $45 for a soft copy.  Please watch for more information in the newsletter and on the website on how to order a book. 

Marilyn Jacobson,  Anglican Network in Canada communications

Cell: 604 788-4222 mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca www.anglicannetwork.ca

Please pray for Ceri Hynes, wife of the Rev Howard Hynes, rector of ANiC’s St Stephen the Martyr parish in St John’s, Newfoundland.

Ceri was admitted to hospital late last night with high fever. She has been diagnosed with cellulitis in her leg. Please pray for speedy healing, if that is God’s will. Also pray for Howard and their three children as they have Ceri in hospital again. (Ceri has battled cancer in the past.)

Marilyn Jacobson Anglican Network in Canada communications mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca,  www.anglicannetwork.ca

Synod  

Tracking synod from home – Even if you can’t make it to synod, you can enjoy the speakers and stay on top of events.  Here’s how:

• AnglicanTV plans to webcast synod and the consecrations, so check out the agenda and make a note of which events you want to watch live on the AnglicanTV website.
  • Photos will be posted to our website even during synod.

Synod business – With the focus on the consecration of our new bishops-elect, the business portion of synod will be relatively light this year. 

Synod banners – The team of artists at St Hilda’s have been busy creating exquisite banners for synod.  Each ANiC parish has been asked to participate by creating a three-foot-high section of banner representing their church. These will be attached to one of the 12 foot banners created by the St Hilda’s team of artists.  

Clergy spouses – An optional session will be held during synod specifically for spouses of clergy – likely scheduled for the afternoon of November 12.  In addition to getting better acquainted, spouses will have the opportunity to discuss how to better support and encourage one another.

Installation services for bishops

Following the consecration of ANiC’s three bishops-elect on Friday in St Catharines, they will be installed at the following services:

• Bishop Charles Masters – at St George’s, Burlington on Sunday, November 15 at 4pm
• Bishop Stephen Leung – at Good Shepherd, Vancouver on Saturday, November 21 at 2pm
• Bishop Trevor Walters is – at St Matthew’s, Abbotsford on Sunday, November 22 at 3pm

Archbishop Greg and Sylvia

Please pray for Archbishop Greg’s wife Sylvia who is not in good health. Pray for Archbishop Greg as he cares for her on top of his responsibilities in the Southern Cone.

Parish news

Faith Anglican (Embrun, ON) is temporarily meeting above the local arena since the school in which they had been meeting was closed to outside groups due to the H1N1 outbreak.  Please pray that the H1N1 outbreak will be contained quickly so that they can return to meeting in the Cambridge Public School.

New Brunswick visit planned

Bishop-elect Charlie Masters and his wife Judy will be visiting ANiC friends in New Brunswick December 1-4 – including a visit to Taylor College (Saint John) on Wednesday, December 2.  Anyone wishing to meet with them during that time is invited to call him at 1-905-691-2259 to make an appointment.

Graphic Standards manual now available

If your parish currently uses (or will use) ANiC’s logo on any print or electronic communications, please consult the newly published Graphic Standards manual for guidelines on how to use the logo – and other graphic materials – correctly.  Through the consistent and correct use of ANiC’s graphics – especially our logo – we can build a strong visual identity for ANiC.  Copies will be available at Synod for ANiC parishes and projects. 

Also, if your parish or project needs assistance with communication or graphics, please email Marilyn or call 1-866-351-2642 extension 4020. 

Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support

Nov 8 – International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Nov 9 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – St John’s Shaughnessy, 1490 Nanton, Vancouver

Nov 10 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – St Simon’s, 2630 Walpole Cres, N Vancouver

Nov 10 – Halifax, NS – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection event

Nov 11-13 – ANiC synod and conference, St Catharines, ON

Nov 12 – Moncton, NB – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection event

Nov 13 – Consecration of three ANiC bishops, St Catharines, ON

Nov 15, 4pm – Installation of newly consecrated Bishop Charlie Masters at St George’s Lowville

Nov 15, 10:30am – St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) marks 50^th anniversary with special service

Nov 21, 2pm – Installation of Bishop Stephen Leung at Good Shepherd, Vancouver

Nov 22, 3pm – Installation of Bishop Trevor Walters at St Matthew’s Abbotsford

Mar 16 -18 – Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)

News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)

Archbishop Duncan welcomes Sydney’s affirmation of full communion

Archbishop Bob Duncan welcomed the Diocese of Sydney’s declaration that it was in communion with the Anglican Church in North America.  However, the AEC blog reports that a similar motion at the Diocese of Melbourne’s recent synod was narrowly defeated.

GAFCON video

The 50 minute video documentary produced by BBC before and during GAFCon is available for viewing on the Diocese of Sydney website.  Despite its obvious agenda, the video is interesting.

Baroness Cox to be patron of US-based Anglican Relief and Development Fund

Baroness Caroline Cox has joined the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF) as Honorary Chair.  She is a high profile Anglican, former deputy speaker of Great Britain’s House of Lords, and a champion for the cause of the weak and defenseless.  ARDF-Canada (ARDFC) is seeking charitable status for a “mirror” organization in Canada which could take on international mission and aid projects in partnership with international Anglican dioceses and bishops.  Please pray that officials at CRA will see ARDFC purposes are fully charitable and approve registration soon.

What does it mean to be in “full communion”?

Following the Diocese of Sydney’s announcement that it wanted to be in full communion with the Anglican Church in North America, Bishop Glenn Davies (North Sydney) discusses what it means in practical terms.  His synopsis: “It generally means that an ordained person can move from one church to another, without being re-ordained…. Would we re-ordain a presbyter, who wanted to minister in Sydney and who was currently in good standing in the ACNA? Certainly not! We would readily receive such a person as a validly ordained presbyter.  Furthermore, Canons David Short and Jim Packer each hold a licence in our Diocese (both being canons of St Andrew’s Cathedral), notwithstanding their having been defrocked by the Diocese of New Westminster.”

Legal update

Legal briefs have been in a filed in the San Joaquin case in which the ACNA diocese and the recently formed TEC diocese are arguing over whether a diocese can leave TEC – as San Joaquin under Bishop John David Schofield voted to do in 2007.   In discussing the case, A S Haley says, “The importance of this appeal for the [Episcopal] Church’s litigation with other dioceses cannot be overemphasized. At issue in the San Joaquin, Fort Worth, Pittsburgh and Quincy cases is whether a Diocese of the Church may leave it by amending its Constitution. The current [TEC] leadership… is contending that once it joins the Church, a Diocese must forever remain a part of that organization. It has neither language nor logic on its side, but it still makes the argument. The California Fifth District Court of Appeal will in all likelihood be the first appellate court in any State to evaluate the merits of [TEC’s] case.”

Diocese of Pittsburgh convention takes legal persecution in stride

The ACNA Diocese of Pittsburgh is reported to be taking a surprisingly lighthearted view of its current litigation woes.  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, “there was laughter over the litigation and its possible consequences… Despite the collection for legal expenses, there were no pep talks about the likely success of the appeal. Instead, Archbishop Duncan said it was a sign of spiritual courage and that members of the Anglican Church in North America were prepared to give up their buildings if necessary… Archbishop Duncan predicted that the 21st century will be an “Anglican century” because Anglicanism embraces evangelical faith in the Bible, tradition that stems from a Catholic heritage and a Pentecostal reliance on the Holy Spirit.  “Let’s bless our enemies and move forward,” he said.”

New York Times interviews Archbishop Duncan

In a rather confrontational interview the Times reporter ask Archbishop Bob Duncan:

• About the Vatican’s recent offer – “I am very pleased that the Vatican has done this, but my call now is to lead all those Anglicans who stand where Anglicans have always stood.”
• About his opposition to the ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson – “…the problem is he’s leading a whole generation astray. I don’t believe he should be a bishop.”
• About his supposed deposition by Presiding Bishop Schori – “…what’s interesting is that virtually no one in the Anglican world accepted that sentence. Within two weeks of being deposed, I was received at Lambeth Palace in London by the archbishop of Canterbury, who continues to consider me a bishop.”
• About his upbringing – “My family knew a lot of turmoil… My mother was emotionally disturbed …There were times when I was not sure I’d wake up in the morning because of her violence.”
• About the litigation – “There is an ongoing lawsuit. They may get the stuff, but we’ll get the souls. They may get the past, but we’ve got the future.”

ACNA in the news

Daily Pilot, Newport Beach, CA – Nov 1 2009 – Bishop is ordained before hundreds  

Pittsburgh Post Gazette – Nov 4 2009 – Episcopal Diocese releases secessionist clergy from vows

Living Church – Nov 5 2009 – Former TEC dioceses welcome congregations

Pittsburgh Post Gazette – Nov 8 2009 – Anglican diocese to expand, cut costs

News shorts – Canada

Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) House of Bishops study declining membership

A report released by the ACoC bishops following their recent meeting – held jointly with the Evangelical Lutheran Church Conference of Bishops – indicates that a focus was, “…reflected on the fact that the two churches are engaged in similar processes of structural renewal in light of declining members and declining finances.”  The Rev Dr Gary Nicolosi, congregational development officer for the diocese of British Columbia was brought in to address the issue and challenged the bishops “…to think about new approaches…that can assist us to focus on congregational development and growth.” The bishops conclude, “We are encouraged by the tone and content of this meeting which allowed us to focus more on broad themes of leadership and mission than we have done in the past.”

Media roundup – Canada

Anglican Journal – Oct 30 2009 – Ottawa church can offer blessing to married same-sex couples

News shorts – United States

Communion Partner bishop sues ACNA church

Bishop Bauerschmidt (Tennessee), who reportedly is among the so-called “Communion partner bishops” in the Episcopal Church, is pursuing a congregation in court to seize the parish’s property.

The Episcopal Church (TEC) executive council rejects Covenant

The Church of England reports that, while several TEC diocese have endorsed the current draft of the Covenant, “The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church has unanimously endorsed a report that rejects the proposed disciplinary provisions of section IV of the Anglican Covenant.”  Their response was that “The “majority of [diocesan] deputations and individual deputies” were “not convinced” that the “covenant in its current form will bring about deeper communion.”

Media roundup – US

Church of England Newspaper – Oct 30 2009 – Two US dioceses back Anglican Covenant

Tennessean – Nov 1 2009 – Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee sues to reclaim church

Anglican Curmudgeon – Oct 31 2009 – A documentary history of ECUSA’s constitution

Savannah Now – Oct 30 2009 – Thou shalt not steal  

News shorts – International

More responses to Vatican offer

ANiC member and church historian Dr George Egerton has written an article on the implications of the Vatican’s recent offer to disaffected Anglicans.  He says in part:

“We can see the Vatican has proved itself capable, given its long experience with ethnic diversity, of adapting its structures to make reasonable accommodations, while insisting on the preservation of its doctrinal teaching and the authority of its magisterium.

“By contrast, Anglicanism has proved incapable of maintaining classic Christian teachings on an array of issues, most notably on sexual and marital ethics, while simultaneously refusing to adapt its territorial episcopacy and national structures to allow conservatives extraordinary forms of episcopal oversight with adequate jurisdiction. One of the principal arguments presented by the revisionist Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada against episcopal innovations to accommodate conservative Anglicans was that such action would violate the traditional status of a territorial episcopacy. Clearly, there were limitations to the revisionists’ imagination, and the Vatican’s offer illustrates what is possible when there is charity and goodwill.

“The departure of Anglo-Catholics will not have massive numerical or theological impact in the United States or Canada where Anglican demographics are already in free-fall. But in Britain, their reception by Rome will change the nature of the Church of England and profoundly affect Anglican – Roman Catholic relations… Without its Anglo-Catholics, the Church of England will be left with an already dominant liberal hierarchy much more entrenched and determined to extend its revisionist agenda…

“With the departure to Rome of most of the Anglo-Catholics, the increasing institutional entrenchment of the revisionists within the Church of England, and the spreading momentum of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, Archbishop Williams’ leadership seems stressed beyond capacity. Anglicanism, in Canada and globally, seems at a tipping point. Perhaps next summer’s General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada will serve as a microcosm of things to come for first world Anglicanism, as the global Anglican Communion is facing both the end of the old Reformation for Anglo-Catholics, and a new reformation for confessing Anglicans.”

The Economist seems to agree with Dr Egerton’s assessment in its succinct and balanced overview of the impact of the Vatican’s offer. The article includes the following comments: 

“Hitherto, an uneasy alliance of low-church evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics has struggled to resist liberal Anglicanism. “This will change the balance in the Church of England in favour of the liberals,” says Jonathan Bartley of Ekklesia, a think-tank. “The evangelicals won’t go to Rome and they may now be abandoned by their Anglo-Catholic allies.” Some think (or fear) that as many as one in seven Church of England priests could convert.

“The effect on the Catholic church may also be far-reaching. With the pope signalling a readiness to give married prelates the authority, if not the status, of bishops, it may be asked how long he can hold the line on priestly celibacy in the Western Church. Celibacy is widely ignored in Africa and Latin America.”

StandFirm in Faith blogger, the Rev Matt Kennedy explains why he thinks the Vatican’s offer is a good thing:

“I am having a real hard time understanding the angst and anger among some of my fellow Anglicans regarding the Apostolic Constitution… Why be upset? Do Anglicans really want people to remain Anglican simply because it is too difficult, procedurally, to convert to Rome? No thank you. I don’t want half-hearted Anglicans. Should the papal offer result in more Anglicans becoming Roman, it will not be the pope’s fault. Our house is simply not in order. Not only is the Anglican Communion theologically compromised by the ongoing inclusion of the Episcopal Church, bold, heavyweight, apologies for Anglicanism are few and far between. The last generation of Anglicans produced giants like Dr. JI Packer and John Stott–men recognized and lauded far beyond the Anglican world as powerful defenders of Christian truth–living illustrations of the intellectual and spiritual fruitfulness of the Anglican way.”

Other media coverage:

The American – Nov 4 2009 – Judging from the attacks, the Vatican must be on to something

Telegraph – Nov 5 2009 – Pope’s…offer accepted by Traditional Anglican Communion in Britain

Desperate situation in the Sudan chronicled

The Institute for Religion and Democracy has posted an excellent article that chronicles recent attacks on Christians in the Sudan, including the targeted killing of an Anglican Archdeacon, and explores the political motivation behind the ongoing violence and instability in the country. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul is quoted saying, “In the view of the church, this was not a tribal conflict as commonly reported, but a deliberately organized attack on civilians by those that are against the peace in Southern Sudan.” 

In clear violation of the negotiated Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Islamic government in Khartoum, northern Sudan, appears to be waging an aggressive proxy war against the south.  “Reports claim that Khartoum recruits and arms proxy militias to destabilize the South, killing civilians and scattering its people once again. At the same time, the Islamist regime uses money and promises of power to divide Southerners against each other. In this way Khartoum may demonstrate that the South, scheduled for a secession referendum in 2011, cannot govern itself… the UN reports that the rate of violent deaths in South Sudan now surpasses that in Darfur. Lise Grande, UN Deputy Resident Coordinator in Southern Sudan, recently said more than 2,000 people had died and 250,000 had been displaced by inter-ethnic violence across the region.”

News from around the Communion

Church of England –   The Times reports that clergy in the Church of England face an uncertain pension future. “The increased longevity of the clergy, combined with greater regulation and the credit crunch, has left the Church’s new pension scheme with liabilities of £813 million, nearly almost double the £461 million market value of its assets… In February the General Synod will debate a proposal to raise the clergy retirement age and to increase from 40 to 43 the length of service that must be given before a full pension can be claimed.”

The Guardian reports that “bestselling author and Anglican priest… GP Taylor, whose children’s book Shadowmancer became an international bestseller and is being turned into a film, accused the church of sinking “into a liberal pit that was no earthly use and offered no hope, no love and no grace”.”  Taylor announced that he is accepting the Vatican’s offer and will convert to Roman Catholicism.  “He accused bishops of spending “more time preaching about climate change” than teaching the Gospel and also hit out at Dr Rowan Williams for how he had dealt with splits within the church: “Stupidly, the archbishop of Canterbury has tried to paper over the cracks and keep the church together. He should have had the courage to allow the church to become disestablished and split. The evangelicals, traditionalists and Anglo-Catholics could go one way and the Liberals the other.”

Church of Sweden – The soon to be installed Bishop of Stockholm, a woman who has chosen the  lesbian lifestyle, won’t have senior level Church of England representation at the service. The Local, a Swedish newspaper, reports that bishops from England and Northern Ireland have declined invitations. However, “representatives from the churches of South Africa, the Philippines, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Germany have indicated they plan to attend Sunday’s ordination.”

Nigeria – Archbishop-elect Nicholas Okoh gives a lengthy media interview in which he discusses his own army background and the problems of tribalism in Nigeria and how these affect the church.

Uganda – Proposed Ugandan government legislation on homosexuality has generated interest from western ‘homosexual rights’ groups who have attempted to leverage this legislation to score points back home.  As a result, the Church of Uganda, under Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, has issued a statement regarding its position on this legislation.  They say they are still studying the legislation; affirm that homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture and is immoral; state the Church does not support the death penalty; and that the Church is committed to being a safe place for those with “sexual disorientation” to find counseling and healing.

Zambia – “The Bishop of Eastern Zambia has denounced political leaders who use public office to enrich themselves at the expense of their country,” reports the Church of England Newspaper. The Rt Rev William Mchombo called on politicians to turn from corruption and serve the interests of the people.  Describing the financial disparity in the country, he said, they “live in a world today where a few people swim in riches and the majority drown in poverty, pollution, disease and violence.”

Media roundup – international

Church Report – Oct 31 2009 – Vatican: Pope to meet Anglican chief

Daily Mail – Nov 3 2009 – Church of England squandered… pensions in…stock market gamble

Soul food

Resources

• Faithfulness in evangelism – Hear a five-minute testimony to what God can do through a faithful, witness over 40 years.  “The man from George Street” is one of the most inspiring testimonies you’ll ever hear of how God can work through one person’s faithfulness.  
• Community outreach idea – An Australian church is gift-wrapping hundreds of copies of the Gospel of Luke and presenting these to homes in the community this Christmas.  However, it is not a “stand-alone” activity; they are tying these Christmas gifts into previous – and future – events by including with the packages a Christmas card that both thanks the community for helping with the church’s earlier food drive and also invites everyone to church services over the Advent season.   

Prayer for the persecuted church

The American Thinker has published a sobering review of the systemic persecution of Christians in Muslim countries, calling it “the new Holocaust”.  In addition to giving example after example of this persecution, the article says:

“Some of the oldest Christian communities in the world are subject to relentless attack and teeter on the brink of extinction at the hands of the “Religion of Peace”: Palestinian Christians in Gaza and the West Bank; Assyrian, Syriac and Chaldean Christians in Iraq; Coptic Christians in Egypt; Evangelical and Orthodox Christians in Eastern Ethiopia and Eritrea; Armenian Orthodox Christians in Turkey; and Maronite Christians in Lebanon. 

“Several of these communities date back to the beginning decades of Christianity and all have weathered wave after wave of Islamic persecution for centuries and more, but in the very near future some will simply cease to exist…

“Inspired by Muslim Brotherhood ideology and fueled by billions of Wahhabi petrodollars, the religious cleansing of Christians from the Muslim world is continuing at a break-neck pace…”

Please read the article and PRAY for these persecuted Christians.

Worth reading

A S Haley provides an insightful overview of the hypocrisy and inherent inconsistencies in some politically correct positions – specifically related to Islam and homosexuality.

Issues related to God’s design for His creation

Homosexual lifestyle – An interview with a former leader in the gay activist movement, Michael Glatze, offers interesting insight into the mindset of those caught in the homosexual lifestyle and how they can be transformed.

Abortion – God is answering prayer as a handful of abortion workers have recently left their jobs and become Christians – including an abortion clinic director in Texas.  Planned Parenthood responded by getting a court injunction gagging the ex-director.

The Daily Telegraph reports that, “Researchers in New Zealand who examined the medical history of over 500 women concluded abortion “leads to significant distress in some” and that those reporting adverse reactions were up to 80 per cent more likely to have mental health problems.” The University of Otago study concluded: “This evidence raises important questions about the practice of justifying termination of pregnancy on the grounds that this procedure will reduce risks of mental health problems in women having unwanted pregnancy… The findings of the present study suggest that abortion may, in fact, increase mental health risks among those women who find seeking and obtaining an abortion a distressing experience.”

LifeSiteNews reports that a Canadian Member of Parliament has launched a petition to stop government funding of International Planned Parenthood Federation – “the world’s largest abortion provider” and promoter.  In October, African Roman Catholic bishops expressed their concern about this type of foreign aid which is “tied to promoting abortion, contraception and cutbacks in social and educational programs”, saying these are a form of cultural imperialism. The MP, Brad Trost (Saskatoon-Humboldt), has provided a petition which can be downloaded from his website.

Euthanasia – In “Euphemisms don’t hide euthanasia’s dark intent”, National Post columnist Barbara Kay discusses the likely erosion in societal respect for life with the increased acceptance of euthanasia – and the deceptive rhetoric used by advocates to gain that support. 

Also in the National Post, Charles Lewis writes, “A decision by the medical regulatory body of Quebec to support legalized euthanasia in “exceptional situations” raises grave concern about crossing ethical boundaries that violate the fundamental duty of physicians…”  Lewis reports many responded to this decision with concern, including Dr Jeff Blackmer from the Canadian Medical Association’s office of ethics, who said, “I am concerned that a physicians’ group would come out so unequivocally and say they are in favour of it.”  Senator Sharon Carstairs expressed a fear that legalizing euthanasia would impede efforts to improve palliative care. And David Roy, a professor of medical ethics in Montreal, is quoted saying, “When you open the door to euthanasia, there’s no way to control how widely that door will open or whether or not it will come entirely off its hinges.”

Human trafficking – The Vancouver 2010 Olympic events are expected to bring more sex trade workers to the city – some against their will.  The National Post reports that Christian groups, including the Salvation Army, are leading the charge on anti-trafficking campaigns in advance of the Olympics.  The article states, “A 2008 report by the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) states that “across the country, organized crime networks are actively trafficking Canadian-born women and underage girls inter and intra-provincially, and in some instances to the United States, destined for the sex trade… according to the RCMP, 800 to 1,200 people are trafficked [in Canada] every year, while there are activists placing the number as high as 15,000 annually.”

Please pray…

For our November 11-13 synod – for preparations, speakers, delegates and guests.  

For the three bishops-elect to be consecrated November 13 and for their preparation for ministry.

For the many ANiC projects, church plants and parishes.  

For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.

That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.

For the legal cases

• For Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher as he reviews all the written material and considers his decision in the Vancouver court case. May God grant insight and discernment.  
• For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London.
• For the remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd in Southern Ontario.
• For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes.  Pray for peace, particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility.  Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil.
  • For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes, in  particular, need greater financial support at this time.
  • For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court.
  • For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation.

For the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and those in government who are considering the application for charitable status.

For the Anglican Church in North America and it s dioceses.

For the persecuted church around the world and Christians who are suffering for their faith.

For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation of Canada.  May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.   

And now a word from our sponsor

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good  is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

James 2:14-26 (ESV) 

Marilyn Jacobson

Anglican Network in Canada communications

604 929-0369  OR  1-866-351-2642 ext 4020 

mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca

www.anglicannetwork.ca

Synod 2009 updates

Time is running out to register – If you’re planning to come to synod (Nov 11-13) or the consecration service (Nov 13), Jude asks that you please register by the end of this week.  To date, we have almost 250 people registered!

Agenda – An updated synod agenda has been posted to ANiC’s website.

Prayer – Please join with ANiC members and friends across the continent in using the Prayer Preparation for Synod 2009. There are brief meditations and prayers for each day from Nov 1, All Saints Day, through to Nov 13, when our three new bishops will be consecrated.

New book published

The Rev Ron Corcoran has published a book – entitled The Bishop or the King – which recounts how and why he and most of the parishioners of St Matthias (Victoria) ultimately voted to realign out of the Anglican Church of Canada and form Christ the King Anglican Church (ANiC). It examines from a Biblical perspective the fundamental and presenting issues, the choices, and the consequences of the congregation’s prayerful decision.

In a forward, Bishop-elect Trevor Walters writes, “If you are wondering whether you’re involved in a chess game with the Anglican Church of Canada and an inevitable check mate is a few moves or synods away, The Bishop or the King is a must read… Ron has never lost sight of the end purpose of the church and now writes a winning book refocusing us on the purpose of the church, in the light of the present temptation to turn away from scripture… The Bishop or the King is scholarly but readable… thoroughly orthodox, but imbued with grace… [It] is one of the finest synthesis of current literature on same-sex blessings and a detailed chronology of the recent history of Anglicanism as it relates to the current crisis in the church.” 

The book comes with a DVD of 14 interviews with people who have wrestled with the issues and ultimately decided to leave the ACoC.  For more information, see Christ the King’s website.  To order, those in the west can order via the church’s website.  Those in Ontario and east can order from the publisher’s website. The Bishop or the King – as well as the Rev Corcoran’s earlier book, Jesus, Remember Me – will be available for purchase at synod.

Parish news

St Chad’s (Toronto) is settling into their new location at 155 Wychwood Avenue (a Presbyterian Church on the corner of St Clair Ave and Wychwood). Sunday was a “moving” day in both senses of the word as Bishop Don and Trudy Harvey joined the group in celebrating the transition. Worship times are now Sunday, 6:30pm and Tuesday, 10am. Pray for God’s blessing on St Chad’s, and for an effective witness in their new neighbourhood and new opportunities for growth. See the photos.

St Paul’s project (Stoney Creek, ON) held a “Garage Sale Giveaway” on Thanksgiving weekend to help meet the neighbours. The Gideon’s also handed out Bibles. There was a good turnout and people were amazed that everything was free. Invitations to St Paul’s were handed out that said, “God loves you-no strings attached.  Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.”

St George’s (Ottawa) – You can see photos of the Rev Paul Donison’s licencing service posted to the ANiC website.

St Luke’s (Pembroke) – See photos of the renovation work on St Luke’s new building.

Praying for Artizo  

Canada’s Artizo Institute identifies, trains and equips young men and women committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and called to ordained ministry though theological training and hands on apprenticeships in several churches, including St Alban’s (Ottawa), St John’s Shaughnessy, St John’s Richmond and Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver).  Please remember the Artizo Institute in prayer:

• Pray that Artizo graduates will have opportunities to apply what they have learned and that they will continue to grow into effective ministers of the Gospel.
• Pray that Artizo would continue to be a place where young leaders can receive ministry training and experience.
• Pray that new ministry leaders would partner with Artizo to increase the locations where training can occur.

Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support

Oct 30-Nov 1 – Christ’s Church (Oceanside) hosts prayer seminar with the Rev Garth Hunt

Nov 7 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – Church of Our Lord 626 Blanshard St, Victoria

Nov 8 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – Open Gate Church, 1289 Parkdale Dr, Victoria

Nov 8 – International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Nov 9 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – St John’s Shaughnessy, 1490 Nanton, Vancouver

Nov 10 – Christ Church Jerusalem speakers – St Simon’s, 2630 Walpole Cres, N Vancouver

Nov 10 – Halifax, NS – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection event

Nov 11-13 – ANiC synod and conference, St Catharines, ON

Nov 12 – Moncton, NB – Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Christian Leaders Connection event

Nov 13 – Consecration of three ANiC bishops, St Catharines, ON

Nov 15, 4pm – Installation of newly consecrated Bishop Charlie Masters at St George’s Lowville

Nov 15, 10:30am – St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) marks 50^th anniversary with special service

Nov 21, 2pm – Installation of Bishop Stephen Leung at Good Shepherd, Vancouver

Nov 22, 3pm – Installation of Bishop Trevor Walters at St Matthew’s Abbotsford

Mar 16 -18 – Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)

ANiC in the media

The Vatican’s recent announcement resulted in many media opportunities for ANiC leaders and members.  In addition to the many newspapers, broadcast outlets and blogs that quoted Bishop Donald Harvey, the Rev Ray David Glenn appeared on CHCH TV Hamilton, Bishop Ron Ferris was interviewed for Radio Canada, the Rev Ron Corcoran spoke to the Times Colonist, the Rev Sharon Hayton and Bill Glasgow spoke to CanWest News, and AEC blogger David Jenkins in the Ottawa Citizen.

Father Paul Donison (St George’s Ottawa) provided a strong, yet gracious, orthodox Anglican perspective on the Vatican’s recent offer on CBC Radio One Ottawa. He mentioned there are “home-grown” Anglican options for those unable to remain in an increasingly liberal ACoC – such as ANiC and our province, the Anglican Church in North America. He also pointed out the significant doctrinal “sticking points” that would prevent most Anglicans from accepting the Roman Catholic Church’s invitation. You can listen to the CBC archived program on October 22 called: Anglicans on Vatican Invite. 

In a letter to the editor, Regina Robinson (Toronto) discusses the Vatican’s offer and concludes, “A more viable alternative for Anglicans is the Anglican Network in Canada; the church formed as a result of the schism between liberals and conservatives with the Anglican Church of Canada.”

Additional media stories mentioning ANiC or ANiC leaders include:

• Christian Post – Oct 21 2009 – Anglican leaders welcome Vatican move; Raise questions
• FaithWorld (Reuters blog) – Oct 24 2009 – Vatican-Anglican: Where in the details will the devil be hiding? 
• National Post – Oct 27 2009 – Philadelphia Anglican church could be first to join Catholics

News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)

ACNA growing

Our Primate, Archbishop Bob Duncan, has challenged ACNA members to plant churches, setting a goal of 1000 new church plants in the next five years.  An ACNA news release announces that 39 new congregations were added in the last three months. There are now 742 ACNA congregations. 

Diocese of Sydney (Australia) resolves to be in full communion with ACNA

At its recent synod, the Diocese of Sydney passed a resolution welcoming “the creation of the Province of the Anglican Church in North America” and expressed its desire “to be in full communion with the ACNA”.  

Diocese of Pittsburgh plans appeal, changes name

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (ACNA), now known as the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, will appeal an earlier unfavourable court decision.  A news release announcing the decision stated:

“Our decision to appeal is for the purpose of protecting the mission of our fifty-one local congregations. Left uncontested, the award of all diocesan assets to the minority party…would establish a precedent that we believe the minority would use to take steps to seize all the assets of all our local parishes. Indeed, the minority’s website proclaims as much. This litigious action, which is supported by the aggressive leadership of the Episcopal Church, is unfair, unreasonable, and unconscionable.

“A further reason for the appeal is to address the question of the legal right of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh to separate from its former denominational affiliation (The Episcopal Church of the United States). This essential question has never yet had its day in court…

“The appeal announced today will be funded from several significant contributions, the first of which is in hand. An Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh Defense Fund (The Staying Faithful Fund) has been established and is receiving donations. None of the ordinary gifts of our people or assessments of our congregations will be used to support the appeal.”

Judge rules against ACNA congregation in Savannah, Georgia

Christ Church Savannah, the oldest church in Georgia, is appealing a court ruling earlier this week which granted control of the congregation’s property to the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. A S Haley (aka “The Anglican Curmudgeon”) discusses the decision and the legal merits of an appeal.

Bishop Schofield of the ACNA Diocese of San Joaquin to retire

VirtueOnline reports that Bishop John-David Schofield has announced his plan to retire in October 2011.  Despite ongoing legal attacks from the Episcopal Church, the diocese is growing, with four new churches welcomed at the recent convention.  In addition, a number of churches are reported to be currently applying for membership, including at least six other California-area churches as well as an unspecified number of out of state churches.

ACNA in the news

CBS News video – Catholic Church changes – includes interview with  Archbishop Duncan 

News shorts – Canada

Diocese of Ottawa begins “experimental” same-sex blessings

In allowing St John the Evangelist (Ottawa) to begin offering same-sex blessings, Bishop John Chapman said in his charge to synod, “I have not chosen to create an entirely new rite as has been offered by at least two dioceses in Canada. My intention is to embrace a liturgical process that will not discriminate between members of the church on the basis of sexual orientation. This will be Ottawa’s offering to the ongoing discernment that is happening throughout the Anglican Church of Canada.”  The Peterborough Examiner reports, “Chapman said liberal Anglicans in the diocese will likely believe the blessing protocol doesn’t go far enough, while conservative-minded parishioners might think it goes too far. Chapman believes it’s a healthy balance.” 

Bishop Chapman also referred to the ongoing Indaba project, saying, “…the Diocese of Ottawa, in partnership with three other Canadian Dioceses, has been selected by the Archbishop of Canterbury to engage in a project that he is giving the highest priority. He has, with the assistance of other global Anglican leaders organized a pilot project that will enable a continuation of the ongoing dialogue (Indaba) between dioceses that are in disagreement on critical issues. Our particular project will be discussing human sexuality. We have been paired with the Diocese of Mombasa, Kenya. While we have already shared papers one with the other, in February 2010, at the invitation of Archbishop Williams, we will gather at St. Andrew’s House in London to meet face-to-face sharing ideas and continuing the dialogue. This is a marvelous opportunity for us to continue dialogue on difficult issues with our Communion partners in other parts of the world. I will be making a full report to the Diocese in due course.” 

He also alluded to the ANiC churches in Ottawa, saying, “It is my conviction that it is our right to utilize these properties for the ministry of this diocese within the Anglican Church of Canada. The pace is slow but the Episcopal Office continues to work toward confirmation of our right of ownership. As many of you know, legal counsel has been retained to assist us in this task.”

Archbishop Hiltz addresses Vatican’s action in opening door to Anglicans

In his response to the Pope’s provision for Anglicans within the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop Fred Hiltz issued a statement saying this is not a new phenomenon, “Rome has made provisions for individual Anglicans to be received.  What is unique about this provision is that it responds to groups of Anglicans who have made special enquiries… From a Canadian perspective I do not foresee a groundswell of response to these provisions.  I say this knowing that even among those who have separated themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada, there is an abiding desire to remain in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to maintain a place within the family of churches we know as the Anglican Communion.”  

In the media – Canada

Anglican Journal – Oct 21 2009 – New Vatican announcement takes many Anglicans by surprise

The Church of England Newspaper – Oct 28 2009 – New archbishop for Toronto

News shorts – United States

Diocese of South Carolina convention authorized withdrawal from TEC bodies

The Christian Post reports that, at its convention last weekend, the Diocese of South Carolina voted overwhelmingly to authorize its bishop, Bishop Mark Lawrence, and Standing Committee to begin withdrawing from the Episcopal Church (TEC) governing bodies. 

In his address to synod, Bishop Lawrence said, ““When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  …I believe the foundations of The Episcopal Church and this Anglican way of being a Christian are being bit by bit destroyed… Put simply it is a false understanding of the Christian faith that has spread abroad in our Church; a wrong understanding founded upon human speculation rather than divine revelation. This false teaching, that I have called the Gospel of Indiscriminate Inclusivity, has challenged the doctrine of The Trinity, the Uniqueness and Universality of Christ, the Authority of Scripture, our understanding of Baptism, and now, that last refuge of order, our Constitution & Canons. Like an invasive vine… It has invaded and now is systematically dismantling the fundamental teachings of our Church and our Christian heritage. This has happened through the concerted actions of a few and the passivity of a multitude of churchmen and women… But what has happened is that the agenda of this false gospel has taken deep roots within the Church. We may have gone past the point of saving, but I have not yet given up. “

St Andrew’s Church (Mt Pleasant, South Carolina), one of the largest churches in the diocese and in TEC, has already begun 40 days of discernment to determine if it will realign out of TEC and affiliate with the Anglican Church in North America. 

Bishop Stanton reflects on TEC polity, diocese history and the Anglican Covenant

In his address to diocesan convention published on the Anglican Communion Institute website, Bishop James Stanton references diocesan history to support the contention that dioceses are independent and sovereign within the Episcopal Church (TEC).  He begins: “Every Diocese is an independent and sovereign state, held in the unity of the Catholic Church by its Episcopate, according to the rule of St. Cyprian.” With these words, Bishop Alexander Charles Garrett – our first Bishop and, be it noted, once the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church – addressed the organizing Convention of the Diocese of Dallas in 1895. “The Diocese thus becomes the ecclesiastical unit, a full and perfect integer sufficient of itself for all purposes of growth and development… dioceses have the same if not even a greater claim to autonomy than our particular province.”  In regard to the Anglican Covenant, he says, the “Anglican Covenant… is simply the attempt in this time of crisis to spell out in frank terms what the ground of our communion, our fellowship, our being related to one another is. The question before this body is really pretty simple: is what you read in the covenant an expression of the faith and commitment you hold?”

In the news – US

Anglican Curmudgeon – Oct 22 2009 – The bandit bishop: Presiding judge, jury and executioner

Living Church – Oct 22 2009 – P.B. explains Bishop Ackerman’s ‘Renunciation’

News shorts – International

Global South Primates respond to Vatican offer

In a statement issued on October 25, the Global South Primates Steering Committee – which includes, Archbishops Akinola (Nigeria), Chew (Southeast Asia), Anis (Jerusalem and the Middle East), Kolini (Rwanda) and Oo (Myanmar) – stated they believe the Anglican Covenant sets out the “…necessary parameters in safeguarding the catholic and apostolic faith and order of the Communion…We urge churches in the Communion to actively work together towards a speedy adoption of the Covenant.”  They also used the statement to emphasis the fact that the Communion is global and the centre of gravity has moved to the Global South.  They also urged “the Archbishop of Canterbury to work in close collegial consultation with fellow Primates in the Communion, act decisively on already agreed measures in the Primates’ Meetings, and exercise effective leadership in nourishing the flock under our charge, so that none would be left wandering and bereft of spiritual oversight.”

More on the Pope’s invitation to Anglicans  

Following the announcement from the Roman Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury is being urged to reconsider the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans as a solution for keeping ‘Orthodox’ Anglicans within the Anglican Communion.  The Revd Paul Perkin, vicar of St Mark’s Church, Battersea Rise in London, and Chairman of FCA (UK and Ireland) said, “There are now apparently two options for Anglicans concerned about the liberal revisionist drift: leave and go to Rome, or stay and work together with Lambeth for an internal solution: a single provision to cover a range of concerns.”

The Sunday Telegraph reports that “the planning behind last week’s announcement began in 2006, when the Pope asked the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to consider how they could invite Anglicans into the Roman Catholic fold.”  It also quotes a Church of England bishop and clergyman who are seriously considering the Roman Catholic Church’s provision.  Although he did not indicate he would be accepting the Pope’s invitation, Bishop John Broadhurst (Fulham), who is chairman of Forward in Faith, an Anglo-Catholic group, is quoted as saying, “Anglicanism has become a joke because it has singularly failed to deal with any of its contentious issues… “There is widespread dissent across the [Anglican] Communion. We are divided in major ways on major issues and the Communion has unravelled.”   

George Conger offers a good summary of the response by Anglicans – especially Anglo-Catholics – around the globe.  He concludes that a “mass exodus” is unlikely and that, while individuals may take the offer, there is no indication that any diocese or province within the Anglican Communion will do so. 

A very interesting article in the New York Times speculates about the Pope’s motivation in extending this invitation to Anglicans at this time, and concludes, “…in making the opening to Anglicanism, Benedict also may have a deeper conflict in mind — not the parochial Western struggle between conservative and liberal believers, but Christianity’s global encounter with a resurgent Islam. Here Catholicism and Anglicanism share two fronts. In Europe, both are weakened players, caught between a secular majority and an expanding Muslim population. In Africa, increasingly the real heart of the Anglican Communion, both are facing an entrenched Islamic presence across a fault line running from Nigeria to Sudan. Where the European encounter is concerned, Pope Benedict has opted for public confrontation. In a controversial 2006 address in Regensburg, Germany, he explicitly challenged Islam’s compatibility with the Western way of reason… By contrast, the Church of England’s leadership has opted for conciliation (some would say appeasement)… There are an awful lot of Anglicans, in England and Africa alike, who would prefer a leader who takes Benedict’s approach to the Islamic challenge. Now they can have one, if they want him.  This could be the real significance of last week’s invitation.

Commonweal provides links to Cardinal Kasper address to the Lambeth Conference last year warning of impact of Anglican innovations on Anglican-Catholic relations, as well as to Bishop N T Wright’s response.  Bishop Wright responded rather pointedly by saying, “The dogmas [of the Roman Catholic Church] relating to the papacy (1870) and to Mary (1950) remain real obstacles [to unity] for many who find it difficult to recognise them as developments in any sense from scripture and the tenets of the early church… Anglicans will naturally ask by what criteria Rome claims the right to introduce potentially divisive innovations in some areas, while advising Anglicans against developing the practice…”

Contrary to sensationalized reports, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has confirmed that he is not planning to accept the Vatican’s invitation.  However, a Pennsylvania parish, Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont, is reported to be very interested.  The rector, Bishop David Moyer, was consecrated in the Traditional Anglican Communion, however the congregation technically never left the Episcopal Church. 

The Roman Catholic Church has released more information on the “Personal Ordinariates” to be established to accommodate former Anglicans. 

• It provides for the ordination as Catholic priests of married former Anglican clergy.
  • The seminarians in the Ordinariate are to be prepared alongside other Catholic seminarians, though the Ordinariate may establish a house of formation to address the particular needs of formation in the Anglican patrimony.

Other media coverage of this issue include: 

• Times – Oct 21 2009 – Will Michael Nazir-Ali go to Rome?
• Anglican Curmudgeon – Oct 21 2009 – Canon Law background of the Pontiff’s proposal
• Catholic News Service – October 23 2009 – Meeting of hundreds of Anglican clergy to consider Pope Benedict’s new provision
• Church of England – Oct 23 2009 – Commentary on ‘Personal Ordinariates’
• Telegraph – Oct 26 2009 – Sex is a stumbling block for Anglicans on the road to Rome
• The Independent – Oct 25 2009 – After 500 years, has the Pope outfoxed the Archbishop?
• Catholic News Agency – Oct 26 2009 – …bishop says ‘Anglican experiment is over’

Covenant

The Standing Committee of the Church of Ireland General Synod has approved the Ridley Cambridge Draft of the Anglican Covenant – including Section 4 which deals with discipline of erring provinces and which the Anglican Consultative Council sent back to the Churches for further consideration.

The suffering church in Iraq

The Times-Herald, in an interview with Canon Andrew White, vicar of St George’s Anglican Church, reports that “93 members of [Canon White’s] church were killed last year. During the last year, he baptized 13 people – 11 of whom have been killed”.  But it also reports that, “There are 700 children in the Sunday school at St. George Anglican Church in Baghdad.”  

A related article in a New York Times blog recounts the history of St George’s building – the only Anglican church in Baghdad – and how the 500 Christians who normally attend services on Sunday were miraculously spared in the recent suicide bombing nearby. Although the church windows were blown out, the bookstore and school rooms damaged, and the medical clinic’s equipment destroyed, “The church would have been much more heavily damaged…if a windstorm had not blown a tree down on the road outside the night before. That forced the bomber to use the other side of the road. “It was a miracle.”  In a letter, Canon White said “Some people ask us whether [bombings] make us want to give up. We have seen much of what we have worked for destroyed. But the truth is, it is days like today that remind us why our work in Iraq is essential.”

In an interview with the UK’s Christianity Magazine, Canon White made the following comments:

“When the Church of England told me I was too ill to continue working because of my Multiple Sclerosis, I went to Baghdad.”

“One visitor called St George’s “the church of the future”, because every denomination meets in our church. People come because we love the people, they love God, and we also provide for them. We realised it’s not just about worship, it’s also about providing food, clothes and health care. We have three doctors, three dentists, a clinic in the church and a pharmacy. Everything is free, and that’s not the case anywhere else in Iraq. Most of our patients are Muslims and we are delighted about that. We will provide for anybody and everybody… “Even so, it is dangerous to be a Christian in Baghdad. I baptised a whole family in January this year, the following week they were all killed… to be a Christian in Iraq means you take faith seriously from the day you are born.”

News from around the Communion

Church of Sweden – The Church of England Newspaper reports that, “The general synod of the Church of Sweden has authorized same-sex weddings.”

Province of Sudan – The Anglican Communion News Service reports that the Episcopal Church of the Sudan has elected seven new bishops, five for newly created diocese.

Church of England – Women now comprise 15 per cent of vicars in the Church of England.

Soul food

Resources

• The Diocese of Sydney has compiled a social Issues resource website, covering a range of topics including sexuality, environmental stewardship and refugees.  
• British campus ministries have compiled a website devoted to engaging with culture, with a particular focus on apologetics – “the defense and communication of the Christian faith” in culturally appropriate ways.  BeThinking.org has a wealth of resources on a variety of topics including, Science and Christianity, Truth and Tolerance, Miracles, Other Religions, Suffering, and much more.
• The AEC blog alerts us to an online lecture by Dr John Stackhouse given several weeks ago at St Alban’s (Ottawa). The lecture is entitled: Behaving in Public: Christian Engagement in Public Life.  

Issues related to God’s design for His creation

Abortion – LifeSiteNews reports that “An international coalition of pro-life and pro-family groups has re-launched a petition that is expected to gather one million signatures in support of the unborn child and the traditional family.” 

Traditional morality – Defenders of traditional family values have an unexpected ally at the UN.  Mercatornet reports that Russia has successfully pushed through a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on “traditional values”.  The resolution calls for the UN to convene a workshop next year “for an exchange of views on how a better understand[ing] of [the] traditional values… underpinning international human rights norms and standards can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms…”  Supporters of the resolution, included China and India; while those opposed included the US.  

Mercatornet also reports that “…[e]arlier this year President Dmitry Medvedev met with the leaders of Russia’s traditional religions and agreed that the history and culture of the country’s main religions should be included in the core school curriculum… The dominant concern behind this deal was the spiritual, moral and physical health of the younger generation.” 

Easy divorce – Albert Mohler briefly chronicles the moral decline in the west since the advent of “no fault divorce” which he says made impermanence “a mark of marriage in the law and in the culture”. As a result, between 1960 and 1980, the divorce rate in the US more than doubled, “and approximately half of the children born to married parents in the 1970s saw their parents part, compared to only about 11% of those born in the 1950s.” Divorce has had a disproportionate impact on the poor and less educated, creating a “divorce divide”, since while divorce has been declining in recent years among the more highly educated middle and upper classes, it continues to rise among the less educated and poor.  Mohler says, “…The effects of the Divorce Revolution fall disproportionately on the poor, the less educated, and the less powerful [and] even more tragically… on their children… the fallout of America’s ‘retreat from marriage’ now disproportionately harms the least among us.”

Just for fun 

(Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc – www.reverendfun.com)

Top eight signs you’re too old to go “Trick or Treating”

8. You get winded from knocking on the door.

7. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.

6. You ask for high fiber candy only.

5. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.

4. People say, “Great Keith Richards mask!” and you’re not wearing a mask.

3. When the door opens you yell, “Trick or…” and can’t remember the rest.

2. You have to carefully choose a costume that won’t dislodge your hairpiece.

1. You’re the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.

Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com

Please pray…

For our November 11-13 synod – for preparations, speakers, delegates and guests.  

For the three bishops-elect to be consecrated November 13 and for their preparation for ministry.

For the many ANiC projects, church plants and parishes.  

For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.

That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.

For the legal cases

• For Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher as he reviews all the written material and considers his decision in the Vancouver court case. May God grant insight and discernment.  
• For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London.
• For the remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd in Southern Ontario.
• For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes.  Pray for peace, particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility.  Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil.
  • For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes need greater financial support.
  • For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court.
  • For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation.

For the ongoing work of Artizo, for ministry opportunities for its graduates, and for new training centres to open.

For the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and those in government who are considering the application for charitable status.

For the Anglican Church in North America and the other dioceses.

For Christians in Iraq. Thank God for their courage and pray for their protection.  Pray also for those ministering in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war zones.

For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation of Canada.  May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.   

And now a word from our sponsor

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 1:19-27

Marilyn Jacobson

Anglican Network in Canada communications

1-866-351-2642 ext 4020 

mjacobson@anglicannetwork.ca

www.anglicannetwork.ca

Show us anything clearly set forth in Holy Scripture that we do not teach and we will teach it.

Show us anything in our teaching or practice is clearly contrary to Holy Scripture, and we will abandon it.

Go here to Gene’s link to Anglican Down Under who links to the Ugley Vicar who probably links somewhere else….