VirtueOnline

Anglican Bishop of Grafton quits over 'failings' in child abuse complaints

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:10:00 -0400

AUSTRALIA: Anglican Bishop of Grafton quits over 'failings' in child abuse complaints

By Nick Ralston
THE SYDNEY HERALD
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/anglican-bishop-of-grafton-quits-over-failings-in-child-abuse-complaints-20130518-2jsx4.html
May 18, 2013

An Anglican bishop has resigned over his failure to properly pass on child sex abuse complaints at a children's home on the NSW north coast.

Keith Slater has stood down as the Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton, apologising for his "past failings" in the management of claims of abuse at the North Coast Children's Home in Lismore.

"I apologise to those who bravely came forward to tell their story of abuse and were turned away," he said in a statement. "I acknowledge the pain and further damage that this response may have caused."

In 2006 the Anglican Diocese of Grafton received a number of claims alleging acts of "physical, psychological and sexual abuse" at the home between the 1940s and the 1980s.
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Interfaith Event Teaches That U.S. Is 'Aiding' Oppression

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:40:00 -0400

Interfaith Event Teaches That U.S. Is 'Aiding' Oppression
Episcopal priest says Islamic leaders 'changed my life and thinking'

By Ryan Mauro
http://www.theird.org/
May 20, 2013

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) returned to All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California on May 5 to address the topic of radicalization in the wake of the Boston bombings. The church leader said there is a "crisis" of "Islamophobia" in America. MPAC denounced violence but said terrorism is a response to the U.S. "aiding and abetting oppression" at the behest of the military-industrial complex.

At the May 5 event, church leader Rev. Ed Bacon said that he "literally had my life changed and my thinking changed because of these two leaders," referring to MPAC leaders Maher Hathout and Salam al-Marayati. He went so far as to say that the Islamic Center of Southern California, where Hathout is a spokesman and Muslim Brotherhood texts are used, is "my mosque." At the event, both MPAC leaders denounced terrorism and said Muslims must provide a counter-narrative to the violent themes that radicalize. Hathout said that too many Muslims are "soft" in confronting the radical ideas and have a "gang" mentality where they automatically side with other Muslims against non-Muslims.
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Real reasons behind Anglican Church split: An African perspective and critique

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:50:00 -0400

Real reasons behind Anglican Church split: An African perspective and critique

News Analysis

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
May 19, 2013

NEWS ITEM: Recently, The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe ruled in favor of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa [CPCA] in a legal case involving the Province and breakaway former bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Elson Jakazi. In 2007, Jakazi and his supporters broke away from CPCA and unlawfully took over the Cathedral, churches and many other church properties. A final ruling by the Supreme Court confirmed that Jakazi and his supporters had withdrawn from the Church "in their individual capacities", adding, "The Diocese could not be withdrawn by the applicants [Jakazi and supporters] from its first respondents [CPCA].
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SANDWICH Mass: Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:00:00 -0400

SANDWICH, Mass: Episcopal priest suspended for plagiarism

By George Brennan
http://www.capecodonline.com/
May 17, 2013

SANDWICH - One of the Ten Commandments is "thou shall not steal," but an Episcopal priest has been suspended for allegedly lifting more than a dozen Sunday sermons verbatim from a book.

The Rev. John E. McGinn, 65, who has led the 300-plus families at St. John's Episcopal Church since 1993, was placed on administrative leave amid allegations that he plagiarized sermons dating back to 2006, said the Rev. Mally Lloyd, canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, a position equivalent to the bishop's chief of staff.

As many as 15 sermons have been identified as direct copies, Lloyd said.
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How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:30:00 -0400

How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind

by Dr. Benjamin Wiker
http://www.strangenotions.com/flew/
May 19, 2013

EDITOR'S NOTE: For the last half of the twentieth century, Antony Flew (1923-2010) was the world's most famous atheist. Long before Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris began taking swipes at religion, Flew was the preeminent spokesman for unbelief. However in 2004, he shocked the world by announcing he had come to believe in God. While never embracing Christianity-Flew only believed in the deistic, Aristotelian conception of God-he became one of the most high-profile and surprising atheist converts. In 2007, he recounted his conversion in a book titled There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind. Some critics suggested Flew's mental capacity had declined and therefore we should question the credibility of his conversion. Others hailed Flew's book as a legitimate and landmark publication. A couple months before the book's release, Flew sat down with Strange Notions contributor Dr. Benjamin Wiker for an interview about his book, his conversion, and the reasons that led him to God. Read below and enjoy.
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Anglican Mainstream Writes Letter in Support of St. James Newport Beach

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:40:00 -0400

Anglican Mainstream Writes Letter in Support of St. James Newport Beach

May 16, 2013

To the Rev Richard Crocker and people of St James, Newport Beach

Dear Friends and Fellow Christians,

We were very disturbed and saddened and saddened to read the news that legal proceedings against you by other Anglicans mean that you may soon be deprived of your property at St James and have to find alternative accommodation.

We wish first to assure you of our fellowship with you as you continue to take your stand on biblical and orthodox Anglican teaching. We share with you a passion to proclaim the gospel of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and affirm you in your faithful discipleship.
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BANJUL, Gambia: Anglican Church of West Africa celebrates 62 Years

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:50:00 -0400

BANJUL, Gambia: Anglican Church of West Africa celebrates 62 Years

By Archbishop S. Tilewa Johnson
Church of West Africa
May 17, 2013

Your Grace, MiLords, Clergy, Seminarians, Laity of the Church of West Africa (Anglican Communion), Friends, All.

Sixty Two years ago, at a Special Meeting held in Freetown Sierra Leone, six Dioceses came together to establish, after due process, the Church of the Province of West Africa - CPWA (Anglican Communion).

The Anglican Communion, as we know, is a section of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which Church was inaugurated Fifty days after the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our Communion is a group of episcopally led catholic and reformed churches which are in full communion with the See of Canterbury. We have an estimated worldwide membership of about 85 million in nearly 170 countries. We are the third largest Christian Communion in the world after the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

The motto of the Anglican Communion is: The Truth shall make you free. St John 8: 32.
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UK imams and Muslim leaders speak out against Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 -0400

British imams and Muslim leaders speak out against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/
May 18, 2013

Letter published in the Sunday Telegraph here

SIR - We have serious misgivings about the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which seeks to legalise gay marriage.

As imams and Muslim leaders we have a responsibility to fulfil our sacred trust to God and present our view on these proposals on behalf of the Muslim communities we serve.

Marriage is a sacred contract between a man and a woman that cannot be redefined. We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is the cornerstone of family life and the only institution within which to raise children.
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Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:50:00 -0400

Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill
Church of England cannot support the Bill

Church of England
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/
Press Release
May 18, 2013

The House of Commons will consider the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill at Report Stage and Third Reading on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st May.

A Church of England briefing for MPs in advance of the Bill's Second Reading was published in February. That briefing summarised the principled reasons why the Church could not support the Bill and included a detailed Q&A on some of the more commonly asked questions (and misconceptions) about the impact of the legislation on the Church of England. It can be seen here.
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Archbishop of Canterbury abandons support for civil partnerships for heteros

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:40:00 -0400

Archbishop of Canterbury abandons his support for civil partnerships for heterosexual couples
U-turn will anger both Tory backbenchers and campaigners who argue heterosexual couples should be able to enter civil partnerships as an alternative to marriage

Andy McSmith and Sarah Morrison
THE INDEPENDENT
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/
May 18, 2013

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has abandoned his support for allowing heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnerships under pressure from the church hierarchy.

His climbdown will be welcomed by the Government as it looks to finally ensure the smooth passage of the equal marriage bill through the House of Commons this week, against Conservative backbench and Labour Catholic opposition.

But the Archbishop's U-turn will anger both Tory backbenchers and campaigners who argue that in the name of equality, heterosexual couples should be able to enter civil partnerships as an alternative to marriage.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

Falls Church Virginia Seeks Rehearing after losing Property Suit to TEC

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:10:00 -0400

VA: Anglican Congregation Seeks Rehearing After Losing Property Suit to Episcopal Church

By Michael Gryboski,
Christian Post Reporter
http://www.christianpost.com/news/
May 16, 2013

An Anglican congregation in Virginia that recently lost a property suit against The Episcopal Church is asking for a rehearing before the state Supreme Court.

George Ward, senior warden of the vestry of The Falls Church Anglican, told The Christian Post that the congregation will submit a petition that may be heard by the Court.
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Muffling the Clarion Call - Harry Covert

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:40:00 -0400

Muffling the Clarion Call

By Harry M. Covert
Exclusive to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
May 17, 2013

In plus threescore and 10 years, that's seven decades plus for any uninitiated, I have never ever heard or seen someone of either gender being forced to read a Bible.

I want to emphasize with all the honesty and veracity of a sober judge that not in any venue throughout the world has Bible reading been pushed on anyone.

Even in our country, where freedom of religion is foremost, such conduct has never been evident to me in America's schools, jails and or prisons.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

Notable Protestants Defend Marriage

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:20:00 -0400

Notable Protestants Defend Marriage

by Bart Gingerich
http://juicyecumenism.com/2013/05/17/notable-protestants-defend-marriage/
May 16, 2013

At the start of May, Union University was graced with the presence of notable evangelical theologians who commented on the issues of homosexuality, marriage, the church, and society. Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore joined the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Robert Gagnon at Union's conference, "Salt and Light in the Public Square: Charles Colson's Legacy and Vision."

Russell Moore prominently serves as the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's dean and will soon replace Richard Land as the future director of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Commenting on the marriage debate, Moore worried, "There are many people in America-including evangelicals-who fear they will be [notorious segregationist] George Wallace, Sr., listening to their children rebuking them for a history that's moving beyond them." He acknowledged three common approaches to address the issue.
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Godless UK: A quarter of all Britons have no religion

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 -0400

Godless UK: A quarter of Britons have no religion with Christians increasingly likely to be retired people
One in four people in Britain no longer believes in any religion
Figure rises to more than a third of under 25s
2011 census shows number of Christians fell by 4.1million

By STEVE DOUGHTY
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news
May 17, 2013

One in four people no longer believes in any religion, official analysis of national census returns found yesterday.

It revealed Christianity is in decline and Christians are increasingly likely to be older or retired people.

Many young people, young men in particular, appear to be rejecting religious belief altogether. Nearly one in three under-25s - 32 per cent - say they do not have a religion.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

The First Downtown Church of Sin

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 -0400

The First Downtown Church of Sin

A Satirical essay

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
May 17, 2013

Welcome, brothers and sisters, to the First Downtown Church of Sin. Are you tired of feeling rejected because you won't renounce your sinful lifestyle? Because of your sin, are you made to feel ashamed by all those nasty evangelical church preachers who want you to repent of your ways...abandon fornication and sodomy in favor of righteousness?

Are you looking for a church that will welcome you with open arms (and legs) and who want you, nay demand, that you continue in your carnality and concupiscence?

Fret no more. You no longer have to feel harassed because of your sin and lewdness. Here at the First Downtown Church of Sin we embrace you as you are and hope you will stay as you are because God loves you just the way you are and doesn't expect you to change at all. What nasty ol' God would do that to his struggling people?
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SPIRITUAL BLESSING - POWER - Ephesians 1:19,20

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 -0400

SPIRITUAL BLESSING - POWER - Ephesians 1:19,20

By Ted Schroder,
Pentecost, May 19, 2013

On the day of Pentecost the apostles received power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, as Jesus prophesied (Acts 1:8). That power - a game-changer for followers of Jesus - was intended for all Christian believers. St. Paul prayed that "you may know God's incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms." (Eph.1:19,20) We are meant to experience the same divine, mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead. What does that mean for us today?
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

CT: Norwalk's Grace Episcopal Church To Close After 123 Years

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:20:00 -0400

CT: Norwalk's Grace Episcopal Church To Close After 123 Years
Grace Episcopal Church is to close its doors at the end of the month

by Alfred Branch
http://norwalk.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/norwalk-s-grace-episcopal-church-close-after-123-years
May 16, 2013

NORWALK, CONN - Financial woes have caught up to Norwalk's Grace Episcopal Church on Union Park, and is to close at the end of the month after 123 years.

The Rev. Lois Keen, who has been pastor at the church for the past seven years, made the announcement Thursday. The Norwalk church will hold its final service at 10 a.m. May 26, which will be presided by the Right Rev. James Curry, she said.

Keen did not disclose specific details about the church's financial situation that led to the closure. But in December, she said it cost about $1,000 per day to operate the 49-year-old building and parish. In addition to Keen's position, the church's expenses include maintenance, utilities, a part-time secretary and a part-time music director.
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Welby Calls for ForgivenessNew ACNA Armed Forces DioceseASA Down in CofE*More

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:40:00 -0400

No Death. This accounts for Jesus' numerous indications that, for the godly, death is nothing. Have no fear of those who can only kill the body, he says (Matt. 10:28). We will not even experience death (John 8:51-52) and will, in fact, not die (John 11:26)...Such is the understanding of the New Testament as a whole. Those who live in reliance upon the word and person of Jesus, and know by experience the reality of his kingdom, are always better off "dead," from the personal point of view...we live in the knowledge that, as Paul elsewhere says, "Jesus the Anointed has abolished death and has, through the gospel, made life and immortality obvious." (2 Tim 1:10) --- Dallas Willard author of The Divine Conspiracy (pp. 393-394)

"Keep eternity before the children." -- Dallas Willard's mother

A Christian teaching from the first century, (40-60 AD) says: "You shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill them when born." --- The Didache (2:2).
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Abortion and Infanticide

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400

Abortion and Infanticide

By Mike McManus
May 16, 2013

The conviction of late-term abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell of first degree murder in three cases is welcome news. However, it raises a disturbing question. Why is the snipping of the neck of a newborn baby any more horrific than dismembering a child of similar age in the womb?

Princeton Professor Robert George argues, "It will no longer be possible to pretend that abortion and infanticide are radically different acts or practices." He said that if we believe "In the fundamental equality of human beings - how can a right to abortion (where 'abortion' means performing an act whose purpose is to cause fetal death) be defended at all?"

This is exactly what those who support abortion do not want to consider. Not surprisingly, such folks were quick to condemn Gosnell, but uphold the right to abortion.
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The Worst Sermon Ever? The Presiding Bishop Explains Away Paul and Female Slave

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:40:00 -0400

The Worst Sermon Ever? The Presiding Bishop Explains Away Paul and the Female Slave

THE UNDERGROUND PEWSTER
http://lowly.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-worst-sermon-ever-presiding-bishop.html
May 15, 2013

While vacationing paying a pastoral visit to Curaçao this past weekend (on my dime?), our Presiding Bishop delivered what may be her worst sermon ever. I suspect she did not study my blog post from 3 years ago which I reposted this Sunday about the missing verses from the lectionary selections for Sunday: Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21 (See RCL and the Abbrevelation of John) for amongst other misinterpretations she said, "The reading from Revelation pushes us in the same direction, outward and away from our own self-righteousness, inviting us to look harder for God's gift and presence all around us. Jesus says he's looking for everybody, anyone who's looking for good news, anybody who is thirsty. There are no obstacles or barriers - just come. God is at work everywhere, even if we can't or won't see it immediately."
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BOLIVIA: Consecration of First Anglican Asian Bishop in Latin America

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:50:00 -0400

BOLIVIA: Consecration of First Anglican Asian Bishop in Latin America

Press Release
May 15, 2013

Archdeacon Raphael Samuel was formally consecrated as the Diocesan Bishop of Bolivia at a Sunday morning service of the eucharist at Cristo Luz Del Mundo (Light of the World). The Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone of the Americas, the Rt. Rev. Hector "Tito" Zavala together with the Bishops from Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay led in the consecration of the new Bishop of Bolivia. Bishop Raphael succeeds Bishop Frank Lyons who left the diocese of Bolivia last year to serve in the Diocese of Pittsburgh

The election of Archdeacon Raphael Samuel as the Bishop of Bolivia represents a landmark in church missions in that he is the first Asian missionary to be consecrated Bishop in the Spanish speaking Anglican world.
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Confusion (among Amateur Canonists) about California Ruling

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 -0400

Confusion (among Amateur Canonists) about California Ruling

By A.S. HALEY
THE ANGLICAN CURMUDGEON
http://accurmudgeon.blogspot.com/
May 13, 2013

Now comes a task I would rather not face, given that I count many non-canon lawyers who are bloggers on Episcopal matters at least as colleagues, if not as personal friends. But in the wake of my commentary on the recent St. James ruling, a host of lay would-be canonists have rushed in to assure everyone that the ruling is not as bad as it is, or that it does not really say what it says. The latest comes from the estimable Father Haller, but he and others have also been contributing to the comments on other blogs. (Note that no one has seen fit to come here and question me directly.)
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

"We need to be a risk-taking church": ABC opens international Christian Conf.

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:00 -0400

"We need to be a risk-taking church": Archbishop of Canterbury opens international Christian conference
"In conversation with Nicky Gumbel, Justin Welby said he is "more optimistic about the church now than I have ever been in my life

http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/
May 13, 2013

Archbishop Justin has prayed for Christian unity and told church leaders that "we need to be a risk-taking church".

The Archbishop was speaking this morning before an audience of more than 5,000 Christians on the first day of HTB's annual leadership conference.

"We need to be a risk-taking Church. There is no safety in Christ - there is absolute security, but there is no safety," he said during a question and answer session with the Rev Nicky Gumbel, vicar of HTB.

Archbishop Justin said he was more hopeful than ever for the future of the church as it "fills in" the gaps left by the state following the global financial crisis.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org]]>

The Victory of Christ and the Mystery of the Cross

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400

The Victory of Christ and the Mystery of the Cross

By The Rev. G. G. Dunbar
www.virtueonline.org
May 15, 2013

For much of the history of the western Church, both Catholic and Protestant, Christians have understood the redemption accomplished in the suffering and death of Jesus upon the cross in terms of sacrifice and satisfaction for sin. It is a doctrine with deep roots in Scripture and the Church Fathers, especially Athanasius and Augustine, but it is associated primarily with an Italian monk who became archbishop of Canterbury in the 11th century, Saint Anselm (d.1109). According to Anselm's teaching, Christ the God-man accomplished in his own death what was required of man but only possible for God -- a full atonement for the infinite offense against divine majesty made by man's sin. In perfect obedience to the Father, Christ bears the penalty of our sins, God's just judgment and condemnation, and so satisfies God's honor for the offense of sin, appeases God's wrath, expiates man's guilt, and secures the remission of our sins and our reconciliation to the Father. This Catholic doctrine was embraced vigorously by the Protestant reformers of the 16th century, and their heirs in the Evangelical revival of the 18th century.
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Paul's Experience of the 'Thorn in the Flesh': The Issue of Pride - Part 2

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:10:00 -0400

Paul's Experience of the 'Thorn in the Flesh': The Issue of Pride - Part 2

By Bruce Atkinson, PhD
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
May 15, 2013

"I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know-God knows. And I know that this man-whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows- was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:2-10)
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BALA CYNWYD, PA: ACNA Diocese of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincies to open June

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:40:00 -0400

BALA CYNWYD, PA: ACNA Diocese of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincies to open June
ACNA Provincial Council expected to approve full diocese in 2014

VOL president David W. Virtue D.D. recently interviewed retired US Air Force Fighter Pilot and ACNA Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Derek Jones, about the newest diocese soon to be on the Anglican scene, the Diocese of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy, a ministry of the Anglican Church in North America, and its astonishing growth.

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
May 14, 2013

In 2007, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) had one military chaplain, an Army Captain. The ministry become part of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) at its founding in 2009, while continuing to be overseen by CANA. There are now more than 200 endorsed chaplains with 65 percent of them working in the United States Armed Forces, Veterans Administration, and Federal Bureau of Prisons. The remaining chaplains are in endorsed civilian ministries such as law enforcement, hospice, hospital and industrial missions. This is more than double the number of chaplains the Episcopal Church has. ACNA is adding to that number almost weekly.

This chaplaincy ministry has been the brainchild of a feisty, no nonsense former fighter pilot and combat veteran who flew F-111s and F-16.He was considered by his peers to be among the very best of the best winning medals and accolades from the USAF throughout his career. Bishop Derek Jones is a deeply committed Evangelical Anglican who was at one time a priest in the Communion of Episcopal Evangelical Churches (CEEC). He was approached by former TEC Bishop Dave Bena, who is now with the Convocation of Anglican Churches in North America (CANA), about giving oversight to one CANA chaplain in the Armed Forces. Jones prayed over the idea and saw the strong connection CANA had with the Anglican Province of Nigeria and hence into the Anglican Communion. He took on the challenge to develop the vision and task of building a chaplain ministry for CANA. He has not looked back.
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UK: All Complaints against Evangelical CofE Bishop Dismissed

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 -0400

UK: All Complaints against Evangelical CofE Bishop Dismissed

The former Bishop of Lewes, Rt. Revd. Wallace Benn, released the following statement regarding the dismissal of all Clergy Discipline complaints against him:

By Rt. Revd. Wallace Benn
May 11, 2013

As of 10 May 2013, all complaints against me under the Clergy Discipline Measure have come to an end without any misconduct of any kind having been established. No complaint against me has been allowed to proceed beyond the preliminary stages of the process.

Since November 2011, the Safeguarding Advisory Group of the Diocese of Chichester, its Chairman (Mr Keith Akerman) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (Mr Colin Perkins) have tried to make a number of complaints against me under the Clergy Discipline Measure.

All their efforts were misconceived and unjustified, as has now been established. The decisions that none of the complaints should be allowed to proceed have been made in part by the Archbishop of York and in part by the Right Honourable Lord Justice Mummery, sitting in his capacity as President of Tribunals. Some of the complaints have been dismissed on their merits and the rest on the basis that they have been made outside the time allowed under the Clergy Discipline Measure and where no good grounds exist for any extension of time.
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Christians Suffer in Syria at the hands of rebel forces

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:10:00 -0400

Christians Suffer in Syria at the hands of rebel forces
American Anglican Bishop visits region

By The Rt. Rev. Julian M. Dobbs
Special to virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
May 10, 2013

The Rt. Rev. Julian Dobbs being received by the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church on May 6, 2013.

I recently returned from a visit to Lebanon with CANA's Canon Missioner, the Rev. Canon Wayne Buchanan where we met local Christian leaders from the region and discussed the plight of Christians in Syria who are suffering amidst Syria's destructive civil war which has now been raging for more than 18 months. Millions of helpless Christians are caught in its crossfire with no one to defend them.

Syria used to be one of the easiest places in the Arab world to be a Christian. The Church has existed there since Biblical times. In the book of Acts it was on the road to Damascus, capital of today's Syria, that Saul was stopped short in his mission to destroy the early Church. The risen Christ asked him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4). It was in Damascus that Saul regained his sight after being struck blind, and it was here that he was filled with the Holy Spirit, was baptized and began his ministry as an apostle.
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Please Mr. Keller this is not time for philosophical niceties over gay marriage

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Please Mr. Keller this is not the time for philosophical niceties over gay marriage

By Julian Mann
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
May 13, 2103

One hopes he was misquoted but London Times columnist Tim Montgomerie does not invent quotes. In an article entitled 'The Bible Belt is becoming a force of good', he quotes 'influential New York pastor' Tim Keller as saying: "You can still believe homosexuality is a sin and still believe that same-sex marriage should be legal."

That quotation comes in a disturbing section in Mr Montgomerie's article: "Let's start with one of the great moral causes of our time: gay marriage. The majority of American Christians still oppose this civil right (sic) but opinion is changing among younger churchgoers: 44 per cent of evangelicals (sic) under the age of 30 favour allowing gays and lesbians to marry. Some take this view because they see nothing wrong with homosexuality. Others support same-sex marriage laws because they don't believe it is right to impose their own religious views on others." He then quotes Mr Keller as representing the latter tendency.
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Christians Wrestle with Immigration Reform

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:00 -0400

Christians Wrestle with Immigration Reform
Christian leaders warn against adding recognition of same-sex partners to any immigration bill

Mark D. Tooley
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/05/christians-wrestle-with-immigration-reform
May 13, 2103

A dozen Christian leaders have warned against adding recognition of same-sex partners to any immigration bill. "If your or any other proposal includes [same-sex] provisions, most, if not all of us, would have to oppose it, preventing us from mobilizing our extensive networks on behalf of the bill," they told Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in a May 1 letter. "We urge you not to tie our hands as we work together to reform our nation's broken immigration system."
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