Though we are ostensibly heralds of the gospel, we are easily content to prefer relevancy to a bright and consistent witness. Ever compassionate and inclusive, we have lost sight of the primary reason for our compassion and inclusion. We have known to confuse the United Nations Millennium Development Goals with the gospel which engenders our interest in these goals. If the firs victim of war is truth, so the first victim of 'relevancy' is a clear witness to the gospel. We have a schism. We are wounded. We do not need to judge those who have left. Our work is to repent for the drift that made this schism possible---The Rev. Philip C. Cato in The Living Church February 3, 2008

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
1/31/2008

It was a week of yet more turmoil with charges and counter charges over the validity and wisdom of GAFCON being held by orthodox bishops in the Holy Land. It has upset the Bishop of Durham, the Rt. Rev. N. T. (Tom) Wright, so much that he wrote a scathing condemnation of it arguing that not all Evangelicals are about to jump ship and abandon Lambeth.

The rationale of GAFCON (the Global Anglican Future Conference) is: "The Communion is finished; nothing new can happen; it's time to split." No mention is made of the Windsor report, the proposed Anglican Covenant, or, indeed, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Advent letter, insisting as it does on scriptural authority, which GAFCON seems to regard as its monopoly, writes Wright.

Maybe so, but many believe the Windsor Report is history because The Episcopal Church has not lived up to its demands while the ABC's Advent letter said the TEC had done as much as it could to live up to it when most orthodox Anglicans don't believe TEC has. Furthermore, the Anglican Covenant draft is being hit on all sides by liberals and conservatives alike so that no one believes, for the moment, that it is a workable document. It too, could be dead on arrival.

"If Wright thinks that there is still a future for enforcement of the Windsor Report, the Anglican Covenant, or whatever new piece of paper will be waved in front of us promising 'peace in our time', he is very much mistaken. The story of the last 5 years is one of intransigent contempt from TEC and her allies coupled with negligent and spineless inactivity from Lambeth. What good is it to say yes to a Lambeth Conference based on and taking forward the Archbishop's agenda of Windsor and the Covenant, in pursuit of what Dr Williams refers to in his recent letter as 'an authoritative common voice' when Williams has displayed next to zero determination to hold that course? Worse than that, his senior officers on the ship, starting with Kearon and moving downwards, are trying to wrestle the wheel away from him at every opportunity," wrote one observer.

Blaming the GAFCON organizers for "manning the lifeboats" and thus dooming the Communion to sink is the equivalent of the Captain of the Titanic doing the same. The problem is the destructive iceberg of unbelief which everyone is pretending could never sink the ship. Wright is playing "nearer my God, to thee" as the Titanic sinks. It may be well-intentioned, but it does nothing to solve the situation and it certainly takes people's eyes off the lifeboats as the ship continues to go under. Having authored the Windsor Report, he may have a natural emotional investment in it, but if so it is clouding his better judgment. He wants us to stay on the boat with him while other shipmates are busy ripping apart the hull.

What Wright doesn't get, or is blind to, even assuming that there will be a remnant of Evangelicals at Lambeth, is that the 70% who will be there represent a MINORITY of Anglicans worldwide, while the 30% of bishops attending GAFCON represent 70% or more, a clear MAJORITY of Anglicans in the Communion. That speaks volumes. TEC will have 100 plus bishops at Lambeth who represent less than 800,000 practicing Episcopalians. The Nigerian HOB, along with Archbishop Akinola, who will not be attending represent more than 18 million Anglicans! Who's fooling whom?

*****

But the Middle East is the scene of even more turmoil. Charges of fraud and misconduct are being traded between the current and former Anglican Bishops in Jerusalem.

A civil war between current Bishop Suheil Dawani and former Bishop Riah Abu Al-Assal is adding to the current turmoil over whether orthodox Anglicans should hold GAFCON on their soil. Recently Bishop Riah's office released an "urgent" petition calling for Bishop Suheil to "step down" after he allegedly colluded in the beatings of two Nazareth Anglicans. The petition said that following a confirmation service at Christ Church in Nazareth on Jan 12, Rafle Abu Al-Assal and his brother Ala'a, confronted Bishop Suheil and demanded to know why the bishop had not confirmed Rafle's daughter. Thus unseemly brawl only weakens any attempts at unity in the Middle East which is constantly in a state of war.

*****

The moves on the Episcopal chessboard continue apace. This week a dozen conservative Episcopal priests in the DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH sent a letter to Bishop Bob Duncan saying they were not happy about his efforts to pull the diocese out of TEC. The 12, including the president of the diocese's clergy association and its longest-tenured rector, mailed a signed, one-paragraph letter to the diocese's 66 churches saying that while they supported the "reformation of the Episcopal Church ... we have determined to remain within, and not realign out of" it. You can read that story in today's digest.

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In the DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, the largest parish in the diocese, Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, is proposing to break away from the diocese and TEC. This is causing a major heartache and headache for both the rector, the Rev. Lorne Coyle, and Bishop John W. Howe. Last week, opposition from a minority of the church's membership prompted the Central Florida Diocese to withdraw an earlier proposal that included letting the majority keep the existing church property. However, opponents would have gotten an historic chapel next to the main sanctuary according to church and diocesan officials. The breakup is over the usual issues that include theological differences with the national church. "It breaks my heart to see what is happening at Trinity," said the Rev. David Lord, who was appointed by the diocese bishop to oversee the minority. On Sunday, Bishop John Howe met with opponents in Vero Beach. Out of a church of 700 registered members, about 175 attended. During the meeting, Howe presented the $1.3 million offer from the church leadership. You can read the full story in today's digest.

The Diocese of Central Florida is "poised for a new round of significant growth," after three months of tense negotiations with clergy and lay leadership from nine congregations seeking to leave The Episcopal Church, according to Bishop John W. Howe.

He told a Living Church reporter that he was pleased with the negotiations. "We are on the best of terms with all those leaving," he said. "And we are committed to rebuilding where there have been losses."

In his address to their recent convention, Bishop Howe said the last three months had been the worst period of his life. However, amicable solutions have been reached with the members of the eight congregations who sought to withdraw from the diocese.

"There are those who simply have to leave The Episcopal Church for conscience sake," he said. "I understand that. I don't agree, but I don't believe we should punish them. We shouldn't sue them. We shouldn't depose the clergy. Our brokenness is a tragedy. The litigation that is going on in so many places is a travesty. And although some seem to be trying to do so, I don't think you can hold a church together by taking everybody you disagree with to court."

*****

In the DIOCESE OF SAN JOAQUIN, a small handful of dissidents, unhappy with the diocese's decision to leave, met to put a triumphalist note on their staying in TEC. Billy Ockham writing at his blogspot said the following: "The Episcopal Church held a pep rally on behalf of Remain Episcopal. It devoted a fair amount of resources to the effort (buses and satellite feeds aren't exactly cheap). According to the official organ of the Episcopal Church, The Episcopal News Service, around 350 people showed for the service. No matter how you look at it or try to spin it, the attendance was pathetic. Judging from the photos, the crowd was older and white. The demographics do not favor Remain Episcopal. When the dust settles and everyone has declared their allegiance to either the Episcopal Church or the Diocese of San Joaquin, then the Episcopal Church will be looking at closing some of the Remain Episcopal churches. The rule of thumb for churches is that you need an ASA of around a hundred to remain viable. Three hundred and fifty people, even assuming they all are from the area, yields three and a half viable churches."

Someone called the Rev. Tim Vivian wrote a scathing attack on Bishop John-David Schofield in a local newspaper with more name calling than I can remember. I have analyzed his thoughts and you can read that here or in today's digest: http://tinyurl.com/2drcqr

Another interesting development in that diocese comes from the Anglican Communion Office in London which has declared the see of San Joaquin VACANT! By what and whose authority do they have the right to do that? Did the ABC say it was vacant? Nope. Does the ACO have the right to declare it vacant when it isn't? Not as far as I know. I have looked at this in some depth in today's digest.

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From a source in the DIOCESE OF CHICAGO comes this word. St. Chrysostom's Church in downtown Chicago continues on its downward spiral - and has little more attendance than most mission churches. This church is the second oldest church in Chicago and once was the spiritual home of Mortimer Adler from the University of Chicago. "They have completely ceased adult education on Sundays which was quite vibrant when we were there. Every Sunday they would have scholars, like Martin Marty or Biblical archeology experts and experts on Christian History from Northwestern and Chicago. Now, we're told, they no longer offer that, because no one shows up. Some 45 to 50 show up at the 11:00 Sunday service. The parish used to be packed as little as six years ago - standing room only. Clearly, they are dying. Thanks to the Gospel of Vickie Gene Robinson and an insistence of teaching homo-sexual values to Sunday school kids."

*****

In the DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND, a victory was celebrated this week when the diocese settled with St. Joseph's Anglican Church in Brooklyn to allow the parish full possession of the property for much less than its market value. You can read the full story here or in today's digest: http://tinyurl.com/yww3mh

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LENTEN LUNACY. Here is what 815, the National Church, is offering as part of its Lenten resources this year regarding the Stations of the Cross. No comment necessary.

Some suggested options for activities are: (can be modified as appropriate)

- Station 1: Bag lunches to be distributed to those in need the next day. Bring goods and organize for a local food pantry.

- Station 2: Create a card using a poster-size piece of paper. Have each pilgrim write encouraging words, scripture, drawings, etc., making sure to write at the level of a primary school student. Send the card to an Episcopal/Anglican school in the developing world.

- Station 3: Have a piece of paper for each pilgrim to write the names of women who have inspired them and why. Include family members, friends, world leaders, historical figures, artists, religious figures and others. Tape pages together top-to-bottom and roll up as a scroll to be read during the corporate worship time.

- Station 4: Provide black and white drawings or outlines of children's faces. Have pilgrims color the faces. While the group is coloring, ring a bell every fifteen seconds to recognize that another child died from a preventable water-borne illness.

- Station 5: Have a poster-size piece of paper for each pilgrim and a thick black permanent marker. Ask each pilgrim to write the first-name only of every woman they know who had a baby in the past year. When the list is complete, draw a black cross next to the name of every 16th woman. Explain that this represents the plight of women in sub-Saharan Africa, where one in 16 pregnant women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth each day.

- Station 6: Have a bed sheet and a couple of ink pads or finger paints. Have one pilgrim make a handprint every thirty seconds. Explain that the number of handprints on the sheet symbolizes how many children have died from malaria during the time you were at the station.

- Station 7: Have pilgrims calculate their carbon footprint and come up with three strategies to reduce it.

- Station 8: Have pilgrims sign and address postcards to members of Congress urging support for the Millennium Development Goals.

Stations of the Millennium Development Goals

At the beginning of each station the group prays together:

God you created us and call us to be in this world,
part of your creative force.
In Christ you teach us the way of salvation.
Help us to live radically in a broken world.
Send your Spirit upon us that we might be instruments of your peace.

Vocalizing the Millennium Development Goals: The leader will read the goal out loud at each station

Reflection: Participants will reflect on each goal (see below)

At the end of each station the group prays together: Holy God Holy and Mighty Holy Immortal One Transform us That we might transform the world

When you have passed through all eight stations please return to area around the font.

*****

FROM CHRISTIAN FORMATION MINISTRIES comes this. CFM is now in its 15th year of ministry in Africa. CFM has made 37 teaching missions to the continent. CFM is now at the stage at where it can accomplish some of the missions without the need for anyone from the USA to travel to Africa.

Writes Cris Fouse: "We have inquiries from the Dominican Republic, from Zanzibar, from Romania, from Italy, and from South East Asia. Clearly the ministry is growing far beyond Africa. Of highest importance is that numerous dioceses in Muslim areas now want CFM's Swahili translations."

RWANDA - Bishop Augustin Mvunabandi of Kigeme Diocese has already established training for twelve leaders in every parish of Kigeme Diocese. CFM introduced the ministry there in July, 2007. The second seminar for the Catechists of Kigali Diocese will take place in mid-February, 2008.

CONGO - In December, 2007. CFM was introduced in Congo by our Ugandan Trainer Canon Benon Kityo and his assistant Father Abraham. Father Desire Mukanirwa will continue in his own Bukavu Diocese with his Bishop, Bahati Bali-Sylvestre.. Archbishop Fidele Dirokpa wants to take CFM throughout the Province.

BURUNDI - In February 2008, CFM will be introduced to all the clergy of Buye Diocese plus representatives from all the other dioceses. Leaders from Rwanda will go there to assist.

TANZANIA - Fr. Samuel Maduma of Kiteto Diocese is preparing to use introduce CFM this month to the ten congregations in his parish.

CFM is already available in English, Spanish, Luganda (Central Uganda), Rukigo-Rufumbio (Western Uganda), Rukonjo (Western Uganda), KiSwahili (Tanzania and others), Chichewa (Northern Malawi), SeSotho (South Africa), SeTswana (South Africa), and Kinyarwanda (Rwanda).

For more information go to: www.cfmin.org.
Lay Canon Cris Fouse
ccfouse7@aol.com

****

CANADA. Grand Chief Stan Beardy brings ideas, proposal to Church House. When Grand Chief Stan Beardy of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) visited the General Synod offices in Toronto recently, he had two main messages for the Anglican Church of Canada: help advocate for Aboriginal rights, and allow Aboriginals to take greater responsibility for their own leadership within the church. A proposal for a new Anglican structure within NAN was presented to the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, in a personal meeting.

"We want to set up our own diocese that is managed by First Nations people, and that follows the doctrines of the Anglican Church of Canada and its teachings," said the Grand Chief in a later interview. "We're not talking about a breakaway group here. We like the teachings of the Anglican Church of Canada. We understand its functions and the sacraments. We believe in those and we believe in the core teachings of the gospel itself."

Wrote one orthodox priest from Vancouver, BC, "So native Indians can have their own diocese, but conservative Anglicans can't have the same thing. Maybe conservatives need to dress in deer-skin clothes, paint their faces, and dance around open air fires, and then they'd get their own diocese too."

*****

AN ANGLICAN PRAYER BOOK. Contemporary English Services based on those in The Book of Common Prayer and The Ordinal, in their English 1662, American 1928 and Canadian 1962 editions are now available for purchase, writes Dr. Peter Toon, president of the Prayer Book Society USA.

In January 2007 the "Green Book" of contemporary language services based on BCP 1662 was made available in AMIA for trial use and comment. It has been so used and studied. In January 2008, AN ANGLICAN PRAYER BOOK was the result of further work and consultation.

Contents : Preface; The Christian Year; Morning and Evening Prayer; Litany; Athanasian Creed; Compline; Holy Communion; Collects and Eucharistic Lectionary; Baptism; The Catechism; Confirmation; Marriage; Visitation of the Sick; Burial of the Dead; Interment or Scattering of Ashes; Family Prayer; Daily Lectionary; The Ordinal -- Deacons; Priests; a Bishop; & The Articles of Religion.

AN ANGLICAN PRAYER BOOK is published for AMIA on February 1, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-879793-13-2 and 1-879793-13-X. 240 pages, quality paper and in hardback-- $15.00 including S & H; multiple copies for congregations $10.00 each, including S & H. Available from: The Prayer Book Society of the U.S.A., P.O. Box 35220, Philadelphia, PA. 19128-0220. 1-800-PBS-1928. Checks to "The Prayer Book Society." PA residents add sales tax. Queries to thomascranmer2000@yahoo.com

Name: .................................:
Address.................................
........................................
Enclosed $. ............................

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From the DIOCESE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE comes this word from a VOL reader and Anglican. "On January 1, 2008 New Hampshire legalized same sex civil unions. Many long time couples went to the State House for a big ceremony on New Year's Eve, so they could make their relationships have a 'legal' basis as civil unions. Though 'living in sin', in more ways than one, Gene Robinson has apparently decided on a big to do for his 'wedding' in June. I expect all the powers that be in TEC will be invited. St. Paul's (Concord) has had financial difficulties and is now looking for a new priest, as the former priest resigned, got divorced and then recently married his former assistant rector, who also divorced her husband, with young children, and they have moved out of state. It left a lot of people concerned for the status of the parish and wondering how all this happened.

"Satan is alive and well in Concord, New Hampshire, but some folks are waking up to find levels of sin problems in many places. People are hanging on in these churches because they have been there for years. Some have succumbed to the "new ways" and in their seventies and eighties decided to look for same sex companions, but many have left. Some preaching from the Bible and some reference to Scripture have not stemmed the entire tide. When I go by the Diocesan House I don't see much activity there. I wonder if Gene Robinson is ever in. There are people here, however, who have joined orthodox churches of various denominations and have become much more active and outspoken."

****

Hands off our homes, vicars tell the Church of England. Senior clergy have accused the Church of England of planning a £4 billion "grab" of rectories and vicarages, writes Jonathan Petre for The Telegraph. The ownership of thousands of parsonages will be transferred from vicars to dioceses under the Church's plans, raising fears that they could be sold off to pay debts. The move has been called unjustified by the clergy, who are to fight the plans at the General Synod next month and are urging the Charity Commission to investigate. Church officials said the changes were merely technical and safeguards had been built in. Dioceses will be able to sell parsonages even if the resident vicar or parish objects. Dioceses have raised £100 million from the sale of vicarages over the last five years, and there are fears that the new rules may allow them to dispose of even more.

In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Venerable Norman Russell, described the plans as "folly". A Church spokesman said: "The suggestion that this is about asset stripping is simply wrong." As one vicar observed this is the C of E's answer to The Episcopal Church's Dennis Canon.

****

Iraqi Christians are under attack. IRAQ is now the most dangerous place for Christians, says Canon Andrew White, an Englishman who pastors a church in Baghdad. He says the city is the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Known as the "Vicar of Baghdad," he recently sat down with CBN News and talked about the plight of Christians in Iraq. White pastors St. George's Anglican Church in the heart of Baghdad. He told CBN News what life has been like for Baghdad Christians in the past year. You can click the link below and watch this video. It says infinitely more than I can write. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/310127.aspx

*****

IN ENGLAND, just one in 100 tells researchers they're gay, according to the first government research into the nation's sexuality. A further one in 100 would call themselves bisexual - but both groups are outnumbered by those who say they are unwilling to discuss their private life with Whitehall researchers. In the survey, some people failed to understand the question and gave answers including "female", "normal", "not active" and "I am OK with my sexuality". Some interviewers declined to ask the question for fear of giving offense. So much for the vaunted greatly exaggerated figures of Changing Attitude put out by Colin Coward

*****

THE ANGLICAN Covenant Design Group, chaired by the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, is currently meeting at the Anglican Communion Office in London. Provinces represented on the Covenant Design Group are: Wales, Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean, USA, Canada, West Africa, Southern Africa, West Indies, England, as well as the Diocese of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), as well as Anglican Communion and Lambeth Palace staff.

Canon Gregory Cameron of the Anglican Communion Office, Secretary of the Covenant Design Group said today, "The focus of this week's meeting is to examine responses to the draft Covenant from the provinces and to prepare a subsequent text to move the process forward to the Lambeth Conference and beyond."

*****

If you are a new reader to VOL's weekly digest, a hearty welcome. We hope you like the stories in the digest and new ones that appear daily, sometimes hourly at the website www.virtueonline.org. Last week I was at the AMIA conference in Dallas. Tomorrow I fly to Charleston, SC, to attend the Mere Anglican conference. Please keep this occasion in your prayers.

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