Dear Brothers and Sisters,
www.virtueonline.org
12/28/2007

Earlier this week, a group of orthodox Primates from across the globe announced they will be going to the Holy Land in June, just weeks before the Lambeth conference in Canterbury "to come together to renew their faith and develop a fresh vision for our common mission." It will be known as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) 2008. Is this the Golgotha moment before the Calvary of Lambeth?

"We will be inviting bishops and their wives, senior clergy, church planters, and lay people including the next generation of young leaders. We aim to make it a Global Anglican Conference with its eye on the future and future leadership," wrote Archbishop Peter Jensen, a highly critical voice of the direction western Anglicanism is taking regarding sexuality issues.

The event, which was agreed to during a meeting of Primates in Nairobi last week, will be in the form of a pilgrimage back to the roots of the Church's faith. The Holy Land is the planned venue. From 15–22 June 2008, Anglicans, from both the Evangelical and Anglo-catholic wings of the church, will make pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where Christ was born, ministered, died, rose again, ascended into heaven, sent his Holy Spirit, and where the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out, to strengthen them for what they believe will be difficult days ahead.

Is this a Global South Initiative? Not quite. Many of the Primates at the Nairobi Consultation are in the Global South, but it also includes Anglican leaders from parts of the world beyond the geographic Global South. "We are looking to the future of the Global Anglican Communion, which is itself a pilgrimage."

The gathering set in motion a Global Anglican Future Conference: A Gospel of Power and Transformation. The vision, according to Archbishop Nzimbi, is to inform and inspire invited leaders "to seek transformation in our own lives and help impact communities and societies through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ". Bishops and their wives, clergy and laity, including the next generation of young leaders, will attend GAFCON. The GAFCON website is www.gafcon.org.

Canon Chris Sugden added, "While this conference is not a specific challenge to the Lambeth Conference, it will provide opportunities for fellowship and care for those who have decided not to attend Lambeth. There was no other place to meet at this critical time for the future of the Church than in the Holy Land."

For more about this event, see a number of stories in today's digest.

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In today's digest you can read my YEAR IN REVIEW, a year which began in Virginia with lawsuits against 11 parishes and ended in San Joaquin, California when a diocese announced it was leaving the Episcopal Church. It was a year of turmoil, which will only increase in 2008 with bishops meeting in Israel and Lambeth.

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WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING. A recent edition of USA TODAY said this about the Anglican disarray: "Cracks widened between conservatives in the Anglican Communion, the world's third-largest Christian denomination, and its U.S branch, the Episcopal Church, over homosexuality and whether the Communion can include opposing views. In February, the presiding bishops of the Communion's national and regional churches met in Africa and issued a vague threat that the Episcopal Church needed to change course by October. Nothing happened. By May, conservative archbishops in Africa and South America began ordaining their own bishops in the USA in violation of Anglican tradition. But Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, head of the Communion, has been unable to halt the fractures. This month for the first time, the entire Diocese of San Joaquin in Fresno, Calif., seceded from the Episcopal Church. In Virginia, several historic, wealthy parishes that quit last year are in court fighting for control of properties."

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TEC PR CAMPAIGN. Central and Southern California newspapers will carry an Episcopal Church display advertisement detailing the "historic, continuing mission" of the Episcopal Church in the state's six dioceses following the departure of the DIOCESE OF SAN JOAQUIN to the Province of the Southern Cone. It is being placed by the Office of Public Affairs at the Episcopal Church Center in New York. The half-page advertisement features websites and photographs reflecting ministries in the dioceses of California (based in San Francisco), El Camino Real (based in Monterey), Los Angeles, Northern California (based in Sacramento), San Diego and San Joaquin (based in Fresno). Due to recent legislative actions in the Diocese of San Joaquin, web addresses point to the organization "Remain Episcopal," and Holy Family Church. Clearly upset by the departure of the Anglo-Catholic diocese from TEC, the heavy-hitters at 815 want to make sure that no more defections will take place. To do that, they will spend tens of thousands of dollars to make sure the hemorrhaging won't continue. The ad focuses on the Episcopal Church's history in the state of California, noting that "It was along California's coast that common prayer in the Anglican tradition was first observed in the Americas -- in 1579 when Sir Francis Drake's explorer ship made landfall near Point Reyes just north of San Francisco."

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The DIOCESE OF NEW WESTMINSTER is fudging the moratorium on new places where same sex blessings can be authorized. The blessing of a same sex couple may take place only in the eight parishes of the diocese already performing blessings, Bishop Michael Ingham has decided. A moratorium that forbids the extension of the blessing to any of the diocese's other 71 parishes will continue for the time being, he told Diocesan Council's regular December meeting. The eight parishes that were authorized in 2006 by the bishop to host same sex blessings - following favorable votes by their membership -- can continue to hold these blessings. There is a new requirement: priests now may bless only gay and lesbian couples who have been married by civil marriage commissioners.

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During the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY's recent foray on radio about what minimal beliefs one needed to have in order to be an Anglican, he made the following observation: while he believed in the Virgin Birth, "new Christians need not leap over the 'hurdle' of belief in the virgin birth before they could join the church."

What this means is when the aforesaid mentioned person "joins" the Church, and recites the Nicene Creed, "born of the Virgin Mary," he or she is not expected actually to believe it!

On reading this, one theologian observed, "add that to baptism as joining the Church, and we arrive solidly at the theology of Louis Crew, where one speaks words of faith without faith, and calls it 'liturgy.'" (Note BCP. p. 304, the Baptismal Covenant - does that come after the Adamic, Noahic, Mosaic and New Covenants or before? Just curious when God made that covenant. - contains the affirmation, "born of the Virgin Mary.")

The real problem of Anglican revisionism is not homosexuality, not the ordination of women, but a simple lack of integrity in speaking with the mouth what is believed in the heart. Errant beliefs can dwell in those hearts in clusters, yet the words of the liturgy embraces them all and protects them all, because they admit no necessity for personally held beliefs to be expressed in words to the world. In the extreme, it is diabolical, hiding salvation in plain sight from such revisionists, since Romans 10:9-10 indicates that our salvation rests on just such simplicity as believing who Jesus is and what He has done, and saying what you believe.

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The ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY's interview with Simon Mayo, in which he says the Three Wise Kings are Legend, got a number of interesting responses. Foremost among them was a Roman Catholic priest friend of mine who sent me the thoughts of the distinguished Scottish theologian William Barclay cited in a sermon by Pastor Michael Gunn and excerpted here:

"The magi were an interesting lot. While it is true they came to be known as charlatans during Paul's time (see Acts 8:9, 11; 13:6, 8), they were respected and skilled in philosophy, medicine and the natural sciences, and were connected to astrology and the mapping of the stars. This is their connection to this star. What we don't know is how this star guided them, nor what kind of phenomena it was. The Magi were from the east and are most likely Medo-Persians. What is important to note is the intent of these magi. They 'have come to worship Him' (Matthew 2:2)."

The story goes on to describe Herod's self-centered and wicked interest in Christ, and the Holy Spirit's guidance of the Magi.

The reaction of the magi is the reaction of anyone sovereignly called by God. It is a reaction of joy and worship and giving. The magi had "Exceeding joy" when they found the star (Matthew 2:10), and worshipped Jesus by giving Him gifts (Matthew 2:11). It is these gifts that infer that there were three magi, but we have no idea. We just know that when God calls worshippers, He uses His sovereign will to interject even into the midst of pagans. He is God, and His gospel will not be thwarted by unbelief and attacks of the enemy. He leaves a witness of his existence in the stars, dreams, creation and more directly in His word, and His Son Jesus Christ.

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In the DIOCESE OF PENNSYLVANIA, there are signs of spiritual life now that the venal Bishop Bennison has gone, hopefully for good. In Paoli, Pennsylvania, the refurbished evangelical Church of the Good Samaritan opened its new sanctuary last week to much fanfare. The place was packed with 800 communicants. The multi-million dollar makeover, complete with a school, first rate music program and a clear presentation of the gospel, is packing them in, living proof that when the message goes forth without even so much as a mention of sodomy, people are hungry for the word of life.

In Philadelphia itself, the Anglo-Catholic Fr. David Ousley, who lost his parish property, St. James the Less in a vicious legal ousting by Bennison, reports that things are far from grim. He reports that the "tiny" cemetery chapel where he and his flock presently worship on Sundays is actually about the same size as St James. "We still work in the "old" neighborhood. Our after-school tutoring program continues, grateful for free space from another cemetery, Laurel Hill. They give us space in the Gatehouse, which is just down the hill from St James. This program, by the way, has been supported by the Heuer Foundation in 2007, and they recently extended their support through 2008." He said that while St James the Less is empty, it is not being neglected. There is a conscientious caretaker who is taking good care of the churchyard. Bennison will not have the last word in this diocese.

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COMMON CAUSE and Women's Ordination. From Bishop David C. Anderson, President and CEO, American Anglican Council, comes this word: "Another reality is that there are two "integrities:" one theological position that does not ordain women to holy orders and another position that does, though not necessarily to all three orders. Within the Common Cause we are trying to create a space where these issues can be lived with and worked with, and as part of a global Anglican Communion, to come to a common mind, whatever and whenever that might be. In the meantime, both integrities will be respected."

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NO CHRISTMAS without Christ, Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola told Christians this year. "Christians are called upon to resist any attempt to remove Christ from the celebration of Christmas." He also said efforts to turn Christmas into a "mere holiday season continue un-abated all around us. Christian greetings are replaced by seasonal greetings as if it is possible to have Christmas without Christ. People make every effort to prepare for physical and social celebrations without the spiritual significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, which in fact, is the reason for the celebration. All these calculated attempts by the non-believing world to mislead the unsuspecting believers to make them deny Christ should not deter us from celebrating, for we are confident that their efforts are bound to fail." Spoken like an African Archbishop.

He said that the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated in Christmas, was the decisive divine intervention in the history of man for the eternal salvation of mankind.

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One in five CHURCH OF ENGLAND BISHOPS could face the axe under new proposals being drawn up by its leaders. Secret documents, discovered by The Daily Telegraph, reveal that the Church Commissioners - the financial wing of the Church of England - are considering reducing traditional funding for the hierarchy. The proposals come in the wake of criticism that the Church is top heavy and the bishops too costly, while congregations are shrinking and parishes are strapped for cash.

If Gene Robinson is right about the numbers of homosexual priests in England running the show. is it any wonder the CofE is falling apart? Perhaps it should. The sooner the Anglo-Catholics get their third province, get their own bishops and the Evangelicals stop financially supporting liberal bishops disestablishing the church itself, the sooner the CofE can start at the very bottom again with a clear enunciation of the gospel and begin to rebuild the church. Till then, it will wither and die. Is it any wonder Global South Archbishops have no respect for Rowan Williams and the CofE?. Who wants to hitch their bright evangelical wagons to an old liberal nag that has a few years left to go with a totally conflicted archbishop who thinks the Magi are legend and the Virgin Birth is not necessary as part of the faith story to get too excited about!?

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AMIA NEWS. Their Winter Conference 2008 is just around the corner and is being held in Dallas, Texas, this year. Plenary Speakers will feature the best of the Communion's thinkers and speakers. They include The Rev. Leith Anderson, The Rt. Rev. Sandy Millar, Judith MacNutt co-founder, with her husband Francis, of Christian Healing Ministries (CHM) in Jacksonville, Florida. The Rt. Rev. Chuck Murphy, chairman of AMiA, and Dr. J. I. Packer will offer daily Bible studies during morning devotions. A panel of Anglican Archbishops will speak to the emerging Anglican witness in North America.. VOL will be there to cover this significant occasion. There is still time to sign up: http://www.theamia.org/winter/2008info

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If you haven't registered for next year's MERE ANGLICAN CONFERENCE 2008, then you can do so here: http://www.mereanglicanism.com/register.htm This conference will be held on Thursday, January 30 through Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403.

The conference features theological analysis and advocacy by notable writers and speakers reflecting on the crisis of biblical authority, interpretation, and trustworthiness underlying current issues in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. Speakers include Canon Robert Crouse, Bishop Robert Duncan, Canon Michael Green, Bishop (deo volente) Mark Lawrence, Dr. Paul Moser, Canon Ashley Null and Dr. Jerry Root. The conference will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities for laity, clergy, and in particular theological educators and bloggers, together with daily worship at the restored Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul in the historic City of Charleston. VOL will be there to cover this historic event.

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ROGER STEER (author of "Guarding the Holy Fire" Baker Books) has been commissioned by IVP Books to write a new biography of John Stott. The book will be shorter than Timothy Dudley-Smith's 2 volume biography and is designed to reach a wider audience. If you have a reminiscence of John to share, or a particular perspective on him, Roger is anxious to hear from you. Please contact Roger on rs@rogersteer.com

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There are a number of fine commentaries in TODAY'S VOL DIGEST. I hope you will take the time to read them all. They are written by men and women of sound conviction. You may not agree with them all, but they will stimulate you to think more deeply about the issues.

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VOL WEBSITE. Look for some significant changes coming to the website in 2008. Foremost among them will be a new bloc on the front page we are calling REFORMATION, RENEWAL AND REVIVAL. Here we will discover what God is doing in the world through his church. These will be positive stories. There will be no downbeat notes, nothing about sodomy, about venal revisionist bishops, schism, litigation and a dying Episcopal Church. Here we will explore not only what God is doing in the Anglican Communion, but in the wider Christian world. We will seek out those stories that speak of the coming reformation, God's renewing hand and revival wherever it can be found. We will publish stories of genuine ecumenism, of God's Holy Spirit moving "mountains", of churches that flourish in the midst of poverty, Islamic persecution and much more. We will not ignore what God is doing in North America, but we will scour the world in search of missionary men and women pouring out their lives in corners of the globe, unsung heroes planting the imprint of God, advancing His Kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven". If you know of some lay person, priest or bishop, church or missionary program that is working to establish God's coming reign or you see a story that VOL should publish, then please don't hesitate to send it to me: david@virtueonline.org

VOL is also working on new audio stories at the website, interviews with people who are making it happen. We will give you more details as they emerge.

VOL wants to publicly thank all the persons who made the website and digest the success it was in 2007. The four million readers from 150 countries who came to the website should know that its success is also due to my attorney John, webmaster Robert, copy-editor Sherry and the countless people who sent stories, news leads and much more. I want to especially thank Doug for his tireless efforts in sending me stories from around the globe, as well as Jeanne and Ed, and to the columnists who wrote articles, often from pressure that I laid on them. My grateful thanks to all of you. I look forward to working with you all in 2008.

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As we head into the New Year, I hope you will consider a tax-deductible donation to VOL. We urgently need funds for what will be a busy year with travels to Lambeth, Latin America and much more. There is also the daily need to pay the bills, meeting growing staff needs, communication costs, and an active and busy website that draws thousands, seven days a week to read newly posted stories.

VIRTUEONLINE is looking for 100 regular readers to commit themselves to making a financial commitment of $150.00 per month for one full year to keep this ministry on a sound financial basis. 2008 will see major changes and configurations in the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion as the realignment takes shape. If you would be willing to one of those persons please write to me personally at david@virtueonline.org

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All Blessings,

David W. Virtue DD

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