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2a) http://www.acicanada.ca/news/082004.html Nanaimo pastor dismissed 2b) http://www.acicanada.ca/news/071404.html Vancouver area church dismisses former Anglican Bishop and joins the ACiC 2c) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/na.cgi?nationalupdates/040818dissenting - CANADA: Dissenting Anglicans start new "biblically-based" church ... 3) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ - THE SCHEDULE: 1) final Lambeth (Eames/Communion) Commission plenary meeting September 5-10 in Windsor; 2) Discussion is expected thereafter in England at the October 16-21 meeting of the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council; 3) The full Primates Meeting will then take up the report while convened February 21-26, 2005, in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland; 4) Later, meeting in June 2005 in Nottingham, England, the 100-plus-member Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) will receive the report. Looks like the bureaucrats win again ... (dfms.org)
4a) http://www.anglicansonline.org/news/index.html Statement by the Clergy of St. James Church, Newport Beach, Calif., and All Saints' Church, Long Beach, Calif. (In response to the pastoral letter of the Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, sent on August 18, 2004, to Episcopal Churches in the diocese and posted on the diocesan Web site at www.ladiocese.org/indexentry.htm.) The priests and deacons of St. James Church and All Saints' Church are clergy of the Diocese of Luweero, where they have been received by the Rt. Rev. Evans Kisekka under his ecclesiastical authority. They are now canonically resident in the Diocese of Luweero. They are not clergy of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America or the Diocese of Los Angeles. The Bishop of Los Angeles no longer has ecclesiastical authority over them, nor do the constitution and canons of the Episcopal Church USA or the Diocese of Los Angeles apply to them. The Diocese of Luweero is part of the Anglican Province of Uganda, which headed by the Most. Rev. Henry Orombi, a Primate of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The legal title to St. James Church and the surrounding property is and always has been held by St. James, an independent California non-profit religious corporation formed in 1949. The legal title to All Saints' Church and the surrounding property is and always has been held by All Saints', an independent California non-profit religious corporation formed in 1926. The Diocese of Los Angeles has no claim against any of the property owned by these churches. St. James Church, a biblically orthodox church since 1949, affirms its membership in the Anglican Communion and will no longer be affiliated with the Episcopal Church USA or the Diocese of Los Angeles. St. James is now under the jurisdiction oversight of the Anglican Province of Uganda in the Diocese of Luweero, which is a member of the mainstream of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The members of St. James have remained steadfast and loyal in their commitment to the Holy Scripture, the historic teachings of Christianity and the Anglican Communion for 55 years. However, the Episcopal Church USA has chosen a path that no longer reflects the membership's steadfast faith. "St. James is a biblically orthodox church that accepts Jesus Christ as the One and Only Lord and Savior, and acknowledges the authority of the Holy Scripture as the Word of God," said Senior Warden Jim Dale. "Our devotion is to God, not a particular institution. When an institution no longer represents our understanding of God's Word and His Will, we must have the courage and faith to stand by our convictions." The members and vestry of St. James made this decision with the support of The Rev. Praveen Bunyan, reflecting the desire of the church to stand firm on its religious convictions. "We at St. James have prayed and struggled with this decision for many years," said Rev. Bunyan, the rector of St. James Church. "It is after much deliberation that we came to this conclusion, but it is our only recourse if we are to stay true to the historic faith and teachings of the church. "St. James worked very hard for many years to reconcile our differences with the Episcopal Church USA and the Diocese of Los Angeles, both in our own hearts and through extensive dialogue. However, that effort has brought no comfort to ease our pain. "The members of St. James wish to move beyond this issue, so we can concentrate on our core mission: To glorify God, uphold the Holy Scripture, raise our children to love and serve Jesus Christ and share the Gospel with the world," concluded Rev. Bunyan. The worldwide Anglican Communion has churches in 164 countries with about 77 million members. The Episcopal Church USA represents 2.5 million members both here and abroad, which is only three percent of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Province of Uganda represents eight million Anglicans, more than three times the membership in the entire Episcopal Church USA. St. James has a close and longstanding relationship with the Province of Uganda and the Diocese of Luweero, where many of its missionaries have served. St. James will continue to hold worship services in the same location where it was incorporated in 1949 and carry on with its usual programs and activities. St. James is a self-supported, growing church with more than 1,200 members. END
4b) http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/politics/9441219.htm The 12-member boards of directors, or vestries, of both parishes voted unanimously to break with the Anglican Communion. Parishioners backed their vestries' decisions in overwhelming votes Monday night( ) Father Praveen Bunyan, rector of St. James Church in Newport Beach, and the Rev. William Thompson of All Saints Church in Long Beach released a statement Wednesday stating that Bruno "no longer has ecclesiastical authority" over their parishes. Janet Kawamoto, media director for the diocese, said it was unlikely that Bruno would immediately force the issue by sending other priests to serve at Sunday services. "I think he doesn't want to be that confrontational," she said.
4c) http://www.americananglican.org/News/News.cfm?ID=1117&c=21
http://www.virtuosityonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1214 A Pastoral Letter from the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of Los Angeles
This letter shall be read at every service in all churches of this diocese and made available to all members of our congregations this Sunday, August 22, 2004.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. You may already have heard that two congregations in this Diocese, St. James' Episcopal Church in Newport Beach and All Saints' Episcopal Church in Long Beach, have informed me of the decisions made by their rectors, wardens and vestries to leave the Episcopal Church and to join the Diocese of Luwero in the Anglican Province of Uganda, and that clergy of these churches were now under the bishop of that diocese( )The Reverends Praveen Bunyan, William Thompson and Richard Menees, priests, and the Rev. Kathleen Adams, deacon, all of whom are clergy of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America and canonically resident in this Diocese, have therefore abandoned the communion of this Church. I temporarily inhibited these clergy immediately and requested that the two rectors of the congregations meet with me to rescind their decision. They refused this invitation. Subsequently, I called for an emergency meeting of the Standing Committee and, in accordance with the canons of this church, the Standing Committee has informed me in writing that there is sufficient evidence that these clergy have abandoned the communion and I have responded by inhibiting them from the exercise of the ordained ministry. Should they wish to return to the communion of this Church during this period, a process of restoration will take place. Should they not change their minds, they will be deposed. My sincere hope for these clergy and vestries is that they will reconsider their decision and return to full communion with me, the Episcopal Church and indeed with the Anglican Communion( ) The fact that a bishop from another autonomous church within the Anglican Communion has chosen to exercise oversight in this diocese flies in the face of our ethos as Anglicans and of the catholic unity of the Church. It is a clear statement that the Diocese of Luwero and its Bishop and the Province of Uganda and its Primate have broken with the established historic authority of the Anglican Communion( ) It is both my pastoral and fiduciary responsibility as your Bishop, in concert with the Standing Committee, to protect and preserve the properties of these congregations as part of the Diocese of Los Angeles. The consecrated buildings of each of our congregations rightfully belong to the Episcopal Church in this Diocese and in the USA. I also have a pastoral responsibility to all those of Christ's flock entrusted to my care and am developing plans for the pastoral care of those members of our Church in these congregations who seek to maintain their loyalty to this Church( ) [Letter from the rector and senior warden of St. James Church, Newport Beach] This is to inform you that the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of St. James Parish in Newport Beach, California by vote of its vestry and members has disassociated itself from the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Diocese of Los Angeles, and has aligned itself with the Diocese of Luweero, Anglican Province of Uganda. The Rt. Rev. Evans M. Kisekka of the Diocese of Luweero had also accepted Rev. Praveen Bunyan, Rev. Richard A. Menees, and Deacon Kathleen Adams under his ecclesiastical authority. We have delivered this letter to you personally in order to honor you by having you learn of these actions from us instead of from any other source.
[Signed by] Praveen Bunyan, Rector, St. James Church
This is to inform you that the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of All Saints Church in Long Beach, California by vote of its vestry and members have disassociated itself from the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Diocese of Los Angeles, and has aligned itself with the Diocese of Luweero, Anglican Province of Uganda. The Rt. Rev. Evans M. Kisekka of the Diocese of Luweero had also accepted Fr. William A. Thompson under his ecclesiastical authority. We have delivered this letter to you personally in order to honor you by having you learn of these actions from us instead of from any other source.
[Signed by] Fr. William A. Thompson, Rector, All Saints Church
4d) http://dfms.org/3577_48782_ENG_HTM.htm?menu=undefined [Episcopal News Service] Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles has temporarily inhibited four clergy serving the two Southern California parishes that announced their intention August 17 to leave the Episcopal Church and join the Diocese of Luweero in the Anglican Province of Uganda( ) Bruno said he had also written a letter of protest to Bishop Evans Mukasa Kisekka of Luwero, with a copy to Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, the primate of the Province of Uganda. 5) http://www.anglican.tk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=613 DIOCESE OF CALGARY post-General Synod 2004 ReportThe Diocese of Calgary "Sower" ran reactions from the nine delegates whom they sent to GS 2004, which can be found at: http://www.calgary.anglican.ca/Sower/SowerJun04.pdf Some of the attendees found the proceedings disturbing. Here are some excerpts of what people reported learning:------------ Delegate 3: I learned that the theologically conservative, evangelical/charismatic people in the Anglican Church of Canada, do tend to be viewed with something very close to suspicion and even hostility as "fundamentalist", "homophobic" and "narrow-minded". Delegate 4: The incessant pressure that our culture places on young people to be sexually active, and to experiment with their sexuality, has damaged many emotionally, physically and spiritually. If the church does not protect our young, by lovingly communicating the biblical call to purity and holiness of living where else will they hear of such things? As a member of the last two General Synods, I have been struck by the fact that what appears to be wealthy, urban elite is promoting an activist agenda, an agenda that has little patience for the voice of "grass roots" members of our Anglican church and of the wider Communion. Delegate 6: Yet when voice upon voice upon voice spoke warning us that these things were not possible because of their understanding of the doctrine of our Church, the voices were ignored. Those who called most for inclusivity in the end excluded many people by their decision. -------------- One delegate found the proceedings very progressive and regretted the negative comments: -Delegate 2: --------------
So, were the "grassroots" guys heard? Apparently not. Delegate 2 has been appointed by the bishop to "shepherd a plan and process for respectful dialogue concerning these issues." When you look at their plans, this basically means "meet with +New Westminster, learn from his successes and mistakes, and try to do it better in Calgary.
6) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ Christianity Today, September 2004
What God Hath Not Joined Our radically confused society is debating the meaning of marriage with increasing intensity. That question leads to a host of other issues-especially the boundaries of sexual behavior and the nature of procreation. No one is untouched by this debate( ) But for the defense of marriage in both civil society and church, Christians must look to-and guard-the deep theological foundations of marriage. Theological foundations are indeed under attack. On June 3, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, while deferring the decision to bless same-sex unions in formal ceremonies, declared that longstanding homoerotic relationships were already sanctified. Even while questioning whether this issue touches on core doctrine, the Synod employed a theological term (sanctity) to "support" its gay and lesbian members. Such confusing events lead the faithful to ask: What is the connection between the same-sex debate and doctrine? Can those who desire the "sanctity of marriage" rightly find it for same-sex relationships? Can same-sex unions truly be blessed in the churches?( )
7) www.cyberus.ca/~arm/lti.htm Anglican Renewal Ministries (ARM) organizes Leadership Training Institutes (LTI's) for clergy and lay leaders of the Anglican Church.
These programs are open to other Christian Ministers and lay leaders. The clergy LTI is a five-day intensive, residential training event with teaching, small group sharing, worship and ministry to release the gifts of leadership given by the Holy Spirit. Each Institute has a limited number of participants. The residential lay leaders LTI's use the same format but are usually held on a four-day weekend and cover much of the material presented in the Clergy LTI. The following topics are covered at Clergy LTI's: God's call to move from a "maintenance" to a "mission" mentality The biblical principles of leadership The development of a Godly vision for the local community The dynamics of leading a parish into renewal Styles of leadership and congregational development Equipping disciples Infilling and empowering of the Holy Spirit. The goal of ARM leadership training is to equip Christian leaders so that clergy and lay leaders become teams to prayerfully lead parishes into renewal and grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The leaders of these LTI's include Bishops Malcolm Harding, Eddie Marsh and Leonard Whitten. The 5-day clergy event will be of special interest to ministers who have just begun or about to begin ALPHA courses. The cost of these LTI's varies with the costs of the residential location, but includes all costs during the time in residence. LTI's will be held at the following places in late 2004:
FOR CLERGY:
FOR LAY PERSONS: ARM will also work with parishes or groups of parishes to present shorter, local leadership events over a weekend using parish facilities with ARM providing a leader. Please call the ARM Office for registration and other information about these training events. 1-866-627-1276 arm@cyberus.ca www.cyberus.ca/~arm
Roger Spack, ARM Board, and LTI Administrator, 514-684-4356
8) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/
News from the Tennessee Valley Religion A Sunday morning service at St. Andrew's Anglican Mission was a fluid mix of traditions, ancient and contemporary. But when it came time for the sermon, worshippers got the straight-up gospel( ) Based in Pawley's Island, S.C., AMiA has about 70 churches across the United States, including St. Andrew's and two congregations in Birmingham, said Jay Greener, communications officer. AMiA is gaining acceptance among Anglicans, especially in Africa, Asia and South America, he said( )
9) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ Archbishop Joseph Marona (Sudan): Our Situation in the Anglican Communion Province of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan: Our Situation In The Anglican Communion The Anglican Communion has become a laughing stock through e-mails, in the newspapers, on the BBC and on the lips of million of people all over the world. As an Anglican, I feel this is one of the darkest times in human history. We are living in hope that we can turn the tide and save the Kingdom of God and all humanity if we can hold firm to the truth of the word of God. The recent terrible news about homosexuality has undermined our strong Anglican Communion, its firmness of faith, joy and hope and commitment to the plain meaning of God's word for us. But I am so grateful to know that God and His word never change. God is Yesterday, Today and Forever( ) Our Father in Heaven is deeply grieved at the news about homosexuality, which is breaking throughout the Anglican Communion. This issue is not for negotiation. There is no middle ground because we are struggling against evil. Homosexuality is sin - the Bible says so. We all sin in thought, word and deed and can be forgiven if sins are confessed. But homosexuality is an abomination - it is unacceptable to God( ) We in the Sudan can only share the principle distress of the Primates of the Global South as I was among them who expressed themselves so strongly against the election and consecration of gay Bishop Robin[son]. We in Sudan felt that it had betrayed the faith. We felt that we were in a place that was not following scriptura1 teaching any more. We condemned the consecration. Those who participated in the consecration are considered among the violators of the teaching of the Holy Bible and therefore they become dissociated with Jesus' Church he bought with his own precious blood.
10) http://www.forsuchatime.ca/conference/schedule.html Excerpt: " the Conference's keynote speakers will include Archbishop Greg Venables (Primate of the Southern Cone), Bishop Bob Duncan (Moderator, Anglican Communion Network), Bishop Wallace Benn (Steering Committee, Anglican Mainstream UK), Dr. Bill Atwood (General Secretary, Ekklesia), Reverend George Sinclair (Chairman, Essentials Council), Reverend Charlie Masters (National Director, Essentials Council) and others..." To read the full purpose statement, click on http://www.forsuchatime.ca/conference/statement_purpose.html
11) http://www.anglicansonline.org/news/index.html Dr Carey is to confirm several hundred adults and children from 11 conservative parishes in Virginia( )
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