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1a) http://www.acl.asn.au/ (Anglican Church League Australia) Sunday 3rd September 2006 "Conservative Anglicans prepare to celebrate their 'common cause' ""While one group of conservative Anglicans continues to work for change within the Canadian church, another group continues to function under the authority of Anglican archbishops from overseas - one of whom will visit the Vancouver area next month. But both groups agree that they are united by a 'common cause', which they will celebrate at a special meeting in North Vancouver September 8..."
1b) http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/ (Anglican Mainstream International, UK) Archbishop Yong Ping Chung to exercise episcopal ministry in Canada Friday September 01st 2006, 6:59 am Filed under: Uncategorized Link to: this post WHILE one group of conservative Anglicans continues to work for change within the Canadian church, another group continues to function under the authority of Anglican archbishops from overseas - one of whom will visit the Vancouver area next month. But both groups agree that they are united by a "common cause", which they will celebrate at a special meeting in North Vancouver September 8. Archbishop Yong Ping Chung, the retired Primate of South East Asia, is coming to Canada to install Ken Bell as the new rector for St. Timothy's, a church that meets at a recreation centre in North Vancouver. He will also help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Richmond Emmanuel, a primarily Chinese-language congregation. To read more, click on http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/na.cgi?nationalupdates/060824anglican
2a) http://www3.telus.net/st_simons Foreword by the Rev. Dr. J.I. Packer to Battle for the Soul of Canada
What my friend Ed Hird has written in the pages that follow is a forthright tract for the times. Ed is a bible-believer, a converted Christian, an Anglican clergyman, a charismatic, a sufferer, a soldier of Christ, a man of God, a shepherd of souls and a nurturer of vocations, a visionary, a pioneer, a Canadian patriot, a journalist and lively author. These notes on leadership, as Paul's letter to Timothy profile it, come hot out of his heart. He sees the hope of God's church in Canada as rooted in the finding and forming of Timothys who, like their namesake, will become leaders under the authority of Jesus Christ and the apostolic Scriptures for the gathering, guiding and guarding of the faithful. He appears as just such a Timothy himself, as his battling for the gospel in a ruinously off-course segment of the Anglican Church of Canada has fully shown. His book is a real page-turner, hard to put down once you have gotten into it.
To be sure, it will not please everybody. Over and above the revisionists who maraud in the ACC like the great white shark in Jaws, there are still many who have no sense that the church is currently at risk from the deadening effect of the liberalism that for two generations has been the Canadian Anglican stock-in-trade, and who cannot see that the pan-Anglican furore that has sprung up from a dire policy decision in the New Westminster diocese has anything to do with them. For such people, Anglicanism means being nice to everybody during the week, being regular at church on Sunday, backing the rector and the bishop in whatever they favour and direct, and nothing more. Questions of doctrine, true or false, and of biblical faithfulness, maintained or abandoned, they see as none of their business, and so they leave them to the professionals. Anglicans were like that in the England of my youth, and seem largely so still in the Canada of which I am now part. Not all who adhere to the Anglican church system, therefore, can be expected to warm to Ed Hird's passionate pleas.
As an evangelical clergyman in the Church of England, I and many like me were constantly told by our Free Church opposite numbers that our church was too dead and corrupt for honest ministers to be part of. Our regular reply was that we valued our heritage (the 39 Articles, the Book of Common Prayer, and the track record of pastoral idealism and recurring revivals); we were working for reform and renewal of life at every level, raising our voices to challenge and counter doctrinal drift, and to evangelize and nurture the needy; and so we would continue till the institution either denied the gospel, legislating in a way that undercut and destroyed our credibility, or threw us out. When I became a Canadian, I no more expected either outcome in the ACC than I had done in the C of E. However, it happened. The same diocese in which Ed and I served, New Westminster, resolved to class same-sex unions with holy matrimony and bless them accordingly. As 1 Corinthians 6 makes clear, that means negating one main strand of the apostolic doctrine of sin and the gospel requirement of repentance and the sanctifying ministry of the Holy Spirit, and so pulling the rug from under true pastoral care of the homosexually inclined. Ed and I were among hundreds that walked out of synod, declaring ourselves out of communion with it and the bishop by reason of this decision. And since then, Ed and his congregation have been forced out of their premises, so that now they meet in a school. Readers need to remember that this is the life-situation -the sitz im leben, as scholars would call it - out of which this book has come.
When Beethoven, after several years of compositional struggle, finally produced his Mass in D (Missa Sollenis), he had printed at the head of the score "From the heart it comes. To the heart may it go." That is my wish, and indeed my prayer, for Ed's spiritual wake-up-call which it is my pleasure now to commend to the alert Canadian Christian public.
Dr. J.I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College; prolific author, including Knowing God: recently named by TIME magazine as among the 25 most influential evangelicals in America.
2b) http://www3.telus.net/st_simons The 'Battle for the Soul of Canada' book has gone into production phase, and will be out by Mid-November 2006. The price will be $15.00, plus shipping and handling. ($3.50 S&H only applies within Canada). The first printing will be 1,000 copies.
There is a special pre-publishing discount for those who pre-order the book before it is published. To pre-order, just send a check addressed to "Ed Hird" for $11.50 (Can), plus shipping and handling ($3.50 in Canada). By surface to the USA, the total cost is $17.15 USD (by air, $18.28 USD). The mailing address is #1008-555 West 28th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7N 2J7, Canada. Checks can only be accepted from USA, England and Canada. All others need to send bank drafts.
2c) More Endorsements by Christian Leaders of Battle for the Soul of Canada
i) Dear Ed,
I hope this reaches you in time - your book is sound - excellent -courageous - and magnificent! Well done! Blessings, Alistair "Our Canadian church culture has all but neutralized the supernatural life-giving, life-saving power of God. But take heart, a new day has dawned, and Ed Hird has served notice in this book that the Timothys of the hour have awakened and now are rising into their destiny. Canada is poised to reach the nations for Jesus Christ ! Only read this book if you want to be part of this call - if you want to be encouraged, challenged, strengthened with vision and purpose for a time such as this."
Rev. Dr. Alistair P. Petrie Pastor, Author, and Executive Director of Partnership Ministries, Canada . www.partnershipministries.org
ii) "With his life and his writing, Rev. Ed Hird demonstrates clearly how to battle evil by living an alternative lifestyle of justice, love and humility. In his focused effort to encourage all of us to "raise of Timothy's", Rev. Hird has brought forward the lives of many who demonstrate with their lives, as well as with their words, what it means to struggle for justice and the Godly way of living for which we are created. Each of the vignettes in Rev. Ed's book call us forward to be a Timothy in our towns and cities and to live in a way that calls others to be the same. I commend this book to all who want to make a difference in their generation for justice, love, and humility before God."
Elsie Quick, Executive Director, Partners in Hope, Vancouver, BC http://www.partnersinhoperecovery.com/
iii) "Ed Hird has written a delightful blend of positive personal testimony, redeemed Canadian history and practical pastoral exhortation structured around the apostle Paul's letters to Timothy. If you need encouragement concerning the future of the church in Canada, this would be a good book to read. But be prepared to be challenged to be part of the battle for the soul of Canada."
Rainer Mittelstaedt, Pastor, Bethel International Church, Vancouver
iv) "Battle for the Soul of Canada is a great reflection of author Ed Hird. From start to finish it is filled with Canadian Spiritual lore and challenging applications. As a columnist Ed never seems to tire of treating his readers to fresh perspectives on historical figures and local, even family heroes. As an author he tackles Timothy with that same freshness, cleverly allowing us to see some of Paul's intention with his young protégé. In an age when our country needs young men to gain fresh insight and passion about and for our nation this new work makes a timely entrance."
Lawrence Rae, Senior Pastor, Point Grey Community Church, Vancouver, BC 3a) http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/ (Anglican Mainstream International) http://www.narth.com/docs/shutdown.html from Social/Political News, NARTH Gay Activists Seek To Shut Down Pro-Family Web Sites August 1, 2006 - The clash between religion/free speech and gay activism in Canada is heating up as gays seek to shut down three pro-family web sites that publish materials critical of homosexual behaviors.
The legal battle has pitted Dr. Darren Lund of the University of Calgary and other gay activists against three web sites: concernedchristians.ca , freetospeak.ca and freedomradionetwork.ca.
Dr. Lund filed a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission against Concerned Christians of Canada for publishing a letter denouncing the homosexual agenda. In addition, Lund and associates attempted to have the three web sites shut down.
The Alberta Human Rights Commission dismissed the case against the three web sites, but Lund then filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. It is currently pending.
According to Craig Chandler, who runs the Freedom Radio Network, these complaints have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. He estimates that by the time the two cases are completed, it will have cost $250,000 in legal fees. According to Chandler, "The thing about a Human Rights Commission complaint is that it doesn't matter if it's right or wrong, you still have to foot the bill. If I want to get our money back, I have to take them to civil court."
Chandler disputes the notion that the materials on his website are anti-gay. "Sometimes the truth hurts... That's exactly our perspective on it. The gay and lesbian community, homosexual activists, they don't want anything but complete silence to any disagreement to their views on the issue.
"This is becoming the biggest battle in Canada's history for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Freedom of the press is gone.
"Our freedoms are being taken away very quickly. This may end up with one or more another of us in jail, because I won't pay the fine. If that's what it takes, I'm willing to go behind bars."
3b) http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/?p=654 Ex-Gay fellowship welcomes Archbishop of Canterbury's interview Wednesday August 30th 2006, 6:00 am Open Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury:
August 29, 2006
Dear Archbishop Williams:
Greetings in Christ! We applaud your recent interview with a Dutch journalist, to whom you said that while the Church welcomes homosexual persons, they are called to align their behaviour with the mind of Christ.
We represent a group of Canadian Anglicans who were once sexually active with members of the same sex or who have struggled with exclusively same-sex attractions. Some of us are now celibate by choice; some of us are now in heterosexual marriages.
We agree wholeheartedly that inclusion should not be treated as a value in itself. Far from experiencing your recent statement as a "betrayal," as one British politician is reported to have characterized it, we endorse the reassertion of the Church's traditional teaching against homosexual acts. When our spiritual leaders water down the life-giving gospel message of repentance and forgiveness, that, we believe, is the true betrayal.
We look to the Church for pastoral care and moral direction, subject to the authority of Scripture, which would empower us in the ordering of our relationships (as stated in Lambeth Resolution 1.10). We yearn to hear our Church boldly preach the gospel message of transformation and discipleship.
We are thankful that you have affirmed your duty to "guard the faith and teaching of the Church." Please be assured of our ongoing prayers for you and the Anglican Communion as you continue to lead us.
Yours very truly, in Christ Jesus,
Rev'd Dawn McDonald (Diocese of Yukon) Rev'd Don Alcock (Diocese of Huron) Daryle Duke (Diocese of Rupert's Land) Carole Simms (Diocese of Toronto) André Rocheleau (Diocese of Quebec) on behalf of The Zacchaeus Fellowship
Brochure (http://www.zacchaeus.ca/resources/who%20we%20are%20brochure.pdf )
cc: Global Primates Archbishop T. Buckle, The Zacchaeus Fellowship Chaplain
3c) http://votemarriagecanada.ca/ Vote Marriage Canada Labor Day 2006 DEADLINE FOR ACTION! NOW is the Time!
CONTACT YOUR MP -We Need Your Help If you have not yet done what you had good intentions of doing, NOW IS THE TIME. In June 2005, the Parliament of Canada gave legal recognition to gay marriage after a process that failed to give the issue a full and fair hearing and debate.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that he will ask the House of Commons to vote this autumn on whether or not to reopen the issue of "so-called" gay marriage in Parliament.
THIS WEEK, let your Member of Parliament know your concerns about "so-called" gay marriage. Don't give your MP the excuse to say that no one raised this issue.
And ask your MP to vote "Yes" to re-open the question of "so called" gay marriage.
For your Step By Step Instruction Guide on "How to Contact Your MP" in both languages, go here www.votemarriagecanada.ca
Join Us in This Effort The very future of Canada, the future we will pass on to our children, grandchildren and generations to come, depends in large measure on protecting and preserving traditional marriage.
The reason is simple. Throughout human history and across societies and cultures, marriage between a man and a woman has been the fundamental and essential foundation of strong families. Strong families have always been the foundation of all healthy and successful societies. Anything that undermines our families threatens our future.
*tips on what to say to Your Member of Parliament: http://votemarriagecanada.ca/Making%20the%20case%20for%20marriage%20-%20July%2006.pdf
4) http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4652 Posted by David Virtue on 2006/9/4 10:40:00 WYOMING: Starting anew By KATHLEEN ST. JOHN Star-Tribune staff writer , 2/9/2006 The "culture wars" have raged for years now, but nowhere is the schism more apparent than in the Episcopal Church.
When the Episcopal House of Bishops elected an openly gay bishop in 2003, it had a polarizing effect within the church. Now a new group, the Anglican Mission in America, is building congregations across the nation that reach out to disaffected Episcopalians.
The Rev. Tom Johnson, pastor of the newly formed Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Casper and Glenrock, is hoping to bring a measure of healing to Wyoming's lost Episcopalians next weekend when Casper hosts The Greater Wyoming Regional Anglican Conference.
The conference begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Ross Memorial Chapel at 801 S. Wolcott St., and features guests from Colorado and South Dakota speaking about the Anglican Mission in America.
"For people who felt that their church has left them behind and still want to remain Anglican, this is a great option for them," Johnson said.
The Episcopal Church is the primary American member of the Worldwide Anglican Communion, the network of churches united by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England. The Anglican Mission in America has 'splintered off' the Episcopal Church, but still remains under the purview of the Anglican Communion.
"The Episcopal Church has been getting more and more liberal," said Johnson, who left St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Casper after eight years to form the Anglican Church of the Resurrection.
"It was really difficult for us when we left the Episcopal Church," he said. "There were some things we couldn't reconcile with our conscience anymore."
Johnson's new church, the Anglican Church of the Resurrection, meets in Casper and Glenrock and has 185 members.
"What we're really doing is not so much making something separate -- it just gives people options in their faith ... This gives them a place to grieve and a place to go."
Next Saturday's conference is open to the public.
For more information or to register, call 277-3071.
Staff writer Kathleen St. John can be reached at 266-0586 or Kathleen.Stjohn@casperstartribune.net
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/5289336.stm China 'frees' underground bishop
China has reportedly released a bishop jailed for more than 10 years for being a member of the underground Roman Catholic Church, loyal to the Vatican. A US-based group, the Cardinal Kung Foundation, which monitors allegations of religious oppression in China, said Bishop An Shuxin was freed this week.
Bishop An was arrested in 1996, while working in Hebei province.
China does not recognise the Pope's authority, insisting that all Chinese Catholics belong to a state-run church.
Hidden millions The Chinese Church was established in the 1950s, after Beijing and the Vatican broke off diplomatic relations.
It is believed to have several million followers, but the BBC Dan Griffiths in Beijing says it is thought that millions more belong to the underground Church.
We hope that this release is not an isolated case, but rather the beginning of the release of many dozens of other Roman Catholic bishops, priests and faithful currently being jailed by the Chinese authorities across China
Cardinal Kung Foundation Religion has flourished in China since economic reforms began more than 30 years ago, our correspondent says, but the government still exerts tight control over all religious activity in China, fearing any challenge to its authority.
In the past, many other followers of the underground Catholic Church have also received lengthy prison sentences.
And many Buddhist monks and nuns have been jailed for their loyalty to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
According to the Kung Foundation, despite his release Bishop An remains under surveillance. The organisation said that six other Roman Catholic bishops remain in prison in China.
"We hope that this release is not an isolated case, but rather the beginning of the release of many dozens of other Roman Catholic bishops, priests and faithful currently being jailed by the Chinese authorities across China," the Cardinal Kung Foundation said in its statement.
(Don't miss out on this exciting new way to invite your friends online to Alpha) Alpha Canada National Initiative 2006: "Is There More to Life Than This?" A few pointers when inviting friends to Alpha using the E-vite. STEP 1 helps you find where courses are running in a particular area and select one to show in the E-vite. STEP 2 allows you to edit the E-vite to include a short, personal note along with your name and email address. Your email address is now included at the bottom of the E-vite along with your name. STEP 3 provides space for you to invite up to 10 people to a particular course. To see what the invite will look like when your friends receive it simply send one of the 10 E-vites to your own email address. Many people are now searching the Alpha Canada website to find a course in their area or to find a course they can invite a friend to. Courses registered showing a start date of September 1 or later can be found on the website. If you have not yet registered your course, or your fall start date, now is a great time to do so. Simply click here www.alphacanada.org to go to the Register Your Course page or look under Running the Course http://www.alphacanada.org/engine.cfm/page/4
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