Wednesday, March 21, 2007

House of Bishops Releases Statement

From: The House of Bishops: Message to God's People
March 16-21, 2007

...We represent fifteen sovereign nations, the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, and Micronesia bearing witness to the Gospel of Our Lord and the wonders of Christ's redeeming work in the world. We were reminded of the health and vitality of our Church as our new Presiding Bishop recounted her travels. We have experienced a sense of identity, clarity, and purpose in fulfilling our vocation as bishops. We were blessed by the presence of the Primate and the House of Bishops of the Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico. ...BB NOTE: Make no mistake about it, this is the New And Improved Episcopal Communion. Who needs all those Old Worlders and Third Worlders when one has it's own Global Communion. The message is loud and clear. One wonders if they hung up the flags again as they did at General Convention in Columbus.)

...It is our strong desire to remain within the fellowship of the Anglican Communion. The Primates' Communiqué, however, raises significant concerns.

First among these is what is arguably an unprecedented shift of power toward the Primates, represented, in part, by the proposed "Pastoral Scheme." This proposed plan calls for the appointment of a Primatial Vicar and Pastoral Council for The Episcopal Church whose membership would consist of "up to five members; two nominated by the Primates, two by the Presiding Bishop, and a Primate of a Province of the Anglican Communion nominated by the Archbishop of Canterbury to chair the Council."

We believe this proposal contravenes the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church. Moreover, because it is proposed that this scheme (BB NOTE: The word "scheme" in Britain has a different meaning then it does in America. In Britain it means "plan" and in America it means "plot." It is very interesting that TEC emphasizes the word "scheme" as it rejects it - for the implication is that TEC does see it as a plot and not as a plan - one does wonder if Rowan knows that the word has a completely different meaning in America. We remember having to point this out during Alpha meetings at Holy Trinity Brompton many years ago when the Americans nearly fell out of their chairs hearing HTB folks talk about "schemes" and we finally had to take them aside and ask them, please, use the word "plan" whenever talking to Americans. Looks like KJS forgot to mention this to Rowan) take immediate effect, we were compelled, at this March meeting, to request that the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church decline to participate in this aspect of the Communiqué's requests. Nonetheless, we pledge to continue working to find a way of meeting the pastoral concerns raised by the Primates that are compatible with our own Church's polity and canons (BB NOTE: Which means that SSUs and non-celibate homosexual ordinations will continue - make no mistake about it).

We should note that our recommendation to Executive Council not to participate in the Pastoral Scheme, though not unanimously endorsed by this House, came at the conclusion of long and gracious conversation. (BB NOTE: God forbid anyone spilled the tea and crumpets!)

Finally, we believe that the leaders of the Church must always hold basic human rights and the dignity of every human being as fundamental concerns in our witness for Christ. We were, therefore, concerned that while the Communiqué focuses on homosexuality, it ignores the pressing issues of violence against gay and lesbian people around the world, and the criminalization of homosexual behavior in many nations of the world. (BB NOTE: SLAM Archbishop Akinola. Some much for the MDGs. Game Over.)

The Theology Committee of the House of Bishops was charged with the responsibility of developing a teaching guide for consideration of both the Primates' Communiqué and the proposed draft Covenant for the Anglican Communion. We anticipate this guide will be available by late May for use by bishops and dioceses in preparation for the September meeting of the House of Bishops. BB NOTE: TinFoilHat Alert!

The bishops unanimously affirmed a Mind of the House Resolution inviting the Archbishop of Canterbury and the members of the Primates' Standing Committee to meet, at a time of their choosing, with the House of Bishops. (BB NOTE: Oops, forgot to mention that the House of Bishops, aka TEC, will pay for everyone to fly over and be wined and dined by the TEC bigwigs until they realize that the money card is going to be played bigtime - but oh well, check your pledges.)...

BB NOTE: What did Rowan Williams say today?

"This initial response of the House of Bishops is discouraging and indicates the need for further discussion and clarification. Some important questions have still to be addressed and no one is underestimating the challenges ahead."

Discouraging. Who will he being having further discussion and clarification with? He doesn't say, does he? Nope. "Some important questions have still to be addressed," he says but doesn't say what they are (dwell on that for a while). It's obvious that the worst is yet to come. Not a happy day. But we must say that this letter and the resolutions that accomplany it are far more in line of the general view of the Episocpal Church. It is clear - from the beginning of this document - that they think the Anglican Communion is bluffing and Money Talks, but just in case, they have their own Episcopal Communion and a Legion of Lawyers. And oh, by the way, their hauling and 80+ year old bishop into eccelesiastical trial for ordaining and confirming Christians in an Anglican Church - that is far worse than anything the Bishop of Connecticut or the Bishop of Pennsylvania has done.

Where is the Chai? Time for a cup of chai.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

BB, why are you so obsessed with the actions of a church that you do not belong to? You're a Nigerian now. Shouldn't you be out rounding up homos for your new primate?

Anonymous said...

Not nice!!!!!! You could try to keep a civil tongue in your head.

In case you weren't paying attention, this is about believing the Scriptures to be the Word of God and following them. It has to do with the creeds and the basic faith those who subscribe to them confess.

You obviously have never lost someone/thing you loved. There is a grieving process to go through.

I've been there. I've done this. This is very difficult for those who are just now facing this decision. Instead of insulting, pray for them, the hard, but narrow (read: the one Jesus said few will find) road they are on, and that those who are on the broad path will see where they are and seek that narrow way.
-Anam Cara

Anonymous said...

Why should I respect anyone who wants to round me up and put me in a Nigerian prison, which is really no different than a death sentence?

Shame on you, bb! SHAME! SHAME! Repent and return to the Lord God of Hosts!

Anonymous said...

Why should you respect them? I should think it would be obvious to you. Because they, and you, are children of our God. Whatever happened to respecting the dignity of every human being? (from the ever popular Baptismal Covenant)

The radical inclusion of the church starts as we learn to forgive, pray for, and accept people with whom we seriously disagree, or even, who have meant us harm. I would welcome you to my church though I might not welcome your views. I would welcome Nigerians, though I might not want their laws. To do otherwise ios to set yourself up as judge and God.

Your comments are sad. They only serve to bring dishonor on you. I am sorry you are unable to see things more clearly. But then I guess that goes along with the name ... puzzled.

Kevin said...

Does Christian Love demand the other party be love worthy? What is this love? What does it expect of us? We all seem to talk about it but I'm just not seeing much from any side -- what must an observer looking in think?

The HoB release is the oddest thing, absolutely everyone is claiming victory and everyone seems to lost their sense charity. People counting down for a divorce, others make accusation of what words mean, other joyfully pronouncing judgment, I'm talking ALL sides.

--

When I write, I often am writng to myself as I fail just as much as you, but I'll never be held to account for any of loose words by the blog-mistress or commenters other than mine. Yet still I need these reminders for I fail frequently in conflict and can think of personal situations where these verse apply. There been some real bad mojo in blogosphere the last day or so -- this is hopefully a reminder to all who say they are Christian - they'll know us by our love:


"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [Romans 12:14]."

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [1 Cor 13:7]"

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. [James 3:17&18]"

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Matthew 5:43-48]"

Unknown said...

As of this writing, I am still an Episcopalian. CANA includes Episcopalian refugees, which is what I am.

bb

Anonymous said...

Au contraire. Rebuking one's fellow Christian from sin, and leading them back to God, is an act of Supreme Love, correct? At least, that's what you homophobes keep telling us gays.

Doesn't seem like love when it's directed at you, does it? I hope you hatemongering people have learned something today, but I fear you're too closed-minded to receive the love of Christ.

Kevin said...

"love of Christ"
"homophobes"
"I hope you hatemongering people"

Hmmmm [*stepping back, looking, scratch head*]

You're very strange.

I think you may have trapped yourself in your own emotions. Pity, for in the end you'll only hurt yourself. We were not created to contain such vile as coming out from your keyboard ('out of the keyboard the heart speaks?').

Ah to your post do betray your inter turmoil. Pity, we for those who calm to be free in Christ by open sexual expression seem to be the most trapped.

In the end "Puzzled" we each will be held to account by those verses, and as I read it, it's not a group deal where we can say, 'but he, but she, but they,' for it's 'what did you do with what was given?' Tis the season for self-reflection, maybe you should look into your soul to see if your attitude and love is like that of Christ as well.

Pity you seem to have so much angst in that your keyboard manners are so pejorative. Oh well.

Anonymous said...

So do you not support the killing in all but name of LGBT Christians in Nigeria? Make no mistake, prison in Nigeria is pretty much a guaranteed death sentence.

If you don't support this killing, why haven't you said or done anything about it?

Shameful, disgusting people you are. God will destroy you in his own time.

Unknown said...

Thank God we have Christians in Nigeria who are working hard to see reform and reformation in that land so that it will not follow in the steps of Iran. For those of us who support the One Campaign, we pray for our brothers and sisters in countries where the Islamic extremists seek to compell by force others to follow their religion at gunpoint. We thank God for those who do not flee but stand for the witness of Jesus Christ. It is a privledge to know men and women in Nigeria who are standing firm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and find expression of their love for Jesus within the Anglican Church. They are the William Wilberforces of their own land. Peace be with them - and with us who have our own battles here at home, but enjoy freedom in ways that our brothers and sisters overseas still dream about. May American materialism and cultural gluttony be not what we export abroad, but rather the love of Jesus for His people. Amen.

bb

Anonymous said...

You can't answer a simple question, eh, bb? Do you support the imprisonment and killing of gay men and lesbians in Nigeria? Yes or no?

It's a very simple question. Cmon, give us some of that clarity, girl!

Kevin said...

Puzzled,

First, no one owes you and answer. Isn't that rough, life sucks that way. Basically none of us are truly in control except the LORD. Still thank you for correctly pointing out that I am a miserable sinner who is going to die because of my sin. You speak correctly. As a loathsome insect held over a fire, we live only by God's gracious hand. You might also do well to ask about your state with the Lord.

You do seem filled with angst and hatred for you keep calling people names and seem to think people owe you an answer as if one said "yes" or "no" to you would change anything. Oh well, it's very pleasant outside where I live, so I'm going out to enjoy the gorgeous weather ... peace ...

Anonymous said...

You don't owe me answers, but you owe answers to the gays and lesbians of Nigeria you want to butcher.

I conclude, Kevin and BB, because the killing of gays and lesbians in Nigeria does not seem to horrify you in the slightest, and that you seem to welcome it, that you do in fact support it.

Unknown said...

Okay, who ordered Firewater for Puzzled? We thought we had that locked up during the day. I think it's time to serve milk and cookies. We'll have to check the entertainment tonight as well - so stay tuned. John Cleese, call your office.

bb

Anonymous said...

All right puzzled, I'll bite for once: nobody other than the Muslims of Nigeria (if even they) is advocating the killing of homosexuals for who they are.

They're advocating IMPRISONMENT for inappropriate homosexual acts in public (crossdressing, French-kissing, etc. - if I have it right - which I DO find most repugnant wherever I see it!) - and that's a HUGE difference!!!

The trouble with you homosexual militants is that you want to force your sick, Anti-Christian behaviour down the throats of the rest of us via changing laws (and that often undemocratically by stealth via political parties that we should know better than to vote for!) to attack those of us who're not infected with your actual ILLNESS, shamelessly flaunting yourselves in such events as "Gay-Pride", etc. It's YOU who should be ashamed of yourselves NOT for what you are but for your behaviours!

Submit yourselves to God and He will eventually at least help you deal with it provided you keep your wrong behaviours in check via chastity (how I wish I'd known that a long time ago in another context given my being 'straight'!) - which, other than marriage, is what he calls ALL of us to be if we're to follow Him.

Again, we're not attacking you as people but your behaviours (that's not the same as being put back 'in the closet' or worse - nothing could be further to the truth!) where they cause offence to others!!! Think about it!!!

Anonymous said...

The believers in Nigeria, and that includes Peter Akinola, are not advocating killing homosexual people. They are not advocating imprisoning them, either. ++Akinola address the Muslims saying he was glad they were addressing this problem -- he did not say he agree with the way they were addressing it. Perhaps you do not have a handle even in the smallest bit on what things are like in repressive governments, but being disagreeable to them is not the way to win them over. ++Akinola has stated to the church more clearly what he intended, but I gather you have not read his statements, puzzled person. It would be better to look into the true of a matter before slandering another.

But do you know what I find the saddest about your posts? You see anger against yourself where none is intended. You believe people are phobic of you, when they are not afraid and they think they hate you when they do not hate you. That is sad. You can call us all the names you want to, but it appears you are the one that is hurting.

Peace,
Pat

Eddo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eddo said...

Puzzled, don’t waste your energy (or at least not too much of it) here at the café on your angst about the Nigerian legislation. Those here whom have thrown their hats in the ring with Akinola are between a rock and a hard place. They followed their US leaders to Africa with promises of being the orthodox remnant of a church they have grown to detest (all in the name of Love, by the by). Their little coup isn’t going quite as planned, and now they find themselves party to this grotesque legislation. Oops! They can’t look back (Lot’s wife, you know), and the way forward is so ugly, that they choose to rewrite the script. It’s not Christians doing this, it’s the Muslims…The law isn’t really all that bad; it just says you can’t kiss in public …It’s only to imprison those that flaunt their shamelessness so I don’t have to look at it and be repulsed…It doesn’t legislate murder; that’s just an unfortunate by-product…It’s okay if you are gay, just don’t be gay…I’m really an Episcopal Church refugee, not a member of that African church. (That last one is the best yet.) Your bottom line rings true, though. To coin a phrase, if they’re not for us they are against us. It’s most telling that it is civil society, and not the church, that recognizes the legislation for what it is, and says so. Hang tough, Puzzled. Jesus died and rose for the likes of you and me. They can’t take that away even if they say so.

Anonymous said...

"To coin a phrase, if they're not for us they are against us."

That illustrates perfectly what I was saying about homosexual militants being Communistic (Ljéñin said exactly the same thing) - our way or no way!!

And lest they say 'so was Christ,' the answer is that He Demands absolutely EVERYTHING from us if we truly are to be His followers!! He won't accept any half-measures, anything held back for ourselves - only in this way, when we truly repent and turn away from sin to follow Him and Him ALONE, will He THEN accept us!!

Eddo said...

Dang, I have been called a lot of vile things in my liberal days (used to be a loathsome born again holy roller conservative), but I have never been called a communist. Take it back.

Actually, it wasn't anything Lenin said that I was referring to, but Jesus. Luke 11:23

And as for Jesus making demands? I recall reading something along the lines of "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Kevin said...

Oh dear, I step out for some freash air last Thursday, enjoy a wonderful retreat this weekend (glad it's Monday, I need to rest up it was so much fun), this thread seems to ignored my caution in my first post.

Okay, from the top"

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Kevin said...

Eddo:

You were a "loathsome born again holy roller conservative," that's neat to learn. I'm a recovering ultra-liberal ...

Kevin

Eddo said...

Kevin:

With Jesus my role model I hope one day to be an ultra-liberal myself. Can't seem to achieve the ultra part yet, but I have my hands to the plow.

Kevin said...

Well Eddo, I hope in Christ you are all He made you to be!

Eddo said...

Well Kevin, and I certainly hope he isn't finished!