Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Responses to CofE Synod Women Bishops Vote
The response to the Church of England Synod approving women bishops without adequate provision for objectors has only begun. I’m sad to say we can expect a flood of Anglo-Catholics going to Rome although I hope they will stay Anglican somehow.
The most consequential responses I’ve seen so far are from Forward in Faith UK. Their initial response last night is a model of being terse and to the point:
Forward in Faith and the Catholic Group in General Synod note with regret that, despite the clear advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Exeter and other Bishops, the Prolocutor of the Province of Canterbury and the Chairman of the House of Laity and the obvious lack of consensus, the General Synod today resolved to make no meaningful provision for those in conscience unable to receive the ministry of women bishops.
There must now be a period of prayerful reflection. However, members of both the General Synod and of the Church of England will understand that actions always have consequences.
Having slept on it, they added this morning:
The consistent behaviour of the General Synod compels Forward in Faith and the Catholic Group in General Synod to recognise that, without intervention by the House of Bishops, there is little prospect of gaining a synodical majority which would provide a structural solution that would meet the needs of those who, out of obedience to scripture and tradition, are unable in conscience to receive the ordination of women to the episcopate. We will in the coming days continue to explore all possible avenues which might secure our corporate ecclesial future and look to our bishops to facilitate this.
The Vatican has expressed its regret. But why do I think they are eagerly anticipating more Anglo-Catholics crossing the Tiber?
The most on-target response I’ve seen so far comes from an Aussie evangelical of all people, David Ould:
The talk of being inclusive and generous is just that. Talk. In reality there is no desire to [be] anything like inclusive and generous. And, since we've been noting it regularly, do also be aware that the promise made to Synod in the 90's during the debate on the ordination of women to the priesthood that there would always be legal safeguards for dissenters has been knowingly abandoned. This is beyond a lack of charitable spirit - this is a knowing and deliberate breach of trust.
The most interesting response comes from someone very much affected by Synod’s decision, The Ugley Vicar.
All of us should respond by praying for those distressed by Synod’s act.
-----
MORE: Andrew Carey is also on target.
The most consequential responses I’ve seen so far are from Forward in Faith UK. Their initial response last night is a model of being terse and to the point:
Forward in Faith and the Catholic Group in General Synod note with regret that, despite the clear advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Durham, the Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of Exeter and other Bishops, the Prolocutor of the Province of Canterbury and the Chairman of the House of Laity and the obvious lack of consensus, the General Synod today resolved to make no meaningful provision for those in conscience unable to receive the ministry of women bishops.
There must now be a period of prayerful reflection. However, members of both the General Synod and of the Church of England will understand that actions always have consequences.
Having slept on it, they added this morning:
The consistent behaviour of the General Synod compels Forward in Faith and the Catholic Group in General Synod to recognise that, without intervention by the House of Bishops, there is little prospect of gaining a synodical majority which would provide a structural solution that would meet the needs of those who, out of obedience to scripture and tradition, are unable in conscience to receive the ordination of women to the episcopate. We will in the coming days continue to explore all possible avenues which might secure our corporate ecclesial future and look to our bishops to facilitate this.
The Vatican has expressed its regret. But why do I think they are eagerly anticipating more Anglo-Catholics crossing the Tiber?
The most on-target response I’ve seen so far comes from an Aussie evangelical of all people, David Ould:
The talk of being inclusive and generous is just that. Talk. In reality there is no desire to [be] anything like inclusive and generous. And, since we've been noting it regularly, do also be aware that the promise made to Synod in the 90's during the debate on the ordination of women to the priesthood that there would always be legal safeguards for dissenters has been knowingly abandoned. This is beyond a lack of charitable spirit - this is a knowing and deliberate breach of trust.
The most interesting response comes from someone very much affected by Synod’s decision, The Ugley Vicar.
All of us should respond by praying for those distressed by Synod’s act.
-----
MORE: Andrew Carey is also on target.
Labels: Anglo-Catholicism, Church of England, Women's Ordination
Monday, July 07, 2008
BREAKING: CofE Synod on Women Bishops – “It’s all over”
As Ruth Gledhill is live-blogging, three key amendments to provide structural provisions for objectors to women bishops have all gone down to defeat, prompting one Anglo-Catholic to tell her, “It’s all over.”
Jonathan Baker, Principal of Pusey House, argued for one of the amendments in what I’m sure was his temperate but clear voice:
Rev. Jonathan Baker, Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, and a member of the legislative drafting group, supported the Bishop of Exeter's amendment. He said the only thing that offered a way forward for him with integrity was to do more work along the lines of a diocesan solution. 'We need to have bishops who those of us who need to can look to with conviction and assurance but still play our full part in the Church of England.' He wanted to be in a church where he could continue to play his part in 'nurturing the vocation' of young men who had difficulty with the ordination of women. A church in danger of losing its memory was a 'sad church to belong to'. This amendment was the way to ensure that people like him could be not just part of the memory of the CofE, but 'part of its present and part of its future.'
But his plea was of no avail.
And now a “crucial” amendment to provide “Super-Bishops” has narrowly failed.
Unless there a dramatic last minute shift, the Church of England is willfully shoving off its Anglo-Catholics. This is a sad day for Anglicanism.
-----
UPDATE: Women bishops without structural provisions for objectors did indeed pass, but not without heroic opposition:
Stephen Venner, Bishop of Dover, said: 'I have to say that for the first time in my life I feel ashamed. We have talked for hours about wanting to give an honourable place for those who disagreed. We have turned down almost every opportunity for those opposed to flourish. And we still talk the talk of being inclusive and generous. The Rochester report said in many many pages that there were a variety of ways in which scripture and reason could be read with integrity. It argued over and over again that it is possible to be a loyal member of the CofE and [accept] some legal safeguards for those who oppose the ordination of women. It is not just those who are opposed to the ordination of women who find the motion we have at the moment difficult. I do. Where is the CofE about which we have spoken today? Is this CofE to which we have come to in this vote the CofE at its best? I have to say I doubt it. Is this the CofE to which I thought I belonged? I have to say with huge sadness, I doubt it.'
Massive applause. Venner sitting in chair, weeping.
Jonathan Baker, Principal of Pusey House, argued for one of the amendments in what I’m sure was his temperate but clear voice:
Rev. Jonathan Baker, Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, and a member of the legislative drafting group, supported the Bishop of Exeter's amendment. He said the only thing that offered a way forward for him with integrity was to do more work along the lines of a diocesan solution. 'We need to have bishops who those of us who need to can look to with conviction and assurance but still play our full part in the Church of England.' He wanted to be in a church where he could continue to play his part in 'nurturing the vocation' of young men who had difficulty with the ordination of women. A church in danger of losing its memory was a 'sad church to belong to'. This amendment was the way to ensure that people like him could be not just part of the memory of the CofE, but 'part of its present and part of its future.'
But his plea was of no avail.
And now a “crucial” amendment to provide “Super-Bishops” has narrowly failed.
Unless there a dramatic last minute shift, the Church of England is willfully shoving off its Anglo-Catholics. This is a sad day for Anglicanism.
-----
UPDATE: Women bishops without structural provisions for objectors did indeed pass, but not without heroic opposition:
Stephen Venner, Bishop of Dover, said: 'I have to say that for the first time in my life I feel ashamed. We have talked for hours about wanting to give an honourable place for those who disagreed. We have turned down almost every opportunity for those opposed to flourish. And we still talk the talk of being inclusive and generous. The Rochester report said in many many pages that there were a variety of ways in which scripture and reason could be read with integrity. It argued over and over again that it is possible to be a loyal member of the CofE and [accept] some legal safeguards for those who oppose the ordination of women. It is not just those who are opposed to the ordination of women who find the motion we have at the moment difficult. I do. Where is the CofE about which we have spoken today? Is this CofE to which we have come to in this vote the CofE at its best? I have to say I doubt it. Is this the CofE to which I thought I belonged? I have to say with huge sadness, I doubt it.'
Massive applause. Venner sitting in chair, weeping.
Labels: Anglo-Catholicism, Church of England, Pusey House, Women's Ordination
Hugo Chavez Libchurch Formed
This amusing story just goes to show you – under socialism, the state is God . . . and libchurchers can always be found to bow down:
However, the Rev Enrique Albornoz, a former Lutheran minister who helped create the independent church told the Associated Press, “We don't side with any political banner . . .
Oh no, not at all!
. . . but we cannot fail to recognize and support the socialist achievements of this government," and “back the social programmes of this revolutionary government."
That was predictable.
However, the Rev Enrique Albornoz, a former Lutheran minister who helped create the independent church told the Associated Press, “We don't side with any political banner . . .
Oh no, not at all!
. . . but we cannot fail to recognize and support the socialist achievements of this government," and “back the social programmes of this revolutionary government."
That was predictable.
Labels: Hugo Chavez
McCain Campaign Gets Some Discipline
Last month, I posted that the McCain campaign must put a stop to their stupidity.
It appears they may have just taken an important step to do so.
It appears they may have just taken an important step to do so.
UPDATED: CofE Synod is Now Debating Women Bishops
The Church of England Synod is now debating motions concerning women bishops and provisions for objectors. A vote is scheduled for tonight, England time. Ruth Gledhill is liveblogging the debate. Be aware that she is posting in reverse chronological order, for now at least, i. e. you will be reading the most recent postings first.
I stick to my prediction that efforts to pass women bishops without any structural provision for objectors will fail. Right now, a muddle, or a delay, or a proposal for enhanced flying bishops looks more likely.
----
UPDATE: But maybe I’m wrong. Based on an amendment vote, Ms. Gledhill predicts “The code of practice and the main starting motion will probably prevail.”
Although this is not easy to follow, I believe she is referring to the motion to approve women bishops without structural provision for objectors, with only a voluntary code of practice. If that passes, it would be a disaster for the Church of England and for Anglicanism as it would push the heart of Anglo-Catholicism out.
I stick to my prediction that efforts to pass women bishops without any structural provision for objectors will fail. Right now, a muddle, or a delay, or a proposal for enhanced flying bishops looks more likely.
----
UPDATE: But maybe I’m wrong. Based on an amendment vote, Ms. Gledhill predicts “The code of practice and the main starting motion will probably prevail.”
Although this is not easy to follow, I believe she is referring to the motion to approve women bishops without structural provision for objectors, with only a voluntary code of practice. If that passes, it would be a disaster for the Church of England and for Anglicanism as it would push the heart of Anglo-Catholicism out.
Labels: Church of England, Women's Ordination
Friday, July 04, 2008
Jesse Helms, R.I.P.
I just read the news that Jesse Helms, U. S. Senator from North Carolina from 1973 t0 2003 died this Fourth of July morning at the age of 86.
He was a great and courageous American. I’m proud that I worked in his political network in the 1982 and 1984 elections. (The 1984 Helms-Hunt Senate race was the most expensive U. S. Senate campaign up to that time, by the way, and was very interesting to be in the middle of.)
I think the Lord sent a message by taking him on the Fourth of July. May he rest in peace.
Here is an interesting book review article on him.
He was a great and courageous American. I’m proud that I worked in his political network in the 1982 and 1984 elections. (The 1984 Helms-Hunt Senate race was the most expensive U. S. Senate campaign up to that time, by the way, and was very interesting to be in the middle of.)
I think the Lord sent a message by taking him on the Fourth of July. May he rest in peace.
Here is an interesting book review article on him.
Labels: Jesse Helms
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Petition in Support of GAFCON for Anglicans Outside UK
If you are an Anglican living outside the UK, I encourage you to sign this petition in support of GAFCON and the Jerusalem Declaration.
I think Anglicans out of full communion with Canterbury may sign. But to avoid any misunderstanding, I recommend disclosing your church jurisdiction in the comment section as I did.
For residents of the UK who are members of the Church of England, your petition is here.
I think Anglicans out of full communion with Canterbury may sign. But to avoid any misunderstanding, I recommend disclosing your church jurisdiction in the comment section as I did.
For residents of the UK who are members of the Church of England, your petition is here.
Labels: GAFCon
