GAFCON Final Statement

Any official document from an Anglican source which begins with the words "Praise the Lord!" is NOT going to be the same, old waffling, dithering, hand-wringing that we are so accustomed to.

STATEMENT ON THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN FUTURE

Praise the LORD!
It is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. (Psalm 147:1-2)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ: We, the participants in the Global Anglican Future Conference, send you greetings from Jerusalem!

Introduction

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which was held in Jerusalem from 22-29 June 2008, is a spiritual movement to preserve and promote the truth and power of the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ as we Anglicans have received it. The movement is global: it has mobilised Anglicans from around the world. We are Anglican: 1148 lay and clergy participants, including 291 bishops representing millions of faithful Anglican Christians. We cherish our Anglican heritage and the Anglican Communion and have no intention of departing rom it. And we believe that, in God’s providence, Anglicanism has a bright future in obedience to our Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations and to build up the church on the foundation of biblical truth (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:20).......

The Jerusalem Declaration

In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit:

We, the participants in the Global Anglican Future Conference, have met in the land of Jesus’ birth. We express our loyalty as disciples to the King of kings, the Lord Jesus. We joyfully embrace his command to proclaim the reality of his kingdom which he first announced in this land. The gospel of the kingdom is the good news of salvation, liberation and transformation for all. In light of the above, we agree to chart a way forward together that promotes and protects the biblical gospel and mission to the world, solemnly declaring the following tenets of orthodoxy which underpin our Anglican identity.

1. We rejoice in the gospel of God through which we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Because God first loved us, we love him and as believers bring forth fruits of love, ongoing repentance, lively hope and thanksgiving to God in all things.
2. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God written and to contain all things necessary for salvation. The Bible is to be translated, read, preached, taught and obeyed in its plain and canonical sense, respectful of the church’s historic and consensual reading.
3. We uphold the four Ecumenical Councils and the three historic Creeds as expressing the rule of faith of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
4. We uphold the Thirty-nine Articles as containing the true doctrine of the Church agreeing with God’s Word and as authoritative for Anglicans today.
5. We gladly proclaim and submit to the unique and universal Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, humanity’s only Saviour from sin, judgement and hell, who lived the life we could not live and died the death that we deserve. By his atoning death and glorious resurrection, he secured the redemption of all who come to him in repentance and faith.
6. We rejoice in our Anglican sacramental and liturgical heritage as an expression of the gospel, and we uphold the 1662 Book of Common Prayer as a true and authoritative standard of worship and prayer, to be translated and locally adapted for each culture.
7. We recognise that God has called and gifted bishops, priests and deacons in historic succession to equip all the people of God for their ministry in the world. We uphold the classic Anglican Ordinal as an authoritative standard of clerical orders.
8. We acknowledge God’s creation of humankind as male and female and the unchangeable standard of Christian marriage between one man and one woman as the proper place for sexual intimacy and the basis of the family. We repent of our failures to maintain this standard and call for a renewed commitment to lifelong fidelity in marriage and abstinence for those who are not married.
9. We gladly accept the Great Commission of the risen Lord to make disciples of all nations, to seek those who do not know Christ and to baptise, teach and bring new believers to maturity.
10. We are mindful of our responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation, to uphold and advocate justice in society, and to seek relief and empowerment of the poor and needy.
11. We are committed to the unity of all those who know and love Christ and to building authentic ecumenical relationships. We recognise the orders and jurisdiction of those Anglicans who uphold orthodox faith and practice, and we encourage them to join us in this declaration.
12. We celebrate the God-given diversity among us which enriches our global fellowship, and we acknowledge freedom in secondary matters. We pledge to work together to seek the mind of Christ on issues that divide us.
13. We reject the authority of those churches and leaders who have denied the orthodox faith in word or deed. We pray for them and call on them to repent and return to the Lord.
14. We rejoice at the prospect of Jesus’ coming again in glory, and while we await this final event of history, we praise him for the way he builds up his church through his Spirit by miraculously changing lives.

Glengarry Bhoys

Not playing at the Great American Irish Festival, but I like them.

Sighting of an old friend at Gafcon

Look who's at Gafcon. It's always strange to read about old friends; usually when Howard is mentioned, he is described as a neo-Nazi or right-wing conspirator, or my favorite - "avenging angel of the religious right"!

Greetings and prayers sent out to Howard, Roberta & David.

From Ruth Gledhill:

What's going on at Gafcon

This is a rare photograph ofthe millionaire Howard Ahmanson, pictured here at Gafcon in Jerusalem. He has made a name as a funder of the conservative Anglican cause in the US, as revealed by Jim Naughton in Following the Money. He has a delegate's badge around his neck, but has to my knowledge played no public role in the conference. I can't help but feel that his presence here is significant however. He is a friend and prayer partner of the chief executive of the American Anglican Council, David Anderson, who is also at Gafcon, and has a history of funding Christian right missions with an anti-gay objective.

J. I. Packer calls on Rowan Willams to resign

Ruth Gledhill reports that J.I. Packer thinks the ABC should resign. She is a bit snotty about Packer:

My contention, voiced here at Gafcon, is that the views of a preacher unlikely to be recognised by Cantuar and who according to David Virtue does not deign to use mobile, computer or any of the new technologies actually do not matter very much. But Virtue in the press room here at Gafcon tells me he is still important.

Apparently, unless you use the newest technology you don't matter very much. A tad elitist? Perhaps this explains a lot of the drivel that passes for theology in TEC and the CofE. Those old fashioned printed pages in, what were they called, "books", you know that Bible thing, well that isn't the new technology. So let's just ignore it, it does matter very much.

Alzheimer’s leads atheist Terry Pratchett to appreciate God

From the Times Online:

TERRY PRATCHETT, the fantasy writer suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, has suggested he may have found God after years of atheism.

The 60-year-old creator of the Discworld series has spoken of an unexplained experience shortly after his diagnosis with the condition.

“I’m certainly not a man of faith, but as I was rushing down the stairs one day . . . it was very strange. And I say this reluctantly, because I am trying to deal with this situation in as hardheaded a way as I can. I suddenly knew that everything was okay, that what I was doing was right, and I didn’t know why,” Pratchett said.

“It was a thought that all the right things are happening in the circumstances; and I thought, ‘Well, that’s all right then.’ I don’t actually believe in anyone who could have put that in my head – unless it was my dad, and he’s been dead a few years.”

In an interview in today’s News Review, the author also said: “It is just possible that once you have got past all the gods that we have created with big beards and many human traits, just beyond all that, on the other side of physics, there just may be the ordered structure from which everything flows.

“That is both a kind of philosophy and totally useless – it doesn’t take you anywhere. But it fills a hole.”

Previously, Pratchett has said he was “rather angry with God for not existing”.


(Thanks to Stand Firm)

Just a normal weekday Eucharist at All Saints, Pasadena

Pasadena wedding marks new day, continues tradition
"It's just a normal weekday Eucharist at All Saints," said the Rev. Ed Bacon, All Saints rector, amid laughter at White and Nixon's June 18 ceremony. Assembled in a small chapel were about 25 guests—half of them regular worshippers who discovered upon their arrival they were wedding guests. Others had received hurriedly telephoned invitations. Bacon called upon them all to view the wedding couple as "walking witnesses of justice" and as "love made tangible."

"They were married long before this moment," Bacon told the gathering. "The vows they will offer are not the first time those vows have been expressed between them," he said referring to a previous blessing of the couple's union. "As Gary has told me, they have been living these vows for 27 years."

Bacon praised the California Supreme Court's "stand for justice for all, holding that marriage is 'a basic civil right of personal autonomy and liberty' to which all persons are entitled without regard to their sexual orientation.

Within a week of the May 15 landmark decision, the vestry of the Pasadena church known for its social activism voted to adopt a resolution to "treat with equality all couples presenting themselves for the rite of marriage," said Bacon. "This is in keeping with a now 16-year practice of All Saints recognizing that when members of our faith community find the love of their lives and commit to live in a life-long loving relationship that we would bless these covenants regardless of sexual orientation."

16 YEARS! In 16 years, Jon Bruno or Fred Borsch never noticed? Right. They not only did not want to challenge one of the richest parishes in the Diocese, they were just fine with the agendas of George Regas, Ed Bacon and Susan Russell.

They claimed no official permission was given, therefore these actions did not occur. Oh, just a "pastoral response", but nothing controversial.The hypocrisy and nudge, nudge, wink, wink attitude is sickening.

What I am currently reading

The Slanehill household is on a strict budget, snowballing down old debts and planning for the future. We do, however, have a line item for books. Recently I indulged myself and bought two books I've had sitting in my Amazon shopping cart for nearly a year. Amazingly, these two volumes languished on the shelves of a Midwestern used bookstore from the time I put them in my cart until I purchased them. For all I know, they have been sitting there since slightly after their publication in 1929.

Apparently I am the only person in North America who really wanted to read The Letters and Friendships of Sir Cecil Spring Rice (Volumes 1 & 2!)





I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there's another country, I've heard of long ago,
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

Words by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, Thaxted tune by Gustav Holst.

Albany resolutions mesh with Episcopal Church

From the Friday, June 20th Albany Times Union: ( a newspaper not always friendly to the Diocese of Albany)

Lately, there has been a tendency to confuse the Episcopal Church's nondiscrimination policies on sexual orientation with rights to certain behaviors. However, there is a world of difference between an orientation and a behavior.
A college professor may have an "orientation" toward an attractive student in her or his class. Yet she or he is not responsible for the orientation, but for any behavior toward that student.

Likewise, the resolutions passed at our Episcopal Diocesan Convention concern appropriate clergy behavior. The Episcopal Diocese of Albany does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in allowing men or women into the ordination process. But that does not mean, for example, that a man of heterosexual orientation would be a suitable candidate for ordination if his behavior included adultery. He is to be an example to the flock.

If he or she is single, he or she is called to be celibate by the church as an example to the faithful and to the youth. The diocese does not discriminate on the basis of orientation but only on the basis of actual behavior.

This accords with both the teaching and canon law of the whole Episcopal Church, not simply the Diocese of Albany.

With respect to same-sex unions, our diocese passed a resolution completely consistent with the teaching of the entire House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, which states: "We pledge as a body not to authorize public rites for the blessing of same-sex unions."

There have been some problems in certain dioceses with full compliance with this policy and teaching. The resolutions passed at our convention keep the Diocese of Albany compliant with the teaching of The Episcopal Church and articulate our position as serious and truly binding on our clergy.

As in the Roman Catholic Church, there are Episcopalians unhappy with such teaching. However, these positions are not unique to The Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

THE REV. PAUL J. HARTT

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Albany

You go passin' wrong for right and right for wrong...

People only stand for that for just so long.



The theme song for the Anglican Communion.

Enter the Haggis - "Gasoline"

Getting in the mood for the Great American Irish Festival....

Words fail me.........

A snack for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Catholic devotion at it's tackiest.

Micro managing lights

Okay, I am in the process of replacing the bulbs in my house with the 'squiggly" energy efficient ones. But (1) this is voluntary and & (2) no one has ever warned me about the special disposal requirements.

But I object to this kind of micro-management by Congress.

Even though this isn't a Church related issues, I think it deserves a "flying monkey" report.

"Press on to Know the Lord"

The 140th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany
Bishop’s Address
By
The Right Reverend William H. Love

Read it all here...

As I look around the wider Church, I can’t help but give thanks to God, for this Diocese and all the Lord is doing here. I firmly believe Albany is one of the great dioceses of the Church and will be used by our Lord in mighty ways if we remain faithful, keeping our focus on Christ, trusting and following Him, remaining obedient to His call.

I was recently asked what my vision for the Diocese is. Quite simply, my vision is that Albany will be a diocese of disciples making disciples, through faithfully living the Great Commandment and the Great Commission: We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind. And we are to love our neighbor as our self. We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that Christ has commanded us. We are to do so, trusting not in ourselves, but rather in the One who has called us and in whose name we are sent, remembering that He has promised to be with us to the end of the age.

It is when we try to rely on ourselves, our own strength, our own intellect and understanding, our own sense of right and wrong, our own desires irrespective of others that we tend to get ourselves in trouble, creating chaos in our lives and that of our family, society and the Church.

Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. God blesses us with different strengths and abilities, different interests and desires. He has blessed us with a mind and He expects us to use it. Yet He expects us to exercise these different aspects of our life in conjunction with Him, not apart from Him.

When asked by the disciples to teach them to pray, Jesus said, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In this prayer, Jesus teaches us that we are to seek the Father’s will, above all else. As Jesus was about to ascend to heaven, He gave us the Great Commission referenced above. Note what He says, "Teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Mt 28:20). The bottom line in all of this, it that what God thinks and desires, His will, is important and is not to be ignored, without putting the salvation of our souls at great risk. It is for these reasons that I keep stressing the importance of studying God’s Word as revealed in Holy Scripture and spending time with Him in prayer, that He may speak to our heart and soul and mind, drawing us ever closer to Him.

In II Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…" If we want to know what God thinks, what better place to go than to His holy Word, as revealed in the Bible.

One of the great misunderstandings about the current crisis in the Church is that it is all about sex, more specifically, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of homosexual relations. While that is certainly an issue, it is really a symptom of a far greater issue centered on one’s understanding of Holy Scripture and its authority in our life.

Is the Bible really the Word of God, or is it simply a creation of man? Does it apply to us today, or was it simply for the people at the time in which it was first spoken or written? Does it have authority over our lives, or can we simply pick and chose the parts we like and ignore the rest? Depending on one’s answer to these questions, determines to a great extent how we understand the other issues that are dividing and threatening to destroy the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion.

In the next few moments, I am going to try to share with you my understanding of some of these issues and why I made some of the decisions that I have. I realize not everyone shares my understanding of the issues confronting us.

In the Episcopal Church, every man or women ordained as a deacon, priest or bishop publicly states: "I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation." (BCP) As your bishop, I take this declaration as part of the ordination vows very seriously. I believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are not only the Word of God, but the living Word of God that continues to speak to us to this day and for all time.

In so saying, I am very much aware that the Bible as we know it today is a compilation of works, representing various literary styles, written by human authors over hundreds of years. While parts are intended to be interpreted literally, other parts are figurative, and some are poetic or history. Underlying all of it, however, is God’s inspired truth, as referenced by Paul in II Timothy.

To argue as some have tried, that whatever prohibitions God may have had toward homosexual behavior, as revealed in Leviticus 18 or Romans 1, only applied to the people to which the original text was written, and therefore does not apply to today’s culture, and modern societies’ enlightened understanding of sexuality, would seem to suggest that somehow God was limited in His understanding of human sexuality. I might remind us of the faith we proclaim every time we say the Nicene Creed: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen." If God is Almighty and if He created all that is, as we proclaim, and as Holy Scripture attests to, how can we say that we are more enlightened in this generation that God was when he first inspired Moses and Paul to write the words He gave them?

It is argued by some, that people, who identify themselves as homosexual in orientation, were created that way by God and therefore it is in accordance with His will that they live out their gift of sexuality in a same sex relationship. Others state that science has proven that people, who are homosexual, were born that way. To the best of my knowledge, there is no scientific study that proves that people are born homosexual. There is no genetic link that has been discovered. In regard to God creating people homosexual in orientation, Matthew 19 makes a strong case against such an argument. Jesus said, "Haven’t you read, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two but one."

The marriage service in the Book of Common Prayer makes reference to the same passage from Genesis that Jesus quotes in Matthew 19. The Church has always taught that marriage is intended to be between a man and a woman, and that such marriage is ordained by God. The current move to legalize homosexual marriages and make them equivalent to heterosexual marriages is a new development and has no scriptural support or previous cultural support. It is turning marriage into something, which I would argue, God never intended it to be. While the legal and societal ramifications of homosexual marriages is potentially devastating, the greatest tragedy, especially if the Church starts blessing such unions, is that the couple will be lured into believing that their lifestyle is in accordance with God’s will, even though Holy Scripture speaks against it. And as such they will be living in a state of sin, seeing no need for repentance, thus denying them selves of our Lord’s forgiveness – the forgiveness He made possible 2000 years ago on the cross.

God loves His people – All of them, regardless of sexual orientation, so much so, that He sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the sins of all the world upon Himself, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of his people, dying on the cross for His people, rising to new life for His people, inviting us into that new resurrected life. He doesn’t want to loose a single person. The current debate is not about whether God loves people who identify themselves as being homosexual, but rather about one’s behavior and lifestyle. While God loves His people, He does not necessarily bless and approve of all our behavior.

Individuals promoting support of the homosexual lifestyle, often speak of this as being a justice issue. They often make reference to the prejudice and hateful treatment they have received by others. In many ways I would agree. People of homosexual orientation have often been treated shamefully throughout history. Unfortunately, the Church has been guilty of turning a blind eye in the past, not speaking out against physical, verbal and emotional abuse aimed at our homosexual brothers and sisters. In our baptismal covenant we pledge "to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." (BCP) Our homosexual brothers and sisters deserve no less.

Unfortunately, in our attempt to make up for past injustices, I believe some in the Church are going too far to the other extreme, by embracing and encouraging people in a lifestyle which, I believe God through Holy Scripture has spoken against. To do so, is doing them a great injustice, for the reasons mentioned above. We can love the person without embracing and blessing the lifestyle. As Christians, we pledge to support and uphold one another in our life in Christ. Sometimes, the greatest love and support we can show a person, is the hardest. To speak out against that which we believe is wrong is never easy, but often is the very thing that most needs to be done.

Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to do that, as we consider the proposed additions to the Canons of the Diocese of Albany. As already stated, there is great confusion within the Church and society concerning the appropriateness of sexual relations other than those between a man and a woman within the confines of marriage.

The proposed canons are not intended to be divisive, although some have come to see them that way. But rather, they are intended to provide clarity, in a time where there is great confusion within the Episcopal Church as well as the Anglican Communion concerning marriage and sexual relations outside of the confines of marriage between a man and women. Please note that the proposed cannons apply to everyone, regardless of one’s sexual orientation. There is one standard concerning sexual relations by which we are all called to live. While recognizing that many heterosexual couples have chosen to engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, the Church will not bless such unions. We have only to look at the high number of unwanted pregnancies, abortions, emotionally scared unwanted children, poverty stricken single mothers, and a whole host of other societal concerns to see the potentially devastating impact of engaging in sexual relations when the couple is not committed to one another and prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for children. Not only do our people need to know what the Church’s teaching has historically been concerning these issues, but it is also important that the wider Anglican Communion knows where the Diocese of Albany stands on these issues. As your bishop, I have pledged to support and uphold that which was asked of us in the Windsor Report. I cannot over emphasize the seriousness of these issues and the current state of affairs in the wider Anglican Communion.

The proposed canons are consistent with past and current diocesan policy and are not in violation or contradiction with National Church canons.

Given the recent executive order issued by the Governor of New York, ordering all state agencies to recognize the legality of homosexual marriages of couples coming from other states and Canada where such marriages are legal, and the active move within New York to follow suite, I believe it is important that we act now, rather than later.

I realize we are dealing with very highly charged and emotional issues, in which there is a wide variety of opinions. Some of you have shared your personal struggles. I have seen the anguish in your face and felt the heaviness of your heart as you struggle with how best to love and be there for a child or brother or sister who is living in a homosexual relationship. I have heard the frustration, confusion and anger you feel. There are some who have suggested that there will be a floor fight as a result of the resolutions coming before us tomorrow. I hope those who might be looking for a fight, will be sorely disappointed, finding instead brothers and sisters in Christ dealing with very difficult issues in a loving and Christ-like manner. May God’s grace be with us as we move forward.

As important as the business session is, it is only a small part of our weekend together. In many ways, our Convention has become a Diocesan Family Reunion. May the Lord bless us in our time together, drawing us ever closer to Him and through Him, to one another. I am honored to call you brothers and sisters in Christ and to serve our Lord with you. May all that we do and say be in accordance with His will and to His honor and glory and the benefit of His Church and people. God Bless You.

Embarrassed by TEC #3 - June Brides

Yes, he really wore these shoes. Thanks to Stand Firm for the pictures.

Gene Robinson. What more needs to be said?

Black Fly

Back from Convention at Camp of the Woods & woke up this morning with my left eye nearly swollen shut from black fly bite.

Diocese of Albany remains in Network

This proposed resolution was defeated:

proposed Resolution #8

As presented Friday evening:

RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany renews its commitment to full participation in in the works and mission of the The Episcopal Church; and

that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany reaffirms it constituent and undivided connection to and communion with The Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communions; and

that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany disassociate itself from the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes and from The Common Cause Partnership.

This was sent to the relevant committee and came back to Convention Saturday afternoon, amended:

RESOLVED that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany renews its commitment to full participation in in the works and mission of the The Episcopal Church; and

that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany reaffirms it constituent and undivided connection to and communion with The Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communions; and

(on the grounds that this was redundant - the Diocese of Albany has reaffirmed this at previous Conventions)


that the Episcopal Diocese of Albany disassociate itself from the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes and from The Common Cause Partnership.

(The Diocese of Albany is not a signatory to the Common Cause Partnership)


The Resolution was soundly defeated. There was a vote by Orders, but I don't have the count.

David Virtue's report on Diocese of Albany resolutions

This is basically correct, but there are a few errors that I noticed. My comments will be in bold type.


ALBANY, NY: Diocese Overwhelmingly Passes Heterosexual Marriage Resolution
Second Resolution says All Ordained, Elected and Licensed Clergy Must be Married or Celibate

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
6/7/2008

Clergy and laity in the Diocese of Albany overwhelmingly passed a "Marriage Resolution", affirming that only marriage between a man and a woman may be blessed and enshrined, as canon law for the diocese.

Clergy: 109 For, 19 Against, 2 Abstain
Lay 91 For, 54 Against, 5 Abstain

A second resolution on "Standards for Clergy" stating that all ordained persons must either be married (heterosexual) or celibate was also overwhelmingly passed.

Clergy 110 For, 9 Against, 0 Abstain
Lay 70 For, 20 Against, 4 Abstain

It was a clear victory for the Rt. Rev. William Love, an Evangelical Catholic bishop who opposes the sexual drift in the Episcopal Church.

Several delegates said it was necessary to put the resolution in Canon Law in order to prevent a future General Convention rejecting an orthodox bishop being elected in the diocese because of the necessary two-thirds vote by the HOB. The diocese did not want to be subject to the vagaries of General Convention resolutions.

Fr. Allen Peyton in particular gave a very persuasive argument of the need for the resolution. Placing the current practice and policy of the Diocese into our Canons will protect the Diocese against the day when Bishop Love retires and we face the hurdle of having another orthodox Bishop approved by TEC.

Emotions ran high as delegates debated the issue. The debate was civil. There was no anticipated floor fight. Roberts Rules of Order were enforced. Bishop Love handled the debate with graciousness and civility.

One orthodox priest who voted for the resolution said, "We live in a time and place where there is great confusion in society and where appropriate boundaries are being discarded. The voice of this Diocese must speak with clarity that is consistent with Holy Scripture, and the Councils of the Church. We have been asked by the rest of the Anglican Communion to comply with our brothers and sisters throughout the Communion. This is a clear statement of the sanctity of marriage, of chastity and singleness."

A delegate who voted against the resolution said the diocese should not worry about divisiveness. "The implementation of this policy giving it canonical status sets it in stone by making it canonical. "I have a gay parishioner who will feel pulled away from the table by this resolution. He has been treated so badly by other denominations. He heard we would become Windsor compliant. I am troubled by this resolution."

Another delegate who voted for the resolution said we live in an age that thinks only on the basis of personal happiness. "God's goal is to make us holy. We have a holy God. These two resolutions call us to holiness in our lives and in the life of the church. We must be held up to the highest standards of a holy God."

A priest who spoke against it said he had listened for years to the arguments. "What do you pray for? The argument that Scripture supports this (resolution) is a tenuous one at best. What indeed would Jesus do? Jesus did not come to fulfill the law. To deny others is not the example of Jesus."

For one orthodox priest, the issue was clear cut. The Rev. N. Bradley Jones of Christ Church, Schenectady, and a former homosexual, told the 900 delegates that he was once held "by my passions in the thrall of homosexuality. By the grace of God, I broke free and I have been married for 24 years and have been blessed with 7 children. If I had not abandoned the lifestyle, I would be dead (literally) in my sins. The transforming power of Jesus Christ changed my passions."

Nancy Stewart, a lay delegate, said she had a sister who is a lesbian. "I find it very offensive. I don't believe homosexuality is a sin. Sin is a choice. My sister did not choose to be a lesbian. She had to face what she was. She does not flaunt her sexuality."

For the Rev. Howard Smith, it was a different story. "A year ago (actually, Dcn. Howard stated this was a number of years ago , I believe in his college years.) I was told by a theologian at an Episcopal Seminary to explore my sexuality. When I read through the Bible and saw the prohibitions I was told to read Spong's books. But a year later he (the theologian) made sexual advances towards me and touched me in inappropriate places and made clear his intentions. I rejected him. When we move from God's Word, we open up a can of worms."



Another delegate, who spoke against the resolution, said it had no compassion. "I detest is as hurtful and a distraction of the church. Civil unions will take care of the legal issues."

Another delegate said, "I love my nephew, a gay man. His friend died of AIDS and I did the funeral. It is not about loving people, but loving people enough to tell them the truth. If we lie and bless what God has not blessed we do people a disservice, which goes right into eternity.

"The Diocese of Albany and the canons of the Episcopal Church as they now stand do not bless same sex unions. The HOB has pledged not to bless same sex unions. We need to put on paper where we have always stood. We stand for the will of God in this time and place."

This was Mthr. Ellen Neufeld, a staunchly orthodox priest. (Yeah, I know, some of you out there think no ordained woman can be orthodox)

Another delegate said a whole group of Christians would be marginalized by the passage of this resolution. Do these resolutions respect the dignity of all human beings?

For Harry Hughs (This was Archdeacon Harvey Huth)the issue was clear- cut. "Jesus said we are all like sheep who have gone astray. As a farmer I was a shepherd who raised sheep. Whenever I put them in a new paddock they would circle the paddock looking for a way to break out. Nigerian Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi told us that there was no place on earth that is safe without God. It is not a spoiler or barrier for a fence to be drawn up. It is the gift of a loving God."

Delegate Kathy Clark, who spoke against the resolution, said we must respect the dignity of every human being. "The resolution is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Our Anglican faith rests on a three- legged stool - Scripture, reason and tradition. Scripture can become an idol. We should not take a legalistic approach. We don't for divorce. I believe that a stable life-long non abusive (same-sex) relationship should be accepted."

She claimed to be quoting Richard Hooker. I nearly chewed my deputy's packet at this one. Oh yeah, and there were a few that brought up mixed fiber clothing and shellfish.

The Rev. Paul J. Hartt of St. Peter's in Albany said terrorist acts are tearing us (The Episcopal Church) apart by using local option. "There is no authorization to change the policies of the church on these issues."

Another delegate, speaking for the resolution, said that God does indeed love everybody that is not in dispute. "We are committed to justice and compassion. What is in dispute is living it out. It is how we interpret the Scriptures. Homosexuality is not a first order issue in the economy of salvation. There is a theological breakdown on the basics. We must maintain the Bible is counter- cultural. We are called to be transformed."

A priest, who described himself as a recovering alcoholic, said we are all fallen and broken. "I am an alcoholic. God did not affirm my alcoholism. He saved me and enabled me to live a sober life. My father and grandfather were both alcoholics. It is about transformation. I can't drink. It gives me a freedom in Jesus Christ not to drink. It is about not affirming this (homosexual) behavior."

A parishioner from St. Stephen's said she affirmed the bishop's position on marriage and ordinations and evangelical Christianity, which proscribes homosexuality. "We have drifted in the direction of control and legalism. I have a deep compassion for lesbians and I don't want this not to be a safe place to disagree. Passing this law will kill and will not break forth life."

Speaking in favor of the resolution, another priest said, "Most of our minds are made up. The other side says they are doing it out of love. The solid rock of Christ is what we stand on. We must do this in a constitutional way."

Said another delegate, "I am for this resolution. When I read the bible I don't think we are excluding or pushing anyone away, what we are doing is accepting God's Word. Homosexuality is one sin among many. It's a cross everyone who is a homosexual has to bear. We don't know what NY State laws will allow or what the next bishop will be, but the Church has to follow the Bible."

Guest preacher, Nigerian Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi of the Diocese of Jos, said the Church is alive in Africa because of persecution. "We are seeing old and young people leaving paganism and coming to Jesus Christ. They are suffering together. God is using leaders of missions as a visual aid to the burning of churches and houses...suffering and persecution is what you should expect."

Bishop Love described Nigeria as "alive and one of the fastest growing areas of the Anglican Communion. The church is growing so fast it has split several times, not because of fighting but because of evangelistic growth."

Kwashi said he and his wife Gloria, who were recently persecuted and almost killed in their compound, were flying on a wing and a prayer with all the saints of the church. "We live daily with danger. We have been attacked and robbed and our lives threatened." He said that when he became a bishop 17 years ago there were 85 congregations, which in time grew to 190 with new dioceses constantly forming. Nowhere is safe on earth without God. Talking about Nigeria as being too violent misses the point."

"Following Jesus' example is one of sacrifice. Evangelism is the will of God. Evangelism is the love of God in action to a lost world. There are social consequences and spiritual consequences to sin. There is no substitute for the will of God. Evangelism is costly. It cost Jesus his life. There is no substitute, we must count and bear the cost." Kwashi said some denominational dioceses, churches, and individuals will do anything and everything to remove evangelism from the church.

Touching on the thorny issue of homosexuality, Kwashi said, "We (Nigeria) have homosexuals. We are all sinners. We are one race. As a Christian, I have no reason not to love homosexuals. I cannot not love (them) because I have Jesus." Kwashi said he was a lost teenager in Lagos till someone shared Jesus Christ with him. "Ever since I have been looking for lost kids like me."

Kwashi urged delegates to press on in faith, mission and above all to press on in hope.

END

Diocese of Albany affirms Clerical standards

Yesterday the Diocese of Albany passed the following resolution:

Standards for Election, Licensing, Ordination and Consecration

Canon 11.8
STANDARDS FOR CLERGY

Standards for Ordination and Consecration

11.8.a To be eligible to be ordained to the Diaconate or Priesthood, or consecrated a Bishop, a person must live withing the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman, or be celibate and abstinent.

Standards for Election, Appointing, and Licensing

11.8.b To be eleigible to be elected, appointed or licensed to any position of ordained ministry in the Diocese a member of the clergy must live within the covenant of Marriage between one man and one woman, or be celibate and abstinent.


Clergy: For 110, Against 9, Abstain 0
Lay: For 70, Against 20, Abstain 4

Diocese of Albany stands firm

I was a lay deputy and can attest that this is an accurate report of the opening session of the Diocesan Convention. David Virtue's reporting seems to be the only news of this Convention on the net. When I saw the guy with the laptop & wearing a "Press" tag, I feared the worst, expecting someone from the usually hostile Albany Times-Union(which does have a gay-biased story on the event). I was surprise to look over the writer's shoulder and read the byline "David Virtue".

The vote was:
Clergy: For 109, Against 19, Abstain 2; Lay: For 91, Against 54, Abstain 5.

Thank God for the orthodox clergy in this Diocese. And we obviously need more solid Biblical education for the laity.

From David Virtue
ALBANY, NY: Bishop Affirms Heterosexual Marriage, Condemns Homosexual Lifestyle
Homosexuals Need our Compassion and Love Not Affirmation of Unbiblical Behavior, Says Bishop Love

By David W. Virtue

6/6/08

The Bishop of Albany, the Rt. Rev. William Love, told more than 900 delegates to the 140th Annual Diocesan Convention in Speculator, NY, last night that the appropriateness or inappropriateness of homosexual relations is really a symptom of a far greater issue centered on one's understanding of Holy Scripture and its authority in our life.

"Is the Bible really the Word of God, or is it simply a creation of man? Does it apply to us today, or was it simply for the people at the time in which it was first spoken or written? Does it have authority over our lives, or can we simply pick and choose those parts we like and ignore the rest? Depending on one's answer to these questions, determines to a great extent how we understand the other issues that are dividing and threatening to destroy the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion," he said.

Love condemned culturally relativistic interpretations of Scripture saying that God was not limited in His understanding of human sexuality when He condemned homosexual behavior in Leviticus 18 and Romans 1 and modern societies' enlightened understanding of human sexuality.

Love reminded the delegates of the Nicene Creed regarding the words of creation and condemned notions that same sex relationships is a "gift" and shot down the so-called scientific notion that homosexuals are born that way.

"To the best of my knowledge, there is no genetic link that has been discovered. In regard to God creating people homosexual in orientation, Matthew 19 makes a strong case against such an argument. 'Haven't you read, 'that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female...for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.'"

Love pressed his point saying that the Book of Common Prayer makes reference to a passage in Genesis that Jesus quotes in Matthew 19.

"The Church has always taught that marriage is intended to be between a man and a woman, and that such marriage is ordained by God. The current move to legalize homosexual marriages and make them the equivalent to heterosexual marriages is a new development and has no scriptural support or previous cultural support."

Love said this is turning marriage into something, which God never intended it to be. He called the legal and societal ramifications of homosexual marriages "potentially devastating" and "the greatest tragedy," especially if the church starts blessing such unions. "Couples will be lured into believing that their lifestyle is in accordance with God's will, even though Holy Scripture speaks aga9inst it. They will be living in a state of sin, seeing no need for repentance, thus denying themselves of our Lord's forgiveness - the forgiveness he made possible 2000 years ago on the cross."

Referencing the "justice" issue, Love acknowledged that people of homosexual orientation have often been treated shamefully throughout history. The church has been guilty of turning a blind eye in the past, not speaking out against the physical and verbal abuse aimed at "our homosexual brothers and sisters". He said the Baptismal covenant demands that we strive for justice and peace among all people, which includes "our homosexual brothers and sisters."

Conversely, Love said that it is "unfortunate", that in making up for past injustices, the church has gone too far by embracing and encouraging people in a lifestyle which God, through Holy Scripture has spoken against.

"This is to do them a great injustice. We can love the person without embracing the lifestyle. As Christians, we pledge to support and uphold one another in our life in Christ. Sometimes, the greatest love and support we can show a person is the hardest. To speak out against that which we believe is wrong is never easy, but often is the very thing that most needs to be done."

Love said the two diocesan resolutions, affirming marriage between a man and a woman and to be eligibilible for ordination one has to either be married (man and woman) or celibate, are not intended to be divisive. They are to provide clarity in a time when there is great confusion within the Episcopal church, as well as the Anglican communion concerning marriage and sexual relations outside of the confines of marriage between a man and a woman.

"The wider Anglican Communion needs to know where the Diocese of Albany stands on these issues. As your bishop, I have pledged to support and uphold that which was asked of us in the Windsor Report.

"The proposed canons are consistent with past and current diocesan policy and are not in violation or a contradiction of National church canons," he concluded.

The bishop received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his address.

END