Church of England ambassador to the Vatican clarifies views on Jesus' resurrection

From Premier-

The Archbishop of Canterbury's representative in Vatican City has declared "Christ is risen!" after his views on the physical resurrection of Jesus attracted scrutiny.

Dr John Shepherd, the interim director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, took steps to clarify his stance after a video emerged of him seeming to question whether the resurrection was a "physical event" eleven years ago.

During the Easter 2008 sermon, he said: "The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality.

"It is important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event which restored to life Jesus' original earthly body."

In a new statement, Shepherd said: "There has been speculation in the press and on social media about my views on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Part of this is based on a sermon I preached in 2008.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Church-of-England-ambassador-to-the-Vatican-clarifies-views-on-Jesus-resurrection

Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy who disputes the resurrection of Christ urged to quit Vatican post

From The Telegraph-

A row has erupted within the Church of England as senior Anglicans are calling on the Archbishop of Canterbury to force his ambassador to the Vatican to resign because he does not believe Jesus rose from the dead.

It has emerged that Dr John Shepherd, an Australian cleric appointed last week as the new representative to Rome, had delivered a sermon in which he said Christians should be “set free” from the traditional view of the resurrection.

The controversial comments, delivered while he was Dean of Perth Cathedral, have been criticised for flying in the face of the most fundamental Christian doctrines.

In a 2008 Easter sermon, he said: “It’s important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event, which restored to life Jesus’s original earthly body. The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality.”

More here-

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/12/archbishop-canterbury-urged-act-vatican-envoy-questioned-resurrection/?fbclid=IwAR2xdSXL4SoZfmId7zD54g5Iq4_lVqsZyfvGZvn_seun9tOvEdx_D_dYA9E

Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome rebuffs “resurrection” criticism

From Anglican News Service (additional link below)

A retired Anglican priest from Australia who has been chosen to lead the Anglican Centre in Rome on an interim basis has sought to rebuff criticism about his beliefs in the resurrection. The former Dean of St George’s Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia, Dr John Shepherd, was appointed as interim director last week following the resignation of Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi.

“Christ is Risen!”, Dr Shepherd said in response to widely reported criticism about his appointment. “There has been speculation in the press and on social media about my views on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Part of this is based on a sermon I preached in 2008.

“It is my faith that Jesus rose from the dead and I have never denied the reality of the empty tomb. The risen Christ was not a ghost – he ate and could be touched – but at the same time he appeared in a locked room (John 20. 26) and vanished from sight (Luke 24.31) and he was often not immediately recognised.

More here-

https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2019/01/interim-director-of-the-anglican-centre-in-rome-rebuffs-resurrection-criticism.aspx 

and here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/anglican-ambassador-to-vatican-under-fire-for-saying-jesus-didnt-physically-rise-from-dead.html

Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy who disputes the resurrection of Christ urged to quit Vatican post

From The Telegraph-

A row has erupted within the Church of England as senior Anglicans are calling on the Archbishop of Canterbury to force his ambassador to the Vatican to resign because he does not believe Jesus rose from the dead.

It has emerged that Dr John Shepherd, an Australian cleric appointed last week as the new representative to Rome, had delivered a sermon in which he said Christians should be “set free” from the traditional view of the resurrection.

The controversial comments, delivered while he was Dean of Perth Cathedral, have been criticised for flying in the face of the most fundamental Christian doctrines.

In a 2008 Easter sermon, he said: “It’s important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event, which restored to life Jesus’s original earthly body. The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality.”

More here-

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/12/archbishop-canterbury-urged-act-vatican-envoy-questioned-resurrection/

Church leader finds internet never forgets

From Eternity News-

The internet forgets little, not even a Easter talk. An old message by Australian Anglican leader John Shepherd, who has just been appointed as Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome – a sort of “embassy” for Anglicans to the Vatican – brings back uncomfortable memories.

Shepherd was formerly the Dean (senior minister) of Perth’s St George’s Cathedral. Back in Easter 2008, he released a video on the resurrection – Jesus’ rising from the dead. In this message, Shepherd appears to deny the physical resurrection of Christ.

“The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality,” Shepherd says on a video released by the Perth cathedral. “It is important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event which restored to life Jesus’ original earthly body.”

More here-

https://www.eternitynews.com.au/world/church-leader-finds-internet-never-forgets/

Anglican Centre appoints Interim Director

From The Tablet-

The Anglican Centre in Rome has appointed an Interim Director following the resignation of its Director, Bernard Ntahoturi, over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Very Revd Dr John Shepherd will take on the role as the Interim Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See, The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome announced on 8 January.

Dr Shepherd served as Dean of St George's Cathedral, Perth, Western Australia from 1990 to 2014.
He was ordained at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne in 1966 having completed his BA at the University of Melbourne. He also has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Union Seminary in New York and a PhD from St.Catharine's College, Cambridge.

More here-

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/11215/anglican-centre-appoints-interim-director-