Priest barred for interfering in S'pore's politics

From Singapore-

The Government has barred Australian clergyman James Minchin from entering Singapore as he "has interfered in Singapore's domestic politics", the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on Sunday.

An author and Anglican priest, Mr Minchin arrived in Singapore from Australia on Nov 7, and was turned back at Changi Airport, The Straits Times online reported.

In August last year, while on a social visit to the Republic, he spoke at a political forum "where he alleged that the rule of law was bypassed and corrupted in Singapore, and questioned the independence and integrity of the judiciary", MHA said.

He did not have a permit to speak.

All foreigners who are involved in activities directly related to the "organisation or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, cause or political end" must hold a Miscellaneous Work Pass, The Straits Times report added.

Recently, Mr Minchin, a controversial figure from Melbourne, came to Singapore again on a social visit and gave a "political interview" in his capacity as a clergyman.
More here-

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121113-383092.html

Having lived through hell I hope true light is now about to shine

From The Telegraph-

WHEN I saw Prime Minister Julia Gillard on TV announcing there would be a royal commission into child abuse in churches and other institutions I was overwhelmed.

I wept uncontrollably. I became breathless. I walked the floor struggling to breathe, trying to comprehend what I had heard.

It was later I realised it was about time the truth was revealed, perhaps it was time for hope and happiness, not sadness.

I lived in the Church of England North Coast Children's Home in Lismore from 1949 to 1964. Most of those years were full of hatred, bloody brutal floggings, bashings, starvation and sexual abuse. It was a home of hell and fury.

In the time I was there more than 200 innocent children were verbally, physically and sexually assaulted. Fear ruled our lives.

Children were abused, many savagely beaten by the matron, staff and Anglican clergy using belts, electric cords, pony whips and small flexible branches which at times we were ordered to fetch from the backyard.

Unable to do anything, I stood helplessly and watched in fear.

I also watched helplessly as my little mates were violently beaten, screamed at and dragged by the hair to their beds.

More here-

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/having-lived-through-hell-i-hope-true-light-is-now-about-to-shine/story-e6frezz0-1226516861720

Relaunched Anglican World magazine bids farewell to one Archbishop of Canterbury, welcomes the next

From ACNS-

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has spoken about the ‘state of the Communion’ in the official magazine of the Anglican Communion, relaunched at the recent Anglican Consultative Council meeting in New Zealand.
Writing in the first edition of Anglican World magazine Archbishop Williams said he “hopes and prays” the Communion will always be in the ‘state’ that he describes: one in which “the Church works to uncover the image of God in those around them.”

The article, in the magazine’s Last Word section, is one of Archbishop Williams’ final messages in his role as spiritual head of the Communion. He steps down on December 31, 2012 to be succeeded as Archbishop of Canterbury by Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Justin Welby.
Co-editor of the magazine and Director for Communications of the Anglican Communion Jan Butter said he was delighted the magazine was relaunched in time for Archbishop Williams’ to write a farewell to the Communion.

More here-

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2012/11/14/ACNS5246

Harvard, Yale And The Puritans

From Connecticut-

Each November, Thanksgiving focuses attention upon the Pilgrims, that group of courageous English dissenters who came to New England in 1620. They were the vanguard of the Puritan influx, Calvinists who rejected ceremonialism in worship and insisted on a congregational form of church government. Ironically, while they sought to practice their religion freely, they soon exhibited reluctance to grant that right to other faiths .

One of their major concerns was education. The Reformation emphasis on reading the Bible meant that their offspring must be literate, and soon one-room schoolhouses were found throughout their early settlements. It is no coincidence, either, that both Harvard and Yale, arguably the best-known of American universities, were established by the Puritans.

Harvard was founded in 1636 at New Towne (later Cambridge), Massachusetts, primarily to train clergy. An early anonymous description of the college’s origin recalled: “After God had carried us safe to New England … dreading to leave illiterate Ministry to the Churches, when our present Ministers shall lie in the Dust…it pleased God to stir up the heart of one Mr. Harvard, a godly gentleman and a lover of learning.to give one half of his estate…towards the erecting of a college, and all of his library.”

More here-

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/religion/article_ae982dac-2da0-11e2-a676-001a4bcf887a.html

Fort Worth 7 indicted on charges of failure to inform on other bishops

From Anglican INK-

The episcopal defendants in the Fort Worth 7 case have been charged with fraud, financial misconduct and failing to inform on their fellow bishops  who held opinions on church order contrary to those advocated by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

In an email dated 2 Oct 2012 seen by Anglican Ink the Fort Worth 7 were informed of the specific canonical violations they had committed by filing an amicus brief in the Fort Worth case before the Texas Supreme Court.

The intake officer for the House of Bishops, the Rt. Rev. F. Clayton Matthews told the seven:

"The complaints were filed by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Fort Worth and Mr. Paul Ambos, a member in good standing of Christ Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey and a Deputy to the 77th General Convention from the Diocese of New Jersey.  They allege you violated Canons IV.3.1, and Canons IV.4.Sec1(c),(e),(g),(f),(h)(6),(h)(8), and possibly IV.4.Sec.1(h)(2).”
More here-

http://anglicanink.com/article/fort-worth-7-indicted-charges-failure-inform-other-bishops

Christianity as threatened by liberalised doctrine as by Islamic violence: Nigerian Anglican Primate

From Nigeria-

 Christianity is an “endangered species” in Africa, pressed between violence from Islamist terrorism on one side and doctrinal and moral “disunity” among Christians on the other, a leading Nigerian Anglican bishop has said.

The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Anglican Primate of Nigeria’s 18 million Anglican Christians, warned the other African nations that doctrinal relativism, which he called “nominalism,” and the “doctrine of prosperity” – the idea that God rewards the morally upright with material wealth - are creating as serious a threat to the continuance of Christianity as Islamic violence on the continent.

Okoh was speaking at the 2012 Divine Commonwealth Conference in Abuja, on the theme: “Contending For The Faith.” He said that for Christianity to survive in Africa, all Christians everywhere must adhere to a common Christian faith in line with the Bible.

Okoh referred to the Islamic terrorist organisation Boko Haram, which has gone on killing sprees throughout Nigeria and is particularly known for attacking Christian worshippers at services at Christmas and Easter time.
More here-

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/christianity-as-threatened-by-liberalised-doctrine-as-by-islamic-violence-n/

Anglican Diocese of Accra inaugurates new Bishop

From Ghana-

The Anglican Diocese of Accra, Church of the Province of West Africa, on Sunday inaugurated the Episcopal Ministry of Right Reverend Dr Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, as the ninth Diocesan Bishop of Accra.

Dr Mensah Torto succeeded the Most Reverend Justice Ofei Akrofi as Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa, following his retirement on October 29, after serving for 16 years.

Most Reverend Ofei Akrofi, in his message, advised the new bishop to use spirituality as the tool to do the work that God had entrusted into his hands.

He called on other bishops in the Church to welcome him and create space for him to be God’s agent and instrument in building God’s household.

Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Presiding bishop of Methodist Ghana, said there was the need to re-imagine the future based on hope in God who in Christ came to rescue us from sin and restored us to a new relationship with him.

“This means we have to rediscover the mission of Jesus Christ, for we don’t really know Christ till we participate in and live out his mission”.

More here-

http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2012/11/12/anglican-diocese-of-accra-inaugurates-new-bishop/

Houma church starts rebuilding after fire

From Louisiana-

During a Sunday worship service two years ago, pastor Craig Dalferes read a Bible verse to the congregation of St. Matthew’s Church.

“ ‘Do you see all these things?’ ” Jesus told his disciples as they looked at the magnificent temple in Jerusalem.

“ ‘Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Dalferes said it was a difficult verse to preach about on a normal Sunday. But that was no ordinary Sunday — only a few days earlier, he had been standing in the ashes of the church’s landmark, century-old sanctuary in downtown Houma.

This Sunday, Dalferes stood in the grassy field where those ashes had been and read a different verse.

More here-

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20121112/ARTICLES/121119928

Q&A with disaffected Episcopal diocese: Officials explain status and positions

From South Carolina-

On Sunday, The Post and Courier reported that both the breakaway diocese and the continuing diocese of The Episcopal Church had announced meetings meant to define next steps.

The majority of officials and worshippers in the Diocese of South Carolina appear to be aligned with the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, who has severed his ties with the church because of long-standing disputes over theology and administrative authority.

On Thursday the breakaway diocese issued a strongly worded statement critical of those who have formed a new steering committee in order to reconstitute the “continuing diocese” of The Episcopal Church. At least 12 parishes and hundreds of parishioners throughout the diocese have chosen to remain part of the church. The intact diocese included a total of 70 parishes.

For “the other side of the story” — a timeline of events concerning the Diocese of South Carolina that was prepared by The Episcopal Church — go to http://archive.episcopalchurch.org/perspectives.

The exchange last week prompted The Post and Courier to seek some clarification. Answers were assembled by Joy Hunter, communications director for the disaffected diocese.
More here-



http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20121112/PC16/121119805/qa-with-disaffected-episcopal-diocese-officials-explain-status-and-positions&source=RSS

Stormy see

From Irish Post-

The Church of England was once described as “the Tory Party at prayer” – not so, these days. The new, 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, although a former oil company executive with strong business credentials and more pragmatist than radical, is what the Financial Times describes as “a trenchant critic of the excesses of capitalism”. His views on social issues such as gay priests – against – and women bishops – in favour – that are dividing the church reflect a more cautious centrism.

Bishop of Durham Justin Welby will take over the archbishopric and with it the role of titular head of the 77 million-strong Anglican communion worldwide at a difficult time for the church. But there is a worldliness and pragmatism about him that marks him out from incumbent Rowan Williams, a brilliant academic and theologian. The latter may have, as one newspaper put it, “made the country a more thoughtful place”, but he struggled to keep the church united. Welby had a record in the oil business as a conciliator and says he has a “passion for reconciliation”.

Eton- and Cambridge-educated, he has had a fast rise in the church since he abandoned business for Holy Orders. He was elevated to bishop only last year, scarcely time, unlike rivals, to antagonise any of his brothers.

Welby was recently appointed to the parliamentary committee into UK banking standards, specifically the lapses which led to the Libor scandal, and is expected to retain his place on the committee where he has impressed politicians with his expertise.

More here-

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2012/1112/1224326471224.html

Give Archbishop bet winnings to the church - Welby

From Durham-

HAVING been unveiled as the next Archbishop of Canterbury in London on Friday (November 9), Justin Welby returned to his day job at the weekend – still displaying the mix of humour and drive which has fuelled his rapid rise to the top of the Church of England. Mark Tallentire reports.

“BECAUSE speaking generally, I’m not a horse. I think that’s a really important point to get across.”

Perhaps not words you would expect from the next head of the worldwide Anglican Church; but then Justin Portal Welby, still for a few months the Bishop of Durham, is perhaps not whom you would expect, either.

His appointment to succeed Rowan Williams is still a surprise even to him, he says, and still hasn’t sunk in.

More here-

http://www.durhamtimes.co.uk/news/10040302.Give_Archbishop_bet_winnings_to_the_church___Welby/

Jonathan Congratulates New Archbishop Of Canterbury

From Nigeria-

PRESIDENT Jonathan on Saturday congratulated the Bishop of Durham, Right Reverend Justin Welby, on his appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Anglican Communion worldwide.

In a congratulatory letter to Bishop Welby, Jonathan said he was confident that, with his “inspiring antecedents,” he would achieve “astounding success” in his new assignment.

Speaking in the same vein, the Bishop of Kaduna Diocese of Anglican Communion, Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, said with his background in resolving the insecurity problems posed by Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram, Welby is equipped to bring peace to all parts of the world.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was recently in Nigeria as part of efforts to end the Niger-Delta debacle, Jos crisis, Kaduna violence and Boko Haram insurgency. With this background, Idowu-Fearon believes his new position would serve as added advantage to further promote peace not in Nigeria, but Africa and the rest of the world.

Idowu-Fearon, who spoke in an interview with The Guardian on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, pointed out that Webly has contributed immensely to the Federal Government’s struggle to bring an end to violence in the Niger Delta and Kaduna.

More here-

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104374:jonathan-congratulates-new-archbishop-of-canterbury&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

Can new Archbishop of Canterbury help resolve Anglican Communion's problems?

From Alaska-

They will be praying for Justin this Sunday in parish churches around England. Justin Welby, currently Bishop of Durham, has been chosen to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the worldwide Anglican communion — which includes America's Episcopal churches — a group of more than 80 million Christians.

It is one of the many quirks of the job that his surname will go when he puts the mitre on his head. He will be called Archbishop Justin by his bishops, priests, deacons and congregations. An odd bit of informality at odds with the responsibilities he is taking on. He is the 105th person to hold the position in a line that goes all the way back to St. Augustine, Apostle to the English, who is not the St. Augustine who prayed, "Grant me chastity … but not just yet." Although in some ways, Welby's life before becoming a churchman lives out that prayer. He was very worldly before putting on the collar.

Justin Welby is a son of privilege and connections. His father, Gavin, was a bootlegger during prohibition and made the acquaintance of the Kennedy family. It is reported that Gavin Welby introduced Jack Kennedy to his first mistress.

The new Archbishop's parents divorced when he was two, and his father dated Vanessa Redgrave for a while. His mother married Lord Williams of Elvel.

More here-

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/can-new-archbishop-canterbury-help-resolve-anglican-communions-problems

Emotional Norwalk ceremony honors veterans

From Connecticut-

David Cole sat proudly in his Army uniform at the front of the congregation at Christ Episcopal Church Sunday services. Turning his wheelchair to face the congregation squarely, Cole's dignity and pride in his service was evident as he introduced himself to the congregation at the Church's annual Veterans Day tribute mass.

"I was in the United States Army from 1953 to 1973," said Cole. "I was a lieutenant colonel and served in the special forces. I very proudly wear my green beret. I loved every minute of being in the military."

Cole was one of invited veterans from all branches of military service at the mass conducted by church vicar Reverand Colonel Frank Wismer, a recently retired senior Army reserve Episcopal chaplain. Wismer, as a veteran of Desert Storm, Operation Joint Force in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Camp Arifjian in Kuwait feels a strong affinity for, and appreciation of the military.

More here-

http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/emotional-norwalk-ceremony-honors-veterans/article_92ea6c5e-7533-529c-9dca-076e6132bac3.html

Presiding Bishop backs ecclesiastical coup in South Carolina

From Anglican Ink-

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has declared the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese of South Carolina vacant and has backed a faction within the diocese that is seeking to fill the “vacuum” created by the suspension of Bishop Mark Lawrence.

The loyalist “Transitional Committee” has also declared the South Carolina Standing Committee to be vacant and has formed a “steering committee” to act in its place. 

On 11 Nov 2012, the steering committee announced that it had taken charge of the diocese. “We write to assure you that The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina is continuing,” they said, noting they had formed a “steering committee of faithful Episcopalians” to “reorganize our continuing Diocese over the next few months. This committee will serve as the broad-based group in the Diocese that communicates with the Presiding Bishop during this period when the Diocese has no functioning ecclesiastical authority.”

 More here-

 http://anglicanink.com/article/presiding-bishop-backs-ecclesiastical-coup-south-carolina

New church to rise from ashes of disastrous fire

From Louisiana-

Two years to the day after their historic church in downtown Houma burned to the ground, parishioners of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church will break ground on a new building in a ceremony Sunday.

After lengthy fundraising and planning, construction of a building to replace the landmark Barrow Street sanctuary will soon be under way.

“This is hugely significant for us,” said the Rev. Craig Dalferes, the church's pastor. “It's highly symbolic that on the very day we lost our church we can have a ground-breaking ceremony.”

The church will start with a worship service at 10 a.m. in the tent that has stood for almost a year near where the church once stood. The church will set up several extra tents to accommodate the 150-200 people it expects to attend. A public ground-breaking ceremony will follow afterward.

More here-

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20121110/ARTICLES/121119996/1320?Title=New-church-to-rise-from-ashes-of-disastrous-fire

Eau Claire diocese elects William Jay Lambert as bishop

From ENS-

The Rev. William Jay Lambert was elected Nov. 10 as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and Standing Committees of the Episcopal Church.

Lambert, rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Florida (Diocese of Central Florida), was elected on the second ballot out of a field of four nominees. He received 26 votes of 48 cast in the lay order and 18 of 27 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 25 in the lay order and 14 in the clergy order.

The election was held during the diocese’s 84th annual convention at Avalon Hotel and Conference Center in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

Pending a successful consent process, Lambert will succeed the Rt. Rev. Keith Whitmore, who resigned as Eau Claire’s bishop in 2008 to become assistant bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. The diocese has been led since September 2010 by Bishop Provisional Edwin Leidel, Jr, former bishop of Eastern Michigan. Eau Claire’s Standing Committee served as the ecclesiastical authority during the period the diocese was without a bishop.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/11/11/eau-claire-diocese-elects-william-jay-lambert-as-bishop/

Pine church turns parable into project

From Pittsburgh-

The Aug. 19 sermon at New Community Church in Pine began as a stock lesson on building God's kingdom, using Jesus' parable about a boss who gave each of his managers money to invest in his absence, rewarding those who increased it but firing a man who buried the sum to protect it. Then the pastor asked for volunteers, without saying what they were volunteering for. After they came forward, he handed 100 people a $100 bill.

He told them it was God's money not theirs, that they were to invest it for his work and report back in three months.

"It was risky. But it has so exceeded our expectations," said the Rev. Mark Bolton, senior pastor of New Community, an independent evangelical church with about 750 members.
Some recipients multiplied the money as much as one hundredfold. Someone launched a fund for adoption expenses, others raised money for water wells in Sudan, a man gave hoodies to the homeless in Pittsburgh.

The stories will be told at the 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday services today through Nov. 25.

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-north/pine-church-turns-parable-into-project-661585/#ixzz2Bul0uDv9

Church buildings in Akron, Fairlawn get new life

From Ohio-

Two church buildings that were once part of a legal property dispute between the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and two breakaway congregations now have new owners.

Grace Brethren Church of Norton recently purchased the property at 565 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Fairlawn that was the former home of St. Luke’s Anglican Church.

In September, Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church bought the property at 825 E. Buchtel Ave. in Akron, where Church of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church had been located.

The 12-year-old Baptist congregation moved from its Copley Road location in July and completed the purchase of its new property on Sept. 4. The Rev. Shawnte Davon Hardin, senior pastor at Greater Faith, said the congregation moved because it needed more space.

More here-

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/church-buildings-in-akron-fairlawn-get-new-life-1.349163

Va. Beach combined parish worries about future

From Virginia-

When parishioners of Church of the Holy Apostles gathered last week to celebrate 35 years as the nation's first and only combined Episcopal and Roman Catholic parish, it was a joyful occasion, honoring what its founders and others hailed as a bold experiment in ecumenism.

"There's a wonderful spirit of sharing in this place," retired Roman Catholic Bishop Walter Sullivan, who helped launch the parish in 1977, said during an anniversary service Nov. 1. He commended the parishioners for their "vision of solidarity."

The next day, parishioners heard from the current bishop, the Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and the news wasn't good.

DiLorenzo said in a letter that the Rev. James E. Parke, a Roman Catholic priest who shared pastoral duties with the Rev. Michael B. Ferguson, an Episcopalian, was being relieved of his duties.

The bishop gave no reason for Parke's removal. Parke was not reassigned.

The diocese was sending a team to determine whether the way the parish worships is consistent with Catholic doctrine.

"It is our mutual hope that, after this study period, Holy Apostles will continue its ecumenical and ministerial outreach in Virginia Beach, DiLorenzo wrote.

More here-

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/11/va-beach-combined-parish-worries-about-future

Justin Welby, New Archbishop Of Canterbury, Watched By Pro-Gay Rights Episcopalians As Church Tensions Continue

From Huffington-

For nearly a decade, the 77 million-member Anglican church has been caught in an internal tug-of-war over gender and sexuality: The liberal U.S. Episcopal Church that forms its American wing appoints gay members to be church leaders and approves blessings for same-sex couples, while the more conservative, traditional wings in the United Kingdom and Africa forcefully protest.

So when the new archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and the symbolic head of the Anglicans worldwide, was named, questions started pouring in. Will the Rev. Justin Welby, the new archbishop who was relatively unknown to most Anglicans before his appointment, be able to maintain unity in the church as it continues to confront increasing internal tensions?

The answer is unclear. In interviews in London on Friday, Welby spoke out against homophobia, but reports said he is against same-sex marriage. He also said that he supports ordaining women bishops. That's long been a non-issue in the U.S., where the highest-ranking Episcopal bishop is a woman, but it's a more contentious one in the Church of England, which is voting on the issue only this month at its General Synod.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/justin-welby-gay-archbishop-canterbury-episcopal_n_2103879.html

New Episcopal bishop has ties to Fort Worth

From Ft. Worth-

When Bishop Rayford High Jr. was asked to become the provisional bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, he jumped at the chance.

It's a return to a city where he spent some happy times.

"I was at Texas Christian University for my first year of college," he said. "That was during some of TCU's glory years of football. Bob Lilly, Jack Spikes and Don Floyd made the All-American team."

He also attended Fort Worth's Trinity Episcopal Church, was mentored by the TCU Episcopal chaplain and joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

"As bad a rap as fraternities have gotten over the years, they were helpful to me," he said. "I met some neat friends. I was part of a band of brothers, and we had to keep our grade-point averages up or we would be put on probation."

Read more here: 

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/11/09/4401999/new-episcopal-bishop-has-ties.html#storylink=cpy

Ex-oil man and son of bootlegger to be next Anglican leader

From NBC-

A former oil executive whose father was a bootlegger in prohibition-era America and later a friend of the Kennedys, was on Friday named the new spiritual leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans.

Justin Welby, 56, the Bishop of Durham, who has risen quickly within the Church of England hierarchy since quitting the world of commerce in 1992, will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Church of England is known in the U.S. as the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America. Its Presiding Bishop is currently Katharine Jefferts Schori.

The change in leadership follows the resignation of the current Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, ending a turbulent era in which the Church of England has been sharply divided on issues such as same-sex marriage, female clergy and gay bishops.

More here-

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/08/15023604-ex-oil-man-and-son-of-bootlegger-to-be-next-anglican-leader?lite

Former oil exec named new Anglican leader

From ABC-

Former oil executive Justin Welby has been officially named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the world's Anglicans, in a move aimed at healing schisms over gay and female bishop.

Bishop Welby, 56, who only became the Bishop of Durham a year ago, said the announcement by British prime minister David Cameron's Downing Street office was "astonishing and exciting".

He will replace Rowan Williams, who will retire in January after a decade spent battling divisions in the worldwide Anglican communion of around 80 million people.

The prime minister's official Twitter feed said: "Downing Street is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Welby as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury."

The appointment had been officially approved by Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England as well as the British head of state, Downing Street said in a statement.

More here-

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-09/former-oil-exec-named-new-archbishop-of-canterbury/4364484

As The Next Archbishop of Canterbury, Can Justin Welby Save The Anglican Communion?

From Time-

It’s a familiar story of privilege in Britain: a well-connected man receives a top-notch, prestigious education before making his name in the high-paying business sector and is eventually selected to fill one of the most prominent roles in British society. But this version of the story has a twist: the man in question, Justin Welby, quit the life of a business executive in 1987 and became a village parish priest in the Church of England instead—and in remarkably short order has risen to be on the verge of being officially named the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of 80 million Anglicans around the world.

After weeks of speculation from the British media and Anglicans around the world, Downing Street announced Friday on Twitter that a group of clergy and lay people known as the Crown Nominations Committee (CNC) had chosen the 56-year-old to be the head of the Church of England. Beyond his background in business, Welby may seem like a surprising choice for the top job for other reasons. Although he was rumored to be a possibility for the leadership of the Church in September when the 16-member CNC met in a secret location to deliberate on their choices, many felt that he was too young and new to the Church. A bit “undercooked”, as Reverend George Pitcher put it when speaking to TIME before the selection was announced. A bishop for less than a year, Welby’s background seems more in line with that of a top political advisor or a flashy CEO rather than the spiritual guide to millions.I

Read more:

http://world.time.com/2012/11/09/as-the-next-archbishop-of-canterbury-can-justin-welby-save-the-anglican-communion/#ixzz2BjJEwtHa

Recalling 150 Years: Southborough's St. Mark's Church

From Mass-

When Joseph Burnett founded Southborough's St. Mark's Episcopal Church in 1862, the nation was caught in the midst of the Civil War. But Burnett was a forward-thinking man of his time, and sought to establish a church that promised to be "free to all, with no distinctions as to wealth, color or station."

"That was a huge deal then," said property manager Steve Taylor. "I remember going to the Old North Church [in Boston], and depending on how much you gave, it determined where you sat."
One hundred and fifty years after its founding, St. Mark's remains a local landmark, with strong ties to St. Mark's School and Fay School — the former was under the church's jurisdiction for many years before going private.

Taylor, who got involved with the church in the mid-1980's, spent a great deal of time this year researching its history, by way of its archives and artifacts.

More here-

http://southborough.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/recalling-150-years-southboroughs-st-marks-church

Durham Bishop Justin Welby named 105th archbishop of Canterbury

From ENS-

Following months of anticipation and media speculation, Downing Street confirmed Nov. 9 that the Queen has approved the nomination of Diocese of Durham Bishop Justin Welby as the 105th archbishop of Canterbury.

As the 105th archbishop in a succession spanning more than 1400 years, Welby will assume the multi-faceted role as spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Primate of All England, and bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury.

Church of England bishops are appointed rather than elected, with a 16-member Crown Nominations Commission putting forward two names — a preferred candidate and a second candidate — to Downing Street. The U.K. prime minister then seeks approval from the British monarch, who is the supreme governor of the Church of England.

Before his ordination to the priesthood in 1992, Welby studied law and history at Cambridge University and then spent 11 years as an executive in the oil industry. After a decade in parish ministry, he was appointed a canon residentiary, and later sub-dean, of Coventry Cathedral. He served as dean of Liverpool Cathedral from 2007-2011.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/11/09/durham-bishop-justin-welby-named-105th-archbishop-of-canterbury/

St. George's Spesutia, Maryland's oldest Episcopal parish, to end worship services

From Maryland-

St. George's Spesutia Parish in Perryman, the oldest Episcopal parish in Maryland, will suspend holding worship services effective at the end of the year, the Bishop of Maryland has informed parishioners.

In a letter dated Nov. 1, the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, explained the decision to members of the parish, which has been in continuous operation since 1671.

Sutton's letter, a copy of which was provided to The Aegis by a parishioner, cited a lack of attendance at Sunday worship services, a lack of income from the collection plate and pledges "to sustain a parish financially with your buildings and grounds, let alone to sustain a thriving ministry" and the likelihood that the parish's investments would be depleted within four years if the financial situation continued.

"You have also been inflicted with a history and pattern of conflicts within the parish, and between the parish and the diocese," the Bishop wrote.

More here-

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/publications/the-aegis/ph-ag-st-georges-closing-1109-20121108,0,854607.story

Justin Welby set to become new Archbishop of Canterbury

From The BBC- (Other links included below)

Bishop of Durham Justin Welby, a former oil industry worker, is set to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

It is thought the 56-year-old will be named on Friday as the replacement for Rowan Williams, who steps down in December after 10 years in the post.

Bishop Welby became a bishop only a year ago when he took up the Church of England's fourth most senior post.

Downing Street sources have confirmed the next archbishop will be formally announced on Friday morning.

On Tuesday, leading bookmakers stopped taking bets on the succession after a run of bets on Bishop Welby.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Bishop Welby has agreed to accept the post. The Times newspaper says he will be named as the new Primate this week.

Justin Welby will bring some unusual qualities to his new role. An old Etonian, he has significant experience in the oil industry and in managing complex processes and organisations.

He said he was called to become a priest following the death of his young daughter in a car crash.

Critics have said that the fact he's only been a bishop for a year may leave him vulnerable when dealing with the Church's various factions.

But he is skilled at conflict resolution, even at one point risking his own life when dealing with warring factions in Nigeria.

He's particularly concerned about the plight of the poor and the moral obligations of the City - so the government can expect him to be just as outspoken as Rowan Williams.

Radio 4 Profile: Justin Welby
Bishop Welby said he was unable to comment on the speculation.

Speaking during a break in the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards inquiry, of which he is a committee member, he said: "I am not able to comment, only Lambeth Palace can."

More here-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20242129

The Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9662546/Justin-Welby-to-be-Archbishop-of-Canterbury.html

The Guardian-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/08/justin-welby-archbishop-canterbury-business

Daily Mail-

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2229054/Justin-Welby-Former-oil-boss-expected-named-new-Archbishop-Canterbury.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Justin Welby: A TLC Interview

From The Living Church-

The Rt. Rev. Justin P. Welby was consecrated as Bishop of Durham in September 2011, and reportedly has accepted appointment as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. Daniel H. Martins interviewed his brother bishop by email soon after Welby visited the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops in March.

Two of your predecessors (David Jenkins and N.T. Wright) drew frequent headlines for very different reasons. For what do you hope to be best known, in headlines or otherwise?
My main ambition would be not to be too much in the headlines at all, as given the state of the British Press it would probably mean I had done something immensely stupid. However, if I had to be there are about three areas that really seem to be coming to the fore.

The first is the need for the Church to grow in numbers, and in spiritual depth. I am in the middle of planning, with my colleagues, a long-term program of evangelization which will involve three or four missions a year across the diocese, covering the entire diocese every five years. In each of those, both bishops will live in the area of work and two years will have been spent in preparation. We are trying to avoid an “up with the rocket down with the stick” approach, and going rather for a steady-state push that does not exhaust people but leads to a cultural change that says it is normal for us to share our faith. So that would be one thing.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/justin-welby-tlc-interview