Forgiveness and being forgiven

From Alabama-

In the Gospel of Matthew 18:21-35, we read the story of the servant who owed his master so large an amount of money that it would have been impossible for him to repay it in his lifetime. The master planned to recoup his money by selling the man, his wife and his children. The man begged forgiveness of the debt and received it.

As it turns out, on his way out the servant ran into a fellow servant who owed him a “few dollars.” Servant number one grabbed servant number two and demanded his money. The man begged for mercy and was thrown into prison by his colleague. Most of us know the rest of the story. The first servant was thrown into prison by an angry master who had shown him mercy, forgiveness.

More here-

http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/article_2ea8160e-e9e0-11e8-951d-8725672d9008.html

Episcopal Church Head Michael Curry Responds to Bishop's Refusal to Allow Gay Marriage in Diocese

From Christian Post-

The head of The Episcopal Church has said that he's deciding on what actions to take after the bishop of a New York State-based diocese has refused to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany released a lengthy pastoral letter last week stating that he will not allow same-sex weddings in his churches, despite a recently approved resolution mandating them for all dioceses.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who supports same-sex marriage and leads the mainline Protestant denomination, released a statement earlier this week explaining that he's "assessing the implications of the statement and will make determinations about appropriate actions soon."

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-head-michael-curry-responds-bishops-refusal-gay-marriage-diocese-228569/

Dallas bishop’s plan for allowing same-sex marriage involves Missouri bishop’s oversight

From ENS-

Three parishes in the Diocese of Dallas have asked to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies under a General Convention compromise with Bishop George Sumner and other conservative diocesan bishops, and Sumner announced this week that Missouri Bishop Wayne Smith will provide pastoral oversight of those three parishes.

The move, based on Sumner’s interpretation of Resolution B012 approved in July, will allow the parishes to begin offering the church-approved trial-use rites without raising further objection from Sumner, who will relinquish oversight but not diocesan authority.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/15/dallas-bishops-plan-for-allowing-same-sex-marriage-involves-missouri-bishops-oversight/?fbclid=IwAR1IeZO_nQ-9zOMI2EABN3unCYzYK9H0E7iVIVJ0SEY-YAgGexpExaCwXgk

Stephen Colbert On How He Returned To Catholicism After Being An Atheist

From Huffington-

“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert is known for wearing his Catholic faith on his sleeve, often weaving religion into his criticism of President Donald Trump or using it to call out immoral actions of fellow Christians.

But in a candid conversation on the talk show “Faith in Focus,” published Thursday, Colbert revealed that his religious convictions haven’t always been so strong.

He spoke about how he’d struggled with doubt in his younger years. He told the show’s host Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor at large at the Catholic magazine America, that he was “convicted of my own atheism” in his early 20s.

“I had lost my faith in God, to my own great grief,” Colbert said. “I was sort of convinced that I had been wrong all this time, that I had been taught something that wasn’t true.”

More here-

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/stephen-colbert-god-catholicism_us_5beeda02e4b0860184a7c174?fbclid=IwAR22KUbuO3ucsBolD2uDxL8yOwKmtFWlreV2hhkYFdoMEOFaCY_Ci8yWlkg

'Abomination': Church exits over same-sex marriage

From New Zealand-

A Dunedin church opposed to the blessing of same-sex civil marriages has withdrawn from the Anglican diocese, with its minister saying homosexuality is an "abomination".

St Matthew's Church in Stafford St this week voted to disaffiliate from the church.

Bishop of Dunedin the Rt. Rev Steven Benford confirmed the move after inquiries from the Otago Daily Times.

He said at a special meeting on Monday the St Matthews congregation in Dunedin voted to disaffiliate, "a result of the General Synod resolution on the blessing of same-sex civil marriages passed in May 2018''.

More here-

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/abomination-church-exits-over-same-sex-marriage

Church will sack unfaithful priests – Anglican Primate

From Nigeria-

The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, on Thursday in Abuja warned that the church would not hesitate to discipline clergymen who were not faithful to their calling.

The primate handed down the warning in his closing charge to participants in the 2018 Divine Commonwealth Conference, with the theme: “I will restore”

The Anglican leader noted that it had become worrisome that bishops of the church did not subject prospective priests to scrutiny through rigorous checks before their ordination.
Okoh said: “So many clergymen have been dismissed, so many have been defrocked and so many have been suspended from the church.

More here-

https://theeagleonline.com.ng/church-will-sack-unfaithful-priests-anglican-primate/

Indigenous bishop a first for Saskatoon Anglicans

From Canada-

In a year marked by deep hurt and division between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Saskatchewan, much hope is focused on Saskatoon’s new Anglican bishop.

On Saturday, Rev. Chris Harper will become the first Indigenous person to lead the Diocese of Saskatoon, a geographic band stretching across central Saskatchewan from Manitoba to Alberta.
“I am hoping and I am praying that I might be able to offer myself as a mediator, as a bridge builder,” Harper said in a recent interview.

Leaders and dignitaries attending the service will include the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the mayor of Saskatoon and the treaty commissioner.

For Harper, his new role is a virtual homecoming. He was born in Paradise Hill and raised in Onion Lake Cree Nation, two communities just over the northern boundary of the diocese he will lead.

More here-

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/indigenous-bishop-a-first-for-saskatoon-anglicans

Bishop Love listening to pros and cons

From Albany-

Albany Episcopal Bishop William H. Love has gotten lots of feedback, both pro and con, since releasing his "pastoral direction" on Saturday outlawing the officiating of same-sex weddings in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

"I have received hundreds of emails and phone calls from all over the United States as well as Canada, Europe, Central America and New Zealand," said Love, in a written statement Thursday. "Most have been very encouraging and supportive of the stand I have taken upholding Holy Scripture and the Church's traditional understanding of Christian marriage, which dates back over 2,000 years.
"However, there are also a number of emails that are opposed to the actions I have taken and have expressed the anger and hurt they feel. I can understand and appreciate the variety of views that have been expressed."

Love's directive came after meeting with Episcopal priests from the Albany Diocese in September, following the passage of Resolution BO12 in July at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. That directive, while not allowing same-sex marriage to become part of the denomination's theology, did make it OK for Episcopal ministers to conduct same-sex weddings. While 93 bishops concurred with the decision, Love was one of eight from around the U.S. who continue to prohibit same-sex weddings in their diocese.

More here-

https://dailygazette.com/article/2018/11/15/bishop-love-listening-to-pros-and-cons

Bishop of CNY Episcopal Diocese maintains support for same-sex marriage

From Central New York-

The issue of gay marriage is at the heart of a disagreement in the Episcopal Church in upstate New York. An Albany Bishop has banned same-sex marriage in his diocese, going so far as to say in a letter to the Albany Diocese that the church has been 'hijacked by the 'gay rights agenda,'" with Satan at the source of this division in the church. 

But the Bishop of the Central New York Diocese strongly disagrees.

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe said she was aware that Bishop William Love and others have struggled with the concept of gay marriage in the Episcopal Church, but was surprised at the severity in tone of Love's letter.

"Even if we disagree about what morality might be, we must love one another," Duncan-Probe said. "So I too was troubled when he invoked the term Satan, because I think it was more damaging than he realizes."

More here-

http://www.wrvo.org/post/bishop-cny-episcopal-diocese-maintains-support-same-sex-marriage

B012 Bishop for Dallas: George Wayne Smith

From The Living Church-

Bishop George Wayne Smith of the Diocese of Missouri will visit and assist at three Dallas-area parishes that wish to celebrate weddings for same-sex couples:

General Convention passed Resolution B012 on July 13, 2018, to give all Episcopalians the ability to be married by their priests in their home churches.

One part of Resolution B012 resolves that if a bishop “holds a theological position that does not embrace marriage for same-sex couples,” that bishop “shall invite, as necessary, another bishop of this Church to provide pastoral support to the couple, the Member of the Clergy involved and the congregation or worshipping community in order to fulfill the intention of this resolution that all couples have convenient and reasonable local congregational access to these rites.”

Bishop [George] Sumner wrote, “I am confident that we will be working collegially for the sake of the thriving of all the parishes in the Diocese of Dallas. I have provided Ascension, Transfiguration, and St. Thomas with a protocol for Bishop Smith’s work with them. Both he and I share the hope that the three parishes will continue to invite me annually to come to preach, teach, and share in worship.”

More here-

https://livingchurch.org/2018/11/14/b012-bishop-for-dallas-george-wayne-smith/

Leader of U.S. Episcopal Church part of Long Island diocese anniversary events

From Long Island-

He is the first African-American to lead the Episcopal Church in the United States, and electrified millions around the world in May by delivering a memorable sermon at the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Now, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry is helping to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.

Curry arrived Thursday to kick off the start of three days of meetings and religious services to mark the anniversary. He and other leaders, who are gathering at a hotel in Uniondale, said they plan to address a number of issues including immigration and the #MeToo movement.

In an interview, Curry said the Episcopal Church is dedicated to protecting the rights of immigrants, a group he said is increasingly under attack.

More here-

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/episcopal-curry-diocese-convention-1.23458239

Christians are being 'driven from north Nigeria' by Islamist militants

From Nigeria-

The UK church has been urged to pray for persecuted Christians in Nigeria on Sunday's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Nigeria is the focus of Release International's prayers for the day. According to a Release partner in Nigeria, attacks by Islamist Fulani militants are continuing to have a devastating effect on Christians. 'In the first six months of 2018, some 6,000 people have been killed and close to 50,000 displaced. The escalation of killings is very clear,' the partner said.

Another Release partner, Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, has repeatedly called for the government to protect Christians in northern Nigeria against the increasing attacks: 'I am raising an alarm – if the government will listen,' he said.

Last month, on October 18, militants killed dozens of Christians in a market place in Kaduna and burned down a church. The death toll is said to have exceeded 50.

On November 9, armed herdsmen killed seven farmers in Kaduna before fleeing to what police described as a no-go area.

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians-are-being-driven-from-north-nigeria-by-islamist-militants/130943.htm

Justin Welby pays tribute to 'prophet' Charles on 70th birthday

From England-

The Prince of Wales has been described as a "prophet" by the Archbishop of Canterbury as he paid tribute to him on his 70th birthday.

The Most Rev Justin Welby said the heir to the throne had shown his "prophetic instincts" in his championing of the environment and his early warnings of the threat posed by plastic pollution.

The leader of the Anglican church was speaking as peers in the House of Lords hailed the Prince of Wales' "outstanding service to the nation" and wished him "many happy returns" on turning 70.

Referring to accusations levelled at the prince of "meddling" in public affairs, the Archbishop said: "In the Church we politely say 'being prophetic'.

"To some extent, his Royal Highness is a prophet.

"A prophet in the Old Testament is someone who sees slightly further into things than other people and, perhaps to some people's discomfort at times, may bring them out and is then proved to be right.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Justin-Welby-pays-tribute-to-prophet-Charles-on-70th-birthday

Episcopal Bishop of Albany Rejects 'Gay Marriage,' a 'Lie' From 'Satan'

More from Albany-

The Rt. Rev. William H. Love, the Episcopal bishop of Albany, N.Y., released a "pastoral directive" on Nov. 10 stating that recently approved "gay marriage" rites shall "not be used anywhere" by the clergy in his diocese. He also stated that people in the Episcopal Church who think same-sex marriage is a good thing "have been deceived into believing a lie" spun by the "great deceiver" -- Satan.

In July, the Episcopal Church leaders voted to approve Resolution B012, which set the policy for performing gay marriages. The policy provides "gender-neutral marriage rites" and affirms that Episcopal clergy may perform the rite even if their bishop objects. Episcopal priests perfomring the gay marriages are allowed to seek "pastoral support" from a bishop of another diocese, if needed.  The new rite is scheduled to go into effect in December. 

More here-

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/episcopal-bishop-albany-rejects-gay-marriage-lie-satan

and here-

https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/30643-ny-episcopal-bishop-bans-same-sex-marriages

and here-

https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/albanys-episcopal-bishop-bans-sex-marriages-dioceses-churches

and here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/14/tensions-rise-in-diocese-of-albany-over-bishops-rejection-same-sex-marriage-compromise/

Anglican Priests’ Day of Rage Against Obiano

From Nigeria-

The ongoing controversy surrounding the ownership of Bishop Crowther Primary School, Onitsha, in Anambra State, recently took another turn when priests of the Anglican Communion took war to Governor Willie Obiano’s doorstep. David-Chyddy Eleke reports

Two weeks back, persons suspected to be thugs loyal to the Anambra State Government invaded Bishop Crowther Primary School, in Onitsha, which also serves as a worship centre for Anglicans in the area, and chased away worshippers.

The reason for their action was because the land had been in contention with their Catholic counterparts also laying claim to the land, thereby forcing the state government to seal off the land. But insisting on being the genuine owners of the land, the Anglicans had moved in to conduct their worship without regards for the seal, before the thugs arrived.

More here-

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/11/14/anglican-priests-day-of-rage-against-obiano/

United Methodists, Episcopalians One Step Closer to 'Full Communion' With Each Other

From Christian Post-

The United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church are one step closer to entering into an agreement in which they will be in full communion with each other.

At a multiday meeting held last week, the UMC Council of Bishops voted to approve the preparation of legislation to carry out the full communion proposal, titled "A Gift to the World: Co-Laborers for the Healing of Brokenness."

"In the fractured human community there is a great need for the realization of the unity among the followers of Christ Jesus," stated the Preamble.

"This proposal for full communion between The Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church is an effort to bring our churches into closer partnership in the mission and witness to the love of God and thus labor together for the healing of divisions among Christians and for the well-being of all."

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/united-methodists-episcopalians-closer-full-communion-with-each-other-228509/

After Episcopal bishop's marriage stance, a church ponders the future

From Albany-

After Bishop William Love released a strongly worded letter definitively rejecting gay marriage in the Episcopal diocese of Albany – and directly opposing the stance of the national church – those who agree with the bishop and those who disagree considered the future of the diocese.

The big question: What next? Parishioners leaving churches? Or even whole churches splitting away, complete with legal and property disputes? The short answer: No one knows. Much will depend on the formal response from the U.S. Episcopal Church, which has not yet taken specific action or suggested what such action might entail.

More here-

https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/After-Episcopal-bishop-s-letter-on-gay-marriage-13389071.php

Bishop Duncan-Probe responds to Bishop Love’s November 10th Pastoral Letter and Directive

From Central NY-

Following the recent statement of Bishop Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York has issued a statement, available in full below.

Bishop Duncan-Probe is the Vice-President of Province II of The Episcopal Church, which includes the Dioceses of Albany, Central New York, the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, Cuba, Haiti, Long Island, Newark, New Jersey, New York, Rochester, Western New York, and the Virgin Islands. In addition, under an agreement with Bishop Love, Bishop Duncan-Probe exercises Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) over one congregation in the Diocese of Albany: St. Andrew’s, Albany. DEPO means that Bishop Duncan-Probe includes the congregation in her regular rotation of Sunday visitations, and provides pastoral care and oversight to the parish’s clergy. The parish remains under the authority of Bishop Love. 

A statement on the matter from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church may be found here.

More here-

https://cnyepiscopal.org/2018/11/bishop-duncan-probe-responds-to-bishop-loves-november-10th-pastoral-letter-and-directive/?fbclid=IwAR09mnb2-xcQgsjRK735UP9FT-MzDOMHe2gGYqKx9O9RDc3zls_j4IdshqA

Bishops strengthen ties with Episcopalians

From The United Methodists-


Two denominations with historic ties to John Wesley’s Church of England are strengthening their ties to each other.

While meeting Nov. 4-7 at Epworth By The Sea, the Council of Bishops moved The United Methodist Church a step closer toward full communion with the Episcopal Church.

The bishops authorized the preparation of legislation to carry out the full communion proposal — “A Gift to the World: Co-Laborers for the Healing of Brokenness.”

Full communion means each church acknowledges the other as a partner in the Christian faith, recognizes the validity of each other’s baptism and Eucharist, and commits to work together in ministry. Such an agreement also means Episcopalians and United Methodists can share clergy.

More here-

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-strengthen-ties-with-episcopalians

Anglican Primate Says Nigerians Should Seek The Face Of God

From Nigeria-

Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, has appealed to Nigerians to seek the face of God in order to restore Nigeria’s lost glories.

Okoh spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 2018 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON), held at the National Christian Centre.

The theme of the conference is: “I will Restore,” taken from the Book of Joel 2:25.
He said that all Nigerians, the leaders and the led must seek the face of God for the restoration in the political and economic spheres.

Okoh said that though Nigeria has passed through so many “locust years, and still counting,’’ yet God can still Restore Nigeria.

More here-

https://www.nigerianews.net/anglican-primate-says-nigerians-should-seek-the-face-of-god/

Fulfilling an African dream

From Lichfield-

A throw away remark to the Revd Preb Michael Sheard in 2004 led to my being asked to represent the Diocese of Lichfield at the Inauguration of Tsogong (the Resurrection) parish church in the township of Ikageng as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Matlosane, and the Installation of its priest, the Revd Stephen Diseko (now Bishop Steve), as the Dean. It was the beginning of a long, life-enhancing relationship and the fulfilment of a childhood dream of working with the church in Africa. 

When Lichfield Diocese celebrated the Year of Justice and Care in 2004 my parish, St James the Great, Clayton, hosted three guests from Matlosane with whom I still meet up when I am there. We hosted Bishop Steve on a couple of occasions and it was a very memorable occasion for those who were confirmed by him. The St Chad’s volunteer Kgowe Moleme spent two weeks with us in 2016 and it is a great joy that he is now studying with a view to ordination.

More here-

https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/news/2018/11/13/fulfilling-african-dream/

Anglican Bishop says moral standards have deteriorated in Sri Lanka

From Sri Lanka-

The Anglican Bishop in Colombo Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj R. Canagasabey says moral and ethical standards have deteriorated in Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the Bishop said that the Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon notes with shock and great dismay the dissolution of Parliament by the President.

“This arbitrary act appears to us to be a direct and blatant violation of the clear and express provisions of the Constitution, following the passage of the 19th Amendment,” he said.

The Bishop said the actions of the dismissal of a sitting Prime Minister, the appointment of a new Prime Minister, the prorogation of Parliament by the President followed by credible accounts of inducements to MPs to crossover and the shifting stories about the premiership being offered to other members of Parliament are further compounded by this latest action of the President underscoring the fact that the newly appointed Prime Minister did not command the confidence of Parliament.

More here-

http://colombogazette.com/2018/11/13/anglican-bishop-says-moral-standards-have-deteriorated-in-sri-lanka/

Before the TV Hit ‘God Friended Me,’ There Were Two Friends Fascinated with Faith

From RNS-

Lilien and Wynbrandt said they chose the Episcopal Church as the institutional religious setting for the show because of its “openness” on pressing social issues such as LGBTQ — on the show, the priest's daughter, Ali (Javicia Leslie), is a lesbian — and friendly interactions with other religions.

The Episcopal Church “is a little bit more acceptable to people outside of the faith, and that was sort of our approach — as a way of examining all faiths,” Wynbrandt said.

(Their choice turned out to be well-timed: According to the showrunners, Morgan based his portrayal of the elder Finer on Bishop Michael Curry, head of the Episcopal Church in the United States, after watching him deliver the homily at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earlier this year.)

More here-

https://www.wordandway.org/resources/media-the-internet/item/4475-before-the-tv-hit-god-friended-me-there-were-two-friends-fascinated-with-faith

CNY Episcopal Bishop: Gay marriages still welcome here despite Albany bishop's refusal

From Central NY-

The bishop who oversees the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York reaffirmed her support of gay marriage today after her fellow bishop in Albany voiced his opposition.

The local diocese, since 2015, has had a policy to be "open and affirm all marriages between adults, regardless of gender identity or orientation," Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Monday. "We are called by God to love one another with honor, dignity and integrity, seeking the best of the other person."

Her Albany counterpart, Bishop William Love, issued an edict Saturday banning the marriage of same-sex couples in the Albany diocese's churches. He cited portions of the Old and New Testament to argue that same-sex marriage is not biblical.

More here-

https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2018/11/cny_episcopal_bishop_gay_marriages_still_welcome_despite_albany_bishops_refusal.html

Episcopal bishop goes against church leaders, bans same-sex marriages

About Albany (More links below)-

An Episcopal bishop in upstate New York says the church has been "hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda'" in a directive barring same-sex marriages in his diocese.

The pastoral directive from The Rev. William Love, who is based in Albany, New York, highlights lingering opposition three weeks before a resolution goes into effect setting rules for same-sex marriages in Episcopal churches nationwide. Love's letter sent Saturday said the policy going into effect Dec. 2 "turns upside down over 2000 years of Church teaching" about marriage.

"The Episcopal Church and Western Society have been hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda,' which is very well organized, very strategic, very well financed, and very powerful," Love wrote in the eight-page letter.

More here-

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/episcopal-bishop-goes-against-church-leaders-bans-same-sex-marriages-n935491 

and here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/12/albany-bishop-rejects-general-convention-compromise-on-gay-marriage-refuses-to-allow-rites/

and here-

https://poststar.com/news/local/local-churches-react-to-albany-episcopal-bishop-s-same-sex/article_6b83153b-6e65-5d92-b751-8fba05bc664f.html

and here-

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Albany-Episcopal-Bishop-outlaws-same-sex-marriage-13381964.php

and here-

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/us-episcopal-diocese-same-sex-marriage/2018/11/12/id/890295/

and here-

https://www.whec.com/news/top-episcopal-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-ban/5142243/?cat=565

Presiding Bishop’s statement on Bishop William Love’s November 10 Pastoral Letter and Directive

From The Episcopal Church-

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has issued the following statement:

I have read the recent statement from Bishop Bill Love of the Diocese of Albany and am aware of the deep hurt on all sides of the issues it addresses. I have been, and will continue to be, in conversation with Bishop Love about this matter. Along with other leaders in The Episcopal Church, I am assessing the implications of the statement and will make determinations about appropriate actions soon.

We are committed to the principle of full and equal access to, and inclusion in, the sacraments for all of the baptized children of God, including our LGBTQ siblings. For as St. Paul reminds us in Galatians 3, “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

More here-

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/presiding-bishops-statement-bishop-william-loves-november-10-pastoral-letter-and?fbclid=IwAR1Bpgz6iHmYps_cXCDCp7aprvAz8lv2IfY6MWBe80N2_0sjTW9qWGnlrOE

…Bishop on the Niger faces rage of Anambra youths

From Nigeria-

Over 400 youths in Anambra State took to the street recently, to observe a peaceful protest against the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Onitsha, Bishop Owen Nwoko, following the deepening rift between the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the Anglican Church.

The protesting youngsters described the Bishop on the Niger as an enemy of the state governor, and one who is unfit to lead the Christian body.

They displayed placards that bore different inscriptions such as: ‘Anambra state is peaceful under Willie Obiano;’ ‘Bishop Owen Nwokolo is a politician;’ ‘We say No to Bishop Nwokolo religious politics;’ ‘We Anglicans youth love Governor Willie Obiano;’ and marched to the headquarters of the Anambra Police Command, Amawbia, Awka, the state capital to express their anger over a rift between the state governor and the Anglican family.

More here-

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2018/11/bishop-on-the-niger-faces-rage-of-anambra-youths/

Anglican Church welcomes state abuse inquiry expansion

From New Zealand-

The Anglican Church is welcoming the Government's expansion of its inquiry into state care abuse to include churches.

Archbishop of the Anglican Church Philip Richardson says they asked the Government to be included in the inquiry, and are pleased it listened.

He says one of the key passages in the New Testament is "the truth will set you free" - and he says they need that.

Richardson told Larry Williams a robust inquiry will be good for abuse survivors, for the Church, and for society as a whole.

"The only of dealing with dark chapters is to bring some light on that. We need to participate in that."

More here-

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/larry-williams-drive/audio/philip-richardson-anglican-church-welcomes-state-abuse-inquiry-expansion/

New Anglican Archbishop announced

From Polynesia-

The Rev Fereimi Cama has been elected as the next Diocesan Bishop of Polynesia. He will therefore become Archbishop and Primate, or joint leader of The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

Fr Cama's election as the seventh Bishop of Polynesia was announced today by his soon-to-be-fellow Archbishops, Don Tamihere and Philip Richardson.

Fr Cama, who is 63, is the Vicar of St Peter's Lautoka, and a former long-serving Dean of Suva's Holy Trinity Cathedral.

He was nominated to succeed Archbishop Winston Halapua at an electoral college held in Lami Bay, Suva, in late October.

More here-

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1811/S00119/new-anglican-archbishop-announced.htm

What's left of bishops' moral authority is on the line this week

From NCR-

Greetings from Baltimore! This morning, we are waiting for the address by the papal nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, as well as the presidential address of Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. After that, the bishops will be engaged in spiritual discernment for the rest of the day.

One of the main issues the bishops will be discerning is how to respond to the clergy sex abuse mess, which requires diagnosing how they got to this point. While there is general agreement on many aspects of what caused the crisis, there are two meta-narratives about causation that are not complementary. Some argue that the core problem is the spread of homosexuality among the clergy, which has been made possible because of lousy moral theology and weak episcopal leadership.

Proponents of this meta-narrative ignore both expert and common opinion. The 2011 John Jay study indicated homosexuality is not a risk factor. Common sense would tell you that priests had access to the boys' room and not the girls' room and that in many of the years surveyed, there were not yet even altar girls. Interestingly, if you consult the news articles published at the time the John Jay study was published in 2011 (for example, this article by Carol Zimmerman published by the bishops' own news service, CNS), even conservative bishops like Archbishops Robert Carlson, Timothy Dolan and Allen Vigneron affirmed the findings and did not question them. The people complaining about the report were SNAP and other victims' advocacy groups, and their complaint was not that the report let gays off the hook.

More here-

https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/distinctly-catholic/whats-left-bishops-moral-authority-line-week

Albany Episcopal Bishop outlaws same-sex marriage in his churches

From Albany-

Albany Episcopal Diocese Bishop Rev. William H. Love issued an edict Saturday banning the marriage of same-sex couples in the diocese's churches, writing in a statement that the church has been "hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda,'" and that "Satan is
having a heyday bringing division into the Church."

Love's eight-page statement that accompanied his new pastoral directive comes three weeks before a resolution goes into effect that will allow same-sex marriages to be performed in Episcopal churches nationwide. That day, Dec. 2, is also the first day of Advent, a time observed in many Christian churches in the weeks before Christmas.

More here-

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Albany-Episcopal-Bishop-outlaws-same-sex-marriage-13381964.php

What World War I Taught the Clergy

From The Wall Street Journal-

The catastrophe of World War I, which ended 100 years ago Sunday, reshaped more than geopolitics. It also transformed a generation of Western Christians from holy crusaders into antiwar activists. This shift in thinking, coinciding with the rise of European fascism, contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

Religious leaders on both sides of the conflict demonized one another and conferred divine legitimacy on their war aims. In October 1914, German theologians endorsed a letter by prominent intellectuals that declared Kaiser Wilhelm II’s war policy a defensive necessity. In turn the Allies, backed by their national churches, characterized the German leader as “the Beast of Berlin.” London’s Bishop Arthur Winnington-Ingram said churches had a duty “to mobilize the nation for a holy war.” Germany, he argued, had abandoned Christianity for paganism. “The god the German leaders worship is an idol of the earth,” intoned G.A. Studdert Kennedy, one of Britain’s best-known chaplains: “a crude and cruel monster who lives on human blood.” 

More here-

https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-world-war-i-taught-the-clergy-1541720931?fbclid=IwAR2z0gZQho3A66rJ3Xe-7ea29hhxNRWSrhXieOcQCtdfKneaphn4dvAeK_Y

Albany bishop draws red line, challenges authority of GC

From Albany-

In a pastoral letter to his diocese, the Bishop of Albany has stated his refusal to live within Resolution B012 (Marriage Rites for the Whole Church) passed at General Convention last summer. The resolution, is scheduled to take effect on Advent 1 of this years and the pertinent sections are in resolves seven and eight;

“Resolved, That under the canonical direction of the Rector or Member of the Clergy in charge and where permitted to do so by civil law, provision will be made for all couples desiring to use these marriage liturgies in their local congregation or worshipping community, provided that nothing in this Resolve narrows the authority of the Rector or Priest-in-Charge (Canon III.9.6(a)); and be it further

More here-

https://www.episcopalcafe.com/albany-bishop-draws-red-line-challenges-authority-of-gc/?fbclid=IwAR2UDxPJ5k1OTv1-Ysp-A73Gc_h266AKL5gsdu0tEUP3M2pIpqy4f8fzN5A