Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill won't be dropped: Parliament speaker

From The New York Daily News-

Parliament Speaker Edward Ssekandi has told critics of the anti-homosexuality bill that it won't be withdrawn.

Proposed in October, 2009, the measure would broaden the criminalization of homosexuality and introduce the death penalty for those who have previous convictions, are HIV positive or engage in homosexual sex with people younger than 18. Gay sex already is illegal in Uganda.

Ssekandi suggested those opposed to the bill present views to the parliamentary legal affairs committee.

"We shall consider your views, but we cannot withdraw the bill," Ssekandi said Monday. "It has to follow proper procedures."

Ssekandi was responding to a petition presented to Parliament by a group that described itself as AIDS service providers, spiritual mentors and counselors. It is headed by the Rev. Gideon Byamugisha. More than 450,000 people have signed an online petition https://secure.avaaz.org/en/uganda_rights/ against the bill.

Also present were HIV/AIDS activist Rubaramira Ruranga, Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo and Florence Baluba.

Read more:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/03/02/2010-03-02_ugandan_antihomosexuality_bill_wont_be_dropped_parliament_speaker.html#ixzz0h6zMRkJy

Va. Episcopalians backpedal on gay unions

From The Washington Times-

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia has backed away from recognizing same-sex unions, instead voting over the weekend to form a panel of laity and clergy that will set standards for church-sanctioned blessings of such unions should they be approved by the entire 2-million-member Episcopal Church.

About 346 delegates to the diocese's annual council meeting at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria narrowly voted — by a show of hands — to form the panel, which will also include lawyers who specialize in church law.

A substitute amendment suggesting the diocese allow openly gay clergy and same-sex blessings failed after a lengthy debate.

Saturday's vote was a less radical choice for the 80,000-member Virginia Diocese, the largest in the Episcopal Church; signifying a slowing down in the momentum that is propelling the entire denomination toward eventually allowing same-sex unions. Several dioceses, although not Virginia, allow actively gay clergy, and the denomination's second openly gay bishop, Canon Mary Glasspool of Baltimore, is expected to be consecrated this May in Los Angeles.

More here-

http://fwix.com/tysons_corner/share/6d53338ec8/va_episcopalians_backpedal_on_gay_unions

Episcopal cathedral celebrates restoration, return of copy of painting

From Dallas-

After 18 months of painstaking restoration, a 19th-century reproduction of Spanish painter Bartolomé Murillo's The Holy Family was reinstalled Tuesday in St. Matthew's Cathedral in Old East Dallas.

The 6-foot-by-8-foot oil painting, purchased in 1873 by a New York woman traveling through Europe, was a fixture at the Episcopal church for more than 70 years until it was taken down to be cleaned.

"It's like an old friend coming back to us," said the Rev. Kevin Martin, dean of the cathedral.

The painting depicts Mary and Elizabeth with their young sons, Jesus and John the Baptist. Above them are the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and God as a bearded figure with hands outstretched. Murillo's 1620 painting, also known as The Virgin of Seville, is part of the Louvre's collection in Paris.

More here-

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-painting_03met.ART.State.Edition1.4c11788.html

Roy Turner Sr. dies; Episcopal priest, civil rights activist

From The Washington Post-

The Rev. Roy Stanford Turner Sr., 81, an Episcopal priest for 55 years who manned first-aid stations during the 1968 riots in Washington, died Feb. 23 at Potomac Valley Nursing Center in Rockville. He had Alzheimer's disease.

Rev. Turner, who had been active in the civil rights movement since the early 1960s and marched in demonstrations throughout the South with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was pastor at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bethesda from 1966 to 1979.

He was a founding member of St. Luke's House, which was established to provide housing for patients released from state psychiatric hospitals.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyo., he graduated from the University of Kentucky, where he was a wrestling champion and a catcher on the baseball team.

He earned an additional bachelor's degree from the General Theological Seminary of New York City and studied at Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin. He received a master's degree in counseling psychology at Frostburg State College in 1986.

More here-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/01/AR2010030103612.html

High court won't hear church's case

From California-

The breakaway Anglican congregation that was forced to move out of the historic St. Luke’s church on Foothill Boulevard hit a legal wall Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case.

The California Supreme Court last year upheld a Los Angeles County Superior Court ruling in 2007 that the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles had the right to restore the St. Luke’s church under its authority after the Anglican congregation severed ties several years earlier.

The Anglican congregation, which was forced to vacate the property months later, petitioned the Supreme Court in December, seeking an opinion on whether the state court decision violated the First Amendment.

With the high court declining to review the matter, the St. Luke’s Anglican Church would now shift its focus off the protracted legal battle and onto securing more permanent worship facilities, said the Rev. Robert Holman.

“We’re functioning as a church, just without the property,” he said. “The church, in the end, is the people. This is regroup time.”

The congregation has been renting space from the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Glendale, and recently signed a lease for an office on Foothill Boulevard, he said.

“We lost the property, and we’re moving on,” Holman said.

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on Monday released a statement affirming its property rights on all parish assets. Breakaway congregations have argued that, after spending decades using and maintain their facilities, they are the owners. But the courts have so far ruled that the properties are essentially held in trust by a parish under the wider church.

More here-

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2010/03/02/news/gnp-decision030210.txt

Former rector nominated for bishop suffragan post

From Palm Desert-

The Rev. Robert Certain, former rector of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, has been nominated to the post of the Episcopal Church's bishop suffragan for federal ministries.

Certain retired from St. Margaret's in 2007 and is now rector the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Marietta, Ga.

The bishop suffragan oversees and ministers to chaplains serving the armed forces, Veterans Affairs hospitals and federal prisons.

The Episcopal House of Bishops is expected to name a new bishop suffragan when it meets March 18-24 in Camp Allen, Texas.

The current bishop suffragan, the Rev. George Packard, is retiring.

Certain declined comment on the nomination.

Certain is a retired Air Force colonel who served in Vietnam, where he was shot down and held in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp.

During Certain's time at St. Margaret's, he became personal pastor to former President Gerald Ford and first lady Betty Ford.

Following Gerald Ford's death in December 2006, Certain gained national prominence when he led funeral services for Ford and was later appointed to the Defense Health Board, a high-level federal commission working on military health issues.

More here-

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100302/LIFESTYLES06/3020321/Former+rector+nominated+for+bishop+suffragan+post

Episcopal Relief and Development reaches out in wake of Chilean earthquake

From Episcopal Life Online-

Episcopal Relief and Development is reaching out to dioceses affected by the magnitude-8.8 earthquake that hit Chile on Saturday, Feb. 27, killing at least 700 people.
The quake struck off the Pacific coast at 2:34 a.m. local time at a depth of nearly 22 miles. The epicenter was approximately 60 miles northwest of Chillan, Chile and 220 miles southeast of Chile's capital, Santiago. Chile is located along the Pacific Rim's "Ring of Fire," where the Nazca and South American tectonic plates cross.

The agency reported that the capital lost basic services such as water, electricity and telephones, and that Chilean authorities are working closely with emergency crews to address local needs. The quake affected an estimated 2 million people.

Some 90 aftershocks have been reported, including a 6.3-magnitude quake in Argentina.

A tsunami warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for the entire Pacific region has been canceled, but residents of many affected nations are still waiting to return to their homes around coastal areas. Caution has been advised as changes in sea level and unusual currents may characterize Pacific waters in the coming days.

Episcopal Relief & Development said it is "reaching out to dioceses in the affected areas to determine the best course of action," and asked for continued prayers for those affected.

The Diocese of Chile is located in the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone of America, which also includes dioceses in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

More here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_119814_ENG_HTM.htm

Oklahoma City Episcopal church glad to get room to expand Read more

From Oklahoma-

A growing Hispanic congregation in south Oklahoma City recently moved from cramped quarters to a larger church building.

Iglesia Episcopal Santa Maria Virgen, led by the Rev. Leonel Blanco Monterroso, held its first worship service in its new home Feb. 7. The building at 5500 S Western formerly housed Grace Lutheran Church.

Monterroso said the sanctuary at the church’s previous building at 2141 SW 25 could house no more than 200 people, while the new building’s worship area easily accommodates about 500.
The larger complex came at just the right time, he said.

Monterroso said the church’s first service in the new building drew about 585 people.
One of the church’s Sunday services draws about 200 people each week, and the number is expected to grow.

The Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, said the predominantly Hispanic church continues to be the fastest-growing congregation in the diocese.


Read more:

http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-episcopal-church-glad-to-get-room-to-expand/article/3442419?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0gvJrC2U9

Uganda gay bill critics deliver online petition

From The BBC-

Campaigners opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill have taken an online petition to parliament, signed by 450,000 people from around the world.

The petition is the latest attempt to halt the bill, which carries the death penalty for some homosexual acts.

US President Barack Obama has called the proposed legislation "odious".

The European Union has also condemned the bill, as did Britain's Africa minister, Baroness Kinnock, when she visited Uganda last week.

The petition was delivered by counsellors, who could face jail for failing to inform the authorities if somebody confided their homosexual activities to them.

"This is a bill that requires various members of community, family members, service providers and spiritual mentors to "spy" on one another," a letter accompanying the petition reads.
The campaign is being led by Anglican priest Canon Gideon Byamugisha and he has been joined by HIV/Aids activists and civic organisations.

More here-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8542341.stm

Reports of church extinction exaggerated

From Canada-

It is often said that at some time in our lives we will all get our 15 minutes of fame. Mine came this month.

You might have heard me interviewed on CBC or seen my face peering out at you from the Globe and Mail or Times Colonist. You might have caught my appearance on CHEK news or read my words in weekly papers. This surely qualifies me for "celebrity status."

No, I am not an Olympian. My claim to fame is that I have become the poster boy for the extinct church. The pictures have mostly featured me sitting, lonely and slightly depressed-looking in an empty church. The questions I have been fielding from reporters have generally been some version of, "How does it feel to be part of a church that is threatened with extinction?"

My reality is different than the impression you might have received from the media coverage.

My reality includes a group of children at the church where I work gathering for a Pro-D Day camp to learn about respect for people who live and play in different parts of the world. It includes a group of children in Sunday's service teaching a song about the gift of love that grows when shared and a massive collection of felt and towelling in the entranceway of our church to be used for sewing bibs for children with disabilities in an underdeveloped country.


Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/blogs/Reports+church+extinction+exaggerated/2624048/story.html#ixzz0gvFreZ5a

New Anglican bishop ordained

From New Zealand-

The church's essential mission is to "proclaim the Kingdom of God", the Right Rev Dr Kelvin Wright, the newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, says.

Dr Wright, who previously spent 11 years as vicar of St John's, Rosyn, was ordained the ninth bishop of the diocese in a ceremony attended by more than 400 people who almost filled St Paul's Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.

Some travelled from various parts of the North Island to attend and one person came from the Middle East.

"We have to proclaim the Kingdom of God," Dr Wright said after being formally ordained as bishop.

"All of us are loved by God and accepted by God."

That simple truth had huge implications which many people still found hard to accept, he said.

He knew there were expectations for him to "get more people in church" and to "repair the lack of money in the Church".

"Money and people are problems that will disappear if you ignore them, "If we get on with the business of proclaiming the gospel, the rest takes care of itself."

He earlier paid tribute to several of his predecessors as bishop, and acknowledged the careful and thorough work done by his immediate predecessor, Bishop George Connor, who retired late last year.

More here-

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/95576/new-anglican-bishop-ordained

A delightful ecumenical gesture from the Anglican Church in Wales

From The London Telegraph-

As I mentioned the other day, a group called Friends of the Ordinariate (FOTO) has been set up by Anglicans in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Their website displays the logos of their respective Churches. Membership of the Friends does not imply a firm intention to convert, but obviously the bulk of members are interested in Pope Benedict’s offer to Anglo-Catholics who feel compelled to make this spiritual journey. Most Anglicans, to their credit, have shown sympathy and generosity towards those of their brethren considering this move.

Most, not all. The other day, Friends of the Ordinariate received a charming communication from the Anglican Church in Wales, underneath this logo:

More here-

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/100027687/a-delightful-ecumenical-gesture-from-the-anglican-church-in-wales/

Trinidad PM: Spiritual adviser gets no gov't help

From Trinidad-

Trinidad's prime minister delivered a fiery, hour-long speech on church-state relations Friday while flatly denying that his spiritual adviser travels with him at the expense of taxpayers.
This Caribbean island is a highly religious society of Roman Catholics, Hindus, Anglicans, Baptists and Muslims. Religion plays a prominent role in politics, and any government official seen with a religious adviser is highly regarded.

However, residents and local media have recently questioned whether Prime Minister Patrick Manning's spiritual adviser has been receiving state money.

Manning, who has not identified his adviser or even confirmed that she travels with him, denied she is compensated with state money and told lawmakers he is being persecuted for his religious beliefs

"It is my right to have a spiritual adviser, and I shall not be deterred by the slings and arrows," he said.

Manning, who was raised an Anglican and plans to become a minister when he retires from politics, also rejected criticism over funding for construction of a church on state-owned land that is led by a female pastor who is thought to be his adviser.

More here-

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hcGqCho7vnEYdjDkRXrCgN5KoDswD9E451GG1

Tom Ehrich: Faith grows forward

From Springfield IL-

A church conference here was a stark contrast to rage-filled political conventions taking place elsewhere.

Facing the same economic frustrations and cultural worries, and a grinding internal “recession” in church membership, Episcopal leaders from southern Ohio gathered with enthusiasm about tomorrow, trust in their leaders and a palpable desire to make the necessary changes for better days.

By contrast, recent political gatherings have dissolved in rage, calls for anti-government violence, a rush to arms and a surge in intolerance toward any views but their own.

Same conditions. Same angst. Same sense of disarray. And yet such different responses. One is filled with courage and grace; the other with fear and vitriol.

If you ever wondered why it matters that we nurture healthy faith communities, here was a powerful sign.

The political arena has become toxic, paralyzed and polarized by angry partisanship and weak politicians whose only goal is to prolong their incumbency.

It was shocking to hear politicians urging conservatives at recent meetings to take arms against their own government, as if violence held an answer to citizens’ worries. Where can such irresponsible demagoguery lead except to more incidents like the angry taxpayer in Texas who flew an airplane into the local IRS office?

More here-

http://www.sj-r.com/features/x1595500315/Tom-Ehrich-Faith-grows-forward

Video Review: Educating Anglicans

From The Living Church-

What does it mean to be an Anglican Christian? If you put ten Anglicans in a room and ask each of them, you are likely to get 11 different answers. Part of the problem, argue the theologians of the Anglican Communion Institute, is simple forgetfulness.

While we Anglicans have been blessed with a rich and deep heritage, all too often we have allowed our spiritual treasures to molder away in history books. The prayer book, hymnody, Scriptural piety, evangelism and mission, classic Anglican divines like Cranmer, Hooker, and Charles Simeon — all of this is part of who we are, and the more we steep ourselves in our common tradition, the better we will understand both where we are now and where we are going; or, perhaps better put: the more we will begin to understand what God, in his providence, has been doing all along with the portion of his one, holy, and Catholic Church that is called Anglican.

To this end, the Anglican Communion Institute has produced a handsome DVD series, titled Anglicanism: A Gift in Christ.

Designed for adult education purposes, the set is composed of a series of talks given by renowned Anglican scholars and pastors. With Sunday morning or weeknight parish education sessions in mind, each lecture covers a key facet of Anglican faith and life: Bishop N.T. Wright on the New Testament, Dr. Jo Bailey Wells on the Old Testament, Dr. Edith Humphrey on Anglican hymnody, Dr. George Sumner on parish renewal, Dr. Ephraim Radner on mission, Dr. Philip Turner on Christian ethics, Bishop Anthony Burton on the prayer book, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon of Nigeria on the church in the Muslim world, and former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey on the Anglican Communion, among others.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/2/27/video-review-educating-anglicans

Anglican Bishop: My Mom Wanted to Die, but now is Happy to be Alive

From England- An Anglican bishop has said that though his mother had told him repeatedly in the past that she wanted to die, she is now happy to be alive and he is grateful she didn't kill herself, reports the Christian Institute.

Bishop of Durham, Dr. Tom Wright, the fourth most senior prelate in the Church of England, was speaking during a House of Lords debate earlier this month on whether it was necessary to have an independent inquiry into assisted suicide, when he revealed that his mother had told him several times that she “just wanted to go to sleep and not wake up.” Bishop Wright said, “I sympathized with her view – her desire to die – but I shuddered at the thought of speeding her on her way.”

The bishop then recounted that his mom eventually recovered fully from her illness and celebrated her 63rd wedding anniversary and recently greeted her sixth great-grandchild. It is unclear what the bishop’s mother’s illness was. The Director of Public Prosecutions in the UK this week issued new guidelines on assisted suicide will allow relatives to help loved ones commit suicide without being prosecuted, as long as they have not gained personally by doing so.

Bishop Wright pointed out during the House of Lords debate that had the guidelines been in place during his mom's illness, or if she had lived in Holland or the U.S. state of Oregon, where euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, respectively, are legal, “someone might have ‘compassionately’ given her a paper to sign and the deed would have been done.”

More here-

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/feb/10022606.html

Controversial painting adorns Midtown church

From Houston-

The bible tells Christians that man was created in the image of God. So it stands to reason that most artists portray Jesus Christ as looking as human as anyone else. But one well-known Texas artist has painted a very controversial version of Christ.

Trinity Episcopal Church is steeped in tradition. Built almost 120 years ago, it's on the national register of historic places. While its surroundings now reflect modern life, the sanctuary has changed very little.

"We took kind of an old storage area that was also used as a practice room for the chorus," said Roni McMurtrey, a long-time church member.
McMurtrey was among those who wanted a different kind of a chapel, which now houses weekly jazz services and smaller gatherings. So she approached several well-known artists about creating a space both holy and contemporary.

"It was a way of reflecting what happens in this town. Taking something and taking a space using art and highlighting the sacredness," said McMurtrey.

The altar, the seating and even the lighting are made out of wood and stainless steel. There's a painting done by a local Muslim artist of the women in Christ's life removing his body from the tomb. And these dramatic stained glass windows.

"So many stained glass windows seem to enclose a space and he wanted you to be able to see out into the garden because this congregation doesn't see themselves as enclosed. They see themselves as part of the community," said Kim Clark Renteria, who designed the stained glass.
But the centerpiece, and most controversial, is a nine-foot tall painting over the altar, depicting the resurrection. It was done by Waco artist Kermit Oliver, whose son Khristian was recently executed for the 1998 murder of 64-year-old Joe Collins. The painting shows Christ rising from the cross, a Christ with the face of Khristian Oliver.

More here + video-

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7300691

Ketchum: Church division similar to those of our country

From Michigan-

A new kid is moving into the Lutheran neighborhood of U.S. mainline Protestantism.

Dissident members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are upset with the denomination's decision last summer to let gays and lesbians who are in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships" serve as pastors.

The dissidents are pulling out.

The group announced last week it plans to launch the North American Lutheran Church in August. It bills itself as the conservative alternative to the 4.8-millon member ELCA. Founders say they're tired of the decades-long fight about the role of gays and lesbians in the church.

They're also upset at what they believe is the ELCA's departure from scriptural teaching.

They join anywhere from several dozen to 800 Anglican congregations (depending on whose numbers you believe) that have left the Episcopal Church in the United States. The reasons are similar and come after the ordination of Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who is gay.

More here-

http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100227/OPINION/2270311/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Ketchum-Church-division-similar-to-those-of-our-country

Chile earthquake kills 76 and triggers tsunami

My sister Stephanie lives in Santiago- waiting for word. Please pray!

(Update everyone is fine)

A massive earthquake on the coast of Chile has killed at least 76 people, flattening buildings and triggering a tsunami.

The 8.8-magnitude quake, the country’s largest in 25 years, shook the capital Santiago for a minute and half at 3:34am (0634 GMT) today.

A tsunami warning has been extended across all Pacific islands and the Pacific rim, including most of Central and South America and as far as Australia and Antarctica.

The wave has already caused serious damage to the sparsely populated Juan Fernandez islands, off the Santiago coast, local radio reported.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7043637.ece

Jubilee in Southeast Dallas

From The Living Church-

How might an affluent Episcopal church celebrate its Jubilee anniversary? Would it commission another stained glass window, expand its facilities, redo the landscaping, upgrade its parking lots?

All those options were on the table in 1997 when members of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, started thinking about its birthday bash. But then something strange happened. The celebration committee decided to put suggestion boxes around the church, and hundreds of parishioners cast their votes, and chose, overwhelmingly, to make a substantial investment in people living beyond the church’s upscale neighborhood. Members of the anniversary committee put away the silver service and got out their work gloves.

We had no money to invest, and scarcely knew where to begin. So we stepped out in faith — determined, by God’s grace, to transform the lives of others in need. Of course, we have ourselves been transformed, beyond our wildest imagining.

First we chose a neighborhood: Fair Park, a 62-block neighborhood in southeast Dallas, just 15 minutes from Saint Michael’s. The focal point of the neighborhood was a bar. There were several drug houses. The elementary school rated the lowest in the entire city. Many senior citizens were living there because they had no other place to go, but were afraid to go outside due to violent crime.

After the committee shared its vision with the parish, donations began rolling in. Working with AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Dallas Community of Churches, St. Michael’s acquired five acres to build a beautiful park, on lots formerly covered in whiskey bottles, syringes and trash.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/2/26/jubilee-in-southeast-dallas

Sentamu here for big week

From New Zealand-

Iconic New Plymouth church St Mary's is about to become a fully fledged cathedral.

And Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will be visiting New Plymouth to join in the celebrations.

The Archbishop is a former Ugandan High Court judge who became the first black Archbishop of York. He is the second most senior Anglican leader.

He fled Uganda in 1974 after he was imprisoned by dictator Idi Amin. In Britain he trained for the Anglican priesthood at Cambridge and began a notable and often controversial career.

The week-long celebrations begin with a powhiri in Auckland on Sunday welcoming the archbishop to New Zealand. His official welcome to Taranaki is on Tuesday at Owae Marae in Waitara where he will be joined by former governor-general Bishop Sir Paul Reeves.

The programme for the Cathedral Inauguration Week includes a mayoral prayer breakfast and a regional leaders' forum. Young people aren't forgotten. Archbishop Sentamu will meet Year 13 students from around Taranaki on Thursday, March 4, following a programme of music, speech and drama.

On Friday, March 5, Dame Malvina Major and Bishop Paul Richardson will host a concert of emerging young Taranaki musicians and singers. Dame Malvina will also perform.

St Mary's will be consecrated as the Taranaki Cathedral in a service that will blend ancient and modern, along with the diverse cultures of the South Pacific.

St Mary's Pro-Cathedral – the pro meaning provisional – will then become Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary.

The Reverend Jamie Allen will become the first Dean of Taranaki.

More here-

http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3381541/Sentamu-here-for-big-week

Editorial: Lent and Lawsuits

From The Living Church-

Not long after appearing in a soft-spoken and impressive video about Lenten discipline, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori took issue with the Bishop of South Carolina on the proper response to any congregation that distances itself from the Episcopal Church.

For those readers joining this melodrama mid-story, here is a quick summary: Thomas Tisdale, Jr., a former chancellor of the Diocese of South Carolina, has asked the current chancellor for reams of documents regarding four congregations in various states of disaffection with the Episcopal Church. The Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence is trying to address the pastoral needs of these congregations without threatening to sue them.

As the Presiding Bishop described Bishop Lawrence’s actions, her tone departed from the proposed discipline of Lent. “He’s telling the world that he is offended that I think it’s important that people who want to stay Episcopalians there have some representation on behalf of the larger church,” she said in remarks to the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council on Feb. 19.

This description should surprise anyone who has read Bishop Lawrence’s public letter in response to the former chancellor’s fishing expedition.

Bishop Lawrence did raise questions about the appropriateness of a hostile legal probe occurring within his diocese, and noted that he has not heard from the Presiding Bishop regarding this probe.

But he also explained the deeper motivation of his decision to delay the diocese’s convention for three weeks: “This is not a time for precipitous action; nor is it a time for congregations or members to strike out in unilateral directions destructive to the common life and witness God has called us to make in the world and the Church.”

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/2/25/editorial-lent-and-lawsuits

Anglo-Catholics gather to pray over Pope’s offer

From the Church Times-

O FORMAL response is expected from the UK to the Pope’s offer of a Personal Ordinariate to Anglican groups until after the General Synod meeting in July, it emerged this week.
On Monday, dozens of churches, both Church of England and Roman Catholic, opened their doors for a day of prayer about the Pope’s offer. The invitation was extended last autumn to groups of Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony (News, 23 October 2009).

The Bishop of Ebbsfleet, the Rt Revd Andrew Burnham, had asked members of Forward in Faith, and others, to make Monday, the feast of the Chair of St Peter, “an opportunity to reflect, pray, and discern the way forward for each of us, our priests and our parishes”. But on his website he said that the day would not be “a day of decision”.

After the General Synod postponed until its July sessions the revision stage of the legislation for women bishops, it is thought that most traditionalists will wait until after that debate before react ing to the Pope’s offer. This means that they will participate actively in elections for the new Synod, which take place during the summer.

Bishop Burnham wrote: “The Apostolic Constitution (Anglican orum Coetibus) is not a crisis point but the opening up, permanently, of a new way into unity with the See of Peter. Decisions about how and whether this should happen for each of us will take place in different ways, and at different times.”

One cleric who spent the day in his church in prayer was the Vicar of St Mark’s, Stockland Green, Bir­mingham, the Revd Stuart Powell. “The Bishop of Ebbsfleet was asking for a day of discernment. I think some people may feel they want to take advantage of the Ordinariate, and some people will decide to stay. I think that I and my people will stay,” he said on Tuesday.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=90053

Controversial archbishop of Nigeria Peter Akinola steps down with purpose

From World Magazine-

It's a strange phenomenon when weather—or anything—slows the archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola. But that's what happened when record snowfall in Washington last month forced the cancellation of a long-anticipated celebration, known among Anglicans as a festal eucharist, to commemorate Akinola.

The stout, 66-year-old clergyman, who friends say gets by on three to four hours' sleep a night and keeps a travel schedule to rival any gold-status f requent flier, will step down March 25 as head of the Anglican church in Nigeria—at 20 million, the largest Anglican communion in the world.

The event that was to include national and international church leaders would have displayed the significance of his six-year tenure, a time when the African primates began to lead rather than follow their Western counterparts. Instead the Nigerian is in a downtown D.C. restaurant—counting the hours until his plane departs ("six"), marveling at the snow ("a wonderful and fierce problem for me"), remembering what lies behind, and straining toward the future.

More here-

http://www.worldmag.com/articles/16455

San Diego teens go hungry to help Haiti quake survivors

From San Diego-

Every day, over 29,000 children under the age of five die from preventable diseases. That’s 10.6 million children every year. Malnutrition from severe hunger is associated with half of those deaths.

Starting Friday (Feb. 26), hundreds of San Diego youth will get a real taste of hunger as they participate in 30 Hour Famine, an international youth movement coordinated by World Vision to raise awareness and money to fight hunger overseas, and in the U.S.

During a “famine,” teens fast on an empty stomach by going without food (consuming only liquids) for 30 hours to get a glimpse what the poorest children and families face every day.

One local gathering of 33 teens will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday at St. Andrews’s Episcopal Church in Encinitas, where participants will stay overnight. Individuals will have already started fasting on their own at noon. The famine ends with a church communion service around 6 p.m. on Saturday. After that, the group will enjoy a “breaking-the-fast” dinner together and talk about their experience.

This is the sixth year St. Andrew’s youth group has taken part in the famine. To date, they have raised almost $30,000.

“It’s a way for students to actively participate in fighting hunger around the world, while having an empty stomach themselves,” says Brenda Johnston, the church’s director of youth ministries. “It really makes us think about how blessed we are and the abundance we live in every day. It teaches the students the facts of world hunger. Knowing that only $30 can feed a child for an entire month is mind-boggling. It makes you think twice about how you’re spending your money, and what an impact you can have on someone’s life for such a tiny amount.”



Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-02-25/blog/good-blog/san-diego-teens-go-hungry-to-help-haiti-quake-survivors#ixzz0gdk1RZH1

The Beginning of the Reformation's End?

From The Wall Street Journal-

On a recent evening, about 60 people—ex-Episcopalians, curious Catholics and a smattering of earnest Episcopal priests in clerical collars—gathered downtown for an unusual liturgy: It was Evensong and Benediction, sung according to the Book of Divine Worship, an Anglican Use liturgical book still being prepared in Rome.

Beautiful evensongs are a signature of Protestant Episcopal worship. Benediction, which consists of hymns, canticles or litanies before the consecrated host on the altar, is a Catholic devotion. We were getting a blend of both at St. Mary Mother of God Church, lent for the occasion.

One former Episcopalian present confessed to having to choke back tears as the first plainsong strains of "Humbly I Adore Thee," the Anglican version of a hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas, floated down from the organ in the balcony. A convert to Catholicism, she could not believe she was sitting in a Catholic Church, hearing the words of her Anglican girlhood—and as part of an authorized, Roman Catholic liturgy.

And that was not the only miracle. Although the texts had been carefully vetted in Rome for theological points, the words being sung were written by Thomas Cranmer, King Henry VIII's architect of the English Reformation. "He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel," the congregation chanted, "as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever."

The language of this translation of the Magnificat, one of Christianity's two great evening canticles, is unfamiliar to many Episcopalians today, as it comes from earlier versions of their Book of Common Prayer. Yet a number of former Anglicans are eager to carry some of this liturgy with them when they swim the Tiber, as Episcopalians becoming Catholic often call the conversion. "I wonder why the phrase 'and there is no health in us' was omitted from the penitential rite" by the Vatican vetters of the newly approved rite for converts, one nostalgic ex-Episcopalian mused aloud. "Must be too Calvinist," suggested another.

More here-

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703787304575075634019371718.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Anglican Bishop condemns Nana Addo, Alan `rift`

From Ghana-

THE PERCEIVED animosity between supporters of the former Presidential Candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo and his closest rival, Mr. Kwadwo Alan Kyerematen, appears not to be a bother to only party functionaries, but also the clergy.

The Anglican Bishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo has expressed concern about the fissure between supporters of the two prominent personalities and its likely repercussion on the nation's political and democratic dispensation during a thanksgiving service organized at the St. Paul's Anglican Church in Kumasi for the newly elected Regional Executives of the party.

The service, which was mainly to thank God Almighty for seeing the party through its regional congress held few weeks ago, was also to commit the new executives, led by the chairman, Mr. Frederick Fredua Anto into the hands of God as they lead the party for the next four years.

The outspoken Anglican clergy says he is personally worried about the seeming political intolerance and fanaticism creeping into the opposition party and cautioned that if nothing was done to immediately quell the situation, it would have negative effect on both the NPP and the country.

“What worries me more is that; Nana Addo and Alan and the regional chairman, Mr. F. F. Anto are all Anglicans, so why should you fight each other, you are only engaging in self destruction and this will not augur well for your supporters and the party, “ he stressed.

More here-

http://www.modernghana.com/news/265451/1/anglican-bishop-condemns-nana-addo-alan-rift.html

Texas to Study Anglican Covenant This Year

From The Living Church-

The Diocese of Texas will study the Anglican Covenant for the remainder of 2010, said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, diocesan bishop, in his report to the annual convention.

The convention met Feb. 12 and 13 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

“I think we have been playing it safe in this diocese on a couple of issues, when it comes specifically to the Anglican Covenant and to the issues of sexuality and diversity,” Bishop Doyle said in his address. “I am going to appoint a task force to help the diocese focus our attention on the Covenant and will ask them to develop a study curriculum and resources. I also will be asking the task force to propose a model for congregations to engage in conversation around the proposed Covenant and its principles.”

The bishop said he hopes discussion will help the next annual convention express a common mind on the Covenant, which will in turn guide the diocese’s deputation to General Convention in 2012.

“I have already said that I am in favor of the Anglican Covenant. I have been very clear about that,” the bishop said. “But it doesn’t do me any good if I am the only voice. I have got to listen with you and communicate with you so that we together may have a better understanding of what this truly means for us as a diocese.”

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/2/23/texas-to-study-anglican-covenant-this-year

A summary of Executive Council resolutions

From Episcopal Life Online-

During its Feb. 19-22 meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church adopted several resolutions, which are summarized below.


Approve engagement of Grant Thornton, LLP to audit all accounts under the management or control of the council and the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society for 2010-2012 triennium (EC005).
Challenge the Episcopal Church to raise a sum of up to $10 million for the long-term rebuilding of the Diocese of Haiti with the final amount and the eventual disbursement of the money to be done in partnership with the bishop of Haiti (EC007).

Advocacy and Networking for Mission

Direct the Episcopal Church join the Jobs for America Now Coalition (A&N003).

Reassert the Episcopal Church's "long-standing belief that war is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ"; remember "with sorrow those on all sides of the hostilities in Afghanistan who have been wounded, traumatized or killed"; recall the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 that led to military action in Afghanistan; support the goal of just and lasting peace in Afghanistan; welcome the setting of a timetable for withdrawal; urge the U.S. and its allies to use force judiciously and protect the innocent people of Afghanistan; assert that "an escalation in forces need not lead to an escalation in force"; call on the Afghan government to end corruption and strengthen its security forces; encourage the U.S. and its allies to promote economic development and human rights in Afghanistan; pray for the safety and well-being of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, all those who have been wounded, traumatized or killed, and for a swift and peaceful end to the war; urge Congress to provide for the needs of troops and their families; acknowledge the pastoral challenges presented by multiple deployments and combat stress, and commend the Episcopal Church's federal ministries office for its work (A&N004).
Instruct the church's treasurer as to how to vote on a variety of shareholder resolutions (A&N005-A&N008).

Authorize General Convention planners to negotiate with the Indianapolis Hyatt Hotel for the 2012 General Convention (a matter having to do with concerns over a labor dispute with another Hyatt hotel group to which the Indianapolis property does not belong) (A&N009).

The rest are here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_119667_ENG_HTM.htm

Christ Church organizes disaster relief drive

From North Jersey-

Right now when Haiti is mentioned, destruction and sadness come to mind. Christ Church in the township wants to help rejuvenate the nation.

Through the Episcopal Relief and Development outreach funds, the church matched donations from parishioners. Within three days the campaign garnered $10,000.

As more contributions flowed in, Christ Church used their relief funds to match and the grand total came to $26,924.21.

All of the monies are able to be used immediately on site to aid the Episcopalian rebuilding efforts in Haiti.

John Cooper is one of the wardens at Christ Church. Although only recently aware of the fact, Cooper explained that there is a large Episcopalian presence in Haiti.

"Haiti is the largest and fastest growing diocese in the Episcopalian faith," said Cooper. "Before the earthquake there were 83,000 Episcopalians, 97 churches, 200 schools and 6,000 students."

Cooper said that money is the best thing to help rebuild the Episcopalian churches and schools.

"Money is what Haiti needs. Clothing and other items are useful but money is the thing which will allow them to do the most good," said Cooper. "It leaves the decisions to what is being purchased in the hands of the people who are there, who are on the ground with firsthand knowledge of what is going on."

The warden said Haiti has been through so many tragedies in recent times and can't seem to find a break. They had just begun to find their way after substantial floods and then the earthquake struck, said Cooper.

"I think this is a test of faith and a chance for the faith that exists to find affirmation in little ways and big ones," said Cooper. "Certainly the outpouring of generosity from our corner of the world and the rest of the world affirms, to some degree, faithfulness."

http://www.northjersey.com/community/85300867_Christ_Church_organizes_disaster_relief_drive.html