Even Chamberlain never spoke in terms of “interfaith relations.”

From The American Spectator-

Celebrated British columnist Michael Wharton (“Peter Simple”of the Daily Telegraph) once wrote to the effect that the Anglican Church seemed determined to drag itself down to a level so far beneath contempt that there was no expression to adequately describe it.

Readers may contemplate the following story — I mean “narrative” — and decide for themselves whether or not he was exaggerating.

In Sheikhupur, Pakistan in June, 2009, a poor Christian woman, Assiya Noreen, mother of five children, who were the only Christian family in her village, was harvesting berries in a field with a group of Moslem women. She was asked to fetch water for the others. She did so, but stopped to take a drink from an old metal cup she had found lying next to the well. It turned ouit this was a Muslim cup and her fellow workers attacked her for this. She was said to have declared “I believe in my religion and Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind. What did your prophet Mohammed ever do to save mankind?”

More here-

http://spectator.org/an-anglican-narrative/

Southern Africans Set to Test Anglican Ban on Same-Sex Unions

From Christianity Today-

When the global Anglican Communion censured the Episcopal Church in the United States for redefining marriage eight months ago, it warned that similar actions would be applied to other provinces "when any unilateral decisions on matters of doctrine and polity are taken that threaten our unity."

Next month, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) may toe up against that line.

The ACSA—which includes South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Angola—won’t allow clergy to marry same-sex couples like the Episcopal Church did, but it announced this week that when its provincial synod meets next month, the province will consider blessing same-sex civil unions and allowing clergy in legal same-sex civil unions.

More here-

http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2016/august/southern-africans-set-to-test-anglicans-same-sex-ban.html

Where will the new Anglican jurisdiction lead?

From Christian Concern-

This week, the Telegraph reported that several parishes are preparing for what could eventually be a formal split from the Church of England, over growing concerns about the diluting of its teaching on marriage and other core biblical beliefs, including the authority of Scripture.

Although those organising the initiative have stated they do not wish to leave the Church of England and have no immediate plans to break away, it is entirely possible that this will be the outcome.  

Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden illustrated on Archbishop Cranmer’s website that there are some cases where leaving the metaphorical ‘house’ is vital for survival, because compromise is so pervasive that it has damaged its very foundations. 

More here-

http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/same-sex-marriage/where-will-the-new-anglican-jurisdiction-lead

Fourteen gay Anglican priests urge bishops to take lead on inclusion

From The Guardian-

Fourteen Church of England priests who have married their same sex partners have urged Anglican bishops to be bold and take the church forward in its stance on homosexuality and gay marriage.

Their move follows the bishop of Grantham’s disclosure that he is in a same-sex relationship. Nicholas Chamberlain is the first bishop to openly declare that he is gay.

The gay and lesbian clergy, plus an additional eight lay members of the church in same sex marriages, signed a letter to bishops – who are meeting next week – urging them to “give a clear lead that offers a way forward to greater inclusion” of LGBTI people in the church.

More here-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/03/conservative-anglicans-appointment-of-gay-bishop-a-major-error

Gay bishop: Appointment of Nicholas Chamberlain 'major error' says Gafcon

From The BBC-

Appointing a gay man as the bishop of Grantham was a "major error", the conservative Anglican group Gafcon has said.

Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain said he was gay and in a relationship on Friday.

He was consecrated last year by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby - who has said he knew about the bishop's sexuality.

Bishop Chamberlain told BBC News: "We are all God's people together... I hope that you will be able to understand."

He also said he understood and lived by the Church guidelines, which say gay clergy must remain celibate.


More here-


http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37267148

Pottstown church helps another in time of need

From Reading-

Christ Episcopal Church in Pottstown has stepped up to help another local church in a time of need.

Since April, First Baptist Church at 301 King St. has been seeking money to demolish a leaning steeple that was deemed a safety hazard.

Worried the stone steeple might fall, Pottstown officials closed off a portion of Charlotte Street between Lesher Alley and King Street.

The church was looking to raise about $600,000, which is a large sum for a small church. But thanks to generosity and good timing, Christ Episcopal at 316 E. High St. was able to put forth about $90,000 for the demolition.

"We're the farthest apart as far as religion, but there are times when that doesn't matter," said Susan Furman of Christ Episcopal's rector search committee.

More here-

http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pottstown-church-helps-another-in-time-of-need

CofE bishop reveals he is in gay relationship

From The BBC-

The bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to say that he is gay and in a relationship.

Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain, a suffragan in Lincoln diocese, was consecrated last year by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby - who has said he knew about the bishop's sexuality.
He was in a "long-term and committed" relationship, Archbishop Welby said.

Bishop Chamberlain says he obeys Church guidelines which say gay clergy must remain celibate.
The archbishop also said: "His appointment as Bishop of Grantham was made on the basis of his skills and calling to serve the Church in the Diocese of Lincoln.


More here-


http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37257005


also here-

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3771473/Bishop-Grantham-Church-England-bishop-declare-s-gay-relationship.html

Former WV priest named in school’s report of sexual abuse

From West Virginia-

A former Episcopal priest from West Virginia was among those named in a report this week that described how an elite New England boarding school became a kind of “private hell” for dozens of students who were sexually abused in the 1970s and 1980s.

The students at St. George’s in Middletown, Rhode Island, were manipulated and abused by faculty and staff, according to a report issued Thursday by an independent investigator, Boston lawyer Martin Murphy. He was hired by the school and the survivors’ group SGS for Healing.

The most prolific offender was athletic trainer Al Gibbs, who abused at least 31 girls, the report said. Gibbs was fired in 1980 after being caught taking photographs of a naked girl in his office, but the report found that he was paid a $1,200 annual grant for “distinguished service” that continued until he died in 1996. The school acknowledged in December that he abused 17 students.
- See more at:

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-education/20160902/former-wv-priest-named-in-schools-report-of-sexual-abuse

Report on St. George’s finds cauldron of sexual exploitation

From Rhode Island-

After a months-long investigation of sexual abuse at St. George’s School, a report released Thursday described the elite Rhode Island prep school in the 1970s and ’80s as a cauldron of sexual exploitation of students.

Sixty-one alumni gave investigators first-hand accounts of the abuse they say they suffered, with 51 saying the abusers were faculty or staff and an additional 10 reporting abuse by classmates. Two staff members abused at least one student every year they worked at St. George’s.

More here-

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/09/01/stgeorges/4so7ElWQwjTsnDkv5eI3NJ/story.html

also here-

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160901/st-georges-sex-abuse-scandal-report-excoriates-school-for-decades-of-unchecked-abuse

Christian groups have renewed focus on fighting racism

From Sharon PA-

Christian groups have recently been putting more time and resources into addressing racism, with the issue at the forefront because of police shootings of black men and the Black Lives Matter movement.

One of the largest U.S. evangelical college ministries, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, took up Black Lives Matter at its most recent student missions conference.

Two overwhelmingly white religious groups – the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), which is the nation’s largest Presbyterian denomination – have for the first time elected black clergy as their top church officers.

The New Baptist Covenant, an initiative by President Jimmy Carter to unite Baptists, has sharpened its programming focus on building partnerships between black and white churches.

More here-

http://www.sharonherald.com/community/faith/christian-groups-have-renewed-focus-on-fighting-racism/article_14210595-d9eb-5ef0-a654-69a99e1e3550.html

'Constantly consumed by horror': Archbishop of Canterbury's candid comments on homosexuality

From Salt Lake-

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby delivered some candid comments about the Anglican Communion's intense internal disagreements over same-sex marriage during a session at the Greenbelt Christian festival in the U.K. over the weekend.

Among a number of notable comments about the ongoing cultural battle over gay nuptials, Welby reportedly said he's "constantly consumed with horror" due to the way The Church of England has treated gays and lesbians.

Welby also weighed in on the same-sex marriage controversy after he was asked by an audience member who is reportedly seeking a civil partnership if the church will ever bless gay unions.

Speaking frankly, the faith leader said he doesn't "have a good answer" to the question, Christian Today reported.

More here-

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865661411/Constantly-consumed-by-horror-Archbishop-of-Canterburys-candid-comments-on-homosexuality.html?pg=all

Inside the World's Only Surviving Tattoo Shop For Medieval Pilgrims

Still fishing in Montana but ran across this and couldn't resist- (more next week)

 In Jerusalem’s Old City today, you can find a uniquely obscure historical relic—the sole surviving pilgrimage tattoo business, Razzouk Ink. It’s a place where ancient artifacts meet contemporary machines, rich history intersects with modern technology. Twenty years ago, as a budding tattoo scholar, I first read about the adventures of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land and the indelible souvenirs they had inscribed under their skin. I never expected to one day get the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and receive my own.

Just inside the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, you can duck down the second side street to the left, as I did, finding respite from the beating sun and leaving the bustle of the crowded main square. A tiny shop, almost dwarfed by its prominent sign, lies across a quiet cobblestone road. If you didn’t know anything about the incredible, centuries-long history of the family who runs this particular shop, the sign’s tagline might cause you to do a double-take: “Tattoo With Heritage Since 1300” it reads. 

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/inside-the-worlds-only-surviving-tattoo-shop-for-medieval-pilgrims?utm_source=Boomtrain&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20160822&bt_email=stpsvicar%40yahoo.com&bt_ts=1471873763462

Be back September 1st. A little R&R.

African Anglican churches urged not to follow Western progressives in acceptance of gay marriages

From Christian Times-

A senior leader of the African Anglican community urged members to denounce their Western counterpart's acceptance of gay marriages and to stick to what the Bible teaches.
Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, the secretary general of the Anglican Communion, addressed the members of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) during their meeting in Rwanda to the uphold their conservative values based on the teachings of the Bible and to reject the forward steps by the Anglican churches in the West.

Idowu-Fearon condemned the Western churches for openly accepting gay marriages.

"We will never allow our churches to be taken over by views and programmes which suggest that the Bible is wrong," said Idowu-Fearon, according to the Anglican Communion News Service (ACNS).


More here-

http://www.christiantimes.com/article/african-anglican-churches-urged-not-to-follow-western-progressives-in-acceptance-of-gay-marriages/60965.htm

Lambeth's long history of welcome uncovered

From The Church Times-

WELCOMING refugees with an invitation to live in the grounds of Lambeth Palace is not a new gesture, but history repeating itself.

The Syrian family who moved into the Palace last month, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, were the first to be sponsored under a new Home Office scheme, designed to channel offers of goods and accommodation from members of the public into viable long-term support for refugees (News, 22 July).

But searching the archive this week, the Church Times unearthed a Central Press agency photograph of a former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Michael Ramsey, and his wife, Joan, showing a Ugandan Asian refugee couple their new home — a cottage in the grounds of the Palace — on 3 November 1972.

The newlyweds, Sulfikaralli and Zebunisa Esmail, are seen with the Ramseys outside No. 216a. A note on the back of the photograph states that Sulfikaralli Esmail, a 28-year-old farmer, television engineer, and salesman, married Zebunisa, a typist, shortly before they left Uganda on 9 October 1972.

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/19-august/news/uk/lambeths-long-history-of-welcome-uncovered

Sticking to his guns: Episcopal priest denounces weapons, with Los Angeles Times' help

From Get Religion-

An Episcopal priest in Oregon inserted himself into a gun controversy – actually, created one – and then he acted shocked, shocked at the public blowback.

So did the Los Angeles Times, in an article that could have been written by public-relations professionals working for anti-gun advocates.

Rather than lengthen this intro, let's just load up and chamber the first excerpt:

The Rev. Jeremy Lucas brought an olive branch to a gun fight recently, hoping for a mellow outcome. It began when he won a semi-automatic rifle in a local raffle, then revealed his plan to destroy it and was mostly congratulated for his stand.

More here-

http://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2016/8/17/sticking-to-his-guns-episcopal-priest-denounces-weapons-with-los-angeles-times-help

'We need to make our worship better,' Pittsburgh Bishop Zubik says

From Pittsburgh-

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh must focus on “better homilies, better music and more people” as its six-county territory attempts to reverse a series of “sobering” trends and prepares for a major overhaul in 2018, Bishop David Zubik said Wednesday.

“The No. 1 priority has to be, ‘We need to make our worship better,'” Zubik told the Tribune-Review. “Second of all, we need to do the best job that we can to get not only more ordained leaders, but we really have to open up lots of doors for the lay leaders of the church.”

The Pittsburgh diocese is closing in on the parishioner-input phase of a comprehensive planning initiative called “On Mission for the Church Alive!,” through which leaders are examining how to strengthen church participation, reorganize aging infrastructure and make the most of dwindling resources.

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10970880-74/zubik-parishes-church

The Vicar of Dibley meets real-life vicar in Sutton

From The U.K.

SUTTON’s real-life vicar has come face-to-face with her fictional counterpart.

The Rev Helen Collings met local actress Alison Waters who will play the famous Vicar of Dibley in the village next month.

Alison will don the cassock at Sutton Village Hall on September 9 and 10 for the Green Hut Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of the popular BBC sitcom.

Just 100 yards away at St Thomas’s Church the Rev Collings is already used to winning over the parishioners of a little village since arriving last October.

More here-

http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/14688237.The_Vicar_of_Dibley_meets_real_life_vicar_in_Sutton/

Church Center Seeks CEO

From The Living Church-

The Episcopal Church is accepting applications for the position of chief operating officer, a member of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s staff.

The CEO oversees a broad portfolio, including the day-to-day management of human resources, information technology, buildings and facilities, and real-estate acquisitions. The CEO serves as a senior member of the presiding bishop’s leadership team.

Information about the position, details for applying and process overview are available on the church’s website. Applicants should provide a résumé and a cover letter that includes at least three professional references. Materials should be submitted by email.
More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/church-center-seeks-ceo

Southern African churches to consider blessing gay unions

From Christian Today-

Southern African churches may begin blessing same-sex unions after the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA) announced it would consider the move in its upcoming synod next month.

The motion, proposed by the Diocese of Saldanha Bay, rules out permitting same-sex marriages but says "prayers of blessing" should be offered to those in gay unions. And although it calls for clergy to be "especially prepared for a ministry of pastoral care for those identifying as LGBTI" it also makes clear that "any cleric unwilling to engage in such envisioned pastoral care shall not be obliged to do so".

The motion also calls for those in same-sex unions to be licensed "for ministry of clergy" and to "lay ministries on Parochial, Archidiaconal and Diocesan levels".

More here-

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/southern.african.churches.to.consider.blessing.gay.unions/93424.htm

Priest sentenced to probation in peeping case

From Albany-

An Episcopal priest from Delmar was sentenced Wednesday to three years' probation for trying to film a woman as she changed in a Salvation Army store.

The Rev. Adam Egan pleaded guilty in Colonie Town Court in May to a misdemeanor charge of attempted unlawful surveillance. He was arrested Dec. 23 in the store on Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham.

At his sentencing, Egan was also ordered to pay $255 in fines and fees and given a host of restrictions on his behavior.

Colonie police said Egan tried to flee the building after the victim noticed a camera peeking over the top of a curtain and contacted police. Officers caught him nearby and said Egan tried to delete a video on a device he was carrying.

More here-

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Priest-sentenced-to-probation-in-peeping-case-9161380.php

'The bishop made clear to me that there would be consequences.' Meet Clive Larsen, the reverend who left the church to marry his gay lover

From The Telegraph-

Reverend Clive Larsen had just finished his regular Sunday service at St Agnes Church in North Reddish, Stockport when he dropped a proverbial bombshell on his faithful congregation.

Taking a deep, restorative breath, the 60-year-old Church of England priest announced that, after 25 years working in the diocese of Manchester (11 of them spent at St Agnes), he was stepping down. But it was not all sad tidings.

His next words were thus: “The first thing I will be able to do is marry John. John, will you marry me?”

His partner of 14 years, John Marcombe, 49, who was sitting in one of the front few pews, was flabbergasted.  

“Everyone cheered,” recalls Larsen, of the bittersweet day in May. “He said yes, of course. It was a bit of a risk in front of all those people.”

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/relationships/the-bishop-made-clear-to-me-that-there-would-be-consequences-mee/

THE MEANING OF MAKE BELIEVE (WHY RELIGION DOESN’T HAVE TO BE “REAL”)

From Religous Dispatches-

When I was in fifth or sixth grade my father bought me a King James Bible. It was bound in white faux leather and embossed with gold lettering. My dad was not religious in the slightest (though he had a surprisingly large collection of books about the historical Jesus), but the children’s Bible with pastel illustrations I got from Sunday School demanded a dignified, literarily respectable replacement.

I couldn’t make much sense of King James, but I enjoyed leafing through the pages—more gold, on their edges!—and sensing some vague power in the sheer overwhelming quantity of words they contained.

I started bringing this Bible with me wherever I went—in my backpack to school, biking through my neighborhood. At my best friend’s house, we marched around his yard and the woods behind his house pretending we were preachers prophesying the end of the world. It gave me a thrilling sense of power to possess this secret knowledge that everyone else was too blind to see.

More here-

http://religiondispatches.org/the-meaning-of-make-believe-why-religion-doesnt-have-to-be-real/

Presiding Bishop names Rebecca Linder Blachly as director of government relations

From ENS-

Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has appointed Rebecca Linder Blachly as director of government relations, a member of the presiding bishop’s staff.

“Rebecca Blachly provides the capability and knowledge that the Episcopal Church wants and needs when working with our government leaders,” Curry said.  “Please join me in welcoming Rebecca to her new position, coming at a critical juncture for religion-government relations.”

Based in Washington, D.C., the director of government relations is a full-time position responsible for representing the public policy positions adopted by the Episcopal Church’s General Convention and Executive Council, and the ministry of the presiding bishop, to policymakers in Washington including, the White House, Congress, the diplomatic community, Episcopal institutions and networks, visiting Anglican and Episcopal leaders, the ecumenical community, and public interest organizations, so that the church has a direct presence and ability to advocate its positions to those who make or are concerned about governmental policy.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/08/15/presiding-bishop-names-rebecca-linder-blachly-as-director-of-government-relations/

Anti-Islam group storms Anglican church in Australia

From Australia-

Right-wing protestors dressed in mock Muslim outfits and chanting anti-Islamic slogans have stormed a church service on Australia's east coast.

The protestors interrupted a service held at Gosford Anglican Church on the Central Coast of New South Wales state.

A group of about 10 people entered the church and pretended to pray while playing Muslim prayers over a loudspeaker.

Local police are investigating what the church described as a "racist stunt".

The Party for Freedom posted photos and video of the incident on social media, claiming it was a demonstration against the church's support for Islamic leaders and multiculturalism.

More here-

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-37080882

The preacher and the AR-15: How one man's move to end gun violence started a fight

From Oregon (LA Times)

The Rev. Jeremy Lucas brought an olive branch to a gun fight recently, hoping for a mellow outcome. It began when he won a semi-automatic rifle in a local raffle, then revealed his plan to destroy it and was mostly congratulated for his stand.

But the 44-year-old Episcopal priest’s token attempt to take another gun off the streets did little to keep the peace. In response to his gesture, Lucas got threats and demands for his arrest.

“I’ve come to learn a lot about the nature of social media,” Lucas said last week of some of the comments about his one-man, one-gun protest. “The rabid gun activists come out swinging, trying to close down any meaningful conversation and attempting to intimidate people into silence.”

More here-

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oregon-preacher-gun-snap-story.html

As traditional believers turn away, is this a new crisis of faith?

From The Guardian-

Towards the end of the 100-minute service at St Luke’s in Birmingham on a sunny Sunday morning, Taryn Nabi began to shake uncontrollably. Near her, a man fell to his knees with head bowed and arms outstretched. Several people wept; some embraced.

“I can’t explain it. It starts here,” said Nabi after the service, pointing at her diaphragm. “It’s the Holy Spirit, it takes over. I just surrender.”

Nabi was among about 200 people who had come to sing, sway and pray at St Luke’s, a beautifully renovated warehouse in Gas Street, which opened its doors as a church in February. Now, according to priest-in-charge Tim Hughes, it regularly attracts a total of 500 people to its two Sunday services, which are characterised by loud rock music, chatty homilies rather than formal sermons, group prayer, and manifestations of God in the form of shaking or speaking in tongues.

More here-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/13/church-of-england-evangelical-drive

Church urged not to forget pie-throwing priest clown

From England-

The legacy of a Anglican priest who made a reputation for himself as a custard pie-through clown who targeted bishops must not be forgoten, one of his former-colleagues has told Premier.

Associate vicar Roly Bain, who won accolades including two Clown International awards, reportedly died following a one-year battle with cancer.

Fellow Anglican priest Patrick Forbes, who co-founded the Holy Fools network of Christian entertainers with Roly told Premier Christian Radio: "There was a time when the idea of a lowly priest hurling a custard pie at a bishop in the Anglican Church would have been impossible to imagine.

"It's possible for senior people to take themselves far too solemnly. Roly went to work on that with great success and the bishops, bless their hearts, took it in very good [humour]."

more here-

http://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Church-urged-not-to-forget-pie-throwing-priest-clown

Anglican Archbishop of Perth admits he knew of abuse in Newcastle diocese

From Australia-

One of Australia's most senior Anglicans has admitted he didn't act on complaints of sex abuse within the Newcastle diocese, which he led for more than a decade. Roger Herft said he regretted he had not been more alert to what was going on. 

Transcript

MATT WORDSWORTH, PRESENTER: One of Australia's most senior Anglicans today admitted he didn't act on complaints about sex abuses within the diocese he led for more than a decade.

It comes after 7:30 revealed last month that a senior priest, Father Peter Rushton, led a paedophile network in the Hunter region for years. The focus of today's Royal Commission hearings was Roger Herft, now the Archbishop of Perth.

Anne Connolly has been following the stories of the victims whose lives have been destroyed by the dark deeds within the church.

And a warning: this story contains material that may distress some viewers.


More here-


http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2016/s4518868.htm

Top cleric says Church of England risks becoming a ‘suburban sect’

From The Gaurdian-

One of Britain’s senior theologians has warned that the Church of England is in danger of becoming a narrow sect “driven by mission-minded middle managers” who are alienating clergy, congregations and the general public.

Martyn Percy, dean of Christ Church, Oxford, writes in the afterword of his latest book, The Future Shapes of Anglicanism, that church leaders’ strategy is moving towards “centralised management, organisational apparatus and the kind of creeping concerns that might consume an emerging suburban sectarianism, instead of a national church”.

More here-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/13/justin-welby-church-of-england-suburban-sect