felix hominum

"in the sense of being creedal"

One of my favourite parenthetical phrases from last year's General Synod. Speaking of creedal, here's the creed used at the recent Toronto Youth Synod:

We believe in the God of Life, who creates and loves people, who acts in history and who promises never to leave us alone.

We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed.

We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without her we are nothing; filled with her we are able to become creative, lively, and free.

We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, a community where we find companions and courage for the struggles of life, where we grow in our understanding of the faith, through worship, prayer, nurture, and service.

We believe that God has a use for us in this time and place, that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are called to be instruments of God's presence.

We believe in living, hoping, laughing, and enjoying the good of the earth;

We believe that people can change, and God keeps pulling us to life and to a new world of joy and peace. Amen.

I'm curious as to what the intent and meaning is of the second sentence. 

Diocese of Athabasca synod passes some interesting motions...

From their Diocesan website.  The stuff in brackets is their website headline for each item.

[The Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca is in communion with the ANiC and the Province of the Southern Cone.]

The Synod passed the following motion on the Friday evening sitting of their 51st. Synod:

Resolution # 2008-11 - BE IT RESOLVED that the Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca inform the parishes and the bishops who have joined the Anglican Network in Canada and the Province of the Southern Cone that we are in full communion with them.

[The Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca expresses it's displeasure with bishops from other dioceses.]

Resolution # 2008-12 - BE IT RESOLVED that the Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca express its dismay that bishops of dioceses have resorted to secular courts when parishes within those dioceses have found it necessary to align themselves with the Anglican Network in Canada and the Province of the Southern Cone. 

BACKGROUND/INFORMATION NOTES: By resorting to the civil courts so readily, the bishops of those dioceses where there are dissident parishes and clergy have displayed so visibly that, to them, the issue is power, not the will of God. None of these churches that have associated themselves to the ANiC and the Southern Cone have taken their decisions lightly. Also, all of these churches have by their decisions stayed within the Anglican Communion. Conflicts over property should be settled with prayerful negotiation considering the best interests for all parties involved.

More items from their Synod is available on their website.  They also addressed the hot button issue of abortion:

[The Synod of the Diocese of Athabasca brings the issue of abortion to the forefront...

The Synod passed the following two motions with huge majorities on the Friday afternoon sitting of their 51st. Synod:]

Resolution # 2008-9 - BE IT RESOLVED that this synod of the Diocese of Athabasca request that the issue of abortion be brought to the forefront within the Anglican Church of Canada by the Primate.

Resolution # 2008-10 - BE IT RESOLVED that this synod of the Diocese of Athabasca lobby the current Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honorable Stephen Harper: the current Minister of Justice, Rob Nicholson and our Members of Parliament and the current Premier of Alberta, the Honorable Ed Stelmach and our members of the Legislative Assembly, to table effective legislation on abortion that protects the interest and well being of both the fetus and mother.

While I am away from the country, I won't have as much time to monitor the blog as I might like;  I suspect that there will be some strong reactions to these items.  So I would appeal for a continuation of what has a generally respectful tone among those who comment here.

some food for thought on local mission...

One of my favourite reads is the Weary Pilgrim.  Ron often has very interesting things to say.  I was reminded of a recent post of his this afternoon, after a local get together of some Anglicans who are interested in mission. Just a bit of a discussion starter, that's all:

Get rid of your building...move back into your neighborhoods where you live, meet in peoples houses (and no I'm not talking house church ). Meet around a meal, invite the neighbors. Talk about issues in the neighborhood/ community. Talk about life, community, work...weave common threads into the conversation. Talk about the Kingdom, Jesus his redemptive imagination of a new creation. Invite, eat and talk...something very mysterious and communal happens in the midst of food and conversation.

Now if you've spread your church out into the surrounding community and neighborhood like salt and yeast, you're wondering how to keep it all together. Years ago that might have been an issue, but in the world of high speed technology it's not. Find someone who has some techno savvy, a people person, a connector, who can be your community network person. (this might be your only paid staff person, it would be money well spent ).

Maybe once a month, rent a hall, get together as a larger community...share stories about what the smaller groups are doing. Have an agape meal, a huge potluck.

Get rid of your paid pastor... (There, that should be good for allot of hate mail), but honestly in this day and age do we need to pay someone to teach. I've been in the church for almost 30 years, and really I've heard nothing new...it's mostly recycled, and like doing another lap on the track. There is great teaching that can be accessed on the Internet, allot of colleges and seminaries have downloads, pod casts. Again this is something your network guy could set up. And hey, lets release people to use there spiritual gifts. Release people to teach, do pastoral visits, healing ministries...

Make Mission your Mission...Now that you have eliminated most of your expenses build the Kingdom. Make mission a core value, make it apart of the DNA of your community. Mission should not be a ministry, it needs to be relocated into the heart of the community. Think local and global. Make it the responsibility of the smaller groups in the neighborhood/ community to react to any needs they see in there locality. Look at global projects the larger community can invest in.

Primate Hiltz writes Primate Greg Venables

Anglican primate blasts South American rival
MICHAEL VALPY
April 22, 2008

Leaders of the Anglican Church in Canada and South America drew beads on each other yesterday with Canadian primate Fred Hiltz posting a letter on the Internet telling South America's Gregory Venables to stay out of the country and Archbishop Venables icily criticizing Archbishop Hiltz's manners in reply.

"My number is there on the Anglican Communion network," Archbishop Venables said in a telephone interview from Buenos Aires. "I mean, this is only my humble opinion, but if somebody really wants to talk to me, they can pick up the phone and talk to me.

"Do you write a personal letter, between primates, on the Internet if you seriously want a personal dialogue?"

Globe & Mail

The Canadian Primate's letter can be seen here.  An Anglican Journal piece is here.  The National Post article is here.

While there is much to discuss in this latest round of Anglican World Traveller, the thing that struck me was that the letter to Venables was posted on the internet before Venables received it.  That's okay, though.  This fast internet stuff happens to the best of us.  On the other hand, I wonder if these two Primates have ever had a face to face?

Bishop Anthony Burton is moving to Dallas

From the Diocese of Saskatchewan blog:

To the clergy and people of the Diocese of Saskatchewan

Dear friends,

This is a difficult letter to write but I must let you know that I have submitted my resignation to the Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land effective September 1, 2008. I begin that day a new ministry as Rector of the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the privilege of serving with you these past 17 years, first as Dean and, since 1993, as Bishop. Our sense of call to Texas is a positive one but at the same time I felt that it would be an opportunity for the Diocese to be overseen with a fresh pair of eyes, and to enjoy the excitement and momentum a change of bishop brings.

Archbishop Clarke will soon be in touch with our Executive Committee to start the process to elect a new Bishop. The person you will choose to carry this ministry forward will be greatly blessed. This Diocese is well known for the singular spirit of cooperation, good will, and thoughtfulness you bring to the challenges of the day. I have good hope and every reason to believe that God has another fruitful season in store for you.

It was said that St. Paul had a thousand friends and loved each as his own soul, and died a thousand deaths when the time came for him to leave them. I suppose every departing bishop feels something of this sense of loss but I feel it acutely today because of the exceptional generosity and openness of heart with which you have consistently encouraged me. I hope to visit with many of you before we go.

Anna, Caroline, Peter and I wish you God’s blessing as you continue steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Anthony Burton
Bishop of Saskatchewan

Report to Canadian Anglicans from the House of Bishops

April 18, 2008 -- A year ago, we met in this same place under a different Primate and in the company of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is hard, as Archbishop Fred Hiltz, our new Primate, said in his opening reflections, not to be mindful of all the changes that a year can bring. Changes are always with us. In our opening session, we welcomed two new members -- Bishops Linda Nicholls of Toronto, and Jane Alexander of Edmonton -- and in a rare but fortunate event, we re-welcomed Bishop Gordon Beardy who left us several years ago and who returns to the House as assistant Bishop of Keewatin. We welcomed retired Archbishop Terry Finlay of Toronto who has agreed to be our chaplain. We offered congratulations and prayers to Bishop Victoria Matthews on her election as Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand. We welcomed the appointment of Bishop Nicholls to the Primate's Theological Commission. And we said goodbye to Bishop Charles Arthurson, who was attending his last meeting of the House of Bishops.

The meeting just ended exemplifies the many roles that we, the Bishops of the Church, play. We dealt with the business of the church, hearing reports on residential schools, on pensions, from the International Anglican Women's Network and on theological education. We also spent a full day together privately, sharing our experiences of the many difficult aspects of Episcopal ministry.

On the first evening of our gathering, we heard a report and some reflections from Archbishop Fred Hiltz, now nearing the end of his first year as Primate. Archbishop Fred gave us a printed report on his activities and travels, which have been considerable, and supplemented the report with what he called "snapshots" -- moments that have remained with him in memory. We were struck by two phrases that he used again and again. He described people in meetings and communities and other places he visited as "being as one" in their love for the church and he also spoke again and again of people who share with him their pride in being Anglican and engaged in God's mission.

On our first full day of this gathering, we met in a private session to consider the life and unity of the Canadian Church and of the Anglican Communion of which we are a part. This was a day of deep reflection and sharing, a day that brought some pain, but also a day of hope as we listened to each others' stories and were reminded once again of all that we share and of the deep affection we have one for another. It was good to listen to each others' stories and, in so doing, to encourage each other. We responded to a letter from Bishop Donald Harvey on behalf of the Anglican Network in Canada. In the midst of these challenges, we repeat that we have put in place a process for shared episcopal ministry, and that we continue to be a Church to which all are welcome.

The day also included presentations by Canadian members of the Covenant Design Group, charged by the Archbishop of Canterbury with drafting a covenant for the approval of the member provinces of the Communion. The covenant is meant to be an expression of our Communion and is now in its second draft, which we agree, is an improvement over the first. We were also briefed by Bishop George Bruce on the Canadian response to the drafts of the Covenant and we shared our responses with him. A document on the Canadian response will go to the Council of General Synod next month.

Not surprisingly, since this is the last time we will gather as a House before this summer's Lambeth Conference of all the bishops of the Communion, we spent considerable time talking about that and hearing from those who have attended before. This was a sweeping conversation covering everything from the agenda and available bursaries to proper attire and what the living accommodations are like.

The last time we met, we instituted a practice of inviting several bishops per meeting to introduce their dioceses to us, and to tell us of the challenges and joys that they experience. This time we heard profiles on the dioceses of Central Newfoundland, Ontario and Brandon.

We also heard a report from Bishop Mark MacDonald, now well into his second year as National Indigenous Bishop. We were heartened to hear him tell us that it appears that in the creation of the position of National Indigenous Bishop, the "Anglican Church of Canada understood a primal reality of indigenous life and unleashed imagination that we had never anticipated."

We were given an update on residential schools and on the work being done in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission whose members have yet to be announced by the federal Government. We heard from Archbishop Fred about the church leaders' tour that he was involved in to raise public awareness of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We were struck by the tremendous debt of gratitude that we and the Church owe to General Synod Archivist Nancy Hurn, and other diocesan archivists, who are involved in challenging and ground-breaking work in making sure that the Church lives up to its obligations in providing access to information contained in documents in its possession.

A staff delegation from the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund briefed us on the history, work and mission of this Anglican ministry and shared with us some of the ambitious plans they are making to celebrate the Primate's Fund's 50th anniversary in less than two years. The Primate's Fund exemplifies the very best work that a church can do in reaching out to the developing world and in responding to natural and human disasters.

Our days, when we meet, are framed by prayer. We begin the day with Eucharist, followed by morning prayer and Bible study. We end with night prayers. We continue to be grateful to God for the privilege of being in ministry with the whole Church.

from the ACofC

Anglicans in BC Diocese having some difficulties...

The Anglican Church keeps making the National Post, this time in the Diocese of British Columbia.  The BC Diocese has a few  statements on its home page regarding a recent court order.  Apparently a parishioner at St Mary's Metchosin came over and discovered that the Diocese had changed the locks and installed monitoring equipment on the church.  Lawyers representing the parish obtained an injunction which allows them to have use of the buildings.

From the Victoria Times Colonist:

A last-minute court injunction cleared the way for temporarily ousted priests at Metchosin's St. Mary of the Incarnation Anglican Church to return to the pulpit Sunday.

The court decision came as a surprise to the Anglian Diocese of B.C., which had issued a statement Saturday saying alternate leadership at the long-serving Metchosin Road church would be in place for Sunday services.

The situation at the church began with a February vote in which St. Mary parishioners decided 105-14 to separate from the national Anglican body over a variety of issues, including interpretation of scripture and the blessing of same-sex marriage.

April "Anglican Planet" now online

It can be found here. 
ps - I do own a copy of the Manga Bible...  if you don't know what one is, don't ask.

Prayer Book Society launches new initiative

Special to the Anglican Journal
[Toronto]

The member of the Prayer Book Society met early yesterday evening at the Empire Club in downtown Toronto, to discuss with himself the dwindling interest in the use of the BCP in Anglican Churches across the country.  After two sherries and a glance at the test match cricket results, the member decided to write a strongly worded letter to the Primate.

Dr. Poncet, a professor of medieval architecture at Waterloo University, told the Anglican Journal that "the cure for the ills of the Anglican Church of Canada is to ensure that the extra 'e' is added to all appropriate words, thus ensuring a continuous fellowship with the mind and intent of the Reformers." 

"We knowe", said Poncet, "that in all thinges whiche have taken place in oure beloved Churche over the past yeares, it has only beene the faithe of the Prayer Booke which has kepte us from beinge wholly swallowed by the Leviathane of what some have called 'Moderne' theologie. It is highe tyme for us to turn back the digital chronometer, clocke, hourglasse, sundial, and returne to the faithe of our Fatheres."

It is not known at this time what the Primate's response will be.

General Synod resolution A226 (“fresh new expressions”) gets underway

One of the motions at the last General Synod which almost flew under the radar was a call to have a thorough revision of liturgical texts for use in the Anglican Church of Canada.  Prayer Book traditionalists were concerned that the motion would eliminate the BCP from common use, and replace it with a mishmash of “modern” or “Post modern” liturgies.  In the end, the amended resolution which passed called for Faith Worship and Ministry to come up “fresh new expressions” for use in the Anglican Church of Canada.  Resolution A226 was amended, so that only “contemporary language rites” would be subject to the proposed revisions.  While I applaud the possibility of “fresh new expressions”, I find that, like the case of the rites for the catechumenate, the early drafts of such liturgies (pdf) leave a lot to be desired. 

I think that the Anglican Church can certainly benefit from a critical self examination in the area of liturgy, particularly when it comes to such liturgies as a means of sharing the Gospel with a largely "post Christian" culture. However, I think there could is room for improvement:

“Journeying Beyond:  A Pilgrimage of Exodus after Confirmation”

Rationale for the Rite:

It is well known in Anglican circles that Confirmation, while a significant milestone in forming a life of discipleship, is too often seen as an exit time for many young people from the community of the Church.  Recognizing this to be the case, the Faith Worship and Ministry Committee, following the guidelines of A226 (GS 2007), has developed the following experimental liturgy:  “Journeying Beyond:  A Pilgrimage of Exodus after Confirmation”.  The proposed liturgy would be used with those young people who have undergone Confirmation, but have decided (either at the time of Confirmation or shortly thereafter) to formally disassociate themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada.  It seeks to honour their personal seeking in an authentic way, while at the same time giving shape to a form of return.  In so doing, the spirit of autonomy inherent in a national church is fostered and nurtured in one of its most important constituent member groups: its youth.

Background and History:

While the theme of Exodus has firm Scriptural roots in terms of an overall progression to the Promised Land (though not in a terms of a permanent contemporary political entity), it is also recognized that this Exodus was a time of “wandering”.  Indeed, the concept of wandering is an integral part of a mature faith, for without this constant wandering, we cannot follow, even in a geographic sense, the itinerant nature of Jesus’ own wanderings as articulated in the Synoptic Gospels.  Recognizing that, in many cases, late adolescence is a natural time for such wanderings, we seek to encourage young people in their journey away from the Church, trusting that they will return when their own children need baptism, and thus setting in motion the continuous circle of the journey of faith, where both parents and newly baptized can then wander away again, to return at times of infinite transition (eg "funeral").

The Shape of the Rite:

Gathering of the Community:

The Presider should enter from a side door, rather than process via the center aisle.  The newly confirmed should enter from whichever direction they choose.  A large, broken compass may be placed on the altar.

One: "Not all who wander are lost."
All:  "And also with you."

One:  "The universe expands in all directions."
All:    "As does our faith.  There are no boundaries, only frontiers!"

One:  "N., you have been brought to this place through the workings of Mystery.  We, as the community in which you have been nurtured, now set you free.  As Abram left the home of his ancestors, so we set you free to leave this, the home of your spiritual ancestors.  As you grow, you must shed the old skin.  There may come a time when you return:  we may be here, or we may not.  Your journey endures forever."

The Presider then  hands the Traveler a broken compass:
"Receive the signpost of our faith.  Let no direction dictate your footsteps."

The Traveler takes the compass and covers it with a cloth.  The colour of the cloth will be determined by the liturgical season.

Traveler:  "Everyone who seeks will find.  How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.  It’s always been the same, same old story."

Presider:  The service continues on page 185.

All stand, as the traveler exits by a side door.

Update: The Diocese of Saskatchewan website has an important press release from the Archbishop of Canterbury.