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May 23, 2007
ACC-UECNA COMMUNION AGREEMENT
On Ascension Day, May 17, 2007, The Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) and the United Episcopal Church (UECNA) entered into a communion agreement. Archbishop Stephen Reber of the UECNA and Archbishop Mark Haverland of the ACC signed the agreement at Saint Stephen's Pro-cathedral, Athens, Georgia to restore or reaffirm the state of communio in sacris between the churches. This agreement came into immediate effect, though it still needs to be ratified by the ACC Provincial Synod and the UECNA Convention.
“This comes at a time when Anglicanism in the USA is at a crossroads, when people are looking for firm ground to stand on and a place to belong,” said Bishop Leo Michael of the UECNA, who was present at the meeting along with Bishop Presley Hutchens of the ACC. The four Bishops celebrated Ascension Day with a noon Eucharist after signing the agreement.
“We recognize in each other the presence of the essentials of the Christian Faith, Catholic Order, Apostolic Succession, Anglican worship, and Christian morals,” said Archbishop Mark Haverland.
The 1977 Congress of St. Louis, thanks to the efforts of the Fellowship of Concerned Churchmen (FCC), was an answer from faithful Episcopalians and Anglicans, both laity and clergy, to the exigencies of changes wrought by the then Episcopal Church USA. Their ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate and the doctrinally controversial 1979 Book of Common Prayer necessitated the birth of the Continuing Church. The churches were determined to “continue in the Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order, Orthodox Worship and Evangelical Witness of the traditional Anglican Church, doing all things necessary for the continuance of the same.”
Thirty faithful years later, impelled by the commonness of origin and the common participation in the one holy catholic and apostolic church, the ACC and the UECNA have come forth with a pastoral provision.
The effect of the agreement will be to make explicit the somewhat doubtful continuation of the communion that many believe has always persisted between the two churches, both of which stem from the Denver consecrations of bishops in January 1978. Members of both churches will be welcomed at the altars of both bodies, and the clergy of both will be available for baptisms, funerals, and marriages as needed. Each church has agreed to consult carefully with the other in all matters affecting the other, including episcopal acts and ecumenical relations with other bodies and churches.
“This agreement constitutes an important movement towards restoring the unity of the Continuing Church, which stems from the Congress of Saint Louis and the Denver consecrations, said Archbishop Mark Haverland. “It is the contention of both that this Continuing Church subsists in the ACC, the UEC, and the Anglican Province of Christ the King. The organic unity of these three Churches remains our first and most urgent ecumenical task.”
Both the churches pledge to work towards full organic union in a patient, unhurried manner, meanwhile respecting inessential differences and the other church's internal integrity.
“His church is trustworthy, not because it depends upon men, but because it depends upon Him who endowed it with power and who is ever present in its council called in His name” said Archbishop Stephen Reber of the UECNA.
Ascension Day's message is clear that just as the apostles saw Christ ascend into heaven, so will he return to judge the quick and the dead. Until His coming we need to keep the faith alive. When the son of man comes will he find enough faith on earth? Its time that those of us who began the journey thirty years ago, be in communion and give people a guaranteed faith and morality in the traditional anglican way.
Posted by frleo at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2007
Inaugurating (neo) Anglicanism in America?
Some are ushering in or claiming to inaugurate Anglicanism in the USA and declaring the United States as a mission territory, it seems. Over the past three decades, without big media bash, there are and have been continuing churches who have faithfully carried on the true Anglican spirit and mission. Shepherds are welcome to guide the flock of Christ from anywhere they want. But the question remains: will they be shepherds after the heart of apostles without compromising? Will they be faithful to the tradition and values taught by the Apostles of Christ, who loved the Lord and gave up their lives for Him and His Church?
And yet how many of the so called ‘neo-Anglicans’ that Abp. Haverland of the Anglican Catholic Church referred to, can be true to the faith and tradition of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? Check any of the churches that claim Anglicanism for the following:
1) Fidelity Scripture (God’s Holy Word as essential for salvation)
2) Fidelity to the Sacraments (Some claim to have had change of heart all in a sudden, though they have taught and ingrained in their congregation a non-sacramental views over the years. The veracity of their conversion remains to be seen)
3) Fidelity to Apostolic Tradition: How many have been faithful to the apostolic tradition of male clergy. Where do they stand on women's ordination? Adherence to the tradition does not mean disregard for womanhood. We esteem the women of our church as they are a big strength in the life of the church. How many of them have embraced the paths of the Episcopal Church USA and the Church of England in compromising with these apostolic traditions. How about the theology, the liturgy, the faith and morals and all that the apostles practiced and taught, lived and died for.
If we care for the fostering and defense of faith once delivered unto the saints, then these three components do really matter, namely Scripture, Sacraments and Tradition. If any one of these is lacking, you know that those who are trying to sell Anglicanism are being untruthful. True Episcopalians, true Anglicans began continuing their journey thirty years ago as churches. They continue to remain very much the fabric of Anglicanism. Look around and you'll see them.
Posted by frleo at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
May 8, 2007
Well Done Jake Byrne!
Congratulation to our son, Jake Byrne, for his hard work and dedication in football that has earned him a scholarship from the Razorbacks , here as well as other offers from top notch schools across the nation. Jake, you have used your God-given strength and talent and worked hard to excel. You're a good kid and we are proud of you and are looking forward to an exciting Senior Year as well as your college years. May God lead you on the path He has intended for you and may you continue to be a blessing to others, as God has blessed you. We, at St. Gabriel's in Springdale AR are very proud of you and thank God for you.
Read More at Scout.com
Posted by frleo at 12:53 PM | Comments (1)
May 7, 2007
Gift and the Perfect Gift
A couple of days ago, our Henry was there at Libby’s house with Agnes and wittingly said, “I have signed up in the ECW as a member” (Women’s Auxiliary). Sure enough Henry had been there several days with his wife Agnes preparing for the rummage sale. Henry would be here every Sunday morning and open the church and turn the lights on for the service. Henry would be there every Angel Food Ministry. Thomas Hall said that Henry was there at the Pancake dinner flipping pancakes. Henry was there as usual on Friday morning for rummage sale. I saw him seated in the car cringing with pain. Went and prayed with him and requested Agnes if he could be taken to the hospital. Henry was admitted and later in the night he was transferred to the ICU. Saturday I got an urgent call to the hospital and Agnes said that Henry’s kidneys were failing and he might not make it. Went to the ICU. There he was, very jovial even in his pain. True to his name, Mr. Cross was exuding sweetness during these difficult moments. There was something very unusual about this person in the ICU, who knew even if he were to pass on he was contented and would embrace death. I saw his son crying away thinking his father was near death. “I’m not afraid,” Henry said. “I know Christ is there for me. I’m so thankful for our church, our members and you and Holly. I’m so glad to have met you in the last years of my life.” I just couldn’t hold my tears. Then I told him, holding his hands, “You are a saint.” Henry was quick to decline and said I’ve done things that were not right. Then I said, “We all have our past and the Good Lord has forgiven us all.” And then I thought to myself, “You are only going by an earlier flight” and said to Henry “We will follow you home, where we will meet again.” Let us continue to pray for Henry. I wish the Good Lord will let him be with us.
Today’s lesson in the Epistle has this: EVERY good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Just take a look around. (Really take a look around) Each of us is a gift to the Lord, to one another and to this body of Christ. How precious this gift can be. Each of us is a great gift from The Father. Our life is gift from God – what we offer in return is our gift unto him. I want you to know this is church family – call it an extension of your own family, where we love care for one another. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another (Romans 12: 15-16). Whatever gift you have, give it unto the Lord. Anyway you can. You may wonder why I am talking about Henry so much this morning. I am not sure how long he will be with us…but with his silent, dedicated presence he has surely manifested his love for this church family. Each of us can be Henrys doing the best for the Lord in an unassuming way and will be commended by the Lord, “Blessed are the meek…” It is not for seniors alone to care for this church. There were so many of them helping out in the rummage sale. It’s ours. Involve the young children. Teach them to love the Lord and His body the church. Be a part of anything that is going on, any project that might need our time. Feel belong to this family and this family will also be there for you when you need it. Belongingness and care is reciprocal. We are called to accomplish beautiful things for the Lord in Northwest Arkansas. Take time for the Lord and you will see His blessings.
“I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path, when thy golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was—this king of all kings! My hopes rose high and me thought my evil days were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides in the dust. The chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance fell on me and Thou camest down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then of a sudden though didst hold out thy right hand and say, “What hast though to give me? Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open Thy palm and to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood undecided, and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to thee. But how great my surprise when at the day’s end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least little grain of gold among the poor heap! I bitterly wept and wished I had had the heart to give thee my all.” – Rabindranath Tagore's Gitanjali ( India's Nobel Laureate)
Let us ponder on the perfect gift from above—the Holy Spirit, who is the counselor whom Jesus sent to us on the Pentecost who is able to lead us into this worship
“And yet the Ever-blessed Spirit of God is here; the Presence of the Eternal Son, ten times more glorious, more powerful than when He trod the earth in our flesh, is with us. Let us ever bear in mind this divine truth—the more secret God's hand is, the more powerful—the more silent, the more awful. We are under the awful ministration of the Spirit, against whom whoso speaks, hazards more than can be reckoned up; whom whoso grieves, loses more of blessing and glory than can be fathomed. The Lord was with Joseph, and the Lord was with David, and the Lord, in the days of His flesh, was with His Apostles; but now, He is with us in the Spirit. And inasmuch as the Divine Spirit is more than flesh and blood; inasmuch as the risen and glorified Saviour is more powerful than when He was in the form of a servant; inasmuch as the Eternal Word, spiritualizing His own manhood, has more of virtue for us, and grace, and blessing, and life, than when concealed in it, and subject to temptation and pain; inasmuch as faith is more blessed than sight; by so much more are we now more highly privileged, have more title to be called kings and priests unto God, even than the disciples who saw and touched Him. He who glorified Christ, imparts Him thus glorified to us. If He could work miracles in the days of His flesh, how much more can He work miracles now? and if His visible miracles were full of power, how much more His miracles invisible. Let us beg of Him grace wherewith to enter into the depth of our privileges,—to enjoy what we possess,—to believe, to use, to improve, to glory in our present gifts as "members of Christ, children of God, and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven.” John Henry Newman
May we imitate Henry Cross in his imitation of our Lord and Master and depend on the Holy Spirit who is our sanctifier and move on to seek first His kingdom and its righteousness.
Posted by frleo at 10:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack