September 24, 2007
Thirty years gone by...
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Congress of St. Louis. Thirty years ago traditional Anglicans and Episcopalians saw the slippery slope that the good old Episcopal church was leaning toward and they chose to let goods and kindred go in search of sanity and fidelity to the faith once delivered to the saints. These days we hear of people declaring the United States a "mission territory" and then they come only to complicate the already confused minds of Anglicans. Fronts and alliances have been declared that partially embrace fidelity to orthodoxy. In seeking to follow His holy will and the care of His flock we have run into situations that have not worked for the faithful Anglicans who have followed such a lead. In some of the so-called federations, many compromises have been made in terms of Sacramental and Apostolic Tradition. Faith at its core is adherence to the teaching of the Scriptures, administering of the Sacrament and upholding of the tradition of the apostles who carried this down the centuries. True fidelity is not adherence to any new wave of permissive morality that society might embrace. The role of the church needs to be clear in leading its people in the right direction regarding faith and morals.
In my short experience and earnest desire to do what is right in His sight, I’ve seen situations where the people have been left in a quandary. Overseas oversight does not translate into the pastoral care in the "here and now" situation. Trinity Anglican Church in Evansville, Indiana is an example of this situation. Having received no oversight from the jurisdiction that they had belonged to, their Anglicanism was run amuck by their priest. As a result, the laity began looking for a safer haven.
One would think that thirty years of fidelity in the continuing movement would give UECNA credibility. And yet the faithful go through repeat disappointments in order to arrive at verdant pastures. Also, among the leadership there are many who want more clout and so join the number game while sacrificing their stand. While this may be true of the bishops, there are faithful clergy (like Dn. Tom Bradshaw from Heber Springs, Arkansas) who have wrestled with their situation within the ECUSA, met with their leadership and expressed their conviction with clear conscience. Perhaps what is lacking today is men of such caliber who are willing to let go of their security in the ECUSA.
If money alone was our primary concern, then none of us would be in these tiny churches consciously living the faith and morals and leading the flock in the same. We know that we have greater accountability when the Master returns and each of us will be responsible for our commissions and omissions in our duty towards His flock.
Kudos to Trinity Anglican Church in Evansville, Indiana and to Rev. Tom Bradshaw for your courage and conviction. Only such a conviction is needed and the Lord who has begun the good work in you will bring it to fruition. We are here with you in adhering to the faith once delivered unto the saints and in constantly fostering faith, family and tradition, until His second coming. And kudos to the ACC, APCK and HCC, who are in sync with UECNA and continue to stand in defense of the faith and morality in the Anglican way.
Posted by frleo at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)
July 5, 2007
To those that are wondering about APA- UECNA concordat
For clarity's sake let it be known that the concordat between the Anglican Province of America and the United Episcopal Church of North America has ceased to exist. This had already been communicated through an email to the Most Reverend Walter Grundorf of the APA from the Presiding Bishop of the UECNA dated May 28, 2007
From The Most Rev. Stephen C. Reber to the Kind attention of The Most Rev.Walter Grundorf
Dear +Walter,
Greetings!
You should have noticed by now the communio in sacris between the Anglican Catholic Church and the United Episcopal Church of North America.
At the same time we are aware that the intercommunion between APA and UECNA has been subdued. This has resulted from APA seeking communion with REC and the rest of the FACA. Due to our differing views, it would be my wish that the intercommunion between the two of us be revoked and that this also is reflected on the APA website.
I'm on the road but will be available after 5th of June on the phone. Would be glad to talk with you then.
Blessings
++ Stephen Reber
Presiding Bishop
The United Episcopal Church of North America
P.S: May I add that there has been no formal response to this letter from APA. But by APA's very decision go on its own, the intercommunion between APA and UECNA has ceased ipso facto.
Posted by frleo at 11:48 AM | 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)