PB Schori on GAFCON

PB Schori - is emitting some things of her own here ...

Much of the Anglican world must be lamenting the latest emission from GAFCON. Anglicanism has always been broader than some find comfortable. This statement does not represent the end of Anglicanism, merely another chapter in a centuries-old struggle for dominance by those who consider themselves the only true believers. Anglicans will continue to worship God in their churches, serve the hungry and needy in their communities, and build missional relationships with others across the globe, despite the desire of a few leaders to narrow the influence of the gospel. We look forward to the opportunities of the Lambeth Conference for constructive conversation, inspired prayer, and relational encounters.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate

Let's see Katie Girl ..... what about saving souls? About bringing the Church to the un-churched?

Let's see "true believers" ... would that be those of us that really think Jesus is the way and the Truth? as in the only way to the father? A very basic tenant of the Christian Faith with which we believe and hold dear?

As for relational encounters at Lambeth .... is Andrus going to sit beside you at Lambeth?

This is why they call it GRACE ..

This is a great illustration ....

Live Stream from GAFCON

Akinola's opening address at GAFCON

June 23rd, 2008

This is the text of the opening address given by Peter Akinola, Archbishop of Nigeria

People of the living God, welcome to Jerusalem. Welcome to GAFCON. One of the marks of apostolic ministry is signs, wonders and miracle. There are many in today’s Church, who would lay claim to apostolic authority without holding on to apostolic faith nor do they manifest any of the marks of the apostles. In GAFCON, I have seen signs and wonders. That we are able to gather here this week is a miracle for which we must give thanks to God.

There have been many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but as a testimony that the Lord our God is firmly in control of GAFCON, he has graciously removed them. A conference of this magnitude would normally require several years of extensive planning, consultations and fund raising. We had barely five months to put this conference together. The Lord raised men and women who gladly and willingly offered their time, skill and money to make it happen.

I am very grateful to the members of the leadership team for their selfless and sacrificial roles in helping to deliver this conference, [please stand for recognition] We are deeply grateful to all provincial, diocesan and parish local committees, the donors, the tour agents, the travel agents, the Jordanian and Israeli governments for allowing us to meet here and in Jordan. Brethren, we appreciate the labours of love of the theological resource group. I must also thank in advance all those who will provide leadership in worship, workshops and plenary. We are heavily indebted to the various sub-committees and their leaders. God bless you all.

Why are we here? What have we come to do?

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) holding here in the holy land this week has understandably elicited both commendation and contempt in varying measures from all who claim a stake in shaping the future identity or in destroying the traditional identity of the global Anglican Communion.

Those who failed to admit that by the unilateral actions they took in defiance of the Communion have literally torn the very fabric of our common life at it deepest level since 2003, are grumbling that we are here to break the Communion.

Similarly, those who fail, for whatever reason to come to terms with the painful reality that the Communion is in a state of brokenness and lacked the ability to secure a genuine reconciliation, but simply carried on the work of the Communion in a manner that is business as usual are not happy with us.

And of course there are those who argue that while there may be some justification for GAFCON; why not call it after Lambeth 2008.

But thanks be to God that there are millions of people around the world including members of other denominations and those of other faiths who not only share our concerns but have chosen to partner with us and are praying for us. Read more

New Bible Highlighter

From our Friends at way of the Master: Available no doubt somewhere in San Fransisco and New York.

Presbyterian High Court Upholds Fidelity-Chastity Standard for Clergy

Of course the GAY issue is spreading to several denominations ...

Last month, Lisa Larges, a lesbian who refused to comply with the ordination standard, received support from the San Francisco Presbytery when she made a third bid to join the clergy. The presbytery approved Larges' application for ministry despite warnings that the action violated the church's constitution. The approval was seen as the first national test of the "authoritative interpretation" adopted by the 2006 General Assembly.

Also in recent weeks, Presbyterians in Minnesota voted to restore the ordination of an openly gay man who has refused to pledge celibacy – a decision also testing the 2006 policy.

Story here

GAFCON releases pre-Lambeth Document

The telegraph say schism is now ... I haven't seen it say that in the entire 102 pages - but the quote below sets the tone pretty straigtforward.

Here is the entire 102 page document (compliments of Standfirm) called
The Way, The Truth
and the Life
Theological Resources for a
Pilgrimage to a Global Anglican
Future

There is no longer any hope, therefore, for a unified
Communion. The intransigence of those who reject Biblical
authority continues to obstruct our mission, and it now
seems that the Communion is being forced to choose
6
between following their innovations or continuing on the
path that the Church has followed since the time of the
Apostles. We have made enormous efforts since 1997 in
seeking to avoid this crisis, but without success. Now we
confront a moment of decision. If we fail to act, we risk
leading millions of people away from the faith revealed in the
Holy Scriptures and also, even more seriously, we face the
real possibility of denying our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The leadership of The Episcopal Church USA
(ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) seem
to have concluded that the Bible is no longer authoritative in
many areas of human experience, especially those of salvation
and sexuality. They claim to have ‘progressed’ beyond the
clear teaching of the Scriptures, and they have not hidden
their intention of leading others to these same conclusions.
They have even boasted that they are years ahead of others in
fully understanding the truth of the Holy Scriptures and the
nature of God’s love.

Jonah?!

CJ gives a look at a conversation with Jonah -from the Midwest conservative

ANGLICANISM DEBUNKED

"Jonah?"

"Yes, LORD."

"It approaches the end of forty days and the Ninevites have not repented. Prepare to leave the city before..."

"Listen, LORD, about that. How hard-and-fast is that forty day time limit?"

"Hard. And fast."

"The Ninevites were wondering if they could get an extension."

"A what?"

"An extension. More time."

"Why?"

"Well, frankly, LORD, and I mean this with the greatest respect, you know that. I mean, anybody that can create a fish just to swallow me up has got it going on, you know what I'm saying? But forty days is nowhere near time enough for Nineveh to repent."

"Help me out here, Jonah. I know that I, YHWH, am only the Creator of the entire universe and everything in it. But it seems to me that if I, YHWH, the Creator of the entire universe and everything in it, tell you to repent, you either do or your don't. Up or down."

"LORD, it's way more complicated than that. Here, it takes a lot longer."

"Once again. Why?"

"For one thing, the Nineveh Commission isn't anywhere close to finishing its work."

"What in the world is that?"

"That's the commission that's going all over Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire getting input from all segments of Assyrian society in order to put together a considered response to your request."

"A considered response!!"

"Say it, don't spray it."

"Exactly what is a considered response?!!"

"You know, they have to decide just what sins you want them to repent of, whether what you call 'sin' is actually a sin in the Assyrian context..."

"I'll help them out here. It is."

"Anyway, once the Commission decides just what it is Nineveh needs to repent of, they'll publish the Nineveh Report."

"And then they'll repent?"

"Not yet. As I understand it, the King will appoint another committee to develop a reception process for the Nineveh Report."

"What in the world does that mean?"

"That's the committee that will develop a process whereby the various groups who contributed input to the Nineveh Report will take it back to their homes, discuss it in their communities, suggest modifications and changes and then send it back here."

"How long will it take to develop this process?"

"It shouldn't be more than a year or two."

"And then they'll repent?!"

"Oh no. Then the Report will be sent out, any changes and modifications the various communites desire will be written down and sent back here to Nineveh."

"And then they'll repent?!!"

"Not quite yet. The changes will be discussed and debated here and then the Report will be put into final form. It'll be sent around one final time and then issued in final form."

"AND THEN THEY'LL REPENT?!!"

"Attitude! Now I'll see if I can get them to speed things up. But they're going to need at least five or six more years, LORD. Minimum. And I can't guarantee that they won't need additional time later on. You know how bureaucracies are."

"Jonah?"

"Yes, LORD."

"Two things. Go back to Israel right now. And if I were you, I wouldn't go by boat."

From Babyblue Cafe

American-style street politics has been raging through the Episcopal Church for quite some time now, since the 60s ended and the lesser political activists went searching for new venues, some quickly discovering the Episcopal Church, a perfect venue with it's overwrought governmental structures and it's bourgeoisie facades. Perfect! For thirty years the street activists - one can hardly call them liberal - labored away, going to endless meetings and taking minutes, getting elected to councils and taking minutes, getting ordained and taking minutes. At the same time, the renewal was also underway but the great majority of those leaders intentionally stayed clear of the political realm, leaving the house without adult supervision.

Now those same street-style political strategies are crossing the Atlantic and one of the first public examples of this comes in the news today from London. A "Priest Vicar" at Westminster Abbey, the Rev. Peter Cowell, has "married" another COE priest, the Rev. Dr. David Lord, in the Church of England's Diocese of London. They were married using an adaption of the marriage service from the Book of Common Prayer, complete with rings, vows, and the Eucharist. Their liturgical imagery was to eroticise the relationship between King David and Jonathon. The marriage between the two men was held inside one of London's historic churches, St. Bartholomew the Great within a stone's throw from our old college hangout, the Barbican.

What will the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London do about it?

The balance of the read is here

Does your Life Sing?

Performed by Casting Crowns - a favorite Christian Group of mine.

Gay Marriages and Birth Pains?

Above is a map of all recent Earthquakes in the California area by the USGS ...

Any coincidence between these and the Gay marriages that are now happening today in California? .... if not 357 tremors in the last 7 days is a lot of birthpains.

Episcopal Pergamos?

Rev 2:12 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;


Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.


Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.


Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.


Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.


Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

As is the model with some of the other churches, we now move from a commendation, to a rebuke from the Master. Here Jesus confronts those who hold and teach the doctrine of Balaam. In order to learn about Balaam, we must go back to the book of Numbers. In my opinion, this also underscores the need for studying the Old Testament. So many Christians feel that the Old Testament is just peripheral material that can be ignored. While we must understand the bible (and Christianity) through the paradigm of the cross and the resurrection, we still cannot ignore the Old Testament scriptures. Paul says they were written for our examples and that ALL scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine and reproof....etc.

we see the "doctrine of Balaam" strictly condemned by Christ. It is important that we understand what Balaam's "doctrine" was, so that we may steer clear of it today. What the Old Testament alludes to- Jesus makes very plain - the doctrine of Balaam involved idolatry and sexual immorality. I'm not going to post the whole story of Balaam for the sake of time and space. I encourage you to read about him in Numbers chapters 22-24. To make a long story short, Balak hired Balaam (a prophet of sorts who is called a "southsayer" in Joshua 13:22 KJV) to curse Israel. After numerous attempts at bribing him by Balak, Balaam finally comes to the conclusion that he cannot curse what God has blessed (I could really preach here, but I'm going to resist the urge so that we can stay on track). It's going to take more than some verbal curse to make Israel vulnerable to her enemies. So he comes up with a strategy. This strategy is later revealed in Numbers 31:8,16. What becomes obvious is that Balaam's strategy included getting the children of Israel to commit sexual immorality with the Midianite women. In committing this trespass, the men of Israel were also mingling with the pagan gods worshipped by these women. This a perfect example of religion getting mixed with worldly practices. What makes it so deadly is that it gives the outward appearance of piety and reverence for God, all the while tolerating the things that He has so clearly designated as an abomination to Him. We must beware of this even today-now more than ever!

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Jesus Christ says that he hates their doctrine. I think that we can probably form a very good hypothesis as to what the tenets of their doctrine were by looking at some other clues from the time period. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans exists still to this day...only under another name

We also see the doctrine of this group condemned along with Balaam. This group apparently believed that sexual immorality and ungodly behavior would not affect one's standing in Christ (i.e. his/her salvation). We know this to be a false doctrine because God says we are to follow after holiness, without which "no man shall see the Lord." (Heb 12:14).

There is an amazing resemblance to the Pergumian doctrine that has invaded our Episcopal Church today .... Which of the Churches in Revelation Chapter Two do you attend?

First ever Anglican wedding of Gays

Male priests marry in Anglican church's first gay 'wedding'
By Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent
Last updated: 7:10 PM BST 15/06/2008
An Anglican church has held a homosexual "wedding" for the first time in a move that will deepen the rift between liberals and traditionalists, The Sunday Telegraph can disclose.

Rev Peter Cowell and Rev Dr David LordTwo male priests exchanged vows and rings in a ceremony that was conducted using one of the church's most traditional wedding rites – a decision seen as blasphemous by conservatives.

The ceremony broke Church of England guidelines and was carried out last month in defiance of the Bishop of London, in whose diocese it took place. News of the "wedding" emerged days before a crucial summit of the Anglican Church's conservative bishops and archbishops, who are threatening to split the worldwide Church over the issue of homosexual clergy.

Although some liberal clergy have carried out "blessing ceremonies" for homosexual couples in the past, this is the first time a vicar has performed a "wedding ceremony", using a traditional marriage liturgy, with readings, hymns and a *Eucharist.

Both the conservative and liberal wings of the Anglican communion expressed shock last night.

The Most Rev Henry Orombi, the Archbishop of Uganda, said that the ceremony was "blasphemous." He called on Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to take decisive action if the Anglican Church were not to "disintegrate". Archbishop Orombi added: "What really shocks me is that this is happening in the Church of England that first brought the Gospel to us.

"The leadership tried to deny that this would happen, but now the truth is out. Our respect for the Church of England will erode unless we see a return to traditional teaching."

Full article here

How do you get around sound Christian Theology? .... You make human theology - see post below. God will turn these over to a "debased mind" - or Satan - and according the scriptures those that just agree and go along with the fold. I pity these poor Priests that assume they are doing something in their calling as a Priest - yet they are just as guilty as the sodomites they "marry."

From Romans Chapter One

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,^[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,^[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.



I believe that what Paul wrote about almost 2000 years ago - is inline with todays troubles and misdirected Church Theology. .... I wonder if and for how long - this will be read in the lectionary?

Dio: Ft. Worth - Remain Faithful

Remain Faithful, a group of orthodox lay Episcopalians and Anglicans has published today their position paper titled "Evidence That Demands A Decision".

"We are pleased to begin to get the voice of the orthodox laity out to the public to clarify the true reasons why we have come to a crossroads within The Episcopal Church and the broader Anglican Communion," Chad Bates, Chairman of Remain Faithful stated. "The position paper clearly identifies that the essential tenets and beliefs of our faith are the reasons why we face a decision in our Church. These essential factors are our belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the sole source of our salvation, and the fact that the Bible is the revealed Word of God and is not open to ongoing changes in interpretation as society evolves."

Remain Faithful began only a few weeks ago as a non profit organization but already has membership of over 275 lay people with over 12000 years of collective membership within The Episcopal Church. The Remain Faithful position paper outlines the differences in beliefs that have resulted in two separate and distinct churches within The Episcopal Church. "Evidence That Demands A Decision" can be found on the Remain Faithful website. The group has a full version of the position paper on the web site as well as an executive summary.

Cora Werley, Spokesperson for Remain Faithful went on to say, "So many myths have been spread about why we face a possible realignment within The Episcopal Church. Most of what has been printed revolves around Women’s ordination and sexuality issues. While these issues are important to many, they pale in comparison to the core differences in our beliefs- the essential elements of orthodox Episcopalian beliefs. We are pleased to address these issues in our position paper in clear and unambiguous terms. "

“Since many Christians claim to believe that Jesus is Lord and the Bible is the Word of God and are calling themselves orthodox, it's important to us to make clear the distinction between this group and others that have formed recently. It could be summed up like this. We not only believe Jesus is Lord, but the only Lord and the only way to salvation, not one of many ways. While we don't know everything God knows or plans for every body, we do know what He has told us in His Word to us and that He does not change. And we not only believe the Bible is God's word, but that it is authoritative in our life and work; that is, that what God tells us in the Bible is sin is sin, what He tells us to do we are bound to do, even when we so often do not fully understand the vastness of His reasoning. It is not a document that is intended to be debated and analyzed to find loopholes that allow our chosen behaviors to continue, but to determine how we can more fully obey our loving and generous God. Lastly, we believe that God loves His people enough to mold and shape them into His image, not to affirm who they choose to be when in clear violation of who He chooses for us to be. Because if nothing else, Remain Faithful is a group that has experienced
God's abundant grace and mercy and seeks to share the same with others as God commands.” Cora Werley explained.

"We invite all lay orthodox Episcopalians and Anglicans to join us on our website for ongoing updates and information". Chad Bates said. "We have been blessed to be joined not only by many within The Episcopal Church, but by members of the broader Anglican Communion from around the world who are lifting up the faithful laity in prayer."

Intriguing to say the least

Lectionary for Sunday - Fathers Day - 2008

From the Blue Letter Bible

New King James Version

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Romans 5
Prior Book Prior Chapter		Next Chapter Next Book
KJV NKJV NLT NIV ESV RVR - Spanish NASB RSV ASV Young's Darby's Webster's HNV Vulgate Hebrew (OT) Greek (NT)

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Rom 5:1	THEREFORE, having been justified by faith, we have[fn1] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom 5:2	through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3	And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
Rom 5:4	and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Rom 5:5	Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Rom 5:6	For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7	For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8	But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Verse one is a favorite of mine - for with the justification that comes from faith - we as sinners have access to God - through Christ - to stand in a Grace that we do not deserve.

Moreover - I would have to include verse 20

Rom 5:20

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

These combined make a great witness tool I think. It is easier to explain Grace - when you have the conviction of the Law. See Sin abounded and grew because there was law .... but with and through Christ - Grace abounds even more over Sin ..... Gods Grace - through the blood of Christ "feeds" on and overtakes Sin. My example would be Aaron and Moses throwing down their staff in front of Pharaoh and becoming a snake. Pharaoh's magicians did the same thing. But the Staff from Moses swallowed up the snakes of Pharaoh, you might say Moses staff became a "King Snake". Just as the King snake swallowed up the others - so does Grace do the same - it swallows up sin as if it never existed. Under the Law "offenses abound" ...

So you can accept Christ and the Grace that comes with it - or you can live by the Law .... I choose the Grace.

Be Like a Bee

The next time you get rejected for the Gospel's sake or someone takes your tract and throws it in the trash or you get yelled at--be like a bee. A bee doesn’t sting the flower when it doesn't have pollen, it just moves on to the next flower to see if it can find pollen there.

So when you have a "bad" witnessing encounter, take courage friend and don’t get upset and “sting” the individual. Just move on to the next person. Remember not to take it personal. It's the message they are rejecting. I'm comforted by Jesus' words that are for the Christian, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt 5: 11-12).

There's no such thing as a bad witnessing encounter.

California "Bishop Marc" on Same Sex Blessing

http://episcopalbayarea.org/joomla/content/view/666/87/

Marriage
Written by The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus
Monday, 09 June 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I welcome the ruling of the California Supreme Court affirming the fundamental right of all people to marry. I am writing to you now to recommend a path to use this decision to strengthen our support of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered sisters and brothers, and our continued witness to God’s inclusive love.

Clergy and lay leaders in the diocese have been working for the rights of LGBT people and for their full inclusion in our Church for more than forty years. Today, we continue to walk a journey that includes:
Bringing the witness of our LGBT sisters and brothers to this summer’s Lambeth Conference,
Combating a ballot initiative this November that will attempt to take away the rights recently recognized by the California Supreme Court,
Providing leadership at next summer's General Convention to bring our marriage practices and theology in line with our fundamental baptismal theology.
For far too long the onus has fallen on marginalized people to bear the burden of inequalities that exist within the Church, and the decision by our state’s Supreme Court has given us the opportunity to level the playing field.

To that end, the Diocese of California seeks to provide, by advocacy and example, a way forward for The Episcopal Church so that the marriage of same-sex couples will be a part of our official marriage rites, without distinction. Although The Episcopal Church does not have canonical rites for same-sex marriage, it is our goal that all couples be treated equally by the Church, as they are equally loved by God.

I therefore provide you with the following pastoral guidelines:
I urge you to encourage all couples, regardless of orientation, to follow the pattern of first being married in a secular service and then being blessed in The Episcopal Church. I will publicly urge all couples to follow this pattern.
For now, the three rites approved for trial use under the pastoral direction of the bishop, adopted by resolution at the 2007 Diocesan Convention (see appendix), should be commended to all couples (again, regardless of orientation) to bless secular marriages.
All marriages should be performed by someone in one of the secular categories set forth in California Family Code, section 400 (see appendix), noting that any person in the state of California can be deputized to perform civil marriages. The proper sphere for Episcopal clergy is the blessing portion of the marriage.
The understanding of The Episcopal Church currently is that blessings are an extension of the pastoral office of the bishop. I ask that you continue to inform me of all same-sex blessings.
Couples who have been married under the auspices of the California Supreme Court ruling must have the same pre-marriage counseling as that required of any couple seeking marriage or blessing of marriage in The Episcopal Church. This should be understood as an offering of the Church’s support for marriage.
I urge Episcopalians, clergy and lay, to volunteer as Deputy Marriage Commissioners. There are over 4,000 civil same-sex marriages planned in a short period of time in the city of San Francisco alone and the city is asking for help in meeting demand. I intend to volunteer for this at my earliest opportunity. This would be one sign of affirmation for the Supreme Court ruling from our diocese. By city requirement, clergy will not be allowed to wear collars when presiding at secular marriages. (For more information about how to be deputized, see the attached appendix.)
All people receiving blessings of civil marriages in the Diocese of California are free to use the same degree of publicity (e.g., newspaper notices).
These are interim measures as the Diocese of California and The Episcopal Church continue our journey in the context of this prophetic opportunity provided by the California Supreme Court’s ruling. I have already initiated a process to arrive at a more studied, permanent answer for Episcopal clergy presiding at same-sex marriages in this diocese. That process includes the formation of a panel of diocesan clergy to make recommendations about how to move toward equality of marriage rites for all people. These recommendations will be discussed across the diocese resulting in an official diocesan policy.
In the coming days, I will publicly state my opposition to the initiative to overturn the Supreme Court ruling. The Diocese of California will publish advertising around June 17 celebrating the Supreme Court ruling and inviting same-sex couples to our churches for pre-marital counseling and nourishment in communities of faith.
As always, I welcome your wisdom, your insights and your input on these matters, and I continue in my commitment to work for a Church that sees all of God’s children through the same eyes that God does.

Peace,

The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus
Bishop

Dear Marc .... When you were suffragen in Alabama, at least we always new where you stood ... Personally I am glad that you are now on the Left Coast. The Apostle Peter told us that all scripture was divinely inspired - and not of Personal Interpretation. I would recommend reading scripture with that guidance, as opposed to volunteering to marry more Gay and Lesbians and encourage all the others in your Diocese to do the same (As if there won't be enough already) ... also in my opinion - repentance wouldn't be a bad thing either. What will become a country when it's ok to kill unborn children and yet we encourage sodomites to play?

The "prototype" begins??

West risks obsession with Islam, warns Vatican
June 10, 2008

The Vatican has given warning that the West's efforts at inter-faith dialogue must not be “held hostage" by Islam and are in danger of becoming "obsessed" with it at the expense of other religions.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, head of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue, said that the Church “has to have regard for all religions". He said that the council had this week discussed new guidelines for inter-faith dialogue.

“What was interesting about our discussions was that we did not concentrate on Islam because in a way we are being held hostage by Islam a little bit," he told the Catholic website Terrasanta.net. "Islam is very important, but there are also other great Asiatic religious traditions. Islam is one religion."

Pope Benedict XVI has convened an unprecedented Catholic-Muslim forum for October. He has also sought to make amends for his controversial speech at Regensburg University two years ago, when he appeared to suggest that Islam was irrational and inherently violent. He later visited Turkey and prayed at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul alongside the local imam.

However, asked if there was a sense that Islam must not "monopolise" inter-faith dialogue Cardinal Tauran replied: "Yes, people are obsessed by Islam. For example I'm going to India next month and I want to give this message that all religions are equal. Sometimes there are priorities because of particular situations, but we mustn't get the impression there are first-class religions and second-class religions".
He said that the new guidelines being discussed amounted to "a kind of road map for priests, bishops and ordinary brothers and sisters ... Of course, these have to be adapted to local situations, as someone in Morocco is not in the same situation as someone in Japan." The guidelines however would be "more concrete" than those issued in the early 1990s.

Cardinal Tauran said that Christians "have many things in common with other believers - for example that we all believe in one God, that we profess the same sacredness of life, the necessity of fraternity, the experience of prayer".

The council had also emphasised "the formation of youth, because we realise that in the society in which we live, in multi-ethnical, multi-cultural societies, the young generation are perhaps lost. So we have to give them points of reference, and religions are obviously very important in that."

The cardinal criticised Saudi Arabia for not allowing Christian worship. “What is good for me is good for the other, so if it's possible for Muslims to have a mosque in the West, we should have the same in Muslim countries. This is not the case in many countries."

He said that last week he had celebrated mass at a new church in Doha, Qatar, consecrated a month ago. "It is a very impressive building. Now we're going to have a school there run by nuns. So this is an example of very good inter-religious dialogue with very concrete effects. In Saudi Arabia that is not the case yet."

Asked about reports of a Vatican-Saudi dialogue, Cardinal Tauran said that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia had in mind a "tripartite dialogue" between Christians, Muslims and Jews. “I think he's beginning to convince his own people," the cardinal said. However talk of building a church in Saudi Arabia was premature.

"We don't have precise information about what the King has in mind, but I suppose it will be a gradual evolution, for example the possibility to celebrate services in hotels, in embassies,” Cardinal Tauran said. He said that preparations for the ground breaking Islamic-Christian Forum called by the Pope were well under way.

The cardinal said that he discussed Tony Blair's new Faith Foundation with Mr Blair himself. “I am ready to help it. But it's a very demanding task. I suppose he has the charisma and the will, but it is very demanding. If we can help him, we would do so very willingly because he has a clear leadership and much good will," Cardinal Tauran said.

Mr Blair was "a new Catholic, he has intelligence and experience". The cardinal said he agreed with Mr Blair that religious extremism was a danger. "The truth has to impose itself by itself, not by the sword." ...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle4105178.ece

Speaking of Obama ....

I just had to post this ....

Breaking News: Obama To Join New Church!

Barack Obama has resigned his 20 year membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago in the aftermath of inflammatory remarks by his longtime pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and more recent fiery remarks at the church by another minister, the Rev. Michael Pfleger.

Your intrepid Creative Minority Reporters have an exclusive report on which Church Barack Obama will join next. In addition, CMR has exclusively obtained critical notes that reveal the inner most thoughts that went into the choice of a new Church for the charismatic presidential candidate.

After conducting a Watergate-style break-in at Obama headquarters, CMR can now reveal the notes that Barack Obama made on a yellow legal pad during his decision making process.

full story here - hold your giggles ....

Obama not American?

Source from World Net Daily ....

ELECTION 2008
Is Obama's candidacy constitutional?
Secrecy over birth certificate, demand for 'natural-born' citizenship cited

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: June 10, 2008
9:44 pm Eastern

© 2008 WorldNetDaily


Barack Obama

Bloggers are raising questions about Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's qualifications to be U.S. president, because of the secrecy over his birth certificate and the requirement presidents be "natural-born" U.S. citizens.

Jim Geraghty, reporting on the Campaign Spot, a National Review blog, cited the "unlikely" but still circulating rumor that Obama was born not within the United States, but elsewhere, possibly Kenya.

The rest of the Story is here

Wouldn't that be something if the Clinton's went after that back door?

A Little Light hearted fun for my Lutheran Friends

5,000 years of religious history in :90 seconds.

(click on the image above to view the 90 second video)

Note: Islam expanded by the sword. Christianity expanded when the printing press was invented.

Prophetic Headlines of the Day

* Fatah and Hamas 'restore trust' Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have held two days of talks in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

* Khamenei criticises US role in Iraq Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has advised Iraq's visiting prime minister against signing an agreement with the US keeping foreign troops in the country beyond 2008.

* EU holds breath ahead of Irish treaty referendum All eyes are on Ireland this week as the European Union awaits the result of the country's EU treaty referendum on Thursday with a mixture of relief that the day has finally come around and fear that it may bring a "no" vote.

* Israel tries to play down minister's warning of attack on Iran Israel yesterday attempted to play down a warning from a senior government minister that an attack on Iran was "unavoidable" if Tehran continued to develop nuclear weapons.

* Qureia: Latrun also up for negotiation Top Palestinian envoy tells Palestinian reporters Israel has offered East Jerusalem, Jordan River Valley, Dead Sea as part of land-swap offer.

* Time overdue for a world currency The world economy is suffering from high inflation, stemming from overly expansionary monetary policy in the United States, as indicated by negative real interest rates and the rapidly depreciating dollar.

* Israeli officials: Israel-Syria talks set to resume this week Indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria are scheduled to resume this week in Turkey, Israeli officials said on Monday.

* Arab countries complicate Med Union plan A number of Arab countries are worried that if they join the EU's planned Mediterranean Union together with Israel, it would imply a normalisation of bilateral relations, with the Algerian foreign minister stressing that an overall vision for the project still has to be agreed.

* Pressure from oil prices spreads Rising oil prices are beginning to cut into the profits of a wide range of businesses, pushing many to raise prices and maneuver aggressively to offset the rising cost of merchandise made from petroleum.

* President George Bush begins farewell tour of Europe . . . and this time he hopes to be among friends President Bush embarks today on his last important trip to Europe, a six-day swing that will include a dinner with Gordon Brown and a meeting with the Queen at Windsor Castle.

A Lesson in Prayer and Faith

When praying religiously, we often seem to pray the same prayer over and over again - as tho our prayer is not answered the first time.

This brings the question - or was brought to me - how then should I pray. I believe that we should pray the way God has shown us to pray.... using his methods ... instead of our own prayers which were taught by indoctrination. In my opinion to become indoctrinated is to stop thinking.

I mentioned a few posts below that we should call into manifestation - those things things are not - whether it be good health, better finances or basically whatever.

Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians in the first chapter - verses 27 and 28 New King James Version

	But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
	and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, If God has chosen this method - then why shouldn't we?

Gay Bishop Unionizes with partner

BOSTON (Reuters) - The openly gay U.S. Episcopal bishop at the center of the Anglican church's global battle over homosexuality, has entered into a civil union with his longtime partner at a private ceremony.

About 120 guests gathered at St. Paul's Church in New Hampshire for Saturday's ceremony for Bishop Gene Robinson and his partner of more than 19 years, Mark Andrew. The event was kept private out of respect for next month's worldwide Anglican conference, Robinson's spokesman, Mike Barwell, said on Sunday.

For More info click here

This is of course a travesty to not only true Bible believing Anglicans, but to Christianity of all Divisions. In the old testament it is an "abomination to God", and therefore signifies a further turning away of the "church" from God's law to a more egocentric hedonistic modern Sodom.

The Lord did tell us there would be tares amongst the wheat ...... personally, I await the harvest.

The Gospel for Sunday June 8th, 2006

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

This Gospel reading offer two examples of what I have been studying of late to increase my prayer life.

First notice the lady - she called for something that was not yet .... what I term the calling of things that are not as though they were ...

She said I will be well ....... her faith made it so, as Jesus recognized her faith. Her faith was not in touching the garment - but the calling of being well .... and as declared by her and recognized by Christ ... she was well.

The second thing here in the Gospel reading is Christ's example of calling for things that are not - yet .... He declared the the girl to be sleeping - instead of dead .... if he had agreed that the girl was dead - then of course she could not have been "awakened" .... but instead he called her asleep .... even with the funeral musicians and wailers present and scoffing .... as they had all declared her DEAD.

I am aware that there will be sermons all over the gambit tomorrow ... some will be good and some not. Few if any will recognize the pattern here and teach or preach it. Quite frankly it would take a faith that many of our ministers in the Anglican Church no longer possess - or comprehend.

It takes a lot of study to work out the entire principles of this calling of things that are not ... but when you read through the Bible - hopefully now you will start to notice a simple but profound truth that God has place in the scriptures.

The Watching Warden