Posts
This is an old song, that I grew up listening too, here is my Mom, and her sisters singing it about 2 years ago.
There's just too many Jonah's in the Lord's house today!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Article by Zen Buddhist, Episcopal Priest - Almost Bishop
Kevin Thew Forrester, right, and ShokenWinecoff, Abbot of Ryumonji Zen
monastery in Iowa.
Forrester of course is the only proposed candidate for Bishop in the upper Michigan Diocese.
In the Hiawatha Land News of the Upper Peninsula he wrote an article about himself and how he is Zen Buddhist and an Episcopal Priest.
Just to wet your appetite - here are a few quotes ....
My soul-work entered a new stage on Pentecost, at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, when I, as a Christian, received Buddhist “lay ordination” and a new name, to go
along with my Christian name: Genpo (Japanese, for “way of universal wisdom”). I now walk the path of Christianity and Zen Buddhism.
I see now a Jesus who does not raise the bar to salvation, but lowers it so far that it disappears.
Sir, let me step in and explain .... there is no "bar" to salvation at any height .... you must simply repent of your sins, accept Christ as the only means of your salvation, and begin to lead a new life and walk away from past sins. Sir all that requires is Faith, Faith in Christ - as the Son - who bore your sins on Golgotha. Sir there is no bar to jump over - just a Cross to kneel down too.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I love you and Buddha too!
The one and only candidate for the Bishop of Northern Michigan claims to be both Episcopal and and Buddhist.... in fact He is an ordained Buddhist.
He will be elected unless someone nominated from the floor can oppose and win.
Of course it has been common for TEC to engage in such practices ... from here
When stories like this come along, it's tempting to remind everyone of similar people and events that have turned the Episcopal Church into a laughingstock for reasons completely unrelated to homosexuality, if only so we can have them in one convenient place the next time something happens.
There's the pagan seminar in the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, Bill Melnyk the Druid priest, Maury Johnston the gay Wiccan lay activist, whirling with the sufis in Seattle, the ridiculous labyrinth trend, the Hindu mass in Los Angeles... but there are so many more that listing them all every time something like this happens threatens to become a full-time job.
I couldn't resist placing this video/song up... I think they must be singers from the left side ...
I will volunteer to answer their Question ....
Jesus Christ, the living Song of God - was the only person to walk this earth, write their Last Will and Testament, Die to put it in effect, and come back from the Dead to make sure it was carried out.
It really it is that simple, Buddha died and stayed dead .... so did Mohammad ... so did .... (insert another name here) ... Dead Dead Dead, Died and Stayed Dead...
He will be elected unless someone nominated from the floor can oppose and win.
Of course it has been common for TEC to engage in such practices ... from here
When stories like this come along, it's tempting to remind everyone of similar people and events that have turned the Episcopal Church into a laughingstock for reasons completely unrelated to homosexuality, if only so we can have them in one convenient place the next time something happens.
There's the pagan seminar in the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, Bill Melnyk the Druid priest, Maury Johnston the gay Wiccan lay activist, whirling with the sufis in Seattle, the ridiculous labyrinth trend, the Hindu mass in Los Angeles... but there are so many more that listing them all every time something like this happens threatens to become a full-time job.
I couldn't resist placing this video/song up... I think they must be singers from the left side ...
I will volunteer to answer their Question ....
Jesus Christ, the living Song of God - was the only person to walk this earth, write their Last Will and Testament, Die to put it in effect, and come back from the Dead to make sure it was carried out.
It really it is that simple, Buddha died and stayed dead .... so did Mohammad ... so did .... (insert another name here) ... Dead Dead Dead, Died and Stayed Dead...
Monday, January 26, 2009
BabyBlueOnline: Proposed Liturgies for Same Sex Blessings in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
If you don't think TEC will doing same sex weddings soon where legal of course .... you need to think again.
It took Virginia two days to publish a liturgy for same sex blessings...
Thanks to Baby blue!
BabyBlueOnline: Proposed Liturgies for Same Sex Blessings in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
It took Virginia two days to publish a liturgy for same sex blessings...
Thanks to Baby blue!
BabyBlueOnline: Proposed Liturgies for Same Sex Blessings in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dio. Virginia Blesses Same Sex Unions
What I feared a few months ago is now becoming a reality it seems, as those on the conservative side leave TEC, those on the left are passing their agenda ... Virginia, a longtime southern middle of the road Episcopal Diocese ...now passes a resolution blessing same gendered relationships...
The Church of Pageantry without the Guilt
The Church of Pageantry without the Guilt
Resolved, that accordingly the 214th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia affirms and recognizes the inherent blessedness and holiness of all committed covenanted relationships between two adult persons, regardless of whether those relationships are between a man and a woman, a man and a man or a woman and a woman, when those relationships are (as described in Resolution D-39 of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church) “characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God.”
Resolved, that it is the mind of the 214th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia that in the Diocese of Virginia no person should be precluded from being ordained to ministry or from being selected to serve in ordained ministry in any parish or other capacity on the grounds that such person is openly living in a committed covenanted relationship with another person of the same gender, so long as the relationship is "characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God" (as described in Resolution D-39 of the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church).
this blogger thinks that GENCON 09 in Anaheim will be a dooooooozy of a convention.Friday, January 23, 2009
PB talks in Mississippi
From Greg Griffeth
"You have been, both personally and in your office, very supportive of homosexuality in the church, especially the blessings of same-sex marriage. There are parents in this church right now, and all over the country, who are very uneasy with the prospect of explaining to their children that while the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as sinful, the Episcopal Church wants to confer its blessings on it. If you were asked, for example, to lead the youth group class here tonight, what are the precise words you would use to explain to teenagers how it is that the Bible says homosexual behavior is a sin, but our church should confer its blessings on it?"
Then there were two follow up questions ....
"So, it sounds like you're saying that for the last 2,000 years, all of Christianity has gotten this very important question completely wrong, and only in the last 30 or 40 years have a few Episcopalians gotten it right." The response was more boilerplate about interpretation.
Second follow-up was:
"But you, yourself, have authorized same-sex blessings in your diocese of Nevada..."
Schori cut me off to clarify that what she had done was to allow those parishes that wished to perform same-sex blessings, to do so. There was some mention of discernment by the congregation, but when she was through explaining, there was nothing to indicate that the sum of the situation was anything other than: If you want to do it, go for it. How that differs from "authorizing," she never explained.
"You have been, both personally and in your office, very supportive of homosexuality in the church, especially the blessings of same-sex marriage. There are parents in this church right now, and all over the country, who are very uneasy with the prospect of explaining to their children that while the Bible condemns homosexual behavior as sinful, the Episcopal Church wants to confer its blessings on it. If you were asked, for example, to lead the youth group class here tonight, what are the precise words you would use to explain to teenagers how it is that the Bible says homosexual behavior is a sin, but our church should confer its blessings on it?"
Then there were two follow up questions ....
"So, it sounds like you're saying that for the last 2,000 years, all of Christianity has gotten this very important question completely wrong, and only in the last 30 or 40 years have a few Episcopalians gotten it right." The response was more boilerplate about interpretation.
Second follow-up was:
"But you, yourself, have authorized same-sex blessings in your diocese of Nevada..."
Schori cut me off to clarify that what she had done was to allow those parishes that wished to perform same-sex blessings, to do so. There was some mention of discernment by the congregation, but when she was through explaining, there was nothing to indicate that the sum of the situation was anything other than: If you want to do it, go for it. How that differs from "authorizing," she never explained.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Divine Providence!?
Just when the Bishop of New Hampshire was to get his moment in glory - he pulled a Forest Gump ....
It seems the sound system did not work until the last line or two!
Thank to Babyblue for catching it live and taping it!
It seems the sound system did not work until the last line or two!
Thank to Babyblue for catching it live and taping it!
Monday, January 12, 2009
O'bama gives into Gay Activists
After having heard screams and rants from the pro gay left about Rick Warren praying at the inauguration - Gene Robinson an active lifestyle homosexual presiding as a Bishop in TEC .... will also be there ... now get this
From TLC
Robinson inauguration
Posted on: January 12, 2009
INAUGURAL PRAYER: Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire is scheduled to deliver a prayer at a Jan. 18 inaugural event for President-elect Barack Obama. Bishop Robinson told the Associated Press "I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."
and as if that were not enough ... from Yahoo!
Robinson has said he was stung by Warren's selection, but still believes Obama will be the most supportive president ever for gay-rights causes.
"There's no question in my mind that he is the president who understands our issues and comes out of a background knowing what it's like to be discriminated against because of who you are," Robinson said Monday. "I think for the first time in a very long time we'll have a friend in the White House."
I can only say this really ....
Why start praying Christian prayers now dude?
From TLC
Robinson inauguration
Posted on: January 12, 2009
INAUGURAL PRAYER: Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire is scheduled to deliver a prayer at a Jan. 18 inaugural event for President-elect Barack Obama. Bishop Robinson told the Associated Press "I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."
and as if that were not enough ... from Yahoo!
Robinson has said he was stung by Warren's selection, but still believes Obama will be the most supportive president ever for gay-rights causes.
"There's no question in my mind that he is the president who understands our issues and comes out of a background knowing what it's like to be discriminated against because of who you are," Robinson said Monday. "I think for the first time in a very long time we'll have a friend in the White House."
I can only say this really ....
Why start praying Christian prayers now dude?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
St. Joseph's First Sunday
Well I made it through the first Sunday! We had a nice crowd and The Spirit was definitely there. I am thankful for all that are in support of this ministry at Saint Joseph Anglican Church in Trussville, Alabama.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thanks Rick!
from here
Displaced Anglicans Offered Refuge on Saddleback Campus
Senior pastor Rick Warren says orthodox Anglicans leading 'new reformation.'
by Timothy C. Morgan
A few minutes ago, I received a letter from Saddleback's Rick Warren, who many conservative Anglicans realize has been extremely supportive of their cause.
Here's what he wrote in part to a handful of leaders:
"... [The Episcopal Church has] already considered me an adversary after partnering on projects with Kolini, Orumbi, and Nzimbi, and writing the TIME bio on Akinola.
"But since last summer... I’ve been on Gene Robinson and other’s attack list for my position on gay marriage. ....[Our] brothers and sisters here at St. James in Newport Beach lost their California State Supreme Court case to keep their property.
"We stand in solidarity with them, and with all orthodox, evangelical Anglicans. I offer the campus of Saddleback Church to any Anglican congregation who need a place to meet, or if you want to plant a new congregation in south Orange County."
The St. James parish is not giving up its court case and has plans to seek other legal remedy. In the meantime, other conservative Episcopal congregations or Anglican church planters might be eager to take pastor Rick up on his offer.
Displaced Anglicans Offered Refuge on Saddleback Campus
Senior pastor Rick Warren says orthodox Anglicans leading 'new reformation.'
by Timothy C. Morgan
A few minutes ago, I received a letter from Saddleback's Rick Warren, who many conservative Anglicans realize has been extremely supportive of their cause.
Here's what he wrote in part to a handful of leaders:
"... [The Episcopal Church has] already considered me an adversary after partnering on projects with Kolini, Orumbi, and Nzimbi, and writing the TIME bio on Akinola.
"But since last summer... I’ve been on Gene Robinson and other’s attack list for my position on gay marriage. ....[Our] brothers and sisters here at St. James in Newport Beach lost their California State Supreme Court case to keep their property.
"We stand in solidarity with them, and with all orthodox, evangelical Anglicans. I offer the campus of Saddleback Church to any Anglican congregation who need a place to meet, or if you want to plant a new congregation in south Orange County."
The St. James parish is not giving up its court case and has plans to seek other legal remedy. In the meantime, other conservative Episcopal congregations or Anglican church planters might be eager to take pastor Rick up on his offer.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Contemporary Episcopalian
As of now, I am no longer a contemporary Episcopalian .... because if you are, then you are in agreement with the following resolutions passed by TEC .... and I am not in agreement.
You support the United Nations Millennium Goals as the priority in the Church’s mission[1]
o Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
o Achieve universal primary education
o Promote gender equality and empower women; major focus is sexual and reproductive health guaranteeing free access to contraception and abortion on demand[2]
o Reduce child mortality
o Improve maternal health
o Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
o Ensure environmental sustainability, and
o Create a global partnership for development with a focus on debt, aid, and trade.
You support immigration reform that ends attempts to criminalize illegal immigration.[3]
You call have called upon the United States Congress to give gay and lesbian couples bereavement benefits, family leave policies; health benefits; pension benefits; real-estate transfer tax benefits; and commitments to mutual support.[4]
You oppose any state or federal constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex civil marriage or civil unions.[5]
You believe that it is time that all dioceses put aside traditional objections and begin ordaining women to the priesthood and episcopacy.[6]
You believe that certain portions of Holy Scripture give offense to non-Christians and that attempts should be made to mitigate their impact.[7]
You believe that the Church, at every level, should call upon Congress and the American people to support monetary and non-monetary reparations for the descendants of slaves.[8]
You “confess that our government’s participation in the war in
You are opposed to the mandatory Federal sentencing guidelines for felons.[10]
You are opposed to the Patriot Act and believe that fundamental civil rights are being denied by our government; furthermore, you insist that Congress hold hearings on the abuse of civil liberties caused by the Patriot Act.[11]
You oppose any Federal or state legislation that might restrict access to abortion.[12]
You believe that “[homosexual relationship demonstrate] the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God” and ” local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions.”[13]
You are a supporter of the 2004 Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride (and proved so with your financial assistance); a national bus tour of advocacy groups demanding a change to
You support “socially responsible purchasing in the corporate food industry in order to advance the human rights of farm workers” and “urge the church at every level to respond to possible calls for boycotts and other actions.”[15]
You believe that transgendered people (cross dressers, transvestites and transsexuals) who are not being afforded adequate police protection in their native countries should be granted asylum in the
Since 1996 you have been a member of the Religious Alliance for Reproductive Choice whose stated mission is “to safeguard the constitutional right to abortion. The Coalition founders were clergy and lay leaders from mainstream religions, many of whom had provided women with referrals to safe abortion services before the Supreme Court legalized abortion in Roe v. Wade.”[17]
You refuse to hold a General Convention of the Church “in a state that prohibits domestic partnerships or the rights associated therewith.”[18]
You oppose legislation to outlaw the use of church property as “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants facing deportation or criminal charges and if such legislation is passes, “call upon the people of the Episcopal Church to act on their baptismal covenant without regard to such unjust legislation.”[19] [This final phrase, of course, means that a) you believe that your baptismal covenant calls you to defend sanctuary for illegal immigrants; b) that your baptismal covenant calls you to disobey laws].
You believe in an immediate and unconditional lifting of the United States’ trade embargo against Cuba and want to insure that ” in order to promote the exchange of religious and political ideals, all members of the Episcopal Church are encouraged to travel to Cuba.”[20]
You called on the State of
You opposed any attempt to add “intelligent design” or other “creationist” material into the classroom.[22]
You demand that the United States Government end its flagrant abuse of civil rights in
Now ask the questions: just how Episcopalian are you? Do you ever get the feeling that your Church went off into the cultural fringe and left us behind?
[1] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[2] Public Choices, Private Decisions: Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals; Achieving the Millennium Development Goals, United Nations General Secretariat (
[3] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[4] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[5] Ibid.
[6] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[7] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[8] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[9] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[10] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
[11] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
[12] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
[13] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
[14] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
[15] Executive Council Minutes, Mar. 2-4, 2007,
[16] Executive Council Minutes, Mar. 2-4, 2007,
[17] Executive Council Minutes, Jan. 9-12, 2006,
[18] Executive Council Minutes, Mar. 2-4, 2007,
[19] Executive Council Minutes, Mar. 6-9, 2006,
[20] Executive Council Minutes, Nov. 12-15, 2006,
[21] Executive Council Minutes, Jun. 11-14, 2004,
[22] General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (
[23] Executive Council Minutes, Jun. 11-14, 2004,
St Joseph Anglican Church, Trussville Alabama
As a member of the local Parish for about 17 years, the Holy Spirit now leads in another direction. A direction to the unknown, but led by the Spirit.
Prior to taking the vows of Sacred Ministry as Priest to the newly founded Parish, we will sign the following declaration.
simply acknowledging matters of fact. The conclusion, therefore, is the logical summation of existing realities rather than a declaration of innovation.
We believe that the canonical Holy Scriptures impart all things necessary for salvation.
We believe that men fully inspired by God wrote the Bible and, therefore, in a unique
and authoritative form, it is the Word of God. As the primary goal of biblical interpretation is to understand the attributes, mind, and actions of God (as much as this task is humanly possible), it should be undertaken with the utmost care, humility, and prayerful reliance upon Him. Exposition of Holy Scriptures begins from the perspective of the unchanging character
of Almighty God, not current political, social, or economic perceptions. In these beliefs, the
Episcopal Church has departed from us.1†
We believe that the Bible gives us very clear, unchanging, and eternal instructions on moral and ethical behavior and that these biblical standards of morality and conduct should be maintained at all times and in all places. In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.2
We believe that the primary mission of the Church is to fulfill the Savior’s commission to His
Apostles: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”3
In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.4
We believe that role of the Church in the world is to reconcile men to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.5
We believe that as “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity is the sole Mediator between God and man.6 In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.7
1 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 417-418.
†The Episcopal Church as referenced is represented locally by the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
2 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003
(New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 615f.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 704.
3 St. Matthew 28:19.
4 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 522-524.
5 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003
(New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 265f.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 522-524.
6 St. John 14:6,
7 Resolution D058, General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007),
We believe that the focus of Christian worship is Almighty God and, consistent with His holiness
and sovereignty, He expects His people to worship Him in majesty and dignity. In this belief, the
Episcopal Church has departed from us.8
We believe in the communion of saints. Physical, structural unity on earth must never be exalted
over the invisible and spiritual union of contemporary Christians with the faith and practice of the saints and martyrs who, having given a true testimony here on earth, now worship before the Throne of God. We believe that we are responsible for maintaining the Faith for the whole people of God, for the entire experience of the revealed truth of the Christian Church. In these beliefs, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.9
We believe that for the Church to meet the distinguishing criteria of the Apostle’s and Nicene
Creed to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic it must maintain the pure teaching of God’s Word,10
the proper administration of the Sacraments,11 and Biblical morality and Order.12 In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.13
Furthermore, We find that the ordination of women to Holy Orders is a matter of dispute in which the Episcopal Church places itself in opposition to the overwhelming majority of the world’s Christians. We believe that, at the very least, the conscientious objections of faithful Christians should not be subject to the compulsory dictates of those sworn to “be merciful to all.”14 We find that the leadership of the Episcopal Church has become increasing intolerant and abusive toward conservative, biblical moral positions.15
8 Episcopal News, 060506-1-A, June 5, 2006
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New
York: General Convention, 2001), p. 682.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 482.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 426-427
9 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994
(New York: General Convention, 1995), p. 351.
10 John 8:31, 47; 14:23; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:4; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 9-11
11 1 Cor. 10:14-17, 21; 11:23-30Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:25-26; Gal. 3:27; Exod. 12:48;
Gen. 34:14; I Cor. 10:21; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21;
12 Matthew 18:17; Acts 20:28-31a; Rom. 16:17-18a; 1 Cor. 5:1-5, 13; 14:33, 40; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 5:6, 11; 2
Thess. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:20; Titus 1:10-11; 3:10; Rev. 2:14-16a; 2:20
13 Note: Per other cited sources, certainly erred on the first and third and with debasement of the sanctity of ministry given rise to serious questions about the second.
14 Service for the Consecration of a Bishop, Book of Common Prayer, 1979, p. 518
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 343.
15 Executive Council Minutes, Jan. 9-12, 2006, Des Moines, IA, pp. 4-5.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 690-691.
Executive Council Minutes, Jun. 11-14, 2004, Burlington, VT, pp. 20-21
Page 4 New Anglican Parish and New Priest in Trussville
We find that orthodox praxis and faith are increasingly marginalized and that the leadership of the Episcopal Church is rapidly moving to further restrict or abolish the remaining testimony of
Christian orthodoxy.16
We do not acknowledge the departure of the Episcopal Church from those who hold the
supremacy of Holy Scripture as the stand of belief and practice in anger, but in grief. Like the bride of an abusive and unfaithful spouse, for our own safety and the secure future of our children, we must find shelter outside of this unhappy house.
As stated clearly by St. Paul “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
we are compelled by the dictates of Holy Scripture and the testimony of the Church
throughout the ages to acknowledge that, having been abandoned by the Episcopal Church, we
cannot seek reunion with it in its present state.17
Following the Episcopal Church’s example when departing the Diocese of London (1784) we will seek a haven in a lateral, orthodox branch of the Anglican Communion.
We grieve for the contemporary state of the Episcopal Church “for they [have] exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”18 May Almighty God grant His mercy to us all.
Prior to taking the vows of Sacred Ministry as Priest to the newly founded Parish, we will sign the following declaration.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” Romans 1:16
In the following statement, the congregation of St. Joseph’s Church is creating no exigencies, butunto salvation to everyone that believeth…” Romans 1:16
simply acknowledging matters of fact. The conclusion, therefore, is the logical summation of existing realities rather than a declaration of innovation.
We believe that the canonical Holy Scriptures impart all things necessary for salvation.
We believe that men fully inspired by God wrote the Bible and, therefore, in a unique
and authoritative form, it is the Word of God. As the primary goal of biblical interpretation is to understand the attributes, mind, and actions of God (as much as this task is humanly possible), it should be undertaken with the utmost care, humility, and prayerful reliance upon Him. Exposition of Holy Scriptures begins from the perspective of the unchanging character
of Almighty God, not current political, social, or economic perceptions. In these beliefs, the
Episcopal Church has departed from us.1†
We believe that the Bible gives us very clear, unchanging, and eternal instructions on moral and ethical behavior and that these biblical standards of morality and conduct should be maintained at all times and in all places. In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.2
We believe that the primary mission of the Church is to fulfill the Savior’s commission to His
Apostles: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”3
In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.4
We believe that role of the Church in the world is to reconcile men to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.5
We believe that as “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity is the sole Mediator between God and man.6 In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.7
1 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 417-418.
†The Episcopal Church as referenced is represented locally by the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
2 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003
(New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 615f.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 704.
3 St. Matthew 28:19.
4 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 522-524.
5 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003
(New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 265f.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 522-524.
6 St. John 14:6,
7 Resolution D058, General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church,
Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007),
We believe that the focus of Christian worship is Almighty God and, consistent with His holiness
and sovereignty, He expects His people to worship Him in majesty and dignity. In this belief, the
Episcopal Church has departed from us.8
We believe in the communion of saints. Physical, structural unity on earth must never be exalted
over the invisible and spiritual union of contemporary Christians with the faith and practice of the saints and martyrs who, having given a true testimony here on earth, now worship before the Throne of God. We believe that we are responsible for maintaining the Faith for the whole people of God, for the entire experience of the revealed truth of the Christian Church. In these beliefs, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.9
We believe that for the Church to meet the distinguishing criteria of the Apostle’s and Nicene
Creed to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic it must maintain the pure teaching of God’s Word,10
the proper administration of the Sacraments,11 and Biblical morality and Order.12 In this belief, the Episcopal Church has departed from us.13
Furthermore, We find that the ordination of women to Holy Orders is a matter of dispute in which the Episcopal Church places itself in opposition to the overwhelming majority of the world’s Christians. We believe that, at the very least, the conscientious objections of faithful Christians should not be subject to the compulsory dictates of those sworn to “be merciful to all.”14 We find that the leadership of the Episcopal Church has become increasing intolerant and abusive toward conservative, biblical moral positions.15
8 Episcopal News, 060506-1-A, June 5, 2006
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New
York: General Convention, 2001), p. 682.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 482.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 426-427
9 General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994
(New York: General Convention, 1995), p. 351.
10 John 8:31, 47; 14:23; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:4; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 9-11
11 1 Cor. 10:14-17, 21; 11:23-30Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:25-26; Gal. 3:27; Exod. 12:48;
Gen. 34:14; I Cor. 10:21; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21;
12 Matthew 18:17; Acts 20:28-31a; Rom. 16:17-18a; 1 Cor. 5:1-5, 13; 14:33, 40; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 5:6, 11; 2
Thess. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:20; Titus 1:10-11; 3:10; Rev. 2:14-16a; 2:20
13 Note: Per other cited sources, certainly erred on the first and third and with debasement of the sanctity of ministry given rise to serious questions about the second.
14 Service for the Consecration of a Bishop, Book of Common Prayer, 1979, p. 518
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), p. 343.
15 Executive Council Minutes, Jan. 9-12, 2006, Des Moines, IA, pp. 4-5.
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006
(New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 690-691.
Executive Council Minutes, Jun. 11-14, 2004, Burlington, VT, pp. 20-21
Page 4 New Anglican Parish and New Priest in Trussville
We find that orthodox praxis and faith are increasingly marginalized and that the leadership of the Episcopal Church is rapidly moving to further restrict or abolish the remaining testimony of
Christian orthodoxy.16
We do not acknowledge the departure of the Episcopal Church from those who hold the
supremacy of Holy Scripture as the stand of belief and practice in anger, but in grief. Like the bride of an abusive and unfaithful spouse, for our own safety and the secure future of our children, we must find shelter outside of this unhappy house.
As stated clearly by St. Paul “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
we are compelled by the dictates of Holy Scripture and the testimony of the Church
throughout the ages to acknowledge that, having been abandoned by the Episcopal Church, we
cannot seek reunion with it in its present state.17
Following the Episcopal Church’s example when departing the Diocese of London (1784) we will seek a haven in a lateral, orthodox branch of the Anglican Communion.
We grieve for the contemporary state of the Episcopal Church “for they [have] exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”18 May Almighty God grant His mercy to us all.
North Augusta Leader Steps down
from here
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - The Vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church in North Augusta stepped down Sunday. He says it is because he does not agree with the direction the National Church is taking.
Now dozens of his congregants are following him to a new church and new denomination.
Sunday was Phyllis Kirkland's last time in the kitchen of St. John's Episcopal Church, Susan Bafford's last time singing in the sanctuary, and Paula Wahl’s last time as senior warden.
“I turned in my key today,” Wahl said.
That's because for the three women and most other members of the church Sunday was their last day as congregants at St. John's and of the Episcopal denomination.
“The Episcopal church has been going in a direction that I wasn't in agreement with,” Wahl said
“I was disappointed with the leadership at the national level. I had been waiting since 2003 for a different movement,” Bafford said.
In 2003 the church made national headlines when an openly gay bishop was consecrated.
“We were all shocked,” Wahl said.
But Father Rob Hartley who resigned Sunday as vicar of the church says the issue of homosexuality was not his main concern.
“I found it an error because it was contrary to scripture and I don't think it was any deeper than that,” Hartley said.
He says his issues with the Episcopal Church started long before 2003.
“Early 80's probably,” Hartley said.
That is when he said he started to see a shift in the theologies and teachings of the church.
“The Episcopal church really wants to make Christianity relevant they really want to make the truth of the gospel easier to ingest for the modern mind. I think the truth is the truth and changing it to make it digestible isn't exactly what the apostles learned from Jesus,” Hartley said.
“I think that's what's been confusing across the county is that all of a sudden the national church is like you can believe whatever you want to believe but what do we believe,” Bafford.
Amen Sir, ... Amen!
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - The Vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church in North Augusta stepped down Sunday. He says it is because he does not agree with the direction the National Church is taking.
Now dozens of his congregants are following him to a new church and new denomination.
Sunday was Phyllis Kirkland's last time in the kitchen of St. John's Episcopal Church, Susan Bafford's last time singing in the sanctuary, and Paula Wahl’s last time as senior warden.
“I turned in my key today,” Wahl said.
That's because for the three women and most other members of the church Sunday was their last day as congregants at St. John's and of the Episcopal denomination.
“The Episcopal church has been going in a direction that I wasn't in agreement with,” Wahl said
“I was disappointed with the leadership at the national level. I had been waiting since 2003 for a different movement,” Bafford said.
In 2003 the church made national headlines when an openly gay bishop was consecrated.
“We were all shocked,” Wahl said.
But Father Rob Hartley who resigned Sunday as vicar of the church says the issue of homosexuality was not his main concern.
“I found it an error because it was contrary to scripture and I don't think it was any deeper than that,” Hartley said.
He says his issues with the Episcopal Church started long before 2003.
“Early 80's probably,” Hartley said.
That is when he said he started to see a shift in the theologies and teachings of the church.
“The Episcopal church really wants to make Christianity relevant they really want to make the truth of the gospel easier to ingest for the modern mind. I think the truth is the truth and changing it to make it digestible isn't exactly what the apostles learned from Jesus,” Hartley said.
“I think that's what's been confusing across the county is that all of a sudden the national church is like you can believe whatever you want to believe but what do we believe,” Bafford.
Amen Sir, ... Amen!
Friday, January 2, 2009
First Wisconsin Parish Leaves Diocese
www.virtueonline.org
12/31/2008
St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in Elm Grove, a congregation founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, WI, voted overwhelmingly this week to leave the diocese and The Episcopal Church. They will move their canonical jurisdiction to the Convocation of North American Anglicans (CANA) based in Herndon, VA.
The Wisconsin parish congregation is following some 100 Episcopal parishes and four dioceses that have left The Episcopal Church during the past two years because they view the National Church as increasingly hostile to orthodox, traditional Christian belief and practice.
And this part I really like:
In a formal letter to Bishop Steven Miller, the Episcopal Bishop of Milwaukee, they said the issues were theological and "beyond suffragan episcopal bedrooms in New England". The congregation was contending for the "'faith once delivered to the saints"' and nothing less.
"We are defending the irrevocable stance on biblical authority and order firmly held by the vast majority of the world's Anglicans," they wrote.
"People of Faith are not leaving the Episcopal Church; The Episcopal Church has left them."
12/31/2008
St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in Elm Grove, a congregation founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, WI, voted overwhelmingly this week to leave the diocese and The Episcopal Church. They will move their canonical jurisdiction to the Convocation of North American Anglicans (CANA) based in Herndon, VA.
The Wisconsin parish congregation is following some 100 Episcopal parishes and four dioceses that have left The Episcopal Church during the past two years because they view the National Church as increasingly hostile to orthodox, traditional Christian belief and practice.
And this part I really like:
In a formal letter to Bishop Steven Miller, the Episcopal Bishop of Milwaukee, they said the issues were theological and "beyond suffragan episcopal bedrooms in New England". The congregation was contending for the "'faith once delivered to the saints"' and nothing less.
"We are defending the irrevocable stance on biblical authority and order firmly held by the vast majority of the world's Anglicans," they wrote.
"People of Faith are not leaving the Episcopal Church; The Episcopal Church has left them."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)