There
is one aspect of the Andy Lines consecration that has not been given much
attention – that it should greatly benefit the Anglican Church in North America
(ACNA).
Allow
me to back up a bit. The
consecration is scheduled for June 30th, the last day of ACNA’s
Provincial Assembly. It’s safe to
assume this will occur during the concluding service of the Assembly.
So
let’s say the Provincial Assembly has its difficulties. I’m not predicting it will. But the divisions over Women’s
Ordination will not magically disappear for the Assembly. Nor is it likely that those (few I
hope) in ACNA prone to cross lines into divisive political activism will
suddenly exercise restraint and humble wisdom for the Assembly. And some parts of ACNA in seem to be
The Church of What’s Happenin’ Now, and aspects of the Assembly program seem to
reflect that. Meanwhile others
(like myself) prefer the Church of What Happened 500 or More Years Ago, Thank
You Very Much. That, too, will likely also be the case at the Assembly as well.
But
at the conclusion of the Assembly, with several Anglican Primates of GAFCON
gathered around, ACNA will be a leader in the reevangelization of Britain and
consecrate Andy Lines as a bishop for Scotland. However trying the Assembly up to then may be, it will be a momentous
finish that will make the overwhelming majority of the Assembly and of ACNA
proud and glad to be in ACNA.
Heck, as concerned as I am about the direction of ACNA, I am among those
thankful and proud that my church is stepping out for orthodoxy and the
orthodox and leading in this way.
ACNA
could use a unifying moment. It
will get it on June 30th.
Now
that was surely not the reason Archbishop Foley Beach and ACNA are taking this
step. And they are to be commended
for taking this step. But bold
obedience to God usually does have additional benefits, does it not?
3 comments:
"But bold obedience to God usually does have additional benefits, does it not?" Except when it results in crucifixion, beheading, hanging, torture, etc. In those cases, I expect the benefits appear very shortly thereafter, in the hereafter.
Let's pray none of those occur at the Provincial Assembly. ;)
--- wannabe
You progressive. I like the church of what's happening 1500 years ago. lol.
Lawrence+
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