The “bishop” of The Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Pittsburgh, Kenneth Price, has given his clergy some talking points on TEC’s litigious attacks on Bishop Duncan’s Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh (belonging to ACNA).
The Anglican Curmudgeon has fisked the TEC spin of these talking points in his usual withering style and detail. I will not duplicate his excellent post here. But one talking point from puppet “Bishop” Price stands out:
Is the Episcopal Church continuing to sue the realigned diocese?
No, it is the other way around and has been for over a year. The Stipulation signed by Bishop Duncan and diocesan leaders in 2005 came into play with the realignment vote and, after Judge James’ ruling regarding its application in 2009, it has been the realigned diocese which has been suing to appeal, rehear and overturn this ruling.
Oh dear. Such an absurdity tempts me to intemperate language. As the Curmudgeon points out, the case in question is under appeal, meaning the lawsuit continues. The Episcopal Church and its diocese have in no way stopped or withdrawn their lawsuit. For “Bishop” Price to twist this into saying The Episcopal Church is not suing the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh is contemptible deceit. Anyone who tells such a – well it is hardly even a half-truth – under church auspices truly has no shame.
It reminds me of the following scripture:
This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.”
Proverbs 30:20 ESV
Showing posts with label The Anglican Church in North America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Anglican Church in North America. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Bishop Benhase’s Selective Inclusiveness
I’ve frequently noted how the inclusive crowd is not. TEC “Bishop”* Benhase of Georgia is a case in point. When it comes to the consent to and the consecration of an active lesbian as “bishop,” he is oh-so-inclusive.
But when it comes to those nasty schismatics of ACNA? From his clergy handbook revised after his consecration:
"Anglican" or "Continuing" Splinter Groups [Love those scare quotes! – Ed.] not part of TEC
These groups undermine the geographical authority of the bishop [Love that geographic fundamentalism! – Ed.] as defined in the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and observed in historical Anglican practice. Therefore, no clergyperson from these groups may participate in any service of worship, and no joint services may be held with any congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Episcopal clergy of the Diocese of Georgia may not participate in any service held in or by these congregations except with written permission from the Bishop.
Though you may choose to notify the Bishop, attendance at a wedding or funeral held in such congregation, for reasons of previous pastoral or personal relationship, is an exception to this more general statement and requires no such permission.
It’s not quite “Shun! Ssshhhhhunnn!” But it’s close.
*(About my quotation marks: I consider it very questionable whether apostates are valid bishops.)
But when it comes to those nasty schismatics of ACNA? From his clergy handbook revised after his consecration:
"Anglican" or "Continuing" Splinter Groups [Love those scare quotes! – Ed.] not part of TEC
These groups undermine the geographical authority of the bishop [Love that geographic fundamentalism! – Ed.] as defined in the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and observed in historical Anglican practice. Therefore, no clergyperson from these groups may participate in any service of worship, and no joint services may be held with any congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Episcopal clergy of the Diocese of Georgia may not participate in any service held in or by these congregations except with written permission from the Bishop.
Though you may choose to notify the Bishop, attendance at a wedding or funeral held in such congregation, for reasons of previous pastoral or personal relationship, is an exception to this more general statement and requires no such permission.
It’s not quite “Shun! Ssshhhhhunnn!” But it’s close.
*(About my quotation marks: I consider it very questionable whether apostates are valid bishops.)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
About AMiA Choosing Ministry Partner Status UPDATED
The AMiA has issued a communiqué in which it announces it will seek Ministry Partner status instead of remaining a full jurisdiction of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). The communiqué with Matt+ Kennedy’s astute comments may be found here.
Although I am saddened AMiA will not be remaining a full jurisdiction of ACNA, and although I share Fr. Kennedy’s concern this development will be spun negatively for ACNA, I think this may be a good decision for the long run.
For better or for worse, AMiA has always been something of a maverick. And that has already caused friction in ACNA. At the first Provincial Assembly, I noticed many looked askance at how quickly AMiA made a certain gentleman a bishop. Then there is the haste AMiA’s Christ Church is showing in ordaining a woman priest.
Whatever one thinks of this sort of maverick conduct, ACNA and AMiA will likely work better together with less conflict as ministry partners than wedded together. I think AMiA has made a wise decision for both them and for ACNA.
UPDATE:
ACNA has released a statement. Further thoughts and comments may be found here.
Although I am saddened AMiA will not be remaining a full jurisdiction of ACNA, and although I share Fr. Kennedy’s concern this development will be spun negatively for ACNA, I think this may be a good decision for the long run.
For better or for worse, AMiA has always been something of a maverick. And that has already caused friction in ACNA. At the first Provincial Assembly, I noticed many looked askance at how quickly AMiA made a certain gentleman a bishop. Then there is the haste AMiA’s Christ Church is showing in ordaining a woman priest.
Whatever one thinks of this sort of maverick conduct, ACNA and AMiA will likely work better together with less conflict as ministry partners than wedded together. I think AMiA has made a wise decision for both them and for ACNA.
UPDATE:
ACNA has released a statement. Further thoughts and comments may be found here.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ft. Worth: Phony Bishop Issues Silly Letter
The Faux Bishop of Ft. Worth, C. Wallis Ohl, has issued a letter purportedly deposing 57 priests and deacons in the real Diocese of Ft. Worth.
Of course, the Diocese of Ft. Worth some time back left The Episcopal Church and is now in the Anglican Church in North America. So Ohl’s letter is rather pointless.
One of the recipients of this letter is shaking in his cassock . . . . No, actually, he is amused and puts the letter into perspective quite well:
I fully expect to receive a letter from Gordon Brown any day revoking my British citizenship, despite the outcome of that little spat between 1775 and 1783. Some people just don't get the message that the ship has long ago already sailed.
Indeed.
MORE: This comment says volumes about how Ohl treats clergy:
Ohl, former Bp. of Northwest Texas, is being true to his nature. After I had begun the process for ordination as a local priest (Canon 9 priest for most of you), he refused to allow me to go forward because of my orthodox stand, telling me that I was “too strong” for the parish. Then he lied to the parish, telling them he had learned things about me that they did not know, hinting that there was something sinister in my past (there isn’t). Way to go, Wally!!
Of course, the Diocese of Ft. Worth some time back left The Episcopal Church and is now in the Anglican Church in North America. So Ohl’s letter is rather pointless.
One of the recipients of this letter is shaking in his cassock . . . . No, actually, he is amused and puts the letter into perspective quite well:
I fully expect to receive a letter from Gordon Brown any day revoking my British citizenship, despite the outcome of that little spat between 1775 and 1783. Some people just don't get the message that the ship has long ago already sailed.
Indeed.
MORE: This comment says volumes about how Ohl treats clergy:
Ohl, former Bp. of Northwest Texas, is being true to his nature. After I had begun the process for ordination as a local priest (Canon 9 priest for most of you), he refused to allow me to go forward because of my orthodox stand, telling me that I was “too strong” for the parish. Then he lied to the parish, telling them he had learned things about me that they did not know, hinting that there was something sinister in my past (there isn’t). Way to go, Wally!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Episcopal Church HOB Clears Way for More Gay Bishops *YAWN*
As most of you now know, in spite of Stand Firm going down, the TEC House of Bishops joined the House of Deputies overnight in shooting the Anglican Communion yet another finger by officially opening the door to more non-celibate gay bishops.
It turns out the worries of Gene Robinson and the like about the House of Bishops were unfounded. They have neither the backbone nor the wisdom to say no to this madness.
As Robert Munday suggests, the news likely did not brighten ++Rowan William’s morning. But don’t expect His Grace to actually do anything about it. When push comes to shove, he sides with keeping The Episcopal Church fully in the Anglican Communion.
And do not expect The Church of England to recognize The Anglican Church in North America either, even after this. Rowan will obey his Episcopal Church minders and oppose that. And there will not be enough support for ACNA in The Church of England to overcome that. I hope I am wrong about that but expect I am not.
So, yes, the aftermath I expect is the same old same old in the Anglican Communion, only more so. Trendy Lefty TEC dioceses will race each other to get the next gay bishop. Divisions in the Anglican Communion will deepen. The Episcopal Church will remain in and ACNA out and the Global South politely stiff-armed. And Rowan will dither.
Apostasy can be so boring.
It turns out the worries of Gene Robinson and the like about the House of Bishops were unfounded. They have neither the backbone nor the wisdom to say no to this madness.
As Robert Munday suggests, the news likely did not brighten ++Rowan William’s morning. But don’t expect His Grace to actually do anything about it. When push comes to shove, he sides with keeping The Episcopal Church fully in the Anglican Communion.
And do not expect The Church of England to recognize The Anglican Church in North America either, even after this. Rowan will obey his Episcopal Church minders and oppose that. And there will not be enough support for ACNA in The Church of England to overcome that. I hope I am wrong about that but expect I am not.
So, yes, the aftermath I expect is the same old same old in the Anglican Communion, only more so. Trendy Lefty TEC dioceses will race each other to get the next gay bishop. Divisions in the Anglican Communion will deepen. The Episcopal Church will remain in and ACNA out and the Global South politely stiff-armed. And Rowan will dither.
Apostasy can be so boring.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Annoy Schori. Recognize ACNA.
When I first heard news of a motion in the Church of England’s General Synod to seek full communion with The Anglican Church in North America, I thought, “This won’t go far.”
But then it quickly got the hundred signatures necessary, including support from six bishops.
Although the motion will not be considered at the current meeting of Synod, the momentum is such that TEC Presiding “Bishop” Schori has already spoken out against it:
She urged Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to remember the "pain of many Episcopalians in several places of being shut out of their traditional worship spaces, and the broken relationships, the damaged relationships between people who have gone and people who have stayed."
And whose fault is that? Who has pushed a scorched earth policy and stopped amicable settlements? Who has made The Episcopal Church an intolerable place for most orthodox faithful and then “shut out” those orthodox from their parish buildings?
"Recognition of something like ACNA is unfortunately likely only to encourage" further secessions, she said, reminding the Church of England that "schism is not a Christian act."
Heresy, apostasy, and persecuting the faithful are not Christian either. Yet you seem cool with that, Kate. And still, you lecture us about what is Christian. How precious. And ACNA is already recognized by a majority of the Anglican Communion. You at the very least have communion impaired with roughly the same majority. So, tell me again, who is schismatic?
Anyway, if the momentum behind the motion to recognize ACNA is such that Schori is unhappy, that is a good thing. I would not get one’s hopes up too much, however. You can bet there will be very strong opposition.
Ruth Gledhill adds some color including a count update – 121 signatures, about a quarter of the Synod. Encouraging.
And a hat tip to BabyBlue.
But then it quickly got the hundred signatures necessary, including support from six bishops.
Although the motion will not be considered at the current meeting of Synod, the momentum is such that TEC Presiding “Bishop” Schori has already spoken out against it:
She urged Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to remember the "pain of many Episcopalians in several places of being shut out of their traditional worship spaces, and the broken relationships, the damaged relationships between people who have gone and people who have stayed."
And whose fault is that? Who has pushed a scorched earth policy and stopped amicable settlements? Who has made The Episcopal Church an intolerable place for most orthodox faithful and then “shut out” those orthodox from their parish buildings?
"Recognition of something like ACNA is unfortunately likely only to encourage" further secessions, she said, reminding the Church of England that "schism is not a Christian act."
Heresy, apostasy, and persecuting the faithful are not Christian either. Yet you seem cool with that, Kate. And still, you lecture us about what is Christian. How precious. And ACNA is already recognized by a majority of the Anglican Communion. You at the very least have communion impaired with roughly the same majority. So, tell me again, who is schismatic?
Anyway, if the momentum behind the motion to recognize ACNA is such that Schori is unhappy, that is a good thing. I would not get one’s hopes up too much, however. You can bet there will be very strong opposition.
Ruth Gledhill adds some color including a count update – 121 signatures, about a quarter of the Synod. Encouraging.
And a hat tip to BabyBlue.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gene Robinson: No Future for ACNA, PCA, RCC . . .
Gene Robinson – the man will say anything. Remember him saying that he won’t be “the Gay Bishop”? Yeah, right. Well now, he says this about The Anglican Church in North America:
A church that does not ordain women or openly gay people - I don't see a future for that.
Now maybe he really believes that. If so, he would do well to look at the numbers of those churches who don’t ordain women or open gays, from the Presbyterian Church in America to the Roman Catholic Church and compare them to the slow-motion implosion of The Episcopal Church, the mainline Presbyterian Church, and other Libchurches.
Now, who does not have a future?
That’s not to mention he has his facts wrong. Some ACNA jurisdictions do ordain women. (But none may have women bishops.)
The Anglican Church in North America is not perfect; it is a work in progress. But if it does not work (And I think it will.), it will certainly not be because we do not ordain gays or women.
A church that does not ordain women or openly gay people - I don't see a future for that.
Now maybe he really believes that. If so, he would do well to look at the numbers of those churches who don’t ordain women or open gays, from the Presbyterian Church in America to the Roman Catholic Church and compare them to the slow-motion implosion of The Episcopal Church, the mainline Presbyterian Church, and other Libchurches.
Now, who does not have a future?
That’s not to mention he has his facts wrong. Some ACNA jurisdictions do ordain women. (But none may have women bishops.)
The Anglican Church in North America is not perfect; it is a work in progress. But if it does not work (And I think it will.), it will certainly not be because we do not ordain gays or women.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Caption Competition! (Winner declared!)
This great photo begs for a caption competition.
My nomination:
Hey Bish-Bob, nice tat!
THE WINNER: And I declare Texanglican the winner for:
avert your eyes. Don't look at the eyebrows. Don't look at the eyebrows. Don't look at ...
Chazaq gets runner-up for his two excellent contributions:
Now that I'm an Archbishop, you gotta kiss my ring. Didn't they tell you that?
I told Leonard Riches to bring his pointy hat, but did he listen? No.
Thanks to all for playing!
ACNA Assembly Random Notes
I’m still a bit sleepy and foggy after a late night last night. It was an excellent service. Even hardened journalists were impressed.
If you see us Reformed Episcopalians puffing out our chests a bit today, it is because our Presiding Bishop, Leonard Riches, was the Senior Bishop Presiding in the service and administered the oaths to ++Robert Duncan.
Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America is a brave and honest man. He made clear yesterday morning that he desired communion between his church and The Anglican Church in North America. But then, in going through barriers to communion, he proceeded to gore the oxen of just about every party among us -- Calvinism (“a condemned heresy”), women’s ordination, bare sanctuaries and empty crosses (“iconoclasm”), reluctance to affirm all 7 Ecumenical Councils, the filioque, Marian excesses, and more. I don’t know if there was a single foot in the tent he did not stomp on. Like I said, brave man. But I and most greatly respect his honesty.
The Dallas area is having the hottest weather of the year so far, above 100 degrees. Even to this South Texan, it has felt like a furnace. Fortunately, a shower cooled Plano – to the 90’s – before the service yesterday evening.
I went to a favorite spot in Plano for dinner before the service and had the good fortune to be invited to join Bishop John David Schofield and friends at their table. He is very relaxing and pleasant company, and I greatly enjoyed my dinner with them.
This assembly has been about much more than church business. I know I’ve been challenged to pick up the pace of my ministry. And I am sure I am not alone.
If you see us Reformed Episcopalians puffing out our chests a bit today, it is because our Presiding Bishop, Leonard Riches, was the Senior Bishop Presiding in the service and administered the oaths to ++Robert Duncan.
Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America is a brave and honest man. He made clear yesterday morning that he desired communion between his church and The Anglican Church in North America. But then, in going through barriers to communion, he proceeded to gore the oxen of just about every party among us -- Calvinism (“a condemned heresy”), women’s ordination, bare sanctuaries and empty crosses (“iconoclasm”), reluctance to affirm all 7 Ecumenical Councils, the filioque, Marian excesses, and more. I don’t know if there was a single foot in the tent he did not stomp on. Like I said, brave man. But I and most greatly respect his honesty.
The Dallas area is having the hottest weather of the year so far, above 100 degrees. Even to this South Texan, it has felt like a furnace. Fortunately, a shower cooled Plano – to the 90’s – before the service yesterday evening.
I went to a favorite spot in Plano for dinner before the service and had the good fortune to be invited to join Bishop John David Schofield and friends at their table. He is very relaxing and pleasant company, and I greatly enjoyed my dinner with them.
This assembly has been about much more than church business. I know I’ve been challenged to pick up the pace of my ministry. And I am sure I am not alone.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
ACNA: Back to Christ Church Plano Tonight
Tonight is the big service at Christ Church Plano where Robert Duncan will be installed as the first Archbishop of The Anglican Church in North America.
It will be yet another memorable time for me at Christ Church. Time and time again it has played a key role in my Anglican pilgrimage. My first Anglican service in my adult life was there back in the Fall of 2003. (Yes, during *that* time.) In that service I discovered I really liked Anglican worship even if it seemed so “Catholic.” (Yes, my view of what is very catholic has changed just a bit since then.) And it turned out to be worship that most drew me to Anglicanism.
There, I experienced my first Anglican Holy Week service on Palm Sunday 2004, crying like “a weeping Catholic” when I received my little palm cross after receiving communion. That tangible token of Christ’s love meant so much to me and was a clue to how much sacramental worship would mean to me.
I was there the Sunday immediately after Christ Church left the Episcopal Church when David+ Roseberry began his sermon by asking “How was your week?” I’ve gotten to experience a bit of their pilgrimage while they were playing such a role in mine.
And now, after years of praying and yearning to be a part of a united orthodox worldwide Anglican communion, my prayers are answered. And I get to celebrate that and our first archbishop tonight with my fellow Anglicans . . . at Christ Church Plano again.
God’s providence overwhelms me.
It will be yet another memorable time for me at Christ Church. Time and time again it has played a key role in my Anglican pilgrimage. My first Anglican service in my adult life was there back in the Fall of 2003. (Yes, during *that* time.) In that service I discovered I really liked Anglican worship even if it seemed so “Catholic.” (Yes, my view of what is very catholic has changed just a bit since then.) And it turned out to be worship that most drew me to Anglicanism.
There, I experienced my first Anglican Holy Week service on Palm Sunday 2004, crying like “a weeping Catholic” when I received my little palm cross after receiving communion. That tangible token of Christ’s love meant so much to me and was a clue to how much sacramental worship would mean to me.
I was there the Sunday immediately after Christ Church left the Episcopal Church when David+ Roseberry began his sermon by asking “How was your week?” I’ve gotten to experience a bit of their pilgrimage while they were playing such a role in mine.
And now, after years of praying and yearning to be a part of a united orthodox worldwide Anglican communion, my prayers are answered. And I get to celebrate that and our first archbishop tonight with my fellow Anglicans . . . at Christ Church Plano again.
God’s providence overwhelms me.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
ACNA, Session 2: The Canons
Well, I’m going to try my hand at liveblogging a session again. I’m no canon lawyer so that might be dangerous. I think I will focus more on color and less on detail than I did yesterday.
It will be interesting to see how much debate there will be on the canons, particularly when we get to the issue of women’s ordination.
As I wait, I do want to say I agree with Still On Patrol that ACNA would be wise not to get in a great hurry to become an Anglican Communion province blessed by Canterbury. *Anglican understatement alert* I think there are better things to do. And not everyone in ACNA is thrilled with the current occupant of the See of Canterbury.
We’ve been asked to take our seats. Looks like we’ll start close to on time.
We start with a reading of Proverbs 2. +Duncan is not here at the start. Will take the chair later.
Motion to ratify the whole canons by acclamation. Wow. I don’t think that is the way to proceed. But quite a number second amidst some hubbub. The chair wisely defers on that. (Sorry, I don’t have the chair’s i.d. yet.)
Governance Committee member now speaking.
Motion to pass by acclamation to be tabled for 30 minutes. Discussed and coming to a vote. Motion to tabled passed by voice vote. Therefore the motion to pass by acclamation will be revisited in 30 minutes.
And the chair is Mike Murphy.
Title 1 under consideration now:
Canon 10, sec. 2, # 8 – Dio of Pitt member moves to send that back as it’s not a first order duty. (Lay duties – feasts and fasts) Further discussion
Point of order asking to consider section by section. (There is already a tug of war between those who want to deliberate and those who want to get the canons passed fast.)
Discussion on sending the feasts and fast clause back is taking some time.
Bishop Harvey of Canada says we need to move things along, or we won't have the time to get the canons passed.
Now vote to send back the clause. A lot of ayes, but the noes clearly prevail.
Title 1 now passed. On to Title 2 . . .
Canon 2 of Title 2 discussed. (on Standard Book of Common Prayer)
+Grote of REC: God in his providence could move us to have a standard Book of Common Prayer
Canon 4, 1, 5: motion to send back. (“Members in good standing of other branches of Christ’s Church, who have been baptized in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, are welcomed to the Holy
Communion.“) I think the mover wants parishes free to be stricter on standards of reception. (I agree btw.)
Motion fails, but with some aye votes.
Canon 8: Motion to send sections 2 and 3 back. Not even seconded. (Good!)
Title 2 passes.
+Duncan takes chair as it’s time to vote on the earlier motion to pass all canons by acclamation.
++Duncan suggests considering section by section, instead of all at one time by acclamation.
Mike Murphy is the one who made the acclamation motion. (He wasn’t the chair. I got that wrong. I still don’t know who the earlier chair was. Sorry.) And now Mr. Murphy graciously withdraws his motion. (Kudos to him.) So we will consider section by section. As ++Duncan has suggested, it is very possible we will pass the canons today and avoid a business meeting tomorrow.
Moving missions minute on human trafficking.
BTW, with +Grote speaking earlier, it is clear the Canons have an REC imprint.
Greeting from Church of Uganda.
Title 3 under consideration.
John Hendershott of REC reluctantly brings up WO. (You knew that issue was coming.) He asks about transfer of women priests to jurisdictions that don’t accept. ++Duncan answers that a bishop can refuse transfer of orders.
A technical question about College of Bishops.
And with that the Title 3 passes without opposition. The discussion was brief.
BabyBlue is also live-blogging this. She is getting down some details that I am missing.
A greeting from Egypt begins “I AM going back to Egypt!” :)
Title 4 under consideration.
After a question about standards of evidence, Title 4 goes to a vote and passes with no opposition.
+Iker introduces RC bishop of Ft. Worth Kevin Vann.
+Vann assures us of the prayers of the RC Diocese of FW, affirms St. Paul as a guide.
Chris Sugden brings greetings from friends in the CofE.
Only one title to go. So it looks like we will conclude business with time to spare. And *that* issue of WO hasn’t come up much. I thought it would.
Sorry if this has been boring. But sometimes boring is good. :)
Brian+ Foos speaking on St. Andrew’s Academy. He is good people!
Title V under consideration now.
There are no questions, so it goes to a vote. It passes without opposition.
+Duncan: “My brothers and sisters, the work of the Assembly is done.” Standing ovation.
During announcements, +Guernsey (spelling) announces the House of Bishops of Uganda has recognized ACNA and transfers its parishes to ACNA. Standing ovations.
At ++Duncan's prompting, a standing o for the Governance Task Force.
Sugden asks for prayers for the launching of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in the UK. I think he said the first big meeting is July 6th.
++Duncan blesses then adjourns us.
It will be interesting to see how much debate there will be on the canons, particularly when we get to the issue of women’s ordination.
As I wait, I do want to say I agree with Still On Patrol that ACNA would be wise not to get in a great hurry to become an Anglican Communion province blessed by Canterbury. *Anglican understatement alert* I think there are better things to do. And not everyone in ACNA is thrilled with the current occupant of the See of Canterbury.
We’ve been asked to take our seats. Looks like we’ll start close to on time.
We start with a reading of Proverbs 2. +Duncan is not here at the start. Will take the chair later.
Motion to ratify the whole canons by acclamation. Wow. I don’t think that is the way to proceed. But quite a number second amidst some hubbub. The chair wisely defers on that. (Sorry, I don’t have the chair’s i.d. yet.)
Governance Committee member now speaking.
Motion to pass by acclamation to be tabled for 30 minutes. Discussed and coming to a vote. Motion to tabled passed by voice vote. Therefore the motion to pass by acclamation will be revisited in 30 minutes.
And the chair is Mike Murphy.
Title 1 under consideration now:
Canon 10, sec. 2, # 8 – Dio of Pitt member moves to send that back as it’s not a first order duty. (Lay duties – feasts and fasts) Further discussion
Point of order asking to consider section by section. (There is already a tug of war between those who want to deliberate and those who want to get the canons passed fast.)
Discussion on sending the feasts and fast clause back is taking some time.
Bishop Harvey of Canada says we need to move things along, or we won't have the time to get the canons passed.
Now vote to send back the clause. A lot of ayes, but the noes clearly prevail.
Title 1 now passed. On to Title 2 . . .
Canon 2 of Title 2 discussed. (on Standard Book of Common Prayer)
+Grote of REC: God in his providence could move us to have a standard Book of Common Prayer
Canon 4, 1, 5: motion to send back. (“Members in good standing of other branches of Christ’s Church, who have been baptized in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, are welcomed to the Holy
Communion.“) I think the mover wants parishes free to be stricter on standards of reception. (I agree btw.)
Motion fails, but with some aye votes.
Canon 8: Motion to send sections 2 and 3 back. Not even seconded. (Good!)
Title 2 passes.
+Duncan takes chair as it’s time to vote on the earlier motion to pass all canons by acclamation.
++Duncan suggests considering section by section, instead of all at one time by acclamation.
Mike Murphy is the one who made the acclamation motion. (He wasn’t the chair. I got that wrong. I still don’t know who the earlier chair was. Sorry.) And now Mr. Murphy graciously withdraws his motion. (Kudos to him.) So we will consider section by section. As ++Duncan has suggested, it is very possible we will pass the canons today and avoid a business meeting tomorrow.
Moving missions minute on human trafficking.
BTW, with +Grote speaking earlier, it is clear the Canons have an REC imprint.
Greeting from Church of Uganda.
Title 3 under consideration.
John Hendershott of REC reluctantly brings up WO. (You knew that issue was coming.) He asks about transfer of women priests to jurisdictions that don’t accept. ++Duncan answers that a bishop can refuse transfer of orders.
A technical question about College of Bishops.
And with that the Title 3 passes without opposition. The discussion was brief.
BabyBlue is also live-blogging this. She is getting down some details that I am missing.
A greeting from Egypt begins “I AM going back to Egypt!” :)
Title 4 under consideration.
After a question about standards of evidence, Title 4 goes to a vote and passes with no opposition.
+Iker introduces RC bishop of Ft. Worth Kevin Vann.
+Vann assures us of the prayers of the RC Diocese of FW, affirms St. Paul as a guide.
Chris Sugden brings greetings from friends in the CofE.
Only one title to go. So it looks like we will conclude business with time to spare. And *that* issue of WO hasn’t come up much. I thought it would.
Sorry if this has been boring. But sometimes boring is good. :)
Brian+ Foos speaking on St. Andrew’s Academy. He is good people!
Title V under consideration now.
There are no questions, so it goes to a vote. It passes without opposition.
+Duncan: “My brothers and sisters, the work of the Assembly is done.” Standing ovation.
During announcements, +Guernsey (spelling) announces the House of Bishops of Uganda has recognized ACNA and transfers its parishes to ACNA. Standing ovations.
At ++Duncan's prompting, a standing o for the Governance Task Force.
Sugden asks for prayers for the launching of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans in the UK. I think he said the first big meeting is July 6th.
++Duncan blesses then adjourns us.
ACNA Morning Random Notes, Day 2
The highlight of the morning was Rick Warren’s address in the big tent. Now I have to admit I was not exactly thrilled when I heard the news a few weeks ago that Warren would be speaking. And I was among those here who asked, “Could we not find a good Anglican speaker?” But his message was excellent, timely, and moving. I won’t summarize it as I am sure it will be posted soon. But it is well worth reading and heeding.
But after his message, a lady asked us to get together in groups of four and share what God had told us.
Oh dear.
I slipped out along with a number of others.
Earlier, during Morning Prayer, I finally rebelled against TEC 1979 Rite II by firmly saying Jesus descended into Hell (not just “to the dead”) during the Apostles Creed. I think I need to start praying for the extinction of Rite II in ACNA.
During Morning Prayer, David+ Short gave a good message from Acts 5. When he phrased the apostles situation before the Sanhedrin in ways that obviously paralleled the travails of many who have left The Episcopal Church for ACNA, there was not a little laughter.
Beforehand, one bold gentleman took my “Kiss me; I’m Anglican” t-shirt literally. I’m thankful this is not TEC General Convention. (Now I need to hover around some hot Anglican women.)
But after his message, a lady asked us to get together in groups of four and share what God had told us.
Oh dear.
I slipped out along with a number of others.
Earlier, during Morning Prayer, I finally rebelled against TEC 1979 Rite II by firmly saying Jesus descended into Hell (not just “to the dead”) during the Apostles Creed. I think I need to start praying for the extinction of Rite II in ACNA.
During Morning Prayer, David+ Short gave a good message from Acts 5. When he phrased the apostles situation before the Sanhedrin in ways that obviously paralleled the travails of many who have left The Episcopal Church for ACNA, there was not a little laughter.
Beforehand, one bold gentleman took my “Kiss me; I’m Anglican” t-shirt literally. I’m thankful this is not TEC General Convention. (Now I need to hover around some hot Anglican women.)
If you are looking for me today at ACNA . . .
I’ll be wearing a red t-shirt that says, “Kiss me; I’m Anglican” and a black cap. Hard to miss.
And remember I have free copies of my book God Knows What It’s Like to Be a Teenager in my pick-up for those who want them.
And remember I have free copies of my book God Knows What It’s Like to Be a Teenager in my pick-up for those who want them.
Monday, June 22, 2009
ACNA First Day Afterthoughts
I’m more than a little tired, and this post will probably show it. But I want to post some thoughts on this momentous day.
It was indeed a great day for North American Anglicanism. It is official – we are the Anglican Church in North America. I have been praying for this for years. And thanks be to God for how He answers prayer!
It has not completely sunk in that this is for real, however. Part of that is that I am tired, and part of it is when a dream comes true, it is sometimes hard to believe it is no longer just a dream.
Kudos again to St. Vincent’s Cathedral. Bishop Iker’s men showed ACNA how to worship! The Eucharist today was a glorious and meet start to a momentous afternoon.
And kudos to Bishop Duncan for his leadership of the first session, which passed the Constitution. His unhurried style had me concerned for a while. But I already see he has a gift for working graciously with people, whether they be individuals or an assembly.
He honestly let the assembly know how he wanted to proceed. But he did so in a way that was fair to any opposition. He made it clear that if things did not go his way, he could deal with that; the world wouldn’t come to an end. If ACNA had to go back and do some things over, that was o. k.
And his low key manner of chairing the assembly worked wonders. As I live-blogged, I was surprised how effortlessly the Constitution passed.
So with God’s help, we now we have a new united church with a new Constitution with a minimum of hard feelings and a LOT of rejoicing . . . not bad for us Anglicans, not bad at all.
Today was a good day.
(edit: I just now see I spelled it "ANCA" in the title. I told you I was tired! Off to bed with me!)
It was indeed a great day for North American Anglicanism. It is official – we are the Anglican Church in North America. I have been praying for this for years. And thanks be to God for how He answers prayer!
It has not completely sunk in that this is for real, however. Part of that is that I am tired, and part of it is when a dream comes true, it is sometimes hard to believe it is no longer just a dream.
Kudos again to St. Vincent’s Cathedral. Bishop Iker’s men showed ACNA how to worship! The Eucharist today was a glorious and meet start to a momentous afternoon.
And kudos to Bishop Duncan for his leadership of the first session, which passed the Constitution. His unhurried style had me concerned for a while. But I already see he has a gift for working graciously with people, whether they be individuals or an assembly.
He honestly let the assembly know how he wanted to proceed. But he did so in a way that was fair to any opposition. He made it clear that if things did not go his way, he could deal with that; the world wouldn’t come to an end. If ACNA had to go back and do some things over, that was o. k.
And his low key manner of chairing the assembly worked wonders. As I live-blogged, I was surprised how effortlessly the Constitution passed.
So with God’s help, we now we have a new united church with a new Constitution with a minimum of hard feelings and a LOT of rejoicing . . . not bad for us Anglicans, not bad at all.
Today was a good day.
(edit: I just now see I spelled it "ANCA" in the title. I told you I was tired! Off to bed with me!)
ACNA Assembly, First Session UPDATED
Bishop Duncan began the session with prayer at 2:45 then read the very appropriate Gospel from yesterday, Mark 4:35-41.
+Duncan made a number of introductions including ++Rowan’s Pastoral Visitor, the Rt. Rev'd Santosh Marray, retired bishop of the Seychelles (2005-2008).
+Duncan, who is the chair, is proceeding rather slowly. I hope that doesn’t result in problems later. The Assembly does have a Constitution to debate and decide on, after all.
Now, there is a “mission minute.” I question how appropriate that is at this moment. If saying that makes me sound hard-hearted, then so be it. There is rather important business at hand. Again, I hope my concerns prove unfounded.
Almost as soon as I posted my concern, +Duncan turned to the subject of the Constitution. I’m glad to see that. He is now urging the delegates to avoid “the patterns of Egypt” after leaving Egypt, e. g. not do things as the Episcopal Church does. He wants most of the work done beforehand by smaller groups, then ratified or rejected by the Assembly. He said waiting another year is fine, but that trying to perfect the Constitution in assembly ala TEC General Convention is not the way to go.
The Preamble is now under consideration. Christopher Cantrell urges striking the “grieved” clause. A delegate, I think from Pittsburgh, agrees, says we should look to the future. A delegate from the American Anglican Council urges the clause stays in.
It appears there may be some “perfecting” whether +Duncan wants it or not. And now a delegate urges we go back to adopting, section by section (i.e. not clause by clause). Things getting more complicated already.
+Duncan notes no one has objected to “In the Name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit“ evoking great mirth.
Preamble, apart from disputed paragraphs, just approved without objection. (Duncan suggested doing that first.) Now those paragraphs are under discussion. But +Duncan asks for a preliminary show of hands, and clearly most approve keeping the paragraphs. And those are passed overwhelmingly by voice vote.
+Duncan did a good job of moving that along, while being fair to delegates.
On to Article I . . .
And Article I is adopted with little discussion. Article II adopted faster than I can type. +Duncan is not rushing. There is just very little, if any opposition. Encouraging so far.
Article III adopted with a quick and friendly amendment.
Article IV adopted with no opposition. Yes, this speed is surprising me. I thought that if even the Preamble evokes some discussion, then the Articles certainly would. We’ll see what happens with the rest of the articles.
Article V adopted with no opposition. +Duncan remarks, “I’m not used to this!”
Article VI ditto.
Article VII, with a friendly simplification from committee, adopted without opposition.
Article VIII, adopted with no opposition.
Article IX, with a friendly amendment from committee, adopted with no opposition.
Now, remarks from visitors. +Frank Lyons of Bolivia first, then +Calvancante of Reclife (a hero of mine).
Article X: There’s a friendly amendment. Then +Harvey of Canada asks some clarification on who determines an active bishop. +Duncan answers to his satisfaction. X approved with no opposition.
Article XI adopted with no opposition
Article XII. When +Duncan mentions it’s on “ownership of property”, there is chuckling. It is adopted with a loud and rousing voice vote and with no opposition, to much applause.
Article XIII and XIV adopted with no opposition. Seriously, these are getting passed faster than I can type. There is far, far less opposition than I expected. (And, yes, my earlier concerns are looking sillier by the minute. Mea culpa!)
Article XV now adopted with little opposition after a discussion about a possible inconsistency.
+Duncan: “We have done the work, brothers and sisters. We have constituted the Anglican Church in North America.” There is a long standing ovation of joy and the doxology. Thanks be to God!
Now recessed.
+Duncan made a number of introductions including ++Rowan’s Pastoral Visitor, the Rt. Rev'd Santosh Marray, retired bishop of the Seychelles (2005-2008).
+Duncan, who is the chair, is proceeding rather slowly. I hope that doesn’t result in problems later. The Assembly does have a Constitution to debate and decide on, after all.
Now, there is a “mission minute.” I question how appropriate that is at this moment. If saying that makes me sound hard-hearted, then so be it. There is rather important business at hand. Again, I hope my concerns prove unfounded.
Almost as soon as I posted my concern, +Duncan turned to the subject of the Constitution. I’m glad to see that. He is now urging the delegates to avoid “the patterns of Egypt” after leaving Egypt, e. g. not do things as the Episcopal Church does. He wants most of the work done beforehand by smaller groups, then ratified or rejected by the Assembly. He said waiting another year is fine, but that trying to perfect the Constitution in assembly ala TEC General Convention is not the way to go.
The Preamble is now under consideration. Christopher Cantrell urges striking the “grieved” clause. A delegate, I think from Pittsburgh, agrees, says we should look to the future. A delegate from the American Anglican Council urges the clause stays in.
It appears there may be some “perfecting” whether +Duncan wants it or not. And now a delegate urges we go back to adopting, section by section (i.e. not clause by clause). Things getting more complicated already.
+Duncan notes no one has objected to “In the Name of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit“ evoking great mirth.
Preamble, apart from disputed paragraphs, just approved without objection. (Duncan suggested doing that first.) Now those paragraphs are under discussion. But +Duncan asks for a preliminary show of hands, and clearly most approve keeping the paragraphs. And those are passed overwhelmingly by voice vote.
+Duncan did a good job of moving that along, while being fair to delegates.
On to Article I . . .
And Article I is adopted with little discussion. Article II adopted faster than I can type. +Duncan is not rushing. There is just very little, if any opposition. Encouraging so far.
Article III adopted with a quick and friendly amendment.
Article IV adopted with no opposition. Yes, this speed is surprising me. I thought that if even the Preamble evokes some discussion, then the Articles certainly would. We’ll see what happens with the rest of the articles.
Article V adopted with no opposition. +Duncan remarks, “I’m not used to this!”
Article VI ditto.
Article VII, with a friendly simplification from committee, adopted without opposition.
Article VIII, adopted with no opposition.
Article IX, with a friendly amendment from committee, adopted with no opposition.
Now, remarks from visitors. +Frank Lyons of Bolivia first, then +Calvancante of Reclife (a hero of mine).
Article X: There’s a friendly amendment. Then +Harvey of Canada asks some clarification on who determines an active bishop. +Duncan answers to his satisfaction. X approved with no opposition.
Article XI adopted with no opposition
Article XII. When +Duncan mentions it’s on “ownership of property”, there is chuckling. It is adopted with a loud and rousing voice vote and with no opposition, to much applause.
Article XIII and XIV adopted with no opposition. Seriously, these are getting passed faster than I can type. There is far, far less opposition than I expected. (And, yes, my earlier concerns are looking sillier by the minute. Mea culpa!)
Article XV now adopted with little opposition after a discussion about a possible inconsistency.
+Duncan: “We have done the work, brothers and sisters. We have constituted the Anglican Church in North America.” There is a long standing ovation of joy and the doxology. Thanks be to God!
Now recessed.
ACNA Assembly Random Notes UPDATED
Presiding Bp. Grundorf of the APA is here. I appreciate his persistence in seeking unity while many in the APA are not so inclined.
Security is pretty tight. I saw two policemen walking about when I got here. And the St. Vincent’s campus is closed to those without badges. Also, there is no walk up registration. (Or at least there isn’t supposed to be any and I’ve seen no deviation from that rule.)
I haven’t seen it on the official schedule, but I’m told Young Anglicans will have Compline tonight at 11pm. Sounds inviting if I can stay awake!
----
Sitting in the cathedral sanctuary now which is just about packed out 25 minutes before the service begins.
The Gospel for the opening Eucharist sure is appropriate, Matt. 10: 34-42 – “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Being faithful to Jesus unfortunately means division from those who refuse that path.
----
Well, that was a glorious service. I was hoping those Ft. Worth Anglo-Catholics would show ACNA how to worship, and they did! And that many people, with an excellent choir and organ, heartily singing to the Lord in that excellent space was glorious indeed.
The service did go a little long, perhaps because Bishop Duncan had a lot to say. :) So the first Assembly session will start late. I’m awaiting it in the gym. I might try my hand at liveblogging it on a new post.
----
Interesting, ++Rowan has sent a Pastoral Visitor to the ACNA Assembly. (BabyBlue is also here and covering ACNA, btw.)
----
Bishop Duncan’s address to the Opening Eucharist is now posted. I agree that the timing of this being St. Alban’s Day is remarkable.
Security is pretty tight. I saw two policemen walking about when I got here. And the St. Vincent’s campus is closed to those without badges. Also, there is no walk up registration. (Or at least there isn’t supposed to be any and I’ve seen no deviation from that rule.)
I haven’t seen it on the official schedule, but I’m told Young Anglicans will have Compline tonight at 11pm. Sounds inviting if I can stay awake!
----
Sitting in the cathedral sanctuary now which is just about packed out 25 minutes before the service begins.
The Gospel for the opening Eucharist sure is appropriate, Matt. 10: 34-42 – “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Being faithful to Jesus unfortunately means division from those who refuse that path.
----
Well, that was a glorious service. I was hoping those Ft. Worth Anglo-Catholics would show ACNA how to worship, and they did! And that many people, with an excellent choir and organ, heartily singing to the Lord in that excellent space was glorious indeed.
The service did go a little long, perhaps because Bishop Duncan had a lot to say. :) So the first Assembly session will start late. I’m awaiting it in the gym. I might try my hand at liveblogging it on a new post.
----
Interesting, ++Rowan has sent a Pastoral Visitor to the ACNA Assembly. (BabyBlue is also here and covering ACNA, btw.)
----
Bishop Duncan’s address to the Opening Eucharist is now posted. I agree that the timing of this being St. Alban’s Day is remarkable.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Worship This Morning with ACNA Bishops
I’m glad I decided to come here early to attend Choral Eucharist at St. Vincent’s this morning. It was quite the occasion with the bishops of the Anglican Church in North America attending. You can imagine what a procession that was. Seeing all the bishops of different jurisdictions coming up the aisle was wonderful.
St. Vincent’s has an interesting sanctuary. It is spacious with excellent acoustics, but more plain than one would expect from an anglo-catholic cathedral. It is definitely not spikey. I like it though. And the choir and organ were impressive.
The Primate of the Southern Cone Gregory Venables presided, the first time he has done so at St. Vincent’s since the Diocese of Ft. Worth came under his wings. He, Bishop Iker, and Bishop Duncan wore big golden mitres, of which I heartily approve. Sadly, most of the other bishops did not follow their godly example. (Hey. So I like tat.)
The retiring Archbishop of Kenya, Benjamin Nzimbi, gave a rousing sermon. ++Venables also made some remarks before giving the closing blessing. Referring to the Gospel from Mark 4:35-41, he noted that things may get bumpy in the boat with Jesus, but He will get us to the other side. Jesus did not say, “Let us go into the middle of the lake and drown.”
It was indeed an appropriate Gospel and message for the beginning of ACNA.
Then ++Venables invited Bishop Duncan to join him for the blessing, and they gave it in unison.
There was a reception afterwards. St. Vincent’s knows how to put out a spread!
The College of Bishops should be meeting as I type this. If I hear anything of note, I’ll let you know.
St. Vincent’s has an interesting sanctuary. It is spacious with excellent acoustics, but more plain than one would expect from an anglo-catholic cathedral. It is definitely not spikey. I like it though. And the choir and organ were impressive.
The Primate of the Southern Cone Gregory Venables presided, the first time he has done so at St. Vincent’s since the Diocese of Ft. Worth came under his wings. He, Bishop Iker, and Bishop Duncan wore big golden mitres, of which I heartily approve. Sadly, most of the other bishops did not follow their godly example. (Hey. So I like tat.)
The retiring Archbishop of Kenya, Benjamin Nzimbi, gave a rousing sermon. ++Venables also made some remarks before giving the closing blessing. Referring to the Gospel from Mark 4:35-41, he noted that things may get bumpy in the boat with Jesus, but He will get us to the other side. Jesus did not say, “Let us go into the middle of the lake and drown.”
It was indeed an appropriate Gospel and message for the beginning of ACNA.
Then ++Venables invited Bishop Duncan to join him for the blessing, and they gave it in unison.
There was a reception afterwards. St. Vincent’s knows how to put out a spread!
The College of Bishops should be meeting as I type this. If I hear anything of note, I’ll let you know.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Brief Report from ACNA College of Bishops Meeting
I decided to drive to Bedford early. Once I got here, I took a shower, then headed over to St. Vincent’s Cathedral to see if anything was going on there.
There indeed was. The College of Bishops meeting was just breaking up after meeting for most of the day. I saw REC Bishop Ray Sutton and Bishop Iker in what appeared to be serious conversation. And I saw Southern Cone Bishops Venables and Lyons, so they are participating at least as observers.
I joined some of the bishops for Evening Prayer (TEC 1979, Rite II . . . Yes, I know. Don’t get me started.) They are meeting later for dinner at a steakhouse I won’t tell you about (and won’t crash either).
Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be able to tell you much more about the College of Bishops meeting. It’s bishops only. No observers (except maybe for their spouses, but I’m not even sure about that.) And I understand that.
I do know they elect the Archbishop tomorrow, presumed to be Bishop Robert Duncan.
I did introduce myself and have a nice conversation with Bishop Duncan. He’s very approachable and friendly.
By the way, pray I don’t gain 10 pounds during my week here. There’s a Pappadeaux practically next door to my hotel. Yummmmmmm!
There indeed was. The College of Bishops meeting was just breaking up after meeting for most of the day. I saw REC Bishop Ray Sutton and Bishop Iker in what appeared to be serious conversation. And I saw Southern Cone Bishops Venables and Lyons, so they are participating at least as observers.
I joined some of the bishops for Evening Prayer (TEC 1979, Rite II . . . Yes, I know. Don’t get me started.) They are meeting later for dinner at a steakhouse I won’t tell you about (and won’t crash either).
Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be able to tell you much more about the College of Bishops meeting. It’s bishops only. No observers (except maybe for their spouses, but I’m not even sure about that.) And I understand that.
I do know they elect the Archbishop tomorrow, presumed to be Bishop Robert Duncan.
I did introduce myself and have a nice conversation with Bishop Duncan. He’s very approachable and friendly.
By the way, pray I don’t gain 10 pounds during my week here. There’s a Pappadeaux practically next door to my hotel. Yummmmmmm!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Looking Forward to the ACNA Assembly
I am very much looking forward to attending the Anglican Church in North America’s first Provincial Assembly next week as an observer. I plan to drive up early, so perhaps I’ll meet some of my friends at 6pm Sunday Evening Prayer at St. Vincent’s Cathedral. (Those in town even earlier may want to attend the Choral Eucharist there at 9am, when the College of Bishops is expected to attend.)
I hope to meet many of you at the Assembly. I intend to scribble “wannabeanglican” on my I.D. card.
AND I will have copies of my book God Knows What It’s Like to be a Teenager with me. Free copies to those who ask. (I will limit it to three copies per church unless other arrangements are made.) Do remember that I wrote the book in my pre-Anglican days. So if you think it should be rewritten . . . I agree.
And, next week, I intend to blog only on the Assembly. Sorry, Obama.
I hope to meet many of you at the Assembly. I intend to scribble “wannabeanglican” on my I.D. card.
AND I will have copies of my book God Knows What It’s Like to be a Teenager with me. Free copies to those who ask. (I will limit it to three copies per church unless other arrangements are made.) Do remember that I wrote the book in my pre-Anglican days. So if you think it should be rewritten . . . I agree.
And, next week, I intend to blog only on the Assembly. Sorry, Obama.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
++Duncan: Opposition to ACNA Constitution May Require “More Work”
Bishop Robert Duncan, who will likely be the first Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, defends the proposed Constitution and Canons in an introduction to them.
But what I find most interesting is the following:
Our vision is for fairly straightforward up or down votes on articles and canons. If the Provincial Council has discerned it rightly, and we have significant consensus, a matter is ratified. If not, the matter is sent back to Provincial Council for more work. Most things, if not easily agreeable, can wait another year or two.
I think that a remarkably frank concession that passage of the Constitution and Canons might not go smoothly. He does frame the potential difficulty as not the end of the world should it occur. He neither dismisses the opposition to passage, nor insists that the Constitution and Canons must pass as is or else.
And I think him wise to so frame the situation. But it is interesting that the potential opposition is significant enough that he feels the need to say this.
But what I find most interesting is the following:
Our vision is for fairly straightforward up or down votes on articles and canons. If the Provincial Council has discerned it rightly, and we have significant consensus, a matter is ratified. If not, the matter is sent back to Provincial Council for more work. Most things, if not easily agreeable, can wait another year or two.
I think that a remarkably frank concession that passage of the Constitution and Canons might not go smoothly. He does frame the potential difficulty as not the end of the world should it occur. He neither dismisses the opposition to passage, nor insists that the Constitution and Canons must pass as is or else.
And I think him wise to so frame the situation. But it is interesting that the potential opposition is significant enough that he feels the need to say this.
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