Last week, I urged prayers for the Anglican Church in America (ACA). I had no idea how much prayers were needed. For this week is proving a difficult one, particularly for the ACA House of Bishops.
The ACA is split over whether to cross the Tiber in response to Pope Benedict’s invitation, the Anglicanorum Coetibus. Some most definitely want to swim. But indications are that they are a minority. Most want to remain Anglican, not to be absorbed by Rome.
And that division puts the House of Bishops in a difficult position. It appears that no matter what course is chosen, a number of parishes will, sooner or later, depart the ACA.
And now pressure from outside is making the situation more difficult. The Archbishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion (of which ACA is a member), John Hepworth is hell bent on swimming the Tiber and is not pleased that some ACA bishops have announced they will not be swimming with him. Worse, he has written a hectoring public letter, complete with very thinly veiled threats of discipline. It is hardly the letter of a good shepherd. And he is not the only one giving ACA bishops flack.
Of course, this is not helpful. With the ACA split and with a likely majority not wanting to cross to Rome while the TAC most definitely is, the bishops have some very difficult decisions to make. They do not need high-handed pressure.
Meanwhile, the House of Bishops has issued a statement:
A Unanimous Statement by the ACA House of Bishops after a full morning together of questions and answers with regard to everyone's true intention.
Some of us are prepared to seek entry into an American Ordinariate the moment it exists. Some are not yet ready at this time. None has decided never to seek entry. Those not ready to do so at this time are determined to remain within the TAC/ACA and continue their ministry until the time a final decision can be made.
The House of Bishops of the ACA has not taken any steps in the direction of any other form or plan of union, but will follow scrupulously the process required by the Canons of the ACA and the Concordat of the TAC in that regard.
So it appears the proposal to move toward union with the APA is tabled for now. That is understandable given that the ACA bishops have too much on their table already.
Again, the ACA needs our prayers . . . not flack.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Michaelmas and Oxbridge
Today is Michaelmas. And that turns my thoughts, not only to angels, but to Oxford and Cambridge. For one thing, the beginning of their first terms comes right after Michaelmas. Hence the name “Michaelmas Term.”
Michaelmas brings back memories of my excitement at the beginning of Oxford’s academic year back in 2007. And of enjoying a wonderful Michael-mass at Little St. Mary’s in Cambridge.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about England and Oxford. Earlier this year, I was thinking of touring in England around this time, visiting York, Durham, and Lincoln, on the way to self-study for a few weeks in Oxford. But, for a number of reasons, I eventually concluded there would be better years for that, perhaps next year.
But I forgot to tell my heart I don’t belong in Oxford about now. In recent weeks, I’ve literally been dreaming of spending a term in Oxford. The Oxford in my dreams of late is quite different than the real Oxford for strange and unfathomable reasons. But the excitement and anticipation of being there is very real.
I’m beginning to ramble. But you can see that Michaelmas is turning my thoughts to Oxford.
Michaelmas brings back memories of my excitement at the beginning of Oxford’s academic year back in 2007. And of enjoying a wonderful Michael-mass at Little St. Mary’s in Cambridge.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about England and Oxford. Earlier this year, I was thinking of touring in England around this time, visiting York, Durham, and Lincoln, on the way to self-study for a few weeks in Oxford. But, for a number of reasons, I eventually concluded there would be better years for that, perhaps next year.
But I forgot to tell my heart I don’t belong in Oxford about now. In recent weeks, I’ve literally been dreaming of spending a term in Oxford. The Oxford in my dreams of late is quite different than the real Oxford for strange and unfathomable reasons. But the excitement and anticipation of being there is very real.
I’m beginning to ramble. But you can see that Michaelmas is turning my thoughts to Oxford.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
FBI Investigating Georgetown Fellow
I have made no secret of my disdain for Georgetown. But what university fellow could possibly be connected to such nefarious activities as to draw the attention of the FBI?
Why, Andy Stern, of course.
The FBI and the U.S. Labor Department are investigating prominent labor leader Andy Stern in their probe of corruption at the Service Employees International Union, according to two people who have been interviewed by federal agents.
The two organized labor officials met with federal agents this summer to answer questions about a six-figure book contract that Stern landed in 2006 and his role in approving money to pay the salary of an SEIU leader in California who allegedly performed no work.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. The FBI and the Labor Department’s office of inspector general declined to comment for the record.
The disclosure about the federal inquiry of Stern – who abruptly resigned as president of the 2.2-million member SEIU in April – comes just weeks ahead of contentious congressional elections in which the union is spending an estimated $44 million to support its favored Democratic candidates.
The SEIU has been plagued with several financial scandals since 2008, when the Los Angeles Times reported that Tyrone Freeman, head of the union’s largest California local, misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union. The union ousted Freeman and demanded that he return the money. No federal charges have been filed against him, but SEIU spokeswoman Michelle Ringuette said the union has been cooperating with the FBI.
Remember that Georgetown granted this impeccable man a senior research fellowship earlier this year.
How Jesuit.
Why, Andy Stern, of course.
The FBI and the U.S. Labor Department are investigating prominent labor leader Andy Stern in their probe of corruption at the Service Employees International Union, according to two people who have been interviewed by federal agents.
The two organized labor officials met with federal agents this summer to answer questions about a six-figure book contract that Stern landed in 2006 and his role in approving money to pay the salary of an SEIU leader in California who allegedly performed no work.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. The FBI and the Labor Department’s office of inspector general declined to comment for the record.
The disclosure about the federal inquiry of Stern – who abruptly resigned as president of the 2.2-million member SEIU in April – comes just weeks ahead of contentious congressional elections in which the union is spending an estimated $44 million to support its favored Democratic candidates.
The SEIU has been plagued with several financial scandals since 2008, when the Los Angeles Times reported that Tyrone Freeman, head of the union’s largest California local, misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars from the union. The union ousted Freeman and demanded that he return the money. No federal charges have been filed against him, but SEIU spokeswoman Michelle Ringuette said the union has been cooperating with the FBI.
Remember that Georgetown granted this impeccable man a senior research fellowship earlier this year.
How Jesuit.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rowan Williams Annoys Everyone
In an already infamous interview with The Times, Rowan Williams manages to annoy just about everyone. Quite an accomplishment. (Speaking of annoying, I no longer read or link to The Times due to their new paywall.)
Now, the headlines have focused on His Grace saying that gay bishops are fine as long as they are celibate. And I will bravely defend him on that.
We all have an orientation to sin. If someone has an orientation to homosexual sin, but refrains from such and has refrained for some years, that no more disqualifies one from any holy orders than an orientation toward being cranky (like myself). So Dr. Williams is correct on this.
But as you can imagine, the libchurch crowd does not think ++Rowan’s pronouncement progressive enough.
Where he does truly annoy everyone is when he takes a pass . . . literally:
Does he still think it’s OK for gay couples to have sex, as he wrote years ago? “That’s what I wrote as a theologian, you know, putting forward a suggestion. That’s not the job I have now,” he tells Dougary.
…
But does the Archbishop hope that one day gay bishops can have partners? “Pass”.
Sorry, ++Rowan. It is a bishop’s job to teach on faith and morals. And you took a pass on that. Therefore, most Anglicans, right and left, say, “Fail!” And in so failing, you have made yourself and your church look silly and spineless.
For some more links and a sample of the annoyance, you may venture here.
Now, the headlines have focused on His Grace saying that gay bishops are fine as long as they are celibate. And I will bravely defend him on that.
We all have an orientation to sin. If someone has an orientation to homosexual sin, but refrains from such and has refrained for some years, that no more disqualifies one from any holy orders than an orientation toward being cranky (like myself). So Dr. Williams is correct on this.
But as you can imagine, the libchurch crowd does not think ++Rowan’s pronouncement progressive enough.
Where he does truly annoy everyone is when he takes a pass . . . literally:
Does he still think it’s OK for gay couples to have sex, as he wrote years ago? “That’s what I wrote as a theologian, you know, putting forward a suggestion. That’s not the job I have now,” he tells Dougary.
…
But does the Archbishop hope that one day gay bishops can have partners? “Pass”.
Sorry, ++Rowan. It is a bishop’s job to teach on faith and morals. And you took a pass on that. Therefore, most Anglicans, right and left, say, “Fail!” And in so failing, you have made yourself and your church look silly and spineless.
For some more links and a sample of the annoyance, you may venture here.
Friday, September 24, 2010
NJ Planned Parenthood Office Closes
Planned Parenthood has announced they are closing an office in Trenton, NJ. Whom can we thank for this good news?
We can and should thank God, of course. But we can also thank Gov. Chris Christie. He defunded Planned Parenthood and successfully vetoed an attempt to restore funding.
I have long thought public funding of Planned Parenthood an outrage. Perhaps budget issues across the nation will provide opportunities to cut that funding drastically. Kudos to Gov. Christie for having the backbone to do so in New Jersey.
Also note how dependant PP is on taxpayer funding. Cut off their public funds, and their offices will close like dominos – amidst much wailing and carrying on, of course.
Hat tip to MCJ.
We can and should thank God, of course. But we can also thank Gov. Chris Christie. He defunded Planned Parenthood and successfully vetoed an attempt to restore funding.
I have long thought public funding of Planned Parenthood an outrage. Perhaps budget issues across the nation will provide opportunities to cut that funding drastically. Kudos to Gov. Christie for having the backbone to do so in New Jersey.
Also note how dependant PP is on taxpayer funding. Cut off their public funds, and their offices will close like dominos – amidst much wailing and carrying on, of course.
Hat tip to MCJ.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Abomination of the Week
Today begins a new feature, the Abomination of the Week. We will focus on *incorrect* or otherwise damnable worship, liturgy, vestments, church architecture or decoration, etc. And if the same makes you laugh or say, er, Worship Teaching Friends, then so much the better.
Speaking of Worship Teaching Friends, the first Abomination of the Week may be found amongst a great many other abominations over at the Bad Vestments blog.
Suggestions for future Abominations of the Week are welcome and encouraged.
Speaking of Worship Teaching Friends, the first Abomination of the Week may be found amongst a great many other abominations over at the Bad Vestments blog.
Suggestions for future Abominations of the Week are welcome and encouraged.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Whither the ACA and APA?
The Anglican Church in America (ACA, and not to be confused with ACNA) has been considering Pope Benedict’s offer of an Ordinariate to Anglicans. And it appears they may instead head in a very direction, of unity with the Anglican Province in America.
A letter from the ACA’s Bishop of the West reveals that he and two other bishops will propose to the ACA House of Bishops later this month intercommunion with the APA with the hope of eventual unity. It would be a reunification as the ACA and APA split roughly twenty years ago.
The letter notes that this move comes after a decided lack of enthusiasm for an Ordinariate. And since the APA is not interested in crossing the Tiber, unity with APA would be a different direction than Rome indeed.
There are nevertheless some in ACA who want unity with Rome. So there may be more difficulties ahead for that jurisdiction. So do join me in praying for them.
As for the APA, I’ve long admired them for their catholic ethos and efforts towards unity with other orthodox Anglicans. I would be glad to see those efforts bear fruit.
The Continuum is following this matter more closely.
A letter from the ACA’s Bishop of the West reveals that he and two other bishops will propose to the ACA House of Bishops later this month intercommunion with the APA with the hope of eventual unity. It would be a reunification as the ACA and APA split roughly twenty years ago.
The letter notes that this move comes after a decided lack of enthusiasm for an Ordinariate. And since the APA is not interested in crossing the Tiber, unity with APA would be a different direction than Rome indeed.
There are nevertheless some in ACA who want unity with Rome. So there may be more difficulties ahead for that jurisdiction. So do join me in praying for them.
As for the APA, I’ve long admired them for their catholic ethos and efforts towards unity with other orthodox Anglicans. I would be glad to see those efforts bear fruit.
The Continuum is following this matter more closely.
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