Comments on: Conservative Anglicans determined to stay within church

By: Jim Seagram

Jim Seagram — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:41:01 +0000

I was at the consult and I wonder if one of the Federation leaders would please post an answer to this question. When will timelines for goals in the 5 areas of action and the goals themselves be posted on this website and/or sent to the 50 or so participants?

By: Ross Whitelaw

Ross Whitelaw — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:32:31 +0000

Jack (#39)
Thank you for your comments and prayer. Regardless of our choices or callings, we faithful must keep the lines of communication open and keep each other in our prayers. While our journeys are on different roads, I believe we are all moving towards the same destination. Being public about our common principles and goals will keep the enemy shaking in his boots.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:22:31 +0000

Yes, the Palistrina setting is the one I was thinking of. I think I could sing the alto line from memory, I love it.

By: Jack (Vancouver)

Jack (Vancouver) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:55:29 +0000

Ross (#33 & #35),
OK, you can scratch my comment #21 that members of the Federation should be less visible!!
I am very grateful for your visible support of both the Network congregations and of the unborn! And I want to encourage you in your role in the ACoC (which is either a “void crying in the wilderness”, a “burr in the saddle” or a “pain in the neck” to the liberal establishment).

I will pray for you to have confidence in your calling.
Thankyou!

By: Jack (Vancouver)

Jack (Vancouver) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:50:23 +0000

NA #37 and Kate #36,
You could have heard the same setting on the Advent responsory at the Advent Carol service at a large ANiC church out this way. It’s very moving!!

By: Noli Aemulari

Noli Aemulari — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:31:03 +0000

#36
As a matter of fact, Kate, we sang that Advent responsory in choir this morning to Palestrina’s setting (which is why I had it in mind last night).

By: Kate

Kate — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:15:03 +0000

#31 Noli, have you ever sung that, or heard it sung? We used to sing that antiphon every year, back in the days of our “high church” choir director.

By: Ross Whitelaw

Ross Whitelaw — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:24:09 +0000

David,

That’s a good question. I’m not sure there will be a change of heart in the leadership. All indication seem negative. Some, on both sides of the issue, are looking at GS2010 as a watershed. I think there will be more of the same unless motions are worded so that all delegates understand exactly what they mean. Maybe that’s why I’m involved. There are many conservatives and moderates in our church that have been silent, by choice or ignorance. Maybe I’m involved to somehow encourage them to stand and be counted. I believe that God called me to for a reason, I’m struggle with not being sure what that reason is.

By: David

David — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:07:49 +0000

Ross,
I pray that I can be a voice for those still in the ACoC who believe that our church is going in the wrong direction.

Do you believe that your voicing the concerns of the orthodox still in the ACoC is going to effect a change of heart in the leadership, or are you doing it simply because you believe God called you to, and that is sufficient in itself?

I’m not being critical of your position – it’s an honest question.

By: Ross Whitelaw

Ross Whitelaw — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:49:13 +0000

#32 John K.
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate them. You touched on my position a bit. I am one of those that attended the Federation consultation. I’m also a member of CoGS and the GS 2010 Planning Committee. I’m in those positions because I truly believe that the Lord is calling me to be there. I pray that I can be a voice for those still in the ACoC who believe that our church is going in the wrong direction. I’m fortunate in having the bishop that I do have. Our diocese has passed motoins declaring that we are in communion with the Newtork bishops and clergy. We also passed a motion that we adhere to the “Solemn Declaration.” We did not pass those motoins lightly but sincerely meant them. A Network Bishop and a lay person were the speakers at my parish in a conference entitled, “Growing Taller.” In December, there will be a meeting between some diocesan leadership and network leadership. It’s prime goal is to ensure that our lines of communication remain open. The stance of our diocese has left us open for sharp criticism from folks in both the ACoC and the ANiC. I guess people will all have to draw their own conclusions. So be it.
Be assured that, if I lived in some other unamed location, my line in the sand would have been crossed a long time ago and I would have already departed the ACoC. That decision is still open to me.

May the Lord be with you all,
Ross