From Here:
The Anglican Essentials Federation is transforming itself!
We are now the: ANGLICAN COMMUNION ALLIANCE (ACA)October 2009
In the light of recent developments within orthodoxy in Canadian Anglicanism, we are establishing ourselves as a separate organization to continue affirmation of classical Anglicanism within the Anglican Church of Canada. The reasoning behind our new name is as follows:
a. “Anglican” is Anglicanism in its classical form (as clarified by the wide coalition of orthodox Canadian Anglicans in the 1994 Montreal Declaration of Anglican Essentials)
b. The “Communion” is the Anglican communion that is being reaffirmed around the Anglican Covenant
c. The “Alliance” is the banding together of congregations and individuals across the country who share our specific vision and mission which are as follows:
OUR VISION: TO BE THE THEOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL RALLYING POINT FOR HISTORIC, ORTHODOXY IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
OUR MISSION: TO CALL THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA TO EMBRACE AND LIVE BY ITS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HERITAGE UNDER THE RENEWING GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
While being organizationally separate from the orthodox in other Anglican jurisdictions in Canada, we continue in informal fellowship with them in the cause of the Gospel while addressing the specific situation within our own Anglican Church of Canada. Until we obtain our legal incorporation, please continue to send in donations using the former designation, “Anglican Essentials Canada” with “Alliance” in the memo line.
I hate to be an old grump, but unfortunately I am. Call it what you will (Anglican Essentials Federation or the Anglican Communion Alliance) in my humble opinion it is unfortunately still just the sound of one hand clapping.
You’ll get no argument from me.
Well you will from me (with all due respect of course, to he who seeks the vitamin D). I am personally acquainted with many members of ACA and to a person they have great love for both Jesus and our traditional church. None have only one hand!!!
I also think the name change is positive. It seems less invasive than the old “Essentials” term. I can only hope it will further serve to separate the wheat from the chaff in the ACoC.
“In the light of recent developments within orthodoxy in Canadian Anglicanism, we are establishing ourselves as a separate organization”
I hope and pray that this does not mean a further distancing from ANiC and the ACNA. If it does it can only mean further weakening of our Lord’s call to unity as well as a possible breaking of the single link that could bind all Canadian Anglicans.
Stuck (#3), you missed the point and answered a question that wasn’t being asked. I believe the inferred question was, what is the ACA actually doing to further its mission?
The ACA mission is TO CALL THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA TO EMBRACE AND LIVE BY ITS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HERITAGE UNDER THE RENEWING GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
How is the call being effected?
The ACA vision is TO BE THE THEOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL RALLYING POINT FOR HISTORIC, ORTHODOXY IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
What is the ACA doing to make this vision a reality? I don’t know and the website provide very little information.
I am quite certain that’s exactly what it means.
Kate #5: I’m sorry to know that.
It is a difficult lesson not to ‘fear the face of man’ but our Father is patient with us. Nicodemus pulled through in the end.
The Lord will have His faithful witnesses everywhere, even in apostate organizations. Encouragement to remain faithful in the face of such apostacy would be of much more value than cynical criticism. Nor do I believe that the Lord’s people (those that remain faithful to Him whatever organization they belong to) will ever be pulled apart — they are one, and will always recognize one another by the Spirit that indwells them.
I don’t think that it is the right thing to do to remain faithful in the face of such apostacy, I think the right thing to do is to flee it. I am very fortunate in that my parish fled as a family. Had they not done so, I would probably no longer be an Anglican. I will not encourage what I think is a spiritually dangerous course of action to take.
ML (#7), can you envisage a situation where the correct biblical advice would be to “come out from among them”? Given the concern you expressed for children in your comments on the preceding thread, would you encourage parents in “apostate organizations” to stick it out regardless? Of those who have left the ACoC, I wonder what percentage regret that no one encouraged them to stick it out longer?
Warren (9), you continue to amaze me. You have an uncanny ability to see through the fog of confusion and obfuscation, to identify the heart of the matter, and to frame a cogent and appropriately apt response. It is truly a pleasure to read your comments. With regard to the question in your last sentence, I know of no one who has left the ACoC who now wish that others had encouraged them to stay. I personally stuck it out thinking I was being faithful, but discovered after I left for a real Christian alternative that my leaving was in fact the more faithful response to the situation in which I had found myself. I also discovered and became a part of a growing, vibrant, biblically faithful, mission focused community of Christians where I hear both the good news and the hard truth from the pulpit, and where I need not be concerned that my tythe will be used to sue my Christian brothers and sisters or to impede their Christian witness and ministries.
#4 Warren “Stuck (#3), you missed the point and answered a question that wasn’t being asked.” Huh? What’s the point I missed please? and perhaps you can clarify my answer to your invented question. Please jump in traveler and help since you seem to have a handle and I unfortunately have only empty air.
I support the ACA in their mission, and although personally I’m not convinced that that is a ship that will be turned, I could be wrong, and I do hope and pray they succeed.
My main concern is that the announcement seems to emphasise separation from what I hope would have been seen as brothers and sisters in Christ in ACNA. That may not have been the intent, but that is what I read in words such as ‘organisationally separate’ and ‘informal fellowship’. What I understand is that the link with the Anglican Church of Canada is of prime importance to ACA, and that requires other ties to be unbound.
Whether that is a bug or a feature depends on your point of view, I guess.
Winter Traveler (#10), are you trying to make me blush? If my wife see this she won’t be happy – she thinks I spend too much time here as it is and I don’t need any encouragement.
I have many aunts and uncles on my dad’s side who all love to argue and debate when they get together (in a good natured way). Maybe I inherited something from them.
Stuck (#11), I find this wearisome, but I’ll respond anyway.
In #1 WT suggested that, name change or no name change, there wasn’t much evidence that the ACA was doing anything (this is what he meant by “one hand clapping”).
In #2 Kate said she agreed.
In #3 you said you disagreed, but your following statements contained nothing pertinent to WT’s original comment. Instead you said (regarding ACA members), “they have great love for both Jesus and our traditional church. None have only one hand!!!” WT said nothing about the relationship that members of the ACA have with Jesus or their love for the church, and, for all I know, he may agree with you.
With respect to “one hand clapping”, I don’t know if you missed the metaphor or just tried to make a joke.
I’m sorry, but I can’t make it any plainer than this.
WT – sorry if I misrepresented your comment or intent.
#8 	 – I have a great concern for the welfare of children, especially their spiritual welfare. I homeschooled. But the Lord has sent us to some places that I certainly did not think were very good for my children. And I have had to learn to trust that He would keep them in spite of the adverse environments. And He has. PTL that He has promised: John 10:28 “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
I too am concerned that this is a further step away from their brothers and sisters in ANiC. What else can this mean?
IMHO:
-”recent developments” = ANiC, and perhaps even includes its most recent consecration of three new bishops (I’m sure that didn’t go down well with the ACoC HoB).
-”separate organization…within ACoC” = the fact that ANiC’s actions (see point above) are getting embarrassing for many ACoC “orthodox” faithfuls (!?!) resulting in the need to sever all ties.
It is my opinion (and only my opinion, I know others will hang me for saying this) that, rather than changing the name to ACA, AEF’s time would be much better spent asking where their theological/ecclesiological “point of no return” is (ie. the point that if crossed by ACoC means they, personally, are out) and to prayerfully and studiously reflect on whether the ACoC has ALREADY crossed it. That was my experience: waking up after years of convincing myself that ACoC had not yet “passed the point of no return” only to realize that, in fact, they HAD! Perhaps some (even many) like me might find that if a name change is in order, “ANiC” would be their acronym of choice.
ML (#15), I wasn’t overly protective of my children and also had to learn to trust that God would keep and preserve them in spite of “adverse environments.” I know many homeschoolers, and respect what they do, but am satisfied with the public education my children received (my daughter now teaches in the public system). Willfully exposing them to false teaching, however, or entrusting them into the hands of a religious “teacher” who may not even be a true follower of Christ is in a whole different category. Far better that children be kept out of church altogether than that they be exposed to a false gospel. I could do some proof texting too, but I believe that instruction to parents, as found in the totality of Scripture, is clear on this matter.
This is still an Essentials blog for both, yet some of the comments from ANiC about the Federation over the past while, have not been charitable of those who stay for pastoral reasons to serve people in the name of Christ, not the institution. Many faithful are busy concentrating their energies on ministry, not on the politics. I also know people who have left the ACoC but were not comfortable worshipping with the 3 ANiC churches they visited although they agree theologically with them. Each has to make their decision with much prayer.
Siena (#18), even though I may not fully agree with it, I, for one, would be happy to see the ACA position represented here more frequently. Although I have seen comments supporting and defending the Federation, I don’t recall anyone posting here as a Federation member (are you a member?). With the name change, it seems to me that the ACA has clearly distanced itself from Essentials. For that matter, with ANiC now a Diocese in the new Province, it is no longer clear to me what Essential’s purpose is or what its future will be. Any admins care to offer a perspective?
I agree that each should make their own decision with prayer.
Although I’m sure you are using it sincerely, hanging around Anglicans has ruined the word charitable for me (much in the way that the original meaning of gay was ruined). Whenever I hear the word now, I can’t help but snicker.
To me there’s one uncomfortable question which hangs over this announcement:
Why is it easier to cut the ties with orthodox brothers and sisters than it is to cut the ties with the uncertain mix which is the ACoC?
I sincerely hope that there is someone out there who can give me a Godly answer. Please don’t mention hurt feelings (#18) which surely should be too paltry to affect Christian unity.
Sienna (#18).
Quite frankly, I have not seen any comments on this blog relating to decisions to stay within the ACoC that I would consider to be “uncharitable”. However, I have seen many comments expressed indicating that some of us consider a decision to remain within the ACoC to be spiritually unhealthy and unwise. Such views do not represent a lack of charity, but simply a lack of agreement with such a decision. Surely, you don’t expect those of us who have left the ACoC because we considered staying to be a danger to our souls and the souls of our families, to now turn around and affirm to other brothers and sisters in Christ that we support their decision to stay? I for one think I understand why such decisions may be made and I pray daily for those who have chosen to stay as I pray for those who have chosen to leave. Like Kate, I could never encourage anyone to stay within the ACoC. If that is considered by some to be “uncharitable, well then so be it.
Irena (#20) said
“To me there’s one uncomfortable question which hangs over this announcement: Why is it easier to cut the ties with orthodox brothers and sisters than it is to cut the ties with the uncertain mix which is the ACoC?”
What a perceptive question. Perhaps someone within the Federation/ACA would endeavor to answer it.
#16 I don’t think that Federation has a point of no return, nor is likely to ever decide upon one.
#22 I too would be interested in hearing an answer to that question.
#19 In answer to your first sentence – I can’t do it, for obvious reasons. We have been linking to just about everything Federation has published.
#20 Irena; When you speak of “cutting ties”, and “Christian unity”
in the same breath it seems oxy-moronic. The term Christian unity is certainly an oxy-moron. to suggest in your question that the ACA has cut ties with Orthodox brothers and sisters is perhaps presumptious certainly premature. The justification for the existance of the ACA is found neatly in your two words “uncertain mix” As for a “Godly answer” the best I could come up with is our Lord’s prayer to the Father. “that they (us) all might be one, as we (the trinity) are one.”
#14 Warren; I do so apologize for keeping you from your sleep, particularly in your described condition. I assure you it will be my pleasure to assist you in obtaining the necessary rest that you so often demonstrate requiring. To put it another way, stay out of my backyard and I am sure your energies will not be so depleted.
21 Winter Traveller
You said “Quite frankly, I have not seen any comments on this blog relating to decisions to stay within the ACoC that I would consider to be “uncharitable”.
You also said in #1 “in my humble opinion it is unfortunately still just the sound of one hand clapping.” You have every right and entitlement to your opinion but I think your observation is incorrect and far from charitable.
PS still NBF’s I hope ):
The “point of no return” is not something the ACA can determine. This rests singularly with the ACoC, and what the Holy Spirit is saying to the ACA.
Stuck (#25), given the frequency of our comments, some of the other regulars can probably pick us out from this list. Speaking for myself, getting some honest feedback might help me gain perspective.
#25 Enough. This blog is nobody’s “back yard” – your threatening tone is unacceptable.
Warren #17: I am surprised that you would be happy to send your children to the public school to be indoctrinated in the way of humanism with its false saviour: “Education”; to me this is certainly what I would term a “false gospel” and the fact that my children would be subjected to that “gospel” five days a week was the reason I homeschooled. However, my church still continues to preach the Gospel Jesus taught and therefore does not endanger my childrens’ lives. But even more important to me is the Lord’s injunction that we as parents are to teach our children “diligently” 24/7 as written in Deut 6.
Further, I cannot see how people are reaching the conclusion that ACA is “distancing” or even “cutting ties with” ANIC and ACNA. It specifically says: “While being organizationally separate from the orthodox in other Anglican jurisdictions in Canada [that is a fact, since ANIC and ACNA have separated organizationally from ACoC - ML], we continue in informal fellowship with them in the cause of the Gospel…” I have lots of very good friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, in other denominations, but just because we are organizationally separate does not mean that we are not all members of the Body of Christ and often working together to further His Kingdom.
And finally, if this is supposed to be the Essentials blog, a blog for both Network and Federation, why have the admins and others not contacted the Rev. Brett Cane, or the Rev. Dr. Murray Henderson, or Roger Spack or anyone of the others listed as Executive Committee and Council Members on the Federation website rather than speculate wildly about their motivation? Seems to me the “distancing” has come from the other side… I’m still here and posting even though I often feel the sting in the criticism others post concerning my decision to stand firm.
ML,
I don’t think the admins have been speculating wildly, although each of us has his opinion as to what is going on based on the available information.
Anyone from the Federation is free to comment here, of course, and Federation leaders have been offered the opportunity to contribute articles a number of times.
1. Assuming that the distancing has come from “the other side” based on the comments of four bloggers is a bit of a stretch.
2. I haven’t said anything about anybody’s personal motivation. I think the end result of the announcement means a further distancing from ACNA.
3.
How long do you think that will be allowed to continue? Orthodox postulants are not being ordained (at least, not around here). When your current priest leaves or retires, the odds are he or she will be replaced by someone who is comfortable with what is being preached by the ACoC as a whole. What then?
#31 Ahem Or her…..
#24 Stuck in Toronto: I think that undelying your answer is the idea that ‘Christ is not divided’, that unity (Christian unity or unity in Christ) is not something that an announcement of separation can affect. If this is what you meant, I would agree with you wholeheartedly. I give praise to God for this fact.
Not sure you answered my question though.
#33,
I could have said hir I suppose, but at the last moment couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Good thing I wasn’t drinking tea when I read that.
I should have mentioned, also, that at least one of the bloggers still goes to an ACoC church.
ML (#30), in #17 I said I was “satisfied with the public education my children received.” In #30, you express surprise that I would be “happy” to send my children “to the public school to be indoctrinated in the way of humanism with its false saviour: ‘Education’.” Maybe not a dramatic change – and not one that worries me – but it seems that you too are capable of “repackaging” other people’s comments.
I said earlier that I respect home schoolers (provided they are competent teachers), but, despite your description of it, I don’t regret the education my children received in the public system. Although it has many flaws, I still believe in public education. If you can make (or point me to) a compelling biblical case for Christian parents to keep their children out of the public system, I would be interested to hear it; I haven’t heard one yet (and my last church and current church were/are heavy supporters/sponsors of Christian schools). I’m curious to see if your logic is consistent in terms of how Christians should live their lives overall in this world. My hunch is that you don’t subscribe to the “already, not yet” Kingdom view – but you may surprise me. I appreciate, however, that this thread is not the right place to continue this discussion.
Calling what the public education system does a “false gospel” is interesting. It makes me wonder how you define the “gospel”?
If this was a news service with a subscription fee, then subscribers could legitimately make some demands. But it’s not and you shouldn’t. I don’t think it is wild speculation to say the the Federation/ACA has not done a particularly good job of public relations or laying out their position(s). I wonder if anyone from the Federation/ACA has ever stepped up to the plate and volunteered to share in the long hours and grunt work that are doubtlessly required to keep this blog operating?
The answer to that is no.
Gee whiz – does no one want to have some fun with the link I posted in #28?
Warren,
Well, from the link, I’ve already concluded that I suffer from multiple personality syndrome and right now we are still arguing about who should reply.
Well, I have contacted someone from ACA, someone who was at the consecration just recently in order to affirm ACA’s “standing in unity in the faith” with ANIC, and this person assured me that all that is happening here is that ACA is simply a separate legal entity as ANIC is also. Relationally nothing has changed. So no distancing.
#37 sorry about changing “satisfied” to “happy” although I personally can see little difference between the two. And for your info, I come from a family of homeschoolers, many of whom go to churches that have their own Christian schools. And my father always said: “It’s easier to send the children to the public school and point out to them that it is dominated by false teaching than to point out the errors in a Christian school.” So I can see your position.
#41 The creation of a separate legal entity doesn’t mean that the intent wasn’t distancing from ANiC. If that wasn’t the intent, why the name change? I think that a decision was made that the Essentials name was harming their standing in the Anglican Church of Canada, and thus harming their witness there. (I think maybe I should remind folks that the bloggers don’t speak for ANiC).
#39 Nope. Not on a bet.
ML (#41), I didn’t completely sell out to secular culture; my children grew up without a TV in the house (as adults, they’re acually of proud of the fact). I doubt that many home schooled kids can make that claim. I don’t think eliminating TV is the right choice for everyone, but, for those concerned with the influence of secular culture on children, I would suggest that the media (which is much more than TV) has as much or more of an impact than the educational system.
David; if you agree with Kate’s assesment in #29 please say so. I will take appropriate action. If your feeling is that Kate is entitled to her opinion, and can speak for herself, than so am I and I will do so. Most firmly. If you disagree than I shall leave it in your hands.
Just no platitudes please.
stuck,
I agree with what Kate said in #29.
excellent news
the most important thing is to restore the original Christianity in the Anglican Communion
In defence of those that decided to stay (of which I am not). If God is calling them to stay and witness to the people sitting in the pews of the ACoC, then they have my support to stay with ACoC. It is a decision that each person (lay or ordained) needs to prayfully make. If leaving is where God is calling you and where you can work best for Him, then leave. If staying and continuing to work within your realm of influence within ACoC is where God is calling you, then stay.
Thank you, Jonathan (#47).
#19 – Yes, I identify with the Federation with friends in ACiC & ANiC.
#41 & 47 – Thank you.