From here:
Anglicans in the Yukon have elected the Right Rev. Larry Robertson as their new bishop over the weekend.
Robertson, who is currently an assistant bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Arctic in Yellowknife, was chosen over three other candidates at the Yukon diocese’s synod Saturday in Whitehorse.
“Somebody came and asked me if I would run, and we prayed about it for a long time,” Robertson told CBC News after his election.
“I have a lot of connections with the diocese already, and so we felt it was good to let our names stand.”
Robertson’s term will officially begin in September. He succeeds current bishop, the Right Rev. Terry Buckle, who has led the Yukon diocese for the past 15 years but said it is now time for a change.
“This certainly will bring, I think, with the new leadership, a new vision and renewed energy, I hope,” Buckle said. “That’s what we’re looking forward to.”
Robertson has served as an Anglican minister in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for almost 35 years.
Anglicans in the Yukon have been split over the issue of same-sex marriage, with some even leaving the church. Robertson said while he opposes same-sex marriage, he believes all Christians are welcome to the Yukon’s Anglican churches.
“A member of the church is somebody who believes in Jesus Christ and who follows His will, and that’s open to all,” he said.
The Yukon diocese recently began a rebuilding process, with discussions underway about merging with the Arctic diocese’s Mackenzie district in the Northwest Territories. Robertson said those talks will continue.
“A member of the church is somebody who believes in Jesus Christ and who follows His will, and that’s open to all,” he said.
Does the above statement by +Robertson appear to me to be ambiguous or am I reading it wrong? It appears that one who believes in Jesus Christ AND follows His will IS A CHRISTIAN but because +Robertson says “that’s open to all” indicates to me that the christian doesn’t have to be a confessed sinner, doesn’t have to be a repentant sinner and indeed can be “anyone”.
I guess this is indicative (once again) of the lack of understanding that even bishops in the ACoC have about Scripture……I think the New Testament is still part of the Holy Bible (isn’t it)?
Gerry, do you think it is possible to believe in Jesus Christ and follow His will without repentance? Would that not be impossible?
I think you are reading it wrong. I think he just meant that anybody can believe in Jesus Christ and follow His will.
I also detect a little ambiguity in Bishop Robertson’s statement. My hope would be that while the church is indeed open to all, as Christians we are called to repentance NOT called to what I perceive in the bishop’s statement which is that we simply agree to disagree. When is the ACoC going to be ready to understand that homosexuality is a sin and is in the same category as other sins. Each and every one of us has what might be called sin tendencies based on our personalities and upbringing, etc. That does not mean we can excuse ourselves or worse still seek to bless ANY sin.
I believe that this new Bishop should be given the chance to see if he says what he means and means what he says. That means no reading between the lines, or at this stage making assumptions.
I remember back in my College marketing courses being taught that previous repeated bahaviour is the best indicator of likely future bahaviour.
Does anyone know the track record of this Bishop? What things has he said in the past? Has he ever been in a situation in which he had to publically choose a side? If so, which side did he choose?
ML #2:
Kate is correct. You read me reversed to what I meant.
Stuck #5:
The Bishop is not a New Bishop, just stepped up the ladder from being a Suffragan Bishop…… Is there really any need to read between the lines……I don’t really think so.
“Robertson said while he opposes same-sex marriage, he believes all Christians are welcome to the Yukon’s Anglican churches.”
So what’s the problem?
The proof of his orthodoxy or otherwise will show itself at Synod. Taking the report at face value – “while he opposes same-sex marriage, he believes all Christians are welcome” – it would strongly suggest he is trying to take a “middle of the road” position. That would be a victory for apostasy. However, considering the report is from the Anglican Journal one must be extremely careful in reading it as that publication has an agenda and that agenda is not favourable to orthodoxy. I certainly pray that all claimed orthodox clergy (including bishops) and orthodox laity stand up for the authority of Scripture and the true Gospel at the upcoming Synod. Tragically I do not see that happening as the master of the apostates has already taken over the thinking of Michael Ingham and other apostate bishops including the Primate. To date we see no evidence of challenge from those claiming to be orthodox.
Hi Frank your #9
“we see no evidence of challenge from those claiming to be orthodox.”
Just because we don’t necessarly see it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. I don’t expect that the ACoC GS would allow ANiC to set up a table at the coming synod. But there are many serving Christ in attempting to save the ACoC from itself. You have seen the requests for volunteers. These obedient Christians are like I hope, this new Diocesan Bishop is, simply “being as wise as serpants and as gentle as doves.” Regardless of outcome, without repentence the ACoC is finished as a Christian Church.
We (the Orthodox) really missed the boat by not purchasing a Visionary Level Sponsorship. Not that they would have sold us one but the public refusal would be worth its weight (as the sponsorship would) in objective truth.
Stuck (#10), while I can fully understand the emotional attachment that many in the ANiC still have to the ACoC – and to those who have chosen to remain in it – from an organizational perspective the ANiC has no more right to meddle in the affairs of the ACoC (e.g., set up a table at General Synod) than does any other Anglican Province. Any attempt, on the part of the ANiC, to sponsor the ACoC General Synod would have said more about the ANiC than the ACoC – and not in a positive way. If I was part of an ANiC parish, I certainly wouldn’t want to see my tithes and offerings be used in such a way.
I see your point, but disagree. Christians are long long overdue in demonstrating the courage of their convictions. “meddling in the affairs of a so called “christian church” that is apostate is not what I suggest. Accepting a public invitation was. The sponsoring factor if it were possible would be the perfect opportunity to bring truth and light in the defence of Christ. The cost? ….. worth every penny!
#s 1, 2, 3, 7 No, I don’t believe I misunderstood. Bp (elect) Robertson said: “A member of the church is somebody who believes in Jesus Christ and who follows His will, and that’s open to all”
The “church” he is talking about is the “body of Christ” and therefore true believers, which Gerry rightly identifies as Christians. My comment simply points out how skewed our thinking has become when we think it is possible to be a member of Christ, a Christian, to BELIEVE IN Jesus Christ and follow HIS WILL without repentance. That is not possible.
Therefore anyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ and follows His will WILL of necessity be someone who HAS repented. Without repentance there is no true faith and therefore no Christian.
When +Robertson says “that’s open to all” he, of course, means that membership in Christ’s body is open to all who believe in and follow our Lord Jesus Christ and that will be evidenced by repentance and Godly fruit. The fact that many refuse to believe and repent does not negate the “whosoever” of John 3:16.
Sorry. Guess I should not have put the “(elect)” in the last post since he is already a Bishop.
As a member of the Diocese of Yukon I am so very thankful that Bishop Robertson will be our new Bishop and am looking forward to working with him as a Licensed Lay Minister.
Hello Beverly, care to share why you are so thankful?
Aren’t we “Christians” so quick to judge and criticize – no wonder our church is on a decline!
Unless one knows this Bishop personally and has spent time with him in dialogue then really who are you to say what he is or is not, or what he does or does not mean. Just because he CHOSE to stay in the Anglican Church of Canada does not mean that he is not capable of leading his people to the Lord and that he is not a fine Christian. I have had the privilege of sharing his ministry and a finer Christian you would be hard pressed to find. Last time I looked we as “Christians” are all called to minister. I don’t find it written anywhere in scripture that the only way to eternal life is through the ANIC or for that matter the ACOC!! But rather through godly people like Bishop Larry Robertson. Let’s spend less time and money worrying about the meanings behind peoples words and more time on spreading the good news. The Press is wonderful isn’t it? We are all so quick to judge what is written rather than take the time to learn about the works behind the man.
Shame on you!!
Shame on who? I’m not sure what you mean. I see a link to a story, followed by some discussion over a particular phrase. No big deal IMHO. But, as you say, we can be quick to judge and critisise, and that point can be made both ways!