Bishop Barry Clarke is pressing ahead with a liturgy to bless same-sex unions in spite of the fact that General Synod in Halifax made no decision on the local option for or against. This rather confirms my suspicion that Synod’s indecision will be seen as a green light by dioceses that wish to proceed with same-sex blessings: in effect, the decision has been delegated down in an attempt to circumvent disagreeable sanctions from Canterbury. From the Montreal Anglican, page 1:
In response to a request from the Diocese of Montreal Synod in the fall of 2007, reaffirmed the next year, Bishop Barry Clarke has approved a liturgy for the blessing of previously solemnized civil marriages, tacitly including ones between same-sex couples.
He presented copies of the liturgy at the May meeting of the Diocesan Council. While the liturgy is already available in French and English, the bishop said that on his return from the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada in Halifax in June he would be writing to clergy and parishes to explain the process. The liturgy is adapted from the Book of Occasional Celebrations produced by the General Synod of the national church in 1992.
The leaflet, with about 10 pages, contains a note that the liturgy was commissioned by the bishop in response to the 2007 motion requesting “that the Bishop grant permission for clergy, whose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages, including marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized; and that the Bishop authorize an appropriate rite and make regulations for its use in supportive parishes as ministries.”
No surprise there – what Synod has said is that all will do as they will, and so they are.
No surprise! No big news either! The Diocese of N.W. has led the way; others have followed and will follow their example.
As one who was led to Christ, confirmed, and inducted into Lay Ministry well over 50 years ago in the Diocese of Montreal, my heart is heavy with burden of the decline into heresy that has been characteristic of that Diocese for so long now and is being capped by the likes of the ungodly Messrs Hiltz and Clarke! May Almighty God strengthen and encourage the True Christians remaining in that Satanic environment!
The reign of apostasy continues and this action simply proves the apostates have been in charge well in advance of the Synod in Halifax. When are so-called bishops going to realize that the authority of Scripture is not subject to their approval, and when are those claiming to be orthodox going to counter the rapid descent into apostasy and irrelevance?
Preparing such liturgy is nothing less than a sham as you cannot bless what is clearly denounced in Scripture and the colour of your shirt or collar simply does not overcome that situation.
There is no doubt that this blog is carefully reviewed by all members of the House of Bishops including the Primate and it would be interesting to hear their response. Messages to the Primate on the issues of apostasy are simply ignored.
Frank not only your “Messages to the Primate on the issues of apostasy are simply ignored.”, But it is increasingly clear that warnings contained in Holy Scripture are also being ignored, and not just by the primate.
As for your “it would be interesting to hear their response.” Won’t happen as I’m sure you know. They are far to busy trying to keep still in the quicksand of their own making.
Time to move forward folks and leave the devil to his devices.
Frank,
If, as you say, the House of Bishops and the Primate follow this blog, let me put things as clearly as possible to them. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Nothing is so irrelevant as the liberal quest for relevance.” The path the ACoC is now following is the path of lemmings. It will lead to nowhere but its own ultimate demise. And if this path is the one they insist on following, that death will, I believe, be a welcome one in the Kingdom of Heaven, mourned not for its death, but for the once-great denomination it used to be.
The torch, however, will be picked up and fanned into flame by the sparks of orthodoxy which the current ACoC leadership seems so determined to stamp out.
I led Alpha courses for over ten years, both in my parish and in a provincial jail. I also have a heart for youth, and I can tell you that what the people we want to reach really want to hear is the truth. They can tell hypocrisy and liberal bafflegab when they hear it. They can tell when they are being pandered to and manipulated.
And what is the truth? It is, rather, Who is the truth. there is only one — Jesus! The One who called on sinners to repent. The One who called on any one who would follow Him to deny himself (despite what Gene Robinson said about not wanting to follow a god who would ask him to deny who he was) and pick up his cross daily. The One who asks us to make sacrifices. The One who told those caught in sexual immorality to change their ways. The One who said we must be born again.
The church I consider my home parish, although I do not at present live there, is the strongest in the diocese, and is often held up as an example for others to follow, in terms of attendance and givings. They say, “How can we be like St …..” The trouble is that they too often try to imitate only the style, and not the message; that is the message of truth. Preach the gospel, in season and out of season. Do not compromise. Those with ears to hear will hear. There will be those who refuse to hear, but you will have done your job. You will have sown the seed. Only God can make it take root.
These matters may be foolish to some, but that is because they are spiritually discerned. And by the way, I am not trying to preach here, only predict. Do with it what you will.
A “church” that does not offer the Word of God has nothing to offer and ceases to be a “church”.
A “church” that offers something that ignores/contradicts the Word of God is even worse, and doomed to an even worse fate.
Even though I may disagree with ANiC on certain issues (which I will not list at this time because I am not in the mood for another lengthy debate), I still have considerable respect for ANiC and the decisions that it has made on these issues, for as I have observed these decisions were based largly on Holy Scripture.
Conversely, what the ACoC is now doing is in my opinion the result of an abandonment of Holy Scripture. Not only can I not respect that, I cannot condone it.
http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/jesus-died
I came across this video this morning and thought that we all could use a positive break from the nerve wracking, depressing stuff we are faced with. BLOG MASTERS if you feel this is inappropriate please delete.
I rather doubt that, but you never know.
I have meet so many former Anglicans who were once staunch pillars of their parishes who have jumped ship to the Orthodox church. Then there are the ones who left for ANiC and other off shoots. I wonder how many just gave up and sit at home on a Sunday?
The whole ACoC is collapsing down around these bishop’s heads faster and faster and they still keep on the same track of seeking a “New Progressive Take on God”. Have they no sense? Are they blind? Who is leading these bishops? (answers to these and other queries about the madness of the ACoC to be found in most versions of something called the Bible)
I saw this editorial in another website and thought I would share it with you. Maybe someone could clear up a few point that are mentioned:
In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It’s funny, as well as informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination … End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan,
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia
(It would be a damn shame if we couldn’t own a Canadian
Steve,
Here is an article by the Rev. Dr. George Sumner – principal of Wycliffe – in which he addresses that argument. The whole thing is worth reading for anyone interested in an intellectually honest discussion; here is an excerpt:
The shellfish argument, yet again?
From the 39 Articles, Article VII, Of the Old Testament:
Although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching Ceremonies and Rites, do not bind Christian men, nor the Civil precepts thereof ought of necessity to be received in any commonwealth; yet notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
Are the laws in Leviticus given by God? If so, are they to be obeyed? Who is it, anywhere in the church , ( the church of Jesus Christ), not the denominational church(es), that has indicated that these laws are not to be obeyed? I find it very difficult that we call the sabbath day Sunday when in fact it is Saturday. I think it was Constantine that changed the sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday so as not to conflict with the Jews, but that does not change the fact that God rested on the Sabbath day which was a Saturday and He, Himself institued that as a day of rest. Who is man to change this? I do not like the idea of any one person saying we can get around tampering with the Bible (the Word O God) just to satisfy their own social sturcture. It is when, what we consider small changes that don’t really hurt anyone (other than God) that the whole mess of ,divorce, homosexuality,remarriage, ordination of women,inclusive language and all the rest of the social structure that the church has instituted to appease different interest groups compounds itself to the point where we do not even see the Spirit filled word of God in our churches anymore. Has the church changed so much that it no longer represents the Body of Christ? I am very upset by what is happening in all of our denominational churches and feel abandoned. You can quote all the “articles” you want, that does not change the Word. When you are before God at the Judgement are you going to stand there and quote “articles”?
As Anglicans, the 39 Articles are part of our beliefs. If they contradicted the bible, we should, of course, rethink them, but they don’t.
Hey Steve much of what you say is true and your lonliness is palpitable. But much if not all that is going on in these “days” is designed for the purpose of turning our eyes away from Jesus. The result is we begin looking for Him and that dear brother is our downfall. He is and always has been in you.
We are not under the Law. The law has been “completed” in Jesus Christ. you are advised to seek Him not in the law but in the Gospel and in the Body. the Body is pure but many of the branches are in turmoil and as you remember the wheat grows with the weeds until the time of the pruning.
You said “but that does not change the fact that God rested on the Sabbath day which was a Saturday. Are you sure about this?
God did not rest on Saturday – He rested on the seventh day, as the commandment says 6 days shalt thou labour but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD.
Perhaps St. Paul can explain it better
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
If you do feel alone please ask for my e-mail and perhaps we can explore together!
Steve,
Read and understand Acts 15; re: the Jeruslaem council. It addresses directly whether gentile believers are required to follow the law of Moses. You will notice that all laws concerning sexual morality still apply, but others don’t.
Stuck in Toronto and John K , St Paul is right that by the law we are dead in our sins and it is through Jesus Christ that we are free of the law and saved by grace, praise and glory be to His name. It all becomes very confusing when we completely ignore certain aspects of the law but hold rigidly too others. I feel that I cannot win by trying to live by the law (or any aspect of it) and just must live my life as who I am. If that is not pleasing unto God then there is nothing I can do. I am who I am. I always remember Jacob and Esau. Jacob covered his arms with wool and presented himself to his father to steal Esau’s birth right and God blessed this? That was out and out fraud and God condoned this action? I do not know what I could do to please Him as I do not know what He thinks or where he is coming from. I can only work out my salvation through Jesus Christ with fear and trembling and hope for the best. Thank you for your insight and responses!!
God blessed Jacob in spite of his sins, not because of them. Not everything in the bible is a positive example.
I am what I am as well. Thank God in His mercy, he has changed what I am, over the years. If you think parts of who you are aren’t pleasing to God (and who other than Jesus shouldn’t think that?), the thing to do is to give those parts of you over to Jesus and ask for His healing. He always answers those sorts of prayers (although not always in the way we want – remember Paul and his “thorn in the flesh”).
One last thing Steve and it is so often not included when we find ourselves in conflict with the old testament. Jesus Came to us, taught us and died for our sins. The purpose of this most extraordinary happening in all of human history was to reconcile us to the Father. The point is that prior to this humanity was not, and had no way to be in complete harmony with the creator.
It is my opinion that with the introduction of Love by our Lord Jesus and our obedience, the gates of the Garden of Eden and or of the Kingdom of Heaven are now wide open.
Steve,
This is rather sad, because Jesus, the one we profess to follow, calls us, if we would follow him, to deny ourselves. (eg; Matthew 16:24). It has been said that God loves us enough to accept us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way.
The shellfish argument applies to Dr. Laura only because she cited being an orthodox Jew – it’s quite off-topic for Christians, for the reasons everyone else has raised. Given that she airs her show live five days a week, he’s got her rather firmly on his point #3.
She’s an Orthodox Jew? I didn’t realize that.
His Tongue in Cheek is only valid if He is Jewish – I hesitate to use the word orthodox to describe him.