The Diocese of New Westminster, having been instrumental in shattering what is left of unity in the Anglican Communion, is now desperately seeking it in the most unlikely place: the diocese is busy trying to find commonality with Roman Catholicism. It is only fitting that it is basing these conversations on a missive from ARCIC since, as former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, has pointed out, ARCIC is irrelevant to most Christians.
The Diocese of New Westminster: blazing new trails through the wilderness of the irrelevant.
From here:
Meet Your Relatives – Grassroots Ecumenism
100 clergy and lay attend the first of three Anglican – Roman Catholic Dialogue eventsOn Sunday the 26th of January nearly 100 clergy and laity gathered at Saint Helen’s Roman Catholic Parish in Burnaby for the first of three sessions entitled ‘Meet Your Relatives: Grassroots Ecumenism’. This event has arisen after the clergy of the Archdiocese of Vancouver (Roman Catholic) and the Diocese of New Westminster (Anglican) met for a study day two years ago. The ecumenical officers and committees of the two dioceses were charged with crafting an event for laity and clergy to build upon the success of the clergy day.
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Their conversations have been based on ‘Growing Together in Unity and Mission’, a statement of the international Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission. [ARCIC]
If the aim of this Commission is as claimed, I cannot see how the Roman Catholic Church could even begin to consider being involved. Certainly they must be aware of the actions of the apostate, Michael Ingham, and his successor has indicated she will further his agenda. I have great respect for the Roman Catholic Church and trust they will avoid any involvement with the Diocese of New Westminster. The ACoC has lost any claim to be Christian and I pray that the eyes of the Archdiocese will be opened.
I attended this Catholic-Anglican get together. I came away feeling blessed. It was really good to meet good, faithful persons from another denomination.
First, it wasn’t specifically focused on Anglican or Catholic doctrines, differences, or particularities. It was more a get to meet, get to know one another in a real, genuine way. The Catholics were motivated because this week is the week of prayer for Christian Unity. There were two Lutherans present, and someone from another denomination.They weren’t focused on us as Anglicans, only on us as different Christians, different from them.
I read Lord Carey’s comments. Boy, he was negative. But, the ARCIC documents are complex theological statements. If one takes the time to read them, they are rich, theological thoughtful statements. To be irritated or disdainful toward such statements, while understandible, is also a little immature. Yes, Carey is right that doing things together is a better way, and ought to be the main way,for Christians to get to know one another.Someone at the conference did suggest, why don’t we put all the theologians (i.e.leaders) on an island, and then let the laypeople from each denomination meet and sort everything out!!!!Lay persons can take a lead here. Lastly, the Catholic priest at my table pointed out, it is secularism which is pushing Christian denominations together. Yes, liberal Anglicans who are besotted with secularism don’t see it. But, there are some of us Anglicans, even here in the Diocese of New Westminster, who are worried about secularism. So, I found it very encouraging, to meet some faithful persons from the Catholic Church. Quite frankly, I think we Christians need one another, so it is a wonderful blessing to have friends in another denomination.
The word “Christian” … I do not think it means what you think it means.
Loved the insincerity btw.
For Dave:-
I note your reference to “liberal” Anglicans but as I have stated in previous submissions the problem within the Communion is NOT liberalism versus conservatism but rather apostasy versus orthodoxy. One can indeed be liberal in worship style and still be orthodox. Within the Diocese of New Westminster and other areas within the ACoC we witness so-called bishops that deny the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection, and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. Michael Ingham was their champion and tragically the newly appointed bishop has indicated she will further his agenda.
I am happy to know you have met faithful persons with the Roman Catholic Church but if anything is organized by the Diocese of New Westminster I doubt there will be any orthodox believers appointed for this Commission.
Frank.
As per previous conversations, I do not think that the term “orthodox” is an appropriate term either. The definition of this term is often regarded as what is “normally accepted as true.” Because of this, a church that is aligned with mainstream beliefs (even if it is not an historical belief) can also use the term “orthodox.” For example, in North America the view that women can be pastors or bishops can be seen as an orthodox belief even though historically, this is not the case.
The meaning of orthodox is that one fully accepts both the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ both of which are mandatory if a person claims to be Christian. Michael Ingham and other apostate so-called bishops reject one or both. As far as women being in office, this could be an issue of debate but is NOT a reason to separate. From my own standpoint I would definitely prefer male clergy but I have known some excellent female pastors.
Frank.
We seem to be repeating the same discussion a few weeks ago about what exactly “orthodox” means and what “authority of Scripture” means. So, I’ll spare us the time.
But on the more minor issue, many Anglican churches have separated because of the ordination of women. For example, the Anglican Catholic Church split partly because of this. Even some of the founders of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) have their origins in this issue (read the history of “Forward in Faith North America” which is a founding member of ACNA).
The ordination of women remains an issue in today’s world. The majority of Christian churches do not ordain women. While John Stott supported female ordination, but J. I. Packer does not. The issue of female priests or bishops is not going away in our Anglican world.