Carson on works of mercy
In many parts of the evangelical world, one hears a new debate—or, more precisely, new chapters in an old debate—regarding the precise place that ‘deeds of mercy’ ought to have in Christian witness. … the debate between those Christians who say that we should primarily be about the business of heralding the gospel and planting churches, and those who say that our responsibility as Christians extends to the relief of oppression, suffering, and poverty in all their forms. …
– In the light of the TEC/CofE focus on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, Don Carson’s editorial in the current issue of Themelios is especially worth reading. (hat tip Justin Taylor.)
Bishop Nazir-Ali on Duncan and TEC
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali on Bishop Bob Duncan and TEC –
“The first thing is to express huge admiration for Bishop Bob, because for so many years he has borne the brunt of the anger of those who want to make changes in The Episcopal Church. He has stayed loyally within that Church.
I have quite often watched him in the American house of bishops or general convention, taking flak. So given all of that, I am very sad and very shocked that he’s been treated in this way.
Quite a few American bishops had come to Lambeth, knowing that nothing would change afterwards. I do not think we can take seriously what they agreed at Lambeth. This is of a piece with other meetings where they have been present, have agreed things and where nothing has happened afterwards.
This does show that a structural solution is needed for the orthodox in the American church. There must be immediate relief. No talk about panels doing things in the future. We need, they need more importantly, immediate relief from this kind of action taken against them.”
– from an article by Ruth Gledhill at TimesOnline. (Photo: Joy Gwaltney)
UN Media Advisory
From the Anglican Communion Office, London
“Date of Event: September 25, 2008
St John the Divine Cathedral, Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street, New York USA
Anglican Act of Witness in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
Senior Anglican Officials to be present in New York
Archbishop of York, John Sentamu to preach in Cathedral service
Presiding Bishop and Primate Katharine Jefferts Schori to officiate at the service
This act of witness follows on the successful show of witness in London in July during the Anglican Communion Lambeth Conference when some 700 marched in witness from Parliament to Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury…”
– Media release from the Anglican Communion Office. (But, for perspective, see this.) Photo: Tumilty/ACNS.
Barry Webb on Esther and the ESV
Gordon Cheng has interviewed Moore College’s Dr Barry Webb on the book of Esther. Barry wrote the notes on Esther for the forthcoming ESV Study Bible.
“Would I try to preach bit by bit? I doubt it. Stories mean what they do as a whole, not as parts. Once you dismantle the story, you dismantle the thing that gives meaning to the events. I might just preach one sermon on the whole of Esther, and it would be about God being present for his people, working all things to their good.”
– Read the full interview at The Sola Panel.
And the sample PDF file from the ESVSB is available as a free download.
Attacks on Christians and Churches in Orissa and Karnataka
“Christians are also accused of creating fear among non-Christians to convert them to Christianity i.e. with threats such as you will not go to heaven if you do not follow Christ. It is a big theological challenge how to be Christians without such theological claims. When one of the churches was attacked during the worship services, some of the attackers specifically told the priest not to preach Christ as the only way; he should preach about other ways too. It is clear that underlying many of these criticisms of Christians is the desire to unite Hindus emotionally and turn their anger into votes.…”
– Some background on recent attacks in India – via the Anglican Communion News Service. (Photo: ACNS.)
Sydney supports Bishop Duncan
The standing committee of the Diocese of Sydney has expressed its strong support for Bishop Robert Duncan of the American diocese of Pittsburgh, saying it is ‘deeply distressed’ that he has been deposed by the Episcopal Church.
Bishop Duncan, who has been negotiating to withdraw his diocese from the Episcopal Church because of revisionist teaching, was the subject of a deposition vote by the US House of Bishops and with 15 bishops missing, including Texans because of Hurricane Ike, the vote passed 88 to 35. Read more
British Columbia parishes to be merged
Shrinking attendance at Island churches is forcing the Anglican Church of Canada to close one Victoria parish and merge eight others in an effort to shore up the diocese’s finances.
St. Alban’s Church will be shuttered in the next one to three years as part of an Island-wide restructuring confirmed at the Diocese of B.C. leaders’ conference in Metchosin at the weekend.…
– Report from The Province. (Crest: Diocese of British Columbia.)
Jim Packer on the ESV Study Bible
Dr Jim Packer, Theological Editor of the forthcoming ESV Study Bible, speaks about the project in this 5 minute 38 second promotional video – at YouTube.
(hat tip: Justin Taylor.)
Rowan Williams to visit Lourdes
“Archbishop of Canterbury to preach in Lourdes for 150th anniversary of the visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will participate in anniversary celebrations at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, at the invitation of the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Monsignor Jacques Perrier.
He will preach at the International Mass on 24th September 2008 which is being celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. The Archbishop will also participate in a Pilgrimage of bishops, clergy and laity of the Church of England, which is organised by the Society of Mary and the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.…”
– from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website.