We will not bend the knee to Caesar (Why I signed The Manhattan Declaration)
“I signed The Manhattan Declaration because it is a limited statement of Christian conviction on these three crucial issues, and not a wide-ranging theological document that subverts confessional integrity.
I cannot and do not sign documents such as Evangelicals and Catholics Together that attempt to establish common ground on vast theological terrain. I could not sign a statement that purports, for example, to bridge the divide between Roman Catholics and evangelicals on the doctrine of justification.
The Manhattan Declaration is not a manifesto for united action. It is a statement of urgent concern and common conscience on these three issues — the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage, and the defense of religious liberty.”
– Albert Mohler on why he was one of the first to sign The Manhattan Declaration.
‘Catholic church reneges on Anglican offer’
No, not that offer.
“The Catholic Church in the central Victorian city of Bendigo has withdrawn an offer to let Anglicans use one of its churches…”
– from ABC News. (Image: Diocese of Bendigo.)
Free Church suspends talks with Kirk
“The Free Church of Scotland has decided to suspend its regular discussions with the Church of Scotland.
The biannual talks involved representatives of both denominations and had been taking place over the past 5 years. They involved a frank but friendly exchange on the theological issues which divided the two denominations, along with an acknowledgement of the good relations which exist in many localities between congregations of both churches.
However, the Free Church has said that, in the light of the uncertainty over the Kirk’s position on homosexuality following the induction of an allegedly gay minister earlier this year, which appeared to be sanctioned by their General Assembly, it cannot for the time being continue ‘as if nothing had happened.’ Read more
Rowan’s Roman Bluff
“For a man hardly renowned for his robustness, the recent speech given in Rome by the Archbishop of Canterbury was remarkably robust. Of course, it was given partly in response to the announcement from Rome on October 20th of effectively a ‘safe haven’ for Anglicans disenchanted by the policies of the Church over which Rowan Williams presides…”
– John Richardson also writes about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s address in Rome — at The Ugley Vicar.
Rowan in Rome: Retreat from Reason
Charles Raven writes about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to the Vatican:
“the implausibility of Williams position starts to become evident when, presumably without blushing, he commends the Anglican Covenant process…”
Apparently unabashed by the chaotic state of the Communion he represents, Rowan William’s provocative address to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in Rome last Thursday was noted by the media for its strong challenge to the Roman Catholic Church’s position on the ordination of women, but its real significance is that it reveals an Archbishop who, far from being discouraged, does really seem to believe his own propaganda, even to the extent that, the recent humiliation of his non-consultation over the Ordinariate notwithstanding, he offers recent Anglican practice as a model for the Vatican to follow in ecumenical relationships. Read more
The Articles once more
“The Thirty-nine Articles provide the only secure anchor for an authentic Anglican identity. This is after all the foundational doctrinal statement of the reformed church of England, drafted by the reforming bishops, endorsed by the lay members of the church in parliament, and situated as the touchstone of Anglican theology and practice ever since. Whatever other categories, principles or documents may be presented as integral to the heart of Anglicanism, the simple fact is that the Articles tell Anglicans who they are.”
– Read all of ACL President Mark Thompson’s post at Theological Theology.
Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience
(Originally signed on October 20th, released November 20th.)
“We will be united and untiring in our efforts to roll back the license to kill that began with the abandonment of the unborn to abortion.”
– for the full text, see manhattandeclaration.org
AAC President’s update 20 November
Weekly Message from Bishop David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council, November 20 2009
“In a newly authorized advertising campaign, TEC begins by saying, “As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” and this sounds spot-on Christologically.”
Beloved in Christ,
Some banks, large and small, have gotten into a great deal of trouble during the last year and a half with uncollectible loans and assets that have steeply declined in value. In short, their books don’t balance, and people’s money is at risk. Fortunately for most bank customers, their accounts are FDIC insured, and when a bank fails, another absorbs it, and the customer’s accounts remain relatively safe.
When it comes to churches, another institution that people trust, the same safety isn’t always present. Banks hold our money, and if they lose it we can work to gain more, whereas churches deal with our soul, and if we lose that, we can’t pick up another at the shopping mall.
As an example, the Episcopal Church (TEC) has vastly overstated their membership strength, withheld the really bad financial news, degraded their theology, lost membership, and their members’ souls are in peril. Read more
Updated website for Moore College
The Moore College website has a new look, and the beginning of lots of new resources.
It’s clearly the result of much hard work. See it here – and watch a welcome message from the Principal, Dr. John Woodhouse.