| Primates' Meeting |
| NB - all documents in pdf form · SEC Windsor Response · Bishop Bruce's Presentation · Analysis of Responses · College of Bishops - 4 Mar 2005 · Statement - 10 March 2005 · Coll of Bishops 4 Mar 2005 pdf |
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| Nigerian Church walks away from Canterbury | |
| The Church of Nigeria has chosen to walk away from defining itself as being in communion with the See of Canterbury. All references to Canterbury have been deleted from its constitution. These have been replaced by the following statement: The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) hereinafter called “The Church of Nigeria” or “This Church” shall be in full communion with all Anglican Churches Dioceses and Provinces that hold and maintain the Historic Faith, Doctrine, Sacrament and Discipline of the one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church as the Lord has commanded in His holy word and as the same are received as taught in the Book of Common Prayer and the ordinal of 1662 and in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.” The Nigerian General Synod has also made changes to the constitution to allow the setting up of "Convocations and Chaplaincies of like-minded faithful" outside Nigeria. More on the Church of Nigerian website: http://www.anglican-nig.org/Onitsha2005_pressls2.htm Also in the Times: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1784783,00.html |
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| Africans - "had enough" - Scotland on Sunday | |
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Scotland on Sunday has a report that African Anglicans are getting ready to strike out on their own and establish a new Anglican Church based in Egypt and led by Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria. The article can be found here: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1920442005 |
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| Vatican studies anti-gay document | |
| It is reported in the [London] Observer that the Pope is studying a document that has been drawn up which would attempt to prevent gay men from becoming priests. More in the Observer - linked here |
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| Methodists vote for blessings | |
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The Methodist church has become the first major British denomination to offer the prospect of blessings services for same-sex couples. In stark contrast to the Anglican communion, the annual Methodist conference voted unanimously to continue its "pilgrimage of faith" towards gay people. See this report in the Guardian by Stephen Bates: http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,12592,1517862,00.html?gusrc=rss |
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| ACC Meeting | |
| For up to date news on the Anglican Consulative Council meeting in Nottingham, please see http://www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk |
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| Statement by the College of Bishops - 7 June 2005 | |
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Statement by the College of Bishops concerning future discussion of issues raised by the Windsor Report in the Province Discussion up to the Present Like all provinces in the Anglican Communion, we are at present sharing in two processes of discussion. In the Scottish Episcopal Church, we recently considered the Study Guide issued by the Working Party on Sexuality. Responses were collated and made available in the Province. The College of Bishops then made and circulated its own response to that material in February 2004. Similarly, the Windsor Report was considered in the Province. When responses to it were collated, the College made and circulated its own response both to it, and to the Primates' Communiqué in March 2005. Between now and Lambeth 2008, we are committed, as a Province, to sharing in the wider debate taking place across the Anglican Communion. We must, therefore, seek in a spirit of generosity to engage with and appreciate the full range of views that have been expressed and continue to be expressed both within our Province and elsewhere in our worldwide Communion. |
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| Northern Irish Homophobia | |
| Campaigners in Northern Ireland claim that homophobia is still seen as a "respectable prejudice" in Northern Ireland. There have been an estimated five homophobic murders in the past six years. In the past year homophobic incidents reported to police have more than doubled to almost 200, including two attempted murders and five threats or conspiracy to murder. More in the Guardian report of 6 June 2005 - linked here |
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| New Bishop of Brechin | |
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Saturday 4 June 2005 1330 Hrs The new bishop of Brechin will be the Rev Dr John Mantle. |
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| No Sex Please, we're C of E | |
| Reports indicate that the Church of England is to allow priests to register a Civil Partnership but will make some attempt to require such clergy to make a declaration that they are not going to indulge in actually having sex with their partners. How this policy is to be policed is not yet clear. Report from the Church of England Newspaper (which is not an official organ of the C of E) here |
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| Interview with New Moderator | |
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In an interview with the Sunday Herald, the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is quoted as follows: "I don’t know whether God would bless homosexuals adopting children. But I know he blesses children in heterosexual marriages." David Lacy goes on to affirm his belief that a child needs both a mother and a father in order to be properly brought up. Mr Lacy’s remarks on gay adoption have been criticised by equality groups and MSPs, who described his views as “very offensive” and “intolerant”. More in the Sunday Herald: http://www.sundayherald.com/49866 |
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| Canadian Bishops Respond | |
| Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada have agreed not to encourage same-sex union blessings but fell short of placing a moratorium on such ceremonies. The House of Bishops also sidestepped a request that the church voluntarily withdraw from the Anglican Consultative Council meeting because of the same-sex marriage blessing issue. Full story in the Christian Post - linked here |
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| Next Moderator sits on the fence | |
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The next moderator of the Church of Scotland has argued in Life and Work that the Church of Scotland should not debate homosexuality because it would divide the church. The Herald reports:
In making this statement, the Rev David Lacey implies that half of the Church of Scotland would be accepting of gay people in church life. |
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| ECUSA withdraws | |
| ECUSA, the Episcopal Church of the United States of America has decided to withdraw its members from formal participation in the Anglican Consultative Council. However, the members will travel to the next meeting in Nottingham for listening, conversation and consultation. More details here: http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/3577_61219_ENG_HTM.htm |
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| Press Release from Changing Attitude Scotland | |
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-----issued 1400, 28 March 2005------------starts Members of Changing Attitude Scotland are surprised that the small, new grouping calling itself the "Scottish Anglican Network" have spent so much time on Easter Day debating homosexuality. Most of the Scottish Episcopal Church spent the day rejoicing in the news of Christ's Resurrection. The statement of the Scottish Episcopal Church's bishops of 4 March 2005 does not represent a new innovation - it simply states what has always been the case. Referring to the Bishops' Statement, the Convener of Changing Attitude Scotland, the Rev Kelvin Holdsworth said, "There has been a huge expression of support for the Scottish Bishops from within Scotland and all around the world. It is a joy and a delight that the Bishops have spoken warmly of their gay clergy colleagues. In making their statement, the Bishops have witnessed to a generous orthodoxy which is the norm for the Scottish Episcopal Church. The good news of Easter is for everyone in the church - gay or straight." "The Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church have called for discussion amongst those with different views. Those who are calling for the Bishops to withdraw their statement appear to be frightened of that discussion taking place. Members of Changing Attitude Scotland are looking forward to engaging in the dialogue which the bishops propose. We particularly enjoy discussing the authority of scripture and the ways in which we understand the Bible to be consonant with the view that gay people in relationships can live open godly lives within the Christian faith." "Changing Attitude Scotland is a network of people lay and ordained, gay and straight working for the full affirmation of lesbian and gay people in the Scottish Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion." -----------------------------------------ends |
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| "Scottish Anglican Network" | |
| A small group of Episcopal churches has launched a new website, http://www.scottishanglican.org.uk The churches involved are the following:Priory Church, South Queensferry,St Mungo's, Balerno (South Edinburgh), St Ninian's, Prestwick (Ayrshire), St Silas, Glasgow, St Thomas', Edinburgh and Trinity Episcopal, Westhill, Aberdeen The group claims to be concerned by the news that the bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church are now publicly stating that homosexual practice is not a bar to ordained ministry. The network claims that it is part of an attempt to continue "orthodox and mainstream doctrine on sexuality as the public teaching of the Church". Press reports about the activities of this group, whose spokesperson is Dave McCarthy of St Silas, Glasgow can be found as follows: BBC online: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4387185.stm Evening News: http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=958&id=329512005 Scottish Press Association: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4317841 |
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| Brechin Diocesan Synod | |
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At the Brechin Diocesan Synod on 5 March 2005, the following motion was passed. (Voting: 28 in favour, 2 against, 9 abstentions). We in Brechin Diocese wish to affirm the diversity of the Anglican Communion that has been one of its hallmarks down through the centuries. We recognise that such diversity can from time to time, cause tension but we pray this tension may be channelled creatively, not destructively. In light if this, we in Brechin Diocese stand in solidarity with our Anglican sisters and brothers in Canada and the USA, supporting their right to openly affirm same-sex committed, loving relationships, and affirm vocations to all ministries in the church of people living true to their sexual orientation. |
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| Integrity Canada - Statement | |
Canadian Gay Anglicans Respond to Primates' Statement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Primates of the international Anglican Communion have called on the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church of the United States to withdraw voluntarily from the Anglican Consultative Council because the two national churches have expressed their support for committed same-sex relationships and, in the case of the U.S. church, the consecration of a gay bishop. The primates also called on the Anglican Consultative Council to initiate a "listening and study process" and expressed support for a moratorium on blessing rites for same-sex unions. |
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| INTEGRITY (USA) REPLIES TO COMMUNIQUÉ FROM PRIMATES’ MEETING | |
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The members of Integrity were in prayer for the primates of the Anglican Communion this week as they met to discuss the Windsor Report. While there are sections of their closing communiqué which we find problematic, we are pleased that it is less stringent than had been rumored. There is much room within the statement for forward movement. Integrity is heartened that… |
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| The Anglican Communion Primates’ Meeting Communiqué, February 2005 | |
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1. As Primates of the Anglican Communion and Moderators of the United Churches, we gathered at the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry, in Northern Ireland, between 20th and 25th February, 2005, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. Thirty-five of us were present at this meeting (i). We are extremely grateful for the warmth of the welcome to Dromantine that we have received from members of the Roman Catholic Society of African Missions who run the Retreat Centre, and from the Church of Ireland, and especially the Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd Robin Eames and Lady Eames, who have been our hosts. |
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| Response from Changing Attitude (London based) | |
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual members of the Church of England working for an inclusive church stand with the Anglican Churches in the United States and Canada in our commitment to the full inclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the life of the church. We stand with Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, those who participated in his ordination and with the Diocese of New Westminster, Canada, and the authorisation of a service for the blessing of lesbian and gay relationships. |
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| Spain | |
| Spain's socialist government has approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriages, putting this predominantly Roman Catholic country on course to become the third European country to recognize gay matrimony. |
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| Young LGBT Scots win UK community award | |
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A group of young Scots have won a Philip Lawrence Award for Community Safety, in the national scheme funded by the Home Office for citizenship and outstanding achievement in the local community. They were the only Scottish group to reach the final. The award includes a prize of £1000. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth volunteer group from LGBT Youth Scotland was short-listed for their work in educating young people and the wider community about LGBT issues, to reduce homophobia and bullying. Bishop Richard Holloway, a Patron of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: 'As a patron of LGBT Youth Scotland I am thrilled by this award. What our young people have achieved is not only imaginative and creative, it is courageous: given the climate of implicit and explicit homophobia in many corners of our society, for young people to develop programmes that challenge this prejudice and educate people out of it is brave and inspiring.' More in the Scotsman - linked here |
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| ABC Warning to Communion | |
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The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for church traditionalists opposed to homosexuality to stop using inflammatory words about gay people.
In an Advent letter to the 37 other Anglican primates around the world, Dr Williams warns that ill-judged words can lead to suicide or even murder. He cites the homophobic killing last month of David Morley in London. “Any words that could make it easier for someone to attack or abuse a homosexual person are words of which we must repent,” he writes. The 3½-page letter, sent out on Friday night, warns of serious consequences if Anglicans do not heal their rift. More in the Sunday Times - linked here More on the BBC Website - linked here |
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| Civil Partnerships Passed by House of Lords | |
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The bill to enable Civil Partnerships between same-sex couples completed its passage through parliament on Wednesday 17 November 2004. The measures will come into place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when the bill receives Royal Assent. The Scottish Parliament passed a motion requesting Westminster to legislate on this matter - the provisions must also now receive the approval of MSPs in Holyrood before being implemented in Scotland. |
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| Second Canadian Diocese votes for Blessings | |
| The diocese of Niagara at the annual diocesan synod, held November 12-13 in Hamilton, ontario, became the second Canadian diocese to approve the concept of blessing ceremonies for gay couples, but Bishop Ralph Spence declined to endorse such action, saying that the diocese needed to discuss it further. More from the [Canadian] Anglican Journal - linked here |
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| Pope - gays are obstacle to unity | |
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Pope John Paul II has urged Christians to be committed to seeking unity of their divided Churches but, in a reference to homosexual clergy in the Anglican communion, said new ethical obstacles had surfaced. At a vespers service in Rome, on 13 November 2004 to mark the 40th anniversary of a Second Vatican Council document on ecumenism, the 84-year-old Polish Pope said the commitment to unity should infect ordinary Christians and not just be a matter for experts. "Unfortunately, we are faced with new problems, especially those of an ethical nature, where new divisions which impede a common witness have sprouted," he said to some 7,000 people inside the basilica. This was a clear reference to the crisis currently besieging the Anglican communion after the Episcopalian Church in the United States appointed an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire. |
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| New Kirk Moderator Comes Out Against | |
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The appointment of openly gay ministers would rip the Church of Scotland apart, according to the kirk’s next moderator.
In a significant departure from the views of his two most recent predecessors, Rev David Lacy said the kirk could not afford to ordain ministers known to be homosexual. |
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| Windsor Report | |
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The Windsor Report, (aka the Eames Commission report, aka the Lambeth Commission on Communion) is now released.It can be read online at http://windsor2004.anglicancommunion.org/ |
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| EU Justice Committee vote | |
| Italy's nominee to become the European Union's Justice and Home Affairs commissioner failed on Monday to win the backing of the European Parliament's Justice Committee, days after testifying that he considers homosexuality a sin. More in the Guardian - linked here |
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| Times Comment - 12 October 2004 | |
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The Times has the following remarks on a longer comment piece, which is mostly about the admission of women to the Episcopate in England.
Read the full thing in the Times - linked here (registration might be needed) |
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Monday, September 26, 2005 09:37 AM
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