On "Here I Stand, I Can Do No Other"

I follow Mark Driscoll's blog over at The Resurgence. He's been doing a series on various theological topics…short pieces from a reformed Calvinist perspective. Martin Luther is the subject of today's post. Driscoll quotes Luther's response when he was called upon to recant his reformed views:

Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds of reasoning . . . then I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me! Amen.

That would be my challenge to Anglican leaders who are advocating doctrinal revision around the authority of Scripture and sexuality: instruct and convince me with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear and distinct grounds of reasoning.

Instead, the tools of Anglican instruction and convincing I read about are changed locks, lifted licences, punitive litigation,  and name-calling.

God help us, indeed.

List and Learn: a Naughty Doodle

Goodies from JI Packer: Building on the Solid Rock, Burlington, Ontario

The great and Reverend Dr James I Packer on Global Realignment: Who we are and where we stand – A Theological Perspective. Some of the things he said that “lit up” for me:

• He spoke of ACC slippage from the Anglican heritage and the increasing isolation from the wider communion that has caused.


• He described the peace he has found in standing firm even though he finds no pleasure in it.


• He defined schism as unjustifiable and unwarrantable separation and as sin. The schismatics are the people who cause the division in the first place. In our present situation, members of ANiC are, therefore, not the schismatics, the innovators are. This is a realignment as a result of a schism perpetrated by revisionist Anglicans.


• He described the Anglican Heritage as “the most precious, the wisest and the richest in all Christendom.”

Amen.

Canadian Primate Hiltz on the Possibility of a Canadian Anglican Split

Comment on Archbishop Hiltz' interview with the National Post over at the Anglican Essentials Blog. On the subject of conservative Anglicans who are considering separation from the ACC, the Primate is quoted as saying:

There may come a point we have to acknowledge that and respect their decision. It’s not what any of us want, but it’s what happens sometimes. If they feel they cannot stay and withdraw other parishes with them, obviously it’s a sad moment for the Church. But I also think at that point you don’t fight. You don’t fight. You have to acknowledge the situation, acknowledge the pain, acknowledge the brokenness. It’s the kind of stuff that drives the Church to its knees.

Personally, I find that encouraging and a much finer response than our brothers and sisters to the south are experiencing from Archbishop Hiltz' counterpart down there.

LORD, have mercy on us all.

Read the whole post here.

It's quiet out there

Back home after General Synod 2007. Resting and wondering. Things have gone quiet in the Blogosphere as I write.

In the meantime, the latest Anglican Essentials Report has reponses from both the Federation and the Network:

A Message from the Anglican Essentials Federation…

Canadian Anglicans have been left trying to grasp all the implications of passing a motion declaring the blessing of same-sex relationships as “not in conflict” with Anglican doctrine – while, at the same time, rejecting the “local options” motion. Within that tension, we now await the response of the rest of our Communion and will be looking to the Communion for guidance in the work of answering the many questions this Synod has raised but not clearly answered.

The Federation gratefully acknowledges the bishops who gave leadership in these crucial debates – as well as the delegates who bravely championed orthodox views.

Please see our website for more information about Federation: www.anglicanfederation.ca

A Message from the Anglican Network in Canada…

Conflicting decisions of General Synod have once again caused confusion among Canadian Anglicans. By declaring that same sex blessings are not in conflict with Anglican core doctrine, while not proceeding with the explicit authorization of same sex blessings on a local option, many have been left wondering what it all means. Despite the news headlines, the Network believes the Anglican Church of Canada did NOT close the door on same sex blessings at General Synod but, in fact, opened the (doctrinal) side door for these blessings.

In addition to the above, by overwhelmingly refusing to take the steps specifically requested by the Primates, they have failed to repair the bonds of communion with the global church. In light of the Dromantine and Dar es Salaam Communiqués, we believe the Primates will see these actions as a clear indication that the Anglican Church of Canada has chosen to “walk apart”.

We are committed to remaining in full communion with the overwhelming majority of global Anglicans, who are, like us, committed to historic, biblically-faithful Anglicanism. We look forward to the response of the Primates to clarify what has happened and will be consulting with our membership regarding the best way forward in light of these decisions.

Please see our website for more information about Network: www.anglicannetwork.ca

It's quiet out there...too quiet?

Interview with Charlie Masters, Anglican Essentials Canada National Director

In an interview with the Toronto Star, Charlie Masters, the National Director of Anglican Essentials Canada, is quoted as saying:

If same-sex blessings are approved, the church will effectively be saying it no longer wants to be part of the worldwide communion, says Masters, whose parish voted to split with the Canadian Church if the resolutions pass.

"It seemed to us it was important to demonstrate how serious we felt this was, by saying, `You know what, if you go this way, if you walk apart, some of us won't be walking with you.'"

More than a dozen congregations have made a commitment to Essentials, with more considering the move.

If that happens, Essentials will ask the archbishop of Canterbury to recognize them as the legitimate church in Canada.

Read it all here.

The Canadian House of Bishops Statement to which he refers is here.

I don't want to be in a church that walks apart from the Anglican Communion.