http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/schism/ en-us Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:18:57 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2102607/posts Two small parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia have quit the denomination over gay ordination and joined a like-minded group of dissident churches based in Northern Virginia. The break-away Anglican District of Virginia announced Friday that Christ Church in Emporia and Grace Church in Purdy had become members. The district now includes 23 parishes that have cut ties with the Episcopal Church. Church of the Messiah in Chesapeake quit the Episcopal denomination in 2006. Grace Episcopal Church in Newport News quit a couple years earlier. The Southern Virginia diocese has about 120 parishes, including more than two dozen... The Virginian-Pilot http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2102607/posts#comment Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:18:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097633/posts As the Roman Catholic Church observes its annual “respect life” Sunday in this heated presidential election season, the unusually pitched competition for Catholic voters is setting off a round of skirmishes over how to apply the church’s teachings not only on abortion but also on the war in Iraq, immigration and racism. ... “Being ‘right’ on taxes, education, health care, immigration and the economy fails to make up for the error of disregarding the value of a human life,” the bishop wrote. “It is a tragic irony that ‘pro-choice’ candidates have come to support homicide — the gravest injustice a... NY Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097633/posts#comment Sat, 4 Oct 2008 22:35:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097912/posts As the Roman Catholic Church observes its annual “respect life” Sunday in this heated presidential election season, the unusually pitched competition for Catholic voters is setting off a round of skirmishes over how to apply the church’s teachings not only on abortion but also on the war in Iraq, immigration and racism. ... The escalating efforts by more-liberal Catholics are provoking a vigorous backlash from some bishops and the right. In Scranton, Pa., every Catholic attending Mass this weekend will hear a special homily about the election next month: Bishop Joseph Martino has ordered every priest in the diocese to... New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097912/posts#comment Sun, 5 Oct 2008 13:11:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097500/posts The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has voted to leave the Episcopal Church and join a more conservative province of the Anglican Church. The vote was taken today at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Monroeville. The results were greeted with silence. Immediately after the results were announced, the Rev. Harold Lewis from Calvary Church in East Liberty announced that his church would stay with the Episcoal Church and not follow the lead of the diocese. --snip-- Those who supported the split say it has been decades in coming. They point to Episcopalians who doubt the divinity of Jesus, blessing dogs as... Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2097500/posts#comment Sat, 4 Oct 2008 18:16:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2063986/posts CANTERBURY, UK, August 18, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Gene Robinson has castigated a fellow Anglican bishop for publicly disapproving of his crusade to inculcate "gay" values into the Anglican Communion. In an interview with SXNews, an Australian homosexual news website festooned with explicit sexual advertising, Robinson complained that the Sydney archdiocese is "bigoted" because its archbishop, Dr. Peter Jensen, boycotted the Lambeth conference, held this month in Canterbury, England. Gene Robinson is the active homosexual whose consecration as Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire caused a crisis in the global Anglican Communion. He called the Sydney archbishop's defence of Christianity "ironic" given... LifeSiteNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2063986/posts#comment Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:15:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2062113/posts Eye of the storm Wednesday, 13 August 2008 By his very existence, the Reverend Gene Robinson – the openly gay Anglican bishop of New Hampshire – is an agent for change in his church, and society at large. He spoke with Peter Hackney. He is friendly, mild-mannered and avuncular. He doesn’t seem like someone who’d tear an entire church apart. Yet Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the history of the Anglican Church, has been accused of doing just that. So controversial is he that at the recent Lambeth Conference, the decennial conference of Anglican bishops from across... SX News (Australia) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2062113/posts#comment Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:39:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2058755/posts The writhings of worldwide Anglicanism are another reason to disestablish the Church of England IN THE end it held together, but only just. The 650-odd bishops who attended the once-a-decade Lambeth conference went home with open schism between the liberal and conservative wings of the worldwide Anglican Communion averted. A split may prove no more than postponed, as the agreed mechanisms for making minds meet are oh-so-slowly put in place (see article). But at least the unedifying spectacle of comrades in Christ tearing strips off each other over gay sex will vanish from the headlines for a bit. Does it... The Economist http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2058755/posts#comment Fri, 8 Aug 2008 21:03:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2056108/posts The Archbishop of Canterbury blamed liberal North American churches yesterday for causing turmoil in the Anglican communion by blessing same-sex unions and consecrating gay clergy as he attempted to chart a way out of the crisis that has been engulfing the church. On the final day of the Lambeth conference, a 10-yearly gathering of the world's Anglican bishops, Rowan Williams said practices in certain US and Canadian dioceses were threatening the unity of the Anglican communion. "If North American churches do not accept the need for a moratoria [on same sex blessings and the consecration of gay clergy] we are... The Guardian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2056108/posts#comment Mon, 4 Aug 2008 11:30:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055877/posts It's not about gays. Episcopalians keep insisting it's not. But, as American Episcopal bishops return home from an international religious conference this week, it's clear that the "gay issue" is one that continues to split the Episcopal church. Since the 2003 consecration of the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson, Anglicans have been divided over their approach to gay priests, gay marriage and who holds ultimate authority in the communion of 77 million followers around the world. The once-a-decade Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, which ends today, showed no ability to suture those wounds. Although the conference was not... Waterbury Republican-American http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055877/posts#comment Sun, 3 Aug 2008 20:55:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2055784/posts <p>New York (AP) -- The spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans is urging an extended ban on consecrating another gay bishop until their troubled fellowship can be healed.</p> <p>Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams made the plea Sunday, the final day of the Lambeth Conference, the once-a-decade Anglican meeting in Canterbury, England.</p> AP via SFGate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2055784/posts#comment Sun, 3 Aug 2008 17:09:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055523/posts Cardinal Kasper’s address to the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops was straight and to the point. LONDON (London Times) - The Roman Catholic Church has finally ended all hope that Anglican priestly orders will ever be recognized as valid. In an address to the Lambeth Conference of 670 Anglican bishops from around the world, the cardinal who heads the Council for Christian Unity said the dialogue between Anglicans and Catholics would be irrevocably "changed" as a result of the ordination of women and the recent vote to go ahead with consecrating women bishops. Cardinal Walter Kasper also reiterated the Vatican's... London Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2055523/posts#comment Sat, 2 Aug 2008 21:56:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2051907/posts CANTERBURY, England -- Gene Robinson's bodyguard didn't have to worry this time. The 40-year-old man who rushed over to Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican church, just wanted to shake his hand. "Thank you for bringing the church into the 21st century, for moving things forward," said Martin MacCiarrain, a government employee. The bodyguard, a retired policeman who trails the American bishop because of death threats, eased back. On Sunday during a sermon Robinson delivered in London, a long-haired man had suddenly leapt up screaming at the American bishop: "Repent! Repent!" Since Robinson, 61, was consecrated... The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2051907/posts#comment Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:36:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049150/posts A leading Anglican bishop has condemned conservatives as "demonic" for using his church as a punch bag. The Bishop of Washington, the Right Rev John Chane, a leading liberal in the Episcopal Church in the United States, accused conservatives of leading the church in a "dangerous" direction. *** "I think it's really very, very dangerous and I think it's demonic ... the Episcopal Church has been demonised. It has been a punching bag and I'm sick of being a punching bag as a Bishop and I'm sick of my church, my province being a punching bag. Times Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049150/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:52:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048968/posts America was Methodist, once upon a time-Methodist, or Baptist, or Presbyterian, or Congregationalist, or Episcopalian. A little light Unitarianism on one side, a lot of stern Calvinism on the other, and the Easter Parade running right down the middle: our annual Spring epiphany, crowned in bright new bonnets. The average American these days would have ­trouble recalling the dogmas that once defined all the jarring sects, but their names remain at least half alive: a kind of verbal remembrance of the nation's religious history, a taste on the tongue of native speakers. Think, for instance, of the old Anabaptist congregations-how... Virtue Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048968/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:44:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047281/posts CANTERBURY, ENGLAND — A quarter of the world's Anglican bishops boycotted a once-in-a-decade gathering of church leaders yesterday in a row over gay clergy. Church officials said that 230 of the 880 bishops in the Anglican worldwide communion were staying away from the Lambeth conference, being staged in the English cathedral city of Canterbury, spiritual home of the deeply divided church. Bishops from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda, who boast some of the fastest-expanding congregations in the Anglican Church, were among those who pledged to snub the conference. Liberal and conservative clergy have been brought to the brink of schism over... The Globe and Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047281/posts#comment Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:52:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046527/posts The Catholic Church will expand its provision of "Anglican Use" parishes in the United States in order to allow whole communities of traditionalist Anglicans into the Roman fold, a senior Catholic archbishop has announced.Rev John J Myers, Archbishop of Newark and Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Pastoral Provision, told a conference of ex-Anglicans on Friday that "we are working on expanding the mandate of the Pastoral Provision [of Catholic parishes using Anglican-inspired services] to include those clergy and faithful of 'continuing Anglican communities'."We are striving to increase awareness of our apostolate to Anglican Christians who desire to be reconciled with the... Telegraph http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046527/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:59:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045517/posts This year, in addition to Woodland Presbyterian Church in New Orleans, more than a dozen PCUSA congregations have left with their property from the denomination, or are seeking dismissal. Layman Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045517/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:15:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045459/posts A group of monks close to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X asked for and received canonical good standing and communion with the Holy See. The vicar-general of the Transalpine Redemptorists, Father Michael Mary, reported this month on the group's blog that "our community now truly rejoices in undisputed and peaceful possession of communion with the Holy See because our priests are now in canonical good standing." He said that he had asked the Holy See, in the presence of the members of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, for the priestly suspensions to be lifted. The status of the... Catholic Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045459/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:51:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042827/posts The Episcopal Church has been at the forefront of baptizing active homosexual lifestyle as God-blessed. Since 1960, that denomination has decreased in membership by 48%. The United Methodist Church has been roiled by those adamant on establishing homosexual lifestyles as Christian legitimate. In the fight for one side or another that denomination has decreased in membership by 25%. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has likewise been embroiled in the tussle. That denomination has decreased in membership by 44%. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has also been riddled with in-house fighting over homosexual lifestyles as anti-God or pro-God. That denomination's membership... Magic City Morning Star http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042827/posts#comment Wed, 9 Jul 2008 11:32:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2038487/posts A dying newspaper industry views a Christian denomination that's growing, and breaking away from its colonial masters, and disapproves. The NY Times is in critical condition and may soon be on life support, but as part of it's death struggle it has time to view an anti-colonial development with disdain. JERUSALEM — Anglican conservatives, frustrated by the continuing stalemate over homosexuality in the Anglican Communion, declared Sunday that they would defy historic lines of authority and create a new power bloc within the communion led by a council predominantly of African archbishops. The announcement came at the close of an... The Virginian/NY Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2038487/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:48:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038877/posts Church of England clergy plan mass exit over women bishops 1,300 write protest letter to archbishop Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent More than 1,300 clergy, including 11 serving bishops, have written to the archbishops of Canterbury and York to say that they will defect from the Church of England if women are consecrated bishops. As the wider Anglican Communion fragments over homosexuality, England’s established Church is moving towards its own crisis with a crucial vote on women bishops this weekend. In a letter to Rowan Williams and John Sentamu, seen by The Times, the signatories give warning that they will consider... Times Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038877/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:14:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038601/posts Believing that God has called them to a "new work", Primates at the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) announced tonight that they have launched a movement of Confessing Anglicans that will, in effect, be a rival Anglican Communion. Tomorrow, when orthodox Anglicans meet for their final day of pilgrimage, 1,200 representatives including 303 bishops of the Anglican Communion representing more than 70% of the Communion, will announce the formation of a new Anglican body that will affirm "'the faith once for all delivered to the saints"' as a bulwark against the growing and rampant liberalism in the mostly Western church.... Catholic Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038601/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:37:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038459/posts Anglican conservatives, frustrated by the ongoing stalemate over homosexuality in the Anglican Communion, declared Sunday that they would defy the church's historic lines of authority and establish a new power bloc within the church that will be led by a council of predominantly African archbishops. The announcement came at the close of an unprecedented meeting in Jerusalem by conservatives, who contend that they represent a majority of the 77 million members of the Anglican Communion. They depicted their efforts as the culmination of an anti-colonial struggle against the church's seat of power in Britain, whose missionaries first brought Anglican Christianity... International Herald Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038459/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:43:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038173/posts JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Conservative Anglican leaders pledged on Sunday to stay in the worldwide Anglican Communion but form a council of bishops to provide an alternative to churches they say are preaching a "false gospel" of sexual immorality. ADVERTISEMENT The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) said member churches would continue sponsoring breakaway conservative parishes in liberal western member countries and called for a separate conservative province in North America. It also said in a final declaration that Anglicanism -- the third largest group of Christians after Roman Catholics and Orthodox -- was not "determined necessarily through recognition by the Archbishop... Reuters via Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038173/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:52:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038072/posts STATEMENT ON THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN FUTURE Praise the LORD! It is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. (Psalm 147:1-2) Brothers and Sisters in Christ: We, the participants in the Global Anglican Future Conference, send you greetings from Jerusalem! Introduction The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which was held in Jerusalem from 22-29 June 2008, is a spiritual movement to preserve and promote the truth and power of the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ as we Anglicans... Global Anglican Future Conference http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038072/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:22:29 GMT