Interesting. A lot of these organizations will pass themselves off as gospel centered, apolitical organizations. They criticize conservative institutions when they engage politically, yet they themselves are taking money from secular organizations for the sake of.....pluralism? This is something I'd like to do more reading on. Hope you continue to post tidbits like these.
Some good news about Mere Anglicanism for a change. "Higher-ups in the ACNA" are seeking a resolution. I am not privy to the discussions. But Calvin Robinson seems hopeful. He tweeted the following this afternoon:
An interesting development I had not considered.
Although I am an Old Catholic priest, I serve in an Anglican parish. I have a licence to officiate in the Free Church of England otherwise known as the Reformed Episcopal Church of the UK and Ireland, which is in full communion with the ACNA. This brings further complications because the Rev'd Jeff Miller and Bishop Chip Edgar have, in effect, disciplined and publicly chastised a clergyman outside their remit.
Higher-ups in the ACNA have requested that I withhold the recording whilst they liaise with the hostile parties.
Out of respect and obedience to my superiors, I have agreed to postpone publishing the conversation.
In yet another Mere Anglicanism development, the ACNA Bishop of South Carolina just sent out this to his diocese. I will just post it as I barely trust myself to comment right now. Yes, I find it that bad.
24 January 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina,
Grace and peace to you through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Most of you will not have been at the most recent Mere Anglicanism Conference held in Charleston this past weekend, January 18-20. You might well have heard of it, however, and the controversy resulting from the presentation by Calvin Robinson. If you have, it is likely you have heard that the Revd Robinson was “cancelled” due to his position on Women in Holy Orders. I write to correct that notion, and to tell you that he was removed from the final panel because his talk was deemed to have veered substantively from the topic he was asked to address. Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity and opined on what he considers the exceeding evil of women in Holy Orders. Most importantly, he did so in a way which was inexcusably provocative, and completely lacking in charity and pastoral consideration of the people in attendance—especially the many women clergy both of our diocese and others who attended.
It might be said that more could have been done in the moment to address the situation, but I want to commend the Revd Jeff Miller, Rector of St Philip’s Church, and host of the conference, for the deft way he tried to diffuse the situation, and the controversial, but bold step he took in removing the Revd Robinson from the remainder of the conference. Any failure to address the situation in a more direct, up-front manner, is mine. And for that failure, I apologize. Especially to the women present who were deeply insulted by his remarks.
The Anglican Church in North America, and the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, and I, as bishop, are deeply committed to the idea that both those who favor women’s ordination, and those who oppose it, do so in fidelity to scripture and are both welcomed and valued in our common life. We refer to this recognition of both positions throughout the ACNA with the unwieldy moniker, “dual integrities.” While that is a less than helpful designation, it points to the deep reality that both views ought to be held with integrity, are welcome, respected, and will be defended on either side.
I, as your bishop, believe that the ordination of women comports with the teaching of scripture, most importantly, and is not ruled out by the tradition of the church. I welcome and encourage women in all levels of ministry. At the same time, given my commitment to “dual integrities,” I will support any who disagree with me. There will never come a time when I require anyone to act contrary to their conscience and commitments.
I do require, as a matter of godliness among us, that we always treat those with whom we disagree with love and charity and kindness. The kind of demeaning talk that marked the Revd Robinson’s presentation will not be countenanced.
In my admittedly short experience as a member of the ACNA’s College of Bishops, I have seen that our willingness to commit to each other in the spirit of “dual integrities,” has brought us into deeper fellowship and love, not less. It is easy to love those with whom you agree. The great reward comes from pressing into relationships of love with those with whom you disagree.
It is my prayer that, throughout my episcopacy, this will mark the life of our diocese, as well.
Now, to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3.20-21)
So it was "inexcusably provocative" and "lacking in charity" for Robinson to state his beliefs, but this note from the Bishop is not lacking in charity. Got it.
I understand that some women and men walked out as Robinson began quoting Scripture. They might want to re-examine their positions.
Big anything is something to be on your guard against. Jesus said “ when 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name I will hear your requests. “. Not 2 or more. Echoed in E F Schumacher’s seminal book “Small is Beautiful.” Also Elijah found God in the still SMALL voice.
Interesting. A lot of these organizations will pass themselves off as gospel centered, apolitical organizations. They criticize conservative institutions when they engage politically, yet they themselves are taking money from secular organizations for the sake of.....pluralism? This is something I'd like to do more reading on. Hope you continue to post tidbits like these.
Thanks. Megan Basham is someone good to follow in this area.
https://twitter.com/megbasham
It should surprise no one that left-wing money is behind these people who criticize conservative Christian belief.
Some good news about Mere Anglicanism for a change. "Higher-ups in the ACNA" are seeking a resolution. I am not privy to the discussions. But Calvin Robinson seems hopeful. He tweeted the following this afternoon:
An interesting development I had not considered.
Although I am an Old Catholic priest, I serve in an Anglican parish. I have a licence to officiate in the Free Church of England otherwise known as the Reformed Episcopal Church of the UK and Ireland, which is in full communion with the ACNA. This brings further complications because the Rev'd Jeff Miller and Bishop Chip Edgar have, in effect, disciplined and publicly chastised a clergyman outside their remit.
Higher-ups in the ACNA have requested that I withhold the recording whilst they liaise with the hostile parties.
Out of respect and obedience to my superiors, I have agreed to postpone publishing the conversation.
I hope we can come to an agreeable resolution.
https://twitter.com/calvinrobinson/status/1750224802604892493
In yet another Mere Anglicanism development, the ACNA Bishop of South Carolina just sent out this to his diocese. I will just post it as I barely trust myself to comment right now. Yes, I find it that bad.
24 January 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina,
Grace and peace to you through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Most of you will not have been at the most recent Mere Anglicanism Conference held in Charleston this past weekend, January 18-20. You might well have heard of it, however, and the controversy resulting from the presentation by Calvin Robinson. If you have, it is likely you have heard that the Revd Robinson was “cancelled” due to his position on Women in Holy Orders. I write to correct that notion, and to tell you that he was removed from the final panel because his talk was deemed to have veered substantively from the topic he was asked to address. Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity and opined on what he considers the exceeding evil of women in Holy Orders. Most importantly, he did so in a way which was inexcusably provocative, and completely lacking in charity and pastoral consideration of the people in attendance—especially the many women clergy both of our diocese and others who attended.
It might be said that more could have been done in the moment to address the situation, but I want to commend the Revd Jeff Miller, Rector of St Philip’s Church, and host of the conference, for the deft way he tried to diffuse the situation, and the controversial, but bold step he took in removing the Revd Robinson from the remainder of the conference. Any failure to address the situation in a more direct, up-front manner, is mine. And for that failure, I apologize. Especially to the women present who were deeply insulted by his remarks.
The Anglican Church in North America, and the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, and I, as bishop, are deeply committed to the idea that both those who favor women’s ordination, and those who oppose it, do so in fidelity to scripture and are both welcomed and valued in our common life. We refer to this recognition of both positions throughout the ACNA with the unwieldy moniker, “dual integrities.” While that is a less than helpful designation, it points to the deep reality that both views ought to be held with integrity, are welcome, respected, and will be defended on either side.
I, as your bishop, believe that the ordination of women comports with the teaching of scripture, most importantly, and is not ruled out by the tradition of the church. I welcome and encourage women in all levels of ministry. At the same time, given my commitment to “dual integrities,” I will support any who disagree with me. There will never come a time when I require anyone to act contrary to their conscience and commitments.
I do require, as a matter of godliness among us, that we always treat those with whom we disagree with love and charity and kindness. The kind of demeaning talk that marked the Revd Robinson’s presentation will not be countenanced.
In my admittedly short experience as a member of the ACNA’s College of Bishops, I have seen that our willingness to commit to each other in the spirit of “dual integrities,” has brought us into deeper fellowship and love, not less. It is easy to love those with whom you agree. The great reward comes from pressing into relationships of love with those with whom you disagree.
It is my prayer that, throughout my episcopacy, this will mark the life of our diocese, as well.
Now, to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3.20-21)
+Chip Edgar, Bishop
The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina
So it was "inexcusably provocative" and "lacking in charity" for Robinson to state his beliefs, but this note from the Bishop is not lacking in charity. Got it.
I understand that some women and men walked out as Robinson began quoting Scripture. They might want to re-examine their positions.
Smarminess appears to be hardier than the cockroaches which will survive a nuclear blast, and a little less attractive.
Big anything is something to be on your guard against. Jesus said “ when 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name I will hear your requests. “. Not 2 or more. Echoed in E F Schumacher’s seminal book “Small is Beautiful.” Also Elijah found God in the still SMALL voice.