Is there any indication if all CCP members are "on-board" or do you expect some will remain to be firmly within TEC?I only ask your opinion because feelings are so strong on both sides; those that wish to separate and those who wish to fight the enemy within.
Yes, all the CCP members are on board. The small and hardliner Anglican Province of America left the Common Cause Partnership almost a year ago and has since suffered a split. That being said, I do think that some parishes and bishops within the American Anglican Council (who are not members of CCP on the diocesan level) will remain in TEC,at least for the short-term, as well they should if they should feel called to do so. It's imperative that we understand that God does indeed call remnants to remain as witnesses to the Gospel (a kind of "French Resistance") and they need all our love and support. TEC will now have to contend not only with pressure from outside it's strict walls, but also from within. That's not going to end.It's also imperative that those who feel called to remain inside the TEC walls remember what their battle is as far as dealing with the innovations and reinterpretations of Anglican Christian theology, in their parishes, dioceses, and at General Convention - which is fast approaching next year. While it's important that we continue to have robust conversations with one another, we should do our best to refrain from friendly fire. Here in Virginia we have seen that grace practiced over and over again and I hope it will continue.It is my opinion that the "inside" strategy should change (again, following a French Resistance model) and should be more stealth-like and covert, to follow the analogy. It's time to bring out our ecclesiastical Francis Marions. How that is done doesn't necessarily have to be political-only, but we shouldn't be naive and not be prepared to do what is necessary within the structures of the Church (and this is for both the old province and the new one), God willing.For those AAC bishops and parishes remaining in TEC, they do need to regroup and consider their options as they are even deeper into the minority and most of their recognized GC leadership is gone. They will also need to know they have support from the new province as we are allies - different fronts, same battle. We are all in the Anglican Communion. This is very important and something that we continue to experience between the Diocese of Virginia and the Anglican District of Virginia, albeit on the parish level as of this writing. But we continue to hope and pray that we can model a way through, as we began, to look for ways in which we can partner together. One of the major ways I've seen so far is our joint support of the homeless shelter in Fairfax City. But there are other examples as well.We should also remember that Rowan Williams opened his home to Bishop Duncan and his wife following attempts by TEC's Presiding Bishop to depose him. I thank for God that. We're going to find out who the true liberals really are. And I mean that.bb
The French Resistance could not defeat the enemy on its own. The underground needs the support of the free world.
The formation of a North American province is great news. I suppose some of the hard work has already been done in terms of a draft constitution. I expect lots of flexibility for the constituent parts of Common Cause to be able to complete their investment in the new Province. I wonder what it will mean for our group CANA. Should we disban and merge into the new provience?Pastor Robinwww.pwcweb.com/ecw
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Is there any indication if all CCP members are "on-board" or do you expect some will remain to be firmly within TEC?
I only ask your opinion because feelings are so strong on both sides; those that wish to separate and those who wish to fight the enemy within.
Yes, all the CCP members are on board. The small and hardliner Anglican Province of America left the Common Cause Partnership almost a year ago and has since suffered a split.
That being said, I do think that some parishes and bishops within the American Anglican Council (who are not members of CCP on the diocesan level) will remain in TEC,at least for the short-term, as well they should if they should feel called to do so. It's imperative that we understand that God does indeed call remnants to remain as witnesses to the Gospel (a kind of "French Resistance") and they need all our love and support. TEC will now have to contend not only with pressure from outside it's strict walls, but also from within. That's not going to end.
It's also imperative that those who feel called to remain inside the TEC walls remember what their battle is as far as dealing with the innovations and reinterpretations of Anglican Christian theology, in their parishes, dioceses, and at General Convention - which is fast approaching next year. While it's important that we continue to have robust conversations with one another, we should do our best to refrain from friendly fire. Here in Virginia we have seen that grace practiced over and over again and I hope it will continue.
It is my opinion that the "inside" strategy should change (again, following a French Resistance model) and should be more stealth-like and covert, to follow the analogy. It's time to bring out our ecclesiastical Francis Marions. How that is done doesn't necessarily have to be political-only, but we shouldn't be naive and not be prepared to do what is necessary within the structures of the Church (and this is for both the old province and the new one), God willing.
For those AAC bishops and parishes remaining in TEC, they do need to regroup and consider their options as they are even deeper into the minority and most of their recognized GC leadership is gone. They will also need to know they have support from the new province as we are allies - different fronts, same battle. We are all in the Anglican Communion. This is very important and something that we continue to experience between the Diocese of Virginia and the Anglican District of Virginia, albeit on the parish level as of this writing. But we continue to hope and pray that we can model a way through, as we began, to look for ways in which we can partner together. One of the major ways I've seen so far is our joint support of the homeless shelter in Fairfax City. But there are other examples as well.
We should also remember that Rowan Williams opened his home to Bishop Duncan and his wife following attempts by TEC's Presiding Bishop to depose him. I thank for God that. We're going to find out who the true liberals really are. And I mean that.
bb
The French Resistance could not defeat the enemy on its own. The underground needs the support of the free world.
The formation of a North American province is great news. I suppose some of the hard work has already been done in terms of a draft constitution. I expect lots of flexibility for the constituent parts of Common Cause to be able to complete their investment in the new Province. I wonder what it will mean for our group CANA. Should we disban and merge into the new provience?
Pastor Robin
www.pwcweb.com/ecw
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