(in Irish)
Siulaigi a chairde, siulaidh liom
Mar cheo an tsleibhe uaine ag
imeacht go deo
D’ainneoin ar dtuirse leanfam an tsli
Thar chnoic is thar ghleannta
go deireadh na scrib’

Seo libh a chairde is canaidh liom
Lionaigi’n oiche le greann is le sport
Seo slainte na gcarad ata imithe uainn
Mar cheo an tsleibhe uaine,
iad imithe go deo

(English translation)
Wander my friends, wander with me
Like the mist on the green mountain, moving eternally
Despite our weariness, we'll follow the road
Over hills and valleys, to the end of the journey

Come on my friends and sing with me
Fill the night with joy and sport
Here's a health to the friends who have gone from us
Like the mist of the green mountain, gone forever

A Letter from the Archbishop of Anglican Church in Nigeria to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

BB NOTE: The following letter is from Archbishop Peter Akinola in response to Schori's letter of April 30.

2nd May, 2007

The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori,
Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017, USA

My dear Presiding Bishop:

My attention has been drawn to your letter of April 30th ostensibly written to me but published on the Episcopal News Service website.

In light of the concerns that you raise it might be helpful to be reminded of the actions and decisions that have led to our current predicament.

At the emergency meeting of the Primates in October 2003 it was made clear that the proposed actions of the Episcopal Church would “tear the fabric of our Communion at its deepest level, and may lead to further division on this and further issues …” Sadly, this proved to be true as many provinces did proceed to declare broken or impaired communion with the Episcopal Church. Since that time the Primates have established task forces, held numerous meetings and issued a variety of statements and communiqués but the brokenness remains, our Provinces are divided, and so the usual protocol and permissions are no longer applicable.

You will also recall from our meeting in Dar es Salaam that there was specific discussion about CANA and recognition – expressed in the Communiqué itself – of the important role that it plays in the context of the present division within your Province. CANA was established as a Convocation of the Church of Nigeria, and therefore a constituent part of the Communion, to provide a safe place for those who wish to remain faithful Anglicans but can no longer do so within The Episcopal Church as it is currently being led. The response for your own House of Bishops to the carefully written and unanimously approved Pastoral Scheme in the Communiqué makes it clear that such pastoral protection is even more necessary.

It is my heartfelt desire – and indeed the expressed hope of all the Primates of the Communion – that The Episcopal Church will reconsider its actions – and make such special measures no longer necessary. This is the only way forward for full restoration into fellowship with the rest of the Communion. Further, I renew the pledge that I made to your predecessor, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, that the Church of Nigeria will be the first to restore communion on the day that your Province abandons its current unbiblical agenda. Until then we have no other choice than to offer our assistance and oversight to our people and all those who will not compromise the “faith once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

You speak in your letter of centuries old custom regarding diocesan boundaries. You are, of course, aware that the particular historical situation to which you make reference was intended to protect the church from false teaching not to prevent those who hold to the traditional teaching of the church from receiving faithful episcopal care. It was also a time when the Church had yet to face into the challenge of different denominational expressions of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I also find it curious that you are appealing to the ancient customs of the church when it is your own Province’s deliberate rejection of the biblical and historic teaching of the Church that has prompted our current crisis.

You mention the call to reconciliation. As you well know this is a call that I wholeheartedly embrace and indeed was a major theme of our time in Tanzania. You will also remember that one of the key elements of our discussion and the resulting Communiqué was the importance of resolving our current differences without resorting to civil law suits. You agreed to this. Yet it is my understanding that you are still continuing your own punitive legal actions against a number of CANA clergy and congregations. I fail to see how this is consistent with your own claim to be working towards reconciliation.

Once again please know that I look forward to the day when this current crisis is behind us and we can all be reunited around our One Lord and only Saviour Jesus the Christ. Until then be assured of my prayers for you and The Episcopal Church.

In Christ,

The Most Revd. Peter J Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria.

Celebrating the Life and Witness of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria

Today we are celebrating the life of one of our heroes here at the Cafe: Athanasius of Alexandria. Everyone lift up their glasses and mugs in toast! To Athanasius!

I first learned of Athanasius when I took Systematic Theology from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry several years ago. On this day when a certain Presiding Bishop is writing funny little letters, it is good to reflect on this courageous leader who fought hard and suffered much for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Athanasius (296-373 A.D.): Athanasius served as presbyter and bishop of Alexandria. Athanasius is best known for his defense of the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity at the ecumenical Council of Nicea (325 A.D.). Before the Arian controversy called into question the deity of Christ, Athanasius wrote two apologetic works, Against the Gentiles and On the Incarnation of the Word. He continued to defend orthodoxy and denounce the Arian heresy throughout his life. This resulted in his being banished from his church four times. His last years were spent peacefully.

Human and human-minded as men were, therefore, to whichever side they looked in the sensible world, they found themselves taught the truth. Were they awe-stricken by creation? They beheld it confessing Christ as Lord. Did their minds tend to regard men as gods? The uniqueness of the Savior's works marked Him, alone of men, as Son of God. Were they drawn to evil spirits? They saw them driven out by the Lord, and learned that the Word of God alone was God and that the evil spirits were not gods at all. Were they inclined to hero-worship and the cult of the dead? Then the fact that the Savior had risen from the dead showed them how false these other deities were, and that the Word of the Father is the one true Lord, the Lord even of death. For this reason was He both born and manifested as Man, for this He died and rose, in order that, eclipsing by His works all other human deeds, He might recall man from all the paths of error to know the Father. As He says Himself, "I came to seek and to save that which was lost.".
- Athanasius

LATER - FROM THE "SOME THINGS DON'T CHANGE AND PERHAPS KJS SHOULD CHECK HER HISTORY AND THE DATE BEFORE MAKING SUCH STRENUOUS PRONOUNCEMENTS" FILE: "But before the appointed time arrived, the bishops assembled together, and having summoned Arius to attend, began to examine the disputed topics, each one amongst them advancing his own opinion. As might have been expected, however, many different questions started out of the investigation: some of the bishops spoke against the introduction of novelties contrary to the faith which had been delivered to them from the beginning. And those especially who had adhered to simplicity of doctrine argued that the faith of God ought to be received without curious inquiries; others, however, contended that ancient opinions ought not to be followed without examination. Many of the bishops who were then assembled, and of the clergy who accompanied them, being remarkable for their dialectic skill, and practiced in such rhetorical methods, became conspicuous, and attracted the notice of the emperor and the court. Of that number Athanasius, who was then a deacon of Alexandria, and had accompanied his bishop Alexander, seemed to have the largest share in the counsel concerning these subjects."

From "Chapter 17. Of the Council convened at Nicæa on Account of Arius," Ecclesiastical History (Book II) by Sozomen (c. 375-c. 447).

"The Arians assert that after the death of Alexander, the respective followers of that bishop and of Melitius held communion together, and fifty-four bishops from Thebes, and other parts of Egypt, assembled together, and agreed by oath to choose by a common vote, the man who could advantageously administer the Church of Alexandria; but that seven of the bishops, in violation of their oath, and contrary to the opinion of all, secretly ordained Athanasius; and that on this account many of the people and of the Egyptian clergy seceded from communion with him. For my part, I am convinced that it was by Divine appointment that Athanasius succeeded to the high-priesthood; for he was eloquent and intelligent, and capable of opposing plots, and of such a man the times had the greatest need. He displayed great aptitude in the exercise of the ecclesiastical functions and fitness for the priesthood..."

From "Chapter 17. On the Death of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, at his Suggestion, Athanasius receives the Throne; and an Account of his Youth; how he was a Self-Taught Priest, and beloved by Antony the Great," Eccelesiastical History (Book II), by Sozomen (c. 375-c. 447).

Learn more here.

On the Corner of Connecticut and R

From Starbucks on the corner of Connecticut & R N.W.

We're trying out a different Starbucks today. Like many major cities in the world, there is a Starbucks almost on every corner in this part of the city. We thought - since the weather was so good - that we'd venture just a bit further up Connecticut. It's amazing what a couple of blocks will do either way. If I leave my office and walk down Connecticut just a block or two we are in the spill-over of the K Street Corridor. Heading up this way is an entire different group and virtually no hint of the K Street Corridor at all. I'm not sure who al these people are - Tourists? Students? Stray Protestors? Scientoligists? (their HQ is just just across the street from here in a spooky brick fortress near Cosi's). There are businessmen every where - but they look decidedly different from the K Street Lobbyists that stalk about Connecticut and K. Wow, there's a guy looking like Jerry Garcia and he's carrying on quite a conversation with himself. Oh, wait, he's got a bluetooth thingy in his ear. There is always a thin line between the K Street Lobbyists and the Street People. The crossroads is the fountain at Dupont Circle. One never knows what some of these Street People were doing six months ago.

Song of the Day

Announcement from John Stott's Office

John Stott would like his many friends around the world to know that, having reached the age of 86 in April, he has taken the decision finally to retire from public ministry after fulfilling one final speaking engagement at the upcoming Keswick Convention in July.

He will also be moving home from his flat in Bridford Mews, London, where he has lived for more than 30 years, to a retirement community for Anglican clergy in the south of England which will be able to provide more fully for his present and future needs. Dr Stott has made this decision with the strong belief that it is God’s provision for him at this stage.

Dr Stott will greatly value your prayer for him in the challenges and opportunities involved in this transition. John Stott is also happy to reassure his friends that the Langham Partnership International (or John Stott Ministries, in USA), is well prepared to continue its work, even after his retirement.

Chris Wright took over the leadership of the organisation from John Stott in 2001, and there is now a strong team of international programme managers and other staff and volunteers all over the world making sure that the work develops strongly into the future. For further information, please visit the website Langham Partnership.

Enquiries
Cindy Crossley
The Langham Partnership
Tel: 01243 730 621
email: cindy@langhampartnership.org

LATER: Looks like we have fans of Eva Cassidy here at the Cafe. So - in case there are more fans in the wings - here's another gem, a rendition of Sting's "Fields of Gold" that even he says is the best:

CANA Installation Celebration

Installation Celebration
May 5, 2007

The honor of your presence is requested at the celebration attending the Installation of the Right Reverend Martyn Minns as the Missionary Bishop of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America.

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2007

Location: The Cecil D. Hylton Memorial Chapel
14640 Potomac Mills Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Interesting article at the New York Times today. Check it out here. By the way, Hylton Chapel was the location of both Plano East I and Plano East II Conferences.

He that ruleth over men must be just,
ruling in the fear of God.
And he shall be as the light of the morning,
when the sun riseth,
even a morning without clouds;
as the tender grass
springing out of the earth
by clear shining after rain.
Alleluia, Amen.

Randall Thompson (1899-1984) from II Samuel 23:3-4

A round of butterbeers and chai for AB. Thank you!

The present now will later be past ...

Get Ready

Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the Word

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the One Light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the New Day

E. Farjeon

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Casting Crowns

TinFoilHat Awards for April

We can't even make this up. Forget about last month's dire warning of impending doom, now it turns out that there is a Great Oil Conspiracy to take over the Episcopal Church!

Of course, there is the usual silly swipe at IRD (which is still pretty funny - we wonder if they actually believe this stuff but tonight we were watching a documentary on the old SDS and we suspect that many actually do believe what they are saying, conspiracies offer a quick and easy way to blame someone else hasn't changed in forty years - see Dylan's little 1963 speech), but now it turns out that Oil is actually behind Everything That Goes Bump in the Night, including the Episcopal Church Crisis - it's not about theology, it's about Oil, black gold, Texas Tea.



If that's not enough, right click on the headline above and then read on.

Here's Louie:

"As for conspiracy theories, I suspect that following the money would take me more logically to Abuja than to the IRD office in Washington. Think "BP," British Petroleum, one of the largest investors in Nigerian oil. Remember that those who broker the appointment of the ABC have no required connection to Anglicanism; they remain brokers by answering to the economics of sterling. When ++Frank Griswold visited Nigeria (late 2002 or early 2003), he and those with him flew everywhere in jets that belonged to Nigerian oil companies -- at the behest of ++Peter Akinola, of course. Ecclesiastical warfare is often used as a smokescreen by power brokers with little interest in what makes the smoke. Often those most blind by the smoke are those in the thick of the warfare. The theory is not original with me; several colleagues have mentioned it in conversation. I do not have the skills or the time to do the research, but would welcome a chance to read the discoveries of experts who do."

Okay, so the Conspiracy of the Week to explain The Episcopal Church Crisis includes the following players:

British Petroleum
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Unnamed "Brokers"
Frank Griswold (you knew he'd figure in here somehow)
Ecclesiastical warfare (I think the next word is usually mongers)
Smokescreens
Power Brokers
Unamed colleagues
A claim not to have the skills: wink wink - that's a funny one, coming from the author of this, but oh well. One does try.
No mention of Jed Clampett, though

Now we match this against today's posting from ole' Father Jones (more conspiracy theories lists, alas, with the usual round of evangelical scapegoats - we wonder if this is a sign of more backroom RICO saber rattling - they have checked under all the beds haven't they - Bishop Sauls, call your office) and we have the making for a major Popcorn Fest. In fact, we're popping some popcorn now and passing the bowls around.

So, next time we pull into the local gas station, we'll be sure to remember that as we fuel our loyal 92 Turcel, we're fueling the Conspiracy to Take Over The Episcopal Church. We do wonder what Peter Akinola will be blamed for next?

Thoughts anyone?

How about this:

Rolling Stone Celebrates a Birthday

Check out Doug Leblanc's insightful article over at GetReligion called Rolling Stone's State of the Union. We've posted there as well. We always felt we were just too unhip to "get" Rolling Stone. Now I know it's just too narrow-minded (funny how that happens to liberals). It's a hip mag that lost it's hop. But the interviews of Dylan (and of Bono) are always good. So we're still not very hip. So sue us.

Order of the Phoenix: The American Preview Debuts

This preview contains different scenes than the international preview posted further down on this page. We recall that we brought Order of the Phoenix, newly published, with us to General Convention in Minneapolis in 2003.

The Ministry of Magic

Well, here it is - our first official glimpse of the infamous "Ministry of Magic," the interiors of which we first see in Book V - Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix (okay, we are talking about Harry Potter here - at some point we are going to have a senior-moment where Bob Dylan is suddenly going to show up as a character in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows - we have wondered if he is actually not a Muggle after all - and in Chapter 13 we see that he is actually Stubby Boardman of the Hobgoblins on a mission to find Harry Potter by searching for him inside London's St. Martin-in-the Fields Anglican Church during a U2 Eucharist when he finds a stray guitar and hits Lord Voldemort over the head with it before being expelliarmus-ed through the air and out the church windows with a crash and landing up the hill on Charing Cross Road just as Captain James T. Kirk beams onto the street and asks Dylan (aka Stubby Boardman) - who is busy stumbling toward the Leaky Cauldron for a drink - if it's true he still needs a new Tour Bus Driver since the tambourine player quit, and oh but never mind) ...

In fact, this is an "inside-view" of the Ministry of Magic (and no sign of Dylan or Captian Kirk). As one who use to troll through the underground passages of the US Capital in our "Hill Rat" days - we do wonder if the Ministry of Magic also has a statue like this one - known affectionately as Three Ladies in a Bathtub?

Click on the image above to take a closer look at the center of the wizarding world government in London. We do wonder, is there an American version in Washington DC and that's why the Metro Red Line acts funny sometimes?