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Newsletter #21

Contents of our ACA October 2017 Newsletter:
 
1. Our Argument is Strong! Encouragement from ACA Chair.
2. National Director's Update: "Speaking the Truth in Love."
3. Looking ahead to General Synod 2019 - Plans and Fundraising
4. Prayer "In Times of Conflict"

 
1. Our Argument is Strong.

October has been a busy month for ACA!  When our Board decided to take a step of faith and hire a National Director, one of the things we hoped for that position is that we would have a “Travelling Encourager.” This month, Sharon visited friends of ACA in the Diocese of Calgary, spoke at a house gathering in the Diocese of Toronto and has been working with our local Chapter in the Diocese of Ontario as we revitalize our fellowship.  She will also bring greetings to our friends in ANIC as they meet in synod the last week of October.

As we meet with ACA supporters, one of the things we want to emphasize is that the conservative position on same-sex marriage is not out-of-date or reactionary and we needn’t feel that way about it.  I strongly believe what Ephraim Radner wrote:

“The unexpectedly rapid civil acceptance of same-sex marriage in the West may lead one to imagine that the issue is somehow already settled. Whatever doubts one may have had, they have been swept away by the overwhelming flood of changed public opinion. Fait accompli. Traditional Christians must simply step aside now…Such a judgment would be a mistake. Indeed, far from the matter being settled, at least from a Christian perspective it has hardly been engaged, despite claims to the contrary by proponents of same-sex marriage.”

In our chapter of the ACA in the Diocese of Ontario, we have been examining the document, “This Holy Estate” – the one the national church commissioned to provide a Biblical and theological rationale for same-sex marriages.  You would expect here that the arguments on both sides of the issue would be fairly and honestly treated.  Well, I don’t know if you’ve read it but that is certainly not what it does.  Three examples:  it warns against using the Scriptural texts against homosexual practice as what it calls “bullet texts,” without considering the whole sweep of Scripture.  Fair enough – we wouldn’t want to take these texts out of context.  But then it neglects to consider any of those texts (except one) at all.  Then it brings up the question of natural law – is there a law in nature about the character of sexual attachments?  It brings it up but it says nothing about it.  The report says there is a scientific consensus on homosexuality but it doesn’t refer to a single study, never mind a study that has any theological perspective.  No argument that a thoughtful conservative would make is adequately addressed by the report.  

 
Ephraim Radner is right; far from the matter being settled, it has hardly been addressed within our church.   Nevertheless there is a great deal of moral fervor in favour of same-sex marriage.  In the face of this, and especially as many of you may be involved in diocesan synods this Fall, I think what we are being called to do is to be calm and reasonable and not to be drawn into a moral shouting-match.  You know about the preacher who wrote in the margin of his sermon text, “Argument weak – speak louder.”  Our argument is not weak!  

--Dr. David Smith, Chair of ACA

2. National Director's Update

As mentioned above, October has been a busy month, including some travel.  It is such a joy to meet with Anglicans who share our concerns and are standing firm in their faith.  

In mid-October I visited Calgary to attend their diocesan synod as an ACA Observer/guest.  It was an excellent learning opportunity for me, and it was wonderful to see the strength in numbers and in strategy amongst the traditionally minded in the Diocese of Calgary.  They have been renewing their fellowship, especially as they are experiencing more conflict—there is a movement within the diocese away from Christian orthodoxy and for allowing same-sex blessings.  I wanted to encourage them to keep getting together and supporting one another (whatever form that takes).  On Friday evening before synod we shared a meal, had a time of sharing, prayer and learning about ACA.

On Saturday I attended synod as an Observer.  One of the most encouraging things was the election of Calgary’s General Synod delegates, a strong majority of which are likely to be in sympathy with ACA’s position on the Marriage Canon.

The second item was, of course, the one you've probably heard about--a request that the bishop allow same-sex blessings.  The motion passed 57% to 42% and reads: "This synod requests the Bishop to grant permission to any Clergy who may wish to bless the unions of faithful, committed, Christian same sex couples. In requesting such permission clergy and lay people of the Diocese of Calgary shall be entrusted to follow their consciences."

It is important to remember that this is a request only. In a pastoral letter sent earlier in Oct., Abp. Greg Kerr-Wilson had indicated that the most he might be willing to consider were some "intercessory prayers" to be used in the "context of a Eucharistic celebration." After the vote, the Abp. said he would take a month or so to pray and consider his response.  Of course, amongst conservatives there has been some discussion around what those "intercessory prayers" might contain, should that be the way forward.  It should also be noted that while the Abp. has used very careful language so as not to enflame hopes that the diocese will go any further than this, it is clear from the response of those in favour of SSBs that they see this as just the first step and as a symbolic victory, even if they have not yet been promised what they really want (same-sex blessings, same-sex marriage).

The tone of the debate was very respectful and only lasted 15 or 20 minutes.  Several conservatives spoke, but probably fewer than I would have expected.  However, I didn't find it difficult to understand why some were quiet.  The tone of the debate was set by those in favour who kept saying this was a "via media", a way forward that shows kindness and love, and forces no one to do anything.  To stand up and make a biblical argument, for example, would have felt like trying to grab jello.  This part was both disheartening and enlightening.  Those in favour are not interested (from what I saw there) in even engaging with the biblical or traditional arguments, but are simply moving forward on the force of words like "compassion," "love," "respect" and "progress." This is very important to remember as we strategize and as we pray. I have a sense that we must find a way not to be silenced by words like "love" and "compassion" but that we continue sharing the truth, love and hope that Jesus offers, remembering that many of those we "oppose" are heading for a realization (whenever that happens!) that they have, to some extent at least, put their hope in something that does not satisfy.



One of the highlights of the whole event was the prayer vigil, which had been going on before synod, and continued throughout (and is even ongoing now, post-synod).  There was a room set aside for prayer, staffed and organized by ARM, ACA, AFP and PBSC folks.

I met Abp. Greg and conveyed to him that many ACA folks were praying for him and would continue to do so.  He said he could sense the prayers and really appreciated this.  Some of the prayer vigil folks have also made "Pray for our Bishop" commitment cards, which is a lovely thing.

Numerous other synods have been and will be meeting throughout the Fall, and we are so grateful for the faithful, clear and firm witness of Biblically faithful Anglicans.  As always, if we can be of any support or help to you as you prepare for these meetings, please be in touch.

--Sharon Dewey Hetke, National Director of ACA




 
3. Looking ahead to General Synod 2019  

We have several clear goals in the next 18 months before General Synod.  In 2016, the ACA had a hospitality suite on the site of General Synod in Richmond Hill, ON.  Many bishops, clergy and lay people found this to be of great value—it was a safe and peaceful space in which to meet, discuss and pray (and eat!).  We are determined to do this again in Vancouver.  However, it is an expensive prospect, and saving for this will take up about one-third of our budget moving forward.



The other portion of our funding will support the work of our National Director in her work of visiting and encouraging Anglicans, promoting our vision, developing new resources and strategizing with other leaders. One aspect of this work involves various strategies around the election of traditionally-minded delegates and sharing our resources with GS delegates of any stripe.

But it is not all about General Synod, and defeating the Motion to amend the Marriage Canon! The fact is that we know things can shift substantially, even up to the time of and after the vote itself. One of the things our National Director is doing is keeping in close touch with the Gracious Restraint Bishops, a group of bishops who are in support of traditional marriage and doctrine.  One of our common concerns is for the situation that will be facing orthodox clergy in the wake of a possible change to the Canon, particularly those serving under bishops that opt to allow same-sex marriage. Will there be any protection for them, especially now that the motion contains no “conscience clause”? We also know that with or without a conscience clause, many clergy will find themselves in very difficult and vulnerable positions—the GS 2016 assurances of Chancellor Bedford-Jones notwithstanding! (Despite his assurances that religious freedom provisions in the Charter would protect dissenting clergy, we know that once one’s own religious community changes its doctrine, those who dissent are on very shaky ground—legally speaking.) This is one of the concerns we are raising in the Councils of the Church.    

And so, We want to speak for you! The Anglican Communion Alliance is gearing up, not down. We know that roughly one-third of the Canadian church is opposed to this change, and wants to see our Church embrace and live by its orthodox heritage, in communion with the wider Church and under the renewing guidance of the Holy Spirit.    

We also realize that not everyone can dedicate significant time to the kind of work the ACA Board and National Director are doing—communicating with Anglicans across the country, providing educational resources to GS 2019 delegates, reaching out to those who feel isolated, and communicating with the national Church about our position. But every traditionally-minded Anglican can help us!    

As always, we ask for your prayers, and encourage you to contact us with suggestions, feedback or encouragement. Please connect with us by visiting our website: www.anglicancommunionalliance.ca, on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anglicancommunionalliance or by email: anglicancommunionalliance@gmail.com.


As detailed above, we are in critical need of funds, if we are to move forward with our bold initiatives. Our goal is to raise $36,000 this year.  Consider how this would look if we broke that number down by monthly PAG:
  • At least 25 donors at $25, and
  • At least 20 donors at $50, and
  • At least 10 donors at $75, and
  • At least 5 donors at $100, and
  • At least 1 donor at $125.
These amounts and donors add up to $36,000.  Please prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to support our work.  We also ask that you consider forwarding this newsletter to friends who may be interested in learning more about ACA, or in supporting us financially.

Ways to give:
1) Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG).
2) Online donation through Canada Helps.  
3) Mail in a donation: Anglican Communion Alliance, PO Box 688, Virgil, Ontario, L0S 1T0.

 
4. PRAYER
  
From the Book of Common Prayer:
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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