SITTING AT THE LORD'S TABLE:
Statement from Global South Primates
CONN/100207
A number of the Global South Primates have not shared in the Holy Eucharist today with their fellow primates. They include Abp. Peter Akinola, Abp John Chew, Abp. Benjamin Nzimbi, Abp Justice Akrofi, Abp. Henry Orombi, Abp. Gregory Venables, and Abp. Emmanuel Kolini. They represent more than 30 million faithful Anglicans. They have released this statement:
"We each take the celebration of the Holy Eucharist very seriously. This deliberate action is a poignant reminder of the brokenness of the Anglican Communion. It makes clear that the torn fabric of the Church has been torn further. It is a consequence of the decision taken by our provinces to declare that our relationship with The Episcopal Church is either broken or severely impaired.
Scripture teaches that before coming to sit with one another at the Lord's Table we must be reconciled. (Matthew 5:23-26 and 1 Corinthians 11:27-29) We have made repeated calls for repentance by The Episcopal Church and its leadership with no success. We continue to pray for a change of heart.
We are unable to come to the Holy Table with the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church because to do so would be a violation of Scriptural teaching and the traditional Anglican understanding, "Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of
God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith" (Book of Common Prayer)
This is a painful decision for us and also for our host and brother, the Most Rev'd Donald Mtetemela. He understands our painful dilemma and accepts our decision. Pray for the Church."
Friday, February 16, 2007
White Sands Hotel, Jangwani Beach, Tanzania
Well, it's probably best, in my opinion, if the seven Most Blessed Primates of the Global South (a group which continues to shrink) don't share the Eucharist with the other Primados y Primada, since they (MBPotGS) don't appear to be in love and charity with their neighbors. I can't say whether they have repented their sins but it doesn't look like they plan to lead a new life at this moment; they're too busy demanding that everyone else do so.
Oremos: O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer from The Pastor's Prayerbook, by Robert N. Rodenmayer
2 comments:
Over and over again, we are reminded to allow opposition to condemn itself by words and actions. Let's do what we do in the Spirit of the Gospel, and the rest of the nonsense will take care of itself.
This will all work itself out? It saddens me that the MBPotGS feel the way they do. I had always thought that the AC was a welcoming group, not a clique.
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