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Just got this posted in the comments section:
Another CEC Priest and Parish depart CEC Diocese of the Northeast for Western-Rite of Orthodoxy. On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, Fr. Matthew Mirabile and Archangel’s Church left Abp. Bates Diocese of the CEC to become a Western-Rite Parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, joining 12 other former CEC parishes and 24 clergy.
I received an e-mail from Jared Holloway directing me to a post on his personal blog and he graciously gave me permission to re-post it here. Since this blog began, Jared has been an active commenter and a voice of reason from the CEC. His thoughtful comments and respectful tone have always been a pleasure to encounter whenever he cared to contribute his two cents. Read his post below or go to his blog here. It’s definitely worth a read.
My own prayers continue for the Holloway family.
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I guess…
Posted by jzholloway on October 17, 2009
I never wanted to go here… well… yeah I did, but I hoped, even due to my nature, that I would never have too, but I do, and I do it humbly, and sadly…
First, I want to say that I love the Charismatic Episcopal Church… ICCEC, etc… however, I am discouraged by a few things, mainly, how my father, Bishop John Holloway, has been treated since his stroke in June of 2007.
In June of 2007, after the last night of the Mid-South Diocese convocation, my father suffered a terrible stroke. Since then, in absolute disbelief of doctors, and the clergy of the diocese and the CEC, he has recovered dramatically. However, praise be to God, this is not my concern.
My concern, is the taking care of my father, his wife, and his two youngest children. First, the Canons of the ICCEC state that the Communion will take care of clerical families in need after a death or in a case where the clerical member can no longer serve… if you want the reference, please let me know, I have both a hard copy and a soft copy of the canons. At first, this happened, however, after many excuses… the best being that my mother was receiving more income than anyone else in the diocese… a lie… it has decreased at timed intervals… coming soon to zero support. On the lie, it is easy to look at those employed by the state… and their income, and to make it even easier… certain clergy spouses made more than given to my mother for my father’s care and my families care. Second, we have been assured that the mortgage would be taken care of… no matter what… yet my mother has until Dec. 1.. this year… to be out of the house, unless God provides a miracle… in other words… no help on the mortgage… I was also promised my dad would have visitors of CEC origin… beyond those who have been faithful… very few… I can count them on one hand… well, maybe two… this has also not happened. Lastly… for some reason… as retired clergy, my father cannot be mentioned on the Mid-South Diocese web site… even though retired clergy, etc are almost always mentioned… keep in mind… with out Bishop Holloway… the Mid South Diocese would not exist, the Committee on Missions would have stalled, the Committee on Canons would have stalled, and St. Michael’s Seminary in the Southeast would not exist. He and Abp Chuck Jones would not be Bishop’s Tigger and Pooh… and the Philippines would not be the same. St. Paul commands us to honor our fathers and our mothers… well my father is more than my father… more than a father for the Mid South Diocese… he is a Father for the CEC… the ICCEC… and the Church… If I am wrong, please correct me… but remember… I know his faults… like I know mine… I was also his prime assistant for his committees, putting everything together… and I was also one of two sons who would sit, with a beer and a cigar who would sit and BS with him… I know him better than most… which is sad, because as our current Patriarch will remark.. we are a Communion based upon the Pro-life movement… I would say he needed to be there in 1992… we are a communion based on relationships…
In closing.. please pray for my father, mother, Josiah and Hannah… God called them to Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia… I hope is is more than just to have a stroke and get foreclosed on with nowhere to go…
Pax Christi… JZH
The CEC House of Bishops meeting has just concluded in New Paltz, NY. The usual blah-blah-blah write up on cechome except for this little gem:
The HOB was joined today by the Most Reverend Ramzi Musallam, Archbishop Metropolitan of the Arabic Catholic Church. Archbishop Musallam was invited to be an observer to meetings, and he gave a presentation about the Arabic Catholic Church, which included their history and beliefs.
Sounds really lofty, doesn’t it?
Click here to go to the Arabic Catholic Church’s website. From what I can tell from their website, this is one church in Pennsylvania run by an archbishop who is 30 years old (Click here for the biography of the guest archbishop). Archbishop Musallam “gave a presentation about the Arabic Catholic Church, which included their history and beliefs” which probably took all of a few minutes as their communion is just one year old as of August with no real churches to speak of. You can click on the Chancery Office page to see the same telephone number for each department run by the same 4 or 5 people. The ACC website basically shows this group to be an offshoot by one priest formerly with the Polish National Catholic Church. The words “archbishop” and “church” seem a bit extravagant considering that there are no other bishops and churches under Archbishop Musallam.
The CEC turned a corner with +++Bates at the helm. To Archbishop Bates’s credit, I’m sure that the CEC organization could not have survived under a different leader following Archbishop Adler. Why this direction backwards instead of opening dialogues with actual churches and archbishops?
So, as other bodies grow from strength to strength (Anglican Church in North America for example attracting people like Dr. Rick Warren, Metropolitan Jonah and Bishop Todd Hunter in common ministry), the CEC seems content with cementing itself with a place of obscurity in the Body of Christ. Could it be because of the company the CEC wishes to keep?
Gone are the heady days way back when … back when the CEC was “in talks” with Rome via Phil Zampino and Randy Sly.
The article ends this matter with this statement:
The House of Bishops agreed to be in prayer about developing a further relationship with the Arabic Catholic Church.
I’m wondering what the CEC will gain other than another mitre and pallium by inviting the Arabic Catholic Church and its archbishop to common ministry. The Arabic Catholic Church might gain some legitimacy outside of its one church, one archbishop and one deacon operation in Pennsylvania.
King of Peace in Spartanburg, SC is in foreclosure. They have set up a website to help get the mortgage retired before a December 2009 deadline and the project is aptly called The Goliath Project with the site here: http://goliathproject2009.webs.com/
Let me state plainly that this is posted more as a news item – not to mock what I’m sure is a very serious challenge facing this church. I will say that this is a sad commentary on how the financial crisis has forced lending institutions to foreclose on homes, farms and now churches for an influx of capital.
If you are interested in helping, the following is from the “HOW YOU CAN HELP” page:
BOYCOTT First National Bank of Spartanburg!
Call First National bank of Spartanburg and First National Bank of the South voicing dissatisfaction with them.Corporate headquarters: 864-948-9001
Toll Free: 877-948-9001
Email: info@fnbwecandothat.comEnlist your friends to do the same!
This was news to me but David Kyle Foster left CEC for Calvary Chapel. He was interviewed by David Virtue and was asked about his transfer of ordination from CEC to Calvary Chapel. Question and answer is below. The entire interview is here.
VOL: You were ordained a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church in 1995 and appointed a “Canon” in 1997, serving at the Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2005, you returned to the Nashville, TN area and in 2008 transferred your ordination to Grace Chapel (Calvary Chapel) near your home. What made you leave the CEC for a non-denominational church?
FOSTER: I have tried to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit in every major decision of my life as a believer. Some years ago, I wrote an article (A Tour of Christendom) about my journey through the body of Christ that will provide a much more detailed picture of my ecclesiastical movements in life and the reasons behind them. http://www.masteringlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:a-tour-of-christendom&catid=36:comparative-religion&Itemid=29
This latest change was a big surprise. I am at the age now where settling into one place for the duration is the most comfortable choice to make. But when the Lord brought me back to Nashville (where there is no CEC church) in 2005 to produce our TV program, I was left to pick a church or plant one and having no time to plant one, I started attending Grace Chapel (www.gracechapel.net) and absolutely fell in love with it. After a couple of years, it just seemed like the obvious thing to do.
According to the article, Fr. James Hamrick (I believe his new name is James after he was ordained. I don’t know his name when he was CEC) was formerly a CEC priest and is pastor of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Frederick, MD. Score another convert to Western Rite Orthodoxy from the CEC fallout.
Click here or read below for the story.
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Episcopalian Minister and Congregation Convert
It appears the fruits of St. John of San Francisco’s labors have paid off. After a year of instruction and a prayer, an Episcopalian clergymen and many from his congregation entered the Orthodox Church. While the members of the congregation were chrismated in April, their former minister was ordained to the Holy Priesthood a little over a week ago.
The now Fr. James Hamrick is pastor of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Frederick, MD. He was a minister in the United Methodist Church for years, but as he was looking for ancient faith, he found himself in the Charismatic Episcopal Church for a few years. At least until now. The CEC underwent a major rupture, causing the bishop who ordained Fr. Hamrick to question the notion of Protestantism altogether. He said, he “believed that God’s authority was not only found in the Scriptures, as he felt Protestant churches emphasized, but also in the apostolic succession and sacred traditions.” This invariably led him to Orthodoxy.
In keeping with the authentic, ancient liturgical and spiritual traditions of the Orthodox West, the new converts opted to be Western Orthodox. What does that look like? It resembles what an old Tridentine Roman Catholic Liturgy would look like, but in English. There are many variations to how Western Orthodox celebrate their liturgy (in many WO churches, they use the term ‘Mass’). For example, there is the Divine Liturgy of St. Ambrose which some use, as well as the Divine Liturgy of St. Gregory the Great (which resembles the ancient Pre-Vatican II Catholic Liturgy, but in English) and the Divine Liturgy of St. Tikhon, which is similar to the Anglican Book of Common prayer.
All of these have been slightly modified to conform to Orthodox doctrine, such as deleting the Filioque clause from the Creed and commemorating Orthodox Bishops. These Western Orthodox Christians keep to the same spiritual heritage as was seen in the West before the Schism between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches. Will his conversion influence other Protestant clergy to bring their flocks to the historic Church? Time will tell.
It will be interesting to see if disillusioned Episcopalians, Methodists and Lutherans convert en masse to Orthodoxy, given the fact that both denominations now support homosexual clergy (with the United Methodist Church pursuing full communion with the Episcopalians, who passed similar measures recently), after an agreement of full communion was signed between the two last week.
The parishioners of St. John the Baptist have remodeled an old church to make it acceptable for Western Orthodox worship. A total of 26 people were received into the Orthodox Church, with other Orthodox supporting them. Today, Fr. Hamrick celebrated his first liturgy as an Orthodox priest. May God grant him and his parishioners many years!
I will give credit where credit is due … ++Doug Woodall can take a joke! He sent me an e-mail a week or so back to clarify the Punch cigar photo that had been forwarded to me and which I posted here on the blog. It was his Facebook profile pic. He goes on to explain the photo shoot and that he has quit smoking entirely.
++Woodall granted me permission to post part of his e-mail which I of course appreciate.
Please note: all correspondence to cechealingblog@gmail.com is treated as confidential unless otherwise directed.
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(via e-mail) From +Douglas Woodall to me
You’re right to a point. It was an opportunity at a local pipe/cigar shop to have your picture made against a blue screen and they would print it on the Punch paper. This was done in Spartanburg, SC back in the late 90’s. I did not wear my cassock and zuchetti to the shop, I carried it with me. I had it done as a joke due to the once common practice among us of cigar smoking. While I did try a few cigars over the years, I favored the pipe. But alas, I gave up all smoking over four years ago (five in January 2010.)… I appreciate your attempt to clarify things a bit but felt like I needed to present exactly what this was all about.
…I pray all is well with you and yours.
God bless,
+Doug Woodall
CEC Archdiocese of the Armed Forces and Federal Chaplaincy
Bishop Phil Zampino formerly of Life in Jesus Commuity is now heading up Jesus our Shepherd Anglican Church. The Life in Jesus website is no more and is now linking to the new site. +Zampino is not listed as a bishop on his parish’s new website which means his episcopal orders may not have been received by the Anglican Church in North America.
Click here for the story or read below.
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Unionville church joins breakaway Anglican group Originally published August 08, 2009 By Ron Cassie |
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After 25-plus years in Unionville, the Life in Jesus Church officially changed its name to Jesus Our Shepherd last Sunday. The name change is not superficial, but highlights a switch in affiliation to the new Anglican province in North America where the Rev. Philip Zampino believes the church has found a home.Zampino, 67, a graduate of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University, founded the Life in Jesus Church, which today has just a handful of congregants. He initially formed it under the Episcopal House of Bishops as a religious community, but Zampino left the Episcopal Church U.S.A. — and took his community with him — in the early 1990s. Upset over evolving Episcopal U.S.A. positions on issues such as abortion, women’s ordination, homosexuality and biblical interpretation, Zampino later associated his church with the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. That relationship was not a good fit in the end, Zampino said recently. So, when the Anglican Church in North America formed, he became interested in joining the new movement, which has come about largely as a result of schisms in several U.S. dioceses over decisions by the national church leadership, including the ordination of gay and female clergy. “In the Episcopal church, for 25-30 years, small groups have been breaking off forming splinter associations and going on independently,” Zampino said. “And what has finally taken place over the last several years, is that several U.S. dioceses have broken with the Episcopal Church U.S.A.” The Anglican Church in North America unites 700 Anglican parishes in 12 Anglican jurisdictions in North America into a single church, according to an ACNA press release sent out last spring after recognition by the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The jurisdictions coming together include the Anglican Coalition in Canada, the dioceses of Fort Worth, Texas, Pittsburgh, Quincy and San Joaquin, Calif., the Anglican Mission in the Americas, the Anglican Network in Canada, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, the Reformed Episcopal Church and several missionary initiatives. By forming the new Anglican Church in North America and seeking recognition from African provinces, the province of the Southern Cone of South America and other Anglican provinces, the ACNA hopes to join the worldwide Anglican Communion, but separately from the Episcopal Church U.S.A. The Most Rev. Robert William Duncan Jr., former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (Episcopal Church U.S.A.), now serves as the first archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America. In mid-June, at a conference in Texas attended by about 900 church leaders, the ACNA formally adopted a constitution and canons. Zampino attended and when he returned, he said, his small congregation unanimously voted to join the movement, joining an estimated 100,000 church members in the U.S. and Canada. “My personal reasons for leaving (the Episcopal Church U.S.A.) are basically the same reasons the new province has been formed,” Zampino said, listing a tolerance of abortion, acceptance of homosexuality as a normative lifestyle, a failure to take the Bible seriously, and women’s ordination as issues with Episcopal Church U.S.A. “I think you can draw a parallel to Catholic canon law,” Zampino said. One of his sons, a former priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church in Wisconsin, is now a Roman Catholic and in the process of becoming a Roman Catholic priest. Along with leading Sunday morning services, Zampino leads monthly healing services — the next is Tuesday — including anointing with oil and the laying on of hands. The church is on 131 acres and peaked with about 150 members in the 1980s, Zampino said. In the past, the congregation held retreats on their large property. “By God’s grace, we may be able to do that again,” Zampino said. The church’s affiliation with the new province may attract some local Episcopalians dissatisfied with the direction of the Episcopal Church U.S.A., Zampino said. However, parishioners are typically hesitant to leave their local parish, he said, even if they are unhappy with the national church. Fifteen churches in Maryland, according to the ACNA’s website, are part of the Anglican Church in North America, including two Catonsville churches and St. Stephen’s Reformed Episcopal Church in Eldersburg. “I think it’s a moral, spiritual, biblical decision,” Zampino said of joining the ACNA. “It’s a place where I can do the ministry that I felt I was called to do. I don’t believe it’s time to retire, I believe it’s a place God has called me to be.” |
++Woodall isn’t a spokesman for Punch Cigars. From what I can gather, this was a national campaign in conjunction with local cigar stores to have customers come in, pose for a photo and they made it look like the Punch Cigar ads featuring actual celebrities. It appears that ++Woodall showed up for his free photo shoot in his cassock, zucchetto and pectoral cross.
Found this gem online…
++Doug Woodall enjoys his cigar and “smoking cassock” because a smoking jacket would be just so cliche’.
Thanks to anon4cec for this newstip. St. David’s CEC in San Rafael, CA is for sale. So says this photo gallery:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2009/07/25/RE2J18U0JU.DTL&o=5&type=newsbayarea
Photo caption: St. David’s Charismatic Episcopal Church in San Rafael is one of the many churches that have gone on the market. The church’s asking price is $1.2 million.
Full article here and below.
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Home buyers – how about an empty church?
Carolyn Said, Chronicle Staff WriterSunday, July 26, 2009
Built in a melange of Craftsman and Mission styles, the building for sale features 20-foot vaulted and beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, numerous chandeliers and huge, light-flooded spaces. Located within a block of San Rafael’s Fourth Street “Miracle Mile” shopping district, its $400-per-square-foot price tag is quite reasonable for Marin.
And it’s got some unusual features: Parking for 30 vehicles. A “crying room” for upset babies. Pews to seat 100 people.
It’s St. David’s Charismatic Episcopal Church, one of about 40 houses of worship now on the market throughout the Bay Area.
As congregations shrink, many are trying to sell their real estate holdings. But selling a church presents special challenges.
“It’s an art as well as a science,” said Barry Willbanks, a Coldwell Banker agent in Menlo Park, who has catered to the church real estate market since 1972.
“Since I was the son of a pastor and had been a pastor myself and a college religion professor, it seemed like a natural groove to get into,” he said. His Web site, Churches4sale.com, shows about 78 California churches for sale; he says about 170 are on the market throughout the state.
Churches generally can be converted to residential space without much hassle. Since they usually come with kitchens and bathrooms, most don’t need much rehab.
“All you’d need (to get city permission) to live there would be a covered garage,” said Glen Quintos of Olson Realty, the agent selling St. David’s. At $1.2 million for almost 3,000 square feet, it’s well within residential price ranges for its area.
Most churches do get sold as churches, but sometimes they get repurposed as schools, day care centers, retreat centers, nonprofit offices, art galleries or private residences.
Joske Thompson, an agent with Pacific Union, is preparing to put San Francisco’s First Church of God on the market for the second time. “It would be a very cool, creative building to turn into a loft or single-family home, or a great art gallery with all the wall space and high ceilings,” he said.
Located on Cesar Chavez Street, the $2.395 million two-lot property includes a two-unit residence as well as the 1860s church with a 120-seat nave. The congregation, which has switched its focus to doing outreach programs in the Tenderloin, tried selling the church two years ago.
“We were in contract three times,” said Thompson, who handled the prior sales attempt. “Every time it fell through because of financing.”
Like the rest of the properties on the market, church buildings are proving difficult to sell. Several churches in the Bay Area have been on the market for more than two years, in part because of the financing crunch that hit in summer 2007, agents said. Congregations are reluctant to take on loans and obligations in the current climate; many parishioners may be struggling with their own finances.
Determining price is a challenge. Most churches have their own distinct style and rarely change hands, so there aren’t nearby comparable sales.
“You’ve got hundreds of three-bedroom houses in any given city, many of them the same vintage, but churches are all unique,” Willbanks said. “Some are on 5,000-square-foot lots, some on 5 acres. Some have a multitude of parking, some none. Some have stained class, some clear glass.”
He uses other church sales as well as replacement cost and the land’s value to arrive at a price, adjusting for the variables.
Quintos said he looks at price per square foot, seeking out comps for both residences and other churches. “It’s hard to pin down because some churches are in residential neighborhoods and some are in commercial/industrial or retail areas,” he said.
Agents said they market churches by reaching out to other churches, as well as standard techniques such as listing on the MLS and a national Web site for commercial property called Loopnet.com.
Congregations looking to buy a church often reflect California’s shifting demographics.
“A lot of the church purchasers are ethnically distinct communities looking for their own space to maintain their language, culture and religion,” Willbanks said. The most active are Latino, Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Samoan and Tongan immigrants, he said.
“They tend to be starting newer churches so don’t have long-standing properties from the past. They are willing to travel further, say 50 miles or from one side of the bay to the other, to be with their own communities, even if it’s not an ideal location. They tend to be the more theologically conservative groups who offer something distinct from the broader culture.”
Thompson said the San Francisco parish is the first church he’s put on the market, but he’s sold properties with much more challenging profiles.
“I sold a funeral home in the Western Addition that was converted to residential housing,” he said. “When we were marketing it, there were certain rooms we couldn’t go into, such as the embalming room, because it was an active funeral home. It was a lively experience, no pun intended.”
E-mail Carolyn Said at csaid@sfchronicle.com.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/26/RE2J18U0JU.DTL
This article appeared on page H – 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Not much to write about here which is of course great for the CEC. But, this caught my eye on CEChome.com…
Bishop Michael Davidson, diocesan for the Central Province, mentioned there has been a lot of pain in the CEC: “When people chose to break covenant with us, there were a lot of broken hearts–especially the hearts of the women and the children.” Both bishops agreed that the Holy Spirit was leading them to pray for the women. A large number received prayer.
I doubt that the leavers (myself included) / covenant breakers / vow breakers … whatever you want to call us … did this to wound women and children. Hardly. Most of us left to maintain some semblance of spiritual health because most I’ve come across on this here blog were dealing with spiritual abuse (namely: power and control) to keep us in the CEC. Now, Michael Davidson breaks out the violins for the women and children of the CEC who have been hurt by the leavers / covenant breakers / vow breakers, etc., etc. …
Are +++Bates and +Davidson trying to keep this pain front and center for women and children to give them a reason to minister to them? Clearly, the Patriarch and the Bishop don’t quite understand why most of us left for good reason. I don’t seem to understand why they would seem to inflict pain on those who might be trying to move on and remain in the CEC.
Randy Sly, former archbishop in the CEC, reminsces about a visit he had with the newly installed Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan. This happened when Sly was still in the CEC and accompanied by Bishop Phil Zampino. Click here or read below for the walk down memory lane.
Archbishop Dolan: You Just Knew He Had Greatness
By Randy Sly
4/15/2009
4/15/2009
Catholic Online
Prior to his entry into the Catholic Church, Randy Sly had the opportunity to visit Archbishop Timothy Dolan when still a bishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) – In March 2006 we knocked on the door of the bishop’s residence in Milwaukee and waited to meet a man we knew only by his wonderful reputation – Archbishop Timothy Dolan. I was an archbishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church at the time.
Bishop Philip Zampino, and I had been invited to be his guest for a few days through the gracious initiative of the Bishop Zampino’s son, David, who knew him.
We were soon greeted by the nun who cooked for the archbishop and undertook other duties, such as chief greeter, when needed. She escorted us into the sitting room where we waited.
Soon the room was filled with a large smile accompanied by the man who wore it. Archbishop Dolan greeted us as though we were old friends and shared his joy that we were able to come for a visit.
His first desire was to hear our stories. He wanted to know more about the CEC and how each of us came to be a part of the denomination. He fastened his gaze on us and listened attentively, interspersing our testimonies with questions and encouraging comments.
That evening still carries strong memories as we sat around his dinner table, eating our meal together while listening to stories of his times at the North American College in Rome, encounters with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, and the interesting people who made the college their temporary home while visiting the Vatican.
As we walked back to our room at the seminary, both of us were still basking in the warmth of fellowship accorded us by a man who had introduced himself to us by saying, “Hi! I’m Timothy!”
Being bishops not in communion with Rome, we felt very honored that he had accorded us such a warm welcome. And the more we got to know him, the more we realized this was to be expected from a man who truly exuded the love of Christ in abundance.
That’s the other impression I took away from our meetings with the Archbishop. He really loved the Lord Jesus, plain and simple. The Lord was his life and his love. His Pauline-like commitment really came through his words and actions. For him, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
During the visit we talked together and prayed together. His pastor’s heart was evident as was the burden he carried for his churches and flock. He loved the Catholic faith and was always passionate when he talked about it.
I remember talking to someone recently who knew the archbishop. He said, “He’s the kind of bishop who would call you in to correct you for something you had done wrong and when you left you thanked him for the wonderful meeting.”
The time we spent with him over those few days flew by. I remember leaving Milwaukee and thinking, “you just know that there is greatness in this man.”
We have kept in contact over the past few years. In fact, he was one of the first people I called when my wife and I came to the decision that we would be coming into full communion with the Catholic Church.
“Hallelujah!” he shouted on the other end of the phone. “I wish I could be there but I already have commitments that will keep me from attending. But, be assured of my prayers that day for you.” And we were.
I kept in contact with him since that visit. He was a busy man. In addition to his work in providing dynamic leadership to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, he was a popular speaker and was involved in a variety of important roles in the Church.
In recent years we had a “changing of the guard” near my home in Northern Virginia – in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and Washington, DC. Both times I had wondered if the Pope was going to call upon Archbishop Dolan to serve in that place.
When I heard that Cardinal Egan was retiring in New York, it came as no surprise that Pope Benedict would appoint the Most Revered Timothy Dolan to the position. Because you just knew there was greatness in this man
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Randy Sly is the Associate Editor of Catholic Online. After serving in ministry for decades including his service as an Archbishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Randy and his wife Sandy came into full communion with the Catholic Church several years ago.
Read all about it here or scroll down below.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
St. Michael’s pays off loan, stops foreclosure
The Orange County Register
St. Michael’s Church and Academy in San Clemente has paid $72,486.37 to a former member to stop foreclosure proceedings, the Rev. Bob Kennedy said.
The payment was the remaining amount owed to Michael Browne, a former student of the St. Michael’s seminary and an ex-parishioner. Browne had loaned the church a total of $130,000 for a fire alarm and sprinkler system and a down payment on a church in Northern California.
The final payment was wired Friday to Title Trust Deed Service Co. in Calabasas, Kennedy said. The money was raised from parishioners, he said. Browne confirmed that the title company received the sum.
Browne filed a notice of foreclosure Dec. 12 after the church had not paid off the total of two personal loans in the amounts of $100,000 and $30,000. The notice gave the church three months to pay or the property would go to a foreclosure sale.
Browne said that in 2007 he gave the church an extension of one year to pay the sum instead of suing the church. After the extension expired in November 2008, Browne received a payment of $60,000 from the archbishop of Charismatic Episcopal Church, St. Michael’s parent church.
Browne later began foreclosure proceedings over the remaining amount.
Click here for an article that appeared recently in the Orange County Register on the unfolding events with St. Michael’s in San Clemente or read below.
Monday, January 26, 2009
St. Michael’s trying to stop foreclosure
The Orange County Register
St. Michael’s Church and Academy in San Clemente is in foreclosure proceedings over an unpaid personal loan of $71,699.25 from a former member.
The Rev. Bob Kennedy said today that the loan principal, interest and associated foreclosure fees will be paid in full this Friday. He said the final amount will be $72,486.37.
Michael Browne filed the notice of foreclosure Dec. 12 after the church did not pay back two personal loans in the amounts of $100,000 and $30,000. The notice gave the church three months to pay or the property would go to a foreclosure sale.
Browne said that in 2007 he gave the church an extension of one year to pay the sum instead of suing the church. After the extension expired in November 2008, Browne received a “good-faith payment” of $60,000 from the archbishop of Charismatic Episcopal Church, St. Michael’s parent church. After a dispute over the payment’s origin, Browne began foreclosure proceedings.
Browne was once a member of the church’s leadership council and is a former student at St. Michael’s Seminary. His children attended St. Michael’s Academy and his wife worked at the school. He said he left the church for various reasons.
“Michael Browne is saying a lot of things,” Kennedy said. “He’s a very disgruntled ex-parishioner.”
Browne said the church gave him notice a few weeks ago that a final payoff amount would be discussed.
“I know they’re trying to take care of this, but they’re really trying to keep a tight lid on everything,” Browne said.
Kennedy said St. Michael’s Bishop Douglas Kessler was out of town today. Kessler did not respond immediately to an e-mail seeking comment.
I’m a few days late (I don’t always check my e-mail!) but here is a notice of default PDF filed against St. Michael’s in San Clemente.
Click here: 59310_nod1
I just received word that St. Michael’s Church and Academy in San Clemente, CA are being foreclosed on for failure to pay back a personal loan. Apparently, they are not able to secure a line of credit on their building and foreclosure proceedings have been initiated.
More info to come as it becomes available.
See below or click here for the post on CECHome.com.
Bishop Phil Weeks has returned to the CEC, leaving the Communion of Christ the Redeemer and I’m scratching my head.
At the very least, it is nice to see reconciliation happening between the “stayers” (i.e. +++Bates) and the “leavers” (i.e. +Weeks).
—-
The Most Rev. Philip Weeks has requested to be received back into the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
Bishop Weeks was received into the Charismatic Episcopal Church in 1998, and was immediately installed as the Canon of the International Development Agency. It was a natural fit for him. Bishop Weeks has a long history of Missionary Work. He started Barnabas Ministry in 1980 and worked both in Africa and the Philippines. His work in the Philippines resulted in him being named a Canon in the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, and made an honorary Monsignor in the Philippine Independent Catholic Church.
Bishop Weeks was a Methodist minister for ten years before being ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1965 and a Priest in 1966. He served as a parish priest before starting Barnabas Ministries in 1980. Bishop Weeks was a leader in Charismatic Renewal in the Episcopal Church. His work with Barnabas Ministries has resulted in care for orphans, planting and building churches, equipping ministries, training missionaries, and feeding the hungry. Barnabas Ministries is known for its effectiveness, its integrity, and its accountability.
Bishop Weeks was consecrated Bishop August 24, 2002 in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Kampala, Uganda.
The Patriarch, who also serves as the Primate of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in North America, stated regarding the reception of Bishop Weeks, “Bishop Weeks was received back into the CEC, with the unanimous consent of the American Bishops. The past few years of our history as a communion have been painful for all. Bishop Weeks being received back into our communion is, however, not about the past it is about the future. This is truly a sign of the ministry of reconciliation that is found in Christ Jesus. I have known Bishop Weeks for 26 years. Bishop Weeks was a powerful influence in my early ministry as a Priest – a spiritual father – and was a source of encouragement to me throughout my ministry. My respect and love for Bishop Weeks did not diminish when he resigned from the CEC, and now my heart rejoices that, by God’s grace and mercy, we are once again in communion.”
Bishop Philip Weeks will be seated at the American House of Bishop’s at its Spring 2009 Meeting in Orlando. Beginning immediately he will serve as a consultant to the Patriarch on Mission and International Development issues.
Bishop Weeks is married to June and together they have two grown children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. We continue to keep Bishop and his wife June in our prayers.
There hasn’t been much to write about on this old blog. That’s good news for the CEC (+++Bates is doing an outstanding job, I must say) and back news for this blog!
The only thing that caught my eye was this statement sent out last month regarding St. Michael’s Seminary:
The [sic] are recommending that St. Michael’s be the official seminary of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States and that every Diocese use the seminary for preparing men for ordination.
Why on earth would they do that? Unless the CEC is wanting to get a hold of more cash by putting all the guys interested in ordination through the St. Michael’s Seminary mill … or, they want to make absolutely sure that everyone who puts in time at St. Michael’s Seminary and wants to leave the CEC has no real transferable education to take with them.
I’ve heard lots of stories of former CEC deacons and priests with work completed at St. Michael’s Seminary but no diploma or transcripts to show for their work. The checks they wrote to St. Michael’s Seminary were all cashed in an orderly manner. But, they have nothing to show for it.
Why would the CEC be opposed to men going to accredited seminaries for Masters and Doctorate degrees? Perhaps it’s because they would have transferable education in the event they would ever want to leave the CEC. Perhaps it’s just another tool to keep people in the CEC.
====
Statement from the Meeting of St. Michael’s Seminary Curriculum Committee of the American Church
The Curriculum Committee of St. Michael’s Seminary, USA met in Olathe, Kansas October 16-17, 2008. Those in attendance were the Patriarch, Bishops Doug Kessler and Mike Davidson, Archdeacon Bill McLoughlin, Canons Mark Finley, David Almond, Robert Wills, Fr. Terry Hedrick, and Deacons John Garrett and Steve Phelps. Canon Mark Pearson was unable to attend the meeting because he is recovering from surgery.
On the first day, the Patriarch addressed the members of the committee. He commended the committee for the excellent work they have done in setting curriculum and in teaching and mentoring men around the United States and Canada. There is always need for improvement because our culture is slowly entering a post-Christian era. Our men need to be educated and prepared for the days that face us.
After discussion of the Patriarch’s comments, the committee continued with their work. At the conclusion of the two days of meeting they prepared several recommendations to the United States House of Bishops.
The are recommending that St. Michael’s be the official seminary of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States and that every Diocese use the seminary for preparing men for ordination.
There was a lengthy discussion of the spiritual and moral formation of seminarians and clergy. They are recommending to the Bishops of the U.S. Church that all clergy be mandated to be involved in continuing education and spiritual direction. They are reminding the Bishops and the seminarians that St. Michael’s Seminary is contextual education and involves spiritual/moral formation, practical ministry, and academics. The committee also recommended that there be programs developed for the wives and families of clergy and those seeking ordination.
Finally the Committee recommended to the Patriarch, who is also the Primate of the United States, that the Seminary seek accreditation and that he appoint a group to research the possibility. The Patriarch responded by appointing a group to work on this process.
The Primate reappointed Bishop Doug Kessler as the Dean of the Seminary and Dn. Steve Phelps who serves at the Cathedral in Kansas City will assist him in administrative matters.
The Patriarch is returning to New York where he will preach and preside at the Sunday Eucharist at the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor. At the 11 a.m. Eucharist he will baptize a infant boy. On Monday and Tuesday, the Patriarch will be on retreat with the full time staff pastoral staff of the Cathedral and then he will be traveling to Rochester, New York where he will ordain two men to the Order of Deacon.
On Saturday, October 18th over 100 people were Chrismated into Holy Orthodoxy by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America with still more to follow. Members from both Emmanuel & St. Stephen’s Churches, formerly of the Diocese of the Northeast of the CEC under Abp. Bates, completed the nearly year-long process of being Chrismated (Confirmed) into the Orthodox Christian Faith.
Kenneth DeVoie, former CEC Priest, and Christopher Nerreau, former CEC Deacon, are scheduled to be Ordained to the Deaconate on Friday, November 21st and both to the Priesthood on Saturday, November 22. The Ordinations will take place at St. George’s Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral on Anna St. in Worcester, MA.
Photo includes some of those Chrismated on October 18th.
For additional photos, you can go to:
http://emmanuelorthodox.squarespace.com/emmanuel-church-pictures/chrismation-into-holy-orthodoxy/
Thanks!
Ken DeVoie
www.emmanuelorthodox.org
This blurb of a story appeared on VirtueOnline…
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8852
The CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH is coming apart at the seams with some of its leaders recently fleeing to Rome. But some parishes are heading in other directions. The evangelical African Anglican plant from Nigeria – CANA – is scooping up parishes in Florida and other places. Bishop Martyn Minns is clearly not letting the grass grow under his feet. Minns was not invited to Lambeth, but was a key player at GAFCON.
Does anyone know which parishes formerly with the CEC are now with CANA (Anglican Province of Nigeria)? The only one I am aware of is Shepherd’s Heart in VA that is now in CANA.
Sorry for the delays in approving comments and in my lack of posting. Life has been happening and I’ve been behind. Thanks Jared and Seraph for your comments. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them … it’s just that I’ve been totally over my head with other stuff besides this humble blog.
God bless you all.
From Episcopal Life.
FLORIDA: Priest and 150 parishioners join Episcopal Church
[Episcopal News Service] More than 150 new Episcopalians will be received and welcomed into the Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida’s St. John’s Cathedral on June 18.
The Rev. Dr. Miguel Rosada and 150 Spanish-speaking parishioners, formerly members of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, will become members of the Diocese of Florida.
“We joyfully receive this flock into the Episcopal Church,” said Florida Bishop Samuel Johnson Howard. “We look forward to being colleagues and companions in ministry with the people of San Lucas and with Fr. Rosada. This event marks not only the addition of a substantial congregation to the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, but also a remarkable beginning for us in terms of Hispanic ministry.”
Two years ago, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church began renting worship space to the Hispanic congregation, which was then Minsterio Hispano El Mesias in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The two groups, worshiping at different hours on the St. Luke’s campus near the gates of Jacksonville University, grew to share an increasing amount of fellowship and outreach ministry. Over time, through conversation with Howard and others in the diocese, the leadership and people of El Mesias realized a call to join the Episcopal Church.
“The newly combined congregations are enthusiastic about the new opportunities for enhanced ministries which are emerging from their new status as ‘St. Luke’s/San Lucas’ — St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal San Lucas — with Fr. Rosada as rector,” said a news release from the diocese.
Commenting on the merger of his Spanish-speaking congregation with the English-speaking congregation, Rosada said: “We are all foreigners. All of us came from somewhere else. We are all on a journey — travelers in this world headed to a new place. God is King of all nations.”
The Diocese of Florida was founded in 1838 as the entire state of Florida. Today’s diocese consists of 70 parishes in 25 counties in northern Florida, stretching from the Apalachicola River to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the Georgia border to the Palm Coast region.
Click here for the latest on the CEC catechism development.
There are some subtle surprises here. First, there appears to be 2 women in this working group. *GASP!* To outsiders, the CEC has had this misogynistic undercurrent since its inception. So, 2 women in this working group is a bit of a surprise and a relief at the same time.
Also, the article mentions that the BCP 1979 is the template for the CEC’s catechism. This continues to plague the CEC as a movement. The “pick & mix liturgies” being used from coast to coast don’t really lend to any sort of identity. It’s a cafeteria approach that robs one of a liturgical experience with any real continuity. (Also, just because you have Microsoft Word and can cut and paste liturgies found on the Internets, doesn’t make you a liturgist.)
I’m not sure why the CEC can’t just start from scratch and develop what they want. Otherwise, there will always be this pseudo-Anglican or pseudo-Episcopalian shadow trailing behind the movement.
This was too good to let it sit solely in the comments section. This is from Bishop David Epps regarding my post on Bishop Philip Weeks. (Yes, I misspelled Bishop Weeks’ name as pointed out by a commenter… sorry about that, Bishop!)
Thanks for clearing this up, Bishop Epps. If it weren’t for minutia like this, I’d be out of business as an evil blogger. But, I am really grateful that you commented on my post and cleared this whole thing up. Much appreciated!
—-
It was not my intention to disrespect Bishop Phillip Weeks, as was inferred in the above comments. I continue to stay in communication with Bishop Weeks and he and especially his dear wife, June, have been on our church prayer list for months. Any omission of his title in the article was mine and I bear the responsibility. I deeply respect the work and ministry he has done through the decades and I am sorry that this omission was used to continue the past controversies.
David Epps
frepps@ctkcec.org
In this latest news item from CECHOME, +Epps gets the royal treatment with his title and all. However, The Most. Rev. Philip Weeks gets no such treatment when mentioned in this same post. For some reason, the book he wrote “Non Nobis Domine” is good enough to give out to confirmands in the CEC. But, not able to accord him the proper respect due to a bishop? Hmmm… kind of a double standard here. On the one hand, thanks for the book… we’ll treasure it always and hand it out to CEC confirmands. On the other, you’re also a “vow breaker”, “dead wood”, [insert some other pithy euphemism for asshole who left the CEC]. I’m surprised that the writer was able to summon the strength to even type the words “Phillip Weeks” when referencing him in the story. The standard practice seems to be erasing the Leaver’s name out of the CEC Book of Life and then pretending they never existed. So, points for even naming +Weeks, I suppose.
Also, the photo below looks dangerously close to women’s ordination. (I know, I know… it’s common practice to give a red stole to those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.) But, the lady in the front row on the right is also wearing a cassock and cotta. Yikes!
Read on for the post from CECHOME.
Sixteen Receive Sacrament of Confirmation/Reception
Sixteen Individuals received the Sacrament of Confirmation and/or Membership Reception at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church, Sharpsburg, GA. The service was held on a Sunday morning and the sacrament was administered by The Most Rev’d David Epps, Auxiliary Bishop serving Georgia and Tennessee. Epps also the rector of Christ the King. The confirmands completed a course and were presented a copy of the book, “Non Nobis Domine,” authored by Phillip Weeks. The members of the class also received red confirmation stoles, signifying their entry into the “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), or, as Martin Luther described it, the “priesthood of all believers.”
This is from the closing Mass of the Catholic group Call to Action. Some of the aspects of this Mass look like some of the CEC convocations I’ve been to (the dance part). But, I don’t understand the strange massive heads that look like they came from Brazilian carnival week and why they are processing into the assembly.
I’ll probably get into trouble for this but EWTN is not really representative of all of Catholicism. I know that some ex-CECers see it that way. They like the traditional Mass and incense and the ladies with their head coverings and all that. But, there is still a very troubled wing of the Roman Church that has been doing a lot of mixture between traditions and it’s apparent in this video.
Not sure of my purpose of posting this on a site that mainly deals with the CEC but the exodus to Rome seems to have been precipitated by a lot of people watching a lot of EWTN.
Click here for news from the CEEC… note that extra “e.”
There is a new Presiding Bishop for the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. And, they are calling him “Patriarch” of India. If a lesson can be learned from the CEC, you might want to stay away from the “Patriarch” tag. There is now an Archbishop’s/Patriarch’s Council for the CEEC here. Sound familiar to anyone around here?
Ex-CEC priest in Massachusetts is reported on in his shift to Orthodoxy. Click here for the story or read on below.
Warren church undergoes shift
Saturday, May 03, 2008
By CHRIS HAMEL
chamel@repub.com
WARREN – A former West Brookfield congregation that bought a historic church here in 2007 has undergone a significant shift.
The Rev. Kenneth M. DeVoie, of West Brookfield, said the Emmanuel Charismatic Episcopal Church, which held its first service at the former Federated Church of Warren on July 8, 2007, has become the Emmanuel Orthodox Catholic Church. Before coming to Warren, the congregation, which was founded in 2000, had worshipped at George Whitefield United Methodist Church in West Brookfield.
The Federated Church of Warren, whose numbers had dwindled, ceased operations on June 3, 2007. The landmark church on Winthrop Terrace is on the National Register of Historic Places.
DeVoie, 43, said his congregation has grown in the past nine months, but also has embraced Antiochian Orthodox Christianity. He said the flock has become part of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and is being overseen by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, which has its offices in New Jersey.
DeVoie said the shift was prompted when the Charismatic Episcopal faith, which was founded in 1992, provisionally adopted the U.S. Episcopal Church’s catechism, rooted in the English Reformation of the 16th century. He said the move was a departure from the faith’s founding, rooted in the first 1,000 years of Christianity.
He said St. Stephen’s Charismatic Episcopal Church in Springfield, where the pastor is the Rev. Christopher M. Nerreau, of West Brookfield, has undergone a similar shift. It has become St. Stephen’s Orthodox Catholic Church, he said.
“As a matter of conscience, to change (to the catechism) would have been to ask both congregations to accept a reform theology,” DeVoie said.
DeVoie said his flock, which now has about 130 members, continues to hold its main weekly service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Visitors are welcome.
He noted that the church is active in the community in the operation of a food pantry for the needy, which serves about 70 families; in offering Christian 12-Step Overcomers, a Christ-centered program for people trying to overcome life obstacles; and in hosting meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at its premises.
“We see our ministry as a growing church known for those who are looking for good, solid, traditional roots in the orthodox faith and a life where they can use their gifts in a ministry of that church,” DeVoie said.
The group has established Intercommunion with APA and is now working towards Full Communion. Text of the story from CCR also follows below.
Intercommunion Established With Anglican Province of America
On Tuesday, April 8 representatives from the Communion of Christ the Redeemer joined with leaders of the Anglican Province of America in signing Articles of Intercommunion which established an official relationship between the two churches.
Bishop Rich Lipka and Bishop Don Miles met with the bishops of the APA in Summerville, South Carolina and, in the spirit of our Lord’s prayer for the unity of His people, established a relationship between the two communions that includes a sharing of ministers, sacraments and spiritual life together.
This is the first step toward a greater unity. Dialogue is ongoing regarding full communion with the APA by July of this year. The proposal is that the CCR become a nongeographic convocation within the APA, maintaining its present leadership and structures while also sharing fully in the life of the Anglican Province.
The bishops of the two communions will meet again in St.Louis in July. More information about the APA can be found by visiting their website at www.anglicanprovince.org.
The newly updated website for El Mesias confirms a post from Samwise on the ON OUR WAY HOME FORUM that the church is being received by The Episcopal Church (TEC). The CEC links are gone and replaced with links for TEC and information about Anglicanism.
It will likely be an uphill battle for this church that is clearly orthodox to be in a movement that is making a shift to heterodoxy. But, it’s also telling that the priest feels safer in TEC than the CEC. Wow.
Thanks, Samwise, for bringing this to our attention.
Did anyone catch yesterday’s posting on Seraphim’s blogsite, where El Mesias–one of the largest CEC churches in Florida–has left the CEC and joined ECUSA???
Samwise**********************
Well there you have it! After months of prayer, discernment, meeting with all kinds of committes for ministry and the local Episcopal bishop it looks like we will be received into The Episcopal Church this summer. Upon the announcement that this was to be so, people actually danced in the aisles at mass Sunday and, the few cradle Episcopalians among us, had tears of joy….So much for GBC!
Granted, we hold no illusions about the perfection of TEC but, in the diocese we will call home, it feels like a good fit. We will be the first Hispanic ministry in the diocese, a moderately conservative leaning community, whose clergy and bishop have been outstanding in their welcome and support. From being basically homeless, we inherit a paid for beautiful building, several dozen new members, at least 70 sister churches locally, companion dioceses in Cuba and Peru and, beyond that,the Anglican Communion. It seems a given that the wide open doors are the doing of God!
Unchanged, yet mixed with a bit of sadness, is the love and regard I and many hold for our formative years in the CEC. There are scores of memories, people we love to whom we are so deeply indebted. Yet, there is a sense that there must be a parting of the ways, that each may follow Christ according to conviction with joy. I had hoped it would take longer but… alas, life happens and news travel fast! So far all has been peaceful and positive, our CEC, bishop has heard the news and spoken like a true gentleman, the clergy who know so far have been a blessing to my soul.
May God grant us the wish of a transition full of His presence for all involved …..! We are to be received at a special service in the Cathedral early summer….that will be something! Hmmm …how about that guest list!!!!
Blessings
Seraphim
In the Feb./March Bishop’s Epistle, The Most Rev. Walter H. Grundorf reports on a variety of issues in the Anglican Province of America. Included is the reception of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer into the Anglican Province of America.
The text about the former CEC bishops and now CCR bishops possibly becoming APA bishops is below.
“Bringing together the faithful…”
At the end of January, I was invited to attend a meeting of clergy and laity of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer (CCR) in Ocean City, Maryland. The CCR were formerly part of the Charismatic Episcopal Church from which they have departed. This Meeting was hosted by their Diocese of Delmarva and Bishop Richard Lipka. One of the member bishops of CCR, the Rt. Rev. Fred Fick had previously requested reception of his churches and himself in our Diocese of St. Augustine under Bishop Larry Shaver. I invited Bishop Shaver and Archdeacon, Erich Zwingert as our Canonist to attend along with me. We were treated graciously by this wonderful body of Christians, who wish to be Classical Anglicans. We spent the better part of three days with them getting to know the people and during the plenary sessions, answering a series of printed questions. After we left the Meeting, the people had a positive discussion and wish to continue the process hopefully establishing an official intercommunion statement. We praise and thank God for bringing us together with these faithful people who want to be a part of a church that has a strong catholic faith and order in the Anglican Tradition.
Randy Sly just posted an article to Catholic Online (part 1 of 3 apparently) regarding “Treasures Old and New”. If you’ve read any of the CEC’s website or old communications materials, this will not be new information. He briefly mentions being an archbishop in the CEC near the end of this first installment.
Click here for the article or read on…
Special Report: Evangelicals Discover Treasures Old and New By Randy Sly
3/11/2008 Catholic Online The Washington Post recently ran a story on Evangelicals doing something new – they were adopting historic church practices. Actually, this is not a new thing. For more than thirty years Evangelicals have been on the Roman Road, the Canterbury Trail, and the pathway to Orthodoxy in large numbers. Join us in a three-part exploration on this phenomenon. WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) – Washington Post staff writer Jacqueline Salmon wrote a nice story about Evangelicals adopting ancient traditions for the Saturday, March 8 edition. She documented protestant churches and leaders adopting Lenten practices normally associated with historic Christianity. Beyond Lent, churches were reported to be incorporating communion, confession, and more historic liturgies for public worship. The only problem with the story is that this is not new phenomenon. In 1976 a group of Evangelical leaders began meeting to discuss historic Christianity and ways in which the Evangelical tradition could more fully embrace the ancient faith. From those meetings, led by Dr. Robert Webber, the group which included Dr. Thomas Howard, Peter Gillquist and others, issued a document called The Chicago Call. The Chicago Call was a formal appeal to Evangelicals for the recovery of theology and practices of historic Christianity, calling them to a faith that was truly Catholic as well as Evangelical. “We believe” The Chicago Call states, “that today Evangelicals are hindered from achieving full maturity by a reduction of the historic faith. There is, therefore, a pressing need to reflect upon the substance of the biblical and historic faith and to recover the fullness of this heritage.” The “Call” was made public in the late spring of 1977 at a conference, receiving a favorable but less than half-hearted response from the Evangelical community. A book, Common Roots, written by Webber and published in 1978, chronicles this movement. Webber continued to develop further work on convergence until his recent death in April, 2007. Following the publication of the “Chicago Call,” Howard later converted to Roman Catholicism while Gillquist joined and was ordained a priest in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. About ten years after the “Call” was issued, another group of Evangelicals and Charismatics in the Midwest, calling themselves the “Fellowship of St. Barnabas,” began to meet regularly to discuss their discoveries in studies of the early church. Their churches had already incorporated several liturgical expressions in their worship services. I was a part of this group. During this time I was writing a lot on what was being described as “the convergence of streams.” From our perspective, we were experiencing – beginning in the late seventies – a coming together of the three major streams of Christianity, the Evangelical, the Charismatic, and the Liturgical-Sacramental. Often those involved in this movement talked about this convergence being a re-discovery of the old and a re-introduction of the new. Using Jesus’ words from Matthew 13:52 as an example they stated, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his treasure things both the new and the old.” Many of the original members of this Fellowship went on to become leaders in the various “convergence” denominations. Others joined one of the historic jurisdictions of the East or the Catholic Church. We noted during this period that interested Evangelical Churches were not only adopting ancient Church practices, but were making dramatic moves to identify with and become expressions of historic Christianity themselves. One group, called the Evangelical Orthodox Church, adopted Eastern Orthodox liturgies and practices. About one-half of the group eventually left to become fully incorporated into the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Reverend Stan White and his congregation in Valdosta, Georgia made headlines by jumping from their former Pentecostal denomination to the Episcopal Church USA. They were contacted regularly afterward by other churches and individuals who wanted to do the same thing. New denominations actually were formed, based on “the convergence of streams.” The Charismatic Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Episcopal Church, and others also found opportunities to receive apostolic succession as a way to tie them more directly to the ancient Church. The Convergence movement underscored the need for specific expressions of the church to come back together in the “one mighty river of God” with the Evangelical, Charismatic, and Liturgical-Sacramental defined by specific criteria. The Evangelical stream was defined as the emphasis on the authority, inspiration, and personal study of Holy Scripture along with the call for individuals to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that directly influences and guides daily life. The Charismatic stream provided a framework of “life in the Spirit.” Contemporary music, more expressive forms of worship and adoration, along with the operation of the “Gifts of the Spirit” were seen as normative for Christians. The Liturgical-Sacramental framework underscored the importance of ancient liturgies as the valid and essential forms of worship for the Christian Church was weekly celebration of Holy Communion as the center. The seven sacraments of the Church as taught by the East and the West were also emphasized. Evangelical and Charismatic Churches began by picking and choosing certain elements from all three areas and incorporating that into their services. For example, one Nazarene church I knew added the recitation of the creed, a form of general confession and weekly Eucharist. Worship services in those who fully identified as “convergence churches” looked similar to what you would find in many Anglican, Catholic, or even Western Rite orthodox parishes, with the addition of more contemporary music and personal ministry using the Gifts of the Spirit. Not only did these groups organize but they spread literally across the globe. In the early 90’s the Charismatic Episcopal Church was listed as the fastest growing denomination in the world, expanding into 23 countries. Much of the growth came from existing Anglican parishes and independent church networks. Much to the surprise of these groups, the “journey,” as it was called, into historic Christianity did not stop for many of their members. They continued on, finding their way into the Roman Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Orthodox expressions, or Anglicanism. This continuing pilgrimage showed that, for many, these convergence churches were seen as a bridge to the fullness of apostolic Christianity, a label not embraced by the denominations themselves. As a case in point, while serving as an archbishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church I was unsympathetic to those who left until I felt the same heart-tug to come into full-communion. The move to ancient Faith was one made by many individuals apart from the convergence movement. Some of the most influential figures in Catholic apologetics aimed at the protestant mindset came from the Evangelical world. Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Mark Shea, Tim Curry, and many others were evangelical pastors and leaders whose hearts were captured by historic Faith. The journey continues for many from the Evangelical and Charismatic world. Some are crossing the convergence bridge while other, as it is called, are simply “swimming the Tiber.” Catholic and Orthodox Churches are continuing to grow. This is not a new phenomenon, but it is still going on. In our local parish in Northern Virginia RCIA classes are usually very large and many former Protestants are attending. We hear reports of other parishes experiencing the same response across the country. In this three-part series we will next look at “What Draws Evangelicals?” followed by “A Fresh Look at Convergence.” |
Wow, this +++Bates guy isn’t wasting any time. He’s moving a deacon from Kansas out to Long Island to be the first member of his Patriarchal administrative staff. This is an important step in some semblance of order if they can keep him separate from his Cathedral staff and Diocesan/Provincial staff it will keep some checks and balances in place.
Strange that Jim House+ is still around as the “Chaplain to the House of Bishops.” I thought they might get him to exit stage right when it was +++Adler’s last meeting at the House of Bishops. House is a nice man but he’s “old guard” along with +Kessler.
Also, I posted a few minutes ago that I was almost tempted to come back to the CEC. That feeling has passed after I hit “Publish” with the last post. This +++Bates guy had quite an effect on me for a moment there.
Read on below for more…
US House of Bishops meeting – Feb. 19, 2008
Orlando Florida, Feb 19 2008The spring meeting of the US House of Bishops began this morning with a celebration of the Eucharist celebrated by the Reverend Canon James House, Chaplain to the House of Bishops. The sermon was delivered by the Most Reverend Craig W. Bates, Patriarch. His statement was on the vision of the CEC and where God is leading us. Click here for the full statement.
The morning session of the House of Bishops was spent in discussions of the Patriarch statement.
Also addressed during this session of the House of Bishops was the need to more effectively communicate to all members of the ICCEC the history and current status of the International Development Agency (IDA) and the Foundation Day Fund and other CEC ministries. It was determined that the Office of the Patriarch will provide the details shortly, and that in the future greater transparency is the goal.We must operate efficiency and effectively to be the best stewards of the resources we have available. To that end Abp Bates announced the formation of a team to assist in the administration of the church. Deacon John Garrett, currently the Parish Deacon for Bishop Michael Davidson in Olathe Kansas, will move to Long Island to be the first member of this administrative team In the Office of Patriarch.
In the afternoon session Deacon John Garrett presented a briefing to better articulate the identity, vision, organization and strategy of the ICCEC. These concepts will be refined during the House of Bishops and presented to the Patriarchs council for consideration.
Reports were given from the following working groups and committees: Theological Concerns, Education, St Michaels Seminary and Ecumenical Dialogues.
Father Gregory Ortiz is now working with the House of Bishops and the Patriarchs Council in the areas of communications, computer records and accountability. A brief presentation was made about the new parish reporting system.
The House of Bishops meeting adjourned at 4pm and will reconvene at 9:30 Wednesday morning.
Click here to see +++Bates’s address to the House of Bishops. Pretty great stuff in there. It almost makes me want to come back to the CEC. Almost.
Bold and visionary stuff in his vision. It’s about damn time someone put something to shoot for in the hearts and minds of those still in the CEC instead of crazy visions involving St. Clement and some other such nonsense.
A couple of interesting excerpts…
On his leaving The Episcopal Church:
I asked to be released from ministry from that Church under a Canon of that Church because I believe (and continue to believe) they fundamentally changed the doctrine, discipline and worship to which I vowed. Let me state and it is clear by record, that I never broke my vows nor will I break my vows to the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
Hmmm… he has shared before that his leaving The Episcopal Church was tantamount to “vow breaking”. That was before he was the Patriarch, so I guess he didn’t really mean that.
On those who left the CEC:
So for those who left us, I am assured that they to have searched their hearts and made a decision in good conscience. Let us not consider them “vow breakers.” Though we might disagree with their decision and we have chosen a different course, we can lay aside the sins that have entangled us. From this day forward let us honor their decision. And, as we seek unity with the whole body of Christ, we also seek unity with them.
Really, the new Patriarch is calling off the dogs on those who left the CEC? This is a new day indeed! This is a huge step in the right direction. Now, if only the Bishops still in the CEC would take +++Bates’s lead and send letters retracting their letters of deposition to those who left the CEC, that would really be something. I’ll not be holding my breath, though.
But, I’m thinking that those still in the CEC can breathe a huge sigh of relief for now. Looks like good things…
I did a blog overhaul and tried to make the layout a bit cheerier. In the process, a lot of links just disappeared. One of the more important ones that vanished was the link to creating a new WordPress account so that one can comment. I added a “widget” on the left side of the blog so you can register and/or login as a user. The comments on this blog are moderated so you know the drill…
Click here or use this link:
http://cechealing.wordpress.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to
It appears a meeting of the House of Bishops and the Patriarch’s Council is happening this coming week. Some talk of “Ecumenical Relationships” as well as establishing an office for the Primate and Patriarch in the New York area. I’m guessing it will actually be a proper office and not in +++Bates’ basement or anything like that.
This appears to be great progress for the CEC to start bringing some separation between the Primate/Patriarch’s church and the CEC as a denomination. It’s about 15 years too late but +++Bates was only elected recently. But, I’ll commend progress where I see it and this looks like good stuff to me even though I’m not in the CEC any longer.
The “Ecumenical Relationships” item caught my eye as well. I’ll be interested to see if this is going to accelerate to give the CEC some much needed momentum and credibility that has been lost in the last shakeup. This last shakeup has seemed to create a much larger exodus. Perhaps the exodus itself is not all that big but the departures have been heard around the world thanks to the Orthodox podcasts that have been flying around!
Statement follows… (SOURCE: CECHOME.COM)
US House of Bishops and Patriarch’s Council to meet
This Tuesday, February 19th the United States House of Bishops will convene in Orlando, Florida at the Cathedral of St. Dismas and Bridges of America. The meeting will end on Thursday, February 21st. The Patriarch’s Council will then convene on the 22nd and end on Sunday February 24th.
The major issue facing these Houses is the creation of an infrastructure for the Office of the Patriarch and the Office of the Primate. It is significant that the central offices of our communion will be located in the New York Metropolitan area. New York City has been called the “capital of the world”. There are over 17 million people who live within 50 square miles of the Empire State Building. There are 176 languages spoken as the first language in the five boroughs of the city. It is truly an international city. Estimates are that within the next decade one out of every five Americans will live between Washington, D.C. and Boston. This is in keeping with the global trend of urbanization – migration of people to urban centers.Though the US House of Bishops and the Primate’s Council are the primary governing body of the CEC for the United States and the Patriarch’s Council is the primary group for the International Church (and the two must not be confused), our government exists at multiple levels – from the local Parish to the Patriarch’s Council. The fullness of our Church is found in the local congregation and our government is fully expressed at every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is the responsibility of the local church and the church expressed at the level of the diocese to be active and to make its voice heard through their Bishop, who are then obligated to communicate to the various Houses. A major concern in all our meetings will be assuring that consensus government is in place and operational at all levels of the church by the end of 2008.
We will hear two reports that will have great significance for our Communion. The first will be a report on Administration – including clarification of vision, mission and strategic planning. The second will be a report on the development of a communications office and our websites.
In addition we will hear reports on:
Foundation Offering
Parochial Reporting
Theological Concerns – Ministry of the Laity in Government
Canons
St. Michael’s Seminary
Domestic and International Missions
Ecumenical Relationships
Liturgy
Armed Services
Convocation
Budget and Finance
Report on Convocation 2008During the Spring House of Bishops is the Blessing of Oils. This will take place on Wednesday afternoon as the Bishops gather to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
We will make every effort to make a daily report on CEChome.com. An official statement will be issued at the conclusion of the House of Bishops and the Patriarch’s Council.
The Primate of the United States and the Patriarch of the ICCEC will address the various Houses at the beginning. His statement and the response of the Bishops will be made available.
Here’s a news story on Mark Wallace+ and his conversion to Orthodoxy. Text from the article also follows.
Mission expands area’s Orthodox offerings
By Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
The Rev. Mark Wallace, a former Charismatic Episcopal priest, now leads a new mission church under the jurisdiction of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America.Wallace was ordained as an Orthodox Christian priest last month in Kansas. His new congregation, called St. Andrew Orthodox Church, meets Sundays at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 15000 N May.
Wallace had been a clergyman with the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, but he and his congregation left the denomination about a year ago. They made the decision to become part of the Orthodox Christian church last Lenten season. Just before Wallace’s recent ordination, about 30 members of his former Holy Trinity Charismatic Episcopal congregation received the sacraments of the Orthodox Christian church during a Chrismation ceremony.
Wallace and St. Elijah pastor Constantine Nasr said about 20 more members of Wallace’s congregation are expected to be chrismated or “sealed” as part of the Orthodox Christian church before Easter.
Wallace and Nasr said the new church is different because it will follow the Western rites of the Orthodox Christian Church.
St. Elijah follows the Eastern rites of the Orthodox church.
The clergymen said there are several differences in worship style between the Eastern and Western rites. However, Nasr said “the doctrines, the traditions are the same.”
Some worship differences involve music, they said.
In the Eastern Orthodox rite, only a cappella singing is allowed, while the Western rite allows the use of an organ.
Communion is served differently as well.
As part of the Eastern rite, bread is mixed with the Communion wine, and the priests offers it by spoon to congregants. In the Western rite Communion, bread is placed on the tongue of the congregant, and wine is drank from a communal chalice. Also, Nasr said congregants participate in Communion standing up in the Eastern rite, while the Western rites typically involve kneeling.
Nasr said the Eastern liturgy is longer than the Western liturgy.
He said as an Eastern Orthodox priest, he had kept an open mind about helping Wallace and his congregation as they begin their church with the Western rite.
“There is hope for Christians,” Nasr said.
“They can find the Eastern expression or the Western expression. We rejoice that Mark and his parish have come to the Orthodox church.”
CECHome.com reports that +++Bates met with the Community of the Crucified One. I never heard of this community before. They have their own bishop and a very nice website!
The article below points out that +++Bates was active in ecumenical talks when he was an Episcopal priest.
What?!? He had a life before the CEC? How can this be?
I hope that +++Bates won’t engage in the behavior that seems to have been the pattern passed down from San Clemente where those who leave the CEC are treated as “vow breakers”. Whether they broke their vow of Confirmation and/or Ordination in order to move on to a new spiritual home.
The article below reminds us that the new Patriarch is himself a “vow breaker” as he left his one-time home of The Episcopal Church to join the fledgling Charismatic Episcopal Church back in the day. I know that I’m being a bit dramatic so bear with me. . .
I hope there is some way that +++Bates can reach out to those who have left in some sort of loving manner since he understands the stress involved in having to pick up and move out of spiritual necessity.
Archbishop Craig Bates met with the Community of the Crucified One
February 2, 2008 – 9:29 pm
Archbishop Craig Bates, Patriarch, met with Bishop Edward Donovan and the Community of the Crucified One in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Fr. James Grace of the Community serves as the music director at the Church of the Redeemer in Rochester, Michigan under the leadership of Fr. Kenneth Tanner. Fr. Tanner was also at the meeting. This meeting was scheduled prior to Archbishop Bates becoming the Patriarch. It is the hope of our Patriarch that there will be many more ecumenical meetings in the future. Archbishop Douglas Woodall serves as the Ecumenical Officer for the ICCEC and is very proactive in pursuing relationships with all branches of the Church.
Archbishop Bates has always been involved in ecumenical endeavors. During his tenure as the Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd, as an Episcopal Priest, he was involved in one of the first Roman Catholic/Episcopal Covenants. Currently the Archbishop sits on the Board of Directors of Concerts of Prayer of Greater New York which is one of the largest ecumenical prayer movements in the United States.
The Archbishop stated, “We must all pray along with Jesus and the Saints that the Church become One. No one rejoices over the sad division in the Church Catholic. All Christians should be in serious, thoughtful, and honest dialogue with other Christians. Though we cannot at present express our unity around a common Eucharist we can pray together and work together to advance the Kingdom of God.”
From +++Bates, the newly-minted Patriarch. It’s quite a moving letter…very heartfelt and hopefully the sign of good things to come.
I don’t know why he didn’t take a name like the Pope does. Perhaps, Patriarch Randolph Adler II? Actually, on second thought…perhaps not!
From Bishop Craig Bates, Patriarch of the ICCEC
You Did Not Choose Me
click for larger imageI have just arrived home from Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida. Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus, I had the wonderful opportunity of preaching at the Church of the Messiah and spending some time with their Rector and Rector’s Council and their wives. These men and women are phenomenal leaders and humble servants of our Lord. I am thankful that I had the time in my schedule to be able to be with them and the people of Messiah, Jacksonville.
I want to thank everyone who has sent email and notes of congratulations on my election. I am grateful to be part of such a fellowship of believers. Our Lord is leading us and as the people of God we will continue to listen to the voice of the Lord and when we hear we will obey.
Many have said to me “let’s forget the past and move forward.” I understand what they are saying and what they mean by that statement. But to totally forget our past would be foolish and dangerous. I want to acknowledge today, and will continue to do so in the future, the faith, courage, and boldness of Archbishop A. Randolph Adler. This man of God was willing to be obedient to the Lord and continues to be obedient. Bishop Adler was chosen by the Lord in the midst of defending the rights of the pre-born to speak the word of the Lord concerning what we now know as convergence or three streams. Making visible the void was not spoken in the comfort of the pews but in the streets and jails of Los Angeles. Bishop Adler for over three decades has spoken prophetically and pastorally to the good people of St. Michael’s Church and since 1992 has spoken to the nations of the world. He has prayed for us, led us with a spirit of humility, has been a giver and not a taker, and has raised up men and women around the world who will carry on the vision. I am not worthy to step into his shoes and I need each and every one of you to stand with me, in a unity that will be given by the Holy Spirit.
And, I stand today and honor Betty Adler. There are not words that can express our appreciation for this more than gracious woman of God. Few know the sacrifices she has had to make over the last decades. How she had to often stand-alone while her husband was traveling and facing the demands of leadership. How she, along with Bishop Adler, had to face personal sacrifice. How they model faith during the death of loved ones. We honor and love Betty.
Our prayers are that after some well-deserved rest they will once again be among us in giving voice to the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the Father. We want the wisdom the Lord Holy Spirit has given to both of them. It is a wisdom birthed not only in obedience but also in suffering.
Our Church is Pro-Life. John Paul II was not only the spiritual father of the Roman Catholic Church he was a spiritual father for a whole generation of believers. He, more than any other, cried out against a culture of death and for life. He was not only a voice for the innocent who continue to be brutally murdered but also a voice for life from conception to natural death. He was a voice for peace and justice. Though we still live in the un-happy state of division in matters of ecclesiology and theology we stand in unity with our Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant brothers and sisters in calling for justice for the least among us, particularly the pre-born. And, we continue to pray and work for a Church that will one day be able to claim a visible unity to the world on all matters of faith and morals. This is the heart and prayer of our Lord Jesus.
It is my plan to join Fr. Terry Gensemer and the youth of our Church on January 20-23 in Washington, D.C. for the March for Life and the annual gathering of CEC for Life. I hope and pray that many of people, particularly leadership will be with CEC for Life and me at this event. Fr. Frank Provone, in an article on the Priests for Life website, explains to us how we are winning the fight to end abortion in America. Join us on this victory march.
It is hard to believe that it has been four years since we gathered in Manila, Philippines for our second international convocation. Who can forget the wonderful hospitality shown to us by Archbishop Hines, the Bishops of the Southeast Asia Province, the people of the Province, and especially the people of the Cathedral in Manila? Remember the Banquet, the golf outing and boat trip during a double typhoon, and the glorious worship and pageantry of the Cathedral? Cathy and I often look at the book that was published and rejoice at being part of our communion. Now the mantle of the Convocation falls to the people of Florida and Bishop David Simpson.
Bishop Simpson has formed a working group of people around the United States. It is the best of the best that will be putting together this event. During the Convocation we will hear from Dr. Simon Chan. I have read and re-read his books and am so looking forward to meeting this theologian and teacher. I know this time together will help us articulate more clearly the theological foundation of convergence worship.
On Wednesday evening of the Convocation I will be enthroned as the second Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. It is my hope that Bishops from around the world will be able to be in attendance to once again express liturgically what is true about our communion. We are an international church! And, my hope is that as many of us as possible will be able to be present.
Thanks to a working group on communication we have two new websites – cechome.com and cecida.com. As you can see by visiting the sites there will be regular updates from around the world. Very soon you will be able to make your reservations for Convocation on line. We encourage you to do so quickly. Let’s fill up the Wyndam Resort in Orlando and gather for three days of fellowship, teaching, and worship of our Lord Jesus.
I want to thank Archbishop Hines for his leadership during the time of transition. He made sure that we remained in prayer and fasting. He led us spiritually as only a good father would. He kept us focused and attentive to the task of hearing from God. And, over and over again he assured us that if we trust in the Lord we will be safe and secure. Archbishop Hines is a stellar leader and I am comforted to know that he will stand in the ICCEC and continue to articulate the vision together with all the Bishops.
Please keep our brothers in Kenya in your prayers. Bishop Bernard Njoroge, who is the Secretary General in Africa, has assured us that peace will come to his country. We appreciate the sacrifice he made in leaving not only governmental duties, but also his dear wife Helen in the midst of a dangerous national crisis. The people of Kenya are a strong people who yearn for peace and democracy. They are a people of deep faith in God and are a people of prayer. Join with them in praying for Kenya.
Bishop Prakash Yahanna, the Bishop of Pakistan also left a crisis situation to be part of the election process. I know all of you are in prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan. As I was getting ready to process on Sunday morning at the Cathedral Church of the Messiah, a Bishop from another convergence communion, told us of a priest from his communion who was just this past week executed by extremists in Pakistan. He told us a ‘nut’ was left warning others and demanding that priests and pastor stop evangelizing. Bishop Prakash Yahanna daily ministers in this most difficult and dangerous situation. We pray for peace in Pakistan. Peace is really the heart of the vast majority of the people of Pakistan. We pray for Bishop and his wife Merriam and their children. They trust in the Lord’s protection and provision.
Archbishop Adler and Archbishop Chuck Jones have prophetically spoken of a Tsunami anointing of God’s love coming upon the earth. This word has been spoken not only by them but also by prophetic people throughout the church. God is pouring out His love and mercy everyday. We are, through prayer and worship, to earnestly seek God as He seeks us. Brazil is evidence today of a spirit of revival and renewal. To sit with Archbishop Paulo Garcia is to be encouraged to press on and see that even in the midst of post modern humanism God still moves drawing people to Himself. I know in the future God will use Archbishop Garcia, and indeed the Bishops of the South Hemisphere, to work with the Bishops of the West in walking close to the heart of God.
There is a spirit of unity and cooperation among the Bishops of the West. I know each of them is eager to get to work and build the Church. It is no longer time to describe our wounds it is time to seek healing for our wounds. The American Church has gone through hard times – much of which we inflicted upon ourselves. We made mistakes, often had poor judgment, and in so doing we not only offended but hurt many. We have asked forgiveness. We intend amendment of life and will implement necessary corrections. But more than anything we will move forward in articulating the vision God has given us. We will move forward with loyal and faithful men and women who have weathered hard times. We will move forward knowing we will make other mistakes and face difficult times. We will however move forward knowing that the Lord will not leave us or forsake us. We will move forward not with political agenda but being led by the Spirit.
I have hit the floor running. I will try to answer as much correspondence as possible. This Friday and Saturday I am in Portland, Maine meeting with the great clergy of Maine. On Sunday, I head of to Washington, D.C. and then the following Sunday-Monday I will be gathering with some administrative types to begin looking at not only the transition of leadership but the creation of an infra-structure for the entire communion. When things begin to get into place I will try, through our website, to keep everyone informed of our progress.
Please pray for me. I yearn to be among you as one who serves. I am humbled by this task and humbled by the love and support so many of you have already offered. I am humbled to follow such a good and godly man. Please pray for the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor, as it becomes the new See of the ICCEC. The faithful people of St. Michael’s Cathedral will tell you what a difficult job it is to be out front. They did a phenomenal job and our hearts will always be drawn to them. Now we pray for them, as they get about the new phase of their life together as a family. Pray for my family particularly Cathy. Those who know Cathy know you are around a special person when you are in her presence.
Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch
In a statement yesterday from the presiding archbishop of the Anglican Province of America carried on VirtueOnline, he mentions “former Charismatic Episcopal Church bishops and clergy” being attracted to their work (emphasis mine):
Our reputation as a positive witness has gotten the attention of a number of former Charismatic Episcopal Church bishops and clergy recently and they have invited me to come to their next meeting to talk about their possible future with us.
Just a guess but I think these ex-CEC bishops are now part of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer. (Check their FAQ page where they spell out that they are in dialogue with the Anglican Province of America and the Reformed Episcopal Church.) So that would be:
+Richard Lipka
+Ken Myers
+Rick Painter
+Don Miles
+Philip Weeks
From the CCR website:
We are currently in dialogue with the Anglican Province in America and the Reformed Episcopal Church (two Anglican bodies that are themselves committed to complete union), as well as with other Anglican churches represented in the Federation of Anglican Churches in America (FACA). We are in full communion with the Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brazilia (The Catholic Apostolic Church of Brazil (ICAB). In February 2008 we will consecrate Bishop Alexander Barroso in Cabimas, Venezuela and will be in full communion with the church there. Our desire is to pursue unity with God’s people so that Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17) might come to fulfillment.
In a related note, though this has not been substantiated, there has been chatter over at the ON OUR WAY HOME forum that the CEC would be pursuing some sort of relationship with AMIA and CANA. Not sure how far that will go considering all the trouble brewing for the past couple of years over at the CEC.
At any rate, the statement from Archbishop Grundorf is in response to his group leaving the Common Cause Partnership. Full statement:
Anglican Province of America Pulls out of Common Cause Partnership
Monday, January 14, 2008
To all Clergy of the APA and others,
RE: Common Cause Partnership
Over this past year, there has been much talk and discussion and unfortunately argument over the Anglican Province of America participating as a full member of the Common Cause Partnership (CCP). As the Presiding Bishop, I have listened to our bishops, clergy and lay people about their feelings toward how we of the APA should be related to this Body. I have personally gone back and forth attempting to determine where we should be in the midst of the developing Partnership.
As I observe the reaction of the various clergy, there are those who strongly oppose any participation at all, a larger number that believe we should observe and see what develops (an option we may not officially have) and others who believe we should become members and see what happens. At the present time we are polarized at about 50/50. There is no clear majority on any side.
At this point, as Presiding Bishop, I must ask myself the question, is it wise and is it the best course of action to force through a decision to join the CCP with the strong possibility that there will be significant fall out among some of our parishes and missions. As a Church, we have developed a solid reputation as a stable jurisdiction that is outgoing and welcoming. We have managed to attract good and faithful men for the ministry in a Classical Anglican Church that has a balanced approach to the faith. When we have concentrated our efforts upon building up our parishes and dioceses, we have been successful.
At this time, when the majority membership of the CCP has just recently departed from the Episcopal Church and are going through the withdrawal and anger symptoms which so many of our people experienced 30-40 years ago, do we want to be caught up into their present day battles? Many of the membership of CCP are involved in bitter law suits most of which will not be resolved for years to come. We must ask ourselves whether or not we want to get caught up in the internecine struggles of those who are leaving or preparing to leave the Episcopal Church.
The APA has always maintained a positive approach to the mission of the church and departed the Episcopal Church years ago without buildings and property and began on a very modest level building new buildings or renovating places for worship. We made a special effort over the years of not looking back but forward as we have sought to build a positive expression of traditional Anglicanism and not being an anti-Episcopal Church. Our reputation as a positive witness has gotten the attention of a number of former Charismatic Episcopal Church bishops and clergy recently and they have invited me to come to their next meeting to talk about their possible future with us.
Although we have developed a solid reputation and have experienced growth, we are still a fragile flock. There are some monumental issues that must be resolved by the CCP for us to give our enthusiastic support and not jeopardize our own future. What will the CCP develop in to over the next few years? What will the leadership be?
At the present time, we are part of an Intercommunion Agreement with the REC and through this relationship we have formed ourselves into a Federation of the Anglican Churches in the Americas. There are now 6 jurisdictions that are part of this Federation. FACA has requested as a Body to be a part of the CCP.
We are thereby in a position as part of this Federation to be observers of CCP as we watch how it unfolds over the next few years. Although personally I would like to be at the table of the CCP, I am well aware that I do not have the necessary support of the majority of the APA to be there. The Theological Statement and the Articles of Federation of CCP have my personal support, but I realize my first responsibility as Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Bishop of the DEUS is to care for that to which I was elected and consecrated.
My position is that I do not recommend becoming partners in the CCP at this time and that we wait, watch and pray that as CCP develops and unfolds, we will have clearer direction as to whether we can be a part of it.
I am well aware that my decisions will not meet with everyone’s approval. I have prayed, sought advice from a number of sources and believe that this is the right thing to do for the good of the APA. I pray that all of you will continue to pray for me and for each other as we seek to build this small portion of the Church to His Glory.
Faithfully yours,
+Walter H. Grundorf
The Most Rev. Walter H. Grundorf, D.D.
Presiding Bishop
Bishop of the Eastern United States
Some thoughts on all that’s happened this week…
I’m hopeful along with the CEC faithful that +++Bates’s election is good news for the Communion. I believe what has plagued the communion since its inception is the “mom and pop shop” mentality. Some within have overcompensated by “being too big for their britches”… (“Patriarchal Legate” anyone?)
I was taken aback by +++Bates invoking +Costantino and not even mentioning ++Adler in his message to the Communion. I think he’s distancing himself from the founder by identifying himself with one of the best things to happen to the CEC and that’s +Frank Costantino. (BTW, I’m not ready to kick ++Adler to the curb. He’s a good guy who needs some help. If we’re in the CEC or even used to be in the CEC, we owe him a debt of gratitude at the very least.)
And, in case you missed it, some thoughtful analysis from papaz from our comments section. I’m bringing it to the front of the blog for us all to consider:
This was certainly no surprise to me. Who else could they have chosen? Probably 20-30% of the CEC faithful remaining in the country are members of his congregation. I’m not sanguine, however, of any real change. Bates was an integral part of the Adler cover-up. He’s also recently lost two congregations to Orthodoxy — and numerous clergy over the last couple of years, including some fine men I count as good friends. I have grave concerns — very grave first-hand concerns — about his fundamental integrity.
I think what the CEC is likely to see is a re-trenchment with those that remain. Bates is a stronger personality than Adler; he’ll hold the line. There won’t be a lot of room for legitimate theological discussion, much less dissent (or even differences of opinion).
Regardless of my concerns, however, I will continue to keep the remaining CEC faithful in my prayers.
I think I’m going with 3 crosses for the Patriarch. Why not? I consulted with my imaginary Blog Council and we decided by consensus that three shall be the number of crosses for the Patriarch on this Blog.
In other news, +++Bates issued a statement to the ICCEC (SOURCE: CECHOME.COM). Read below…
Statement to the Faithful of the ICCEC
January 10, 2008 – 12:39 pmToday I humbly accepted the call to serve our communion as Patriarch. My mentor and spiritual father, Bishop Frank Constantino, told me that we sometimes know God’s will by three things: First, it is something that you do not want to do; Second, the task is much bigger than you are; And third, you cannot do it alone.I ask you to join me as we move forward, continuing to build upon the vision to make visible the Kingdom of God on the Earth. We do this by holding together the three historical streams of worship—the charismatic, evangelical and sacramental—and by ministering to the least, the lost and the lonely in Jesus’ name. This is our calling.
We are an international communion. Ninety-five percent of our members reside outside of the West. This is consistent with the move of God around the world: the expression of the Christian faith is becoming more and more influenced by the Churches of South America, Asia and Africa. I am deeply thankful to my brothers and sisters in the Philippines, Africa, South America, Europe, and North America for their perseverance in reaching the lost, establishing churches and ministering to God’s people. The heart of our Church is ministry to the world, bringing Christ to men and finding Jesus in the broken. This is how we fulfill the Great Commission.
We cannot do this, though, without the active presence of God. We are charismatic and are committed to working in the power of the Holy Spirit to see lives transformed and restored. We live with the expectation that the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, and the dead will rise.
The Patriarch is the symbol of unity and ministry, not of bureaucracy. My office will continue to develop an administrative infrastructure that is transparent, accountable, and that serves the purpose of facilitating ministry in our Church. As the First Father of the Church I want to affirm that all of the faithful are called to ministry. Ministry begins with baptism, not ordination. We must all work together in the ministries to which God has called us.
I reaffirm that the Charismatic Episcopal Church is called to a government of councils in consensus at all levels of the church. I enter the office of Patriarch as a bishop among bishops and as a priest among priests. The greatest among us is the servant. Our desire must be to hear the voice of the Lord and in hearing His voice to respond in joyful obedience.
I ask your prayers. I am committed to be among you as one who serves. I pray for each of you that the Holy Spirit draws us closer to the heart of Jesus and in so doing we will encounter the incredible love of our Father. In this encounter we will be made into His holy likeness and will be compelled to live out a life in obedience to the command to love one another. It is then that the world will know we are His disciples.
Under His Mercy,
The Most Reverend Craig W. Bates
Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church
Not that this comes as a huge surprise but +Bates (Bishop) is now ++Bates (Archbishop, Primate and Patriarch) …or is it +++Bates (three crosses?)? SOURCE: CECHOME
I hope he doesn’t go out and buy blue glasses to celebrate the win. That’s where all the trouble started the last time around… (well, that’s debatable).
The Most Reverend Craig Bates Elected Patriarch
Orlando, FL – January 9, 2008
The Most Reverend Loren T. Hines, Senior Archbishop of the ICCEC, announced that the Patriarch’s Council, in accordance with the Canons, has elected The Most Reverend Craig W. Bates as the new Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Press release and full statement to follow.
Click here for this story or see below. I wasn’t aware there was a “Brotherhood of St. Joseph”. It does sound an awful lot like the Bridges of America program started by the great late +Frank Costantino. Article follows…
January 7, 2008
Irondequoit says no to halfway houseErica Bryant
Staff writerIRONDEQUOIT — The Irondequoit Zoning Board of Appeals ruled tonight that a home for wayward men being operated at 1280 N. Winton Road was not permitted under town code.
The Brotherhood of St. Joseph, which is affiliated with the Charismatic Episcopal Church, has been operating the home since May of 2007. The property was formerly used as a convent. According to a Monroe County Clerk’s Office deed, the property was sold to the Brotherhood of Saint Joseph for $250,000.
Town officials said they were taken by surprise when the brotherhood began offering housing and rehabilitative services to men who had been in prison or had substance abuse problems.
“It wasn’t anywhere near something that had been approved in advance,” said Supervisor Mary Ellen Heyman. “You can’t just open a business or service like this without letting somebody know.”
In September, the town sent the brotherhood a notice of violation for operating a “halfway house” for as many as 16 people. The notice said that such use was forbidden in an R-1 Residential District. Tonight, the zoning board upheld the notice.
The brotherhood argued that the property was not being used as a “halfway” house.
Rather, the purpose was to offer a long-term residence and spiritual assistance to troubled men who were trying to turn their lives around.Among goals listed on a brochure promoting the program are “challenge criminal thinking and destructive behavior patterns.”
Around eight neighbors of the property spoke at the zoning board meeting and expressed concerns about having troubled men in their neighborhood. Among them was Jennifer Knebel.
“As honorable as their intentions are, I don’t want it across the street from my house,” she said.
Director of Community Development Mitch Rowe said that the town planned to appear in court Jan. 18 to request a cease and desist order to shut down the service.
I’m 21:52 minutes into this podcast playing in the background and I’m just awestruck. I’m listening to Kevin Barry and others on this podcast basically burying ++Adler as being the “prophetic mantle” and trading up for +THOMAS in Orthodoxy.
Obviously, the premise of this podcast is that Orthodoxy is THE CHURCH. Fine. By all means, enjoy yourselves. But, this was the attitude held by many of us who were once in the CEC. That we were THE CHURCH when we were in the CEC.
This might seem as though I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth. But, bear with me. ++Adler no longer should be the Patriarch of the CEC for a list of reasons cited here and on both of the forums dealing with the CEC specifically. We all know why he should no longer be in charge. But, let’s not forget that many of us would still be independent charismatics or Pentecostals were it not for ++Adler and his prophetic teachings that were widely passed around the world on cassette tape in the late 80s and 90s! Most of us would still be handing out “Chick tracts” on the street railing against liturgy if it weren’t for ++Adler.)
I still love ++Adler through it all. It’s probably supernatural given the circumstances. We all realize ++Adler’s failures but let’s not take everything away from him. At least the good stuff. Though there is pain in leaving the CEC (I speak from experience), it wasn’t all that bad.
Back to the podcast, I’m just shocked that people would base their entire reason for coming into the CEC on a second or third hand account of what Fr. Peter Gilquist may or may not have said to ++Adler. I have my reasons why I left the CEC but it wasn’t over a game of “Telephone” gone awry involving Gilquist+ and ++Adler.
I’ve not yet listened to this podcast but here it is . . .
True Convergence: Orthodox Podcast #4 (Bishop Thomas & Fr. Peter Gillquist)
True Convergence Orthodox Podcast #4
Host:
Jacob Lee — Icon New Media Network
Participating:
Right Reverend Thomas, Bishop of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic
Fr. Peter Gillquist, Director of the Department of Missions and Evangelism, Antiochian Archdiocese
Mark Wallace — Oklahoma City Soon to be Orthodox Priest and Mission Church Planter.
Fr. John Denny Roland —St.’s Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Hot Springs Arkansas
Fr. Patrick Cardine — St. Patrick’s Orthodox Church, Warrenton, Virginia
Kevin Barry — Orthodox Catechumen, St. John the Theologian
Matt Cuthbertson — Orthodox Catechumen, St. John the Theologian
This special show features Bishop Thomas and Fr. Peter Gillquist. Fr. Peter talks about the beginning of the CEC (Charismatic Episcopal Church) and what he did or did not say to then Pastor Adler.
Both Bishop Thomas and Fr. Peter encourage members of the CEC and other Christian groups to finally end their search for the historic church and come home to Orthodoxy.
This show was conducted via skype, telephone and in studio.
True Convergence: Orthodox Podcast #4 (Bishop Thomas & Fr. Peter Gillquist): Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download
Dom Luis Fernando Castillo Mendez, Patriarch of ICAB, blessing a meeting convened by Moonies
The conversation lately has kind of blown up all over the place at ON OUR WAY HOME. Lots of finger pointing about Orthodox, Catholic, Brazil, Anglican, or perhaps even CEC still being the best possible way. It appears that everyone is piling on our favorite commenter, Klampert. My guess is because ++Adler hasn’t posted at ON OUR WAY HOME, there’s no one else to beat up on.
But, one point seems to have been missed here. One post went like this:
Guest Posted: Jan 2 2008, 02:47 PM
The moonies and the Brazilian churchCan we talk more about this
OK, if no one wants to take this, I will. On December 9, 2006, a “Convocation of Married Priests” was held in in Parsippany, New Jersey. It was convened by an official looking “Archbishop Milingo”. He was a former Roman Catholic Archbishop who was married at a public ceremony to a Korean woman led by the Unification Church (aka “The Moonies”).
Look through the pics of the event here (pic of Mendez at the top right hand corner of Page 2 of the photo album). By the time you get to Page 3 of the photo album, it looks like a full on Moonie event! (Find out more about this legitimate sounding group Married Priests Now here.)
If you look at the Married Priests Now site close enough, you’ll see the connection to Milingo and Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Or, you can just click here for this article.
This connection isn’t a “smoking gun” or anything like that. It appears that the kindly looking Patriarch of ICAB was duped into attending a convocation that looked decently legit. It also appears that Mendez wasn’t the only one who may have been misled. 
This connection between Brazil and the Moonies exists probably from a lack of due diligence on ICAB’s part for not properly investigating what might not be a wise event to attend.
So, some free advice for bishops, archbishops and patriarchs everywhere:
Even if you get to wear your vestments at a Moonie-funded event, you might want to think twice about showing up.
Happy new year, one and all!
There’s a new website that I want to let you know about: CECExodus.com
You will even find a link to this site here under: Evil Blogs Explanation is found here from their site:
Evil Blogs
Many of us were told by our leaders that the forums were a place where lies about the CEC were being spread (referred to as “dissident blogs” by at least one high-profile priest). Unfortunately, this is untrue. In fact, these forums exist because the leaders within the CEC have not been forthright in disclosing information nor have they allowed open communication within the local parishes or across the denomination. These forums proved to be the only place that people have been able to speak with one another without making a ruckus in their own parishes.
Thanks for the link love, CECExodus.com!
In response to this comment from “ON OUR WAY HOME“:
“Not supposed to be looking at the blogs….aren’t they dangerous?”
(Joel) Klampert, a friend from the CEC Healing comments section, responded with this:
hmm well that goes back to what I said before…speculation on blogs hurts people…fact and grace bring healing. We could use a little more of the grace word on the “blogs” . To me what is more dangerous than “looking” is not looking. I hope that this new site will help shed light on people who are hurting so they can be helped…shed light on important insights from people who know more than us…teach us through experiences of of others…give us resources so we can further the kingdom…and most of all connect the church like never before.
Joel Klampert
Well said, as always. I appreciated what I read from him there and thought it was worth posting here as well seeing as there’s been some good cross-pollenation between my blog and the ON OUR WAY HOME forum lately.
Emmanuel in West Brookfield, MA and St. Stephen’s in Springfield, MA are the two churches being led out of the CEC by their clergy and into Western Rite Orthodoxy.
Even though the churches still have “CEC” in their URLs (http://www.emmanuelcec.org and http://ststephenscec.org), the bio on the priest has this last bullet point on the Emmanuel Church page:
December 2007 Moves Emmanuel & St. Stephen’s Church’s into the Western Rite Vicariate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, completing the journey Home
As far as I know, these parishes were always under +Bates – not under ++Sly or +Zampino.
As to the other question brought up in response to this original post, I have no news on the Southeast losing an Archdeacon from Christ the King Selma.
Posted in the comments section moments ago by hypostasis:
As of December 21, 2007, two CEC Churches in the Diocese of the Northeast have been led out of the CEC by their clergy and are heading to the Western Rite of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The departure is substantially a result of the CEC’s theological drift from that of the first 1,000 years of the unified Church, as originally en-visioned, to that of the 16th Century Protestant Reformation in England (a.ka. Anglicanism).
Whilst web surfing today, I noticed an ex-CEC parish has “changed flags” (hotel speak when it goes from one brand to another — Marriott to Hilton, for example).
Shepherd’s Heart in Virginia is now a part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America which is under the Anglican Church of Nigeria. Click here to their newly updated website.
Nothing like old news on a slow day…this was e-mailed to me (back on Sept. 5th!) from a reader of this blog. According to the St. Augustine Record newspaper, changes are a happening at the church formerly pastored by Fr. Joe Butler who has left the CEC and is now a part of Credence Clearwater Revival Communion of Corpus Christi.
++Doug Woodall is in charge of this parish
St. Andrews CEC Mission in St. Augustine has changed its service time from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Services are held at the Riverview Club, 790 Christina Drive, St. Augustine Shores.
Doug Woodall, CEC Archbishop for the Archdiocese of the Armed Forces, is interim pastor.
Woodall notes that children’s church for elementary age children is now being offered.
Catholic Online must be into recycling stories this week. Dated “12/11/2007″ is a story by Deacon Keith Fournier about Randy and Sandy Sly becoming Roman Catholic. Click here for the story. This is not new news to most of us but it’s getting recycled on Catholic Online for some reason.
Also, a discussion on apostolic succession is burning up the boards over at “On Our Way Home.” After my time in the CEC, I can spell apostolic succession as well as anyone. The deal is, if there is no “apostolic success” who gives a rat’s ass? I think a good definition of apostolic success can be found in the last 2 verses of Acts 2:
Acts 2
46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Who cares who has the tallest mitre? Or, if ICAB is considered schismatic by Rome? Blah, blah, blah if you ask me. Arguing about apostolic succession will get you absolutely nowhere. Mostly, it’s a smoke screen for a lack of spiritual or numerical growth in the church.
Jacob Lee posted a comment which got caught in my spam filter. I de-spamed it and now here’s the link he shared with me:
http://iconnewmedianetwork.com/2007/12/06/true-convergence-orthodox-podcast-1/
I guess if you were with one triumphalistic group (“The CEC is the only TRUE Church”), it’s only natural to go with yet another triumphalistic group (“Orthodoxy is the only TRUE Church”) as evidenced by the “True Convergence” podcast below.
True Convergence: Orthodox Podcast #1
By admin ⋅ December 6, 2007 ⋅
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True Convergence Orthodox Podcast #1
Host:
Jacob Lee — Icon New Media Network
Participating:
Fr. John Denny Roland —St.’s Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Hot Springs Arkansas
Fr. Patrick Cardine — St. Patrick’s Orthodox Church, Warrenton, Virginia
Fr. Patrick and Fr. John Denny talk about their journey from the Charismatic Episcopal Church into the Orthodox Church. Both Fr. Patrick and Fr. John Denny have recently been ordained in the western rite of the Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Please listen to their journeys and leave comments and ask questions. Fr. Patrick and Fr. John would love to hear from you.
This is the inaugural show! We did not know what we were going to call it or that it was going to be a regular deal when we first recorded it. This recording, along with the Man in Black Shows on the Charismatic Episcopal Church, have inspired a new podcast series on the Convergence Movement. We will be sharing more stories and more Journeys into the Orthodox Church on this show. Look for not just audio, but blog posts as well. We have more things in mind so make sure and stay tuned into the True Convergence: Orthodox Podcast.
This show was conducted via skype.
Apparently, a new order has emerged within the CEC called the Order of Franciscan Penitents. See below…
A Franciscan Reflection
by Fr. Christopher Keough, OFP
November 30, 2007
The Feast of St. AndrewGreetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am hoping that this will be the first of many “Franciscan Reflections” from the brothers and sisters of the Order of Franciscan Penitents (OFP), the new religious community in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The Order of Franciscan Penitents was officially established on November 17, 2007 by Bishop Michael Davidson of the Central Province of the CEC. On that day the OFP was born, and Saints Francis and Clare Mission in Columbia, Missouri was established as a religious house for the whole church. Seven people took vows as Franciscans that day, four renewed vows from other traditions and three embraced vows as Franciscan brothers and sisters for the very first time. Three priests, four lay persons (two women and two men) became the first members of a religious community that has the potential to reach people worldwide. Each person takes their place in a
new type of monastic community. The OFP is a community separated by distance but united by prayer, and common bonds of devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ formed by the teachings and witness of St. Francis of Assisi. The mission of the OFP is to be a witness to the world of the saving grace and love of Jesus. To be a Franciscan is to be an evangelist. To be a Franciscan is to be converted to a life wholly devoted to Jesus. The
word “penitent” is understood in its purest form, conversion. The Franciscan is to be wholly converted to Christ, turning from worldly passions and being converted to a life devoted to our Savior. The habit of the new order is nontraditional as well. The habit -
religious dress of the order – is a silver ring. The habit is worn twenty-four hours each day, seven days each week. The ring is the perfect habit for the OFP. It allows each member to be a constant and continual witness to the vowed life of the Franciscan. As I reflect on the ring which I have worn for just two weeks now, and which my brothers and sisters in the order now wear, it is a constant reminder of the connection I now have with these special people. My daily prayers include all those in the OFP, and all those who will join or be friends of the order. My daily prayers include Bishop Michael, who himself kissed each ring at the institution of the order. My daily offices are blessed by knowing that every other member of the order is praying for me as I am praying for them. I look at the ring often. I roll it on my finger. I contemplate on the life of Francis who became such a strong witness to Christ, and whose example we strive to follow. The design of the ring is very special. Sister Toni Almond, OFP designed the ring we wear as our habit. It has the cincture, or rope belt (girdle) worn in a traditional monastic habit lining the edges of the ring. Three knots in the rope represent the three vows taken by the Franciscan – humility, obedience, and simplicity (more on those in another article). In the center of the ring is the Franciscan Tau cross – imagine a large “T”. The Tau cross is the traditional symbol of the brothers and sisters of St. Francis. This was a symbol adopted by Francis himself. Imagine someone in a religious robe extending his arms out to embrace the world. Laying over the support beam of the cross (below the top of the “T” part) is the dove of the Holy Spirit – Imagine the wings of the dove in the shape of a triangle facing downward. This represents our unique witness to the world as members of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. But there’s more. It occurred to me just the other day that when one looks at the ring upside down, it looks like a sailing ship. This image
immediately turned my thoughts to the sailing ship that Bishop Davidson uses to illustrate the mission of the CEC in the Central Province. That mission finds its foundation in teleios – Christian maturity. The OFP is called to that mission the same as any parish in the province. We are called to Christian maturity and stability – called to teleios. When we wear the ring, the world sees the symbol of a Franciscan community guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The wearer sees that image as well, but
I also see the image of teleios – the mission of the CEC in the world. By the grace of God, may the OFP extend its arms in loving embrace that all may find themselves in the Savior’s arms.
How is this remotely a priority? I doubt that re-tooling the Nicene Creed will bring back most of those who left the CEC in the last 2 waves. I know of few who left the CEC over the filioque clause.
I do know of many that left due to broken promises, lack of a credible infrastructure, no health or pension plans for clergy, and going through the motions of consensus government. If the announcement by +David Simpson was about any of the aforementioned, perhaps you might see some excitement out there. But this announcement seems to be designed to answer a question that no one was asking.
—-
From: Bishop David Simpson
At the recent US House of Bishops, the US Theological Working Group presented several papers on the Nicene Creed. In response to those papers, and the subsequent discussion among the bishops, it was agreed that the contemporary English version is flawed in several respects. As a result, the US House of Bishops, and subsequently the Patriarch’s Council, approved the older English version of the Nicene Creed, with certain modifications.
The process began with the recognition that the modern version of the Nicene Creed, as used in Rite Two of the BCP, and developed by the International Commision on English Texts, is flawed in its translation of certain important theological phrases, such as “seen and unseen,” etc. In each case, the translation of the traditional version, used as an alternative in Rite One of the BCP, was considered more theological and linguistically accurate. The concern with simply reverting to the traditional version was clarity, such as “proceedeth, and quick”, etc. So we simply updated those words to reflect modern useage.
The form adopted by the Patriarch’s Council is actually the one out of the 1928 BCP, and the traditional version in the 1979 BCP, with the modifications mentioned in the explanation document. We did not rely on the Lutheran version at all, rather the Anglican one. The only two substantitive changes to the traditional BCP version of the Creed are “and the Virgin Mary,” and the filioque clause. The first, came about as we examined the original Greek version of the Creed, which was the one written by the councils. It is clearly “and the Virgin Mary,” not “of the Virgin Mary,” which is how the Eastern Churches translate it. The second, of course, was added subsequent to the consensus of the eucumenical councils by the West, and therefore, not part of the original Creed. You are correct in assuming that the parentheses around the clause is the writing on the wall. I fully expect that unless the Lord completely redirects the thinking of the bishops, it will eventually be eliminated altogether. Until then it is optional.
We believe in one God,the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,and of all things visible and invisible;And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made,being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made;who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father;and he shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead;whose kingdom shall have no end.And we believe in the Holy Spirit the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son); who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who has spoken through the Prophets.And we believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; we acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Take a look at the sign gracing the front of the cathedral parish in Kansas.
They are proud to be a part of the International Communication of the Charismatic Episcopal Church… er…um… I think they meant Communion.
Perhaps this is a new splinter movement within the ICCEC. Or, I’m reading a bit much into a typo that seems to have slipped through the cracks.
This was posted to the livejournal page for St. Michael’s Cathedral back in July:
Kevin Barry+ (all the way to the right) was formerly at St. Michael’s and served as a Canon Missioner. He’s pictured here as he travelled with ++Adler to Africa.
Today, I learned of a podcast featuring Barry+ and Matthew Cuthbertson, another one formerly at St. Michael’s and an inquirer into Orthdoxy.
(I’ve only listened to a few minutes of this as I’m posting this and it irked me that the Orthodox priest hosting this podcast referred to Canon Barry as “Mr. Barry.”)
This comment from papaz was in response to a post that I made back in July when I discovered that an “Intergenerational Healing Questionnaire” used in prayer ministry was on the KS cathedral parish’s website. (See my original post here).
Read my post first and then the comment below. I thought it best to bring papaz’s comment to the front of the blog so that no one could miss this. It’s worth a read.
November 16, 2007 at 9:54 pm
papazAfter a great deal of thought and consideration, I feel that I must respond here.
A couple of points: 1) I do believe that there can be such things as generational issues, etc. 2) I enormously mistrust many, if not most, people who claim this ministry, because of the tremendous possibility for abuse. Throughout my life, people have accused me of not believing in spiritual warfare, because of the mistrust I have expressed for the kooks in the field. Actually, the reverse is true. I do believe in spiritual warfare, and it is because I take it as seriously as I do, I tend to get very nervous when some kook dabbles in something very dangerous. 3) Michael and Cathie Davidson have, in my opinion (and personal experience) a very unhealthy, even dangerous, fascination with this subject.
Now on to the application itself: 1) Please note that one of the “resources” listed is the Davidson’s own teaching on the subject. This, in and of itself, while not a fatal flaw, does give one pause. One typically has to be careful citing one’s self. 2) I have been in ministry, in one form or another, for about a quarter century. For various schools, jobs, or positions, I have been required to take many, if not most, of the standard psychological testing instruments. I have never, in either my educational or ministerial career, ever seen a questionnaire quite like this one. I’m not saying that they don’t exist – I’m sure that they do – but this questionnaire, as presented here, has no business whatsoever being used outside an extremely tightly controlled professional environment. This is not the sort of thing to which your average parish volunteer should ever – ever be subjected. 3) While admitting that questionnaires of this sort may be of value in the aforementioned extremely tightly controlled environment, there are aspects of THIS particular questionnaire which range from the silly to the offensive. Some examples:
In the section under “Occult” does anyone (other than the Davidsons, apparently) truly believe that Science Fiction movies are comparable to Black Magic? Or that Yoga is comparable to Necromancy? Or that acupuncture is comparable to holding a séance?
In the section under “Secret Organizations, Cults, False Religions, Occult, and Mind Control” is it honest to compare pledging a college fraternity with the list of various cults mentioned? Does anyone really want to put the Knights of Columbus (an extremely faithful Catholic organization) with Satanism?
What this is, folks, is a control grab, dressed up as an “inner healing” program. I worked in this diocese for many years, and witnessed – first hand – information about persons which should have been confidential (and which the persons involved thought WERE confidential) to be abused. Anyone actually considering submitting this questionnaire to the CCOK needs to seriously reconsider. You are potentially handing a dangerous weapon to someone who has demonstrated (in my opinion and experience) that he can and will abuse it.
As reported in the comments section, it appears the parish council at the Kansas cathedral parish had a long meeting, basically sang “kumbaya” and is moving on. Hald commented that it was a long meeting and his opinions were heard. It does not appear anything huge was decided except to move on. Most indications were that a “statement” was to be read and that the bishop was not on trial or anything like that.
From On Our Way Home . . . no real meeting happening tonight in Kansas. Instead, the parish faithful will be treated to a “statement”. This from a forwarded e-mail from within the church there in KS.
It’s just awesome that you can be the mouthpiece of God on the one hand, but when you screw up as a bishop, don’t worry because God will sort it out. Perhaps I’m the only one reading that in +Davidson’s e-mail…
Dear ********:
I forgot to mention that the Cathedral Council will not be the place or time to answer in detail questions you have. …. At the Council meeting I will present a statement on what has happened, deal with questions and then we will move on to other business concerning the building of the Cathedral. There is not much I can say. Also, I am not here to defend myself.
The main issue here is not about trust in the bishops. Church history is full of leadership failures. The real issue as a catholic is trusting in God. He is well able to deal with leaders who will not listen to His correction.
Perhaps you can submit major questions you have and I will try to answer them. Doing this will help you to formulate what your real concerns are. I in no way am trying to dismiss you. ….it seems you have deeper issues to deal with than I can address in our brief time at this meeting. Most of the leadership on the council are anxious to move ahead.
Therefore, please forward any questions you have.
God bless,
+mike
I have been informed by e-mail and in the comments section that the meeting happening next week in the Central Diocese is for the cathedral parish leadership only and not at all a territory-wide forum. Oops. I sit and type corrected.
I’ve been most grateful to many of you who have e-mailed me. I have been hearing of similar experiences in the CEC from across the country and around the world, even. It’s kind of strange that we could all have the same experience but be in different places of the world and serving with different clergy and under different bishops. However, the tale always ends the same. Try to speak up, “off with your head!” Try to leave, “off with your head!”
I’ve also been awash in a sea of comments that are not ready for prime time. Again, when you start your comment off with, “Dear Satan worshipper,” you’ve completely lost me. Chances are high that it’s not making the blog. Don’t like it? Start your own. But, thanks for at least summoning the courtesy to start off with the word “Dear”.
Not much news to report on the CEC front. It appears from skimming the other forums such as On Our Way Home and Ancient-Future that the cathedral in Kansas seems to be a hotbed of activity leading up to a provincial meeting on Nov. 11th. So, wars and rumors of wars happening in the Central Province and all else quiet elsewhere, I suppose. More later as it happens!
WOW… on the On Our Way Home forum, +Rick Painter breaks his silence. Incredible insights, as always, from Bishop Rick (I always enjoy saying his name fast as in “bishopric”).
Click here to see the post by +Painter or see below…
I have just been reconnected to the internet after having been off during our recent selling, buying, remodeling, and moving into our new church facility. So, I come a little late to this conversation.
This is my first time ever to post on this, or any blog, forum, or what have you. I have read with a broken heart many of your posts. Also, I have experienced anger, disgust, and downright indignation at some of the posts.
First, unless you sat with us in the HOB in the CEC you do not truly know what we confronted and what we did not confront. Most of the confrontations had to take place out side of the “official” meetings because of the “controlled atmosphere”. Even when we were told we could speak out we knew it would be turned on us and used against us.
Last year someone posted my letter in support of +Ken Myers and his wonderful wife, Shirley. In that letter I called the CEC a “cult”. I have since been blamed for ” making the CEC a cult by my calling it one”. Interesting. The point of that letter was my being appalled that none of the Patriarch’s Council had responded to their letters…in any fashion at all. As a member of the HOB when they wrote us I responded to all of the Bishops with that letter. I would do so again.
A few simple facts:
I, as did others at other times, made personal trips to San Clemente to confront +Adler regarding his personal problems and the overall problems in the CEC. I did this at least three times, at my own expense, not my church’s or my diocese’s. Also, I confronted him publicly and privately at various meetings of the leadership, both in SC and other venues. In addition, there were many very loud phone confrontations between +Adler and me.
Several of us confronted him over the debacle he led in Manila. He was warned that the CEC was coming apart if he did not change, get help, and/or step aside for the good of the communion. All of this he refused, denied, ignored, used against us, and on and on ad nauseum…
Some of we Bishops had quit “having a drink” with the others and some of us never smoked. I quit along with another Bishop I will not name because I refused to allow my conduct to contribute to the continued disintegration of a church…I have never smoked anything, period. For this I, and others were ridiculed…so be it.
I am the Bishop that watched +Adler leer at Shirley Myers that fateful night. Everytime he got up to go in the house I would go in to be sure she was not alone with him. I was so angry that I did not say something for fear of starting a physical fight with the man. (That had almost happened on another occasion.)When he brought up his most recent “revelation”, read heresy, I and another Bishop left for the hotel. I haved since apologized to Shirley and +Ken for failing them that night by not speaking up. Ever been so disgusted and mad you did not know what to do? Then you can understand where I was…no excuse.
Those of you that have questioned whether what he did was “sexual harrassment” or not…need to understand that is not the issue, although by definition it is exactly that! The issue is this man was, and sounds like still is, wrong and refusing to deal with it. I am not his judge and I pray every day for the man…but, those of us with training enough to be psychologists, and some were, did confront him, repeatedly, to no avail. And, when we talked with the others in leadership they would “marginalize” us or tell us it was “being taken care of”.
Further, the structure of the CEC leadership was such that the HOB was absolutely powerless to effect change, correction, or any such thing. All…repeat, all decisions were made by either the Patriarch’s or Primate’s Council which in actuality boiled down to +Adler getting his way. In the end, that was not always the case in those two privy councils…but, it had been for so long it was BAU.
I realize I open myself up to all kinds of responses, so be it. Please know I have thought long and hard before I have undertaken to add my two cents worth.
I am praying for Joni, Victoria, Celine, et al at St. Michaels’. I pray for Fr. Barry, Fr. Cuthbertson, and Fr. Olkie and thier families…these are good men. I pray for +Kessler, Cn. House and the other SM clergy, we all had some great times together and these are good people that, like all of us, got caught up in something that went out of control. I pray for Betty and the Adler family…how heartbreaking all of this is. I pray for Dan Sharp and his precious wife Priscilla, how sad. I pray for those trying to lead the CEC out of and forward from this mess. God have mercy on all of us.
In closing one of the Bishops that left said something that really describes what happened to us, “They, our leadership, took advantage of our goodnes. They used the things our parents and grandparents built into us, against us…character, honor, loyalty, and such old fashioned traits”.
Thanks Mike for allowing this overly long post.
Pro Dei Regno,
+Rick
Click here for the story … full text follows below.
Epps to be consecrated as ICCEC bishop Nov. 16
Tue, 10/30/2007 – 4:03pm
By: The Citizen
Father David Epps, pastor of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church, will be consecrated as a bishop in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. The service will be conducted in the sanctuary of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Highway 54, Peachtree City.
Epps, 56, was elected at the U. S. House of Bishops in Orlando during October to serve the Mid-South Diocese which includes Georgia and Tennessee. The election was made necessary when, in June 2007, the Diocesan Bishop, The Most Reverend John W. Holloway, 53, suffered a debilitating stroke. Epps will serve as auxiliary bishop with Holloway remaining the diocesan.
The consecrators for the service will be The Most Reverend Charles Jones, Archbishop of the Southeast Province, The Most Reverend David Simpson, Bishop of Florida, and The Most Reverend Gene Lilly, Auxiliary Bishop of the Southeast Province.
Epps, who first began ministry as a youth worker in 1971, was licensed to preach by the United Methodist Church in 1975 and was later ordained in the Assemblies of God in 1978. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the ICCEC.
Prior to 1983, Epps served United Methodist and Assembly of God churches in Tennessee, Virginia, and Colorado. In June 1983, he became the pastor of Fayette Fellowship Assembly of God, Peachtree City, which later relocated to Sharpsburg and was renamed Trinity Fellowship.
In September 1996, Epps and 18 other people planted Christ the King Church which met for six years at Carmichael-Hemperly Funeral Home in Peachtree City.
In November 2002, the church relocated to its present site on 12 acres in Coweta County. The church currently has approximately 250 people who claim the church as their home. In addition, Christ the King has assisted in the planting of other congregations in Hogansville, Fayetteville, and Champaign, Ill.
Epps is a graduate of Berean College of the Assemblies of God, East Tennessee State University, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, International Seminary, and Berean Graduate School of Divinity, an institution founded by Carrie Nation.
He is a current doctor of ministry candidate at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.
Epps, a karate black belt and former instructor, also received an honorary doctorate for his work with youth and martial arts ministry from Great Plains Baptist College and Seminary. For 18 years, he has served as the chaplain for the Peachtree City Police Department and is a graduate of the police academy in Fulton County.
Within the ICCEC, Epps has served as canon to the ordinary for the Mid-South Diocese, canon to the ordinary for the Archdiocese of the Armed Forces, chair of the Diocesan Commission on Ordained Ministry, as a member of the Mid-South Diocese Bishop’s Council, and as a member of the Provincial Council for the Southeast Province.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Epps also served with the Tennessee Army National Guard and served as a chaplain (with the rank of captain) for the Georgia State Defense Force, an auxiliary of the Georgia Army National Guard.
Epps has been published in over 20 magazines and journals and he has served as a regular weekly columnist for The Citizen newspapers for nearly 11 years.
He is married to the former Cynthia Douglas, a professor of nursing at the University of West Georgia. They have three adult sons and nine grandchildren.
The consecration service, which will be followed by a reception, is open to the public.
Here’s a very upbeat comment and cheery perspective on all the unpleasantness happening in the CEC. This was posted in response to the VirtueOnline story about the CEC split:
Leonard
Posted: 2007/10/27 3:02 Updated: 2007/10/27 3:21
Joined: 2004/11/2
From: Denver
Posts: 87 Re: COLORADO priest cleared…Williams supports Howe…Mo…Petering out?
Well, as a CEC Priest, I have to say “I think not.” Our Patriarch has been desperately ill for some time and has just retired. That’s very sad, for I remember him as a man of great vigor, unshakeable joy, and boundless energy. But he rightly saw that he was simply too physically taxed to give us the strong (read “tireless”) leadership we need.
May the Lord grant him rest, healing and renewed vigor. And may He reward his servant greatly for his years of selfless service. +
We are in the prayerful process of selecting our communion’s second Patrriarch. Your prayers too, Brethren are coveted as we do so.
Right now with the splitting and chipping away, we seem like everybody else in the non-Roman, but sacramental churches. I could paraphrase that old song from THE WIZARD OF OZ: “Chip chip here. Split split there! And a couple of Coups de etat! That’s how it is, but let’s not think we’ve heard the Last Hurrah!”
Perhaps the restructuring was to be expected. I trust it is ‘growing pains’ not ‘death throes!’ Our Bishops seem quite unified now, and more focused on the tasks at hand. I think this is a wholesome development in the midsts of a great deal of confusing pother.
Now, if I can just get our little Parish to outgrow my living room!
(PS: I just noticed I am approaching my third full year coming to this site. It hardly seems like more than a few months. I must really enjoy it here! Thanks to all of you for making it so.)
This just in from VirtueOnline: “CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH SPLITS”. In today’s digest, a priest leaving the CEC is quoted in the story as leaving for Western Rite Orthodoxy. Click here for the story or see below for the text.
CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH SPLITS. More news. In my last VIEWPOINTS I said the schism in the CEC had resulted in many leaving and going to Rome. A priest who is leaving the CEC himself wrote to say that many of those leaving have gone to Western Rite Orthodoxy, but the most common destination has been for AMiA, CANA and the Anglican Province of America (APA).”Individuals have indeed gone to Rome, but parishes cannot do so. Thus, considering parishes are moving toward Anglican jurisdictions. It is much more accurate to describe the movement as toward Anglicans, including myself. Many former CEC priests have chosen to affiliate with AMiA and are busy planting parishes. Not a few parishes have also chosen to affiliate with AMiA. Lately, others have begun to affiliate with CANA. Eventually, however, it seems likely that a large number of former CEC clergy and parishes are in conversation with APA-REC. In the end, this may result in the largest single quorum of all.” The source told VOL that the total number of parishes being planted by former CEC priests added to the parishes that have/are joining with Anglican bodies could total well over 30 Anglican parishes, when all the dust settles.
I was thinking, “Today is a new day. God’s mercies have been renewed to us. Why not a site redesign?”
I think klampert and anon4cec as well as a few others commented way back when that the old site looked sorta depressing. Well, I did find a cheerier site option on WordPress today since I had a few minutes to kill.
I’m caught up on comments and e-mails for the most part. I hope that all visiting here are being blessed by the Lord in some way. Thanks for reading, thanks for your prayers for me personally and for those in and out of the CEC.
I thank so many of you that have taken the time to e-mail me. All e-mails are treated confidentially. Nothing is posted to this blog unless asked. I’ve received so many e-mails asking for help or answers about a particular parish. Unfortunately, I can’t respond to each and every one of you. But, I hope that reading my story and the stories of others that care to post comments, that you can receive the healing that you are seeking from the Lord in addition to your fervent prayer and devotion to His Word.
Thanks for your patience as I’ve been wading through a ton of comments…most of them unsuitable for this blog. I apologize to samgamgee for just approving his/her comment from two days ago just now. I’m a bit backlogged and slowed down by the “drive-by commenters”.
VirtueOnline mentions the latest ICCEC news in its latest roundup. Click here to see the whole news page. Blurb follows here:
The upheaval in the Charismatic Episcopal Church continues. Last year, the denomination split with many going to Rome. In the latest move, the Patriarch’s Council of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, meeting in Orlando recently, accepted the Most Reverend Randolph Adler’s retirement as Primate and Patriarch of the ICCEC. Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines, as senior bishop of the Patriarch’s Council, is expected to succeed him. He will assume the chairmanship of the Patriarch’s Council until the election of the next Patriarch. The CEC claims 1,500 churches in Africa with 18 bishops.
This just came across my inbox. Please keep +John Holloway and his family in your prayers.
Dear Friends of Bishop John and Elaine Holloway:
I just received this URGENT email from Elaine. We are, apparently, facing a new, critical, and urgent situation.. May all of God’s people pray and may “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” May the God of Luke the Physician and the God of all healing mercifully touch and heal our bishop.
“I just talked with the doctor at Emory, they have requested we place Bishop in hospice care. They did an electrocardiogram Wednesday and said the blood clot was still in his heart (we had not been told there was one there) and his heart ejection rate had fallen from 45% (we had not been told that either) to about 15%. They are expecting him to die shortly. This is not the news you want to hear when you get up in the morning.”
Please pray and call your deacon, priest, bishop, etc., with this message to pray. Bishop John is in Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital Room B568.
The Rev’d Canon David Epps
Canon to the Ordinary, Mid-South Diocese
Rector, Christ the King Church
4881 Highway 34 East
Sharpsburg, GA 30277
770-252-2428 – office
770-252-21-92 – fax
10-15-07: 542 unique visitors
10-16-07: 1618 unique visitors – highest day ever
10-17-07: 599 unique visitors (as of this writing)
I’ve not been able to moderate all your comments in a timely manner…a guy’s gotta work, you know what I mean? I just read the latest statement at face value. Commenters (stlouismb, papaz) have pointed out that there has been no mention of any work in restoring those who have been hurt by those who are now stepping down from leadership or what will come of the allegations presented against the Patriarch.
At the very least, all I can do is this and I ask for your help in this:
* Pray for ++Randy and Betty Adler
* Pray for Dan Sharp+ and his family
* Pray for St. Michael’s Church in San Clemente
* Pray for those who have been hurt in any way by those in leadership
* And, pray for me, a sinner…
International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church
Statement of the Patriarch’s Council
The Patriarch’s Council convened Monday, October 15, 2007 in Orlando, Florida.
Archbishop Randolph Adler asked to address the Patriarch’s Council prior to its
opening. He asked us to accept his retirement as a Diocesan, Primate and
Patriarch of the ICCEC. The Patriarch’s Council expressed their gratitude and
appreciation for his founding of and many years of service to their church and
expressed their deepest love and affection for him and his wife, Betty, and their
best wishes for their future. Accepted by the Patriarch’s Council Archbishop
Adler’s retirement is effective immediately.
Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines, as senior bishop of the Patriarch’s Council, in
accordance with the Canons called for an election of the next Patriarch.
As the senior bishop present, Archbishop Hines also assumed chairmanship of
the Patriarch’s Council until the election of the next Patriarch. In accordance with
the Canons he made the following temporary appointments:
• Bp Doug Kessler is General Secretary and Supervising Bishop of the
province of San Clemente.
• Bishop Craig Bates is Moderator of the Patriarch’s Council and Supervising
Bishop of the US.
Procedure for the election of Patriarch: College of Archbishops will gather Jan 9,
2008 in Orlando, Florida, to present nominations for the next Patriarch of the
ICCEC. These nominations will be submitted to the Patriarch’s Council for review
and examination. Once the Patriarch’s Council selects a name, it will be returned
to the College of Archbishops for affirmation. Once affirmed the College of
Archbishops will submit the name to the Patriarch’s Council for election. The
Senior Bishop of the Patriarch’s Council will announce the election of the new
Patriarch.
The following changes were made to the Canon Law of the ICCEC:
Canon One, II, A, 1 shall read “The spiritual head of the ICCEC is the Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. The chief pastor is the Patriarch or ‘First Father’ of
the Church.”
Canon One, II, A, 2 shall read “The Patriarch of the ICCEC shall also serve
as the Primate of his nation of residence, the archbishop of the province of
his residence, the diocesan bishop of his residence and the rector of his
cathedral.”
Canon Six, V, E, 5 shall read “The newly elected Patriarch shall be installed
in a service of public worship at a place and time appointed by the Patriarch’s
Council.”
These changes were recommended by the Committee on Canons and approved
unanimously by the Patriarch’s Council.
The Patriarch’s Council, the College of Archbishops and the bishops of the
ICCEC call each other and the entire church to a season of prayer and fasting.
The future of our church is under the providential care of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The following reports were heard by the Patriarch’s Council: International
Communications, Theological Concerns, International Convocation, and
Ecumenical Dialogue.
National Reports and budgets were submitted for: Europe, Canada, Pakisitan
Archbishop Loren Hines reported on Southeast Asia:
• Very successful European Convocation in Madrid. Several hundred
Filipinos attended.
• Filipino churches planted in Toronto and Edmonton, Canada; Milan and
Venice
• Over 600 attended a Restoration of the Church seminar in September.
Many came from Charismatic, Evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox
churches.
• New move of the Spirit at the Cathedral
• Report on many other successful ministries
Archbishop Paulo Garcia reported on the tremendous growth in Brazil:
• 40 churches and 11 missions in Brazil (16 planted in 2007)
• 36 priests and 11 deacons to be ordained by end of 2007
• 105 students in St Michael’s Seminary
• Talks ongoing about work in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
Archbishop Charles Jones, Supervising Archbishop of the International
Development Agency, reported on the work in Africa:
• There are about 1,500 CEC churches in Africa
• 18 bishops
• Many successful programs throughout east and west Africa
The Patriarch’s Council, concluding its business, adjourned, offering its prayers,
particularly for Archbishop Adler and his family and Bishop John Holloway and
his family.
First, some great comments by Jared Holloway. Now, this clarification from David Epps+ as to the status of his election and then investiture as Acting Bishop until +Holloway’s return. Epps+ posted this in the comments section but I’m also copying this to the front of this blog.
Thanks for clearing that up.
—-
Just to clarify–I am not replacing Bishop John Holloway. I will be acting in his stead until he returns. May that happen quickly. When he returns, I will be his auxiliary.
Father David Epps +
My e-mail inbox is burning up with this advisory (full text below) sent to me by a bunch of folks … as well as stlouismb posting this in the comments section.
Not surprisingly, reports are surfacing the ++Thomas Hines of the Philippines will lead the international church and +Bates will lead the US church.
This is good news indeed. ++Hines is no stranger to administration and this could bring about a turnaround in the organization. I’m assuming that +Bates will become an Archbishop if he indeed becomes the Primate of the US church. +Bates strikes me as someone who will be good in breaking up the good old boys network that is currently headquartered in San Clemente.
Ostensibly, ++Adler has a very tight control at St. Michael’s and in his Archdiocese. I wonder how his clergy there will react to this HUGE change in the power base of the CEC nationally and internationally. We shall see…
Advisory follows:
—-
Dear Archbishops, Bishops and Fathers:
Here is the statement issued today by the Patriarch’s Council in
Orlando and intended for immediate release:- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -The Patriarch’s Council of the International Communion of the
Charismatic Episcopal Church, meeting in Orlando, FL, October 15,
2007, accepted the Most Reverend Randolph Adler’s retirement as
Primate and Patriarch of the ICCEC. We wish to express our gratitude
and appreciation for his founding of and many years of service to our
church and we express our deepest love and affection for him and his
wife, Betty, and our best wishes for their future.- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
Please send this statement to all of your clergy. I do not yet have
email addresses for all our bishops outside of the US. If you see
that I have missed someone, please forward this message to them and
copy me so I may record their addresses.In the Lamb,
Fr Scott Howard
All is quiet on the blogging front except for a few thoughtful comments posted here by Jared Holloway, son of +John Holloway. Though some of my posts may verge on the hysterical, thanks for not responding in kind.
I’m seeing lots of chatter about the House of Bishops meeting in Florida. The only news to surface was news of the election of David Epps+ to succeed +Holloway. So to answer anon4cec: Other than that, no news to report on the ICCEC site or CEChome.
Seriously, if you Google these words:
Should Archbishop Adler be deposed?
…this blog shows up first in the search results as of this writing. I noticed that this particular query has been the top entry point to this blog…for better or for worse.
The comments section has been burning up with exceptional conversation between swede1, stlouismb, anon4cec, papaz and klampert and little old me, cechealing. I appreciate the level-headed discussion that’s been taking place. As much as I’m able, I will be as rational and grace-filled as possible. And when I’m not, I’m sure someone will call me on it.
Thanks for the many e-mails and comments that have been supportive of the way that I am moderating this blog. This is not to be billed as an open exchange of ideas. If you start your comment with “Dear Satan worshipper,” chances are your comment will not make it to the blog. (I’m exaggerating for comedic effect…though some comments have come pretty darn close!)
I only approved a handful of comments out of the many that were submitted. I’m going blind on e-mails so please don’t be offended if I don’t respond to you personally. But know that I’m encouraged by so many who share my opinions and desire to see some real healing take place. So with that, I’m calling it a night.
[NOTE: This is an open response to a comment left earlier on my post on the election of the new Bishop for the Mid-South]
swede1-
I’m not offended by the announcement as much as I am amused.
Dear reader, I am not rooting for death of the CEC. I am actually perplexed by its lack of growth — and it seems to be almost on purpose when you consider that so many hinderances to growth are in place! That when mixed with a great amount of talent in some parts of the lay and ordained population, and the movement is still not growing.
If anything, I’m wondering if any life can come from the status quo. If anyone seems to be rooting for death, it’s the present leadership – and I use that word loosely since it does not seem like anyone has been doing any actual leading for a while now. However, the expectation of following is in full swing. Rather, the present setup seems to be rooting for the CEC’s demise. Not this blog.
However, I don’t dispute that I’m bitter. I think that’s pretty obvious that I’m bitter. What’s not obvious is that I’m processing through that, letting go of it, etc., etc…
Finally, I sincerely thank you for your prayers.
The following e-mail was sent to me by several folks regarding David Epps+ and his election as Action Bishop of the Mid-South Diocese. You may recall, I wrote back on 1 August that it would either be +Gene Lilly or David Epps+ to replace +John Holloway.
News of this election is not a huge surprise given that his website already looks like a Cathedral site with the vast array of clergy – Epps+, 6 assisting priests, 5 deacons and 2 commissioned ministers and a “number of Licensed Liturgical Ministers”.
I read the statement and it was hard not to think of false humility. On the one hand, he says he did not campaign for his election. On the other, he didn’t turn it down when he was elected. The overuse of the military motif in the CEC is very obvious when we read that he equates his election with a battlefield promotion.
Here is the message from the Bishop-elect himself:
It seems that I am soon to be made a bishop. It is a position which I have not sought, for which I have not campaigned, and, in all truth—at least for the past few years—have not desired. All this has come about not because I have come to a place where my leadership abilities are profound and undeniable or because my accomplishments are such that they cannot be ignored. Quite the opposite, in fact. It has come about because our bishop, The Most Reverend John Holloway, age 53 and the father of four, suffered a massive stroke in early June and has been severely disabled since that time. As in war, when a commander is wounded or killed, someone has to be promoted so that the battle may continue and the enemy defeated. So it is with me. Our commander is wounded and I am to receive a battlefield promotion. Such was the decision of our American House of Bishops in Orlando last Monday.
The good news is all this is that, in our communion, bishops, with the exception of retired or auxiliary bishops, must also be pastors of their own church. This means that I continue to serve as the rector, or senior pastor, of the church I helped to found over eleven years ago. I will still be in the pulpit nearly every Sunday morning, will be visiting the hospitals to pray for the sick, will be blessing the new born babies within minutes after they are born, and will be teaching the scriptures and being involved in the life of the parish. I will even be continuing to write articles for the newspaper and, occasionally, for magazines and journals. I still desire to meet with the other clergy from different denominations for breakfast each Wednesday because it is enjoyable and they have been a great support to me in that past.
Some things will change. I am in the process of resigning from some committees, positions, and work groups and there will need to be greater delegation of duties and responsibilities in the church and in the diocese. I have already stepped down as a chaplain in the Georgia Defense Force and from chaplain duties at the Fulton County Police Academy. There will be other adjustments as well. One thing I desperately need to do is to finish my doctoral paper at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry so, somewhere, I need to carve out the time and complete a long overdue process.
It seems strange to me that I will have a new designation. Whereas, at present, I am “Father David Epps,” or “The Reverend Father David Epps,” I will soon be “The Most Reverend David Epps,” People who know me are aware that I am not very “reverend” and am certainly not “the most reverend.” The people in my church will most likely continue to call me “Father David,” a designation with which I am most comfortable since it conveys relationship rather than position.
I will be the “acting bishop” of the Mid-South Diocese which includes Tennessee and Georgia. I suppose I will have to cheer for the Bulldogs now (except when they play Tennessee). When, in the grace and mercy of God, Bishop Holloway returns to health and resumes his duties, then I will stand aside and serve as his auxiliary or assisting bishop. Until that time, I will do my best to do my duty to those who are engaged in the battle. My family and congregation are excited about all this. I am less so. I have been in the ministry a long time and served in a similar position, with less responsibility, in another denomination so I am well aware that much work, much anguish, and much heartache and heartbreak is ahead. There will be good times as well, but I’m not certain that they make up for the pain ones sees and experiences.
When I was elected last Monday, the bishops gave me the news and then apologized for having elected me. There was no applause, no backslaps, no cheers of congratulations. The moment was sober because the challenges ahead are daunting. I am, of course, honored and humbled. And, for the foreseeable future, there will no funds available to carry out the work—this promotion will actually come at a cost to my church and me. I will be consecrated in November, the Lord willing. I feel intensely unworthy which, in truth, I am. But I will do my duty. Lord have mercy. Pray for me.Father David Epps is the founding pastor of Christ the King Church
4881 Hwy 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277 between Peachtree City and Newnan.
Services are held Sundays at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. He is also the Vicar of Christ the King Church in Champaign, IL. He may be contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org <mailto:frepps@ctkcec.org> . The church has a website at www.ctkcec.org <http://www.ctkcec.org/> .
OK, have a look at the top search terms from the last 2 days:
bishop charismatic episcopal adler
“ARCHBISHOP ADLER”
dan sharp cec
“FATHER DANIEL SHARP”
cec sharp san clemente
Former CEC bishop Kenneth Myers
communion of corpus christi
St. Michael’s Seminary San Clemente
It’s clear that so many people out there just want straight answers. And, because of the deafening silence from San Clemente, people are going to try to find these answers wherever they can. You can blame me and others like me for doing Satan’s bidding. But, the real tragedy is that there is a responsibility being abdicated here to do real leadership. The very real and very hard work of leadership involves biting the bullet and just saying, “Here’s where we screwed up.”
A further tragedy – and I’ve mentioned it before here – is that there is still great potential for the CEC to realize its destiny. The administrative piece of this puzzle has emerged to be a huge obstacle to growth and stability. All of the other pieces are in place for the CEC to be taken to the next level and to do huge things for the Kingdom of God. Instead, the movement has decided that this quagmire is more important than moving onward and upward. And, this further silence from San Clemente only underlines my point here.
10-03-07: 435 unique visitors
10-04-07: 505 unique visitors, our highest day ever
Top search terms to this site:
CEC St. Michael’s San Clemente
cechealing
st michaels cec church san clemente
Dan Sharp CEC
cec st michaels san clemente
iccec blogs
archdeacon daniel sharp cec
Charismatic Episcopal Church
“juanita bynum” “charismatic witchcraft”
archbishop adler
st michaels cec church
randy sly and catholic
“charismatic episcopal church” forum
A few commenters have e-mailed me wondering when their comments will be posted. Even though I’m not in the CEC any longer, I won’t tolerate pointless attacks on the movement or specific people. So, some of those comments won’t be making it to this blog … EVER. If you don’t like it, well, it’s my blog and my rules.
Today was our highest traffic day ever with 334 unique visitors to cechealing.
Here are the top search terms:
CECHealing /or/ cec healing
charges against Archbishop Adler
on our way home forum cec
father daniel sharp in cec
latest of bishop thomas weeks iii did he
bishop randy adler cec
Also, this blog has been getting tons of unique visitor traffic because my post about ex-CEC Bishop Phil Weeks has been confounding search engines everywhere! There is news about a Pentecostal Bishop Thomas Weeks III who confessed to savagely beating his wife, Juanita Bynum. Obviously, there are two different Bishop Weeks out there and not even a remote resemblance.
Thanks for visiting the site. But above all else, thank you for being civil to me as well as the fellow commenters to this blog site. I’m so glad that this has remained a conversational site where I have been blessed and challenged by brothers and sisters in the Lord who are genuinely concerned about my healing as well as the healing of those in the CEC.
I pray that this site doesn’t get bogged down in acrimony. There’s too much at stake for that. I hope you faithful readers and commenters can agree.
Also, big money doled out from the Foundation Day offering this year! Also from CECHome.com.
Foundation Day Offering Update
Rebekah Reed • Saint Michael’s, San Clemente, CA
If you read the Foundation Day article recently published, you know that every year, on the Sunday closest to June 26th, we celebrate Foundation Day, in honor of Archbishop Adler’s consecration as bishop and the foundation of the CEC.
On this Sunday, a Missions Offering is received, with each communicate member giving at least ten dollars.
Everything is put towards the ministry and growth of the CEC. One third of the offering is given away; one third is invested; and one third is loaned interest free.
The proceeds all go toward helping smaller congregations get new buildings or land.
Recently, Church of the Resurrection, in Asheville, North Carolina (Father Bill McLoughlin), received $6,000.
The school at the Cathedral of Christ the King, in Selma, Alabama (Archbishop Chuck Jones) received $1,000.
And most recently, Holy Trinity Church, in Meridian, Idaho (Father Mark Finley), received $15,000.
Not that this comes as a huge surprise, but no news has been posted on the CEChome.com site about the latest developments out of San Clemente. However, there will be a Convocation next year!
Convocation 2008
Bp. David Simpson • Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, Miramar, FL
The 2008 International Convocation of the ICCEC will be held in Orlando, Florida, July 30-August 1, 2008. The convocation site is the Wyndham Orlando Resort, located at 8001 International Drive. The base room rate is $89.00 per night, plus tax. This rate is good for the 3 nights of the convocation, as well as 3 days prior to and subsequent to the event, subject to availability.
Though the final schedule of events remains to be determined, it is anticipated that the convocation will officially begin on Wednesday evening with a worship service. Both Thursday and Friday mornings there will be plenary sessions with Dr. Simon Chan as our guest speaker. Dr. Chan is a theologian from Singapore who is very interested in convergence worship. We are planning workshops in the afternoons on a variety of topics lead by a variety of speakers, followed by evening worship services, at which the Patriarch will speak.
Reservations at the hotel can be made at any time by calling 1-800-421-8001 and mentioning the Charismatic Episcopal Church, International Convocation. In order to fill up our required block of rooms, we are encouraging everyone to stay at the Wyndham. Not only will this help us meet our obligation, all activities will be held on site.
After the meeting of the Patriarch’s Council in October, I will have more information for you.
Blessings,
Bishop SimpsonBishop Simpson is the Bishop of the Diocese of Florida and Rector of Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, Miramar, FL.
Apparently, there’s more fireworks out of San Clemente. Click here to go to the new discussion on the Ancient-Future forum to see for yourself.
I know that all of us “evil blogger jihadists” and forum starters have been blamed for doing Satan’s work over the last year or so. I think more than anything, the Ancient-Future forum was the first place where most people broke their silence about their worst fears of the CEC and its lack of direction in the last few years.
And, for most people in the pews of CEC parishes, Ancient-Future is the only place where any news of the communion can be found. Not on the official ICCEC website and definitely not on the paid subscription CECHome disaster.
I’ve always thought that the CEC will always have a loyal faction to ++Adler. He is an incredibly charismatic person and it’s hard NOT to be drawn to him. So, there will always be some kind of ministry around that man, no doubt about it.
However, there’s got to be some eye rolling throughout the surviving communion right about now. Now that the remnant that declared their loyalty to ++Adler and the other bishops that stayed together, they went into overdrive basically prophesying that we were all “deadwood” anyway or hellbound for leaving the one, true Church. If there are more defections out of the CEC, where are they going to go?
Wake up and smell the incense, people. There is something going on at the top. You can try to prophesy it away by saying that God is hiding the CEC, God is pruning the CEC, God was getting rid of the deadwood … take your pick. But, the picture is emerging clearer and clearer that something drastic needs to happen otherwise this movement that started out destined for greatness is going to fizzle away for lack of vision, direction, or passion for the things that matter.
Anon4cec commented that they weren’t a big fan of the new and improved CEC logo. I think it’s progress from the CEC shield which was a cheap knockoff from The Episcopal Church’s shield only with a dove and pair of car keys superimposed on it. So, perhaps the new CEC logo is to distance itself from the connection that exists in most people’s minds when you hear the word “Episcopal”.
But, no sooner did I type this in the comments section when I noticed this – a strange link from the ICCEC’s new and improved website – BCP.net. From the site (emphasis mine):
The ICCEC has provisionally adopted the Book of Common Prayer (1979) as our standard of worship for capturing and retaining these ancient patterns enjoyed by the Church universal both in heaven and on earth. The ICCEC also recognizes for use the Book of Common Prayer (1928) and the Anglican Service Book. Other liturgies of Historic Jurisdictions – Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox – are allowed with the approval of the diocesan bishop.
So much for distancing the CEC from The Episcopal Church… but, how do you like the new logo? Huh? Pretty cool!
Also, is the BCP 1979 in the Public Domain? I think you have to at least credit The Episcopal Church somewhere when reprinting or re-packaging the BCP 1979 as the CEC has done with their BCP.net site. I don’t see any such credit or acknowledgement of that fact anywhere on the BCP.net website.
The long awaited website update for the ICCEC has taken place. I think the design looks pretty nice. Good colors and the content pretty much remains the same from previous versions of the site.
However, one thing really caught my eye. It’s this statement that is still on the welcome page (emphasis mine):
Established on June 26, 1992, the ICCEC has become one of the fastest growing communions in the world. Beginning with just 3 small parishes that first year, we now have a presence in over 23 countries and approximately 1100 parishes around the world.
What is the basis for this statement?
Hasn’t that time of “fastest growing communion” come and gone?
Perhaps “fastest shrinking communion in the United States” might be more appropriate?
I think the CEC has been displaced by many other groups by now that are growing at a much faster rate. It might be time to re-evaluate this claim to fame.
Also, St. Michael’s has updated their Live Journal page. There are a lot of very good “action photos” of the church. All the pics of ++Adler at St. Michael’s make him look like he’s in heaven. This has long been my suspicion that he’s much happier being a parish priest instead of “Patriarch”.
If the CEC is serious about growth, they might want to look at ++Adler as “Patriarch Emeritus” and find someone who might be ready to lead the remainder of the CEC into a new stage of life.
I was in a bit of a mood when I came across some pictures of ++Adler’s visit to Kansas (admittedly, I’m still in a mood!). First, let me say that they are on a public website. When you put them on a website, it’s open season. To complain like Martin Eppard+ did in the comment section is just ludicrous. Don’t post pictures in public if you didn’t want to hear what others might have to say about it.
I did remove the offending editorial from that post. A link to the pictures remains up without my offensive comments. A hornet’s nest was definitely stirred up in the comment section … everything from accusations to being used of the Devil, uncharitable, mean, counterproductive, etc., etc. In my attempts to be humorous and let off a little steam, I did get very carried away.
OK, message received loud and clear! I did an asshole thing. I’ll own up to being uncharitable, mean and counterproductive. Guilty as charged. However, I strongly disagree with being Satan’s pawn. (Just for the record…)
Anon4cec brought up a great point in the comments about the identity problem still in the CEC. This lack of identity, vision, direction is one that can’t be given from the ground up. It must come from the top down. And, when the top seems confused, lackadaisical, etc… that filters down to the rest.
I’m guessing that this is why many people joined up with the CEC – this founding vision/principle (emphasis mine):
The Charismatic Episcopal Church exists to make visible the Kingdom of God to the nations of the world; to bring the rich sacramental and liturgical life of the early church to searching evangelicals and charismatics; to carry the power of Pentecost to our brothers and sisters in the historic churches; and finally, to provide a home for all Christians seeking a liturgical-sacramental, evangelical, charismatic church and a foundation for their lives and gifts of ministry.
The words “bring” and “carry” convey ACTION to me. Isn’t that what you’re struck with when you read this really bold mission statement? But, the CEC has somehow been brought to its knees by a lack of ACTION. Mostly because of the trying to answer the ”Who are we?” and “Where are we going?” questions. Or, doing nothing in the hopes that people stop asking them.
The responsibility for this lack of ACTION rests squarely on the shoulders of ++Adler. ++Adler called an international convocation in 2004 where he gave no vision for the future, no goals for common ministry or even an indication of what God might be doing next through the CEC. Instead, he issued a bold clarion call to retreat and pray in the Spirit for hours on end – very impractical for most who were bi-vocational ministers at best and were holding on by a thread.
Where was the ACTION that catalyzed the initial growth of the CEC? Unfortunately, it had faded away into some cloud somewhere. The people who came from all over the world were treated to ramblings about some vision involving St. Clement and about how St. Michael’s Church is the best church in the history of churches. Many left Manila totally disappointed because they were hoping for a word from their Patriarch that would invigorate them and spur them on to the next phase of life in the CEC. No such luck.
The comments of late have been pretty accusatory that I’m about the Devil’s work with this blog. Hardly. I’m trying to sort out a lot of stuff…anger, hurt, bitterness, etc., etc… Mostly I’m a hurt person. Unfortunately, hurt people hurt people. Sorry if that is unpleasant but that’s the way it is sometimes.
I’m also sad that I saw the death of a dream happen before my very eyes. Something that was started out so prophetic and bold became something so trapped in inertia. Something that started out to be so huge and had the potential for explosive and continuous growth devolved into what …. I don’t even know anymore.
And in the attempt to try to turn things around, many have been castigated for being the bad seeds. For not comprehending the vision. For being unfaithful. For stirring dissent. Ultimately, many would be accused of being “vow breakers” or “adulterers” for walking out on the Church (capital “C”). Nevermind that +Bates is a vow breaker himself as well as others who left from ECUSA or others who left from Rome to be a part of the CEC.
I’ve tried many times to talk myself into believing that the words hurled at me on my way out of the CEC had no effect. That the journey out of the CEC didn’t hurt. But, it’s been a lie that I’ve been trying to live out for a long time now and realize that I must be honest that all this did hurt; it’s taken a toll that I’ve refused to believe was there.
So there you go. The ramblings of this blogger for you.
This blog received a whopping 304 unique visitors yesterday! Granted, a lot of folks landed on this blog because they were looking for news about Bishop Weeks. Not Bishop Weeks of Barnabas Ministries (formerly CEC and now with CCR). But, looking for news about Bishop Thomas Weeks III (pictured below). He’s married to Juanita Bynum and he allegedly beat his wife because she wouldn’t reconcile with him.
So, Google has been directing lots of traffic to this blog but we are turning up the wrong Bishop Weeks. Sorry.
Lots of other popular search terms generating traffic to this blog:
archbishop adler
bishop weeks statement
bishop craig bates
charismatic episcopal church cathedral
christ the redeemer communion
CEC bishop michael davidson
Bishop Zampino
Here’s a link to an online photo album of ++Adler’s visit to Kansas.
Edited 5 September 2007
In the interest of being even handed as well as for good writing, here is a piece by David Kyle Foster+ of the CEC featured on VirtueOnline. He writes about “The Judas Church” and it was likely picked up by VirtueOnline for its reference to The Episcopal Church.
Well cats and kittens, it seems that there’s reorganization afoot for CEC Missions. I went to their website to check in and found this message:
You have reached the home page of the former www.cecmissions.org.There is a reorganization taking place that effects this website.
In the mean time, you can visit this site for the International Development Agency here. (For those who are nostalgic for yesteryear and the days of yore with the CEC, you can always check out this handy archive of CEC Missions right here.)
Wow! I thought the IDA was blown up to smithereens for a fresh start. This is becoming a nimble little operation, isn’t it?
“Know thy audience” is one of the critical laws of marketing especially on the web. For some reason, whoever the powers that be on the CEC website have been insisting on putting bizarre pictures of ++Adler in his now trademark blue shades. (Those shades are so cool that everyone and anyone in/near San Clemente seems to be wearing them, too). If he was the College and Career Pastor at Mark Driscoll’s church in Seattle, he’d fit right in. However, if you want to be called “Patriarch”… you might want to re-think the whole look and go for something a little more respectable.
Well, ++Adler’s church is located in Orange County. Maybe he’s hoping to score his own reality series on MTV by looking “cool” … a walk-on role in the next Laguna Beach or The Hills perhaps?
At any rate, nice to see a decent picture of ++Adler on the main website. He actually looks “Patriarchal” pointing to the ground — you know, typical Patriarch stuff.
This is not new, but a reader of this blog pointed out to me that as early as last week, there was still a link to Bishop Philip Weeks’s website from the international CEC site. Oops. He’s only been gone for a while now, but they finally have been in cleaning mode on the international site.
At any rate, at +Weeks’s website, you can read his reasons for leaving the CEC. Click here or read on below for his official statement.
Bishop Weeks is now a part of the Communion of Christ the Redeemer. Many blessings to you Bishop Weeks!
BISHOP WEEKS RESIGNS FROM THE CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH
My resignation is NOT a renunciation of my Ordination and Consecration as a Bishop in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. It is a resignation as a bishop in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
I consider my association with ICCEC a privilege, and to serve as Supervising Bishop, sometime in Rwanda, sometime in Tanzania, and retiring as Supervising Bishop of Burundi, a blessing. At the time of my retirement in 2005, I had in my short time as Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 3,808 people, officially Received 639, Ordained 302 men and Baptized 95 children and adults. Through Barnabas Ministries, Incorporated, our work was done without any compensation from the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, for which we thank God and the faithful supporters of Barnabas Ministries.
I became acquainted with the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church through the kind invitation of the Primate of Southeast Territory to teach his men Convergence and prepare his churches for acceptance into ICCEC. I praise God for the relationship I was blessed to have with Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines. I was delighted to find a Communion that adhered to New Testament principles of church government, believed in and practiced the Three Streams of Christianity, and was unashamed of the exercise of the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. Being a Canon and later consecrated a Bishop, receiving Apostolic Succession from the National Catholic and Apostolic Church of Brazil, which is a direct line from Peter, first Bishop of Rome, I count it all joy to have served the sunset years of our ministry in this Communion.
I do not leave without much regret and sorrow. I have remained quiet over the past several years regarding the cause of and fact of schism, embarrassed at times to be identified as a Bishop of this Church, and appalled at the reluctance of the properly constituted Council to discharge faithfully and honestly its duties to affect discipline, healing and reconciliation. To me it has become evident that the contributions my wife and I made to the growth of this church in Africa were not appreciated nor recognized. Much of the story of our labors are unknown to the Bishops of this Church; the money we personally spent; the wrist surgery required by my wife because of many corporals and altar vestments she prepared for the churches; the death of our Sheltie during one of our Tanzanian trips; to mention only a few… The Africans have been told not to communicate with me. It seems best that I become a vague memory.
The Consensus Government that I proudly believed in and taught to hundreds of African clergy has become a farce, when a program such as CEC MISSIONS, constituted by the House of Bishops in 2004 but announced to the Africans in 2006 and decided upon without the Consensus of the House of Bishops, that it no longer exists, although appeals continue to be made on the CEC MISSIONS’ web site, and contributors have not been notified to cease their contributions. (Since my resignation they have now sent a letter informing the people.) This has become a Church, not ruled by a Consensus of Bishops, but governed by several bishops making decisions apart from the rest of the body. To this day I have had no explanation as to why I was directed to transfer the CEC MISSIONS program to Archdeacon Dan Sharp during the September 7-9, 2005 Primate’s Council in Baltimore when the charges noted in the June 8, 2005 letter regarding the IDA finances and the Patriarchate accountability were discussed. When I transferred the money September 26, 2005 to Archdeacon Sharp I had advanced through December 2005 subsistence for all the clergy in the CEC MISSIONS program and transferred a balance in excess of $1,800 toward the next year. Not all bishops received their subsistence during 2006.
According to the Canons of this Church, no bishop is to go into another bishop’s jurisdiction without his permission, nevertheless according to sources, Bishop Francis Gogo of Uganda is sent by the Patriarch to Burundi to work with the deposed Archdeacon Severin Ndayizeye in opposition to what I was doing as appointed Supervising Bishop. I was not consulted prior to, during or after this visit by Bishop Gogo, and when confronted, no apology was tendered. If my leadership was under question, I should have been consulted rather than create further division by lending support to the deposed priest who was causing the division and disunity. I learned from a former Episcopal Bishop that what a Bishop may do privately should not disallow public support of his appointed authority lest he should undermine his own authority by demeaning the one he has appointed. A case in point is the humiliation of former Archbishop Randy Sly by the Patriarch in June 2006 in Maryland when his leadership was destroyed. It seems that some in our ecclesiastical hierarchy enjoy hearing unfavorable reports without asking any defense from the accused more than cherishing good news. I feel victimized by this behavior.
In Rwanda I traveled that country to every part and ordained every priest. With God’s blessing and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Emmanuel Ngirumpatse was raised up to take my place and I had the joy of being co-consecrator. In Tanzania I worked with the two men who later would succeed me: – Bishop Daudi Chidawali and Bishop Charles Sekelwa in whose Consecrations I participated. Under threat of death I traveled throughout Burundi, confirming and ordaining, and watching to see whom God would raise up as Bishop. With the consent of the Bishop’s Council during my final visit to Burundi in August, 2005, I recommended Canon Nestor Misigaro as Bishop, only to have my recommendation questioned as if I knew nothing of the desire of the priests, and poisoned by the continual contact and consultation with the deposed archdeacon who was guilty of fraud, lying, misuse of money and disobedience to his ordination vows. Rumor has it that Canon Misigaro and two other men will be consecrated in March but such information has not been passed to me by the attending Archbishop nor any inquiry into the election of the additional men, nor invitation to be co-consecrator of my successors. A major reason for problems among the African leadership today is due to the fact that bishops were elected and consecrated without due investigation by the Archbishop. This is not only bad practice, but improper conduct in protocol, and a blatant act of discourtesy.
“Relationship is what CEC is all about” declares the Patriarch, however, since the announcement of my wife’s Alzheimer Disease four years ago, the Patriarch has not called, emailed, written or asked about her condition or how I am handling this change in our life. No comment!
I do not leave ICCEC angry, but I do feel I have been victimized and treated unfairly. My service is no longer needed nor wanted although I probably know Africa better than any bishop setting or resigned. I pray that the Charismatic Episcopal Church may re-discover its original Vision (Revelation 2:4) and I covet your prayers for whatever use God may have for my life in my remaining years.
I have been received as Assistant Bishop to Bishop Rich Lipka in the Diocese of DELMARVA. The formation of a new communion by the seven bishops who resigned is pending.
For many years GLAD TIDINGS was the official organ of Barnabas Ministries, Inc and mailed to a large list of constituents. At my election as Bishop in 2002 we discontinued the publication. Now in 2006 we resumed the publication of an e-newsletter sent online to email addresses we have, and included in the receipt letter of contributors to Barnabas Ministries, Inc. If you wish to receive the monthly e-newsletter, send us your e-mail address at bishopweeks@verizon.net.
A commenter with a Roman Catholic background made a wonderful point about when someone leaves the RC, no one notices. However, the person wasn’t clear about what I referred to as “shepherding tricks”.
Here is a pretty concise article on what it’s about from wikipedia.
Here is another article on the subject. This article is far more complete and overall quite good.
Today has been a HUGE day for this little blog. We’ve had 255 unique visitors today alone. The comments have exploded across the posts as well.
I apologize in advance about the Login feature. Sadly, it has become an necessity because of all the autospam I’m getting and having to cleanup. I’d like for the comments to be pertinent to our discussion about the CEC – not about penile implants and “easy college degrees” posted automatically by some nameless/faceless spammer. Comments will also be held in an embargo until they are approved by little old me. So, this might slow things down in the discussion but that’s my right as the owner of this here blog. And, I’m trying to save myself the trouble of cleaning up the spam that would otherwise be a nuisance to all of us if left unchecked.
Also, the most popular search terms getting people to this here blog so far this week:
- ICCEC problems
- Bishop Dale Howard
- Communion of Corpus Christi
- Communion of Christ the Redeemer
- “What happened to the Charismatic Episcopal Church”
Clearly, there are a lot of people looking for answers. I’m one of them.
I’m also appreciative of some wonderful posters who have been gracious with me recently: klampert and anon4CEC. Even though we’re not seeing eye-to-eye on how things have been or are now in the CEC, there’s so much grace in their responses that I’ve had to stop, pray and consider what they’re saying to me. So, this has been helpful and my heart has been gladdened (is that even a word?) by your contributions. Clearly, I am bitter and angry. But, that hasn’t stopped some from taking the high road in dealing with me. That’s totally Jesus’ way even though I’m not exhibiting it in some of my posts.
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