Anglican Communion News Service

A weekly roundup of Anglican Communion news plus opinion, reviews, photos, profiles and other things of interest from across the Anglican/Episcopal world.

This week's edition is a bumper edition that covers the last two weeks. It includes...

• This week's Anglican Communion news
• Anglican Life - Global Alpha training takes off
• Anglican Life - Communion theologians in Jamaica for CMS 150 anniversary
• Anglican Life - Zambia trains election monitors
• Anglican Life - 400 years of the English church in Germany!
• Anglican Life - Levelling the playing field for all in Burundi
• Comment - USPG's new chief speaks
• Publication of the week - Online daily social media 'newspapers'
• Bookshelf - The 'madness' of St Paul...
• Video - iPhone worship?
• Images - Cathedral choir plays key role in memorial service
• The coming week's Anglican Cycle of Prayer.
  
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ANGLICAN NEWS

• Japan - "Easter will be a time of hope, a small shoot amongst the rubble."
• Anglican Alliance - Anglicans, Christian Aid renew partnership
• Global - Communion responds as Anglicans, Episcopalians seek to give to Japan
• South Africa - Churches Outraged by Threats Against SACC President & Anglican
• England, Pakistan - No gentle death: memorial service for murdered Christian Pakistan politician
• South Africa - Churches Outraged by Threats Against SACC President & Anglican bishop
• Indian Ocean - Diocese of Mauritius: Archbishop encourages a Lenten journeying with young people
• Ireland - Church of Ireland launches Lent ‘Creation’ Bible Study Project
• New Zealand - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council to host gathering
• USA - Income trends for female clergy mirror US averages
• Japan - Pastoral Letter from Bishop John Hiromichi Kato, diocese of Tohoku
• Japan -
  A statement from the Archbishop of the Anglican Communion in Japan
• Japan - Bishop of tsunami-hit diocese is safe, but uncontactable.
• Lambeth - Archbishop of Canterbury's letter to the Primates of the Anglican Communion
• Japan - Archbishop of Canterbury's prayers for the people of Japan
• Japan - The Anglican Communion responds to the Japanese earthquake
• Indian Ocean - Archbishop warns that strains caused by "ethnic fragmentation" too great to be ignored
• Philippines - Philippines' women celebrate International Women's Day with protest and prayer
• Indaba - “The Anglican Communion is one family” Ghanaian bishop tells theologians.
• Nigeria - Anglican Church Organizes Guber Debate
• USA - Honduran sewing factory helps men and women living with HIV/AIDS
• Ireland - Special Meeting of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland
• Canada - Anglican priest achieves doctorate in snowboarding
• Middle East - Bishop of Jerusalem to take court action over visa refusal

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ANGLICAN LIFE

Global Alpha training takes off

From Alpha News

More than 500 Global Alpha Training (GAT) teams travelled around the world in 2010 to train church leaders to run Alpha courses -- a 70 per cent increase on the previous year.

The GAT project--which involves volunteer members of churches with Alpha experience travelling to train potential Alpha leaders in other locations--is now set to grow exponentially in the next few years.

The teams are provided with training and transcripts to enable them to give the GAT talks with very little preparation. A range of two, three or four-day conference programmes are interactive and include sketches and illustration to assist with explanations. Each GAT gives delegates the opportunity to experience and practice elements of the course.

The average amount of GAT guests last year was 73, resulting in many new Alpha courses around the world.

In January a GAT team from St Michael le Belfrey and Christ the Light Churches in York travelled to Burundi to lead three days of training in the southern city of Makamba.

Rev'd Canon Roger Simpson, Archbishop's Evangelist to the Northern Province and Rector of St Michael le Belfry, said: "Having just been part of an Alpha GAT team to Burundi I am overwhelmed by the potential of Global Alpha Training to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the nations and to re-inspire the local mission of UK churches sending GAT teams."

Team member Christine Bayne said, it was amazing working with the gifted young Alpha Burundi team and watching God at work. The delegates were hungry for all we had to share and already courses are planned to start this month and next in all three areas by those who caught the vision."

West Indies, English theologians to attend Jamaica CMS celebration of 150 of service

From The Gleaner

Two Anglican theologians will visit Jamaica to participate in an ecumenical symposium next Monday, to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Jamaica Church Missionary Society (JCMS).

They are the Reverend Drexel Gomez, retired Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies, and the Reverend Canon Paul Avis, general secretary of the Church of England's Council for Christian Unity. They will join members of the local Christian community in exploring new approaches to missionary activity, in keeping with the changing social environment.

The symposium at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston is part of the year-long anniversary activities, which will be launched on Sunday, March 20, with a service at the Spanish Town Cathedral.

The JCMS is the recognised missionary agency of the Anglican Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

The high-level panel of speakers for the symposium includes religious leaders, who will set the tone for the workshop discussion on the mission responsibility of the Church to "act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:1-6).

The keynote presenter, Archbishop Drexel Gomez, will be supported by four respondents - the Reverend Donald Reece, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston; the Reverend Dr Marjorie Lewis, President, United Theological College of the West Indies; the Reverend Dr Garnett Roper, President, Jamaica Theological Seminary; and the Reverend Kenute Francis, Anglican Rector of St John's Church, Ocho Rios.

An advocate for ecumenism, the Rev Canon Paul Avis, will bring an international perspective to the deliberations. Canon Avis has written numerous theological books and articles. These include a 2005 publication titled, A Ministry Shaped by Mission, which presents a new model for the work of the Christian Church in the community; and his most recent publication, Reshaping Ecumenical Theology.

Participants in the workshop sessions will address issues of justice and governance; the church's role in correcting social inequalities which marginalise the majority of the population; evangelism and social transformation and the nurturing of a caring family of believers, who reflect God's compassion in their relationship with others.

Chairman of the JCMS and Suffragan Bishop of Mandeville, the Reverend Dr Harold Daniel, explained that the symposium was being organised in response to the changing social reality which demands a holistic approach to ministry and mission that will engage both ordained and lay members of the Christian Church in promoting spiritual, emotional and personal development in their respective communities.

"You are not Church just by keeping church," Bishop Daniel asserted. The symposium, he said, was designed to change the mindset of the whole Church and re-awaken commitment to Christian service.

The Jamaica Church Missionary Society was founded in 1861 and charged with fulfilling the mandate given by Jesus in the Great Commission (St Matthew 28: 18-20) to take the Gospel to the whole world.

Zambia Church trains monitors

By George Conger, The Church of England Newspaper

The Anglican Church in Zambia has launched a programme to train election monitors in the run-up to this year's general elections forestall political violence and potential polling fraud.

It was better to "get involved and be prepared" in the political system "rather than crying foul after the election results have been announced," Lusaka diocesan secretary the Rev Jackson Katete told the Zambian Post on March 7.

Zambia's constitution requires President Rupiah Banda to call a general election this year for representativesto the National Assembly and for the presidency. On August 19, 2008 President Levy Mwanawasa died in office, and an election was held on October 30 to fill the remainder of his five-year term.

Acting-President Banda of the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) stood for election against Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF) party and a number of regional candidates ina hotly contested, and sometimes violent, race. Ultimately Banda was sworn in to office.

The Anglican Church in Zambia has been a strong critic of government corruption and inefficiency, but has avoided direct involvement ni partisan politics.

Priests who have become involved in party politics have been disciplined by the Church. In December the Bishop of Lusaka, the Rt Rev David Njobvu called upon a priest from the Diocese of Northern Zambia to leave the Church after he lent his support to critics of President Banda.

The Rev Richard Luonde of Kitwe claimed Zambia had drifted back to the 18th Century under President Banda because he had "managed to kill all 21st Century laws that enhance good governance".

The priest had also lent his support to the "red card" campaign to defeat President Banda. Bishop Njobvu denounced the preist's involvement in party politics and urged him to choose between the church and politics. However, Fr Loud told teh Post he would not be silent.

"We are not enslaved to look sideways when things are wrong; that's why we are priests," he said.

(Full story available in the Church of England Newspaper and on its website here)

Celebrating 400 years of the 'English Church' in Hamburg

By Monica Schofield in the Diocese of Europe's The European Anglican magazine

2012 is not only the year of the London Olympics and the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' final concert in the Star-Club in Hamburg, it is also the 400th anniversary of the founding of the 'English Church' in Hamburg: the first legally established Anglican Church in Europe outside the British Isles, and the first non-Lutheran church to be permitted religious freedom within the city walls of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

To claim to be the oldest or first of anything in Europe is always fraught with the risk of challenges but we make the claim above in italics and await counter claims! It was in the interests of trade, something so precious to the lifeblood of the Hnase that religious principles can be put aside, a contract was made in 1611 between the Senate and the English overseas traders guild, the Merchant Adventurers, permitting the founding of an Anglican church in Hamburg. The Senate even provided a building. The first sermon was preached by the Revd John Wing in January 1612 setting a precendent for religious freedom.

The 400th anniversary of this event provides a significant opportunity for celebration. the congregation of St Thomas Becket, which nowadays comprises a host of nationalities including many Germans, is using this opportunity to engage with a wider community of people in Hambury and further afield to strengthen the fellowship of its members, and promote the mission of the church. a year-long celebration series of events is being planned for the whole of 2012 with activities ranging from concerts to dance, from art exhibitions to walks and talks. Further information can be found on the website www.stbecket400.de

The organisers would like to make this more than just a celebration of St Thomas Becket Church in Hamburg, and invite other Diocese in Europe Anglican Churches to contribute their history to our celebration as a celebration of the Anglican Church in Europe. A publication is planned to include articles from as many churches as possible, especially those with a trading connection. If you are willing to contribute or would like to know more please email stb400@stbecket.de

All visitors will be sepcially welcomed with more information appearing on the website during the course of 2011. Wilkommen in Hamburg.

Burundi diocese launches project to level playing field for all.

By EAB Press, the newsletter of the Episcopal Church of Burundi.

On the 9th February the Bethesda Project was officially launched in Muyinga diocese. The project’s vision is to bring disabled and non-disabled people together as equal partners using outdoor activities.

At the opening ceremony young people with disabilities were canoeing on Kavuruga Lake alongside bishops and government officials and demonstrating newly acquired archery skills.

The Bishop of Muyinga, the Rt. Rev. Eraste Bigirimana, welcomed guests who included Peter Sanders, the Project Director of The Kepplewray Centre in UK. The Province and the local administration pledged support for the project.

Sister Gareth, who represented the Saint John Bosco Centre for Physical Handicaps in Muyinga, praised Bethesda for helping children with disabilities to enjoy life and feel valued.

See more news and photos at http://www.anglicanburundi.org/ and short videos at EABBurundi on You Tube.

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COMMENT

First full interview with USPG's new Chief Executive

From USPG's website

In her first full interview since being appointed as USPG’s new Chief Executive, Janette O’Neill says ‘working in partnership’ is a mission imperative.

Janette joins USPG from Episcopal Relief and Development – the international development arm of the Episcopal Church of the United States. She replaces General Secretary Bishop Michael Doe, who retires this summer.

Janette, who was born in Wales and studied at Bangor and Warwick, is the first woman to take the helm at USPG, and the Society’s first non-ordained General Secretary since the early eighteenth century.

Question: How did you start out in mission and faith-based development?

Janette: I began my career in Lesotho, working on development programmes with Save the Children and then with the Anglican Church. After nine years I had a good understanding of how the church, the big NGOs and aid programmes in general operated – and there was a lot that didn’t seem to work! In the church, for example, I sometimes felt so frustrated that the bishops and priests had so few resources to support their work. This was a big lesson.

How were you able to implement these things you were learning?

Yes. My next job in development was in the USA, working for Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). I was their Director for Africa, so I was able to make use of all the things I had been learning about the importance of listening and working in partnership.

I joined ERD at a significant time. The organisation was going through major change. The policy at ERD had been receiving applications, deciding what looked good, and sending many small grants totalling millions of dollars – with very little follow-up or evaluation. No wonder this wasn’t working: how can people sitting at a desk in New York know what’s best for villagers in Africa? So I made it my aim to implement some new ways of working that had more to do with listening and responding to grassroots issues.

But then, in 2003, Bishop Gene Robinson was consecrated to become the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion – and this sent shock waves throughout the Communion, particularly in Africa. After this, there was a need in our relationships to respect our differing contexts, and concentrate on the many shared values and common goals. Nevertheless, we continued to support community development, enabling parishes to live out their own vision for God’s work.

What is your vision for USPG?

I have a passion to see people empowered to grasp the abundant life that is offered in Christ – for themselves, their families and their communities. I want USPG to support the world church as it provides people in vulnerable situations with hope for the future.

How would you describe your theology?

I would say I have a simple theology that is deeply felt. In particular, I like the way that the Baptismal Covenant, which has become so central to the Episcopal Church, calls on us to strive for justice and peace and to respect the dignity of every human being.

I would add to this that one of the most important lessons that life has taught me is that everybody is different. People have difference reference points, so I think it’s important to understand whatever someone is saying in terms of their context. For me, this means being prepared to be open, to try standing in someone else’s shoes, and to listen.

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PUBLICATION OF THE WEEK

Online 'newspapers' available for Communion members with social media news to publish

http://paper.li is a website that lets you read and offer your favourite Twitter and Facebook messages in a newspaper format. Take a look at the Compass Rose Daily, the paper.li of the Compass Rose Society an International Organization which seeks to support the ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion. The over 270 members from 10 countries make common cause in providing resources for our Anglican brothers and sisters in different parts of the world.

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VIDEO

US Christian musicians using the iPhone to show that the church has come a long way from using lyres, harps and cymbals.

ACNS is not sure this will catch on, but it certainly shows people are thinking of new ways of making music to the Lord!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaJ4A7mXJH8

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IMAGES

The Christchurch Cathedral Choir played a key role in the National Memorial Service in which New Zealand remembered those killed and affected by the earthquake.

They sang the final blessing to music by the contemporary English composer John Rutter:

The Lord bless you and Keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
To shine upon you and be gracious
And be gracious unto you.

And one of their number, Patrick Manning, who is a student at Christ’s College, sang Pie Jesu as a duet with Dame Malvina Major. The February 22 quake smashed the cathedral that is the choir’s musical and spiritual home.

So when they gathered in the Christ’s College music theatre at 9:30 on the morning of the memorial service, it was the first time they’d rehearsed together since that jolt.

Lloyd Ashton, ANZP communicator, recorded their day with his camera.

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BOOKSHELF

The Madness of St Paul - How St Paul rediscovered the Love of God

By Richard Dormandy

(Information from the publisher Redemptorist Publications)

In his book, Richard Dormandy charts with compassion the journey of St Paul through the 'madness' of fear and self-loathing to a profound dependence on God's grace and love. This unusual and perceptive reading of St Paul will be of interest to all students of the New Testament. But it will also be profoundly liberating to all Christians who have faced challenge, criticism and burnout in their ministry. As St Paul discovers the love of God in Christ Jesus, he offers his own hard-won insights to all who struggle to trust in hard times.

The Revd Richard Dormandy is an Anglican Priest and the vicar or Holy Trinity, Tulse Hill, in London, and for several years taught New Testament in Southwark and London dioceses, as well as Birkbeck College, University of London. He was twice shortlisted for The Times Preacher of the Year Award in the 1990s.

Visit the Redemptorist website to hear an audio introduction to the book by the author: http://www.rpbooks.co.uk/product_details.php?category_id=0&search_string=madness&search_all=1&item_id=1505

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ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Click here for the full ACP

Friday 18-Mar-2011
Psalm: 13    Job 6:1-13
Missouri - (Province V, USA) The Rt Revd George Wayne Smith

Saturday 19-Mar-2011
Psalm: 15    Job 6:14-30
Mityana - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Dunstan Bukenya

Sunday 20-Mar-2011     Lent 2
Psalm: 32:1-7    Ro. 4:1-12
Mombasa - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Julius Robert Katio Kalu
Mombasa - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Lawrence Dena

Monday 21-Mar-2011     Thomas Cramner Liturgy
Psalm: 112    Ro. 4:13-25
PRAY for the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation and its mission to resource and communicate liturgical issues across the Anglican Communion.

Tuesday 22-Mar-2011
Psalm: 12:1-6    Ro. 5
Monmouth - (Wales) The Rt Revd Dominic Edward Walker

Wednesday 23-Mar-2011
Psalm: 19:7-end    Ro. 6
Montana - (Province VI, USA) The Rt Revd Charles Franklin Brookhart

Thursday 24-Mar-2011
Psalm: 143:1-6    Job 7
Montreal - (Canada, Canada) The Rt Revd Barry B Clarke
Moosonee - (Ontario, Canada) The Most Revd Caleb James Lawrence

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Disclaimer: The Weekly Review is a summary of news, information and resources gathered from around the Anglican Communion over the past week. The views expressed in Weekly Review do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Anglican Communion Office.