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.

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This edition includes...

• This week's Anglican Communion news
• Anglican Life - Isaac TV, a Christian Channel launched
• Anglican Life - No 2012 Synod in Fiji if Commodore interferes
• Anglican Life - Psalms exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral
• Anglican Life - Archbishop of York: "School assemblies are like Brussels sprouts."
• Anglican Life - Archbishop of Canterbury's message to Britain's Muslims
• Anglican Life - Kenya Anglican youth plant 1,500 trees
• Anglican Life - Responding to the 9/11 attacks
• Comment - Prayer and practice - links between Uganda and European dioceses
• Video - Bishop Whalon considers the place of religion in society
• Video - Damage to the National Cathedral in Washington DC
• Digital Communion - Is your diocese a Facebook friend?
• Bookshelf -The Day the Devil Wept
• The coming week's Anglican Cycle of Prayer.

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ANGLICAN NEWS

• Zimbabwe - As Zimbabwe priest is freed, bishop is robbed of communications equipment
• Africa - African communicator sought to help Anglicans to tell their stories
• Zimbabwe - Anglican Bishop of Harare: "Priest's arrest for 'theft' of US$1.5 million is baseless"
• Bible in the life of the Church - "And it was good..." - a Communion wide Lent course for 2012
• Burundi - Anglican Churches co-host church leaders conference against sexual violence
• Congo - The Anglican Church of Congo commits to take action against sexual violence
• Anglican Alliance - Youth empowerment tops agenda at Anglican Alliance's second consultation
• Pacific - Iumi go fowad tugeta: Pacific consultation strategy
• Wales - Rhondda vicar aims to revive hymn singing
• Ireland - Special service and focus on music at St Columb's Cathedral, Londonderry
• USA - Caught in the middle of raging wildfires, Texas churches offer hope, prayer, aid
• England - Archbishop launches 'The Young Leaders Award' Course for schools
• Oceania - Violence against women in Pacific undermines region, says aid agency
• Uganda - Hoima cathedral re-opened
• England - Former partygoer ministers to Leeds nightclubbers
• Africa - Faith leaders take HIV prevention message to African sports tournament
• Canada - Michael Thompson appointed General Secretary
• England - Next Bishop of Winchester announced
• Middle East - Anglican church in Qatar to be fully operational next year
• Wales - Metal thieves steal lead from cathedral
• Scotland - Priest and Imam to read Bible, Koran for September 11 anniversary
• Cape Town diocese calls on the world to "tread lightly"

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ANGLICAN LIFE

Isaac TV, a Christian Channel launched

From The Frontier News, Diocese of Peshawar, Pakistan

A special Thanksgiving prayer service was held at St. John's Cathedral School „Chapel for the launch of Isaac TV channel. The first Christian Channel on-air for Pakistani Christians. A good number of Christian community members were present on this occasion. They attended the Prayer Service, led by Revd. Joseph John.

After the Service, the Rt. Revd. Humphrey Peters, Bishop of Peshawar welcomed the Isaac TV, founders and guests. Bishop Humphrey in his speech explained the importance of the Electronic media for the propagation of the Gospel in the 21st Century. “We will be able to spread the Word of God in over 53 countries, the world over. And our Diocese will be enabled to telecast its programmes like Healing Ministry and other ministerial work of the Diocese. A lot has been done for the masses during the floods and other natural disasters, but very few people in the International Community are aware of it. Through Isaac TV we will be able to share our work and vision with the rest of the world”.

He said. The Bishop also garlanded Revd. Anwar Fazal and Revd. Dave of New Zealand, along with other team members of the Isaac TV. Revd. Anwar Gazal (Isaac TV) in his speech thanked the Rt. Revd. Humphrey Peters and Peshawar Diocese for their warm welcome, kind support and cooperation. While addressing the congregation he said, “I do not alone own the Isaac TV, but you all are considered as partners, your help and generous donation will contribute towards smooth running of the channel, whose sole purpose is to spread the Word of God, in every household, all over the world”

" It costs us 3.5 million PKR, per month, and any single individual cannot do it alone, therefore, the Christian community's support is essential to keep this channel on-air”. He added.

Later, forms for Issac TV membership were distributed, which were filled and returned by the congregation. Revd. Dave also in his speech highlighted the importance of the channel and said that now is the time to bring change in Pakistan, and through this channel we will become the element of change in Pakistani society. Earlier, Revd. Dave Garlanded the Rt. Revd. Humphrey Peters and thanked him for his kind support.
Later, a lunch was served for all the participants.

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Christchurch seeks pledge on Fiji synod
By Peter Carrell from Anglican Taonga

The September 2010 Christchurch Synod began with a service in the cathedral on Friday evening, 3rd September. At 4.35am the following morning Synod was effectively postponed by the 7.1 earthquake that shattered all illusions that Christchurch was a safe city in these shaky isles.

Although Synod reconvened later that year, most of its time was taken up with post-quake issues and questions.

Subsequently, the quake on 22 February led to the postponement of a planned synod session in March to discuss the Anglican Covenant.

The session of Synod held last week was both an opportunity to further discuss post-quake (i.e. post-quakes plural) developments and to engage in some normative synodical discussions (apart from the Anglican Covenant which will be discussed in March, 2012).

The Diocese of Christchurch has been shaken by the events of the last year.

Some felt that this synod might have seen some stirring. In many cases of damaged property, the process of restoration has been very slow, due to seemingly unending conversations between insurers, engineers, assessors, and parish and diocesan officers. So tthe expression of stirred-up frustrations would have been natural in the setting of synod.

In fact, the session on post-quake responses was conducted in a good and gentle spirit. Key pieces of the process of restoration were announcements that the diocese is engaging Warren and Mahoney to assist with design of new and rebuilt buildings and that there will be a Diocesan Strategic Working Group, chaired by Bishop Victoria Matthews, to work on the big picture of the post-quake future of the diocese.

Interspersed with the usual business of synods – accounts, reports, budget, and attempting to improve existing statutes – matters of interest ranged from Fiji to a General Synod commission, and from liturgical to housing concerns.

On Fiji we voted to recommend that General Synod not be held in Fiji in 2012 unless Commodore Bainimarama puts in writing that there will be no interference in the business of GS.

In another resolution we noted the establishment of a General Synod commission of eminent persons to make recommendations to GS concerning same-sex partnerships and the ordination of ministers in same-sex partnerships and committed ourselves to praying for and engaging with the commission.

Concerned that we did not know precisely what we were voting for in relation to 'Ashes to Fire' liturgical resources, we decided against confirming a GS statute authorising these services for use. Our uncertainty concerned whether the specifics of the statute mean that these would become the only resources we might use during Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

In another motion we also voted for requesting General Synod review existing canons concerning liturgies, believing that currently our church provides a confusing array of possibilities for different statuses of liturgical material.

Finally of note, we agreed with the Rev Mike Coleman, a resident in the Avonside 'red zone,' that we want the government to review the deal it has offered Christchurch property owners in the red zones with a view to encouraging the government to challenge insurance companies to honour full replacement policies, allowing people an RV review, encouraging CERA to find affordable housing for people and to be open and transparent with the handling of Red Zone issues.

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Illustrations to the Book of Psalms exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral

The Book of Psalms, since the time of King David, has been a catalyst for the examination of human emotions, ranging from hate to love and sorrow to joy. The words of the ancient Psalmists are still very much relevent to the 21st Century. For the artist Michael Jessing,  illustrating the complete book, has been both an artistic and spiritual journey. The work has been shown in cathedrals and churches in Edinburgh, Carlisle, York, Chichester, Wells, Stirling and Oxford. 

The  upcoming exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral will show a range of responses to the Psalms in a selection of illustrations not seen in last year’s Carlisle exhibition. Also included will be recent icons relating to the Psalms. The artist hopes that the illustrations will be an inspiration and encouragement for others to delve with openness into this sacred text.

Michael Jessing was born in New York City, 1953. His paintings and graphics based on allegorical themes (commentaries on contemporary issues set in mythological contexts) have been exhibited in galleries and museums in the United States and the United Kingdom. Jessing has also worked on commissions for murals in Scotland along with conducting workshops on icon techniques. His studio is in the Scottish Borders. For further information on the artist’s work go to  www.m-jessing.supanet.com www.mixastudio.com The exhibition is free and open to the Public.

 

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School assemblies are like Brussels sprouts... you may not like them but they do you good

The Archbishop of York writes in the UK's Sun Newspaper

COLLECTIVE worship in school is a chance to promote spiritual and ethical virtues and the social and cultural development of pupils. Someone this week described it as like Brussels sprouts — you don't enjoy them at the time but you know they do you good.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/3801812/School-assemblies-are-like-Brussels-sprouts-you-may-not-like-them-but-they-do-you-good.html

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Archbishop's 2011 Eid message

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent his annual greetings to Muslim communities for the festival of ‘Id Al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

In his message, the Archbishop praises the dignity of Tariq Jahan, the father of Haroon Jahan, who died during the recent riots in Birmingham: “His call for peace and unity was one of the decisive moments during those days and was a gift in Ramadan that gave hope to many not just in Birmingham but all over the United Kingdom and beyond. He was able to give voice to the conscience of Britain in a way that people of all faiths and none could recognize.”

The full text of the greeting is below:

To Muslim friends and fellow workers on the occasion of ‘Id Al-Fitr 2011

It is a great pleasure to send once again my warm greetings to Muslim colleagues and communities on the occasion of ‘Id Al-Fitr and to wish you peace and joy.

Over the last few weeks of prayer, fasting and reflection it must have been very difficult to watch the growing unrest and rioting in many of the major cities in the United Kingdom. The tragic deaths of Haroon Jahan, Shahzad Ali and Abdul Muzavir in Birmingham occurred at the darkest moment of those days. Their families and friends suffered horrific bereavement and shock, but somehow in the midst of this chaos, they brought about a change. On the day after their murder, Tariq Jahan, the father of one of the boys who died, showed immense dignity in calling for restraint in his local community. His call for peace and unity was one of the decisive moments during those days and was a gift in Ramadan that gave hope to many not just in Birmingham but all over the United Kingdom and beyond. He was able to give voice to the conscience of Britain in a way that people of all faiths and none could recognize.

The Prophet Jeremiah in the Bible called God’s people to pray for the peace and well being of the city in which they lived. Those words are a reminder to us that our own peace and security are bound up with the peace and security of our neighbours and that God is concerned for the peace of all. Earlier this year, in May, I had the privilege of hosting a 4 day conference in the Middle East on prayer with 30 Christian and Muslim scholars. We learned with and from each other about what it means to act in a world of often frightening conflict on the basis of an attitude of prayer and confidence in God’s will for peace and justice.

May I wish you a joyful celebration of ‘Id Al-Fitr and assure you of my prayers, as I am confident of yours, for a peaceful year ahead.

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Kenyan Anglican Youth walk together and plant 1500 trees

From the website of the Anglican Church of Kenya

The annual Provincial Kenya Anglican Youth Organization (KAYO) conference dubbed “Tuvute Pamoja” was held at St. George's Grassland Academy in Nakuru Diocese from 8th to 13th August 2011. The theme “Together for Christ” was drawn from Amos 3:3 that says, “How can two walk together unless they agree?” The conference was officially opened by the Archbishop of Kenya, The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala during a Holy Communion service in which he launched the KAYO Strategic Plan 2010-2013.

Various bishops and clergy were present among them the host Bishop Stephen Njihia of Nakuru Diocese and the Provincial KAYO chairman, Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit of Kericho Diocese. The Military Episcopate Diocese provided their army band that led the conference in praise and worship alongside regional worship teams. Bishop Dr. Joseph Wasonga of Maseno West Diocese was the conference main speaker. He became a ‘wounded healer' delivering God's word with utter simplicity bringing many young people to faith in Christ. The program included interactive workshops with various topics among them “sexuality” that was led by a professional counselling consultancy team from Kenya Youth for Christ.

Among the highlights of the event was the “Talent Night” where the young people expressed their talents and creativity through folk songs, solo and group songs, poems, dances and skits. The clergy and other church leaders were urged to effectively use the talents for holistic ministry of the Church especially for reaching out to the youth who are not in the Church.

In the cultural night, the youth dressed in different attire representing the rich cultural heritage from various tribes across the nation. The salient message underlying this gesture was an invitation to accept and embrace all cultures and celebrate what they bring to the body of Christ, for the purposes of national cohesion and peaceful inter-ethnic co- existence, especially as the nation of Kenya moves towards 2012 General elections.

The Tuvute Pamoja conference integrated sports activities including swimming in an Olympic size swimming pool, football, netball, basketball and volleyball. They equally enjoyed the fun of swinging, taking walks in the expansive school compound, and playing indoor games. This e provided the youth with an opportunity to build new friendships, learn from one another, show-case talents and share unique stories.

A total of 1500 trees were planted by the youth, with 1000 trees planted at St. George's Grassland Academy and 500 trees at Rohi School both in Nakuru. The proprietor of St George's Academy termed the initiative as “A creative and wonderful step by the ACK in engaging the youth in conserving the environment.”

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Responding to the 9/11 attacks, St. Paul's Chapel answered act of evil with language of love

By Sharon Sheridan writing for Episcopal News Service

In the days after the World Trade Center towers fell, heaven and hell stood side by side in lower Manhattan.

St. Paul's Chapel in New York became the focal point of a remarkable effort to support the workers at nearby Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Hundreds of volunteers from myriad vocations, religions, ages and income levels ministered to firefighters, construction workers and others working in what they called "the pit."

"For me, it became apparent very early that the pit was a symbol of suffering and death and darkness, which I began to equate with Good Friday, and St. Paul's was the symbol of new life, rebirth and hope, and therefore a symbol of Easter," said the Rev. Fred Burnham, retired director of the Trinity Institute at Trinity Episcopal Church, Wall Street, in Manhattan, and now a member of the editorial board of ExploreFaith, a website for spiritual seekers...

Read the rest here

More reflections on 9/11 can be found here

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COMMENT

“They are not passive recipients of our charity but  brothers and sisters in Christ”

From The European Anglican magazine

Luweero links in prayer and practice

Rev Alastair MacDonald, Assistant Chaplain in Amsterdam explains a link the Diocese in Europe and the Diocese of Luweero in Uganda for which the North West Europe Archdeaconry is responsible. He hopes the information will encourage more churches to support the link in prayer and practice.

Q. How did our link with Luweero originate?

At the 1998 Lambeth Conference Bishop Evans of the Church of Uganda proposed a twinning relationship between the two Dioceses. In 1999 this link was formally established and the North West Europe Archdeaconry was given responsibility for the relationship with Luweero.

Q. Where is Luweero?

Luweero Town is 64 km north of Kampala. the capital of Uganda. The District of Luweero is largely rural and covers an area of9,198 sq. kilometres and is home to a population now approaching one million people. Luweero was once the centre of the tragic instability and civil war that marked the years of the Idi Amin and Milton Obate regimes in Uganda - and the conflict has left a lasting mark on the local community.

 Luweero Diocese has 29 Parishes and on average there are 20 churches per Parish - bringing the total number of churches to around 600. There are only about 50 trained clergy in the diocese. Each parish has a few Readers but the majority of the 600 churches in the diocese are lead by Catechists (church teachers) who have no formal training.

Q. What does the link involve? 

The relationship with Luweero Diocese is based on friendship, encouragement, prayer and financial support. Since the start of the relationship in 1999 there have been a number of exchange visits between North West Europe and Luweero which have cemented the friendship between us. Since the visit of Archdeacon John in 2009 those friendships have deepened and we are now committed to fund an annual visit between the Dioceses with visits each way in alternate years. 3 or 4 times a yea r we produce an Archdeaconry prayer letter including news and prayer needs of the chaplaincies in North West Europe and the Diocese of Luweero. Over the years funds from North West Europe have supported a number of church and development projects in Luweero.

Q. What projects have been supported?

Over the last few years we have funded a large number of new bicycles for Lay Preachers, a tree planting project that provides income as well as improving the environment and invested in a local school, a health clinic and the new cathedral. A number of chaplaincies have also helped to fund the work of the Healthy Vine Trust, a small development organization set up by Jay and Pam Dennett from St John's and St Phillip's in the Hague.

This Trust is a small NGO that aims to improve health through Community Development Programmes in Sekamuli, one of the poorer parishes in Luweero Diocese. Under Jay and Pam's leadership, and in partnership with local community and the Diocese in Luweero. Healthy Vine is helping the community improve sanitation and income generation with a focus on malaria reduction.

The programme includes training local community volunteers and assisting the community address their health, water and education needs as well as income generation projects.

For more information see: http://www.heaIthy-vine.org/

Q. What difference has Healthy Vine achieved?

Over the last 5 years Healthy Vine has helped to improve significantly the standard of living in the Sekamuli parish in Luweero. It has established 9 new bore holes to provide clean water. From a very low starting point. over 50% of homes now have proper latrines, 40% have clay cooking stoves and 35% have completed model homes and received mosquito nets for the whole family. This has produced a downward trend in malaria and a reduction in other common illnesses. The local health clin ic now operates 24-7 and the local government is committed to developing it further. Investment in the Sekamuli Secondary School has enabled it to achieve examination status with 65 students completing exams last year.

Q What is the value of the relationship with the Diocese of Luweero?

Over the years many people in North West Europe have established strong friendships with people in Luweero and been greatly blessed by meeting them. The twinning relationship is primarily about friendship, encouragement and prayer support for each other. Within this genuine friendship we have an excellent way of investing in partnership with Luweero Diocese and in the lives of people who have so much less than ourselves. Their needs are great but so is their courage and determination to help themselves. They are not passive recipients of our charity but  brothers and sisters in Christ who God has brought together in a special relationship with our Diocese and who really appreciate the support that has been given over the years and through this year's Bishop's Lent Appeal.

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VIDEO

Bishop Whalon speak about the role of religion on France 24 television

[Video in French language]

The Pope's visit: the role of religion today?

Benedict XVI is in Madrid for a four day visit, starting off with World Youth Day. An estimated one and a half million people are expected to visit the event, and with that in mind Laura Baines asks her guests if faith could be the answer to many of the ills plaguing modern society? Or does too much focus on the afterlife mean that we neglect the chance to make life on earth better for everybody?

Panel:

• Pierre Whalon. - Bishop in charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe;
• Myra Madhy Daridan. - Egyptian writer, author of "Le Coran raconté aux enfants";
• Tom Heneghan. - Religion editor, Reuters;
• Andrew Copson. - Chief executive, British Humanist Association - from London;
• Steve Marshall. - Young participant to World Youth Days - By phone from Madrid.

 Watch it here: http://www.france24.com/en/20110818-debate-The-Pope-visit-Whats-the-role-of-religion-today  

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A look at the National Cathedral's quake damage

Joe Alonso, Head Mason of the National Cathedral, in Washington, assesses the structural damage sustained by the national landmark during the the 5.9 magnitude Virginia earthquake.

http://www.theatlantic.com/video/archive/2011/08/an-exclusive-look-at-the-national-cathedrals-quake-damage/244050/

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DIGITAL COMMUNION

Have you shown your face on Facebook?

More than 500 million people have and a growing number of dioceses are finding a home on this leading social networking site Facebook too. Some are even abandoning their websites and spending more time updating their Facebook page instead. Is yours there? Why not have a look and see.

Here's the Anglican Diocese of Harare's page http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Anglican-Harare-Cpca/100002501115815 with already 1382 'friends' following the diocese's posts. Why not follow it too and get the occasional update about life and ministry in an Anglican diocese in the Church of the Province of Central Africa.

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BOOKSHELF

The Day the Devil Wept
by Peter Green

Review in the Diocese of Durham Newslink newspaper

The Day the Devil Wept tells of the inspiring 25- year history of the Durham-Lesotho LINK Which, through the active exercise of the Christian faith, has brought together two  communities and cultures separated by more than 6,000 miles. The numerous development projects undertaken are described from inception through to completion and how the Cooperation of secular and religious authorities has benefited the poor and disadvantaged is vividly illustrated.

The work involved in constructing a mountain health clinic, finding a fresh water supply for a hospital, providing food for schoolchildren, planting thousands of trees to improve the environment, designing and building a Community education centre for adults and children, brought hundreds of people together as 'one body'. However, as the author realistically reveals by reference to his daily journal, not all efforts were successful and many lessons were learned.

This book illustrates the socio-political aspects of Lesotho's people and gives valuable insight into setting up a charity and the accompanying pitfalls. As we advance into the twenty-first century this book is an essential read for those working and studying in the fields of theology, development, mission and history.

The Day the Devil Wept is published in September in hardback by Janus Publishing,
Price: £14.95 ISBN: 978-1-85756-752_6

Dr Peter Green is a qualified psychologist and teacher and was formerly DeputyPrincipal of the College of St. Hild and St Bede in the University of Durham. He lives in Durham and founded the Durham-Lesotho LINK  in 1986.

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ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Click here for the full ACP

Friday 09-Sep-2011
Psalm: 73:1-14    Gen 28:1-9
Shyogwe - (Rwanda) The Rt Revd Jered Kalimba

Saturday 10-Sep-2011
Psalm: 73:15-28    Gen 28:10-22
Sialkot - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Samuel Sant Masih Pervaiz

Sunday 11-Sep-2011     Pentecost 13
Psalm: 119:97-112    Acts 14:1-7
Sittwe - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd Dr James Min Deng

Monday 12-Sep-2011
Psalm: 72    Acts 14:8-20
Sodor & Man - (York, England) The Rt Revd Robert Paterson

Tuesday 13-Sep-2011
Psalm: 74:1-12    Acts 14:21-28
Sokoto - (Province of Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Augustine Omole

Wednesday 14-Sep-2011
Psalm: 74:13-23    Gen 29:1-14
Soroti - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Charles Bernard Obaikol-Ebitu

Thursday 15-Sep-2011
Psalm: 75:1-7, 9-10    Acts 15:1-5
South Rwenzori - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Jackson Nzerebende Tembo

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