The Daft Covenant

smaca a progressive Christian forum seeking truth with a light touch and serious intent 21 Jul 2007

The Daft Covenant This issue of SMACA may appear addressed to only our Anglican readers, but the issues being debated around the Draft Anglican Covenant are much broader than what happens to the Anglican Communion.  For those seeking more progressive forms of faith, there are major implications.  For all, it raises questions about the value of unity and at what price do we require conformity in faith and all matters of human affairs? Glynn in Crosshairs speaks to the value of plurality within our religious tradition especially where social justice is concerned, while giving some background to the debate.  In eNZed leNZ, I ponder the value of the Anglican Communion for those working towards a progressive vision of the church.  Second Thoughts features a brilliant evaluation of the Covenant entitled Our Unity is in Christ by Carolyn J. Sharp, a professor of Hebrew Scriptures at Yale University.  SmacaNews and Links provide important background information to the issue including a link to the Draft Covenant. Don’t finish reading before clicking the graphic for our first Conference for Progressive Christianity.  We hope many of you will participate in what will be assuredly a stimulating and challenging event with Bishop John Shelby Spong.   We hope you enjoy this issue and as always invite you to engage us and one another by commenting on the articles. Engage your friends as well.  We’ve made that easier.  There is a link at the bottom of the page for forwarding it on. Clay Nelson Editor   Quips and Quotes “Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking” -Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) “Endeavour to be always patient of the faults and imperfections of others for thou has many faults and imperfections of thine own that require forbearance. If thou are not able to make thyself that which thou wishest, how canst thou expect to mould another in conformity to thy will?” -Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471) “Even if a unity of faith is not possible, a unity of love is.” -Hans Urs von Balthasar smaca prayer Prayer for Conformity Jesus, you did not sacrifice your integrity to religious authority. Jesus, you did not make Scripture an idol. Jesus, you did not honour tradition over love. Jesus, if I must conform, may it be to your example. Clay Nelson smaca smiles Cross+Hairs More Than Sex: The Governance of Anglicanism Glynn Cardy The worldwide Anglican Church is threatened with schism.  For the last five years it has struggled with gay ordination and blessings causing sharp divisions between Anglican Churches in different parts of the world » » » eNZed leNZ At the End of Our Rope Clay Nelson Much angst is being expended in an effort to preserve the Anglican Communion these days, but I would suggest that the schism is already a reality beyond repair.  That said, I ponder why we care?  Why do we put such value on an anachronism of the colonial age?   The Anglican Communion was the flotsam and jetsam left after the sun set on the British Empire » » » Register NOW: Conference for Progressive Christianity Second Thoughts Our Unity is in Christ Carolyn J. Sharp The proposed Anglican Covenant is seen by some as a beneficial way to reestablish trust within the Anglican Communion and to ensure orthodoxy in Anglican theological and social practices. My own view is that such a covenant is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful to our life together in Christ » » » smaca news Episcopalians won't reverse pro-gay stances http://www.christiancentury.org/ar n a clear rebuff to conservatives in the global Anglican Communion, Episcopal Church leaders have rejected a September 30 deadline set by overseas Anglicans to roll back their church's pro-gay policies. Mixed reaction to consecration http://geoconger.wordpress.com/200 The Kenyan primate to consecrate an American bishop to oversee 15 US congregations. links What is Anglicanism? http://www.anglicancommunion.org/a An African primate gives his views. The burden of false certainty about the Bible http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/544 The draft Covenant requires a biblical certainty that does not exist. The Draft Anglican Covenant http://www.modchurchunion.org/Cove A download link to the Draft Covenant is provided in the Modern Churchpeople's Union's response to it. smaca sermon Winter Soup Glynn Cardy Pentecost 6 Luke 10:1-12, 16-20 Winter has arrived with gusto » » » Points of Interest Videos of Joan Chittister's visit to St Matthew's The Mission of St Matthew-in-the-City Anglican Church Auckland (SMACA) What to expect at St Matthew's SMACA Archives Visit Glynn Cardy's Lucky Bear Blog Update your parish roll information online iGod - The voice of St Matthew's Click here to subscribe to SMACA

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