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Monday, April 11, 2011

News for Week Ending 4/11/2011

Wales solicits opinions on Covenant, issues briefing paper

The Church in Wales has solicited opinions from its members on whether the Anglican Covenant should be accepted or rejected. Its Web site now includes a page with links to the Covenant text and to a briefing paper about the Covenant, as well as an on-line form for submitting questions and comments. The briefing paper, prepared by the Doctrinal Commission,is an apology for the Covenant. The final section of the 12-page document includes this statement:
The Doctrinal Commission of the Church in Wales commends the Anglican Communion Covenant to the Governing Body of the Church in Wales. We regard it as a theologically coherent description of the nature of the Church and the form of the Christian life as expressed in Scripture and Church tradition. The Covenant falls within a discernable trajectory in the development of Anglican identity.


Nigerian delegation pleads for concessions in England

Thinking Anglicans reported April 6, 2011, on an episcopal delegation from Nigeria that visited England in February to argue for allowing Nigerians in England to worship in Church of England buildings in “the Nigerian way,” rather than in the prevalent “cold” worship style. Nigeria, of course, sponsored the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, which, although it originally was touted as a haven for Nigerians in America, is now largely a church of disaffected Episcopalians. It is not clear what plans the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, might have for England.

Chicago Consultation analyzes Covenant

The Chicago Consultation, which advocates for full inclusion of LGBT persons in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, issued a 67-page document April 5, 2011, that analyzes issues related to the Anglican Covenant. “The Genius of Anglicanism: Perspectives on the Proposed Anglican Covenant” is descibed as “Essays and Study Questions.” “The Genius of Anglicanism” treats issues related to the Covenant that are often overlooked in discussions about whether the pact should be adopted. The essays take no position on the covenant, and each is followed by study questions. The essayists are all prominent Episcopalians.

West Texas endorses Covenant

The Living Church reported April 5, 2011, that the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas has urged the 2012 General Convention to adopt the Anglican Covenant. The endorsement came at the February diocesan convention, after widespread study of the Covenant in the diocese. (West Texas produced a study guide generally seen as favorably disposed to Covenant adoption.) The statement from the diocese, which is not unreservedly positive regarding the Covenant, can be read here.

Texas judge facilitates appeal to Fort Worth Decision

On April 5, 2011, Judge John P. Chupp granted the defendants’ motion to sever the February 8, 2011, decision granting the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth custody of church property from other issues in the dispute between the dioceses claiming to be the “Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.” Litigation on other issues will be put on hold while the group that left The Episcopal Church appeals directly to the Texas Supreme Court. (See the statement by the defendants here.) Comments on the April decision by the two parties can be found here and here. A transcript of the March 31 hearing that led to Judge Chupp’s order can be found here. For additional background, see the Pittsburgh Update story here.

Presiding Bishop to visit Pittsburgh

The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will participate in two events in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. At 7 PM, she will preside at a brief worship service at Trinity Cathedral, followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Earlier in the day, she will participate in the annual renewal of vows for diocesan clergy. Details are available in the diocese’s electronic newsletter here.