David Virtue offers this commentary on PEAR USA v. AMiA, Inc. relations. See: http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=15807
Dear Brothers and Sisters, www.virtueonline.org
April 6, 2012
It was a smack down of the first order. An orthodox Primate of the Global South publicly whacked an American Evangelical Anglican bishop who has spent the last dozen years distancing himself from the Episcopal Church while building an alternative Anglican structure on North American soil.
That it came during Easter must have been particularly galling to AMiA Bishop Chuck Murphy and his fellow bishops, theologians and friends - a personal crucifixion he undoubtedly did not expect or want.
In a "Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ" letter, Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje and his HOB issued a statement that those AMiA missionary bishops who resigned on December 5, 2011 have maintained their credentials in the Province of Rwanda up until now and asked to be "released" from the PEAR have three options. The only three ways they can be "released" from PEAR is by transferring them to another jurisdiction within the Anglican Communion; by their voluntary renunciation of orders; or by formal ecclesiastical discipline.
"Any clergy who wish to withdraw their credentials are free to do so in writing. We encourage all North American clergy credentialed in the PEAR to join PEARUSA, which is our missionary district in North America, unanimously erected by our House of Bishops in our today's meeting."
As we go to cyber press, AMIA officials had not responded to VOL's request for a comment on what they plan to do. When we learn more, we will let you know.
Despite the recent split in the Anglican Mission in the Americas things are far from lost. Mission on the Move has a significant number of new works in process with leadership development a key ingredient for mission momentum that extends across theAM. Paul Sorensen is not only leading theAM's new Initiative for Leadership Advancement, he is also working with Saint Paul's Theological Centre (SPTC) in London to help advance a vision and strategic plan for bringing theology back to the heart of the church. A group of leaders from a number of US church groups and networks including theAM recently gathered in Charleston, South Carolina to brainstorm next steps to make this vision a reality. Paul is busy on the ground working with congregations interested in developing hubs for theological education. This plan will offer a unique new resource of leadership development.
The Anglican Mission currently has some 28 candidates approved for ordination with many more in some stage of the ordination process. Bishop Murphy will ordain at least four individuals on Pentecost Sunday in Ocala, Florida. Other ordinations will be scheduled over the next several months.
Recent financial gifts to theAM encourage the forward momentum for church planting and leadership development. The first donation of $250,000 was given in December 2011 followed by another $250,000 in March. A second donor gave over $570,000 this month.
"These donors believe in what theAM is doing, and we are grateful that we continue to have the financial stability necessary to ensure that our mission and ministry go forward," noted Bishop Chuck Murphy. "With numerous new churches in the works, identifying and training leaders are essential components to take this Mission to the next level."
Dear Brothers and Sisters, www.virtueonline.org
April 6, 2012
It was a smack down of the first order. An orthodox Primate of the Global South publicly whacked an American Evangelical Anglican bishop who has spent the last dozen years distancing himself from the Episcopal Church while building an alternative Anglican structure on North American soil.
That it came during Easter must have been particularly galling to AMiA Bishop Chuck Murphy and his fellow bishops, theologians and friends - a personal crucifixion he undoubtedly did not expect or want.
In a "Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ" letter, Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje and his HOB issued a statement that those AMiA missionary bishops who resigned on December 5, 2011 have maintained their credentials in the Province of Rwanda up until now and asked to be "released" from the PEAR have three options. The only three ways they can be "released" from PEAR is by transferring them to another jurisdiction within the Anglican Communion; by their voluntary renunciation of orders; or by formal ecclesiastical discipline.
"Any clergy who wish to withdraw their credentials are free to do so in writing. We encourage all North American clergy credentialed in the PEAR to join PEARUSA, which is our missionary district in North America, unanimously erected by our House of Bishops in our today's meeting."
As we go to cyber press, AMIA officials had not responded to VOL's request for a comment on what they plan to do. When we learn more, we will let you know.
Despite the recent split in the Anglican Mission in the Americas things are far from lost. Mission on the Move has a significant number of new works in process with leadership development a key ingredient for mission momentum that extends across theAM. Paul Sorensen is not only leading theAM's new Initiative for Leadership Advancement, he is also working with Saint Paul's Theological Centre (SPTC) in London to help advance a vision and strategic plan for bringing theology back to the heart of the church. A group of leaders from a number of US church groups and networks including theAM recently gathered in Charleston, South Carolina to brainstorm next steps to make this vision a reality. Paul is busy on the ground working with congregations interested in developing hubs for theological education. This plan will offer a unique new resource of leadership development.
The Anglican Mission currently has some 28 candidates approved for ordination with many more in some stage of the ordination process. Bishop Murphy will ordain at least four individuals on Pentecost Sunday in Ocala, Florida. Other ordinations will be scheduled over the next several months.
Recent financial gifts to theAM encourage the forward momentum for church planting and leadership development. The first donation of $250,000 was given in December 2011 followed by another $250,000 in March. A second donor gave over $570,000 this month.
"These donors believe in what theAM is doing, and we are grateful that we continue to have the financial stability necessary to ensure that our mission and ministry go forward," noted Bishop Chuck Murphy. "With numerous new churches in the works, identifying and training leaders are essential components to take this Mission to the next level."
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