THE OPEN DOOR CONFERENCE
AN EXCITING MESSAGE OF HOPE
By: Father Larry Winslow
The following is produced as a summary and commentary on the Open Door
Conference held in Toronto by Anglican Essentials Canada at the Roy Thomson
Hall from June 16th thru 18th, 2005. It represents the
impressions of the writer and may have some different connotations from those
which may be produced by other participants from Essentials Manitoba.
Essentials Manitoba was represented by nine persons from the Diocese of
Brandon and there were another 11 persons from the Diocese of Rupert’s Land
present.
WE ARE NOT LEAVING!
The Right Reverend Ronald Ferris, Bishop of Algoma stated, “The
Anglican Communion has a magnificent future!” Archbishop Gregory Venables,
Primate of the Southern Cone, and The Rev’d Canon Bill Atwood, General
Secretary of Ekklesia, brought the message of great HOPE for the future of
Orthodox Anglicans in Canada through their support along with that of the vast
majority of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Bishop Donald Harvey, Moderator
of the Canadian Essentials Network, and Bishop Robert Duncan, Moderator of the
Network within ECUSA brought us encouragement and optimism for the future based
upon the solidarity that exists between the North American Orthodox Anglican
movements and the Worldwide Anglican Communion coupled with the message of the
Common Cause relationship that is growing within the Orthodox Anglican groups
in North America.
The great news is, “WE ARE
NOT LEAVING!” The revisionist liberal spin on Anglican Essentials Canada, and
especially the Essentials Network, is that we are a divisive group set out to
destroy the Anglican church of Canada (ACofC). This “party line” is heard
throughout the liberal membership of the Church right through the national,
provincial, diocesan, and parochial levels. It is designed to place the Orthodox
Anglican Christians in a negative light before those who have not taken the
time to understand the issue. There is a element of intimidation in trying to
make those who want to stand firm for the Holy Word of God feel guilty in their
loyalty to God as it seems to be the cause of the disunity with the “directions
of the Canadian Church.”
But the reality is, “WE ARE
NOT LEAVING!” Anglican Essentials Canada (AEC) stands first for Jesus Christ as
Saviour and Lord under the authority and direction of the Worldwide Anglican
Communion and the advice and support of the Primates who are faithful to the
Holy Word of God! AEC is committed to remaining firmly ensconced within the
Worldwide Anglican Communion. Further, as long as she remains within the
Anglican Communion, AEC remains within the ACofC.
Bishop Robert Duncan emphasised the need for us to “Get it Together.” The Common Cause of Orthodox Anglican groups embraces some 9 Anglican bodies in the USA together with AEC, ACiNW in New Westminster, and the ACiC who are all Canadian members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Bishop Duncan called upon the meeting to not pout, not “set-up new shops,” and to stay in the Worldwide Communion. He challenged the meeting as members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion to be a Biblical people acting as missionary Church showing Christ – the light of the world as we “get it together” in standing firm.
The emphasis is, “WE ARE NOT LEAVING!” If any group is leaving the Worldwide Anglican Communion it will be one that refuses to act in cooperation with that body and refuses to accept the clear unalterable teachings of the Divinely Inspired Holy Scriptures of Almighty God. It will be the decision of those renegade bodies to “walk apart” from the direction taken by Lambeth and the Worldwide Primates Meetings that will be precipitating schismatic action from the Worldwide Communion. At the conference we heard a convoluted and unsupportable interpretation of the source of that wonder known as Anglican diversity from The Right Reverend Colin Johnson in his attempt to establish that abomination in the Elizabethan Settlement of 1559. That settlement brought together diverse forms of worship within the oneness established under the Infallible Holy Scriptures. It did not provide for “diverse voices” of faith. It is those who would attempt to propose such fallacies and then use them to develop doctrinal statements not supported by Holy Scripture who will ultimately move away from communion Worldwide Anglicanism. These groups are the divisive ones. These groups will be the one’s leaving. WE ARE NOT LEAVING! AEC and its constituent groups will remain Christians who are Anglican in Communion with worldwide Anglicanism!
Unlike the revisionist
liberal position where the Holy Bible is merely a reference book to be
constantly referred to and, if necessary, reinterpreted in the light of the
current cultural situation and theology is considered to be a fluid thing based
upon the will and experience of man, the Orthodox Anglican position is strongly
supported by a firm Biblically driven theology. Bishop Ronald Ferris stated
that the “inclusivism” touted by the liberally driven Church can only
ultimately lead to a Universalist Fundamentalism. And this resultant
theological stance is a theologically flawed and unacceptable position.
The Biblically based
theological position of Orthodox Anglican Christians was clearly expounded by
The Rev’d. Dr. David Short, The Rev’d. David Curry, The Rev’d. Dr. Murray Henderson,
The Rev’d. Dr. J.I. Packer, and the Rev’d. Dr. Gary Thorne in a panel
discussion chaired by The Right Reverend Malcolm Harding. The need to think
Biblically and to place human sexuality where it belongs – founded in the
Creation Plan of God was presented by David Short. Gary Thorne called us to
return to the life of holiness based upon the Son of God. He reminded us that
Truth is found in Holy Scripture and NOT in “due process.”
David Curry focused us upon
the source of doctrine. He pointed out that doctrine is not “praxis,” process
theology, or anything else. Doctrine is founded upon the witness of Holy
Scripture as understood by those to whom it was written and as transmitted
through the centuries. He founded his remarks upon our need to review the Holy
Scriptures, the Creeds, the 39 Articles, the Solemn Declaration, etc. He stated
that without such foundational elements we really have nothing to say.
Murray Henderson called us
to get over the apathy. We are gathered in Crisis! And we need to make those
tough decisions that, as Anglicans, we have the propensity to try not to make.
J.I. Packer, in looking at
the unique and unsupportable road that the ACofC seems to be following today,
said it is essential for us to really focus on God’s Word and to be led only by
God’s Word. In truly being citizens and subjects of the Kingdom of God we must
live as disciples of Christ and sincerely follow “THE WAY” – which IS Christ!
He called us into the concept that “the work of the Church is the Community of
the Holy Spirit using its Gifts to function as the family of God’s adopted
children with Jesus as our older brother.” Presenting a fivefold pattern of
life Dr. Packer called upon us to maintain:
The Conference then
proceeded to the question of where we, as concerned Orthodox Anglican
Christians, are now. Archbishop Venables continued with his thematic key words
“BUT GOD.” His thoughts wrap around the concept that no matter what happens and
no matter what is said, the ultimate thought is “But God” and what He is doing.
It is so refreshing to hear an Anglican leader be so emphatic about the
presence and action of Our Lord God through His presence and His Divine Word
Living in Jesus Christ and Written in His Holy Scriptures.
Archbishop Venables assured
us that we orthodox conservatives are not alone here in Canada. We are
supported by 80% of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. He thanked Canada for
producing the Anglican Essentials Criteria in 1994 as it gave the Southern Cone
(his province) a foundation upon which to work. Further, the Global South with
its multi-,millions of Anglicans is right with us in our struggle.
Archbishop Venables then
walked through the steps at Lambeth 1998 and the Primates’ Meetings including
Dromantine this past February. He outlined some of the deceptive steps taken by
the liberals in trying to derail the conservative onslaught in upholding the
Holy Scriptures of Almighty God as being supreme. The deception and deceit was
amazing coming from those who claim to be Christians. The issue of human
sexuality has been clearly dealt with both at Lambeth 1998 and via the
Primates’ Meetings. There is no question of what has been undertaken and that
ECUSA and Canada have been suspended for now in order to allow those bodies to
decide whether or not they are going to be part of the Worldwide Anglican
Communion. He stated, “The ‘diversity’ of Anglicanism has its limits.”
Obviously these have been reached.
Bishop Don Harvey encouraged
Canadian Orthodox Conservative Anglicans. But he also warned of the signature
problem of Canadians – “Apathy!” Bishop Harvey said that we need to be the
voice that will tell this Church that we need to truly acknowledge Jesus! Time
is running out.
Bishop Duncan talked about
the changing tides in favour of Orthodox Conservative Anglicanism. Lambeth and
Dromantine have strongly pointed us in that direction. ECUSA and Canada are on
the carpet – no matter what “spin” their leadership tries to place on the
situation (at this point of writing it has been seen that the same tide is
running through the Anglican Consultative Council as it has just suspended the
Canadian and American Churches until Lambeth 2008.
Bishop Ronald Ferris of the
Diocese of Algoma spoke strongly and emphatically concerning the fault lines of
deep conflict. He referenced the Canadian House of Bishops’ concept of shared
Episcopal ministry and characterised it as “a tool of graduation toward a
change to secularism.” In other words, it is totally useless to the cause of
orthodoxy in the ACofC. He pointed out the liberalism does not work –
statistically, of the projected 750,000 Anglican membership in Canada, only
150,000 are in Church on any given Sunday. What a sad commentary this is.
Bishop Malcolm Harding,
retired Bishop of Brandon, discussed the urgent times Canadian Orthodox Anglicans
are experiencing. We need to form a solidarity for decisive action. We need to
keep all Orthodox Conservative Anglican Groups (AEC, ACiC, ACiNW, etc) in touch
with each other and speaking with a common voice. Yet it is necessary to act
with care, gentleness, and sensitivity. Further, the power will not come from
ordained but from the grass-roots laity. Bishop Harding also stated that there
is new hope for the Anglican Church in this country via the Anglican Essentials
Canada group.
Joyce Lee reiterated that the battle for orthodoxy will not be without pain. But we are called to “bear the cross.” It will be necessary to be wary and wise. When any Episcopal threats come along it is necessary to check their legality. The laity should take the lead in this to protect their clergy. Also, it is wise to get a legal opinion concerning any Vestry or General Parish Meeting Motions concerning this issue.
There is an intentional activity going on at this point to build a National Legal Team that will be available to all Parishes and Dioceses.
Claus Lenk emphasised that the Essentials is now a Registered Charity and both the Network and the Federation Expense Budgets emanate from the Essentials Council. In order for Essentials to do its work, funding is necessary. This year’s budget is $436,000 with 46% coming from individual donors and 54% coming from Parishes and Trusts.
Summary
Archbishop Venables stated that following Jesus is the most revolutionary thing we can do – such is counter-culture and exciting but upsets lots of people.
The Rev’d. Peter Klenner implored the conference not to lose sight of the Kingdom of God. What we are going through is a Gift from God and an answer to prayer – the need for reform in the ACofC. He outlined four requirements:
1. Theological Colleges (such as Wycliffe and Regent) where faith in Jesus Christ as The Way, The Truth, and The Life will be taught
2. Outreach to Young People – possibly in the form of an Orthodox Canadian Youth Rally
3. Bishops who are truly Evangelists and Pastors for Jesus Christ
4. Congregations whose primary goal is to Serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Rev’d. Canon bill Atwood reaffirmed that a man must be a man of conviction AND a man of prayer. He pointed out the revisionist liberals are persons of conviction but lacking in the reality of the Holy Spirit. He called upon the conference to rise up and stop the pollution of the wells of faith with strange doctrines; to re-dig the wells of faith so that the waters of discipleship in Jesus Christ flow freely; and to re-order our Churches to engage the mission of Jesus.
The AEC will function under
two arms - The Federation and the Network.
Anglican Essentials Canada
has the following purpose to:
Members of the Anglican
Essentials Canada share the following desires:
The Federation represents orthodox
Anglicans who (though deeply concerned about the drift away from orthodoxy
within their church) -
a) believe they are not in impaired or broken
communion with the Anglican Church of Canada or with their bishop.
b) are able in conscience to participate in their
diocese and the Anglican Church of Canada.
c) believe it is their mission to pray for, labour and
hope for repentance and renewal in the Anglican Church of Canada.
d) will continue to work for change in the Anglican
Church of Canada, and in particular, will seek to persuade the General Synod of
the Anglican Church of Canada to commit to full membership and the teaching and
doctrine of the Anglican Communion.
e) will seek further clarification from the Primates
and other Instruments of Unity as to the Anglican Communion membership status
of the Anglican Church of Canada and its members
f) will seek to be recognized by the global Anglican
Communion as full continuing members of the Anglican Communion and work in
submission to the Primates and the other Instruments of Unity to remain in full
communion with the Primates, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican
Communion during any suspension of the Anglican Church of Canada.
g) are not making
plans or building an ecclesial structure to be used in the event the Anglican
Church of Canada should choose to “walk alone”.
FEDERATION
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. As members of Anglican Essentials Canada
(Federation), we seek -
a) To recover the foundational principles of
Anglicanism in Canada and to work for their reinstatement in the life of the
Anglican Church of Canada.
b) To help co-ordinate the vision and determination of
orthodox Anglicans in Canada to remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel.
c) To provide education on the orthodox understanding
of the Christian mind, heart and life for the equipping of the saints.
d) To encourage study of the historic Anglican
formularies as well as modern restatements of the Anglican understanding of the
Christian faith which defer to them, such as the Montreal Declaration of
Anglican Essentials.
e) To be a voice for faithful Canadian Anglicans to
the wider Anglican Communion.
f) To work for reconciliation and common mission with
churches in the Anglican tradition that are not presently in communion with the
See of Canterbury.
g) To mobilize prayer for the renewal of the Anglican
Church of Canada.
h) To promote the work of Evangelism
Membership in the Anglican Network in Canada
(the “Network”) Membership in the Network
is for those Canadian Anglicans who:
a. are
in a state of “serious theological dispute” and impaired or broken communion
with the Anglican Church of Canada or their diocesan bishop;
b. may
desire Adequate Episcopal Oversight from a Network bishop;
c. may
determine that on theological grounds they cannot contribute financially to or
participate fully in their diocese or the Anglican Church of Canada;
d. wish
to be recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the global Primates as
full members of the Anglican Communion; and
e. will
work in submission to the Primates to remain in full communion with the
Primates, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion during any
suspension or removal of the Anglican Church of Canada from the Anglican
Communion.
Activities of the Network
Members of the Network understand that the Network is
building an ecclesia! body (a “lifeboat”) to be available in the event the
Anglican Church of Canada walks apart from the global Communion, and such a
structure is required by the Primates as necessary to become fully recognized
members in the Anglican Communion.
The Network will continue efforts to build bridges and partnerships with biblically faithful
Anglicans in North and South America, as well as around the world, in order to
strengthen our relationships with the global Anglican Communion and to share in
and learn from the faithful leadership and ministry of our brothers and sisters
in Christ.
The Network will continue to work and act in
submission to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Primates of the Anglican
Communion while the Anglican Church of Canada is in a state of temporary or
permanent suspension from the Anglican Communion.
In the event there is a formal global schism and the
Anglican Communion splits into two parts, the Network will align with the group
which upholds the orthodox view of scripture.
Members of the Network understand that:
a. the
Network is not yet an ecclesiastical body and will not launch such a body unless
required by the Primates to re-establish full communion status with the “Church
of England throughout the world” as set out in the Solemn Declaration of 1893.
b. the
Network has not left the Anglican Church of Canada, but exists to support those
Canadian Anglicans in a state of “serious theological dispute”, and impaired or
broken communion with the Anglican Church of Canada or their diocesan bishop.
c. the
Network does not desire to leave the Anglican Church of Canada but insists that
the true Anglican Church of Canada must be in full communion with the global
Anglican Communion.
d. therefore,
the Network denounces and stands apart from any actions or decisions of the
leadership and governing body of the Anglican Church of Canada which leads to
the suspension or severing of communion between the Anglican Church of Canada
and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Expectations
All members of the Network must subscribe to the Declaration of Member of the Anglican
Network
in Canada, complete an Application
for Membership in the Anglican Network in
Canada
(Parts One and Two), and commit to support the ministry of the
Network to the best of
their ability, through prayer and with financial
and/or human resources.
Membership is subject to the acceptance of the
Membership Committee of the Anglican
Network in Canada, in its sole discretion.
The Conference concluded with a tremendously uplifting
and exciting celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed by the saying of goodbye
and fair-thee-well to many old, renewed, and new friendships. All in all the
Open Door Conference was an affirming and encouraging event that provides
orthodox Anglican Christians with a platform from which to launch the future in
faithfulness to Jesus Christ.