The legends connecting Jesus and Joseph with Cornwall/Somerset go something like this: 1) There is an Eastern tradition that Joseph was the Uncle of Mary, Mother of Jesus. 2) Further tradition states that Joseph was a merchant in the tin trade that flourished between the west coast of England, and Europe and the Mediterranean.
The Archbishop of Uganda, Henry Orombi, writing in The Times today describes the deep sense of “betrayal” that he and like minded Anglicans have felt because of the actions of The Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Orombi additionally criticizes the vestiges of colonialism that he sees in the ways the Anglican Communion is governed and makes its decisions.
Reports from bishops’ blogs today find them wondering if the tentative relationship building will hold up in the face of pressure from those who want an “answer” now. There were moments of tension and many of amazing grace.
For the past two days, conservative activist the Rev. Chris Sugden, who for some reason has a press credential, even though he was among the
We believe the scriptures to be primary, but read them informed by tradition and reason and with regard for the cultural context. We value the place of biblical scholarship as a critical tool to unpack the scriptures, and this leads inevitably to divergent interpretations across our many and varied contexts. The overarching issue with which we wrestle is the interpretation of the Bible in our ongoing life.
Left wing inclusion mongers should feel pretty good about this afternoon’s press conference on human sexuality at the Lambeth Conference. The bishops are sharing their views respectfully, speaking from their hearts, disagreeing vigorously, but forging real relationships despite their differences. If that sounds like the lead the Conference Design Team would have written if I’d sat them down at my keyboard, that’s because the design team seems to be succeeding.
Today is the day that liberals in the Anglican Communion have feared ever since the schedule for the Lambeth Conference was released. The bishops of the communion, most of whom oppose the blessing of same-sex relationships and the ordination of gay clergy, are discussing homosexuality.
Centralized structures may for the moment serve the perceived needs of evangelicals and traditionalist Catholics, as well as churches in parts of the world that retain cultural opposition to same sex relationships. They will choke and kill the Church’s mission in our context, where we really need alternatives to the theocratic religious right.
Making the General Examination of Conscience
The First Point is to give thanks to God our Lord for the benefits I have received from Him.