I believe that we have a number of issues that need to be considered and addressed in the Anglican Church. I also think that we need to ask what our relationship to the African Churches is and should be, and what our relationship with the Church of Rome is and should be.
The issues we need to consider are:
- Ordination of women
- Ordination of gay men
- Consecration of gay relationships
- Episcopal power
- How can the Anglican Church be relevant to people today
- What is our relationship with the African churches and the Church of Rome
In response to the issues:
I think there needs to be a moratorium on the ordination of women. As well, there needs to be process in place where parishes and even churches can seek alternative episcopal oversight when there are women priest or bishops that have already been ordained or elected. This ties into my response to another issue I raised (see below). Holy orders (Deacons, Priests, and Bishops) should be restricted to men only.
A gay life style is not to be encouraged or condoned. That does not mean that we should reject these people. We should love them but we should also be clear that their life choice is against Biblical teaching. A A man who is gain may be considered for the priesthood but only under the condition that he refrain from any homosexual relationship and he acknowledge that sexual relations and marriage are meant (Biblically) to be between a man and a woman.
Gay relationships should not be consecrated. The relationship is contrary to Biblical teaching and to the desire and teaching of most Christians (e.g., Roman Catholics) and most Anglicans. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Two men can be loved and supported by the church but their marriage can not.
In terms of episcopal power, there must be a strengthening of Episcopal power. In conjunction with this there must be a greater emphasis in ensuring that Bishops are orthodox, conservative, dedicated to fundamental Christian teachings, and are listening to our brothers in the African Anglican Church and to those in the Roman Catholic Church. When this occurs Bishops must be given more power to control and discipline clergy who do not follow orthodox teaching.
The Anglican Church can be relevant today by returning to the true message of the Gospel. By retuning to traditional orthodox teachings, by returing to the BCP, moving for greater relations with the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and our African Brothers. Some examples of very simple things that should be done include:
- priests wearing collars all the time
- returning to the use of cassocks
- visibly presence on university campuses (e.g., wearing collars and cassocks)
- outreach where we are visibly recognizable
- mission work within Canada and overseas
- greater emphasis on the liturgy and its meaning (e.g., having High Mass more often)
Lastly, the Anglican Church of Canada should be focusing its efforts on strengthening its ties with the orthodox traditional conservative African churches (our brothers in Christ) and working to bring a greater level of communion between us and the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches (as opposed to the Lutheran or United Churches)
We must remember that we are to stay true to the Gospel and preach the truth not cater to a Godless and materialistic society.
Thank you.
