| +Hartley - March, 2010 |
,
Within the world of Christian denominations, one should never remove themselves from the word
“UNITY” , but within the Continuum of the Anglican Faith this word is now an albatross around the neck
of the faith, it is discouraging. There are 79 branches of Continuum somewhere out there 80% only in
name. Webster dictionary describes (in part) “UNITY” as a ‘State of accord or agreement, being one or
singleness, harmony, unification, purpose or action; consistency of character.
Looking at this word “UNITY” within the Continuum it’s more likely to get the Politicians in Washington to
the doors of “UNITY” than the leaders of the church. The first problem is that they are too many
Ecclesiastical, non -working Clergy within the Continuum.. Then, there are those who disrupt the faith
with promises of “UNITY”, but their goal is to see how many churches they can convince to leave one
branch for another, sadly those who fall into this find themselves bouncing around, when they cannot
find for what they are looking.
“UNITY”, within the Anglican faith is a tragic myth, it should be based on genuine Christian
development, where the interest of lost souls becomes an instant priority, sadly it is not. I fear it will
continue to be so. Instead of coming together as a body of one, we find that many groups are looking
for one line paragraphs to dissociate themselves from each other, this is not in keeping what Jesus'
commission teaches us, "Go ye into all the World."
Regretfully, there is some legitimate confusion within the Continuum. Some of our Anglicans brethren
have completely lost their way on issues that are not in keeping with the word of God, but cater to
today’s so-called political correctness, such as the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. This is not
acceptable, but we must show our wayward brethren the error of their ways, not run them off. Jesus did
not. When he found those who were straying from his teachings, he embraced them, never condoning
or catering to their behavior, but tried to bring then back to the path of holiness.
The Anglican faith has been around for centuries, the Continuum has been around for a few years, their
actions today are not of reaching out, but divisiveness that damages the faith. The ACW does not run
away from issues that damages the faith, we will however NOT condone or cater to those who stray from
the teachings of the faith. We will not place them in leadership, but we will reach out to them, offering
guidance as the church should to lost souls.
ACW Reality check: We will not fight with the Continuum on the issue of “UNITY”. We will not seek
mergers with other Anglican groups, but we will not turn away those who need guidance seeking the
path of Christ. We are not politicians who have to position ourselves and speeches for the next
election by saying what we think people want to hear. We are leaders of the church whose task is to
meet the needs of those placed in our charge. It is therefore incumbent on all within the continuum, if
not capable of understanding ‘Webster’s definition’ of UNITY to take the words of Jesus, "Let us be of
one mind and accord."
Watch how you go.
Entering the 14th year of our Consecration,
+ Hartley, Archbishop ACW
Within the world of Christian denominations, one should never remove themselves from the word
“UNITY” , but within the Continuum of the Anglican Faith this word is now an albatross around the neck
of the faith, it is discouraging. There are 79 branches of Continuum somewhere out there 80% only in
name. Webster dictionary describes (in part) “UNITY” as a ‘State of accord or agreement, being one or
singleness, harmony, unification, purpose or action; consistency of character.
Looking at this word “UNITY” within the Continuum it’s more likely to get the Politicians in Washington to
the doors of “UNITY” than the leaders of the church. The first problem is that they are too many
Ecclesiastical, non -working Clergy within the Continuum.. Then, there are those who disrupt the faith
with promises of “UNITY”, but their goal is to see how many churches they can convince to leave one
branch for another, sadly those who fall into this find themselves bouncing around, when they cannot
find for what they are looking.
“UNITY”, within the Anglican faith is a tragic myth, it should be based on genuine Christian
development, where the interest of lost souls becomes an instant priority, sadly it is not. I fear it will
continue to be so. Instead of coming together as a body of one, we find that many groups are looking
for one line paragraphs to dissociate themselves from each other, this is not in keeping what Jesus'
commission teaches us, "Go ye into all the World."
Regretfully, there is some legitimate confusion within the Continuum. Some of our Anglicans brethren
have completely lost their way on issues that are not in keeping with the word of God, but cater to
today’s so-called political correctness, such as the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. This is not
acceptable, but we must show our wayward brethren the error of their ways, not run them off. Jesus did
not. When he found those who were straying from his teachings, he embraced them, never condoning
or catering to their behavior, but tried to bring then back to the path of holiness.
The Anglican faith has been around for centuries, the Continuum has been around for a few years, their
actions today are not of reaching out, but divisiveness that damages the faith. The ACW does not run
away from issues that damages the faith, we will however NOT condone or cater to those who stray from
the teachings of the faith. We will not place them in leadership, but we will reach out to them, offering
guidance as the church should to lost souls.
ACW Reality check: We will not fight with the Continuum on the issue of “UNITY”. We will not seek
mergers with other Anglican groups, but we will not turn away those who need guidance seeking the
path of Christ. We are not politicians who have to position ourselves and speeches for the next
election by saying what we think people want to hear. We are leaders of the church whose task is to
meet the needs of those placed in our charge. It is therefore incumbent on all within the continuum, if
not capable of understanding ‘Webster’s definition’ of UNITY to take the words of Jesus, "Let us be of
one mind and accord."
Watch how you go.
Entering the 14th year of our Consecration,
+ Hartley, Archbishop ACW
The Troubled Word of “UNITY” |
