Larry Hargett might be right: Dorchester County residents might not know enough about a local option sales tax yet to vote on it.
If the county councilman is, that’s not good news for leaders pushing the Nov. 5 referendum.
Earlier this year, County Council unanimously approved a referendum for the local election Nov. 5. Now they are visibly frustrated by the sometimes hostile opposition.
Herewith the question as it will read on the ballot November 5.
A baptism is all about renouncing the devil, washing away the stain of original sin, and entrusting your child’s soul to God. But here’s betting that for Kate and William today’s ceremony is less about religion and more an opportunity for a happy party, surrounded by the people they most care about, to celebrate the arrival of their son. And if it is, what’s wrong with that?
The tradition of having your baby baptised is in decline in Britain: christenings in the Church of England are down by around a half on what they were in 1980, and there’s a similar story in the Catholic church. Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury who’s presiding at the font in St James’s Palace today, says it would be wonderful if the baptism of Prince George led other parents to think about getting their baby christened. And he’s right ”“ not because the church needs bums on its pews, but because baptism is an age-old rite of passage that provides one of those all-important moments in family life when we pause, take stock, and think about both where we’ve come from and where we’re going, and how important it is to support one another along the way.
Disney, a powerhouse in Florida because of its financial might and its sway over the tourism industry, has long led the fight against the expansion of casinos in the state, arguing successfully that gambling tarnishes Florida’s coveted family-friendly brand.
This year is no exception. For the second time in two years, state lawmakers are preparing to decide whether Las Vegas-style resort casinos should be allowed to open in Florida, a move that Disney hopes to thwart again. The company is so opposed to gambling that not even Disney cruise ships offer casinos, a mainstay of major cruise liners.
But in a nation increasingly awash in various forms of gambling, Disney is finding that keeping a constantly growing entertainment conglomerate completely removed from gambling is far more challenging than it used to be.
It’s not just a fling or a phase for them. It’s an identity. They want to show that polyamory can be a viable alternative to monogamy, even for middle-class, suburban families with children, jobs and house notes.
“We’re not trying to say that monogamy is bad,” said Billy Holder, a 36-year-old carpenter who works at a university in Atlanta. “We’re trying to promote the fact that everyone has a right to develop a relationship structure that works for them.”
Read it all (my emphasis).
As at any conference, ID badges dangle on lanyards around the necks of all the delegates. The lanyards at GAFCON are actually fine strands of beads. Here utility meets delicate beauty.
When I first received my badge, I didn’t think much of the lanyard. That’s a nice detail, I thought. A touch of Africa. But there’s a story behind these strands of beads. A good one.
Each one of the strands of beads that the 1300 delegates wear this week at GAFCON was handmade by women and girls in the Marsabit Diocese of northern Kenya. Small strands of loving kindness.
They have made these under the guidance of Alice Wangui, a Mother’s Union worker for this area, and Mama Sue, who is married to the bishop of this diocese.
Photo: Ladies of Marsabit, Laurel Moffatt
This is a place of Hot and Dry. The deserts have names I had not heard before. My mouth works to pronounce them, the syllables lying like rocks in my mouth:
Turlbi
Kargi
Marikona
Isiola
This is a place of Push and Pull. Where tribes war over those fleeting commodities, water and pasture.
The names of the tribes as new to me as the names of the desserts in which they live: Borana, Ledile, Burlge, Gabra, Saburu, Turkana,
The Borana and Burlge fight as I write.
Life is Hard and Dry, Alice tells me. It’s a place where rain does not deign to fall. Except every two years. Or three,
“That [GAFCON] has come to the soil of Africa has been historic,” noted Nigerian Archbishop Ben Kwashi, calling the conference “a blessing.” Praising the depth of Bible teaching at the event, the leader of Jos diocese highlighted conference concerns such as care of the oppressed and sharing of one another’s burdens.
“As an African, I’m tired of hearing all the bad news about Africa,” Kwashi candidly stated. “GAFCON has given good news.”
Kwashi, whose diocese in Nigeria’s middle belt has been hard hit by Islamist violence, noted that “militants are as merciless to Christians as they are to peaceful Muslims.”
“We love and are called to love ”” in this many Christians have lost their lives. In time, militancy will be defeated, but we have to communicate with those who do not love us ”” that isn’t easy.”
Jake Belder ”@jakebelder
A big thank you to the #gafcon2013 delegates! All of us confessing Anglicans are grateful for your faithfulness and your work this past week [This elf seconds this tweet!]
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
After the #GAFCON2013 statement was read and received, I got a high five and an enormous hug from Archbishop Ben… http://fb.me/SKpw7I9Z
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
#gafcon2013 “You have been on the Mount of Transfiguration. It is time to return to your homes and the… http://fb.me/2RuhYK8Hy
David Martin Hanke ”@dmhanke
‘Lift high the cross!’ Closing Eucharist. #gafcon2013 http://instagram.com/p/f7XvvUlhcD/
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Closing with Stand Up For Jesus #GAFCon2013
Rev. Anson Ann ”@revansonann
++Wabukala thanked the Kenyan police force by giving them a bible… this will never happen in the West. #GAFCON2013 pic.twitter.com/n1CuZVeAks
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
The Police are presented with a new Bible by AB Wabukala in thanks for helping 2 keep us safe. #gafcon2013 “Now go read it to your friends!”
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
PFJ [Abp. Peter Jensen] gets a standing ovation. Now Martyn Minns too. #gafcon2013 pic.twitter.com/774vwESs0p
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
Lots of thanks. Especially to the Kenyan church who have cared for us and bolstered security with government help. #gafcon2013
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
Thunderous applause. Standing ovation. Spontaneous singing. PFJ crying. Statement has an impact! #gafcon2013 pic.twitter.com/91NqfjIN0F
Helmut Paul Wambi ”@wambipaul
@gafconference it has been a success here in Nairobi. #gafcon2013
Rev. Anson Ann ”@revansonann
After the final Nairobi Communique was read out, there was a standing ovation and singing broke out. #GAFCON2013 pic.twitter.com/447VxPpRcN
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
Dr Senyonyi x2 [John & Ruth] come forward to read the GAFCON 2013: The Nairobi Communique. #gafcon2013 This will be a moving moment.
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
There’s been too much caution. Anglican caution has brought us to today! Bishop of Recife, Brazil #gafcon2013
daveclancey ”@daveclancey
The armor of God is the gospel. #GAFCON2013 #eph6 #ArmorofGod
daveclancey ”@daveclancey
“Everything starts with prayer. And ends with prayer.” Bp Miguel Uchoa. #gafcon2013
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Key moments and decision moments are prayer moments – Bp Ochoa #GAFCon2013 #Preach
Rev. Anson Ann ”@revansonann
+Ochoa: Be strong in the Lord (Eph 6:10). Don’t depend on yourself. Don’t even try. #GAFCON2013 pic.twitter.com/UY0Ug8T1uW
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Say to the Lord, “Let me never walk in my presumption” – Bp Ochoa #GAFCon2013 #BoldPrayer
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Each challenge we face, no matter how big, has our God who is much bigger – Bp Ochoa #GAFCon2013 #Eph6 #Truth
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Don’t even try to live a Godly life on your own. Depending on the Lord means less of you more of Him – Bp Ochoa #GAFCon2013 #Eph6
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
The All Saints children’s choir blessing our socks off w In Christ Alone #GAFCon2013”¦ http://instagram.com/p/f7HWqFl3rW/
daveclancey ”@daveclancey
Gafcon is a movement. So we must move ahead. Bp Miguel Uchoa of Recife. #gafcon2013
Rev. Anson Ann ”@revansonann
Our beloved #ANiC bishops at #GAFCON2013. pic.twitter.com/CNDABq8G3h
Zane Elliott ”@squeakycog
Hallelujah thine the glory, hallelujah amen, hallelujah thine the glory, revive us again. The cry of #gafcon2013 the heart of #Anglicans
gillian davidson ”@gfdavo
Final church service of #gafcon2013 a time of personal and corporate repentance.
gillian davidson ”@gfdavo
Bp Kanuku, Kenya on Eph 6 urging #gafcon2013 to humbly, in repentance put on the breastplate of God and face the fight that confronts us.
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
Last day of #gafcon2013 and my body has just about had it! The spirit is willing – but the flesh is weak.
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Yesterday my Rwandan sister, Vivian, told me I dance like an African! #Yessss #Arrived #GAFCon2013 @ThornhillMA @grod125
Anglican Future ”@gafconference
Thankful to All Saints Cathedral and ACK for gracious hospitality and Christ-like love to #gafcon2013 delegates #anglican
O Sovereign Lord, who didst bring thy servant Alfred to a troubled throne that he might establish peace in a ravaged land and revive learning and the arts among the people: Awake in us also, we beseech thee, a keen desire to increase our understanding while we are in this world, and an eager longing to reach that endless life where all will be made clear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
O Almighty God, who by thy holy apostle hast called upon us to present our bodies to thee a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service: Graciously hear us, we beseech thee, O Lord, and grant that we may so dedicate ourselves wholly to thy service that henceforth we may live only to thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
–Liturgy of the Catholic Apostolic Church
“Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
–Matthew 12:33-42
This post used to be sticky – look below for new entries.
Here is the FINAL Nairobi Communique and Commitment from the GAFCON website. You can download the PDF file here.
GAFCON 2013: THE NAIROBI COMMUNIQUE
You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we, the participants in the second Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) ”“ 1358 delegates, including 331 bishops, 482 other clergy and 545 laity from 38 countries representing tens of millions of faithful Anglicans worldwide ”“ send you greetings from East Africa, a place of revival in the last century and of growth in the Anglican Church today.
Introduction
We met with great joy in Nairobi from 21st to 26th October 2013. We gathered each day for prayer and praise, studied Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and shared in the Holy Communion at the beginning and end of our conference.
It was very poignant that our meeting took place only a month after the violent terrorist attack in Nairobi at the Westgate Shopping Mall in which so many innocent men, women and children lost their lives. Our hearts go out to those families who have lost loved ones and to all of those who still suffer. We continue to remember them in prayer. In meeting here we have been able to express publicly the hope that Jesus Christ brings to a world in which brokenness and suffering find frequent expression.
In our gathering, we reaffirmed our view that we are a global fellowship of confessing Anglicans, engaged in a movement of the Holy Spirit which is both personal and ecclesial. We appreciated that the Archbishop of Canterbury sent personal greetings via video and gave us the assurance of his prayers, and we likewise pray for him. We believe we have acted as an important and effective instrument of Communion during a period in which other instruments of Communion have failed both to uphold gospel priorities in the Church, and to heal the divisions among us.
The Formation of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans
In 2008, the first GAFCON was convened in order to counter a false gospel which was spreading throughout the Communion. This false gospel questioned the uniqueness of Christ and his substitutionary death, despite the Bible’s clear revelation that he is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). It undermined the authority of God’s Word written. It sought to mask sinful behaviour with the language of human rights. It promoted homosexual practice as consistent with holiness, despite the fact that the Bible clearly identifies it as sinful. A crisis point was reached in 2003 when a man in an active same-sex relationship was consecrated bishop in the USA. In the years that followed, there were repeated attempts to resolve the crisis within the Communion, none of which succeeded. To the contrary, the situation worsened with further defiance. As a response to the crisis, we adopted The Jerusalem Statement and Declaration which commits us to biblical faithfulness, and has since provided the framework for renewed Anglican orthodoxy to which we, in all our different traditions ”“ Evangelicals, Anglo-Catholics and Charismatics ”“ are committed. We also formed the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GFCA).
Since then, we have become a movement for unity among faithful Anglicans. Where, in taking a stand for biblical faithfulness, Anglicans have been marginalised or excluded from provincial or diocesan structures, the Primates’ Council has recognised and authenticated them as faithful Anglicans. The GFCA has been instrumental in the emergence of the new Province of the Anglican Church in North America, giving formal recognition to its orders and welcoming it as a full partner province, with its Archbishop having a seat on the Primates’ Council. The GFCA has also prevented the original Diocese of Recife from being isolated from the Anglican Communion. At the same time, local fellowships have been set up across many provinces. These have been a vital support to ministers and congregations alike, as the pressures on faithful gospel witness have increased.
The GFCA and the Future of the Anglican Communion
The fellowship we enjoy as Christians is distinguished from all other associations by the fact that it is at its heart a common ”˜fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ’ (1 John 1:3). For this reason it has a particular character. It involves repentance and ”˜walking in the light, as he is in the light’ (1 John 1:7”“9). The character and boundaries of our fellowship are not determined by institutions but by the Word of God. The church is a place where the truth matters, where it is guarded and promoted and where alternatives are exposed for what they are ”” an exchange of the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). Our willingness to submit to the written Word of God and our unwillingness to be in Christian fellowship with those who will not, is clearly expressed in The Jerusalem Statement and Declaration. This means that the divisions in the Anglican Communion will not be healed without a change of heart from those promoting the false gospel, and to that end we pray.
There is much we can learn from the East African Revival about having a change of heart. Beginning in the last century, the Revival has touched millions of lives across many countries as the Holy Spirit has moved lay men and women, as well as clergy, to share the gospel with others. Two significant features of great relevance to our situation are ””
We urge those who have promoted the false gospel to repent of their unfaithfulness and have a renewed confidence in the gospel. We repent of indifference, prayerlessness and inactivity in the face of false teaching. We remind them ”“ as we remind ourselves ”“ that the sins from which we must repent are not simply those which the world also believes are wrong; they are those that God himself abhors and which are made clear in his Word.
The 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.10 on Human Sexuality states that sexual activity is to be exclusive to marriage and that abstinence is right for those who are single. We still hold to that authoritative statement. Sexual temptation affects us all, and we pray therefore for faithfulness to God’s Word in marriage and singleness.
We grieve that several national governments, aided by some church leaders, have claimed to redefine marriage and have turned same-sex marriage into a human rights issue. Human rights, we believe, are founded on a true understanding of human nature, which is that we are created in God’s image, male and female such that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife (Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 5:31). We want to make clear that any civil partnership of a sexual nature does not receive the blessing of God. We continue to pray for and offer pastoral support to Christians struggling with same-sex temptation who remain celibate in obedience to Christ and affirm them in their faithfulness.
The gospel alone has the power to transform lives. As the gospel is heard, the Holy Spirit challenges and convicts of sin, and points to the love of God expressed in his Son, Jesus Christ. The sheer grace of God in setting us free from sin through the cross of Christ leads us into the enjoyment of our forgiveness and the desire to lead a holy life. This enables the relationship with God that Jesus makes possible to flourish. Moreover, just as individual lives can be transformed, so can the life of churches. We therefore commit ourselves and call on our brothers and sisters throughout the Communion to join in rediscovering the power of the gospel and seeking boldness from the Holy Spirit to proclaim it with renewed vigour.
Strengthening the GFCA
We are committed to the future of the GFCA and to that end have decided to take steps to strengthen our fellowship.
First, we have resolved to be more than a network. We are an effective expression of faithful Anglicanism and therefore, recognising our responsibilities, we must organise ourselves in a way that demonstrates the seriousness of our objectives. These are threefold.
Second, pursuing these objectives will require GFCA to operate on a more systematic basis and to that end we shall organise around a Primates’ Council, a Board of Trustees, an Executive Committee and regional liaison officers, who will be involved in fostering communication among FCAs.
Third, we recognise that moving the GFCA on to a new footing will involve making substantial new resources available. We must, therefore, invite provinces, dioceses, mission agencies, local congregations and individuals formally to become contributing members of the GFCA. In particular, we ask provinces to reconsider their support for those Anglican structures that are used to undermine biblical faithfulness and contribute instead, or additionally, to the financing of the GFCA’s on-going needs.
Our Priorities
Our Lord’s command is ”˜to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:19”“20). We believe therefore that our first priority must be to make disciples. This means that our movement must be committed to –
Our second priority must be to deepen discipleship. We must keep stressing that our identity is primarily found in Christ rather than in national, ethnic or tribal attachments. In addition, there are many pressures on Christians today which require a degree of maturity in order to withstand them. These include aggressive secularism, where increasingly Christians are being told that their faith must only find expression in private, and not in public life, and where the contribution of Christianity to the public good is denied; militant Islamism which continues to threaten the existence and ministry of the church in some places; and seductive syncretism which introduces supposedly alternative approaches to God and thereby denies the uniqueness of Christ.
Countering these pressures and promoting the gospel in difficult circumstances requires Christians to accept that their witness involves suffering for Christ (2 Timothy 3:12); to stand with those who are suffering for Christ; to be alert to the ways in which the Scriptures are being falsely undermined by opponents; to engage graciously in the public square; and to refuse to be intimidated when subjected to persecution.
As a third priority, we must witness to the transforming effect of the gospel in working for the transformation of society, so that the values of the eternal Kingdom can be seen here and now. We therefore believe that it is right to engage in the public arena with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15”“16), but without allowing our priorities to be shaped by the world’s agenda; that our churches should work for the protection of the environment and the economic empowerment of those who are deprived of resources; and that we should not ignore the cries of the marginalized and oppressed who need immediate aid.
We affirm the ministries of women and their vital contribution to the life of the church: their call to the task of evangelism, discipling, and building strong marriages, families, churches and communities. GAFCON 2013 upholds the Bible’s teaching that men and women are equally made in the image of God, called to be his people in the body of Christ, exercising different gifts. We recognize that we have differing views over the roles of men and women in church leadership.
It grieves us that in many communities women and children are marginalized through poverty, lack of education, HIV/AIDS, the mistreatment of widows and orphans, and polygamy. Furthermore, they suffer domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and abortion. We repudiate all such violence against women and children and call on the church to demonstrate respect for women, care for marginalized women and children around the world, and uphold the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
We are conscious of the growing number of attacks on Christians in Nigeria and Pakistan, Syria and Egypt, Sudan and many other countries. Where our brothers and sisters are experiencing persecution, we must all call on governments and leaders of other religions to respect human rights, protect Christians from violent attack and take effective action to provide for freedom of religious expression for all.
Conclusion
We are conscious of many pressures on faithful gospel witness within the church, but equally conscious of the great need the world has to hear the gospel. The need for the GFCA is greater now than when we first met in Jerusalem in 2008. We believe the Holy Spirit is challenging us and the rest of the Anglican Communion to remain faithful to our biblical heritage; to support those who suffer as a result of obedience to Christ; to deepen the spiritual life of our churches; and to respond to anti-Christian pressures with a renewed determination to spread the gospel. The seriousness with which we take our mission and our fellowship will be reflected in the way individual churches make the GAFCON vision their own, and in how we resource the work the GFCA seeks to initiate. We invite all faithful Anglicans to join the GFCA.
Finally, we make the following commitment to strengthen our fellowship and promote the gospel.
The Nairobi Commitment
We are committed to Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, the authority of his Word and the power of his gospel. The Son perfectly reveals God to us, he is the sole ground of our salvation, and he is our hope for the future. We seek to honour him, walk in faith and obedience to his teaching, and glorify him through our proclamation of his name.
Therefore, in the power of the Holy Spirit ””
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
26 October 2013
George Horner, 90, is the oldest musician to make his debut in Boston’s Symphony Hall. During the Holocaust, he played music to lift the spirits of other prisoners, and shared some of those arrangements during a concert organized by the Terezin Music Foundation. NBC’s Stephanie Gosk reports.
The second Global Anglican Future Conference, which concludes this weekend in Nairobi, resolved to expand its leadership role in supporting and recognising Anglicans in places where Biblical faith has been compromised.
A meeting of bishops within the conference this week voted without dissent to affirm the Primates Council in recognizing and overseeing theologically isolated Anglicans. This includes the expansion of the Anglican Mission in England and similar bodies around the Communion.
Read it all (and take the time to watch the related press conference).
(in reverse chronological order, from most recent to earliest)
David Ould ”@davidould
Africa; it’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. #gafcon2013
David Ould ”@davidould
last night in Nairobi. Will be very sad to leave this country where we have been so wonderfully looked after #gafcon2013
Sam Allberry ”@SamAllberry
The Kenyans should lead the singing at all Christian conferences. It’s been a wonderful week! #gafcon2013
David Ould ”@davidould
Hearing from the sole #gafcon2013 Pakistani delegate about how they Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. #thestrifewillnotbelong
Jeff Walton ”@jeffreyhwalton
More communique: Fort Worth: affirm Anglo-Catholics. Quincy: mention Eucharist alongside Gospel as unifying #Anglican
Jeff Walton ”@jeffreyhwalton
More N. Amer. #GAFCON2013 communique suggestions: change evangelizing West to “areas where Gospel has been obscured.” #Anglican
Jeff Walton ”@jeffreyhwalton
Suggestions for #GAFCON2013 communique heard in North American discussion group: more on sanctity of life, unborn. #Anglican
Jeff Walton ”@jeffreyhwalton
“Integrity & authority of Gospel is fundamental. Go wrong with them, everything will go wrong in the end.” -Archbp Peter Jensen #GAFCON2013
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
Served as secretary of @The_ACNA caucus here at #GAFCON2013. Working out the final communique in working groups organized by Province.
Moses Kimani ”@SirMosesKimani
Listening to the amazingly good Nairobi Communique of the #GAFCON2013 Conference at All Saints Cathedral. Applause! Applause! Applause!
Rev. Anson Ann ”@revansonann
John Guernsey+ just read out the draft of the Nairobi Communique. It was very well written and exceeded my expectations. #GAFCON2013
ACNA ”@The_ACNA
Bishop John Guernsey of @The_ACNA serves as Chairman of Communique Team at #GAFCON2013 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXa18BECAAAakgI.jpg:large ”¦ #Anglican #Episcopal #GAFCON
Mel Lacy ”@lacymel
Significant afternoon for all those at #gafcon2013 as we consider the draft Nairobi communique in our provinces pic.twitter.com/jAZKlpTyGX
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Our task is not to recreate the Jerusalem statement, our task is to put our shoulder to the wheel to move the GFCA forward #GAFCon2013
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
In Nairobi – is it possible to feel like coming home to a place I have never been before? #GAFCON2013
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
The most important moment of #gafcon2013 has arrived. @ All Saints Cathedral http://instagram.com/p/f42sQuKA6k/
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Thanks to John Thorpe for a great session on Teaching Others to Teach the Bible #ChildrenAndYouthTrack #GAFCon2013
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
@lacymel Train your leaders, Teach Bible study skills, Disciple them, Be culturally aware, PRAY #GAFCON2013 #ChildrenAndYouthTrack
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
@lacymel Teach the Word, Build Christian worldview, Support parental discipleship, Live out the Word, Teach signif. of Church #GAFCon2013
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Great session yesterday by @lacymel on discipling vibrant young people who follow Christ #GAFCon2013 #ChildrenAndYouthTrack
David Martin Hanke ”@dmhanke
I really enjoyed visiting with the delegation from Myanmar this morning. #restorationva #gafcon2013 http://instagram.com/p/f4sa1dFhfk/
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
Canon Jack at a Tweetup over tea during #GAFCON2013 of social media folks from America, Australia and England. http://fb.me/2NFzEdSYZ
Jeff Walton ”@jeffreyhwalton
Islam changes wrld by power gain, Chrstns change wrld by willingness to give up power -Bishop Nazir-Ali http://bit.ly/18ibbVj #gafcon2013
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
“Christ’s cosmic victory erupts in visible expression in the local assembly.” Rev. William Taylor #gafcon2013
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
When headship and submission are on display in marriage, so is the cosmic victory of God in Jesus Christ. #gafcon2013
David Ould ”@davidould
Marriage mirrors the gospel to the world – Willy Taylor #ephesians5 #gafcon2013
Canon Jack Lumanog ”@CanonLumanog
“The western church, at best, has been asleep. At worst, has been deceived.” Rev. William Taylor #gafcon2013
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
If you sleep walk into partnership with those who court the world, you’ll be eaten alive by a crocodile. #gafcon2013 William Taylor on fire.
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Rev Taylor thanking our brothers and sisters in the global south for “staying awake” #GAFCon2013 #Eph5 # Blamo
David Ould ”@davidould
Biblical truth means we cannot be partners with those who deny it and use deceptive words Eph. 5:6-7 Willy Taylor #gafcon2013
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Submission to one another is part of bringing all things under the lordship of Christ – W Taylor #GAFCon2013 #Eph5
Nigel Fortescue ”@nigelfortescue
Today we’ll get a look at the draft GAFCON II statement. This is a pinnacle moment. Will it give us a direction to go together? #gafcon2013
Heather Strong Moore ”@StrongHeather
Ain’t no worship like African worship! So grateful for the joyful fervour that our brothers and sisters bring to our Communion #GAFCon2013
David Ould ”@davidould
Picture simply can’t do justice to the joyful music and dancing at #gafcon2013 pic.twitter.com/dqaaG58Lz1
David Martin Hanke ”@dmhanke
Good morning! Afayo! (He is Lord!) #gafcon2013 http://instagram.com/p/f4OFSGFhcA/
Sam Allberry ”@SamAllberry
Next time someone tells you liturgy = dry, send them to All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. #gafcon2013
***
Note: there were extremely few tweets from Day 4, so we did not do a roundup of Day 4 tweets. Perhaps there were wifi problems…
UPDATE: Check out new resources from the mini-conferences on Marriage & Family and Theological Education added under Day 4. Also a bunch of new links added for Day 6.
This is our attempt to pull together all the most important conference resources (transcripts, videos…) in one place, in chronological order, by day, as it happened, in the clearest form possible. We will continue to update it as new resources become available.
LAST UPDATE: Tuesday 29 October 17:30 GMT / 13:30 Eastern US
The GAFCON Communique and T19 discussion thread on the Communique is here.
Note: the official GAFCON website is here.
The GAFCON II schedule is posted here.
GAFCON Photo album
SUNDAY October 20, 2013 (Pre-Conference)
1. Abp. Welby Preaches in All Saints Cathedral Nairobi and meets with GAFCON Primates for lunch.
Video of Abp. Welby’s sermon
Notes of Archbishop Justin’s sermon to GAFCON Primates in Nairobi
2. Abp. Welby’s luncheon with the Primates and Abp. Peter Jensen’s Address to the Luncheon
VIDEO: Archbishop Jensen’s address to the archbishops’ luncheon with Justin Welby [12:12]
TRANSCRIPT: Archbishop Jensen’s address to the archbishops’ luncheon with Justin Welby
Other resources:
Photos October 20
Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
George Conger: Welby backs GAFCON vision for a renewed church
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DAY 1: MONDAY OCTOBER 21, 2013
1. Opening Press Conference
VIDEO: Full Press Conference
VIDEO: Press Conference Highlights
Day 1 Press Release: Nairobi conference confirms major realignment in Anglican Communion
2. PLENARY SESSION: Opening worship, Vision for conference, East African Revival
Video: Abp. Wabukala welcomes delegates to Kenya [7:41]
Video: Abp Jensen Opens the GAFCON Conference (including roll call of nations) [22 minutes]
TRANSCRIPT: Presentation on the East African Revival by the Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, (Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University)
[*NEW*] VIDEO: Presentation on the East Africa Revival by the Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi (Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University) [48 minutes]
Other Day 1 Resources:
Day 1 Photos
Day 1 Feature Article: Legacy of East African Revival Frames GAFCON Opening Night
Video: Monday highlights
Day1 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
GAFCON 2: Monday 21st October (Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream)
Fr. George Conger’s Summary of Day 1 at GAFCON: Revival and the Anglican Way
Bishop Mark Lawrence: Jottings from GAFCONII
David Ould: Gafcon Day 1- The Church Gathered and a Firm Word for Abp Welby
Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day 1: The Future Has Arrived
Laurel Moffatt: GAFCON Day One in Living Colour
Rob Munro: GAFCON DAY 1: Seeds of Revival?
ACNA Daily Digest: Monday
Selected Tweets: GAFCON Day 1
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DAY 2: TUESDAY OCTOBER 22, 2013
1. Opening Eucharist and Biblical Exposition from Ephesians 1
To our knowledge there are no videos of the worship or transcripts/videos of the Bible teaching. You can get some idea by reviewing the day’s photos and Tweets (see below)
2. PLENARY SESSION: Chairman’s address by Abp. Wabukala of Kenya; Presentations on the theme of “Global Challenge (Bp. Nazir-Ali / Dr. Mike Ovey)”
TRANSCRIPT: Chairman’s Address GAFCON 2013 Plenary 22nd October [Video is not yet available]
VIDEO: Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali: Global Challenge (12 minutes) [No transcript has been posted]
TRANSCRIPT: The Grace of God OR the World of the West? The Rev Dr Michael Ovey, President Oak Hill College, London [FULL PDF is here]
VIDEO: Dr. Mike Ovey’s presentation on The Grace of God or the World of the West [50 minutes]
3. PLENARY SESSION: ”˜We are not alone’ / The Lonely Church
note1: we elves are not 100% sure of the order of these various talks. Apologies if we’ve gotten things muddled.
note2: it appears that many of the talks by those facing persecution in dangerous places were not recorded. But a number of the articles and blog entries below provide excerpts.
VIDEO: The Lonely Church [13 minutes]
In order, the speakers are:
Richard Ellena, Bishop of Nelson in New Zealand,
Miguel Uchoa, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Recife,
and Charlie Masters, Bishop Coadjutor of the Anglican Church in North America’s diocese in Canada
VIDEO: The Rev. Paul Perkin: What is happening in the Church of England [18 minutes]
TRANSCRIPT: The Rev. Paul Perkin: Battle for the Soul of Britain – what;s happening in the CoE
Video: Apb, Jensen interviews Andrea Minichiello Williams on Christian Persecution in the UK [2:30]
Other Day 2 Resources:
You Are Not Alone – brief summary of several of the testimonies from those persecuted for their faith
GAFCON Feature Article: Churches tempted to ”˜change Christian faith’ for culture
Tuesday Oct 22 Photos
Tuesday Highlights Video [under 3 minutes]
Photo of all 331 Bishops attending GAFCON
Day 2 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
GAFCON Diary Day 2 (Anglican Mainstream)
Fr. George Conger’s Summary of Day 2 at GAFCON – A Suffering and Lonely Church
David Ould: GAFCON Day 2 – A Clear Challenge to Welby and Much More
Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day Two: Reality Struck Home Today
Rob Munro: GAFCON Day 2: Who’s Changing Whom?
Laurel Moffatt: GAFCON Many Voices One Song
Restoration Anglican: Nairobi Update #1
St. Johns Working UK blog: GAFCON Day 2 Update
ACNA Tuesday GAFCON Daily Digest
Selected Tweets: GAFCON Day 2
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DAY 3: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2013
1. Opening Worship and Biblical Exposition from Ephesians 2
To our knowledge there are no videos of the worship or transcripts/videos of the Bible teaching. You can get some idea by reviewing the day’s photos and Tweets (see below)
2. Abp. Welby’s Video Greetings to GAFCON
Text and Video of Abp. Welby’s short message
3. Mini-Conferences (Mini-Conferences took place Wednesday – Friday)
Here are the mini-conference topics:
The Challenge of Islam ”“ led by Bishop Michael Nazir Ali
The Work of the Holy Spirit ”“ led by Dr. Stephen Noll
Marriage and Family – led by Dr. John & Ruth Senyonyi
Children and Youths – Rev Zac Vernon
Gospel and Culture – Dr. Alfred Olwa
Being Women of God – Christine Perkin
Aid and Development – Rev Dennis Tongoi
Theological Education – Dr Andrew Shead
Episcopal Ministry – Bishop Wallace Benn
VIDEO: Participants reflect on the mini-conferences taking place at GAFCON [2:30]
(It’s unclear at this point what, if any, further resources will be posted online from the mini-conferences. We will be sure to post them if/when they are put online!)
Other Day 3 Resources:
Feature Article: GAFCON Delegates Share Across Cultures as Mini-Conferences Begin
Photos: Day 3
Day 3 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
GAFCON Report Day 3 (Anglican Mainstream)
David Ould: Day 3: Welby and Jensen – Ambiguity of Context and Clarity of Scripture
Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day 3
Rob Munro: GAFCON Day 3: What marks a movement of the Holy Spirit?
Restoration Anglican: Nairobi #2
ACNA Daily Digest – Wednesday
Selected Tweets from GAFCON II – Day 3 October 23, 2013
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DAY 4: THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2013
1. Opening Worship and Biblical Exposition from Ephesians 3&4
To our knowledge there are no videos of the worship or transcripts/videos of the Bible teaching. You can get some idea by reviewing the day’s blog entries (see below).
2. Mini-Conferences continue
Video on Women’s mini-conference
Jeff Walton: GAFCON Conferees Engage Challenge of Islam [summarizes mini-conference presentation by Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali]
** NEW ** Resources from the Marriage and Family Mini-Conference
** NEW ** Building For the Future- A Statement on Theological Education, from the Theological Education Mini-Conference
Other Day 4 Resources:
Photos Day 4 (mostly pictures from this afternoon’s trip to Nairobi National Park)
VIDEO: GAFCON Thursday Highlights
Day 4 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
Summary GAFCON II Day 4 (Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream)
Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day 4
Rob Munro: GAFCON Day 4: Widening Horizons
Bishop Foley Beach: The Suffering Church
David Ould: GAFCON Day 4: Global Anglicanism in its Natural State
GAFCON Day 4 (St. John’s Working UK blog)
Shari Hobby: GAFCON Reoprt Day 4
ACNA GAFCON Daily Digest Thursday
[*NEW*] Bishop Mark Lawrence: Jottings from GAFCON II – Take 2 (summarizes Days 2 – 4)
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DAY 5: FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2013
1. Opening Worship and Biblical Exposition from Ephesians 5
To our knowledge there are no videos of the worship or transcripts/videos of the Bible teaching. You can get some idea by reviewing the day’s blog entries (see below).
2. Mini-Conferences conclude
3. Statement Assembly / Press Conference.
VIDEO: GAFCON Friday Press Conference
Friday October 25 Press Release: GAFCON Votes to Expand
4. Commitment Assembly
Other Day 5 Resources:
Day 5 Photos
Friday Highlights Video
Day 5 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
Jeff Walton: GAFCON Leaders Point to “Strong Foundation of the Bible” at Second Press Gathering
Anglican Mainstream: GAFCON 2 Report Friday October 25
Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day 5
St. John’s Working UK blog: GAFCON Friday, Day 5
Rob Munro: GAFCON Day 5 – Discerning the call of God for the Future
Bishop Foley Beach: GAFCON the East Africa Revival
Selected Tweets GAFCON Day 5
VIDEO: Canon Phil Ashey of AAC – Anglican Perspective Commentary on GAFCON as an Ecclesial movement [2 minutes]
ACNA Daily Digest – Friday
Snippets of African Worship “Afayo [He is Lord] via Instagram here and here
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DAY 6: SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 2013
1. Opening Worship, Holy Communion and Biblical Exposition from Ephesians 6
2. Concluding Plenary Session
3. CONFERENCE COMMUNIQUE
The FINAL Nairobi Communique and Commitment
PDF Version
Day 6: Other Resources:
Feature Article: GAFCON ends with commitment in Nairobi
NEW: GAFCON Photos – Saturday
Day 6 – Recommended Articles and Commentary: [All entries written by those present at GAFCON II]
Laurel Moffatt: GAFCON – Strands of Loving Kindness
Rob Munro: GAFCON Day 6 – Discovering the Real Meaning of the Anglican Communion
Some Final Tweets from GAFCON Day 6
Restoration Anglican: GAFCON Day 6
St John’s Working UK: GAFCON Day 6
[* NEW*] ACNA Daily Digest – Saturday
[*NEW*] Nigel Fortescue: GAFCON Day 6 – Final Thoughts
[*NEW*] Reflections from Nairobi, October 2013, Simon Vibert
[*NEW*] Foley Beach: GAFCON – The Bishops’ Conference (reflections on the Bishops’ Mini-Conference)
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OTHER INTERESTING RESOURCES, ARTICLES & COMMENTARY (including some articles by those not present at GAFCON II)
George Conger’s GAFCON II Photo Album at Flickr {see note on copyright here.)
Chris Sugden: The dual challenges of an aggressive secular world and increasingly worldly established church (a very good overview of key themes of GAFCON II)
George Conger: Behind the Scenes at GAFCON (further details about conference attendees, organization and financing) (Oct. 24, 2013)
Canon Vinay Samuel: Reflections on the future of orthodoxy in the Anglican Communion
George Conger (Church Times): GAFCON Looks to the Future (Oct 25, 2013)
Lent & Beyond: The Faces of GAFCON (includes one of the best photos from the conference!)
Lent & Beyond: Why should we care about, and pray for, GAFCON? ”“ Part 1: By the Numbers
Lent & Beyond: Why GAFCON 2013 matters ”“ part 2: The mini-conferences
Jeff Walton: Top Ten Things You Might Not Have Expected About GAFCON
Chris Sugden (Christian Today): GAFCON offers itself as ‘important and effective instrument of Communion’ (October 26)
[*NEW*] Lent & Beyond: The Faces of GAFCON – Part 2 (30 awesome pictures)