Following the unexpected resignation of Quincy Bishop Keith Ackerman, which was effective November 1, the synod convened without a sitting bishop. The Rev. Canon Edward den Blaauwen, rector of Christ Church, Moline, and a member of the Standing Committee, was appointed to preside at Synod’s business meetings.
At the opening session of the synod on November 7, which was closed to the public, Spencer reported that Ackerman was on hand to ceremonially “pass the gavel” to den Blaauwen.
Following the votes to realign, a letter was read from Archbishop Gregory Venables, primate of the Southern Cone, in which he reported that he had appointed den Blaauwen as Vicar General of the new diocesan unit, in the absence of a sitting bishop.
Den Blaauwen who also serves as executive administrator for Forward in Faith North America, of which Ackerman is president, attended the Global Anglican Futures Conference in June. He also accompanied Ackerman to the Lambeth Conference this past summer.
Spencer noted that no plans have yet been made for a search for a new bishop.
“Our focus has been entirely about just getting through this synod for now,” he said.
At what point is Rowan going to address the HUGE fallout taking place in America at this time? At what point is TEC going to accept that it has gone too far and broken the church in two? And why is their so LITTLE about this in the press? (or is it really paraniod to suggest that the liberal machine is trying to bury the news?)
Are other Dioceses going to follow? Certainly interesting times.
A point of fact that is small geographically, but may be significant pastorally:
In her comments, the Presiding Bishop describes Quincy as consisting of Episcopalians in “Southern Illinois”. That is not true. It is not even close to being true. The geographic bounds of DioQuincy take in an area in West Central Illinois. “Southern Illinois” Episcopalians live in my Diocese, Springfield (is She trying to give us a hint?). One can start at the southernmost boundary of DioQuincy and drive southward six hours before hitting the next state, Kentucky. To say that Episcopalians in Quincy are (were?) in “Southern Illinois” would be like describing congregations in DioIndianapolis as being in Northern Indiana, or saying that Episcoplians in DioCentralGulfCoast are “Eastern Floridians.” Knowing that DioQuincy is nowhere near Southern Illinois requires no more than a quick glance at a US map showing the current diocesan lines. It does not require any fine judgment calls of geography or topography.
A source which those of us in “fly-over” territory understand to be authoritative states that the Good Shepherd knows His flock. How much can a shepherd know her flock if she does not even know where they are (or apparently, care to find out).
Good question rugbyplayingpriest! But, as usual I think that the silence from +Rowan is for the same reason he has always been silent in regards to what is happening here in the Province of ECUSA! He has no authority to do anything and the one chance he did have he invited the consecrators of Gene Robinson anyway who have torn the fabric of the AC and continue to do so! He has helped TEc further the rip that has now become chasm or to put it better the Grand Canyon Hole of the WWAC!
3, you are right. The AC will do nothing. We are on our own and the sooner we recognize that the better off we are. GAFCON is the only show in town now.
[i]“laments the departure from the Episcopal Church of some individuals in southern Illinois”[/i]
Hmmm….if “some individuals in southern Illinois” is inaccurate I wonder how much she really “laments” their departue.
[i] At what point is Rowan going to address the HUGE fallout taking place in America at this time? [/i] —Rugby Playing Priest [#1]
When he writes his memoirs.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[i] At what point is TEC going to accept that it has gone too far and broken the church in two? [/i]
When hell freezes over.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[i] Why is there so LITTLE about this in the press? [/i]
The Diocese of Pittsburgh’s departure got good press coverage. The coverage was as prominent we could reasonably expect, and it made clear that the orthodox were leaving for reasons of theological conviction.
Has the flight from TEC about ceased? After the next diocese leaves, are there any others in the wings waiting for the proper moment? Is TEC now more or less safe with those dioceses and parishes it has left? Accordingly, is it true that all we can now wait for is Average Sunday attendance to sap TEC’s remaining vitality? Larry
[i]”Has the flight from TEC about ceased?”[/i]
Good question! My guess, (and it is just that), is no. But, I am not sure how easy it will be after GC09!
[i]”After the next diocese leaves, are there any others in the wings waiting for the proper moment?”[/i]
Another good question! There have been rumors but again….how they will be able to do this with out suffering more torment from 815 after GC09 is beyond me.
[i]”Is TEC now more or less safe with those dioceses and parishes it has left?”[/i]
From whom? Safer for the revisionists? He! He! From whom and what? Orthodoxy….well I’d say yes! But this question feels loaded!
[i]”Accordingly, is it true that all we can now wait for is Average Sunday attendance to sap TEC’s remaining vitality?”[/i]
Again…seems like a loaded question! According to TEc they are growing and just a few dissidents are leaving….. all is well!
🙂
“At what point is Rowan going to address the HUGE fallout taking place in America at this time? —Rugby Playing Priest [#1]
When he writes his memoirs.”
It’s a pity that Malcolm Muggeridge gave his memoirs the title of “Chronicles of Wasted Time,” as it would perfectly suit those of the AbC.
There is indeed the whiff of a big-city sneer in that “Southern Illinois” remark. The Diocese of Quincy is too small for her to have noticed its location. Apparently anything south of the latitude of Chicago is “Southern Illinois,” which would be the vast majority of the state, if she’d look at a map.
As to dioceses after Ft. Worth, it may be too late. Most diocesan constitutions would require two successive convention votes to change the constitution, and there’s not enough time before GC 2009. Although honestly it won’t make much difference, since TEC is suing those who have left before the 2009 changes.
To be fair, I did hear about this in the media — of all places, on NPR.
So, when will the lawsuits, inhibitions and depositions begin? And will the PB lament these as well?