From THE CHRISTIAN POST:
An Episcopal advocacy group has requested an investigation of the leadership of the Diocese of South Carolina with regard to the withdrawal of parishes from the denomination. The Episcopal Forum accused leaders in the diocese of "accelerating the process of alienation and disassociation" from The Episcopal Church.
"The Ecclesiastical Authority (the Diocesan Bishop or the Standing Committee) has done nothing to stop other parishes which outwardly appear to be moving in the direction of withdrawal from TEC," the group wrote in a letter sent this week to bishops throughout the national church body.
The group, which supports preserving "unity with diversity" in the denomination, also called The Episcopal Church to look into the lack of disciplinary action against a parish that left the South Carolina diocese earlier this year, and the removal of all "Episcopal" references in the names and websites of dozens of parishes.
"Actions and inactions of the Bishop appear to be tantamount to an abandonment of the polity of The Episcopal Church," the group argued.
South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence has refuted the allegations outlined in the letter, saying he and his staff have spoken with the leadership of every parish in the diocese that was considering disassociation. He also explained that disciplinary or legal action was not taken against St. Andrew's Parish in Mt. Pleasant, which severed ties in March, because litigation has only resulted in the "sour fruit of animosity."
"You cannot make people love you, or bind them to your Church through coercion or fear," he said.
COMMENT: . . . he and his staff have spoken with the leadership of every parish in the diocese that was considering disassociation . . . - well, yes, I think that may be exactly what The Episcopal Forum is worried about.
You cannot make people love you, or bind them to your Church through coercion or fear . . . - ROTFPM. What a bunch of Screwtapes.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
MORE HYPOCRISY
MadPriest notices that Bishop Lindsay Urwin OGS, who had, at least one non-celibate relationship with another man after being accepted for the priesthood, is one of the bishops who have started yet another new organisation dedicated to preaching one thing and doing the opposite. It's called THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF SAINT WILFRID AND SAINT HILDA, which is very suitable for such an anti-orthodox, anti-tradition, anti-English, anti-Celtic, pro-papacy organisation.
Lindsay Urwin and Jeffrey John have had an almost identical sexual journey whilst working for the Church of England. However, there are three main differences between them.
One has kept quiet about his relationships and one has been open and honest.
One is an underqualified bishop whilst the other has all the qualities needed to be a good bishop but has been blackballed every time his name has come up for the job.
One is good at choosing the right friends and the other is really crap at it.
Lindsay Urwin and Jeffrey John have had an almost identical sexual journey whilst working for the Church of England. However, there are three main differences between them.
One has kept quiet about his relationships and one has been open and honest.
One is an underqualified bishop whilst the other has all the qualities needed to be a good bishop but has been blackballed every time his name has come up for the job.
One is good at choosing the right friends and the other is really crap at it.
WIMMIN - THEY'RE GETTIN' AS
TROUBLESOME AS TEH GAYS
From OREGON LIVE:
In August, the Irish woman, Jennifer Sleeman, 81, urged Catholic women to boycott this Sunday's Mass in protest of their treatment by the church. Half a world a way, a handful of Portland women responded.
"We had been talking amongst ourselves about how to be a woman and be a Catholic, dealing with that angst. Her call struck a chord with us. We needed to do something, to say, 'We've had enough,'" says Sarah Granger, who is active in St. Andrew Parish in Northeast Portland.
She and other women from St. Andrew's envisioned a "prayerful, positive public witness," not a protest or a boycott. "One Spirit - One Call" will unfold at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The 90-minute program calls for prayers, a gospel reflection, and a litany of women saints. Organizers say they hope participants will attend Mass on Saturday night or stay downtown for a special noon Mass at the Downtown Chapel.
Organizers wrote to the archbishop of Portland, the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny, and told him of their plans. He says he is resigned that "One Spirit - One Call" would go on.
"I'm not happy about it," he says. "Whenever people are disturbed, it's a good idea to get together and pray. But my job is one that tries to promote the unity of the church, to encourage the church in our evangelization."
He says he has good relationships with women in the church. "I've tried my best to treat people with fairness." He understands that the women behind the Portland event have a list of grievances, but he thinks "ordination is at the bottom of it all."
"I have no authority to change that." The Catholic Church does not ordain women to the priesthood. "No other bishop, not even the pope can change that," Vlazny says.
In August, the Irish woman, Jennifer Sleeman, 81, urged Catholic women to boycott this Sunday's Mass in protest of their treatment by the church. Half a world a way, a handful of Portland women responded.
"We had been talking amongst ourselves about how to be a woman and be a Catholic, dealing with that angst. Her call struck a chord with us. We needed to do something, to say, 'We've had enough,'" says Sarah Granger, who is active in St. Andrew Parish in Northeast Portland.
She and other women from St. Andrew's envisioned a "prayerful, positive public witness," not a protest or a boycott. "One Spirit - One Call" will unfold at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The 90-minute program calls for prayers, a gospel reflection, and a litany of women saints. Organizers say they hope participants will attend Mass on Saturday night or stay downtown for a special noon Mass at the Downtown Chapel.
Organizers wrote to the archbishop of Portland, the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny, and told him of their plans. He says he is resigned that "One Spirit - One Call" would go on.
"I'm not happy about it," he says. "Whenever people are disturbed, it's a good idea to get together and pray. But my job is one that tries to promote the unity of the church, to encourage the church in our evangelization."
He says he has good relationships with women in the church. "I've tried my best to treat people with fairness." He understands that the women behind the Portland event have a list of grievances, but he thinks "ordination is at the bottom of it all."
"I have no authority to change that." The Catholic Church does not ordain women to the priesthood. "No other bishop, not even the pope can change that," Vlazny says.
SPEAKING DOUBLE WELSH
From WALES ONLINE:
Former Welsh Office Minister, Rod Richards has called for the resignation of the Archbishop of Wales after he told the Pope that he sometimes spoke with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Welsh to stop others understanding.
Mr Richards said: “A charge often levelled unfairly against Welsh speakers is that they deliberately speak in Welsh so that non-Welsh speakers cannot understand them. That is sometimes said by tourists from England who go into a pub where the locals are conversing in Welsh. By revealing that he and Rowan Williams speak in Welsh in circumstances where they don’t want people to understand them, Barry Morgan is confirming the view of many non-Welsh speakers that Welsh is an exclusive, secretive language. This is damaging to the Welsh language and damaging to Wales.”
A spokeswoman for the Archbishop said that the Archbishop had no intention of resigning.
Former Welsh Office Minister, Rod Richards has called for the resignation of the Archbishop of Wales after he told the Pope that he sometimes spoke with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Welsh to stop others understanding.
Mr Richards said: “A charge often levelled unfairly against Welsh speakers is that they deliberately speak in Welsh so that non-Welsh speakers cannot understand them. That is sometimes said by tourists from England who go into a pub where the locals are conversing in Welsh. By revealing that he and Rowan Williams speak in Welsh in circumstances where they don’t want people to understand them, Barry Morgan is confirming the view of many non-Welsh speakers that Welsh is an exclusive, secretive language. This is damaging to the Welsh language and damaging to Wales.”
A spokeswoman for the Archbishop said that the Archbishop had no intention of resigning.
THE RISE AND RISE OF CHRIST PRAGMATIC
From THE BBC:
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said he has no problem with gay people being bishops as long as they are celibate. He said he had been conscious of the issue of homosexuality as "a wound in the whole ministry" since his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002. But he had to decide against endorsing gay relationships for clergy and bishops because "the cost to the Church overall was too great to be borne at that point".
He said: "To put it very simply, there's no problem about a gay person who's a bishop. It's about the fact that there are traditionally, historically, standards that the clergy are expected to observe. So there's always a question about the personal life of the clergy."
Dr Williams admitted that one of the most difficult periods in his eight years at Lambeth Palace came when he blocked the appointment of the gay, celibate cleric Jeffrey John to the post of Bishop of Reading. He said he let down Dr John.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Times that the Archbishop was being inconsistent.
"Yet again, Rowan is sitting on the fence regarding gay clergy. I don't know how Rowan sleeps at night. Before he became Archbishop of Canterbury, he supported gay inclusion and equality. Now he victimises gay clergy like Jeffrey John and goes out of his way to accommodate some of the most hateful Christian homophobes in the world. In his eyes, Church unity is more important than the human rights of lesbian and gay people."
In his interview Dr Williams also revealed he will retire before his full term as Archbishop ends in 10 years, saying: "I will not be doing this job when I'm 70."
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said he has no problem with gay people being bishops as long as they are celibate. He said he had been conscious of the issue of homosexuality as "a wound in the whole ministry" since his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002. But he had to decide against endorsing gay relationships for clergy and bishops because "the cost to the Church overall was too great to be borne at that point".
He said: "To put it very simply, there's no problem about a gay person who's a bishop. It's about the fact that there are traditionally, historically, standards that the clergy are expected to observe. So there's always a question about the personal life of the clergy."
Dr Williams admitted that one of the most difficult periods in his eight years at Lambeth Palace came when he blocked the appointment of the gay, celibate cleric Jeffrey John to the post of Bishop of Reading. He said he let down Dr John.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Times that the Archbishop was being inconsistent.
"Yet again, Rowan is sitting on the fence regarding gay clergy. I don't know how Rowan sleeps at night. Before he became Archbishop of Canterbury, he supported gay inclusion and equality. Now he victimises gay clergy like Jeffrey John and goes out of his way to accommodate some of the most hateful Christian homophobes in the world. In his eyes, Church unity is more important than the human rights of lesbian and gay people."
In his interview Dr Williams also revealed he will retire before his full term as Archbishop ends in 10 years, saying: "I will not be doing this job when I'm 70."
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From THE CHICAGO DEFENDER:
It looks like the Bishop Eddie Long situation may only be
the tip of the iceberg.
It looks like the Bishop Eddie Long situation may only be
the tip of the iceberg.
Friday, 24 September 2010
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
I happen to know that Sister Ellie is having a bit of a rough day. Hopefully this will lift her spirits as it's right up her street.
Patrick walks into a bar in Dublin. He orders three pints of Guinness and sits in the corner of the room drinking a sip out of each pint in turn. When he had finished all three, he went back to the bar and ordered three more.
The barman says, "You know a pint goes flat soon after I pull it. Your beer would taste better if you bought one pint at a time."
Patrick replies, "Well now, I have two brodders, one is in America and de odder in Australia, and here I am in Dublin. When we all left home we promised dat we'd drink dis way to remember de days we all drank togedder."
The barman admits that this is a nice custom and says no more.
Patrick becomes a regular customer, always drinking the same way, ordering three pints and drinking a sip out of each in turn, until they are finished. But then one day, he comes in and orders just two pints.
All the other regulars in the bar notice and fall silent.
When he goes back to the bar for the second round the barman says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief but I wanted to offer my condolences on your great loss."
Patrick looks confused for a moment, then the penny drops and he starts to laugh,
"Oh no," he says, "Bejesus, everyone is fine! Tis me, .................. I've quit Drinking!"
Patrick walks into a bar in Dublin. He orders three pints of Guinness and sits in the corner of the room drinking a sip out of each pint in turn. When he had finished all three, he went back to the bar and ordered three more.
The barman says, "You know a pint goes flat soon after I pull it. Your beer would taste better if you bought one pint at a time."
Patrick replies, "Well now, I have two brodders, one is in America and de odder in Australia, and here I am in Dublin. When we all left home we promised dat we'd drink dis way to remember de days we all drank togedder."
The barman admits that this is a nice custom and says no more.
Patrick becomes a regular customer, always drinking the same way, ordering three pints and drinking a sip out of each in turn, until they are finished. But then one day, he comes in and orders just two pints.
All the other regulars in the bar notice and fall silent.
When he goes back to the bar for the second round the barman says, "I don't want to intrude on your grief but I wanted to offer my condolences on your great loss."
Patrick looks confused for a moment, then the penny drops and he starts to laugh,
"Oh no," he says, "Bejesus, everyone is fine! Tis me, .................. I've quit Drinking!"
Thursday, 23 September 2010
MRS MADPRIEST HATES AMERICANS
Well, maybe "hates" is a bit strong. But she's certainly cursing them under her breath at this moment in time as the tail end of their latest hurricane has just flooded her rehearsal studios, submerged one of her school offices and left Newcastle University as a prime location for the yachting events at the next Olympic Games.
Really! This is the British Isles, not some jerry-built city in the Southern States. Our buildings are designed to look nice not withstand Noah's flood. I've not seen such devastation in my city since three snowflakes fell on it last winter.
Please, my American friends, keep your ridiculous, over the top weather to yourselves.
We will be sending you the bill.
Really! This is the British Isles, not some jerry-built city in the Southern States. Our buildings are designed to look nice not withstand Noah's flood. I've not seen such devastation in my city since three snowflakes fell on it last winter.
Please, my American friends, keep your ridiculous, over the top weather to yourselves.
We will be sending you the bill.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Friend of OCICBW... and Low Anthem fan, Matthew Worsfold, started a new blog last month. It's imaginatively entitled SLAYING THE JABBERWOCK and, again imaginatively, it's not pretty much your standard ranch stash - not in the slightest. In the sidebar, Matthew writes:
This blog contains stories and statements from people who, despite serious misgivings and/or significant theological departures, refuse to surrender the name "Christian" for one reason or another, or even from those who don't have serious doubts or theological disagreements, but are weary of certain groups of people holding the monopoly on Christianity. These are the stories of relationships with god. And they are all true.
Not only can I guarantee that you will find Matthew's blog interesting and entertaining, I am also certain that a good many of you might want to, and definitely should, contribute to its actual content.
Go check it out! That's an order
***
Another blog that I have started visiting is LETTERS FROM THE MALVERN VICARAGE (as in Malvern, New Zealand). Over the last week, Susan, the administrator has been blogging the earthquake in her country that she actually experienced first hand. These posts are illustrated by some excellent photography showing the aftermath of the quake.
Susan is a well nice lady. Add her webpage to your blogrolls.
***
Both the above blogs can now be accessed
via THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
This blog contains stories and statements from people who, despite serious misgivings and/or significant theological departures, refuse to surrender the name "Christian" for one reason or another, or even from those who don't have serious doubts or theological disagreements, but are weary of certain groups of people holding the monopoly on Christianity. These are the stories of relationships with god. And they are all true.
Not only can I guarantee that you will find Matthew's blog interesting and entertaining, I am also certain that a good many of you might want to, and definitely should, contribute to its actual content.
Go check it out! That's an order
***
Another blog that I have started visiting is LETTERS FROM THE MALVERN VICARAGE (as in Malvern, New Zealand). Over the last week, Susan, the administrator has been blogging the earthquake in her country that she actually experienced first hand. These posts are illustrated by some excellent photography showing the aftermath of the quake.Susan is a well nice lady. Add her webpage to your blogrolls.
***
Both the above blogs can now be accessed
via THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
CHURCH CHILDREN LEARN
ALL ABOUT THE AMERICAN WAY
From BOSTON.COM:
Parishioners from the St. John the Evangelist Episcopal church in Hingham were setting up for a post-Mass picnic at the town's Bathing Beach Saturday night when they were interrupted by the sound of gunfire and the sight of a wounded Canadian goose slowly dying, the rector, The Rev. Timothy Schenk, said.
The Mass, which was geared toward children, ended at about 5:30 p.m. and the picnic was about to begin when the parishioners saw three geese fly by, and then heard three shots. Two men were hunting geese on the beach. They hit one of the geese, which fell into the water. It was wounded, but not immediately killed. The goose tried to swim away as the hunters took a couple more shots at it, missing it.
“Usually, when you hunt, you have some sort of provision to get what you hunt. This was not the case as the goose, struggling to swim away, “just kind of slipped under the water,” said Schenk.
Schenk said he held a “preach at the beach” Mass “to remind people that God isn’t under house arrest at a church. God is everywhere,” he said.
COMMENT: To be honest, I think the goose would have been better off in the Reverend Schenk's church. God was sort of conspicuous by his absence on the beach (unless God doesn't like geese).
Parishioners from the St. John the Evangelist Episcopal church in Hingham were setting up for a post-Mass picnic at the town's Bathing Beach Saturday night when they were interrupted by the sound of gunfire and the sight of a wounded Canadian goose slowly dying, the rector, The Rev. Timothy Schenk, said.
“Usually, when you hunt, you have some sort of provision to get what you hunt. This was not the case as the goose, struggling to swim away, “just kind of slipped under the water,” said Schenk.
Schenk said he held a “preach at the beach” Mass “to remind people that God isn’t under house arrest at a church. God is everywhere,” he said.
COMMENT: To be honest, I think the goose would have been better off in the Reverend Schenk's church. God was sort of conspicuous by his absence on the beach (unless God doesn't like geese).
BISHOP MOXLEY WALKS THE STREETS
PLUS THE RETURN OF AN OLD FRIEND
From CBC NEWS (Canada):
Anglican Bishop Sue Moxley is determined to get more people into church, even if she has to go out and get them.
Moxley, leader of the Anglican church in Nova Scotia and P.E.I., handed out invitations to passersby on the Halifax waterfront Wednesday morning. In full bishop's regalia, she certainly stood out. She is hoping to attract the attention of people who've never been to church, as well as former parishioners.
"Lots of people have said, 'Oh, I used to go, I just got out of the habit.' So this is a way to kind of say come back and try it again. What some people remember as boring and tiresome is now quite lively and energetic," she told CBC News.
The church made headlines earlier this month when it blessed BlackBerry, laptops and other gadgets. The blessing at St. Timothy's Anglican Church in Hatchet Lake, near Halifax, was a modern take on Plough Monday, where parishioners of old brought their farming tools in to be blessed.
Anglican Bishop Sue Moxley is determined to get more people into church, even if she has to go out and get them.
Moxley, leader of the Anglican church in Nova Scotia and P.E.I., handed out invitations to passersby on the Halifax waterfront Wednesday morning. In full bishop's regalia, she certainly stood out. She is hoping to attract the attention of people who've never been to church, as well as former parishioners.
The church made headlines earlier this month when it blessed BlackBerry, laptops and other gadgets. The blessing at St. Timothy's Anglican Church in Hatchet Lake, near Halifax, was a modern take on Plough Monday, where parishioners of old brought their farming tools in to be blessed.
LONG'S LONG LONGING LEADS TO COURT CASE
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
Bishop Eddie Long, the pastor of a megachurch in suburban Atlanta, is being sued by three male church members who allege that he coerced them into sexual relationships. The three, now in their 20s, say Long used jewelry, cars, cash and his authority as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to lure them into the relationships when they were 17 and 18. They claim in their lawsuits, filed Tuesday and Wednesday in DeKalb County, Ga., that Long "has a pattern and practice of singling out a select group of young male church members . . . to engage in sexual relationships."
(In the past) Long has called for a national ban on same-sex marriage. In 2004, he led a march with Bernice King to her father's Atlanta grave to support a national constitutional amendment to protect marriage "between one man and one woman."
He "adamantly denies" the claims, saying they are "without merit."
CAPTION COMPETITION AND
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you spend your
life swimming in
Da Nile, eventually you will get bitten
by da crocodiles.
Today's caption competition
is a gift. I am sure you lot
will have plenty of good suggestions for this one.
Bishop Eddie Long, the pastor of a megachurch in suburban Atlanta, is being sued by three male church members who allege that he coerced them into sexual relationships. The three, now in their 20s, say Long used jewelry, cars, cash and his authority as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to lure them into the relationships when they were 17 and 18. They claim in their lawsuits, filed Tuesday and Wednesday in DeKalb County, Ga., that Long "has a pattern and practice of singling out a select group of young male church members . . . to engage in sexual relationships."
(In the past) Long has called for a national ban on same-sex marriage. In 2004, he led a march with Bernice King to her father's Atlanta grave to support a national constitutional amendment to protect marriage "between one man and one woman."
He "adamantly denies" the claims, saying they are "without merit."
CAPTION COMPETITION AND
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you spend your
life swimming in
Da Nile, eventually you will get bitten
by da crocodiles.
Today's caption competition
is a gift. I am sure you lot
will have plenty of good suggestions for this one.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
AFTER THE BALL WAS OVER
From LONDON SE1 COMMUNITY WEBSITE:
Ha! Only kidding. Of course, lots of people turned up.
The teachers had told the children that they were getting
an early visit from Father Christmas.
Ha! Only kidding. Of course, lots of people turned up.
The teachers had told the children that they were getting
an early visit from Father Christmas.
DO YOU TAKE PRETTY MUCH
ANYBODY TO BE YOUR WIFE?
From THE MAIL:
Immigration officials are holding special training sessions to teach vicars how to spot sham marriages, it emerged today. The UK Border Agency has teamed up with the Church of England to train clergymen to identify fake documents and discover if relationships are genuine. It is hoped the initiative will help stem the boom in sham weddings, which asylum seekers and illegal immigrants use as a way to gain British citizenship.
Immigration officials are holding special training sessions to teach vicars how to spot sham marriages, it emerged today. The UK Border Agency has teamed up with the Church of England to train clergymen to identify fake documents and discover if relationships are genuine. It is hoped the initiative will help stem the boom in sham weddings, which asylum seekers and illegal immigrants use as a way to gain British citizenship.
A PASSION PLAY
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Canterbury Cathedral is to host its first-ever rock concert this Christmas. The 900-year-old building, one of the most important sites in Britain’s Christian heritage, will echo to the sounds of Ian Anderson, the frontman with Jethro Tull.
Speakers will be set up down the Gothic nave, not far from where St Thomas Becket, the “turbulent priest” who fell out with Henry II, was murdered in 1170.
As many as 1,000 tickets are being put on sale for the one-off concert, as part of a conservation campaign that needs to raise up to £50 million.
THE BLOODY CHURCH OF ENGLAND
IN CHAINS OF HISTORY,
REQUESTS YOUR EARTHLY PRESENCE
AT THE VICARAGE FOR TEA
COMMENT: Of course, I have no problem with Ian Anderson playing a gig in Canterbury Cathedral. However, I am a bit worried about his choice of instrument.
Canterbury Cathedral is to host its first-ever rock concert this Christmas. The 900-year-old building, one of the most important sites in Britain’s Christian heritage, will echo to the sounds of Ian Anderson, the frontman with Jethro Tull.
Speakers will be set up down the Gothic nave, not far from where St Thomas Becket, the “turbulent priest” who fell out with Henry II, was murdered in 1170.
As many as 1,000 tickets are being put on sale for the one-off concert, as part of a conservation campaign that needs to raise up to £50 million.
THE BLOODY CHURCH OF ENGLAND
IN CHAINS OF HISTORY,
REQUESTS YOUR EARTHLY PRESENCE
AT THE VICARAGE FOR TEA
COMMENT: Of course, I have no problem with Ian Anderson playing a gig in Canterbury Cathedral. However, I am a bit worried about his choice of instrument.
DON'T BLAME ELLIE (EVEN THOUGH
IT STINKS OF HER INVOLVEMENT)
A group of ladies, who were in the same class at school, met up for a reunion every ten years.
When they were thirty they to the Ocean Grill because the waiters were so handsome and sexy.
When they were forty they went to the same restaurant because it was near to the weight loss clinic they all attended.
When they were fifty, again they chose the Ocean Grill as the view of the sea was unparalleled.
When they were sixty it had to be their old haunt because the menu had easily chewable dishes.
When they were seventy the Ocean Grill was ideal because of its wheelchair access.
When they were eighty they went to the Ocean Grill because they'd never been there before.
When they were thirty they to the Ocean Grill because the waiters were so handsome and sexy.
When they were forty they went to the same restaurant because it was near to the weight loss clinic they all attended.
When they were fifty, again they chose the Ocean Grill as the view of the sea was unparalleled.
When they were sixty it had to be their old haunt because the menu had easily chewable dishes.
When they were seventy the Ocean Grill was ideal because of its wheelchair access.
When they were eighty they went to the Ocean Grill because they'd never been there before.
GO FORTH AND MULTIPLY!
From THE NY DAILY TIMES (8th. September 2010):
A prominent Catholic priest wants European Christians to fight off Islam with a unique weapon: babies.
Father Piero Gheddo, an Italian missionary priest, said Wednesday he believes a declining birth rate among Europeans combined with a rising tide of Muslim immigrants could mean that Islam will soon dominate Europe.
"Certainly from a demographic point of view, as it is clear to everyone that Italians are decreasing by 120,000 or 130,000 persons a year because of abortion and broken families; while among the more than 200,000 legal immigrants a year in Italy, more than half are Muslims and Muslim families, which have a much higher level of growth," he said, according to Rome's Catholic news service Zenit News Agency.
Gheddo's solution? Christians need to start having more children.
"The fact is that, as a people, we are becoming ever more pagan and the religious vacuum is inevitably filled by other proposals and religious forces," he said. "If we consider ourselves a Christian country, we should return to the practice of Christian life, which would also solve the problem of empty cradles."
A prominent Catholic priest wants European Christians to fight off Islam with a unique weapon: babies.
Father Piero Gheddo, an Italian missionary priest, said Wednesday he believes a declining birth rate among Europeans combined with a rising tide of Muslim immigrants could mean that Islam will soon dominate Europe.
"Certainly from a demographic point of view, as it is clear to everyone that Italians are decreasing by 120,000 or 130,000 persons a year because of abortion and broken families; while among the more than 200,000 legal immigrants a year in Italy, more than half are Muslims and Muslim families, which have a much higher level of growth," he said, according to Rome's Catholic news service Zenit News Agency.
Gheddo's solution? Christians need to start having more children.
"The fact is that, as a people, we are becoming ever more pagan and the religious vacuum is inevitably filled by other proposals and religious forces," he said. "If we consider ourselves a Christian country, we should return to the practice of Christian life, which would also solve the problem of empty cradles."
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If Catholicism could change, it wouldn't have elected Benedict XVI." (Ken Macdonald QC)
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.
WILL THE CHURCH LISTEN?
Three months ago OCICBW... commissioned Professor Hamid Mugabe (MAD Hons), at the Nigerian based firm of independent political pollsters, OF COURSE, IT WAS A FAIR ELECTION (HONEST)... PLC, to conduct an extensive survey of Anglicans throughout the world. Prof. Hamid was instructed to ask those contacted just one question:
What do you think of the Anglican Covenant?
The 80 million responses are now all in. They have been collated and analysed and today we are able to publish the results.
Due to the detailed nature of these results we have posted them on our FOOTNOTES page.
PLEASE CLICK HERE to access them.
What do you think of the Anglican Covenant?
The 80 million responses are now all in. They have been collated and analysed and today we are able to publish the results.
Due to the detailed nature of these results we have posted them on our FOOTNOTES page.
PLEASE CLICK HERE to access them.
POPE SHOWS WILLIAMS EXACTLY WHAT
HE THINKS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
As Fr. Zuhlsdorf points out,
"Benedict XVI teaches through signs. Signs point to deeper issues. Vestments are signs. In the person of Pope Benedict, Peter’s Successor came to Westminster. In Benedict, in a symbolic sense, Leo XIII came to Westminster as well."
So, there you have it. We now know exactly what he thinks of his number one fan, which is, to put it simply, "Archbishop? My arse!"
It also explains the rather unusual design of popemobile Benny chose for the occasion.
ARMSTRONG THANKS GOD THAT HE'S NOT AUSTRALIAN
From CATH NEWS:
A 24-year-old man who robbed a NSW priest of the congregation's weekend offerings (about $3000) has been sentenced to jail by a the Wagga District Court.
Daniel Little was arrested in July 2009 and charged with robbery in company. In Wagga District Court last month he was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail from when he went into custody, with a non-parole period of two years and three months.
COMMENT: So a sentence of 527 years 10 months would be the appropriate punishment for a $400000 USD theft.
A 24-year-old man who robbed a NSW priest of the congregation's weekend offerings (about $3000) has been sentenced to jail by a the Wagga District Court.
Daniel Little was arrested in July 2009 and charged with robbery in company. In Wagga District Court last month he was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail from when he went into custody, with a non-parole period of two years and three months.
COMMENT: So a sentence of 527 years 10 months would be the appropriate punishment for a $400000 USD theft.
BETTER GET THE ROPE OUT READY JUST IN CASE
From ABC NEWS:
Italian prosecutors launched an investigation into the Vatican bank's top executives on Tuesday for allegedly violating anti-money laundering legislation. They ordered the seizure of 23 million euros belonging to the the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) and opened an inquiry against chairman Ettore Gotti Tedeschi and another top executive.
According to earlier reports in the Italian press, investigators suspect that Italian tax residents are using transfers of money through the IOR, which has special Vatican offshore status, to hide fraud and tax evasion.
The Vatican secretariat of state, which heads up the Vatican administration, denied any wrongdoing by IOR, saying in a statement that it was "perplexed and astonished" at the investigation.
The appointment of Gotti Tedeschi, an expert in the ethics of finance, was greeted at the time as a move towards greater transparency at the IOR.
Italian prosecutors launched an investigation into the Vatican bank's top executives on Tuesday for allegedly violating anti-money laundering legislation. They ordered the seizure of 23 million euros belonging to the the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) and opened an inquiry against chairman Ettore Gotti Tedeschi and another top executive.
According to earlier reports in the Italian press, investigators suspect that Italian tax residents are using transfers of money through the IOR, which has special Vatican offshore status, to hide fraud and tax evasion.
The Vatican secretariat of state, which heads up the Vatican administration, denied any wrongdoing by IOR, saying in a statement that it was "perplexed and astonished" at the investigation.
The appointment of Gotti Tedeschi, an expert in the ethics of finance, was greeted at the time as a move towards greater transparency at the IOR.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Appearing in concerts and at festivals throughout Europe, Americas, Middle- and Far East the ensemble perform music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance as well as classical and traditional Arab and Turkish music. The focal point of the ensemble's work is to unite the many traditions that have influenced and enriched European musical culture for centuries by building a bridge between ancient and still-thriving musical traditions, between Orient and Occident.
They perform on instruments from the European Middle Ages and Renaissance, and on contemporary Arabic and Eastern European folk instruments. These include vielle, rebec, pochette, nyckelharpa, vihuela d´arco, hurdy-gurdy, oud, baglama, harp, shawm, cornett, chalumeau, ney, kaval, French and Bulgarian bagpipes, recorders, and Persian and Arabic percussion such as davul, zarb, bendir, darabukka and riqq. (WIKIPEDIA)
WEBSITE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
THE RAPE OF AFRICA
From ANGLICAN INFORMATION:
ANGLICAN-INFORMATION reports controversy and unrest in the Northern Malawi diocese. Provincial Bishops at a Court of Confirmation, chaired by acting Dean Bishop Albert Chama, have managed to declare that the latest Bishop–elect, Father Fanwell Magangani, is sound of faith and worthy of consecration.
This comes against strong accusations made against him by Hilda Chirwa who alleged that six years ago Magangani raped her and then provided her with money for an abortion.
In a Court of Confirmation held in St Peter’s Church, Lilongwe, Diocese of Lake Malawi (held outside the Diocese of Northern Malawi to avoid any protestors) Magangani was cleared by the Provincial Bishops of rape charges.
The Malawi Daily Times 9th September reports that Hilda Chirwa faced ‘a barrage of questions hurled at her accusing her of hiding information’. The prospect and potential embarrassment of a second election nullified by rape allegations against the candidate appears to have galvanised the Provincial Bishops into determination to ensure that Magangani was confirmed.
The Malawi Daily Times in the same report filed that ‘at the Court of Confirmation, presided over by acting Dean Bishop Albert Chama, Ms Chirwa faced eight intimidating primates’. “Fr Magangani raped me, I screamed but there was no help”, she said. “Later I missed my periods and I told him. When I did he told me to go for an abortion”, testified Chirwa. This happened, she told the Court, when she was working for St Agnes Guild and at St Peter’s Cathedral in Likoma where Magangani had served as a priest. “When I arrived they arranged for a room for me to sleep in the priest’s house. At night he came and raped me.” She also said that Magangani gave her 5000 Kwacha to procure an abortion in May 2004.
Angry people in Northern Malawi in Nkata Bay are reported to have sealed off the offices of St George’s Parish where Fr Hannock Utongawakang’oma is a supporter of Fanwell Mangangani. During Sunday service (12th September) worshippers at the parish barred the reading of the confirmation.
According to St George’s parish lay leader, Vincent Matengeni, as reported by Zodiak Online, who attended Manangani’s confirmation, ‘procedures to reach the decision have been flouted adding that double standards have been applied to the whole process’. ‘The previously elected Bishop Father Leslie Mtekateka was rejected for similar reasons of alleged immorality, he wondered why him and not Mangangani’?
Overall it is true to say that of the three recent elections of Brighton Malasa in Upper Shire Diocese, Francis Kaulanda in Lake Malawi and now Fanwell Magangani in Northern Malawi, none of them have had the full confidence of their priests and people. In each case strong objections of a serious nature have been submitted and subsequently overruled by Courts of Confirmation, without explanation.
ANGLICAN-INFORMATION comments: The fact that two successive candidates for Bishop of Northern Malawi have been accused of rape is particularly disturbing. Apart from announcing that they have confirmed Fanwell Magangani the Provincial Bishops have again failed to clarify how or why they have reached their conclusions and why his case has had a different outcome to that of Leslie Mtekateka.
It is wrong that a new Bishop be consecrated under such a cloud of allegations. It is essential for the good name and credibility of the Anglican Church in Central Africa that the Provincial Bishops explain publically how and why they consider that they are able to do so with integrity. It is insufficient simply to pronounce that they wish to accept Manangani.
Acting Dean Albert Chama intends to become Archbishop of the Province after Fr Manangani’s consecration. He should now issue a satisfactory public explanation concerning these latest events, lest his own credibility and candidacy be at stake.
POSTSCRIPT From THE MARAVI POST:
Contacted for comment about the decision, the bishop-elect said: "Yes, I have been confirmed and I thank God for that."
He said his accuser needs prayers "so that she does not go astray spiritually because some people used her...she is not my enemy."
Magangani said he forgave Chirwa because "she is still my flock in the diocese."
ANGLICAN-INFORMATION reports controversy and unrest in the Northern Malawi diocese. Provincial Bishops at a Court of Confirmation, chaired by acting Dean Bishop Albert Chama, have managed to declare that the latest Bishop–elect, Father Fanwell Magangani, is sound of faith and worthy of consecration.
This comes against strong accusations made against him by Hilda Chirwa who alleged that six years ago Magangani raped her and then provided her with money for an abortion.
In a Court of Confirmation held in St Peter’s Church, Lilongwe, Diocese of Lake Malawi (held outside the Diocese of Northern Malawi to avoid any protestors) Magangani was cleared by the Provincial Bishops of rape charges.
The Malawi Daily Times 9th September reports that Hilda Chirwa faced ‘a barrage of questions hurled at her accusing her of hiding information’. The prospect and potential embarrassment of a second election nullified by rape allegations against the candidate appears to have galvanised the Provincial Bishops into determination to ensure that Magangani was confirmed.
The Malawi Daily Times in the same report filed that ‘at the Court of Confirmation, presided over by acting Dean Bishop Albert Chama, Ms Chirwa faced eight intimidating primates’. “Fr Magangani raped me, I screamed but there was no help”, she said. “Later I missed my periods and I told him. When I did he told me to go for an abortion”, testified Chirwa. This happened, she told the Court, when she was working for St Agnes Guild and at St Peter’s Cathedral in Likoma where Magangani had served as a priest. “When I arrived they arranged for a room for me to sleep in the priest’s house. At night he came and raped me.” She also said that Magangani gave her 5000 Kwacha to procure an abortion in May 2004.
Angry people in Northern Malawi in Nkata Bay are reported to have sealed off the offices of St George’s Parish where Fr Hannock Utongawakang’oma is a supporter of Fanwell Mangangani. During Sunday service (12th September) worshippers at the parish barred the reading of the confirmation.
According to St George’s parish lay leader, Vincent Matengeni, as reported by Zodiak Online, who attended Manangani’s confirmation, ‘procedures to reach the decision have been flouted adding that double standards have been applied to the whole process’. ‘The previously elected Bishop Father Leslie Mtekateka was rejected for similar reasons of alleged immorality, he wondered why him and not Mangangani’?
Overall it is true to say that of the three recent elections of Brighton Malasa in Upper Shire Diocese, Francis Kaulanda in Lake Malawi and now Fanwell Magangani in Northern Malawi, none of them have had the full confidence of their priests and people. In each case strong objections of a serious nature have been submitted and subsequently overruled by Courts of Confirmation, without explanation.
ANGLICAN-INFORMATION comments: The fact that two successive candidates for Bishop of Northern Malawi have been accused of rape is particularly disturbing. Apart from announcing that they have confirmed Fanwell Magangani the Provincial Bishops have again failed to clarify how or why they have reached their conclusions and why his case has had a different outcome to that of Leslie Mtekateka.
It is wrong that a new Bishop be consecrated under such a cloud of allegations. It is essential for the good name and credibility of the Anglican Church in Central Africa that the Provincial Bishops explain publically how and why they consider that they are able to do so with integrity. It is insufficient simply to pronounce that they wish to accept Manangani.
Acting Dean Albert Chama intends to become Archbishop of the Province after Fr Manangani’s consecration. He should now issue a satisfactory public explanation concerning these latest events, lest his own credibility and candidacy be at stake.
POSTSCRIPT From THE MARAVI POST:
Contacted for comment about the decision, the bishop-elect said: "Yes, I have been confirmed and I thank God for that."
He said his accuser needs prayers "so that she does not go astray spiritually because some people used her...she is not my enemy."
Magangani said he forgave Chirwa because "she is still my flock in the diocese."
THINGS ABOUT AMERICANS THAT
MAKE ENGLISH PEOPLE LAUGH:
NUMBER TWO - PLEA BARGAINING
Actually, to be honest, this doesn't elicit laughter from me. What it does do is confuse the hell out of me. In the British justice system we sort of work on the basis that someone is either guilty or not guilty. Heck, it works for us.
From THE DENVER POST:
The Rev. Don Armstrong has called the disposition Friday of his criminal theft case "divine intervention."
Pueblo District Attorney Bill Thiebaut, whose office provided a special prosecutor, called the disposition "just." And the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, which last year took back Grace Church in civil court from Armstrong after he became an Anglican priest, said the end of the criminal case would bring "healing to all those harmed by Armstrong's actions." Yet reports and interpretation of the plea deal have created confusion. Armstrong, 61, and his attorney, Dennis Hartley, have said in statements and interviews recently that the charges were reduced to one "fictitious" count of misdemeanor theft. They called it close to a dismissal.
"It is still his contention he did nothing wrong," Hartley said Monday.
Armstrong also entered an Alford plea, which means pleading guilty with a protestation of innocence, to a single misdemeanor charge. The agreement states there is no factual basis to the misdemeanor charge, but the defendant pleads to it to obtain the benefit of the plea agreement.
COMMENT: We are sad to report that during that last sentence MadPriest's head exploded.
From THE DENVER POST:
The Rev. Don Armstrong has called the disposition Friday of his criminal theft case "divine intervention."
Pueblo District Attorney Bill Thiebaut, whose office provided a special prosecutor, called the disposition "just." And the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, which last year took back Grace Church in civil court from Armstrong after he became an Anglican priest, said the end of the criminal case would bring "healing to all those harmed by Armstrong's actions." Yet reports and interpretation of the plea deal have created confusion. Armstrong, 61, and his attorney, Dennis Hartley, have said in statements and interviews recently that the charges were reduced to one "fictitious" count of misdemeanor theft. They called it close to a dismissal.
"It is still his contention he did nothing wrong," Hartley said Monday.
Armstrong also entered an Alford plea, which means pleading guilty with a protestation of innocence, to a single misdemeanor charge. The agreement states there is no factual basis to the misdemeanor charge, but the defendant pleads to it to obtain the benefit of the plea agreement.
COMMENT: We are sad to report that during that last sentence MadPriest's head exploded.
Monday, 20 September 2010
VERY URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
One of my best and most longstanding friends on the Internet, Lisa Fox, is saying goodbye to her 19 year old feline companion, Scotty, at this moment in time. She writes:
Scotty has been the best, most longsuffering companion I have had in the ups and downs … the tumults of my life over the past two decades. If – or, as it now seems, when – I lose him, something very deep and intense will be lost.
Please pop over to MY MANNER OF LIFE to read more about this most excellent cat and maybe leave a comment to let Lisa know you are keeping vigil with her.
Scotty has been the best, most longsuffering companion I have had in the ups and downs … the tumults of my life over the past two decades. If – or, as it now seems, when – I lose him, something very deep and intense will be lost.
Please pop over to MY MANNER OF LIFE to read more about this most excellent cat and maybe leave a comment to let Lisa know you are keeping vigil with her.
THE SOPPY SHEILA SELECTION
INCLUDING MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
look cute and insist that you have absolutely no idea
how it got there.
Should you require further advice on how to avoid
a good telling off please contact Bishop Clumber.
DONALD DUCKS AND WEAVES
TO AVOID HEFTY SENTENCE
From EPISCOPAL LIFE ONLINE:
COMMENT: And I really thought, all along, that he was innocent. Well, all along, he said he was and he is (was?) a leading light among those truly holy and orthodox gentlemen who have had to leave TEC because of its vile, Christ centred agenda. So why wouldn't I believe every word he said?
COMMENT: And I really thought, all along, that he was innocent. Well, all along, he said he was and he is (was?) a leading light among those truly holy and orthodox gentlemen who have had to leave TEC because of its vile, Christ centred agenda. So why wouldn't I believe every word he said?
BISHOP COTTRELL SPELLS IT OUT BIG TIME
I was thinking of going for this job until I read the clause at the bottom of the advert. I wonder if they will use one of those Canadian civil service lie detector machines at the interview.
From THE CHURCH TIMES:
From LEGISLATION.GOV.UK (National Archive):
http://jobs.churchtimes.co.uk/jobs/2010/7696/bishop's-chaplain-in-london-and-home-counties-jn002256.aspx
From THE CHURCH TIMES:
From LEGISLATION.GOV.UK (National Archive):
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