User:Fwirrell

I am extremely upset with your description of St. Mary of the Incarnation Church as a “renegade church”. Clearly you are not cognisant of the facts of the matter. It has been suggested that the Anglican parishes that have voted to become part of the Anglican Network in Canada are excluding persons involved in homosexual activity. This thought has and is being presented by many with statements such as, “Many have left their worship at said parishes because they felt uncomfortable with the message of exclusion they heard in the church”. The facts are that membership continues to grow and the commitment of the members strengthens. It should be stated very clearly that the message of the Gospel is not “exclusion” as some would suggest. In fact we welcome all as we are all sinners and are called to repentance. We welcome thieves, adulterers, pedophilias, homosexuals and those involved in such activity --- all who seek redemption through the blood of Christ. This does not mean that we approve of ANY sin and it is clear from God’s word that you cannot “bless” any sin. There is a world of difference – might I saw as far as east is from the west – between denying attendance and/or membership in the church because of a sinful lifestyle and welcoming sinners seeking redemption. It is the latter to which we have been called. I would suggest to your readers that they read the invitation given at the Communion service – “Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead the new life, following the commandments of God. . “(italics mine). That is not a statement of exclusion but an invitation to ALL. We do not bless adultery or pedophilia – because both are contrary to the Word. So is homosexual conduct whether monogamous or otherwise. The really damaging aspect to this thinking is making same-sex couples believe their union is blessed. The church does indeed welcome all sinners, including homosexuals; but that does not mean the church endorses such activity. We are all saved by grace and we are called to repent. By claiming to bless any sinful activity, a church clearly misleads its members. The time has long since passed when clergy at all levels to realize God’s word is not subject to their approval or to the majority vote at any synod. In fact Scripture warns of the broad path as opposed to the narrow way. The “renegades” are those who seek to pervert the teachings of Scripture and the Articles of the Church. It is the apostates that are determined to “spit in God’s face” and it is tragic to see weak-knead clergy and parishioners are willing to be taken in by their false teaching. Any schism within the Anglican Church must be placed at the foot of the apostates. For too long we have used the polite words ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’; but the correct terminology in this matter is ‘apostasy’ versus ‘orthodoxy.’ As to the legal issue of property ownership, this will be a matter for the courts to decide. But it is clear that the current problems within the Church relate to the apostates within both the clergy – and yes, that includes bishops – who are promoting ‘political correctness’ rather than upholding the vows made at their ordination and consecration. If the courts should decide to give the properties to the Dioceses, under the present circumstances it would be tantamount to allowing a bank robber to retain his loot. In the secular world individuals are subject to adhering to the rules and instructions relating to their employment if they wish to retain their position. Clearly many apostate bishops need to face the same consequences. Frank C. Wirrell Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2X2
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