A Layperson's take on Mark Lawrence's June 21 Letter: from Lynnette Ras, Guest Author

axtwosix is reposting this piece because of the comments at the end of the article. I encourage participation in this conversation. I even will allow you to comment anonymously, although I would very much like to know who you are. See how nice and understanding I am? Seriously, though, I realize that some of these responses may well be  anonymous because the writers may fear for their jobs---sympahetic, but trapped, in PECDSC (Mark Lawrence's group). My colleagues in PECDSC are in jeopardy of being deposed by the Episcopal Church in short order. For most, this was "done unto them" by PECDSC leadership with no choice or say in the matter. Won't they at least TALK to Bp. von Rosenberg? Weigh their options? Look at what's happening? I have read that both in San Joaquin and in Pittsburgh the clergy were advised to lay low in the run-up to schism in those dioceses. See Jim Simons' post in his blog "Three Rivers Episcopal" (it can be found in the blog list in the side bar to the right). Look for the article entitled "The Case for Staying in the Episcopal Church".  Really sad. Whatever happened to transparency and openness and collegiality? It's not too late. Every bit of what has happened since last October could still be undone with little, if any, consequence. Lynn wonders below what TEC's response would be if any clergy and/or congregations sought to "come back". They would, in fact, be welcomed joyously and with open arms. 

Also, be sure to check out "Why I Stayed" in this blog under "Chris' Reflections"  CH +

This reflection is from Lynnette Ras, Guest Author for axtwosix. 

It is her take on Mark Lawrence's open letter dated June 21 (shown below), describing his thoughts on the former Diocese of South Carolina and its observation status with ACNA and other self-professed "Anglican" entities, bishops and representatives. I put "Anglican" in quotes because, while these entities claim to be anglican in ethos, liturgy and form, they are not officially recognized by Canterbury as in union with the worldwide anglican communion. Indeed, it is the hope of some in ACNA, participants in GAFCON, CANA and the Southern Cone and Africa that some conservative provinces and dioceses will "break off" from Canterbury completely. They will then become their own separate anglican identity with no need, nor desire for, union with Canterbury. The numbers involved would represent a schism in the church that rivals East/West and Rome/England. 

Thanks to Lynnette Ras for her contribution to the conversation. She has a burning desire for God, and for truth among His people. May her search not be fruitless. She is 28 years old, and is really going places.

       "I was just cleaning out my email box and came across this letter (printed below).  You may have seen it already.  The word "transparency" jumped out at me immediately.  The terms that the disassociation of the breakaway church left on seem anything but transparent.  It's hard for me to believe that he would knowingly scheme especially quoting scripture like "refuse to practice cunning".  I found him to be such a good preacher and was particularly intrigued with his gift of praying over people about their spiritual gifts so profoundly.   I think I take it really hard when preachers let me down.  Maybe I hold too high a standard; but maybe not, since the Bible holds preachers to a higher standard.  I don't know.  I do know that I get really offended when it seems like the institution or the Word get twisted into a mechanism for a personal crusade.  Some people think that gay bishop (Robinson) in the Northeast who was the first (openly gay)  to be elected sought to rise to that rank of religious leader to further his own personal plight for his cause.  I'm not sure that's the case.  I'm not sure if his ascendance to that position furthered the welcoming message of the Gospel or did damage to the Body.  I'm inclined to believe it didn't damage because conservatives who leave usually find a safe place to shelter, while those who feel shut out or ostracized don't necessarily keep searching until they find their safe place.  So in any case where a religious leader stands up for something controversial, whether or not it tore or mended the Body (or to what extent) is something we may never know until we reach Eternity.  I'm sure they realize their accountability to the Lord and I hope that if they are in denial, if they suspect something about their motives was self-centered instead of Christ centered, that they do what they can to make amends.  I hope.

I had always liked the diocesan motto "Making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age: Helping to shape emerging Anglicanism in the 21^st Century"... until now.  Now I see what it meant all along was "Making Biblical Conservatives for a Global Age: Helping to Return Anglicanism to the Old Ways and Preserve it from Being Tainted by Society"  I keep having this weird imagining of what would happen if Bishop Lawrence were to feel the path they took was wrong and try to make amends or reassociate, or even if certain churches that left would become disillusioned and want to come back, how TEC would respond.  In my hopes it would be graceful and forgiving and exemplify Christianity at it's best. I don't know if that's what would happen, but I like to imagine it and anytime I hear a voice say it'll never happen and that it's wishful thinking like a child wishing divorced parents would reunite I try to remember  that with God all things are possible..."
--Lynnette Ras

editor's note: ACNA stands for Anglican Church in North America. It is a confederation of congregations and dioceses thathave left the Episcopal Church of the United States, theonly official branch of the Worldwide Anglican Communion in the United States. CH+

Diocesan Delegation Observers at ACNA's Provincial Council

Dear Friends in Christ,

As many of you know I am at Nashotah House in Wisconsin at the Anglican Church in North America’s Provincial Council (which just concluded yesterday with a Festival Eucharist—an inspiring and joyful worship). This morning they will begin their House of Bishops Meeting. I am present as an observer. Joining me at the Provincial Council was The Very Rev. Peet Dickinson, Dean of the Cathedral, and Mrs. Suzanne Schwank, a member of our diocesan Standing Committee. They returned this morning to South Carolina and I will stay on for the House of Bishops Meeting and return on a late flight Friday in order to be at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center for its 75^th anniversary this weekend.

As I told the Diocesan Council last month and said at various deanery gatherings, not to mention many parish forums, it has been my intention to attend various gatherings within what I’ve referred to as the Anglican Diaspora in North America to learn the various players and seek greater unity as may be appropriate. So when I met with Archbishop Robert Duncan at the recent New Wineskins Conference, he invited me to attend this Council as an observer and bring a delegation. This struck me as a good way to follow-up on my expressed intentions. 

It has been an enlightening and, frankly, encouraging few days. Near the conclusion of the ACNA Council yesterday, Archbishop Duncan, invited our delegation to address the assembly of bishops and delegates. What follows are my brief comments on this occasion (reconstructed from my notes):

Your Grace, fellow bishops, and brothers and sisters in Christ, I appreciate this opportunity to address you, however briefly, in the midst of your work and business for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I make just three comments under the categories of: Gratitude, Observations and Where we are in the Diocese of South Carolina.  

Gratitude: Let me express our gratitude for the gracious hospitality extended to us during these last two days. We have felt welcomed and honored among you—and are profoundly thankful for the prayers that so many have assured us have been offered on behalf of the Diocese of South Carolina: Indeed, for your words of encouragement let me say “Thank you”—for the assurance of your prayers—you have our inexpressible gratitude.  

Observations: We have much to learn about what I have previously referred to as the Anglican Diaspora in North America and therefore are grateful for this invitation to be among you at your Provincial Council. We have been positively struck by an atmosphere of transparency, humility, and prayerful and godly worship.  This combined with your vision for a Biblical, Missionary and United Anglicanism has been heartening. Making these observations has led me to reflect upon the words of St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1-3. Here the apostle speaks of his ministry by the mercy of God as a tested, transparent, and truthful ministry. He writes: “Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.”  Here is the inferred reality of a tested ministry.  I know from those of you I have known over the years, and from those with whom I’ve shared conversation in the last two days, that many of you, lay and ordained alike, have experienced and demonstrated a “tested ministry.” That has been quite evident in our observation in these last two days. St. Paul goes on to write: “We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word;” Here is his commitment to pursue transparency in his ministry. We believe we’ve seen a similar spirit among you.  He goes on to assert: “but by an open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.” While seeking transparency he also strives for a truthful ministry committed to the truth of God’s Word. So we have witnessed this among you as well. Thus we are encouraged by and encourage you in such a ministry.

Finally, under the rubric “Where we are in the Diocese of South Carolina:”Let me say a few words as well.  I have been guided since my first year as bishop by what I trust is the God-given vision of “Making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age: Helping to shape emerging Anglicanism in the 21^st Century.” Whether we were within The Episcopal Church or now disassociated from TEC we have sought to have our vision guide our decisions. Put another way our vocation guides our decisions rather than decisions guiding our vocation.  

We are presently an “extra-provincial” diocese, not in any formal or officially ecclesial way, but as a fact rooted in our relationship with provinces and dioceses within the Anglican Communion. So we are a diocese without provincial affiliation—we are so provisionally but not, I believe, precariously.  

I have made it repeatedly clear that any provincial affiliation will not be made by the bishop or Standing Committee, unilaterally. As we chose in the late 1700's to affiliate with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America as a diocese voting at our convention, so in this present era it shall be the diocese in convention that makes any such decision regarding provincial affiliation.  

So we are grateful for this gracious invitation, first to be present among you, and secondly for this opportunity to address you with these few words. May God continue to guide you in your work.

I will be attending the ACNA House of Bishops Meeting these next two days in the capacity of an observer and will look forward to sharing my perceptions with you whenever and wherever appropriate.  As always I remain grateful to serve you as your bishop.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,

Mark J. Lawrence
XIV Bishop of South Carolina