Archbishop Fred Hiltz on the GAFCON Statement

I always like to read what Fred Hiltz has to say about any big issue in the Anglican Communion. Somehow Canadians can tell it like it is without starting a war, a rather useful talent. Many of us have been a little distracted about the closing of a certain blog, and I know I missed this the other day. Do read the full statement here, but here's a teaser:

"The Gospel of God in Christ is faithfully proclaimed by Canadian Anglicans today just as it has been by generations who have gone before us. I believe it is important to state this truth in response to the recent statement from the GAFCON gathering in Jerusalem, which suggests otherwise.

The GAFCON statement is based on a premise that there is 'acceptance and promotion within the provinces of the Anglican Communion of a different gospel which is contrary to the apostolic gospel.' The statement specifically accuses Anglican churches in the Canada and the United States of proclaiming this 'false gospel that has paralysed the Communion.' I challenge and repudiate this charge."

Sorry, no pithy commentary - but go ahead and have a good chat about it if this interests you.

Independence Day 2008

I woke up today thinking how blessed we are here in the U.S. to have separation of church and state. As I read about how our brothers and sisters in the Church of England are reacting to the FOCA declarations and fall-out, I appreciate how complicated it must be to have an official state religion when big changes are brewing and threatening. If I get my act together, I'll post up some links that I have found interesting. Or maybe I'll just post a couple of recipes that are suitable for a pot-luck offering at a picnic; some of you must be procrastinators, or have just been invited to an impromptu gathering of friends and neighbors.

Sure, this is a bit lame, but but I'm not a real blogger and need a little prep time to keep everyone amused and thinking. Or at least a little more coffee.

But it doesn't take much to get any of us into conversation, so I'm counting on all of you for the morning. Feel free to just say hello, post a story about a memorable July 4th, or thank any veterans or active duty folks for all they have done to allow us to be cranky Episcopalians. If you aren't in the U.S. or the U.K., feel free to go off topic. Hint, hint - we like recipes...