Anglican Voice Volume 1 Number 1 June 2006 A Woman’s Perspective on Anglicanism First Edition of Anglican Voice Reaches Out, From a Woman’s Perspective, To Those Whom Mainstream Religion Left Behind Dismissed as out of touch, bigots, uninformed and worse, Anglicans worldwide who believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God have been left behind by their churches, their priests and, in many cases, their friends. In the United States of America, efforts to unite the growing number of “spin off” churches have been basically unsuccessful due in large part to the lack of humility among the bishops and priests who often seem more concerned about losing seniority and power than in serving the people in the pews. This inability to get along at the upper echelons has not helped the cause to which we all ascribe: standing firm in the traditional Anglican Faith. Nevertheless, some forward-looking Bishops have come together in an effort to work together under the auspices of the Anglican Church International Communion (ACIC) (see page 2). This uniting, which began with four bishops, now numbers twenty bishops from ten nations on six continents around the world, uniting over 800,000 Anglicans in more than 900 parishes and missions. While this uniting is a step in the right direction, the average parishioner knows nothing of such politics in the church and cares even less. What is important is the worship of God in our individual parishes, the providing of Sunday Schools for a new generation of God-fearing people, and bringing together under one umbrella all our like-minded brothers and sisters. In the meantime, it is clear that there is no publication that speaks to the traditional Anglican, and certainly none that speaks for Anglican women. Most so-called Anglican publications cater to the news of the Episcopal Church that still dares to consider that it is Anglican in nature. A comparison of today’s values and teachings of the Episcopal Church to those of the Anglican Church shows plainly that whatever the Episcopal Church has decided to become, it left Anglicanism long ago. Anglican Voice is a woman’s perspective on what is happening in the Church today. It may be a little feistier, a little more controversial and less politically correct when it comes to today’s issues than many publications that are afraid of stepping on toes, but it will be well-researched, well-thought out, and will present nothing that we women would be ashamed to present to our Lord Jesus Christ. IN THIS ISSUE (numbers correspond with numbers on ensuing paragraphs): 1.        Anglicans and Politics / Matters for Prayer 2.        To Explore or To Ignore Controversial Subjects 3.        A Uniting Force in a Divided World: Anglican Church International Communion 4.        Issues for Continuous Prayer 5.        Highlight / Today’s Anglican Woman 6.        Men are Called, But will They Study? 7.        Jamestown: Founding Site of Anglicanism 8.        Religion Around the World 9.        Places of Interest / Hillwood 10.        Recipes 1. Anglicans and Politics / Matters for Prayer A nglicans must keep up with news and politics. An informed Anglican can and will strengthen the Church. Whether you get your news on the Internet or through television and newspapers, you can get concise accounts of what is going on in the world that is important to Christians from two organizations adept and sorting the wheat from the chaff and will assist you in organizing your morning and evening prayers around world events. These two organizations have been doing a good job of this for as long as thirty years: Intercessors for America and Capitol Hill Prayer Alert. To sign up contact   INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA Post Office Box 915 Purcellville, VA 20134 Fax 540-751-0984 ifa@ifapray.org and/or  CAPITOL HILL PRAYER ALERT Post Office Box 5152, Herndon, VA 20172 chpp@patriot.net 2. To Explore or To Ignore Controversial Subjects There is an episode of The Walton’s which centers around John-Boy’s reprinting of parts of Mien Kampf in his newspaper, and the people of the town ostracizing him for it. His point was not that the book had merit, but that knowing what was in it would prepare  people for what was happening in the world, just as he would warn them of some disaster or plague of which he had foreknowledge. Christians have a duty to be informed about those things which would draw weaker Christians into their lies and set even strong Christians questioning the Bible. The Gospel of Judas and The DaVinci Code are recent examples. All leaders of Anglican congregations should make every effort to know about and be able to answer questions biblically regarding these attempts to beguile Christians away from Christ and give fodder to others to poke holes in our faith. To order information that will help regarding The DaVinci Code, call 800.947.7359 or visit www.evantell.org/davinci 3. A Uniting Force in a Divided World: Anglican Church International Communion “Why do I remain in the Episcopal Church? Multiplicity [with the “continuum movement”] is the problem.” A reader of The Christian Challenge. The lament of those involved in the break-away groups as well as those remaining ever-hopeful in the Episcopal pews, is lack of a unified voice. For the last four years, there has been a solution to this problem of multiplicity. Currently comprised of twenty bishops from ten nations and six continents, the Anglican Church International Communion (ACIC) provides a forum for Anglicans who follow the teachings of the Holy Bible and whose worship services remain true to the faith as taught in the1928 Book of Common Prayer. While quite small, the hope that such a group fosters is enormous. Consider that each bishop who joins is under no obligation to change a thing about his churches or his diocese; he only agrees to the tenets of faith outlined in a straight forward, simple document* that are basic to all true Anglicans. Once a member of this valuable communion, bishops bring their priests and congregations into the world of Anglicanism; they are no longer an island. Currently, the president of the ACIC College of Bishops is the Rt. Rev. Chopin Cusachs of Louisiana. International Secretary is the Rt. Rev. Larry W. Johnson, who has been working for years to unite Anglicans. . Johnson lives in Virginia, which was recognized as the seat of the Anglican Communion in unanimous vote at the last meeting of the ACIC. *For a copy of this document and information on how to join, contact Bishop Johnson at www.theanglicanchurch.net 4. Issues for Continuous Prayer The United States, The World, The Church  St. Paul urges us to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) In a world of unceasing activity, this is a difficult task, and yet, some have attuned themselves so to heaven that they can actually be in prayer constantly. For the others of us who strive for a continuous flow of conversation with God but fall short, we must set aside times for prayer. The Christian has no more important work. There is an organization called Intercessors for America which calls to mind important issues of the day, urging people to pray, giving a synopsis of the events so that people might a little more understanding with more clarity from a Christian perspective than they might glean from regular news sources. Intercessor, a person who “stands in the gap” between the person or situation and God, takes to our Lord the problem on behalf of others. True intercession is different from regular prayer, for an intercessor is willing to take upon herself the problem of the person for whom she intercedes. Today, issues for continuous prayer include but are not limited to, the United States, Christian leaders, political leaders, Iraq, and Israel. These are issues we must offer in prayer, in addition to local events, family, friends, and your own church. Pray without ceasing? To cover all that is required would indeed demand continuous prayer. Some people are called to intercession in the same way that some are called to be priests and deacons. Some find the thought overwhelming. It is not important, of course, how we feel. Our duty as Christians is to pray, whether as intercessors or simply as praying mothers, sisters or wives. Set aside time to pray each day, but also feel free to bring God into the conversation at any time. Pray while washing dishes, doing laundry, waiting for your computer to process some information, or the printer to finish. The United States of America is a country blessed by God; every Christian needs to pray as if the continuation of that blessing rests upon her shoulders! The Constitutional Amendment Defending Marriage According to a recent article in The Washington Times, the support among religious groups for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman “extends well beyond the boundaries of evangelical Protestantism.” A relatively new organization, Religious Coalition for Marriage, fights same-sex “marriage” and includes eight U.S. Catholic cardinals, the Southern Baptist Convention, the church of god in Christ and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. Also supporting passage of the Marriage Protection Amendment are Mormons, Missouri Synod Lutherans, Greek and Russian Orthodox churches … groups that reportedly represent more than 100 million Americans. Organization co-founder Robert George, a constitutional scholar at Princeton, says this is “unprecedented.” “Despite historical theological divisions, [we] are saying with a united voice that we do not want to go where activist judges have taken us.” Focus on the Family is also involved, having sent our letters to 135,000 pastors and distributed almost two million postcards for individuals to send to senators, pressing for passage of the marriage amendment. On the other side of the issue are religious groups as well: Reform Jews, mainline Protestants, Sikhs, Quakers, the United Church of Christ and Unitarians. Their group is called “Clergy for Fairness” and they believe the marriage amendment would disenfranchise a certain group of Americans, and that in their minds is unconstitutional. One wonders how many other “minority” groups have to be considered if one group, defined only by its sexual preference, ever receives serious constitutional status in this country. So far, efforts to adopt the marriage amendment have been in vain. It shouldn’t be necessary to have to define marriage, but these days, when we are told that families are anything people want them to be, it is vital to the health of this nation that traditionalists stand up and be counted. 5. Highlight / Today’s Anglican Woman Featuring Anglican Women, Their Talents and Their Gifts Holy Cross Anglican Church, Fredericksburg, has a very active group of women, known as the Daughters of Mary Guild. The group consists of many talented and gifted women willing, even eager, to share their abilities with their church. Among their well-orchestrated activities are a spring rummage and plant sale and a fall craft sale. One of their outstanding accomplishments has been Give us This Day Our Daily Bread, A Collection of Treasured Recipes. Expertly typeset and bound together in a handy, lay-flat binder, this beautifully illustrated book includes collections of prayers and thoughts submitted by the congregation. Of course, it also contains an abundance of excellent recipes, everything from food for kids, to main courses, ethnic-style foods and lots of desserts. (Available from Holy Cross Anglican Church for $10.00 plus shipping. PO Box 1817 Fredericksburg, VA 22302) One look at this book will tell you that the person who put it together is not only talented, but dedicated to her church. Anita Wager, wife of Deacon Paul Wager, has been tirelessly putting together bulletins for regular and special church services for years now. This special cook book, so professionally done, is a tribute to her skill. Other skills Anita shares include teaching Sunday School, setting the altar and making those who come to worship each Sunday at Holy Cross Anglican Church feel welcome and comfortable. The entire Wager family is active in their beloved parish. This is a tribute to Anita, a special wife and mother who has made church a priority and who has shown, by example, how to live a godly life in both good times and bad. If you know of a woman who has a special talent that they share with their church body, or who is doing something special in the community, e-mail SondraBJ@shentel.net with details. “If you have any talent, that’s God’s gift to you. If you use that talent, that’s your gift to God.” Red Skelton, PBS Television interview, Pioneers of Primetime Television. Aired 5/17/06 6. Jamestown: Founding Site of Anglicanism Once again this year, Anglicans gathered in Jamestown, Virginia, under the auspices of the Anglican Church of Virginia, to commemorate the first communion in the New World, celebrated by The Rev. Hunt on June 21, 1607. It was a glorious service, with music by Andrea Mason, grand hymns like Faith of our Fathers, Onward Christian Soldiers and Come Down O Love Divine. An enthusiastic Rt. Rev. Kenneth Walsh spoke from the historical context of our roots and why we need to have Jesus Christ along on our own life’s voyage. Also serving at the altar were the Rt. Rev. Larry Johnson (Bishop, Anglican Church of Virginia), Deacons Ralph Gardiner and Paul Wager, Servers David Draughan and James Coates, and Crucifer Brett Mullins. For the entire Anglican Church, but particularly the branch that calls itself the Anglican Church of Virginia, the historic and holy ramifications of this commemoration are numerous. In April 1607, three ships, Godspeed, Discovery and the Susan Constant (captained by Christopher Newport) made landfall at Cape Henry and explored the area, named the cape and set up a cross. Upon landing, as instructed, they had opened secret orders from the sponsoring Virginia Company, which named Captain John Smith as one of the “councelors” (stet). Smith had been arrested for mutiny on the voyage over and was scheduled to be hanged upon arrival. Upon reading the orders, Captain Newport freed him. The three ships then proceeded upriver and finally arrived at the site of Jamestown on May 14.   Despite the fact that the area was not inhabited by Indians, the settlers were attacked less than two weeks later by Paspahegh Indians, who killed one of the settlers and wounded eleven more. By June 15, the settlers finished the initial triangle fort. A week later (June 21) Newport sailed back to London on the Susan Constant. The significance of that day (June 21) is greater than the sailing of Captain Newport, for on that very day, Rev. Hunt spread a sail from one of the ships between two trees and celebrated the first Anglican Communion service in what would become the United States of America. The 400th anniversary of this first communion is next June, 2007. Anglicans from around the globe will be converging to participate, but so will others; the area is preparing for millions of visitors. If you would like to participate in the original communion service (from the same text and prayers of that day so long ago), you must make your plans now. Contact Holy Cross Anglican Church at 540.371.5601 as soon as possible. 7. Men Are Called, But Will They Study? Priests are needed in the Anglican Church. So many areas of this country are ripe for building congregations, but there are no priests nearby and apparently few men available to study. Most men are busy with their careers and are at a time of life when the idea of presenting essays and taking tests is a challenge they would rather not take on. The call of God upon a man to serve as a priest before God’s altar is a serious one. No matter his age or health, if God has called, he dare not respond with anything other than a “yes”! The problem is that this is no easy task. We are Anglicans, not some other denomination that does not require study and understanding of our heritage. Why is such arduous study required for men who have lived the Christian life, followed the teachings of Christ and are now called to serve Him? Because all ministers of God in the Anglican Church must be on the same page, so to speak, when answering questions, when preaching and when teaching. Their words from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer must be recited exactly as written; not a short form or a different version of same. Men who wish to be priests in this church must know why, for example, the Prayer Book has been changed over the centuries and they must know what has been removed and why, as well as what has been left in and why. They must know the intricacies of the worship service; when to kneel, when to bow, when to face the congregation, when to face the altar. They must be skilled in finding answers, not swayed by anything of man. They must not look to their own understanding, nor can they answer with personal opinion. What sets the Anglican Church apart from other denominations is that “oneness” of every Priest and Bishop; the ability to respond and teach the principles and lessons of the Church, not from guesswork or a hurried Internet search, but from studied and scholarly teachings. This oneness is passed from generation to generation and to be effective must not waver from the standards set more than 2,000 years ago. Men who want to become priests understand this to one degree or another when they begin their studies; once begun, the seriousness of their commitment can be draining. The Anglican Church of Virginia has a seminary (ASV) that upholds high standards, Several men are enrolled and going through the arduous task, taking time from their daily routines and their families to answer the call of God by preparing themselves fully for ministry. These men need our prayers, for they are often handling a full schedule of work, church services and caring for the sick of their congregations while endeavoring to maintain a fully study schedule. Every priest who has come before them has taken this task upon his shoulders and has not wavered. We expect no less of those men who study today. WOMEN: Pray and be uplifting and encouraging. “A prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14). For those who wish more seminary information, telephone 540.635.5521. 8. Religion Around the World Christians in China Continue to Suffer Chinese law does not allow Christians to worship outside Communist Party-controlled churches, although millions do. Millions of Christians all over China subject themselves to martyrdom simply by going to church. In Shanghai, Chinese authorities detained 28 Christians in a recent raid on a gathering in a private home. Three members were not released, including the pastor, Li Shunmin. Those who were released had to pay $200 each. (The Associated Press) The Forgotten and the Unreached Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) analyzed 364 isolated areas where people are considered the hardest to reach with the Gospel of Christ. Based on the report, the protestant fellowship (which provides 40,000 flights per year, as well as communications and other support services for missionaries and non-governmental organizations in remote areas) used its research to set its own plans for the next 15 to 20 years. In centuries past, it was Anglicans who took the Gospel to distant worlds. Today, with the help of such groups as Mission Aviation Fellowship, perhaps Anglicans will feel the call to this evangelical work once again. If we cannot physically go to unreached peoples of the world, we can pray. Who better knows these lost people than Jesus Christ? Here are the names of the top twenty places where unreached peoples live, according to the MAF: Afghanistan, specifically Hazara, Pashtum, Tajik, Turkman and Uzbek; China (Han, Han-Gan, Kham, Salar, and Tu); and Nepal (Magar and Rai). Other places include people in Djibouti, Guinea, India, Iraq, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Pakistan. Two thirds of the regions listed had little or no Christian ministry in place. (Information from The Washington Times) Religion and Perversion As mainstream religions move in fear of losing congregants, they turn more away from the Bible and more toward politics. The Episcopal Church led the way, with the Presbyterians not far behind concerning issues of morality. Now at an annual meeting of the Methodists in Minnesota, several petitions to the denomination’s next general conference endorse openly homosexual clergy and same-sex “marriage.” The closest vote (which showed the attendees were divided nearly 50/50) backed a proposal that the denomination define marriage as joining “two adult persons” rather than “a man and a woman” in marriage and cease supporting civil laws that require heterosexual definitions of marriage. This issue and other similar homosexual policy issues within the church will be taken up at the convention of the United Methodist Church in 2008. The Episcopal Church and Presbyterian Church face major homosexual policy decisions in the coming weeks. (The Washington Times) Those who remain in these churches which take ever-increasing steps away from the Word of God, must realize that they themselves will one day come to accountability; it is not enough to pick and choose what we believe in; if we remain with leaders who have discarded the Bible, can we really expect God to distinguish us from them? Congressional Medal of Honor to Dalai Lama? The United States Senate has passed a bill by the required two-thirds majority (May 26) that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in recognition of his “advocacy of peace, tolerance, human rights and non-violence compassion throughout the world.” The bill was introduced by Dianne Feinstein (D- Calif.) and Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.). Promoting her cause, Senator Feinstein said “The Dalai Lama has struggled for half a century to better the lives of the Tibetan people…” This award was initially bestowed on military leaders, but since has been given to such people as Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, George Washington, Robert Frost, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. The bill is currently being considered in the House Committee on Financial Services. If it survives a committee vote, it must then pass Congress by a two-thirds majority. (Capital Hill Prayer Partners) 9. Places of Interest / Hillwood Hillwood Museum and Gardens, Washington, DC. One of the homes of early 20th century millionaire Marjorie Merriweather Post, daughter of Ella Merriweather and Charles William (C.W.) Post, who invented “Postum” and Grape Nuts cereal. Visitors will find this place a restful and fascinating look at the early 20th century, but will be surprised, perhaps, to see that the home actually is a museum. In the late 1930s, while married to the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Mrs. Post (as she came to be known) discovered that the government was burning orthodox churches and trashing the historically important relics of those churches. Single-handedly, she crawled over debris and climbed dusty shelves in dirty shops to recover anything that had not been totally destroyed. The result is a stunning array of chalices, surplices, crosses, and other accoutrements from the church. It is a holy and awe inspiring experience to stand in a room filled with glass cabinets reaching ten feet high filled with artifacts used so long for godly purposes. Additionally, she saved from the trash heap magnificent paintings – some larger than life -- of such people as Catherine the Great and other Russian royalty and dignitaries, vases, crows and more. As a life-long collector, Mrs. Post wanted to leave her home as a public museum, and her wishes have indeed been carried out. For those who love the grand opulence of wealthy in those days, other portions of the house are available for viewing, including bedrooms, living room, nostalgic 1950s kitchen, and a huge dining room each of which houses her abundant collection of  French decorative arts as well as beautiful china, porcelain and crystal pieces. Mrs. Post loved flowers and her many gardens attest to that. Her property is divided into garden rooms and each is as different as it is delightful. A café with polite and interesting staff, useful and friendly visitor’s center and charming gift shop that has replicas of some of the items in her home complete the experience. Admission is by appointment and small tour buses are allowed. This would make an excellent church trip for those who can do a fair amount of walking (it is wheel-chair accessible). Telephone 202.243.1962 or visit online at www.hillwoodmuseum.org. 10. Recipes There are recipes for more than just food! Here is one that makes a healthy and sweet-smelling window-cleaner. If you have a recipe (food or otherwise) that is unique, share it with Anglican women around the world by sending it to the Anglican Voice for publication! From the New Book of Herbs by Jekka McVicar Window Cleaner: 1 handful of lemon verbena leaves or lemon balm leaves fresh. 1 cup water. 2 tablespoons white vinegar. 3-4 drops liquid soap. Put lemon verbena in saucepan. Add water and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, lower heat to simmer. After ten minutes, turn off heat and let mixture cool. When liquid is cool, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a spray bottle. Add vinegar and liquid soap. Seal and shake well. Use within three weeks. (This book is available from DK Publishing for $30) Anglican Voice is published bimonthly. Reader input is encouraged and recommended so that Anglicans around the world can learn about and become familiar with each other. Sondra B Johnson, Publisher / Editor-in-Chief. Post Office Box 2081 Front Royal, Virginia 22630 SondraBJ@shentel.net Anglican Voice, published in the months February, April, June, August, October, December, would like to hear from you. We are particularly looking for thoughts from Anglican Women; trials they are experiencing; ideas they have for the Church. So often the work of the Church falls upon the shoulders of the women. We can help and uplift one another. Guilds can report through Anglican Voice; your church can announce its programs and share news through this means of reaching not just your own local community, but around the world. In this way, Anglican Voice draws women together as one in the Body of Christ. Highlight / Today’s Anglican Woman will be published each issue, and more than one woman may be included in the report. Please send all pertinent information and, if you like, an interview with the woman or women you are submitting. Recipes can be for meals, household cleaners, simple herbal recipes or kitchen cabinet healers you have tried and that work for you. Please include a narrative about the recipe and something about yourself. To submit ideas and articles, email SondraBJ@shentel.net or write Anglican Voice, Post Office Box 2081, Front Royal, VA 22630. Note: all material submitted to Anglican Voice may be edited and may or may not be included, subject to the discretion of the publisher. Dated material must be received no later than the 15th of the month prior to publication. (Example: to be included in the February issue, material must be received by January 15.) To discontinue receipt of this publication, e-mail SondraBJ@shentel.net and put “Discontinue Anglican Voice” in the subject line.