Serious Council

This may actually be the first comment I have made on this blog concerning the issue of same sex unions and the ensuing Windsor Report, which has addressed the hope in restoring the “bonds of affection” within the Anglican Communion.

As I have made clear time and time again in various forms throughout my website, I believe in a middle road (via media) approach to many theological issues, it is the mark of being Anglican. I therefore despise theological arrogance for the sin it is.

Today the Primates released “The Anglican Communion Primates' Meeting Communique February 2005.” In it was the recommendation below:

“14. Within the ambit of the issues discussed in the Windsor Report and in order to recognize the integrity of all parties, we request that the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada voluntarily withdraw their members from the Anglican Consultative Council for the period leading up to the next Lambeth Conference. During that same period we request that both churches respond through their relevant constitutional bodies to the questions specifically addressed to them in the Windsor Report as they consider their place within the Anglican Communion. (cf. paragraph 8)”

[follow this link for the full communiqué: http://www.anglican.ca/news/news.php?newsItem=2005-02-24_acns.news]

Of course it is sad that the situation has come to this. The way I found about this piece of news was through a subscription I have to a monthly e-newsletter for lay people where the comment made to the above statement was; “…. Once again, a parental spanking is being administered. “You’ve been bad and you will be punished. You can’t come to our meetings. Go over there and sit in the corner and think about your behaviour for a while.” ” It only digressed from here.

I am deeply troubled by this cynical and sarcastic view, a view shared by many so-called “liberals.” It displays an arrogance that undermines the attempts of many differing and opposing views within Anglicanism toward reconciliation and a restoration of the bonds of affection.

As an Anglican, and of course a priest, I recognize that through our Anglican Church of Canada’s actions, in part, through blessings in New Westminster, and as a whole, through a particular motion affirming the “sanctity of same sex unions” at General Synod 2004, we have strayed from what the Anglican Communion had agreed upon when we addressed this issue at the 1998 Lambeth Conference. This view, where we are sent to the corner or getting the politically incorrect spanking, displays the above editor's misunderstanding of why we trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our leaders at such meetings as Lambeth. Was not this the same form of consultation and statements made at such councils as Nicaea, Chalcedon & more recently Chicago/Lambeth 1888?

The upshot is we do deserve to get sent to the corner and be penitent; as the BCP states, “we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed to much the devises and desires of our own hearts….” We have followed an understanding of what we believe is a justice issue, an issue of the heart, without fully examining the ramifications to our theological & scriptural understanding. We have jumped headlong into an increasingly comfortable modern belief that homosexuality and homosexual relationships are right and proper for some; and in fact some even have suggested, at the floor of General Synod, an “option” for possible heterosexuals... as one youth member alluded.

But, what we must not forget though is the reality that there has been ignorance, fear and an unjust treatment of most gay members of the body of Christ. This week we read of the woman at the well… sexual sin did not stop our Lord from loving her, including her and ultimately making her an evangelist. There is thus no greater sin within a gay person than there is within a strait person, both are sinful. The current debate is therefore what is a blessing sanctifying, what is marriage and the what is the "intended" sexual union between two persons?

Whatever we are to understand as guided by the Holy Spirit, and it is no simple matter as scripture honestly is quite silent on homosexuality yet specific concerning marriage, we must acknowledge that a set of rules and statements had been made recently at Lambeth concerning marriage and sexual relationships. We were thus bound to wait and discern, why the rush? Has prayerful consideration ever been quick? The Christological issue of the homousious nature of Jesus’ divinity and humanity took over 325 years to establish, a few decades more on this issue of sexuality and public recognition is mere seconds in the scheme of things. On such an important social issue, and of course doctrinal issue, (for it is clearly an issue of doctrine: the Church is Christ’s "bride"), this issue needs not a cavalier and arrogant attitude but prayerful and thoughtful reflection: more time.

My opinion, for what it is worth, is that we should accept the recommendation and take this time “in the corner” thinking about Lambeth ’98 and if we have become modern Arius’ disregarding the advise of our councils.

Showing Off the Coast

I wrote not too long ago about my love of skidooing from St. Paul’s to Old Fort Bay and how much I appreciate the coast now that I am getting ready to be on the move. Today that same sentiment was realized again.

A postulant for the Diocese of Quebec arrived this past Monday, Randy Murray of Toronto, in preparation for his time in the communities of Mutton Bay, La Tabatiere and St. Augustine, all of which are isolated. Yesterday we had a full day and I showed him Old Fort and spent time presenting the joys and challenges of Coastal ministry. That night he enjoyed the wonders of church bingo… a fundraiser I continue to question, but recognize as being cultural.

Today Sherry and I decided that we needed to bring him “down-below” (to the main village of Lourdes de Blanc Sablon). Well we spent the day going all the way to L’Anse au Loup, Labrador (100km). The day was bright and warm and we thoroughly enjoyed the company. What struck me though was my constant praise and love of this wild and somewhat barren land. Indeed it’s isolated, but quite honestly only for four months. Where else can you be within driving distance of Labrador and the ancient history of the Innu and more recently the 15^th C. Basque whalers, the 16^th C. Cartier Voyage (where the first cross was planted near Old Fort 1534), the 17^th C. French settlers, and 19^th & 20^th C. Cod fishery and the invention of the Cod Trap here in St. Paul's River... actually Bonney Island.

Of course all the man made beauty of the coast is nothing when compared to the natural beauty. I am unable to really name the special something, it’s beyond words; the light, the rocks, the moss, the bellycaters (tidal ice formations on the bays and strait), the hills and trees: Awesome!

I hear often comments such as “you won’t miss the coast, will you?” Yes, we will. It’s been a wonderful time and one so few can have. This feeling was echoed in my comments to this new arrival to the coast. The privileged come for an adventure, often fishing, and can afford it. The few are fortunate to meet a coaster, fall in love, and become part of the family here. Teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, police and clerics all happen upon this jewel through work related adventure and fiscal incentives and either way they are all blessed with the opportunity. Come to the coast, and if you already are from here, appreciate the blessing you’ve had.

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Appointment

The Rt. Rev'd Claude Miller, of the Diocese of Fredericton, has appointed the Rev'd Douglas Painter Priest and Rector of the Parish of Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel and Aberdeen effective July 1st, 2005.

This announcement has been made in my current and future parish this day. My hope is to begin the move during my vacation, June 6th, the day we arrived on the Coast four years ago.

I invite you to continue in prayer for St. Clement's East and Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel & Aberdeen in this transitional time. Also keep the wardens and leaders of the communities, as well as my family in prayer, as we all embark on this new ministry.

Blessings,
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Survivor

We just finished watching “Survivor Palau.” Since it first aired we may have missed 6 episodes. What I believe attracts us is the interaction between the various potential survivors.

Tonight’s episode was different than in the past as the contestants had to develop relationships immediately without knowledge of if there would be teams or what they had to do. It was very interesting to see the way teamed up and what was thought agreed, was not. Teams were balanced male and female, chosen by alternatively chosing the next team mate. The key was that the last person picked had the "burden" of chosing the next, taking the pressure off of the previosuly chosen members.

In many ways it is a micro-window into the psyche of the modern world: out-wit, out-last, out-play. Though I enjoy the show I do see how inherently powerful the notion of winning at all costs is to the world. Many times in the shows history people have chosen people over money and that has been heartwarming to see. The reality is that it is a game, and in spite of it’s playing with emotions, it is one entered into with all knowledge that it's a game.

From a Christian perspective it is the game of life, tough, self centered and harrowing. There are moments of grace, angst and pain. Irregardless of the game, it shows most clearly our brokenness as humanity. It shows mammon in all forms and how choosing financial gain is often the sole driving force behind relationships and actions. It is a skeptics interpretation. but one I feel is more often true in our simle lives.

Will I stop watching, no; but I watch in full knowledge of the truth behind the actions and motivations. I watch with open eyes and hope that it helps me examine more closely the relationships I make, and have made, and to see with better clarity the drive behind them. Maybe the TV shows we watch and critics as being non-Christian or moral should be seen with an eye to seeing beyond to assist us in understanding the world around us.

Updates

Well the site: http://pages.globetrotter.net/pastor/index.htm has changed again. I've added some new stuff and made a new page for the pastor side of me with added matterial to my hermenutic on Jeremiah 28. The front page features Pippa a a very sloppy dad. The Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel and Aberdeen page is now visible and linked, where now the Christ Church site is up with a history. Check every few days as I hope to get some more stuff up and cleaned up.

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I Know You're Out There

I do you know, because I can see my counter at the bottom of the page go up each day.

Now there's a reason this is a "blog," it's for interaction and feedback. So if you've read something you have a thought on, or wish to comment, or even encourage, click on the pencil at the bottom of this text or click on the "comment" part. No need to register, no need to even tell me who you are... I may not want to know :-) Use a great name like superman or dopey, eitherway I, and blogger.com, won', can't, trace you.

But I really would love some comment on my musings.

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Try Open Source & Linux

If you haven’t heard of Linux then you do indeed need to get out of your Windows hole. Linux is an alternative OS (operating system). In its purest form it’s free! That’s right free. Now if you travel around the web you’ll see I fib, for there are many Linux versions that cost a fee, such as Red Hat, SuSe and Linspire, to name a few.

I support a relative new comer to the free Linux world, Ubuntu. It is completely free and very usable. You can go to their site and actually order a free CD. It is based on debian, again it’s a version of Linux. All Linux OS’ us a kernel that makes them part of the world.

Let me first say that Mac users are so very spoilt with their system that Linux seems silly. Unfortunately Mac users pay through the nose for "ultra proprietary" hardware and software. I must admit it is the Porsche of computers, but like the car, it is way too expensive for the vast majority of us and how practical is a racing car when really you need an all purpose ride.

One obstacle to Linux is not knowing what your going to use instead of MS Word or Excel, Power Point and even Adobe Photoshop and Distiller. Well not to worry, there’s a few sites that provide the best equivalents. One thing that you’ll find in which ever Linux “distro” (distribution) you use is that all have a significant amount of software replacements already installed with the OS. Here are two very good guides:

http://www.chlug.org/oss_equiv.php

http://linuxshop.ru/linuxbegin/win-lin-soft-en/table.shtml (scroll down to see the table)

Now to be honest Linux is not for the faint of heart. You must be dedicated to learning a new system and come to the realization that though the community is growing and very supportive on forums etc… it still continues to be somewhat limited by the power hungry MS empire and hardware companies which limit software codes for Linux.

Why Linux? Why the hassle? I believe that there is a Christian response. Yes Bill Gates is a great guy, he is a wonderful philanthropist and does support many religious organizations; one can do this when the richest man in the world. But as Scripture says it is impossible to serve both God and mammon (worldly endeavors). Many a company has been victim to the MS drive to be the only operating system. They have used their power to take over the world of computer technology. I'm in no way a socialist who is against free enterprise, but with this I do believe that freeware and open source si where technology needs to be. At least support a world where there are alternatives to high cost programs. And lets face it, it's not using illegal copies... as many do.

Well the majority of the Linux community believes that electronic communication should be open for the entire world to share. The endeavor that is internet technology is actually an act of community building, world building, sharing. How can the world expect the third world to come in to its own if not given the tools? How can a poor nation, or even a financially challenged family in the first world, purchase such programs as Photoshop, Acrobat and MSOffice when they sell in the hundreds of dollars. It's bad enough that the hardware is so expencive, giving a break with hardware (something Mac does do very well) is where OSS comes into it's own. Now entire States, Provinces and large companies and universities are turning to Open Source alternatives to save money. Why not you and I? (read this for more: http://www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/publications/issues/issues17_e.asp)

It is the cost of such programs that create the illegal world of software hackers (I refrain from the MP3 P2P debate as I do download music, if I like it I generally buy if after). For Windows users there is hope with Open Source programs. So I encourage you to use some of the software I suggest. I never throw out a suggestion I haven’t used and know is safe to use. If you still have some doubts, Linux and Open Source ware is much less likely to ever get a virus. Here are some to try on your Windows System:

For “ Adobe Photoshop” use “The Gimp” http://www.gimp.org/

For “MS Office” (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) use “Open Office” http://www.openoffice.org/

For “Internet Explorer & Outlook Express” use “Firefox and Thunderbird” http://www.mozilla.org/

Open office also has a “distiller” so your doc’s can be turned into PDF’s without the costly Acrobat Professional.

Trust me, you will not regret any of this offering.

Heady Grace

Well it’s been a while since blogging, and if you’ve been paying attention the revolving templates on this page have been dizzying. After looking at the beige for the first few weeks I decided to go with grey, but it wasn’t very clear. I now have gone to this black background (if it doesn’t show up click on your refresh icon in your browser bar).

If you find this even more difficult to read please make a comment; remember you don’t have to use your real name to make a comment if you don’t wish to… the beauty and anonymity of blogs. You also will not recieve junk mail due to commenting.

Well what’s all this “Heady Grace?” Well after a year of praying and examining our life on the coast we decided to begin looking for a new parish home for the family. After a few very promising spots, and months of determined and intentional overtures to move, I decided to pull my name back in April (please excuse the I and We usage as really all my decisions are made with Sherry). All I can say on this is that we knew that it wasn’t the right move.

We were pleased to be able to remain here on the coast over the summer but by the fall we both knew it was time to bring the love we have received here and bring it to a different company of the saints. Sharing faith received is essential in growth and encouragement; and so we began the process of seriously asking the Lord to reveal a path for us. After many conversations with various bishops and archdeacons one path became clearer than others. There was both professionalism and faithfulness in the manner and discourse of this one diocese that we felt very much that this was the “front runner,” to put a pedestrian name to it.

After weeks of waiting and hoping for a call, as in the Lord’s, we received news that a parish profile was on its way. Searching the net and the Anglican Directory seemed to point to one particular spot. We focused on this parish for a few days before the official “profile” arrived. As it turned out, the parish we received was not at all the one we had thought. Originally discouraged, we soon warmed up to this place as it became clear that it met all that we were looking for in a parish and community. Looking back it was obvious why we had received this profile.

Once again patience was important as Christmas came and went and there seemed as if we would never receive a call. Prayer was essential to keep faith that the Lord wasn’t going to have us wait much longer. As in all things his time is right and fitted to our various needs. Finally things progressed and quite quickly; a week. It seems strange, but in an outburst of frustration, the phone rang and I said, " I hope that's God!"... well not quite but it was a warden. The following time was both fraught with anxiety and hope… it was indeed “heady.”

The “grace” is of course found in all things as our Lord reveals his gifts, all we need is to look, but particularly at this time in our lives we both, Sherry and I, found a comfort and security in the process and God’s grace was clearly seen.

So we now take a deep breath, listen and move on his grace in the knowledge that our path has always been with him who saves.

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Life on my "Machine"

Last night I got on my skidoo (what locals call their “machine”) and headed off to Old Fort Bay. The night sky was crystal clear where the stars were simply touchable. It was a magical night; and it got me thinking as I bumped along, once more heading to service as I often have in this fashion.

What a privilege it is to serve in this isolated place. I figure that since we are now in moving mode, looking for another ministry, I have become much more aware of the sheer beauty of the Coast. I have never seen stars shine so bright. I have never seen such vast tracks of open terrain. I have never had such a feeling of desolation and yet comfort in nature. To skidoo to church with a backpack on carrying my Alb, stole, register, holy oil and baptismal candle, is a thing of wonder. How often have I taken for granted that which I love?

What a Week

As you may know from my previous post it was quite the week. When I thought it may just have been a January thing I was proven bitterly wrong.

That oldest son of mine, after being in the dog house this past week, was allowed to ride the skidoo, something previously allowed once and with others around. He was doing fine… the dog ran behind him as he went out on the ice about a kilometer or so within sight of the Rectory… the dog must have put in about 10k.

He was doing so well we let him go buy gas for the machine. He let off the dog, simply carried through the door with exhaustion, and asked if he could have yet another spin. Being so attentive to my instruction those last 2 hours I said fine; “go around the cove once more.”

After an hour and a half I was frantic while Sherry had already been through the village with the still broken car. With no sign of him I was on my way out... when there he was.

What happened? Well, his “original” version was that he got stuck. The “revised edition” was that he got stuck, far off the trail, in some obscure part of the bay… where no one would have looked… and where he got “stuck between some rocks.” The “directors cut,” not to be told for some time later, was that he was thrown from the rocks as he careened uncontrollably between some boulders (we have some dillies left behind from the ice age). The time was spent manuvering the, newly "full," skidoo sideways. I know the weight, and he must have put his whole 100 pounds into this effort. I think he must have come out of this with some type of knowledge.

Damage:

1) The ski is bent on a vertical 90 degree angle… a welder will fix it at some point.

2) he had a bruised knee; and may have learnt a lesson?

3) I have a few more gray hairs and I have learnt a lesson. It ain't over 'til it's over; please let it be over :-)

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Manic Monday

Well Monday was quite a day; PED days always are, aren’t they? I guess I should have taken a hint from the weekend, which was one lecture after another as the boys were manic and very cavalier in their ability to listen to M&D.

After Sherry went to work I discovered that my 11 year old had broken his $350 glasses. I had a funeral and so was rushing around getting everything prepared, by 10 I had to be over at the church to receive the body. I contemplated bringing my laptop to a parishioners home and working on the vestry report before the service, but I thought it best to come back home. I left the boys with very clear instructions.

Everything went well and I returned home, from the 12 km ride, by skidoo. Before I returned to the have the actual funeral, I noticed my notebook out of place on the bed and thought that strange; I made the obligatory accusation, knowing my boys, but they swore they hadn’t touched it. It seemed off so I just ran off; I was fooling with it that morning so just let it be and trusted their answers.

After the burial I returned to the church to get my “machine.” I asked if I could go up a certain hill with it, and got “no problem, bye.” So I went… and got stuck halfway on a 45-60 degree hill. I had to gun it over an embankment three feet high on to a blind cornered road. The skidoo left me and ran over my ankle… not broke but scraped up… hurts even today!

I arrived home, not worse for ware, and saw Sherry with a “look.” A look I had seen before… not good news was to come. Did my baby sitters fail me? Who was hurt? What could it be? Well my oldest boy decided to play games on my laptop on the bed for 5 hours and burnt out the CPU and Motherboard. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Cost: $1500.

After tears, mine, not theirs… unfortunately… and great disappointment, I got prepared for church that night. The night was bright and no wind, so the drive would be good, but my mood was not. I asked Sherry to come with me as I was so shaken that I needed my best friend. We got into the van and poof, no instruments on the panel. This had been a ongoing problem that seemed to have been solved but that night it wouldn’t work. Also the back lighting, which had worked in the past, wasn’t that bright (I think I have a ground problem). After taking it about 10 meters I just knew that I was in no shape to drive a car 120 km with no instruments: dumb dumb dumb. So we piled into the car, we knew we had some generator go on it but it had been working… not tonight! It too died and was unsafe to drive. I called my warden with only 45 mins before service (it takes 45 to get there) sad and shaken and utterly spent.

Total cost of the day $2500

Look on my face by the end of it… “priceless”

“Blessed are the poor….”