Anglican
WORLD MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION • ISSUE 135 JULY 2014
A decade of churches getting messy Doing too much/not enough at church? Find out how to serve using your strengths
The 7000 km-wide diocese Europe’s newest bishop speaks about his road map anglican world issue 135 july 2014
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e d i to r i a l
A sign of things to come
MANY PEOPLE MISTAKENLY think of someone becoming a bishop as a promotion – a step up the Church ladder. Indeed, people speak about those who are elected or appointed to that role as having been elevated. Nevertheless, the truth of the matter is that being ordained a bishop is a calling, and perhaps one of the most important aspects of this calling is being a symbol – not least a symbol of unity, and of Christ’s reconciling presence in the world. Laity and clergy in a diocese look to that person to embody the prayer of Christ: “That they may be one as we are one”. In this quarter’s edition of Anglican World it is not just Robert Innes who has been called to be a symbol. Anglicans and Episcopalians across the world are, through their words and actions, embodying something of God’s Kingdom to those around them. Some symbolise Christ’s intolerance of racism and of buying and selling humans like cattle; others his call to reconciliation, healing and peace. Some demonstrate how God brings order out of chaos, and others how to treasure and creatively use the good gifts he gives his people. Christians are called to be Christ’s witnesses –a legal Jesus tells his followers that they term that brings to mind judges, docks and juries. Believers can distinguish the people of God by are all too often accused, criticised and persecuted for the their fruit, by what they produce. faith that they profess. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that they can distinguish the people of God by their fruit, by what they produce. I am delighted then, that from just this small selection of articles from around the Anglican Communion, it is clear there is a lot of good fruit being produced, and a lot of men, women and children acting as creative, dedicated and courageous symbols of God’s call to be salt and light in the world around them.
Canon Kenneth Kearon Secretary General of the Anglican Communion
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anglican world issue 135 july 2014
contents
Anglican
world Inside this issue ISSUE 135 JULY 2014
Produced by The Anglican Communion Office St Andrew’s House 16 Tavistock Crescent London W11 1AP United Kingdom Registered Charity 7311767 Tel +44 (0)20 7313 3900 Fax +44 (0)20 7313 3999 E-mail aco@anglicancommunion.org Web www.anglicancommunion.org Serving The Instruments of Communion: The Lambeth Conference The Anglican Consultative Council The Primates’ Meeting And approximately 85 million Anglicans and Episcopalians in more than 165 countries President The Archbishop of Canterbury Secretary General The Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon Editor Jan Butter Any comments, questions or contributions should be sent to The Editor at news@anglicancommunion.org Advertising Michael Ade Tel +44 (0)20 7313 3915 Fax +44 (0)20 7313 3999 Subscriptions: E-mail aw.subscriptions@ anglicancommunion.org UK £2.50 / US$4 / €3.50 for one issue. UK £10 / US$16 / €14 for four issues. See the subscription form at the back of this issue or visit www.anglicancommunion.org/ aw/subscription.cfm Design and Layout Marcus Thomas e-mail info@marcusthomas.co.nz Printed by CPO, Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road, Worthing, W. Sussex BN13 1BW All original material may be reproduced by Member Churches without further permission of the Anglican Consultative Council. Acknowledgement and a copy of the publications are requested. Permission to reproduce copyrighted work should be sought from the owner.
¢ EDITORIAL
Canon Kearon on being living symbols of Christ’s Kingdom 2 ¢ COMMUNION NEWS
Anglican
WORLD MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION • ISSUE 135 AUGUST 2014
The latest from around the Anglican world 4 ¢ FEATURE
What do you say when Hollywood asks to use your church? 6
A decade of churches getting messy Doing too much/not enough at church? Find out how to serve using your strengths.
The 7000 km-wide diocese
¢ PROFILE
Acclaimed author Witi Ihimaera on Anglican partnership 8 ¢ FEATURE
Europe’s newest bishop speaks about his road map anglican world issue 135 august 2014
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Cover photo
16 Feature
Children having fun at a Messy Church event CREDIT: KEITH BLUNDY, AEGIES
Priest and backpacker Jesse Zink on Anglican Communion 10 ¢ WORLD VIEW
The Communion at a glance 12 ¢ FEATURE
Discover your strengths, then serve the church 16 ¢ PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Celebrating a decade of messiness in our churches 16 The bishop with the Communion’s most international diocese 18 How climate change threatens and inspires Anglicans 20
¢ ANGLICAN YOUTH
Young people in Tanzania and England going radio gaga 22 ¢ THE LAST WORD
Stephanie Taylor asks, ‘What does the Bible say about knowledge?’ 23
06
When hollywood came calling The smash hit Hollywood movie The Fault in our Stars has Episcopal connections
ANGLICAN WORLD IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION OFFICE
anglican world issue 135 july 2014
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communion news
uk, africa
COMMUNION REPRESENTED AT ANTI-SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUMMIT Anglicans from the UK and Africa attended the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, 10–13 June in London, England. Archbishop Rwaje Onesphore of Rwanda, joined a panel discussion, organised by the We Will Speak Out Coalition, on the role of faith leaders and communities in preventing and responding to sexual violence. Others who took part in the summit included Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Archbishop of Burundi Bernard Ntahoturi, Archbishop of DR Congo Henri Isingoma and Vijula Arulanantham representing the Church of Ceylon.
TEARFUND
UN envoy Angelina Jolie meets Rwanda Primate Rwaje Onesphore
global
ANGLICAN WEBSITE FOR EVANGELISM, CHURCH GROWTH RESOURCES LAUNCHED Anglicans and Episcopalians interested in evangelism and church growth now have a new website where they can find the latest resources and examples of best practice. Anglicanwitness.org is described as “a one stop shop resource hub for church growth, discipleship, youth and children ministry, and other forms of evangelism”. It was built by the core group
of the Anglican Witness: Evangelism and Church Growth Initiative, whose members say the site “brings together Anglicans from across the world committed to strengthening evangelism within communities; seeing churches grow spiritually and numerically; building capacity to engage the whole of God’s creation with Christ’s love; and seeing God’s name glorified in everyday life experience.”
australia, philippines
NEW PRIMATES FOR OCEANIA, ASIA CHURCHES Two Member Churches have new senior bishops this quarter. The Anglican Church of Australia elected Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Philip Freier to replace Archbishop Phillip Aspinall shortly before the General Synod. In Asia, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines announced the Rt Revd Renato Mag-gay Abibico, Bishop of Northern Luzon as its new Prime Bishop-elect. The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu was re-elected as Primate of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (the Anglican Church in Japan).
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anglican world issue 135 july 2014
ENS
Archbishop Philip Freier
MARGIE DOMOGUEN
Prime Bishop-elect Renato Abibico
rome
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND POPE FRANCIS MEET IN ROME In their second meeting within eighteen months Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby have recommitted themselves resolutely to the struggle against modern slavery and human trafficking. Following their first meeting last year the two global leaders have continually spoken out to challenge this crime against humanity, and have acted decisively to support the foundation of the new faith-based Global Freedom Network. Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin also spoke about areas in conflict and how churches around the globe are called by Christ our reconciler, to act as peacemakers. They described their Christian passion for peacemaking in places torn apart by war, and pledged their ongoing commitment to act as agents of reconciliation.
EPA ALESSANDRA TARANTINO
Archbishop Justin and Pope Francis are said to get on well
ja pa n / e n g l a n d
CHURCHES TAKE A PUBLIC STAND AGAINST RACISM Japanese Anglicans have strongly condemned racism in the country and vowed “to eradicate hate crime and hate speech and strive to establish a true multiracial and multicultural society.” In a statement issued after their 61st synod, representatives of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai Synod pulled no punches as they criticised a lack of
government legislation against hate crimes and hate speech. Earlier in the month, the House of Bishops of the Church of England voted to make membership or support of the British National Party (BNP) or National Front a potential disciplinary offence for its clergy. English clergy are no longer allowed to join groups like the BNP
wa l e s
CHURCH IN WALES LAUNCHES NEW MEDIATION SERVICE A new service has been launched by the Church in Wales to help settle conflict when it arises between parishioners or clergy. The new mediation service aims to help manage workplace conflicts positively and resolve them constructively. Clergy or parishioners in dispute will be able to apply to seek the help of a mediator who will then organise a series of joint and private meetings in which both parties can talk and listen to each other. Mediators, both lay and clergy, from each of the six dioceses in Wales have been specially trained and will be supported by the Church’s Human Resources team. Mediators from each diocese in Wales have been specially trained
anglican world issue 135 july 2014
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a n g l i c a n yo u t h
SHUTTERSTOCK
Connecting via radio by ellie coote
IN THIS DIGITAL age, it is easy to forget that radio still plays a crucial role across Africa. Not least, because radio is still the most effective medium to empower and inform children and youngsters there. This is why the Children’s Radio Foundation (CRF) trains young people on the continent to become youth radio reporters. CRF partners with local radio stations and community organisations on over 50 projects in South Africa, Zambia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania to create opportunities for broadcast, youth dialogue, leadership, and social engagement. In February I and four other young radio reporters from England travelled with CRF to Tanzania to meet with two of its partner organisations –Zanzibar Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (ZAPHA+), and Mkombozi (Centre for Street Children) in Moshi – and to collaborate with CRF-trained young reporters there. Both the Brits and Tanzanians had all received the same training, but on our first day at ZAPHA+ (which works with and for families affected by HIV/AIDS) it was clear the young Tanzanian radio journalists were far more
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anglican world issue 135 july 2014
experienced than us. We listened as they told us about the impact their radio programmes were having on their community. They shared with us their challenges including a lack of equipment, and the fact that sometimes people were unwilling to be interviewed by them. But we also heard about the impact the project had had on them personally, Many now had more confidence in their own abilities, and renewed aspirations for the future. It was easy to forget that these young people were there because of their involvement in ZAPHA+, because their lives had been affected by HIV/AIDS. We were moved by the courage of these boys and girls who speak out in their communities, often about extremely difficult social issues. On day two with ZAPHA+ we collaborated with the young reporters to create radio programmes. We were pleased with the finished radio packages, but it was the experience of working with these young people, their professionalism and passion, which I will most remember. The second project, Mkombozi, operates as both a live-in centre for children living on the streets and an organisation that promotes
children’s rights. The project works with much younger children, who clearly know their rights when asked: shelter, education, and being allowed to express their views. It was thanks to the work of Mkombozi and the radio reporting skills provided by CRF that the children could see a future of opportunity ahead of them. Meeting the young reporters was a joyful experience. Our special time together not only developed our radio skills, but also helped us better understand challenges in each of our local contexts. Even with a language barrier we talked, laughed, sang and danced and formed friendships that, though we are unlikely to ever meet in again person, will be cherished. Below: Ellie (second from left) and other CRF-trained radio reporters
CHILDRENS RADIO FOUNDATION
the last word
SHUTTERSTOCK
Head knowledge vs heart knowledge Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels and all that you desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8.10-11 WHAT DOES THE Bible say about knowledge? I have been pondering this as a new member of staff at the Anglican Communion Office tasked with managing information and knowledge. I’ve been surprised by just how much it does say. Proverbs in particular, has a veritable feast of verses on the subject. Time and time again we are called to value knowledge; seek it; heed it; apply it. We learn that knowledge, understanding, insight and wisdom bring strength, hope, a future; help us to determine what is best; show us the way; bear fruit. But from where should this knowledge come? Proverbs 2.1-5 tells us: My child; if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice
for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures – then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. What really speaks to me from this and other passages is that we must truly desire knowledge, and yearn for a connection with God; that this knowledge, this connection, has the capacity to make us more Christ-like. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes: I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death. (Philippians 3.10). But that connection shouldn’t stop with God. We must also yearn to connect with one another, and crucially, knowledge alone is not enough – we also need love. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1.5-8) And If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13.2) The Anglican Communion encompasses over 165 countries and comprises some 85 million people. We, as the Body of Christ, are intertwined, interdependent. We are also abundantly blessed with information! Proverbs 24.3-4 tells us, By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. In managing our knowledge and information, and empowering the Communion to draw on, harness, and share that understanding, it is my desire that we will build and furnish this house together, and bear fruit. I look forward to working with and serving you. Stephanie Taylor, ACO Information and Records Manager email: stephanie.taylor@aco.org
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WORLD MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION • ISSUE 135 AUGUST 2014
A decade of churches getting messy Doing too much/not enough at church? Find out how to serve using your strengths.
The 7000 km-wide diocese Europe’s newest bishop speaks about his road map anglican world issue 135 august 2014
|1
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