Sunday, December 07, 2008

Wheaton



December 7, 2008

This past week, I and my wife, Cindy, along with three other folks from our church, were privileged to attend the Common Cause Worship Celebration in Wheaton Illinois, at which the Jerusalem Declaration was signed and the Provincial Draft Constitution for a new 39th Province of the Anglican Communion was offered. It was truly a joyful and historic occasion. Some 700 Anglican Churches in North America were represented by a passel of bishops and at least 1200 lay people.

“His Grace” Bob Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, ‘Archbishop in waiting’ of the Anglican Church of North America was the preacher and celebrant. During his sermon he reported on the amazing fact that the assembled bishops were unanimous in their acceptance of the draft constitution. “This must be a Sovereign work of God,” he gushed…”Just look at us – we don’t even get along that well!”

Reminds me of Psalm 133:
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.

At any rate, we were watching a once-in 500 years event and we were truly excited. The mood in the room that night was positively giddy! I’d say it’s the closest thing to Fun I’ve ever experienced in an Anglican worship service. You too can experience Archbishop Duncan’s sermon at http://anglicantv.org/

Afterwards, I went forward to speak to the new Primate, and I think I was the second clergyman to receive his Blessing.

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