Global Anglican Communion faces split over CofE same sex vote
Twelve archbishops in the conservative Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches, which is opposed to same sex marriage, say the Church of England “has disqualified herself from leading the Communion as the historic ‘Mother’ Church”, because of its vote to allow same sex blessings. In a statement, they say it is the Church of England which has chosen to “break communion with those provinces who remain faithful to the historic biblical faith expressed in the Anglican formularies”. And they add that Justin Welby cannot be recognised as the leader of the Anglican Communion and they withdraw support from him.
Archbishop’s role may change
In reply, Justin Welby said the Anglican communion was a collection of autonomous independent provinces, with none being able to dictate to the other. He suggested that the mechanisms to hold the global communion united, including his own office as Archbishop of Canterbury, are always subject to review.
Anglican archbishops to meet in near future
The Anglican Communion’s secretary general Bp Anthony Poggo said he will continue to consult with all archbishops and he has been asked to convene a meeting of all in the near future, which will discuss the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Communion. He pointed out that the Church of England has upheld the traditional teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman.
Asbury revival in Kentucky unites younger generation
For almost two weeks, a revival has taken place at Asbury College, Kentucky, where thousands of people have taken part in non-stop praise and worship, attracting a huge following through live streaming on social media. It resembled revival meetings of old at the College, with singing of familiar songs, prayer, repentance and speaking in tongues. But it was spontaneous with no standout leaders and is only coming to a close and moving off site today because there isn’t enough space in the city or college for the thousands who want to take part. In a Religion Media Centre briefing, scholars explained that the experience united generations divided by Trump and culture wars. The suggested revivals are not just a psychological phenomenon but a response to change, often happening at a time when people feel they are losing something important to their identity. Today American religion is in decline, with fewer people, especially younger people, saying they are affiliated to Christianity, and it is a moment of cultural crisis. View our briefing here and read our report here
Catholics and Orthodox hail Biden’s visit to Ukraine
President Joe Biden paid a surprise visit to Ukraine yesterday as the first anniversary of the war is marked later this week. He declared: “One year later, Kyiv stands, Ukraine stands, Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you”. They laid wreaths and held a moment of silence at the Wall of Remembrance honouring Ukrainian soldiers killed in war since 2014. He and President Zelenskyy visited the gold domed St Michael’s Cathedral where they met religious leaders including the head of the Orthodox church of Ukraine, Epiphanius I. Zelensky is pressing allies for more weapons to challenge an expected renewed Russian offensive, and President Biden announced an additional half-billion dollars in U.S. assistance
Today at 1400 GMT we are holding another briefing on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the religious life of the country and its dispersed people. Link from [email protected]
Hate mail to mosques collecting aid for earthquake zones
Two mosques in east London have received Islamophobic and racist hate letters following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which killed 42,000 people. Islam Channel reports that Erkin Guney from Masjid Ramadan in Shacklewell, told the BBC he was lost for words when he read the letter, explaining that the mosque has sent 300 aid boxes to the region and received hundreds of messages of support. The Muslim Council of Britain said this was a stark reminder of Islamophobia and mosques should report all incidents to the police.
Not just pancake day
Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before the Christian festival of Lent begins, associated with pancakes and lemon, using up food before a period of fasting. But Taylor Aucoin, at the University of Edinburgh, explains in The Conversation that the day is also associated with games and sport including football and cock fighting. Full story here
