Friday 8 November 2013

GAFCON II report - spiritual warfare and the future of the Anglican communion

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For those interested in the future of the third-largest Christian denomination, here is a report on the Gafcon II (Global Anglican Future II conference two); this is an informed and authoritative account of the proceedings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dp5qgGc68E#t=1660

The first half is of most interest - up to 27 minutes - indeed the second half is so out-of-synch that it becomes hard to follow...

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The most interesting and significant theme is the spiritual warfare that Kevin and George perceived was going-on at the conference.

This is often - it seems - a sign of significant moments in church history (since it is usually expedient for the powers and principalities to do their work unnoticed) - this emphasizes the great potential importance of the Gafcon movement, and also the hazards.

As Galadriel says: The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true

Perhaps paradoxically, I find this evidence of spiritual warfare to be encouraging; since if all was lost for sure, then it would not be happening. 

There must, it seems, be reason for hope. 

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[On a lighter note: avid Welby-watchers such as myself will be delighted by the account of the Archbishop of Canterbury's interactions with the conference. Fascinating to see what happens when the epitome of over-promoted smug mediocrity is confronted by conflicting but un-ignorable reality...]

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An interview with a delegate Gavin Ashenden (an Anglo Catholic) gives a brief and lucid picture of the dire Christian situation in England, and the looming probability of 'bloodshed':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJrubVvkK3o

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2 comments:

Samson J. said...

Perhaps paradoxically, I find this evidence of spiritual warfare to be encouraging; since if all was lost for sure, then it would not be happening.

Not paradoxical; this is how it always works, my friend - if you feel that you're under spiritual attack, it's because the enemy is worried about you. That's why, when you sense this happening, what you do is to draw your sword, kneel and pray, and then tell the Enemy he can get stuffed.

Blogger Vox Day had a recent post from a young reader looking for a source of general motivation in his life. One commenter, rightly in my view, suggested that oftentimes the best motivation is *defiance* - defiance of every bad thing the Enemy wants for you.

In other words, I agree that today's report post suggests hope. This is the chance to for the Anglican leaders to form a Last Alliance, to defy the Enemy, and tell him to get stuffed.

Bruce Charlton said...

@SJ - Glad to know you agree. I feel more cheerful about the CoE than for a while... It won't last.