Jerusalem to Canterbury...a prayerful journey
Bishop
MacPherson's message for August of 2008
“Since my return
from Jerusalem a little over a week ago, the experience has been a continuing
one with abundant conversations around the Communion about where we, as the
wider Church,are going. Across
the globe questions continue to be raised with great interest, and while not
having any degree of certainty about the outcome, we must continue to make
our journey prayerfully. One of the dangers that we face
in the midst of the unknown is to become so focused on what we are concerned
about that we lose sight of where our focus should be, and that is an engagement
with God through prayer. It is oft too easy to forget the importance of prayer
and how much of a role our private and corporate prayers play in this journey.
I know
many people across this diocese and the wider Church are praying, and I also
know that many of these prayers have embraced me in the ministry and work
that I am endeavouring to carry out on behalf of us all. For this I am most
grateful.
Your prayers were felt as the recent trip was made to Jerusalem
and the meeting of GAFCON, the Global Anglican Future Conference. Reflecting
upon this meeting and my presence along with the Very Rev’d Canon Gregg L.
Riley, rector of Grace Parish, Monroe, the trip provided what I went seeking,
and this was a broader understanding of how the Communion in a larger sense
is facing that which is before us.
The meeting, which was attended by invitation, raised a
lot of questions, concerns, and hopes for the some 1,200 people present (including
about 300 bishops from across the Communion). The time there was spent in
prayer, worship, presentations, and small group discussions that embraced
much time for prayer within our settings. Our times of corporate worship were
profound as we shared daily in the use of various forms of worship and music
from around the Communion. Through this, one common thread prevailed ... there
are indeed One Faith, One Baptism, One Lord and Father of all! This common
thread is one which we share in Western Louisiana and which Susan and I experience
week in and week out as we travel the diocese. For this we give thanks!
Although the days were long, they did include time each
day for visitation to one of the important settings of Jesus’ birth, ministry,
death, and resurrection. These opportunities were significant to me as this
was my first trip to the Holy Land.
Time could be spent writing much about the experience of
walking the paths that our Lord traversed, but now is not the time. What I
need to share, albeit briefly at this juncture, are some comments about the
meeting itself.
Again, my presence there was by invitation to share in
this time of pilgrimage, conversation and exploration as to the shape of the
future of the Anglican Communion. The purpose was not one of redesigning or
forming a “new communion,” but rather, to focus on the common ground on which
the apostolic historical faith has been handed down. Out of this, issues of
concern were raised, but also that for which there is cause to celebrate were
lifted up. In a response to the press while there, I did state that I did
not see this as a divisive event, but more of one that could bring us to a
place of seeking to focus more on the unity of the Body of Christ.
Yes, there were issues raised and points made that could
be seen as drawing differences into view, but this is not division. If we
are going to truly be faithful and prayerful in our endeavour to bring about
healing within the Body, and work toward that which is the essence of Jesus’
prayer in John 17 “that we may all be one” then we have to speak with
truthfulness in addressing the challenges before us. This was sought out in
the context of this gathering. There was never a time leading
up to the conclusion of the draft of the “Jerusalem Declaration” that was
enveloped with unanimity, and I will say that while I can embrace and support
in principle the fourteen points of this Declaration, there are parts that
are problematic for me personally. The variances within the polity of the
different Provinces of the Church contribute to this. An example of this being,
when I look at the issue of authority, this is not in the form of a person,
but is found in the Constitution and Canons of General Convention. My ordination
vows speak to the adherence, the upholding of the Constitution and Canons.
Thus, this is not something that can be simply dismissed.
Our Constitution clearly states in the Preamble that we
are a constituent member of the Anglican Communion in communion with the See
of Canterbury. This again is something that we can’t lightly dismiss or cast
out a proposed change.
The problem facing us in the American church is not one
of what the Constitution and Canons say, but sadly, the fact they are not
being subscribed to in a uniform and equitable manner.
Is the “Jerusalem Declaration” the answer? No, but it does
provide an expression from a major portion of the wider Communion, and this
is an important contribution to the work that is before us all. It also adds
an important dimension to the dialogue and work that takes place at the Lambeth
Conference this next week. (Note: As many know, this is a gathering of
the bishops of the Church across the Anglican Communion and is held at the
invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury once every ten years.)
As was shared prior to leaving for GAFCON, a critical component
in my participation, in addition to contributing what I could to the meeting,
was to be better equipped for Lambeth, and most importantly, to be more fully
informed as I seek to faithfully lead this diocese forward.
In conjunction with this is the continuing work through
the “communion partners” endeavour. Much of what is taking place through this
effort addresses concerns expressed in the Jerusalem Declaration, and in some
cases providing for a different direction. An example of this being our concern
with the issue of border crossing, and the development of an alternative approach
that will address this. We continue to develop a meaningful relationship and
connectedness with the wider Anglican Communion through the plan, and more
will be shared about this in the coming months.
It is my prayer that through the labour of GAFCON, the
Lambeth Conference, and the efforts of Communion Partners, we will be the
recipients of a substantive understanding that will help frame a positive
direction for our diocesan convention in October.
In looking ahead, assurance can’t be given at this time
that resolution is at hand, but assurance does come through our faithfulness
to a living Gospel of redemption and new life. The mission before us is one
of continuing to be true to our Baptismal Covenant and the mission of the
Church, and this is the reconciliation of all in their relationship with God,
and a saving knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
As I draw to a close and prepare to depart for Canterbury,
I beg your prayers not just for me and this journey, but most importantly
for the gathering of Lambeth 2008. To this end, please join me each day (July
16 August 4) in praying for this important time within the life of our Lord’s
Church.
Looking forward with great anticipation to my return to
all of you and the wonderful ministry we share in this portion of God’s vineyard,
I remain ...
Faithfully yours in the risen and living Christ,
The Rt. Rev’d D. Bruce MacPherson,
D.D.
III Bishop of Western Louisiana
