The first principle of the Ordinariate is then about Christian unity. St. Basil the Great, the Church’s greatest ecumenist, literally expended his life on the work of building bridges between orthodox brethren who shared a common faith, but who had become separated from one another in a Church badly fragmented by heresy and controversy. He taught that the work of Christian unity requires deliberate and ceaseless effort...St. Basil often talked with yearning about the archaia agape, the ancient love of the apostolic community, so rarely seen in the Church of his day. This love, he taught, is a visible sign that the Holy Spirit is indeed present and active, and it is absolutely essential for the health of the Church.

- Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, Homily on the Occasion of his Formal Institution as Ordinary

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Positive Reports from the DMV Synod

June 9, 2010
Christian Campbell

Early reports out of the annual DMV [Diocese of the Missouri Valley - Anglican Church in America (TAC)] diocesan synod seem quite positive. Various committee meetings occupied much of the day Tuesday, and at the evening clericus, according to one of our priestly correspondents, Bishop Stephen Strawn was unflagging in his support of the expected personal ordinariate, as he explained the proposed structure and protocols contemplated by the House of Bishops and endorsed by Archbishop Hepworth. He reiterated the commitment of the bishops to ensure appropriate pastoral oversight both for those congregations committed to the Apostolic Constitution and those requiring additional time for discernment. Bishop Strawn told the diocesan presbyterate that he was unreservedly supportive of the TAC’s doctrinal and ecumenical obligations and would consider it nothing less than a violation of his vows were he to act otherwise. Though the synod agenda has been changed, allotting less time for discussion of the matter, the Bishop will nonetheless make a presentation to the lay delegates later today.
Read any updates and comments at The Anglo-Catholic blog.

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