While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them. Then after fasting and praying they lay hands and set them out. – Acts 13: 2&3
I AM AWARE that when this week’s column is read that some persons will be after my head, especially those who think that I cannot preach, that I am unorthodox, untheological and that I play to the Press.
But I would like to draw to the public’s attention that what I preach and write about is done through my convictions. The question then is: what takes place during the election of bishops? Are they elected by the Holy Spirit, friendship, or members of a particular group or movement?
The Anglican diocese of Toronto recently elected three bishops – two women and one man. Canon Kevin Robertson (who according to a reprint in The Anglican that was taken from the website of the diocese of Toronto), was elected on September 17 as the first openly gay bishop in Canada. Was that the work of the Holy Spirit?
When it comes to the church in North America, anything goes.
“It is no secret that I’m the first openly gay-partnered bishop in the diocese and perhaps in the Canadian Church as well, and I know that for some people that’s a real challenge, and for others it’s a fulfilment of what they’ve been hoping and praying for a very long time,” Canon Robertson said.
Barbadian-born Rev Canon Stephen Fields, who was a candidate during the election, is quoted in The Anglican as saying that the results revealed a divided diocese.
Deep division
“The results revealed the deep division at the heart of our church,” he said. “Persons on different sides of the vexing issue of same gender marriage was elected. Could it be that it is God’s will that the bishops-elect, all in their mid-40s, have been given this awesome responsibility and opportunity to work together to bring healing to our church. That is my prayer and fervent desire.”
Canon Fields said he was disappointed but trusted the Holy Spirit was a guidance factor. The question that remains: was that of the Holy Spirit or did they elect first and then ask for the Holy Spirit to come on them?
I must say that the early church was a church that was led by the Holy Spirit. But we must never forget that sometimes we do not allow the Holy Spirit to work. Does God want a gay bishop to lead his church? What a pity?
I will end now by saying that I do believe in the Holy Spirit.
Diocesan bazaar
The fundraising Anglican diocesan bazaar will take place tomorrow at Ilaro Court from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Concert
• The Holy Innocents Church holds a variety concert on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the church.
• The St Patrick’s Anglican Church Choir will present its annual sacred concert under the distinguished patronage of Sir Richard and Lady Cheltenham on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the St Patrick’s Church.
• The Sharon Moravian Church elders board presents its annual gospel concert tomorrow at the church at 5:30 p.m.
Patronal festival
The patronal festival of the Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels continues on Sunday with three services: Holy Eucharist with preacher Dean Dr Jeffrey Gibson at 7:15 a.m. and sung Eucharist at 9 a.m., when Dr Gibson will also preach, and festal evensong at 6 p.m.
