Where Else Shall We Go?
Where else shall we go?
–John 6:68
The past few weeks have been confusing and weighty. I here speak at least for myself, though I know I echo the thoughts of others in our parish and diocese. Much of this has to do with seismic events, announcements, and public reporting which touches on our province (the Anglican Church in North America), and the broader Anglican Communion. As the Lord calls us as Christians to be people of the Light, for Christ is the Light and our Life, the purpose of this writing is to ensure you are all aware of things that are taking place. There is no desire to hide from difficult things.
Several weeks ago, during our Eucharistic liturgy, we prayed for the Jurisdiction of Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC). This was due to a rift that began to tear at the relationship between the JAFC and the ACNA. You can read the JAFC's press releases here and the ACNA's press releases here. Historically, the JAFC was the means by which Anglican (ACNA) clergy could serve as chaplains in the Armed Forces. As is often the case, we are at such a remove from the intricate details that we are left with more questions than answers. I have my own questions about where the truth might be found. What has transpired through the past few weeks is the JAFC, and its bishop Derek Jones, have left the province. That said, not all chaplains decided to follow Bishop Jones. In fact the majority have stayed within the ACNA as our province puts into place the means necessary to continue caring for chaplains and maintaining their working relationship and service in the Armed Forces.
On 16 October, Gafcon released a statement to the effect that it is finally reordering and resetting the Global Anglican Communion. (You can read that communique here.) For nearly two decades Gafcon has encouraged and warned the primarily Western Anglican provinces, namely England, that she needs to return to the Faith, provide biblical leadership, and pick up the mantle historically given to her: being the first among equals in the Global Anglican Communion. For years the Church of England has neglected these requests and warnings. So on 16 October, Gafcon announced the global reset, no longer recognizing England as the leader of the Anglican Communion. There are parts of Gafcon's work that I understand and fully support. If the Church of England will not lead in the apostolic tradition, holding fast to Holy Scripture as our primary authority for Faith and Practice, someone else must step in and lead. (We may draw a parallel to when Paul spoke out against Peter in Galatians 2.) Still, I have questions about what this looks like. Also, what does this mean for those faithful Christians–laity, clergy, bishops–who are still in provinces that have relationships with the Church of England? Gafcon's statement seems to require severing relationship with England. I am confused as to what a way forward looks like.
As if this were not enough, this past week the Washington Post has released two articles. The one released today regarding the Bishop Ruch trial restates many facts and reports already conducted over the past few years. That said, it still raises many questions. This trial has finally been concluded, the findings of which are to be made in the coming weeks, if not December at the latest. The more alarming report made by the Washington Post was published yesterday, regarding Archbishop Steve Wood. And here I am at a loss. I simply do not know all that is going on. I do not know where the truth lies. As Bishop Ken has written to clergy, we are reminded that, "We take seriously any accusation of misconduct by any bishop, clergy person, deacon, lay leader, or volunteer serving within the ACNA. The Archbishop is accountable to the same standards and disciplinary process as any other leader accused of misconduct. There is a rigorous process in our canon law to investigate and seek the truth in these matters. To ensure the standard disciplinary process can proceed without complication or interference, the province does not plan to comment on these allegations, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment on or speculate about the allegations contained within the presentment."
So what does all of this, especially the report of Archbishop Wood, mean for us as a small lamp on the hill of Seattle? First, the Lord has not given us a spirit of timidity nor fear, but one that seeks after the Truth, which is to seek after Christ in all things. Turning allegations (which may certainly be true!) into supposed fact before a process can be conducted is not helpful to the Church nor to us. That said, there are a variety of ways we may rightly respond to such news including questions, anger, lament. My proverbial door is always open to hear what is on your heart. Second, this is not a time for us to circle the wagons, supposedly defending "our own" at the expense of others. That would again be to determine the outcome of the report before the investigative process has taken place. As Bishop Ken mentioned, even an archbishop is not above our laws and canons. This is a good thing. Third, it is important to remind you all that our parish has its own church safeguarding policies and procedures. You can find a summary of those here, along with links to the full documents.
Lastly, such trying and confusing times are ripe for us to reckon with Peter and his words to Christ. When Jesus asked Peter if he would depart as many other disciples had done, he simply replied, Lord, where else shall we go? There is tension in those words. There is faith also. Being with Christ does not always mean that life is smooth sailing, that everything makes sense. We are currently at a time when life is not smooth sailing, everything does not make sense. And yet, where else shall we go other than to continuing holding fast to Jesus, our only hope in life and in death?
Please continue to keep the Church in your prayers. And, if I may humbly ask, please keep me in your prayers as well. Sunday is only a few days off. A sermon is still needed. I do look forward to being with you all, as I do each Sunday. For there, in some mystical and yet embodied way, we meet with Jesus, the only place we may go, the only person to Whom we may turn.
Grace & Peace