Archbishop attracts further criticism

The Archbishop of Wales (right) and gay pride supporters, the sub-dean of Bangor
 and former Mayor      Source: Twitter

Martin Shipton writes in Nation Cymru:

 "Questions are being raised about the judgement of Archbishop of Wales Andy John after the emergence of concerns relating to potential financial irregularities in his home diocese of Bangor.

"Several Church in Wales sources have independently contacted NationCymru to criticise the Archbishop for creating a situation where one cleric – the Rev Canon Siôn ap Rhys-Evans – was effectively running both the diocese of Bangor and its cathedral. He has been on gardening leave since February 29."

Continuing their mushroom method of management the church remains silent about the absence of the sub-dean of Bangor.

Shipton continues, "One Church in Wales source told us: 'The Church is doing its best to keep a lid on this and make sure it doesn’t become a public controversy. But the fact is that the Archbishop made a serious mistake when he appointed Sion Rhys-Evans as the Sub-Dean of Bangor Cathedral in 2021. The fact that he’s in charge of both the cathedral and the diocese is a major problem and he may live to regret it'."

The archbishop's judgement has already been called into question for ignoring the teaching of the Church having remarried after his divorce form his first wife. Also for appointing an assistant bishop who is engaged to another man implying future marriage which contrary to the teaching of the Church in Wales.

Not the symbol of unity his flock expects.

Affirming the truth

 "What is happening to the Church of England? Over the past few decades the Church of England has been drifting farther and farther away from conservative theology and values to a liberal and woke ideology which includes entertaining and promoting critical race theory among other things. This has resulted in fissures within the Anglican communion. Where is the Church of England heading? In this episode, Dr. Costa interviews Calvin Robinson on these and many pressing issues."

The gay pride movement has come a long way in the 50 years since the first protest march. Homophile strategists have been very adept at manipulating public opinion with an 'arsenal' of six tactics that are based upon 'deceptions and half‑truths':

• Exploit the “victim” status;
• Use the sympathetic media;
• Confuse and neutralize the churches;
• Slander and stereotype Christians;
• Bait and switch (hide their true nature); and
• Intimidation.

The Church has suffered particularly badly as a result of the success of this strategy which, regrettably, includes the indoctrination of school children. 

Western Anglicanism along with other religious denominations have capitulated so that same sex couples are able to marry in church in contradiction of Christian beliefs with many places of worship flying the rainbow flag implying LGBTQ+ domination.

In a comparatively short space in time the oppressed have become oppressors, often fighting among themselves. The battle cry of transphobia has been added to accusations of homophobia against anyone who questions illogical aspects of the LGBT movement while women of colour are claiming under-representation and disabled LGBTQ complaining about lack of facilities according to recent BBC Wales news coverage.

The LGBTQ+ movement is splintering as has the Church which is suffering the consequences as it conforms to the world. How refreshing, then, to listen to a newly ordained deacon, Calvin Robinson affirming the truth after Church of England bishops rejected him for ordination because, unlike them, he has kept the faith. In the YouTube interview, above, Calvin expresses the views of many who have been left by the Church.

Asked what faithful Christians can do to "work with him to be salt and light in England" Calvin replied, "I’m planting a church in NW London and I’m looking to start a mission centre for Anglicans to thrive and grow. 

"The GB centre for Confessing Anglicans and The Brotherhood of the Holy Trinity will be a missionary centre for discipling, media ministry, social teaching, and education." 

Something to watch out for. You can register at EvangelicalCatholics.co.uk 

Bullying is back on the Agenda

Photo: Church in Wales

Bullying, or 'alleged' bullying, rears its ugly head at the forthcoming meeting of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales.

In Question time (Item 16) on Day 2 the Archdeacon of Llandaff continues her campaigning. She demands to know:
 "What steps have been taken by the Standing Committee and dioceses to
circulate the (Todd) “Report on the Representation of Women in the
Church in Wales 2015” to deaneries and parishes, and what actions have
been taken in response to the recommendations?"

This late entrant to the Church seems more intent on advancing the role of women in the Church regardless of merit than proclaiming the Gospel message as received.

The Todd Report was debated at GB last April. Here is a flavour.

Dr Gill Todd (Swansea & Brecon):
 "The proposals in the report, she said, were designed to "achieve change and embed gender equality unequivocally in the Church in Wales for ever; and, secondly, to make the Church in Wales recognise the joy that comes from men and women working together in God's name; and the pain that comes from continued discrimination and bullying. A failure to recognise the gifts, calling, and vocation of others is a failure to demonstrate Christlike behaviour."

The Archdeacon also adds her name along the Rev Jan Gould of Llandaff to the question:

 "In the light of the final communiqué from the Primates of the Anglican

Communion after their meeting in January, can the Bishops outline how

they propose to respond now to continuing calls by the LGBT members of

the Church in Wales and their supporters for full and equal inclusion and

acceptance?

That anyone from Llandaff could add their names to such a question seems ridiculous from what I hear and read about Llandaff. Granted some commentators complain of not being accepted although no evidence has been produced and I do not know anyone who has experienced it. The question alleges that there is not "full and equal inclusion and acceptance" in which one has to ask, how do all the gay clergy manage to perform their ministry?

On a practical level, if the questioners have the laity in mind, what do they propose? Stewards and welcomers asking, "Excuse me, are you gay?" so that they can give them an affirming hug? When it comes to worship a person's sexuality is irrelevant so why would anyone see the need to flag it?

Such questions are bullying in themselves. They present statements as factual then demand action regardless of proof but it is this statement by Dr Todd which takes the prize for double standards:

 "Bullying also played a part in persuading women to leave the Church, she said. Many victims "vote with their feet, and leave the organisation. Unfortunately, they also leave the bully to make the next person's life a misery." [My emphasis -Ed.]

Considering how many worshippers have left the Church, including many devout women, over the ordination of women and the bullying which took place at all levels in order to secure the vote, such statements would be laughable if they were not so pathetic, especially when the prime bully continues to pursue his agenda against the real victims when it is he who is out of step with the teaching of the wider Church.