The leaders of four more Anglican provinces have joined a quickly growing list of those issuing statements in support of Bishop Duncan and Pittsburgh.
Editor's Note: Notes and letters of support for Bishop Duncan and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh are pouring in from laity and clergy all over the world. The latest statements of support come from the Anglican leaders of the provinces of Rwanda, the West Indies, Kenya and the Southern Cone. As more statements are issued in the coming days, I will post them at the new diocesan website dedicated to sharing the supportive messages we are receiving from around the world.
A Joint Statement from Archbishops Venables of the Southern Cone, Gomez of the West Indies and Nzimbi of Kenya.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. We the undersigned are grieved at the violation of catholic order in the declaration of deposition of The Right Rev. Robert Duncan by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church and consider it to be invalid. Legitimate actions of catholic order must rise from Biblical catholic faith. Actions such as this continue to alienate countless Christian people not only within, but beyond the limits of the Communion. We continue to recognize the fidelity and validity of Bishop Duncan's orders, role, and ministry. Without reservation, we continue in full sacramental communion with him as an Anglican bishop. We thank God that by the vote of the Provincial Synod he has been given membership in the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone. Our fellowship and shared ministry with him is not disrupted.
Yours in Christ,
The Most Rev Gregory Venables
The Most Rev Drexel Gomez
The Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi
From Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda:
17 September 2008
News is circulating around the United State and the Anglican Communion that the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops is likely to depose the Rt. Rev. Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, this week at a special meeting. I have known and worked with Bishop Duncan for a number of years, and I know him to be a godly man.
As he faces this time of trial, I encourage him to remember that he is not being deposed by God, but only by man. He will remain very much a part of the new work that God is creating within Anglicanism. In addition, he and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers, and I am confident that the Lord will bless Bishop Duncan in this new season of ministry.
I am reminded of Joseph's words to his brothers that are recorded in Genesis. <
Most Reverend Emmanuel Kolini
Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda
From Archbishop Mouneer Anis:
My Dear Bishop Duncan,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is with great sadness that I have learnt of your deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in the U.S.
It is with great joy that I welcome you alongside the ranks of St. Athanasius who, as Bishop of Alexandria, was deposed and exiled from his see. St. Athanasius did not waver and stood firm. History proved that his stance for orthodoxy was not in vain. I trust it will do the same for you! So please count it as honor my brother.
I don’t know what to call it, a tragedy or comedy, for the faithful to be disciplined by those who tear the fabric of our Anglican Communion.
Please be assured of my support and that the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa will continue recognize you as a faithful bishop. You are faithful to Jesus Christ, to the Church catholic, to the Anglican Communion, to the Windsor Process, and to your diocese. I find no fault in this. I trust that you will continue the ministry to which God has called you.
The true test of orthodoxy is not in the leader you may follow (1 Cor. 1:12), it is in the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3), the faith founded in Jesus Christ, the faith you were baptized into, catechized through and the faith you live out. Thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus Christ in spite of the opposition.
Please be assured of my prayers and my love to you and Nara, and to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
May the Lord bless you!
Yours in Christ,
+Mouneer Egypt
A Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen
“The unfolding tragedy of the Episcopal Church starkly reveals the folly of the original decision to break with the Bible and centuries of historic Christianity on the issue of human sexuality.
We grieve for Bishop Duncan but are encouraged by his courageous witness.
I welcome the statements of the many significant figures in the Anglican world who have expressed grave concern at this act towards a man who remains in good standing with the majority of the communion.”
A statement from the Diocese of Recife
"The Diocese of Recife, Brazil, the first to have its bishop deposed, its clergy excomunicated and its congregation excluded by an intolerant post-modern liberal Province leadership, the first to see the creation of a "shadow diocese"and the apointment of an "alternate" bishop, as a pioneer of today's martydom of oxthodox in the Anglican Communion, express its solidarity to Bishop Robert Duncan, to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and to all other US dioceses that soon or later will receive the same unfair treatment.
A new faithful Province for North America is a matter of urgency. This is a moment of protest, reafirmation and unity. May God bless you.
Rt Revd Robinson Cavalcanti, Diocesan Bishop
Rev Mauricio Amazonas, Chariman of the Diocesan Standing Committee
- Posted September 19, 2008 -
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