VirtueOnline on the DoAlbany Convention

By contrast, the DIOCESE OF ALBANY took a stand at their annual diocesan convention this past week with two significant things occurring. Delegates passed a resolution re-affirming its loyal membership in Province II and to The Episcopal Church, recognizing the legislative authority of General Convention governing the Episcopal Church. But then they said that their understanding of the seat of authority in the Episcopal Church, as elaborated by the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, resides at the diocesan level. They said TEC by its structure was "that of a voluntary association of equal dioceses." They said the Constitution and Canons of the Church make no provision for either a central hierarchy or a Presiding Bishop with metropolitan authority.

This was smack up the side of the head at Mrs. Jefferts Schori and blindsided Via Media liberals in the diocese who tried to pass a resolution affirming the national church's leadership (the exact opposite of what passed).

A VOL reader who was present said, "If we had left the resolution alone, it would have been overwhelmingly voted down, playing into what I believe was the intent of Via Media. Rather, we turned the whole thing around to endorse the 'Bishops' Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church' and simply affirming what is currently true - that we are still loyal members of the Episcopal Church."

The second major event was Bishop William Love's message to his people. It was a resounding clarion call for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be heard from every pulpit in the diocese. He also said Episcopal dioceses should be permitted to vote on the Covenant being drawn up by Anglican Communion leaders. He also took a strong swipe at Episcopal leaders (he did not name names) who deny central tenets of the Faith.

Love said he has traveled widely throughout The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion and that he is deeply grieved by the growing division within The Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion. "I had hoped, and still do, that the proposed Anglican Covenant could help bring healing into the Communion."

Love said he is greatly troubled by rampant biblical illiteracy and the resulting ongoing struggle amongst so many to recognize the Bible as the living Word of God -- that continues to speak to us today and has authority over our lives, containing all things necessary to salvation.

He urged daily Bible reading, study and memorization and blasted those called to leadership positions in the Church who fail to recognize, or stand up and proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the Son of God incarnate, "The Way, The Truth, The Life," the ONLY ONE through whom salvation and entrance into eternal life with God the Father is possible. You can read the full story in today's digest.

Wrote a VOL reader: "Bishop Love is a loyal, orthodox Christian. He received a standing ovation after his opening address to the convention. He was absolutely clear throughout the convention on his faithfulness to the Creeds."

*****