Newry: Day Three of the Primates Meeting [no news is... no news]

Main Entry: pri'mate
Pronunciation: *pr*-*m*t or esp for 1 -m*t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English primat, from Old French, from Medieval Latin primat-, primas archbishop, from Latin, leader, from primus
Date: 13th century

1 often capitalized : a bishop who has precedence in a province, group of provinces, or a nation
2 archaic : one first in authority or rank : LEADER
3 [New Latin Primates, from Latin, plural of primat-, primas] : any of an order (Primates) of mammals comprising humans, apes, monkeys, and related forms (as lemurs and tarsiers)
-pri'mate-ship \-*ship\ noun
--pri-ma'tial \pr*-*m*-sh*l\ adjective

Dear friends,

It is day three and tensions are rising dramatically among the media and those organizations here waiting for the news.

There is a total lockdown on information at the Dromantine Center. Cell phones are not being answered, there are no news leaks to report.

There were two major sessions both relating to the Windsor Report today. Based on what I saw Sunday at the cathedral in Armagh the primates are clearly on a trajectory. The joy and determination of the orthodox primates was evident, and the bewilderment of the liberals was also clearly evident.

What it means, at one level, is that the Primates control the agenda and not the Anglican Communion Office. This in itself is news. The spin doctors at the ACC no longer run the show.

At another level it is still too soon to say what the outcome will be. Speculation is not helpful at this point.

There will be a formal press conference on Friday at the Dromantine Center, the time yet to be determined, but anything could happen before then.

A communique will be prepared by a group of Primates - a mix of liberal and conservative, and I will release that immediately.

Tomorrow, Thursday, might see things come to a head. If it does I will report it to you all immediately.

Pray for the Primates, pray for those of us that we have the patience to wait. The Anglican communion hangs in the balance.

In Christ,

David W. Virtue

[LOL: "It is day three and tensions are rising dramatically...
among the media and those organizations here waiting for the news."
Be patient, and pray...--sionnsar]

NEWRY, Northern Ireland (2/24/205)--The Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Church of Canada could face suspension from the Anglican Communion, 35 Primates have decided in closed door meetings at the Dromantine center a secluded Roman Catholic retreat house.

Disciplinary action has been taken, and the two provinces' membership is under review following their actions over gay ordinations and same sex blessings.

After three days of open, honest and very frank discussion by the Primates, VirtueOnline was told that the Primates had "reached a conclusion."

Both provinces could face suspension at the end of three months if they fail to implement the recommendations of the Windsor Report.

If they do not repent of their actions for consecrating an openly homosexual priest to the episcopacy, agree to a moratorium on consecrating future gay clergy and performing same sex rites, a "divorce" will be finalized by the end of May.

Furthermore, ECUSA Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold has been banned from attending any future Primatial meetings unless the Episcopal Church agrees to accept the Windsor Report recommendations.

Sources inside the Dromantine Center told VirtueOnline that the Anglican Consultative Council has been told that they cannot invite Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to any future gatherings if the status quo remains.

VirtueOnline can also confirm that Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan leader of the Anglican Communion Network is in the area and he and the American Anglican Council will be hosting a dinner for the majority of the Primates at the end of their historic, epoch-making conference.

A number of the Primates have been fasting at the Dromantine Center, and last night, following the decision by the Primates, one primate was heard to say, "I shall now take my first meal."

While Presiding Bishop Griswold was allowed to preach at the Belfast cathedral last Sunday, Presiding Bishop Greg Venables of the Southern Cone was refused permission by the Archbishop of Armagh, Robin Eames to preach in a large evangelical parish.

Earlier in the week the orthodox primates of the Anglican Communion had refused to share in a common Eucharist with those whom they believe have abandoned apostolic faith and practice.

A formal communiqué with more recommendations will be presented to the media Friday, 5.30pm here in Newry.

For more stories about this history making conference go to www.virtueonline.org.

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