VA: "The Great Decision"

Truro Church ^ | 12/03/2006 | Martyn Minns

[rabscuttle385]

"We are not living in a world where all roads are radii of a circle and where all, if followed long enough, will therefore draw gradually nearer and finally meet at the centre: rather, in a world where every road, after a few miles, forks into two, and each of those into two again, and at each fork you must make a decision." This is an opening line from The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.

Making decisions is hard for most of us. Sometimes we freeze when confronted with difficult choices especially when we recognize that the consequences will be long lasting. We pray, we search the Scriptures, we make lists, we weigh the pluses and minuses, we talk to friends, we pray some more, but finally we have to decide.

One of the great moments of decision was the time when Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Horeb. He asks that classic question: "'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people said nothing." (1 Kings 18:21)

We are now confronted with a decision. As announced several weeks ago, Truro's Vestry prayerfully has come to a unanimous decision: they trust that God has led them to recommend that Truro Church separate from The Episcopal Church and align with another branch of the Anglican Communion--specifically as part of an Anglican District of Virginia under CANA.

Next week you will get the opportunity to decide whether to accept or reject their recommendation. It is the moment of decision--don't freeze and don't be afraid. God is already ahead of us and a new day is dawning.

Your brother in Christ, Martyn

[rabscuttle385]

ping?

[CharlesWayneCT]

Nice. Short, to the point.

[CharlesWayneCT]

I especially like this paragraph, not from the above letter but from the letter the church wrote in response to Bishop Lee who was threatening the church with civil action:

Notably, your letter contains more than 15 references to constitutional and canonical provisions, by which you seek to intimidate and control our vestries and congregations. By contrast, your letter contains no reference whatsoever to the Bible, which is the true and foundational basis for our existence as part of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote that “[a]ll Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

I'm not Episcopalian, but I have attended Truro once or twice, and I am following these events with interest and prayer.

[sionnsar]

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[LibreOuMort]

People often assume that every Episcopalian has agreed with the decisions and actions of church leaders (Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Lay Delegates). Nothing could be further from the truth. There is (and always has been) a faithful remnant in that church, that has been praying, fasting and clinging to hope that the Lord would turn the hearts of the apostates and cause them to repent and return to Him. Unfortunately, their hearts have been hardened, just as in the days of Pharaoh. Persistance in rebellion (which is likened to the spirit of witchcraft) causes the heart to be deafened to the voice of God's Holy Spirit.

Please pray for the courageous priests, bishops, deacons and vestries who are meeting to decide their affiliation. Please pray that those who are leading the Lord's sheep astray in The Episcopal Church would have their hearts broken by God. Only then can true healing begin.