On Palm Sunday and on through Holy Week, Christians around the world will hear The Passion Gospel, including the sham trials used to convict and execute Jesus. These were conducted by both religious and civil authorities, who ignored some of their own rules in order to get their desired results.In U.S. news this week, bishops of what was once a church but is now the Episcopal Organization began procedures to inflict penalties on other bishops who stand for the Gospel of Christ. Only problem: the EO ignored its own Canon Law and held a kangaroo court. Like the Sanhedrin, which tried Jesus at night and without the presence of some key members who believed in him, the EO bishops voted without the legally required number of members present in order to attack those who stand up for God's Word in the church.
I suggest you look at Brad Drell's site, here, here, and here. Brad is an attorney, a Deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and a participant in Reconciliation Seminars in the Diocese of Western Louisiana. This is a guy who has worked hard for and within the Episcopal Church. If he sees these "legal" actions as corrupt, that's saying something.
At this writing, I do not know if Bishop Robertson of South Dakota took part in these votes. The voting took place after a number of bishops had flown home. However, his published calendar (pdf file - scroll down to p. 2) included the House of Bishops meeting.
Please pray for God's strength and support for the bishops who are under attack, William Cox, John-David Schofield, Edward MacBurney and Robert Duncan.
- The EO also decided to stop sending needed funds to overseas missionaries, and continues to spend large sums (at least a million dollars and probably much more) to sue clergy and congregations which dissent from EO's rejection of the Biblical message of Christ.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
And please, please pray for persecuted Christians around the world.
- I ask you prayers for Bishop Ijaz Inayat and Christians in Pakistan, especially for their safety. For the repose of the soul of Zahid Masih, recently hanged by a military court, and for his grieving family. Our brothers and sisters in Christ also ask our prayers for the judicial system there.
- I encourage you to visit the The Barnabas Fund and use their prayer resources. Consider sharing information in your church to build understanding that Christians are the most frequently persecuted group worldwide.
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13:3
2 comments:
Northern Plains:
Well said. Interesting what behaviors, attitudes and actions we begin to employ once Christ is sidelined for our own agenda.
Great reflection of them - sober reminder for ourselves.
Thanks.
Thanks for requests for prayers for persecuted Christians, especially those in Pakistan. Two in the Masih family have been targeted in the past 5 weeks, which raises concern for the safety of Anglican Bishop Ijaz Inayat Masih, frequent commenter at the Global South Anglican blog.
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