Founders of New Anglican-Episcopal Church Affirm Pro-Life Views on Abortion
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
June 24, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The founders of the new Anglican Church in North America, a conservative alternative to the pro-abortion Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Church of Canada, have affirmed a pro-life view on abortion in their new founding constitution.
About 800 people met in Texas on Monday and tapped Archbishop-designate Robert Duncan to be the new leader of the ACNA.
He told attendees of the founding conference that no one regrets their decision to break away from the pro-abortion mainline Protestant denomination, which has moved further to the left over the years on abortion and other political and social issues.
"There is no one here who would go back," Bishop Duncan said during a Communion service. "Though the journey took its toll, we know that we have been delivered, and have found that deliverance very sweet, indeed."
"There is a great reformation of the Christian church under way," Bishop Duncan said, according to a Washington Times report. "While much of mainline Protestantism is finding itself adrift from its moorings … there is an ever-growing stream of North American Protestantism that has re-embraced Scripture’s authority."
Part of that embrace is affirming the dignity of human life, created in God’s image.
During the new Church’s Inaugural Provincial Assembly, more than 250 ordained and lay delegates ratified the Constitution and Canons that establish the new church.
Section 4 and 5 of Canon 8 in Title II, states "God, and not man, is the creator of human life. The unjustified taking of life is sinful."
The documents also talk about extending the hand of Christian fellowship to women who have made the decision to have an abortion, and to help them find forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God.
"Therefore, from conception to natural death, all members and clergy are called to protect and respect the sanctity of every human life. The Church is called upon to show Christ-like compassion to those who have fallen into sin, encouraging them to repent and receive forgiveness, and offering the ministry of healing to all who suffer physically or emotionally as a result."
The pro-life and post-abortion words are comforting to Georgette Forney, president of Anglicans for Life who, herself, is post-abortive.
"This is an historical event. While most mainline denominations uphold the right to abortion, the ACNA has chosen to boldly proclaim the right to life," she told LifeNews.com.
"We are looking forward to helping the 700 parishes of the new ACNA establish life-affirming outreach and ministry in their local communities. Anglicans for Life has the resources these Churches will need to uphold the sanctity of life and we’re here to serve them," she said.
Related web sites:
Anglicans for Life – https://www.anglicansforlife.org
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