New Archbishop of Canterbury

[FuzzyPuffling]

The appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury has been announced today.

What do we think?

I hope it's a fresh beginning after all the mess of the past few years, and as an ex nurse, I hope she's got her head screwed on, snd a feeling for people. I'm glad it's a woman though. Apart from that, I don't know a massive amount about her.

I need to say something here because I have to at least try, even if others don't agree.

I do not understand why any Christian would support an archbishop who is pro same sex blessings and pro-choice. This is simply not Biblical. (Not even including the fact that she is female) Anyone in the CoE who believes this is going astray from God's plan for humanity and is supporting what God hates. I do not want to stand in front of the living God and say I support gay marriage. I don't want to stand in front of Him and say I supported killing the unborn 'because reasons'. Have you lost sight of the Almighty? Do you believe in a different God from the one I believe in?

What is it that convinces you that it's a good thing to have this appointment? You described her as 'sensible and kind' - all well and good in a nursing career, but we need far more than that. We need iron strength to get the CoE back to traditional values, like the ones GAFCON support. We have to be so careful not to let wrong teachings seep into our beliefs, things outside those in the Bible. I just can't stand by and say nothing.

I appreciate your comment @GentleSheep

There are many things I can say in response but I won't. I will, however, say that nobody can claim to have the monopoly on interpretation of the Bible. Just because people don't agree with your interpretation doesn't mean they're in apostasy. If they said they aren't interested in the Bible or don't believe it, or choose not to believe certain parts then that would be apostasy. There are people I strongly disagree with on elements of scripture but I can see that they are interpreting it differently from me and wouldn't accuse them of apostasy.

But those things I mentioned are clearly outlined in the Bible. It's not a matter of interpretation. You're entitled to your beliefs of course.

Cheers!

I'm sure you understand that different people can believe the Bible but still come to a different conclusion when looking at what the Bible says about something? Hence different views on women, different views on Israel, different views on all sorts.

I'm not here to engage in debate. I prefer to focus on things we have in common and that unite us rather than divide us. Key people in the new testament disagreed on things but they were supposed to be at peace with one another.

Depends what the 'something' is. Is it headcovering for women in church? Then sure, I can respect differing stances on that. Is it gay relationships? Then no, I cannot accept that as a Biblical view. Differing views on Israel - not really as some of those views would mean God has changed his mind and gone back on his Covenant with Israel.

I think debate is important. I do think this part of the forum does not appear to like debate at all and prefers we all just 'get along' because we are all Christians. I would be interested in the Scriptures relating to things disagreed on in the NT if only for my own education, if you are willing to do that.

See, this is where I would say you're sticking to one interpretation and I have heard other people give very good explanations of a differing view. I'm saying this without actually stating my views on any of them. I'm able to listen to two people with different views on any of those things and accept that they're both trying to understand things Biblically.

Again, nobody has the monopoly on this. Thankfully it's not up to us to judge, but to love and live at peace with people. So let's focus on what we have in common.

To comment on the idea of debate, I disagree. Ironically 😂

I would hope that a Christian corner of MN could be a safe place where we can operate without needing to debate because the things we have in common are bigger.

I know that some people in the church we go to have different views from me on various things. I'm not going to bring those things up because I think that's divisive.

Wouldn't it be lovely for any passing non Christians who pop in to this part of MN find a sense of welcome and love without judgement? Or without pointing the finger that some people aren't as sound as others?

Even if some people do disagree, it's up to the holy spirit to convict them, me, you, all of us and to bring us into all truth. Wouldn't we be foolish to think we had already reached that and anyone disagreeing just doesn't have the biblical beliefs we do?

Gentle Shep I don’t know if you have read the thread on homosexuality. I attend an Anglican church as a non demontional and believe we are all followers of Christ those who are in his true church.

I wrote in that thread research that is found in the Bible. Tbh when I wrote it I didn’t know what is happening so much with blessings or weddings in church’s. It seems they are debating the word maloki now.

Regards your reply to me-Of course there are false ministers out there, but I take comfort that the true church will never be destroyed by Satan. I also like that Jesus said that we need to keep our first passion for the faith and I think some people can oversee that;

I agree with ChristmasStars here.
I know we have differences, but what connects us should be way stronger than what divides us.

I'd hate to think that someone ( a new, or questioning Christian) would read this board and find squabbling and dissent, rather than the message of Jesus, which is love.

I certainly haven't reached the pinnacle of truth; far, far from it. I am learning more every day. Thankfully I've a church that does expositional preaching which is very detailed, going into the Word, which we then discuss as a group afterwards. I find I learn far more that way than from the many years listening to 'fluff' sermons elsewhere that taught me very little.

Wouldn't it be lovely for any passing non Christians who pop in to this part of MN find a sense of welcome and love without judgement? Or without pointing the finger that some people aren't as sound as others?

The problem with the latter part of that view is that people do need to learn sound doctrine. Without a proper basis you are just on shifting sands and open to any passing new (and probably un-Biblical) trend, such as the Prosperity gospel. I don't think any non-Christian coming here would be judged, I've seen some show up wanting to go to Church, for example, but not sure which one. People have made various suggestions as they see fit. I have never waded into one of those threads judgmentally, I don't think that would help the person enquiring.

I just feel I must speak up sometimes or else I don't care about the fate of my fellow believers. I don't want anyone to be lost! My intentions are good, even if I don't word things well.

About debating Jesus himself loved to debate at the Temple with Paul. There are many parts of his ministry. It is just not above love. People wio have been Christians a while to can have problems, although love is essential as well.
For Jesus supporting those who are on the edges due to adverse conditions and supporting them in their plight is good to and that is not always pretty to read.
I think this needs to be safe of course but show some reality here and there as well.

This is the church's five missions for most church's I would think. I have attached what I picked up from church. We are to support others freely with this and more if we can..

The Five Missions of the Church

1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

2. To reach baptise and nurture new believers

3. To respond to human need by loving service

4. To seek to perform unjust structures of society to challenge violence of every kind amd to persue peace and reconcilation

5. To strive to safeguarding integrity of creation and to sustain and renew the life of the earth.

I have attached this-

@GentleSheep I too have spent most of my Christian life in churches with expositional preaching. I still believe we don't all come to the same conclusions. I don't believe believers will be lost because they didn't get their doctrine quite right, thankfully or we would all be lost!

I read Romans 5 yesterday - so beautiful, about salvation by faith in Jesus and his death for us. That's what unites us and it's really beautiful.

About debating Jesus himself loved to debate at the Temple with Paul
@Justmerach I wonder if you meant to type something else here. Jesus and Paul didn't meet during Jesus' earthly life, from what we see in the Bible. Unless I'm missing something?

Thank you.

I’ve run nationally funded Christian discussion boards aimed at enquirers that had to be shut down because Christians just came along and fought bitterly over doctrine. It was a very poor look.

I haven't seen that happening here and I'm not about to do it either, but I would say that this thread started with the enquiry as to what do we think about Sarah Mullally's appointment, so I thought I could actually speak freely here on that subject.

That's such a shame.

Hi ChristmasStars
Yes, it does sound a bit strange now you pointed that out. No, they didn't meet. However debate was a feature I believe of the Temple and syngagogue which they attended at some points. I think it is quite well known that they did this. Jesus himself when he was 12 or around went to speak to the elders to teach them something new.

I like these documents. I think I read it from somewhere in them.
https://stanthonyshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Temple-Ministry.pdf

https://stanthonyshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Temple-and-New-Testament.pdf

https://stanthonyshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/From-Tent-to-Temple.pdf

It’s a free country but calling the C of E apostate because we have finally broken the stained glass ceiling and appointed a woman ABC is pretty strong. From what I can see you go to a church that does not ordain women. You are not part of the C of E which is your choice. Many people do find conservative faith an important part of their faith journey. However, this part of MN is Christian MN and not Conservative Christian MN. Maybe talk to the moderators if you think that the name should change.

I’m a woman who has been involved in mission for over 20 years and ordained for 14 of them. I have post graduate degrees in theology and wrestle every week with scripture for the Sunday service. If you genuinely think I’m apostate for not being conservative then that is sad but thankfully Jesus does still love me and I can get on with the work of the kingdom in the place where the bishop, also woman, has given me the cure of souls.

Blessings.

That's really sad.

And I'd be very, very glad if you were my Vicar.

I agree with you @GentleSheep and was going to leave it with my observation upthread 'don't be surprised when a 'church' leaves God that God leaves that church'. Well done for voicing your thoughts.

It saddens me that some teachers and preachers tickle ears to fit in with a modern narrative. As will we all, they will answer to Him. God is Alpha and Omega: as He was in the beginning, He is at the end - unchanging. Folk want to make God in their image to fit in with their 'modern' world view. That is not who God is.

When going down rabbit holes of looking at the new ABC, I came across the link below and, for me, it says it all. "... Generations of Christians have faced the challenge of making the gospel relevant within their cultural settings. The danger we all face, ... is that we produce 'a god' in our own likeness or in the likeness of the culture in which we find ourselves. ..."

"... We all come to the gospel in our brokenness, with an attachment to things, self-centeredness, addictions, fears and pride. We all need a saviour in every area of our lives, including our sexuality. We all live with pain. The radical inclusiveness of the gospel means we are all welcomed. In a wonderful grace-filled process we find repentance and forgiveness and Christ commits himself through the work of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation to our lives - a life-long process. ..."

"... let's remember that Jesus requires us to disagree without being disagreeable. We must listen honestly and carefully to one another, being courteous and generous. ... "

People will act according to their own conscience. We will all answer to our Maker. People who speak/write/encourage false teaching and preaching will be judged with greater scrutiny when they stand in front of the Bema Seat.

https://www.eauk.org/church/stories/the-bible-and-homosexuality.cfm

Well the chap in your article, Thegreatestoftheseislove, talks positively about Soul Survivor, the leaders of which were found to be abusive. So I think I'll pass on his opinions. And he's just trying to flog his book!

I am still looking forward in a very positive way to our new ABC.

Thanks for your support, means a lot! You've said it far more eloquently than I could. I did notice 6 people have liked my original post so that means some have agreed but not commented. I would normally avoid controversy but I'm old now and feel I must speak out sometimes.

Yes the secular world (and thus Satan) is constantly throwing temptation and deception in the paths of Christians. He likes nothing better than pulling us off the straight and narrow without us even realising!

Also @Justmerach thanks for the reminder of how Jesus loved to debate in the Temple as a young man. Debate is healthy because you have to explain and defend your position, which you can't do if you don't have a good understanding, so it does help with that, also to hear others views and Biblical stance is good.

I take your point re SS but his opinions on the authority of the Bible, I agree with - plus the quotes I included in my previous post.

I wish your ABC well. I have no axe to grind with her as a human being, but can only repeat my comments about not being surprised at God leaving any church that leaves Him. She is heading up a church that, it appears to me, tickles ears to fit in with the world. Each according to our conscience in the sure and certain knowledge we will have to account for ourselves.

I know that God loves me in all my frailty.