2+ week, 2+ day ago (415+ words) Our Vows and the Protection of the Flock Demand it, they say By David W. Virtue, DD Some 150 concerned laity have written an open letter to the ACNA College of Bishops saying Archbishop Steve Wood must be inhibited. "We suggest that the archbishop be inhibited until the conclusion of the trial that will determine his guilt or innocence," they argue. Vows are not small matters in the Anglican tradition, they contend. The exhortation tells clergy of our duties: As clergy in the ACNA, attending to the matter of Archbishop Wood's accusation is part of our pastoral duties and the care of our local congregations." In the Anglican tradition, an inhibition is not a statement about the guilt or innocence of the accused. According to our canons, "An Inhibition is a temporary suspension of a Bishop (including the Archbishop), a Presbyter, or…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (478+ words) By David W. Virtue, DD There are two conflicting views emerging among ACNA bishops over Archbishop Steve Wood and how he should be treated, and whether or not he should be inhibited as he faces presentment charges related to alleged sexual misconduct, plagiarism and abuse. Warner is too disingenuous by half. Both he and Bishop Chip Edgar (DSC) were approached by complainants in the Wood matter but they did not back a presentment. Warner is on record stating that he was one of four bishops that complainants approached six months ago regarding Archbishop Wood: they did contact bishops before going to the media. Warner is treating us like we are dupes and suckers. He is treating us with contempt, one knowledgeable insider told VOL. By contrast, South Carolina ACNA Bishop Chip Edgar has called for the inhibition of the ACNA archbishop....

1+ day, 24+ min ago (720+ words) By David W. Virtue, DD An exclusive interview with the Rev. Jerry Kramer of Love for the Least, a global mission to Muslims in the Middle East and East Africa. He and his wife Stacy have been actively serving as missionaries for more than 25 years. They were briefly in the US before returning overseas, where I had an opportunity to interview him. VOL: In the U.S., only one percent of churches is doing evangelism, according to Ryan Burge and other demographers. Is this the beginning of the end if churches are not actively evangelistic? VOL: Traditional missionary methods have seemingly failed, with increasing talk of interfaith dialogue and accommodation with other faith and religious traditions. In your opinion, why did traditional missionary methods fail? VOL: Your work is mainly in Iraq, Iran, and Tanzania. First, tell us about your work in Tanzania....

3+ week, 4+ day ago (1539+ words) To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of South Carolina With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: "You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, "and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes," and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart," and turn for me to heal them.' " Matthew 13:14-15 "Nothing in the world is harder than speaking the truth and nothing easier than flattery." --- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment Let me begin by saying that I love the Lord and I love his church and I love the Anglican Church in North America and I wish her the best and pray for her and her leaders every day....

3+ week, 2+ day ago (906+ words) By David W. Virtue, DD A second sexual harassment complaint has emerged against ACNA Archbishop Stephen Wood, just weeks after reports of a first allegation erupted, leaving clergy and parishioners stunned nationwide that he was elected with knowledge by the bishops of this and other charges against him. The Washington Post which broke the first story reported the new complaint, submitted anonymously to the church Nov. 6 by "Jane Doe 1." It accuses Wood of misconduct and sexual harassment, alleging that he pressured her to drink alcohol alone with him despite her expressing discomfort, The statement does not identify the location or time period when the alleged actions occurred, the newspaper reported. Wood who faces presentment charges, is on voluntary paid leave of absence as archbishop and bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas until proceedings against him reach a conclusion.Wood also…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (835+ words) By David W. Virtue DD An insider told Virtueonline that the situation in ACNA is worse than we all know. I suspect he is right. This week ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood stepped back from his job as archbishop, his bishopric and his pastoral charge. It was needed and necessary. Wood's alleged behaviors have shattered the myth of righteous moral superiority that ACNA claimed ere it departed from The Episcopal Church over that church's acceptance of homosexuality. That day is done. The canonical cover ups that have followed with bishops covering for each other and Wood are indefensible. Whipping JAFC Bishop Derek Jones over abuse of power issues rings hollow when similar charges are laid at the feet of Archbishop Wood. If Jones' hands are not clean, neither are Archbishop Wood's. Pot and kettle come to mind. And then there are the…...