We believe this session will be of great significance to all attendees. The key topics to be discussed include: “Apologetics in Christian Mission to Muslims,” “The Nature of Sharia,” and “Reasons Women Convert to Islam.”

Date: Saturday, 19 March 2011
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Kensington Temple
Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill Gate
London
W11 3BY

This event presents a valuable opportunity to hear from knowledgeable speakers and authors who will offer detailed insights into Islam in the UK, and discuss the impact of Islamic issues on the Church, society, and Christian missions.

Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own lunch.

We look forward to your attendance. Please feel free to invite your Christian friends and share this invitation with others who might be interested. Please note, this is an educational event and not intended for evangelistic purposes.

The post Greater Understanding of Islam appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.

Commitment to the Anglican Communion

Archbishop Ernest begins by reaffirming his dedication to the Anglican Communion and its mission. He acknowledges the efforts made by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other leaders to address the ongoing crisis and bring clarity to the Communion’s direction. However, he highlights a growing concern among the faithful in his region, who are increasingly distressed by what they perceive as TEC’s disregard for the broader Communion’s concerns and decisions.

Criticism of The Episcopal Church

The Archbishop criticizes TEC for its perceived disregard of the Communion’s collective decisions, particularly those made by the Primates. He notes that despite numerous attempts at dialogue, patience, and hope for transformation, TEC has continued to pursue actions that are seen as being in direct conflict with the teachings of the Bible and the consensus of the global Anglican community.

Archbishop Ernest specifically references TEC’s intention to proceed with the consecration of a second bishop in a same-sex relationship, a decision that has caused significant division within the Communion. He expresses disappointment that TEC seems committed to a path that ignores the concerns of the global Anglican community, stating that this course of action reflects the will of a majority within TEC rather than a commitment to the unity of the wider Church.

Suspension of Communion with TEC and ACC

In response to TEC’s actions, Archbishop Ernest declares that he feels morally obligated to suspend all forms of communication, both verbal and sacramental, with TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC). This suspension, he clarifies, does not extend to those within these churches who have distanced themselves from TEC’s theological direction, such as members of the Communion Partners group.

Call for Structural Reform

Archbishop Ernest aligns himself with Archbishops Anis and Orombi in calling for a significant overhaul of the Anglican Communion’s structures. He argues that the current structures do not reflect the demographic realities of the Communion, where over 80% of Anglicans now reside in the Global South. He supports the adoption of the Anglican Covenant as a means to restore the Communion’s focus and integrity but stresses that the credibility of the overseeing structures must also be addressed.

Demand for a Primates Meeting

Archbishop Ernest joins Archbishop Henry Orombi in calling for a Primates meeting, with the condition that the Primates of TEC and ACC are excluded. He insists that the agenda for this meeting must be set with input from the Primates, reflecting the concerns of the Global South.

A Plea for Decisive Action

In closing, Archbishop Ernest urges the Archbishop of Canterbury to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further disintegration of the Anglican Communion. He warns that failure to address the crisis could lead to even deeper chaos and division within the global Church.

The post Archbishop Ernest of the Indian Ocean Joins Anis and Orombi in Addressing the Archbishop of Canterbury appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 26, 1945, in Mwala, Machakos County, Benjamin Nzimbi grew up in a rural Kenyan setting. His early life was marked by a strong Christian upbringing, which laid the foundation for his future in ministry. Nzimbi pursued his theological education at St. Paul’s United Theological College in Limuru, Kenya, where he demonstrated a passion for pastoral work and a deep understanding of the Scriptures. He later earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the University of Nairobi, further equipping him for leadership within the Anglican Church.

Ministry and Rise to Leadership

Nzimbi’s ministry began in earnest as a parish priest, where his dedication to pastoral care and community development quickly became evident. His ability to connect with people and address their spiritual and social needs earned him respect within the Church. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including as the Bishop of Machakos from 1985 to 2002.

In 2002, Nzimbi was elected as the fourth Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya, a role that positioned him as a key leader not only within Kenya but also on the global Anglican stage. His tenure as Archbishop was marked by a strong emphasis on evangelism, church growth, and social justice.

Leadership During Turbulent Times

Archbishop Nzimbi assumed leadership at a time when the Anglican Communion was facing significant internal challenges, particularly over issues of human sexuality and church governance. He was a vocal advocate for maintaining the traditional biblical teachings on marriage and human sexuality, which aligned him with other conservative leaders in the Global South. Under his leadership, the Anglican Church of Kenya played a pivotal role in the formation of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which was established to affirm traditional Anglican orthodoxy.

Nzimbi’s stance on these issues was not without controversy, particularly in the context of the wider Anglican Communion, where debates over these matters were causing division. However, his firm commitment to upholding what he believed to be the scriptural truth won him support from many quarters, both within Kenya and across the Global South.

Contributions to Social Development

Beyond theological issues, Archbishop Nzimbi was deeply concerned with the social and economic development of Kenya. He was an advocate for education, health care, and poverty alleviation, believing that the Church had a critical role to play in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. Under his leadership, the Anglican Church of Kenya expanded its outreach programs, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, as well as providing support for orphans and vulnerable children.

Nzimbi was also instrumental in promoting peace and reconciliation in Kenya, particularly during times of political unrest. His calls for unity and dialogue during the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya were part of broader efforts by religious leaders to bring the nation together and restore peace.

Legacy and Retirement

After serving as Archbishop for eight years, Benjamin Nzimbi retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership, unwavering faith, and a commitment to the growth and integrity of the Anglican Church. His tenure as Archbishop was marked by significant church growth, both in terms of membership and the establishment of new dioceses.

Archbishop Nzimbi’s influence continues to be felt in the Anglican Church of Kenya, where his emphasis on scriptural faithfulness, social justice, and evangelism remains a guiding force for the Church’s mission. In retirement, he has continued to be an active voice in church matters and social issues, offering his wisdom and experience to the next generation of church leaders.

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi’s life and ministry are a testament to his deep commitment to the Anglican Church and its mission in Kenya and beyond. His leadership during challenging times, coupled with his dedication to social justice and evangelism, has left an indelible mark on the Church. Today, he is remembered not only as a defender of traditional Anglican values but also as a compassionate leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community and country.

The post A Profile of Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi of Kenya appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.

As a global coalition, Anglican Mainstream supports the worldwide gospel ministry of the Anglican Church and collaborates with other organizations and networks that share this mission. We believe that Christian mission and service to a hurting and needy world can only thrive when grounded in and obedient to the Word of God.

Our Network

Anglican Mainstream UK represents the network of organizations within the United Kingdom that are part of our international coalition. Members of Anglican Mainstream are committed to upholding traditional biblical teachings on marriage, family, and human sexuality.

Anglican Mainstream International

Our international coalition includes:

• Anglican Mainstream UK
• The American Anglican Council
• Anglican Communion in New Westminster
• The Essentials Federation and Network in Canada
• The Anglican Communion Institute
• Anglican Mainstream South Africa

Leadership and Governance

• Primatial Adviser: The Most Rev. Drexel Gomez

Steering Committee of Anglican Mainstream International:

• Canon David Anderson (American Anglican Council, USA)
• Bishop Wallace Benn (UK)
• Rev. Gavin Mitchell
• Dr. Philip Giddings (UK)
• Bishop Charlie Masters (Anglican Network in Canada)
• Professor Christopher Seitz (Anglican Communion Institute)
• Rev. David Short (Anglican Network in Canada)
• Canon Dr. Chris Sugden (Executive Secretary)

Anglican Mainstream Trustees:

• Dr. Philip Giddings (Oxford)
• Bishop Wallace Benn (Lewes)
• Rev. David Banting (Chelmsford)
• Rev. Paul Perkin (Southwark)
• Canon Dr. Chris Sugden (Oxford)

Anglican Mainstream UK Steering Committee:

• Dr. Philip Giddings (Convenor)
• Rev. David Banting (Chairman of Reform)
• Bishop Wallace Benn (Lewes, President of Church of England Evangelical Council)
• Prebendary Richard Bewes OBE
• Rev. Paul Perkin (New Wine Network)
• Rev. George Curry (Chairman, Church Society)
• Rev. Alyson Davie
• Rev. Nick Wynne-Jones
• The Ven. Michael Lawson (Chairman, CEEC)
• Canon Andy Lines (Crosslinks Mission Agency)
• Rev. David McCarthy (Scottish Anglican Network)
• Canon Dr. Chris Sugden (Executive Secretary)
• Rev. Dr. Richard Turnbull
• Mrs. Sarah Finch
• Rev. Dr. Will Strange (Evangelical Fellowship in the Church in Wales)

Episcopal Adviser:

• Bishop Graham Cray

Website Consultant:

• Dr. Lisa Severine Nolland

The post About Anglican Mainstream appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.

Since November 2011, the Diocese of Chichester’s Safeguarding Advisory Group, led by Chairman Keith Akerman and Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser Colin Perkins, has attempted to bring multiple complaints against me under the Clergy Discipline Measure. These efforts have now been definitively proven to be unfounded and unjustified. The decisions to dismiss these complaints were made by the Archbishop of York and the Right Honourable Lord Justice Mummery, President of Tribunals. Some complaints were dismissed on their merits, while others were rejected for being filed outside the allowable time frame, with no valid grounds for an extension.

All facts concerning my conduct that were subject to these complaints were known at the time by either the Diocesan Bishop or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, or both, and yet no issues were raised then—neither against me nor any other Diocesan official.

Comments on Media Reporting

Since the first complaint against me in November 2011, I have refrained from making any substantial public or press statements. This decision was made based on legal advice and in accordance with the Code of Practice under the Clergy Discipline Measure, which advises against media engagement during the complaint process due to the potential for speculative and misinformed coverage that could harm all parties involved, as well as the local and wider church community.

It is deeply regrettable that certain individuals with knowledge of the complaints against me chose to leak partial and inaccurate information during the formal legal proceedings. Aside from an admission by Lambeth Palace in November 2011 regarding a leak by a member of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s staff, the source of these leaks remains unidentified. Unfortunately, these leaks continued beyond November 2011, resulting in unfair media reporting, while I was unable to defend myself publicly due to legal constraints.

The impact of media coverage on the process did not go unnoticed by Lord Justice Mummery. With the process now concluded, I can share an excerpt from his decision letter dated January 29, 2013, addressed to Mr. Akerman and Mr. Perkins, in which he refused to allow most of their complaints to proceed. He emphasized the impartial nature of the judgment, stressing that it was based on a thorough consideration of all evidence and legal arguments. Lord Justice Mummery condemned the misuse of media to judge unproven and potentially unfounded allegations, noting the harm caused by this “one-sided and unjust process of trial by media.”

From my perspective, these last 18 months have indeed been characterized by an unjust media trial, affecting not only me but also, at times, my family. This media circus, orchestrated by unknown individuals seemingly uninterested in the truth or the church’s ministry, has been a distressing experience.

Comments on the Complaints

Lord Justice Mummery noted that the various applications made by the Safeguarding Advisory Group were “the most time-consuming matters brought under the Clergy Discipline Measure since its introduction.” The incoherent and complex nature of their attempts to pursue complaints against me only served to delay even the preliminary stages of the process, obscuring the fundamental lack of evidence of any misconduct on my part.

Revealing the baselessness of these complaints and the injustice of the process was a task that occupied my legal team for many hours, and I am deeply grateful to them for their dedication and success.

In a recent private letter made public by the BBC, the Bishop of Chichester acknowledged “deception and cover-up” and “ineptitude and irresponsible lack of professionalism” in the church’s handling of Reverend Roy Cotton’s case. I share in this regret. The Bishop of Chichester has publicly and in writing confirmed that his comments were not directed at me or my conduct. Despite my requests, I have never met with Mr. Akerman or the Safeguarding Advisory Group, which I believe was a missed opportunity to address their concerns directly.

The actions of clergy involved in child abuse are abhorrent to me, and I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing impact on survivors. During my tenure as Bishop of Lewes, I have consistently strived to assist the Diocese in handling safeguarding issues appropriately and have fully supported efforts to improve safeguarding practices within the Diocese.

However, these past events do not justify the attempts to scapegoat me, disregarding where the truth lies and where responsibility truly belongs.

The post Bishop Wallace Benn Cleared of All Complaints appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.

The event drew a crowd of over 200 attendees, who were treated to remarkable performances by the House of Worship and Messiah Worship Choir, alongside an orchestra. The singing, presented in both Farsi and English, was a highlight of the three-hour service. Notably, the Messiah Worship Choir, directed by Honiball Yousef, holds the distinction of being Iran’s first professional Christian choir.

The diverse congregation included Anglicans, Armenian Orthodox, Armenian Evangelical members, Assemblies of God participants, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims. Diplomatic representatives from the embassies of Egypt, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom were also in attendance. Iran’s Christian population is estimated at around 100,000, including Armenian Christians. However, the Anglican community has remained dispersed, making it difficult to ascertain their exact numbers.

Dr. Sadighati, a senior official from the office of the President, also attended the service. He spoke afterward about the respect and freedom afforded to all religious minorities in Iran, emphasizing the right to change one’s religion, acknowledging that many Christians in Iran originate from the Muslim community.

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali of Rochester, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered a sermon to the congregation, which included both Christians and Muslims. His sermon, on the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration, was initially given in Farsi and drew on Persian poetry to illustrate the divinity of Jesus in culturally familiar terms. He continued in English, saying, “The glory of God is seen in the risen Jesus and also in the glory of men and women as they are meant to be but which we have lost through sin and rebellion. Jesus said, ‘I, when I am lifted up, will draw everyone to myself.’ As those who live the risen life, we must see what we have to put off and what we have to put on. Our task is to seek such glory of Jesus. His risen life is to be found in the Bible. His risen life helps us lose what hinders life. My hope is that Bishop Azad, whose name means ‘free,’ will free you to be followers of the risen Christ and help you to know what you have to put off and what to put on to live his risen life.”

During the greetings from religious and civic leaders, Dr. Wazirie from the Council of Guidance began by honoring the great prophet Jesus Christ and His holy mother, St. Mary. He spoke warmly of religious tolerance, stating, “When everyone praises God because they are happy, they are linked with us. Anyone in suffering who asks God for help in the middle of the night is our brother. We feel great sympathy and closeness for everyone who believes in God in his heart. Those priests and bishops who are asking God for help in the middle of the night are paving the way for morality in society.” He also quoted a verse from the Quran, highlighting Christians as the closest to Muslims. Many attendees expressed hope that the daily reality would align with these words.

The Presiding Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, Mouneer Anis, remarked, “Many countries in the Middle East are places where religions and civilizations came together. They speak now of a clash of civilizations. By the grace of God, we want to return to the origin where the civilizations of this region converged for a better world and humanity.” The Archbishop of Canterbury also sent his greetings, delivered by Bishop Paul Butler of Southampton, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with government and religious leaders and expressing eagerness to work together in promoting deeper mutual understanding.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Azad stated, “My Christ did not come for only Christians; my Christ is for the whole world. With your help and cooperation, I will seek to serve both Muslims and Christians because Christ came to serve all.”

On the eve of the installation, the visiting Bishops and Archbishops paid their respects at the mausoleum-shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini, where they laid a wreath and were honored by a guard of honor. They also met with government officials. In the days following the installation, Geo TV filmed a documentary as Bishop Marshall met with government and religious leaders. The bishops and guests also visited a Jewish synagogue for evening prayers and met with the MP representing the Jewish community of approximately 25,000, whose history in Iran dates back to their exile from Jerusalem in 597 BC. Dialogue meetings were also held with clerics from the Council of Guidance and former President Ayatollah Khatami, who warmly welcomed Bishop Marshall, saying, “This is your home.”

The post Iran’s New Bishop Installed in Multilingual Ceremony appeared first on Anglican-Mainstream.