Primate’s Statements and TAC News

Ad Clerum: Statement from Archbishop Michael Gill on the death of Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba

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Ad Clerum

June 24th 2021 Number 04/21

Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba

Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba1

“Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. Amen”

Today, we have lost a faithful and loyal soldier of Christ, our dear brother, Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba, Bishop Ordinary for the Traditional Anglican Church in Zambia. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his clergy, and all the faithful people of the Traditional Anglican Church in Zambia.

Bishop Andrew succumbed to Covid-19, and his death will be felt throughout the Traditional Anglican Church both in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

Bishop Andrew was one of the founding clergy of the CACZ (The Continuing Anglican Church in Zambia) founded by Fr Pierre Dil. He and Fr Dil worked together to establish the Makeni Ecumenical Centre in Lusaka, an institution that flourishes to this day.

Bishop Andrew’s leadership was recognised by the Traditional Anglican Church College of Bishops, and he was consecrated a Bishop in the Church of God in 2015. Under his leadership the church has grown steadily.

Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba2

Bishop Andrew at his Consecration in Lusaka 2015. He is flanked by Canon Martin Magoleng of South Africa and Bishop Wellington Murinda of Zimbabwe. [Canon Magoleng succumbed to Covid-19 in January 2021]

As a member of the Traditional Anglican Church College of Bishops, Bishop Andrew played a part in the development of the Traditional Anglican Communion (A federation of national churches) into a single, unified global church, The Traditional Anglican Church. His calm demeanour and quiet wisdom made him a valued member of the College of Bishops, and he did much to enhance the role of Africa in the global church and further the work of the Gospel in Africa.

Bishop Andrew was a dedicated Christian, a man of prayer and sound knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a man of the Eucharist, and led his people into a strong faith and an understanding of the need for Jesus to be central in their lives.

Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba3

Bishop Andrew celebrates the Holy Eucharist together with Bishop Wellington Murinda, Bishop Stephen Strawn, Archbishop Michael Gill, Archbishop Shane Janzen (Primate of the Traditional Anglican Church) and Canon Martin Magoleng.

The Church of God is forever moving forward. It is built on the foundation of the Apostles, Prophets and Saints, and is continually built up by the faithful in every generation. Our brother, Bishop Andrew is with the Lord – may His holy Name be praised – but he has left us a strong legacy, one on which we will need to build in our time. We ask our Lord, in all humility, to use us to His glory, as He has used our brother in Christ, Bishop Andrew.

Well done thou good and faithful servant!

Archbishop Michael Gill
Traditional Anglican Church – Africa

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Primate’s Statement on the Death of Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba

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Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba

Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba (d. 23 June 2021)

As Primate of the Traditional Anglican Church (TAC), it is with profound sadness that I announce the death of our dear brother in Christ, Bishop Andrew Mukuyamba of Zambia. Bishop Andrew contracted Covid-19 a little over a week ago and died in hospital a few hours ago.

His passing is a tremendous loss to the clergy and people of the TAC Diocese of Zambia, and indeed to us all across the Traditional Anglican Church. Our prayers go out to his family, to Archbishop Michael Gill, and to all of his clergy and flock, whom he shepherded with Christian love, devotion and care.

I had the privilege of traveling to Zambia for his Consecration in October 2015 as one of his Co-Consecrators, along with our late brother, Bishop Stephen Strawn, and Archbishop Michael Gill. It is a memory and moment I will long treasure. Those who got to meet him and come to know him will recall a man of great warmth, piety, scholarship, and humility. Bishop Andrew was a truly faithful Christian, a steadfast Bishop, a devoted Father in God.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

+Shane

Archbishop Shane B. Janzen, OSG, DD
Primate of the Traditional Anglican Church

Primate’s Statement on the Death of Bishop Stephen Strawn

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Bishop Stephen Strawn (1958-2021)

The Right Reverend Stephen D. Strawn, AS, BS, STB, DD
II Bishop of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley
(1958-2021)

It is with great sadness that I issue out this statement on the death of our beloved brother in Christ, Bishop Stephen Strawn, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley – a brother Bishop and dear friend.

Bishop Strawn died at home on Thursday, April 29. He was 63 and had been undergoing treatment in the last couple of years for cancer.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Annette, their four daughters, Angelique, Christine, Tiffany, and Miranda; their grandchildren, and all his family.  Our prayers go out as well to the clergy and people of Saint John’s Cathedral in Quincy, Illinois; and to all in the Diocese of the Missouri Valley and the Anglican Church in America. His passing is a great loss to the Traditional Anglican Church around the world, to the Diocese which he served so faithfully these many years, and to all who were touched by his life and ministry.

Bishop Strawn was born on January 22, 1958 in Dallas, Texas. Following graduation from Bryan Adams High School (1976), he earned his Associate in Science Degree from Trinity Valley Community College (1989). He went on to study psychology (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology) at the University of Texas at Tyler (1990). On May 30, 1981 he married Annette (nee Monier); this year they would have celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary. Shortly after they married, Stephen and Annette moved to Malakoff, Texas where they raised their family.

After a cancer diagnosis in his 20s and a complete recovery which doctors deemed miraculous, Bishop Strawn dedicated his life to God. He studied theology at the Anglican School of Theology, earning a Bachelor in Sacred Theology. He was ordained a Deacon on January 29, 1993 by Rt. Rev. William Millsaps; and ordained Priest by the Most Rev. Louis Falk on August 25, 1993. On October 13, 2007, he was consecrated Bishop and Coadjutor of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley, and became Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese on January 1, 2008 – the second bishop of that Diocese following Archbishop Louis Falk. In 2018, Bishop Strawn was granted an honourary degree of Doctor of Divinity by Saint Bede’s Anglican Catholic Theological College, for his contributions to the unity of the Church and for his promotion and leadership in theological scholarship through the College.

Bishop Stephen Strawn was a faithful Christian, a devout Anglican, a dedicated and conscientious Bishop, loving husband, father, grandfather, a caring friend.  He will be sorely missed.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy Lord.

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord;
And may light perpetual shine upon him.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
Amen.

Primate’s Statement on the Death of Bishop Stephen Strawn (pdf)

Primate’s Easter Message 2021 | Mensaje del Primado para la Pascua 2021

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Primate’s Easter Message 2021

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Perhaps at this time, more than ever, we need to hear again the joyful proclamation that Jesus Christ is Risen! Another Passiontide and Easter are celebrated in what has become a year-long global Covid-19 pandemic. Many are still struggling with this virus; many are still living in isolation, anxiety, and loss. In the midst of these challenging times of sickness and social isolation, the Risen Lord cries out to us: “Peace be with you!”

Easter is the season of Christian joy, of renewal and rebirth. Easter brings to us the beauty of God’s creation in springtime, and with it the beauty of new life. But most important of all, Easter brings the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ and the promise of everlasting life. Armed with our Christian faith, sustained by the good news of the Resurrection, we go forward with hope and joy – even as we face the realities of the world around us.

Regardless of what may happen in our world, or in our lives, we know Christ lives. He has told us not to be anxious or afraid – He has overcome the world. In His abiding presence we need not fear what the future may hold; we need not fear the impact of sickness and disease as people without hope; we need not fear the power of the enemy. As Christians, we walk with the risen Lord each day; we know the power of His presence in our lives: transforming, healing, forgiving, loving, empowering. In the conditions of our present world, in the face of an ongoing global pandemic, sectarian violence, and an ever-increasing secularization, it is important that we live as people of faith, abounding in the love of Christ, and ever ready to give a reason for our hope.

As Christians we know that the battlefield on which we overcome the world is not in the great and dramatic but in the battlefield of ordinary daily living. It is in day-to-day living that Christian faith wins or loses; it is in day-to-day living that the crown of Christian character is gained or lost. And it is in our day-to-day living as Christians amidst our world that we are given opportunities to extend the invitation to faith in the Risen Christ, to show the true face of love, and to fulfill the Great Commandment of Christ to evangelize the world in His Name.

Let it be then our responsibility this Eastertide to bear witness to the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ. Let the battlefield of daily living be for us a place of victory, through faith in the One who loves us, and who died and rose again for our salvation. Our Lord said to His frightened, disheartened disciples: “Shalom” – ‘Peace be with you’. And so He says to each of His disciples today: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In the faith of Christ Crucified and Risen, let us reach out to a fallen world in the love and peace of the Lord this Eastertide.

May all our Bishops, Clergy and People across the Traditional Anglican Church be blessed this Easter Season with a faith renewed, with God’s healing grace, and abiding hope in the promises of our Saviour. May I extend to you all my blessing and prayers for a joyous Eastertide.

+Shane

Mensaje del Primado para la Pascua 2021

¡Aleluya! ¡Cristo ha resucitado!
¡Él ha resucitado! ¡Aleluya!

Quizás en este momento, más que nunca, necesitamos escuchar nuevamente la alegre proclamación de que ¡Jesucristo ha resucitado! Se celebran otra Pasión y Pascua en lo que se ha convertido en una pandemia mundial de Covid-19 de un año de duración. Muchos todavía luchan contra este virus; muchos todavía viven en aislamiento, ansiedad y pérdida. En medio de estos tiempos difíciles de enfermedad y aislamiento social, el Señor Resucitado nos grita: “¡La paz sea con ustedes!”

La Pascua es el tiempo de la alegría cristiana, de renovación y renacimiento. La Pascua nos trae la belleza de la creación de Dios en primavera y con ella la belleza de una nueva vida. Pero lo más importante de todo, la Pascua trae las buenas nuevas de nuestra salvación en Jesucristo y la promesa de vida eterna. Armados con nuestra fe cristiana, sostenidos por las buenas nuevas de la Resurrección, avanzamos con esperanza y alegría, incluso mientras enfrentamos las realidades del mundo que nos rodea.

Independientemente de lo que pueda suceder en nuestro mundo o en nuestras vidas, sabemos que Cristo vive. Nos ha dicho que no tengamos ansiedad ni que tengamos miedo: ha vencido al mundo. En Su presencia permanente no debemos temer lo que nos depare el futuro; no debemos temer el impacto de la enfermedad y las dolencias como personas sin esperanza; no debemos temer el poder del enemigo. Como cristianos, caminamos con el Señor resucitado cada día; conocemos el poder de Su presencia en nuestras vidas: transformador, sanador, perdonador, amoroso, empoderador. En las condiciones de nuestro mundo actual, frente a una pandemia global en curso, violencia sectaria y una secularización cada vez mayor, es importante que vivamos como personas de fe, abundantes en el amor de Cristo y siempre dispuestos a dar una razón de nuestra esperanza.

Como cristianos, sabemos que el campo de batalla en el que vencemos al mundo no es el grande y dramático, sino el campo de batalla de la vida diaria ordinaria. Es en la vida cotidiana donde la fe cristiana gana o pierde; es en la vida cotidiana donde se gana o se pierde la corona del carácter cristiano. Y es en nuestro día a día como cristianos en medio de nuestro mundo que se nos brindan oportunidades para extender la invitación a la fe en Cristo Resucitado, para mostrar el verdadero rostro del amor y para cumplir el Gran Mandamiento de Cristo de evangelizar al mundo en Su Nombre.

Que sea entonces nuestra responsabilidad esta Pascua a dar testimonio de la verdad de la salvación en Jesucristo. Que el campo de batalla de la vida diaria sea para nosotros un lugar de victoria, a través de la fe en Aquel que nos ama, y que murió y resucitó para nuestra salvación. Nuestro Señor dijo a sus asustados y desanimados discípulos: “Shalom” – “La paz sea con ustedes”. Por eso les dice hoy a cada uno de sus discípulos: “La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy; no como el mundo la da, yo os la doy. No se turbe vuestro corazón, ni tenga miedo ”. En la fe de Cristo crucificado y resucitado, alcancemos a un caído mundo en el amor y la paz del Señor en esta Pascua.

Que todos nuestros obispos, clérigos y laicado de la Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional sean bendecidos en esta temporada de Pascua con una fe renovada, con la gracia sanadora de Dios y una esperanza constante en las promesas de nuestro Salvador. Permítanme extenderles a todos ustedes mi bendición y mis oraciones por una feliz Pascua.

+Shane

Primate’s Christmas Message 2020 | Mensaje de Navidad del Primado para 2020

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Primate’s Christmas Message 2020

Fear not; for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy;
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord.

As 2020 draws to its close, we all could use ‘good tidings of great joy’. This Christmas many throughout the world are only able to worship the newborn Saviour from places of isolation, apart from family and friends, apart from their places of worship and the fellowship of their fellow Christians. Yet the grace of God remains present and true. His Word still rings out across the miles in the hearts and souls of billions seeking again the light of the Christmas Star, and the comforting message of the Christmas Angel.

The young couple that made their way to Bethlehem those many centuries ago, were also away from family and friends. Their journey was done in compliance with the decree of Caesar. For many of us, government orders require us to shelter in place this Christmas. Our journey to Bethlehem, like that of Mary and Joseph, is one of faith.

In the harsh realities of their time, the Holy Family sought for the will of God; in obedience to the message of the Angel, the Blessed Virgin Mary said ‘yes’ to God, and bore in her womb the Saviour of the world. Caesar’s decree was troubling, coming so close to the time Mary was to give birth to her divine Son. Yet, even in this, the will of God was unfolding as decreed. The Saviour would be born as prophesied in the City of David. Isolated, anxious, wondering what was to happen, Mary gave birth to the Christ Child in an isolated stable amidst the humble creatures of God. The Creator Word born amidst His creation; come to redeem humanity from sin and death.

Many are anxious and troubled about the impact of the global pandemic this Christmas. ‘Together apart’ has become part of our lexicon. But God has not abandoned His people. The Giver of life, wisdom, and knowledge has enabled the gift of a vaccine, offering hope. People everywhere have examined what is important in their lives; and, in the face of fear and anxiety, have reached out with faith and love, making sacrifices for the wellbeing of others. Such is the heart of the Christmas message. The Gift of Love from the God who is love. The Child, born a King yet destined to die and rise again, the Saviour of the world; offering the ultimate sacrifice so that all who believe on His Name may have everlasting life.

This is what we celebrate once more this Christmas Season. We celebrate the Word-made-flesh who dwelt among us, whether we celebrate in the isolation of our room, in the midst of our family apart, or in the splendor of God’s creation. For Christ lives! The message of the Christmas Angel endures! The love of God penetrates the darkness of our world, the struggles of our times. Hope overcomes despair; faith overcomes doubt; and love casts out fear. As Christians, let us take time this Christmas Season to share with others these glad tidings of great joy. The Saviour is born! Life, love and hope endure.

May I extend to you all my prayer for a blessed and joyous Christmas, as we welcome our Saviour King once more into our homes and our hearts.

+Shane

Mensaje de Navidad del Primado para 2020

No temáis; porque he aquí, os traigo buenas nuevas de gran gozo;
que serán para todo el pueblo. Porque os ha nacido hoy,
en la ciudad de David, un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor.

A medida que 2020 llega a su fin, a todos nos vendría bien “buenas nuevas de gran gozo”. En esta Navidad, muchos en todo el mundo solo pueden adorar al Salvador recién nacido desde lugares de aislamiento, separados de familiares y amigos, separados de sus lugares de culto y de la comunión de sus hermanos cristianos. Sin embargo, la gracia de Dios permanece presente y verdadera. Su Verbo aún resuena a lo largo de los kilómetros en los corazones y las almas de miles de millones que buscan nuevamente la luz de la Estrella de Navidad y el mensaje reconfortante del Ángel de Navidad.

La joven pareja que se dirigió a Belén hace muchos siglos, también estaba lejos de familiares y amigos. Su viaje se realizó de conformidad con el decreto de César. Para muchos de nosotros, las órdenes del gobierno nos obligan a refugiarnos en el lugar esta Navidad. Nuestro viaje a Belén, como el de María y José, es de fe.

En las duras realidades de su tiempo, la Sagrada Familia buscó la voluntad de Dios; en obediencia al mensaje del ángel, la Santísima Virgen María dijo “sí” a Dios, y llevó en su seno al Salvador del mundo. El decreto de César fue preocupante, ya que se acercaba tanto al momento en que María iba a dar a luz a su divino Hijo. Sin embargo, incluso en esto, la voluntad de Dios se estaba desarrollando según lo decretado. El Salvador nacería como se profetizó en la Ciudad de David. Aislada, ansiosa, preguntándose qué iba a suceder, María dio a luz al Niño Jesús en un establo aislado en medio de las humildes criaturas de Dios. El Verbo Creador nacido en medio de Su creación; venido a redimir a la humanidad del pecado y la muerte.

Muchos están ansiosos y preocupados por el impacto de la pandemia mundial esta Navidad. “Juntos separados” se ha convertido en parte de nuestro léxico. Pero Dios no ha abandonado a su pueblo. El Dador de vida, sabiduría y conocimiento ha posibilitado el don de una vacuna que ofrece esperanza. La gente en todas partes han examinado lo que es importante en sus vidas; y, ante el miedo y la ansiedad, se han acercado con fe y amor, haciendo sacrificios por el bienestar de los demás. Tal es el corazón del mensaje de Navidad. El Don del Amor del Dios que es amor. El Niño, nacido Rey pero destinado a morir y resucitar, el Salvador del mundo; ofreciendo el sacrificio supremo para que todos los que creen en Su Nombre tengan vida eterna.

Esto es lo que celebramos una vez más esta temporada navideña. Celebramos el Verbo hecho carne que habitó entre nosotros, ya sea que celebremos en el aislamiento de nuestra habitación, en medio de nuestra familia separada o en el esplendor de la creación de Dios. ¡Porque Cristo vive! ¡El mensaje del ángel de Navidad perdura! El amor de Dios penetra en las tinieblas de nuestro mundo, las luchas de nuestro tiempo. La esperanza supera la desesperación; la fe supera la duda; y el amor echa fuera el temor. Como cristianos, tomemos un tiempo en esta temporada navideña para compartir con otros estas buenas nuevas de gran gozo. ¡Ha nacido el Salvador! La vida, el amor y la esperanza perduran.

Permítanme extenderles a todos ustedes mi oración por una Navidad bendita y alegre, mientras le damos la bienvenida a nuestro Rey Salvador una vez más en nuestros hogares y corazones.

+Shane

Primate’s Advent Message 2020 | El Mensaje de Adviento 2020 del Primado

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Primate’s Advent Message 2020

We enter into the holy Season of Advent and the new Church Year very differently than we did in 2019. The year of our Lord 2020 has brought new challenges, new concerns, new demands on our lives and on our way of life. Faith in God, faith in our public institutions, faith in our national leaders, has been tested and will continue to be tested. To say that we are in the final days is not an exaggeration. Yet we have always been in the final days for our Lord told His disciples that we are living in the ‘final age’. Advent is the season of preparation for that Day and for the return of our Lord in glory.

The Scriptures for this Season remind us of the two Comings of Christ: The first at the end of time; the second, in time. One we await with eager anticipation; the second we celebrate with joyous faith.

Where we live now is between these two eschatological realities. 2020 has put to rest any idea we may have had that we are able to control the destiny of our lives in the absence of godly faith, hope and love. The year has brought concern and fear. We have gone from an isolated Covid-19 outbreak to a global pandemic; we have experienced increasing natural disasters including lifethreatening hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, fires and floods. Nations have been rocked by political divisions, increasing polarization, and social unrest. The cries of secularization, coupled with attacks on churches and people of faith, have increased as humanity tries to grapple with its past sins while attempting in vain to forge a world without God. All of which was prophesied:

Luke 21:11: “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”

Jude 1:18-19: “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.”

Yet even in the face of this reality, Advent brings a message of hope. Repentance, renewal, reengagement, are all themes of this Season. And lest we become discouraged by our present reality, we hear again the resounding words of Scripture: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13:11,12)

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world; He calls each of us to be lights in the world, shining brightly with the light of faith and the flame of hope. Where the world scoffs, we bring belief; where governments order churches to close, we open our hearts and souls in prayer for others; where voices are raised in division and hatred, we raise the Word of God in unity and love. The ministry of Word and Sacrament, the outreach of the Church, the self-giving of Christians, the worship and prayers of the faithful, these cannot be cancelled, cannot be silenced, cannot be shut down.

As we enter into the Season of Advent and the new Church year, I bid you ‘fill your soul with God’s richness and strength’. Let us welcome Christ’s coming into our hearts anew. I assure you that if we keep God’s holy word close to our hearts and live it out daily in our lives, the promises of God will be fulfilled before our very eyes; and God will dwell with us in all grace and truth and blessing.

May each of us be drawn into the faith and mystery of Advent; and may our Lord Jesus Christ richly bless us with his grace and mercy as we prepare for His coming in time and eternity. A blessed Advent to you all.

+Shane

El Mensaje de Adviento 2020 del Primado

Entramos en la temporada santa de Adviento y el nuevo Año de la Iglesia de manera muy diferente que lo hicimos en 2019. El año de nuestro Señor 2020 ha traído nuevos desafíos, nuevos preocupaciones, nuevas exigencias en nuestra vida y en nuestro estilo de vida. Fe en Dios, fe en nuestras instituciones públicas, la fe en nuestros líderes nacionales, ha sido probada y seguirá siendo probado. Decir que estamos en los últimos días no es una exageración. Sin embargo, siempre hemos estado en los últimos días porque nuestro Señor les dijo a sus discípulos que están viviendo en la ‘edad final’. El Adviento es la temporada de preparación para ese Día y para el regreso de nuestro Señor en gloria.

Las Escrituras para esta Temporada nos recuerdan las dos Venidas de Cristo: la primera al final de los tiempos; el segundo, en el tiempo. Uno lo esperamos con ansiosa anticipación; el segundo lo celebramos con gozosa fe. El lugar donde vivimos ahora es entre estas dos realidades escatológicas. 2020 ha puesto fin a cualquier idea que puede haber tenido que podemos controlar el destino de nuestras vidas en ausencia de la fe piadosa, la esperanza y amor. El año ha traído preocupación y miedo. Hemos pasado de un Covid-19 aislado brote a una pandemia mundial; hemos experimentado un aumento de desastres naturales que incluyen la vida amenaza de huracanes, tormentas tropicales, terremotos, incendios e inundaciones. Las naciones han sido sacudidas por divisiones políticas, polarización creciente y malestar social. Los gritos de secularización, acoplados con ataques a iglesias y personas de fe, han aumentado a medida que la humanidad trata de lidiar con sus pecados pasados mientras intentaba en vano forjar un mundo sin Dios. Todo lo cual fue profetizado:

Lucas 21:11: “Habrá grandes terremotos y en varios lugares hambrunas y pestilencias. Y habrá terrores y grandes señales del cielo”.

Judas 1: 18-19:“En el último tiempo habrá burladores, siguiendo sus propias pasiones impías. Son estos que causan divisiones, gente mundana, desprovista del Espíritu.”

2 Timoteo 3: 1-5: “Pero entiendan esto, que en los últimos días vendrán tiempos de dificultad. Por la gente será amante de sí misma, amante del dinero, orgullosa, soberbia, abusiva, desobediente a sus padres, ingrata, impía, desalmada, insaciable, calumniadora, sin autocontrol, brutal, no amando el bien, traidora, imprudente, hinchada de vanidad, amadora de los placeres más que de Dios, teniendo la apariencia de piedad, pero negando su poder.

Sin embargo, incluso frente a esta realidad, el Adviento trae un mensaje de esperanza. Arrepentimiento, renovación, re-compromiso, son todos temas de esta temporada. Y para que no nos desanime nuestra realidad presente, volvemos a escuchar las resonantes palabras de la Escritura:“Y que, conociendo el tiempo, que ahora es alto tiempo para despertar del sueño; porque ahora nuestra salvación está más cerca que cuando creímos. La noche esta lejos gastado, el día está cerca; Desechemos, pues, las obras de las tinieblas y vistámonos con la armadura de luz. (Romanos 13: 11,12)

Jesucristo es la Luz del mundo; Él nos llama a cada uno de nosotros a ser luces en el mundo, brillando intensamente con la luz de la fe y la llama de la esperanza. Donde el mundo se burla, traemos fe; dónde los gobiernos ordenan el cierre de las iglesias, abrimos nuestros corazones y almas en oración por los demás; dónde se alzan voces de división y odio, alzamos la Palabra de Dios en unidad y amor. El ministerio de Palabra y Sacramento, el alcance de la Iglesia, la entrega de los cristianos, el culto y las oraciones de los fieles, no se pueden cancelar, no se pueden silenciar, no se pueden cerrar.

Al entrar en la Temporada de Adviento y el nuevo año de la Iglesia, les pido ‘llenen su alma con la riqueza y fuerza’. Demos la bienvenida a la venida de Cristo a nuestros corazones de nuevo. Se lo aseguro que si mantenemos la santa palabra de Dios cerca de nuestro corazón y la vivimos a diario en nuestras vidas, las promesas de Dios se cumplirá ante nuestros propios ojos; y Dios morará con nosotros en toda gracia, verdad y bendición.

Que cada uno de nosotros sea atraído hacia la fe y el misterio del Adviento; y que nuestro Señor Jesucristo en abundancia bendícenos con su gracia y misericordia mientras nos preparamos para su venida en el tiempo y la eternidad. Un bendito Adviento a todos.

+Shane

Primate’s Easter Message 2020 | Mensaje de Pascua 2020 del Primado

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Primate’s Easter Message 2020

Be not afraid.
He is Risen! Alleluia!

Faith • Hope • Love. Those three powerful words, the three theological virtues, stand out for us on this Easter Day. The world we knew at the beginning of Lent is not the world we witness to at the beginning of Eastertide. The call to repentance is now coupled with the call to faith – faith in the One who is the Conqueror of death and Giver of life.

Distraught, afraid, anxious, bewildered, the women who went to the Tomb early on the morning of the first day faced a different world, a different life than the one which they had celebrated only a week before with the triumphal entry of their Lord into the holy City. Now He lay in a borrowed grave; His crucified body hastily prepared for burial before the Sabbath. What would tomorrow bring? What would become of their lives?

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away; for it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were afraid. And he saith unto them, Be not afraid. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here.   St. Mark 16:4-6.

Into a turbulent, troubled world Jesus had come with a message of faith, hope and love. Over and over again, He comforted those who came to Him with the simple words, “Be not afraid.” Into our own turbulent, troubled world today, facing pandemic, sickness and death, Jesus continues to comfort and console with the words, “Be not afraid.” And we in turn, continue to offer the Gospel message of faith, hope and love.

Though unable to gather together in our churches on Easter Day, we are still able to witness to our Easter faith. By way of modern technology, we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection through virtual Services. By way of modern communication, we reach out to those who are afraid, to those who are isolated, to those who are sick, with the message of Christ’s healing power and loving presence. And for those who have lost loved ones we offer our prayers and condolences.

Jesus’ words to His disciples, as He turned toward Jerusalem to face His Passion, stand out to us on this Easter Day: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Ours is an Easter Faith; we are an Easter people. We profess our faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. As we take our part in the care of others and in the well-being of our communities, we do so with faith, hope and love.

In the midst of the current global pandemic, I send you my prayers for a joyous, hope-filled Easter. As a people of faith, I would remind us all of our Lord’s promise to His Apostles that His Church would endure and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. We will overcome this pandemic. We will remain strong in faith; giving thanks to God for His “inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.”

A blessed Eastertide to you all.

+Shane

Mensaje de Pascua 2020 del Primado

No teman.
¡Él ha resucitado! ¡Aleluya!

Fe • Esperanza • Amor. Esas tres poderosas palabras, las tres virtudes teologales, se destacan para nosotros en este Día de Pascua. El mundo que conocimos al comienzo de la Cuaresma no es el mundo del que somos testigos al comienzo del Tiempo pascual. El llamado al arrepentimiento ahora se combina con el llamado a la fe: la fe en Aquel que es el Conquistador de la muerte y el Dador de la vida.

Angustiadas, asustadas, ansiosas, desconcertadas, las mujeres que fueron a la Tumba temprano en la mañana del primer día enfrentaron un mundo diferente, una vida diferente a la que habían celebrado solo una semana antes con la entrada triunfal de su Señor en La ciudad santa. Ahora yacía en una tumba prestada; Su cuerpo crucificado preparado apresuradamente a para el entierro antes del sábado. ¿Qué traería mañana? ¿Qué sería de sus vidas?

Y cuando miraron, vieron que la piedra había sido retirada; porque era muy grande. Y entrando en el sepulcro, vieron a un joven sentado en el lado derecho, vestido con una larga prenda blanca; y tenían miedo Y él les dijo: No teman. Ustedes buscan a Jesús de Nazaret, quien fue crucificado. ¡Él ha resucitado! Él no está aquí.   San Marcos 16: 4-6.

En un mundo turbulento y lleno de problemas, Jesús había venido con un mensaje de fe, esperanza y amor. Una y otra vez, consoló a los que acudieron a Él con las simples palabras: “No tengan miedo”. En nuestro propio mundo turbulento y turbulento de hoy, ante una pandemia, enfermedad y muerte, Jesús continúa consolándose y consolándose con las palabras: “No teman”. Y en turno, continuamos ofreciendo el mensaje del Evangelio de fe, esperanza y amor.

Aunque no podemos reunirnos en nuestras iglesias el día de Pascua, aún podemos dar testimonio de nuestra fe de Pascua. A través de la tecnología moderna, celebramos la alegría de la resurrección a través de servicios virtuales. A través de la comunicación moderna, llegamos a los que tienen miedo, a los que están aislados, a los que están enfermos, con el mensaje del poder sanador y la presencia amorosa de Cristo. Y para aquellos que han perdido seres queridos, ofrecemos nuestras oraciones y condolencias.

Las palabras de Jesús a sus discípulos, cuando se volvió hacia Jerusalén para enfrentar su pasión, se destacan en este día de Pascua: “No se turbe vuestro corazón; creéis en Dios, creed también en mí. En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas mansiones. Voy a preparar un lugar para ustedes. Volveré otra vez y os recibiré a mí mismo; para que donde yo esté, allí también puedan estar ustedes.” La nuestra es una fe de Pascua; somos un pueblo de Pascua. Profesamos nuestra fe en Jesucristo, crucificado y resucitado. A medida que participamos en el cuidado de los demás y en el bienestar de nuestras comunidades, lo hacemos con fe, esperanza y amor.

En medio de la actual pandemia mundial, les envío mis oraciones por una Pascua alegre y llena de esperanza. Como pueblo de fe, les recordaría a todos la promesa de nuestro Señor a sus apóstoles de que su Iglesia perduraría y “las puertas del infierno no prevalecerán contra ella”. Superaremos esta pandemia. Seguiremos fuertes en la fe; dando gracias a Dios por su “amor inestimable en la redención del mundo por nuestro Señor Jesucristo; por los medios de gracia y por la esperanza de gloria”.

Una bendita Pascua para todos ustedes.

+Shane

Proclamation of Ratification of the Constitution of the Traditional Anglican Church | Proclamación de la Ratificación de la Constitución de la Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional

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TRADITIONAL ANGLICAN CHURCH
ANNOUNCEMENT AND RELEASE

The Primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion, Archbishop Shane Janzen, is pleased to announce the adoption and ratification of the new Constitution of the Traditional Anglican Church, which reconstitutes the worldwide Traditional Anglican Communion into the global Traditional Anglican Church.

The Traditional Anglican Church comprises national Provinces with Dioceses, Parishes and Missions in Australia, Canada, Columbia, Great Britain, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Salvador, South Africa, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela.

The Traditional Anglican Church (TAC) is governed by the Primate with the College of Bishops and General Synod (comprising the College of Bishops, House of Clergy, and House of Laity). The TAC continues to be founded on the doctrinal, moral and governing principles set out in the Affirmation of St. Louis (1977); and is unified as an international Traditional Anglican Church to more effectively witness to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to promote Christian unity, both with other Continuing Anglican Churches as well as other Christian Churches and jurisdictions around the world.

Primate’s Proclamation

Constitution of the Traditional Anglican Church

IGLESIA ANGLICANA TRADICIONAL
ANUNCIO Y COMUNICADO

El Primado de la Comunión Anglicana Tradicional, el Arzobispo Shane Janzen, se complace en anunciar la adopción y ratificación de la nueva Constitución de la Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional, que reconstituye la Comunión Anglicana Tradicional mundial en la Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional global.

La Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional comprende provincias nacionales con diócesis, parroquias y misiones en Australia, Canadá, Columbia, Gran Bretaña, Guatemala, India, Irlanda, Salvador, Sudáfrica, Estados Unidos de América, Zambia, Zimbabwe y Venezuela.

La Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional (TAC) está gobernada por el Primado con el Colegio de Obispos y Sínodo General (que comprende el Colegio de Obispos, la Casa del Clero y la Casa de los Laicos). La TAC continúa basándose en los principios doctrinales, morales y de gobierno establecidos en la Afirmación de San Luis (1977); y está unificada como una Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional internacional para dar testimonio más eficazmente del Evangelio de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, y para promover la unidad cristiana, tanto con otras Iglesias Anglicanas Continuas como con otras Iglesias y jurisdicciones cristianas de todo el mundo.

Proclamación del Primado

Constitución de la Iglesia Anglicana Tradicional