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Sudanese Archbishop Blasts TEC Presiding Bishop over Sexuality. Visits to Sudan Withdrawn
TEC is not concerned for the unity of the Communion," say Sudanese House of Bishops
Most Rev. Deng Bul praises Archbishop Robert Duncan and ACNA
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
December 16, 2011
The Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan, the Most Rev. Daniel Deng Bul has written a letter to Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, disinviting her to the Sudan because elements in The Episcopal Church "flagrantly disregard biblical teaching on human sexuality.
"It is with a heavy heart that I write you informing you of our decision as a House of Bishops to withdraw your invitation to the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS). We acknowledge your personal efforts to spearhead prayer and support campaigns on behalf of the ECS and remain very grateful for this attention you and your church have paid to Sudan and South Sudan. However, it remains difficult for us to invite you when elements of your church continue to flagrantly disregard biblical teaching on human sexuality."
The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan met in Juba from 14-16 November 2011. In the context of General Synod, they reaffirmed the statement of the Sudanese Bishops at the Lambeth Conference in 2008.
"We reject homosexual practice as contrary to Biblical teaching and can accept no place for it within ECS. We strongly oppose developments within the Anglican Church in USA and Canada in consecrating a practicing homosexual as bishop and in approving a rite for the blessing of same-sex relationships.
We are deeply disappointed by The Episcopal Church's refusal to abide by Biblical teaching on human sexuality and their refusal to listen to fellow Anglicans.
For example, TEC Diocese of Los Angles, California in 2010 elected and consecrated Mary Douglas Glasspool as their first lesbian assistant Bishop. We are not happy with their acts of continuing ordaining homosexuals and lesbians as priests and bishops as well as blessing same sex relations in the church by some dioceses in TEC; it has pushed itself away from God's Word and from Anglican Communion. TEC is not concerned for the unity of the Communion.
"The Episcopal Church of Sudan is recognizing the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) fully as true faithful Orthodox Church and we will work with them to expand the Kingdom of God in the world. Also we will work with those Parishes and Dioceses in TEC who are Evangelical Orthodox Churches and faithful to God.
"We will not compromise our faith on this and we will not give TEC advice anymore, because TEC ignored and has refused our advice."
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