IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial: Thoughts Pertinent Today for Women from the Late Catherine Marshall
General News.
• Katharine Jefferts Schori Pronounces Jesus “A Way” But Not “The Way” to Salvation
• Who Owns the Rainwater?
• Alliance Defense Fund has Guidelines for “Political Activities” By Churches and Pastors
• Senior Counsel for Alliance Defense Fund (DC) Focuses on Religious Liberty.
Anglican News & Comment.
• The Black Regiment – Priests Leading a New Revolution?
• Anglican Church of Virginia (ACOVA) Growing
• Holy Redeemer Consecrates New Chapel
• Archdeacon Gardiner Increases Prison Work
• Missioner to the Shenandoah Valley Appointed
• Church of the Good Shepherd Active Educationally and in Outreach
• Community of Compassion Getting Noticed
• Dr. Jeffrey W. Anderson Appointed Rector, Christ Church, Warrenton
Health & Family News
• Family Foundation of Richmond Largest Pro-Family Group in Virginia
• Oral Allergy Syndrome – Seasonal Allergies can Trigger Food Reactions
• Words for Fathers on Father’s Day (Excerpt from God of Our Fathers by David Hazard)
EDITORIAL
Thoughts Pertinent Today for Women from the Late Catherine Marshall.
There is a captivating scene in the 1959 award-winning movie A Man Called Peter (starring Richard Todd and Jean
Peters) where young Catherine Wood (who would later marry the great sermonizer Senate Chaplain Peter
Marshall) stands before a crowd of young people and speaks about character. The words are poignant and if
fitting for those days (the 1940s, imagine how much more fitting they are today. If you are a man reading them, I
hope it causes you to ponder exactly your role in the downfall of women. If you are a woman reading this, and
especially if you have involvement with young girls, you may want to pass this along to them. – Sondra Johnson.
To set the scene, it was early in Peter Marshall’s ministry. He took several young college students to a youth rally
sponsored by the Women’s Temperance League. A warm and sunny but windy day, Peter and his entourage arrive
with a piano and pianist on the back of a pick-up truck. An enthusiastic preacher, Peter jumps onto the back of the
parked vehicle ready to enjoin the crowd in song. But the crowd is totally disinterested, continuing to talk, laugh
and joke among themselves. “Someone suggest a song!” Peter shouts above the din. A young man shouts back,
sarcastically, “Sing the song about Rosie.” The crown bursts into laughter and becomes completely unruly.
As Peter is about to give up getting their attention, Catherine, frustrated with what she it witnessing, climbs into the
back of the truck. As soon as she does, the young men in the audience began cat-calls and wolf whistles.
Though shy by nature, Catherine boldly faces them:
“If that’s because I’m a girl, then thank you,” she begins. Surprised, the crowd settles down.
“I’d like to talk as a girl to the girls here this afternoon. I know if you boys will listen, they will listen too. And I’m just
as sure that the only reason they’ve been just as rude and silly as you’ve been is because they have the mistaken
idea that you wanted them to be.
“I never thought much about being a girl, until two years ago when I learned from a man what a wonderful thing it is
to be one. Until that Sunday morning, I’d considered myself lucky to be living in the twentieth century; the century of
progress and emancipation. The century when supposedly we women came into our own.
“But I’d forgotten that the emancipation of woman really began with Christianity, when a girl – a very young girl –
received the greatest honor in history. She was chosen to be the mother of the Savior of the world. And when her
son grew up and began to teach His way of life, He ushered “woman” into a new place in human relationships. He
accorded her a dignity she had never known before and crowned her with such glory that down through the ages
she was revered protected and loved. Men wanted to think of her as different from themselves. Better. Made of
finer, more delicate clay.
“It remained for the twentieth century, the century of progress, to pull woman down from her throne. She wanted
equality. For nineteen hundred years, she had not been equal; she had been superior. To stand equal with man,
naturally, she had to step down. Now, being equal with men, she has won all their rights and privileges …
“The right to get drunk. The right to swear. The right to smoke. The right to work like a man, to think like a man, to
act like a man. We won all this, but how can we feel so triumphant when men no longer feel as romantic about us
as they did about our grandmothers, when we’ve lost something sweet and mysterious … something that’s as hard
to describe as the haunting, wistful fragrance of violets?
“Poets have become immortal by remembering on paper a girl’s smile, but I’ve never read a poem rhapsodizing
over a girl’s giggles at a smutty joke. I’ve never heard a man brag that his sweetheart or wife could drink just as
much as he and become just as intoxicated. I’ve never heard a man say that a girl’s mouth was prettier with a
cigarette hanging out of it or that her hair smelled divinely of stale tobacco…”
As the young Catherine pauses to take a break the crown bursts into applause. Shyly admitting this is the first time
she has ever given a speech, Catherine ends her talk abruptly.
The movie A Man Called Peter is a breathtaking story of a simple Scottish man literally being saved from falling off
a cliff by the Hand of God, and his amazing walk forward into fame. But it is also a double love story – that of a man
in love with Christ and of a woman who loves that man unselfishly enough to let him give Christ is all. If you get a
chance see it.
To order the movie, A Man Called Peter on DVD or VHS, or to hear Peter Marshall’s sermons from the 1940s
(which are far and away some of the best you will ever hear) contact his son’s ministry at www.
petermarshallministries.com. Both are amazing preachers, teachers and have much to impart through the written
word as well. The current Peter Marshall has a newsletter and books on the truth of America’s founding which no
doubt will teach you things you didn’t already know and will wish more people did know. If you contact Peter, please
tell him you heard about his site and products from Sondra. SBJ
General News:
KATHARINE JEFFERTS SCHORI PRONOUNCES JESUS “A WAY” BUT NOT “THE” WAY TO SALVATION. In
stating the above, Presiding Episcopal Bishop Schori essentially told members of the Diocese of Quincy in a
question and answer session that the words Jesus spoke (“I am the way, the Truth and the Light”) are a lie. By
contrast, nine years ago, the Roman Catholic Church in Dominus Iesus stated “the thesis that the revelation of
Jesus Christ is of a limited, incomplete, and imperfect character, and must be completed by the revelation present
in other religions, is contrary to the faith of the Church....” More simply put, South Carolina theologian Canon
Kendall Harmon said, “[In a time of doctrinal confusion] good leadership claims its particular identity from the
stability of its historical faith. It’s the leadership of this church giving up the unique claims of Christianity,” Canon
Harmon said. “They act like it’s Baskin-Robbins [an ice cream store]. You just choose a different flavour and
everyone gets in the store.”
“But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, non-working) word
they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and
sentenced.” Jesus Christ, Matthew 12:18 Amplified.
WHO OWNS THE RAINWATER? State representative Marsha Looper (R-CO) is trying to change a law in Colorado
which prohibits her or anyone else in her state putting out barrels to collect rainwater to water their gardens. One
would think, given all the hype about saving recourses and the drain on the planet that rain barrels would be
encouraged, or maybe under the Obama administration, demanded by law for each homeowner. But not so, at
least in Colorado. The law states that every drop of moisture suspended in the atmosphere…must be allowed to hit
the ground and seep through the watershed. The water is doled out to various public and private outfits that get
access to the Colorado River water on a first-come, first-served basis. Setting out a rain barrel is considered theft,
according to water-rights lawyer Glenn Porzak. [The Limbaugh Letter, May 2009, 800.457.4141 subscription
information or www.RushLimbaugh.com]
ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND HAS GUIDELINES FOR “POLITICAL ACTIVITIES” BY CHURCHES AND PASTORS.
All those who run 501 (C) (3) organizations, particularly of a religious nature, know that there are certain things
that can and can’t be done or the organization is in danger of losing its tax exempt status. The Alliance Defense
Fund (motto: Defending Our First Liberty) has available a detailed publication that spells out exactly what churches
and pastors can safely do and say. Visit www.telladf.org and look for Watchmen on the Wall, May 2009. If you have
never visited the ADF Website, I assure you it will be a long, informative visit.
SENIOR COUNSEL FOR THE ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND, DC, FOCUSES ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. Other topics
Mr. Jordan Lorence (who has worked at the Washington, DC Regional Service Center since 2001) litigates include
sanctity of life and the defense of marriage. He spoke recently of a person who challenged him on the issue of gay
marriage. The person said, “When all you old fogies have died off, gay marriage will be common in the whole
world.” While Mr. Jordan (not exactly an old fogy) acknowledged that there are 6 countries and soon to be 7 that
have gay marriage, he replied, “Do you really think that will be the case in Europe, where the most common name
for male babies being born today is Mohammad?”
Anglican News & Comment:
THE BLACK REGIMENT / PRIESTS LEADING A NEW REVOLUTION? As early as the mid 1760s and up to and
during the U.S. Revolutionary era, the pulpit played a key role in encouraging dissent over the domination of the
English King, denouncing him as well as the unfair taxes and justifying non-submission. The political activism of
these black-robed ministers earned them the name “the black regiment.”
The country under the new president is being torn apart in a fashion similar to those that brought us to war with
England back then. The problem today is our citizens are so deluged with lies and propaganda that they don’t
know where to turn to find truth. Are today’s priests and ministers ready to be the “Black Regiment” – teachers and
leaders of a new revolution to help people understand how far from God this country has gone and how those with
the current political agenda are crushing the Constitution under their feet? Who can explain it with a better platform
than an informed, educated, trusted man of the cloth?
It is time for a new Black Regiment. All priests and deacons should be speaking in one voice, clothed in their black
cassocks, reading directly from the Bible – teaching right and wrong, implanting truth against the abominations
coming forward under the guise of political correctness. Joining them should be men called to the priesthood but
who for whatever reason have not yet answered that call as well as men who haven’t felt God calling but who are
willing to give up “self” for the cause of God – all these should be donning black cassocks, gathering together
often, carrying a unified message, giving people a direction to follow.
As you read this, some of you will think of a million reasons that it won’t work; you can come up with a million
excuses as to why priests should stay out of the political arena.
I can think of one reason that trumps them all: Our Christian nation is going down the drain. Who’s going to stop it
if you don’t?
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF VIRGINIA (ACOVA) GROWING. There is good news to report as several men have
stepped forward to be received by Bishop Johnson into the Anglican Church of Virginia. Only it could be dangerous
to mention them by name … at least in the minds of some.
What you might ask?
Because taking a stand for Christ as we know Him through the Anglican Faith is controversial and even dangerous
under the current administration. This is nothing new; it has been since the days of Christ dangerous to publicly
align yourself with Christ. In spite of that, some men stand up for Jesus; others men deny Him, except when safely
among their Christian friends. On the surface denial is understandable; it’s the safe route. Increasingly men have
lost jobs and/or job opportunities if they are found associated with the True Christ.
I heard such example at a Roundtable Discussion on May 28. It was a stirring story of how God brought a man out
of what he thought was his dream job and into what God had called him to do. This man, Matt Barber, is Director of
Cultural Affairs for Liberty Council and Assistant Dean of Liberty University. He is proud to have suffered while
standing up for Jesus Christ. Our own Bishop lost his long-time secular career as head of a top U.S. corporation
many years ago due to his “religious leanings.”
Some men relish the sacrifice for Christ. Others shy away. I would think considering the mess the country is
currently in and the direction it is taking men would be flocking to the Church to become priests and deacons in
order not only to speak out for Christ, but to have an appropriate platform for doing so.
HOLY REDEEMER CONSECRATES NEW CHAPEL. Archdeacon Ralph Gardiner, Rector of Holy Redeemer
Church in Montross, spearheaded the building of a chapel on his property so that members of his congregation will
have a place to go for special services and holy days. The work of transforming an empty building into a charming
chapel was overseen by Walter Stall and he was assisted by several others of the congregation. (On Sundays,
Holy Redeemer meets at a Methodist Church nearby, which they will continue to do as long as possible.) On
Ascension Day (Thursday, May 21) Bishop Johnson traveled to Montross to consecrate the beautiful chapel which
has been named Blessed Savior. See photographs at www.theanglicanchurch.org.
ARCHDEACON GARDINER INCREASES PRISON WORK. Father Gardiner has been asked to increase his prison
ministry to one visit each week at Haynesville Correctional Center. He sponsors a Veterans Outreach Group there
which provides for a needy family and contributes to other projects within the prison.
MISSIONER TO THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY APPOINTED. Mr. David Lee of Harrisonburg, VA is one man
unafraid to stand boldly for Christ in the midst of today’s anti-Christian sentiment. Having been received by Bishop
Johnson several months ago, he has been appointed Missioner to the Shenandoah Valley with the assignment to
spread the Gospel and plant new churches. Mr. Lee operates a commercial real estate business, is active in civic
affairs throughout Virginia.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD ACTIVE EDUCATIONALLY AND IN OUTREACH. The Church of the Good
Shepherd, Edmond, Oklahoma has just begun a series on the "History of the Church "IN" England." Parishioner
Dr. John Osborn, who has taught English History at the University of Central Oklahoma for 40 years, teaches the
class. Bishop Michael said Dr. John has been a parishioner, close friend and mentor for over 20 years and he
knows his subject, is a wonderful and exciting teacher. The series will run for 4 weeks.
Another parishioner, Dr. Paul Epstein, Associate Professor of Classics, at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater,
has an article just published in the May/June issue of Mandate (the magazine of the Prayer Book Society) titled:
"Holy Communion and the Logic of Christian Redemption." This will be a 3 part series. Bishop Michael Robertson
said the article is "sound doctrine and well written." Dr. Paul is going to teach the series in the fall at Good
Shepherd. You can read the article on line at www.pbsusa.org
Members of Good Shepherd recently included in their outreach a sizeable donation to a non-profit ministry called,
All Things Baby, Inc. The local organization, started by a former police officer after the birth of her baby, provides
resources for mothers and their families and brings joy back to the Gift of Life, when many times abortion seemed
the only option. The foundation for their organization (as stated on their website http://www.allthingsbabyok.com/)
comes from Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Good Shepherd plans to begin a collection project for their on-going needs.
COMMUNITY OF COMPASSION GETTING NOTICED. Sister Mary Magdalene, Prioress of the newly formed
Community of Compassion, is reporting interest among women who see her humbly serving God. How do they
realize they can come to her and discuss their questions and aspirations of vocation? Because Sister wears her
habit as often as permitted, even in the extreme heat of San Antonio, Texas. (She is a “tent-maker” and to earn a
living she must follow the rules of her job and often cannot wear her habit). See www.theanglicanchurch.net to
read more about Sister Mary Magdalene.
Priests: This is a lesson for you, too. Are you present in the community in which you live as just another man on the
street? Or do you represent Christ as you should in an outward and visible way, by your very appearance (wearing
your collar) confronting by your very presence those who are trying to hide from Christ, and encouraging others
who might need assurance of Him? As the wife of a priest, I can vouch for the number of times people have come
up to my husband – strangers in shopping centers, on the street, in convenience stores, etc. – to confess sins, ask
prayer or blessing from one they realize has said “yes” to Christian service. Wives: When this happens, step away,
allowing privacy. It is hard for a man who has given his life to Christ to have to be concerned about us while trying
to minister. We must not think of ourselves at such times, but rejoice that we have the blessed opportunity to
minister unto our husband by allowing him to freely and completely fulfill his calling as God would have him.
THE REV. DR. JEFFREY W. ANDERSON APPOINTED RECTOR, CHRIST CHURCH, WARRENTON, VA: A priest
serving with the Episcopal Missionary Church, Dr. Anderson also serves two missions: St. Anthony's Anglican
Mission in Warrenton and The Blue Ridge Christian Mission in Bealeton (Virginia).
A 1974 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Anderson holds graduate degrees in psychology, counter-terrorism,
and international relations from the University of Washington, the Army Command and Staff College and the Army
War College.
Upon retirement from the military and after attending seminary training and completion of graduate training in
Greek and Hebrew through Valley Forge Christian College, Anderson was ordained a deacon and later priest in
the Anglican Church Worldwide. He was received into the EMC in 2006.
He serves as a member of the Senior National Intelligence Service in the National Intelligence University, having
completed a broad military and counter-terrorism career with more than 30 years of experience. He is also the
chairman of the Department of Social Science, at Valley Forge Christian College, Woodbridge Campus.
Christ Church, Warrenton was founded by the late Canon Ramsay Robertson-Kendall and his then young priest,
Larry Johnson, now Bishop of the Anglican Church of Virginia.
ACTING PRIMATE, ACC, DECLINES TO ATTEND INAUGRAL PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ANGLICAN
CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA. In a letter to Bishop Robert Duncan, ACC Acting Primate, The Most Reverend
Mark Haverland, Ph.D. wrote: “I thank you for your invitation to attend as an observer the inaugural Provincial
Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America, which is to gather in Bedford, Texas, from June 22nd to 25th. I
congratulate those who will assemble on their movement out of the Episcopal Church. Whatever else we agree or
disagree about, we believe that that movement is correct.” The letter is a good review of the differences between
the traditional Anglicans and those just now leaving the Episcopal Church. If you would like an e-mail copy of the
whole text, contact me at sondrabj@shentel.net.
Health & Family News
FAMILY FOUNDATION OF RICHMOND LARGEST PRO-FAMILY GROUP IN THE VIRGINIA. The Family
Foundation of Virginia, founded in 1985, is one of nearly 40 state affiliates of Focus on the Family, and has been
rated one of the 50 most effective lobbying groups in Virginia. www.familyfoundation.org. Is this kind of pro-family
organization needed in your local area?
ORAL ALLERGY SYNDROME – SEASONAL ALLERGIES CAN TRIGGER FOOD REACTIONS. Up to one third of
seasonal allergy sufferers experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS), a condition triggered when the body
recognizes a similarity between proteins in particular foods and those in offending pollens. Some to watch for:
ragweed cross-reactions are with melons and other tropical fruits, also cucumbers, zucchini, chamomile tea and
Echinacea. Tree allergies most often cause sensitivity to apples, also maybe peaches, pears, kiwifruits, plums,
parsley, celery, cherries, carrots, hazelnuts and almonds. Grass allergies can cause a similar reaction to peaches,
celery, tomatoes, melons and oranges. If you notice some symptoms around your mouth and throat during allergy
season, try avoiding the particular foods mentioned during the time your allergy kicks in. [Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self
Healing, June 2009]
WORDS FOR FATHERS ON FATHER’S DAY – By David Hazard*
GOD OF OUR FATHERS. What if we traipse our children through every church program going, only to watch them
be lured by the world, kowtowing to today’s false gods? What can we do? I am speaking to fathers: God has not left
us helpless. In fact He has invested in you and me a spiritual authority of truly awesome measure. It is ours simply
because of our position as head male of the family. We have the ability to focus our children’s eyes on God, to
make real His presence and His welcome.
Even modern psychologists – usually quick to scoff at meaningful sex-differences – are now stumbling across what
Scripture has indicated all along: There is power in the father’s position as family patriarch.
According to both secular and Christian psychologists, it is the father’s voice and behavior that has the maximum
impact on shaping a child’s life and spiritual values as he goes through the period of growing up. Our words have
weight; our daily example indelible impact. Our children will value the things that attract our time, attention, money
and energy.
It’s not that my children see me as God – but God has built them in such a way that they see me in my God-given
and inescapable role as a priest. And in that role, I represent to them one god … or another.
One of the greatest examples of a father, to me, is Abraham, who was chosen to be the patriarch of Israel and the
father of our faith. Look what God says about why He chose Abraham, in Genesis 18:19:
“For I know [Abraham], that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way
of the Lord, to do justice and judgment…” (KJV)
God knew that, with the eyes of his children upon him, Abraham would command their respect as a living example
of godliness. Because he was single-heartedly for God, they would say, “My father’s God deserves my attention,
respect, energy, obedience …my all.”
I want, with all my heart, for my home to be that peaceful “encampment” in which my family learns to combat the
influences of the world. And I want my children to know, because of the direction of my life, that my God IS God.
[Excerpted by permission of the author, David Hazard, from part ten of his series, Building a Godly Atmosphere)
*To learn more about the author, visit www.itsyourlifebethere.com]
Sondra B Johnson, Publisher / Editor-in-Chief. Post Office Box 2081 Front Royal, Virginia 22630
SondraBJ@shentel.net
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Today’s Anglican Voice
Volume 3 Number 2 Summer 2009
A Woman’s Perspective on Anglicanism
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