Missionary Diocese of the Resurrection

The Rt. Rev. Ian Anderson, Ph.D Bishop Ordinary,               The Protestant Episcopal Church, USA                         Diocesan Center 163 Palencia Village Drive, Suite 104              St. Augustine, FL 32095                                                   904-540-4843
www.BishopIanAnderson.blogspot.com      ian.anderson@pecusa.us

Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church, St. Augustine, FL                               The Rt. Rev. Ian D. Anderson, Interim Rector, The Rev. Gene A. Morse, Deacon www.ResurrectionPEC.org 

St. Andrews Traditional Episcopal Church, Middleborugh, MA                                The Very Rev. Steven DelSignore, Rector, www.StAndrewstpec.org

Yes, we are a new work, but one with an original message. I was asked recently why I thought starting a new work would be any different than the myriad of continuing organizations already in place. I went to Isaiah. The prophet records an interesting account about the people of Israel. The people of Jacob and Israel were living in arrogant opposition to God. He had been patient and diplomatic with them and offered them an opportunity to come to their senses. However, they had no interest in submitting to God’s authority. Finally, God told them that he was going to bring punishment and destruction upon them. The interesting thing here is to note their pride and arrogance in the face of God’s punishment.

“The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” (Isaiah 9:10 NIV)

No matter who God is, no matter what God would do, they could do better. Despite the consequences they would still be able to succeed on their own. They felt they were strong enough and smart enough to accomplish anything. They didn’t need God and made it very clear by saying “we will rebuild, we will replace.” You see, the “we will” attitude is still prevalent today. As we are in the midst of some very challenging times, many people refuse to look to God for wisdom and guidance and instead reflect the arrogant attitude of the people during Isaiah’s time. The “new and modern” Anglicism attempts remake and rebuild the Anglican faith into the church they want it to be because they are now in charge. They will replace God's teachings for their own.

 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. PS. 127:1-3

The short answer is simply this: There is nothing “new” to rebuild. We, as original Anglicans, are the church dedicated to the Gospel. There is no arrogance in that, but there is Christ’s Word, and that's what we follow. Original Anglicans…followers of the biblical historic Jesus.

Be Original

Bishop Ian