Gafcon 'power struggle'

This note is being circulated to people connected with Gafcon. I thought readers here might be interested in it, given the fascinating insight it offers into Anglican affairs in Jerusalem. It is also worth reading some recent Fulcrum posts on Gafcon and Lambeth, including this from Graham Kings and this from Tom Wright explaining why Gafcon does not mean that all evangelicals are about to jump ship. There has also been a letter from Dr Wright and 11 others,  pleading against a boycott by conservatives. And Anglican Mainstream has the orthodox Vinay Samuel responding to Dr Wright.

'Dear ...........

'Grace and peace be with you.  I hope this note finds you well.

'I write in reference to the GAFCON meeting in Jerusalem this coming June and the recent publication of documents said to be minutes of [the] meeting with Bishop Suheil Dawani.

'I have no knowledge as to whether the minutes are an honest account of what transpired. What I can report is some of the background on the situation in the Diocese of Jerusalem and what I believe might be behind Bishop Dawani's actions. I have some knowledge of the people and places in question, and wanted to share these impressions with you.

'In short, the opposition to the Jerusalem meeting has nothing to do with the internal politics of the Anglican Communion, and everything to do with the politics of the Diocese of Jerusalem.

'Bishop Dawani is engaged in a power struggle with the former Bishop over control of jobs and contracts for the diocese's extensive school and hospital network. Bishop Dawani needs to keep the support of the Palestinian activists in the diocese, and his opposition to GAFCON is being driven by this internal political calculus, I believe.

'The struggle began with the election of Bishop Dawani as bishop coadjutor in 2005.  Bishop Dawani was not the outgoing Bishop's, the Rt. Rev. Riah Abu al-Assal's candidate. The election of Bishop Dawani upset the patronage system set up by Bishop Riah---whose family and supporters held most of the jobs and business contracts given by the diocese.

'The split between Riah and Dawani had a public airing in the summer of 2006 when Archbishop Williams announced the Anglican-Judaism dialogue commission. Bishop Riah was cut out of the planning for these talks, and learned of them when the news was made public. Bishop Dawani, however, was involved from the start and has been a supporter of the dialogue.

'The Palestinian activists in the diocese were not happy with Riah. Though a friend of Arafat, Riah was not part of the circle around the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre run by Canon Naim Ateek. Riah was considered 'soft' on the political question by the hardliners within the diocese.

'Dawani does not come from the activist wing of the diocese either. In the summer of 2006 Bishop Riah accused Bishop Dawani of being soft on Israel after the dialogue commission was announced, voicing his displeasure with the commission and for having been sidestepped by Lambeth Palace in the deliberations in favor of Dawani.

'While this was taking place, an internal investigation of Bishop Riah's handling of the finances was underway. In September 2006 the investigation committee released a private report documenting [alleged] acts of fraud committed by Bishop Riah's family --- essentially kickbacks. [It is alleged that] Contracts were given to businesses with the understanding that commissions would be paid to Bishop Riah's son-in-law---who was heavily in debt to his father.  The report documented contracts given without competition to businesses who then gave a commission to the bishop's son in law, who then repaid his father in law for outstanding loans given over the years.

'In December 2006 I was given a copy of the internal investigation of Bishop Riah. One of the details unearthed in the report was that the patronage system ---specifically jobs in the diocese's schools and hospitals --- was set up so that it would be very costly to fire anyone. The effect was to ensure that when Bishop Riah was out of power, his patronage system would remain in place, and Bishop Dawani would not be able to get rid of them.

'In 2007 Bishop Riah retired and the investigations into his financial misconduct were dropped. However the battle for control did not abate. One of the variables in the fight was the activist block. They were not happy
with either side, but were upset with the overtures to Israel coming from Lambeth Palace with the support of Dawani.

'As an aside, the suggestion that GAFCON meeting in Cyprus was also made about the Anglican-Jewish dialogue. Lambeth Palace initially suggested meeting in Cyprus for the Dialogue with the Jews. The Rabbis thought this was ridiculous and insisted that the venues be London and Jerusalem, not London and Nicosia.

'In the background of course is the deteriorating political and security situation in Gaza and the West Bank --- with the division of Palestine into two states: one for Hamas in Gaza and one for Fatah on the West Bank. Under Riah the diocese was strongly linked to Arafat and Fatah.  However, with the death of Arafat, Fatah has fallen on hard times.

'Bishop Dawani inherited a mess as the diocese's political protector was gone, and no clear strongman has stepped forward. Moving forward to Gafcon, we have Bishop Dawani's public statements of opposition.  If the substance of the minutes are accurate, the homosexual issue was raised by Canon Hosam Naoum, the acting Dean of St George's Cathedral. He essentially said this issue is being forced upon the diocese and was not welcome.

'I would imagine that the reason this issue was not welcome was that it was a matter of great contention at the Jerusalem Diocesan Synod in December 2005. Since 1996 the diocese has received over $22 million from the United States, primarily from the dioceses of Los Angeles and Washington---two of the most liberal in the American Church.  At the December 2005 synod meeting, bishop-elect Dawani announced a companion relationship with the diocese of Los Angeles.  This sparked protest by clergy delegates who stated Bishop Bruno ordained gay clergy and had conduct gay blessing ceremonies.

'Bishop-elect Dawani cut short the debate, saying those innovations would not take place in Jerusalem---and the issue has not since been revisited. The Palestinian political concerns as articulated in the minutes however are paramount. In the second meeting with Archbishop Akinola, Bishop Dawani brought with him, the former Dean of St. George's the Very Rev Michael Sellors, the acting dean Canon Naoum, and his secretary-- Janina Zang. Zang is a German woman and an active supporter of Sabeel and other pro-Palestinian groups. Sellors, a one time vicar in Norfolk, is currently the spokesman for the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem---the group of church leaders who regularly speak out on the political problems in the region---and have a decidedly anti-Israel point of view.

'The selection of this group to meet with Archbishop Akinola speaks of the political currents at play.  While GAFCON has been the focus of controversy outside of the diocese --- inside the diocese Bishop Riah is making his move against Bishop Dawani. On Jan 20 [...] received from Bishop Riah an email containing a letter from the congregation in Nazareth calling upon Bishop Dawani to step down on the grounds of misconduct. [rg notes: you can download that letter from this post.]

'My sense of the situation is that Bishop Dawani needs the Palestinian activist block to beat back the challenge from Bishop Riah. He also doesn't want to have to make any political decisions --- Fatah v Hamas, friend/foe of Israel until he absolutely has to do so. By being recalcitrant he establishes his credibility with the activists and with the various political factions at work in Palestine. He keeps his
relations with Los Angeles, and the supply of funds intact, and he ingratiates himself further with Archbishop Rowan Williams.

'The advantages of Bishop Dawani's strategy are that Israel has agreed to ease its visa restrictions on Catholic clergy coming to Israel. One of the chief complaints of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem was that its clergy had to apply for visas every time they left the country to visit congregations in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Some long time resident clergy were refused reentry visas when returning to Israel from
trips abroad and a number of Arab seminarians were blocked from entering the country to study.

'The Vatican has protested this stance and in December said its talks with Israel were going no where and that the Pope, who wanted to visit Israel, would not do so at the present time.  The US State department was enlisted by the Vatican and Secretary of State Rice has asked Israel to settle its dispute with the Vatican.

'By being difficult Bishop Dawani strengthens his internal political position, and also is in the position to accruing some benefit from backing down by way of a compromise that gives him a victory that he can use to strengthen his internal position.'

And it ends there. Except somehow, I suspect,  it doesn't....

These two videos show recent interviews I did with Jim Rosenthal of the Anglican Communion Office and Simon Sarmiento of Thinking Anglicans for Anglican TV.

I hope to be able to sort my own software soon, so I can watch them as well!

Finally, the photo at the top shows members of the Theology Resource Team for GAFCON who met in Lagos, Nigeria from January 28-30. They came from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Australia, Ghana, India, and England. They are pictured here with Archbishop Peter Akinola, the Primate of Nigeria, fourth from the right.

Comments

[joe]

I note that Nazir-Ali is listed on the leadership panel of GAFCON on their website.

[Mike Homfray]

So, David, you are every bit as incapable of stating anything favourable about your opponents...

I think what you need to realise is that the Anglican Church in Sydney is utterly lacking in reflection of that liberal, open, gay-friendly city.

Most of the rest of them have told the church where to stuff itself.

[Alice C. Linsley]

GAFCON does not represent a "power struggle" since it is not a substitute for Lambeth and many who attend GAFCON will also attend Lambeth. It is certain that the Canterbury establishment perceives the Jerusalem gathering as a "threat" and it should, as Canterbury is providing very poor leadership.

[Malcolm+]

David: "A church made up of liberals will die. Liberals only survive through deflections from conservative ranks."

A bit of wishful thinking completely divorced from any factual basis.

[David Palmer]

Mike,

You say,

"You clearly approve of Jensen, but could you use the same terms about gene Robinson?

But there should be a split...I wish that all conservatives would look towards GAFCON as their future. Clearly some will stay with Canterbury, but they really will have to get to grips with the reality of a church including radical revisionist opinion - and learn to live with it".

Mike, I have a very high regard for Jensen. Robinson I don't know - I've heard that he is a homosexual with a partner and according to the way I read the Bible (there, isn't that even handed) is not qualified to be a bishop, let alone a priest. I give him credit for being open about his homosexuality.

The problem about a church split is neatly summed up by Joe's post - it will be incredibly messy and hurtful and result in ridicule for the C of E. In my view the ABC just hasn't done enough to hold the ship together.

In Australia the only Diocese that is growing, confident, blessed large numbers of young clergy and not lacking funds is Sydney - approximately half the church going Anglicans in Australia are found in Sydney and they are overwhelmingly evangelical and ready to plant churches throughout Australia if the shackles were removed.

Now that will be really messy and how messy would the withdrawal of the big signature evangelical churches in the UK be, particularly given the church planting propensity of evangelicals.?

BTW, a church made up of liberals will die. Liberals only survive through deflections from conservative ranks.

[J Pearce]

Gaffe - a cock-up of hilarious proprotions.

Con - a sleight of hand, a trick, a fraud.

Clearly, someone in Akinola's PR department hasn't done their homework.

Or perhaps its deliberate? A literal acronym, maybe?

[Malcolm+]

Can someone explain this to me?

How is it that claiming the Bishop in Jerusalem has been bought (just because he refuses to follow Akinola's direction) isn't slander?

How is it that accusing Katherine Jefferts-Sciori of not believing in Jesus (when this is manifestly false) isn't slander?

I have tremendous respect for honest conservatives.

Pity there seem to be so few of them on these threads.

Instead, we mostly have "conservatives" who believe that slander and lies constitute logical argument.

[joe]

Mike, the problem is that a split would have wide-reaching implications.

If the US church left, there would probably be further splits. In a world where the Anglo-Catholics, the Conservatives, the Charismatics and the Liberals all split, the parish system in England would inevitably be lost. Some 'flavours' would probably do quite well on their own, but pity the rump of the church, holding a lot of old buildings but losing a lot of the income.

Globally, struggling diocese would inevitably be lost unless they succeeded in becoming part of the more successful movements.

[Mike Homfray]

Yes, David, but both 'sides' are equally capable of making unfavourable comments.

You clearly approve of Jensen, but could you use the same terms about gene Robinson?

If not, then I think your complaints are hollow.

But there should be a split. The sooner the better. From my perspective, nothing good can emerge whilst the evil of conservative theology remains an integral part. I wish that all conservatives would look towards GAFCON as their future. Clearly some will stay with Canterbury, but they really will have to get to grips with the reality of a church including radical revisionist opinion - and learn to live with it.

[David Palmer]

"What he hasn't done - and what a wide assortment of conservatives from John Howe of Central Florida to Tom Wright of Durham to Professor Ephraim Radner of Wycliffe College, Toronto have not done - is acceded to the clearly and unambiguously schismatic agenda of the Akinolists

As with each of these non-schismatic conservatives, Bishop Dawani is now slandered by the schismatics for failing to fall in line."

Malcolm+ with respect it is your comments that are slanderous.

Why can't people simply acknowledge a parting of the ways, for whatever reasons, is occurring and allow people to go their separate paths with as much grace and lack of bitterness as possible.

I know Jensen personally and he is a godly person trying to serve Christ and his Diocese as best he can. Any judgements should be left to Christ who will judge us all.

[Alice C. Linsley]

Bishop Wright is too closely associated with the Lambeth establishment. Some distance would improve his perspective.

[Malcolm+]

Joe said: "The Diocese of Egypt and the Horn of Africa (whose bishop is the Primate of the Middle East and Jerusalem) sent back a donation from the ECUSA because of their liberal stance on sexuality."

Yet this same Primate has also objected to the GaffeProne Conference being held in Jerusalem.

I guess the slander that he's been "bought" won't work. The "conservatives" will have to come up with a different lie.

[joe]

I have it on good authority that the Diocese of Egypt and the Horn of Africa (whose bishop is the Primate of the Middle East and Jerusalem) sent back a donation from the ECUSA because of their liberal stance on sexuality.

So I'm not sure it is true that the general financial picture is as portrayed above, though I have no knowledge of the affairs of the diocese of Jerusalem.

[peterNW1]

"The election of Bishop Dawani upset the patronage system set up by Bishop Riah---whose family and supporters held most of the jobs and business contracts given by the diocese."

May I point out that this is precisely why bishops in the Catholic and Orthodox churches are required to be unmarried and celibate.

[Neil]

The video of Simon Sarmiento perpetuates 'the only objection to GAFCON is the venue' myth. Simon is not serious. +Rowan is not serious. The only difficulty with GAFCON is the venue?! Come on! Because the Primate of Jerusalem has been offended and because it is politically inconvenient to him - to wrap the objections up in soley venue terms is a simple ploy to claiming allegely high moral ground. It is transparent and unconvincing.

[Dr. Irene Lancaster FRSA]

I wrote the first three quarters of this blog, which is part of a series on church attitudes to Israel, on Friday morning:

http://irenelancaster.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/the-uk-churches.html

I then took my daughter to Acco (Acre) for a birthday treat, coming back just in time for Shabbat.

I then accessed this blog and today's headline about the Bishop of Rochester, who is a family friend, with growing amazement.

You couldn't make it up if you tried. I therefore added the bit at the end.

Whoever supplied the information about internal Anglican politics in the 'Holy Land', from my own meetings with two thirds of the people concerned and from talking to other Anglicans here, there is a very large ring of truth to what is being said, unfortunately.

[Malcolm+]

Of course, if it were all about financial support from an American diocese, then Bishop Dawani would hardly be taking a conservative position on "the" issue. At the very least, he'd keep a dignified silence.

Yet the facts are otherwise. Bishop Dawani has consistently and openly taken the conservative position in rejecting the Episcopal Church's "innovations."

What he hasn't done - and what a wide assortment of conservatives from John Howe of Central Florida to Tom Wright of Durham to Professor Ephraim Radner of Wycliffe College, Toronto have not done - is acceded to the clearly and unambiguously schismatic agenda of the Akinolists.

As with each of these non-schismatic conservatives, Bishop Dawani is now slandered by the schismatics for failing to fall in line.

Like Alice the other day, you think it perfectly acceptable to offer up slander and lies and pretend it is logical argument.

It says a great deal that you apparently believe that the tangential issue of homosexuality is more important that adhering to the ninth commandment.

[Robert Ian Williams]

The real division within the Anglican Churh in Israel is between the Palestinian churches ( many ex Catholics and orthodox) and the evangelical outposts of the Anglican evangelical missionary society...The Church's ministry amongst the Jewish people.

[Stephen Clark]

'In the background of course is the deteriorating political and security situation in Gaza and the West Bank'
I would hardly have thought this is a background issue.
The thing that shocked me about the GAFCON meeting in Jerusalem is that it would appear to put its church agenda ahead of the political situation.
At the very least it would have been appropriate to talk to the Diocese before they went ahead.
One correspondent asks whether FiF should ask permission from Bishops to meet. I would have thought "Yes". Particularly when, as in this country (Oz),they presume to elect Bishops without any canonical authority

[John]

"I am accustomed to hearing stupid arguments"

I don't suppose Bishop Dawani thinks $22m is a stupid argument - one which he risks losing given its source is gay ECUSA.

[John]

Ruth,
Care to attribute that long "note"? I've no idea who wrote it and you don't give any indication of who might have done so. Absent that, I find it hard to give it much weight, given the huge amount of politicking around Lambeth and GAFCon.

pax et bonum

(John, even in this new blogging age, I still cannot reveal my sources. However, I would not have put it up if it was not from a reliable source. rg)

[Malcolm+]

So, Let me get this straight.

There is some internal strife within the Anglican Diocese in Jerusalem, and the Diocese occasionally receives donations from an assortment of Americans, including a couple of liberal Episcopal Church dioceses.

Therefore, nothing Bishop Dawani said about GAFCON creating potential problems for Anglicans and other Christians could possibly be true.

I am accustomed to hearing stupid arguments from the "conservatives" / schismatics / faux orthodox.

That, however, has to be the stupidest.

Pass the popcorn. The imminent collapse of the Akinolist putsch should be quite the show.

BTW, Ruth, the two videos won't play for me either.

[joe]

Is it worth point out that the diocese of Jerusalem is tiny tiny tiny with only a handful of parishes across several countries? That internal power structures are symptomatic of the Province of the Middle East and Jerusalem - which has far more bishops than it deserves and a primate for vanishingly small congregations?

I didn't think so.

Really. It is of vanishingly small importance, even amongst the reducing Christian community in the region. Quite why anyone has to ask their permission to hold a conference in Jerusalem is beyond my understanding. Does Forward in Faith need to ask permission from a diocese to hold a conference in England?

Really, the world wants/needs to know. No it doesn't. Let them have their blasted conference.