It is again the time when New Year’s resolutions are made, even though experience tells us that they are often short lived.
Perhaps part of the problem is that we are too individualistic and good intentions without the support and accountability of others are all too easily overwhelmed by the pressures of life. We might do better to think on a bigger canvas and decide what we are resolved to do together, as families and as churches. Within the Anglican Communion a resolution which would have lasting and transformative effects in 2018 and beyond would be to follow the example of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa and take a stand for biblical faith.
Affirming declaration
In a little reported but very significant step, the Diocesan Synod at its November 2017 meeting unanimously passed a resolution that any future nominee for diocesan bishop must affirm the GAFCON Jerusalem Declaration. The context of this decision was the announcement at the Synod by the current diocesan, Bishop Bethlehem Nopece, of his forthcoming retirement. He is held in high esteem as a faithful teacher and pastor, but the Provincial Synod is deeply split on questions of marriage and same sex relationships, leading to fears that a successor would not share the same convictions.
