Reformed Anglicans

AN REC/RES/SHREVEPORT STORY ON "SHIFTINGS" FROM THE THEOLOGICAL FORENSIC UNIT. Rev. Mark Winder (OPC Pastor) discusses numerous things. His entrance to the REC/RES via Emmanuel REC, Pipersville, his exposure to the Rev. Dr. Dale Krauthamel, Dr. Peter Toon, Mr. Ray Sutton and Mark’s entire time in Philadelphia. He then relocated to Shreveport, LA, for the new RES school called “Cranmer House.” Misnamed because the school was un-Cranmerian but, then again, what is some identity theft? Misrepresentations of fact were used to sell the school. Mark sold his home, gave up his business job (good wages) and move with wife and three children to Shreveport. Mr. Sutton was also telling prospective students that the Cranmer House was "accredited" when it was not. Also, this potent library was not what Pastor Winder had been sold (by Mr. Sutton). The students worked weekends at janitorial and lawn services atop—in addition to--working at the on-site pharmaceutical company during...

AN REC/RES/SHREVEPORT STORY. Rev. Mark Winder (OPC Pastor) discusses numerous things. His entrance to the REC/RES via Emmanuel REC, Pipersville, his exposure to the Rev. Dr. Dale Krauthamel, Dr. Peter Toon, Mr. Ray Sutton and Mark’s entire time in Philadelphia. He then relocated to Shreveport, LA, for the new RES school called “Cranmer House.” Misrepresentations of fact were used to sell the school. Mark sold his home, gave up his business job (good wages) and move with wife and three children to Shreveport. The library was not what he had been sold (by Mr. Sutton). The students worked weekends at janitorial and lawn services atop—in addition to--working for the on-site pharmaceutical company. Pastor Winder tells of Mr. Sutton’s views and teachings on baptismal regeneration (head-for-heads and against the old REC’s “Declaration of Principles”), baptismal justification, the merit rosary beads, the bone-muncher-cruncher views of Jesus in the elements—same body as Jesus of Nazareth, praye...

Rev. Bret McAtee is the Pastor of Christ the King Reformed Church. He and I discuss R2K, historic 2k, the Westminster Confession of Faith (with OT citations for the 10 commandments, Dr. Godfrey, Dr. Van Drunen, Dr. R. Scott Clark, Dr. Meredith Kline, the Mosaic covenant as a covenant of works, the Noahic covenant as a covenant with the natural realm, and the quick attachment of theonomy to 2K discussions and Federal Vision. We also discussed his new book: "Saved to be Warriors: Exposing the Errors of Radical Two Kingdom Theology" available here: https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Warriors... This is a Reformed matter that is outside the Anglican orbit chasing their vestments, eucharistic, and women’s ordination. We look forward to discussing “Federal Vision” with Prof. David Engelsma of Protestant Reformed Seminary, Prof. emeritus and author of several books one being “Federal Vision.” Of public notice, Dr. R. Scott Clark decline an interview on “Federal Vision.” Rev. McAtee decl...

REV. DAVID OULD (ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA-DIOCESE OF SYDNEY & I discussed numerous things. His background coming from Sheffield, UK and move to Australia. The context of the Australian church was discussed—a different ethos, but clearly a “39 Articles man.” We touched high, low, and evangelical Churchmanship. GAFCON was briefly addressed. Of note, we discussed the doctrine of Scripture as controlling the environment. As a moderate joke, it was noted that Jesus likely didn’t wear a miter or chasuble at the Lord’s Supper. We discussed Rev. Ould’s rigorous 4 years of academic and pastoral theology at Moore College, Sydney. Notably, rigorous training in the original languages. While not noted in this discussion, we would add that TEC schools do NOT require original languages—Moore College does require that. Also, the issue was noted: the developing conflict in the Australia’s HOB over homosexual marriages (an apparent stand-off and split), yet, in a contrast, a tremendous support a...

Hudson Barton, a cradle Episcopalian, and I discuss many things: his Episcopal background in the Philadelphia area, St. Martin’s, St. John’s, the OPC, his conversion, Bishop Bennison (TEC), the comparison of the 1662 and 1928 BCPs (with a reference to the 1979), ACNA (briefly), his family’s daily use of Morning and Evening Prayer (BCP), the Evangelical Reformed Seminary in Kiev, Ukraine, Dr. Kevin DeYoung’s PCA Church in Charlotte, NC (with substantial and stunning growth), the English Reformation, Reformers (briefly), 1595 Lambeth Articles and Richard Hooker (briefly) with the downgrade into Laudian Arminianism. It is/was the communion of genuine saints—two saints made so by God’s grace, sharing their gifts with each other, including the details of redemption and providence. We refresh and encourage each other and, we pray, others in the communion of saints, visible and assuredly in the invisible church. FOR SAILORS, MARINES, SOLIDERS AND AIRMEN. WE NEVER FORGET. We pray for them. W...

LAW AND GOSPEL. Rev. Dr. Andy Underhile (EARCC) & Rev. Donald Veitch (WCF-BCP-TFU). We discuss LAW AND GOSPEL, leadership, 2Kism, R2Kism, Nathan and David (God’s Word to a King and God over all earthly kings), God’s supreme Word over all (all Churches, leaders, Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons, laity, Presidents, Congressmen, Justices and all governments under King Jesus...His Crown and His Sword), What does Law and Gospel look like today? Is Caesar Lord or Jesus? When must we lawfully disobey Caesar? How does it apply widely or is the Bible a message for the Church only? Does the Church not address all outside its walls? What about church and state? Natural law? God’s law? We already know that the mainline and its seminaries are severely broken, are saltless, and follow the Zeitgeist. We know that academic Ivy League schools will not allow SHINING THE LIGHT AND GOSPEL in its science, humanities or arts courses. Inquiring minds are asking. BTW, an illustration from Andy gets at it in h...

REV. AARON LONG (UNITED EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA). Aaron and I spoke of leadership in the churches. We both have different backgrounds. Aaron uses the brave phrase of “absence of testicular courage.” I chose the term “theological eunuchs.” Or, Jesus’s terms of “Saltless Salt” or “hiding the light under the bushel. Some rough military humor was used at times. But examples came to mind that arose in several instances this very week. Weak men. Hiding their light. Refusing to fight. Capsizing on some issues. Folding. Examples given. We spoke of nihilism, Nietzsche, relativism and the fear of the face of men. This led to a discussion of "leadership," notably, clergymen with “fear.” WO was briefly addressed. This naturally introduced the 3 rd , 5 th , 6 th 7 th , 8 th and 9 th commandments of the Ten Commandments. We touched on one element yesterday with Bishop Malcolm and the excision of the doctrine of original sin and confession of sin in England, e.g., the Archbisho...

BISHOP EDWARD MALCOLM, Church of England (Cont'), Reformed Prayer Book Churchman, and Captain on the Bridge, tells his story and background, said to include the Admiral in the Royal Navy who, in 1814, bombed a certain house on Pennsylvania Avenue in the American Rebellion. Also, a brother of the Admiral was a Royal Marine and Colonel who was also involved in the assault on American rebels. (Yes, am a Canadian and that war was unnecessary, but I digress.) But, that was an aside. We wish to explore his background further in the future. In the communion of the saints, the invisible church and visible church, gathered around King Jesus, Bishop Malcolm speaks to all Anglicans and Presbyterians; we'd add Baptists and all others too. He joins with others from around the world and across denominational jurisdictions. The subject of the purity and impurity of the churches, sometimes more, sometimes less are sub-textual but present. Reference to the CoE are, of course, made including th...

A wonderful interview with the President of the Seminary, Alister Torrens, and Fedy, the Academic Dean. The history, curricula, number of students (about 40), the 4 faculty members (with a bit on Graffie-Wellhausians), the Reformed Confessional character of the seminary and more. Also, a few words of note were put forward about the Thirty-Nine Articles, including comments about manifold disloyalties to those standards. Also, a recommendation to Anglicans worldwide to get out of the basement (confessionally) and ride the elevator to the top floor--as really High Churchmen--maturing and adopting the Westminster Standards and Three Forms of Unity. Be Reformed with a Prayer Book. More interviews are forthcoming, notably, the Academic Dean. Also, we trust, to interview all the seminary students, as if standing around the coffee pot talking (where much learning occurs). Also, for those who are enabled and can donate, the address is Evangelical Reformed Seminary, Burmystenka Lane, 25а, Kiev, ...

INTERVIEW. Attorney Mark Van Der Molen offered most excellent insights into God's law, theonomy, R2Kers of Westminster-California, the role of the total 10 commandments for all of life including the magistrate, and other gems. Of note, Mark is a Reformed Confessionalist who was for year, is, and will be a Heidelberg Catechism man. What a wonderful time with this Reformed brother. Much food for thought including the application of God's moral law to ourselves, our families, our churches, (and I'd certainly add Bishops and seminaries), social media, culture and national politics. The TEN COMMANDMENTS. We look forward to further instruction, reminders and engagements.

Psalm 63-65 Genesis 38 Mark 5 Westminster Confession, 26.3, "Of the Communion of the Saints"

This Bishop was unable to attend. Here are some issues of concern for discussion with him. 1. Background, family, conversion, lineage, schooling, and CoE Cont. “Reformed?” “Calvinistic? Dordtrechtian? St. Mary’s, Reading. 2. What does a “Reformed Anglican” look like for you? An ideal context? 3. Could you describe high, low, broad, Anglo-Catholic and Tractarian? 4. Inter-relationship with FCE, FCE-EC or AMiE? Trajectory of CoE Cont’? 5. Education for young ordinands? 6. Doctrine of Scripture? Sufficient, perspicuous, infallible, inerrant? 7. Doctrine of God’s decrees? Unconditional election? 8. Original sin? Total depravity? 9. Justification by faith alone? 10. Definite atonement? Irresistible grace? Perseverance of the saints? 11. Definition of repentance and saving faith? 12. Do you “regularize” orders if coming from a Presbyterian background? “Reordain?” 13. Praying to saints? By her intercessions? Mary? By his intercessions? Saints? BCP. Anglican Missals. 14. Bread-worship and b...

Psalm 111 & 141 Genesis 37 Mark 4 Westminster Confession of Faith, 26.4, "Of the Communion of the Saints"

Rev. Niel Bech outlines incipient changes in the 1980s in the Reformed Episcopal Church. Canonical changes created a monarchial episcopacy, largely excluding the laity and other Presbyters. Congregations were concerned and were asking questions. Over generation 5 (1990s-2023), we now have the Reformed Episcopal Imposters (REI) who've borrowed the name of the Reformed Episcopal Church from generations 1-4 (1873-2023). Now, today, the REI's Presiding Bishop, Mr. Sutton, advocates for the invocation of saints, the Litany for the Departed, the reservation of the elements from Holy Communion (due to talismanic creation of Wafer-Gods and Wine-Gods for Break-and-Wine Worshippers), and the Carnal, Capernaitic, Parachuting Presence of Christ invading the wafer and wine. Hence, the phrase, "Reformed Episcopal Imposters." It is no longer the Reformed Episcopal Church of old. Furthermore, accountability is nearwise impossible. The laity and presbyters cannot prefer charges agains...

Psalm 107.1-22 Genesis 36 Mark--"The Unpardonable Sin" Westminster Confession of Faith, 26.2, "Of the Communion of Saints"

Rev. Grahame Wray of the Free Church of England—Evangelical Connexion tells of his story from youth to adulthood in CESA (Church of England in South Africa), a Reformed and Evangelical body. He grew up Anglican and was an old Prayer Book Churchman. He details his return with family to England and entrance into the Free Church of England. Stunningly, Rev. Wray drew preliminary attention to Mr. Fenwicks’ back-ground—as an ecumenical advisor to Canterbury until becoming the Primate of the FCE. During the examination for reception from the CoE to the FCE, Mr. Fenwick was asked Bishop Arthur-Bentley Taylor about “sola scriptura,” a Cranmerian, Reformed, and Protestant commitment. Mr. Fenwick, apparently, holds the tricycle view of Scripture, reason and tradition. ??. We’d like confirm that by deposing Mr. Fenwick. We wish we had subpoena power, but we do not. Mr. Fenwick abruptly ended the interview with Bishop Arthur-Bentley Taylor and stormed out. The story passed into the repertoire of t...

Psalm 75-76 Genesis 35 Mark 3 Westminster Confession of Faith, 26.3, "Of the Communion of the Saints"

Rev. Aaron Long (United Episcopal Church of North America), Pastor of Paul’s Chapel, Lexington, NC held forth on several issues. We had about 1000 questions and barely got though—maybe—1 question. Issues: professionalization of clergy, graduate theological training without adequate pastoral training, title-mongery amongst Anglicans, wanting to be the General rather than a SGTMAJ or Marine grunt doing the leg work on the streets, the value of the BCP more widely (especially for those leaving the mega-church mindset), the need for Anglicanism and Presbyterianism to break down the socio-economic aspect (upper middle to middle classes), Bishop Robinson, and, most helpfully, Aaron’s response to any Bishop or clergy advocating for invocations to saints or prayers for the departed. The last part was short, but telling—he would bring such clergy up on charges for violating Article 22 of the 39 Articles. We would add, what does it say to the common man or woman—of any socio-economic status—to c...

Dr. Whittaker in "Disputations on Holy Scriptures" continues his defense of vernacular Scriptures, his total take-down of Bellarmine's denial of understandable, vernacular Scripture for the laity, and the Hebrew/Greek lections in the OT and NT as understandable readings for the people. Nowhere is ignorance of the Scriptures commended by any OT or NT writer, not to mention Jesus's statement to Satan: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4.4). Do you think Jesus would have advocated for withholding the Scriptures from the laity? The Romanists, Bellarmine and Trent thought so. Dr. Whittaker thinks otherwise like Aelfric, Wycliffe, the Waldensians, Dr. Cranmer and other notables in church history. Bishop John Jewel discusses the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's cross-work, not needing additional sacrifices as Rome asserted. Or, as is implied by an infinite number of intercessors in the Ro...

Psalm 65 & 67 Genesis 34 Mark 2 Westminster Confession, 25.6, "Of the Church"

Psalm 46 & 48 Genesis 33 Mark 1 Westminster Confession of Faith, 25.5, "Of the Church"

Dr. Whittaker in "Disputations on Holy Scriptures" disputes Bellarmine's denial of the vernacular Bible. Bellarmines denies that Ezra was using the Hebrew Scriptures in Nehemiah 8 as he read and exposited the Scriptures. Dr. Whittaker guts Bellarmine's subtlety. Bishop John Jewel handles "the infinite number of intercessors" in the Roman system, as if Jesus were not all-sufficient and as if they can't decide whom is better or more efficacious. Scripture knows nothing of the Romanist or Greek system. Scriptures knows of One, eternal, High Priest forever as the only and only Advocate and Mediator between humans and God. In ANF 1, Polycarp (65ish-155 AD), hit life, reflections by Irenaeus on Polycarp, his letter to the Philippians, his demeanor, and style of gentle speaking is noted.

BENEDICT OF NURSIA (480-548 AD). A wonderful discussion about Benedict, his life, his Europe-wide influence, his "Rule," and various books of hours. We discussed "holy reading," the extensive habit of private, public (divine serves--7 services), and at meals. The method of reflection was discussed. The Benedictine monasteries created massive libraries, a result of the monastic "Scriptorium." We would add that England, France, Germany, Switzerland and even the USA have been influential. Dr. Thomas Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer was shaped by the Benedictines' "Sarum Missal." Wilfrid, Lauence of Canterbury, Cuthbert, Bede, Swithun of Winchester, Alcuin, Radbertus, Ratramnus, Hincmar, Lanfranc, Anselm, Matthew Paris, and William of Malmesbury, among others, are of notable fame. It has often been noted that the Anglican tradition is "Benedictine." A wonderful discussion with Rev. Joyner. We've barely scratched the surface (agai...

Dave and I discuss his 30 years in the Baptist world, his road to Reformed Theology, some Baptist ministers arguing against learning, and more. As for election and predestination, the issue is Trinitarian and embraces each loci of systematic theology. It also required historical and exegetical theology which we don't explore here, but perhaps may come forward later on those things.

ARMINIANISM. What is it? Where is it? What's the source? What are the implications. Celsus makes a cameo appearance, John 3.16 and its exegesis,, and, of course, the Trinitarian implications (and heresies) of Arminianism, traceable to the doctrine of God, His attributes, character, divine providence and the eternal decrees. It goes back to Eden but has different names through history. We talk about educated clergy. One doesn't object to the MD (physician) or car mechanic and education in their fields. A Waffle House slap-down of those opposing educated clergy. Two Reformed brothers and friends chat. Delightful.