Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

GAFCON was a miracle

Sunday 6 July, 2008 · Posted by Raj Gupta

The GAFCON (Global Anglican Future CONference) conference ended last Sunday. I suspect that history will show this was a significant time in church history.

Here is an edited email I received from Ivan Lee, bishop of the Western Region:

Greetings from Jerusalem. GAFCON has now finished, and like many, I was in tears after the amazing miracle of this conference. Despite the conference being organised in a very short time, the program went smoothly with plenary sessions and workshops. Nearly 1200 biblically faithful Anglicans came together from all over the world praying and hoping for the beginning of a spiritual movement that will keep the gospel alive in the Anglican Communion.

Despite whatever spin the papers put on this, it is the action of those who have rejected the Christ and God of the Bible, and rejected the authority of the word of God, that have damaged our Communion. Liberalism is doing its destructive work not only amongst Anglicans but in all major denominations, slowly but surely. I praise God for raising up the courageous leaders that we needed at this time.

…What is at stake is the very gospel and glory of Christ. We talked about Jesus and the bible and mission all week, as well as ways to relieve poverty in the world.

Many are going home to face more suffering and heartache, as liberal bishops and diocese apply more pressure. The price many have already paid has been a wonderful testimony to their trust and faith in Christ.

Of course we do not know if GAFCON will ultimately deliver, but we cannot stand idly while secularism rules more and more of the Anglican Communion. It was a wonderful work of God to bring 1200 Anglicans including nearly 300 bishops to a common mind! Much more has to be done to protect biblically faithful Anglicans. Much more theological and pastoral work has to be done. This is just the beginning, but what an amazing beginning. The details you can read on the diocesan website, but I count it a privilege to be part of the beginnings of this movement.

Many more around the world are now aware of our work in Western Sydney, as I am of their work.

God bless,
Ivan.

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