29 March 2004: Rowan Williams lectures about atheism
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, gave this amazing lecture at the Building Bridges workshop at Georgetown University. It's difficult, but worth reading.

29 March 2004: Church and state in Sudan
The Catholic Information Service for Africa reports that the Rt Revd Daniel Deng, Bishop of Sudan, said that the war in his country was about declaring the country an Islamic state.

29 March 2004: State and church in Kenya
The East African Standard reports on the arrest of a suspected felon during a service in the Diocese of Nairobi.

29 March 2004: Christian Association past president says Nigerians only pretend to be religious
In an interview with Vanguard (Lagos), Sunday Mbang (past president of the Christian Association of Nigeria), said that although Nigeria has many churches and people attend them, that the country is not actually religious. It's a long interview; if you want to skip to this quote, it's about 2/3 of the way down.

28 March 2004: English bishop asserts US Episcopal Church like Bush administration
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Rt Revd N.T.Wright, Bishop of Durham, asked 'So why should the world listen to the [Episcopalians in the] United States when changing Episcopal Church law?' he asked. 'It is bound to be perceived as, "There you go again." It's more of the same.' Thinking Anglicans has a detailed analysis of this speech and the US reaction to it.

28 March 2004: Griswold writes to Eames
A letter, written by ECUSA Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, to Archbishop Robin Eames in his capacity as Chairman of the Lambeth Commission has been published on the web. We refer you to Thinking Anglicans' report for their usual mixture of exhaustive coverage and sly commentary.

27 March 2004: Former ABC speaks out on Islam, provokes strong reactions
Dr George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered this speech at the Gregorian University in Rome on 25 March. The BBC, The Telegraph, The Guardian, and The Independent reported on backlash from Muslims and further comments from Dr Carey. The next day The Guardian and The Telegraph offered follow-up reports.

27 March 2004: Episcopalians unite in Atlanta meeting
Via Media USA announced that Episcopalians from 11 dioceses across the United States have joined together to promote unity within the national church. Press coverage from the Associated Press appeared in newspapers nationwide.

26 March 2004: Uganda bishop speaks out
The New Vision (Kampala) reports that the Rt Revd Charles Odurkami, Bishop of Lango, has condemned the increasing acts of mob justice in the country.

26 March 2004: Stalemate in Bangor bishop election
The Church Times reports that the electoral college of the Church in Wales was unable to choose a new Bishop of Bangor after three days of voting.

24 March 2004: ECUSA House of Bishops meeting ends
The House of Bishops of ECUSA has finished its meeting in Navasota, Texas. Our columnist Pierre Whalon filed this report on the meeting. They issued this proposal for alternative episcopal oversight and this communiqué. The Episcopal News Service issued this report on the communiqué. The Episcopal News Service also reports on the plan for 'delegated episcopal pastoral oversight', The Associated Press reports 'Bishops offer new plan to gay dissenters' and also reports 'Episcopal bishops rebuke conservatives'. The Washington Post reports 'Episcopal bishops reach pact on dissent'. The Church Times reports 'US bishops' oversight plan attacked by AAC'. ENS offered this detailed analysis of the reaction to the oversight plan. Thinking Anglicans lists the various statements of outrage against the plan.

24 March 2004: 2:1 odds that God exists
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a mathematical statistician has released a book deriving 2:1 odds that God actually exists, using accepted statistical formulæ.

22 March 2004: Syria and Lebanon Synods issue joint statement
The Afghan Daily reports that the General Assembly of the National Anglican Synods in Syria and Lebanon reiterated support of the Oriental and western churches to the two countries and the Arab people in Palestine and Iraq. They also condemned the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

22 March 2004: Archbishop speaks out
Canada NewsWire reports that Archbishop Terence Finlay of the Diocese of Toronto is urging Anglicans to speak out against anti-Semitism.

21 March 2004: Organ transplants
The Sunday Telegraph (London) reports that Britain's most talented organists are being poached by churches in the United States with the promise of higher salaries and better job security.

20 March 2004: US Episcopal Bishops hold annual meeting
The ECUSA House of Bishops is having its annual meeting at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. The Associated Press reports that one of its aims is to 'ease tension over gay bishop'. The Houston Chronicle offers this report. AO columnist and bishop Pierre Whalon sent us a postcard from the meeting.

19 March 2004: Bishop of El Camino Real announces retirement
The Episcopal News Service reports that the Rt Reverend Richard Shimpfky has retired, effective March 31.

19 March 2004: Diocese of Massachusetts affirms court ruling on civil same-sex marriage
The Convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts has approved a resolution affirming the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s November 2003 ruling on civil marriage for same-sex couples.  The vote was taken during the Convention’s day-long meeting held on Saturday, March 13

19 March 2004: New director of communications for Church of England
The Church Times reports that the Church of England has announced the appointment of a new director of communications, Mr Peter Crumpler. Absolutely no mention of his golf handicap.

19 March 2004: The sanctity of marriage
Reuters reports that a 25-year-old Indian man has married his 80-year-old grandmother. The BBC reports that a Saudi businessman aged 64 has just made a young girl his 58th bride and says he intends to have two more weddings to bring his total to 60.

17 March 2004: More on the recent Ohio confirmations
The Episcopal News Service reports that the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice has issued a statement regarding the March 14 confirmation of 110 people in Ohio by five retired Episcopal bishops and a diocesan bishop from Brazil without the permission of the local diocesan bishop. The Church Times filed this report on the confirmations. The American Anglican Council issued this statement of support. Note that after the first reference to the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes, it is carefully referred to as the 'Anglican Communion Network', with the note that it is 'commonly known as' that name. Ah, names. Forward in Faith North America published this interview with Bishop William Wantland, who was the celebrant at the Ohio confirmations.

16 March 2004: Anglican Consultative Council issues statement to UN Commission on status of women
The Anglican Communion News Service reports that the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) delegation to the 48th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) issued a short position statement.

16 March 2004: Diocese of Virginia names reconciliation panel
The Washington Times reports that the Diocese of Virginia has named a 'reconciliation commission' to work out theological differences related to homosexuality.

16 March 2004: Gene Robinson says he would like to marry
Reuters reports that the Rt Revd Gene Robinson, The U.S. Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop, says he would like to marry his longtime partner, but only if it becomes legal in New Hampshire.

14 March 2004: Churches in suburban Ottawa are thriving
The Ottawa Citizen reports that churches in the suburbs of Ottawa are experiencing 'a mini-boom in construction'.

14 March 2004: First woman diocesan bishop set to retire
Scoop (New Zealand) reports that the Rt Revd Dr Penny Jamieson, Bishop of Dunedin, has announced that she will retire in June.

14 March 2004: Conservative bishops defy national leaders
The Associated Press (USA) reports that six defiant Ohio congregations joined in a confirmation service led by bishops from outside that Diocese acting without permission. Beliefnet has good coverage of the background behind this news report/

13 March 2004: Bishop of El Camino Real agrees to resign
The Mercury News (San Jose, California) reports that the Rt Revd Richard Shimpfky has agreed to resign as the head of the Diocese of El Camino Real.

12 March 2004: Bishop wants license of Wyoming priest revoked
The Associated Press reports that the Bishop of Wyoming wants the license of a local priest revoked for violating territorial jurisdiction. The problem is that the license was granted by a bishop in another country.

10 March 2004: ABC says Philip Pullman should be part of religious education curriculum
The Independent and The Observer (London) report that the Archbishop of Canterbury said that the novels of Philip Pullman, which have been condemned as blasphemous by some critics, should form part of pupils' religious education. The full text of the Archbishop's address is here.

9 March 2004: Pittsburgh bishop's priorities questioned
The Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh) reports on recent activities of the Rt Revd Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh.

9 March 2004: Canadian police arrest refugee in a church
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) reports that, for the first time ever in Canada, police breached the sanctity of a church sanctuary in making an arrest of a fugitive.

8 March 2004: South Carolina court remands church property lawsuit for full trial
The State (Charleston) reports that the South Carolina Court of Appeals reversed a circuit court judge, saying there should be a full trial in a dispute over ownership of property at All Saints Church in Pawleys Island.

8 March 2004: Kenya parish official defends Bishop Njoka
The East African Standard (Nairobi) reports that 'a top official of the troubled St Stephen's Church' defended Bishop Njoka, saying he was not guilty. Meanwhile, The Nation (Nairobi) reports on what Bishop Njoka had to say in his sermon today.

8 March 2004: Canada Council of General Synod produces motion on same-sex blessings
The Anglican Journal reports that Canada's Council of General Synod (CoGS) approved the wording of two motions that will be placed before the General Synod when it meets at the end of May. Thinking Anglicans has a very detailed exposition of this week's Canadian news.

7 March 2004: Gene Robinson invested as bishop, interviewed on national television
CBS News (USA) reports that Gene Robinson was invested as Bishop of New Hampshire today. He was also interviewed on the national television programme '60 Minutes'.

5 March 2004: Church of England creates 'virtual parish'
The Diocese of Oxford has announced the creation of 'the i-church', an internet virtual church run by a real stones-and-lime diocese. News coverage so far is sparse, but there are mentions in The Australian, The Register, the Church Times, the BBC, Reuters, and the Dallas Morning News. Its creator wrote this explanation for Thinking Anglicans.

5 March 2004: Note of reconciliation at South Carolina diocesan convention
The State (Charleston, South Carolina) reports that delegates endorsed diocesan participation in the conservative Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes, then voted to have the bishop appoint a Reconciliation Commission to provide guidance on how parishes can best deal with the divide.

5 March 2004: Darwin dean says living together before marriage is beneficial
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Dean of Darwin's Christchurch Anglican Cathedral says that living together before marriage will help couples get to know each other better and improve changes of a successful marriage.

5 March 2004: Crisis warning on women bishops
The Guardian reports that the Archbishop of York reignited the row over the ordination of women priests in the Church of England by suggesting that if women were allowed to become bishops the church would have to consider setting up a separate, third province for members who disagreed with the move. The BBC reported his comments, focusing on the current implementation with 'flying bishops'.

4 March 2004: Ten years of ordaining women in England
The Guardian (London) reports that ten years after the first women were ordained in England there are very few opponents and very few people are gone from the church because of it.

3 March 2004: Essentials broadcast unites conservatives
Canada's Anglican Journal reports that conservative Canadian Anglicans opposed to liberal views on homosexuality attracted a nationwide audience on Saturday, 28 February for a four-hour video conference.

3 March 2004: Canadian task force says dissenters should get alternate bishop
Canada's Anglican Journal reports that the Alternate Episcopal Oversight task force has concluded that dissenting minorities who strongly disagree with church decisions on the blessing of same-gender relationships should be provided with an alternate bishop, at least temporarily. The Church Times offered this report on Canada's task force.

3 March 2004: Melanesian Brotherhood wins awards
Canada's General Synod reports that the Melanesian Brotherhood -- the largest religious community in the Anglican Communion -- was awarded the first prize in the regional category of the 4th Pacific Human Rights Awards, for its active role in peacemaking and reconciliation during the 1999 and 2000 ethnic conflict in the Solomon Islands.

3 March 2004: Australian Capital Territory passes 'human rights laws' over bishop's objection
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Anglican Church is concerned the ACT's new human rights laws will place the rights of the individual ahead of community values.

2 March 2004: Cancellations in the political wars over sex
The Guardian (London) reports that the Rt Revd Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, has withdrawn from a speaking engagement at Oxford because he believes that it would 'not be in the best interests of the Anglican communion at this delicate moment in its history'. Meanwhile the Vanguard (Lagos) reports that the Most Revd Peter Akinola, Primate of Nigeria, has declined an invitation to a meeting of the Anglican Consultative Committee in London. How much longer can it be before Abuja becomes Avignon?

2 March 2004: Obituary
The Independent, The Guardian, and The Telegraph published obituaries of the Revd Christopher J Ryan, late professor of mediaeval history and Dean of Chapel at King's College, Cambridge. He 'served for 16 years in the ministry of the Church of Rome, and then for an almost identical period in the ministry of the Church of England. As a result, he became one of the first men since the Reformation to act as Dean in both a Roman Catholic and an Anglican college in Cambridge'.

1 March 2004: Episcopal unity in New Zealand
The New Zealand Herald reports that Anglican and RC bishops in that country have united to oppose National Party leader Dr Don Brash's views on the Treaty of Waitangi and raced-based privileges for Maori. The National Party responded a few days later.

1 March 2004: 20% budget reduction predicted in Colorado
The Denver Post reports that the Diocese of Colorado is predicting a 20% shortfall in pledges this year as a result of recent sexuality conflicts.

1 March 2004: Kenya primate supports besieged Nairobi bishop
The Nation (Nairobi) reports that the Most Revd Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishop of Kenya, has stated that the money received by the Bishop of Nairobi was not obtained fraudulently, and that returning it would not be an admission of guilt. (You may search for the name 'Njoka' in the News Centre to find context for this report if you have not been following the story.)

29 February 2004: Conflict over transgender weddings in the UK
The BBC reports that some Anglican priests say they would rather be sued than allow people who have changed their sex to marry in their churches

29 February 2004: The long-awaited 'Passion of the Christ' movie opens
People had opinions about this movie long before they saw it, and we've heard many people explain why they won't see it. Google News finds about 7000 news articles referencing this film. Coverage that caught our attention included Bishop Glenn Davies in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Montreal Gazette interviewing five religious leaders, a review by the Church Times, Frederica Mathewes-Green on Beliefnet, and James Carroll in the Boston Globe, 'Christ's real passion was life'.

29 February 2004: On Australia's search for a new primate
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Anglican Church of Australia is about to start looking for a replacement for Peter Carnley, Archbishop of Perth, who will retire in early 2005.

28 February 2004: Was Kenyan cathedral built on stolen land?
The East African Standard (Nairobi) reports that the new cathedral in Siaya, see city of the Diocese of Maseno West, may need to be torn down because it was built on illegally-acquired land.

27 February 2004: One year of Rowan Williams
It was a year ago this week that the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams was enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Church Times offers this editorial. The Telegraph notes the pain surrounding the Jeffrey John appointment. The Western Mail (Cardiff) comments on how much Dr Williams misses his homeland of Wales. The Anglican Communion News Service lists the Press Association's story about this first year.

27 February 2004: Desmond Tutu visits the Anglican Communion Office
The Anglican Communion News Service reports and reflects on the Ash Wednesday visit of Desmond Tutu to the new offices of the ACO.

27 February 2004: Reports on the Church of England General Synod
Reports on the C of E General Synod are now available online. Our own report by Peter Owen is here. Thinking Anglicans offers this guide to the Church Times reports.

26 February 2004: York Minster chancellor swims the Tiber
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Canon Edward Norman, chancellor of York Minster, has announced his intention to become a Roman Catholic. The Telegraph (London) in an interview with him, describes his new book as 'one of the most ferocious assaults ever launched on the Church of England'.

25 February 2004: Kenya House of Bishops grills Njoka
The Nation (Nairobi) reports that the Rt Revd Peter Njoka, Bishop of Nairobi, who has been under attack for taking money from City Hall in return for prayers, has appeared before the House of Bishops, who will decide his fate. Update: Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reports that he has been ordered to refund the money. An editorial in The Nation asserts that repayment is not enough, and reports that a government leader has called for him to be defrocked.

24 February 2004: NZ wine tax triggers lower-alcohol communion wine
The New Zealand Herald reports that because of a new higher tax on wines with 14% or more alcohol, New Zealand wine producers are making lower-alcohol altar wines to escape the tax. The New Straits Times reports that the lower alcohol content limits the keeping qualities of partially-used bottles, making this an unsatisfactory compromise.

24 February 2004: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
The Nation (Nairobi) reports that some newspapers in Kenya are reporting, and the government is denying, that a corruption inspection team in Nairobi is being paid large sums of money to investigate the misappropriation of small sums of money.

23 February 2004: Church growth in Scotland and Australia
The Scotsman (Glasgow) reports on 'astonishing' growth at an Episcopal church in Edinburgh. Meanwhile the Sydney Morning Herald reports that 'niche churches' are growing faster than 'older rivals'.

23 February 2004: Nigerian bishop challenges Knights of St Christopher
This Day (Lagos) reports that the Rt Revd Emmanuel Iheagwam, Bishop of Egbu, challenges knights-elect to lead exemplary lives.

23 February 2004: Archbishop Tutu attacks RC stance on condoms for AIDS prevention
The Scotsman reports that Archbishop Desmond Tutu has launched a strong attack on Roman Catholic opposition to the use of condoms to combat AIDS. News 24 (Cape Town) reports on the RC response. IOL (Cape Town) reports on efforts by Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane to mediate.

22 February 2004: Upcoming Bishop shortage in Canada
The Canada Newswire reports that the Most Reverend Terence Finlay, Archbishop of Toronto (Canada's largest diocese), announced that he will retire on June 11. Here is a PDF file of his letter of retirement.

21 February 2004: West Tennessee passes unity resolution
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee) reports that the Diocese of West Tennessee passed a resolution supporting Bishop Don Johnson 'in his leadership and commitment to unity.'

21 February 2004: Via Media to meet in Atlanta
The Associated Press reports that the Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh, and other groups who disagree with recent actions by conservatives, will hold their first national meeting in Atlanta next month.

18 February 2004: 'Flying bishops' offer to watch over Anglican dissidents in Canada
CanWest News Service reports that four top Anglican leaders from Africa and East Asia are offering to serve as "flying bishops" to 10 disaffected conservative parishes in the Greater Vancouver area.

18 February 2004: Bishop of Nairobi asked to return the money
The East African Standard (Nairobi) reports that local government officials insist that Bishop Peter Njoka must refund money he received from Nairobi City Council. The Nation (Nairobi) reports that he says he is going to keep the money, and explains why.

18 February 2004: Nigerian bishop speaks out
The Vanguard (Lagos) reports that the Rt Revd Dr Cyril Okorocha, Bishop of Owerri, used his presidential address at the diocese's annual synod to lament 'The new language and dress code imported from the wrong ends of the decadent Europe and America and the new morality brought into the homes by uncensored videos, satellite television and the internet'. He's right, of course, but like all of the rest of us, there seems to be nothing he can do about it.

17 February 2004: Charge to the Eames commission
Rowan Williams delivered a charge to what is now called the Lambeth Commission, during its opening service at Windsor last week. The text of it is available as a web page on Thinking Anglicans, which also has some news of the Commission's doings.

15 February 2004: Australian PM claims politics can damage churches
News Interactive (Australia) reports that John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, has warned churches not to engage in partisan politics.

15 February 2004: Anti-apartheid RC archbishop dies in South Africa
The South African Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Most Revd Denis Hurley, retired Roman Catholic Archbishop of Durban and anti-apartheid religious leader, has died at the age of 88.

14 February 2004: Sydney extremism said to lead to split
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Primate of Australia, the Most Revd Dr Peter Carnley, has made a stinging attack on the leadership of the Sydney diocese.

13 February 2004: General Synod of Church of England
The General Synod of the Church of England has finished. Besides the day-by-day coverage in the Church Times, public coverage includes The Scotsman on the Eames Commission, The Telegraph on the ARCIC debate, Reuters on whether or not the Three Wise Men could have been women, The Guardian on the money debate, The Telegraph and the ACNS on the sexuality debate, The Scotsman on mission and outreach, and the BBC on the treatment of asylum seekers. AO's Simon Sarmiento has written 'What the Church of England said about ECUSA'. The Church of England released a quick press release asserting 'Church policy on gay relationships unchanged'. The BBC has published a short summary review of the event, and this Associated Press story is somewhat analytical of the sexuality debate; we expect to have a full complement of reviews and analyses available in a week or two.

13 February 2004: US Executive Council issues statement
The Executive Council of ECUSA, part of its governance mechanism, issued this statement after its most recent meeting.

12 February 2004: Australian archbishop urges more religious education
The Age (Melbourne) published a version of a speech by Peter Carnley, Primate of Australia, on the need for religious education in modern life.

12 February 2004: Blocked from church work, Elvis Priestley seeks to enter politics
The Canadian Press reports that the Revd Dorian Baxter, who goes by the name of Elvis Priestley, hopes to revive Canada's Progressive Conservative party and run for office.

11 February 2004: Global South archbishops issue joint condemnation
The New Vision (Kampala, Uganda) reports that 13 archbishops from Africa and Asia have renewed their condemnation of the US bishops for consecrating Gene Robinson. The Anglican Communion News Service lists their statement here.

10 February 2004: Inclusive Church petition given to ABC
The BBC reports that the organization 'Inclusive Church' has presented a unity petition to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

9 February 2004: Canada government seeks to appeal residential schools decision
Canada Newswire reports that Canada's Federal Government is seeking to appeal the recent Blackwater decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

9 February 2004: New telecommunications press release
The Anglican Communion News Service has issued a press release announcing the formation of a global committee of technology users whose purpose is presumably to streamline the further distribution of press releases.

9 February 2004: Church of England reflecting on Vatican ties
Reuters reports on thinking in an increasingly-evangelical Church of England about ARCIC and its exploration of Anglican/Roman unity.

7 February 2004: Njoka's fate in the balance
The East African Standard (Nairobi) reports that the fate of the Rt Revd Peter Njoka, Bishop of Nairobi, will be decided on 24 February, while he is still out of the country. The Nation (Nairobi) reported a few days later that the Njoka news thread almost merged with the Gene Robinson thread. Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reports that he returned to Kenya earlier than planned. Later in the week the Daily Nation reported that the bishop failed to attend a Sunday service at St Stephen's church in Nairobi where he usually goes, and that he had agreed to meet with all of the clergy in his diocese.

7 February 2004: Old rural church closes in Australia
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Anglican Church at Dalgety has closed after more than 70 years of worship, for lack of attendance.

7 February 2004: English bishop speaks out
The Guardian (London) reports that the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, has called on the government to pay mothers or fathers who stay at home and raise their families.

7 February 2004: Non-event noted in London
News24 (South Africa) reports on a gathering in London to note the tenth anniversary of the ordination of women in the Church of England, and to note that the church did not fall apart as a result. However, The Telegraph reports that 'Women priests cost the Church £26m in payouts', but if you actually read the article (we recommend actual reading) you will see that the payouts are to people who quit because they did not like women priests, rather than to the women.

6 February 2004: Middle East tour leaves a sombre impression
The Church Times (London) reports on the recent visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Middle East.

6 February 2004: Obituary
The Guardian (London) published an obituary of Edred Wright, 'one of the outstanding choir trainers of his time, and an inspiration to generations of students at King's School, Canterbury, and the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).' The News Centre also laments the passing February 5 of Susan Scheel Thomas, grandmother of our news correspondent Bob Wiard.

5 February 2004: Irish Primate in talks over US bishop
The BBC reports that Archbishop Robin Eames, Primate of the Church of Ireland and chairman of the committee looking into the reactions to the Bishop of New Hampshire, has met with clergy in the United States.

5 February 2004: Some Zimbabwe church leaders agree to join fight against AIDS
The Herald (Harare) reports that some church leaders in Harare yesterday said they would assist the Government in fighting the HIV and Aids pandemic.

4 February 2004: Diocese of Pittsburgh joins network its bishop created
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the standing committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh voted to join the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses, of which its bishop is one of the founding principals. Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh issued this press release about the decision and the decision making process. The Post-Gazette article promises a more detailed report the next day; here it is. Not sure how much more detail it has.

4 February 2004: First African primate of Kenya dies at 95
The Nation (Nairobi) reports that Rt Rev Festo Olang, first African head of the Anglican Church in Kenya, has died at age 95.

4 February 2004: Prosecution for changing a church building
The Guardian (London) reports that a vicar is being summonsed before a rarely invoked church court for allegedly modernising his historic church without permission, including moving the font and carpeting over the floor tiles. The Church Times also reports this story, and has photographs.

2 February 2004: Protests increase against Kenya bishop
The Nation (Nairobi) reports that hundreds yesterday boycotted church services, demanding the removal of Bishop Peter Njoka. It's intriguing to think about a culture in which staying away from church would be interpreted as a protest.

2 February 2004: Missionaries still on the job
The Associated Press reports that no province or bishop has asked the Episcopal Church to recall missionaries or stop sending new ones, and a new crop is headed out this week.

1 February 2004: Reparation backlash in South Africa
The Mail and Guardian (Cape Town) reports that South Africa's government is dismissive of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's support for cases brought before US courts by apartheid victims.

1 February 2004: Diocese of Virginia finds via media
The Washington Post reports that the Diocese of Virginia yesterday voted to set up a year-long 'reconciliation commission' to examine ways of maintaining their unity in the face of deep theological differences over homosexuality.

1 February 2004: ECUSA diocesan news
Thinking Anglicans reports on recent diocesan actions in Mississippi and Florida.

30 January 2004: Michael Peers retires as Canada's primate after 18 years
The Anglican Church of Canada reports that starting 1 February 2004, the Anglican Church of Canada will be under an acting primate until Archbishop Peers' successor is elected at General Synod on May 31.

30 January 2004: Money to repair English cathedrals
To the non-religious, the symbols of Christianity in Britain are not Bibles but cathedrals. The cathedrals, however beautiful, are old and in need of repair. The Guardian (London) reports that the charitable organisation English Heritage has announced a grant of £2million for English cathedrals.

29 January 2004: Kenyan bishop asked to return the money
On 14 January the East African Standard reported that the Rt Revd Peter Njoka, Bishop of Nairobi, was being paid to pray for City Hall. Today that newspaper reports that he has been asked to return the money, 1.5 million shillings (€16,000, UK£11,000) or be prosecuted. The Daily Nation (Nairobi) reports that hundreds of protesters have demanded that Bishop Njoka step down.

29 January 2004: Archbishop of Canterbury finishes trip to the Near East
The Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, has completed a trip to Jerusalem. The Anglican Communion News Service issued this advance announcement, this statement against violence, and these photographs. Coverage in the secular press was, as these things go, rather sparse. Here are reports by Al Jazeera, the Jerusalem Post, and the Church Times. The sermons delivered by Dr Williams during his visit are on his website.

28 January 2004: Canadian priest to protest welfare cuts by sleeping in streets
The Canadian Press reports that a priest in Victoria has vowed to sleep in the streets to protest the decision by the government of British Columbia to reduce welfare payments.

28 January 2004: Church and State in Malawi
The Malawi Standard (Blantyre) reports that the Rt Revd James Tengatenga, Bishop of Southern Malawi, has joined a public protest against current politics in Malawi. We confess to being sufficiently undereducated about Malawi politics that we aren't entirely sure what the issues are, but we do like to report it when bishops fight their governments over topics other than sex.

28 January 2004: Church and State in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Daily News (Harare) reports that the conflict in Zimbabwe between government and church has taken a new turn; this time the church leaders are being criticised for attempting to oust the president. For years they endured criticism for supporting him.

28 January 2004: Church and sex in South Africa
The Independent (Johannesburg) reports that an Anglican priest is in trouble after refusing to pay for sex but leaving his wallet behind. We're not entirely sure why we decided to report this story, except that it seems, well, so banal.

27 January 2004: Church and State in Uganda
The Monitor (Kampala) reports that the Most Revd Henry Orombi, newly-enthroned Archbishop of Uganda, is offering advice to anti-government rebels.

26 January 2004: Christian Arabs leaving Jerusalem
The Associated Press reports that Jordan's king told the Archbishop of Canterbury Monday that Israel's presence in Jerusalem has prompted many Christian Arabs to leave the city. The Jordan Times has a similar report.

26 January 2004: Exorcism of 'gay ghosts' in Uganda
The New Vision (Kampala) reports on a bishops' retreat in Uganda whose purpose is finding ways of fighting homosexuality in the worldwide church.

26 January 2004: New archbishop in Uganda
The Monitor (Kampala) reports that the Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi was consecrated Archbishop of Uganda.

25 January 2004: Plano II
The Organizing Convocation of the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes met this week in Plano, Texas. The American Anglican Council issued a press release making sure that the public knew that these are different organizations. There was a lot of press coverage, but it varied widely in nature. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution printed 'Rules jettisoned in Episcopal rift over gay bishop'. The BBC, as the meeting opened, reported 'Anti-gay US clergy mulls "split"'. The Via Media groups issued this press release supporting Bishop Johnson's pastoral letter opposed to the schismatic groups. The Christian Science Monitor asked 'New Episcopal ‘network’: path to schism?'. Diane Knippers, president of the AAC's sister organization, granted this interview 'What do conservative Episcopalians really want?' to Beliefnet.

After the meeting, the Organizing Convocation issued this statement and this charter; the AAC issued this press release, and Via Media issued this press release calling for the repudiation of the various schismatic groups. News reports included Reuters, the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune, the Charleston Post and Courier, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and the Episcopal News Service. The Presiding Bishop of the US Episcopal Church issued this statement; various newspapers published opinions, including the Church Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, the Every Voice Network, and the Houston Voice. Wrapup coverage includes the Church Times 'US conservatives deny they want a split' and the Church of England News 'US group fears retribution'.

24 January 2004: ABC visits Middle East
The Archbishop of Canterbury this week visited the Diocese of Jerusalem. The Anglican Communion News Service issued this advance press release; coverage of the actual visit was in the Scotsman (Glasgow).

24 January 2004: General Synod soon in Church of England
The Church Times reports that the upcoming General Synod of the Church of England has a heavy agenda and faces serious issues. Details and press coverage are meticulously listed in Thinking Anglicans, as usual.

24 January 2004: Christians in Karachi facing danger
The Church Times reports and reflects on last week's attacks on Christians in Pakistan.

23 January 2004: Nigerian diocese diversifies
This Day (Lagos) reports that the Diocese of Umuahia is diversifying its investments in order to become self-sustaining.

17 January 2004: Pakistani Christians form vigilante groups
The Gulf Times (Dubai) reports that recent events in Karachi have led to Christians in that city setting up vigilante groups.

17 January 2004: Synod to debate Pope's supremacy
The Telegraph reports that the General Synod of the Church of England will next month debate a joint Roman Catholic and Anglican report arguing that the Pope should be recognised as the 'universal primate'.

17 January 2004: NZ's first female Anglican dean appointed
Today (Hawke's Bay, New Zealand) reports that John Bluck, Bishop of Waiapu, announced the appointment of the Revd Helen Jacobi as New Zealand's first female Anglican dean.

16 January 2004: Church bombed in Karachi
The Gulf News (Dubai) reports the bombing of an Anglican church in Karachi. There was some additional coverage by Reuters and the Associated Press.

16 January 2004: Desmond Tutu ordains his daughter as priest
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, retired primate of the Church of the Province of South Africa, ordained his daughter Mpho as a priest. Coverage included News24 (Cape Town), Sydney Morning Herald, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post.

16 January 2004: Dissident parish in New Westminster returns to the diocese
Canada.com reports that the lay leadership of St. Martin's parish in North Vancouver has decided to go through official Anglican channels to hire a replacement priest and to stop its protest of withholding annual dues to the diocese.

15 January 2004: Attendance drops again in Church of England
The Church Times (London) reports that statisticians for the Church of England have recorded another across-the-board drop in attendance figures. The Church Times' editor, Paul Handley, wrote in The Independent (London) on his thinking about those statistics. Perhaps the decrease in attendance is linked to the increase in vandalism; a companion article reports that about one in seven Church of England churches was vandalised last year. And, more or less along the same lines, the Church Times reports that the Church of England's Commissioners want to stop paying for its bishops, and Thinking Anglicans has good commentary on its publication of that story.

14 January 2004: Call to detribalize bishoprics in Uganda
The New Vision (Kampala) has published an editorial asserting that the process by which bishops are chosen in Uganda needs to change.

14 January 2004: Pay for bishop's prayer in Kenya
The East African Standard (Nairobi) reports that the City of Nairobi has been paying the Bishop of Nairobi 54 thousand shillings per month to pray weekly for City Hall. On 14 January 2004, 54 thousand Kenyan shillings is £393, NZ$1076, or €572. Nice work if you can get it; we note that there are sometimes valuable benefits that accrue to bishops.

13 January 2004: Canadian RC priests to be tested for HIV
The Gazette (Montréal) reports that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal has told men seeking to study at the Grand Séminaire de Montréal that they will have to be tested for HIV.

12 January 2004: Dissatisfied Episcopalians meet in Virginia
The Washington Post reports that Episcopalians from across the USA gathered in Northern Virginia to express their outrage over the consecration of a gay bishop. The Associated Press reports on their goals and strategy, and the Washington Post comments on those goals. The strategy document itself is on the Thinking Anglicans website. Thinking Anglicans also reports on the Virginia meeting. The American Anglican Council issued this press release in reaction to the Washington Post story. And Thinking Anglicans has good coverage of the various follow-up stories. Google News lists these related stories.

8 January 2004: Obituary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has published an obituary of the Rt Revd Judson Child, former Bishop of Atlanta. The Diocese of Atlanta offered this obituary.

8 January 2004: Australia's primate announces early retirement
The Most Revd Dr Peter Carnley, Archbishop of Perth and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, announced his early retirement this week. Newspaper coverage includes 'Anglicans' leading light dims', 'Outspoken cleric says it's time to move on', and 'Three in the running to lead church' in The Age; 'Anglican primate ends turbulent reign with early retirement', 'A breath of fresh air blowing from the west hardened the souls of Sydney', and 'Anglican fault line deep, if not irreparable' in the Sydney Morning Herald; 'Anglican primate Carnley to quit' in the Herald Sun; 'Carnley a hard man to replace' and 'Three-way struggle to lead Anglicans' in The Australian; and 'Anglican tensions over new primate' in The Advertiser.

8 January 2004: Mixed reaction follows same-sex wedding
The Anglican Journal (Canada) reports that there was a wide range of reactions to the marriage of a lesbian couple in Ontario last August.

8 January 2004: English bishops meet to discuss women joining them
The Church Times reports on a draft report on women bishops in the Church of England.

8 January 2004: Africans step up protest against Gene Robinson
The Church Times reports that the bishops of Congo, west Africa, are the latest to voice their condemnation of the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson, and to dissociate themselves from dioceses and parishes 'involved in homosexuality'.

8 January 2004: Black cassock, black belt
The Church Times reports on an English nun who has achieved a black belt in karate. Great photograph.

7 January 2004: Diocese of Pittsburgh withdraws 'land-grab' resolution
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that a diocesan resolution that called for parishes to maintain control of their property and buildings in defiance of church canon law has been withdrawn by attorneys representing the bishop. This action drew international attention; for example, it was reported by The Guardian in London.

7 January 2004: Indeed they do build them like they used to
The Kalamazoo Gazette (Michigan, USA) notes the passing and legacy of the Rt Revd Charles E Bennison, past bishop of Western Michigan.

6 January 2004: Business as usual for missionary training at ETSS
The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest (USA) reports that its annual missionary training event this week will draw the largest group of missionary trainees in 40 years.

5 January 2004: Anglican church hit by shock resignation
The Courier (Ballarat) reports on the surprise resignation of ... wait, you guessed wrong ... the Dean (of Ballarat's cathedral).

5 January 2004: Bishop speaks out against foreign influence and pornography
The Ghana News Agency (Accra) reports that the Rt Revd Thomas Ampah Brient, Bishop of Sunyani, has stressed the need for the law to control media programmes so that the Ghanaian culture is not corrupted with foreign ones.

4 January 2004: Church's 'third way' on women bishops
The Telegraph (London) reports that the Church of England may have to split in two if women become bishops, one church with female clergy and one without.

2 January 2004: Push for prosecution of Zimbabwe bishop
ZWnews (Harare) reports on the push by numerous church leaders in Zimbabwe for the prosecution of the Rt Revd Nolbert Kunonga, Bishop of Harare. New Zimbabwe also carried the same story, in case you cannot reach the ZWnews website. The story was, amusingly, written by the Church Times' Pat Ashworth. In a more or less unrelated story, the Toronto Star reprinted a New York Times article about church involvement in policing human-rights violations in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Independent reports that bishops in South Africa are raising their voices against their country's support of Zimbabwe.

2 January 2004: On the Network of Confessing Dioceses and Parishes in the Episcopal Church
The Church Times offers these observations on the new conservative organization in the US Episcopal Church.

2 January 2004: Anglican Church of Canada eyes British Columbia schools judgment
The Anglican Journal (Canada) reports on the rather complex current state of Canada's residential schools litigation.

1 January 2004: Shakespeare's church under threat
The BBC reports that the church where William Shakespeare was baptised and buried is under threat after dry rot and death-watch beetle were found in it.