Fifty-five years ago today on 16 November 1963, James Parker Dees, a courageous man of God, withdrew from the Protestant Episcopal Church over issues of that Church over infidelity to Holy Writ, to the Thirty Nine Articles of Religion, a declining reverence in worship practices, and a low regard for the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He did so consistent with the biblical admonition:
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Eye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore
At that time, the Anglican Orthodox Church was founded by Bishop James Parker Dees. Many other clergy came out with Bishop Dees at that time, but later fell by the wayside under the heat of social persecution. Following his withdrawal from PECUSA, bands of PECUSA clergy marched around Bishop Dees’ home night and day for three days, and all manner of slander was rumored about him by those who bore much influence in the PECUSA and the local press. But Bishop Dees never looked back once he took up his cross to follow our Lord, and continued his Godly march until his death on Christmas Day 1990. There have been many saints of God who lent their hands and hearts to the support of the Anglican Orthodox Church founded by Bishop Dees.
One who stands out in stark relief is Mrs. Betty Hoffman – our National Secretary for fifty
May God bless the Anglican Orthodox Church with a continued source of dedicated and committed Clergy and Laity to continue the missionary work of this Church around the world.
Let us pray:
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GODour Father, Father of Lights, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, We know no Sovereign but thee. We praise your Holy Name, and continually seek your face in favor of our efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ at home and abroad among all nations, tribes, and tongues. We seek your Guidance and Counsel in all that we do, and we beseech thee to continually send to us men and women who thirst after thee and who will follow thee in all avenues of life whether in sorrow or glorious triumph. Keep us ever humble in pursuit of truth and the preaching thereof; cause our steps not to slip in the day of trouble; imbue us with a heart of compassion and love for our fellows, especially those of your Church, and lead us ever onward to share in your Holy Presence at the end of our days; for we ask all in the Holy Name above every other name – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
