Albert Mohler: Anglican "Missionary" Bishop Named for America -- The Schism Arrives
Posted: Monday, May 07, 2007

William Bennett once observed that America was fast becoming "the kind of nation civilized nations sent missionaries to." In truth, that is what America has now become. The installation of Martyn Mims as "missionary bishop" for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA).

The schism in the Anglican communion was visible for all to see when the Nigerian primate Archbishop Peter Akinola, installed Bishop Mims in a ceremony held in northern Virginia. According to press reports, the event was held in a 3,500 seat facility next to Potomac Mills.

Bishop Mims will exercise episcopal oversight over 34 congregations in the U.S. -- with about one third identified as ethnically Nigerian.

As Michelle Boorstein of The Washington Post reported:

A powerful Nigerian Anglican archbishop defied top church leaders yesterday by coming to Northern Virginia and installing as one of his bishops a local minister who recently broke with the U.S. church after accusing it of being too liberal.

The festive ceremony thrilled those who believe the U.S. church has become too permissive but highlighted divisions that threaten to crack the Anglican Communion.
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