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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Encouraging Words on Pope Francis from an Anglican Evangelical


Retired Anglican Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Southern Cone, the Most. Rev. Gregory Venables, a friend of the new Pope, has this to say on Facebook:

Many are asking me what Jorge Bergoglio is really like. He is much more of a Christian, Christ centered and Spirit filled, than a mere churchman. He believes the Bible as it is written. I have been with him on many occasions and he always makes me sit next to him and invariably makes me take part and often do what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently humble and wise, outstandingly gifted yet a common man. He is no fool and speaks out very quietly yet clearly when necessary. He called me to have breakfast with him one morning and told me very clearly that the Ordinariate was quite unnecessary and that the church needs us as Anglicans. I consider this to be an inspired appointment not because he is a close and personal friend but because of who he is In Christ. Pray for him.

2 comments:

  1. It is very encouraging to be hearing such a clear and compelling Christ-centered message from the new spiritual leader of the largest body of Christian people--and I'm very glad to hear such a good word from Bishop Venables, who has had a great opportunity to have a perspective "up close and personal." Seems like a very positive step in a healthy direction, and I'm sure that will have good effect far and wide.

    A note on the side, that the new pope is simply, "Pope Francis." He would become "Pope Francis I" only if, in some future time, another newly-elected pope should decide to become "Pope Francis II." Sort of like how the Great War became "World War I . . . ."

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  2. Thanks for the note on the side. I corrected the headline to reflect your helpful history lesson

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