Press & Media Office

Defending Individual Freedoms

October 25, 2021:

Archbishop Beach sent the following pastoral statement to the ACNA College of Bishops: 


Earlier this year, your College of Bishops had extended meetings on the position of the Church regarding the COVID vaccinations. Through strong scholarship and concerted prayer, it was agreed that the ethical and moral concerns with the COVID vaccines are adiaphoric; that is, the scriptures do not speak in a manner that dictate a definitive moral or ethical position. Therefore, many bishops have encouraged, and themselves received, the COVID vaccination. Conversely, many have determined that their conscience does not allow for reception of this vaccine for a variety of reasons; rooted in their convictions from Holy Scripture, ancient tradition, and conscience.


However, this determination by the Church can not be used to justify or condone forced compliance to “mandatory” vaccinations by any institution. Whether it be employers, state or federal governments, or the US Armed Forces, no one should be compelled to receive the vaccine should they hold to a reasonable and conscientious objection. The ‘right of conscience’ is clearly understood as our first protected right in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”


Our own Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy has been busy assisting those serving in our Armed Forces who have sincerely held conscientious objections to this vaccination. Citing both constitutional rights and the precedent of law (Religious Freedom Restoration Act), Anglican Chaplains are diligently working to aid those serving our nation in uniform who seek a religious accommodation from recent directives dictating forced vaccinations. Too, I wish to echo our support of all men and women who seek similar accommodations in all sectors of our society. We encourage those so inclined to receive the COVID vaccination, and continuing boosters, to continue to get their vaccinations. But, the Anglican Church in North America firmly supports those whose conscious does not permit them to be vaccinated for reasons of faith and religious conviction.

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Anglicans in Action is an initiative of the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. For more information please contact us at info@anglicansinaction.org. 

Anglicans in Action encourages anglicans to pray and vote. 

October 24, 2021 - Statement from Rev. A.J. Nolte, Canon for Government Affairs


As our Nation enters into the final weeks of elections, Anglicans in Action would like to encourage all of the Diocese and Jurisdictions in the United States who are part of the Anglican Church in North America to exercise their constitutionally protected right to vote. Americans are truly blessed to have the freedom and opportunity to steward the governance of their communities, Counties, States, Commonwealths, and Nation through their vote at the ballot box. We invite and encourage all parishes and individuals to join with us in praying for the upcoming election by praying the Occasional Prayer 31, For An Election:


"Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide and direct, we humbly pray, the minds of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve in elected office. Grant that in the exercise of our choice we may promote your glory, and the welfare of this Nation and State (Commonwealth). This we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."    (BCP2019, p.655)


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Anglicans in Action is an initiative of the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. For more information please contact us at info@anglicansinaction.org. 

US Circuit Court Upholds Religious Freedom in latest Ruling

July 9, 2021. On July 9, the Seventh Circuit Court issued a key religious freedom ruling in the case of Demkovich V. Saint Andrew the Apostle's Parish. According to the Becket Fund, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, a historic Roman Catholic parish, has served Chicago’s Polish community for the past 120 years. The plaintiff, Sandor Demkovich served as the music director at St. Andrew and was responsible for planning liturgies, choosing the music for Masses and other important sacramental services, and playing the organ during services. However, Mr. Demkovich entered into a same-sex marriage in violation of his employment agreement and 2,000 years of Church teaching, the pastor had to let him go. Demkovich then sued the Archdiocese of Chicago for discrimination. The court upheld the ministerial exemption in the face of a challenge by an LGBT individual claiming workplace discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation. One pro religious freedom argument cited in the final decision came from an Amicus Brief filed by Rt. Rev. Derek LS Jones, Bishop of the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy.

 

Anglicans in Action applauds the Circuit Court's decision, and recognizes the important contribution that Bishop Jones' amicus brief made to the final argument. In a climate where religious individuals and institutions are increasingly subject to both government restriction and social hostility in the name of sexual autonomy, it becomes even more important to celebrate victories for religious freedom. The decision in Demkovich preserves the critical ability for churches and faith-based organizations to operate in the public square on the basis of their long and deeply-held theological beliefs.


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Anglicans in Action is an initiative of the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. For more information please contact us at info@anglicansinaction.org.