CHICAGO — In a shocking turn of events, True Life Community, a nondenominational church on Chicago’s West Side, announced Monday its plans to consecrate new bishops without papal approval. “The situation is dire,” said the head of the denomination Pastor John Vogan. “We have sent many letters to Rome over the past few weeks requesting approval, but the Vatican’s responses have been unsatisfactory.”

When asked to comment, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told The Roman Caller, “we didn’t quite understand the request. Evangelicals generally reject apostolic succession, and the Holy Father was genuinely baffled. In the end, we sent a nice postcard to Pastor Vogan. We continue to invite all Christians to continue to pray for unity.”

Bruni may be waiting a long time for that unity. Vogan says that the consecrations will be carried out July 2 of this year. “I am supported by the unanimous opinion of our church council. We consider that the objective state of grave necessity in which souls find themselves requires such a decision. We have also unanimously agreed that Hillsong will play at this event.” When questioned about what exactly created a grave necessity, Vogan simply replied, “grave necessity.”

At present there have been no announcements as to who will be consecrated a bishop and by whom.

The Roman Caller will continue to follow these matters in the coming months.

– Editor, The Roman Caller