James Flanagan, DD - Steadfast Warrior

The Steadfast Warrior

 

James Flanagan, DD, Bishop of the Northeastern Diocese of the Anglican Orthodox Communion

 

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ND the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.   (2 Timothy 2:2-3)

 

          During the early dawning of 28 December 2022, Bishop James Flanagan laid down his sword, shield, and war books at the foot of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and crossed the troubled waters of Jordan Banks. But Bishop Flanagan did not cross those waters alone for the One who had never forsaken him in all the years of his ministry was right beside as they both traversed the raging flood together.

 

            I lack the depth of rhetorical beauty necessary to fully do justice to commemorating such a minister, friend, and brother, as Bishop Flanagan has been to me since the many years of our meeting. There are two terms that come to mind that only begin to describe this man of Godly faith and character – Courageous and Uncompromising. These would only begin to represent his depth of faith, love, and commitment to the ministry that he was called to undertake more than fifty years ago. Once having received that call, he never looked back but pressed doing his duty as he saw it with no thought of the crown of righteousness and service rightly due him now.

 

            James was a man of refined mind and learning having been awarded degrees from both Rutgers University and Faith Theological Seminary at the doctorate level. That knowledge was reflected in his writings and his sermons, not in complexity, but in the simplicity of our Lord and Savior. His sermons were always Bible-centered and delivered with unquestioned conviction.        

 

James drew little distinction between his Christian faith and his patriotism to country. He was well-read on the writings of our Founding Fathers and believed, without question, that the true Sovereign of our nation’s founding was the Lord God Almighty who directed the affairs of our nation at its early founding. He was a veteran soldier of the Rainbow Division (US ARMY) as well as of the service to the God who planted the Rainbow in the sky as a sign of encouragement to us. He was very active in-service organizations having served as Chaplain to AMVETS and the American Legion. He also served as National Chaplain of AMVETS in the past. He also served as Chaplain to the lower Merion Fire Dept. and the Radnor Fire Company.

 

            James and his precious wife, Mary Lou, had recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. It was their practice to repeat the Lord’s Prayer every night – even up to the night before his call to “come up hither.” (Rev 4:1)

 

            James loved to discover the precious gems hidden away throughout the Scriptures. He and I often shared our discoveries of the Christ in Genesis and other books of the Old Testament. In fact, he had begun a study on the subject interrupted by his passing. I have his notes, and know very well his thoughts on the subject, and will finish his book in the coming months merely as the editor thereof.

 

            When our seminary in Pakistan was in dire need of financial support, James stepped forward and gave sacrificially. He also served as Vice-Chancellor to the seminary which earned the seminary a measure of greater respectability.

 

            I had the distinct honor of preaching the funeral sermon for Bishop James – a decidedly easy task since any biblical text I could choose would fit perfectly in the description of the warrior saint. All Saints Church/ Wynnwood was packed with mourners who loved Bishop Flanagan. There was also a conspicuous presence of uniformed police, firefighters, and Rescue Squad personnel on hand to pay ceremonial honors and escort duties.

 

            The Rev. Edward Rix, Rector of All Saints Church, also commended his good friend, James, for his faith, service, and perseverance in preaching the Gospel.

 

            Bishop Flanagan was a frontline soldier in the army of the Lord and will be greatly missed by friends, family, and fellow believers. He leaves a wide gap in the line of battle which must be filled to close order by those who remain for the continued battle for Christ and His Church. 

 

            I leave you with one of Bishop Flanagan’s favorite text from Romans: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8:28)  

 

And, so be it!

Jerry L. Ogles, Presiding Bishop and Friend