+Peter Akinola, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, and majordomo of the current coup attempt by the Global South Primates of the Anglican Communion, showed a little more of his cards recently in the response to the listen process currently underway in the Communion. He fully supports the anti-gay legislation currently under consideration in the Nigerian legislature. This repugnant bill would imprison persons for homosexual behavior. Can anyone in the US, no matter how conservative, honestly want this guy as their spiritual father in God.
Check out the Nigerian response here.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Word from the home office...
Our Bishop and Bishop-elect have both written statements concerning the most recent HOB's meeting.
Read Ken's statement here...
Read Tom's statement here...
There have been other Bishop bloggings as well. Often I'd not list them here as they are out of our jurisdiction, but I commend Bishop Howe of Central Florida, and his comments. Although one of the more conservative members, his remarks about the meeting should be noted. Read him here...
Read Ken's statement here...
Read Tom's statement here...
There have been other Bishop bloggings as well. Often I'd not list them here as they are out of our jurisdiction, but I commend Bishop Howe of Central Florida, and his comments. Although one of the more conservative members, his remarks about the meeting should be noted. Read him here...
Stephen Bates with commentary on HOB's Meeting...
Stephen Bates, writer for the British paper the Guardian, has this to say..
In the late 1970s, when New York City was on the verge of bankruptcy and appealing for financial help from federal funds, President Gerald Ford told the city he would not bail it out, prompting a famous Daily News headline - Ford to City: Drop Dead. Well, in rather more polite language, that's just about what the bishops of the US Episcopal church have said to Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Read the rest here...
In the late 1970s, when New York City was on the verge of bankruptcy and appealing for financial help from federal funds, President Gerald Ford told the city he would not bail it out, prompting a famous Daily News headline - Ford to City: Drop Dead. Well, in rather more polite language, that's just about what the bishops of the US Episcopal church have said to Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Read the rest here...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Sermon from Closing of the House of Bishops Spring Meeting
Check out the full text of +Katerine's sermon here.
Some Clarity in the Midst of the Storm
The House of Bishops should be applauded for the work of their meeting this week in Texas. Their first response to the Primate's February 2007 statement is listed here. It is clear and concise and demonstrates a level of leadership not seen from the House in recent years. A tip of the biretta to our Presiding Bishop, +Katherine. As usual, I don't agree with some of the material, but that matters little in that I have a great deal of respect for them in this difficult time. They are proving an anchor in the storm, just as their apostolic ministry demands...
The House of Bishops word to the Church for Easter is here.
Check out analysis from a centrist friend, Father Jones here.
I continue to pray for our Church, but as our Bishops have made clear, its time to get down to the business of mission...
The House of Bishops word to the Church for Easter is here.
Check out analysis from a centrist friend, Father Jones here.
I continue to pray for our Church, but as our Bishops have made clear, its time to get down to the business of mission...
Monday, February 26, 2007
Primates hubbubaloo...
Now that the Primates of the Anglican Communion have had their yearly gathering, the analysis and the commentary is in full force. Here is a list of resources of what was produced and reported upon at the meeting...In a day or two, I'll begin to list sites where the commentary can be found...for the moment, I encourage you to meditate on the content of these two documents...they will effect our church for some time to come...
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Waking from the slumber
I feel as if I have awakened from a slumber here in the blogosphere. Looking back, my last post was wishing folks merry Christmas, and today we commemorate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent...It all seems too surreal.
In the meantime, I went to Disney World with the family, hosted an Evangelism Conference for the diocese and have lost all track of time in the interim.
Back in the parish, things go on as they always do, from one season to the next. We are bond together in this half-light of time, complaining there isn't enough of it, always wanting more, and in the end not knowing what to do with the generous portion we've been allotted.
The Church at times suffers this angst as well. Recently, Anglicans of all stripes have been busy contemplating time...experienced in many places as counting down on different sets of clocks when the end of the Communion will take place. It's sad really. As with humanity so with its institutions. We are so caught up in our own mortality, individuals and the communion as a whole, that we fail to see the passing of time, poorly spent and fretted away. All the while each side claiming some imperative or mandate that to often hides worldly ambitions in the guise of Gospel principles.
Thank God for Ash Wednesday. Thank God for Lent and its reminder that we are but dust and to dust we shall return. If we take this with some seriousness, maybe we can begin to realize the great distraction that much of the current debate among us Anglicans truly is and begin using our time with more discretion. (I'm not belittling the convictions of any of the camps among us, but rather I am belittling the notion that we can reach unity through functioning like political parties.)
I'm brought back from this rant by some words read today out of one of the little used and greatly ignored gems of Anglican spirituality, The Book of Homilies...in its sermon against contention and fighting, these old proses ring true today...
We cannot be jointed to Christ our Head, except we be glued with concord and charity, one to another. For he that is not in this unity, is not of the Church of Christ...
Maybe we should give up fighting with each other as our Lenten discipline. It might be a little more productive than giving up chocolate...
In the meantime, I went to Disney World with the family, hosted an Evangelism Conference for the diocese and have lost all track of time in the interim.
Back in the parish, things go on as they always do, from one season to the next. We are bond together in this half-light of time, complaining there isn't enough of it, always wanting more, and in the end not knowing what to do with the generous portion we've been allotted.
The Church at times suffers this angst as well. Recently, Anglicans of all stripes have been busy contemplating time...experienced in many places as counting down on different sets of clocks when the end of the Communion will take place. It's sad really. As with humanity so with its institutions. We are so caught up in our own mortality, individuals and the communion as a whole, that we fail to see the passing of time, poorly spent and fretted away. All the while each side claiming some imperative or mandate that to often hides worldly ambitions in the guise of Gospel principles.
Thank God for Ash Wednesday. Thank God for Lent and its reminder that we are but dust and to dust we shall return. If we take this with some seriousness, maybe we can begin to realize the great distraction that much of the current debate among us Anglicans truly is and begin using our time with more discretion. (I'm not belittling the convictions of any of the camps among us, but rather I am belittling the notion that we can reach unity through functioning like political parties.)
I'm brought back from this rant by some words read today out of one of the little used and greatly ignored gems of Anglican spirituality, The Book of Homilies...in its sermon against contention and fighting, these old proses ring true today...
We cannot be jointed to Christ our Head, except we be glued with concord and charity, one to another. For he that is not in this unity, is not of the Church of Christ...
Maybe we should give up fighting with each other as our Lenten discipline. It might be a little more productive than giving up chocolate...
Friday, December 29, 2006
Happy Christmas
The business of the holiday season has kept me away from blogging, but I hope to get back to posting with a little more regularity. I also hope to post a few pictures of the parish church as well--I know I'm biased, but I consider it to be one of the prettiest churches in the diocese. For the moment consider these word about the Christmas and the incarnation...
"In Jesus we see the splendour of God, - and at the heart of that splendour is love and forgiveness before which we are invited to fall, 'lost in wonder, love and praise'"...
This is from the lord Archbishop of York's Christmas sermon. Read all of the text here.
"In Jesus we see the splendour of God, - and at the heart of that splendour is love and forgiveness before which we are invited to fall, 'lost in wonder, love and praise'"...
This is from the lord Archbishop of York's Christmas sermon. Read all of the text here.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
New style Advent Calendar
Advent is upon us. And with the season comes the ritual of the Advent Calendars. Some are cute, some are serious and others (the ones with chocolate surprises under each day) are just plain delicious. This year there is a new calendar making its debut, the on-line calendar by the Church of England. Check it out here. It's not as tasty as some of the others, but much more insightful.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Think before you speak...
When I was a kid, my mom would often say, "Think before you speak." I don't need to elaborate on why this momism is as true as any proverb out of the Bible. We have all failed to abide by this, and we have all tasted the bottom of our foot at least once--tastes like chicken, aeh...Our new Primate, ++Katharine has done this in a remarkable way. I hope she just wasn't thinking. I hope she didn't really mean it, otherwise we are in for a rough ride...
Check out the "foot-in-mouth show" here.
In the midst of the storm...
In recent weeks, a lot of flack has been produced from both the conservative and liberal wings of the Episcopal Church in regards to its future. One of the louder voices at the moment comes from of all places, Pittsburg and its unfortunately misguided bishop, Bob Duncan. The rethoric has been more pointed--if you can believe it could get any worse--since the investiture of our new Primate. But most of the material in this propoganda war has come from talking-heads or thinktanks on either side. Because of this, the material always has more than the normal amount of spin. I have been keeping an eye out for average folks, 'on the ground' at it were, who can speak to the issue from a little less of a partisan perspective. Here is some interesting commentary by a fellow in the diocese of Pittsburg. Read it here.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Demonstrating leadership
As many of you know, I was concerned when Bishop Katharine was elected as the first female Primate of the Episcopal Church. My main objection was her lack of parish experience. However, since her election, she has continued to delight me with her willingness to lead rather than be indecisive. Below is a recent letter sent to the Bishop of San Joaquin. I might not always agree with her theology, but I am glad to see we have a person carrying the primatial cross who is not afraid to lead. Read the letter and then check out more info about ++Katharine here...
To: The Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield
Diocese of San Joaquin
My dear brother:
I have seen reports of your letter to parishes in the Diocese of San Joaquin, which apparently urges delegates to your upcoming Diocesan Convention to take action to leave the Episcopal Church. I would ask you to confirm the accuracy of those reports. If true, you must be aware that such action would likely be seen as a violation of your ordination vows to "uphold the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them." I must strongly urge you to consider the consequences of such action, not only for yourself but especially for all of the Episcopalians under your pastoral charge and care.
I certainly understand that you personally disagree with decisions by General Conventions over the past 30 and more years. You have, however, taken vows three times over that period to uphold the "doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church." If you now feel that you can no longer do so, the more honorable course would be to renounce your orders in this Church and seek a home elsewhere. Your public assertion that your duty is to violate those vows puts many, many people at hazard of profound spiritual violence. I urge you, as a pastor, to consider that hazard with the utmost gravity.
As you contemplate this action I would also remind you of the trust which you and I both hold for those who have come before and those who will come after us. None of us has received the property held by the Church today to use as we will. We have received it as stewards, for those who enjoy it today and those who will be blessed by the ministry its use will permit in the future. Our forebears did not build churches or give memorials with the intent that they be removed from the Episcopal Church. Nor did our forebears give liberally to fund endowments with the intent that they be consumed by litigation.
The Church will endure whatever decision you make in San Joaquin. The people who are its members, however, will suffer in the midst of this conflict, and probably suffer unnecessarily. Jesus calls us to take up our crosses daily, but not in the service of division and antagonism. He calls us to take up our crosses in his service of reconciling the world to God. Would that you might lead the people of San Joaquin toward decisions that build up the Body, that bring abundant life to those within and beyond our Church, that restore us to oneness.
I stand ready for conversation and reconciliation. May God bless your deliberation.
I remain
Your servant in Christ,
+Katharine
To: The Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield
Diocese of San Joaquin
My dear brother:
I have seen reports of your letter to parishes in the Diocese of San Joaquin, which apparently urges delegates to your upcoming Diocesan Convention to take action to leave the Episcopal Church. I would ask you to confirm the accuracy of those reports. If true, you must be aware that such action would likely be seen as a violation of your ordination vows to "uphold the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them." I must strongly urge you to consider the consequences of such action, not only for yourself but especially for all of the Episcopalians under your pastoral charge and care.
I certainly understand that you personally disagree with decisions by General Conventions over the past 30 and more years. You have, however, taken vows three times over that period to uphold the "doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church." If you now feel that you can no longer do so, the more honorable course would be to renounce your orders in this Church and seek a home elsewhere. Your public assertion that your duty is to violate those vows puts many, many people at hazard of profound spiritual violence. I urge you, as a pastor, to consider that hazard with the utmost gravity.
As you contemplate this action I would also remind you of the trust which you and I both hold for those who have come before and those who will come after us. None of us has received the property held by the Church today to use as we will. We have received it as stewards, for those who enjoy it today and those who will be blessed by the ministry its use will permit in the future. Our forebears did not build churches or give memorials with the intent that they be removed from the Episcopal Church. Nor did our forebears give liberally to fund endowments with the intent that they be consumed by litigation.
The Church will endure whatever decision you make in San Joaquin. The people who are its members, however, will suffer in the midst of this conflict, and probably suffer unnecessarily. Jesus calls us to take up our crosses daily, but not in the service of division and antagonism. He calls us to take up our crosses in his service of reconciling the world to God. Would that you might lead the people of San Joaquin toward decisions that build up the Body, that bring abundant life to those within and beyond our Church, that restore us to oneness.
I stand ready for conversation and reconciliation. May God bless your deliberation.
I remain
Your servant in Christ,
+Katharine
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Rhode Island Convention address
As the years go by, I am more and more impressed by Bishop Wolf of Rhode Island. Check out her recent address to her diocese...
THE ADDRESS OF
THE RT. REV. GERALYN WOLF
TO THE 216TH CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND
28 OCTOBER 2006
The Lord said to Jeremiah,
Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16a)
Our Church and Diocese are standing at a crossroad, at the intersection of competing theological claims and differing interpretations of scripture and polity, of the complex relationship between interdependence and independence, autonomy and the common good.
The world is also standing at a crossroads. Through almost instant communications what is said in one nation is known in all. When war and destruction visit upon one country, refugees flee to another. The rise and fall of major currencies alters the exchange rates around the globe. Bird flu in Asia can reach our soil on the next international flight. What direction is God calling us to follow? What turns must we take?
Today we cross thresholds of technology unimaginable even five years ago. Every institution is affected, not least, the church. We keep in delicate balance the blessings of the ancient paths and the fruits of the present age; the values we inherited, and scientific discoveries that are as exciting as they are bewildering. As we traverse this landscape we are met with challenges and decisions for which we are only partially prepared. We stand where the roads cross, faced with decisions for which there are few easy answers…
Read it all here.
THE ADDRESS OF
THE RT. REV. GERALYN WOLF
TO THE 216TH CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND
28 OCTOBER 2006
The Lord said to Jeremiah,
Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls. (Jeremiah 6:16a)
Our Church and Diocese are standing at a crossroad, at the intersection of competing theological claims and differing interpretations of scripture and polity, of the complex relationship between interdependence and independence, autonomy and the common good.
The world is also standing at a crossroads. Through almost instant communications what is said in one nation is known in all. When war and destruction visit upon one country, refugees flee to another. The rise and fall of major currencies alters the exchange rates around the globe. Bird flu in Asia can reach our soil on the next international flight. What direction is God calling us to follow? What turns must we take?
Today we cross thresholds of technology unimaginable even five years ago. Every institution is affected, not least, the church. We keep in delicate balance the blessings of the ancient paths and the fruits of the present age; the values we inherited, and scientific discoveries that are as exciting as they are bewildering. As we traverse this landscape we are met with challenges and decisions for which we are only partially prepared. We stand where the roads cross, faced with decisions for which there are few easy answers…
Read it all here.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
A focus on mission
Fr. Andrew Gerns, of the Diocese of Bethlehem, PA, blogs about their recent convention...
It has been said that Episcopalians would much rather do most anything that work at real mission. It is easy to confuse hot debate on a convention floor for work. Most of the political maneuverings on the national and international levels over sex, rites and rock’n’roll are the clearest examples of how easily and how costly our distractibility can be. So it should not surprise us that a commission interested in peace, non-violence and reconciliation could distract us as well. Since we are not surprised, we can anticipate and do better next time.
Read the interesting and entire entry here.
It has been said that Episcopalians would much rather do most anything that work at real mission. It is easy to confuse hot debate on a convention floor for work. Most of the political maneuverings on the national and international levels over sex, rites and rock’n’roll are the clearest examples of how easily and how costly our distractibility can be. So it should not surprise us that a commission interested in peace, non-violence and reconciliation could distract us as well. Since we are not surprised, we can anticipate and do better next time.
Read the interesting and entire entry here.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
More voices from the middle
Even before General Convention 2006, but especially after, the prophets of doom have predicted and in many cases called for the destruction of the Episcopal Church as a religious institution.
Many of those prophets have unfortunately been leaders and primates of other Anglican provinces. (So much for the ordination vows of a bishop in regard to defending the unity of the Church.)
But thanks be to God, recently there has been a voice from the center, the Rt. Honorable and Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of the Church of Wales. Take the time to read his most recent presidential address to his Synod. It gives one pause for thought in what too often seems to be ECUSA bashing sessions on the global stage.
Many of those prophets have unfortunately been leaders and primates of other Anglican provinces. (So much for the ordination vows of a bishop in regard to defending the unity of the Church.)
But thanks be to God, recently there has been a voice from the center, the Rt. Honorable and Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of the Church of Wales. Take the time to read his most recent presidential address to his Synod. It gives one pause for thought in what too often seems to be ECUSA bashing sessions on the global stage.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
On leadership...
Bishop Tim Thornton gives his assessment on leadership and the current unease in the Anglican Communion..
For me there's an apparent contradiction in even discussing leadership as all Christians are called to be disciples, in other words, followers of Jesus, the leader. However there is a distinctive idea from the Christian tradition about leadership which is worth highlighting.
Read it all here.
For me there's an apparent contradiction in even discussing leadership as all Christians are called to be disciples, in other words, followers of Jesus, the leader. However there is a distinctive idea from the Christian tradition about leadership which is worth highlighting.
Read it all here.
Friday, September 29, 2006
More voices from the center...
Over the last few weeks, bishops in the Episcopal Church have met in closed door sessions discussing much in way of how the future of the Anglican Communion will look. Here is an interesting interview from "The Living Church." It is from the center, which seems to be where God is calling more and more in the church as the months unfold after GC 2006.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Rest in peace...
From the DSO Connections comes this farewell...A giant of the faith
The Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson Jr. 1933-2006
Rest in peace
The sermon preached by the Rev. Canon Jim Hanisian at today's Requiem Mass for Bishop Thompson is posted online. Visit the website established for you to share your memories of Bishop Thompson and to celebrate his life. Some of these may be used for a special tribute issue of Interchange that will be published later this month. Visit the site at http://bishopthompsontribute.blogspot.com/
Please keep Herb, Owen, Kyrie and Christian, and all of Bishop Thompson's family in your prayers.
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him.May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Rest eternal, grant him O Lord...
I just received this from Bp. Ken...
Brothers and Sisters,
Word has just reached us that The Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson, Jr, retired bishop of Southern Ohio, died suddenly today. He was traveling in Italy and passed out after swimming and was unable to be revived. Joyce Keeshin was traveling with him and notified us. His sons are on their way to Italy. We do not have any other details at this time but please keep the Thompson family in your prayers. I will send another message when we have more information. May the soul of Herbert and of all the faithful departed rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.
Faithfully,
Bishop Ken Price
Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
A website has been established to share memories of Bishop Herb, you can connect to that at this link.
Brothers and Sisters,
Word has just reached us that The Rt. Rev. Herbert Thompson, Jr, retired bishop of Southern Ohio, died suddenly today. He was traveling in Italy and passed out after swimming and was unable to be revived. Joyce Keeshin was traveling with him and notified us. His sons are on their way to Italy. We do not have any other details at this time but please keep the Thompson family in your prayers. I will send another message when we have more information. May the soul of Herbert and of all the faithful departed rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.
Faithfully,
Bishop Ken Price
Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
A website has been established to share memories of Bishop Herb, you can connect to that at this link.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Get on the bus...
I have always loved satire as a way of conveying truth. More often than not, it speaks to a broad audience if you don't take yourself too seriously. Check our Fr. Jones' recent contribution from a centrist perspective here.
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