As the night falls in Haiti, our prayers are offered for those affected by this devastating earthquake. We pray for those who have died, the injuried, the homeless, and those who are trying to help. In our diocesan community, we are particularly vigilant as we await word from Mallory Holding, the daughter of our Canon to the Ordinary, Suzi Holding, who is serving as a missionary in Port au Prince.
I have linked below a story from today's Chicago Tribune about Mallory as well as ENS's story. Those of us in the Diocese of San Diego remember the great support that we received after the 2007 Wildfires. Now is the time to pay that grace forward. I encourage everyone to make generous gifts to Episcopal Relief and Development: http://www.er-d.org/HaitiEarthquakeResponse
Link to Chicago Tribune Article:http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/religion_theseeker/2010/01/haiti-earthquake.html
Link to ENS Story: http://ecusa.anglican.org/79901_118410_ENG_HTM.htm
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Jesus and E-mail
There are those moments in the gospels where people come to Jesus with an intention to trap, damage or even destroy. Two stories that stand out are the testing about paying taxes to Caesar and the rather elegant question about the woman who married seven brothers in succession: in the resurrection, whose wife will she be?
Over the last few days, I have visited with a bishop colleague who has felt deeply hurt by those whom he served, received word from the Presiding Bishop’s office of a death threat to another bishop colleague being investigated by the FBI, and just this morning received an anonymous letter pillorying me for my perceived failures.
I place these experiences next to the gospel story of the Epiphany, the story of the Magi. I wonder how can any of us who claim to follow Jesus be so harsh on another imperfect follower of Jesus Is not our calling to be like the Magi, to be bearers of gifts?
If Jesus had email, my hunch is that the messages in his inbox would have made the messages in my inbox seem bland. But what of his sent items? How would he respond? Well, he did say turn the other cheek. He was silent before so many, including Pilate. He said love your neighbor as yourself.
So, perhaps here is the question, before we hit send: WWJS—what would Jesus send?
Over the last few days, I have visited with a bishop colleague who has felt deeply hurt by those whom he served, received word from the Presiding Bishop’s office of a death threat to another bishop colleague being investigated by the FBI, and just this morning received an anonymous letter pillorying me for my perceived failures.
I place these experiences next to the gospel story of the Epiphany, the story of the Magi. I wonder how can any of us who claim to follow Jesus be so harsh on another imperfect follower of Jesus Is not our calling to be like the Magi, to be bearers of gifts?
If Jesus had email, my hunch is that the messages in his inbox would have made the messages in my inbox seem bland. But what of his sent items? How would he respond? Well, he did say turn the other cheek. He was silent before so many, including Pilate. He said love your neighbor as yourself.
So, perhaps here is the question, before we hit send: WWJS—what would Jesus send?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Over these last days of Advent, I find myself replaying two seemingly distinct moments. One was seeing the array of presents and food offerings at Episcopal Community Services for the hundreds of people who will receive the love of our community at Christmas. I also remember seeing a man and a woman on University Avenue in San Diego, pushing a cart which seemed to contain all of their worldly belongings.
As Christmas comes upon us, it was not a flight of great imagination to see this couple as contemporary icons of Mary and Jose ph on their weary way to Bethlehem. Indeed, I wondered if a portion of the offerings assembled at Episcopal Community Services might be transported by the magi of these holy days to wherever their nativity may be.
On Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rejoice that God has become human and dwelled among us. We will bless the bread and wine become Christ on that holy day. Perhaps, as we receive the sacrament, Jesus again with us and in us, we will be moved to seek Jesus in our Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph just might be walking down the street. Indeed, that moment will be pregnant with the possibility of hope, of Emmanuel, God with us.
May God bless you in Christmastide.
Over these last days of Advent, I find myself replaying two seemingly distinct moments. One was seeing the array of presents and food offerings at Episcopal Community Services for the hundreds of people who will receive the love of our community at Christmas. I also remember seeing a man and a woman on University Avenue in San Diego, pushing a cart which seemed to contain all of their worldly belongings.
As Christmas comes upon us, it was not a flight of great imagination to see this couple as contemporary icons of Mary and Jose ph on their weary way to Bethlehem. Indeed, I wondered if a portion of the offerings assembled at Episcopal Community Services might be transported by the magi of these holy days to wherever their nativity may be.
On Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rejoice that God has become human and dwelled among us. We will bless the bread and wine become Christ on that holy day. Perhaps, as we receive the sacrament, Jesus again with us and in us, we will be moved to seek Jesus in our Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph just might be walking down the street. Indeed, that moment will be pregnant with the possibility of hope, of Emmanuel, God with us.
May God bless you in Christmastide.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
General Convention Update
One of the realities of being a more seasoned bishop is that the General Convention demands more of me in terms of committee work and advancing legislation. While this certainly means that I have less free time (an odd concept at the General Convention in all cases), I have the blessing of having greater influence in the leadership and life of the church. This privilege is humbling.
As I expected the budget of the Episcopal Church and resolutions about the place of gay and lesbian persons in the life of our Church are taking precedence. As vice chair of the Stewardship and Development Committee for bishops, I have found myself fully engaged in the former. I am pleased that we have advanced to the House of Deputies what may be the most transformational resolution of this Convention, a resolution on Mission Funding, A061. At a time when the overall budget is being significantly reduced, this will be especially important work. We also moved forward critical legislation on Strategic Planning, passed a critical resolution on Hispanic Ministry, voted for a denominational health care plan, and extended equitable pension benefits to lay persons who work for the church.
Regarding assorted resolutions on the place of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the Episcopal Church, the House of Bishops passed Resolution D025 with minor amendments. This resolution is the subject of much press attention. I supported this resolution as a full expression of where we stand as a Church. It acknowledges that gay and lesbian persons have, and may in the future, be ordained to all orders of the Church.
George Councell, my friend and colleague from New Jersey, remembered the joke, "Do you believe in infant baptism? Believe in it? I've seen it!"
Like George, I too have seen faithful and godly ministry of gay and lesbian persons in all ministries of our church. As a matter of integrity and authenticity, I look forward to celebrating the ministries of all God calls into the life of ordained ministry. Here is the current legislation.
There are those who may be distressed about this as well as future acts of this convention. I pray that our mutual response to this unsettling will be more engagement not less, more conversation not less, more honoring of difference not less.
As I expected the budget of the Episcopal Church and resolutions about the place of gay and lesbian persons in the life of our Church are taking precedence. As vice chair of the Stewardship and Development Committee for bishops, I have found myself fully engaged in the former. I am pleased that we have advanced to the House of Deputies what may be the most transformational resolution of this Convention, a resolution on Mission Funding, A061. At a time when the overall budget is being significantly reduced, this will be especially important work. We also moved forward critical legislation on Strategic Planning, passed a critical resolution on Hispanic Ministry, voted for a denominational health care plan, and extended equitable pension benefits to lay persons who work for the church.
Regarding assorted resolutions on the place of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the Episcopal Church, the House of Bishops passed Resolution D025 with minor amendments. This resolution is the subject of much press attention. I supported this resolution as a full expression of where we stand as a Church. It acknowledges that gay and lesbian persons have, and may in the future, be ordained to all orders of the Church.
George Councell, my friend and colleague from New Jersey, remembered the joke, "Do you believe in infant baptism? Believe in it? I've seen it!"
Like George, I too have seen faithful and godly ministry of gay and lesbian persons in all ministries of our church. As a matter of integrity and authenticity, I look forward to celebrating the ministries of all God calls into the life of ordained ministry. Here is the current legislation.
There are those who may be distressed about this as well as future acts of this convention. I pray that our mutual response to this unsettling will be more engagement not less, more conversation not less, more honoring of difference not less.
Friday, July 10, 2009
General Convention Day Three
The General Convention of the Episcopal Church is a combination of Congress and Carnival with a smidge of family reunion thrown in. I can hardly leave my room without running into someone that Iknow who I have not seen for some time. I have seen friends from former dioceses, parishes and seminary. Strangely, they look older than I remember!
As the Convention moves forward, it seems clear that we will be focusing on the budget and how we deal with a challenging economy while moving forward mission priorities. There are tough choices ahead. Indeed, there are also tough choices around the question of the place of gay and lesbian persons in our church. For me the fundamental question is regarding blessing of relationships. The question of ordination is secondary to that. I support and commend for consideration a resolution from our deputies, D043. You can view the resolution on the General Convention website: http://ecusa.anglican.org/gc2009.htm
While some worry about the decline of the Episcopal Church, I think should take comfort in the fact that we still attract protesters. However, I think these folks may be professionals--sort of like paid mourners. Note in the photograph that Chris Bernard, youth minister of St. James-by-the-Sea is engaged in a little Episcopal Evangelism. You go guy!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Off and Running
Even though tomorrow is the official beginning of the 76th General Convention, we are off and running. Our deputation enjoyed dinner together followed by fellowship and conversations about the triennial budget and other pieces of legislation.
Today, we began our committee meetings in the morning. I serve on the Stewardship and Development Committee, which has about fifteen piecese of legislation to consider. The afternoon was taken up with orientation meetings. I am off for a quick dinner and our first committee hearings for Stewardship and Development.
Convention action can be followed on the General Convention website: http://ecusa.anglican.org/gc2009.htm
Today, we began our committee meetings in the morning. I serve on the Stewardship and Development Committee, which has about fifteen piecese of legislation to consider. The afternoon was taken up with orientation meetings. I am off for a quick dinner and our first committee hearings for Stewardship and Development.
Convention action can be followed on the General Convention website: http://ecusa.anglican.org/gc2009.htm
Monday, July 6, 2009
Heading to General Convention
While the General Convention does not officially begin until Wednesday, I drive up to Anaheim today for committee meetings prior to the convention. I serve on the Stewardship and Development Committee. I am particularly interested in resolutions coming out of this committee and the Evangelism and Domestic Commission, on which I served during this past Triennium.
I hope to give daily updates about the Convention. Also look for updates from our deputies on our website. The theme of this General Convention is UBUNTU: I in you and you in me. Let's pray that we can live into that in an authentic way.
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