Off-Topic Allowed

SPREAD IT All Around

2011-07-04T00:45:00.000-04:00

Well folks, here is the GAFCON latest idea on what constitutes an Anglican Communion. Let's start with their statement, written by Charles Raven.

Events between the 1998 and 2008 Lambeth Conferences demonstrate decisively that the Communion's present "instruments of unity", including the See of Canterbury itself, are no longer fit for purpose when confronted with deep theological confusion in which evil is held out as good and good as evil. A merely institutional unity not firmly rooted in the revealed truths of God's Word written is not only counterfeit but also toxic, exposing the whole Communion to the false teaching and immorality absorbed by the Western Churches. SPREAD seeks to guard against this danger and to encourage the emergence of new Anglican structures able to support a coherent and confident proclamation of the gospel around the globe.

Two key elements are attacked here by those revisionists that would fashion an Anglican Communion in the image of peter Akinola, or perhaps more to the point, Michael Nazir-Ali. Notice that the "see of Canterbury is no longer fit for purpose" Conveniently, GAFCON now takes on the titular head of the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury. These folks have lost all moral compass, at least in so far as the Anglican Communion is concerned. My feeble brain with my minimalist logic says: The Church of England, founded by the English, also known as Angles (hence Anglican) was the originator of the the Anglican Church. I think my history calls me to account for Henry the VIII, Elizabeth the I, Cranmer, Richard Hooker, etc. When the British, also known as Angles, created their empire away back when, they brought to all the new lands, the English Church, that is, the Church of England. This happened in as unusual a place as the 13 colonies, India, Nigeria, Australia and so on. As these countries became independent such as Canada, they formed their own variation of the Church of England, in this case called the Anglican Church of Canada. The archbishop of Canterbury, appointed by the crown in England, has been the titular head of this loose confederation of provinces including the Episcopal Church of the United States. How can the head of the Church of England, the tree from which all the branches have grown, suddenly not be "fit for purpose". Nothing has changed in a thousand years.

Then, Mr. Raven goes to the what ought to be the first argument but turns out to be his second argument. A merely institutional unity not firmly rooted in the revealed truths of God's Word written is not only counterfeit but also toxic, Just what the heck is going on? It appears Mr. Raven and the fellow Conelonialists want to move this loose confederation of provinces gathered under the titular head, the Archbishop of Canterbury, into a clear, top don, organizational structure with like rules and regulations and a magisterium and everything roman. After all, how can any province be punished if we can all think for ourselves? How can there be any sense of unity unless we can snap a string and straighten out the entire communion. Why do we need to talk and discuss when all we really need to do is have Mr. Akinlola, Mr. Nazir-Ali, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Orombi et al make these decisions for us. Boy, how much pressure can we take off all the provinces.

What a crock! First, one cannot change facts and one cannot change history. The Anglican Communion is a confederation of provinces that celebrate diversity and welcome discussion and discernment. If we do not ask questions, if we do not posit interpretations, how does the living word of God stay alive?

What SPREAD/GAFCON/FCA/CANA/AMiE/AMiA and all the other groups want is a new church built on new "standards", pillars if you will. Well, no one is stopping you all, go ahead. Create a "new communion" that has all the trappings you like but, please do not call it Anglican and please do not include me.

Moving Toward A New Anglican Comunion

2011-07-01T00:27:00.000-04:00

In a recent post by Tobias Haller our good friend says,

But it is the idea of being a fellowship, a communion — not a "church" or a "federation" — of self-governing churches whose individual decisions do not bind the others, even as they cooperate in mission and ministry, that forms our only peculiar offering to the tapestry of world Christendom. It is a model of service and fellowship, of work with rather than power over, commended by Christ himself as a model of churchly governance. If that is not worth preserving, then we have little else to offer.

The highlights are mine. The words, the very capable words, are Tobias'.

Then, in a recent post here at Off-Topic Allowed, Mad priest and I had a heartfelt exchange that cut to the quick of this communion issue. Here is where it drew to a point: This is MadPriest writing:

It is my contention that the New World is no longer geographically located in the same way that the Kingdom of God is not geographically located. But, in respect of New Anglicanism the main locus is in the Americas and is strongest in the USA. In fact, I do not think it is strong enough anywhere else to survive, let alone thrive. Outside of the Americas the "New World" is dependent on its success in the USA and this is why we absolutely need TEC to include the rest of us within its God-given destiny. Of course, this will be painful for the Church in the US, and like Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane you can choose to accept or reject this role. But the goal, if eventually achieved, will bring TEC far more joy than breaking away and going it alone ever would.

In other postings at other times many have put an emphasis on "saving the Anglican Communion". I have contended from the beginning that the Episcopal Church just move forward and if any other province wants to tag along, then fine otherwise -- oh well.

Tobias Haller and MadPriest along with Mark Harris The Pluralist and a few others have made an impression to the point I have reconsidered my approach. The basic facts remain the same, the implementation of those facts is what becomes a little different.

So, what do we do? Well, we call a "special plenary session" of bishops and lay leadership to meet in a neutral site, say, New Orleans, Louisiana (you are welcome Mimi) to consider a New Anglican Covenant. This special session will be hosted by the Episcopal Church of the United States and chaired by a group from The Episcopal Church of the United States, The Anglican Church of Canada, The Church of England, and the Anglican Church of New Zealand. Everyone is invited from all corners of the world. The sole purpose of this special session is to create: a model of service and fellowship, of work with rather than power over, commended by Christ himself as a model of churchly governance.

No one leaves the conference until a new Communion is born that allows for inclusion of all God's children and an approach to modeling Christ like behavior that involves resolving issues within one's own province prior to telling other provinces what needs to be done in their province. The honors each other's decisions as appropriate for them though not necessarily appropriate for all. That embarks upon the worldwide work of eliminating hunger, disease, child abuse and torture and terror. That we live those goals at home as we seek to eradicate them abroad. That those who can fund and finance do so and those who can staff and work do so in a spirit of love and forgiveness. This is not just our God-given destiny but all those who claim Christianity as their own.

The Cornerstone has been laid -- And it Ain't Jesus

2011-06-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

Our favorite miscommunicator which shall remain virtueless, has opened up his pulpit to one Charles Raven. Mr. Raven takes the opportunity to espouse more of the stuff that the Anglican Mission in England is all about. And, what it is all about is supplanting the existing Church of England, and therefore by extension the Anglican Communion, with their own branded Anglican Communion.

Read this my friends and tell me if I am wrong.

There are no direct answers in the AMiE press release which has of necessity to be brief and there is no doubt much detail to be worked out, but I think we can join some of the dots. The logic seems to be the same as that of the Jerusalem Statement and Declaration which affirmed that the GAFCON movement was very firmly staying within the Anglican Communion, but would not allow biblical conscience or mission to be held captive by the discredited Lambeth governance structures. It is worth quoting a section of the Jerusalem Statement at length:

'Our fellowship is not breaking away from the Anglican Communion. We, together with many other faithful Anglicans throughout the world, believe the doctrinal foundation of Anglicanism, which defines our core identity as Anglicans, is expressed in these words: The doctrine of the Church is grounded in the Holy Scriptures and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular, such doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common Prayer and the Ordinal. We intend to remain faithful to this standard, and we call on others in the Communion to reaffirm and return to it. While acknowledging the nature of Canterbury as an historic see, we do not accept that Anglican identity is determined necessarily through recognition by the Archbishop of Canterbury.'

There is no doubt that virtually everyone can and should be able to read the handwriting on the wall -- The Church of England and the Anglican Communion as we know it and have known it for centuries is about t o disappear. Our friend stationed in Canterbury has lost his battle. It is now time to turn to a new partnership -- that of the Church of England and The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Anglican Church of Canada to lead us into a more complete and inclusive communion.

Much more later.

A Manifesto and A Course of Action

2011-06-24T10:03:00.000-04:00

The multi-pronged assault on both the Episcopal church in the United States and the latest incursion into jolly old England is part of an unfolding plan by the Global South and the Conelonialists to literally reshape the face of the Anglican Communion. The British, from the Archbishop of Canterbury down to the nice little publications on the web seem to want to alternating discount what Robert Duncan and Peter Jensen and Peter Akinola et al are doing and help them. The help is not unlike climbing on the boxcars back in 1939 Since the AMiE is now in their backyard. The help them also is sitting on the fence and not resoundingly denying any and all priestly/episcopal actions of those that have been deposed a way back when. Help them is sending "observers" to a convention of a province that does not exist the view something that has no real bearing on the Anglican Communion and will not play nice even if the silly British think that is the civilized thing to do.

This would be laughable except many of the Episcopal writers, blog and otherwise, have a longstanding history of wanting to appease -- can't we all just get along. Those of us in places like San Joaquin and Pittsburgh and Fort Worth and Qunicy have seen first hand the utter devastation of people places and things that these folks have brought down all the while they lust after more and more power. The comments like we need to move slowly, they mean us no harm, the Covenant needs to be thoroughly reviewed are all delaying tactics designed by the Conelonialists to confuse, distract and diffuse any opposition while their plan is put in place. Well Jim and Mark and Lionel and Tobias the time is now upon us and we as well as the Anglican Communion as we know it is about to cease to exist. Please do not "pat me on the head and send me on my way" once again -- the writing is on the walls.

We need to come to grips with the facts of Anglican life. We need a course of action that will steer us through these waters with or without the Archbishop, Rowan Williams. We need to stop playing with the godforsaken Anglican Covenant and unbury ourselves long enough to face facts. We are being attacked from all sides and must do something soon else we shall cease to exist -- at least as we know us now.

First, and foremost, we need to grab ++Williams by the lapels and tell him life is not "a bowl of cherries" and you are not Neville Chamberlain so stop acting the part. If everyone is so desperate to keep the Anglican Communion, and it seems the majority of the Episcopalians here seem inclined to do so, then lets officially be rid of those in ACNA and tell GAFCON/FCA/CANA/AMiE/AMiA and all the other alphabet soup folks to get with the program or get off the damn bus, now!

(I have no idea why we are so struck with the Anglican Communion. We went from 1786 to about 1868 or so without them and I think we can probably do it all over again. When they come to their senses about women and LGBT participating fully in the life of the church then we can talk but not till then).

We, the Episcopal Church, needs a reformation of our own and it needs to start now. Everyone needs to know what we stand for, why we stand for it and we need to get about our Father's business, like right now. Leave these other poor fools to play with each other. Let's get on with a new course of action!

The Chickens Come Home To Roost

2011-06-23T19:44:00.000-04:00

Just a short period of time ago, Father Mark Harris asked this question/made this statement,

I have heard nothing of the CofE sending anyone from Faith and Order to ask The Episcopal Church what it thinks of ACNA in its midst. One day, when the CofE finds its own Anglican Church in England, Scotland and Wales (ACESW) claiming to be the Province of record in the Islands off the coast of Europe, they will understand.

Well, Father Mark, it did not take long --

AMIE has been established as a society within the Church of England dedicated to the conversion of England and biblical church planting. There is a steering committee and a panel of bishops. The bishops aim to provide effective oversight in collaboration with senior clergy.
The AMIE has been encouraged in this development by the Primates’ Council of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON) who said in a communiqué
The AMIE is determined to remain within the Church of England. The desire of those who identify with the society is to have an effective structure which enables them to remain in the Church of England and work as closely as possible with its institutions. Churches or individuals may join or affiliate themselves with the AMIE for a variety of reasons. Some may be churches in impaired communion with their diocesan bishop who require oversight. Others may be in good relations with their bishop but wish to identify with and support others.

Sure, sure, sure, they "said" they will do this all "within the Church of England" but I am from the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin and I say, if you believe that I have some swamp land in Florida just for you!

It's Time To Put New Lipstick On The Pig

2011-06-21T00:43:00.000-04:00

Early on, like late 1998 or 1999 John David Schofield began his machinations to eventually move "his" diocese from the Episcopal Church to, ultimately, The Southern Cone. Mark Lawrence is in the process of tearing a page right out of John David Schofield's book and write his own chapter.

Here is how this has started:

Early in 2009, Bishop Lawrence called for the creation of the Anglican Communion Development Committee to replace the World Mission Committee (WMC). The intention was to create a committee that would serve to reflect the changing environment of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion in this global age and to reflect the vision that Bishop Lawrence believes we as the Diocese of South Carolina are called to fulfill - “To help shape the future of Anglicanism in the 21st Century through mutually enriching missional relationships with dioceses and provinces of the Anglican Communion (Romans 1:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15), and through modeling a responsible autonomy and inter-provincial accountability (Philippians 2:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6) for the sake of Jesus Christ, his Kingdom and his Church.”

Bishop Lawrence has decided to create a world vision that reflects the Anglican Communion?! Oh, really, and who died and left him Archbishop of Canterbury? Really, where do these folks get this stuff from? Do they stay awake nights trying to think up the next thing to outfox our Presiding Bishop, the Archbishop of Canterbury and grab as much worldly power as their two hands can possibly hold?

So, now we get to the real takeoff:

A recent visit to the diocese by The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Anis, Bishop of Egypt, and Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East resulted in a partnership and new companion relationship between South Carolina and this province of the Anglican Communion. Additionally, because Archbishop Anis’ province is already in partnership with the Province of South East Asia, by extension, the door has opened wide for further exploration and relationship -building there as well. While the ACD Committee will support and facilitate both existing missional relationships, and many of these exciting new initiatives, it will remain parish-based missions and relationships that yield the fruit of building up God’s Kingdom.

So, figure this one. A local bishop, Mr. Lawrence, makes a deal with a primate from another province in order "explore and build relationships". For those of you not accustomed to "Conelonialist speak" this is the kind of happy nonsense John David Schofield used to spread on the ground, ultimately leaving the Episcopal Church for the Global South. (And make no mistake, the Communion Partners, including our favorite new bishop, Dan Martins, are knee deep in this. But that is for a later posting). The language and the approach is classic Chapman Memo crap that has been used over and over by those who would try to crush the Episcopal Church in the United States. But I digress. Mark Lawrence is the bishop of South Carolina and to be sure he is NOT a primate. He has entered into a relationship with a Primate, the equivalent of our Presiding Bishop. Who is lusting for power? Well, I will leave that up to you. The inexorable march continues!

Anybody want to kiss the pig now?

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

I know this will turn out to be just a tad early, but I thought I would be in a hurry to salute Father's Day.

So, allow me to begin with a picture of my father.

As one might surmise, this is a picture of my dad shortly after he was promoted to Battalion Chief. He died about two years after that, I was seventeen at the time. What I remember most vividly is when he would go out as a mutual aid department to the fires in the Santa Monica mountains. He would be gone for a week or more sometimes. (This was before people actually lived in this area.) He was usually gone for a day or so but that was to be expected on shift work. Our house had what we referred to as the "doghouse" which was nothing more than a partitioned section of the garage where our washer and dryer were. At any rate, When he would get back after 10 or more days my mom would insist his clothes be removed in the "doghouse". However, you cannot imagine what a warming smell burnt weeds and grass can create until your dad is gone for days. That is how we knew he was home. And I have always had that memory whenever I smell burnt grass.

Happy Father's Day!

Don't Look Now!

2011-06-17T00:04:00.000-04:00

Sometime help ccomes from some of the strangest places. Ever think that bankruptcy would forge gay rights issues? Well look at this "Bankruptcy Court Blasts Defense of Marriage Act"

In Los Angeles the judge stated, "This case is about equality, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, for two people who filed for protection" from creditors, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles said Monday.

The Defense of Marriage denied certain rights to same-sex couples wed in other states. It allowed for the denial of claims for joint income tax filing, Social Security survivor benefits and even joint bankruptcy filings. Thaat is all over now.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Matthew 23:37

A Shout To the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy

2011-06-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

The Episcopal Diocese of Quincy is now talking with the Executive Council about the destruction and the hurt and the pain of the "schism" that befell them in 2008. See The Lead for the complete story. Quincy is one of those diocese that just like us, suffered a catastrophic disaster in 2008. Those left behind were, I am sure disgusted, dejected and dehumanized by the group of Conelonialists that left for Greg Venables Southern Cone. We in San Joaquin know the feeling and first wish to convey to our brothers and sisters in Quincy that we know how you feel, we have been there and we want you to hang in there because a new dawn is coming. Right now, it may seem bleak, and we are not completely out of that very dark spot that could be called "hell on earth" but we know there is a Jesus Christ and we know that the Episcopal Church will not let you down. They certainly did not in our instance.

Please keep in mind that there were only a few people on Calvary that dark and gloomy day way back when and numbers are not important. It is your faith that must be strong and your faith that will set you free. We know that here in San Joaquin and I am sure you must know that even in the midst of chaos and ruin.

To the Quincy Conelonialists, you cannot win and when you realize that please come home.

To our Executive Council, Father Mark and the whole group, you have been patient, generous and loving for us here in San Joaquin please extend that same grace and mercy to our brothers and sisters in Quincy.

To our brothers and sisters in Quincy, let us know where and how we can help. We are also small but mighty. Put us to the test.

We Are Headed Into The Dark Ages!

2011-06-14T00:38:00.000-04:00

Hey, Archbishop Peter Jensen is at it again. By it, he is spreading his words of wisdom all over Sydney and the world. This time (as usual) it is about same sex marriage.

The article has the embarrassing title of:

Should the Marriage Act allow two people of the same sex to be married?

This is just like asking the question, "Should African-Americans be married?". Why does Peter Jensen think HE can give or take inalienable rights? We are talking about nothing less, marriage as a basic human right.

Here is Peter's first "logical" argument:

Think what marriage is. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, from different families, publicly joined through an exchange of promises committing them to life-long exclusive fidelity. That marriage involves a man and woman is by design.

In that last line there is a leap of epic proportions that is not based on facts.

If you liked that leap here is an even better one:

It is the unity of different sexes that alone creates marriage.

Again, Mr. Jensen assumes facts not in evidence. and here is his "kicker":

One of the essential public purposes of marriage is to ensure the necessary commitment to bring children into the world and to nurture them through the special things that a mother and father contribute to their upbringing.

Again, assumes facts not in evidence. For example, any couple can adopt and provide for the child(ren) and it does not OF NECESSITY need to be a man and a woman. and, it does not OF NECESSITY take a man and a woman to establish a complete and loving relationship.

Mr. Jensen then uses the negative of one of the above lines to establish a further argument against same-sex marriage. Same-sex unions, by definition, can never qualify as marriages

What Mr. Jensen has done is establish his own, non-researched unsubstantiated definitions in order to write a bunch of nonsense.

Why all of this? Well, buried deep in the lack of logic comes the real argument.

We now treat real marriage as one of the indispensable foundations of community. Ensuring public honour of same-sex relationships by calling them marriages is an abuse of marriage itself. It imposes, through social engineering, a newly minted concept of marriage on a community that understands it in quite another way.

What single word do conelonialists hate more than anything else? Social whether it be social science, social engineering, social mores, social customs, they just hat the word in all its connotations but particularly in this context.

Then, in an attempt to scare the you know what out of all the little Conelonialists he (Jensen) comes up with this brief diatribe:

There will be other consequences that, even with our ‘live and let live’ philosophy, we will regret. If same-sex unions are declared to be marriages, there will follow a demand for equal treatment in sex education. The normalisation of homosexuality will be assumed. Children will be instructed that there are no moral or other grounds for preferring ‘heterosexual marriage’. This claim for a ‘right’ to be married could open the way for other forms, such as polygamous marriages or perhaps even marriage between immediate family members.

Here is where Mr. Jensen must get a great deal of his exercise. He jumps to more conclusions in one paragraph than a panelist on Whats My Line.

Mr. Jensen then wraps this whole long time consuming nonsense with this:

Our society reserves honour for marriage where lifelong vows are exchanged, between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others. This is a painful subject but we must continue to uphold real marriage as an act of love for our neighbour and for future generations.

This is not a painful subject and why he thinks we should uphold real marriage (as if there are fake marriages??) as an act of love for our neighbor and for future generations??? How about granting the basic human right of marriage to all persons including LGBT members of our society.

In all of this, we, the members of the community that are heterosexual must stand shoulder to shoulder with all peoples in order to secure these basic human rights. We cannot ask our LGBT brethren to do this by themselves. We all need to speak out and we all need to speak out now.

Same Sex Blessings

2011-06-12T01:38:00.000-04:00

We are rapidly approaching a time when same sex blessings will become the norm for not only California but for all the Episcopal Church and most of the Anglican world (communion if you please). For some reason we are struggling with just the right words and just the right ritual and just the right everything to be inclusive. Does anyone know that by doing this we appear to be setting up separate but equal arrangements. Does this lead the Episcopal Church to LGBT restrooms and LGBT drinking fountains and LGBT coffee hours? I am hoping not.

See, here is the thing. We do not have separate rite for Baptism for LGBT members of our community. We do not have a separate rite for communion for LGBT members, we do not even have a separate rite for ordination or for that matter consecration of bishops that are LGBT.

So, why are we doing this with same sex blessings. Is this not obvious enough that we can simply use the existing blessing of a marriage found on page 423? Certainly makes sense to me. If the couple wants to alter the wording then let them go ahead and do so but the basics are all right there. We do not need to isolate and separate our LGBT members for the purpose of blessing their union. Can we just get with it, please.

Pretty Harsh For A Thursday!

2011-06-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

Well, the Anglican Covenant thingy continues to live a life of its own. How, I am not sure. It makes little or no sense. The covenant was born out of the desire by the Global South to punish the anyone in the "Anglican Communion" who transgresses. The idea of transgresses is one in which I do not know how to define it but "I know it when I see it" -- just ask the Primates, they would judge who is or is not transgressing. And pray tell, how is the actions of first the Global South and then the Archbishop of Canterbury different from say, Germany grabbing the Sudetenland in 1938? The Chancellor simply wanted to relieve the privations suffered by the German people at the hands of the Czechs. And this differs from the Global south wanting to relieve the privations of Anglicans in Nigeria and other places? And, the rest of the world giving in to them figuring that all they really wanted was to "relieve the privations". So let's all debate and discuss the Anglican Covenant in order to relieve the privations of certain Anglicans throughout the world? Are we absolutely sure appeasement is the answer? Or appeasement is even the question? Do you all believe that?

Those who continue to debate this question, for real or for imagine, strike me as helping load the boxcars. Surely no one knows what is at the end of the line, right? No one knows exactly how this Covenant thingy will play out? Could be good for all of us, right? Just like it could be good for the LGBT folks of the world, right? We know better, at least I think we do?! Why help load the boxcars when we know exactly what is at the other end of the rail line, especially for the LGBT community. How do we know this? Because the folks that took the Sudetenland told us so. Just ask Bobby Duncan or Mr. Orombi or Mr. Venables or old what's his face from Nigeria.

If the content of this post is pretty harsh it is only because the Anglican Covenant was conceived and born out of hatred. Is being pushed to suppress women and LGBT and others under the guise of Communion (appeasement) and the net result is a form of death to those who do not conform to the guidelines devised and administered by a bunch of ruthless Primates who wish nothing more than as much power as they can possibly muster in this world (and how is that different from 1938).

Prince of the Church versus Prince of Peace

2011-06-05T11:02:00.001-04:00

I have watched and read as several new bishops were consecrated. The writings they use and the verbiage in their applications seems to be mimeographed (copied for you all too young to remember mimeograph machines) and circulated among those who lust for the office. Frequently heard and copied are "I am not worthy but I am willing to heed the call. The spirit moves within me to make this journey, and a host of other trite and trivial phrases that merely smacks of a fake sense of humility and godliness in order to gain power.

I got to thinking and this brief blog is the result. For some reason, mostly medieval, many of these would be power grabbers are enamoured with the concept of the "Prince of the Church". This medieval term that allows them to believe that somehow they have this great political power that allows them to roam around their "fiefdoms" unfettered and unmuzzled and with some false sense of royal blessing. These folks do not seem to care as much for the idea of the shepherd as they do for the idea of the politician. They want the power and seem to ignore the real work they are supposed to do, "feed my sheep."

Let's look for just a moment at the Prince of Peace, yep that would be Jesus. He simply went about his business of feeding the hungry, healing the sick, clothing the naked and occasionally ridding the world of a demon. The real "political" reference that sticks out in my mind is when Pilate asks him if he is king and Jesus replies that his kingdom is not of this world.

So, why the disconnect between the Prince of Peace and the Prince(s) of the Church? Can we get back to the idea the bishops are shepherds and not princes? The shepherds crook is a good reminder but it seems to not have any impact on bishops anymore. They lust after the power that comes from the office and the ability to fly around the country, the world and play at being royalty. Isn't it time for a change?

MADPRIEST NEIGHBORHOOD DAY

2011-05-31T08:58:00.000-04:00

After much soul searching and, according to Madpriest, JCF was his kabillionth hit I have decided to arbitrarily and capriciously declare May 31, as Madpriest Neighborhood Day. From henceforth and forever (with all the power vested in me as a blogger) I dub May 31st of each year Madpriest Day. Everyone must go to his neighborhood and at least say hello to our favorite Church of England blogger, Madpriest.

To start the festivities off I offer the following specially created song just for Madpriest and his Neighborhood. (actually I borrowed it but Fred and I went to the same school)

This Twists My Knickers!

2011-05-30T11:18:00.000-04:00

Writing in his own blog Bishop Nick Baines from the diocese of Bradford in the Church of England writes the following:

Christian Church, in the UK as well as here in Switzerland and Germany, needs to recover confidence in the church itself and the vocation of the church to serve its society.

Now, there are those in England who like to think (in a rather uncommitted liberal way) that if we could only shake off the institution of the church, we could create a new way of being church without all the stuff we find embarrassing or shaming. I recognise that what I am about to say goes wholly against the grain of the self-fulfilment, instant-gratification culture we now inhabit, but such attitudes are naive. They ignore the massive achievements of the church in our cultures – intellectually, socially, educationally, politically, morally, etc. – and collude in the selective memory that encourages costless fantasy.

Find Bishop Baines "work" here:
The Wrong Question by Nick Baines

Now, let's compare that deeply moving and heartfelt comment to this one from the Archbishop of Canterbury:

However, Dr Williams told The Daily Telegraph: “Of course, if people behaved morally there would be no need for super-injunctions. But how many of us actually would be comfortable about the ceaseless scrutiny of every aspect of ourselves?

“This is a culture so obsessed with transparency that it can confuse that, I think, with this universal miasma of gossip and prurience.”

And that comment was made a few days after the now famous Colin Slee memorandum in which we find this little ditty:

Slee described Williams shouting and losing his temper in last year's Southwark meeting, which left several members of the crown nomination committee, responsible for the selection of bishops, in tears.
Slee also in effect charges the church with hypocrisy, stating that there are several gay bishops "who have been less than candid about their domestic arrangements and who, in a conspiracy of silence, have been appointed to senior positions". The memo warns: "This situation cannot endure. Exposure of the reality would be nuclear."
Slee said of the meeting: "We had two very horrible days in which I would say both archbishops behaved very badly. The meeting was not a fair consideration at all; they were intent on wrecking both Jeffrey John and Nick Holtam equally, despite the fact that their CVs were startlingly in an entirely different and better league than the other two candidates …

And then let's add to the fact that GAFCON/FCA will not take communion with the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Let's add to that that the Global south refuses to recognize those children of God who wish to participate fully in the life of the church and cannot in places like Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Australia, South America, etc.

Let's add to the fact that despite the apparent disregard for LGBT persons in Nigeria the Archbishop continues to do absolutely nothing about those foreigners being held captive in the oil rich region of the country and who have done nothing but work and be kidnapped while the Archbishop flies around the world condemning everyone else.

No one wants to "shake off the institutional church" we want it to live up to all that it can be through the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We want the Trinity to shine through everyone that comes into our church. We want the church to accept as full members the LGBT community. We see hypocrisy at the very top levels of our churches and our Communion and we want it to stop. We see men more worried about their next promotion than the people who come to them for inclusion. We see men wanting to keep women "barefoot and pregnant" ("even women have a place in our church." John David Schofield, former bishop of San Joaquin). We see men too wrapped up in getting their purple shirts from Uganda or Rwanda or wherever they can beg borrow or steal one just so they too can feel important. We see entire organizational structures more concerned with setting up shop in England and Jerusalem than in making their organizations look like what Jesus commanded us to do.

When those things are corrected perhaps the "liberal arm of the church" will look more favorably upon the institutional church, Bishop Baines.

A Walking PR Disaster

2011-05-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

Well folks, the Slee Memo brings not an ounce of remorse or even a thought of how that might affect the rest of the Anglican Communion. It brings (courtesy of The Lead) this comment from Archbishop Rowan Williams:

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams was quoted in British press yesterday speaking in support of the need for information to be restrained in the case of high-profile people attempting to keep their public personas intact.

“Of course, if people behaved morally there would be no need for super-injunctions. But how many of us actually would be comfortable about the ceaseless scrutiny of every aspect of ourselves?
“This is a culture so obsessed with transparency that it can confuse that, I think, with this universal miasma of gossip and prurience.”

He begins with "if people behaved morally" , well Archbishop Williams, how about YOU! There is an old adage that says "when you point a finger at someone there are four fingers pointing back at you."

But the really outrageous part of this is that here is a person who occupies the highest office in he Anglican Church, appointed by the Queen, serves not only all of England but to some extent the entire world and his press people allow him to say this tripe right after he was exposed by the Colin Slee memorandum? He. the archbishop may be incompetent, I am unsure, but this really tells me his staff is incompetent. What staff would allow a person who has already euphemistically "stepped in it big time" to allow the boss to make such a bold and incredibly stupid statement as that?

Not just this time but his public persona is a shambles and the staff continue to allow the Archbishop to look like he has "lost all sense of political acumen". In effect, it looks as if he wants to be replaced. It looks as if he has decided to do everything in his power, short of the honorable thing, step down, to kill his waning career.

Does anyone disagree there is a bumbling fool at the helm of the Church of England?

H/T The Lead/Torey Lightcap

The 40th Anniversary of "What's Goin' On"

2011-05-28T11:19:00.001-04:00

Marvin Gaye was great! This song ranks right up there as must listen to. For those of us that lived this it is good to remember. For those for whom this is only a history lesson read the lyrics and see if it does not apply, like right now!

What's Going On lyricsSongwriters: Benson, Renaldo; Cleveland, Alfred; Gaye, Marvin;
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, yeah

Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going
What's going on
What's going on

Right on, baby
Right on
Right on

Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Come on talk to me
So you can see
What's going on
What's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you ya, what's going on

Right on, baby
Right on, baby
Right on, baby
...

We Are Debating their Issues and their Issues are the WRONG Issues!

2011-05-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

We are debating/discussing/deciding the wrong question. That is correct, the Anglican Covenant is truly the debate set up by and for those who wish to hijack the Anglican Communion. That too strong a wording? How about those who wish to do the devil's work? Whoops? Are you kidding me?!#! Well, actually not. The Anglican Covenant sets up a false and erroneous dichotomy. The folks that wrote the Anglican Covenant cannot take on the issue of baptism, LGBT, and who is/can be saved, so they set up their own question that only has a limited number of responses. They have effectively limited the argument and the rest of us have bought into their circumlocution.

The Global South, GAFCON and the Fellowship (their is a euphemism if I ever heard one) of Confessing Anglicans really wants to dictate who can be "saved". The leadership of these groups has set themselves up as the only true interpreters of scripture. It is not solo scriptura per se, but rather purple shirts versus the rest of the world. It is not a question of the three legged stool but rather who gets to set/interpret the concept of reason and tradition. Their goal is the hijacking of the Anglican Communion. So what they have done is develop this odd way of putting/holding the Anglican Communion together, i.e., the Anglican Communion. At least that is what it started out to be. After four iterations and real dialogue the Covenant was rejected by the GAFCON/FCA/CANA etc. because it lacks the clarity of making certain folks the "boss" of us all. Now they have set up an office in England and a requirement that real Anglicans will adopt sign on to the Jerusalem Declaration. But, they have continued to distract from the real issue and that is the power to determine who is and who is not to be Anglican -- that is in my humble opinion, who is and is not to be saved.

We, on the other had, continue to dink around with the Anglican Covenant. Fiddling while ~~Rome~~ Canterbury is burning. Yep, we are once again distracted from the real issues by those who do not wish to deal with the real issues and we refuse to challenge them directly and forcefully o n the issues that matter to us most -- full inclusion. Ultimately, the Anglican Covenant will be adopted/adapted and GAFCON/FCA/CANA will have created their own "Anglican Communion" and we will be left with a hollow shell and a really dumb piece of legislation and once again our LGB T brothers and sisters will be put on hold while everyone tries to figure out just what the heck went wrong!

The "Good News" Within the Anglican Covenant Process

2011-05-23T23:48:00.001-04:00

Is it possible that there is any possible good that could come out of the long and arduous process of reviewing and voting on the Anglican Covenant? Well, after much thought I would have to say, I think so.

Let me begin by saying that this Covenant ought to be rejected out of hand. Enough time has been wasted and enough ink has been used and enough breath to float a lead zeppelin (Pun intended?). But what has it pointed out?

Well, it has pointed out that it is time for the Episcopal Church in the United States to change it's very foundations. Want to do something really worthwhile then let's spend some time re-constructing this thing we call the Episcopal Church. Let's take a look at what William White originally proposed and perhaps reinvigorate the Episcopal Church in the United States with less political authority in the hands of bishops and clergy and more in the hands of the laity. Bishops, at at their very core, are pastoral beings, not politicians. We need to reconfigure their role in the diocese so that they can take care of the clergy and the pastoral needs of the community. endlessly worrying about the next great heresy has given many a false sense of superiority and it seems to have overwhelmed their ability to understand and operate in the real world. Re-focusing on the issue of pastoral care for the flock will, I hope, rekindle both clergy and laity in their quest for the two great commandments.

A governing system needs to be constructed that provides true equality for all persons. A unicameral house with equal votes with equal representation. Yes, we could call it radical inclusivity! What a concept! It should be flatter and meet more frequently, perhaps every two years. Eliminate the concept of province and reconfigure diocese to reflect a current and practical application.

Why all the hubbub? Well, one thing for sure has been crystallized and that is we (the Episcopal Church) is not enamoured with anything that looks like a hierarchical church, structure or theology. The Anglican Covenant discussion has given us that much. So, lets scrub the Anglican Covenant and get down to the basics. We construct our church on the basis or radical inclusivity, the idea that Jesus, the savior came for all people -- Jews and Gentiles; men and women; straight and gay; he came for us all and he will not leave without all of us going with him. So let's construct the basic foundation of the Episcopal Church on that idea and create our mission so that everyone can see and no one can mistake what it is we are doing.

In the end, those that join us join us and those that do not do not but we are neither hindered by those that join nor those that do not join.

It Is Rapture Saturday!

2011-05-21T00:48:00.000-04:00

Monty Python always has something good for any occasion. This Saturday is no exception.

Okay, I Give Up -- For All You Leaving Us

2011-05-18T08:56:00.000-04:00

A plaint for those of us not as lucky as our doctrinal warrior Fatherr Christian Troll.

And just in case you missed the lyrics:

Come Monday

Headin' up to San Francisco
For the Labor Day week-end show
I've got my hush-puppies on
I guess I never was meant for glitter rock and
roll
And Honey I didn't know
That I'd be missin' you so

Chorus:
Come Monday, it'll be all right
Come Monday, I'll be holdin' you tight
I spent four lonely days in a brown L. A. haze
And I just want you back by my side

Yes, it's been quite a summer
Rent-a-cars and west-bound trains
And now you're off on vacation
Something you tried to explain
And Darlin' it's I love you so
That's the reason I just let you go

Come Monday, it'll be all right
Come Monday, I'll be holdin' you tight
I spent four lonely days in a brown L. A. haze
And I just want you back by my side

I can't help it honey
You're that much a part of me now
Remember that night in Montana
When we said there'd be no room for doubt

I hope you're enjoyin' the scen'ry
I know that it's pretty up there
We can go hikin' on Tuesday
With you I'd walk anywhere
California has worn me quite thin
I just can't wait to see you again

Come Monday, it'll be all right
Come Monday, I'll be holdin' you tight
I spent four lonely days in a brown L. A. haze
And I just want you back by my side

I spent four lonely days in a brown L. A. haze
And I just want you back by my side

Tilting At Democratic Windmills

2011-05-15T10:28:00.002-04:00

I know as I begin this, Don Quixote will be proud of this column. Also, this has little to nothing to do with Anglicanism or the Episcopal Church or even Christianity. It is about what I heard on national Public Radio today. Specifically, there was a news item in the afternoon that dealt with the democrats “reading the riot act” to the oil company executives. WHAT A JOKE! Let’s recount some of the recent democratic victories(#!?) Well, Obama’s health care plan has already been chopped down to size by this new Republican majority? The president, once claimed by almost everyone to be a socialist looks like Ronald Reagan. The budget is shot to hell because the Republicans, when handed a surplus, could not stand it so they spent us into oblivion and then bailed out the banks and the finance companies and screwed the average homeowner now want to eliminate social security, Medicare, Head Start, Planned parenthood, education, social service programs, mental health programs and just about anything else the middle class uses in favor of tax cuts for the rich. What have the democrats done? Quizzed the BP on how they could possibly let the blast in the Gulf happen. When they had finished that they decided to quiz the rest of the oil companies about the indecent profits. And when the oil execs said, the removal of depletion allowances would not reduce profits or lower gas prices could not find the guts to then respond with, “How about nationalization? Would that lower profits and reduce gas prices?” No, they just want to play patty-cake and in the meantime are outmaneuvered on the issue of the debt ceiling now being forced to give up 2 more billion dollars in social programs in order to raise the debt ceiling.
The democrats are running scared and cannot figure out what to do. They have a majority in the senate and yet get whipped at every turn. As folks said elsewhere, the 20th century is about to be repealed. And still the Republicans have time to mess with don’t ask don’t tell and a women’s reproductive rights and just about everything else that is an affront to the middle class. And what does our “socialist” president do? He gives in on all the social program cuts that the republicans want. What do the democrats in the senate do? They talk and talk and talk and talk.

When will it end?

GAFCON Re-LUNCH

2011-05-13T22:17:00.001-04:00

There is a new statement from the Conealonialists. I say new only because it is more of their tired and weary rap on the same old nonsense. They continue to repeat much of the tripe they harp on in hopes that if they say it long and loud enough everyone (read Canterbury) will believe them. Here, in abbreviated form is the latest statement from the "wannabes".

Narobi Statement from the GAFCON/FCA Primates Council

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

1. We met in Nairobi from April 25th through April 28th, 2011. We gathered as the elected leaders of provinces and national churches of the Anglican Communion and as leaders of GAFCON/FCA and we had lunch. Hence, the re-lunch title.

2. We are profoundly saddened by the many disasters that have afflicted our world in recent months especially the fact that we did not attend the Primates meeting in Dublin and boy, was that a disaster.

3. We are distressed that, in the face of these enormous challenges, we are still divided as a Communion. The fabric of our common life has now transformed into spandex so that most of us can still fit in our purple shirts and fancy robes.

4. We note the efforts of the Roman Catholic Church to offer support.We only wish that the pope would let us run his place also.

5. We devoted a considerable portion of our time together exploring some of the presenting issues
regarding Anglican ecclesiology. We were mindful of the importance of the new endowment fund for the college of bishops and are saddened that you guys thought of that before we did. We sure could use 15 million buckeroos right now as well.

6. As members of the global Anglican Communion we delight in the particular history with whichwe have been blessed. We are grateful for all the foolish laity that have hoped on board our freight train we like to call the ACNA Express.

7. We believe, however, that we are fully the church and no one can come to the father except through us.

8. We continue to be troubled by the promotion of a shadow that knows everything. Seems to us that should have gone the route of the doodoo bird. We mean really, a radio program that knows everything? How about, we know everything!

9. Confident of the power of God’s Word to renew His church we are creating more and more and more bishops and archbishops and if we could we would create some cardinals (maybe some bluebirds and some wrens).

10. We are delighted in the election of all the T-~~bagger~~ Party members in the house of representatives and we may make them a diocese in ACNA all by themselves.

11. We also recognized Martyn Minns despite his new hairdo.

12. Finally we know everything there is to know and no one can tell us differently.

13. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presencewithout fault and with great joy to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority,through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

The Primates Council
The Most Rev’d Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop, Anglican Church of Kenya, ChairThe Most Rev’d Justice Akrofi, Archbishop, Anglican Province of West Africa
The Most Rev’d Robert Duncan, Archbishop, Anglican Church in North America
The Most Rev ‘d Onesphore Rwaje, Archbishop, Anglican Church of Rwanda
Mokiwa, Archbishop, Anglican Church of Tanzania
The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, Archbishop, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
The Most Rev’d Henry Orombi, Archbishop, Church of Uganda
The Most Rev’d Hector Zavala, Province of the Southern Cone
The Most Rev’d Peter Jensen, Archbishop, Diocese of Sydney, Secretary

We May Be In Huge Trouble ---

2011-05-08T11:05:00.000-04:00

I held a discussion with an intelligent, astute, extremely well-read individual yesterday that, no doubt about it, just "blew my mind". The topic? Public education. I was not aware, until yesterday, that the primary reason why K-12 public schools are in such dire financial straits is because of "illegal immigration". And, that these illegal immigrants from Mexico, pay no taxes, contribute nothing to society and if they would just go back to Mexico our schools, our medical support system and in fact our whole economy would be much better off.

The logic he used was more students create more costs and if the costs would go down then the amount of revenue would then cover the costs of the public schools. My background is deeply steeped in public education finance and in public education in general and in the last few years in private education as well. No amount of discussion about "cost per student", revenue limits (State of California don't you know) and lack of a tax base would shake this person to re-think his position. No amount of GE and Oil Co. tax breaks would move this person around the corner. See, he had read about a supreme court decision that mandated free public education for all -- including the children of illegal immigrants. His position was that if the feds wanted to mandate that then let the feds pay for it.

Now, here is my real point. The facts about public education, about our economy, about the tax base, about immigrants having for about ever generally worked harder, longer, and pay more in taxes per dollar earned would shake this notion. My grandmother was an "illegal immigrant". She came from her home country to the United States when she was 13. Yep, she lied about her age and got in. She, my grandfather, my dad, and all my aunts and uncles worked as hard as anyone, fought in the same wars, held the same patriotism as any other "American". But these facts were of no value. The fact that the tax base has been eroded by the constant need for Republicans to buy votes from their corporate constituents to stay in office and each time when revenue drops services are cut it is because of too many services, not the need for increasing revenue.

This person has bought into the great Republican lie hook, line and sinker! What troubles me more than anything is that this is not some ill-read, poorly educated, blindly following oaf, this is a smart, intelligent, incredibly well-read person who can think on his feet and with the best of them.

All I can say is, we may be in HUGE trouble in our country.

Endowment Fund For College of Apostles Announced

2011-05-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

Jerusalem 32 AD

Today, in a stunning announcement on a mount just outside of Jerusalem, Jesus of Nazareth announced the formation of a college of Apostles and a subsequent endowment campaign. Jesus said, "Ya know, I preach parables all day long and these guys just don't get it! I took them to a mountain top where Elijah and Moses and I all grew white as snow and these guys could only think about building a house or two. I take them to a place in Bethany and raise Lazarus from the dead and all they can think about is some lady wasting money and oil. Holy crackers! I just cannot believe that the apostles and fence posts have so much in common!"

So Jesus went on to explain that it was time to form a college of Apostles. That is correct, he wants the apostles to go to college and learn some good stuff. BUT, these are poor fishermen that ain't got a dime and so we need to raise funds for an endowment. The current thinking of the son of Man is that this college will be set up and run from some silly out of the way place called Rome. And when asked about the poor and the the destitute and the sick and the lame and the widows and orphans all Joseph's son could say was "You will always have the poor but these apostle guys need to wake up and smell the coffee. How we gonna save the tax collectors and the adulterers if these apostles can't understand what I am saying. No, these guys need to go to school, and there ain't no better place than Rome. Don't believe me, just ask my father."

When asked about when Jesus thought this whole thing might get off the ground Jesus indicated that it would be sometime around the spring of 33 if the money changers would just give up some of there loot. Jesus said, "there is a place in Rome called the Vatican that has been vacant for many years and we can get the whole kit and caboodle for a song." "Once my apostles are thoroughly trained and fully educated with a bunch of new ideas on how to evangelize places like South America and Africa they (the apostles) will put my name up in flashing lights. And after all, ain't that what we need most?"

Feeding My Garden

2011-05-01T00:54:00.000-04:00

Time is running out for a besieged Anglican Communion. Western pan Anglicanism has lost the biblical and evangelical plot. If the Anglican Communion is to be saved only the Global South can save it.

David Virtue

Mary, Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow? Well, I feed it stuff like that which is above.

Living Longer

2011-04-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

Everyone pretty much everywhere is worried about the lack of people attending church. Our orthodox brethren have gone so far as to blame the entire drop in attendance in all of Christiandom on the Episcopal Church's stance with regard to full inclusion.

Suppose, just suppose, the fact is that since everyone is living longer the "fear of dying" coupled with the distance hell then is placed serves to alienate folks from the church(es)? If that is the case then perhaps, just perhaps we are all going about this all wrong. Maybe we need to look at what God has come to offer in order to make this work. Maybe, crying rooms, and big buildings, and fancy hats and cloaks and huge numbers of bishops, and "programs for the youth" among other things is not the answer. Perhaps, the answer lies somewhere in the brokeness of the world and what Christ brought us -- wholeness, reunification with our Father, the love of all our brothers.

Just wondering.

Easter Sunday -- Finally

2011-04-24T03:00:00.002-04:00

The son always rises!

And Now Holy Saturday

2011-04-23T01:46:00.001-04:00

This very long day will eventually, well listen . . .

ECCE!

2011-04-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

Good Friday is the hardest day of the year -- but the most necessary.

by Zubar

Sneakin' Up on Good Friday

2011-04-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

I am of the firm belief that one cannot truly grasp Easter in all its splendor and wonder and what it really means for us (well me anyway) without coming face to face with the events of Good Friday.

2011-04-15T08:53:00.000-04:00

Granmere Mimi has lead us all to this little gem on Democracy. I thought that she might follow up with one of her favorite singer/song writers but alas, she has sped on to other things. But. fear not, I have come to her rescue. Here is what Mimi really meant to post after the Borowitz Report on Democracy.

Given what is going on in Washington,DC these days we need to make a substantial change!

Repealing The Poor

2011-04-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

The Republicans newest war on poverty: Repeal the Poor.The first step is to take away Social Security, Food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, Housing support, support for education, and of course federal funding for abortion in he District of Columbia. If the poor want a retirement they can work for it. If the poor want an abortion they can pay for it. If the poor want an education they can pay for it. If the poor want medical support they can pay for it.

Remember Johnson's War on Poverty? The Republicans have decided that the only way to eradicate poverty is to repeal the poor. John Boehner was overheard saying, "We've tried everything else to eliminate poverty and nothing seems to work. The only thing left to do is make the poor disappear."

The most despicable thing that was done by the President and the Democratic Party was to eliminate federal funding for abortion in the District of Columbia! They great party of the people caved in on Woman's right to choose. It's only D.C. you say? You don't think the Republicans smell blood in the water? And how is no less murder to allow a child to be born into a country that even refuses to recognize that they exist, let alone provide the necessary BASIC services like food, shelter and education.

T-Party: Don't Bogart That Joint

2011-04-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

The last time I looked the definition of politics up it said something like "the art of compromise".

One has to wonder what the T-Party is smoking these days. They are going to take this country into bankruptcy. The party when faced with shutting down the entire federal government said, "Bring it on." Do they even understand how the federal government works? See, having been through two federal "shutdowns" for some many days I was ultimately paid for those days because the federal labor law requires it. Jeff Sessions, someone who I really do not care for clearly stated that the T-party has no idea how Washington works. So, unbeknownst to the T-Party, they are about to provide several million workers with the one or more vacation days.

These T-Party folks are not even sensible. They intend to eliminate social security, medicare, food stamps, free and reduced lunch, free public education, National Public Radio, Public Television, National Arts Programs, the National Parks system, and just about everything the middle class has built including the middle class. In favor of what? Well, in the political science books it is called anarchy. Thomas Hobbes called living in the wild "short, nasty and brutish." They somehow think that they can survive in a state of anarchy. But in actuality I think they believe that since they cannot have what they want why should anyone else?

Now, does the rest of the country understand just how long it is going to take to put back all the programs these T-Party folks intend to dismantle?

Let's end with that question and this video.

Free Public Education

2011-04-02T20:00:00.002-04:00

As a student of education, both public and private, I find the recent utterances from the right to be nothing less than FANTASTIC! Here is the one that I find most interesting: ""Just call them what they are," Santorum said. "Public schools? That's a nice way of putting it. These are government-run schools." This quote is from a genuine candidate for president, former senator, Rick Santorum. Now there are other truly outrageous quotes but let's dissect this one for just a few lines.

Public means, generally speaking, run by the public. How do we manage our cities and counties? They are public entities. Well, they are run by the "government". How do we manage our state and federal entities? Well, they are run by the "government". So, how else would one run public (non-private) schools except by an elected body from the local area. Those citizens who live within the geo-political boundaries of the "public school" manage (note the word as opposed to run) the school district. And, here is the crucial question, who is the government? WE ARE! Yes, government of the people by the people and for the people. So, what Mr. Santorum (and a host of full blown bozos) is saying is he does not trust us, him and everyone else that holds public office.

What has public schools brought us? Well, look around your home and believe that virtually everything that runs your home (including your spouse) is probably a product of at least some form of public school.

And who was the major proponent of public schools? None other than Thomas Jefferson. And in a debate who would you rather have on your side? Mr. Santorum or Thomas Jefferson.

Faith based education, which I think Mr. Santorum is trying to get to, is a reasonable alternative to public education but it is by no means a substitute. It is neither better, nor worse than public education. In fact, it really does not serve the same purpose. Public education is the bedrock of our democracy. Find me another country that is as great as the United States and does not have public education. And while I am at it, the bedrock of public education is the public school teacher. You will find no more caring, loving, better educated, more concerned for the student than a public school teacher. Stripping the public school teacher of their right to bargain, a reasonable compensation package, and their dignity along the way is simply despicable. And stripping our democracy of public education is despotic.

Standing Commission on Litury and Music Wanders Off Into A Morass

2011-03-27T02:23:00.000-04:00

Below you will find the minutes from the table conversations from the recent Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. The discussion centers on the issue of same-gender blessings/marriage. The easiest, simplest most equitable thing to do is to simply use the prayer book (pgs. 423 or 433) but no -- there has to be more to it than that! To distinguish my comments I have made them red.

Fall 2010 House of Bishops Meeting

Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music Consultation on 2009 General Convention Resolution C056

Table Conversation, September 18, 2010 Executive Summary

Table conversation centered on the following questions:

Question 1. What pastoral needs must the resources developed meet in your diocese?

Question 2. To what extent do the theological principles (attached) address the questions that people in your diocese are asking?

Question 3. How well do the liturgical principles (attached) reflect your understanding of Anglican theological and liturgical sensibilities?

Question 4. How can this work be done in a way that will both resource the church and strengthen the body of Christ?

Question 5. How do you want the SCLM to consult with the House of Bishops for the duration of this triennium as this work goes forward?

Each table received a set of notes pages for reporting feedback to these questions. The notes were collected and later transcribed into a single spreadsheet. (Note that the table identifications in the spreadsheet were assigned randomly for transcription purposes only. There was no recording of who participated at each table.)

The Bishops’ comments spanned a broad spectrum of ideas. Following is an attempt to categorize and summarize the comments. Themes are presented roughly in order from most to fewest references.

• Theological and Liturgical Principles. Feedback on the principles was widely varied, but the majority of comments were positive. The liturgical principles were especially well received. Several comments serve as reminders of the importance of articulating a strong theological foundation for this work. (Note also that one Bishop offered that the theological principles are pastoral in nature, while another said they’re liturgical theology.) There were many comments noting the lack of direct scriptural references in the principles, and suggesting that theological work must include scripture references and liturgies must incorporate scriptural language. Participants at two tables suggested adding a missional component to the theological principles; others variously suggested attention to concepts of friendship, intimacy, and fruitfulness; and at least two tables noted connections to baptismal living. Two commended Bishop Breidenthal’s book, Christian Households: The Sanctification of Nearness.

Say what? This is a blessing just like any other blessing. Aren't there enough "scriptural" references already? Or, do you mean scriptural references to same-gender blessings?

• The Nature of the Liturgical Rites. A large number of comments were related to the understanding of same-gender relationships and the rites that would be used to bless them. These comments often referred to the choice of terms, but they reflect deeper questions about exactly what the Church means to express through the liturgical rite. For example, there was diversity of thought about whether this work should be about same-gender marriage. Other comments indicate that the issue is more fundamentally whether same-gender blessings are sacramental. Still other comments questioned the meanings of the terms blessing and covenant.

Why would the church mean one thing for different gender marriages and another thing for same-gender marriages? For heaven's sake, what has got into people? Not sacramental? What the heck does that mean? If different gender marriages are sacramental what makes same gender marriages NOT sacramental?

• Continuing Consultation with the House of Bishops. Most tables had at least one request for check-ins from the SCLM about its work on C056 between now and General Convention 2012. Many suggested at least a brief appearance at each House of Bishops meeting, with perhaps more time at the fall 2011 meeting. Some also suggested additional reports, posting of information on the College for Bishops website, mailing or emailing material to bishops, or access to materials as it is being developed. Others discussed the role of the Bishops in authorizing liturgy. Others mentioned the role of the House of Deputies or suggested contact with diocesan liturgical commissions.

Just for the record, if we all used the same liturgy, i.e., the current liturgy, we could all be done and moving on. That is, we would not need to "check in".

• Care for those of Differing Views. Many comments expressed concern about making room for and caring for those who disagree with the provision of rites for blessing same-gender unions.

Using the same liturgy should not cause any stir at all.

• Resources for Conversation. A number of tables requested resources for conversation and education in congregations and dioceses.

Resources and education for what? Full inclusion? Does this mean we really do not mean full inclusion until some time in the future when we all agree to full inclusion? Somebody waffling on the Primates issues?

• Legal Considerations. There were comments about the varied legal contexts now faced by Dioceses and requests for clarity about the relationship between Church rites and civil law. Note that four tables expressed concern about the Church’s role in civil marriage (of different-gender couples) and hope that this function might be separated. At least two tables asked about consequences if a couple subsequently breaks up.

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God, those things that are God's.

• Diversity of Participants. Many observed a lack of geographic diversity among the C056 presenters, and several offered that the people working on these resources must reflect the diversity of the Church, including moderate and conservative voices. [Note: The Bishops were introduced only to the Task Force Chairs; the full Task Force rosters have subsequently been posted on the College for Bishops website.]

Trying to reach some "via media" will only corrupt the work that has been done. Furthermore, some form of "middle ground" is not full inclusion. Separate but equal isn't.

• Authorization of Rites. There was concern about clear communication that any rites developed would not be mandatory and about the role of the Bishop Diocesan in authorizing rites.

Sounds like "blue smoke and mirrors" to me.
• Preparation of Same-Gender Couples. Several comments expressed the need for good materials for the preparation of same-gender couples, especially materials that consider how their preparation might be different from different-gender couples.

The real question is why? There is no difference in what is going on-- if we start from the premise that there is a fundamental difference we end up with the concept of separate but equal.

• Broad Engagement. Several comments were related to the importance of engagement on this work with Dioceses and various entities of the Anglican Communion.

The above comments can be used to enrich and feed the various gardens one grows.

• Other Rites for Blessing. Comments from at least three tables mentioned the need to develop a rite for any couple that would like to have their relationships blessed but cannot have a civil marriage (for example, an elderly couple for whom civil marriage would create financial hardship).

While interesting and important, this is clearly an attempt to distract from the real issue facing this group.

In closing, it seems to me that the Episcopal Church is either going to fully include same-sex blessings or we are not. It is impossible to ask for (require) full inclusion and then wander off into an abyss that is fraught with non sequiters, separate but equal arguments and birdwalks.

H/T to IT at Friends of Jake.

Are We Going For Separate But Equal?

2011-03-19T19:13:00.000-04:00

Let me begin with a story from The Lead that is entitled Historic Consultation. We are now "consulting" on what constitutes a valid/appropriate blessing of same sex marriages. I do not know about anyone else, and I could be absolutely off-base but does this smack of "separate but equal"? Should we then have schools for children of same sex marriages? Perhaps we can have separate churches for just this purpose? How about drinking fountains and of course they could all ride in the back of the bus, right?

Someone please help me with this for I genuinely do not understand how we can fully include ALL our brothers and sisters and then not use the rites as found on pages 423 an 433 in the current Book of Common Prayer. Now I recognize that each couple is unique but I believe that there may be enough latitude in the current ceremonies to allow for whatever adjustments a couple (any couple) may wish to make, certainly in conjunction with the priest of the couple's choice.

I worry sometimes we just do not really get it -- or maybe it is just me.

The Axis of the Anglican Communion Just Moved 4 Inches!

2011-03-13T00:48:00.002-05:00

While acknowledging the nature of Canterbury as an historic see, we do not accept that Anglican identity is determined necessarily through recognition by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Statement On The Global Anglican Future

Today, Archbishop Rowan Williams released his lenten pastoral letter. It seems to be all over the blogsphere but now where more "battered" than at the one and only Stand Limp blog.

Yesterday, the 8.9 earthquake moved the main island of Japan 8 feet! It also reset the earth's axis by no less than 4 inches!

While you ponder the magnitude of both of those events it appears, based on the comments by those who would be Conelonialists that the Axis of the Anglican Communion just moved about 8 feet. It will not be much longer before the Primates of the Global South flex their hubris one last time and take the Anglican Communion (or what they call the Anglican Communion) to a brand new axis -- somewhere in the neighborhood of Nigeria, Uganda or Australia. Hold on 'cause it is goingto be a bumpy ride!

Archbishop MY A**!

2011-03-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

Can we talk? Really, I am about as tired as tired can get of the constant "politeness" with which we deal with those who have created the worst scenario in the history of the Episcopal Church. I mean really, we have Mr. Schofield, Mr. Iker, Mr. Duncan and a host of misters that have all been deposed and defrocked. legally, formally, officially, constitutionally, and every other way known to our church yet everyone I see and most everyone I read continues to use the genteel term originally assigned to them, and in Mr. Duncan's case, he actually thinks he is an archduke or something like that -- probably a king! Just what is up with that? Lots of folks say, well, if they were Romans, or Baptists or Unitarians or Wizards or whatever we would use their official title. Folks, can we get this straight -- THEY THINK THEY ARE US! They believe with all their heart that NOTHING has happened to them and we continue to allow them to live in that lie! These folks need to face the facts and we need to be less enabling than we are. They are not bishops, priests, deacons, etc in any church that calls itself Episcopalian and since the ONLY ANGLICAN PRESENCE in the USA is the Episcopal Church they cannot be any of those things in the Anglican Church. When they start calling themselves wikens or wizards or whatever they finally determine they are maybe then we can call them something other than late for supper but we owe them nothing! These deposed and defrocked clergy are some of the most venomous, vile, evil people to come along in the history of the Episcopal Church. They have ripped us asunder, they have cut thousands of Episcopalians to the bone. They are bleeding us to death and we continue to smile and call them something they are not -- Father, Bishop, Deacon.

Let's put an end to our enabling -- these folks are drunkards of the worst kind. Drunk on power and prestige. We must not enable them any more. They are Mr. not anything else and until they get that fact let's just keep reinforcing it!

As it is written, so shall it be!

Do Not Be Afraid

2011-03-05T21:40:00.000-05:00

Bishop Lamb and Bishop Talton both provided the homily for our seating of the new bishop - Bishop Talton.
Both bishops spoke eloquently but the piece that stood out this time - - to me -- was Bishop Talton and his statement "Do not be afraid." The long nightmare is turning to the Son rising and the new day is dawning. We are all being transfigured by the words, the actions, the plans and most important, the people of this diocese. You must come and visit and see for yourselves.

One last note -- Were it not for the concerted efforts of Bishop Jerry Lamb this diocese would not be. We owe a huge debt to Bishop Lamb and we can only repay it by thanking God every day for the grace and the goodness of this wonderful man.

So -- we say goodbye and hello and hello and goodbye!

I Don't Know Why You Say Goodbye I Say Hello

2011-03-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

The next phase of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin return to normalcy begins today. We will say hello and thank you for coming to Provisional Bishop-elect Chet Talton and goodbye and godspeed to Provisional Bishop Jerry Lamb. More about these two great bishops later in the day but for now please join me in saying thank you and thank you and blessings on you to Bishop Jerry. He has done a magnificent job here in our diocese and we are very grateful. Thanks to the Presiding Bishop, the Executive Council and the offices of the National Church for your support as well.

Thanks be to God!

Blame Grandmere Mimi

2011-02-28T23:34:00.000-05:00

Mimi told me I had to take this quiz, so here I are.

My Political Views
I am a left social libertarian
Left: 5.78, Libertarian: 3.65

Political Spectrum Quiz

And here are my results pertaining to foreign policy:

My Foreign Policy Views
Score: -5.98

Political Spectrum Quiz

And, here is my cultural bias:

My Culture War Stance
Score: -5.92

Political Spectrum Quiz

I hope this surprises no one. I may be an anachronism, however.

Mimi, see what you have done!

Time To Celebrate

2011-02-26T13:33:00.001-05:00

IT and BP will have their marriage blessed today! Alleluia! Here, for our part, are a couple of songs just for them on this most solemn and joyful occasion.

The Presiding Bishop: A Leader not a Ruler*

2011-02-24T08:59:00.000-05:00

What makes those (clergy) in the Anglican (both real and imagined) Communion angry and frustrated all at the same time? It is the manner in which our Presiding Bishop speaks to issues of import throughout the world. Our Presiding Bishop, not just this one but those in the past as well, walk a razor thin line in speaking for our province. Sometimes, it may look like "prevarication" as some in the Anglican Communion have viewed it.

Well, we are the only province that is structured in such a way as to routinely give voice to the people. There is no other province in the world that does this and it leads to some rather routine mis-interpretations. Let me see if I can explain this a little more. When a leader in another province speaks that leader does not have to consider what has been voted on, spoken by the people if you will, in his province. A provincial leader from say Nigeria, can pretty much say whatever he wants and "speak for all the people of Nigeria" because he is not going to face an election by Anglicans that vote on issues and could make him look silly -- on that same issue. In most cases the thinking would go something like this, "I am the archbishop, I know what is best for 'my people' and I will tell everyone what is what." As simple a formula as that is and as hierarchical as it is and as demanding as that is, that approach just does not work in The Episcopal Church in the United States. The Archbishop of Canterbury is beginning to learn that lesson about us. He has attended several General Conventions in which the mind of the people (lay and clergy) are spoken freely and issues of significant import are voted upon. That means that when the Presiding Bishop speaks the mind of the Episcopal Church in the United States she (but in the past he) must take into account that whatever the issue, we could vote on it at the next triennial and make the Presiding Bishop either right or wrong depending on what is said. This is a much more precarious position than any other primate, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. We have, we cherish, and we will never give up the method under which we come together each three years and set the mind of the province.

Let me end with another analogy. If there is going to be a parade in the United States and the presiding bishop wants to lead the parade then she/he must wait for the laity and clergy to form up and begin marching -- then get in front of the parade. For virtually every other Anglican Province in the world the primate IS THE PARADE. For those in other parts of our communion and for those just in other parts of our universe this experience is one of pride and power but for the Presiding Bishop it is a source of humility and servant-leadership.

* There will be an extra 20 points given to those who can remember from whence the title was first used/found.

Where We All Should Be

2011-02-21T18:16:00.000-05:00

Want to know where the Episcopal diocese of San Joaquin is headed? Want to see our vision? Well, we borrowed but watch it all the way through and tell me if I am wrong.

H/T to AA from CTK

Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin Welcomes Our Second Provisional Bishop (elect)

2011-02-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

Make no mistake, the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin continues to struggle. We have struggled since those months in early 2009 when we were left to our own devices. But the struggle has just become a little easier. Surely, we have been supported by the National Church and the Executive Council is and continues to be a close ally of our diocese -- and we appreciate all that they have done. The Presiding Bishop has been supportive (and my grandson thinks she is the only real bishop) and Bishop Lamb has been great in helping us pick up the pieces and begin anew. But this thing we call the Episcopal Church, our Christian duty and responsibility has weighed heavily on everyone left in this diocese. Let's face it, we are small -- someone said our Average Sunday Attendance is around 700 -- for the diocese! Remember we stretch from Sacramento (actually Lodi) to Bakersfield and from Taft and Coalinga to Bishop and Mamouth! Yes if our numbers were not staggering enough the geography is enough to keep a bishop driving most everyday of the year. But do not mistake our challenges for anything more than that. And, we have a new bishop to help us meet those challenges.

Bishop Chet Talton, retired Suffragan Bishop from Los Angeles has arisen from the ranks to help us meet our continuing challenges. We meet him yesterday at a deanery meeting in anticipation of our March 5, 2011 Special Convention to elect Bishop Talton our next provisional bishop. Bishop Talton is a rather quiet and unassuming bishop with the heart of a lion. He has come to us to build up the community over the next few years. While he has not lost sight of those issues that are important in the legal world, he is focused on rebuilding a renewed community of Episcopalians in the Central Valley. We welcome Bishop Talton, his wife and family and look forward to our task ahead!

Bishop Talton takes questions from an expectant audience.

Bishop Talton shares some life experiences with our deanery.

This is Cindy Smith, the diocesan Chair of our Standing Committee. It is the Standing Committee's responsibility to bring to our diocese a provisional bishop for election. Cindy and the committee has done an outstanding job, not just in this instance, but in creating and open and welcoming diocese. We are blessed with a dynamic Standing Committee.

Canon Mark Hall explaining the new deanery structure.

The Instruments of the Anglican Communion

2011-02-18T01:47:00.000-05:00

We all must, by now, have found the Conelonialists ranting and raving about the "instruments of communion". Seems to me the only real instruments of communion are those pictured below.

Can someone explain why we need any more instruments than these? Seems to me these are about all the instruments of communion we need.

Archbishop Venables Gets It WRONG (Again).

2011-02-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

I know we are not supposed to play with the devil but I must admit I visited a site that has little to do with God and more to do with . . . , well you know who and low and behold I found this little gem.

This is part of a much larger discussion, one in which Archbishop Venables slings dirt on the Anglican Communion but here is the heart of the message:

Asked about the role of Canterbury, Venables thinks the Global South is moving away from a Canterbury led communion. "The truth is we never had to go through Canterbury to get to Jesus. Canterbury is a wonderful part of our history. I have a tremendous respect for the role of the ABC but we cannot allow one person and one small group to assume authority over the Anglican Communion. It is not Anglican and it is not in Scripture."

Let that sink in for a moment. Do not rush off and read something else or even think about how nutso the ACNA can get or even how wonderful it will be when John David Schofield retires -- The Anglican Communion does not run through the Archbishop of Canterbury?! Henry the VIII did not war with the Pope, Elizabeth was not excommunicated, Cranmer did not write the book of Common Prayer and the English Communion does not run through England? How is that again? Lord knows my undergraduate studies were in social revolutionary theory but this is some of the best I have ever seen!

I do not know about you, but I would like to get my hands on whatever the good archbishop is smoking these days -- it certainly produces some rich history (albeit revisionist).

A special note to those in San Joaquin where we have left the light on -- is this what you signed up for? John David Schofield PROMISED you would get closer to the Archbishop of Canterbury -- that the rest of us had somehow drifted too far away and YOU personally were going t o see to it that WE all got closer. Is this how you do it? The guy down south along with the rest of the Conelonialists are going to take the Anglican Communion and drive it right through the heart of Nigeria??? Well folks, the light is still on -- come on home to the ONLY Real Anglicanism!

The Bankruptcy of The Global South Position on LGBT

2011-01-27T08:54:00.000-05:00

The basic position of the Conelonialists, here in the United States and abroad, particularly in the Global South on LGBT issues is bankrupt! Hate the sin and love the sinner produces nothing more and nothing less than this:

Ugandan LGBT Advocate Murdered

and here is Friends of Jake's Take

and the best coverage is with our good friend Leonardo:

Can't we please stop killing each other in the name of our God?

Just Read These Two Statements and Tell Me Which Do You Prefer

2011-01-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

I. The faith we share

Already in 1977, Archbishop of Canterbury Donald Coggan and Pope Paul VI signed a Common Declaration, in which they affirmed the following about our churches:
“[we] have come to recognize, to value and to give thanks for a common faith in God our Father, in our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit; our common baptism into Christ; our sharing of the Holy Scriptures, of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the Chalcedonian definition [on Christ’s full humanity and full divinity], and the teaching of the Fathers; our common Christian inheritance for many centuries with its living traditions of liturgy, theology, spirituality and mission” (§2).
Through our international dialogue, we have reached significant agreement on the nature of the eucharist and ministry. We have also reached convergence on authority in the Church, the nature and mission of the Church, salvation and justification, discipleship and morals, and more recently, the place of Mary, Mother of Jesus, in the life and doctrine of the Church.1 In Canada, we rejoice in our use of a common lectionary, in our joint participation in theological and pastoral formation in some places, in our national theological dialogue and in the meetings of our bishops on regional and national levels.
Today, we no longer feel ourselves as strangers in each other’s houses of worship. Despite remaining obstacles which we continue to address in dialogue, we have come a long way, making considerable progress in our relations.
And yet, as the recent international document Growing Together in Unity and Mission stated, “we have only just begun to give tangible expression to the incontrovertible elements of shared faith” (§7). In that document, we express our conviction that “it is the time to bridge the gap between the elements of faith we hold in common and the tangible expression of that shared belief in our ecclesial lives” (§10). “Even in a time of uncertainty, the mission given us by Christ obliges and compels us to seek to engage more deeply and widely in a partnership in mission, coupled with common witness and joint prayer” (§7).

II. Moving Forward in Mission
Here in Saskatchewan, Anglicans and Roman Catholics have enjoyed the regular meetings of our bishops since the 1970s; meetings were expanded to include Lutheran and Ukrainian Catholic bishops in the 1990s. In 1999, the Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches joined with the Franciscan community in setting up an ecumenical board to give direction to St. Michael’s Retreat House in Lumsden. This is a sign and indication of what is possible when we give tangible expression to the faith we share.
The Spirit now calls our Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches to a new stage in jointly building up the body of Christ in our dioceses.
To that end, our relationship now moves us to commit our two dioceses to the following:
1. Hold a prayer service each year, ideally during the Easter season, alternating between the two cathedrals, with our bishops present. This would take the form of an annual service of reconciliation, with participants (planning, officiants, servers, lectors, choir, etc) from both churches.
2. Commit ourselves to regularly remembering the other church and its leaders, and our relations, in our intercessions at each Sunday eucharist.
3. Join together on a justice-related initiative locally and/or sponsor a justice-related project where our churches are working together in the developing world.
4. Hold joint meetings with First Nations elders in order to promote reconciliation and healing.
5. Commit ourselves to maintaining communication between us when any new development in one of our churches has implications or challenges for the other.
We also encourage the following at the diocesan level and in communities where there are both Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes. Whenever possible, other Christian churches and their ministers would fully share in these proposed activities and initiatives:
1. Joint activities in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity;
2. Common services in Advent and Lent;
3. Joint witness in the name of Christ to people in particular spiritual need, including those who have lapsed from regular attendance at worship;
4. Parish welcome and support for inter-church couples and families;
5. Bishops acting together when feasible: for example, issuing joint statements on current public pastoral concerns;
6. Clergy acting together when feasible: for example, holding occasional study days; arranging a joint component in our parish programs for baptism preparation;
7. Youth leadership: possibility of a joint youth group forming or occasional jointly- organized events with our youth;
8. Occasional workshops on aspects of the liturgy which would allow us to learn liturgical best practices from each other (e.g. welcoming/greeting, music, lectors, servers, those preparing intercessory prayers);
9. Meetings of those with parallel ministries: pastors; deacons; lay leadership/lay ministry; musicians; healing ministry; bereavement; church wardens/vestries/parish councils;
10 Exploration of common texts – for example, study of Scripture, study of our joint A-RC statements, e.g. Growing Together in Unity and Mission;
11. Social occasions following joint liturgical events, to offer opportunities for fellowship;
12. Fostering friendly relations and regular communication between neighbouring Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes and their clergy; they are encouraged to enter into parish covenants and hold annual events together;
13. Justice issues - speaking out together on areas of common concern where we can act together: prison ministry; relations with First Nations communities; healing ministry, chaplaincies, nursing homes;
14. Preparation for mission: coming together to identify a specific concern in the community and provide gracious outreach, then joining together to bring relief and Christ’s healing.

OR THIS:

The Statement

1. The GAFCON/FCA Primates’ Council met in Oxford from October 4th through October 7th, 2010. We gathered as Bishops in Council and as the elected leaders of provinces and national churches of the Anglican Communion representing more than forty million Anglicans. We know that many of our people confront a fallen world where sin abounds; the economy is troubled and resources are scarce; disasters loom and governments often seem impotent and helpless and yet even in the midst of all these things “our hope is in the Name of the Lord” and we are filled with hope and vision.
2. We are thankful for God’s hand in establishing GAFCON and the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans. We rejoice in God’s guidance from the Scriptures, the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and the provision of a godly fellowship to sustain us. In this context we have met in Oxford, a city that has seen many critical events in Anglican history, and are grateful for the men and women who have given their lives to protect the faith that has given us eternal life.
3. We believe that we are now entering a new era for the Anglican Communion. New ways of living out our common life are emerging as old structures are proven to be ineffective in confronting the challenges of living in a pluralistic global community. We rejoice in the call of the Jerusalem Declaration for a renewed commitment to the authority of scripture and the centrality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sadly the rejection of these historic anchors to our faith has brought us to a crisis in the life of the Communion.
4. As we have made clear in numerous communiqués and meetings those who have abandoned the historic teaching of the Church have torn the fabric of our life together at its deepest level. We have made repeated attempts to bring repentance and restoration and yet these efforts have been rejected. We grieve for those who have walked apart and earnestly pray for them and the people under their care.
5. For the sake of Christ and of His Gospel we can no longer maintain the illusion of normalcy and so we join with other Primates from the Global South in declaring that we will not be present at the next Primates’ meeting to be held in Ireland. And while we acknowledge that the efforts to heal our brokenness through the introduction of an Anglican Covenant were well intentioned we have come to the conclusion the current text is fatally flawed and so support for this initiative is no longer appropriate.
6. We also acknowledge with appreciation the address to the Nicean Society meeting in Lambeth Palace on September 9th of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations. We welcome his call to all churches of the Anglican Communion to step back from the abyss of heresy and reclaim the revealed truth that is at the heart of our historic understanding of Christian faith and moral order. We share with him the conviction that failure to do so will endanger our common witness and many important ecumenical dialogues but we would also point out that there are many within the Anglican Communion who have not ‘bowed the knee’ to secular liberalism and who are determined to stay true to the ‘faith once delivered to the saints’ whatever the cost.
7. The Primates Council, as bishops of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, wish to affirm the reality of human sin and divine judgment, the only way of salvation from sin through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, the sufficiency and clarity of Holy Scripture as the revelation of God’s will, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit as he brings new birth and holiness of life.
8. As many people in the nations where we serve experience new economic challenges, we affirm that the Church has been entrusted with the task of holding before all people the truth of the gospel of the kingdom of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the key to human well-being and the hope of creation. While we know well the scourge of poverty and the despair it produces, we call on our churches to remember this unique calling and not be seduced by those who would argue that economic development is our only goal. The destiny of humanity is not limited to this present world but to live the resurrection life in the new heavens and new earth.
9. We are, however, determined to lead our churches away from unhealthy economic dependency and to teach our people the importance of becoming effective stewards of their own resources. We must reclaim a vision of financial self-sufficiency. We are grateful for reports of several initiatives that are building capacity for economic growth in our various provinces and commit ourselves to making this an essential dimension of our continuing work. We also believe that a vital part of our witness is the integrity of our marriages and families and our care for the most vulnerable among us, our children. We welcome recent initiatives to encourage the ministry of women in leadership by CAPA – the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa.
10. We are also grateful for the recent conference sponsored by CAPA in Entebbe, Uganda, where we witnessed the growing strength of the Anglican Churches in Africa and their commitment to wholistic mission. We believe that GAFCON/FCA must expand its ministry through the inclusion of other Anglican provinces that share our faith conviction and love for the Communion. We also applaud the efforts of the Global South Provinces to find common ground and opportunities for common mission. We are committed to doing all that we can to strengthen our common witness.
11. We remain convinced that the unique character of GAFCON/FCA with its diversity of cultures and its embrace of the Jerusalem Declaration as a common theological confession is a vital contribution to the future of the global Anglican Communion. We are persuaded that we must offer new initiatives to more effectively respond to the crises that confront us all. We must strengthen our communication capabilities and we are also looking to build partnerships with other denominational churches that share our faith convictions.
12. Specifically, we are planning a leadership conference in the latter part of 2011 that will focus on the need to “Contend for the Faith in the Public Square.” We are also beginning preparations for an international gathering of Primates, Bishops, Clergy and Lay leaders in 2012, provisionally designated “GAFCON 2”. To support all of this we have approved the expansion of the Secretariat.
13. Finally, we acknowledge that it is only by God’s grace that we can accomplish any of this and so we call on all those that acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord to join us in prayer for our world and for the raising up of many initiatives that will bring the redeeming and transforming love of God to all those in need.
14. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

And so I ask once again who is

knowing Christ and making Him known in the world?

The first is a joint statement from the RC and the Anglican Church in Canada and the second is from our "friends" the Conelonialists.

H/T Thinking Anglicans

Chester Talton Next Provisional Bishop of the Epsicopal Diocese of San Joaquin

2011-01-20T01:06:00.001-05:00

For those of us a little slow on the uptake it has come to my attention that Bishop Jerry Lamb is going to retire. He would like to retire once again to the beautiful state of New Mexico. However, before that can happen there is one small matter of his successor. The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Dioces of San Joaquin has done an outstanding job of finding the very finest candidate, his name is Chester Talton.

Here is the "rap" on Bishop Talton::

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of San Joaquin is very pleased to present the Rt. Rev. Chester L. Talton, retired bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Los Angeles, as the candidate for the next Provisional Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.

Delegates to a special meeting of the Diocesan Convention, scheduled for March 5 in Fresno, will vote whether or not to elect Bishop Talton in a process dictated by church canons. In addition to meeting together to applaud this next chapter in the renewal of the Diocese of San Joaquin, we will also have the opportunity that day to celebrate the ministry and contributions of retiring Provisional Bishop Jerry A. Lamb and his wife Jane. Bishop Talton’s installation service, led by Bishop Lamb, is scheduled to follow an affirming vote. As we move from a focus of healing and regrouping to that of recovery and rebuilding, we are excited to have the vision, enthusiasm and experience of Bishop Chet Talton.

Born in Arkansas in 1941, Bishop Talton has spent much of his life in California. He attended California State University, Hayward (B.S. 1965) and Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, (M.Div.‘70, D.D.’92). He was first ordained deacon in June 1970 and priest in February 1971, in the Diocese of California. He has served at churches in Berkeley, Carmel, Chicago, Saint Paul, and spent nine years in New York City as Mission Officer of Trinity Church (Wall Street) and the Rector of St. Philip's Church (Harlem), prior to becoming Bishop Suffragan (a type of assisting bishop) of Los Angeles in 1991. Bishop Talton retired from Los Angeles in 2010 after serving as Bishop Suffragan for 19 years. Bishop Talton has four adult children. He and his wife, April, will divide their time between the Diocese of San Joaquin and their home in Pasadena.

Bishop Chet and April will arrive in the diocese later this month and, officially recognized by Bishop Jerry as a “Visiting Bishop”, he will begin to visit congregations and faith communities as of February 1. There are three regional deanery meetings scheduled for consecutive Sundays in February, where you will have the opportunity to meet the Taltons, and hear from Bishop Chet prior to the special meeting of the Diocesan Convention on March 5.

The path we followed leading to this upcoming provisional bishop transition was a long one. In the initial discussions with Bishop Jerry Lamb in 2008, his tenure in our diocese was planned for 2 to 3 years. March of 2011 will mark that 3-year point. The process to find his successor began in earnest in the fall of 2009. The Standing Committee met in a multi-day retreat in November to consider the necessary qualifications and characteristics of a provisional bishop to serve San Joaquin as we continued in this period of transition to a final point of business-as-usual when the diocese might conduct a customary diocesan bishop search. While at retreat, the Standing Committee used the results of the Visioning Session at our 2009 Diocesan Convention as a foundation document. From it, we created a tasks and characteristics profile for the next provisional bishop that was shared with Bishop Clay Matthews of the Office of Pastoral Development in the Presiding Bishop’s Office. Throughout the next 12 months, the Standing Committee worked with the Presiding Bishop’s office to call a retired bishop, willing to take on the challenges of our diocese, who also had the desired gifts and talents identified by the Convention and Standing Committee. That process was finalized in just the last few weeks.

This is an excellent choice for us! And, here is Bishop Talton's picture:

Welcome to the Great Central Valley -- and the beat goes on:

No One Speaks Better, No One Conveys the message Better than Martin Luther King Jr.

2011-01-17T11:24:00.001-05:00

Who better to listen to on this day than Dr. King.

And then to finish the day:

In Honor of the "New" Kinder Gentler Christian Right (Lessons Learned From Tuscon)

2011-01-16T10:55:00.001-05:00

I believe it was one of the Fox types that chastised President Obama for asking for a moment of reflection instead of a moment of prayer -- I would guess not Jewish or Muslim prayer, but real Christian prayer. So, here is a musical interlude for all those who have learned the lessons from Tuscon and are now prepared to open a new chapter:

(More from Janis later)

Lenord Cohen and Granmere Mimi -- What do they have in common?

2011-01-15T01:15:00.000-05:00

For Those In Arizona

2011-01-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

Joe Cocker is one of my favorites and this song is very special.

And One More Thing - -

2011-01-06T23:37:00.000-05:00

Mimi, I see you one Leonard Cohen and raise you one Jimmy Buffett

Leonard Cohen and Mimi

2011-01-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

This is all Grandmere Mimi's fault.

Yahoo! Here Comes Some Bigtime Controversy!

2010-11-30T22:39:00.003-05:00

I have been "stewing" about the proposed Primates meetings since the Global South primates decided to not even be in the same room with our Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts Schori. I could not, in this day and age figure out why these folks, religious God fearing Christians would do such a thing. It started a while ago when they would not so much as go to the table with her. (receive communion with our Presiding Bishop). Can you imagine someone refusing to sit at the Lord's table?

Then, while I am still stewing Archbishop Rowan Williams comes up with this brilliant plan for the Primates to meet in one room with other Primates meeting in other rooms and which he terms "separate but equal". Well, I am thinking this sure sounds vaguely familiar.

And now, there comes this nonsense,

"The Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson, Sr. President and CEO, American Anglican Council, had a different perspective . . .saying, "I would strongly advise the orthodox Primates to 1) organize before the Primates' meeting, and 2) attend and remove by force [my emphasis] of numbers the Presiding Bishop of the American Episcopal Church (not physically, but by either voting her off the "island," or recessing to another room and not letting her in [how he determines this is not by force I have no idea]). The meeting is a place to gather and potentially to settle some of the issues that are pulling the Anglican Communion apart, and to begin to restore health to a most wonderful communion.

"In the above case, if Dr. Williams did not go along with Jefferts Schori's exclusion, then I would suggest having the next-door-meeting without him. I just don't believe staying home from the field of battle helps win a war over the truth and nature of Christianity within Anglicanism. The Christian Church needs a spiritually strong and muscular Anglicanism to re-evangelize the West; are we willing to make the sacrifices in order for this to happen?"

Then, as if by providence, a few nights ago I am watching an American masterpiece on John Lennon and Yoko Ono in New York.

And, still, before I put this up, I wish to remind everyone of this:

Many prominent Black Americans spoke out in defense of the song including stand up comedian Dick Gregory and co-founder and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Ron Dellums. Dellums issued a statement saying, “If you define 'niggers' as someone whose lifestyle is defined by others, whose opportunities are defined by others, whose role in society are defined by others, then Good News! You don't have to be black to be a 'nigger' in this society. Most of the people in America are 'niggers'.”

The song was co-written by Yoko and John -- Yoko took the lead in writing this. Do you suppose our Anglican Communion will ever get through this?
If The Episcopal Church of the United States of America is going to be all inclusive then let us lead with strength and unity and not just in places that happen to be safe, but in all areas of the world.

We are a Non-Christian Government

2010-11-22T09:12:00.002-05:00

For the last so many years we keep hearing about the Christian right and their need to gain, hold and wield power in the United States. I would simply like to point out that while our unique experiment allows for just about anyone coming to power, this is the least likely group. ?Why? Because it violates the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States. I will refer several times to The Church Idea written by William Reed Huntington, an Episcopal Priest and author of the work that became the foundation of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. One may go to Real Anglicans to get the "full scoop" on the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral and why we "gots all the covenants we needs".

What needs to be addressed here the idea that the United States is a "Christian" country. So we begin with one of the baseline quote upon which our governing system is based.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion In this short sentence lies wrapped the secret of our national destiny and on the wisdom or unwisdom of this decision of the fathers hinges the well being of their children's children This is a strong statement some will be disposed to call it a wild one

Our forefathers had the innate farsightedness to realize that there is a crushing need to keep church and state absolutely and totally separate. Notice, they did not say, you can or cannot be "pick your religion" they simply said the government cannot, never, ever, at any time no how no way. Reed puts it this way:

Let us not shrink then from facing one of first conditions of the American problem which is this that our Government rests in theory and must eventually rest in practice upon a purely secular basis We are as yet a Christian people and we have a right to say that we live in a Christian land simply because the majority of the population are nominally of the Christian faith But we have no right to say that we live under a Christian government for Christ and His religion are alike unknown to that instrument which alone gives the government its authority the Constitution of the United States.

We need to return to the principle that while some of us are, maybe or could be Christian our government was not set up that way and it is not meant to be that way. And here is the quote that will send the entire Christian right right over the cliff:

But a Christian government ours certainly is not for there is nothing in its structure to prevent either Infidels Jews or Mohammedans from administering it throughout.

But therein lies the beauty of the great experiment, it is liberating not constraining. With church-state relationships even like the one in England,a benevolent dictatorship one has t oconstantly be looking over one's shoulder. We are free to practice and do what we please, actually living in accordance with our beliefs. Do I want even a "Christian" government, absolutely not. I can wait for the kingdom of God, I trust God, I do not trust Sarah Palin, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson or anyone else human.

Hello Coneolonialists!

2010-11-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

This column is for all my fellow travellers especially those in the faux diocese of San Joaquin and currently attending services in the buildings grounds and good graces of the real Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.

How are things going for you? Been seeing the Archbishop of Canterbury lately? No, well that is too bad since you are not recognized by +Rowan Williams. Remember Mr. Schofield's promise to get you closer to Canterbury? Seems to have not worked out quite the way you thought it might? Come on home, we are waiting for you!

How is that 1662 prayer book working for you? particularly the part where you pledge fealty to the King or Queen of England? Pretty hot stuff considering we had a Revolution in 1776 that solved that problem. And hey, the hymnal you are using is that corresponding to the 1662 prayerbook? Well, just want you to know we are still using the 1979 prayerbook and guess what? It is as beautiful as the 1662 but it is written with the American Experience in mind. Come on home, we are waiting for you!

And how about your provincial Convention? How many voting delegates did you send down South? How much in the way of voice and vote did you really have? And hey, how are they spending your precious resources? Money must be pretty tight right now what with the huge sums being paid to your legal team. Guesses are upwards of over 1 million dollars? John David share with you how much money has been paid to the legal team and how much more you are going to spend before you lose it all anyway? You seeing any of the money in your parishes? Hey, it is only money right and since you belong to the Southern Cone probably just as well, right? Why should you not contribute the lion's share of the provincial revenues? You are after all, taking up the lion's share of the archbishop's time? And hey, how is that archbishop working out for you? You paid to get his home fixed all pretty.Suppose he is done? Hope he doesn't need any more. How about the maintenance on your church buildings (or your homes for that matter) is all that getting done for you? Come on home, we are waiting for you!

And, speaking of property, I hope you are keeping our property in good shape. We will be there soon and we would like to get the property back in the same condition that you took it. And while we are on the topic the latest ruling seems to draw us inexorably closer to the the return of the property to the Episcopal diocese of San Joaquin. When your property returns what do you think is going to happen? Well I do not know either but let's look at what has happened so far. The parishes that have returned have been given new life and we, the laity of the diocese, have helped keep the doors open. See, maybe if you come in soon you can negotiate a similar deal with the Bishop. Maybe if you wait until the court demands you return the property you are not going to get a good deal at all -- what might that look like? Well, let's not think about that, come on home, we are waiting for you!

And have you guys got all that messy "stuff" worked out yet? Make some progress on the issue of LGBT and divorced clergy and heaven forbid -- women priests? got that all worked out yet? Mr. Schofield help you through that process did he? Great -- well, if that hasn't happened yet come on home, we are waiting for you!

In the inimitable words of one of America's great sales persons: "We'll leave the light on for you!"

Poet Laureate on the Anglican Covenant

2010-11-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

Time For Some Timely Music (Leonard Cohen, who else?)

2010-11-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

Here are the Lyrics, you may wish to sing along. Of course if you are a conelonialist you may want to simply turn the channel.

"Democracy"

It's coming through a hole in the air,
from those nights in Tiananmen Square.
It's coming from the feel
that this ain't exactly real,
or it's real, but it ain't exactly there.
From the wars against disorder,
from the sirens night and day,
from the fires of the homeless,
from the ashes of the gay:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming through a crack in the wall;
on a visionary flood of alcohol;
from the staggering account
of the Sermon on the Mount
which I don't pretend to understand at all.
It's coming from the silence
on the dock of the bay,
from the brave, the bold, the battered
heart of Chevrolet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming from the sorrow in the street,
the holy places where the races meet;
from the homicidal bitchin'
that goes down in every kitchen
to determine who will serve and who will eat.
From the wells of disappointment
where the women kneel to pray
for the grace of God in the desert here
and the desert far away:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

Sail on, sail on
O mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
Past the Reefs of Greed
Through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on, sail on.
It's coming to America first,
the cradle of the best and of the worst.
It's here they got the range
and the machinery for change
and it's here they got the spiritual thirst.
It's here the family's broken
and it's here the lonely say
that the heart has got to open
in a fundamental way:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming from the women and the men.
O baby, we'll be making love again.
We'll be going down so deep
the river's going to weep,
and the mountain's going to shout Amen!
It's coming like the tidal flood
beneath the lunar sway,
imperial, mysterious,
in amorous array:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

Sail on, sail on ...
I'm sentimental, if you know what I mean
I love the country but I can't stand the scene.
And I'm neither left or right

I'm just staying home tonight,
getting lost in that hopeless little screen.
But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags
that Time cannot decay,
I'm junk but I'm still holding up
this little wild bouquet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

----- Leonard Cohen

This poet really is a gift to us all.

The Unintended Consequences of the PROPOSED Anglican Covenant

2010-11-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Let's face it folks, we are knee-deep in a discussion of the proposed Anglican Covenant as we were instructed to by the General Convention. What does this discussion look like in your parish? Well in my parish, we are focused on several issues. For starters, we are rehashing the issues of the last twenty years including the prayer book, women's ordination, issues of inclusiveness, issue of theology including issues raised by James Pike and Shelby Spong. Then of course we are hashing the issue of the covenant itself. What is this thing, why is this thing, how is this thing and what will it do and what will it accomplish. I look around and the conversations are reasonably civil and we all still go to the rail together but there is an interesting issue here.

This covenant thingy is NOT of the Episcopal Church in the United States. It comes from those outside who have already carved up some of the diocese here in the United States and would like nothing more than to carve up ALL the diocese of the Episcopal Church of the Untied States. Don't think so, read the Chapman Memo. Now here is the really tough piece of news, our general ASA folks know little to nothing about the history of the Episcopal Church in the United States and less about the Anglican Communion. I know that is not going to sit well with many, but it is the sad truth. Talk with those who have already left for the Southern Cone and parts of Africa and you will find precious little historical/traditional knowledge of our Church and our Communion. We, as the Episcopal Church in the United States have allowed ourselves, in our haste to grab all the ASA we could get, to fail at teaching who and what we are. And guess what? The bad guys have taken advantage of that. let me share but one piece of knowledge. Mr. Schofield, prior to his Conelonial days ran with a Mennonite Seminary. His closest allies were/are pastors of "Church of the Feel Good". Review his monthly newsletters and you will see the overtaking of his theology (or at least his political theology) by bible thumping sermon led priests and friends who are not in touch with history or tradition and I think less with reason, though that might be speculative on my part.

So, the real issue for the covenant, or the reason for studying the covenant is to once again drive a wedge between those who know and understand the Anglican Communion and those who do not. See, the folks out there know we still have not improved our education system and are gambling on our need to be obedient and study the Anglican Covenant. The folks that do not understand are now given a chance to once again reconsider moving to the southern cone, or at a minimum the discussion is re-opening all those old wounds once again, not directly, not with intent to teach and study but rather as an oblique attempt to foment revolution. So the folks in ACNA, AMiA, GAFCON/FCA and all the alphabet soup win one way or the other.

And so my question. Is this an unintended consequence or is this another phase of the Chapman Memo?

Lest We Forget

2010-11-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Happy Birthday To The Eagle Globe and Anchor!

2010-11-10T09:08:00.001-05:00

Today is, you got it, the Marine Corps birthday. It was on November 10, 1775 at Tuns Tavern that the Marine Corps was founded. The fact that I know this should tell you a little something about me -- and if you understand the Marine Corps esprit de corps, Semper Fidelis, you know some of my core values. I enlisted before I was eighteen and yes, my mom signed for me. She did so on one condition, that I would delay my enlistment until after Christmas. I acquiesced and on January 1968 I entered the United States Marine Corps. That made me a mid-Tet replacement in June of 1968 in Vietnam. I am a tanker and in August of 1969 I left my tank in pretty much the same condition that I found it. In 1970 I mustered out and I can say with agreat deal of pride, it is my great privilege to be known as a United States Marine.

Here is the first of two things I wish to share on this special day:

Close order drill seems so innocuous until one discovers the big WHY!

Next, is the following:

And finally, I offer this to those who really know me: "The Marine Corps is the "Men's Department" of the
United States Navy. (;-}

Happy Birthday!

OHHHRAH!

The Damnable Numbers Game

2010-11-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

I keep reading in so many various blogs about the numbers game. You all know what I am talking about, the idea that if I have 3 more persons in my Sunday ASA (that's average Sunday attendance) than you do that I am closer, better, more holy, closer to God than you. This is particularly true when it comes to issues surrounding +Gene Robinson, +Mary Glasspool and the inclusion of all LGBTQ persons in our great Episcopal Church. So, I finally went searching for this song and found it. It is probably too obtuse but I offer it anyway.

BTW -- This was a great TV program and I, though clearly giving up my age, will say that I have listened to Johnny Cash since I was old enough to put a record on the turntable (that;'s correct, a turntable.)

"Sometimes I Sits and Thinks and Sometimes I Just sits"

2010-11-01T00:46:00.008-04:00

We Are A Nation Afraid of Our Own Shadow

2010-10-11T08:58:00.003-04:00

Something really, really, terrible happened in September of 2001. Yes, the Twin Towers came crashing down upon over 2800 of our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and people we did not even know. When given the chance, our president, George W. Bush, took the low road and convinced us that we have everything to fear including fear itself. He could have given the old FDR speech about how we have nothing to fear but fear itself but he chose to scare us into submission. So, in addition to the fact that we collectively were saddened by the deaths of our countrypersons, we breathed a collective sigh of relief that it wasn't us, and then President Bush followed it up immediately with, "yeah, but not only could it have been you, it may still be you!" That is correct, we are scared out of our collective wits. This is not your vanilla afraid of things, this is look under the beds, check out the closets, keep your doors locked every second of every day 'cause the Al-Quaida terrorists will seek you and and kill you scared!
With that fear he was able to accomplish what the terrorists could not -- and in one sense they have won already. Yep, they want us to be afraid, their tactics and their overall goals depend on us being afraid. We have cut civil liberties especially those issues revolving around the first, fourth, fifth, and fourteenth amendments. Our mail is read, our Internet chatter (yep even this) is spied on, your phone calls your right to a speedy trial. And with that has come this huge push of aliens. Not just foreigners but those who do not look or act like us. That's right, the immigrant is taking a huge blow to the head right now because we are afraid that some is going to sneak in and hurt us and so we want everyone to go home! And yet, which of us did not originally come from someplace else (My grandmother enter this country when she was 13, probably illegally) Our economy doesn't help this either. But the lesser known fallout is the LGBT group that is taking a tremendous pummeling right now, because we are afraid-- yep, we do not know these folks and so we are afraid and that fear now drives us to Proposition 8 (in California) and the kinds and types of things that create suicides and deaths of our friends.

So you see, Al-Quiada has won. We have lost our ability to look fear in the eye and not blink. We have adapted our lives to that fear. The terrorists require nothing more than that for they know that when we are afraid we do stupid things and unfortunately we have demonstrated to the entire world that they are right.

John Lennon: 70?

2010-10-09T10:43:00.004-04:00

Just a brief explanation for each of the three videos that follow. First, Yoko Ono and her request for fans on this, what would have been Jon Lennon's 70th birthday.

This clip is the song that changed the music world (maybe all the world) for ever. All those who did not watch Ed Sullivan please raise your hands!

And for today, our time and here and now. This is for those in ACNA, AiMA, CAPA, CANA, the Anglican dioceses of San Joaquin, Forth Worth, Pittsburgh and for those of you in South Carolina think about this before you move on.

There are few "famous people" that when gone, I would say too bad, could have made a difference. John Lennon is one of those who could have and would have made a difference and we (collectively) as the worse off for his death. (Here endth the rant)

Archbishop Rowan Williams and Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori

2010-10-08T21:38:00.004-04:00

One of my "favorite" people, no "bishops", has demanded that the Archbishop thow out our Presiding Bishop should she come to the next primates meeting scheduled for, I think January of 2011. Well, through the magic of a time machine and some REALLY good make-up we present the following video. Apparently, this meeting has already happened in the future and we can now report exactly how the confrontation between the Archbishop and the Presiding Bishop "shook out". Clearly, it is someone's "fawlt".

A wound In the Side of The Church

2010-10-05T08:42:00.004-04:00

Our "fearful" leader has declared the LGBT persons are a wound in the side of the church. Let's take a quick look at that and see if we can make some sense of all of the nonsense.

Let me take you back, a way back to a small, closed room. Let see if we can listen to what is going on. . . Rowan, called the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the Episcopal Church of the United States said, 'We have seen the Lord', he answered, 'Unless I can see the holes that the nails made in his hands and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe'. Eight days later the Anglican Communion were in the house again and Rowan was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. 'Peace be with you' he said. Then he spoke to Rowan, 'Put your finger here, this is the wound for those who cannot speak for themselves; and put your finger here, this is the wound for those women who have never been allowed to be priests and bishops; and put your finger here, this is the wound for those who live in poverty and cannot come to your church; and put your finger here, this is trhe wound for the children that are brushed aside each and every Sunday; and give me your hand, and put it into my side, this is the wound for those LGBT who have been beaten, kept from my church and my sacraments and have been killed for thier desire to get close to me.' Doubt no longer but believe.

You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen me and yet believe. Keep them no longer from my side.

h/t to Susan Russell and the Gospel of John

2010-10-02T19:20:00.000-04:00

I would like for you all to go to Friends of Jake, The Poor are with us more than ever and read the blog and then the comment by JCF and then come on back and listen to this:

When, do you suppose, folks will realize that we all cannot clip coupons? When, do you suppose, folks will realize that without unions what just happened on Wall Street will become common place.

Rome and Canterbury

2010-10-01T08:25:00.005-04:00

I need to start off with a disclaimer. I am not much of a thorough-going theologian. I think I have read a fair amount, not everything by any means, but enough to make me dangerous and so I am going to go out on a limb.

The pope came to visit Canterbury a few days ago and apparently put most of the Church of England into a "tizzy". (Tizzy is one of those theological terms, it means holy crap, we ain't ready for this one yet). There has been a great deal of turmoil over the last few years for ARCIC since the "American Church" has scrambled the eggs with ordination of wimmin and full inclusion for LGBT persons. Fortunately for ++Rowan, he was able to keep us locked in the back room for most of the papal visit.

There was some discussion that we (the Anglican Church) have nothing to offer the Roman Church. Well, I beg to differ. On a very practical level we offer Rome what they could call the English Rite, similar to the Coptic Rite which they already recognize. What would this give Rome? Well, for starters it would preserve the Roman Rite for single, male, celibate priesthood. It would simultaneously, provide for both married priests and women priests without "sacrificing" the Church's espoused history and tradition. This in turn would swell the ranks of the Roman church's clergy almost over night and stave the flow of churches currently being closed and consolidated because of a lack of ordained clergy. It would still give the Vatican distance not unlike the Coptic rite which no one talks about anyway.

The thorny issue is not the ordained priesthood, but the pointy hat in Rome -- that would have to be written around very carefully, but I bet Gary Wills would like a crack at that (and he is probably up to the task, along with a couple of others).

So you see, we do have something to offer the Roman Church and if they would take the blinders off, come into the 21st century, reopen some doors and windows, I'll bet we could make some real progress. And, little does ++Williams know that we, The Epsicopal Church in the United States, are his real strength. Our Godly stance is what we as Anglicans, can offer the Roman Church.

Archbishop Williams, can we come out of our room now?

St. Mark's Chapel versus St. John's Chapel: Separate and Not Equal

2010-09-29T22:47:00.002-04:00

From the South Carolina diocesan website:

Almost nine months to the day, on the evening of July 7, 2010, St. John’s Chapel celebrated another milestone when it became an official “mission congregation” of the Episcopal Church. Since St. John’s re-opened last fall, average Sunday attendance has grown to more than 40 worshippers per week.

Here is a quote from the local newspaper on St. Mark's Chapel:

Prior to meeting at the Historic Union Church, about a dozen families met in each other's homes. The group grew too large and moved to meet at the Sea Island Motel in downtown Beaufort and later at the Masonic Lodge. In its six years, the congregation has grown to about 40 families.

St. mark's Chapel is not a recognized mission in the diocese of South Carolina, in fact here is what Bishop Mark Lawrence has to say about St. Mark's

I have met several times with the leaders of St. Mark’s Chapel, Port Royal—a fellowship of mostly disgruntled members of St. Helena’s Beaufort"

What is the beef? where here is the charge from the Episcopal Forum:

Missions are being planted within the Diocese; however, the [bishop] will not recognize or approve the establishment of St. Mark’s Chapel, Port Royal, a congregation of loyal Episcopalians that has doubled its membership over the past year.

So please go to the diocese of South Carolina and read about these two missions on the website of Bishop Mark Lawrence. I do not think you can find St. Mark's but you may be able to. Then you decide if Bishop Lawrence is treating all his missions equally. I think not, what do you think? If you agree please let Mark Harris, the Executive Council and the House of Bishops know.

2010-09-29T01:19:00.002-04:00

Well folks, I cannot help but be appalled at all the news this week so I have decided to allow a YouTube song to "let it all hang out."

My grandson, at the ripe old age of 2 became a convert to head-banging to this song, but that is not why I picked it. Review this weeks story lines and you will find the real reason.

Update On St. Mark's Port Royal, South Carolina

2010-09-25T17:18:00.004-04:00

Word has come in via an rather unusual process that St. Mark's Chapel, Port Royal, South Carolina may be in trouble. This is a group we have reported on from time to time as Bishop Mark Lawrence "permits" them to exist. They have been growing and apparently working with a group inside the diocese of South Carolina known as the Episcopal Forum. This group is roughly equivalent to the Remain Episcopal group in the diocese of San Joaquin (and I am told in the diocese of Forth Worth, Texas).

Turns out that the Episcopal Forum has asked the Executive Council/House of Bishops to investigate the current ongoing "goofing off" of the current bishop of South Carolina, +Mark Lawrence. Bishop Lawrence responded in a very condescending manner(see Real Anglicans) and has in turned threatened this small and growing community of loyal Episcopalians. What do I mean? Well, here is the excerpt from Bishop Lawrence's letter pertaining directly to St. Mark's Chapel:

e) Missions are being planted within the Diocese; however, the [bishop] will not recognize or approve the establishment of St. Mark’s Chapel, Port Royal, a congregation of loyal Episcopalians that has doubled its membership over the past year.

I have met several times with the leaders of St. Mark’s Chapel, Port Royal—a fellowship of mostly disgruntled members of St. Helena’s Beaufort. St. Helena’s is one of the strongest and fastest growing parishes in the diocese—if not the country. The leaders of St. Mark’s Fellowship are well aware of my concerns. I have allowed them access to retired priests, which as the bishop I licensed to officiate at services. I have even allowed vacationing clergy from other dioceses to preach and celebrate among this fellowship. There are many complex issues to this matter which date back to the time of Bishop Salmon’s episcopacy that I shall not go into here. Frankly, this charge is a disappointing way for this group to repay my kindness to some of their requests.

Read the words carefully for just a moment: "I have EVEN allowed"; met with the disgruntled members; There are many complex issues; well aware of my concerns.

Clearly you can read and hear the deep pastoral concern for this loyal group of Episcopalians. Bishop Lawrence is gracious, kind, long-suffering, and of course deeply moved by their loyalty to the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Recognizing that the reach of this blog is pretty limited we do ask each reader to go to the St. Mark's Chapel website and leave them a message of continuing support and then go to the diocese of South Carolina website and then leave Bishop Lawrence a message that you support fully St. Mark's and you are aware of his attempts to kill this mission. Then go the Preludium and leave a message with Fr. Mark for the executive council that you support St. Mark's and you expect the EC to do so as well!

Harvest Moon

2010-09-22T23:50:00.003-04:00

Nothing quite like this in 20 plus years. It calls for a celebration! Actually it calls for Neil Young!

Has He Gone Off The Deep End?

2010-09-17T00:24:00.002-04:00

Well, melancholy seems apropos for tonight, so I offer you one of the finest Leonard Cohen songs ever recorded. That is correct, I said Leonard Cohen. If you do not know him, listen to the word of this song. He is a good musically but his words really are pure poetry. It is a bit off the beaten path for me but his work is so haunting it cannot be ignored.

Decide to help you out. Here are the lyrics.

"Hallelujah"

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

by Leonard Cohen

Is it Tide? No, it's Blue Cheer!

2010-09-15T01:13:00.002-04:00

Well, continuing our theme from the last posting. I saw these folks at the Shrine. Lots of bands from San Francisco rolled into the Shrine. It was a great time. Since summertime is about over, give it up for a pretty good band.

Do You Remember?

2010-09-11T20:15:00.002-04:00

When I was younger, actually along time ago, I used to go to concerts for about 2 bucks at the Shrine Auditorium. Friday nights were a blast. Got to see folks back then that were Nobody" or at least up and coming. Here was a warm up band. favorites.

Your Anglican Dollars Hard At Work

2010-08-31T08:46:00.002-04:00

I looked up the "tariffs" for the Imperial Hotel where this conference was held. The rates are between $300.00 and $1700.00 per night. Bishop Duncan, Williams, Minns,Guernsey and other American bishops made an appearance at this all African Bishops Conference. So let's see if I have this correct?#! They beg money for their lawsuits to continue the fight yet can fly to Entebbe, Uganda and spend at least $300.00 per day of your Anglican dollars to go to an All African Bishops Conference? Seems reasonable me, i am going to send a big fat check RIGHT NOW to Bob Duncan. Crap, maybe it should be to John David Schofield, I sure hope he got to go -- but those Central Valley Anglicans are far too smart to let this light at the end of the tunnel smack them.

By the way, they also call themselves the Anglican presence in the United States. Isn't lying fall somewhere on the stone tablets? The ONLY REAL ANGLICANS in the United States are Episcopalians.

My Mom Was Right!

2010-08-05T09:23:00.002-04:00

Years ago my mother and I would engage in some "hellacious" arguments. I was 14 or 15 and wanted to do something that all my friends were doing. Usually that "something" was dangerous or worse. I would go to my mom and ask her for permission to go with Jim and Tran and whoever and do this "thing". I had to ask because in the town I grew up in people knew my family (read that my mom) that I never knew, knew my mom. That relationship got me into big time trouble on more than one occasion. Before I got home my mom would receive a telephone call (we did have phones back then) and I would catch "it" (we all know what IT is) as I walked through the door. Suffice it to say I always asked for permission and rarely for forgiveness. Anyway, I would ask to do this deed or go on this trip and my mom would say, "Just because everyone else is doing it does not make it right! Mom, but everyone is doing it, why can't I? I would whine. Mom would say, "If the whole world was jumping off a cliff 3,000 feet high (not real sure why 3,000 feet but that seemed like a silly question and certainly non-productive at the time) would you jump off that cliff as well?" Well, I am not stupid so I would say, "of course not!" and promptly lose the argument, the request and the trip, case closed.

The argument the Prop 8 backers used in the court case settled yesterday seems to be a lot like that argument, "But judge, everyone wants this and you cannot deny us that opportunity to jump off that 3,000 foot cliff!" Except the judge did -- but unfortunately the case is not closed. We will see this thing fought all the way to ~~mom~~ the Supreme Court. But for the moment, enjoy the victory, you/we have all earned it. We are most happy for several people we know including IT and BP as they are about to celebrate their second anniversary and we here at Off Topic wish them a most happy anniversary! Yes, the struggle is still ahead but take a moment and savor what freedom feels and tastes like you have earned it!

Don't fry my green tomatoes

2010-07-14T17:22:00.006-04:00

I've left the wild wilderness of Virginia, and find myself in an urban oasis about five miles from my home church and...home.

This place won't be home for long, because the kitchen is terrible. Well, perhaps not so terrible: I can look out to my sunny balcony, where grows a "kitchen garden." I have put in some wonderful balcony gardens, but this one is special. Three tomato plants, nine herbs, a pot of parsley, and yes - some flowers.

The women in my family have the proverbial green thumb, and I've grown some magnificent shade gardens in the shadow of high-rise buildings. But look: tomatoes! No one thought it made sense to grow full-size tomato plants in pots on a balcony, except my mother. She told me to put in enough plants to supply my brother, sister-in-law and a few nice neighbors. Putting in a garden makes a place home; when you move in late spring, it's probably more important than unpacking boxes. Some might disagree, but my new home will have flowers and tomatoes that can't be purchased with MasterCard. The last of the boxes can be unpacked when the days grow short and the basil has died.

I'm home. In about three weeks, we'll be crackin' jimmies, and eating sweet corn and vine-ripened tomatoes. My home church has grown on its vine, with a larger (and lovely) physical plant, and a diverse congregation that loves the liturgy and serves the least of us.

Perhaps this kitchen isn't too small. Perhaps my life was too small, and the kitchen too large. Let's ripen those tomatoes on the vine. I have the sweet basil, who's bringing the fresh mozz?

The Archbishop of Canterbury Will Be elected Inside of A Month: UPDATE UPDATE

2010-07-08T17:30:00.000-04:00

Based on ++Rowan Williams utter inability to provide for even the election of a regular bishop this article has reappeared by popular demand. It is odd, but I would have thought that the Archbishop of Canterbury would have a little finesse in he political arena. It my language, "bummer dude!".

The Guardian is reporting that the new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed inside of 30 days.

In a stunning turn of events ++Rowan Williams resigned last week from his position as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the titular head of the Anglican Communion, such as it is. It seems that Archbishop Williams was summoned to Windsor Palace to meet with Queen Elizabeth, the Prime Minister and the Head of the House of Commons and the head of the House of Lords. This all occurred after the leading primates of the Southern Cone, recently renamed GAFCON, withdrew from the Anglican Communion and named Archbishop Luke Orombi as the new Archbishop of the Anglican Communion.

In related news it it was learned that about 3 months ago the Episcopal Church of the United States, the Church of Canada and several other provinces within what was the last vestige of the British Empire, the worldwide Anglican Communion, rejected resoundingly the document referred to as the Anglican Covenant. Apparently this rejection by a large minority of the churches making up the Anglican Communion set the wheels in motion for the organization known as GAFCON to invoke the Jerusalem Declaration and elect a new Archbishop of the real Anglican Communion. It took three votes. The first vote rejected Peter Akinola as the new archbishop and the second vote rejected Greg Venables. It was then determined by a small committee made up of lessor bishops that put forth a candidate with little real world experience and Henri Luke Orombi was elected the new Archbishop. We are told that the committee consisted of the likes of mostly American bishops including Robert Duncan, Jack Iker, John David Schofield and John Guernsey. At a press conference the newly consecrated Archbishop Orombi stated, "We told the Archbishop of Canterbury he really wasn't necessary but I guess we had to prove it."

In a related press conference, the press secretary for Queen Elizabeth said the Queen was sorely disappointed in the way that Mr. Rowan Williams had slowly ground the last remnants of the British Empire into dust. The Prime Minister stated that he had not seen such a debacle since Lord Chamberlain "gave the world away in the mid 20th century." The Queen's press secretary stated that a new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed and will have much less to worry about than the former Archbishop of Canterbury. There was no comment forthcoming from the Queen on the 14 different alternative oversight bishops that are currently operating inside of England from such far away paces as Uganda, Rwanda, Brazil and Australia. Clearly there was a great deal of dissatisfaction with the method and manner that Rowan Williams has handled this whole sordid mess but none greater than when Greg Venables, agreed to provide alternative oversight to the Westminster Abbey group that, in a stunning move, rejected Rowan Williams as their primary bishop.

A rising star for the appointment to the Archbishop of Canterbury is the most Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin. A known insider commented that while her name is being bandied about in a real sense the Queen has indicated that if she should be forced to appoint a woman to the Archbishop's role the Queen would seek alternative primatial oversight from Archbishop Mounieer Anis.

The retiring Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said through a spokesman, he was deeply disappointed and distraught that the British Empire could be brought down by a few odd and disaffected people from across the pond.

(just kidding).

Too Many Bishops with Too Much Time On Their Hands

2010-07-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

"The Church was to make a formal declaration of its preference for the epsicopacy, and of its intention of obtaining it as soon as possible, but in the meantime White felt that the necessity of the case would fully justify the resort to the presbyterial ordination, and he cited expressions from Cranmer, Hooker, Usher, and other leading divines to support his view."

This was a quote from Mandrake's book on the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. White (despite or in spite of the fact he ultimately was consecrated a bishop) believed we (TEC) could get along just fine without bishops. Of course that is all history. Nowadays, at least in the United States, we believe in the "up or out" theory of work. What I mean by that is best expressed with a military analogy. A member of the military must routinely be promoted otherwise, the member is asked to leave the service all together. This mindset, permeates American culture. We as a work force believe that it is our "God-given right" to a promotion. If one works hard, studies hard and does a good job, we are entitled to a promotion. Few believe, and fewer practice, the idea that there is inherent value in a position, a lifetime work.

This becomes far more complicated in religious field and in the Episcopal Church in particular. Specifically, the priesthood seems to be a mere stepping stone to the episcopate. It would be interesting to run a survey among the various seminaries and see where each seminarian would believe they will be in 15 years. My seat of the pants guess would say that 40 to 60% of those would suggest they will be a bishop somewhere.

Now, before everyone goes ballistic let's think about this for just a moment. How many diocese are there and how many priests do we ordain in one year? Better, more to the point perhaps, how many priests get paid a living wage? How many priests, when faced with a career as a priest can honestly say their salary will be higher (substantially higher?) at the end of their career versus the beginning of their career? So, it is our (the laity) problem, maybe even more so.

So what has happened? Well, we have created a group of clergy that are avaricious, social climbers that are never satisfied with where they are and always seeking the next promotion. My next survey would poll all the priests over 15 years of service and ask them to select three episcopates where they think they would do a better job than the current bishop. None of the above would be a viable answer, one that very few would choose, at least I believe that.

What does all of this have to do with the current state of affairs in the Episcopal Church? If you review all the "current bishops" in the ACNA or similar non-TEC bishops I believe that many who have been bishop for some time would tell us they wanted to be or could do a better job at being the Presiding Bishop and certainly could do a way-better job than some woman! Many of those who went "extra-legal" to be consecrated would say that they have paid their dues, and could be as good if not better than their (used to be) current bishop. I believe all of them would say that this is the next logical rung on the promotion ladder, that they paid their dues and that in their mind, it was time to be promoted.

If this did not lead directly to the current state of affairs in our church it certainly was/is a significant contributing factor. Ask them, if they are honest you will get answers that resemble this post. Of course, honesty is not necessarily these folks long suit. And, history is history and that is that.

What can we do now? We need to change the culture beginning in seminary, if not before. One does not need to be a brilliant theologian to be a good pastor, and after all is that not all we as laity are after? So, seminary needs to begin the process of creating value in and of the position of vicar/rector. We as laity need to begin to value our pastors for the work they do, not the work that they have done. What does that look like? Well, lets start with paying for experience. Let us, as laity, create value in longevity. Rectors/Vicars should be paid for their service to the parish, now. A living wage is all well and good but it does not engender holding on to current priests. Diocese throughout the country need to create pay schedules that reflect real experience. Laity will also have to change our way of thinking in that we need to "not look for the next best thing since sliced bread". We need to continue to challenge our rectors/vicars. We need to provide vacations, sabbaticals, additional work like starting up the regular and routine home visits of parishioners.

We need to de-emphasize the idea that bishops are the end all and be all of clergy. One idea would be to create an administrative position in each diocese that does all the administrative work and relegate a bishop to pastor of the flock. This might very well involve devolution of the House of Bishops. Revolution in the House of Deputies.

What do you all think?

Truth or Fiction?

2010-07-03T10:53:00.004-04:00

what is more damaging, truth or fiction? In the Episcopal Church we meet, we discuss, sometimes we yell, sometimes we even act out a bit, but we never fabricate the truth. One may not always like what we as Episcopalians do, but we do it in front of everyone and we generally say what we mean and mean what we say. That seems to be our downfall.

Take for example the members of ACNA, in fact let's talk about the now deposed Bishop of San Joaquin, John David Schofield. For years he was asked, "Are you taking the diocese of San Joaquin out of the Episcopal Church?" For years, he responded with a resounding NO! In fact, there are at least two pastoral letters from Mr. Schofield that clearly stated he had no such intention. Then, like a "bolt from on high, he does just that! Yes, in December of 2007 he pulls the diocese into a half-baked (maybe full baked) province from South America led by a renegade from who knows where. (In a related story, Archbishop Venables is now so broke he cannot pay attention and is need, once again, of the North Americans to come to his financial rescue). Now, Mr. Schofield will vehemently deny he did anything, after all, it was his convention delegates that did all the work, but read his statement to convention of that year, he certainly did not tell the truth.

Now, three years later, the Episcopal Church meets and passes two significant resolutions on inclusion. The Archbishop of Canterbury was there, he spoke. We discussed, debated and then passed the resolution. Then, we simply did what we said we were going to do. Everyone in the worldwide Anglican Communion gets their knickers in a twist and then we, The Episcopal Church, get thrown off committees and bounced from sub-groups. The GAFCON archbishops come together and agree to exercise "gracious restraint" and it turns out that it is neither gracious nor restrained. Nothing happens. The Communion Partners, which Archbishop Williams is particularly enamored with, attends the last GAFCON conference complete with voice at the convention yet they say, "Oh, we just want to be good Episcopalians, we do not want to tear down the Episcopal Church, we want to build it up." Hooey!

So the Episcopal Church says what it means and does what it says and gets blasted. The GAFCON/ACNA/CANA/AMiA folks create fiction, borrow property indefinitely, violate territorial rights, continue to practice holy orders after being duly deposed and generally reek mayhem on the Anglican Communion and they get -- the run of the show! Well, I am glad we got that straightened out!

Will The REAL Chaplain to the Commons Please Stand Up

2010-06-27T10:51:00.003-04:00

Well, if we needed further proof that the Church of England has somehow slipped back into the 19th Century, we now get this wonderful donnybrook:

Clash over historic promotion for female cleric

Westminster Abbey is so far out of touch with reality that they are now fighting over an appointment of a woman to the position of Chaplain to the Commons.

The Speaker of the House was apparently tired of old, middle-aged white guys that were predictable in out look.

Speaker John Bercow and wife Sally: Sources say he objected to appointing 'another predictable middle-aged white man'

The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin primary offense seems to be that she is a woman, followed by the fact she is black, followed by the fact that she is slated to be one of the first consecrated women bishops in the Church of England.

The Dean of Westminster Abbey wants to have 46-year-old Andrew Tremlett, currently a Canon at Bristol Cathedral appointed. Tremlett's current duties are as follows:

The Canon for Development is responsible for the pastoral care and growth of the congregations of the Cathedral; using the historic buildings to serve today's needs; and informing the Chapter's strategic planning, so that the Cathedral becomes an effective centre of Mission.

I translate this into "takes care of the rich folks."

He is, quite typically, Westminster Abbey "material", especially based on the stuff that has been emanating from there of late.

The Reverend Hudson-Wilkin has worked long and hard in areas where diversity is the rule and the need for pastoral care was significant. here is one attendee's comment: "Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkinson who lead worship with grace, preached well, and was approachable and encouraging." She raised up one congregation from a handful to over 200 attendees on Sundays.

So, what is the knock on the Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin? Well, appears she is "too liberal".

A controversial figure, she led calls for the Church of England to apologise for its role in slavery and has lambasted racism in the clergy. A friend said her views were ‘radical, Left of centre’.

So, the real story beginning to come out on the Church of England is one that is not very pretty. They clearly do not like women, well unless they are barefoot and pregnant. They seem to be building a case against any diversity but especially LGBT members and they are leaning toward a new Archbishop/Pope. Not a pretty picture my friends.

Sidebar: When I was reading the amendment presented to the House of Bishops by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York I thought of the Wilberforce speech during the debate in the House on abolishing slavery.

Once again a HatTip to Simon Sarmiento.

2010-06-26T10:28:00.003-04:00

Over at Thinking Anglicans we find this little slice of heaven:

That document includes the following (paragraph 6):
On the Anglican Communion Covenant, the House agreed
(a) to commend it for adoption by the Church of England;
(b) to invite the Business Committee to schedule the beginning of the adoption process for the inaugural Synod in November 2010, with a view to final approval in February 2012;
(c) not to propose special majorities for its adoption; and
(d) to authorise the House’s Standing Committee to oversee the production of necessary material for the Synod.

Of course, this is from the Church of England's House of Bishops,who else?!

Since this "disagreement" began at least 10 years ago and probably more like 20 or thirty years ago, it has been (predominantly) about clergy, and more specifically in and between bishops. While we argue about sex: full inclusion of LGBT and full inclusion of women and prayer books, and who has the greatest God and who has the right Scriptures and who has the lovingest God the real issue has been prestige and power and control. Yep, we have so many priests that want to be bishop and so many bishops that want to be archbishops and so many archbishops that want to be pope that it just ain't funny no more! Way back when William White (see my picture) was writing and organizing for the Protestant Episcopal Church In America there was a strong feeling that we did not need bishops. Then, when Connecticut some how talked the folks into adding bishops they were originally just part of the overall single cameral house. Somehow, some silly person decided to have a bicameral arrangement that then set up the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Boy, sure would like to have that one back! John Guernsey and Martyn Minns and Robert Duncan and all the rest just wanted to get to whatever mitre level they could wear. Conversely, they do not want LGBT to be priests and women to be priest or bishops because - - - he**, I am not sure but it must be because they would have equal say in matters and that irks them.

The best I can understand, we the laity, only count for counting purposes. See, ACNA is a real province because it has laity in the thousands. Ya'll don't get any say in anything (check out your Constitution and Canons), ya just get be raw numbers. TEC counters with you don't have as many laity as we got so there! Then, of course Archbishop Akinola has said that they have over 35 million Anglicans in the GAFCON so they are right and we (and everyone else is wrong) because of the numbers. Laity is good for one thing, being counted, understand we don't count for anything except being counted. Don't we all like to be "patted on the head" and told we are "good boys and girls" now go outside and play while the grown-ups (clergy) figure this out.

So why shouldn't the House of Bishops vote in favor of the "Covenant", it gives them more power and prestige.

Maybe we need a shift in paradigm. Maybe we need to eliminate the House of Bishops and make bishops pastoral only. Maybe the "Presiding Bishop" for The Episcopal Church needs to be a presiding layperson. A bishop could be chaplain to the Episcopal Church. Maybe we need to strip bishops and archbishops and wannbe popes to a mere pastoral level and let all the decisions on prayerbooks and rituals and Constitutions and Canons be done by the laity. Maybe we could convince the world wide Anglican Communion to do the same. Certainly worth thinking about.

Hat Tip To Simon Sarmiento

A Message To The Presiding Bishop from Across The Years

2010-06-24T08:59:00.004-04:00

No man thinks more highly than I do of the Anglican Communion, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have addressed the The Episcopal Church of late. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.

This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to our church. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our beloved Episcopal Church. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my diocese, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly bishoprics.

Madame Presiding Bishop, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth -- to know the worst and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of scripture. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the Church of England for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the Episcopal Church?

Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, Madame; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our beloved Presiding Bishop comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are covenants and punishments necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation -- the last arguments to which tyrants and popes resort. I ask gentlemen, Madame Presiding Bishop, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motives for it? Has the Church of England any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of covenants and compacts?

No, Madame, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the narrow-minded Anglicans have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Madame, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing.

We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, madame, deceive ourselves longer.

Madame, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the Southern Cone and the AMiA.

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the Archbishop. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, Madame, that we are weak -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally invaded, and when an Anglican Bishop shall be stationed in every Episcopal diocese? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Madame, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, Madame, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over our destiny, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

The battle, Madame, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Madame, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable -- and let it come! I repeat it, Madame, let it come!

It is in vain, Madame, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775

See Anyone You Know?

2010-06-23T09:50:00.002-04:00

As you watch this video I am convinced you will see many a cleric that is currently engaged in the Anglican Communion. I have sorted them out and I hope that you can also. The first five that do will win a free mitre and crosier complements of the AMiA.

Will The Real Archbishop of Canterbury Please Resign

2010-06-21T09:32:00.002-04:00

We have now discovered, as if we needed any further enlightenment, what the Archbishop of Canterbury "thinks" of cross border incursions. Not only does he not care, but now is making them a matter of routine. In his (and the other guy's) amendment on women bishops in the Church of England, he promotes alternative oversight so that "wimmen" do not have to be taken seriously.

The issue that has proved most difficult to resolve in securing these two objectives has been that of ‘jurisdiction’. Once women become bishops, it will be possible to maintain something like the present ‘mixed economy’ in the Church of England only if there is provision for someone other than the diocesan bishop to provide episcopal oversight for those who are unable to accept the new situation. The need for such provision is widely accepted. But what is still much debated is what should be the basis in law for the authority exercised by a bishop in this kind of ministry.

The amendment goes on to explain the legality of it all but see, the issue of cross-border incursions is now legalized in the Church of England. What has happened to the leader of the Anglican Communion?

This means if we (TEC) are waiting for sanctions on the Southern Cone of any of the various provinces in Africa the idea of "go pound sand" comes to mind real fast. BTW, see Real Anglicans for a little more on this.

Time for a new paradigm. time for a new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Appropos Of A Sunday In Pentecost (Ordinary Times)

2010-06-20T00:21:00.001-04:00

Holly Near

2010-06-18T02:25:00.000-04:00

Big Butter Jesus is Melted

2010-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

This line appeared in the RNS:

A six-story statue of Jesus in Ohio was struck by lightening and burned to the ground.

Before that, there was this:

Where Else Can One Get Harmony Like This?

2010-06-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

Respect: The Original

2010-06-13T10:35:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we forget.

Do You Remember

2010-06-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

++Rowan Williams Tells Us How He Really Feels

2010-06-09T08:52:00.003-04:00

Hey folks, I found the ++ABC commenting on other topics in which he has an interest. I really did not know that the ++Williams looked like Pat Paulsen but remember, +++ABC now has a beard.

Just For Rowan (and John David, Jack Iker, et al)

2010-06-08T08:40:00.003-04:00

Do you suppose ++Rowan objects to ++Katherine "havin' a good time"?

Now You See It Now You Don't: 42 Years and a Wake Up

2010-06-06T11:49:00.003-04:00