Wednesday, February 28
God and Evolution at S. Stephen's
Friday, February 23
PB to host live webcast, answer questions
Listening, Lent and reflection on the recent Anglican Primates' Meeting will be among themes addressed as Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori facilitates a live webcast conversation with Episcopalians churchwide on Wednesday, February 28, beginning at 10 a.m. EST.
Venue for the 45-minute program will be the webcast studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, New York City. Access to the program will be available through both the Episcopal Church's web site, and the parish site. The webcast is a joint project of Trinity Church and the Communication Office at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.
The program will open with the Presiding Bishop's introductory remarks centering on the recent Primates Meeting in Tanzania. Following her comments, she will answer questions from a live studio audience as well as phone and e-mail inquiries. Call-in numbers and e-mail information will be provided during the webcast. The program will then remain online for on-demand viewing at later times.
Venue for the 45-minute program will be the webcast studio facilities of Trinity Church, Wall Street, New York City. Access to the program will be available through both the Episcopal Church's web site, and the parish site. The webcast is a joint project of Trinity Church and the Communication Office at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.
The program will open with the Presiding Bishop's introductory remarks centering on the recent Primates Meeting in Tanzania. Following her comments, she will answer questions from a live studio audience as well as phone and e-mail inquiries. Call-in numbers and e-mail information will be provided during the webcast. The program will then remain online for on-demand viewing at later times.
Bishop Wolf response to Dar es Salaam meeting
Bishop Wolf has written a letter to clergy and other leaders following the Primates' Meeting in Dar es Salaam. Here is the text, in full.
Dear Friends,
The meeting of the Primates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, produced several documents that were emailed to all clergy on Wednesday, February 21, 2007. I commend them to you for prayerful study and reflection. For some of our community there were sighs of relief that the Anglican Communion would hold together. For others, the price of holding together seemed quite high.
The Primates’ Communiqué addresses a number of important issues and will require careful study. The House of Bishops will take up discussion of the Communiquè and Draft Covenant at our March meeting, but I will share with you some initial reflections, primarily regarding the covenant process.
In listening to each other we have learned that issues of justice have various facets, as do interpretations of scripture and the priorities we place on the values we hold in common. The autonomy that was once possible in a small Communion must now be modified in response to global growth and cultural breadth. As organizations grow there is greater need to clarify terms of engagement and the process by which dreams become reality. Our Communion has experienced extensive growth in the last forty years and with that growth, and the concomitant revolution in communications, the nature of our interrelationship has changed profoundly. Thus, I support the development of a covenant to help us revisit and articulate our call to mutuality and interdependence and to clarify the levels of autonomy upon which we will agree.
A draft covenant was presented by the Covenant Design Committee and received by the Primates for discussion in the various Provinces. The draft covenant is a surprisingly moderate document that affords us the opportunity to reflect upon the essence of our interdependence and to rededicate ourselves to this branch of Christ's Church to which we have claimed allegiance. A particular strength in the draft is its focus on process and relationship rather than points of doctrine. It is not a perfect document and will certainly undergo refinement as it is received and discussed in the various provinces. It is, however, a good beginning. The Communion is struggling with the ground of its being. In this field is a pearl of great price, which only faithfulness will discover. We are being asked to search together and to find the priceless kingdom for which Christ died.
I pray for our Communion, for the Episcopal Church, for our Diocese, and especially for each of you. I ask your prayers for the bishops, that we might exercise wisdom and charity in our deliberations.
Yours faithfully,
Geralyn Wolf
Bishop of Rhode Island
Dear Friends,
The meeting of the Primates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, produced several documents that were emailed to all clergy on Wednesday, February 21, 2007. I commend them to you for prayerful study and reflection. For some of our community there were sighs of relief that the Anglican Communion would hold together. For others, the price of holding together seemed quite high.
The Primates’ Communiqué addresses a number of important issues and will require careful study. The House of Bishops will take up discussion of the Communiquè and Draft Covenant at our March meeting, but I will share with you some initial reflections, primarily regarding the covenant process.
In listening to each other we have learned that issues of justice have various facets, as do interpretations of scripture and the priorities we place on the values we hold in common. The autonomy that was once possible in a small Communion must now be modified in response to global growth and cultural breadth. As organizations grow there is greater need to clarify terms of engagement and the process by which dreams become reality. Our Communion has experienced extensive growth in the last forty years and with that growth, and the concomitant revolution in communications, the nature of our interrelationship has changed profoundly. Thus, I support the development of a covenant to help us revisit and articulate our call to mutuality and interdependence and to clarify the levels of autonomy upon which we will agree.
A draft covenant was presented by the Covenant Design Committee and received by the Primates for discussion in the various Provinces. The draft covenant is a surprisingly moderate document that affords us the opportunity to reflect upon the essence of our interdependence and to rededicate ourselves to this branch of Christ's Church to which we have claimed allegiance. A particular strength in the draft is its focus on process and relationship rather than points of doctrine. It is not a perfect document and will certainly undergo refinement as it is received and discussed in the various provinces. It is, however, a good beginning. The Communion is struggling with the ground of its being. In this field is a pearl of great price, which only faithfulness will discover. We are being asked to search together and to find the priceless kingdom for which Christ died.
I pray for our Communion, for the Episcopal Church, for our Diocese, and especially for each of you. I ask your prayers for the bishops, that we might exercise wisdom and charity in our deliberations.
Yours faithfully,
Geralyn Wolf
Bishop of Rhode Island
Primates' Meeting wrap-up
I'm home from Dar es Salaam, where I was reporting on another blog and taking photos. If you don't like a like liberal bent, have a look at this or this. Thinking Anglicans has lots of links to media coverage.The primates issued a Communique and a draft of the proposed covenant of the Anglican Communion. I encourage you to read these.
If you want my knee-jerk reaction, written at about 3 a.m. in the first hours after the final press briefing, look here. My more thoughtful and nuanced reaction will take some and mulling.
Friday, February 16
Updates from the Primates' Meeting in Tanzania
I've been writing at some length over on my other blog. Since many readers may not look there, I thought I'd post a quick update here today.
This photo shows a welcoming banner on the turnoff from the main road. There are more photos here.
So far, the primates have been getting themselves organized. They heard reports (contents) unknown from a delegation of US bishops representing a diversity of views. They also have received a report evaluating the US response to the Windsor Report. We were judged to have met the standard on two of three requests, to refrain from consecrating more gay/lesbian bishops and to express regret. On the third count, the blessing of same-sex unions, we were told that there is more work to do. It is not known how the discussion went when the report was received. Oh, and the other news is that the will-Katharine-be-allowed-to-sit-with-the-boys question has been firmly settled. She's here today.
Today, if we get the information, will be a telling day. The primates will celebrate Eucharist for the first time together. (Yesterday's service was canceled.) So now is the money question: will the primates join together at the Holy Table? Are they, or are they not in communion -- literally -- with one another. I'll report as I find out details. Frankly I doubt that anyone will be forthcoming with the info.
By the way, if you don't like my progressive bias, you can check out other blogs. For a good summary of news reports, check this one out.
This photo shows a welcoming banner on the turnoff from the main road. There are more photos here.
So far, the primates have been getting themselves organized. They heard reports (contents) unknown from a delegation of US bishops representing a diversity of views. They also have received a report evaluating the US response to the Windsor Report. We were judged to have met the standard on two of three requests, to refrain from consecrating more gay/lesbian bishops and to express regret. On the third count, the blessing of same-sex unions, we were told that there is more work to do. It is not known how the discussion went when the report was received. Oh, and the other news is that the will-Katharine-be-allowed-to-sit-with-the-boys question has been firmly settled. She's here today.
Today, if we get the information, will be a telling day. The primates will celebrate Eucharist for the first time together. (Yesterday's service was canceled.) So now is the money question: will the primates join together at the Holy Table? Are they, or are they not in communion -- literally -- with one another. I'll report as I find out details. Frankly I doubt that anyone will be forthcoming with the info.
By the way, if you don't like my progressive bias, you can check out other blogs. For a good summary of news reports, check this one out.
Tuesday, February 13
Travel to Tanzania
As many of you know, your roving reporter has really roved. All the way to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for the 2007 Primates' Meeting of the Anglican Communion. Head bishops from the whole globe are here, along with many hangers-on. I'm here partly to report on the gathering for a couple of church media sources, and I'm here to be part of a progressive contingent of folks to counter-balance the usual presence of very conservative folks. You can read my first-hand reports over on another blog. I'll post here if something very major happens (or intensely amusing or even moderately fascinating), but most of my writing will be there. This is a quasi-official diocesan blog, and I don't want my personal writing/opinions to appear in this venue.
I'll post photos on the other blog tomorrow, I hope. For now, I'm putting a photo here to answer one of the leading questions I've heard from people. How, exactly, does one get to Dar es Salaam. This was my route. Five airports in just under 24 hours. (A stop in Nairobi is not shown here.)
More important than the route, I got here through the support of others. Many clergy and lay people have offered prayer, encouragement, and financial support of this trip. Why? Because we care about our church and the assurance that many voices are represented, not only in Dar es Salaam, but for the future. Thanks to all.
I'll post photos on the other blog tomorrow, I hope. For now, I'm putting a photo here to answer one of the leading questions I've heard from people. How, exactly, does one get to Dar es Salaam. This was my route. Five airports in just under 24 hours. (A stop in Nairobi is not shown here.)More important than the route, I got here through the support of others. Many clergy and lay people have offered prayer, encouragement, and financial support of this trip. Why? Because we care about our church and the assurance that many voices are represented, not only in Dar es Salaam, but for the future. Thanks to all.
Welcome, 815!
Hey, Episcopal Church, welcome to the blogosphere! Your new blog is A-OK. One tip: get a domain name. Even here in Rhode Island, we have a snappier URL.
Tuesday, February 6
Murder Mystery Spaghetti Supper
There will be a murder mystery spaghetti supper held at St. Paul's Pawtucket (50 Park Place, Pawtucket RI 02860) hosted by Teens 4 Teens.
When: Friday March 23, 2007 6-8pm
Cost: $8 adults
$5 youth ages 5-12
children 4 and under FREE
Please purchase your tickets ahead of time so that we may plan accordingly!
Proceeds to benefit Alan Shawn Feinstein's Million Dollar Challenge and Teens 4 Teens!
Please contact Sarah Courtemanche for more information. She can be contact via St. Paul's at 1-401-728-4300
When: Friday March 23, 2007 6-8pm
Cost: $8 adults
$5 youth ages 5-12
children 4 and under FREE
Please purchase your tickets ahead of time so that we may plan accordingly!
Proceeds to benefit Alan Shawn Feinstein's Million Dollar Challenge and Teens 4 Teens!
Please contact Sarah Courtemanche for more information. She can be contact via St. Paul's at 1-401-728-4300
New clergy dean in Blackstone Deanery
Congrats are in order to the Rev'd Bill Locke, rector of St. Paul's Pawtucket, who this evening (Feb. 6, 2007) was voted as the new clergy dean of the Blackstone Valley Deanery. I along with the other deanery delegates look forward to serving with you in your new leadership position.
Friday, February 2
‘Listen to the majority African voice of grace’
In today's Church Times (from England) we read news of an African view of church matters that differs from the one we get in mainstream media and church gossip. Here's a snippet:
Loud voices from Africa, aided by the "almighty dollar" and internet lobbyists, are distorting the true picture of what Africa's 37 million Anglicans really think about sexuality and the future of the Anglican Communion, says the Bishop of Botswana, the Rt Revd Musonda Mwamba.
The Bishop, by background a lawyer and social anthropologist, was giving the keynote address to senior judges, lawyers, bishops, and clergy at the Ecclesiastical Law Society conference "The Anglican Communion: Crisis and Opportunity", in Liverpool at the weekend. The minds of most African Anglicans were concentrated on life-and-death issues, and they were "frankly not bothered about the whole debate on sexuality", he said.In an incisive address, the Bishop concluded that the minority of Africans who had "the luxury to think about the issue" did not want to see the Communion disintegrate. They valued the bonds of affection, and would prefer to follow the process recommended by the Windsor report. He rebutted as "simplistic and a distortion of the truth" the belief that the African provinces were a monochrome body.
A hat tip to Thinking Anglicans for this link.
Loud voices from Africa, aided by the "almighty dollar" and internet lobbyists, are distorting the true picture of what Africa's 37 million Anglicans really think about sexuality and the future of the Anglican Communion, says the Bishop of Botswana, the Rt Revd Musonda Mwamba.The Bishop, by background a lawyer and social anthropologist, was giving the keynote address to senior judges, lawyers, bishops, and clergy at the Ecclesiastical Law Society conference "The Anglican Communion: Crisis and Opportunity", in Liverpool at the weekend. The minds of most African Anglicans were concentrated on life-and-death issues, and they were "frankly not bothered about the whole debate on sexuality", he said.In an incisive address, the Bishop concluded that the minority of Africans who had "the luxury to think about the issue" did not want to see the Communion disintegrate. They valued the bonds of affection, and would prefer to follow the process recommended by the Windsor report. He rebutted as "simplistic and a distortion of the truth" the belief that the African provinces were a monochrome body.
A hat tip to Thinking Anglicans for this link.
Thursday, February 1
RISEN ... eRISEN
I want to thank everyone for their feedback on the new version of RISEN (it is now a magazine that will go out 4 times a year). This last issue was produced under the guidance of Scott Gunn and he deserves immense credit for making it happen.
The next issue of RISEN should be out "on stands" in early March.
To clear up some confusion I have heard recently...
The next issue of RISEN should be out "on stands" in early March.
To clear up some confusion I have heard recently...
- There is no email version of RISEN. It is a print magazine.
- eRISEN is an email newsletter that is sent out 2x per month to subscribers. It is the calendar of events, programs, workshops and up-to-date announcements for both the diocese and parishes. Everyone is welcome to join the mailing list (all clergy and administrators should already be receiving the email) and we are currently campaigning to make more congregations aware of this service.
Should we consider renaming eRISEN to avoid confusion with RISEN? This question was initally posed over six months ago without much response. I am interested to hear feedback on this.
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