The proposed narrative budget for 2010-2012 is now available for download. This document will form the basis for discussion at the upcoming Program and Budget area meetings. As a reminder, those meetings are scheduled for:
Wednesday, June 3 at Trinity, North Scituate 7 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at St. Matthew’s, Jamestown 7 pm
Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, Providence 9 am
Friday, May 22
St Francis’ Episcopal Church; A New Name for the Coventry Mission
You may recall, in July of last year St Matthias and Christ Church in Coventry merged to become one worshiping body. To signify the church's new joint mission and fellowship, it was suggested that they select a new name together. Bishop Wolf mentioned that a Saint's name might do, and so St Matthias and Christ Church set their Church School to the task of finding the mission's patron Saint.
The kids took to the task with gusto, and after careful consideration of the many different options, they presented a list of 8 names to Bishop Wolf, with “St Francis' Episcopal Church” as their first choice.
The name seems particularly appropriate. As St Francis' self-defines on their website:
"We are a small church, which means that our worship gives a sense of intimacy. We are a community that knows and cares about each other. We are a people who honor, cherish, and celebrate God’s creation, and seek to be good stewards of the earth. We are a group that is committed to deepening our spiritual lives and a people who believe that God calls us to a place of deeper compassion, creativity, and love. Our life together is centered around the Holy Eucharist, with communion services held every Sunday. As a response to our faith in Jesus Christ, we strive to make our parish a place of hope to the despairing, of growth to the spiritually hungry, of healing to those in pain, of comfort to those in need, and a place of empowerment so that we may serve Christ in the world."
It is, therefore, with great pleasure that Bishop Wolf announces she has renamed the Coventry mission “St. Francis' Episcopal Church”, in accordance with their Church School’s request. The name change is effective as of May 1st 2009. St. Francis’ will continue to worship at the site of the former Christ Church, an old English Tudor style structure on rural Peckham Lane, in Coventry. Their website can still be viewed at www.christchurchrocks.org
Parish Administrators Luncheon
From Liz Crawley, Executive Assistant to Bishop Wolf:
The Annual Parish Administrator/Secretaries Luncheon was held at Christ Church, Lincoln, on Wednesday May 20th. The day brought [finally] beautiful sunshine and warmth, both outside and indoors at our gathering. Dianne Papineau and Linda Gorman graciously hosted 28 administrators from around the diocese with a delicious lunch, providing their own homemade salads and desserts, along with sandwiches. We had a first-rate tour of their beautiful church, office facilities and parish hall. Ruth Meteer, our Diocesan Communications Officer, gave a brief presentation on resources for Parish administrators on the Diocesan website, as well as with eRISEN and RISEN magazine. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year!
The Annual Parish Administrator/Secretaries Luncheon was held at Christ Church, Lincoln, on Wednesday May 20th. The day brought [finally] beautiful sunshine and warmth, both outside and indoors at our gathering. Dianne Papineau and Linda Gorman graciously hosted 28 administrators from around the diocese with a delicious lunch, providing their own homemade salads and desserts, along with sandwiches. We had a first-rate tour of their beautiful church, office facilities and parish hall. Ruth Meteer, our Diocesan Communications Officer, gave a brief presentation on resources for Parish administrators on the Diocesan website, as well as with eRISEN and RISEN magazine. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you next year!
Wednesday, May 13
Eastertide Confirmation Photo Galleries
The Episcopal Diocese of RI held its annual Eastertide Confirmations at the Cathedral of St John in Providence these past two Saturdays. About 150 people were confirmed or recieved into the Episcopal Church this year! Click on the links below to view a slideshow photogallery for each deanery session.
May 2, 2009 10:00am: Narragansett & West Bay Deaneries
May 2, 2009 2:00pm: Aquidneck & East Bay Deaneries
May 9, 2009 10:00am: Central & Blackstone Deaneries
May 9, 2009 2:00pm: Overflow
May 2, 2009 10:00am: Narragansett & West Bay Deaneries
May 2, 2009 2:00pm: Aquidneck & East Bay Deaneries
May 9, 2009 10:00am: Central & Blackstone Deaneries
May 9, 2009 2:00pm: Overflow
Our Standing Commitee's Vote on the Bishop Elect of Northern Michigan
From Fr. Bill Locke,
Standing Committee President
"After a careful review of materials provided by the Diocese of Northern Michigan and their bishop-elect, as well as other commentary from around the church, and after an extensive discussion at their May 12th meeting, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island has voted 5-1 not to consent to the election and consecration of the bishop-elect."
Standing Committee President
"After a careful review of materials provided by the Diocese of Northern Michigan and their bishop-elect, as well as other commentary from around the church, and after an extensive discussion at their May 12th meeting, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island has voted 5-1 not to consent to the election and consecration of the bishop-elect."
Program & Budget Area Meetings
The Diocesan Program and Budget Committee has the task every three years of drafting a proposed Triennial Budget for the diocese. The committee has been meeting for the past six months and now presents its proposal for review and comment by the diocese. The following area meetings on the budget are scheduled:
Wednesday, June 3 at Trinity, North Scituate 7 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at St. Matthew’s, Jamestown 7 pm
Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, Providence 9 am
The relevant documents will be posted as they become available. Some hard copies will be available at the meetings.
Wednesday, June 3 at Trinity, North Scituate 7 pm
Tuesday, June 9 at St. Matthew’s, Jamestown 7 pm
Saturday June 13 at the Cathedral, Providence 9 am
The relevant documents will be posted as they become available. Some hard copies will be available at the meetings.
Wednesday, April 29
Swine Flu Preparedness
The newest variation of the Flu, the Swine Flu, has been receiving a remarkable amount of press in the past few days. According to the Associated Press, two days ago President Obama said that the outbreak may be cause for some concern but is not yet cause for alarm. See the full article here. As of today, the World Health Organization (WHO) seems to concur with President Obama. Daily updates on the worldwide situation are posted on the WHO swine flu website, along with other helpful information.
We in the Episcopal Church need to be prepared both for the best and worst case scenario in this, just as we need to be prepared in other threats. If down the road the swine flu does become a cause for alarm, we must be ready to be the face of hope and the force for good that we are called to be. In the spirit of this mission, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has collected some informative and helpful resources on the swine flu and what to look out for. To stay informed, follow this link to their comprehensive listings.
We in the Episcopal Church need to be prepared both for the best and worst case scenario in this, just as we need to be prepared in other threats. If down the road the swine flu does become a cause for alarm, we must be ready to be the face of hope and the force for good that we are called to be. In the spirit of this mission, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has collected some informative and helpful resources on the swine flu and what to look out for. To stay informed, follow this link to their comprehensive listings.
Tuesday, April 28
RHODE ISLAND SEMINARIAN RECEIVES TACHAU AWARD
Alexandria, VA (April 27, 2009) – The Jean B. Tachau Memorial Biblical Languages Prize for study at St. George’s College in Jerusalem, was awarded today to second-year student, Patrick Greene (Diocese of Rhode Island.) The award is given each year in recognition of academic excellence and proficiency in the study of the Biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek.“Virginia Seminary has seen the study of scripture and Biblical languages as central to its mission of raising up leaders for the church to ‘go into all the world and preach the Gospel,’” said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, dean and president of Virginia Seminary.
The Jean B. Tachau Memorial Biblical Languages Prize was established 1992 by the Venerable Archdeacon Charles B. Tachau, VTS ’63, in memory of his mother, Jean B. Tachau. At the end of each academic year, the Prize is awarded to second-year students preparing for Holy Orders who have shown the most progress or proficiency in the study of the Biblical languages of Hebrew and/or Greek. The award provides financial support for study at St. George’s College in Jerusalem or for independent travel and study of biblical languages in the Holy Land.
Founded in 1823, Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The school prepares men and women for service in the Church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. Currently, the Seminary represents more than 42 different dioceses and 5 different countries, for service in the Church.
Media Contact: Susan Shillinglaw
Tel: 703-461-1764 www.vts.edu
Friday, April 3
Bishop Wolf on NPR and the evening news
Yesterday, April 2nd 2009, Bishop Wolf Interviewed with NPR as well as Channel 10 and Channel 12 news, regarding the deposition of Ann Holmes Redding. If you missed the broadcasts, watch and listen to them here!
- Listen to NPR's Interview with Ann Holmes Redding and Bishop Wolf http://kuow.org/program.php?id=17255
- Watch Channel 10's video of the Bishop http://www.turnto10.com/jar/special_sections/ap_video
- Watch Channel 12's video of the Bishop http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wpri_providence_episcopal_priest_defrocked_practicing_muslim_20090401
Also, for a well written article on the issue, read what reporter Janet Tu wrote for the Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008961581_webdefrocked01m.html
Thursday, April 2
Bishop Wolf Deposes Ann Holmes Redding
Effective April 1, 2009, The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, deposed Ann Holmes Redding as a priest in the Episcopal Church. Dr. Redding lives in the Diocese of Olympia Washington, but was canonically resident in the Diocese of Rhode Island, where she was under the authority of Bishop Wolf. The determination came after a process lasting nearly twenty-one months.
In June 2007, the Diocese of Rhode Island learned of a public profession of adherence to the Muslim faith by Dr. Redding. Bishop Wolf conferred with Dr. Redding who acknowledged taking her Shahadah to become a Muslim. Bishop Wolf then issued a Pastoral Direction to Dr. Redding, directing her to undertake a period of one year for discernment of her faith commitment. After the agreed upon period, the status of Dr. Redding was considered by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island.
The Standing Committee determined that Dr. Redding had abandoned the Communion of the Episcopal Church, within the meaning of the Canons of the Church, by her formal admission into a religious body not in Communion with the Episcopal Church. The Bishop affirmed that determination and issued an inhibition prohibiting Dr. Redding from exercising the gifts and spiritual authority conferred on her by Episcopal Ordination, and from public ministry.
The Inhibition continued until March 31, 2009 during which time Dr. Redding had the opportunity to withdraw, or issue a notice of intention to withdraw, from the Muslim faith. Dr. Redding also had the opportunity to renounce her orders. Dr. Redding did neither and, under the Canons of the Church, Bishop Wolf was required to consider deposing Dr. Redding.
Bishop Wolf found Dr. Redding to be a woman of utmost integrity and their conversations over the past two years have been open, honest and respectful. However, Bishop Wolf believes that a priest of the Church cannot be both a Christian and a Muslim. Consequently, as a result of the abandonment of the Communion of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Wolf imposed a sentence of deposition in accordance with the Canons of the Church.
In June 2007, the Diocese of Rhode Island learned of a public profession of adherence to the Muslim faith by Dr. Redding. Bishop Wolf conferred with Dr. Redding who acknowledged taking her Shahadah to become a Muslim. Bishop Wolf then issued a Pastoral Direction to Dr. Redding, directing her to undertake a period of one year for discernment of her faith commitment. After the agreed upon period, the status of Dr. Redding was considered by the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island.
The Standing Committee determined that Dr. Redding had abandoned the Communion of the Episcopal Church, within the meaning of the Canons of the Church, by her formal admission into a religious body not in Communion with the Episcopal Church. The Bishop affirmed that determination and issued an inhibition prohibiting Dr. Redding from exercising the gifts and spiritual authority conferred on her by Episcopal Ordination, and from public ministry.
The Inhibition continued until March 31, 2009 during which time Dr. Redding had the opportunity to withdraw, or issue a notice of intention to withdraw, from the Muslim faith. Dr. Redding also had the opportunity to renounce her orders. Dr. Redding did neither and, under the Canons of the Church, Bishop Wolf was required to consider deposing Dr. Redding.
Bishop Wolf found Dr. Redding to be a woman of utmost integrity and their conversations over the past two years have been open, honest and respectful. However, Bishop Wolf believes that a priest of the Church cannot be both a Christian and a Muslim. Consequently, as a result of the abandonment of the Communion of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Wolf imposed a sentence of deposition in accordance with the Canons of the Church.
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