‘Jesus doesn’t allow us the option of self-righteousness’

From Anglican Journal-

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is the spiritual leader of The Episcopal Church (TEC), a U.S.-based province of the Anglican Communion, which counts an active membership of 1.8 million.
The first African-American to hold the position, Curry has been active in anti-racism and social justice work throughout his ministry, which began when he was ordained a priest in 1978 and continued with his consecration as bishop of North Carolina in 2000.

Elected presiding bishop in 2015, Curry was installed in the months following the church’s ground-breaking decision to allow same-sex marriage, and it fell to him to navigate the fallout of that decision at the meeting of the primates of the Anglican Communion in January 2016.

A passionate and charismatic orator, since his installation Curry has frequently challenged the church to see itself not as an institution, but as the “Jesus Movement.”

More here-

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/-jesus-doesn-t-allow-us-the-option-of-self-righteousness

‘The End of White Christian America’ is meaningless

From RNS-

Robert P. Jones seems to be making a bold claim in his new book, The End of White Christian America. According to the publisher, the book addresses “a new reality—America is no longer a majority white Christian nation.”

If that doesn’t seem right, it’s because it isn’t.

Jones isn’t writing about “Christian” in the normal meaning of the term. This isn’t an America of Catholic or Orthodox Christians. As Jones states clearly between the covers, “I use the term White Christian America to describe the domain of Protestants in America” (emphasis in original).

The book would be better titled,
The End of White Christian Protestant America

(Actually, since “white” is really short for “non-Hispanic white” it should be The End of Non-Hispanic White Christian Protestant America, but I digress).

More here-


http://religionnews.com/2016/07/12/the-end-of-white-christian-america-is-meaningless/

Anglican Church of Canada votes against same-sex unions

From Toronto-

The Anglican Church of Canada narrowly voted against authorizing same-sex marriages Monday after nearly a week of passionate debates about blessing such unions at the church's triennial conference.

More than 200 delegates attending the six-day General Synod 2016 north of Toronto narrowly rejected the resolution after more than 60 speakers made their points, with most speaking in support of the resolution.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since 2005, and Monday's vote puts the Anglican Church — the third largest in Canada — out of step with most Canadians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently took part in a gay pride parade in Toronto.

In order for the resolution to have passed, it required two-thirds support from each of three orders — the lay, clergy and bishops.

The bishops voted 68.42 percent in favor of the resolution, and the lay delegates voted 72.22 percent in favor. However, the clergy voted 66.23 percent, just missing the percentage needed by a single vote.

More here-

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Anglican-Church-of-Canada-votes-against-same-sex-8353339.php

CBC-

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/programs/metromorning/anglicans-gay-marriage-canada-1.3674706

Toronto Star-

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/07/11/canadian-anglican-conference-votes-against-blessing-same-sex-marriages.html

US is in ‘a time of great pain and turmoil’, says Michael Curry

From The Church Times-

THE Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Most Revd Michael Curry, has spoken of a “time of great pain and turmoil for us as a country” after the recent shooting incidents in America.

Bishop Curry was responding to the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, who were shot and killed by police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and St Paul, Minnesota, and the subsequent attack on police officers in Dallas, Texas, which resulted in the deaths of five police officers and the injuring of seven others.

The shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota sparked protests around the country — including in Dallas, where the police officers were attacked. The protesters, under the banner “Black Lives Matter”, say that black people are more likely than white people to be shot and killed by police officers.

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/8-july/news/world/us-is-in-a-time-of-great-pain-and-turmoil-says-michael-curry

RIP: Bishop Edmond Lee Browning, 24th Presiding Bishop

From ENS-

Bishop Edmond Lee Browning, the 24th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, died on July 11, 2016. He was 87 years old and was living in Oregon.

Browning served as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1986-1997. Browning’s election as presiding bishop in 1986 was seen as a reflection of the church’s broadening diversity due to his extensive international and multicultural experience.

Browning hoped to encourage a growing awareness of diversity in the church. He was well-known for his quote, “no outcasts in the church.”

“The Episcopal Church is faithfully seeking to truly become, ‘a house of prayer for all people,’ as Jesus said quoting the Hebrew prophets, and that is greatly the case because Presiding Bishop Browning taught us that the church must be a place where there are no outcasts,” said Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry, the 27th presiding bishop. “That enduring legacy is still helping to set many a captive free. It is evidence that God is not finished with us yet, for every once and a while spiritual giants still walk among us as living reminders. And one of those reminders was Edmond Lee Browning, 24th presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church. Well done good and faithful servant. May you rest in peace and rise in glory.”

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/07/11/rip-bishop-edmond-lee-browning-24th-presiding-bishop/

'Vicar of Baghdad' suspended over suspicion of buying back sex slaves from ISIS

From Christian Times-

The Anglican church leader known as the "Vicar of Baghdad" is being suspected of buying back sex slaves to free them from ISIS.

The Rev. Andrew White has been suspended from the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, where he sits as president, pending investigation of the case.

The charity is also being investigated by the Charity Commission, according to Anglican News. The inquiry into FRRME was opened on June 9.

The organization refused to comment on the issue while the inquiry is ongoing.

More here-

http://www.christiantimes.com/article/vicar-of-baghdad-suspended-over-suspicion-of-buying-back-sex-slaves-from-isis/58687.htm

Pope’s Teaching on Divorce Divides Bishops

From The Wall Street Journal-

Conservative and liberal prelates in the Catholic Church have put forth sharply different readings of Pope Francis’ teaching on divorce—a situation complicated by the pontiff’s own ambiguity.

In April, Pope Francis published “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”), which responded to a turbulent meeting of bishops on family issues by urging a more lenient approach to divorced Catholics, in effect encouraging priests to grant some of those who remarry Holy Communion.

Instead of settling the issue, the pope has opened the door to divergent interpretations as local bishops implement the document. Conservatives argue that nothing has changed while liberals see more flexibility—with broader implications for teachings on sexual morality.

More here-

http://www.wsj.com/articles/popes-teaching-on-divorce-divides-bishops-1468166653

Early Christian artifacts gave orphanage founder solace

From Japan-

Once a sign of their faith, 48 sword guards that were likely used by Christians during the feudal era are being shown at the Sawada Miki Kinenkan museum here.

Since being put on display in May, they have been drawing a steady stream of visitors from all over Japan.

The sword ornaments are drawing attention to the museum, famed for its artifacts believed to have been used by crypto-Christians, who were forced to practice their faith in secrecy after anti-Christian policies were adopted.

The museum houses a collection of crypto-Christian art, crafts and other related artifacts acquired by Miki Sawada (1901-1980), the founder of the Elizabeth Saunders Home orphanage in Oiso. The museum is built in a corner of the premises of the orphanage.

More here-

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201607110021.html

The Church of England? We don't know what it is any more

From The Telegraph-

When the Church of England Synod meets in high summer, its thoughts inexorably turn to love - or rather, to same-sex relationships: the perennial pachyderm in the Anglican room.

As members gathered on Sunday to discuss the intractable topic, the minds of some may have drifted longingly towards the hearty thwack and ping of the Murray/Raonic final. Alert to wandering attention,  David Porter, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s former director of reconciliation, urged his colleagues to “prepare yourself for Wimbledon withdrawal”.

Reconciling the schism between sport, sex and spirituality was the least of the participants’ challenges. Their attendance was regulated in advance with a dense thicket of protocol.

Members were asked to eschew social media, abandon clerical dress for “casual, comfortable clothes”, and “Remember your body language. Watch that it doesn’t say, “I’m bored’.”

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/10/the-church-of-england-we-dont-know-what-it-is-any-more/

As Country Reels From Violent Week, Clergies Offer Messages Of Healing

From NPR-

The Rev. Jered Weber-Johnson, an Episcopal priest and rector at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul, says Castile's death was personal for many in his congregation. Some members or their children knew Castile. Weber-Johnson says Castile's death brought issues of race, injustice and policing to the front door of a mostly white community that often ignores them.

"The kindest and nicest of Minnesotans may have empathy," he says, "but they don't get involved because it didn't happen in our backyard. Unfortunately, it took coming to our backyard for so many to get angry."

Weber-Johnson and other ministers pledged to talk about the good Samaritan this Sunday. In the parable, Jesus tells the story of a Samaritan who helps a man who's been beaten and robbed. It's a story about loving one's neighbor, and even one's enemies. The Dr. Rev. Brian Herron, pastor at Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis, says it's an apt message during today's troubling times.
More here-

http://www.npr.org/2016/07/10/485430106/as-country-reels-from-violent-week-clergies-prepare-messages-of-healing

Desmond Tutu celebrates four decades of episcopal ministry

From Business Day-

ARCHBISHOP Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s voice will always be the voice of the voiceless‚ the congregation heard during a special thanksgiving service‚ celebrating his four decades of episcopal ministry‚ on Sunday.

The service‚ held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg‚ presided over by his close friend‚ Reverend Barney Pityana‚ saw a joyful Archbishop Tutu moving and singing during songs of worship and praise.

"I can barely put it better‚ I think‚ than the late President Nelson Mandela did when he paid tribute to Archbishop Desmond — sometimes strident‚ he said‚ often tender‚ never afraid and seldom without humour.

More here-

http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/2016/07/10/desmond-tutu-celebrates-four-decades-of-episcopal-ministry

Indianapolis diocese announces 4 nominees for 11th bishop

From ENS-

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis has announced a slate of four nominees to stand for 11th bishop of the diocese.

They are:

The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, director of networking, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago;

The Rev. Dr. Grace Burton-Edwards, rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Columbus, Georgia;

The Rev. Canon Patrick Lance Ousley, priest in charge and headmaster, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Parish & Preschool, Kirkland, Washington; canon for stewardship & development, Diocese of Olympia; and

The Rev. Dina van Klaveren, rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Glenwood. Maryland.
Further information about the bishop search and the nominees is available here.

The Standing Committee will receive candidates by petition until July 24. The petition process is outlined here.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/07/11/indianapolis-diocese-announces-4-nominees-for-11th-bishop/

Sexuality not just an issue in the West, says Idowu-Fearon

From The Anglican Journal-

When Archbishop Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, addressed General Synod on July 9, he thanked the Anglican Church of Canada for its many contributions to the Communion. He did not indicate how Monday, July 11's vote on whether to allow the solemnization of same-sex marriages would affect Canada’s place in the global Anglican body.

But Idowu-Fearon did note its repercussions for some provinces of the Communion.

Although he praised the “typically Canadian and commendably transparent process” that led General Synod to the marriage canon vote, he said that the conclusions this process led to—that same-sex marriage was theologically possible—“would be difficult to receive” for other parts of the Communion.

In his comments on the vote itself, he expressed concern over how either a “yes” or a “no” would be understood by the wider church.

More here-

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/human-sexuality-an-issue-for-more-than-just-the-west-says-idowu-fearon

No compromise: Die-hard conservatives walk out of Anglican talks on gay relationships

From Christian Today-

A small group of conservative Anglicans will boycott the Church of England's private talks on sexuality in a reflection of intense divides within its governing General Synod.

Three days of secret conversations begin on Sunday until Tuesday in an effort to reconcile warring factions within synod on gay relationships. But a handful will refuse to take part because they say to do so would be to admit that different positions within the Church were possible.

Christian Today understands the number boycotting the talks will be about 10, out of nearly 500. 

More here-

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.compromise.die.hard.conservatives.walk.out.of.anglican.talks.on.gay.relationships/90234.htm

Synod faces conservative boycott over gay marriage talks

From Christian Today-

The Church of England's governing body may face a conservative rebellion over its discussions on gay marriage.

Despite pleas from senior bishops, a number of conservative Anglicans are considering boycotting the Church's private conversations over sexuality, designed to prevent a fracture over gay marriage. A deep fissure exists within the Church over whether or not to accomodate gay relationships in some way.

A memo sent round to some members of the Church's governing synod listed "reasons not to participate" in conversations, which aim to reconcile opposing factions. The note, seen by Christian Today, offers a damning assessment of the secret talks, known as "shared conversations".

More here-

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/synod.faces.conservative.boycott.over.gay.marriage.talks/90186.htm

‘God’s Breath’ allows us to give back, to heal

Fro Utah-

Spirit is an interesting word in Hebrew. In addition on meaning spirit, it can also mean breath, or wind. Michael Curry is well known Episcopal preacher, who is presently the Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and he tells the story of being chastised by his father when he was a teenager. Apparently he was complaining about something trivial and his father blurted out, “You know, the Lord didn’t put you here just to consume oxygen.” I don’t know if his father intended this to be taken theologically, but for Reverend Curry it became a theological truth. The theological truth was this. Although we do need to breathe oxygen in order to live and God did put us here intending that we consume oxygen, there is more to breathing than mere consumption. If we are to survive, we also have to exhale. In fact, Exhaling carbon dioxide is as important as inhaling (consuming) oxygen.

More here-

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/life/faith/2016/07/08/gods-breath-allows-us-give-back-heal/86865190/

Archbishop of Canterbury's generous move puts his words about the Syrian refugee crisis into action

From Salt Lake City-

The spiritual head of the Church of England will soon be housing a Syrian refugee family at his residence — an act of compassion that comes amid the ongoing Middle Eastern refugee crisis.

The family will reside on the grounds of Lambeth Palace, the home where Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resides, according to Reuters.

News of the refugee family's impending arrival was revealed by Paul McGlone, a political leader who serves on the local council in Lambeth, U.K.

"We have ... worked with the Home Office and Lambeth Palace to support the Archbishop's undertaking to house a family within the grounds of Lambeth Palace," McGlone reportedly told his fellow leaders, according to Reuters.

More here-

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865657705/Archbishop-of-Canterburys-generous-move-puts-his-words-about-the-Syrian-refugee-crisis-into-action.html?pg=all

Local faith leaders call for unity and love in wake of police shootings

From Virginia-

 Faith leaders in Richmond are asking the community to come together this weekend and work to bring peace among our citizens and police officers in the wake of Thursday's Dallas police shooting.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bon Air put the words “Pray to End the Violence Support Our Police” on a sign outside the church Friday.

“You can’t solve violence with more violence, only love can solve violence, only love can solve hate,” St. Michael's Rector Jeunee Godsey said, citing a famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote.

More here-

http://wtvr.com/2016/07/08/local-faith-leaders-call-for-unity-and-love/

Video: Presiding Bishop asks for prayers following shootings

From ENS-

Primate Michael Curry has issued the following video asking every Episcopalian to share in deep prayer following the shootings in the United States.  The video is available here.

Many Episcopal groups have prepared resources that may help congregations and individuals in their prayer and conversation this weekend.

A liturgy resource for praying after Ferguson, created in the Diocese of Missouri and shared by the Beloved Community: Commission for Dismantling Racism in the Diocese of Atlanta

A summary of Episcopal resources for racial reconciliation

Episcopal News Service feed with statements and resources from across the church
If you have created resources to help your community to pray and to work for healing and justice, please share them with the Presiding Bishop’s staff here: reconciliation@episcopalchurch.org.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/07/08/video-presiding-bishop-asks-for-prayers-following-shootings/

Church of England Evangelical Council tries to stall gay marriage

From The Church Times-

THE Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has attempted to push back the movement towards greater acceptance of same-sex relationships.

On the eve of the Shared Conversations at the General Synod in York this weekend, the Council has issued a Q&A designed to puncture notions that scripture could be compatible with same-sex relationships.

And, writing in the Church Times, the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Revd Julian Henderson, argues that the authority of the Bible “must not be superseded by pastoral, anthropological, and missional arguments”.

The Church should not be worried about being at odds with cultural norms, says Bishop Henderson, who is the president of the CEEC. “The Christian community has never been called to popularity,” he writes. “The gospel is an offence because of its call to repentance.”

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/8-july/news/uk/ceec-tries-to-stall-gay-marriage

General Synod opening worship confronts difficult questions

From Anglican Journal- (Canada)

Standing before the broad wooden altar dominating the centre of the meeting hall, clothed in crimson vestments, the primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, delivered his sermon at the opening Eucharist of the 41st meeting of General Synod in a voice thick with emotion.

“This is the body that through its history has…wrestled with numerous issues within the Church and in the world at large over which we have often found ourselves in deep disagreement,” Archbishop Fred Hiltz said speaking of General Synod itself. “Many of the issues have centred around inclusion.”

In a silence that was palpable save for the low hum of the air conditioners, Hiltz listed the major debates that have arisen and been resolved since the General Synod of the Canadian church first met in 1893—the ordination of women, the right of children to take the Eucharist, the remarriage of divorced persons and the place of Indigenous peoples—before culminating with the most contentious issue of the present day: the marriage of same-sex couples.

More here-

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/general-synod-opening-worship-confronts-difficult-questions

Activists Say Police Tampered with Evidence in Mission District Shooting

From Mission Local-

Police officers tampered with evidence by ordering the removal of the body of police shooting victim Amilcar Perez Lopez before it could be properly investigated by city officials, alleges a group of Mission District activists who addressed the Police Commission on Wednesday night.

Father Richard Smith, a vicar at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in the Mission District, held a press conference on the fatal police shooting of Amilcar Perez Lopez moments before a commission hearing.

According to Smith, the supervising officer on the scene had ordered the Medical Examiner to remove the body before the arrival of District Attorney investigators, which violates protocol.

Smith and other Mission activists have been pressuring District Attorney George Gascon to bring criminal charges against the officers involved, and said Gascon told them of the protocol breach to explain why the charging decision, hotly anticipated since April, had been delayed.

More here-

http://missionlocal.org/2016/07/activists-say-police-tampered-with-evidence-in-mission-district-shooting/

On target? Kansas bishops ban concealed weapons from churches

From The Christian Examiner-

Episcopal bishops in Kansas have issued a declaration that all of the denomination's churches in the state must ban the carrying of firearms (concealed or open), unless they are carried by designated law enforcement officers.

Bishop Dean Wolfe of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and Bishop Michael Milliken of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas issued the "pastoral directive" June 20. Churches now have until Aug. 1 to comply by posting official signage that makes the churches official "gun-free zones."

More here-

http://www.christianexaminer.com/article/easy-target-kansas-bishops-ban-concealed-weapons-from-churches/50858.htm

Archbishop of Canterbury to open home to Syrian refugee family next month

From RNS-

The Church of England’s spiritual leader will house a family of Syrian refugees in a cottage at his official London residence, Lambeth Palace, from next month, a local councilor said.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the most senior cleric in the world’s 85 million-strong Anglican communion, pledged last September to personally take in refugees from Syria, with the gesture following a similar move by the Pope.

More than 250,000 people have been killed in Syria’s five-year war, with half of the population forced from their homes leaving 6.6 million displaced inside the country and another 4.8 million fleeing, many seeking refuge in Europe.

More here-

http://religionnews.com/2016/07/06/archbishop-of-canterbury-to-open-home-to-syrian-refugee-family-next-month/

Canada's Anglicans set to debate same-sex marriage but ban likely to stay

From Canada-

The Anglican Church, the third-largest in Canada, is set to grapple with whether to allow same-sex couples to marry in a divisive debate that has already stirred strong emotion and seems destined to come down on the status quo ban.

The issue, in the form of a resolution that recommends giving formal church blessing to same-sex marriage, is to be voted on at the church's six-day triennial General Synod that opens Thursday north of Toronto.

To pass, the resolution requires two-thirds of the hundreds of delegates to vote yes in each of three orders — lay, clergy and bishops. However, the latter group has already indicated the threshold likely won't be met, saying in February that "some of us talked of being mortified and devastated by this realization."

In response, Ottawa Bishop John Chapman apologized to members of the gay community and to those feeling "discouraged, angry, betrayed and hurt."

More here-

http://www.metronews.ca/news/canada/2016/07/06/canada-s-anglicans-set-to-debate-same-sex-marriage-but-ban-likely-to-stay.html

Even in the Ozarks, Anglican tradition finds space inside Catholicism

From Crux Now-

In the unlikely setting of the Ozarks, a new structure within the Catholic Church intended to provide space for former Anglicans to preserve their patrimony puts down roots and finds an improbable appeal even to Baptists and Pentecostals.

In 2009, I was headed for a retreat with other men who had come into full communion with the Catholic Church from the Anglican tradition. As we traveled, we caught the news that Pope Benedict XVI had established a kind of “church within the Church” for Anglicans called “a personal Ordinariate.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury at the time, Dr. Rowan Williams, was taken by surprise, and it was clear that he was not pleased. Observers on both the Anglican and Catholic side of the ecumenical table were critical.

This was not a move forward ecumenically, they accused, but a simple attempt at “sheep stealing” on the part of the Catholics.

More here-

https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2016/07/07/even-ozarks-anglican-tradition-finds-space-inside-catholicism/

Christian Mingle Ends Legal Battle By Opening Up To LGBT Users

From Think Progress-

The world’s “largest and fastest growing” Christian-specific dating website will now allow gay and lesbian users to search for same-sex mates, ending a heated legal struggle in which the company was accused of anti-LGBT discrimination.

Last week, the 11-year-old online matching service Christian Mingle announced it will no longer require users to choose between two explicitly heterosexual identities — “men seeking women” or “women seeking men” — while using its platform. People signing up will now only be able to select “man” and “woman,” and the company promised to implement new search tools to make it easier for gays and lesbians to find each other.

More here-

http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/07/06/3795841/now-gay-christians-can-mingle-too/

Legal battle hinges on California’s High Court

From San Joaquin-

An eight-year legal battle involving tens of millions of dollars in church property, including the St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Mission in Sonora, is in the hands of the California Supreme Court, which could decide as soon as a week from now whether to accept the case.

If the Supreme Court takes the case, the dispute could continue for another year or more, and the members of St. Michael, which is known as the Blue Church, will not have to move.

But a choice to not accept the case would leave standing a decision in the May decision by 5th District Appeals Court that said St. Michael and 27 other church properties belong to the Episcopal Church.

In 2007, a majority of the members of the Diocese of San Joaquin objected to the ordination of gay bishops and the Episcopal Church’s stance toward gay people and women in church. They voted to leave the Episcopal Church to form the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, prompting the Episcopal Church lawsuit to reclaim ownership of the church properties.

Whatever the court’s determination, it will signify a major development in one of the nation’s first efforts by a diocese to breakaway from the national Episcopal Church. Scores of congregations across the country had broken away, but the Diocese of San Joaquin vote in 2007 was among the first times an entire diocese had done so.

More here-

http://www.uniondemocrat.com/localnews/4485344-151/legal-battle-hinges-on-californias-high-court

State police withhold prep school abuse investigation report

From Rhode Island (AP)-

Rhode Island state police won't release their report into dozens of sexual abuse allegations at a prestigious boarding school because the matter is being investigated in other states.

The investigation into allegations of abuse of students at St. George's School concluded in June with no criminal charges.

Police denied a request by The Associated Press for the investigative report on Tuesday. The denial said police determined the report isn't releasable under state law because of ongoing investigations in other state jurisdictions.

Capt. Matthew Moynihan said state police turned over information they had to the Suffolk County district attorney's office in Massachusetts and the Waynesville Police Department in North Carolina. He declined to provide further details.

More here-

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/general-news/20160705/state-police-withhold-prep-school-abuse-investigation-report

Presiding Bishop brings message of hope to quake-ravaged Ecuador

From ENS-

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s visit to the Episcopal Diocese of Ecuador Litoral last week was meant to show that the people hard hit by the April 16 earthquake and its aftermath are not alone.

Curry assured the congregation assembled June 30 for Eucharist at Catedral Cristo Rey (Christ the King Cathedral) in Guayaquil, the diocesan see, that he brought with him the prayers of the rest of the Episcopal Church and its pledge to walk with them through the post-earthquake period.

The presiding bishop also encouraged the congregation to look outward. “Go out into this world and help us make a better world,” he said at the close of his sermon. “Go out into this world and show them that love is the only way. Go out into this world and join hands with all people until all of us can say: ‘We are not alone; we’ve got a God and with God we cannot fail.’”

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/07/05/presiding-bishop-brings-message-of-hope-to-quake-ravaged-ecuador/