Chinese Christians find support in Africa

From Kenya-

Anglican clergy in East Africa have expressed hope for an improved relationship between church and state in China, after a delegation from China's Ministry of State Administration of Religious Affairs (SARA) visited Kenya and Uganda.

"They wanted to see how they can build a relationship and trust with their churches. China is coming from a Communist background and there has been some mistrust of Christianity ... They wanted to understand who is a Christian … Can he be trusted?" the Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda, the Provincial Secretary of the (Anglican) Church of Uganda told ENInews on 20 May from Kampala as the Chinese delegation of ten officials left the country.

Wang Zuo’an, the religious affairs minister who led the team, said they hoped to establish a relationship between African and Chinese churches. They also wanted to see how the churches relate with the state in the two countries. Archbishop John Chew of Singapore coordinated the visit, which was organized by the primates of the Global South Anglican Communion. The communion includes South America, Africa and Asia.

More here-

http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=4909

Christian movement preparing for End of Days

From USA Today-

Some believers are shutting themselves inside to pray as they wait for the world's end. Others are meeting with their children for tearful last lunches, and preparing to leave behind pets and be swept up to heaven.

An independent California preacher who predicts Judgment Day will arrive Saturday has amassed a global following. He believes it will likely start as it become 6 p.m. in the world's various time zones.

Eighty-nine-year-old Harold Camping has built a nonprofit ministry based around his apocalyptic prophesy.

The retired engineer will be awaiting Jesus Christ's return for the second time. Camping says his earlier apocalyptic prediction in 1994 didn't come true because of a mathematical error.
Skeptics are throwing Rapture-themed parties to celebrate what hosts expect will be the failure of Camping's prophesy.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2011-05-21-438487066_x.htm

'Indaba' brings Anglican leaders from India, England here

From Staten Island-

“Without sharing, we tend to stagnate.”

Canon Phil Groves of the Anglican Communion Office in London was among religious leaders from England and India who gathered at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Rosebank, as part of the Continuing Indaba Project.

“The Anglican Communion is no longer predominately white, no longer predominately English or American,” said Canon Groves, who organized the trip.

The Anglican Communion worldwide has more than 85 million members in 160 countries. New York is one of more than 100 dioceses in the 2.3-million member U.S. Episcopal Church.

Indaba is a Zulu word that refers to decision-making by consensus, which the Episcopal church seeks in these modern times. The Indaba Project is a way of enabling conversation and new and fresh ideas, Canon Groves said.

More here-

http://www.silive.com/worship/2011/05/indaba_brings_anglican_leaders.html

Christians live in perpetual fear of death in the North

From Nigeria-

THE Bishop of Gusau Anglican Diocese, Zamfara State, the Right Reverend John Danbinta, has said that Christians in the northern part of the country live in daily fear of being killed through the brute force of anti-Christian elements.

Bishop Danbinta spoke on Thursday in a sermon at the opening of the first session of the 10th Synod of Remo Anglican Diocese.

It is being hosted and sponsored solely by the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, and held at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne Remo, Ogun State.

The cleric disclosed that it was becoming increasingly difficult for Christians to openly carry the Bible in some areas in the North.

Although he did not mention such places, the Kaduna-born bishop said he had had nasty experiences of hostility against adherents of the Christian faith in Kano and Zamfara states, where he is currently a bishop.

“Those of you who are Christians in the South here do not know what it really means to be Christians. In the North, we live daily preparing to be killed for the sake of Jesus Christ. And we suffer a lot for Christ sake.

More here-

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/22256-christians-live-in-perpetual-fear-of-death-in-the-north-says-bishop-of-gusau-at-remo-anglican-synod-gowon-danjuma-daniel-others-storm-ikenne-today-for-formal-opening-session

Dr Williams prompts new PEV to quit Freemasons

From The Church Times-


THE Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, the Revd Jonathan Baker, is to resign as a Freemason after being encouraged by the Archbishop of Canterbury to reconsider his membership before his consecration as the next Bishop of Ebbsfleet.

It was announced earlier this month (News, 13 May) that Mr Baker would be one of the two new Provincial Episcopal Visitors, to replace Mgr Andrew Burnham, a leader of the RC Ordinariate, who seceded in January.

Mr Baker, who recently served as an Assistant Grand Chaplain to the Freemasons, posted a statement on the Ebbsfleet website last Friday, the day when he was contacted by a Sunday newspaper. He said that he had joined as a lay undergraduate in Oxford, and had found it to be “an organisation admirably committed to community life and involvement with a record of charitable giving second to none, especially among, for example, unfashionable areas of medical research”.

He said: “Had I ever encountered anything in Freemasonry in compatible with my Christian faith, I would, of course, have resigned at once. On the contrary, Free masonry is a secular organisation, wholly supportive of faith, and not an alternative to, or substitute for, it. In terms of the Church of England, its support, for example, for cathedral fabric is well documented.”

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=112694

Church uses trailer to help tornado victims

From Alabama-

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is helping tornado victims get back on their feet through the use of a disaster emergency response trailer.

This trailer does not carry your usual non-perishable items. Instead, it is outfitted with heavy duty tools and equipment, such as chainsaws, nails, generators and power tools, for home repairs.

“Our parish stocked it with 50 pounds of nails and screws and other emergency needs, including first aid kits,” said Father Ray Waldon, parish priest at St. Peter’s.

“We take it, we train the people on how to use the equipment, then at the end of the project we pick the trailer up, restock it, and then deliver it to the next need.”

The trailer is the official emergency response unit from the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and is currently on loan to the Diocese of Alabama.

More here-

http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/13341523/article-Church-uses-trailer-to-help-tornado-victims?instance=home_news

Christ Episcopal Church hosts Justice Jubilee Concert to Benefit ICARE

From Florida-

As an opportunity to draw more people together and address growing concerns for injustices in local communities, the Justice Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church will host an evening of live music at the Justice Jubilee Benefit Concert on Friday, May 27 at Christ Episcopal Church, San Pablo campus, located at 2002 San Pablo Road in Jacksonville. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., features pianist, singer and songwriter Rachel Kamps and cellist Linda Minke. There will also be a reception before the concert begins, with refreshments served at 6:15 p.m. The concert will benefit the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment (ICARE).


The coalition is a diverse, multi-issue congregation-based community organization representing 21 congregations from 11 denominations in Jacksonville. Together at the annual Nehemiah Assembly they address neighborhood and city-wide issues identified by their membership and hold key public and private institutions accountable, with special emphasis on the concerns facing low to moderate income communities. The most recent Nehemiah Assembly drew prominent attention in the local news.

More here-

http://www.pontevedrarecorder.com/122247219.html

EDS Bestows 22 Degrees and Three Honorary Doctorates at 2011 Commencement

From EDS-

On May 19, 2011, at the First Church in Cambridge, Congregational, Episcopal Divinity School conferred 22 degrees, including ten Masters of Divinity, three Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, two Doctors of Ministry, and seven Certificates of Theological Study.

Telling the graduates, “You are not in the religion ‘business’—you are in the transformation business,” Marie C. Wilson, founder and president emeritus of The White House Project, urged them to impart “passion, purpose and meaning” into their ministries in the church and in the world. “I am not here to speak to you. I am here to call you, because this is the ‘fullness of time.’ ”
Wilson was one of three on whom EDS conferred the doctor of divinity, honoris causa, for distinguished and faithful ministries in social justice. The other two were the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and lay Episcopalian Edward Cyril Chase of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

More here-

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/5/prweb8462041.htm

Here comes the Rapture

From Jacksonville FL- (with video)

...rapture will start this saturday. there is a the mayan prediction of a world ender coming in 2012. hollywood gave that a big p-r bump with the movie. and there's also a cartoon out to help parents explain it to their kids. this day, may 21, 2001, is extremely important, as it will also be the first day of judgement, a time of horrible death and destruction for all those left behind. we spoke to christian leaders, one of them a clergy member in the episcopal church. he says the idea is outragous, that one man, cannot predict such an event. lou towson / episcopal priest "as to when it happens even jesus said he didn't know and no one knows when it's going to happen." the catholic church concurs.

leaders at immaculate conception, call the prediction heresy. rose dalton/eucharistic minister "the scripture tells us clearly when jesus was asked this question, he said no one knows the time or the season when the lord will return, but only the father." despite the conflict, followers of harold camping are taking to the streets to warn people across the country. no super " there will be a huge worldwide earthquake and the dead will rise first" one reporter who interviewed camping asked if judgement day does 'not' happen, if he could come back and interview him on sunday...

More here-

May Blitz 70th anniversary remembered at Liverpool Anglican cathedral

From England-

A SPECIAL service was held at Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral as part of the 70th anniversary commemorations of the city’s May 1941 Blitz.

The service recreated a 1940s atmosphere with Vera Lynn songs and Liverpool Women’s History Group wearing the clothes of the era.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Hazel Williams, joined her Sefton counterpart, Paul Cummins, and members of the public to remember the horrors experienced by the people of Merseyside during the May Blitz.

Read More

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/05/19/may-blitz-70th-anniversary-remembered-at-liverpool-anglican-cathedral-100252-28721977/#ixzz1MnK4vucC

Anglican-Catholic dialogue opens at Bose (Radio interview)

From ACNS-

The third phase of ARCIC, or Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, started on Tuesday at the monastery of Bose in northern Italy.

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, the monastery, founded on the closing day of the Second Vatican Council in December 1965, is a haven of peaceful reflection and prayer, but also a place of important ecumenical encounters.

Within its secluded walls, the two teams of Catholic and Anglican experts are gathered from May 17th to 27th focusing on the theme ‘Church as Communion – local and universal.’ The discussions will look back at achievements of the previous ARCIC,dialogues and explore pressing ethical issues that are challenging the teaching of both Churches.

To find out more, Philippa Hitchen spoke to the two co-secretaries of the meeting - Msgr. Mark Langham of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and Alyson Barnett-Cowan, head of the Unity, Faith and Order office of the Anglican Communion.

More here-

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2011/5/19/ACNS4863

Bishop calls for ‘rebuilding and healing’ after fires ravage Slave Lake

From The Angilcan Journal-

The bishop of the diocese of Athabasca is encouraging Albertans to “commit to the rebuilding and healing” of Slave Lake after the entire town was evacuated last Sunday.

Devastating wildfires destroyed a third of the town, located two-and-a-half-hours north of Edmonton. Firefighters continue to battle dozens of other wildfires across Alberta, the CBC has reported.

“As one who was in Slave Lake on Sunday, I share in a small measure the shock of the people of that community,” said Bishop Lawton in a statement.

At least five families from St. Peter’s Ecumenical Church, a shared ministry involving the Anglican, United and Lutheran churches, have lost their homes, said Bishop Lawton, who spoke with the church’s pastor, the Rev. Leigh Sinclair. Sinclair continues to minister to members of her congregation who have fled to Edmonton.

More here-

http://www.anglicanjournal.com/nc/news-update-items/article/bishop-calls-for-rebuilding-and-healing-after-fires-ravage-slave-lake-9773.html

Colombo’s new Anglican bishop ordained

From Asia News-

Rev Dhiloraj Ranjit Canagasabey is the new Anglican bishop of Colombo. The ordination took place on Saturday in Colombo’s Christ the Living Saviour Cathedral. The Mass was celebrated in Sinhalese, English and Tamil with the participation of eight Anglican bishops, both local and foreign. More than 5,000 people greeted the new bishop, including the faithful, priests, friends of the pastor, religious dignitaries and political leaders.

After the sermon by the Ven Godwin Weerasuriya, Mgr Dhiloraj Ranjit went to the altar, placed his right hand on the open Bible and, facing the congregation, made his pledge.

At the end of the service, participants welcomed the new bishop with the sound of drums and Church bells, as well as the exchange of two baskets of flowers as a token of peace between the country’s North and South.

Born in the Eastern Province, Mgr Dhiloraj is an ethnic Tamil married to a Sinhalese woman from Colombo.

More here-

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Colombo’s-new-Anglican-bishop-ordained-21600.html

Dr Nigel Peyton appointed Bishop of Brechin

From Scotland-

The Rev Canon Dr Alison Peden was one of five candidates shortlisted for the office of Bishop of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church. However, at a meeting in St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church in Dundee on Wednesday night the Venerable Dr Nigel Peyton was named as the new bishop of the diocese.

Dr Peyton is archdeacon of Newark, Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, but is no stranger to the Diocese of Brechin. He became a deacon in 1976 and a priest the year after, and served as chaplain at St Paul's Cathedral in Dundee from 1976 to 1982.

He was diocesan youth chaplain from 1976 to 1985 and a hospital chaplain in Dundee from 1982 to 1985, as well as serving in Invergowrie from 1979 to 1985, latterly as priest-in-charge, before moving to Nottingham All Saints, Southwell, as vicar.

Dr Peyton is married to Anne, a retired school teacher, and his interests include "grand-parenting, writing, eclectic reading, music, gardening, supporting Nottingham Forest FC and enjoying real ale."

More here-

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/14082/dr-nigel-peyton-appointed-bishop-of-brechin.html

Twins great Killebrew dies

From The Star Tribune-

When Harmon Killebrew's bulging forearms snapped his bat through the strike zone and made full contact, there was nothing else like it in baseball. His home runs were towering blasts that provided Minnesotans with their introduction to major league baseball.
The iconic Twin, known as much for his humble demeanor as his prodigious home runs, died Tuesday morning at his Scottsdale, Ariz., home at the age of 74 after a nearly five-month battle with esophageal cancer.

Killebrew was the face of the Twins for 14 seasons after the franchise moved to Minnesota from Washington, D.C., before the 1961 season. He is 11th on the all-time major league home run list with 573, of which 475 were hit wearing a Twins uniform. He has the eighth-highest single-season total in Twins history, was a 13-time All Star and the American League MVP in 1969. And he was the Twins' first Hall of Fame inductee in 1984.

"No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization ... than Harmon Killebrew," said Twins President Dave St. Peter, who credited the Hall of Famer with helping "lay the foundation for the long-term success of the Twins franchise."

Former Twins star Kent Hrbek, born and raised within blocks of the Twins' first home at Metropolitan Stadium, called Killebrew "Paul Bunyan with a uniform on.''

More here-

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/122004519.html

Rev. Jay R. Lawlor found not guilty of assault in case involving parishioner at St. Luke's Episcopal Church

More from Kalamazoo-

It took a jury less than 45 minutes to find the Rev. Jay R. Lawlor not guilty of assault and battery in a case involving a 74-year-old parishioner who Lawlor allegedly shoved after a March 6 service at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

"I'm very relieved," Lawlor, 41, said about the verdict, which came after a daylong trial in Kalamazoo County District Court. "I feel vindicated.

"That's especially important because, as a member of the clergy, public reputation is everything," Lawlor said, adding that a guilty verdict could have undermined his career in the ministry.

Lawlor resigned three days after the incident, in which he was accused of forcing shoving Marcia Morrison, 74, as he hurriedly walked away from an argument with another parishioner.

A half-dozen witnesses testified that Lawlor pushed Morrison out of his way. Witnesses said the push was forceful enough to throw her off balance and make her stumbled several feet. She was not injured.

More here-

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/05/rev_jay_r_lawlor_found_not_gui.html

Scottish church considers female bishop election

From the BBC-

A Scottish Anglican priest will learn later if she has become the first female bishop of a major UK church.

The Rev Canon Dr Alison Peden is on a shortlist of five hoping to be elected Bishop of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Dr Peden stood for election to be a bishop in 2010 but failed in her bid.

The other candidates are the Rev Canon David Bayne, the Rev Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen, the Venerable Paul Ferguson and the Venerable Dr Nigel Peyton.

An electoral synod of clergy and lay church members will make the decision. They are meeting at St Ninian's Episcopal Church in Dundee at 1900 GMT.

Dr Peden is currently Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, and Canon of St Ninian's Cathedral in Perth.

More here-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-13430636

Episcopal Divinity School and Bloy House Announce New Partnership

Not sure where this is from but Bloy House is an Episcopal commuter seminary in Los Angeles-

On May 7 the faculty and Board of Trustees of Bloy House and the Episcopal Divinity School announced the finalization of an agreement for a joint Master’s of Divinity program that will allow Bloy House students to complete two-thirds of their education on the Bloy House/ETSC campus and the last third of their education through the distributive learning program of Episcopal Divinity School.

This will allow Bloy House Master’s of Divinity students who choose this academic option to receive their degrees from an accredited Episcopal seminary through online course work and summer and weekend intensives on the campus of EDS in Cambridge, Massachusetts, thereby making it easier for those continuing in employment to finish their degree program.

Strong ties between the two institutions helped facilitate the development of this new relationship. The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook served as academic dean at EDS before coming to Bloy House and Claremont School of Theology in 2009. The Rev. Dr. Harvey Guthrie is a member of the Bloy House Board of Trustees and a beloved former dean of EDS as well.

Read more:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/311891#ixzz1MhWD0Xa4

More churches choose to settle issues at local level

From Tennesee-

The Rev. Todd Jones thinks the Presbyterian Church (USA) was wrong when it decided last week to lift a ban on gay clergy.

But he’s not going to take his Bible and leave. Instead, the pastor of First Presbyterian in Nashville will stick with his denomination while opposing the rule change.

“It’s easy to work with people that you agree with,” Jones said. “Being part of a denomination forces you to find common ground when you disagree.”

Jones’ church made it easier for him to stay. Presbyterians are allowing individual churches and regional groups to decide for themselves whether to ordain gay clergy and allow other gay church leaders. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America made a similar decision in 2009.

Individual churches used to believe the same things, use the same Sunday school materials and sing the same songs. Now they increasingly want freedom to make their own decisions, such as on the gay clergy issue or, in the case of Southern Baptists, how they fund missionary work.

More here-

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110517/NEWS/305130018/More-churches-choose-settle-issues-local-levelv

hrist Church outreach earns recognition

From Staten Island-

Christ Church New Brighton was honored for its sheltering of the homeless and other community outreach work at the Project Hospitality luncheon on Thursday.

The rector, the Rev. Charles Howell, accepted the Sophie Matthews Memorial Award for Volunteer Services for the Episcopal parish with about 250 active members. About 60 to 70 members volunteer regularly for the church although “it seems that everyone does something,” the Rev. Howell said.

“Our biggest challenge in providing community outreach programs is identifying, training, and supporting leaders,” he said.

For more than 10 years, Christ Church has been a Project Hospitality shelter, providing a place to sleep for 12 to 15 homeless men.

“It is unconscionable that fellow human beings for whom Christ died should be sleeping on the street when we have space that is unused in the evenings, and I am so proud of Christ Church for its longtime commitment to this ministry,” the Rev. Howell said in a church newsletter.

More here-

http://www.silive.com/worship/2011/05/christ_church_outreach_earns_r.html

Out of Politics and Closet, McGreevey Pursues Dream to Join Clergy

From The New York Times-

The man once known as “robo-candidate” still acts like a campaigner in the thick of a close race. He does not enter rooms of people so much as plunge into them, hugging and hand-clasping his way from wall to wall. His smile is outsize, and almost as indelible as a campaign poster.

In one sense, James E. McGreevey, the former New Jersey governor, is again campaigning for office: He hopes to be accepted as a candidate for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, which has begun ordaining openly gay men and women. He has already earned a divinity degree, but his application to proceed with the next step, to become a postulant, was rejected last month. He says he plans to keep trying, and his current work is a kind of test ground of his commitment.

Mr. McGreevey is the newest recovery specialist at a residential drug treatment center in Newark called Integrity House, and one recent morning he zigzagged buoyantly down the street, like the perennial political office-seeker he used to be. Everyone he saw received a holler, a handshake or a lingering moment of schmoozing.

Like a mantra, after each encounter he said, “Life is good!”

More here-

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/nyregion/mcgreevey-out-of-politics-and-closet-hopes-to-join-clergy.html

Episcopal and European churches seek to fortify ecumenical bonds

From The Christian Century-

Two Christian denominations in Europe -- one in full communion with the Episcopal Church and the other exploring the potential for such a relationship -- welcomed Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for key talks and a keynote address.

Following a three-day visit to the (Lutheran) Church of Sweden, with which the Episcopal Church is hoping to formalize a full-communion partnership, Jefferts Schori traveled to Utrecht in the Netherlands to deliver the annual Quasimodo Lecture, hosted by the Old Catholic Church, Episcopal News Service reports.

The Episcopal Church entered into full communion with the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht on the basis of the Bonn Agreement in 1934. The Old Catholic Church consists of several national churches in Europe -- located in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland -- that could not accept the definition of papal infallibility presented by the first Vatican Council in 1870.

Archbishop Joris Vercammen of the Old Catholic Church told ENS that cooperation between his church, the Episcopal Church and the Church of England -- all of which have a presence in Europe -- is "essential for contributing to the gospel" on the continent.

More here-

http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-05/episcopal-and-european-churches-seek-fortify-ecumenical-bonds

Nonprofit tackles home repairs

From Delaware-

A community outreach group at St. Martha's Episcopal Church is encouraging low-income residents who are unable to make home repairs to apply for assistance.

The Emergency Home Repair Committee works with the First State Resource Conservation and Development Council to eliminate housing conditions that present an immediate health and safety risk. About 20 volunteers work to repair heating, plumbing and electrical problems.

Fred Traute, RCD housing program director, said about 60 percent of people the nonprofit serves are either elderly, disabled or both, and about 65 percent of the properties are mobile homes, most of which are in Sussex County.

"For a lot of the people whose homes we work on, the average income of those folks is $13,500 a year," he said. "If they lose their home or it becomes uninhabitable, they have no place to go."

More here-

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110517/DW01/105170310

General synod votes in favour of covenant

From Ireland-

THE general synod of the Church of Ireland has voted in favour of the Anglican Covenant.

A motion, approved by the synod delegates, said: “’Seeing that the Anglican Covenant is consonant with the doctrines and formularies of the Church of Ireland, the General Synod hereby subscribes the covenant.”

The vote was passed by a large majority of the house of representatives.

The House of Bishops also voted as a separate body, approving the motion, also by a large majority.

The covenant reads: “We, as Churches of the Anglican Communion, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, solemnly covenant together in these following affirmations and commitments.

“As people of God, drawn from every nation, tribe, people and language, we do this in order to proclaim more effectively in our different contexts the grace of God revealed in the gospel, to offer God’s love in responding to the needs of the world, to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and together with all God’s people to attain the full stature of Christ.”

The Church of Ireland motion was proposed by the bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Rev Michael Burrows, and seconded by the bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rev Harold Miller.

More here-

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/general_synod_votes_in_favour_of_covenant_1_2684358

Holy Land: Anglican bishop denied residence in Jerusalem

From Catholic News- (Update on previous story)

The Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem and Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Suheil Dawani is appealing to an Israeli court for permission to stay in Israel after he was denied the renewal of his 'Temporary Residency Status' in Jerusalem, effective 24 September 2010.

This action was taken when the A-5 permits held by himself, his wife and youngest daughter were revoked by the Ministry of the Interior of the government of Israel. Bishop Dawani replied to the Israeli Minister of the Interior denying all accusations and requested the restoration of the residency permits for himself and his family to provide for his ongoing leadership of his Diocese and residence for himself and his family. Israeli authorities did not produce any proof of the allegations made against Bishop Dawani.

This situation continued for over six months as Bishop Dawani attempted to resolve this with restraint and without causing the government of Israel any embarrassment. The lack of resolution, despite diplomatic, ecclesiastical and inter-faith cooperation in support of Bishop Dawani required Bishop Dawani to seek legal counsel. Bishop Dawani's legal advisor sent a letter to the Attorney General of Israel seeking an explanation of the allegations against him which was the basis for the denial of the residency rights for himself and his family. After waiting one month without an explanation of the allegations from the Attorney General and upon the recommendation of legal counsel, Bishop Dawani filed a petition with the Israeli court in late February seeking redress through the Israeli legal system.

A court date was assigned for 18 May in the District Court in Jerusalem. This court date has been cancelled due to a change of venue, in accordance with Israeli law and at the recommendation of the Attorney General of Israel, for this hearing to take place in the Supreme Court. A new court date will be assigned. Bishop Dawani's lawyer has requested as early a date as possible for this case to be heard and resolved.


http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=18224

Calendar 'belles' recall controversy

From The "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department. Michigan-

They were blasted publicly for being lewd, immoral and reckless, and on Sunday morning their church gave them a standing ovation.

In late 2004, women from the St. Mary's Circle at St. Thomas Episcopal Church decided a calendar was the best way to raise money after the church was damaged by lightning.

But there was a twist. The women, ages 56 to 82, would pose nude for the monthly calendar shots.

Their inspiration was a group of British women whose story became the movie "Calendar Girls." And although the photographs were strategically staged so as not to reveal too much, the Belles of St. Mary's, as they were called, created a local firestorm.

More here-

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110516/NEWS01/105160307/Calendar-belles-recall-controversy?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage

Ecumenical bonds reinforced with presiding bishop's visit to Europe

From ENS-

Videos are available of the presiding bishop delivering the Quasimodo Lecture and preaching at St. Gertrude's Cathedral.

Two Christian denominations in Europe -- one in full communion with the Episcopal Church and the other exploring the potential for such a relationship -- welcomed Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori this week for key talks and a keynote address, a signal that many global ecumenical relations are in fine shape and continue to be strengthened.

Following a three-day visit to the (Lutheran) Church of Sweden, with which the Episcopal Church is hoping to formalize a full-communion partnership, Jefferts Schori traveled to Utrecht in the Netherlands to deliver the Quasimodo Lecture, an annual event hosted by the Old Catholic Church.

More here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_128343_ENG_HTM.htm

Episcopal Double Standard: I Stand Corrected

Follow up on a previous post-

Last week's column addressed a perceived double standard in the Episcopal Church. When the Episcopal Diocese of Newark recently denied former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey admittance to the Episcopal priesthood while the Episcopal officials in Miami readily accepted Father Alberto Cutie, I questioned the Episcopal Church's lack of uniformity.

“As I see it,' I wrote. “there is little difference between Cutie and McGreevey; why have they been treated differently? Why is the Episcopal collar acceptable for Cutie but not McGreevey? When their ugly secrets were revealed, both these men sought “cover” in the Episcopal Church; why is self-reinvention within its confines acceptable for one repentant and not the other? If the Episcopal Church is going to accommodate wayward Catholics who, for whatever reason, are suddenly attracted to the Episcopal faith, then it seems to me the church officials should set forth standard rules going forward and treat all its applicants for priesthood equally.”

Since stating my position, readers have pointed out the error in my thought. Seems I have been thinking like the Catholic I am.

According to a reader named Pamela, “The hierarchy of the Episcopal Church is profoundly different from the structure of the Roman Catholic Church...A bishop in Florida unilaterally made the decision to welcome Cutie into the Episcopal Church, and the Diocese of New Jersey did not need to consult with anyone else when deciding to reject McGreevey. Consequently, it's illogical to claim hypocrisy when comparing the two very unrelated situations.”

An unnamed, but proud Episcopal reader agreed with Pamela. “I was a little bothered by your idea of a double standard,” the reader stated. “First off, in order for there to be a double standard, like conditions must be put into place. For there to be a double standard, both candidates would have had to be from the same Diocese being that each Diocese operates slightly differently.” Thus, as this reader pointed out, the Diocese of Trenton's rejection of McGreevey is not synonymous with a rejection from the entire Episcopal Church.

I stand corrected.

More here-

http://www.ahherald.com/columns-mainmenu-28/armchair-critic/10906-episcopal-double-standard-i-stand-corrected