President Museveni Receives Archbishop of Canterbury

From Uganda-

President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed to Uganda the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Portal Welby, and Primate of all England as well as Head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Katumba Wamala and outgoing Church of Uganda Archbishop, Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, among others, attended the meeting that took place Friday at State House, Entebbe.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation. There is the corona disease that has attacked us. On the world scene, a total of 80,000 people have been infected and 2,000 of these have died. I appeal to the health officers to prevent the disease. We shall continue checking at the airport,” said the President who was referring to the act of not shaking hands with his visitors because of the threat of the Coronavirus.

More here-

 https://kampalapost.com/content/president-museveni-receives-archbishop-canterbury

Why they called Cleveland ‘Station Hope’

From Ohio-

In Cleveland, it wasn’t just homes that served as stops or stations. Saint John Episcopal Church on Church Street served as a beacon of hope and a stop on the underground railroad.

“When I walked into this church for the first time you can feel, as we were talking, you can feel something very special here,” says Raymond Bobgan of the Cleveland Public Theater.

Each year, the Theater puts on Station Hope at the church. ”At Station Hope, hundreds of artists perform simultaneously in this sanctuary, in the parish hall, outside, everyone is performing together,” says Bobgan. “Thousands of people come here for this one day, to not just celebrate the incredible bravery of the freedom seekers, but to look at where we are at today, but the journey we still have to go. That journey toward the North Star.”

During the time of the Underground Railroad, Station Hope meant the slaves were so close to freedom. 

More here-

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/black-history-month/why-they-called-cleveland-station-hope

Texas Episcopalians Will Pay $13 Million in Racial Reparations

From Texas-

The Texas Episcopal Diocese says it will pay $13 million in reparations to descendants of slaves, one of several institutions that confess they once benefited from human bondage.

The Texas Diocese is based in Houston, one of the most diverse metros in the country. But the denomination is among the least racially diverse religious groups in the US. Slaves in 1839 built its first house of worship, Christ Episcopal Church in Matagorda, Texas.

The regional diocese, with $1.8 billion in assets, said it wants to atone for its past by channeling some of that money to various organizations supporting African Americans.

“It was an opportunity to do something positive in leadership, to show ways in which other funds can make a difference in an area where we find a lot of conflict—and where people want to see health and vitality around the race conversation,” said Andrew Doyle, bishop of the Texas Diocese, who is also chair for the diocese’ five foundations that oversee their investments. 

More here-

https://www.ai-cio.com/news/texas-episcopalians-will-pay-13-million-racial-reparations/

Sip from the common cup? On Ash Wednesday, coronavirus and the flu have religious leaders tweaking rituals.

From The Washington Post-

Spokespeople for many of the largest Christian denominations in the United States said this week that they have not issued special directives for their churches but are closely monitoring guidance from government officials. The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey told clergy and lay leaders Tuesday that anyone administering Communion should wash their hands, preferably with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and keep their distance during the greeting ritual known as the “passing of the peace.”

“Parishioners who are coughing or sneezing should refrain from handshaking during the Peace,” the email from the diocese said. “Fist bumps, elbow bumps, friendly waves, and peace signs are all acceptable substitutes.”

More here-

https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/02/26/sip-common-cup-ash-wednesday-coronavirus-has-religious-leaders-tweaking-rituals/

Presbyterian-Episcopal dialogue looks at the needs of a changing church

From Presbyterian Outlook-

Meeting at First Presbyterian Church in San Diego Feb. 17-19, representatives of the Episcopal-Presbyterian Bilateral Dialogue met and considered how the two ecclesial traditions could partner with each other considering the context of the 21st century church. 

Representing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in San Diego were Ruling Elder Anne Bond (co-chair), the Rev. Dr. Neal Presa (co-vice chair), the Rev. Terri Ofori, the Rev. Dr. Christian Boyd, the Rev. Robert Foltz-Morrison, and Ruling Elder Dr. Dianna Wright, the interim director of the Office of the General Assembly’s Ecclesial and Ecumenical Ministries.

Representing the Episcopal Church at the gathering were the Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton (co-chair), the Rev. Canon Elise Johnstone (co-vice chair), Dr. Michael Booker, Elizabeth Ring, and Richard Mammana, serving as staff liaison.  Other members of the dialogue from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are the Rev. Brooke Pickrell and (alternate) Rev. Brian Entz and from the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Wolyniak and the Rev. Margaret Rose, serving as staff.

More here-

https://pres-outlook.org/2020/02/presbyterian-episcopal-dialogue-looks-at-the-needs-of-a-changing-church/

Episcopal church transforms sanctuary into immigrant-focused art gallery

From New Hampshire-

A new art exhibit showcasing the immigrant experience goes on display at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Londonderry tonight.

“We’re turning the church into an art gallery,” said the Rev. Colin Chapman.

The exhibit, entitled “Our Neighbors, Ourselves,” is part of a string of programs designed to draw attention to the state of immigration in New Hampshire and nationwide, Chapman said.

The spark for the idea came last summer from Chapman and seminarian Kathy Boss, who were inspired in part by some of the news stories about family separation at the southern border the year prior.

The hope was to showcase the daily lives of immigrants in the country and in the Granite State, and dispel the notion of immigrants being something “other,” he said.

More here-

https://www.unionleader.com/nh/arts_and_ent/episcopal-church-transforms-sanctuary-into-immigrant-focused-art-gallery/article_c235ad27-c77a-56ef-ad1d-2c60acdd160d.html

Former R.I. clergyman pleads guilty to child-porn charge, now listed as ‘credibly accused’ in Mass.

From Rhode Island-

Gregory Lisby, an Episcopal priest who served at churches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, pleaded guilty Friday to possessing child pornography, and has separately been “credibly” accused of abusing a teenager, the Diocese of Western Massachusetts alleged.

In a letter sent to congregants Friday, Western Massachusetts Bishop Douglas J. Fisher revealed that, since Lisby was charged last September, the diocese has found “devastating credible evidence” that Lisby sexually abused a teenager “after he was ordained as a priest in 2007.”

A diocese spokeswoman provided the letter but said she could not comment further, citing concerns about the victim’s privacy. She declined to say whether police had been notified or were investigating.

More here-

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200225/former-ri-clergyman-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-charge-now-listed-as-rsquocredibly-accusedrsquo-in-mass

Episcopal Diocese Of Pittsburgh Offering Ash Wednesday “Ashes To Go”

From Pittsburgh (with video)-

Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season and this year, church leaders will be offering parishioners to mark the start of Lent wherever they are.

Rather than have to attend a traditional church service, members of the church will be going to public places, public transit stops, airports, and a military base to offer ashes to those that are unable or prefer not to attend church.

Church leaders will be at 14 different areas throughout Pittsburgh between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

More here-

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/02/26/ashes-to-go-ash-wendesday-2020/

When Cathedrals get angry – they flip

From English Cathedrals-

It’s that time of year and many of our cathedrals are gearing up to get flipping for Shrove Tuesday and preparing to move into the Lenten season.

On Tuesday York Minster will raise the Lent and Easter Cross ready for Ash Wednesday. This wooden cross – six metres tall by three metres wide is made from wooden scaffolding boards in the Minster workshop – will be suspended from the Central Tower throughout the Lenten season.

In Winchester, 20 teams made up of clergy, choristers, councillors, charities, and mayors in full regalia will be tossing pancakes and raising money for charity at the same time thanks to Winchester Rotary at the inaugural Winchester Pancake race.

More here-

https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/cathedral-pancake-day/?fbclid=IwAR0GEQiFTSEDSeSjdJJoeKyNhKg90q_tNYHBTRiQ00g9xEX8dttn8Q7K0Zc

Anglican Bishop: Maloney Mission must help community

From Trinidad-

A church is not a space for the morally sound to relax and listen to the gospel. A church is for those who are spiritually wounded to seek refuge, find peace and learn how to live better lives.

These were the sentiments Reverend Bishop Claude Berkley shared at the naming and blessing of the Church of the Transfiguration Maloney Mission. 

The church on Flamingo Boulevard, Maloney Gardens, was opened on Carnival Saturday – the weekend before Lent – as that time signifies a period of transfiguration for individuals in the Anglican Faith.

"Given the issues of our nation, murder, crime, violence, domestic violence, corrupt tendencies and practice, marginalised persons of little or no means, misdirected young people, poor parenting in some instances, challenged family life and living, persons who are seeking a new way of life and looking for options, new diseases upon us, and the list is long. 

More here-

https://newsday.co.tt/2020/02/25/anglican-bishop-maloney-mission-must-help-community/

Over a year after Brooklyn church fire, congregants and Episcopal diocese split on rebuilding

From Brooklyn-

Dilapidated green particle board walls still surround the site of the former Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a former historic wooden sanctuary that was nearly 100 years old. The Brooklyn church burned nearly to the ground on Nov. 28, 2018 in a massive, three-alarm fire.

The question of what happens at the dormant site on East 23rd Street in Sheepshead Bay is now embroiled in an internal battle with church elders and the Episcopal Diocese over whether to finance a costly rebuild, combine with another parish, or rebuild closer to where the remaining congregants and prospective parishioners live.

The Emmanuel Episcopal faithful hold their Sunday services in the basement cafeteria of St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church on Ocean Avenue, a few blocks from the church property. This past Sunday, Feb. 23, about 30 people gathered.

More here-

https://www.amny.com/brooklyn/over-a-year-after-brooklyn-church-fire-congregants-at-odds-with-episcopal-diocese-on-rebuilding/

3 Reasons Contemporary Worship IS Declining, and What We Can Do to Help the Church Move On

From Ponder Anew-

Some months ago T. David Gordon wrote a post entitled “The Imminent Decline of Contemporary Worship Music: Eight Reasons” that continues to be widely read and shared. While I don’t agree with Gordon on every point, what he says gives us hope for the future of the worshiping church. Alongside his reasons, here are the three main reasons I see for the decline (if not demise) of the contemporary worship movement.

Baby boomers are losing their influence. Or, as Gordon more bluntly put it, “my own generation is beginning to die.” Your parents, not your kids, are the biggest proponents of contemporary worship. I’ve seen this in my own ministry. The most committed (and often the most obstinate) defenders of contemporary worship is rapidly becoming the older generation. While their influence remains in many places, it is waning. Within a few short years, contemporary worship will have lost its original impetus and driving force.

More here-

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2015/09/04/3-reasons-contemporary-worship-is-declining-and-5-things-we-can-do-to-help-the-church-move-on/?fbclid=IwAR1Bt_FedHDC5blkXAh_qVLtLZlmI81dIgkqvCmngdZ7NgdrW3BapgvqPWU

Nigeria: 5 churches burned, many Christians killed in Boko Haram invasion

From Nigeria-

More than 100 Boko Haram militants opened fire sporadically and indiscriminately and set churches and houses on fire, killing many people, in the town of Garkida in Gombi area of the northeastern state of Adamawa, according to initial reports.

At least five churches were destroyed, including two houses of worship belonging to the Church of the Brethren denomination, an Anglican Communion church, and a church and a separate office of Living Faith Church.

There are unconfirmed reports of possible abductions.

Riding on about 60 motorbikes, with two men each carrying AK47s and RPGs, and accompanied by roughly 20 mounted gun trucks, the Boko Haram militants arrived from the Sambisa Forest area on Friday evening, according to Save the Persecuted Christians.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/nigeria-5-churches-burned-many-christians-killed-in-boko-haram-invasion.html

Report: C of E's right to 26 seats in Lords should be repealed

From The Guardian-

The Church of England’s automatic right to appoint 26 bishops to the House of Lords should be repealed, a report by a group representing more than 100 parliamentarians will recommend this week.

An all-party caucus of humanist MPs and peers says reform of the way parliament works must include removing the guarantee of seats in the upper house for Anglican bishops.

The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG), comprised of 115 MPs and members of the Lords, point out that the only other country where senior clerics must have seats in a parliament is Iran.

The APPHG report will be published on Tuesday.

More here-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/report-c-of-es-right-to-26-seats-in-lords-should-be-repealed

Anglican Diocese of Grafton says "it is early days" in plans for possible sell-off of church sites

From Australia-

"Heartbroken", "sad" and "very stressful".

That's how parishioners have responded to news the Anglican Diocese of Grafton has started the process to sell-off selected parish sites.

Already earmarked sites include, St James' Church at Byabarra, St Cuthbert's Church at Ellenborough and All Saints Church in Pappinbarra.

Each of the three communities' say they will defend their church from the fire sale.

Some parishioners have already met to discuss the future course for their congregation.

Byabarra's Gordon Burch - a lay reader at Wauchope Anglican Church - says the community has already discussed their options.

More here-

https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/6631476/anglican-diocese-responds-to-sell-off-criticism/

Are we idol worshipers?

From Christian Century-

It is axiomatic in Jewish and Christian theological traditions that worship is reserved for the one true God alone. To flinch from this obligation in even the smallest way is tantamount to what the Bible calls idolatry. What James 2:10 says of the law—that to keep all of it except in a single point is to transgress against the whole—is true also of worship. The jealousy of Israel’s God is acute when it comes to worship: the Lord will brook no rivals, for in fact there are none.

Scripture affords a plethora of tropes depicting, diagnosing, and indicting idolatry. One trope is the preposterous polytheism of the nations, which manufacture miniature deities out of wood and use the excess material for the fire. Another is the challenge of living as God’s covenant people in alien lands saturated with literal idols and their attendant, abhorrent practices. A third is the fiery judgments of the prophets, who accuse Abraham’s children of forsaking Abraham’s God—of infidelity so great its only comparison is to a married person offering sex for sale to the first bidder.

More here-

https://www.christiancentury.org/review/books/are-we-idol-worshipers