Baby With Two Dads Will Get Baptized, Bishop Says

From Central Florida-

A pair of gay Florida dads will have their son baptized this summer, following a soul-searching controversy within their Episcopal church that concluded with a meeting with — and the blessing of — their local bishop.

“We talked about my being a part of the baptism and I told them I would be happy to do so,” said the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating Jack’s baptism at the Cathedral in the near future.”

More here-

https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/baby-with-two-dads-will-get-baptized-bishop-says-118708740992.html

Zimmerman verdict brings protests, prayers

From Central Florida-

 A rally in front of the courthouse Sunday and a "Noon Prayer Day" at churches Monday were among events scheduled as this central Florida city began its recovery from George Zimmerman's trial.

The Coalition for Justice for Trayvon responded to Saturday's not-guilty verdict by calling for nationwide protests Sunday. The protests, the group said in a statement, "will look toward a New America, where black and brown youth are protected by the justice system and racial oppression is ended." The coalition said the verdict was a failure of the entire criminal justice system.

In Sanford, the rally was set for the courthouse at 3 p.m. ET. Events also were planned in cities from New York to Madison, Wis., to Los Angeles as the nation reacts to the not-guilty verdict handed down by a jury of six women in this once-quiet city.

The Sanford Pastors Connecting, an alliance of Seminole County churches formed after the shooting, said it is sponsoring the noon prayers Monday to promote peace and unity in the community.
"Our call is to pray for our community for the long-term unity, peace and strength of relationships," said the Rev. Charlie Holt of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lake Mary. "Our churches welcome any and all to come and offer prayer to the Lord for ourselves, for all involved and for our community."

More here-

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/14/trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-protests-sunday-monday/2516041/

George Zimmerman Trial: Police prepare for verdict

From Central Florida-

No matter what the verdict is in the George Zimmerman trial, there will be be strong emotions on both sides.

Law enforcement in Seminole County – and statewide -- say they've been preparing for a year to handle whatever happens after the verdict.

But some believe it's wrong to imply there will be any violence.

Connie Solomon traveled from New York to get a look at the Zimmerman trial first hand.

"I can't stop crying when I look at the mother and the father and the pain of their loss," Solomon said.
Dr. Kareem Jordan is a professor at UCF who specializes in race relations. He says to imply any type of violent reaction is wrong.

"I don't think it's going to be that type of reaction where people are going to take to the streets, but I do think but i do think people will feel one way or the other," Jordan said. "It implies at least when it comes to African-Americans, it's implies there is some intrinsic propensity to engage in violence."
No matter what the outcome, it's a case that's opened the doors of communication.

Rev. Charlie Holt from St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lake Mary. He is part of a group of pastors who sit on the trial each day and report what happens to their congregations.

"The local law enforcement officials working with the pastors, that kind of conversation wasn't in place before and it's happening now and it's great," Holt said. "It's good for Sanford and it's a direct result of the tragedy of the shooting and the trial."

More here-

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/7/11/no_matter_what_the_v.html

How the Gospel Brings Renewal

From The Living Church-

Joe Thoma writes for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida:

The Rev. Dr. Reid Hensarling, Associate Rector at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Lakeland, has spent 35 years studying and teaching the Scriptures and preaching about Jesus Christ and spiritual renewal. He has served several Episcopal congregations over the past 12 years. Fr. Hensarling holds a Master of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida.

Fr. Reid’s new book, The Biblical Gospel: Its Significance and Impact in Spiritual Renewal, explores the only sure solution to the ongoing problems of our world — the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ.

People are beset by a variety of “cures” for modern societal and personal ills, from the religious, political, and economic realms. But The Biblical Gospel points out that only the absolute truth of the gospel of Christ has the message that ultimately answers the most pressing questions and serious concerns of the human soul. The book is concerned with encouraging and helping church leaders bring spiritual renewal to their people through the biblical gospel.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/how-gospel-brings-renewal

Former Anglican priest becomes a Catholic priest on Saturday

From Florida-

Former Anglican priest William “Doc” Holiday will be ordained a Catholic priest by Orlando Bishop John Noonan on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 9 a.m.., at the Church of the Incarnation, 1515 Edgewater Drive, in Orlando.

Monsignor Jeffrey N. Steenson, head of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, will concelebrate the Mass.

Holiday, a senior curate at Incarnation (www.theparish.org) since 2007, was among 140 parishioners who were received into the Catholic Church on Sept. 16, 2012 as part of the ordinariate. This national entity was established by Pope Benedict XVI on January 1, 2012, for former Anglican clergy and groups seeking to become Catholic while retaining aspects of their Anglican heritage and liturgy.

Holiday was ordained an Anglican priest in 2005 following studies at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He served at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral from 2005-2007 and since then as senior curate at Incarnation. Since 1998, he has assisted in administration of that office’s chaplaincy program. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for 25 years and have three adult children. Special permission has been given to former Anglican priests who are married to be ordained Catholic priests.
More here-

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2012/12/12/former-anglican-priest-becomes-a-catholic-priest-on-saturday/

At 120 years old, St Mark's Church plans growth

From Central Florida-

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is planning a week-long celebration of its 120th anniversary, ending Oct. 14 when Bishop Gregory O. Brewer will celebrate a 4 p.m. Mass in honor of the occasion.

Immediately following is a ground-breaking ceremony for "A Bigger That" -- a new sanctuary to be built on the property to accommodate the growing parish.

The "little white church on the hill," 102 N. Ninth St., was founded in 1892 as a monument to peace, a published church history said.

It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, which means the original church cannot be modified.

More here-

http://www.newschief.com/article/20121006/NEWS/210065035

Anglican Cathedral in Orlando Becomes Catholic

From Orlando-

It’s been five years in the making, and this morning the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Orlando, Florida will become Catholic.

At a Mass of Reception at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, September 16, the Cathedral of the Incarnation, which was formerly associated with the Anglican Church of America, will become the Parish of Incarnation—joining about twenty other former Anglican or Episcopal congregations to be accepted in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, the personal ordinariate established as a home for Anglican converts to Catholicism in the United States and Canada.

Monsignor Jeffrey N. Steenson, a former Episcopal bishop who now leads the Personal Ordinariate, will confirm the parishioners as Catholic during the Sunday service.
Bishop John Noonan, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, will participate in the liturgy, but the Parish of Incarnation will not become part of Orlando’s diocese. Carol Brinati, spokesperson for the Orlando Diocese, explained, “While we recognize them as part of the Catholic church, they have their own services. We share our beliefs, but everything else is separate.”

More here-

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kathyschiffer/2012/09/anglican-cathedral-in-orlando-becomes-catholic/

Episcopal Bishop Brewer refuses to permit same-sex unions

From Central Florida-

Orlando Episcopal Bishop Gregory Brewer plans to announce on Saturday that he will not sanction same-sex union blessings in his diocese, as recently approved by the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The Church has left it up to individual bishops whether to permit the blessings of same sex unions, and in a letter to his diocese, Brewer will explain why he cannot sanction such a blessing.

“While the title of the liturgy might indicate that something is happening other than a marriage service, the rite itself contains the same structure and components of the marriage rite found in the Book of Common Prayer: Scripture readings, vows, rings, a pronouncement, prayers and a blessing. Consequently, it is clear that such a service is a step towards redefining Christian marriage as clearly expressed both in the Scriptures and in the Book of Common Prayer,” Brewer writes.

More here-

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2012/07/19/episcopal-bishop-brewer-refuses-to-permit-same-sex-unions/

Bishop Howe responds to "Presentment"

From Central Florida-

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

There has been much discussion on this list (and elsewhere) over the past few days regarding a complaint leveled against seven bishops (myself included) who filed an Amicus Curiae  ("Friend of the Court") Brief back in April in the Texas Supreme Court related to the dispute between Bishop Jack Iker, the departing "Diocese of Fort Worth," and The Episcopal Church.

(First, thanks to all who have expressed sympathy and concern both on the list and in posts to me personally.  Please allow me to respond to everyone in these general remarks.)

The seven bishops (Benitez, Howe, Lambert, Love, MacPherson, Martins, and Stanton) signed onto a brief that was written by three theologians of the Anglican Communion Institute (Professors Ephraim Radner, Chris Seitz, and Philip Turner) that objected to, and attempted to correct, the way in which the court in Texas interpreted the structure of The Episcopal Church.

The question is: is The Episcopal Church "hierarchical" beyond the level of the diocese?  Our brief largely followed the argument the Anglican Communion Institute spelled out in great detail back in 2009, which in turn stemmed from an understanding of the structure of the Anglican Communion expressed in a letter the Archbishop of Canterbury sent to me, personally; and the brief itself can be found on the ACI web site.
 

http://www.cfdiocese.org/article/2012/07/03/bishop-howe-responds-presentment

New Episcopal bishop's debut: Marching for Trayvon

From Central Florida-

Two days after he was consecrated as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, Gregory Brewer was marching Monday with the crowd demanding justice for Trayvon Martin.

He was the only white clergyman to address the Sanford City Commission inside the Civic Center that evening, urging city leaders to address the concerns of the black community.


"I thought it was very courageous," said Andy Searles, a pastor with Aloma United Methodist Church in Winter Park. "It would have been very easy for him to sit in his office and organize the paperwork on his desk, but he made a statement of what the church should be."

Brewer characterized it not as an act of courage but as one of faith and commitment to his diocese, which covers 15 counties and has 31,000 Episcopalians. It was the most direct way for him to make a public statement about what kind of Episcopal bishop he intends to be.

"Part of what I'm trying to do is chart a course of what my role is as bishop in Central Florida. I don't want to hide out with my local churches. My role is to be involved in the life of my community as a Christian presence," said Brewer, 60, who remembers Klan marches growing up in Richmond, Va.

Brewer, who was ordained in Central Florida and spent 16 years here, was rector of a small, multicultural church in downtown Manhattan when elected to succeed Bishop John W. Howe, who retired after serving 22 years. Apart from his opposition to ordaining gay priests, Howe was a low-key leader given more to intellectual study than community involvement.

More here-

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-30/news/os-trayvon-martin-episcopal-bishop-20120330_1_new-episcopal-bishop-john-w-howe-new-bishop

Rev. Greg Brewer becomes Episcopal bishop on Saturday

From Central Florida-

Rev. Gregory O. Brewer will be consecrated as the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at First Baptist of Orlando, inside the region’s largest sanctuary. Brewer succeeds Bishop John W. Howe, who is retiring.

“My hope is that this celebration will invite us to joy,” Brewer wrote in the latest edition of the Central Florida Episcopaliannewspaper. “The First Baptist Church will ring with ‘alleluias!’ The liturgical color will be red — speaking of God’s power, suffering and sacrifice, of which we are the happy recipients.”

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is comprised of 31,000 members spread over 15 counties.

Brewer, 60, grew up in a family of Baptists and Catholics, but found a home in the Episcopal church while in college. He became an Episcopal priest in 1981.

Brewer served as a priest in Central Florida for 16 years. He was rector of Calvary-St. George’s Church in New York City before being elected Central Florida bishop last November. He is married and has five children.

More here-

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2012/03/23/rev-greg-brewer-becomes-episcopal-bishop-on-saturday/

St. Mark's Episcopal Church plans expansion

From Central Florida-

If all goes according to plan, St. Mark's Episcopal Church parishioners will be able to worship in "a bigger that."

"That" is the existing historic church at Main and North Ninth streets. The tiny building, with exquisite stained glass windows, is 120 years old and is bursting at the seams at Sunday Mass.

The church has room to seat 80 comfortably.

On a recent visit by the Central Florida Episcopal Bishop John Howe, more than double that number attended the service.

"Our Sunday attendance is up 33 percent and that's phenomenal for the Episcopal Church," the Rev. Chris Brathwaite said Monday. He goes by Father Chris.

The new church building, the parish members agreed, will look just like the existing one, only bigger.

To accomplish that goal, the parish is starting a $1.4 million capital campaign which Brathwaite said he is excited about.

More here-

http://www.newschief.com/article/20120318/NEWS/120319964/1002/news01?Title=St-Mark-s-Episcopal-Church-plans-expansion-

Florida’s new Episcopal Bishop faces big challenges

From Central Florida-

It’s a confusing time to be a member of the Episcopal Church. More than two decades of bickering over a range of theological issues, notably the question of whether openly gay and lesbian people can be ordained as priests and bishops, has left one of America’s oldest denominations splintered.

Over the past eight years, the ordinations of gay and lesbian priests as bishops has prompted strong objections from traditionalists, and some bishops have gone as far as schism — leaving the Episcopal Church for an array of more conservative Anglican groups.

Into this situation comes the Rev. Gregory Brewer, who recently was elected bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, based in Orlando. Brewer, who was pastor of Calvary-St. George’s Episcopal Church in New York City, has big shoes to fill. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. John Howe, who is retiring in March.

Howe has been a stalwart of the traditionalist wing of the Episcopal Church, and his voice — unwavering yet charitable toward those who disagreed with him — has wielded influence far beyond Orlando.

Howe lobbied for policies that would allow conservative dioceses like his to have a measure of independence, remaining within the Episcopal Church as a kind of loyal opposition. He was willing to talk with those he disagreed with, including Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. Howe’s approach earned respect and kept most of the traditionalists in his diocese pacified.

The controversy about the role of gays and lesbians in the church has proved nearly insoluble among mainline Protestant churches that have been debating it actively since the 1980s. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (USA) have within the past year loosened their policies to allow the ordination of gays and lesbians in some situations. The fallout has been predictable: Significant minorities of congregations — especially large and wealthy congregations — are planning to leave.

Read more:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/16/2550106/floridas-new-episcopal-bishop.html#ixzz1gnNz2XGs

Orlando's new Episcopal Bishop Greg Brewer made trip from nonbeliever to church leader

From Florida-

Greg Brewer grew up in a family where his father went to the Catholic church and his mother went to the Baptist church. Neither seemed to fit Brewer. He tried other churches, and none of them seemed to speak to him either.

Brewer went to college thinking religion was for people who needed a crutch. A chance religious retreat with a college group changed his mind, and his life — forever.

Last week, Father Greg Brewer was elected the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. His consecration is March 24, 2012, when he takes over from Bishop John W. Howe, who is retiring.

"For me, it's another step in the adventure," said Brewer, 60.

Brewer is currently rector of Calvary-St. George's Church in New York City, a small, multicultural church in downtown Manhattan. He previously served as rector of the Church of the Good Samaritan, a growing, affluent congregation in suburban Philadelphia.

But for 16 years, Brewer was an Episcopalian priest in Central Florida. He was ordained into the priesthood in Winter Park after completing seminary in 1976 at 24. In Winter Park, he joined a group of young people called YES — Young Episcopal Singles — where he met Laura Lee Williams, an Orlando native. They've been married 30 years.

More here-

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-11-26/news/os-new-episcopal-bishop-greg-brewer-20111126_1_church-leader-episcopalians-episcopal-diocese

Rev. Gregory O. Brewer Is New Head Of Episcopal Diocese Of Central Florida

From Orlando

Episcopal pastors and lay leaders have elected The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, rector of Calvary-St. George’s Church in New York City, to head the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.

Fr.Brewer replaces Bishop John Howe, who will retire early next year. The diocese says Brewer’s selection is “… pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church.”

The diocese reports Brewer was chosen on the 4th ballot from the seven nominees for the position. He got 141 votes of 241 cast by lay order and 110 of the 192 votes by the clergy. An election on that ballot required 125 in the lay order and 95 in the clergy order.

Read more:

http://www.wesh.com/news/29815220/detail.html#ixzz1eFN4lniL

The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer elected fourth bishop of Central Florida

From Central Florida-

The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, rector of Calvary-St. George’s Church in New York City, was elected on Nov. 19 as the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church.

Fr. Brewer was elected on the 4th ballot out of a field of seven nominees. He received 141 votes of 241 cast in the lay order and 110 of 192 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 125 in the lay order and 95 in the clergy order.

The election was held during the diocese's special convention at Trinity Preparatory School. Winter Park. Pending a successful consent process, Fr. Brewer will succeed the Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, who is retiring.

Under canons of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect's ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election.

Calvary-St. George’s Church is a 500-member, multi- cultural and multiracial, “program-size” parish with landmarked historic buildings in downtown Manhattan.

Before serving there, Fr. Brewer was rector of Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, Pa., which had 1,800 members. Good Samaritan is a 150-year-old corporate-size and in an affluent suburban area known as the “Main Line.” Because of its commitment to Biblical orthodoxy and discipleship the congregation was drawn from a large geographic area.

More here-

http://www.cfdiocese.org/article/2011/11/19/rev-gregory-o-brewer-elected-fourth-bishop-central-florida

Central Florida nominates seven priests for bishop election

From ENS-

The Diocese of Central Florida announced Sept. 15 that seven priests had been nominated to stand for election as the diocese's fourth bishop.

The nominees are:
the Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, 60, rector, Episcopal Parish of Calvary-St. George's, New York, New York, Diocese of New York;

the Very Rev. Anthony P. Clark, 50, dean, Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, Florida, Diocese of Central Florida;

the Rev. R. Jonathan Davis, 51, vicar, Episcopal Church of the Incarnation and director, Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center (Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, Oviedo, Florida), Oviedo, Florida, Diocese of Central Florida;

the Very Rev. Charles L. Holt, 40, rector, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Lake Mary, Florida, Diocese of Central Florida;

the Rev. Timothy C. Nunez, 49, rector, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Belleview, Florida, Standing Committee member, Diocese of Central Florida;

the Rev. Mary A. Rosendahl, 60, rector, Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Port St. Lucie, Florida, Diocese of Central Florida; and

the Rev. James A. Sorvillo Sr., 48, rector, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Orlando, Florida.

More here-

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80263_129804_ENG_HTM.htm

Timeline for selecting a new Orlando Episcopal bishop

From Orlando-

Orlando Diocese Episcopal Bishop John W. Howe announced at the end of January his intention to retire in 2012, setting in motion the selection of his successor. Howe has served as the 15-county Diocese’s bishop since 1990.

The standing committee of four lay people and four clergy will oversee the selection process. They have established the following timetable:

February — The standing committee selects committees for the Diocean Profile (which establishes the criteria for the new bishop’s selection) and Transition Process.

March — A survey will be discritubed to members of the Diocese of Central Florida asking them what they want in a new bishop in terms of gifts, skills and vision.

April — Deans and presidents hold forums to gather more information on what qualities the next bishop should possess.

May — From the surveys and forums, a “Profile” is created of the kind of bishop the people of the Diocese desire

June — The Profile and nomination instructions are sent to Episcopal Convention delegates who serve, in effect, as the Search and Nominating Committees.

July-August — Nominations are submitted.

September-October – Background screenings of nominees are completed and the names of nominees are submitted to the electing Convention.

Nov. 19 – Delegates to the Convention elect a new bishop.

April 21, 2012 – The new bishop is consecrated and Howe officially retires.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features-the-religion-world/2011/02/16/timeline-for-selecting-a-new-orlando-episcopal-bishop/

Bishop John Howe retiring in his own time — on his own terms

From Orlando-

In September 2007, Episcopal Bishop John W. Howe ushered four members of his Central Florida diocese into his small office on Robinson Street. The four men made the 64-year-old bishop an offer: step aside, retire now, and we'll pay off the mortgage on your lakeside home and the difference between what you make now and what your pension would be at the mandatory retirement age of 72.

There's a train wreck headed your way, they said, and we're offering you the chance to step out of the way.

The conservative, evangelical bishop who took over the 15-county diocese in 1990 was deeply embroiled in the issue of gay clergy in the Episcopal Church. He led a group of bishops who opposed the same-sex marriage and ordination of openly gay V. Gene Robinson as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003.

The ordination of Robinson resulted in a split within the Episcopal Church that extended to the diocese in Orlando, where members and clergy in nine congregations were planning to leave and take their church property with them.

More here-

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-02-14/features/os-bishop-howe-retires-profile-20110214_1_episcopal-diocese-gay-clergy-bishop-john-w-howe

Bishop's assistant to take parish job

From San Joaquin-

The Rev. Bill Gandenberger, assistant to Bishop John-David Schofield of the breakaway Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin, is leaving his post to become rector of Christ Church Vero Beach in Vero Beach, Fla.

Gandenberger's final day in Fresno is Sunday.

He served as Schofield's assistant for eight years, including in 2007 when Schofield led a secession movement out of the U.S. Episcopal Church over differences such as the ordination of a gay bishop and the supreme authority of Scripture.

The breakaway diocese is now part of the Anglican Church in North America.

"This is a bittersweet move that the Lord has orchestrated despite the close relationship Sue and I share with John-David ... and the work that must continue in the Diocese of San Joaquin," Gandenberger writes in a statement. "It is apparent, however, that our Lord has new plans for us, and we know that he will always provide the people and resources to accomplish his will in the Diocese of San Joaquin."

Read more

http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/08/13/2040828/bishops-assistant-to-take-parish.html#ixzz0wa7qA0u6