Friday, May 31, 2019

Decline and revival in the Church of England

From Christian Century-

British media regularly re­port the latest surveys of religious faith and activity in that country, and rare is the news that is not deeply depressing. So rapid has been the process of secularization that it hardly seems far-fetched to imagine a near future in which Christian faith in the country would be confined to recent immigrants.

Particularly hard hit is the Church of England, which in practice attracts only a tiny proportion of the national population on any kind of regular basis. Yet even among what seem to be the battered ruins of Anglican loyalty are surprising signs of life and even vigor. (I will focus here on England, as conditions in other parts of the British Isles differ in many ways.)

The Church of England has long been divided between high and low church factions, between Anglo-Catholic ritualists and evangelicals. During the 1960s, a new force appeared on the scene in the form of a charismatic revival. Over the following decades, that charismatic impulse rose and fell in influence, but it received new infusions of support from the global church repeatedly. At different times, those overseas influences derived from transatlantic revivals, both in the US and in Latin America, but also from new immigrant populations from Africa and the Caribbean. These new influences reshaped many urban parishes, some of which became what an American would easily recognize as evangelical-charismatic megachurches.

More here-

https://www.christiancentury.org/article/notes-global-church/decline-and-revival-church-england

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Workshop to examine future of church buildings

From Canada-

With their congregations shrinking, churches across Canada are looking for a renewed place in their communities.

That search is to bring together religious leaders, community groups and elected officials on Saturday at The Spire for a daylong workshop about reimagining places of worship.

According to the National Trust for Canada, within the next decade about one-third of Canada’s 27,000 places of worship could be closed.

“These are really community hubs, they have been from the day churches were first built, that’s where everything happened. We’re trying to reclaim that,” Bruce Hutchinson of Friends of The Spire said.

“The model of a church that is empty all week is no longer financially viable.”

The workshop is to include sessions on how congregations can change how they see their church’s place in the community. 

More here-

https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/workshop-to-examine-future-of-church-buildings

Metro Vancouver Anglicans to direct millions to Indigenous efforts

From Canada-

The dwindling Anglican church in Metro Vancouver plans to direct 10 per cent of revenue from sales of church property to Indigenous groups and projects.

Vancouver-area Anglicans voted at their weekend synod to give one-tenth of the money made from sales of Anglican church properties in high-priced Metro Vancouver retroactively to January 1, 2018 and in the future. The money involved will amount to millions of dollars.

“I have a great deal of faith in the wisdom of synod and the whole process that this is going to set loose,” Melissa Skelton, bishop of the Anglican diocese of New Westminster, said in a note to fellow Anglicans. Her diocese encompasses Metro Vancouver and out to Powell River and Hope.

Diocesan spokesman Randy Murray said the Anglican resolution “calling for restitution to Indigenous people sourced from funds of some past and all future properties was passed by a strong majority after a robust but cordial discussion on the synod floor.”

The synod vote still requires the assent of the bishop and consultation with diocesan council, which meets June 12.

More here-

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/metro-vancouver-anglicans-to-direct-millions-to-indigenous-efforts

Citing inclusion of LGBT clerics, Anglican bishops in Africa to shun Lambeth Conference

From NCR-

As disputes over homosexuality continue to stir within the worldwide Anglican Communion, conservative African bishops say they will boycott a decennial gathering of top clerics next summer unless what the Africans consider godly order is restored.

After delaying the Lambeth Conference, normally held once a decade, for two years, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the global leader of Anglicanism, has invited all active bishops and their spouses to the United Kingdom in July and August of 2020 — except the spouses of bishops who are in same-sex unions.

But the African bishops object to the invitation of bishops in the communion who are in same-sex unions. Those bishops' presence, the Africans say, constitutes an endorsement of homosexuality, which they reject as contrary to the Scriptures.

More here-

 https://www.ncronline.org/news/world/citing-inclusion-lgbt-clerics-anglican-bishops-africa-shun-lambeth-conference

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Churches Outnumber Pubs in the UK

From Christianity Today-

Every village in the United Kingdom used to have a pub, a church, and a general store. Today, pubs (short for “public houses”) have become iconic, a popular destination for visitors to try drinks, traditional pub meals, and the cultural ambiance.

But these local landmarks are closing quickly; only 39,000 are left in England, down a quarter from 20 or so years ago. There are now more church buildings than pubs, according to recent figures announced last month by the National Churches Trust.

But the number of churches overall is falling too, just not as fast. The share of Christians in the UK is declining, as in America and other parts of the Western world. Total secularization isn’t inevitably around the corner for at least two reasons. First, surveys show that many who say they have “no religion” still believe in God, pray, say they have a soul, or even read the Bible. Second, there is actually substantial growth among certain types of churches in the UK, all in the context of God’s promise to build his church.

More here-

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/may/churches-outnumber-pubs-in-uk-london-attendance-pentecostal.html

Church of England praises temporary release for prisoners

From Premier-

An Anglican Bishop has said the government's decision to give more working releases for prison inmates will have a positive impact on society.

Release on temporary license (ROTL) is a system which gives prisoners the opportunity to spend time in the community for short periods, normally towards the end of their sentence.

Rules on ROTL schemes are being relaxed, to allow more inmates to work and train while serving their sentences, with the hope of boosting their future job prospects and preparing offenders for life outside of prison.

The decision to ease the rules on day and overnight release is part of a government effort to reduce re-offending, which is estimated to cost society £15bn a year.

The Bishops' Advisor for Prisons and Penal Affairs, Reverend Paul Cowley believes these work placements are vital for rehabilitation.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Church-of-England-praises-temporary-release-for-prisoners

Women Clergy and the Stained-Glass Ceiling

From JSTOR-

Unlike in Roman Catholic parishes, Episcopal laypeople have a strong say in who is selected as pastor. Sullins suggests that inequality remained in the Episcopal Church as a result of embedded cultural values which did not change much over time, even as the wider church body allowed for women’s ordination. This bore out in the way women clergy in the Episcopal Church climbed the ranks of larger church institutions and bureaucracies, while encountering frequent opposition at the parish level. The more democratic selection process of rectors—the equivalent of pastor—often worked against women seeking to advance in church ranks. On the parish level, even a small group opposed to the idea of a woman pastor could exercise an informal veto on the selection process.

A generation after Priesand was ordained a rabbi, women comprised about four percent of Jewish clergy, divided across the Reform-Conservative spectrum. Those early women rabbis saw their role differently than their Protestant counterparts. Protestant women ministers saw themselves in a more spiritual vein, more often feeling themselves called by God as religious leaders. Women rabbis saw themselves more as community leaders and advocates for social justice, particularly regarding issues around women’s rights.

More here-

https://daily.jstor.org/women-clergy-and-the-stained-glass-ceiling/

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

New Anglican Archbishop appointed

From Trinidad and Tobago-

The An­gli­can Church in the West In­dies has a new head fol­low­ing the elec­tion of Ja­maican Bish­op Howard Gre­go­ry to the post of Arch­bish­op for the Province of the West In­dies dur­ing its provin­cial syn­od at the Cas­ca­dia Ho­tel yes­ter­day.

Arch­bish­op Gre­go­ry pre­vi­ous­ly held the posts of head of An­gli­can Church in Ja­maica and Cay­man Is­lands. 

He suc­ceeds Bar­ba­di­an Dr John Hold­er, who re­tired in Feb­ru­ary 2018 and has be­come the first Ja­maican to head the An­gli­can Church in the Caribbean since Arch­bish­op William Hardie va­cat­ed the post in 1949.

Dur­ing a short press con­fer­ence fol­low­ing his elec­tion, Arch­bish­op Gre­go­ry said there were many top­i­cal is­sues in the Caribbean on which the church need­ed to be lend guid­ance.

“At the mo­ment we are deal­ing with is­sues re­lat­ed to abor­tion, we are deal­ing with is­sues re­lat­ed to mar­i­jua­na, we are deal­ing with is­sues re­lat­ed to hu­man traf­fick­ing and as a church we cer­tain­ly have to be a part of the en­gage­ment of the so­ci­ety bring in some per­spec­tives to bear on these things, not just out of emo­tion, not just po­lit­i­cal par­ti­san in any­way but to bring our the­o­log­i­cal and bib­li­cal per­spec­tive to bear on these sit­u­a­tions,” said the new Arch­bish­op.

More here-


and here-


and here-

Monday, May 27, 2019

The Māori King has met with Pope Francis in Rome

From New Zealand-


They talked about current issues facing all New Zealanders, particularly Māori and indigenous communities when it comes to employment, youth issues, housing, health, and education.
The Anglican Church was pivotal in securing the audience with the Pope and the royal party for the papal audience was supported by a delegation that included the Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon and Archdeacon Ngira Simmonds. 

The King is of Pai Mārire faith, while his daughter was baptised Catholic by the people of Whanganui.

The King and his delegation then went on to Monte Cassino, where he paid his respects at the Cemetery of Cassino to the 457 New Zealand soldiers that died there, including the 60 from the 28th Māori Battalion. 

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113027915/the-mori-king-has-met-with-pope-francis-in-rome

also here-

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/papal-audience-m-ori-king-invites-pope-francis-new-zealand

Catholic Church mourns Kenyan pilgrims perished in Iganga hit and run accident

From Uganda-

The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), the assembly of Catholic Bishops in Uganda has honoured the four Kenyan pilgrims perished in a hit and run accident on weekend as they trekked from Bungoma Diocese, Kenya to Namugongo Martyrs shrines, for the annual pilgrimage.

“Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed four Kenyan pilgrims who were walking to Namugongo’s Martyrs Catholic Shrine today (Sunday),” a statement shared on their official social media reads.

Two of the victims were from Kisoko Parish while the other two were from Naitiri Parish, which are both under Bungoma Catholic Diocese.

UEC adds that the victims were among the about 150 pilgrims who were heading to Namugongo for this year’s martyr’s day to be marked on June 3.

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says two of the pilgrims who died on the spot have been identified as Obanga Ashiuma Geoffrey, 48 of Naitiri, Bungoma and Roseline Wanjala (51), of Kisoko, Busia.

More here-

http://www.pmldaily.com/news/2019/05/catholic-church-mourns-kenyan-pilgrims-perished-in-iganga-hit-and-run-accident.html

Closed Episcopal Church in Center City reopened to find a new mission — and graves beneath the floorboards

From Philadelphia-

For years, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Center City had been inching toward oblivion. The families that sustained it for nearly two centuries were vanishing, until Sunday services became lonesome gatherings of fewer than 10 worshipers.

So, in 2016, leaders of the denomination’s Pennsylvania Diocese decided to close the church at 10th and Ludlow Streets, between Market and Chestnut, even though they would be leaving some longtime parishioners behind — buried beneath the floorboards.

The nine graves, some dating to the early 1800s, are still in the sanctuary, but invisible no more as part of a resurrected St. Stephen’s, retooled for a new definition of “church.”

The change agent was Bishop Daniel Gutierrez, who arrived here from the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande. “When we abandon one of these places," he said, "we abandon the possibilities of spreading what we believe in so deeply.”

More here-

https://www.philly.com/news/episcopal-diocese-pennsylvania-stephens-church-furness-burial-cloister-exposed-vaults-memorial-20190526.html

Sunday, May 26, 2019

After more than 200 years in Philly, Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania headquarters moves to Norristown

From Philadelphia-

Ever since 1784, the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has been headquartered in Philadelphia, most recently leading its 134 churches from offices adjacent to the denomination’s cathedral in University City.

This fall, however, the diocese, which represents 40,000 parishioners in the five-county Philadelphia area, will move its administrative base to the suburbs — to a Norristown church that was closed nearly four years ago.

The new headquarters will be St. John’s Episcopal Church, a Gothic-style cathedral steps away from the Montgomery County courthouse. The diocese also will set up a satellite office in Philadelphia at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, another congregation that had earlier closed its doors but is now reopened as a community resource center.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Kenyan court upholds bans on gay intimacy

From RNS-

In a case that pitted influential faith leaders against gay rights groups, Kenya’s High Court declined on Friday (May 24) to force the repeal of sections of the penal code widely seen to discriminate against homosexuals.

A ruling in favor of repeal would have been a trailblazing step for an Africa court, but the three-judge bench said there was not sufficient evidence of discrimination or denial of basic rights.

“We are not persuaded by the petitioner that the offense against them (gays and Lesbians) are overboard,” said Justice Chacha Mwita, one of the judges.

But pro-gay church leaders and activists reacted sharply to the ruling, vowing that the struggle for equality will continue.

More here-

https://religionnews.com/2019/05/24/kenyan-court-upholds-bans-on-gay-intimacy/

Citing ‘aging and diminishing’ congregation, St. Simon’s Episcopal Church to close

From New York-

The 165-year-old St. Simon’s Episcopal Church in Concord is set to close on July 7, according to the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

“The catalyst [for the church closing] is a steadily aging and diminishing congregation, which has gotten to the state where it simply isn’t sustainable anymore,” said Nicholas Richardson, director of communications for the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

“There’s always a sadness when churches close. ...The hope is any of the resources left over can be directed to other parishes on Staten Island,” he added.

The church is working with several groups that rent space in the church for meetings and other services to find new homes, he said.

The Rev. Mary Hansen, pastor of the Amazing Grace Interfaith Ministry, said her group has rented space for her interfaith services and events, such as feeding the homeless, from St. Simon’s for more than 20 years. The group is now in search of a new meeting place, she said.

More here-

https://www.silive.com/news/2019/05/saint-simons-episcopal-church-to-close.html

Friday, May 24, 2019

One million pilgrims expected at Anglican martyrs shrine

From Uganda-

With eleven days remaining to the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, the Anglican Church is prepared to receive over one million pilgrims for the 3rd June event.

The Archbishop from Kenya, Jackson Ole will lead the celebrations that are being organised by dioceses like Central Buganda, Mityana, Luweero, Mukono and West Buganda.

The venue and security coordinator Mary Nsangi Kakembo said they have prepared facilities including washrooms to cater for more than one million pilgrims.

23 Anglican Martyrs and 22 Catholic Martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Buganda King Mwanga for accepting Christian.


More here-

https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1500825/million-pilgrims-expected-anglican-martyrs-shrine

Thursday, May 23, 2019

The Impossible Future of Christians in the Middle East

From The Atlantic-

The call came in 2014, shortly after Easter. Four years earlier, Catrin Almako’s family had applied for special visas to the United States. Catrin’s husband, Evan, had cut hair for the U.S. military during the early years of its occupation of Iraq. Now a staffer from the International Organization for Migration was on the phone. “Are you ready?” he asked. The family had been assigned a departure date just a few weeks away.  

“I was so confused,” Catrin told me recently. During the years they had waited for their visas, Catrin and Evan had debated whether they actually wanted to leave Iraq. Both of them had grown up in Karamles, a small town in the historic heart of Iraqi Christianity, the Nineveh Plain. Evan owned a barbershop near a church. Catrin loved her kitchen, where she spent her days making pastries filled with nuts and dates. Their families lived there: her five siblings and aging parents, his two brothers.

More here-

'God has been calling me here:' First female, black Episcopal bishop in Colorado talks her past and the church's future

From Colorado-

For the first time in history, the Episcopal Church in Colorado will be led by an African American woman.

On Saturday, the church hosted the ordination and consecration of Kym Lucas as its 11th bishop. She is both the church's first woman bishop and first black bishop.  

Before being elected to the position last October, Lucas served as rector of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. 

9NEWS sat down with Lucas to learn more about her history with the Episcopal Church, the challenges ahead, and the congregation she now leads.

(Editor's note: Responses have been edited for context and clarity.) 

9NEWS: Where did your journey with the Episcopal Church begin?

Lucas: I am actually what they call a near-cradle Episcopalian. My godmother had me baptized in the church when I was two years old. So, I started my spiritual journey in the Episcopal church. She was a member of what our church calls the Altar Guild. That is the group that sets the table and prepares the space for worship every Sunday. I remember my early childhood, spending early Sunday mornings in church while back then the Altar Guild ladies did their work. I just got to hang out in church which was a pretty cool thing.

More here-

https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/god-has-been-calling-me-here-first-female-black-episcopal-bishop-in-colorado-talks-her-past-and-the-churchs-future/73-54229b30-b417-49e2-a790-695d4c6da4b4

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Bishop Kagunda agrees to settle 'gay clergy' dispute

From Kenya-

Anglican Church Mt Kenya West Diocese Bishop Joseph Kagunda is expected to mobilise worshipers to accept back three clerics he had attempted to suspend on allegations of engaging in homosexuality.

Bishop Kagunda has also agreed to accompany the clerics; Archdeacon John Gachau, Reverend James Maigua and Reverend Paul Warui to their newly posted parishes either in person or through parish councils.

This is according to an agreement filed at the High Court in Nyeri by a mediator, Mr Joakim Oundo, following a prolonged legal battle.

However, the two parties differed on the amount of money the church should pay the priests as facilitation fee as they re-embark on their ministerial duties.

The church proposed to offer each of the priests an equivalent of a three-month-salary, while they demanded an amount equal to three years’ pay, the agreement indicates.

More here-

So Long, Cardinal Wuerl

From First Things-

As bishop of Pittsburgh, Wuerl was years ahead of his peers in responding to what would become the sexual abuse crisis. From the moment he arrived as bishop in 1988, Wuerl was meeting personally with victims at a time when many bishops would not even consider doing so. Within a year, Wuerl had established a diocesan committee to evaluate policies for responding to abuse allegations, a committee that grew to become the current Diocesan Review Board, nearly a decade before the Dallas Charter called for every diocese to have such a body. Wuerl also imposed a personal policy of “zero-tolerance” which stands comparison to any other diocesan policy today.   

Despite the grand jury report’s frequent mentions of Wuerl, that document cannot dent the core statistic: During Wuerl’s nineteen years as bishop of Pittsburgh, nineteen new allegations were brought forward against diocesan priests, and eighteen of these priests were immediately and permanently removed from ministry. And curial officials have not forgotten the time Wuerl flew to Rome to personally resist an order to reinstate an accused cleric, a contest of wills he eventually won.

More here-

https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2019/05/so-long-cardinal-wuerl

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

In the LGBTQ community, faith brings comfort and pain. Six Pittsburghers reflect on feeling rejected for who they are.

From Pittsburgh-

While many Americans see religious communities as places of comfort and hope, many of those same communities have been openly hostile to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer [LGBTQ]* people. Not only have they labeled LGBTQ people as “sinners,” but they’ve also opposed measures like same-sex marriage.

In recent years, some of these long-standing tensions have shifted. Over the past decade, Americans with a religious affiliation have increasingly supported same-sex marriage. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, support by religious Americans for legal protections for LGBTQ people has also grown. PublicSource recently explored faith communities that have openly welcomed LGBTQ members.

Yet a large majority of LGBTQ adults viewed mainline religions as “unfriendly" toward people who are LGBTQ, according to a 2013 survey from the Pew Research Center. 

There’s more corruption in Buhari govt than Jonathan, Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s – Anglican Archbishop

From Nigeria-

The Anglican Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, has insisted that there was more corruption in Nigeria under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration than what obtained in previous governments.

Fape made this remark while condemning the Federal Government for lamenting over corrupt activities of previous administrations, instead of delivering on its electoral promises of fighting corruption to a standstill.

Speaking over the weekend at the 3rd Session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Remo (Anglican Communion) at the All Saints Anglican Church, Irolu-Remo, Ogun state, the cleric said the anti-corruption fight ought not to be selective and must be fought “holistically without any fear or favour; regardless of political affiliations of those found culpable.”

More here-

https://dailypost.ng/2019/05/20/theres-corruption-buhari-govt-jonathan-yaradua-obasanjos-anglican-archbishop/

Monday, May 20, 2019

Trouble looms in Anglican Diocese following bishopric elections

From Kenya-

Trouble is looming at the Anglican Diocese of Maseno West after a faction that was defeated in the bishopric elections accused the electoral college of irregularities.

Following yesterday’s elections that saw Rev. John Mark Haung- Godia elected to succeed the outgoing bishop Joseph Otieno Wasonga, a faction that supported Canon Fancis Omondi called on the head of the Anglican Church in Kenya, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit to nullify the elections and order for fresh polls.

Speaking on behalf of the faction today, Rev. Kenneth Wachianga said that failure to order for repeat polls may force them to go for other alternatives, among them seeking legal action or calling for a split of the diocese that covers slightly more than half of Siaya County.

“We cannot be criticizing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for presiding over flawed processes yet we as church leaders allow ourselves to be influenced to manipulate church elections” said the clergyman who spoke at St Marks Mindhine ACK church in Gem Sub County.
He said that they became alarmed when some of the electoral college members, especially from the church headquarters in Nairobi, were hijacked by one of the candidates and booked at a hotel in Kisumu, instead of a Busia hotel which had been earlier booked.

More here-

http://www.kenyanews.go.ke/trouble-looms-in-anglican-diocese-following-bishopric-elections/

Magdalene House seeks skilled volunteers

From Arkansas-

Just a few months after securing a local property for use, the Magdalene House has completed its initial inspections and found itself in need in one particular area — skilled volunteer laborers.

The Magdalene House, which started through St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, aims to provide a two-year program to help women survivors of sexual exploitation, violence and addiction. Since starting the local group last year, board members have worked to acquire a suitable property and furnishings.
In late February, the board formally approved taking ownership of a donated house in El Dorado. 

Since then, they’ve met with city inspectors and an architect to identify what needs to be done before anyone can move in. Becky Choate, board president, said the house needs a lot of work and there are plenty of projects to take on. She described the property as being an older house that has a “cottage feel,” with a screened in porch.

“It’s got a lot of personality,” Choate said.

More here-

https://www.eldoradonews.com/news/2019/may/19/magdalene-house-seeks-skilled-volunteers/

Prayer service honors flood victims, church’s history

From Johnstown-

At the beginning of a community prayer service held Sunday to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, rumbles of thunder and the sound of rain spread throughout the sanctuary of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. 

“You know, I didn’t ask God for the sound effects, but God provided them,” said the Rev. Nancy L. Threadgill, priest in charge at St. Mark’s. 

The service honored Father Alonzo Potter Diller, rector of St. Mark’s, his wife, Marion Diller and their children, all of whom perished at the church, as well as other victims of the flood. 

Behind the altar, an inscription reads, “to the glory of God and in loving memory of Alonzo Potter Diller – many waters cannot quench love.” A stained glass window at the church pays tribute to Marion Diller, displaying the date of her birth and her death. 

Threadgill said Diller was known to spend time out in his community and, about a month before he and his family were killed in the flood, he turned down an offer at a larger rectory in Pittsburgh. 

More here-

https://www.tribdem.com/news/prayer-service-honors-flood-victims-church-s-history/article_75508cf0-7ab1-11e9-b34a-cbc017c0fd3c.html

Sunday, May 19, 2019

New Anglican diocese created in New Zealand as wider Province moves towards same-sex blessings

From Christian Today-

An independent diocese has been created by orthodox Anglicans in New Zealand following moves within the wider Province to allow same-sex blessings.

The establishment of the Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa/New Zealand follows the passing of a resolution by the Synod of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia paving the way for churches in the province to bless same sex relationships.

'Motion 29' recommended no change to the Church's official definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but said that individual bishops should be able to use existing canonical provisions to hold "a non-formulary service" allowing for the blessing of same-sex relationships.

The resolution, which was passed earlier this month, also stated that the existing canon should be amended to make clear that members of the clergy will not face disciplinary action for refusing to conduct the blessings. 

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/new-anglican-diocese-created-in-new-zealand-as-wider-province-moves-towards-same-sex-blessings/132455.htm

First African-American Bishop of The Episcopal Church in Vermont elected

From Vermont-

Eighteen months after Bishop Thomas Ely announced his retirement, the Episcopal Church of Vermont has officially named his replacement.

Reverend Dr. Shannon MacVean-Brown was elected by the 45 Episcopal congregations across the state Saturday.

She was one of three women vying for the position, and is the first African-American bishop of the Episcopal Church in Vermont.

Rick Swanson, a reverend at Saint John's in the Mountains in Stowe, explained the church's decision.
"I believe that the three candidates that we had were all wonderful women and offered amazing gifts," said Swanson. "I believe that Shannon brings a host of creativity and artistry with her that will help us break boundaries."

More here-

https://www.wcax.com/content/news/First-African-American-Bishop-elected--510124251.html

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Church leaders look to improve safety as soft target attacks continue

From Arkansas-

There is a push to secure places of worship following attacks in recent months. Religious leaders everywhere are looking to protect their worshippers. 

Religious communities in Poway, California, Charleston, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and many more have been targets of hate-filled attacks. Between prayers, a search for answers carries on to stop the violence. 

“We are tolerating this not only in our houses of worship but everywhere,” said Mariann Budee, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. 

Budee says because of this string of attacks, her worshippers are asking questions she never thought she’d have to answer. 

“It’s a constant request from the congregations that I oversee that we have workshops for them or that we partner with local law enforcement to have some kind of training,” said Budee. 

Training for the unthinkable. Reverend Randy Hollerith, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral, says the groups carrying out attacks are trying to sow divisions and hatred. 

“The most important thing we have to do is stand against hate. That we cannot succumb to the sort of hatred they’re trying to produce through their violence,” said Hollerith. 

More here-

https://www.kait8.com/2019/05/17/church-leaders-look-improve-safety-soft-target-attacks-continue/

Rev. Patrick Augustine leaving La Crosse Episcopal Church after 16 years for position in Africa

From Wisconsin-

It was a magazine article that kept the Rev. Patrick Augustine awake at night, that brought tears to his eyes, that shaped the course of his life.
Augustine was serving at a parish in Virginia in 1992 when he received a copy of “Yes” magazine from the Church Missionary Society in London, a photo of Bishop of Bor Nathaniel Garang on the cover.

Inside, Garang had detailed the plight of the Sudanese, who were suffering through decades of war, genocide and religious oppression under the reign of the National Islamic Front.
The Second Sudanese Civil War had begun nine years earlier, after the First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972, and by its conclusion 2.5 million lives would be lost and 4.5 million citizens would be displaced, among them Christians refusing to accept Sharia law.
“When I read that story, it really touched my heart,” Augustine said. “I was very much disturbed by what was going on.”

More here-

https://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/rev-patrick-augustine-leaving-la-crosse-episcopal-church-after-years/article_c80d9ecb-d208-53a9-9189-129a336296fc.html

The Episcopal Church in Colorado Is Getting a New Bishop

From Colorado-

On May 18, the Reverend Kimberly (Kym) Lucas will become the first female bishop, as well as the first black bishop, in the Episcopal Church in Colorado since its establishment in 1887. While Episcopalians make up only 2 percent of the state’s religious demographics, Lucas’ election is a big deal for a denomination that proclaims progressive values—most notably, their open and affirming stance on LGBTQ people—yet is led by a standing committee (the authoritative board in the diocese) that is exclusively white. 

Lucas will be leading nearly 30,000 active members across 96 worshipping communities throughout the state. While the Episcopal Church in Colorado was unable to supply state-specific data about its demographic makeup, Pew Research Center reports that nationwide, the Episcopal community is about 90 percent white, 4 percent black, and 2 percent Latino.

More here-

https://www.5280.com/2019/05/the-episcopal-church-in-colorado-is-getting-a-new-bishop/ 

and here-

https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/4087249-new-bishop-elect-kimberly-lucas-feels-awe-amazement/

Friday, May 17, 2019

1889 Johnstown Flood commemorated Guided tours will be available at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

From Western PA-

In the aftermath of the 1889 flood and despite considerable damage to the 1874 church building and rectory, the death of its rector, and over half of its communicants, St. Mark’s congregation continued meeting in the “Ark,” a temporary small wooden structure furnished by the American Red Cross. The response to the 1889 Johnstown Flood marked the first time the Red Cross was mobilized. The head of the organization, Clara Barton, decided to build “Red Cross Hotels” to house the homeless of Johnstown and surrounding areas. 

Bishop Cortlandt Whitehead of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh gave the St. Mark’s site to the American Red Cross for use in the Johnstown recovery efforts. The first “Red Cross Hotel” was built on the St. Mark’s site. 

Later, the site of St. Mark’s was returned to the Diocese and the present day church was built and consecrated on May 31, 1891, the second anniversary of the 1889 flood. 

More here-

http://www.altoonamirror.com/life/area-life/2019/05/1889-johnstown-flood-commemorated/