Vincentian woman to be ordained priest in Anglican Church next week

From The Windward Islands-

For the FIRST time ever, a Vincentian woman will be ordained priest in the Anglican Church in the Diocese of the Windward Islands.

Alison Samuel will also be the first female to be ordained priest by the Anglican Church here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, at a ceremony which takes place on August 28 at the Church of the Ascension at Sion Hill.

“My spiritual journey began since a child. I remember my mom taking me to Sunday School the first time and I was so fascinated by the story I heard about Jesus and as time went by, she made sure we went to Sunday School and church every Sunday,” she told SEARCHLIGHT in an interview on Tuesday.

The Paul’s Avenue resident said it was during those early days that she developed a love for the Bible. She went on to join the adult choir at the St George’s Cathedral at age 11 and later served as a Sunday school teacher and then the superintendent of the Sunday School.

More here-

https://searchlight.vc/searchlight/news/2019/08/23/vincentian-woman-to-be-ordained-priest-in-anglican-church-next-week/

Bell-ringing ceremony to mark anniversary of first slaves landing in U.S.

From South Carolina-

The Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, invited all Episcopal churches to participate in what is being called a day of healing.

Each Church will ring their bells one minute for each of the four centuries that have passed since slavery began on wh
at is now American soil.

Many Episcopal churches were active in the civil rights movement, which is commemorated in a stained glass at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church on Albany Street in Brunswick. The stained glass memorializes martyrs of the movement.

St. Athanasius will hold its own bell-ringing observance.

Terry E. Brown, superintendent of Fort Monroe, stressed that Sunday’s event will be somber.

More here-

https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/bell-ringing-ceremony-to-mark-anniversary-of-first-slaves-landing/article_631d50c3-3d76-5c2d-9c07-ed259708a97d.html

Erie’s Episcopal cathedral to get new dean

From Erie-

Erie’s Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul will have a new dean in mid-October.

The Rev. Melinda Hall was named the first female and eighth dean to lead the 250-member congregation at 134 W. Seventh St. Hall, vicar of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Brookville, was elected in July by the church’s governing board and will begin her new post on Oct. 15.

“I’m honored and excited to be in ministry with the people of the cathedral,” she said in a statement. “This is a fascinating time for Erie and for the cathedral congregation. As downtown Erie redevelops, the cathedral’s more open spirituality and tradition of beautiful worship can provide opportunities for people to find a sacred space where they can connect to themselves and to God.”

Hall will succeed the Rev. John Downey, who has served the cathedral for 32 years. He will leave the position for a sabbatical on Oct. 1 and retire Dec. 31.

More here-

https://www.goerie.com/entertainmentlife/20190824/in-brief-eries-episcopal-cathedral-to-get-new-dean

There will always be an England? BBC helter-skelter cathedral report misses a crucial fact

From Get Religion-

Let me state the obvious. This is one of those stories that people would worry about if it ran at a satire-news website like The Onion or, especially, The Babylon Bee.

It would fit either place since it combines British humor, pop culture and a 12th century cathedral.

But, no, this report is from the venerable BBC. And what a wild story it is, combining outlandish visuals with a solid hard-news angle that is perfect for religion-beat coverage. The only problem is that BBC totally missed the serious-news content in this strange story. The headline states, “Norwich Cathedral: Bishop delivers sermon from helter-skelter.”

Helter skelter? No, we’re not talking about The Beatles song and there’s no link here, obviously, to the Manson Family. No, this is a story about a painfully hip bishop (#IMHO) and an oldline Protestant institution that is really, really anxious to pull a few people through its doors. Here is (hang on tight) the overture:

More here-

https://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2019/8/22/there-will-always-be-an-england-bbc-helter-skelter-cathedral-report-misses-a-crucial-fact

Priest who borrowed a book from his elderly neighbour as a child is touched to be given the title more 30 years later after her death - and finds pressed flowers he gave to her aged 18

From The Daily Mail-

A priest has told how he was given a book by the family of a late neighbour and found flowers he had given her as a teenager pressed inside. 

Reverend Daniel Brereton, from Ontario, Canada, took to Twitter to tell how he had fallen in love with 1901 novel The Making of a Marchioness after reading it at the home of his elderly neighbour Mrs Smith, whom he affectionately called 'Granny'. 

The title, which Mrs Smith forevermore called 'Danny's book', was passed down to her daughter, and later her granddaughter. 

Writing on Twitter, Reverend Brereton, now thought to be in his 40s, explained how he was touched when Mrs Smith sent him the book on her mother's death.

More here-

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7382601/Anglican-priest-receives-flowers-gave-elderly-neighbour-29-years-picked-them.html

Bishops Invite Faith Community to Toll Bells

From Afro-

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church and Bishop W. Darin Moore of the AME Zion Church are among clergy leaders across the country inviting their memebr to engage in a national action in rememberance and honor the first enslaved Africans in America. The petition is for churches to toll their bells at 3 p.m., for one minute on Sunday, Aug. 25.

As the landing point for the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies in 1619 and the site of the first emancipation policy decision during the Civil War, Fort Monroe marks both the beginning and the end of slavery in the United States.

“I’m inviting us as The Episcopal Church to join in this commemoration as part of our continued work of racial healing and reconciliation,” said Curry. “We can join together with people of other Christian faiths and people of all faiths to remember those who came as enslaved, who came to a country that one day would proclaim liberty. And so we remember them and pray for a new future for us all.”

More here-

https://www.afro.com/bishop-invites-faith-community-to-toll-bells/

 

NT Wright appointed University of Oxford senior research fellow

From Pemier-

Scholar and theologian NT Wright has been appointed as senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall at the University of Oxford.

The former Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Prof Nicholas Thomas Wright is currently Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary's College, St Andrews in Scotland.

NT Wright prepared for ordained ministry at Wycliffe Hall and is one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, and a world authority on the apostle Paul.

Wright is the author of over 80 academic and lay-level books such as Surprised by Hope, The Day The Revolution Began and Paul: A Biography (writing under the name Tom Wright for a general audience).

Wright is ordained in the Church of England and, among other roles, served as Bishop of Durham between 2003 - 2010.

More here-

 https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/NT-Wright-appointed-University-of-Oxford-senior-research-fellow

Episcopal bishop calls for bell-tolling to remember 1619 slave-trade incident

From Atlanta-

The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, based at Buckhead’s Cathedral of St. Philip, is calling on its churches and schools to toll bells on Aug. 25 in remembrance of the first enslaved African people forced to come to English North America 400 years ago this month.

That 1619 event in what was then the Colony of Virginia was recently highlighted by the New York Times Magazine in “The 1619 Project,” a package of stories about the legacy of slavery in American history.

Rev. Robert C. Wright, the bishop of the diocese, said in a press release that the bell-tolling, scheduled for 3 p.m., is intended to be part of a national commemoration involving other Christian denominations and other religions.

“At 3 p.m., we can join with people of all faiths to remember those who came enslaved, those who came to a country that one day would proclaim liberty,” Wright said in the press release.

More here-

https://www.reporternewspapers.net/2019/08/21/episcopal-bishop-calls-for-bell-tolling-to-remember-1619-slave-trade-incident/

Pittsburgh Episcopal church will host Jewish High Holiday services for synagogue targeted in 2018 mass shooting

From ENS-

The Pittsburgh synagogue that was devastated by a mass shooting last October will hold its Jewish High Holiday services this fall at an Episcopal church down the street.

The Rev. Jonathon Jensen, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church, offered his church as a worship space shortly after neo-Nazi terrorist Robert Bowers opened fire during a Sabbath service at Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation on Oct. 27, killing 11 people, according to authorities.

That day, Calvary was packed with parishioners for a fundraiser, Jensen told the Episcopal News Service. Along with a financial gift and card from Calvary parishioners, Jensen sent a letter to Tree of Life.

“Everybody says something like, ‘let us know if there’s anything we can do to help,’ and I was specific in guessing that they would need space – worship, office, meeting – and so I offered specifically. ‘We’re good at doing that. If you need any of this, it’s yours,’” Jensen said.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/08/21/pittsburgh-episcopal-church-will-host-jewish-high-holiday-services-for-synagogue-targeted-in-2018-mass-shooting/

'God is a tourist attraction' Anglican bishop says on cathedral carnival ride

From England-

A controversial amusement park ride erected in Norwich Cathedral has come down after an 11-day installation.

Rt. Revd. Johnathan Meyrick, the Anglican bishop of Lynn, delivered a sermon midway down the helter-skelter slide during the final liturgy held in the cathedral with the ride present.

“God is a tourist attraction,” Meyrick said, claiming that God would be “revelling” in the joy it brought to visitors. During the time the helter-skelter was installed, over 20,000 people came to visit the nearly thousand-year-old cathedral.

While an estimated 10,000 people rode down the 50-foot-high slide, the move drew criticism from Anglicans and Catholic alike.

More here-

https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2019/08/21/god-is-a-tourist-attraction-anglican-bishop-says-on-cathedral-carnival-ride/

David Peters, AKA ‘Hot Priest Summer’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

From Texas-

David Peters, AKA “Hot Priest Summer,” is an Episcopal priest who has gone viral on TikTok for his humorous videos about being a priest.

Peters’ fame might be new, but his efforts to spread the word about his faith are anything but. He also hosts two podcasts, has written several books, and has written for publications like The Huffington Post and The Guardian in the past. One such post for The Huffington Post was titled “Here’s Why Veterans Don’t Talk About it,” and addresses the stigma of PTSD for veterans of war.

In addition to his podcasts, TikTok celebrity status, and work as an author, Peters also founded the Episcopal Veterans Fellowship. In an article for The Guardian, he explained, “[The goal of the Fellowship is to] educate members of my denomination about moral injury in veterans and provide community for veterans inside and outside the church.”

More here-

https://heavy.com/news/2019/08/david-peters-hot-priest-summer/ 

and here-

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-7372917/Episcopal-priest-unlikely-viral-star-trendy-video-app-TikTok.html

Priest waits out injury to resume walk across country

From Colorado-

For roughly six weeks, he walked along Kansas roads as a sore on his toe worsened from a pesky blister to a painful infection. Still, the former Episcopal priest who lives in Colorado kept going.

On Aug. 10 Peter Munson, still traveling by foot, passed into Colorado and continued until he reached Colorado Springs. The 61-year-old had walked roughly 2,100 miles by then, more than half as far as he planned to go. But the pain in his toe had grown to the point that wearing a shoe felt excruciating.

Finally, he called it quits. At least for the time being.

Munson, who’s walking from South Carolina to California to raise money for charity, canceled a planned Aug. 13 appearance in Castle Rock and paused his walking mission because of the foot injury, which required that he seek medical attention.

“Saturday it was causing me to limp,” he said on Tuesday, Aug. 12, before a doctor visit in his hometown of Arvada. “Taking this week off to see if I can get well.”

The former priest began his journey on March 4 in Charleston, South Carolina. He estimated then it would take 6 million steps to reach his final destination of San Francisco. He now believes, with 1,600 miles to go, the journey will take 7.5 million steps.

More here-

https://arvadapress.com/stories/priest-waits-out-injury-to-resume-walk-across-country,285087

 

Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Sabah

 From Borneo-

Preparations are underway for the visit of the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury (2013-Present), His Grace The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Portal Welby from October 3 to 6. 

The Most Reverend Justin is the head of the established Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, representing 85 million Anglicans worldwide.

He will arrive here from Penang after attending the bi-centennial celebration of The Church of St George, Penang, the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia.

A committee has been formed to oversee the Archbishop’s itinerary in Sabah, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

The Most Reverend Justin, who also represents the Queen of England in his visits, will be accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Charles Hay.

More here-

https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/08/19/archbishop-of-canterbury-to-visit-sabah/

Anglican Church ordains new Bishop for Kigali

From Rwanda-

The newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kigali, Rev. Nathan Amooti Rusengo, has said that he will put emphasis on the use of digital platforms in evangelism as he sets sight on endearing the gospel towards the urban youth.  

Officially ordained yesterday by fellow bishops, Rusengo replaces the long-serving, Louis Muvunyi, who has been Bishop of Kigali for about nine years.

Muvunyi relinquished his position following a request from fellow bishops who requested him to pursue a PhD after which he will head a new theology school that the church plans to set up in about four years.

Rusengo has been serving as the bishop of Cyangugu Diocese. He is not new to the Kigali Diocese having served as a pastor as well as a secretary in the Diocese before he moved to Cyangugu.

More here-

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/anglican-church-ordains-new-bishop-kigali

Independent St. Stanislaus Catholic parish declines to join Episcopal Church

From St. Louis-

The independent St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish Catholic Church is no longer considering joining the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, church leaders said.

After a meeting with Episcopal Bishop Wayne Smith and lawyers, St. Stanislaus representatives declined to agree to relinquish church property to the Episcopal Church in any future dissolution of their relationship.

The Carr Square neighborhood church has been independent since its split from the Roman Catholic Church in 2005.

More here-

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/independent-st-stanislaus-catholic-parish-declines-to-join-episcopal-church/article_daeb5fed-831b-5217-8e96-966c55bf9a3b.html

Anglicans could receive Roman Catholic communion, Archbishop suggests

From The Telegraph-

The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev Bernard Longley, signalled that restrictions, which can be traced back to the Reformation, might be “reconsidered” as a result of “deeper sharing” between the two churches. 

Although he insisted that he was expressing a “personal view”, the Archbishop’s comments will be closely watched as he is the senior Catholic cleric responsible for dialogue with the Anglican churches. 

His remarks were warmly welcomed by leading figures in the Church of England who said it was time for closer ties. 

For centuries, the issue of communion was a source of some of the deepest and most bitter division between protestants and Catholics. 

In the 16th and 17th centuries Christians from both traditions were put to death because of disagreements over their beliefs on transubstantiation – whether the bread and wine in Communion are the real body and blood of Christ or a symbol. 

More here-

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10373268/Anglicans-could-receive-Roman-Catholic-communion-Archbishop-suggests.html?fbclid=IwAR2zl_RQFZIkIYKdX3gHEQfdr6gIIqE7XLTwa-7GGOU9s_gfAXelsJmvyv4

Tree of Life to hold High Holiday services at Calvary Episcopal

From Pittsburgh-

The Calvary Episcopal Church, a paragon of good neighborliness, will serve as host to Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation for all of its 5780 High Holiday services. 

Calvary is located on Shady Avenue, less than a mile from the Tree of Life synagogue building, in the heart of Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood. On Saturday, Oct. 27, the church happened to be filled with parishioners attending its annual fundraiser to help the underserved. The news of the mass shooting targeting people down the street hit them hard, said the Rev. Jonathon Jensen, rector.  

“So, right afterward, the next day, I preached about the shooting and what that might mean, short-term and long-term, and how does a person of faith respond,” Jensen said. 

“In my experience, I have found that often what happens is people will say, ‘Is there anything we can do to help you?’ and it puts the burden on the person who’s hurt,” he said. “I’ve found it is much more helpful to make specific offers of things people might actually need, so the burden is on you to do it rather than the person who is hurting to think of something for you to do.”

More here-

https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/tree-of-life-to-hold-high-holiday-services-at-calvary-episcopal/?fbclid=IwAR2Y8-6Yfze55CC6NFs9ac-rOPLdtWicX1jj5HMV5ICkK9s--Lq1I_17lSA

Anglican Church to review governance structure after same-sex marriage change fails

From Toronto-

One of Canada’s largest Christian denominations will spend the next three years considering whether to change its governance structure amid outrage that just two bishops’ votes stood in the way of having same-sex marriage recognized by the Church’s laws.

Some in the Anglican Church of Canada say the current system to alter doctrine and policy — which requires a two-thirds majority from three groups of delegates — unfairly gives the most voting power to a small group of bishops.

The denomination’s outgoing senior officers in charge of its tri-annual policy meeting said Tuesday that the Church will look at ways it can change its governance structure between now and the next General Synod in 2022.

More here-

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/07/16/anglican-church-to-review-governance-structure-after-same-sex-marriage-change-fails.html

This Historic English Cathedral Just Installed a Slide in the Middle of the Church

From The U.K.-

A 900-year-old cathedral in England has installed a 50-foot fun slide in its nave, causing considerable controversy.

Norwich Cathedral dates back to 1145 and is one of the largest cathedrals in the UK. It's known for its impressive stained glass work and “medieval roof bosses,” believed to be the largest display in the world. But there’s just one problem when visiting: You can’t get close enough to tell how fantastic it is.

For 10 days, a 55-foot slide, which is called a “Helter Skelter” in the U.K., will allow visitors to see the crowning features of the cathedral from a different viewpoint. The slide has a viewing platform about 40 feet off the ground so visitors can get closer to the 69-foot ceiling before sliding down.

More here-

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/historic-english-cathedral-just-installed-154809082.html

Milwaukee bishop announces plans to retire in 2020

From ENS-

Milwaukee Bishop Steven Andrew Miller announced his plans to retire in November 2020 in an Aug. 14 letter to the diocese. 

---

Dear Friends in Christ,
Some years ago when Cindy and I were replacing the roof on our home in Racine, one of our neighbors came by and asked if there was a problem with the roof or was it “just time.” We responded it was “just time.” This phrase has now become part of our family vocabulary. That conversation came to me as I prepared to write this letter to you.

After over thirty-five years of ordained ministry and almost sixteen years as your bishop, it has become clear to me that it is time for me to retire and pass the crozier on to the 12^th bishop of Milwaukee. Last night, the Standing Committee, Chancellor and I met with the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley of the Office of Pastoral Development to inform them of my intention to retire in November of 2020 and to begin the process of electing the next bishop of this Diocese.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/08/14/milwaukee-bishop-announces-plans-to-retire-in-2020/

Ex-ACK cleric Kipsang Muge to be feted in Eldoret

From Kenya-

Former Eldoret Diocese Anglican Church Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge will be feted today, marking 29 years after his death.

The fiery cleric, who was known for his egalitarian values, was killed in a road accident on August 14, 1990.

Family members and clerics who spoke yesterday said it was time the findings of a commission of inquiry into his death were made public. Esther Jebet Muge, Bishop Muge’s firstborn daughter, said the family was yet to know what actually transpired on that fateful day. “As a family, we are still in the dark over what actually led to the death of our father. It may take years but one day God will reveal it to us,” said Ms Jebet.

More here-

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001338079/ex-ack-cleric-to-be-feted-in-eldoret

St. Thomas Church to host Pilgrimage for Racial Justice on Saturday

From Virginia-

The Virginia Theological Seminary will partner with the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia to bring a service of “lament, reconciliation and commitment” in remembrance of African Americans who suffered under slavery in Virginia.

The event, called the Pilgrimage for Racial Justice, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, at St. Thomas Church in Abingdon, Virginia, with refreshments served at 5:30 p.m. and a service beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature remarks by Ron Carson, founder of the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap and a member of the federal commission coordinating 400th anniversary events to remember the arrival of African slaves in America. Joseph Green Jr., also on the federal commission and a pastor, will present a homily, and the Eucharist will be celebrated by the Right Rev. Mark Bourlakas, bishop of the southwestern Virginia diocese.

More here-

https://www.swvatoday.com/news/article_1ed1e0a1-ae95-5c7a-bca5-09b925813c24.html

Paula White: Right Church, Wrong Debate – the Nation’s Cathedral is Out of Line

From Florida-

The clergy of Washington National Cathedral sounds like they’re auditioning to host a show on CNN, having forfeited their moral authority by egregiously politicizing it.

In an apparent ploy to snag some attention from President Trump’s recent tweets calling out the deplorable conditions in parts of Baltimore, the leaders of that iconic religious institution issued a statement that amounted to a verbose scolding of every Trump supporter in the country.

The letter signed by Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Randolph Hollerith, Dean of Washington National Cathedral; and Kelly Douglas, the cathedral’s Canon Theologian is functionally indistinguishable from the rantings we’ve been hearing Democratic officials and cable news pundits all week.

More here-

https://www.floridadaily.com/paula-white-right-church-wrong-debate-the-nations-cathedral-is-out-of-line/

Mississippians March Against Immigration Raids

From Mississippi-

Some churches are going beyond comfort and material aid, with their response flaring into political opposition. The state’s Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist and Evangelical Lutheran bishops denounced the raids in a joint statement Friday.

The bishops said they would help the immigrant families, saying there is “an urgent and critical need at this time to avoid a worsening crisis.”

“We are called … to speak the truth. And the truth is, this is not right,” said Bishop Brian Seage of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, at a news conference one day after the raids.

On Sunday, Trump administration officials defended their actions, despite emotional pleas from children to let their parents go. Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan acknowledged that one video of an 11-year-old sobbing was “emotional” but said the girl was reunited with her mother.

More here-

https://www.courthousenews.com/mississippians-march-against-immigration-raids/

Park City Episcopal church parishioners targeted by scammers four times in the last year

From Utah-

A Summit County Episcopal church wants community members to think twice if they receive a message asking for money after its parishioners became targets of a scam for the fourth time in the last year.

Rev. Charles Robinson said scammers used e-mail to impersonate him and ask parishioners for money the first three times. He said each time, the scam became more creative and sophisticated.

“What was really scary was the third time, the scammer had software that masked my exact e-mail address, even though it wasn’t being sent from me,” he said.

He said he became aware of the fourth and most recent incident last weekend after three parishioners alerted him about it. This time, the scammers masked his phone number and contacted them via text message.

More here-

https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/park-city-episcopal-church-parishioners-targeted-by-scammers-four-times-in-the-last-year/

'Let our voices be heard': March against immigration raids

From Mississippi-

The bishops said they would aid the immigrant families, saying there is "an urgent and critical need at this time to avoid a worsening crisis."

"We are called ... to speak the truth. And the truth is, this is not right," said Bishop Brian Seage of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, speaking at a news conference one day after the raids.

On Sunday, Trump administration officials defended their actions, amid emotional pleas from children to let their parents go.

Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan acknowledged that one video of an 11-year-old sobbing was "emotional" but said the girl was quickly reunited with her mother.
"I understand that the girl is upset. And I get that," Morgan said on CNN. "But her father committed a crime."

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan acknowledged that the timing of the raids was "unfortunate," coming hours before Trump visited El Paso, Texas, where a man who told authorities he was targeting Mexicans killed 22 people on Aug. 3. But McAleenan told NBC the operation had been planned for more than a year.

More here-

http://newjersey.news12.com/story/40903057/let-our-voices-be-heard-march-against-immigration-raids

Pastor out at famed Riverside Church after sex toy shopping spree

From New York (and the, "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department)-

The reason for her ouster is far more stimulating than any sermon this pastor could have delivered.

The Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, the first woman to lead Manhattan’s famed Riverside Church, lost her lofty post amid complaints that she brought ministers and a congregant on a sex toy shopping spree and then gave one of them an unwanted vibrator as a birthday gift, The Post has learned.

On May 15, Butler allegedly took two Riverside assistant ministers and a female congregant to a sex shop in Minneapolis called the Smitten Kitten, during a religious conference, according to sources familiar with the out-of-town shopping excursion.

At the store, the pastor bought a $200 bunny-shaped blue vibrator called a Beaded Rabbit for one minister — a single mom of two who was celebrating her 40th birthday — as well as more pleasure gadgets for the congregant and herself, sources said.

More here-

https://nypost.com/2019/07/11/pastor-out-at-famed-riverside-church-after-sex-toy-harassment-accusations/?fbclid=IwAR1JLrZjhoz_mtj1mzHNoNFDPWgE_YwW2Mf9gSlpPd8e841ANt3nCY8HReU

Story of the Wesley brothers illustrates faith, humanity

From South Carolina-

The man was a giant, standing 20 feet tall. Glazed in gold, he clutched a Bible in his right hand and extended his left, open palmed, an invitation to come closer.

This is the image of the Rev. John Wesley that greets those who enter the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum and Library at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. The founder of Methodism looms large on the very ground that he walked upon more than 280 years ago.

While the depiction is an impressive one, it’s not a true representation of the man. In actuality, Wesley was small framed, 5 foot, 3 inches tall, weighing in at 122 pounds. Like the statue compared to the reality of his stature, Wesley’s real life seems to oppose his untarnished legacy. In reality, Wesley was filled with a contradictions and shortcomings that plagued the pious yet all too human man.

More here-

https://thebrunswicknews.com/life/story-of-the-wesley-brothers-illustrates-faith-humanity/article_25b26437-51fc-52b1-ad12-b10ffdfa81f6.html

Marriage registry changes could lead to £1000 fines, says Church

From Premier (England)-

A new system for registering marriages could lead to criminal offences and £1,000 fines, the Archbishop of Canterbury's marriage licensing office fears.

Under changes which may be law before 2020, couples will no longer be given a marriage certificate at the end of a church wedding.

Instead of being asked to sign a register and certificate, they will instead sign a "marriage schedule", the Faculty Office said.

The couple then have to take this document to their local register office to record their marriage into a database and only then will they get a certificate, it added.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Marriage-registry-changes-could-lead-to-1000-fines-says-Church

Bishop of St Albans: My role is to speak up for other faiths as well as Christianity

From England-

I am sometimes asked why I use my role in the House of Lords to speak up for other faiths as well as Christianity.

In response, I usually describe the nature of the Established Church and explain that bishops are not just concerned with the interests of Anglicans, but seek to serve and care for all people and especially those whose voices are suppressed or marginalised, whether in England or elsewhere.

The Bench of Bishops in the House of Lords is the only group which can claim something akin to a ‘constituency’. Each one of us serves in a diocese and as such we are out and about on a daily basis. We have a presence on the ground in virtually every community; many of our churches run food banks, lunch clubs, toddler groups, have bereavement visitors and even debt advice centres.

More here-

https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/opinion/house-lords/105819/bishop-st-albans-my-role-speak-other-faiths-well