Deacon Terry Star, Executive Council member, found dead at seminary

From ENS- (Terry was a friend and we served together on Executive Council)

The Rev. Terry Star, a 40 year-old deacon in the Diocese of North Dakota and a member of the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council, has died suddenly at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin, where he was studying for ordination to the priesthood.

After Star did not attend chapel the morning of March 4 and failed to show up for classes or meals a member of the Nashotah House community went to check on him and found he had died, according to the Rev. Canon John Floberg, a fellow member of the Diocese of North Dakota and also an Executive Council member, and the Rev. Phillip Cunningham, Nashotah House associate dean of administration.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/05/deacon-terry-star-executive-council-member-found-dead-at-seminary/

Anglicans left out of cathedral briefing

From New Zealand-

The Anglican church says a British multimillionaire's suggestion that it hand over Christ Church Cathedral for restoration is "completely bizarre".

UK businessman Hamish Ogston yesterday announced he would fund an independent survey to find out what residents wanted to see happen to the ill-fated Cathedral Square centrepiece. Shortly after the February 2011 earthquake Ogston pledged $4 million to kickstart the restoration of the building and said he wanted to reiterate his pledge.

"There should be a foundation set up which will take over the reconstruction of the cathedral, independent of the Anglican church, but with their co-operation," he said.

The media announcement took place at the Christchurch City Council building alongside former MPs and co-chairmen of the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust (GCBT), Jim Anderton and Philip Burdon, and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

More here-

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/9790491/Anglicans-left-out-of-cathedral-briefing

Clergy to take Ash Wednesday to the streets today in Concord

From New Hampshire-

Episcopal clergy plan to hit the street in Concord to offer ashes to pedestrians today, which is Ash Wednesday, the start of the 40-day season of Lent.

The Episcopal bishop, the Right Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, and three other Episcopal ministers will take part of Ashes to Go, a nationwide program designed to mark the foreheads of Christians who don’t have the time or forgot to attend a service, according to the website ashestogo.org.
They will be at the State House Plaza from noon to 2 p.m.“It has been a long and grueling winter. The ashes on Ash Wednesday could be seen as the hope for Mud Season,” Hirschfeld said in a statement. Last year, more than 70 Episcopal parishes in 18 states took part in Ashes to Go.

Catholics and Christians of Western churches begin Lent today. They are urged to abstain from certain foods, give more to charity and pray.

“Take up the exercise of prayer again. Get up! Get to Mass! And don’t just let it happen — pray your brains out,” Catholic Bishop Peter A. Libasci said in prepared remarks.

More here-

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140305/NEWS08/140309628

and New Jersey-

http://planetprinceton.com/2014/03/04/episcopal-diocese-new-jersey-observe-ash-wednesday-ashes-go/ 

and Arizona-

http://www.kpho.com/story/24890097/az-episcopal-churches-offer-ashes-to-go

Of gimmicks and Gospel

From Seven Whole Days-

Now, this time of year, I’m likely to be accused of sowing confusion on this topic, because I’m a proponent of Ashes to Go. How can this be? Isn’t it a gimmick? Depends on your perspective, I suppose. The chief complaint about Ashes to Go is that it is cheap, since you don’t have to go to an entire liturgy; one merely receives ashes in a public place. My sense is that in our culture, wearing ashes is costly. This is why Christians love to rationalize wiping them off pronto. Indeed, the Gospel for the day exhorts us to, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.”

If wearing ashes on your forehead were viewed as cool (and you’d know this because celebrities and powerful people would wear their ashes on the teevees), then we would want to remove them pronto. But I suspect a smudge on one’s forehead is actually a bit embarrassing to most people. It invites questions, “What is that, and why is it there?” In other words, there is a cost to that ashen cross. So when someone in a train station receives this reminder of their mortality, they are doing it at some cost — as opposed to the socially acceptable way of getting into a station wagon and driving to church where the ashes are quickly removed in the narthex after mass, which is, from the perspective of culture, cheap and easy. My point is that what is in our hearts matters more than some other measure. Like a good GenXer, I view this through the lens of authenticity. I like Ashes to Go, because I think it can carry deep authenticity matching what happens in church.

More here-

http://www.sevenwholedays.org/2014/03/03/of-gimmicks-and-gospel/

Bishopthorpe Palace helps to showcase church careers

From England-

BISHOPTHORPE Palace, near York, staged one of the largest events for young people aged between 18 and 30 who may feel the Church of England is their vocation.

The delegates – who were all considering working for the church – attended the Step Forward Conference on Saturday.

David Goodhew, director of ministerial practice at Cranmer Hall, Durham, and one of the Step Forward event organisers, said: “Some of these young people up until this weekend have never told a soul that they think this might be their vocation, fearing friends or family would think them bonkers for doing so.

More here-

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11050808.Bishopthorpe_Palace_helps_to_showcase_church_careers/

Trinity Church moves on in debate on condo

From Boston-

Leaders of Trinity Church pledged on Sunday to reexamine the church’s decision-making procedures and renew its commitment to social justice following criticism over its purchase of a $3.6 million Beacon Hill condominium to house the rector and his family.

The real estate investment, recently outlined in the Globe, surprised many in this historic Episcopal church in Copley Square, which is known for its charitable giving. Church leaders have defended the purchase as a sound investment, but others called it an extravagance at a time when other parishes are struggling financially and renewing their focus on the poor.

More here-

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/03/03/historic-church-refocuses-efforts-after-condo-brouhaha/1ol9WJhqo5nkRdTQkoNHaJ/story.html

Sikhs, Muslims, Christians meet at Franklin mosque to educate, understand

From Tenessee-

Three groups of three Sikhs, three Muslims and three Christians met Sunday to share their faith and then, like any good gathering, share a meal.

The session was the final in a series of interfaith scripture dialogue circles — a structured time to share scriptures from each tradition.

“This was very powerful,” said Harjeev Lahil, a Sikh from Brentwood. “All three meetings were all about God and being closer to him.”

Members of the Islamic Center of Williamson County on Carothers Parkway, as host for Sunday’s session, chose the final topic: forgiveness.

More here-

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20140304/WILLIAMSON01/303040039

Princess Basma meets bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States

From Jordan-

Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal met on Tuesday with the Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States, Katharine Jefferts Schori, who is currently visiting the Kingdom.

The two sides discussed the current situation in the Middle East and voiced hope that peace and stability will prevail in the region.

Princess Basma welcomed the visit, which coincides with the International Women's Day, as Bishop Katherine is the first woman to hold this religious position, a fact that represents a distinguished accomplishment for women at the international level.

Her Highness praised the services provided by the Jerusalem Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children to the followers of the three monotheistic religions.

The Executive Director of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, Farah Daghistani, who attended the meeting, reviewed the programs of the fund that aim to achieve sustainable development of local communities.

More here-

http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=142359&Type=P

Anglican Church in Nigeria subjects members to oath denouncing homosexuality

From Nigeria-

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has introduced a clause in its constitution subjecting members, who intend to hold positions in church, to take an oath of allegiance to God denouncing homosexuality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public denunciation took place in Abuja on Sunday at St. Matthews, Maitama, during the swearing-in of new members of the Parish Church Council (PCC).

The Vicar of the church, Ven. Ben Idume, who administered the oath to members of the PCC, said the church recognised that those with such sexual orientation needed help and counselling.

“But they would not be allowed to hold any position in church,’’ he said.

The legislation is significant because it applies to members of the laity, clergy and house of bishops of the church.

More here-

http://dailypost.com.ng/2014/03/02/anglican-church-nigeria-subjects-members-oath-denouncing-homosexuality/

Churches paying price on same-sex marriage

From The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-

When Massachusetts' top court legalized same-sex marriage a decade ago, opponents correctly argued that the justices were getting ahead of the people, as most Americans opposed the practice at the time.

A decade later, judges and lawmakers who are striking legal barriers to same-sex marriage are barely keeping up. Most Americans -- including Pennsylvanians -- now favor the practice.

And amid that revolutionary shift, religious groups that have been most vocal in opposing homosexuality have suffered brand damage, according to a new poll by the Public Religion Research Institute. Most people think that Catholic, evangelical Protestant and Mormon churches are unfriendly to gays, the survey said, and believe such groups are alienating young people -- an opinion especially strong among young adults themselves, nearly one-third of whom claim no religious affiliation.

And among people who grew up religious and now claim no affiliation, one-quarter of them cited negative teachings or treatment involving gays and lesbians -- hardly a majority, but still significant in the growing secular segment of the adult population.

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2014/03/03/Churches-paying-price-on-same-sex-marriage/stories/201403030091#ixzz2uu0rvgDn

Local Episcopalians elevate new mission groups, hear from Bishop vonRosenberg

From South Carolina-

About 400 Episcopalians gathered last week for their annual convention of congregations across eastern South Carolina, an opportunity to recognize new worship communities and to elevate five to full mission status within the church.

About 400 delegates, clergy and visitors from 30 Episcopal congregations gathered to conduct official business and to hear from the Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg, bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

Delegates approved promoting five worship communities to mission status: St. Francis in Charleston, Good Shepherd in Summerville, The Episcopal Church on Edisto, St. Anne's in Conway and St. Catherine's in Florence. They join 22 other parishes and missions in the diocese along with new worshiping communities in East Cooper, Okatie and Myrtle Beach.

A mission is a worshiping community that has been formally organized for at least one year, elected officers and meets various canonical requirements. They can elect delegates to the convention while worshiping communities cannot.

More here-

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140301/PC1204/140309966/1002/local-episcopalians-elevate-worship-groups

New bishop to head Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem

From Bethlehem (PA)-

A special convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem elected the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as the provisional bishop of Bethlehem, according to a diocese news release.

Rowe, 39, has been bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania for seven years and will continue in that role. His position in the Bethlehem diocese will be for three years.
"It's a great day in the kingdom," said Rowe, in the release. "I am humbled and count it a privilege to stand before you today as your bishop. I am excited about this opportunity to serve you."

All 64 of the clergy present and 99 of the 100 laypeople voted in favor of Rowe's election, which required a two-thirds vote. The diocese comprises 14 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and includes the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Hazleton, Reading, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
More here-

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-bethlehem-provisional-episcopal-bishop-20140301,0,7725190.story

First priest to defy Church ban on gay marriage for clergy

From The Telegraph-

The Church of England is facing a rebellion within its own ranks over same-sex marriage after a vicar became the first priest to publicly defy its ban on gay clergy marrying.

Father Andrew Cain, vicar of two large parishes in north-west London, said he would not be “frightened” into cancelling his wedding to his long-term partner, Stephen Foreshew, by the prohibition.

An acrimonious row broke out within the Church of England two weeks ago after the House of Bishops decided, during a meeting behind closed doors, to ban gay clergy from marrying when same-sex marriage becomes legal later this month.

The decision was applauded by traditionalists and several primates overseas but infuriated liberals in the Church.

Although the Church of England officially objected to the legalisation of gay marriage and has opted out of performing the weddings, there have been growing signs of a more relaxed stance on homosexuality.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10668411/First-priest-to-defy-Church-ban-on-gay-marriage-for-clergy.html

Rev Sarah prepared to step into history

From Australia-

A THUNDERSTORM was crashing and flashing around Rev Dr Sarah Macneil the day she took the phone call that left her thunderstruck.

It was a phone call that was to move her life in an unexpected direction and create a breakthrough for the Anglican Church in Australia.

The 59-year-old had been among three people interviewed to become the new Bishop of Grafton, but was left stunned when the caller invited her to take up the position and become the church's first female bishop to take charge of a diocese.

"I thought they were ringing to invite me to come back for another interview, so I was standing there going oh...oh....OH, REALLY!" Dr Macneil said.

"It was the middle of an electrical storm, I couldn't hear properly. I was out in an open plaza thinking I'm about to be zapped by lightning. It was very Shakespearean."

Today one of the last stained-glass ceilings will be broken when Dr Macneil is consecrated at Grafton's Christ Church Cathedral and becomes Bishop Sarah, the 11th bishop of the diocese.

More here-

http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/rev-sarah-prepared-to-step-into-history/2184720/

A church divided: Methodists in crisis over gay marriage, church law

From the AP-


The dispute among United Methodists over recognition of same-sex couples has lapsed into a doctrinal donnybrook, pitting clergy who are presiding at gay weddings in defiance of church law against proponents of traditional marriage who are trying to stop them.

Since 2011, Methodist advocates for gay marriage have been recruiting clergy to openly officiate at same-sex ceremonies in protest of church policy. In response, theological conservatives have sought formal complaints against the defiant clergy, which could lead to church trials. One scholar has warned that Methodists are “retreating into our various camps” instead of seeking a resolution over an issue the church has formally debated since the 1970s.

“At this point, we have kind of come to the place where we know what the brute facts are,” said Matt Berryman, executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, which advocates for gay and lesbian Methodists. “Most folks, after 40 years of trying legislative solutions, realize they won’t work. The way forward is to claim what we know to be true. And we’re going to continue doing it in an aggressive way.”

More here-

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/viewart/20140301/LIFESTYLE/303010005/A-church-divided-Methodists-crisis-over-gay-marriage-church-law

C.S. Lewis lecture focuses on connectivity as common theme between religion, science

From Missouri-

According to Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, science and religion have more in common than most people would think.

In her 2014 C.S. Lewis Lecture at Westminster College Thursday morning, Jefferts Schori told those gathered in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury that the "Great 'Why' questions" often posited by Lewis are also often a focus in both religious and scientific circles.

"We will focus on scientific and religious frameworks of meaning-making, and I will tell you as we begin that I don't see them as mutually exclusive," Jefferts Schori said. "I see the scientific and religious stories as parallel systems of meaning that are overlapping in their method, but not in the questions they ask or the outcome they seek."

The first female presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, Jefferts Schori also holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Stanford Univeristy and master's and doctorate degrees in oceanography from Oregon State University.

More here-

http://www.fultonsun.com/news/2014/feb/28/cs-lewis-lecutre-focuses-connectivity-common-theme/

Fire damages parish hall at downtown Springfield church

From Missouri-

What authorities believe started as a fire in a nearby dumpster damaged an addition to one of downtown Springfield’s longest-standing landmarks Friday.

The parish hall at Christ Episcopal Church at Walnut and Kimbrough sustained some damage to its exterior walls.

The parish hall is the addition, built in 2007, and not part of the historic structure.

“Fire started in the dumpster and it spread to a storage shed and that storage shed was destroyed. Then it also destroyed some of our privacy fencing at the rear of the church,” said Pastor Ken Chumbley.

More here-

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140301/NEWS01/303010014/downtown-Springfield-fire-damages-parish-hall-Christ-Episcopal?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

Churches find creative ways to observe Ash Wednesday, Lenten season

From Oklahoma-

Not daunted by the chilly temperatures that occurred on Ash Wednesday 2013, a local Episcopal rector and deacon stood in the parking lot at their church to offer the congregation an opportunity to participate in the observance in an unusual way.

The Rev. Joseph Alsay, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, said he will once again offer “Ash and Dash” on Wednesday at 14700 N May.

The Ash Wednesday initiative is a new approach to a centuries-old Christian ritual and one of the more creative ways that some area churches are observing the Lenten season.

More here-

http://newsok.com/churches-find-creative-ways-to-observe-ash-wednesday-lenten-season/article/3938508

St. Catherine’s in Florence officially becomes a mission church

From South Carolina-

The members of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Florence were recognized last week as an official mission church at the annual convention for The Episcopal Church in South Carolina after nearly a year of working to create a church out of thin air.

During a ceremony held at All Saints Episcopal Church on Hilton Head Island, St. Catherine’s, along with four other worshipping communities, were promoted and accepted into the fold, joining 22 other parishes and missions already in union with the convention.

“St. Catherine's had a great day and we are so lucky to have them in our diocese,” Holly Behre, director of communications for TECinSC, said.

The congregation had to go through a very formal application process and adhere to strict guidelines in order to be accepted as a mission church.

However, for a group that started as a small band of displaced worshippers hoping to stay affiliated with the national Episcopal Church after a tense break with the Diocese of South Carolina, the members of St. Catherine’s are well-versed in what it takes to be on mission.

More here-

http://www.scnow.com/living/article_40a5710e-a0d3-11e3-b7d8-0017a43b2370.html

Anglican Church appoints first female bishop to lead an Australian diocese

From Australia-

There will be some notable absentees when history is made in Grafton tomorrow.

The Right Reverend Sarah Macneil will attend a ceremony in the Grafton Cathedral to be consecrated as Australia's first female leader of an Anglican diocese.

But she says some senior figures in the church will not be attending

"At one level yes, it does disappoint me that we're not able to all be together on this occasion," Dr Macneil said.

"But I've spoken with a number of the people who feel like this.

"They have been very gracious in their support for me, and very clear that this is just a reflection of the two realities of our church at the moment.

"The two integrities I think is how the Archbishop of Sydney has put it for instance.

More here-

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-28/female-bishop/5289934?&section=news

Stained glass ceiling: Women in ministry

From North Carolina-

As women fight to break the glass ceiling in their secular professions, female clergy say some women are coming up against the stained-glass ceiling as they answer the calling to do what they believe is God’s will.

Some women ministers say while many religions have been ordaining women since the 1960s, many parishioners prefer a man as their spiritual leader.

Mary Jo Atkinson is a pastor in the Free Will Baptist Church organization and pastors two churches: Living Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson and New Bethel Free Will Baptist in Rocky Mount. Marty Stebbins is head pastor of St. Timothy Episcopal Church, and Tuck Taylor heads Black Creek United Methodist Church.

"It is easier to become an Episcopal bishop as a woman than it is to become a rector of a very large church; it is what we call the stained glass ceiling,” Stebbins said in her pastor’s office. "Many times a congregation will have a certain image of what their rector will be, and wearing skirts and having tresses is not part of that picture.”

She said very slowly things are changing. 

More here-

http://www.wilsontimes.com/News/Feature/Story/29839552---The-stained-glass-ceiling

Sexuality ‘fudge’ sticks in critics’ throats

From The Church Times-

THE Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, has described the House of Bishops' pastoral statement on same-sex marriage, which he signed a fortnight ago, as "Anglican fudge".

The Bishops have also been challenged over the accuracy of their guidance, issued on 15 February. In it, they reiterated the ban on same-sex marriages in church, and stated that clergy may not enter into gay marriages ( News, 21 February). Several priests have publicly declared their intention to defy the Bishops.

Dr Sentamu, speaking at a meeting of Jewish and Christian students in Durham in the middle of last week, said that the Church of England's position was that "a clergy person has a right, an expectation, to live within the teaching of the Church, but for lay people and others they should be welcomed into the Church.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/28-february/news/uk/sexuality-‘fudge’-sticks-in-critics’-throats

Protests and plaudits as anti-gay law is passed in Uganda

From The Church Times-

THE President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, signed the country's Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law on Monday, despite opposition from international governments, human-rights groups, and church leaders overseas.

President Museveni had previously indicated that he would not sign the Bill, saying that it was "wrong to punish somebody on account of being born abnormal".

But he says that he changed his mind after receiving the "unanimous conclusion" of the country's Department of Genetics, the School of Medicine, and the Ministry of Health that "homosexuality, contrary to my earlier thinking, was behavioural and not genetic. Itwas learnt and could be unlearnt."

Last week, the Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, advised the President against signing. He "simply couldn't understand", he said, why a new law was needed. The existing law, imposed during British rule, had never been repealed.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/28-february/news/world/protests-and-plaudits-as-anti-gay-law-is-passed-in-uganda

also here-

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/news/world/Uganda-slapped-with-aid-cuts-over-anti-gay-law/articleshow/31130010.cms

Homeless Jesus sculpture causes controversy in North Carolina

From North Carolina-

Not everyone is happy about a sculpture depicting Jesus as a homeless man that has been installed outside St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson, N.C.

The piece shows Jesus sleeping on a bench in front of the church -- an image that is apparently too life-like for some.

"I was concerned for the safety of the neighborhood," said Cindy Castano Swannack after calling the police about the sculpture.

"Jesus is not a vagrant, Jesus is not a helpless person who needs our help. We need someone who is capable of meeting our needs, not someone who is also needy,” she said.

Read more:

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2014/02/27/Homeless-Jesus-sculpture-causes-controversy-in-North-Carolina/7591393511086/#ixzz2ucd0r3qx

also here-

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/27/homeless-jesus-sculpture-sparks-ire-son-god-not-va/

Episcopal Church of Cuba adopts three-year strategic plan

From ENS--

The Episcopal Church of Cuba has a clear vision moving into its next triennium: to be a church united in diversity, celebration, evangelism, teaching, serving and sharing the love of God.

Arriving at that vision has been “a very rich experience,” yet at times “somewhat difficult,” said Bishop Griselda Delgado de Carpio, during a post-General Synod interview with Episcopal News Service on Feb. 23.

For its 2014-16 strategic plan, the church finds inspiration from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, specifically Chapter 4, Verses 15-16: “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”

At the close of the last three years, Delgado’s first full triennium serving as bishop, a clearer vision for the church began to develop, with evangelism taking center stage in the church’s mission, she said.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/02/28/episcopal-church-of-cuba-adopts-three-year-strategic-plan/

Wis. Seminary Draws Ire for Inviting Episcopal Presiding Bishop to Preach

From Christian Post-

An Anglican (sic) seminary's invitation to Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who has been accused of making statements outside of the church's traditional understanding of Christ, has drawn ire and led to at least one resignation.

Dean Edward L. Salmon, Jr., of the Nashotah House's historic seminary chapel in Nashotah, Wis., invited Schori for the first time to preach on May 1. And what followed was uproar.

Bishop Jack Iker of the Diocese of Ft. Worth resigned as a trustee from the Nashotah House Board after 21 years of service, according to Virtue Online, which features the latest events inside the U.S. Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion.

Iker referred to lawsuits initiated by Schori against the diocese, and notified the board that he "could not be associated with an institution that honors her."

More here-

http://www.christianpost.com/news/wis-seminary-draws-ire-for-inviting-episcopal-presiding-bishop-to-preach-115050/

Ordination as priest for Iowa diocese brings man's vocation full circle (Former Episcoapl priest ordaind by Rome)

From Iowa-


Chris Young will become a pioneer in the Diocese of Davenport this summer when he is ordained to the Catholic priesthood by Bishop Martin J. Amos.

Young, 53, is a married, former Episcopal priest, and Pope Francis has given Bishop Amos permission to ordain for the diocese him under a 1980 pastoral provision admitting former Episcopal priests who have become Catholic into the Catholic priesthood.

Under the provision, more than 100 men have been ordained to the Catholic priesthood in U.S. dioceses since 1983.

For Young, it's been a long, arduous process prolonged by the historic resignation of one pope and election of another.

On Feb. 3, while teaching his fifth-period religious class at Assumption High School in Davenport, he took a phone call from Father Thom Hennen, diocesan vocations director, with the good news about ordination.

Bishop Amos anticipates ordaining Young as transitional deacon before Easter and as a Catholic priest June 7, along with two other men studying to be priests for Davenport.

More here-

http://stlouisreview.com/article/2014-02-26/ordination-priest

2 more in running for bishop’s post

From Boston-

Two new candidates have emerged to succeed the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts: the leader of a South End church who runs a citywide youth program, and a top official in the Episcopal Diocese who is one half of the first same-sex couple married by the retiring bishop, M. Thomas Shaw.

The Rev. Timothy E. Crellin, vicar of St. Stephen’s Church in the South End, and the Rev. Canon Margaret “Mally” Ewing Lloyd, who oversees diocesan staff and operations, were selected through a grass-roots petition process involving clergy and laypeople. They join five nominees named last month after a lengthy national search.

Shaw plans to retire in September, after having led the diocese for nearly two decades.


In 2011, Shaw, a vocal advocate for gay rights in the church, married Lloyd and the Rev. Katherine Ragsdale, dean of the Episcopal Divinity School, the first same-sex marriage he performed.

More here-

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/02/25/two-new-candidates-named-succeed-episcopal-bishop-shaw/r4WOiKG2oA66RwIyZn3knO/story.html

Standing Rock Episcopal Congregations donate $50,000 for propane crisis

From North Dakota-

The Episcopal Relief and Development Fund has awarded $50,000 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to assist in heating homes on the reservation.

The Episcopal Congregations on Standing Rock announced the grant, which is to be used to provide propane to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it, food for people who had to choose between groceries and propane, and repairs on broken or damaged water lines.

Propane prices more than doubled last month because of short supplies caused by a large grain crop that needed to be dried and a cold winter nationwide. Propane is the dominant heating source on the reservation, which also has a high percentage of people in poverty. Chairman Dave Archambault II declared a state of emergency due to the problem.

More here-

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/standing-rock-episcopal-congregations-donate-for-propane-crisis/article_cfc1d3ea-9f35-11e3-920d-0019bb2963f4.html

Episcopal Church Severs Ties with Transgender Priest

From Arkansas- (video)


The Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas has reportedly severed ties with a priest who recently revealed he is transgender.

According to the Pine Bluff Commercial, the diocese made the decision Wednesday night to dissolve the relationship between Fry and Grace Church effective February 28th.

Rev. Fry told members of the church's congregation on Sunday that he now identifies himself as a woman.

A Little Rock gay, lesbian, and transgender organization has urged the diocese to support Reverend Fry.

The Center for Artistic Revolution said it applaud Fry's decision to go public with the change in gender identity.

They asked the congregation to embrace the change and keep Fry in a leadership role.

"Remember that this is the same person they knew yesterday, last week, last month, and she's just chosen to share some new information about herself with them," said Jeana Miracle-Huie.

Reverend Fry has not returned our calls.

http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/d/story/report-episcopal-church-severs-ties-with-transgend/18602/04Gugk5WKUuWbrq2B0ffGg