In anticipation of Thanksgiving Day and for all of the recent good news in the American Anglican Churches.
Praise be the Name of Jesus Christ!
Take 5 and enjoy!
Blessings to All!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hope is in the wind!
What an incredible last few days this has been!
On Monday, I was called up to Fresno for a meeting of the Rural Deans of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. Monday is usually my "day off" but I sacrificed it in lieu of yesterday being Veteran's Day - so yesterday I really took a day off - a day off from blogs, news, and anything work related. But Monday was a different story.
For those of you who might be wondering what a "Rural Deans Meeting" might entail, let me just say that the area Deans (as I am for Kern County) come together to meet with the Bishop as he shares concerns and inside news that may be of interest to us and our congregations.
Some of the topics we talk about are confidential in nature - and so I am bound to respect that; however, we did talk at length about the fact that Diocese Number 3 (Quincy) has now joined us (Pittsburgh and San Joaquin) in the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone as we await the formation of a new Anglican Province here in North America.
That Province appears to be taking form and shape much more quickly than one usually expects from the Church! I often joke about "moving at the speed of Church" when it comes to church work. All too often it seems that we talk and meet, talk and meet, talk and meet, and wait for the "next meeting" make a difference. Since 2003 (and the actions thereof) there has been considerable "talk" of a this "New Province" - one that orthodox conservatives have been thirsting for - and certainly one that the Episcopal Church is certainly going to dismay and disparage!
The fact is that when the new province happens (not if) the Episcopal Church will have to deal with the conservatives on an equal basis. They will have to recognize us as legitimate members of the Anglican Communion. The hope in all of this is that this will finally put a concerted end to the infighting that has plagued both branches of this Body for years! How all this plays out remains to be seen; nevertheless, with one fell swoop it may render all of the legal proceedings against congregations and clergy, done and over!
The primary complaint and charge against us is "Abandonment of Communion;" however, when the Anglican Communion recognizes those forming this new province as legitimate (and 2/3 of the world already does!) the wind will die in the sails of the Episcopal Church. But again, we will have to wait patiently for all this to happen.
Several "meetings" have yet to occur... BUT... my prediction? I suspect we will see this become reality within six-months! It may be sooner than that - but keep your weather-eye out for the Primates Meeting in Egypt in January! (Read about it here: http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/11/6/primates-meeting-set-for-jan-31-feb-6)
Certainly TEC's hope will be that "nothing will happen" as they hoped would come out of Lambeth - but rest assured - the GAFCON and Global South Primates won't let that happen - No, not this time.
Remember these words of Jesus: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
On Monday, I was called up to Fresno for a meeting of the Rural Deans of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. Monday is usually my "day off" but I sacrificed it in lieu of yesterday being Veteran's Day - so yesterday I really took a day off - a day off from blogs, news, and anything work related. But Monday was a different story.
For those of you who might be wondering what a "Rural Deans Meeting" might entail, let me just say that the area Deans (as I am for Kern County) come together to meet with the Bishop as he shares concerns and inside news that may be of interest to us and our congregations.
Some of the topics we talk about are confidential in nature - and so I am bound to respect that; however, we did talk at length about the fact that Diocese Number 3 (Quincy) has now joined us (Pittsburgh and San Joaquin) in the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone as we await the formation of a new Anglican Province here in North America.
That Province appears to be taking form and shape much more quickly than one usually expects from the Church! I often joke about "moving at the speed of Church" when it comes to church work. All too often it seems that we talk and meet, talk and meet, talk and meet, and wait for the "next meeting" make a difference. Since 2003 (and the actions thereof) there has been considerable "talk" of a this "New Province" - one that orthodox conservatives have been thirsting for - and certainly one that the Episcopal Church is certainly going to dismay and disparage!
The fact is that when the new province happens (not if) the Episcopal Church will have to deal with the conservatives on an equal basis. They will have to recognize us as legitimate members of the Anglican Communion. The hope in all of this is that this will finally put a concerted end to the infighting that has plagued both branches of this Body for years! How all this plays out remains to be seen; nevertheless, with one fell swoop it may render all of the legal proceedings against congregations and clergy, done and over!
The primary complaint and charge against us is "Abandonment of Communion;" however, when the Anglican Communion recognizes those forming this new province as legitimate (and 2/3 of the world already does!) the wind will die in the sails of the Episcopal Church. But again, we will have to wait patiently for all this to happen.
Several "meetings" have yet to occur... BUT... my prediction? I suspect we will see this become reality within six-months! It may be sooner than that - but keep your weather-eye out for the Primates Meeting in Egypt in January! (Read about it here: http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/11/6/primates-meeting-set-for-jan-31-feb-6)
Certainly TEC's hope will be that "nothing will happen" as they hoped would come out of Lambeth - but rest assured - the GAFCON and Global South Primates won't let that happen - No, not this time.
Remember these words of Jesus: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Post Election Reflection
Won't Get Fooled Again! - The Who
We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
No, no!
I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Vote A Week Away!
In just 8 days our nation will be choosing a new President; a very important decision as you well know. Whomever you choose to vote for is for you to decide. I would urge you to vote - however you choose to - vote your conscience and vote for whomever you believe is right for our country - but vote!
Let me just say as a veteran who served our country and proudly defended our freedoms, I have always held in the back of my own conscience the many, many, who died to make sure we have that right. Believe it or not, our system of government is still the envy of the world and most of the world aches for the right to have a say in their government like we have. To have this right and not to exercise it - to me is as close to a deliberate sin as I can imagine even though there is no "biblical" mandate to vote.
That we will be choosing a new President you well know, as I said above. And I have my own personal reasons for voting my conscience; however, as a Priest and Pastor I will never ever publically endorse one candidate over another from the pulpit or otherwise. That being the case, as I have to say I will never publically endorse a candidate I DO feel obligated to speak out on moral issues - and there is a BIG one our ballot this time! Proposition 8.
Much has been written and said in the papers about Prop. 8 and I wouldn't presume to be able to summarize them all. Having read the actual text of the proposed new law - the ONLY thing this initiative does is to ensure the California State Constitution states (and I quote from the actual text of the Proposition):
SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
Those in opposition to Proposition 8 want to "redefine" marriage to mean “between two people”. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. That's what it is. This is NOT an issue of civil rights as we are meant to believe. Gay and Lesbian Couples have every civil right available to them already. They cannot be denied legal rights of shared ownership, medical access to partners, and any other "benefit" a traditional "married couple" has. In terms of "civil rights" I do absolutely believe they have the "right" to live in "Domestic Partnerships" should they choose to do so; but they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us. I believe their choices unwise and unbiblical BUT they have that right. But don't call it a "marriage."
I do believe this is a moral issue because even as Jesus speaks on the issue of divorce (in Matthew 9:3-6) He speaks of us being created as male and female, and "what God has joined let no one separate." These are familiar words from the Marriage Service itself. For these reasons I believe we should vote Yes on Prop. 8.
My immediate apologies to those who believe a pastor or priest should never speak out on politics – this is my blog not the pulpit.
I have a high regard (as you know) for Pastor Rick Warren. Below you will find some comments that he sent me today with a link to a very short video clip. I commend them to you as I agree with him and could not have said what he says any better.
PLEASE VOTE! THIS IS ONE ISSUE WHERE YOUR VOTE COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE FUTURE. AND PLEASE – IF YOU ARE ABLE – VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 8.
Let me just say as a veteran who served our country and proudly defended our freedoms, I have always held in the back of my own conscience the many, many, who died to make sure we have that right. Believe it or not, our system of government is still the envy of the world and most of the world aches for the right to have a say in their government like we have. To have this right and not to exercise it - to me is as close to a deliberate sin as I can imagine even though there is no "biblical" mandate to vote.
That we will be choosing a new President you well know, as I said above. And I have my own personal reasons for voting my conscience; however, as a Priest and Pastor I will never ever publically endorse one candidate over another from the pulpit or otherwise. That being the case, as I have to say I will never publically endorse a candidate I DO feel obligated to speak out on moral issues - and there is a BIG one our ballot this time! Proposition 8.
Much has been written and said in the papers about Prop. 8 and I wouldn't presume to be able to summarize them all. Having read the actual text of the proposed new law - the ONLY thing this initiative does is to ensure the California State Constitution states (and I quote from the actual text of the Proposition):
SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.
Those in opposition to Proposition 8 want to "redefine" marriage to mean “between two people”. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. That's what it is. This is NOT an issue of civil rights as we are meant to believe. Gay and Lesbian Couples have every civil right available to them already. They cannot be denied legal rights of shared ownership, medical access to partners, and any other "benefit" a traditional "married couple" has. In terms of "civil rights" I do absolutely believe they have the "right" to live in "Domestic Partnerships" should they choose to do so; but they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us. I believe their choices unwise and unbiblical BUT they have that right. But don't call it a "marriage."
I do believe this is a moral issue because even as Jesus speaks on the issue of divorce (in Matthew 9:3-6) He speaks of us being created as male and female, and "what God has joined let no one separate." These are familiar words from the Marriage Service itself. For these reasons I believe we should vote Yes on Prop. 8.
My immediate apologies to those who believe a pastor or priest should never speak out on politics – this is my blog not the pulpit.
I have a high regard (as you know) for Pastor Rick Warren. Below you will find some comments that he sent me today with a link to a very short video clip. I commend them to you as I agree with him and could not have said what he says any better.
PLEASE VOTE! THIS IS ONE ISSUE WHERE YOUR VOTE COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE FUTURE. AND PLEASE – IF YOU ARE ABLE – VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 8.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Feeling a bit like Luke Skywalker...
This just in from the rumor mill...
I understand that today the "Episcopal" Standing Committee is meeting today in Fresno to Inhibit all of us rogue clergy - yes, all of us in the "Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin" who are now part of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. This "rumor" comes from +Jerry Lamb himself according to his webpage on the Episcopal San Joaquin Website. On it he says (dated 10/10/08):
"Friday of next week the Standing Committee meets in Fresno... The Standing Committee will also begin the canonical process of the Abandonment of Communion for those clergy who left the Episcopal Church and have aligned themselves with the Southern Cone or some other body. Clergy so charged will be inhibited, not allowed to function as an Episcopal Priest or be employed in an Episcopal Church. The clergy person has six months to recant and return to the Episcopal Church. At the end of the six months, the person will be removed from the ministry of this church. This action implies no moral judgment of an individual clergy person. It speaks only about the person’s relationship to the Episcopal Church. The person can of course function in another church that may recognize their ordination."
To be honest, this is something I expected would come much sooner than it has. Perhaps what is really driving all of this is that "inhibited clergy" don't count when it comes to achieving a quorum for Diocesan Convention in Hanford (of which they will be holding at the same time as our genuine Convention in Fresno next Friday and Saturday.
Be that as it may, I find it completely ironic that the Bishop who saw me through seminary, ordained me to both the Diaconate and Priesthood, and who watched me triple the size and assessment of my first parish in his diocese... will be the same Bishop to inhibit and eventually depose me for - of all things - Abandoning the Communion.
All of this reminds me of the confrontation between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back. Like Vader, +Lamb holds out his hand saying, "Join me... and together we can put an end to this destructive conflict!" Of course all of this happens while holding a charged lightsabre at Luke's chest. Regardless of the "relationship" between them, Luke won't be fooled in to forgetting the evil Vader really represents, as he says, "I'll never join you!"
Perhaps that comparison seems a bit harsh, but let's be honest. What the Episcopal leadership is doing is evil. They have denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, denied the necessity of the Atonement, denied the Holy Spirit inspiration of the Bible.... They have turned against and ignored their own Canon Laws to depose faithful Bishops, and are just pent on removing faithful orthodox believers from their parish churches through legal suits - even though TEC has never given any of them a dime to purchase or maintain their properties. Does any of that sound Gospel to you? It doesn't to me either.
Even more ironic is the fact that historically TEC has failed to deal with those who really denied the Christian Faith - like Bishops Pike, Spong, and Righter along with others. Yet, it is simply those who have and are standing fast on the tenets of Christian Faith who are now being inhibited and deposed.
So here's to feeling a bit like Luke Skywalker! TEC may think like Darth Vader, "You are beaten... it is useless to resist!" Yup. TEC is on the march denying the Gospel all the way around. Even so, the Episcopal Church today isn't the faith I grew up to know. Its not the church I was ordained in. And while TEC is quick to claim that those of us have broken our ordination vows by not acceding to the Canons of the Episcopal Church, that whole promise is nullified when a church abandons believing that the "Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and to contain everything necessary for salvation." I'll never (re)join you. I will remain a faithful Christian Anglican.
So... let me just say this to Bishop Lamb and TEC: Whatever your actions are today it doesn't mean a thing. I'm not under your authority. I am a priest in good standing within the Anglican Communion under a recognized Bishop (no, bishop, Bishop Schofield has not been deposed!) in a fully functional and viable diocese. Your time would be better spent dealing pastorally with those who agree with you.
May God Bless and Forgive You. May God Bless and Forgive Us All!!!
I understand that today the "Episcopal" Standing Committee is meeting today in Fresno to Inhibit all of us rogue clergy - yes, all of us in the "Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin" who are now part of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. This "rumor" comes from +Jerry Lamb himself according to his webpage on the Episcopal San Joaquin Website. On it he says (dated 10/10/08):
"Friday of next week the Standing Committee meets in Fresno... The Standing Committee will also begin the canonical process of the Abandonment of Communion for those clergy who left the Episcopal Church and have aligned themselves with the Southern Cone or some other body. Clergy so charged will be inhibited, not allowed to function as an Episcopal Priest or be employed in an Episcopal Church. The clergy person has six months to recant and return to the Episcopal Church. At the end of the six months, the person will be removed from the ministry of this church. This action implies no moral judgment of an individual clergy person. It speaks only about the person’s relationship to the Episcopal Church. The person can of course function in another church that may recognize their ordination."
To be honest, this is something I expected would come much sooner than it has. Perhaps what is really driving all of this is that "inhibited clergy" don't count when it comes to achieving a quorum for Diocesan Convention in Hanford (of which they will be holding at the same time as our genuine Convention in Fresno next Friday and Saturday.
Be that as it may, I find it completely ironic that the Bishop who saw me through seminary, ordained me to both the Diaconate and Priesthood, and who watched me triple the size and assessment of my first parish in his diocese... will be the same Bishop to inhibit and eventually depose me for - of all things - Abandoning the Communion.
All of this reminds me of the confrontation between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back. Like Vader, +Lamb holds out his hand saying, "Join me... and together we can put an end to this destructive conflict!" Of course all of this happens while holding a charged lightsabre at Luke's chest. Regardless of the "relationship" between them, Luke won't be fooled in to forgetting the evil Vader really represents, as he says, "I'll never join you!"
Perhaps that comparison seems a bit harsh, but let's be honest. What the Episcopal leadership is doing is evil. They have denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, denied the necessity of the Atonement, denied the Holy Spirit inspiration of the Bible.... They have turned against and ignored their own Canon Laws to depose faithful Bishops, and are just pent on removing faithful orthodox believers from their parish churches through legal suits - even though TEC has never given any of them a dime to purchase or maintain their properties. Does any of that sound Gospel to you? It doesn't to me either.
Even more ironic is the fact that historically TEC has failed to deal with those who really denied the Christian Faith - like Bishops Pike, Spong, and Righter along with others. Yet, it is simply those who have and are standing fast on the tenets of Christian Faith who are now being inhibited and deposed.
So here's to feeling a bit like Luke Skywalker! TEC may think like Darth Vader, "You are beaten... it is useless to resist!" Yup. TEC is on the march denying the Gospel all the way around. Even so, the Episcopal Church today isn't the faith I grew up to know. Its not the church I was ordained in. And while TEC is quick to claim that those of us have broken our ordination vows by not acceding to the Canons of the Episcopal Church, that whole promise is nullified when a church abandons believing that the "Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and to contain everything necessary for salvation." I'll never (re)join you. I will remain a faithful Christian Anglican.
So... let me just say this to Bishop Lamb and TEC: Whatever your actions are today it doesn't mean a thing. I'm not under your authority. I am a priest in good standing within the Anglican Communion under a recognized Bishop (no, bishop, Bishop Schofield has not been deposed!) in a fully functional and viable diocese. Your time would be better spent dealing pastorally with those who agree with you.
May God Bless and Forgive You. May God Bless and Forgive Us All!!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Something Different???
I've been thinking today about what happened just yesterday with the supposed "deposing" of the Rt. Rev. Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh by the Episcopal House of Bishops. I've read enough of the Canons to know that what "occurred" yesterday, in fact, did not occur because the HOB and the Presiding Bishop didn't follow their own rules.
All of this was expected to happen. Why? Because the Presiding Bishop of TEC wanted it to be so. Bishop Duncan, like Bishops Schofield and Cox, was denied the "due process" that the Canons of the Church specifically spell out. At least Bishop Schofield had the courtesy of being "inhibited" and the 60 day grace period to recant his actions (clearly something that he wasn't ever going to do). Even so, like +Schofield, +Duncan was denied any opportunity to face the "charges" against him and to give defense. Does that sound anything like a Christian approach to you? It doesn't to me either, nor will it to other Christians around the world. But TEC seems not to care about that.
From various reports, there were several attempts made before the HOBs to draw attention to these realities and provide for the "intent of the Canons." All were summarily dismissed, but again that was no surprise.
To be certain, and this is good news to the faithful in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Duncan is STILL a Bishop! When you don't follow the rules, your actions don't stand! TEC will pretend and act like they are valid, but that doesn't make them so. Like Bishop Schofield, Bishop Duncan has been received unanimously into the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone by their House of Bishops and by Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables. When Pittsburgh votes on October 4th at its own Convention to depart from TEC (as with the Diocese of San Joaquin) Bishop Duncan will return again. I hope in the meantime, Bishop Bob has time for some rest!
All this plays out almost exactly like a Monty Python sketch - except that its not funny. Not funny at all. It's sad. Sad that the grand old Episcopal Church has become like this. In truth I was actually hoping and praying that "Something Different" would happen! That the TEC HOBs would stop and reflect upon what they were doing and ask, "Is this right? Is this godly? Is this charitable? Is this legal?" But THAT would be Something Different!
So what happens now? I certainly think the time to realistically consider that what TEC is doing will continue. Although the opportunity for the Church to repent of is ways is always possible - it's just not probable.
Recently, Steve Wood (and I'm assuming this is the Rev. Steve Wood) who identifies himself as the Senior Pastor (Rector) of St. Andrew's Church in Mt. Pleasant SC recently had dinner with the Presiding Bishop in New York. He was invited because the dinner gathered representatives of the largest Episcopal parishes in the country - of which St. Andrews qualifies. To make a long story short though.... on his own blog (http://www.stevewood.cc/relationships/ny-ny) he predicts what's going to happen next:
God bless Bishop Duncan, Bishop Schofield, Archbishop Venables... AND...
God Bless YOU!!
All of this was expected to happen. Why? Because the Presiding Bishop of TEC wanted it to be so. Bishop Duncan, like Bishops Schofield and Cox, was denied the "due process" that the Canons of the Church specifically spell out. At least Bishop Schofield had the courtesy of being "inhibited" and the 60 day grace period to recant his actions (clearly something that he wasn't ever going to do). Even so, like +Schofield, +Duncan was denied any opportunity to face the "charges" against him and to give defense. Does that sound anything like a Christian approach to you? It doesn't to me either, nor will it to other Christians around the world. But TEC seems not to care about that.
From various reports, there were several attempts made before the HOBs to draw attention to these realities and provide for the "intent of the Canons." All were summarily dismissed, but again that was no surprise.
To be certain, and this is good news to the faithful in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Duncan is STILL a Bishop! When you don't follow the rules, your actions don't stand! TEC will pretend and act like they are valid, but that doesn't make them so. Like Bishop Schofield, Bishop Duncan has been received unanimously into the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone by their House of Bishops and by Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables. When Pittsburgh votes on October 4th at its own Convention to depart from TEC (as with the Diocese of San Joaquin) Bishop Duncan will return again. I hope in the meantime, Bishop Bob has time for some rest!
All this plays out almost exactly like a Monty Python sketch - except that its not funny. Not funny at all. It's sad. Sad that the grand old Episcopal Church has become like this. In truth I was actually hoping and praying that "Something Different" would happen! That the TEC HOBs would stop and reflect upon what they were doing and ask, "Is this right? Is this godly? Is this charitable? Is this legal?" But THAT would be Something Different!
So what happens now? I certainly think the time to realistically consider that what TEC is doing will continue. Although the opportunity for the Church to repent of is ways is always possible - it's just not probable.
Recently, Steve Wood (and I'm assuming this is the Rev. Steve Wood) who identifies himself as the Senior Pastor (Rector) of St. Andrew's Church in Mt. Pleasant SC recently had dinner with the Presiding Bishop in New York. He was invited because the dinner gathered representatives of the largest Episcopal parishes in the country - of which St. Andrews qualifies. To make a long story short though.... on his own blog (http://www.stevewood.cc/relationships/ny-ny) he predicts what's going to happen next:
And so... I also hope and pray for Something Different to happen. But I think Steve is right on the money!What I think:
I think that the financial challenges facing the reorganization of the
National Church offices could be addressed with a return to creedal Christianity
and a cessation of the lawsuits.I think that the conservative/re-asserting remnant will get their legislative
clocks cleaned at General Convention 2009.I think that B033 is going to be repealed at General Convention 2009.
I think that the marriage (in States where the legislature or courts have
ruled this legal) or blessing of same-sex persons will be authorized at General
Convention 2009.I think that the 2009 General Convention will modify the “Dennis Canon”,
giving the National Church property ownership (it’s hard to remember that until
1979 PARISHES “owned” their property - not the Diocese or National Church).I think that many in leadership at the 2009 General Convention will be
content to walk apart from the Anglican Communion.I think that based on the experience with women’s ordination the 2009 General
Convention will debate, and defeat, a “conscious clause” with regard to same-sex
ordinations and blessings/marriages.I think that the above actions will render it impossible for anyone left from
“my side” to remain within TEC (though, of course, some will).
God bless Bishop Duncan, Bishop Schofield, Archbishop Venables... AND...
God Bless YOU!!
Friday, September 5, 2008
God loves what you love
A few weeks ago I was open and honest with my congregation. I was openly honest about a significant difference of opinion with my bishop.
Some people have criticized me that I go along with him on everything... but I don't! We have serious and significant differences of opinion, but there is real mutual respect.
My bishop likes opera! I like Led Zeppelin!
I respect that he likes opera and love him for it. When I'm in his house, I don't bewail and bemoan him to turn off his music and turn on mine. When he's at my house I respect him enough not to "crank up the jams!"
I know there are people who like both opera and classic rock. I love and respect you, too!
This morning I found myself in a strange reflection that 24 years ago, I came to what I believe is the greatest place to live on the planet. I've lived a number of places through moves in the church and in the military, so I know there are other great places to live... but... in my opinion I love THIS state!
24 Years ago I came to Mather AFB in Sacramento as a young Second Lieutenant. In 2006 I found my way back... not to Sacramento but Bakersfield. And years ago, I came in September!
God is so good! And God loves what I love... just as God loves what you love. If you love opera, God loves that you love it! And if I love Led Zeppelin, God loves that I love it! Anything that is not sin, God loves about you... and about me. Do I agree theologically with everything that Led Zeppelin sings about? Of course not! Would you agree with everything sung about in opera? I hope not, either!
But for those who perhaps only know what they "don't" like... and for those of you who share in loving what you do love... I offer you this video clip that I hope will brighten your day. It was the song, after all, 24 years ago, that brought me to the place I love... California.
And Now For Something Completely Different...
Some people have criticized me that I go along with him on everything... but I don't! We have serious and significant differences of opinion, but there is real mutual respect.
My bishop likes opera! I like Led Zeppelin!
I respect that he likes opera and love him for it. When I'm in his house, I don't bewail and bemoan him to turn off his music and turn on mine. When he's at my house I respect him enough not to "crank up the jams!"
I know there are people who like both opera and classic rock. I love and respect you, too!
This morning I found myself in a strange reflection that 24 years ago, I came to what I believe is the greatest place to live on the planet. I've lived a number of places through moves in the church and in the military, so I know there are other great places to live... but... in my opinion I love THIS state!
24 Years ago I came to Mather AFB in Sacramento as a young Second Lieutenant. In 2006 I found my way back... not to Sacramento but Bakersfield. And years ago, I came in September!
God is so good! And God loves what I love... just as God loves what you love. If you love opera, God loves that you love it! And if I love Led Zeppelin, God loves that I love it! Anything that is not sin, God loves about you... and about me. Do I agree theologically with everything that Led Zeppelin sings about? Of course not! Would you agree with everything sung about in opera? I hope not, either!
But for those who perhaps only know what they "don't" like... and for those of you who share in loving what you do love... I offer you this video clip that I hope will brighten your day. It was the song, after all, 24 years ago, that brought me to the place I love... California.
And Now For Something Completely Different...
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