The prayer which “collects” our thoughts on this Thursday in the 3rd Week of Lent reads: “Keep watch over your Church, O Lord, with your unfailing love; and, since it is grounded in human weakness and cannot maintain itself without your aid, protect it from all danger, and keep it in the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord…”
A most appropriate prayer for members of the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops to pray as we prepare for our March 16-21 meeting at Camp Allen near Houston, Texas. This will be our first time to consider together the results of the recent Primates’ meeting in Dar Es Salaam among other matters.
The agenda includes reflections on the Communique from the Primates, on a method for developing a paper to be used by bishops and deputies for diocesan conversations by August 2007, on the theological reasons for our interest in the Millenium Development Goals, observations on a draft “Covenant” for the Anglican Communion, and various other topics from Iraq to the Gulf Coast.
Don’t expect any dramatic announcments after this meeting. Expect a process which will involve the whole church between now and September 30.
Our days will be framed by Daily Morning Prayer and Bible study, a noon Eucharist, and Evening Prayer. We covet your prayers, joined with ours for our time together!
That We All May Be One 
March 15, 2007 at 3:17 pm |
My prayers will be with the bishops.
I hope that someone will speak up for faithful gay and lesbian Episcopalians in this gathering. I am disappointed that it appears no one did so in Dar es Salaam.
I also hope that the bishops pray for those of us who are frightened by the prospect of our church turning its back on us.
March 15, 2007 at 7:18 pm |
Linda:
I can assure you that such voices will be heard in the House of Bishops meeting. There is no way that this church will turn her back on so many faithful gay and lesbian members. And…we will appreciate your prayers!
March 15, 2007 at 10:33 pm |
Linda:
I would say, based on the consents in the South Carolina situation, that you have nothing to fear. It is those who lay claim to biblical orthodoxy that we want kicked out of the church.
Peace,
JB
March 16, 2007 at 1:30 pm |
JB,
I don’t want anyone kicked out of the church. I believe there is room for all of us at God’s Table. And I believe God wants us there, together, whatever our differences may be.
Peace,
Linda
March 17, 2007 at 3:26 am |
Unfortunately, Linda, that seems to be the real minority opinion of the Episcopal Church right now, as evidenced by our treatement of South Carolina.
Peace,
JB
March 17, 2007 at 12:57 pm |
Just a note to say that, at least in our opening two sessions here at the House of Bishops yesterday, there is real cocern about “minorities” on all sides…and how we can find a way to honor those various positions and concerns, and keep everyone at the table. We shall see…
March 18, 2007 at 3:04 am |
JB,
Please forgive me if I’m making an incorrect assumption — your comments appear to me to be from someone who identifies as a “reasserter” or “defender of orthodoxy” (or any number of other terms being used.) I also sense some pain in your comments. I’m very sorry if that is how you are feeling.
I want to assure you of my prayers for you, and for all who find ourselves feeling excluded by the church. I know first-hand how painful that is, and don’t wish it on anyone. I don’t believe we honor God in treating one another badly — I believe we do so out of fear, which is (after all) the opposite of faith. May God increase faith in all of us!
Bp. Epting,
Thank you for your assurance that concern for all “minorities” is being shared in the bishops’ gathering. My prayers for all of you continue.
Peace,
Linda