Meet And Greet The Candidates For Bishop

To the sound of Ray Charles' voice and piano, I headed to New Orleans to attend the walkabout to meet the candidates for bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. The format was for each candidate to give a statement about 15 or 20 minutes long, after which we broke up into separate groups, and each candidate took a turn answering questions.

Since I am not a delegate nor an alternate to the electing convention, I was only able to ask a couple of questions, because I had to wait until all the delegates and alternates who wanted to ask questions were finished to have my chance. In all but two of the sessions, time ran out before I could ask my question. When I finally had my turn, since I foresee major challenges facing the church, the falling attendance numbers and the resulting diminished income, I asked the candidate about his ideas for addressing the problems. He did not quite understand what I was talking about and apparently did not agree with me that great changes were ahead for the church, therefore he did not really answer my question. Maybe I used the wrong phrasing.

My next and last opportunity for a question came with Bishop Michael Smith, about whom I blogged and later attended a class that he taught in the School for ministry in New Orleans. Before I asked my question, one of the delegates asked him how he could minister to his diocese in North Dakota and still spend so much time in Louisiana helping out here. Bp. Smith said that he was not moonlighting, but I don't remember if he truly answered the question. It seems not, but I could be wrong. In any case, he did not answer to my satisfaction, or I think I would have remembered. By that time, I had lost my pen and had nothing to write with to take notes. Toward the end of the session, when it seemed that the delegates were done with their questions, I raised my hand. Whoops! A delegate raised her hand at the same time, so she got her turn first. I thought the time would run out before I had my turn, because Bp. Smith gave the other woman a long answer. Could it be that he saw my hand up and wanted to run out the clock?

Anyway, my turn came. Earlier in the session, someone asked him how he handled difficult and hostile people. He said that one thing he does is pray for them. When I stood up to ask my question, he greeted me kindly and said he remembered me. I said, "You pray for me, don't you?"

He laughed and said, "No. I don't dislike you."

In his biography, Bp. Smith wrote of "...appropriate pastoral care for persons who experience themselves as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender...." Now Bp. Mark Lawrence used this very same phrase in his address to the Special Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina. You can find it in his address that runs to 9 pages, or you can take my word that it's there. I've seen the phrase used by others opposed to equality for GLTB folks. To me, the phrase is code for, "...persons who are not really gay, but who think they are."

I read the phrase to him and said, "This seems an odd way to phrase the statement. It implies that the persons may not really BE gay. Why not say 'persons who ARE gay, lesbian...'?"

Bp. Smith shook his head and said, "The science is not clear." Mistake.

I asked, "Well then, is it that I only experience myself as heterosexual, rather than that I AM heterosexual?" I heard laughter in the room, and I did not press for further elaboration of his answer to my question. I thought I'd made my point. In truth, I was in somewhat of a surreal state, because I was quite nervous about asking the question, and I half hoped that time would run out before I could get it in.

I could have asked him a more difficult question, like whether he attended the GAFCON conference in the Middle East, or who paid for his trip to visit the Archbishop of Canterbury, but in that milieu, I believe that I asked the right question. During the break, a few folks came to me to thank me for asking the question, and after the walkabout was over, a small group of people whom I met outside, thanked me. One of them told me that, at the time I asked the question, she said, "Who is SHE, from Thibodaux, asking THAT question?" Another said, "And you looked so innocent!"

Another of the candidates, Fr Ken Ritter, a former Roman Catholic priest, disagreed with the RCC on birth control, the hypocrisy of the annulment process, and, although he felt that he was called to be a priest, he could not live as a celibate. He left the priesthood, married, had children, and then became an Episcopal priest. He wishes to remain in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion and approves of the Windsor Report and consideration of the Covenant. Thus, he would continue the moratorium on same-sex blessings and "on the consecration of bishops whose lifestyles present a difficulty for the wider Anglican Communion".

Along with at least one other person, I sensed a bit of dissonance here. Fr Ritter could not live a celibate "lifestyle" as a priest, but he expects GLTB clergy to live a celibate "lifestyle" for now, whether or not they are called to a vocation of celibacy.

At the walkabout, I found that a couple of the candidates looked better on paper than in real life. My favorite of all and the one I would vote for if I had a vote is Fr Morris Thompson. He looked good on paper, and I liked him face to face. My second choice would be Fr Paul Johnson. Links to the biographies of the candidates may be found at the diocesan website.

Pray For Roseann And Gary

Just before I left to go to New Orleans this morning, I received this very sad news:

Morning June,

I am writing to tell you that Roseann has decided to stop the dialysis. She feels she is not improving in anyway and is suffering. She did this after having conversation with her doctor, priest, social worker and nurses at the dialysis center. She told me she has 7-14 days beginning this past Thursday. She is at peace with this decision as is Gary, and has made preliminary funeral arrangements with her priest.

My heart is very heavy right now.

Sue

I am so sorry. This breaks my heart, but I understand Roseann's decision. I pray that Roseann does not suffer any more, and that she goes gentle into that good night. How fortunate that she now has a good priest and a church community ministering to her. I pray for strength for Gary during this most difficult time. I have no more words now. Maybe later.

MadPriest has more.

Roseann's email address is

revamundo@gmail.com

Friday Shuffle

Padre Mickey says I gotta to do this every Friday, but I don't. Howevah! I'll oblige him one more time.

1. As I Roved Out - Kate Rusby

2. Hoodoo Voodoo - Billy Bragg

3. Cage The Songbird - The Low Anthem

4. I Wonder What Is Keeping - Tim Chesterton

5. The Lakes of Pontchartrain - Paul Brady

6. Winin' Boy Blues - Allen Touissaint

7. Undone in Sorrow - Crooked Still

8. Soon and Very Soon - Andrae Crouch

9. Walk On - Ruthie Foster

10. The King of Rome - June Tabor

Instructions For The Tourist

Click on the picture for the enlargement.

Don't blame me. Blame Paul (A.), who left a link to this gem in the comments at Padre Mickey's blog. Paul was especially interested in visiting the naughty palace.

Photo courtesy of Alison Honey.
Sign found at mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Some have suggested Paragon Mall is in Bangkok or Singapore.

(Translation: we don't know where the hell the mall is.)

From Engrish.com

Best Menopause Question Ever

Question:
How many women with MENOPAUSE does it take to change a light
bulb?

Woman's Answer:
One! ONLY ONE!!!! And do you know WHY? Because no one else in this house knows HOW to change a light bulb! They don't even know that the bulb is BURNED OUT!! They would sit in the dark for THREE DAYS before they figured it out.

And, once they figured it out, they wouldn't be able to find the #&%!* light bulbs despite the fact that they've been in the SAME CABINET for the past 17 YEARS!

But if they did, by some miracle of God, actually find them, 2 DAYS LATER, the chair they dragged to stand on to change the STUPID light bulb would STILL BE IN THE SAME SPOT!!!!! AND UNDERNEATH IT WOULD BE THE WRAPPER THE FREAKING LIGHT BULBS CAME IN!!! BECAUSE NO ONE EVER PICKS UP OR CARRIES OUT THE GARBAGE!!!! IT'S A WONDER WE HAVEN'T ALL SUFFOCATED FROM THE PILES OF GARBAGE THAT ARE A FOOT DEEP THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE!! IT WOULD TAKE AN ARMY TO CLEAN THIS PLACE! AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON WHO CHANGES THE TOILET PAPER ROLL !!

I'm sorry. What was the question?

In this story, I recognize myself in days past. Before you jump on me for being anti-women, remember that the post applies to me, and to me only, and to no other woman in the whole world. This is my story - up close and personal, and I laughed and laughed. You see, it RESONATED.

Besides, the title should be "Best Menopause Answer Ever".

Don't blame me. Blame Doug.

Feast Day of William Temple

Readings

Psalm 119: 97-104
Exodus 22:21-27
Ephesians 3:7-12
John 1:9-18

PRAYER

O God of light and love, you illumined your Church through the witness of your servant William Temple: Inspire us, we pray, by his teaching and example, that we may rejoice with courage, confidence and faith in the Word made flesh, and may be led to establish that city which has justice for its foundation and love for its law; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Of Temple, James Kiefer says:

He was at Oxford (Balliol) from 1900 to 1904, and was president of the Oxford Union (the debating society of the University). Here he developed a remarkable ability to sum up an issue, expressing the pros and cons so clearly and fairly that the original opponents often ended up agreeing with each other. This ability served him in good stead later when he moderated conferences on theological and social issues. However, it was not just a useful talent for settling disputes. It was, or developed into, an important part of his philosophy, a belief in Dialectic, derived from Hegel and from Plato. He thought that beliefs and ideas reach their full maturity through their response to opposing ideas.

I confess that I burst out laughing when I read the words which I emphasized. Where is our Archbishop Temple for today? We need him NOW?

And a passage from Exodus to wrestle with:

You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.

If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you shall not deal with them as a creditor; you shall not exact interest from them. If you take your neighbour’s cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down; for it may be your neighbour’s only clothing to use as cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbour cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate.

Exodus 22:21-27

The Shootings at Fort Hood

Much has already been spoken and written of the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas. First, I'll borrow from the post at Hillbilly's Musings, titled "Prayers for the Fallen" from the Episcopal Church Book of Common Prayer:

Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful servants at Ft. Hood; and we pray that, having opened to them the gates of a larger life, you will receive them more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in the past, they may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ, our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love.

Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, in mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Next, I refer you to Rmj's post at Adventus titled "What Happened near Killeen". I quote the first and final paragraphs:

First, the story itself is horrific: a man armed with automatic weapons does the maximum amount of carnage/damage one can do, in the amount of time between the first shot and the "first responder" who brought him down. There is a reason military bases maintain very tight control over weapons on base: they know what those firearms are capable of.
....

May the wars indeed cease unto the end of the earth, and the bow be broken, the spear cut asunder. God's peace and mercy to those who died, who were wounded, to their families, and to all the families on Fort Hood.

Last, I refer you to Counterlight's reflection titled "Predictions About How the News Will Play Out". The final paragraph is quite telling:

Meanwhile, there are the families and friends of 12 people who now suddenly find themselves unexpectedly bereaved. There are over 30 people injured and facing a long process of recovery. Perhaps there is where our attention and energies should be focused.

I urge you to read the whole of the posts of Counterlight and Rmj.

While our thoughts and prayers at this time indeed ought to be with the dead and the bereaved, it's a sad commentary on the political situation in our country that, even as the inquiry as to how and why the tragedy occurred has barely begun, the blame games will begin, and I'm already feeling a little sick in anticipation of what we will see and hear from the bloviators. Somehow, some way, although at this point we have very few answers, the fault will be attributed to President Obama and the Democrats in Congress.

Moving away from those thoughts to Psalm 130:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.

Picture from Adventus.

When Will We Hear A Word?

From Savi Hensman at Ekklesia:

Every day millions of Christians pray, in the words of The Lord's Prayer, to be spared from being put to the test. For some in Uganda, where an anti-homosexuality bill is being put to parliament, this prayer may be especially deeply felt.

This extremely unpleasant proposed law targets not only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people but also human rights and AIDS prevention activists and people in positions of trust. While some in the church are backing the bill, other Christians face a challenge to the principles at the heart of their faith.
....

The bill also poses a challenge to those throughout the world with economic, social or political links to Uganda. This includes Christian leaders overseas who have helped to give credibility to homophobic Ugandan bishops and pastors while supposedly proclaiming a message of love and justice for all.
....

Sixty years ago, the Anglican Communion was at the forefront of the drive for universal human rights. Though commitment to rights for all, including LGBT people, has been repeatedly endorsed at international gatherings and many churches are passionately committed, it now tends to be referred to in vague terms by top leaders. But they will have to decide how to respond to this legislation, especially since their own Ugandan-born clergy and parishioners will be affected.

What they do, or fail to do, will affect their ability to witness to a God who does not abandon the abused and exploited. These are testing times.

And isn't it way past time for the top leaders in the Anglican Communion and the churches in the Communion to speak out against the pending legislation which is so obviously evil? How hard can it be for the leadership to make that decision? I've waited and waited for a word from Presiding Bishop Katharine or perhaps a joint statement from the bishops of the Episcopal Church. Why the delay? Do the powers fear offending the Ugandan bishops? Are they working diligently behind the scenes to have the legislation scrapped?

I feel shamed by the silence of our leaders about the cruel laws which may be imposed on our brothers and sisters in Uganda. To our leaders: Please speak out for "the abused and exploited". Please speak strong words against the horrors of the pending laws.

O Deus, Ego Amo Te

Tobias Haller at In a Godward Direction reflects on "Popular Religion: Risk and Opportunity". The post and the discussion that follows in the comments is fascinating. In one of his comments, Tobias quotes an excerpt from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poetic translation of a prayer in Latin by St Francis Xavier. I looked up the poem, and here it is in its entirety.

O Deus, ego amo te

O GOD, I love thee, I love thee-
Not out of hope of heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
In the everlasting burning.
Thou, thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach thine arms out dying,
For my sake sufferedst nails, and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death, and this for me,
And thou couldst see me sinning:
Then I, why should not I love thee,
Jesu, so much in love with me?
Not for heaven's sake;
not to be out of hell by loving thee;
Not for any gains I see;
But just the way that thou didst me
I do love and I will love thee:
What must I love thee, Lord, for then?
For being my king and God. Amen.

Lovely, isn't it?

Good News From Election Day

From the AP:

Houston won't know who its new mayor will be until next month.

City controller Annise Parker and former city attorney Gene Locke are headed to a runoff to become mayor of America's fourth-biggest city.

Parker, who would be the first openly gay mayor of Houston, collected nearly 31 percent of the vote Tuesday.

Locke, with 25 percent, topped architect and urban planner Peter Brown, who had nearly 23 percent.

Winning the runoff is not winning the election, but it's a start. Go Annise!

Thanks to Ann.

Very Sad News

From the Episcopate Committee, Regarding the Rev'd Kurt Dunkle

Dear Friends,

This morning, we learned from the Rev’d Kurt Dunkle of a terrible tragedy at his parish in Florida. It is now public knowledge that a parishioner killed his two children and then killed himself this morning. The children attended the day school and the wife (who was unharmed) is a secretary at the day school.

I spoke with Fr. Dunkle earlier today and assured him that the Diocese of Louisiana will lift him, his church, and the family so horribly traumatized by these events in prayer in the coming days.

Fr. Dunkle will make every effort to be in Louisiana to meet with the clergy on Friday and the laity on Saturday at the walkabouts, but we all most certainly understand that he will need to respond to this pastoral emergency as the situation continues to develop.

May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Yours in Christ,
David Pitts
Chair, The Episcopate Committee

How tragic! Please pray especially for the wife and mother of this family, for all those who love them, for Fr. Dunkle, who is one of the candidates for bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana, and for the parishioners of his church.

Receive, O Lord, your servants, for they return to you.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brothers and sister.

Wash them in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe them in the heavenly wedding garment.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brothers and sister.

May they hear your words of invitation, “Come, you blessed of my Father.”

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brothers and sister.

May they gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brothers and sister.

May angels surround them, and saints welcome them in peace.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brothers and sister.

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our brothers and sister into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let their hearts and souls now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
....

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 465-466, 489)

I Want Questions

I know. Most people want answers, but I want questions. This coming Saturday The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana scheduled Meet-the-Candidates-for Bishop Walkabouts

Saturday, November 7th 8am registration; 8:30am - 5pm Walkabout

* Episcopal High School, Baton Rouge

* St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie

God willing, I'll be in attendance at the meeting at St. Martin's School. I must be ready to leave at 7:00 AM, or I shall be left behind. I don't blame the driver of the car that I'll be riding in one bit. She knows my habit of tardiness, and she is not a morning person, either. She says, "If I can be there on time, you can be there." She's right.

What I'd like from you, my dear readers, is suggestions for questions to ask the candidates, if I get the opportunity to do so. I'm told that there will be a question period.

The names and biographies of the candidates may be viewed at the diocesan website.

Thank you.

O Canada!

Now that Vancouver will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people from all over the world are asking.

Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website.

Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were really asked!

Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? (England)
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.

Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the Railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (England)
A: No, but you'd better bring a few extra furs for trading purposes.

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada ? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada ? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada ? (England)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-ma-ny, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? (Germany)
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? (USA)
A: Only at Thanksgiving.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada, but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. (USA)
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.

Thanks to Doxy.

Good News From Myron

Morning Everyone,

There is good news today. Myron passed his swallowing test this week, and that means the brain had healed a little more, and he can now eat. This is a major accomplishment because he can begin to put some weight back on. I think he has lost about 30-35 lbs, which is a lot for him. He was able to sign his name to a Social Security form for Mary Anne. She is now applying for disability benefits.

I will be seeing him today for the first time in two weeks, and I should be able to observe a change in him. I hope.

Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.

Sue

Good news, indeed! Myron can eat real food. Please continue your prayers for his further recovery.

Post-Halloween Joke

Little Johnny was on a park bench stuffing all of his Halloween candy in his mouth. An old lady came over and said. "Son, don't you know that eating all of that candy will rot your teeth, give you acne, and make you sick?"

"My grandfather lived to be 105 years old!" replied Johnny.

"Did he eat five candy bars at a sitting?" the old lady retorted.

"No," said Johnny, "but he minded his own freakin' business."

Thanks to that wise old dog, Clumber.

Apropos of the post below.

Another Embarrassment

An alert from MadPriest about another embarrassment that Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will inflict on the members of the Anglican Communion. Of course, the embarrassment is all the worse for the English (although the ABC is Welsh, but still English), because he is their own in a special way.

From The Local:

Anglican bishops from England and Northern Ireland have rebuffed invitations to attend the ordination of the openly gay Eva Brunne to be the next Bishop of Stockholm.

Five bishops from various levels within the Anglican Church, including Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, have decided not to attend the November 8th ceremony, the Dagen newspaper reports.

“The Anglican Church has a moratorium right now concerning the ordination of bishops who live together with someone of the same sex,” Alan Harper, a bishop from Armagh in Northern Ireland, told the newspaper.

On second thought, the decision is quite understandable. Since the Church of England has a moratorium on ordaining bishops with cooties and, as of now, is certified as cootie-free, there is a risk that the English bishops could be carriers of cooties when they return to England and Ireland from the ordination of a partnered lesbian bishop and - Horrors! - infect their entire church.

And the ABC is the leader of the pack, although how he came to be the alpha-male in any group of men is far beyond me.

And what about this?

Back in July, two UK bishops warned that allowing homosexuals to be married in Swedish churches would lead to “an impairment of the relationship” between the Church of England and the Church of Sweden.

What business it is of the English bishops to issue warnings to other churches about their local affairs? Wait! I forgot! The ABC models for the rest of the bishops how to interfere in the affairs of other churches. One only has to remember the many tongue lashes he directed to the Episcopal Church about bishops with gay cooties.

One wonders how the Church of Sweden will bear up under the threat of "the impairment of relationship" with the CofE.

"By The Rivers Of Babylon...."

From Harry Knox, director of Human Rights Campaign's religion and faith program:

“By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and wept…how could we sing the songs of Zion…?”

This morning I am wondering who and what I am. Once again, when American voters have had an opportunity to affirm my humanity and the loving commitment I have made to my husband, a majority of those voters have made a conscious decision to deny my humanity and treat me as if my citizenship and my marriage mean nothing; all the while patting themselves on the back for their piety. The slap they intended is received. I am made to wonder – Am I human? Am I an American? Am I a Christian? Am I married?
....

Most Maine voters want us to understand once and for all that the Bible, which has been used to subjugate women, people of color, and the poor of every gender and race is now to be used as a weapon against us. They have gleaned all they intend to learn from their faith and as far as they are concerned, my family can go to hell.
....

Today I am tempted to feel like an exile in my native land – to question who and what I am. But this I know: in the end it matters not one whit what others say or believe about me and mine. What matters, today and forever, is what we believe about ourselves. We are fully human. We are Americans. We are Christians. And we are most assuredly married.

A powerful and eloquent essay in a style of oratory that reminds me of Martin Luther King. Please read the entire essay. And never forget that the struggle is about human rights and "liberty and justice for all", as we say in the pledge of allegiance.

Thanks to Ann.

UPDATE: Susan Russell, who presided over the marriage of Harry and Mike, posted the entire essay at her blog.

Marriage Equality Loses In Maine

From Yahoo News:

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in New England, the corner of the country most supportive of gay marriage.

Gay marriage has now lost in every single state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in Maine — known for its moderate, independent-minded electorate — and mounted an energetic, well-financed campaign.

With 87 percent of the precincts reporting, gay-marriage foes had 53 percent of the votes.

"The institution of marriage has been preserved in Maine and across the nation," declared Frank Schubert, chief organizer for the winning side.

Sad, so sad. What happened to the "moderate, independent-minded electorate"? And Frank Schubert, will you have no more divorce in Maine? Is the next step to outlaw divorce? I never knew of a gay marriage that destroyed another marriage, but I know of a good many marriages that were "destroyed" by divorce.

From Joe Sudbay at Americablog:

And, then, there's Maine where hate prevailed. The Bishop of Maine, Richard Malone, must be quite pleased with himself. He ran a campaign of lies, hate and distortions -- and convinced enough Maine voters to vote with him. It's going to take me a couple days (or more) to get my head around this one. But, for now, suffice it so say: HATE was the winner in Maine. Hate and the Catholic Bishop. But, this isn't over. Time and justice really are on our side.

Joe Sudbay is right. Although it's difficult to believe his final words this morning, what he says is true.

Died in Service

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque.

'Pastor, what is this?'

The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked,




"Which service... the 8:30 or the 10:30?"

Don't blame me. Blame Fran.

"Bad Manners..."

From Ruth Gledhill's latest post:

A friend and former chaplain of the Archbishop of Canterbury has criticised the Pope's 'ecumenical bad manners' and accused him of fomenting division. In a debate on BBC Radio Wales to be broadcast tomorrow morning, on the All Things Considered programme, the Bishop of St Asaph Gregory Cameron challenges the Pope's move to welcome disaffected Anglican Catholics.

Listen to the podcast, "All roads Lead to Rome?" at the BBC.

Gledhill says:

Friends of Dr Rowan Williams have warned me that the Archbishop does not like it much when journalists play the Gregory-Cameron-friendship card, but the fact remains that Father Gregory, a truly dear and saintly priest in the old Welsh tradition who was recently consecrated, is a close former colleague of the Archbishop's and was his chaplain for years in Wales.

Oh dear! I have something of a soft spot for Bishop Cameron, because it seems that he once responded to a post on my blog. From a statement that he made regarding church property of the Episcopal Church, I saw that he misunderstood our polity in TEC, and I posted about his misunderstanding.

Gledhill commends Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for his silence in response to the overture by the Vatican, but I don't agree that his silence is a good thing. To me, it makes him look weak. He was quite vocal in his criticism of the Episcopal Church, his sister church in the Anglican Communion and my church, on more than one occasion. Why so timid with the Roman Catholic Church upon its announcement of an intention to raid the membership of Anglican churches around the world?

Bishop Cameron is more forthcoming:

Bishop Gregory Cameron: 'I think I have two concerns really. It seems to me that what we’ve got here is basically a case of ecumenical bad manners. The decision by the Pope, I think, has taken a lot of people by surprise. There was no consultation whatsoever with the leadership of the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury was given 24 hours notice of the announcement and I would have hoped that that was not the way we do things.

Mgr Andrew Faley of the Bishops' Conference was the spokesman for the Roman Catholic Church:

Mgr Andrew Faley: 'Now, the Pope is not an ill-mannered man, as far as I’m aware, it’s not so much about ecumenical bad manners as the Pope’s concern for the unity of the church.

Mgr Faley repeated "the Pope’s concern for the unity of the church" several times during the interview. I assume that is the talking point from the RCC side. "That's my story, and I'm sticking to it." Raiding the membership of another denomination with whom one has an ongoing ecumenical relationship seems a strange path to take to promote the unity of the church.

Congratulations to Ruth on her cat's giving birth to a litter of seven kittens on Halloween.

Thanks to Nicholas Knisely at The Lead for the link.

Please Pray For Zoe...

...and for Frank.

From Frank, my brother-in-law, about his Corgi:

Looks like we have another dog struggling. Zoe has had a swollen area under one eye for about a month - two rounds of antibiotics didn't help. Doc thought it might be a particular tooth that usually abscesses. Turns out it was another tooth totally unrelated to the swelling. Took out a teaspoon of unknown yellow fluid from below the eye - off to the lab. She was struggling to breathe while at the vets - so she did x-rays - she has an extremely enlarged heart - mashing the lungs somewhat - diagnosed as dilated myocardiomyopathy. Vet said she was at the point where if she has any kind of crisis - it would not be productive to treat her. Broke my heart. Haven't cried like this since Gayle died. Zoe is my connection to her and I have been dreading this possibility. Will keep you posted.

Gayle is Frank's wife and my sister, who passed away three and a half years ago. This same family recently lost Murphy. Trouble upon trouble.

"Our own Trinity"

From From Wade McClay in Maine:

Grandmere,

Thought you might get a kick out of this picture of Bishop Lane (Maine) and Bishop Robinson (New Hampshire) with our previous Bishop, Chilton Knudson, watching over them! It was taken during a break when Bishop Robinson visited the Cathedral here in Portland.

We did an Integrity Eucharist during our Diocesan Convention and a candle-light march and vigil from St. Patrick's in Brewer to the State Street Bridge in Bangor where a young gay man, Charlie Howard, was murdered for being gay in 1984.

I've also included a picture of the vigil on the State Street Bridge. Gosh I'm proud of my Diocese!

Please cross your fingers and if you can manage a prayer today for us to win marriage equality at the polls it would be greatly appreciated!

{HUG}

--Wade

Thanks for sending this, Wade. I have prayed, and I shall continue to pray throughout the day for the vote on marriage equality in Maine today. Readers out there in the ether, please pray also.

Feast Day Of Richard Hooker

Readings:

Psalm 19:1-11
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 44:10-15
1 Corinthians 2:6-10,13-16
John 17:18-23


PRAYER

O God of truth and peace, who didst raise up thy servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Of Richard Hooker's book, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, James Kiefer says:

In the course of his book he sets forth the Anglican view of the Church, and the Anglican approach to the discovery of religious truth (the so-called via media, or middle road), and explains how this differs from the position of the Puritans, on the one hand, and the adherents of the Pope, on the other. He is very heavy reading, but well worth it. (He says, on the first page of Chapter I: "Those unto whom we shall seem tedious are in no wise injuried by us, seeing that it lies in their own hands to spare themselves the labor they are unwilling to endure."
....

Although Hooker is unsparing in his censure of what he believes to be the errors of Rome, his contemporary, Pope Clement VIII (died 1605), said of the book: "It has in it such seeds of eternity that it will abide until the last fire shall consume all learning."

Presently, I am reading a book of excerpts from Hooker's many-volume work. It is slow going, but I find much that is profitable and applicable to our situation in Anglicanland today. Along with the book of Hooker's excerpts, I am also using Michael Russell's book, Hooker's Blueprint as a sort of "Cliffs Notes" to Hooker's writing.

Reading Hooker in fits and starts, as I do, is not the best way to go, because reading the book at longer intervals, as I have done on occasion, I fall into the cadences of the Elizabethan English, and the reading becomes easier. If you choose to read Hooker, do as I say, and not as I do. And please! Don't ask me complicated questions about Richard Hooker's writings, because I'm not likely to be able to answer them.

Image from Wiki.

Nothing Takes The Place Of You

"The Menace Of The Public Option"

From M.C. Blakeman at SFGate:

Of all the current assaults on our noble republic, perhaps none is more dangerous than the public option - specifically, the public library option.

For far too long, this menace has undermined the very foundations of our economy. While companies like Amazon and Barnes & Noble struggle valiantly each day to sell books, these communistic cabals known as libraries undercut the hard work of good corporate citizens by letting people read their books for free. How is the private sector supposed to compete with free?
....

Have you ever wondered who's really behind this public library option? And don't you think it's fishy that they mask their nefarious activities with benign-sounding names, like Friends of the Library? What's their real agenda - and why do they have so many "volunteer" meetings, anyway?

Read the rest at the link. I spent most of my working life in these places, and I attest to the dangers that lurk in public libraries. In the olden days, the subscription libraries charged for books. What a cockamamie idea to lend the books out FOR FREE. Someone's paying. There's no free lunch. It's your tax money and my tax money that pay for this socialistic, giveaway program.

H/T to Oyster.

New Colors From Crayola

I'm turning the evening over to Doug. His stuff is piling up in my mailbox. He is a terrible influence for evil on me, and I can't seem to help myself.

Kids Are Quick

TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America ..
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________

TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________

TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.

(I Love this kid)
____________________________________________

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________

TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________

TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________

TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with ' I. '
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie...... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
________________________________

TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
______________________________________

TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________

TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's... Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________

TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
__________________________________

Remember: LAUGHTER IS THE SOUL'S MEDICINE!!

It is, Doug, it is. Thanks.

Walmart Slashes Prices For Recession

 

Thanks to Doug.

Help Fred's Friends

Fred Schwartz at Off Topic Allowed asks for a little help for his friends.

St. Mark's Chapel, Port Royal, South Carolina is in need of a letter writing campaign. This small group of Episcopalians is located in the heart of +Mark Lawrence's diocese.

My heartfelt sympathies go to the folks at St. Mark's, who have been refused mission status by Bp. Lawrence for no good reason that I can fathom, except that they may not share the bishop's views on every damned issue in the Episcopal Church. They are a dedicated and hard-working community and they deserve better from their bishop, who was, after all, elected to SERVE THEM, as well as the members of the flock in South Carolina who walk in lockstep with the bishop.

Day Of All Souls

St. John's Cemetery - Thibodaux, Louisiana

Readings:

Psalm 130 or 116:10-17
Wisdom 3:1-9 or Isaiah 25:6-9
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
John 5:24-27

Prayer:

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen

We remembered the departed at our All Saints Day service yesterday, since we did not plan a separate service for All Souls Day.

"Church History In 4 Minutes"

Nicked from MadPriest, who nicked from YouTube, courtesy of Tracie.

It's wonderful, surely a welcome timesaver in this busy world of ours to learn all you need to know about church history.

UPDATE: The creator of the video, Janet Batchler, at Quoth The Maven, posted the lyrics. It's a delightful and clever video, and I'm glad to know who made it to give her due credit.

Please Don't Misunderstand...

My post below about where the comments to my blog went was mostly tongue-in-cheek. Yesterday was a dead comment day until I posted a link over at Facebook, and then folks came over to leave a word. What I found puzzling was that I had quite a high visitor count for a Sunday, without a link from any of the major bloggers, so far as I've been able to tell, and so few comments (one!) until the link at Facebook. Maybe folks were busy meditating on the saints.

Please don't misunderstand me to imply that anyone should feel OBLIGATED to visit my blog or leave a comment. I have good friends who never read Wounded Bird, and we remain good friends. Blogging is something I do, because I enjoy it, and the same goes for visiting around other blogs, although time constraints affect both activities.

Nor do I intend to fault or mock those of you who like Facebook and Twitter. With Twitter, I was in and out in a matter of hours. I didn't know what was going on, and I saw right away that it was not where I wanted to be. I see the attraction of FB. It's an easy way to keep in touch with family and friends, it can be useful as a way to circulate worthwhile information, and it can be fun. Also, in its favor, FB is not as time-consuming as blogging and reading blogs, although some folks seem to spend a good deal of time there.

Blogging is changing, if not dying, and we'll just have to see in which direction the blogs and those who read them go. Once again, I love visits and comments, but I want no one to feel obligated to visit or comment, nor do I want anyone to feel guilty for not visiting or commenting. Capice?

Where Have All The Comments Gone?

Where have all the comments gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the comments gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the comments gone?
Gone to Facebook every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?


To the tune of "You Know What".

Church Of Our Saviour Blog

From Paul, the Byzigenous Buddhapalian:

You may now find Our Saviour at a new location

I have just launched a separate blog for the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour.

You will find updates, events, and musings there.

Just as I keep my very strong political views out of the pulpit, even if I preach on moral issues, it seems right to discuss a new church plant without me going off on Darth Cheney in the same space.

--the BB

And a good thing it is for Paul to do this, because when he rants about Darth Cheney, he gets quite naughty.

The Feast Of All Saints

Wassily Kandinsky - "All Saints l" - 1911.
Glass painting, 34.5x40.5 cm.
Munich, Städtische Galerie in Lenbach, Germany.


There are some of them who have left a name,
so that men declare their praise.
And there are some who have no memorial,
who have perished as though they had not lived;
they have become as though they had not been born,
and so have their children after them.

But these were men of mercy,
whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
Their posterity will continue for ever,
and their glory will not be blotted out.
Their bodies were buried in peace,
and their name lives to all generations.

Ecclesiasticus 44:8-10,13-14


Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.

‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:20-31

PRAYER

Almighty God, who by your Holy Spirit have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen


The "cloud of witnesses" and the "fellowship of love and prayer" comfort me greatly. I think especially of those who lived holy lives quietly, giving without ceasing of themselves and what they had, and who will be known to me only in the perfect Kingdom.

Story Of The Day - Middle Ground

I try & walk a line between terror &
ecstasy, she said & then she shook her
head. You'd be amazed at the people
who avoid me for no good reason, other
than that.


From StoryPeople.