Wow! Bishop Charles Jenkins of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana has written a letter stating what he'd like to say to President Bush if he had the chance. It's here:
Excerpts from the letter:
Recognizing our vulnerability, not to terrorism, but to the deadly force of severe weather, I would like to ask the President how he plans to clearly demonstrate his calculation of our people’s worth and his government’s commitment to our safety? The question is one that Providence has put to this President, and it is one of those tests all human beings dread – the kind that determines who you really are.
....
The volunteers of this country are still coming in larger numbers than ever to help heal the lives of their fellow Americans – the same vulnerable Americans we saw trapped, suffering and dying on our televisions two years ago this week. And those “looters,” “those people down there” as the President has called us, are proving to be some of the most courageous and resilient citizens of this land. Mr. President, did you know that according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 98% of survivors interviewed in the Houston Astrodome following the federal flood said that their faith in God is what had enabled them to survive? I am proud to be one of “those people.”
....
This is what the gathering grief and anger of a nation is about this August 29, 2007. The people of this country still honor the social contract between citizens. We need to see clear evidence that our President shares this humanity, conscience, and sense of moral duty.
....
We can be reconciled, Mr. President. New Orleanians are a long-suffering and forgiving people. But to be so you must show us that you see and value our humanity before it is too late.
Please, please take to time to read the entire letter. It's passionate and excellent. You won't be sorry.
Thanks to Ormonde at Through The Dust for calling the letter to my attention.
Excellent letter. And is this your "Windsor-compliant" bishop? If so, he's not going to have a fence to stradle for very much longer. If you've been following the "serious" Anglican blogs, you'll have seen that the "Global South" Right is rapidly spinning out of control, in the wake of yesterday's Kenya consecrations. Loved Clumber's "Big Mac" scan - assume you've seen it.
ReplyDeleteYes, Lapin, this is my Windsor-compliant bishop. Credit where credit is due.
ReplyDeleteFor a while, I was concerned that he might lead the diocese out of the Episcopal Church, but the alphabet soup folks are doing themselves in without our help, and I am not any longer concerned about Bishop Jenkins forming an alliance with them.
Circular firing-squad time out there, no question.
ReplyDeleteI dropped by your Dharma Bums buddies earlier today. One of their links is to a page called "The Fat Lady Sings". There's an image at the top of her page that, with minor modification, you could threaten MP with when he returns from "holiday".
this IS a passionate letter!
ReplyDeleteLapin, I see what you mean. Simply add a new brand name, and it could be my product.
ReplyDeleteDiane, it's from his heart. He knows how his people have suffered.
It's true that some public housing come through relatively unscathed and could be made habitable with repairs to the interiors. I have the sense that there's money to be made by not doing the repairs.
Also, there are those who want to keep the poor from returning to New Orleans.
Great letter ... thanks for sharing it with us. The broken systems and our infamous leader's attitude are so frustrating and make me so mad!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is quite a letter. Good for him. It should be cc'd to Barbara Bush.
ReplyDeleteThe bishop told him, didn't he? Probably Bush will never lay eyes on the letter, because he's being called to accoount.
ReplyDeleteThanks GM - I posted it on HOBD and it will show up on Episcopal Cafe soon.
ReplyDeleteAnn, thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy own observations -- hardly noteworthy -- are that Bishop Jenkins may be exercising a little independence from the "Windsors." I was pretty impressed with his series of reconciliation meetings. I probably don't agree with more than ... well, nothing he has ever said. But, he does get credit for doing something while the other "Windsor compliant" just sit around and wait for the end.
ReplyDeleteLindy, I believe that Bp. Jenkins would like to be a bridge between the warring parties in the Episcopal Church. I don't know if that's possible.
ReplyDeleteThe Network bishops who are a part of the "Windsor process" must give him pause. He surely sees that there's not much good will there.
He did not answer my communications to him - letter and email - and that's not right. I don't like the secrecy surrounding the Windsor bishops' meetings either.