Fr. Jake has received an email from the Rev. Michael A. Backlund, who was present during the visitation to St. Nicholas Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin by Bishop John-David Schofield, who has declared himself to be no longer under the authority of the Episcopal Church and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts-Schori, but has placed himself under the authority of Archbishop Gregory Venables of the Province of the Southern Cone:
The personal observations of
the Rev’d Michael A. Backlund, PhD
on the occasion of a visitation of
Bishop John-David Schofield of La Iglesia Anglicana Del Cono Sur De America
to St. Nicholas Church (Mission) of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
on December 23, 2007,
the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing was present, also, and she gives her account here.
Michael sent me his observations before Jake published them, just to have another set of eyes look them over.
ReplyDeleteThey were accurate, and gave me chills all over again.
Thank you for helping get the word out. John-David cannot be allowed to continue.
Kirstin, the picture would not have been pretty at any time, but that Bp. Schofield would choose to do this the Sunday before Christmas is beyond belief.
ReplyDeleteI know. Such brutality is horrifying in anyone, let alone someone who professes to be dedicated to God.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really understand the concept of "spiritual abuse," until I saw him in action. This was so far beyond the pale.
That was hard to read. It must have been nearly beyond all ability to stand it for those who were actually there.
ReplyDeleteDear Grandmere,
ReplyDeleteYou know I am always a bit reticent when commenting you TEC issues... But I also think you know that I stand with you all in prayer at this challenging time.
To have read both Kirstin's and Michael's accounts was just so challenging. It seemed to be so un-Christian and especially at this time of year.
All I can think of is that the child Jesus along with the man, weeps for His children.
Boocat, absolutely. I can't think how they carried on as they did.
ReplyDeleteFran, Jesus weeps. Thank you for your prayers. We need them.
Even having witnessed it, I hardly believe this happened. Which is why it's so important to tell it.
ReplyDeleteJohn-David is an abuser, plain and simple. I do believe that we are helping to stop him.