In the comments to my post on Bishop Jerry Lamb, interim bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin in California, receiving his invitation to Lambeth, a couple of us wondered if -John-David Schofield, deposed bishop of the diocese, would retain his invitation to the meeting. The Living Church has been told that he has - as bishop of what territory, I can't say. He's now a bishop in the Archdiocese of the Southern Cone, but he is still in California, trying to hold on to assets that rightfully belong to the Episcopal Church.
Meanwhile, Bishop Gene Robinson, the duly elected and consecrated bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, has not been invited to Lambeth. He will, nevertheless, be present at Lambeth, although he will not be welcome at the meetings. Bishop Robinson is not invited because he is open and honest about being gay and partnered.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Come Together!
Jdodsonvls attended a town meeting with Sen. Robert Wexler in Boca Raton, Florida. At the meeting was a group of mainly Hillary Clinton supporters, Jewish retirees and Hispanics, an older crowd. Wexler was an Obama supporter before the delegate count sealed the deal. When he voiced his support for Obama, at the meeting, there was polite applause, some cheers and some booing. When he was questioned as to why he went against the will of most of his constituents to support Obama, he replied that, although it's important to represent his constituents, he must include his own best judgment in making decisions. When he was asked why he supported Obama over Clinton, he said the following.
From Jdodsonvls's Diary at Daily Kos:
"I support Barack Obama because he showed better judgment on the Iraq War, because he has remained more forcefully against it. I support him because of his stand on ethics reform, and commitment to engaging our enemies. I support him because he speaks truth to power. He spoke in front of a largely Cuban-American organization in Miami. Everyone has told this organization the same thing for 40 years. 'We're going to continue the embargo against Cuba, no monetary remittances there, no anything.' Whether or not it works, that's all any politician dares to say. Obama suggested to them we engage with Raul Castro, and take steps towards ending the embargo. Obama told a crowd in Detroit that we should increase fuel efficiency standards, and he told members of Martin Luther King's church in Atlanta that we all share some of the blame for some of the race problems in America today."
I quote these words, not to divide, but as my small contribution to attempt to bring us together. Obama is the nominee. Clinton supporters are deeply disappointed, and some are bitter, because they feel that she was not treated fairly. I understand that. But let's keep our eyes on the prize, the presidency of the United States. Our very survival as a country that in any way resembles the ideals of our Founding Fathers is at stake here. We simply cannot have four years of another Republican in office. Only if you were pleased with the way our country has been governed for the last seven and a half years, can you think that the election is unimportant.
Neither Obama nor Clinton was my first choice, nor my second choice, nor probably even my third choice. But Obama is the nominee. Make no mistake. I do not see him as the Second Coming, someone who will be our savior. We will have to save ourselves, even if we elect a Democrat for president and larger Democratic majorities in the Senate and House. We will need to be vigilant and goad the Democrats to do the right thing, because coming to power has strange effects on people, and they may not follow through in the ways we would like.
If you want years more of war, torture, violations of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights by the president and members of his administration, 45 million people with no health insurance, disdain for combating climate change, then you can conclude that it's not important to elect a Democrat. If you're not concerned about who is appointed to the Supreme Court, then you can conclude that it's not important who wins the election.
Where I live, I've heard ignorant spouting off about both Clinton and Obama before last night. This is McCain territory in the coming election, but I also hear not a few say they do not like McCain, and that they will sit out the election. Since, if they did vote, they would likely vote for McCain, I say, "Good!" There is little in the way of excitement or enthusiasm about McCain. The votes will be against Obama.
As I watched Obama's speech last night, I saw a crowd electric with excitement, the likes of which I have not seen in recent years. I believe that we will see engagement in the political process by many first-time voters, who will show up at the polling places on election day. They will be there because they have hope. The purpose of this post is to bring hope, not that we will be in the Promised Land if Democrats are elected, but hope for a change in direction from the criminal, immoral, and destructive path we walk now. You'd have difficulty finding someone more jaded about politics in this country than I, but here I am speaking out for unity and engagement. Do with the words what you will.
UPDATE: The text of Obama's speech last night is here.
From Jdodsonvls's Diary at Daily Kos:
"I support Barack Obama because he showed better judgment on the Iraq War, because he has remained more forcefully against it. I support him because of his stand on ethics reform, and commitment to engaging our enemies. I support him because he speaks truth to power. He spoke in front of a largely Cuban-American organization in Miami. Everyone has told this organization the same thing for 40 years. 'We're going to continue the embargo against Cuba, no monetary remittances there, no anything.' Whether or not it works, that's all any politician dares to say. Obama suggested to them we engage with Raul Castro, and take steps towards ending the embargo. Obama told a crowd in Detroit that we should increase fuel efficiency standards, and he told members of Martin Luther King's church in Atlanta that we all share some of the blame for some of the race problems in America today."
I quote these words, not to divide, but as my small contribution to attempt to bring us together. Obama is the nominee. Clinton supporters are deeply disappointed, and some are bitter, because they feel that she was not treated fairly. I understand that. But let's keep our eyes on the prize, the presidency of the United States. Our very survival as a country that in any way resembles the ideals of our Founding Fathers is at stake here. We simply cannot have four years of another Republican in office. Only if you were pleased with the way our country has been governed for the last seven and a half years, can you think that the election is unimportant.
Neither Obama nor Clinton was my first choice, nor my second choice, nor probably even my third choice. But Obama is the nominee. Make no mistake. I do not see him as the Second Coming, someone who will be our savior. We will have to save ourselves, even if we elect a Democrat for president and larger Democratic majorities in the Senate and House. We will need to be vigilant and goad the Democrats to do the right thing, because coming to power has strange effects on people, and they may not follow through in the ways we would like.
If you want years more of war, torture, violations of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights by the president and members of his administration, 45 million people with no health insurance, disdain for combating climate change, then you can conclude that it's not important to elect a Democrat. If you're not concerned about who is appointed to the Supreme Court, then you can conclude that it's not important who wins the election.
Where I live, I've heard ignorant spouting off about both Clinton and Obama before last night. This is McCain territory in the coming election, but I also hear not a few say they do not like McCain, and that they will sit out the election. Since, if they did vote, they would likely vote for McCain, I say, "Good!" There is little in the way of excitement or enthusiasm about McCain. The votes will be against Obama.
As I watched Obama's speech last night, I saw a crowd electric with excitement, the likes of which I have not seen in recent years. I believe that we will see engagement in the political process by many first-time voters, who will show up at the polling places on election day. They will be there because they have hope. The purpose of this post is to bring hope, not that we will be in the Promised Land if Democrats are elected, but hope for a change in direction from the criminal, immoral, and destructive path we walk now. You'd have difficulty finding someone more jaded about politics in this country than I, but here I am speaking out for unity and engagement. Do with the words what you will.
UPDATE: The text of Obama's speech last night is here.
Have You Heard?
The suspense is over, and MadPriest scooped the US press with the news. What a surprise! Even to me.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Happy Anniversary, Diane!
Diane, at Faith in Community, celebrated 10 years at her church on Sunday. Please read her lovely post in honor of the anniversary, and leave your good wishes at her blog.
Here He Is!
On Sunday, I picked Paul up at his apartment, and we headed down to S. Carrollton and St. Charles to board the St. Charles streetcar. Of course, I was introduced to Belle and Maggie and we took an instant liking to each other. They are feisty girls, and I like girls with spirit. We headed out with the girls tucked away in Paul's brief case.Here is Paul, the BB on the streetcar. Alas! I have only a very few pictures of Paul. When I enjoy a person's company, I don't think much about recording the moment, because I'm into the moment right then. I had forgotten how noisy the streetcars are clattering down the tracks with the windows open to catch the breeze. It makes conversation a bit difficult, but we persevered and managed to carry on.
Lovely houses and trees line St. Charles Avenue for much of the way. Two are pictured here. Of course, to own and maintain these houses, one must have money, in no small amount. The old oak trees took a beating during Katrina, losing many limbs, but they are coming back nicely.
We got off the streetcar at Canal Street and walked to the Palace Café a couple of blocks away. Pictured below is the balcony, which is an attractive feature of the interior of the restaurant.
Due, no doubt, to his evangelical background, Paul had never had a Sazerac. As he noted in his post on our day together, it is not our official state drink, but nevertheless, he wanted one. I had my usual glass of wine, but I took a sip of his Sazerac, since the last one I had was many long years ago. My conclusion is that it is better in the sipping than in having a whole glass of it to drink.
I won't bore you with the details of what we ate at the brunch, but it was tasty. Paul and I had wonderful conversation during the brunch ranging over many subjects. Below is a picture of the adorable Maggie "testing" out Paul's drink. He posted a similar picture, but I had to have my own.
I now present the handsome Paul standing before the lovely staircase at the Palace, which we then left behind to walk to St. Louis Cathedral. His glasses are a little sparkly, but, nevertheless, he looks good. This post with pictures took me so long to finish that I will leave part two about our walk, our time in the French Quarter, and more pictures for another day.
Paul's post is so much better than mine. If we don't agree, then I leave it to you to decide who's telling the truth.
Louisiana Soldier Dies In Iraq
A soldier from Bogalusa died in Iraq Sunday from wounds suffered when his vehicle came into contact with an improvised explosive device, the Department of Defense announced Monday.
Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
From WWL-TV.
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Justin, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
....
Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen
Book of Common Prayer
Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
From WWL-TV.
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Justin, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
....
Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen
Book of Common Prayer
Here They Go Again
From E. J. Dionne in the Washington Post:
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil.
Kmiec was denied Communion in April at a Mass for a group of Catholic business people he later addressed at dinner. The episode has not received wide attention outside the Catholic world, but it is the opening shot in an argument that could have a large impact on this year's presidential campaign: Is it legitimate for bishops and priests to deny Communion to those supporting candidates who favor abortion rights?
No, it is not! Not even the US Conference of Catholic Bishops goes that far.
The priest's actions are almost certainly out of line with the policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In their statement"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," issued last November, the bishops said: "A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position."
The "if" phrase in that carefully negotiated sentence suggests that Catholics can support pro-choice candidates, provided the purpose of their vote is not to promote abortion.
It's a typical Roman Catholic mind twist which was called a mental reservation back in my days in in the RCC, but it provides the same sort of "out" that permits RC women to have surgery to abort an ectopic pregnancy so they won't risk death from a ruptured tube.
It is outrageous that priests and bishops take it upon themselves to withhold the body and blood of Our Lord, as though Jesus needed to be protected. Since I left the RCC, I promised myself that I would not become a bitter ex-Roman Catholic, but stories like this test me severely.
And yes, I know that in my own church, the Episcopal Church, we have misguided bishops and priests who do the same sort of thing. However, we are a small church without the numbers and influence of the Roman Catholic Church on politics in the US. No matter who does it, it infuriates me.
However, despite the priest's pinched small-mindedness, it appears that good comes from the affair:
Kmiec says he is grateful because the episode reminded him of the importance of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, and because he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of "using Communion as a weapon."
Indeed!
Word spread like wildfire in Catholic circles: Douglas Kmiec, a staunch Republican, firm foe of abortion and veteran of the Reagan Justice Department, had been denied Communion.
His sin? Kmiec, a Catholic who can cite papal pronouncements with the facility of a theological scholar, shocked old friends and adversaries alike earlier this year by endorsing Barack Obama for president. For at least one priest, Kmiec's support for a pro-choice politician made him a willing participant in a grave moral evil.
Kmiec was denied Communion in April at a Mass for a group of Catholic business people he later addressed at dinner. The episode has not received wide attention outside the Catholic world, but it is the opening shot in an argument that could have a large impact on this year's presidential campaign: Is it legitimate for bishops and priests to deny Communion to those supporting candidates who favor abortion rights?
No, it is not! Not even the US Conference of Catholic Bishops goes that far.
The priest's actions are almost certainly out of line with the policy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. In their statement"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," issued last November, the bishops said: "A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter's intent is to support that position."
The "if" phrase in that carefully negotiated sentence suggests that Catholics can support pro-choice candidates, provided the purpose of their vote is not to promote abortion.
It's a typical Roman Catholic mind twist which was called a mental reservation back in my days in in the RCC, but it provides the same sort of "out" that permits RC women to have surgery to abort an ectopic pregnancy so they won't risk death from a ruptured tube.
It is outrageous that priests and bishops take it upon themselves to withhold the body and blood of Our Lord, as though Jesus needed to be protected. Since I left the RCC, I promised myself that I would not become a bitter ex-Roman Catholic, but stories like this test me severely.
And yes, I know that in my own church, the Episcopal Church, we have misguided bishops and priests who do the same sort of thing. However, we are a small church without the numbers and influence of the Roman Catholic Church on politics in the US. No matter who does it, it infuriates me.
However, despite the priest's pinched small-mindedness, it appears that good comes from the affair:
Kmiec says he is grateful because the episode reminded him of the importance of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, and because he hopes it will alert others to the dangers of "using Communion as a weapon."
Indeed!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Early Summer Pharisaios Journal
From the Diocese of Wenchoster:
I start with Bishop Codpiecium's column out of respect for his office, although Mr. Grindle is actually my favorite person in the diocese. But don't tell the bishop that, please, especially since he was kind enough to leave a word here. It's not personal. It's that I'm somewhat in awe of people with ecclesiastical titles, and Mr G. is so folksy and down to earth.
Hello! This tame of yar brings with it a tindency to relax and assume that awl is will with the warld. Hot summer afternoons laying in the grarss arfter a libat-i-on et the Nane Bills; watching the cwarboys frolic in the Close; teasing the Cenon Precentor with may crosier; pecking for Limbeth (end may excitement continues to raise!) end looking forward to the clargy croquet evenings with great anticipat-i-on. Thus it would be easy to spind the summer in such a fash-i-on, ignoring the hayer callings which affict us awl. Therefore I have desaded to be out end abite in the darsen perishes a lot more then in the past. Once Limbeth is over (end how sed I shell be!) I see it es may duty to visit es minny perishes es possible before the evening begin to draw in, end the thunderstorms of August dempen the fetes of Shaston Farthing. Remember thet I em your bishop – end the place for a bishop is with his own people end darsis.
May the Lawd bliss you awl.
+ Roderick Codpiecium.
Will the bishops at Lambeth, er, Limbeth actually play croquet? I'll wager that they won't lay out their own wickets for the game.
I was going to post the calendar for the month of June for the diocese, but I want you to visit and explore there. Just keep processing, and you will come to it. The journal is chock full of illustrations in this issue, so those of you who like your books and periodicals with lots of pictures will be pleased.
O happy day! Mr. Grindle is back with a few wise words for us.
Well there are some who say that I must breathe a sigh of relief when we get hinto this season of Trinity just because I don’t ‘ave to change the vestments, frontals and ‘angings from the green for weeks on hend doesn’t mean that there’s no hextra work haround the cathedral during the summer months to begin with there’s the hendless stream of visitors that need watching or helse they will go hastray in the transcepts (creating more mess to clean hup) then there’s the guest celebrants and preachers from hall round the Hanglican Communion you’s think that they’d hall know ‘ow to ‘andle a maniple wouldn’t you but oh no sir I’ve seen some pretty rum things done in the sacristy I can tell you mainly by members of the Church in Wales my nearest hand dearest Mrs Grindle who is trying hout a new 'omeopathic remedy is preparing summer treats hin the Refectory hand no doubt the new menu will be published once hit’s approved by Wenchoster Public ‘Ealth. So you see hit’s a busy time.
Right! That’s it! No more rubbing Brasso hon the ‘Onourary Canons!
Oh dear. What can the members from Wales be up to in the sacristy? Mr. G. doesn't say, so we are left to wonder.
I'm not sure why this picture is at the Diocese of Wenchoster site, but I like it and the caption, although I'm not 100% sure that the caption is true.
Cowboy @ The Pearly Gates
A Texas cowboy appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly gates. 'Have you ever done anything of particular merit?' St Peter asked.
'Well, I can think of one thing,' the cowboy offered. 'Once, on a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker, smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground.' I yelled, 'Now back off!! Or I'll kick the sh*t out of all of you!!'
St. Peter was impressed, 'When did this happen?'
'Just a couple of minutes ago!'
It's Doug again. And don't tell me this story is not true.
For good measure, I'll make this one a double.
When I got home last night, my wife said that she had a tough day
with the kids, and demanded that I take her out to some place
expensive.
So I took her to a gas station!
'Well, I can think of one thing,' the cowboy offered. 'Once, on a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker, smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground.' I yelled, 'Now back off!! Or I'll kick the sh*t out of all of you!!'
St. Peter was impressed, 'When did this happen?'
'Just a couple of minutes ago!'
It's Doug again. And don't tell me this story is not true.
For good measure, I'll make this one a double.
When I got home last night, my wife said that she had a tough day
with the kids, and demanded that I take her out to some place
expensive.
So I took her to a gas station!
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