BANNED ON SESAME STREET...

...for cleavage. Shocking, just shocking. It's only right. Why should children be exposed to the reality that women have breasts at such an early age? What were Katy Perry and the producers of the show thinking? At least, they saw the error of their ways before the kiddies were exposed to the scandalous segment.

H/T to Richard Adams at the Guardian.

Thanks to Lapin for the link.

MORE ON THE DIOCESE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Andrew Gerns at The Lead offers an update on matters concerning the Diocese of South Carolina and Bishop Mark Lawrence, which includes a link to an excellent essay by Dr. Joan Gunderson.

I am truly surprised by the Anglican Communion Institute's and the Diocese of South Carolina's sudden negative reaction to the revised Title IV (ecclesiastical discipline) of the Episcopal Church canons. While I do not find the revision perfect and hesitated briefly before voting for them as a deputy at the 2009 General Convention, the time for protest is long past. In fact, these canons were developed over at least seven years in an open process that included posting of multiple drafts. The 2006 draft received numerous criticisms, but questions of constitutionality were not raised. In fact, conservative blogger Brad Drell republished (June 9, 2006), a set of comments made by Province I Chancellors after a careful study of the 2006 draft. Constitutionality issues were raised neither by Drell nor the Province I Chancellors. General Convention listened to the many critics and, rather than pass the 2006 version sent the draft back to committee for further revision. The intent of the revision was to move away from an adversarial mode based on a courtroom trial model focused on uncovering truth and fostering reconciliation. Its closest model was the professional standards board. Driving the revision were concerns about dealing with sexual misconduct, not theological controversy.

Dr. Gunderson concludes:

So why is there such a fuss now? Is it really the changes that worry South Carolina, or is it that some are looking for a wedge issue to drive South Carolina further from the rest of the Church and isolate it more? Were some of South Carolina’s leaders following a strategy based on evading one set of disciplinary canons only to find that the loopholes they had counted on were about to be closed? Were South Carolina leaders so asleep at the switch that for five years they didn't notice a major revision of the canons until the deadline for implementation of the canons drew near? Whatever explanation you pick, it would seem the problem lies more within the Diocese of South Carolina than in Title IV.

Why only now the objections? An excellent question, indeed.

The article at The Lead notes and links to Bishop Mark Lawrence's response to the letter from the Episcopal Forum to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Lawrence's concludes:

It is increasingly clear that we are engaged in a worldwide struggle for the soul of Anglicanism in the 21st Century. This Diocese of South Carolina has been affirmed in our stand by numerous Dioceses and Provinces around the world: Archbishops and bishops from Ireland to Australia, Southeast Asia to Tanzania, from England to Egypt have pledged us their prayers and their hearts. What will emerge from this struggle we cannot say—but I am convinced of our vocation to Make Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age. It is far more than a slogan for a T-shirt. Not unlike a battalion in a military campaign which is ordered to hold a pass even against overwhelming odds, we are called to resist what appears is a self-destructive trajectory by many within The Episcopal Church. We are called to stand our ground and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ until it is no longer possible; and at the same time to continue to help shape the emerging Anglicanism in the 21st Century, which is increasingly less provincial, less institutional and more relational. If this is our calling then we rejoice that his strength is made perfect in weakness. This is not a time to give-in nor give up; rather let us hold fast to the best of our Episcopal heritage while sharing Christ’s transforming freedom—with hearts set free—to a needy world today.

Cue the violins.

Bp. Lawrence's overblown rhetoric is a call to battle in the struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil, and the troops on the side of good rally and prepare for battle knowing that Jesus is on their side. (Multiple eye-rolls)

Yes, I know. Lots of links, but it can't be helped if you want the latest information. I lifted shamelessly from The Lead, for which I pray Andrew Gerns forgives me. You really should go over there to read their article, because Andrew includes more links (Yes, even more links than my post!) and more information.

STORY OF THE DAY

This is a story that usually I write in
white ink, but most people miss it &
start to read too much into it & think it
says something about life they couldn't
figure out themselves. So, now I write
only with stuff people can read & say
things as clearly as I can. Like this:
don't believe anyone who writes with
white ink on white paper. They have too
much to hide.

Well, of course! I never trust people who write in white ink.

From StoryPeople.

JERICHO ROAD INTRODUCES NEW VACANT LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Jericho Road formally launched its new Vacant Land Management Program with recently awarded support from the Greater New Orleans Foundation(GNOF) and the hire of a Program Manager Alison Ecker. The program, a vacant land remediation program, will turn empty properties into neighborhood assets.

Vacant properties and abandoned houses are scattered throughout the Central City community. Many lots lie overgrown and unkempt and numerous houses sit abandoned and boarded-up. Dumping occurs, trash accumulates and weeds grow high over the sidewalks. Although the negative effects may at first seem only visual, these neglected properties contribute to a feeling of a neighborhood in decline, attracting crime, decreasing real estate values and potentially posing serious health hazards. Maintaining this status quo of carelessness is unacceptable.

Jericho Road is committed to a minimum "maintenance" level of landscaping investment on each lot which includes demolition and clearing the lot of debris such as existing foundations, old fences and dumped materials. Jericho Road believes solid and attractive fencing will more than pay for itself with the cumulative benefit of improving land values and discouraging negative activities. The program will also include several special projects like the newly awarded fruit orchard.

If you recall, I asked you to vote for the Jericho Road program in a recent competition to win a fruit garden orchard, which they were awarded, thanks in part to your vote.

Read more about Jericho Road at the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.

Jericho Road still has a $25,000 need for supplementing some sites with additional tree plantings and other aesthetic lot enhancements.

If you'd care to help, you can donate here.

Jericho Road was founded in part by Episcopal Relief and Development after Katrina and the federal flood.

YOU CAN SEE IT NOW!

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.

Psalm 85:10-11

As I read the readings from the Lectionary this afternoon, the words above from the psalm leapt out to me. I prayed, "O God, let it be!"

And the thought came to me, "It is! It is! You can see it all around you. Open your eyes. Amidst the evil, the suffering, the betrayals, all manner of perversions of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you will see a host of the people of God (whether they know they are of God, or not) performing acts of love and faithfulness. You will see the works of the righteous and the bearers of peace risen from amidst the squalor and the turmoil. Look around and see!"

And I said, "Amen,"

WHEN WILL THEY EVER LEARN?

From Yahoo News:

As a Christian author, gospel singer and leader of one of the nation's best-known black megachurches, Bishop Eddie Long finds a wide audience for messages such as marriage is "between one man and one woman." Those words hung heavy Wednesday over accusations that the TV preacher, a married father of four, used jewelry, cars and cash to lure three young men into sexual relationships.

Lawsuits filed Tuesday and Wednesday say the young men were 17 or 18 years old at the time, enrolled in New Birth Missionary Baptist Church's ministry for teen boys.

A lawyer for Long, who writes books on heterosexual relationships and has strong ties to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s family, adamantly denied the allegations. Few at Long's 25,000-strong church will discuss the situation, and the grounds were quiet Wednesday save for a small group walking in prayer. But those who will speak say they are supporting him.

From the Southern Poverty Law Center:

"Men can look attractive when they are dirty," writes Bishop Eddie Long in his 1997 book I Don't Want Delilah, I Need You! "We see sweating, dirty, hardworking men on television all the time and we say to one another, 'There's a macho guy.'"

Despite this affinity for sweaty, macho men, Long is one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement.

....

Much of what appears in I Don't Want Delilah was espoused in the videotaped "Back to the Future” sermon Long gave when his church was still small.

"It is the most unattractive thing I have ever seen, when I see women wearing uniforms that men would wear, and women fighting to get in the military!" Long shouted to his congregation then. "The woman gets perverted to turn towards woman … and everybody knows it's dangerous to enter an exit! And everybody knows, lady, if you go to the store and buy these devices [marital aids], it's Memorex! It ain't real!"

The audience, seated in a congested sanctuary, erupts in laughter. But what Long says next is no joke.

"God says you deserve death!"

I wonder. Did the congregation laugh when Pastor Eddie said those words?

Many bloggers have already written about Bishop Eddie Long. I don't have further wisdom to contribute to the subject, but I remain amazed that homophobic leaders don't learn from the example of the ever-lengthening line of the like-minded in high positions who have taken mighty falls.

The Counseling Ministry at the church lists a class in "Sexuality Discipleship".

“Out of the Wilderness” – Confidential counsel and discipleship of men and women struggling with homosexuality. Counselors provide caring support to individuals who desire healing and deliverance through the Word of God.

You can't make this stuff up.

Back to Yahoo News.

Lance Robertson, who joined New Birth nearly two decades ago and has coached youth basketball there, said Wednesday that members were hurting.

"I support and will stand with my bishop, but right now in the court of public opinion, it does not look good," Robertson said. "This affects too many people. As the bishop goes, New Birth goes. He built New Birth."

I wonder how many of the megachurches prosper and grow principally due to the influence of a charismatic pastor. What happens to the churches when the pastor moves on for one reason or another?

UPDATE: Photo lifted from Box Turtle Bulletin. I hope Jim Burroway doesn't mind.



Bishop Eddie Long's humble abode.

FROM LOYAL EPISCOPALIANS IN THE DIOCESE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Episcopal Forum of South Carolina
P.O. Box 1772
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
Episcopal Forum

Date: September 22, 2010

To: The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church
The House of Bishops
From: The Episcopal Forum of South Carolina
Subject: The Alienation and Disassociation of the Diocese of South
Carolina from The Episcopal Church

This communication is being sent from the Directors of the Episcopal Forum of South Carolina to the general membership of the Forum, to the House of Bishops, and to the lay and clerical leadership of The Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Forum of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) corporation with members from two thirds of the congregations in our Diocese. Our mission is to preserve unity with diversity in the Diocese and in The Episcopal Church through the inclusion of a broad range of Scriptural understandings and by upholding the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the democratic actions of its Conventions and elected leaders. You will find more information about EFSC at our website and in the brochure at: Brochure.

We wish to call to your attention the recent actions and inactions on the part of the diocesan leadership and leaders in parishes and missions within the Diocese of South Carolina, which we believe are accelerating the process of alienation and disassociation of the Diocese of South Carolina from The Episcopal Church.

In accordance with our Mission statement, we feel compelled to emphasize the importance of the issues that we include in our attached documents. Specifically, we enumerate issues that present grave concern to us, as Episcopalians in our Diocese, and we request that The Episcopal Church leadership investigate the situation in our Diocese.

Thank you for your consideration.

Attachments/Links

Episcopal Forum Directors
Alex Baron+
Douglas G. Billings
Frances Elmore
Daniel J. Ennis
Cynthia Harding
John Johnson+
Eleanor Koets
Richard Lovelace
Melinda Lucka
Barbara Mann
Dave Mann
Susanne Nash
Jack Nietert+
Lynn Pagliaro
Dusty Parker
Bob Pinkerton
Philip Porcher+
Scott Shaffer
Marilyn Roper
Colton Smith+
Carolyn Sparks
Ginny Trolley
Betsy Walker
Virginia Wilder

Enthusiastically Episcopalian in South Carolina

I urge you to read the attachments at the link provided, which document the concerns of the members of the Diocese of South Carolina who wish to remain within the Episcopal Church and fear (with good reason, in my opinion) that their bishop is headed for an attempt to lead the diocese out of the Episcopal Church.

The official web page of the Diocese of South Carolina includes no reference in its name to indicate that it is a diocese of the Episcopal Church.

H/T to John White at Openly Episcopal in Albany.

OH, PLEASE!

From PhillyBurbs.com:

Episcopal Church leaders have asked for the resignation of a Pennsylvania bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse by his brother more than 30 years ago.

The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church said in a resolution late Tuesday, issued after a meeting in Arizona, that it was asking the Rev. Charles Bennison Jr. to step down as Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

"We have come to the conclusion that Bishop Bennison's capacity to exercise the ministry of pastoral oversight is irretrievably damaged," the statement said. "Therefore, we exhort Charles, our brother in Christ, in the strongest possible terms, to tender his immediate and unconditional resignation as the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania."

Spokeswoman Anne Rudig said the church had not gotten a response from Bennison, who released a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

"Resigning my position as Bishop of Pennsylvania will not ease (the victim's) pain or remove the sting of the abusive relationship," he said in the statement. "Instead, I hope that the suffering I have endured during the past three years has strengthened me and will enable me to work for reconciliation within the Diocese." (My emphasis)

The suffering that Bishop Bennison has endured is as nothing compared to the suffering of the person whose abuse by the bishop's brother was covered up by the bishop. The president of the Standing Committee of the diocese, the Rev. Glenn Matis, expressed his wish that the bishop resign. How will Bennison's hanging on in the face of the request by his fellow bishops and members of the diocese for him to step down lead to reconcilation within the diocese?

Charles Bennison has said he was being railroaded by other church officials who were trying to cover up their own involvement in his brother's case, and that some had been trying to oust him due to differences in theology and the handling of church finances.

Oh, please, spare us the martyr, Bishop Bennison.

TWO CLERIHEWS FOR YOU

For the blog Faith and Theology, Kim Fabricious offers a series of clerihews "...for those of you who have trouble reading poetry (or would like to be able to talk about poets without reading them...." Below are two teasers. For the rest, you'll you'll need to visit the blog. It's only right.

W. H. Auden
Sure liked his Gordon’s;
Of course the intoxicated sod
Was also drunk on God.

Wendell Berry
Is very, very
Farmy.
And some would say barmy.

No, I didn't know what a clerihew was before now.

Thanks to Ann V.

UPDATE: I intended to include a link to the definition of a clerihew in my original post, but I neglected to do so. Sorry. The link is there now.

"EAU LA LA!"

From the New York Times:

In the latest in a series of unusual efforts to make Paris green, the city is now offering residents free sparkling water to try to wean Parisians not from red wine, but from overconsumption of plastic bottles.
....

“We chill the water between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius,” said Philippe Burguière, the spokesman for Eau de Paris, “and then we inject carbon dioxide into regular tap water to make the bubbles thin and tasty.” Those temperatures translate to 42.8 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The new water fountain is part of an operation “aimed at promoting tap water in a country where we invest a lot to preserve its quality,” Mr. Burguière added.

The fountain is connected to the public water system and uses six taps to provide both sparkling and flat water.

The idea was conceived in Italy and grew very popular there, Mr. Burguière said.

Italians, who are known as the world’s biggest consumers of sparkling water, have installed 215 fountains of the same type in the country’s northern regions.

Sounds like a great, green idea to me. Leave it to the Italians to teach the French a thing or two.

Did you know that an Italian taught the French how to cook? Back in the day when Catherine de Medici, of Florence, married Prince Henry of France, who later became King Henry II, she took her cook with her. The cook proceeded to show the French how it's done.

Of course, there are spoilers who say that the story is not true. Well, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

But I digress. The Italian and now the French practice of giving away water, even water with a sparkle, is wonderful. The sellers of bottled water may not agree, but, hey guys! you have to do your part, too, in going green - for the common good, you know.

The title of the post is from the headline of the story in the Times-Picayune newspaper, but I cannot find an online link.