Progressive Episcopal/Anglican Feed by IPC
Gen Silent
My dear friends and spiritual mothers in the process of my Coming Out just told me about this new film Gen Silent which is scheduled to be released in May.
Indeed, Sheri and Lois are featured in this promotional clip of the film "Gen Silent". I'm so proud of them, I could simply burst.
The shocking, sad story needs to be told. The LGBTQ generation who worked and struggled for our civil rights, to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude, are now being forced back into the closet in order to survive.
I encourage you to watch this 4 minute clip and visit the website. I'm hoping to be in Boston for the premier - to support two women without whose support I wouldn't be here today.
We've come a long way, but we still have so much farther to go.
If you haven't been part of it before, it starts today.
Welcome to the journey!
Mary Glasspool Receives Consents From Standing Committees
From the Diocese of Los Angeles:
...The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church...We still have to hear from the bishops, but, according to Susan Russell: "...at this point what we DO know "anecdotally" is that MOST bishops and standing committees are coming out in alignment."
Is this significant? Well, for one thing, it will officially make B033 null and void. I know that some said resolutions passed at General Convention accomplished that, but if you listened carefully to the spin from quite a few of the bishops, they were rather clear that it would take an election to the episcopate, and the necessary consents, to thwart that particular distasteful bit of legislation.
Yes, we may have to hold our breath for a few more days, but I think it's a done deal. Thanks be to God!
Now it will be interesting to observe the reaction in other parts of the globe. I predict that there will be less heat than we might have anticipated. The shift of perspective on these matters over the last few years in the UK is but one example of why I am making such a prediction.
Watch for the announcement on the bishops' consents.
J.
...The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church...We still have to hear from the bishops, but, according to Susan Russell: "...at this point what we DO know "anecdotally" is that MOST bishops and standing committees are coming out in alignment."
Is this significant? Well, for one thing, it will officially make B033 null and void. I know that some said resolutions passed at General Convention accomplished that, but if you listened carefully to the spin from quite a few of the bishops, they were rather clear that it would take an election to the episcopate, and the necessary consents, to thwart that particular distasteful bit of legislation.
Yes, we may have to hold our breath for a few more days, but I think it's a done deal. Thanks be to God!
Now it will be interesting to observe the reaction in other parts of the globe. I predict that there will be less heat than we might have anticipated. The shift of perspective on these matters over the last few years in the UK is but one example of why I am making such a prediction.
Watch for the announcement on the bishops' consents.
J.
The Song of Hannah
If you haven't heard by now, where the heck have you been anyway?
Mary Glasspool has received the necessary number of consents to her election from Standing Committees in The Episcopal Church to proceed with her consecration. She needed 56. To date, she has 61.
No one knows the exact number of bishops who have voted 'aye' or 'nay'. An abstention counts as a 'nay' - an easy albeit cowardly way for those without cojones or ovaries not to consent.
Here's the press release from ENS.
Here's what Daniel Burke at Religious New Service reported.
Lesbian bishop-elect clears crucial hurdle
(Gotta love the headline, right? Of course she cleared the hurdle.She's a lesbian!)
(RNS) A majority of dioceses in the Episcopal Church have confirmed the election of an open lesbian as a bishop in Los Angeles, bringing Bishop-elect Mary Glasspool one step closer to consecration.
The Diocese of Los Angeles, where Glasspool was elected as an assistant bishop last December, announced confirmations from 61 of the denomination's 110 dioceses on Wednesday (March 10).
A majority of diocesan bishops, however, must also consent to Glasspool's election before she can be consecrated a bishop. Episcopal Church headquarters in New York keeps the bishops' tally, but generally does not release it until the outcome is sealed.
"I look forward to the final few consents to come in from the bishops in the next few days, and I give thanks for the fact that we as a church have taken a bold step for just action," said Los Angeles Bishop Jon Bruno.
Glasspool has until May 8 to receive the necessary votes from bishops. If her election is confirmed, she would be only the second openly gay person (note: but the first LESBIAN) to be elected a bishop in the U.S. church or the wider Anglican Communion.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, said last year that Glasspool's election "raises very serious questions" and urged Episcopal bishops to reject it. A majority of Anglicans in the 77-million-member communion reject homosexuality as unbiblical and the election of an openly gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 has caused widespread dissent Yeah, yeah, yeah. Rowan 'Blah-Blah-Blah' Williams.
Does anyone on either side of the aisle or sanctuary - left, right, front, center or back - listen to anything that man has to say anymore?
As for me and my house, we are listening to Hannah, singing her song with the ancient women and men who have marveled throughout the ages at the most marvelous works of God.
Hannah is a prophet, one of the two wives of Elkanah and the mother of Samuel. This is what she sang when her prayers to conceive were answered. (From 1 Samuel 2:1-8)
I imagine Hannah grew up hearing the song of Miriam, the sister of Moses. She learned it by heart. Sang it as she tended to her chores. Hummed it as drew water from the well. Miriam's song was the basis for the Song of Hannah.
I imagine Mary, the mother of Jesus, grew up hearing both Miriam and Hannah's song. Learning them. Memorizing them in her heart of hearts. Both songs provided the foundation for her own Magnificat.
Let us join with Miriam, Hannah and Mary and rejoice with all the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven and earth, for surely today, this day, the arc of history began to bend just a little closer to justice.
My heart exults in you, O God,
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies,
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you,
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance;
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread,
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold,
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up;
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies
God raises the poor from the dust;
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God's,
on which the whole earth is founded.
Mary Glasspool has received the necessary number of consents to her election from Standing Committees in The Episcopal Church to proceed with her consecration. She needed 56. To date, she has 61.
No one knows the exact number of bishops who have voted 'aye' or 'nay'. An abstention counts as a 'nay' - an easy albeit cowardly way for those without cojones or ovaries not to consent.
Here's the press release from ENS.
Here's what Daniel Burke at Religious New Service reported.
Lesbian bishop-elect clears crucial hurdle
(Gotta love the headline, right? Of course she cleared the hurdle.She's a lesbian!)
(RNS) A majority of dioceses in the Episcopal Church have confirmed the election of an open lesbian as a bishop in Los Angeles, bringing Bishop-elect Mary Glasspool one step closer to consecration.
The Diocese of Los Angeles, where Glasspool was elected as an assistant bishop last December, announced confirmations from 61 of the denomination's 110 dioceses on Wednesday (March 10).
A majority of diocesan bishops, however, must also consent to Glasspool's election before she can be consecrated a bishop. Episcopal Church headquarters in New York keeps the bishops' tally, but generally does not release it until the outcome is sealed.
"I look forward to the final few consents to come in from the bishops in the next few days, and I give thanks for the fact that we as a church have taken a bold step for just action," said Los Angeles Bishop Jon Bruno.
Glasspool has until May 8 to receive the necessary votes from bishops. If her election is confirmed, she would be only the second openly gay person (note: but the first LESBIAN) to be elected a bishop in the U.S. church or the wider Anglican Communion.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, said last year that Glasspool's election "raises very serious questions" and urged Episcopal bishops to reject it. A majority of Anglicans in the 77-million-member communion reject homosexuality as unbiblical and the election of an openly gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 has caused widespread dissent Yeah, yeah, yeah. Rowan 'Blah-Blah-Blah' Williams.
Does anyone on either side of the aisle or sanctuary - left, right, front, center or back - listen to anything that man has to say anymore?
As for me and my house, we are listening to Hannah, singing her song with the ancient women and men who have marveled throughout the ages at the most marvelous works of God.
Hannah is a prophet, one of the two wives of Elkanah and the mother of Samuel. This is what she sang when her prayers to conceive were answered. (From 1 Samuel 2:1-8)
I imagine Hannah grew up hearing the song of Miriam, the sister of Moses. She learned it by heart. Sang it as she tended to her chores. Hummed it as drew water from the well. Miriam's song was the basis for the Song of Hannah.
I imagine Mary, the mother of Jesus, grew up hearing both Miriam and Hannah's song. Learning them. Memorizing them in her heart of hearts. Both songs provided the foundation for her own Magnificat.
Let us join with Miriam, Hannah and Mary and rejoice with all the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven and earth, for surely today, this day, the arc of history began to bend just a little closer to justice.
My heart exults in you, O God,
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies,
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you,
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance;
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread,
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold,
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up;
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies
God raises the poor from the dust;
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God's,
on which the whole earth is founded.
PRAYER LIST EXTRA
An urgent prayer request has just
been posted at Chin Wag only.
been posted at Chin Wag only.
AT LAST - THE TRUTH CAN BE TOLD
Thanks to Mike G for videoing this report for OCICBW...
THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Hey, JCF! They're playing our song.
RAT RACE - RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS BAND
ODE TO A SOUL MAN - SYL JOHNSON
WHERE IS MY BABY - JIMMY LEWIS
LITTLE GIRL - DONNY HATHAWAY
IT'S TOO LATE - CAMELOT STRINGS
I'M THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU - MELVIN DAVIS
I'VE DECIDED - JOHN DREVAR'S EXPRESION
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE MORE OF A WOMAN
(YOU GOT TO BE MORE OF A MAN) - LORRAINE JOHNSON
OH LOVE - CREATIVE SOURCE (Pictured above)
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN - WALTER JACKSON
L.A. Diocese receives majority of Standing Committee consents to elections of Mary Glasspool and Diane Bruce as bishops suffragan
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles has received the necessary majority of Standing Committee consents to the December 2009 elections of the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as bishops suffragan to serve the six-county Los Angeles diocese.
The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
The consent process to Glasspool’s election is not complete until the Presiding Bishop’s Office in New York confirms that it has received the necessary majority of consents from bishops with jurisdiction in the dioceses of the Church. Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop’s Office has notified the Los Angeles Standing Committee that 58 of the 61 Standing Committee consents received have been verified to date.
Read the rest of the story here.
The total of votes from bishops with jurisdiction is still pending.
The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
The consent process to Glasspool’s election is not complete until the Presiding Bishop’s Office in New York confirms that it has received the necessary majority of consents from bishops with jurisdiction in the dioceses of the Church. Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop’s Office has notified the Los Angeles Standing Committee that 58 of the 61 Standing Committee consents received have been verified to date.
Read the rest of the story here.
The total of votes from bishops with jurisdiction is still pending.
LESBIANS RULE OK
From Dr Primrose:
According to THE EPISCOPAL NEWS (LA):
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles has received the necessary majority of Standing Committee consents to the December 2009 elections of the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as bishops suffragan to serve the six-county Los Angeles diocese.
The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
The consent process to Glasspool’s election is not complete until the Presiding Bishop’s Office in New York confirms that it has received the necessary majority of consents from bishops with jurisdiction in the dioceses of the Church. Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop’s Office has notified the Los Angeles Standing Committee that 58 of the 61 Standing Committee consents received have been verified to date.
According to THE EPISCOPAL NEWS (LA):
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Los Angeles has received the necessary majority of Standing Committee consents to the December 2009 elections of the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and the Rev. Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as bishops suffragan to serve the six-county Los Angeles diocese.
The Los Angeles Standing Committee reported March 10 that within the last 64 days it has received 61 consents needed to the election of Glasspool, and 78 consents to the election of Bruce. In each election a majority of 56 consents was needed from the counterpart Standing Committees of the 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.
The consent process to Glasspool’s election is not complete until the Presiding Bishop’s Office in New York confirms that it has received the necessary majority of consents from bishops with jurisdiction in the dioceses of the Church. Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop’s Office has notified the Los Angeles Standing Committee that 58 of the 61 Standing Committee consents received have been verified to date.
THE RISE IN SHEER GALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE
In a lengthy address delivered in Canada on March 6, Cardinal William Levada, prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, stated that the reception of communities of Anglicans into the Catholic Church is consistent with Anglican-Catholic ecumenical dialogue because “union with the Catholic Church is the goal of ecumenism.”
Tracing the history of Anglican-Catholic dialogue since the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Levada noted that Anglican decisions to ordain women and countenance homosexual activity were not consistent with earlier statements agreed to by Anglican and Catholic theologians. “No wonder, then, that the ordination of a bishop in a homosexual partnership in New Hampshire, with subsequent approval by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States in 2003, and the authorization of rituals for the blessing of gay unions and marriages by the Anglican Church in Canada, have caused an enormous upheaval within the Anglican communion,” the cardinal observed.
Cardinal Levada then compared the reception of Anglican communities into the Catholic Church to the addition of an instrument to an orchestra. Professing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, these communities will play the same doctrinal notes, yet will enrich the orchestra with another sound.
“Let me add right away that when I say enrichment I am referring not to any addition of essential elements of sanctification and truth to the Catholic Church,” said Cardinal Levada. “Christ has endowed her with all the essential elements. I am referring to the addition of modes of expression of these essential elements, modes which enhance everyone’s appreciation of the inexhaustible treasures bestowed on the Church by her divine founder.”
COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT
COMMENT: My guess is that the number of Old Catholics and Independent catholics around the world who are in full communion with Canterbury far exceeds the number of Anglican schismatics currently considering joining the Roman Empire (especially if you restrict the latter to just real Anglicans and not cults that cleared off years ago). And Old Catholics, Independent Filipino Catholics and the like are, on the whole, much nicer people than President Duncan et al. You win some, you lose some, but considering Anglicanism's small beginnings we're still well in the lead.
Tracing the history of Anglican-Catholic dialogue since the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Levada noted that Anglican decisions to ordain women and countenance homosexual activity were not consistent with earlier statements agreed to by Anglican and Catholic theologians. “No wonder, then, that the ordination of a bishop in a homosexual partnership in New Hampshire, with subsequent approval by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church of the United States in 2003, and the authorization of rituals for the blessing of gay unions and marriages by the Anglican Church in Canada, have caused an enormous upheaval within the Anglican communion,” the cardinal observed.
Cardinal Levada then compared the reception of Anglican communities into the Catholic Church to the addition of an instrument to an orchestra. Professing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, these communities will play the same doctrinal notes, yet will enrich the orchestra with another sound.
“Let me add right away that when I say enrichment I am referring not to any addition of essential elements of sanctification and truth to the Catholic Church,” said Cardinal Levada. “Christ has endowed her with all the essential elements. I am referring to the addition of modes of expression of these essential elements, modes which enhance everyone’s appreciation of the inexhaustible treasures bestowed on the Church by her divine founder.”
COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT
COMMENT: My guess is that the number of Old Catholics and Independent catholics around the world who are in full communion with Canterbury far exceeds the number of Anglican schismatics currently considering joining the Roman Empire (especially if you restrict the latter to just real Anglicans and not cults that cleared off years ago). And Old Catholics, Independent Filipino Catholics and the like are, on the whole, much nicer people than President Duncan et al. You win some, you lose some, but considering Anglicanism's small beginnings we're still well in the lead.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
An Irish man died and his wife arranged an extravagant funeral and wake.
As the last guests departed the affair, his wife Colleen turned to her oldest and dearest friend.
"Ah well, to be sure Paddy would be pleased," she said.
"To be sure you're right," replied Mary, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "So go on, how much did this really cost?'"
"All of it," said Colleen. "Forty thousand."
"Aw No!" Mary exclaimed. "I mean, it was very grand, but £40,000?!!!"
Colleen answered, "The funeral was £6,500. I donated £500 to church. The whiskey, wine and snacks were another £500.
The rest went for the Memorial Stone."
Mary computed quickly. "For the love of God Colleen, £32,500 for a Memorial Stone? How big is it?"
So Colleen showed her:
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As the last guests departed the affair, his wife Colleen turned to her oldest and dearest friend.
"Ah well, to be sure Paddy would be pleased," she said.
"To be sure you're right," replied Mary, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "So go on, how much did this really cost?'"
"All of it," said Colleen. "Forty thousand."
"Aw No!" Mary exclaimed. "I mean, it was very grand, but £40,000?!!!"
Colleen answered, "The funeral was £6,500. I donated £500 to church. The whiskey, wine and snacks were another £500.
The rest went for the Memorial Stone."
Mary computed quickly. "For the love of God Colleen, £32,500 for a Memorial Stone? How big is it?"
So Colleen showed her:
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Signs of Spring
It's amazing what you see when you actually travel the speed limit.
I was heading back to the office yesterday - a glorious afternoon with temps hovering near the 60s - after doing a pastoral call and some errands.
It was so glorious I was thinking of pulling over and taking the top down on Lucy True Bug when I spotted him just up the road.
Pudgy boy. Maybe eight, nine years old. Just home from school. Jeans and a short sleeve T-shirt with a puffy vest over it. Yankees baseball cap - on the right way. Talking to his mom who was giving him some stern instructions about something. Holding the leash to a beautiful yellow lab pup who was sooOOOooo excited about the walk they were about to take.
As he turned from the driveway, his mom watching closely, I couldn't tell who was more excited, the young lad or the lab pup.
There was an unmistakable bounce to his step which the pup matched, step for step. They looked for all the world like a very picture of the first day of Spring - fresh, excited, full of the energy of new life.
You could almost see the blood rushing through his veins like the sap beginning to flow in the linden and maple trees that lined the streets of his neighborhood. You could see excitement and joy push through his every pore like the purple crocus will begin to push through his muddy front yard in a few weeks.
As I drove closer to him, I could see the broad smile on his face. This was one happy dude - happy to be home from school, happy to be a young boy out for an afternoon walk on a beautiful day. Happy it wasn't snowing!
I was remembering my own childhood, on a similar day, now in the dim past but brought close and very present in the bright sunshine. It made me smile even broader.
About the time I was lost in my own memories, he noticed me. I must have been smiling as foolishly as he was.
Then, it happened. He tilted his chin up, put his free hand to his baseball cap and tiped it as he nodded his chin upward, almost defiantly, and gave me a bright smile.
It was just a small gesture but it was hugely New Jersey. You'd have to have seen it before to recognize it. Think Fonzie on Happy Days for a close facsimile. I could almost hear my young friend saying, "Eh, ow you doin'?"
Just like his old man.
Nature or nurture?
I think it's a little bit of both.
Either way, it was a great day in this North Jersey neighborhood. We may be in for a few more flakes of snow and March and April may yet provide is with more blustery, windy cold days than any of us wants, needs or requires, but I am starting to believe that Spring may actually come this year.
I saw it in that little boy's face.
I was heading back to the office yesterday - a glorious afternoon with temps hovering near the 60s - after doing a pastoral call and some errands.
It was so glorious I was thinking of pulling over and taking the top down on Lucy True Bug when I spotted him just up the road.
Pudgy boy. Maybe eight, nine years old. Just home from school. Jeans and a short sleeve T-shirt with a puffy vest over it. Yankees baseball cap - on the right way. Talking to his mom who was giving him some stern instructions about something. Holding the leash to a beautiful yellow lab pup who was sooOOOooo excited about the walk they were about to take.
As he turned from the driveway, his mom watching closely, I couldn't tell who was more excited, the young lad or the lab pup.
There was an unmistakable bounce to his step which the pup matched, step for step. They looked for all the world like a very picture of the first day of Spring - fresh, excited, full of the energy of new life.
You could almost see the blood rushing through his veins like the sap beginning to flow in the linden and maple trees that lined the streets of his neighborhood. You could see excitement and joy push through his every pore like the purple crocus will begin to push through his muddy front yard in a few weeks.
As I drove closer to him, I could see the broad smile on his face. This was one happy dude - happy to be home from school, happy to be a young boy out for an afternoon walk on a beautiful day. Happy it wasn't snowing!
I was remembering my own childhood, on a similar day, now in the dim past but brought close and very present in the bright sunshine. It made me smile even broader.
About the time I was lost in my own memories, he noticed me. I must have been smiling as foolishly as he was.
Then, it happened. He tilted his chin up, put his free hand to his baseball cap and tiped it as he nodded his chin upward, almost defiantly, and gave me a bright smile.
It was just a small gesture but it was hugely New Jersey. You'd have to have seen it before to recognize it. Think Fonzie on Happy Days for a close facsimile. I could almost hear my young friend saying, "Eh, ow you doin'?"
Just like his old man.
Nature or nurture?
I think it's a little bit of both.
Either way, it was a great day in this North Jersey neighborhood. We may be in for a few more flakes of snow and March and April may yet provide is with more blustery, windy cold days than any of us wants, needs or requires, but I am starting to believe that Spring may actually come this year.
I saw it in that little boy's face.
THIS TIME HE ACTUALLY JUMPED
From INDEPENDENT.IE:
Management has ordered the removal of a statue of Christ that has adorned Killarney Community Hospital for over 70 years. Citing "health and safety reasons", but later hinting the decision had more to do with political correctness in not offending non-Catholics, Jesus was sent packing yesterday.
Politicians as well as patients and visitors to the hospital expressed sadness and dismay at the move and said it was political correctness gone mad.
Fr Kevin McNamara, a curate in Killarney, said: "People I visited today are extremely upset. We are demanding it be put back."
Councillor Brendan Cronin said staff and the elderly patients were extremely upset. "Where is the building survey that says this statue was a risk?" he said.
The HSE said that hospitals were "independent entities" and the decision to move the statue had been made by management in Killarney.
The statue had been there since September 1939 when World War II broke out.
COMMENT: If you walk round any European major town or city you will come across huge statues of long dead people dominating public spaces. During their lives many of these celebrated dignitaries were responsible for invading India, oppressing the workforce in sweatshop factories and mills and that sort of stuff. Heck, in Sutherland, Scotland there's even a huge column on top of a hill with a statue of the bloke who was responsible for the Highland clearances standing on top of it.
These statues are, in many ways, offensive but we are an intelligent race perfectly capable of viewing such things in context. Even the Scots believe the dastardly duke should stay on his plinth as a reminder of the awful things the English did to them (which is a bit weird as Mrs Sutherland, who erected the memorial after her husband's death was as Scottish as Billy Connolly).
So, yes, this story is about political correctness gone mad. If non-Catholics can't see it as a symbol of the care given in the hospital then they are just plain stupid and should be ignored anyway. What next - the Egyptian government demolishes the Sphinx because it's pagan origins might offend the tourists who go to see it?
See cartoon atOWNERS OF JESUS CHRIST SUE HOLLYWOOD.
Management has ordered the removal of a statue of Christ that has adorned Killarney Community Hospital for over 70 years. Citing "health and safety reasons", but later hinting the decision had more to do with political correctness in not offending non-Catholics, Jesus was sent packing yesterday.
Politicians as well as patients and visitors to the hospital expressed sadness and dismay at the move and said it was political correctness gone mad.
Fr Kevin McNamara, a curate in Killarney, said: "People I visited today are extremely upset. We are demanding it be put back."
Councillor Brendan Cronin said staff and the elderly patients were extremely upset. "Where is the building survey that says this statue was a risk?" he said.
The HSE said that hospitals were "independent entities" and the decision to move the statue had been made by management in Killarney.
The statue had been there since September 1939 when World War II broke out.
COMMENT: If you walk round any European major town or city you will come across huge statues of long dead people dominating public spaces. During their lives many of these celebrated dignitaries were responsible for invading India, oppressing the workforce in sweatshop factories and mills and that sort of stuff. Heck, in Sutherland, Scotland there's even a huge column on top of a hill with a statue of the bloke who was responsible for the Highland clearances standing on top of it.
These statues are, in many ways, offensive but we are an intelligent race perfectly capable of viewing such things in context. Even the Scots believe the dastardly duke should stay on his plinth as a reminder of the awful things the English did to them (which is a bit weird as Mrs Sutherland, who erected the memorial after her husband's death was as Scottish as Billy Connolly).
So, yes, this story is about political correctness gone mad. If non-Catholics can't see it as a symbol of the care given in the hospital then they are just plain stupid and should be ignored anyway. What next - the Egyptian government demolishes the Sphinx because it's pagan origins might offend the tourists who go to see it?
See cartoon atOWNERS OF JESUS CHRIST SUE HOLLYWOOD.
THE GRAND TUFTI AT GUILDFORD
From THE TIMES:
The Grand Tufti has condemned evangelist "bulies" who attempt to convert people of other faiths to Christianity. He said it was right to be suspicious of proselytism that involves "bullying, insensitive approaches" to other faiths.
In a speech at Guildford cathedral, he criticised those who believed they had all the answers amd treated non-Christians as if their traditions of reflection and imagination were of no interest to anyone. "God save us form that kind of approach," he said.
But he added: "God save us also from the nervousness about our own conviction that doesn’t allow us to say we speak about Jesus because we believe he matters, we believe he matters, because we believe that in him human beings find their peace, their destinies converge, and their dignities are fully honoured."
MP3 File
Later, the archbishop took part in 'An evening in conversation' with Jim Al-Khalili, author, broadcaster and Professor of Public Engagement, at the University of Surrey. The two discussed similar experiences of balancing a life of academia with that of being in the public eye. The conversation covered various topics including prayer, faith and science, and the role of religion in setting moral boundaries. During the discussion, the Archbishop urged individuals to resist being overwhelmed by the scale of the problems such as poverty and climate change, and to recognise the impact that individual decisions and actions can make in these areas. Then members of the public submitted questions for the Archbishop to address after the interview. Topics included Uganda's equality bill, violence in Iraq, and whether there is scientific proof for the existence of God.
MP3 File
The Grand Tufti has condemned evangelist "bulies" who attempt to convert people of other faiths to Christianity. He said it was right to be suspicious of proselytism that involves "bullying, insensitive approaches" to other faiths.
In a speech at Guildford cathedral, he criticised those who believed they had all the answers amd treated non-Christians as if their traditions of reflection and imagination were of no interest to anyone. "God save us form that kind of approach," he said.
But he added: "God save us also from the nervousness about our own conviction that doesn’t allow us to say we speak about Jesus because we believe he matters, we believe he matters, because we believe that in him human beings find their peace, their destinies converge, and their dignities are fully honoured."
MP3 File
Later, the archbishop took part in 'An evening in conversation' with Jim Al-Khalili, author, broadcaster and Professor of Public Engagement, at the University of Surrey. The two discussed similar experiences of balancing a life of academia with that of being in the public eye. The conversation covered various topics including prayer, faith and science, and the role of religion in setting moral boundaries. During the discussion, the Archbishop urged individuals to resist being overwhelmed by the scale of the problems such as poverty and climate change, and to recognise the impact that individual decisions and actions can make in these areas. Then members of the public submitted questions for the Archbishop to address after the interview. Topics included Uganda's equality bill, violence in Iraq, and whether there is scientific proof for the existence of God.
MP3 File
DENVER RC DIOCESE INTENT ONMAKING LITTLE CHILDREN SUFFER
From CNN:
Gay and lesbian groups are attacking a decision by the archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, not to re-enroll a child in a Catholic school in Boulder, Colorado, next year because the child's parents are lesbians. The issue centers on the Sacred Heart of Jesus School, where the pre-schooler is currently enrolled.
"These actions by the Denver Archdiocese harm the student by taking the child away from friends, teachers and community," said Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "It's deeply troubling to see any school remove a child from their educational program simply as the means of rejecting that child's parents."
But the archdiocese defended its decision.
"Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment," it said in a statement posted on its Web site. "To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home. We communicated the policy to the couple at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School as soon as we realized the situation. We discussed the reasons with them and have sought to respond in a way that does not abruptly displace the student but at the same time respects the integrity of the Catholic school's philosophy."
In a posting of his sermon, the Rev. Bill Breslin, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, supported the move.
"The issue is not about our not accepting 'sinners,' " he said. "It is not about punishing the child for the sins of his or her parents. It is simply that the lesbian couple is saying that their relationship is a good one that should be accepted by everyone; and the Church cannot agree to that."
About 30 opponents of the move -- "mostly hetero allies of the gay community" -- protested Sunday outside the church during.
COMMENT: There is a point where you can cross from ignorance and stubbornness into plain and unambiguous evil. The Roman Catholic hierarchy of Colorado and those in authority at the Sacred Heart of Jesus School have blatantly done this and, to make matters worse, are arrogantly proclaiming their nastiness. Honestly, it would have been better for them if millstones had been hung around their necks and they had been thrown into the sea. God will get them.
Thanks to Whiteycat for sending
this article into MadPriest Towers.
Gay and lesbian groups are attacking a decision by the archdiocese of Denver, Colorado, not to re-enroll a child in a Catholic school in Boulder, Colorado, next year because the child's parents are lesbians. The issue centers on the Sacred Heart of Jesus School, where the pre-schooler is currently enrolled.
"These actions by the Denver Archdiocese harm the student by taking the child away from friends, teachers and community," said Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "It's deeply troubling to see any school remove a child from their educational program simply as the means of rejecting that child's parents."
But the archdiocese defended its decision.
"Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment," it said in a statement posted on its Web site. "To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home. We communicated the policy to the couple at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School as soon as we realized the situation. We discussed the reasons with them and have sought to respond in a way that does not abruptly displace the student but at the same time respects the integrity of the Catholic school's philosophy."
In a posting of his sermon, the Rev. Bill Breslin, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, supported the move.
"The issue is not about our not accepting 'sinners,' " he said. "It is not about punishing the child for the sins of his or her parents. It is simply that the lesbian couple is saying that their relationship is a good one that should be accepted by everyone; and the Church cannot agree to that."
About 30 opponents of the move -- "mostly hetero allies of the gay community" -- protested Sunday outside the church during.
COMMENT: There is a point where you can cross from ignorance and stubbornness into plain and unambiguous evil. The Roman Catholic hierarchy of Colorado and those in authority at the Sacred Heart of Jesus School have blatantly done this and, to make matters worse, are arrogantly proclaiming their nastiness. Honestly, it would have been better for them if millstones had been hung around their necks and they had been thrown into the sea. God will get them.
Thanks to Whiteycat for sending
this article into MadPriest Towers.
THE PRAYER LIST
Today I'm adding something new at the end of The Prayer List. I'm calling it MY TEN CENTS WORTH. It is voluntary and choosing not to take part in no way effects the efficacy of your prayers. And it's very simple. When you have lit your virtual candle put just 10 cents or 10 pence (or 10 whatever) physically into a container and then click below to say you have done so. Then, when you feel inclined, give the money that has accumulated to the charity or good cause of your own choice. I will regularly post an update on how much the community has raised. I have no way of knowing who has paid for their virtual candle and who hasn't and, honestly, I don't care. This is simply something for those of us who are into this sort of thing.
***
Mark at ENOUGH ABOUT ME: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY suffers from chronic depression and this means that sometimes his problems appear bigger to him than they actually are. But he is currently facing financial problems in his life that are very much real and that would make anybody feel down. Please pray for Mark, especially his peace of mind, and if you are able to freely offer him sound and practical advice as to how he should deal with his financial problems, pop over to his blog, read about his predicament and do so. Mark is American so you will need to have knowledge of that country's way of doing things.
***
It has been a whole year now since our friend, Bosco, of New Zealand's, influential LITURGY blog, lost his daughter, Catherine, following a tragic accident. Alcibiades has a post marking this sad anniversary at his CALIBAN'S DREAM blog. Please pray for Catherine's family and friends.
***
From KJ:
Prayers for jake The Wiener are requested. He's off to the doc, hopefully (today) for some kind of cyst on his left, front paw, making walking very difficult. He stops, looks at me, and actually twirls his paw -- It's too sad. My partner handles any Jake distress very, very poorly (I think that's a veiled request for me.).
***
From Jack (THE WORLD OF DOORMAN-PRIEST):
My good friend James and his wife Claire are having a rough time. Their young daughter Molly is in hospital and they are rather fraught, with two younger children to care for too. Prayers for healing and wholeness for Molly and for James and Claire to feel the calm and peace of God. Thanks, Jack.
***
From david virtue's bountiful bosom:
For a colleague and dear friend in the hospital, whose lung cancer has recurred. She will have to spend what time is left on a ventilator. Things do not look good.
***
From Paul (BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN):
I ask your prayers for my friend Diane, no serious injuries but pain from being in the middle of a 3-car accident; and for Mark in his many health struggles, and Jay who still has no diagnosis but is in pain; for the healing of Bruce's foot; healing for Jack; guidance for Tony+ and all the folks at Our Saviour.
***
From Gpa Don:
I ask prayers for my dear friend Tom who will undergo removal of his colon Tuesday (yesterday), and has been told to get his things in order, and for my dear son Charles who will be admitted to Mayo Clinic that same day. God keep them both in his loving arms.
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