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The Song of Hannah
If you haven't heard by now, where the heck have you been anyway?
Mary Glasspool has received the number of consents to her election necessary from the Standing Committees 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 number of consents to her election necessary from the Standing Committees 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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THE MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX
Since the earthquake in Haiti there must have been hundreds of records released with the intention of any profits made from them being donated to the relief operation. Most of those records will have been made for the most noble of intentions and most of them will be utter crap. Of course, people will happily buy crap charity records as "We Are The World" proved beyond doubt. And the fact that they do so in such vast numbers proves that humankind is, on the whole, incredibly stupid. It costs money to make a record and every record made helps destroy a little bit more of the environment. So, don't buy the record. Give all the money that you were going to spend on the record straight to the charity concerned. That way, the charity gets more money, more people are helped and you don't have to live with a shite record and the embarrassment of having made such a stupid financial decision. You also have the extremely satisfying bonus of not being involved in the publicity of the careers of assorted pop music celebrities, whose individual incomes will, in some cases, be greater than the entire gdp of the country you are trying to help.
But, tonights mix on the Midnight Jukebox is a completely different kettle of fish. It is a record highlighting the suffering in Haiti which is not only musically good, but is, in fact, bloody brilliant. I bought the tunes simply because I like them. I have no idea where the music is from and who it is by and if anyone does know, please do let me know. I bought it from eMusic, a perfectly legal, download site.
If you listen to this selection of tunes and enjoy the experience then pop something in the next collection for Haiti that is shoved under your nose.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Check out the post "Am I working?" at the GLORIOUS THINGS blog. Those of you in non-stipendary ministry or non-paid work of any description (not just religious) will find it interesting and, no doubt, infuriating as well.
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From CATHNEWS:
Well, they've achieved it at last. The Roman Catholic hierarchy has finally got rid of that embarrassing Old Testament.
No doubt you are expecting me to cynically say something now along the lines of it only being a matter of time before they ditch all that stuff about Jesus in the New Testament. But that would be an incredibly ignorant thing for me to do as, along with the leaderships of most of the world's Christian denominations, they did that already, years ago.
Well, they've achieved it at last. The Roman Catholic hierarchy has finally got rid of that embarrassing Old Testament.
No doubt you are expecting me to cynically say something now along the lines of it only being a matter of time before they ditch all that stuff about Jesus in the New Testament. But that would be an incredibly ignorant thing for me to do as, along with the leaderships of most of the world's Christian denominations, they did that already, years ago.
A place for everything . . . .
Those are some - ahem, I repeat some - of Ms. Conroy's caps.
She's taken to wearing them instead of her wig, which, these days, she only wears for 'special occasions'.
She says her wigs are too hot. Gets uncomfortable. Makes her itchy.
I think the truth of the matter is that she's much more comfortable with her baldness - from an auto immune disease - than she is with wearing a wig.
The one on top is the one she wears when she's on call for the Chatham Emergency Squad. It's one of her favorites.
She must be wearing her absolute favorite one today because I couldn't find it.
Why, it's her Boston Red Sox cap, of course. (Did you really have any doubt?)
A parishioner presented me with this nifty little device that attaches to the top and bottom of the door, with spiffy little clips on which to hang your caps.
I came right home and put it on the pantry door in the kitchen, across from the back door that enters from the garage and next to the door leading to the basement where we hang our weekday coats on another nifty little over the door gadget.
You know. Right where she can't miss it.
I'm guessing this will work for, oh, a week, maybe ten days. And then, I'll hear her in the morning, fussing to one of the pups, "Now, where did I put my cap? Did you take it? Did you hide it?"
The pups will look at her, at the alert and ready to please, cocking their sweet little heads in the cute way they do but thinking to themselves, "This woman is absolutely hopeless! She can never find her cap and then accuses us of taking it. Sheesh! I wish someone would get her a cap organizer."
Well, 'someone' has.
Thank you, Phyllis.
Now, we'll just have to wait and see if she actually uses it.
In the process, we'll test that old adage about 'teaching an old dog new tricks.'
Anybody wanna make a wager?
She's taken to wearing them instead of her wig, which, these days, she only wears for 'special occasions'.
She says her wigs are too hot. Gets uncomfortable. Makes her itchy.
I think the truth of the matter is that she's much more comfortable with her baldness - from an auto immune disease - than she is with wearing a wig.
The one on top is the one she wears when she's on call for the Chatham Emergency Squad. It's one of her favorites.
She must be wearing her absolute favorite one today because I couldn't find it.
Why, it's her Boston Red Sox cap, of course. (Did you really have any doubt?)
A parishioner presented me with this nifty little device that attaches to the top and bottom of the door, with spiffy little clips on which to hang your caps.
I came right home and put it on the pantry door in the kitchen, across from the back door that enters from the garage and next to the door leading to the basement where we hang our weekday coats on another nifty little over the door gadget.
You know. Right where she can't miss it.
I'm guessing this will work for, oh, a week, maybe ten days. And then, I'll hear her in the morning, fussing to one of the pups, "Now, where did I put my cap? Did you take it? Did you hide it?"
The pups will look at her, at the alert and ready to please, cocking their sweet little heads in the cute way they do but thinking to themselves, "This woman is absolutely hopeless! She can never find her cap and then accuses us of taking it. Sheesh! I wish someone would get her a cap organizer."
Well, 'someone' has.
Thank you, Phyllis.
Now, we'll just have to wait and see if she actually uses it.
In the process, we'll test that old adage about 'teaching an old dog new tricks.'
Anybody wanna make a wager?
The Rev. David Tarbet remembered for seeking 'the Gospel in people' and ways to serve
By Pat McCaughan, March 08, 2010
[Episcopal News Service] Colleagues, family and friends celebrated the Rev. David Tarbet's life by attending a March 6 party already planned for what would have been his 69th birthday.Tarbet, who died March 4 at his Houston home, was remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentle warrior who, despite dogged health problems and other adversities, stood up for what he believed in and never failed to honor the good in others.
"It was a lovely evening albeit more sad because of David's death," said Carol Barnwell, director of communications for the Diocese of Texas. "My kids grew up with David at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston as their acolyte coach. I have a picture of him holding my daughter, Elli, at our house following her baptism. She's now 24," she added.
Tarbet was also known for his wit, sense of humor, administrative abilities and wisdom, said the Rev. Jeffrey Walker in a March 8 telephone interview. "One of the jokes we've been saying, as I'm getting ready to preach for his funeral on Thursday, is that the planning would have been done a lot better if David could do it," Walker said.
"David was a very quiet person, quiet but steadfast. He just never gave up on anyone, which was one of the things really beautiful about him," said Walker, a former rector of Palmer Church, where Tarbet served as associate rector.
"David was so devoted to what the priesthood meant to him and to our sacramental life. It was an honor to stand at an altar with him for 14 years," Walker recalled.
"There were people in the church … for whom it was hard to see love, but David would find it, he would find the Gospel in that person. I was almost ashamed because he was better at it than I was. If people did not love him that did not stop him from finding what was godly about them."
Walker said he planned to talk about "how much he loved this church of ours. There are people that, when something's disagreeable they simply turn their back and walk away, but David did not do that.
"It was the gospel for everybody or for nobody, according to David … and in the Diocese of Texas that was not always an easy place to stand. I am going to miss him so much."
He said that Tarbet had long been plagued with crippling arthritis and two years ago had developed heart problems. "While his death did not come as a surprise to anyone, it came as a sadness," he said.
He said that Tarbet was a remarkably witty person, but quiet and "would want to be remembered as a steadfast priest of this church who was humble to be a priest but who was grateful to be a priest. That was his identity."
Tarbet had attended the very first convention of Integrity, a national support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Episcopalians, said Louie Crew of the Diocese of Newark.
"David was never looking for the camera, always looking for quiet ways to serve," Crew said in a telephone interview March 8.
"He was never a rector, except as an interim and that was by his choice. He didn't seek any kind of limelight. He was enormously generous, extremely competent. He suffered a great deal from chronic arthritis," he added.
He remembered Tarbet as having "a marvelous smile and a mischievous sense of humor, but was never bitter when many other people might have been," given his illness and other challenges.
He said Tarbet had served as a regional vice president of Integrity, and had attended the founding convention, held at St. James Cathedral in Chicago in 1975.
He described Tarbet as someone with a great deal of personal dignity who was also "very generous, particularly toward gay and lesbian youth, and for many years he gave a life membership to the youngest person who came to the convention to encourage support for young people.
"It is important to stress that he was an out gay priest in a diocese that doesn't ordain gay priests," Crew added. "He was already ordained before he came out and bore witness there. It takes a great deal of courage to do that in a way that lasts 36 or more years with that kind of openness."
Tarbet was born in Fort Worth on March 6, 1941 to Robert Morgan and Edith Tarbet. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in 1963 and a master of divinity degree from the General Theological Seminary in 1966. He also earned a master of arts degree from the University of Texas at Houston in 1979.
He was ordained to the diaconate June 15, 1966 and to the priesthood in Dec. 21, 1966.
He had served as a curate (1968-1970) and as an interim rector (2002-2003) at Grace Church in Galveston. He also served as associate rector of Palmer Memorial Church in Houston from 1970-1996 and on the staff of Trinity Church, Houston from 1997 to 1999 and St. John's, Fort Worth, from 1966 to 1968.
Active on a diocesan level, he served as historian from 1998 to 2005; a member of the AIDS Commission, 1982 to 2005; a member of the liturgical commission from 1982 to 2005 diocesan In Galveston, he was interim rector of Grace Church from 2002-2003.
Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Robert and Beverly Tarbet; a niece, Jennifer Johnson, a nephew, Chris Tarbet and their families.
A requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at Trinity Episcopal Church, Thursday, Mach 11, at 2:00 p.m. with Bishop C. Andrew Doyle officiating.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman St., Houston TX 77004-3810 or to Lord of the Streets, 3401 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77004.
-- The Rev. Pat McCaughan is a national correspondent for the Episcopal News Service.
A VALUED MINISTRY
Last year OCICBW... highlighted the plight of Southampton University chaplain, Simon Stevens, who faced redundancy because of Bishop NoseOutOf-Joynt's downsizing policy. Many of you visited Simon's blog and left him messages of support.
And good on you, because the overwhelming support Simon received from the blogosphere merged with the overwhelming support of his students for both himself and a permanent chaplaincy and has led to the formation of a organised campaign which is well on its way to raising the money needed to continue Simon's ministry at the university. It also appears, as is often the case in such situations as this, to have embarrassed the powers that be in Winchester Diocese, into jumping onto the bandwagon and actually trying to do something themselves to save the chaplaincy.
If Simon is anything like me, he will be on cloud nine at the moment. The support of friends and strangers makes mere trivialities, like unemployment and homelessness, so less frightening than when they are faced alone.
The following press release has been posted at THE CHAPLAINCY ASSOCIATION website:
And good on you, because the overwhelming support Simon received from the blogosphere merged with the overwhelming support of his students for both himself and a permanent chaplaincy and has led to the formation of a organised campaign which is well on its way to raising the money needed to continue Simon's ministry at the university. It also appears, as is often the case in such situations as this, to have embarrassed the powers that be in Winchester Diocese, into jumping onto the bandwagon and actually trying to do something themselves to save the chaplaincy.
If Simon is anything like me, he will be on cloud nine at the moment. The support of friends and strangers makes mere trivialities, like unemployment and homelessness, so less frightening than when they are faced alone.
The following press release has been posted at THE CHAPLAINCY ASSOCIATION website:
