| The East Tennessee Episcopalian April 2000 |
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| A Message
From the Bishop
Dear Friends,
That is not to say, however, that we do not have problems. For instance, because of two recent bishop's elections in which the ones selected were not ordained and consecrated, a considerable amount of time was spent in dealing with the need for more complete background checks for those entrusted with authority and leadership in the Church. We also discussed at length the potential ramifications of recent actions in Singapore - where two American priests were ordained bishops to be missionaries to the United States. Those ordinations have been challenged by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and indeed, Archbishop Carey has made it clear that, as the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, he does not recognize the validity of those ordinations. It seems to me that our present circumstances call us to find a sense of balance in the midst of what may feel like chaos. That is not always easy. Indeed, we do well to recognize that the Church, like any institution of this world, holds self preservation and self perpetuation as highest priorities. Therefore, any perceived challenges will tempt the Church - us - to rear up in a defensive posture of hostility. Our call at this point, then, is to balance support and defense of the Church with those values that define who we are - faith, hope, and love, among others. If we neglect the latter, then we will not have anything of value to defend. Another call to balance has been addressed by the bishops of the Fourth Province, in beginning a process of developing statements of faith for the Church. That is, it seems timely and prudent to respond positively to various attacks on the Church rather than always assuming a defensive posture. It might be interesting for you to know the intention of the Province IV bishops, as expressed in this project statement of purpose: "The goal of this project is to publish a series of inviting booklets, which will communicate the Christian faith for a new century in language that is accessible and compelling to all people." I enlist your prayers for your local parish or mission, for our diocese and the larger Church, and for your bishop; and I assure you of my prayers for you as well. These times do challenge us, but we are not overwhelmed by them. Indeed, in moments of challenge, there emerge also clear opportunities to meet our Lord. May we see Jesus face to face - in the countenances of those we encounter - even as we struggle with the temporalities that one day will pass away. Faithfully
yours, |
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Recently I
attended a meeting of the Province IV House of Bishops (those with dioceses
in the Southeast). As usual, I left the gathering with a renewed sense
of optimism and hope about the Episcopal Church, especially in our part
of the country.