| The East Tennessee Episcopalian June/July 2000 |
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| A Message
From the Bishop
Dear Friends,
The liturgical garb for bishops falls into two basic groups: the cope (long cloak) and mitre (pointed hat), or the rochet (long white vestment) and chimere (red or black long gown). Each of these groups is distinctive for bishops. And, prior to fifteen months ago, I had no personal experience with any of them! As I have traveled about our diocese and lived into this calling, I am aware of two basic roles for bishop, and I have come to relate these roles to the garments I wear. That is, a bishop may be understood as a prince of the Church and, secondly, as the chief pastor of the diocese. In living with the newness of all of this and in claiming the calling for my own, a conclusion has emerged that speaks to me, in terms of roles and clothing. That is, as prince of the Church, the cope and mitre makes most sense to me. Therefore, at ordinations, conventions, and other special services, I intend to wear those vestments. As chief pastor of the diocese, though, the rochet and chimere seems appropriate. Thus, on my regular visitations, you'll see me in those clothes. I hasten to say that I have not read of this distinction in any book on liturgy or, even, in a pamphlet on vestments. Further, I am aware that such a distinction may not make sense to anyone else. However, it does to me. I want to be as clear as I can be - in what I wear, as well as in what I say and in who I am - that I visit our congregations as a pastor of the Church. Perhaps the knowledge of how I arrived at this conclusion will remind you of what I have written here, for I assure you of my awareness of the holy calling of bishop whenever I am blessed to visit you. Faithfully
yours, |
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In my travels to the churches of the diocese, I find myself engaged in
a variety of conversations with our people. I value these opportunities,
and I appreciate the willingness of many of you to share your thoughts
and ideas with me. Folks seem to want to talk about their local church
and clergy and the significant parts they play in individual personal
lives; about Episcopal liturgies in all their richness; about places they've
been and experiences they've had; about issues in our church - those that
cause division and those that need attention; about hopes and dreams for
the church in East Tennessee … and about the clothes I wear. Yes,
indeed, one of the topics that people often mention to me is my clothes.
Therefore, at the suggestion of these folks and with some apology, I will
write briefly about the subject here. 