There is an old joke that describes the Pope’s dismay when, upon arriving in heaven, he discovers that the defining word for ordained life is spelled “c-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e.” He is not alone. Few spiritual leaders take the time to celebrate their good work or express gratitude for the blessings of their ministry.
A Bishop in the Church of England is facing a rebellion because of his refusal both to ordain women and appoint a suffragan bishop who
All the talk about separation and schism creates anxiety among clergy and the laity and some bishops feel obligated to find ways to reassure them, claiming that the likelihood of these breakaways receiving permission to establish their own province is very unlikely. Much of this fretting is, in my view, the consequence of excessive concentration on the details of this de facto schism and its potential spread.
May God who sent us the light of the world
and who has given us the light of this day,
grant that we may come to know the lightness of being
which allowed Mary to say, “Yes.” Amen.
Like evangelical churches around the country, the three churches have enjoyed steady growth over the last decade. But since September, pastors nationwide say they have seen such a burst of new interest that they find themselves contending with powerful conflicting emotions — deep empathy and quiet excitement — as they re-encounter an old piece of religious lore: Bad times are good for evangelical churches.
The Vatican released a striking bioethics document today that condemns not only embryonic stem cell research, human-animal hybrids, and human cloning, but also the commonplace practice of in vitro fertilization that many couples depend on to have children.
St. John’s Episcopal Church has a great location. If you’re at the White House, all you have to do is walk across Lafayette Park and you are here. No excuses for being late.
Grace Cathedral hosted this very interesting discussion about faith, creationism, and evolution featuring Kevin Padian, UC Berkeley professor and curator of the Museum of Paleontology.
‘The Lord’s servant.’ Here is Mary as the Servant-Mother. Hold on to that reply and ponder it. For it may be that it gives us a clue—the clue?—to the meaning of her son’s life and death. The Servant-Mother was about to bear him who, above all others, was to be the servant of the Lord.