Updated with text of letter Two sentences about the significance of this document: it ends the myth that a monolithic Africa has turned against the Episcopal Church and embraced the Anglican Church in North America, and it makes clear that some African bishops are irritated by the way in which schismatic North Americans have inserted themselves into the affairs of Anglican Africa.
KBAK TV covered Bishop Mary Glasspool’s visit to Grace Church, Bakersfield yesterday.
I sympathize with anyone who is trying to get the good works of their church covered, but I frequently believe that the mainstream media is perfectly justified in ignoring the themes we hope will attract them, especially at conferences and conventions.
There is a danger that as anti-Muslim prejudice increases — as it has recently in reaction to the proposed community center near Ground Zero — alienated young Muslims will turn away from the peaceful path advocated by their elders in America’s mosques. So far, that has not happened on a large scale.
When I hear the word mission, I hear the word work, or job. I work all week long. I get spiritually depleted. I go to church to be fed so I can resume that work. If instead of food, what I get is another set of assignments, I get tired. I suspect that I am not alone in this.
Contrary to what Beck implies, the liberation theologian doesn’t see himself or herself as victim; rather proponents call us to see how the poor are marginalized by society, to work among them, to advocate on their behalf, and to help them advocate for themselves. It has nothing to do with seeing yourself as victim. It is, like all authentic Christian practices, “other-directed.”
Many good Christian people will say about this or like correspondences, “What a pity it is that clergymen should indulge in such discussions. It does no good. It does not convince anyone. It only widens the breach between Christians. It arouses hot, perhaps angry, feelings. It disturbs the peace of the inner life. Let us live together in peace, without fault-finding criticisms!”