In 1802, Absalom Jones, born into slavery in Delaware, became the first black priest in the Episcopal Church, co-founding and serving what became the African
Oh that I had the eyes of a hawk to see your face,
the wings of an albatross to span the rift between
the world and your still waters;
the appetite of the dove for the olive branch.
“The attack on Saturday, December 28 at the home of a Brooklyn Jewish rabbi in the midst of a Hanukkah celebration after a rash of recent anti-Semitic incidents in our region impels us, the Episcopal Church bishops of Long Island, to speak out in solidarity and support of our Jewish sisters and brothers.”
“When I couldn’t muster any energy we all gathered in the living room, blankets and pillows surrounding us, and sat together on the couch. Moving into the new year I hope to pay attention to what my body is telling me which I realize I can’t do unless I’m willing to stop and listen and just be present.”
Minnesota has added three more candidates by petition to its episcopal slate; bringing the total to five for the election later this month.
“The Herods have multiplied, and they are still afraid, and still killing the innocent. Anti-Semitism and racist attacks. Genocides on tiny minority ethnicities throughout South East Asia and the Middle East. Attacks on Christian communities throughout Africa. And here at home, the Wall and children in cages. And a planet burning up, being destroyed through human greed. Oceans rising and life dying, fleeing if they can. Too much. Where to start? Where to pray? Where to act?”
In this final installment, Dani speaks about her recent ordination and the journey of discovery and discernment she has been on.
“In sitting with the teachers in the Temple, Jesus had made the decision to grow into who he truly was — Messiah. He had chosen to listen and learn from a cadre of top quality scholars who spent their days studying Talmud and midrash and discussing the meaning of scripture.”
How do we find our “yes” and our “no”? How do we make the discerning decisions that keep us on our desired path and do not tempt us off our path?