Governance news posted Friday, August 06, 2010
An Invitation from the Standing Committee
August 6, 2010
Dear Diocesan Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The Standing Committee invites you to gather at our Cathedral at 4:30 p.m. this Sunday afternoon, August 8, for Evening Prayer, a time of open conversation and an opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings. We will conclude with Compline at 6:00 p.m., followed by light refreshment. Our Dean, Judith Sullivan will lead our worship and Assisting Bishop Rodney Michel will guide our conversation. The Cathedral is located at 38th and Chestnut.
Bishop Bennison will be returning on Monday, August 16. He has asked Bishop Michel to continue for a time. Initially Bishop Bennison will meet with diocesan leaders as we enter a new stage in our relationship together.
Last night, as we have been doing in recent times, clergy and lay representatives of our diocesan leadership met together in prayer, to share both our concerns and hopes for this Diocese in the new light of the decision of the Court of Review.
During the past three years, the bodies charged with responsibility and leadership have grown in strength and transparency, in mutual accountability, support and relationship; perchance in wisdom and grace. We recognize our differing perspectives and experiences as a source of blessing and opportunity, not of weakness. As we enter a new chapter in our common life with Bishop Bennison’s return, we are committed to continuing our good work and relationships together, to clarifying our vision and mission, supporting the weak and vulnerable among us, and seeking new ways to proclaim the love of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Surely our responses to the decision of the Court vary broadly; from fear, anger, hurt, and profound disappointment, to relief and joy, to bewilderment and curiosity. If we have learned anything in recent years, it is that we must not allow these differing feelings and reactions divide us. Each of us is a member of the body of Christ, each of us striving to be faithful in the best way we know how. Let us be careful to honor one another. This is not the time to withdraw and go our separate ways; this is the time to come together, to recommit ourselves to our baptismal vows and to our common life, to offer our unique gifts and resources, to provide a beacon of hope, and together be agents of God’s justice and mercy in this Diocese of Pennsylvania.
With our profound gratitude for your participation and witness, and with faith in Christ Jesus,
The Standing Committee
Samuel Adu-Andoh, Christopher Hart, Jo Ann Jones, Ledlie Laughlin, Glenn Matis, Norman MacCausland, Arlene McGurk, Isaac Miller, Joy Segal, and D-L Wormley