Bishop J. Scott Barker, Nebraska has written a letter about his decision to abstain from alcohol at General Convention 2015.
“NO THANK YOU” TO BOOZE at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
I’ve made a small decision for which I ask your support. I’ve decided not to consume alcohol of any kind or at any time during our church’s General Convention in Salt Lake City this summer. I’m mindful of the recent tragedy in Maryland, and the chance to make a small witness for delight in sobriety as a bishop of the Church. I note that in the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska so many wonderful disciples are in recovery and could use some support – and so many parish churches are hobbled by alcoholic family systems long in place. I am aware that at convention we will be talking and praying about major restructuring in our denomination to face the challenges of faithfully following Jesus in this new millennium. I want to be fully present to all that, even and especially the informal and late night conversations where some of the most important work may be done. I’m a little bummed. I’m sure there will be some fun opportunities for celebration that I’ll miss. Seems right anyway. Surely this is the right time to try doing things a little differently. Amen?
Faithfully yours,
+ Bishop Barker
I wonder what it would be like if everyone abstained, though I don’t hear the bishop asking for that.
posted by Ann Fontaine