We have a slightly extended check in after our two week break, then Lisa aces our glossary quiz and then we continue our look at what the BCP catechism has to say about the “church.”
“You love me into opening my eyes, opening my overwhelmed heart. You urge me into prayer. You push me into the tearing compassion that is its own anchor in a charred and broken world. You dare me to give — just one more time — and then another — never more than what I have — but sometimes all I have.”
I am writing today to announce that COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all staff members of the bishop’s office, affiliated diocesan organizations, and all clergy of the Diocese of Long Island effective Wednesday, September 15, 2021. – The Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island
“This better reflects the teaching Matthew gives us just a few verses later. Here we’re told, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or sick or in prison – or without oil – and took care of you?’ And Jesus answers, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these – or a foolish bridesmaid – you did it to me.'”
I did not intend to be writing something this sober, so close to my retirement, and I promise this will not be my last word to you! Betsy and I look forward very much to being with as many of you as can be present for the Pig Roast this Saturday. – Bishop Dorsey McConnell
“The story of Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle stands as a living testimonial of how a single relationship, like a pebble tossed into a lake–creates ripples that spread further outward.”
In 2014 Charles Appel was “sentenced in federal court to five years imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor” (US Justice Department). It is not known whether the diocese took any action to identify possible victims of Appel following his 2014 sentencing.
“We have been given a similar opportunity to demonstrate that lovingkindness and sense of appreciation of the value of our neighbors’ lives. We have the opportunity to live by grace—in humble acknowledgement of the grace we ourselves have received, honestly acknowledging the profligate love that is at the root of such radical acceptance and forbearance.”
“We want to say to everybody in Maine that we trust public health leaders who say to us that the vaccine is the best tool we have to curb this pandemic,” Brown told RNS. “And if we could somehow do our part, assure them that our clergy leaders are going to do what we can to keep them safe, it becomes a message of liberation.”
For the bishops of the Church of Wales to “say that same-sex couples are “unable” to marry in church is a bit like me having my front door key in my pocket, trying to open the door without it, and saying that I am “unable” to do so.”