“In spite of our ignorance, I had an appreciation for the care that was taken with the liturgy and rituals. And the classic choral music had a beauty that spoke to me in the mysterious ways that art moves our souls.”
Profane really just means “not holy,” so it’s funny that it has come to be associated with four-letter words. The unconsecrated parts of our lives aren’t obscene, but we tend to see them standing in contrast to the holy parts.
Gregory Smith, senior researcher for the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, talks with Odyssey Networks about the rapid growth of the religiously unaffiliated.
To make up for the food-stamp cuts in Ryan’s budget, the group found, “every church in the country would have to come up with approximately $50,000 dedicated to feeding people — every year for the next 10 years.” Can government walk away like this?
“When they were young, they thought they would live forever. But they know better now.”
She purely and succinctly lived one quote I will never forget, “you can’t sell soap if you don’t take baths.”
The Diocese of Connecticut is going to give it a try. What do you think of their plan?
Some clergy fun from A Prairie Home Companion: Calvin Klein clerical wear:
The idea to have a youth-led circus arts and fitness program in Nyack sprang from the emotional abyss that followed the attacks of September 11th. A group of young people at Grace Episcopal Church sought a way to comprehend the enormity of the violent event and the personal loss of members of their church community..
Non-violent civil disobedience in the pursuit of justice and peace among Episcopal clergy happens often throughout history and some even participated in the Occupy Movement. Some clergy, such as Jack Stanton participating in a march against the firing of union workers, are arrested for civil disobedience too.