This past fall, the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Fredericton offered the six-bedroom residence to use as an overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness in their city, which is the capital of the province of New Brunswick. At the time, they estimated that there were 35 people sleeping on the streets in the city of approximately 60,000.
“Being at Forma has been so fantastic because this was always meant to be a communal resource for formation and evangelism, and that’s been evident here: folks have come up to me beaming with pride because they were one of the project backers, or bubbling with excitement about the ways in which they’re dreaming of using it.”
“Poetry, to be understood, must be clear…It mustn’t be fancy. I have the feeling that a lot of poets writing now, they sort of tap dance through it. I always feel that whatever isn’t necessary should not be in the poem.”
“It is disappointing that the bishop tapped to co-chair the Communion Across Difference task force – an official, interim body of the Episcopal Church – has, to date, failed to work within the agreed upon parameters set by the governing body of that church.”
Forward Movement, along with partners from around the Episcopal Church, invites Episcopalians to join thousands of others in exploring Paul’s Letter to the Romans in the next round of the Good Book Club, beginning January 7.
““For a trans person to be addressed liturgically by the minister for the first time by their chosen name may be a powerful moment in the service. Some trans people may not wish their former name or gender to be mentioned. It should be noted that the giving or adoption of a new name has a long history in the Judeo-Christian tradition as may be evidenced from Scripture. In some Christian circles, for example, it is customary for candidates to adopt an additional or saint’s name at their confirmation. In monastic communities it is not unusual for a person, either on receiving the habit or at profession, to take a new name.”
The Rev. Chuck Treadwell, Search Committee Chair and Rector of St. David’s, Austin, stated, “Each person brings unique gifts and disposition, and each has secular and church experience that makes them qualified to do the work of this particular office…Each would work well with Bishop Andy Doyle and complement the gifts of our other bishops and diocesan staff.”
The Rev. Margaret Rose, the Episcopal Church’s deputy for ecumenical and interfaith collaboration, reflected on this dialogue, saying: “One of our prayers in communion is that we reveal the unity of the church…That, to me, is about uncovering something that is already there. Part of this full communion conversation is exactly about that.”
Lucas writes: “As Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down, I find myself grateful: grateful that the Episcopal Church prioritizes preventative care for its employees, grateful that my primary care doctor is diligent in her care for me, grateful that technology makes stage 1 cancer detection possible, grateful for the medical team that cares for me, and grateful for all the encouragement from friends and colleagues who are survivors. I am blessed beyond measure for all of the people in my life who make carrying this load easier.”
“Robinson’s words, like Curry’s, offer a vision of a religious tradition that marries a commitment to fight social injustice with a theologically robust account of why that fight is so important. For Robinson and Curry alike, a commitment to inclusion and justice isn’t just part of political progressivism, but part of the Christian message itself.”