In the Botswana novels, there are real people. Trevor Mwamba is the real Anglican Bishop of Botswana. He actually is appearing in the film. Anthony Minghella (the director) gave him a part in the film.
Bishop Peter Lee of Virginia has released a statement detailing the reasons that he did not consent to the inhibition of Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh. Bishop Lee explains that he feels this case is not, at the moment, the same situation as the one in the Diocese of San Joaquin.
…after reviewing all the supporting documents that give evidence of their actions, I was astonished that we neglected to take action any sooner on their obvious violation and breach of their oath to engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline and worship of The Episcopal Church.
It is clear from the Presiding Bishop’s letter and the Canon that the discussion and vote on deposition of Bishop Duncan will be at the next meeting of the House of Bishops following the 60 days from the receipt of the letter by Bishop Duncan unless he provides evidence contrary to that which is in the Title IV committee’s findings.
Bishop Don Wimberly of Texas has released the following statement on his reasons for not consenting to inhibit Bishop Duncan of Pittsburgh
The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Review Committee has certified that Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of the church but the three senior bishops have not agreed to his inhibition. By canon, with or without an inhibition, the House of Bishops acts on the abandonment charge at their next regular or special meeting after the 60 days for recanting has elapsed.
Serendipitously, providentially, synchronistically, as a result of kismet, or however one’s theological worldview characterizes coincidence, the celebrant announced an afternoon forum led by the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon and said that the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, on sabbatical from New Hampshire and present in the congregation, would attend.
Dan Edwards’ path to becoming the new bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada may not seem conventional to some. But even when he was a lawyer, he was committed to social justice, representing “unpopular causes” such as migrant workers and American Indians. Raised a Baptist, he moved through a cycle of faith that included boredom, disenchantment, agnosticism that bordered on atheism, Buddhism and, in his 30s, a return to faith and a call to serve the Episcopal Church.
I am convinced that one of the things that current Anglican arguments are about is bishops. Granted, I think over all it’s about what it means to be Anglican; and within that, then, how we interpret Scripture … but, a critical event was the election of a bishop, and many of the subsequent actions and reactions have been either statements of, actions of, or ordinations of bishops.
Robert L. McCan attended the big church property trial in Virginia and offers his report.