A Few Thoughts From The ACI On Upholding (And Not Undercutting) The Ministry of Faithful Bishops

From here:

A Statement Regarding Upholding the Ministry of Faithful Bishops

Written by Anglican Communion Institute

Sunday, 21 October 2007

Many Anglicans were convinced that September 30th, 2007, would bring clarity to the ongoing struggle within the Anglican Communion over the church’s coherent witness. By this day, it was hoped, there would be a clear decision as to the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops commitment to abide by the common teaching and discipline of the Communion; by this date “realignment” according to the definitions of this teaching and discipline would proceed with general and orderly consent. Obviously, this has not happened. But a new push to re-order the lines of jurisdiction within American Anglicanism has occurred nonetheless, one that has necessarily proceeded without common consent or order. Oddly enough, it is happening – as it has in the past – with a special intensity and passion within dioceses led by bishops who have long opposed the innovations of TEC’s leadership and General Convention and remained faithful to the teaching and discipline of the Communion. The current work of breaking up traditional dioceses, whose bishops are still recognized as faithful leaders by the Communion’s Instruments of Unity, including by her Primates, has been going on at least since 2000. Its pace, however, has recently accelerated in some places, like the Diocese of Central Florida and the Southwestern part of the church. What shall we say about this trend?

There is first a general statement to be made about Christian behavior, before addressing the particular character of the bishops in question. It pertains to the manner in which people take their “leave” of the Episcopal Church: if clergy and congregants, and even whole congregations choose to leave a diocese, for whatever reason, they should negotiate their departure openly with the legal authorities of the diocese. If there is no agreeable way found to take their property with them, they should simply leave it behind and start anew with grace and trusting in grace. Litigation – even participation in litigation initiated by others – acrimony, and recrimination is simply contrary to the Scriptures. Period. “Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Cor. 6:7). Failure to heed St. Paul’s words, not to mention Jesus’ (Mt. 5:25f.), is an affront to the Gospel that no amount of casuistry can finesse. There are many matters in dispute among Anglicans in our present circumstances, matters that go deep and stir up deep feelings and convictions. But we can ill-afford to let this reality sicken our hearts: “if the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Mt. 6:23).

Having said this in general and knowing that not all choices are obvious and not all disputes resolvable, what then ought to be the proper relationship of clergy and congregations to a bishop specifically whose teaching and ministry are in full communion with and approbation by the wider Anglican Communion? The general answer to this is similarly straightforward: there is no evangelical reason to run from the oversight of such a bishop, let alone to disturb his ministry, especially through acrimonious means. The reason for this is a fundamental theological one:

A bishop represents the unity of the Church and the apostolicity of its teaching and mission. If this bishop is recognized as a legitimate bishop by the wider church this is not only a sufficient, but a necessary condition for communion with and obedience to that bishop within the boundaries of his jurisdiction. The diocese is the fundamental unit of the Church, as Anglicans understand this, and this is not because of some set of fixed geographical boundaries, but because of the apostolic nature of the episcopate itself. If, furthermore, this formally recognized bishop has in fact maintained the integrity of his ministry in the face of colleagues’ lapses and has confessed the faith of Christ’s Gospel openly against its detractors, that obedience is due a special deference won by a good confession.

It needs to be emphasized, in the present circumstances, that the recognition by the wider Communion of such a bishop’s ministry is not undercut, in some secret or invisible manner, if the bishop continues to work with or even within the political structures of the Episcopal Church, no matter how tortured TEC’s public postures and witness may be. It is not undercut by this anymore than Solomon’s kingly authority was undercut by his (sometimes corrupting) alliances with pagan nations like Egypt and Moab (1 Kings 11), let alone the Pope’s by concordats with secular and sometimes evil regimes. And when in fact a bishop has bound himself in spirit and public trust to confessing groups within TEC that have pledged themselves to the true witness of the Gospel, in the face of opposition, their authority is rather enhanced.

In short, there is no justification for clergy and the congregations they lead to leave the jurisdiction of bishops whose ministries are recognized by the Communion without impairment, bishops such as those Camp Allen bishops whose commitments were explicitly upheld by our Primates at Dar es Salaam in 2006. Of all American bishops, their commitments stand above common reproach, precisely at a time when adjudication is going on, through several channels and Communion mechanisms, as to the Communion commitments of TEC bishops in general.

Let us be clear as to the moral stakes involved in this matter. Those who seek to undercut the authority of bishops who have been recognized by the Communion without impairment and who have confessed the faith openly and in the face of the Gospel’s detractors are in danger:

a. of going against the clear teaching of the Scriptures;
b. of dividing, deliberately or not, the Body of Christ;
c. of inadvertently drawing Primates, their churches, and many others into conflicts not of their making, thereby pitting one against the other and sowing the seeds of discord;
d. of proving distracted stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted them;

In addition, those who encourage these activities, whether within the United States or elsewhere, are furthering a work whose character is placing a question mark over the Christian witness worldwide. Bystanders look upon Anglican Christians and hear the Psalmist’s cries, “It is not an enemy who taunts me – then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me – then I could hide from him. But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to hold sweet converse together; within God’s house we walked in fellowship” (Ps. 55:12f.). This they observe, and they scoff at the Lord who would have followers such as these.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has recently written Bishop Howe of Central Florida, in a letter now made public, concerned that traditionalist parishes ought to see the Diocese, in distinction to ‘the National” or “provincial Church,’ as the main unit of Christian faith and teaching, in sacramental unity with the Anglican Communion through his own office. (This view has been generally accepted as a definition of fundamental Anglican polity and has been explicitly assumed in all of the recent Anglican-Roman Catholic Agreed Statements.) The Primates have also recognized bishops like Howe who uphold the Camp Allen principles. In a climate where the ‘National Church’ may seek to arrogate to itself more authority than the Archbishop of Canterbury believes is proper, individual Dioceses appear vulnerable to many – especially when alternatives present themselves in the name of offering a more secure reality, outside of TEC altogether.

One of the useful aspects of the Network was its granting to ‘traditionalists’ a measure of identification, still inside TEC, but laterally with other Dioceses, as the main unit of Christian faith and teaching, to pursue the Archbishop’s stated concern. Bishops like Howe, Stanton, Salmon and others availed themselves of this for this reason, and also because it was consistent with what the Archbishop here writes. In the meantime, however, the Network as originally intended has collapsed, and in its place or alongside it a new reality has emerged in the form of a Common Cause College, whose mechanisms for ‘unity in faith’ are different to what the Archbishop describes. This has made the plight of Bishop Howe and others more complicated, precisely as parishes seek to leave and find places in this College or somewhere else.

What is necessary, then, is for the diocesan unit, in conjunction with other dioceses who affirm the Communion’s teaching and discipline as Windsor and the Camp Allen principles outline them, to find the place that the Network sought to provide, and to build on what the Archbishop is here underscoring. At a time when the individual bishops of TEC struggle to affirm requests made of them by the Primates, and when some openly reject even the generous assessment made by the JSC, it is all the more imperative for Camp Allen Bishops and their Dioceses to stand in the place the Archbishop has argued is the most secure place, whilst the evaluation of TEC is still being processed.

For the Anglican Communion Institute:

Ephraim Radner
Christopher Seitz
Philip Turner

Sushi Baby

Me, my wife, sushi-baby Elizabeth and Susan MacPherson at lunch on Sunday.

Full Text of Bishop MacPherson’s Convention Address

Address to the
Twenty-eighth Annual Diocesan Convention
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Rt. Rev’d D. Bruce MacPherson, D.D.
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana
Holiday Inn Convention Centre Hotel
Alexandria, Louisiana
“DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES”
restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ
The Lord be with you.
“O Risen Christ, Lord of the harvest, as farmers patiently wait over the barren soil, so you have sown in hope to reap a harvest of love. We thank you, God, for your faith in us and your labour to increase our faithfulness. O Lord Jesus, even as the seed that must fall to the earth in order to yield new life, you were buried and now are risen. We find that unfailing hope in you resurrects us each day. Branches severed from the root die and bear no fruit. Only connected to each other and united through Christ do we yield a rich harvest. We thank you, Lord, that as branches bound to the root, we need each other and you to flourish. Give us that sense of gratitude in which each person is cherished as indispensable to the life and happiness of all others. Lord of the harvest you have blessed us. Hear us as we thank you for your abundance and reconciling peace as we seek to be faithful disciples making disciples in this portion of your vineyard. In gratitude let us count and savour our blessings … (silent prayer). God, it is by your hand that we exist and through your mercy that we live. For your bounty which crowns our lives, we thank you with joy!” Amen. [drawn and adapted from All the Seasons of Mercy 1987]
In keeping with the theme of this year’s convention, “Disciples Making Disciples: restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ,” I was drawn to the opening verses of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Beginning with the third verse of this first chapter, we find Paul offering thanksgiving for blessings and prayer for spiritual wisdom as he writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” [Ephesians 1:3-10]
Four years ago this month we gathered at Grace Parish, Monroe for what was my first convention as your Bishop. Looking back today, it seems in a way like it was so very long ago, and yet, in other ways it seems like it was just yesterday. Much has taken place in our lives during this period of time – both personally and corporately. There have been three hurricanes since my arrival, and some have questioned the possible correlation in this. During a visitation some time back, I commented at the adult forum that I couldn’t believe all that has happened since Susan and I came to the diocese. One dear soul responded quite quickly, “Well Bishop, we can’t believe what has happened since you arrived here either.”
Not lamenting this, but together we have experienced much in our time with one another, and at the same time we have accomplished good things. My message has been one of calling us over and over again to be about the mission of God’s Church; to be committed to the discipleship to which we have been called; and to faithfully proclaim the Gospel message that has been handed down to us and entrusted to our care. In other words, while disturbed about that which is going on around us, we cannot let it derail the mission and ministry of this diocese and that which we have before us.
If we are going to take seriously our call to discipleship, we must be about God’s business in proclaiming the Gospel, not beating up one another over issues of the Church at the expense of ministry. My brothers and sisters in Christ, if we do not stand firm and in concert with one another and do the work of Jesus in this place, then we have succumbed to the will of the devil!
As your Bishop, and I have said this before and am going to say it again, I will not permit the ministry that God has called us to share in this place to be derailed and run off the track. I stand here before you this day very mindful of the examination and oath that I took eight years ago this past Tuesday in the context of my ordination and consecration as Bishop within the Church Catholic.
Permit me to share those words with you:
“My brother, the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.
You are called to guard the faith, unity and discipline of the Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the sacraments of the New Covenant; to ordain priests and deacons and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.
With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to follow him who came, not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
These words, offered on October 9, 1999 are indelible upon my heart and remained such as I came into the ministry of this diocese. They bear the same depth of commitment this day, and as I shared in my Pastoral Letter of September 27, 2007, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15]
I stand before you with the continued commitment to lead us in a path of faithful fulfillment of the Gospel. The mandate for this is undergirded by the expressed position of this diocese through the action of the past few conventions, and the response made through the five Reconciliation and Healing gatherings held in the convocations this past summer.
Over and over again the people of the diocese, and representing a wide spectrum, have voiced the desire to be an integral part of the Anglican Communion in keeping with the constituent membership of The Episcopal Church. Many have expressed the importance of this, and the concern about wanting to remain in Communion with the Anglican Communion and See of Canterbury.
I realize some would like to see us affiliated with this group or that group, but when you truly look at other groups, and other options at this time, you will find the direction they feel called to follow is no more definitive than that which is before us. At this moment they do not have anything specific to identify with, and we do not have anything specific that we can act on, other than being called to be about the ministry of being “disciples making disciples.”
It may be my Benedictine contemplative spirituality, or that of a faithful stubborn Scotsman, but in keeping with my responsibility as Bishop for all the people of this diocese, I cannot act precipitously and won’t. From the beginning the process has rested in the reaction of the Primates to the response of the American church. We must, and I will repeat, we must see where the fulfillment of the process we have been engaged in leads us. We went forward with the Primates date of September 30 to the House of Bishops, and the Archbishop of Canterbury has asked the Primates to respond to the response made by the Bishops of The Episcopal Church no later than October 31, 2007. In conversations with others, and what I have heard, I am confident the answer will be clear.
What difference will the next eighteen days make? Most important, we will know the decision of the wider Communion with respect to our place within. And it is important to know, that since my return from the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans, I have personally communicated with the Archbishop of Canterbury about my concern for the continued recognition of us as a Windsor- compliant diocese, and have reiterated that which I shared with him and the Primates in Dar es Salaam about remaining in full communion with the Anglican Communion and See of Canterbury.
In keeping with this, some have expressed concern about having to wait until our Diocesan Convention next year should there be action the diocese would want to take. Please know, if action on the part of this diocese is needed on this matter or anything else, the Diocesan Constitution and Canons [Article IX, Section 1] provide for the Bishop to call a special meeting, and I will do so.
If something like this arose, please bear in mind that while we would be able to form a direction forward at this time, changes to the Articles of Incorporation and Constitution can only take place in an annual meeting of Convention, and require adoption by a two-thirds vote at two consecutive annual conventions. [Article XIII, Section 1 Diocesan Constitution and Canons]
Looking at the recent meeting of the House of Bishops in New Orleans, the reports on the reception of the House of Bishops’ response to the Primates Communique have been mixed thus far. You already know that I feel the response was inadequate and did not clearly answer the three basic questions that were asked of us. You also are well aware from my Pastoral Letter of September 27 of my action. As shared, much effort was made in the closed sessions, but not to any avail.
A small number of people have sought a further explanation from me about my confessed “silence.” To this I will simply state, the critical explanation about my position came as I stood before the Primates of the entire Anglican Communion in Tanzania and made my statement which in turn reverberated across the wider Church.
Further, if my demonstrated position and the things that I have said and done for the past eight years do not suffice, I am sorry, but as for now I must, in the words of Jesus, “be about my Father’s business.” [Luke 2:49]
One writer in the diocese likened me to Peter and his denial of Jesus in the courtyard, but quickly pointed out that Jesus still loved him. While that analogy was painful for me, I could not help but be mindful of Jesus’ later words to Peter at the time of his confession, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” [Matthew 16:18]
Brothers and sisters, the ministry of this diocese that we share, is built upon this rock, and in keeping with Jesus’ words, no power shall prevail against it. I am reminded of this on many Sunday visitations as we sing those powerful words of “The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.” [Hymn 525 Hymnal 1982]
If we are going to build upon the foundation that has been placed before us, we must be people of vision, for as the Book of Proverbs declares, “Where there is no vision, the people perish …” [Proverbs 29:18]
God is calling us to a continued faithful ministry, and although we don’t know the shape of this today, we must trust in that which he will place before us. As we heard in our reading from Habakkuk this past Sunday, “And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain upon the tablets: so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seem slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Behold, he whose soul is not upright in him shall fail, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” [Habakkuk 2:2-4]
This vision began to unfold last year as we were called to a year of reconciliation and healing. I didn’t know how this would be lived out when I shared this with you in my convention address, but I did know that if we were going to be a part of building up the kingdom of God in this place, we needed each other, and we needed to know each other.
Out of that vision a training event involving 45 people emerged, and after three days of intense work, we embarked upon the convocational gatherings. I am pleased to say that more than 650 people participated in these events, and out of this came positive energy for our Lord’s ministry in this diocese. My thanks go out especially to Judge Dee Drell for chairing this work, and for all those who gave so very much of their time and treasure to bring this to be.
Much insight has been gained out of this work, along with a greater sense of how the people of this diocese want to share in ministry, and this will be something we will build upon for some time. The challenge however, is going to be in truly sharing in ministry and not just talking about it in small groups. I say this as several of the participants raised the question of us having more conferences and small groups in the future, and yet, several attempts in doing this in the past couple of years have received a negligible response. I will speak to the vision that I have for the new year momentarily.
For the moment I would like to pause and give thanks to you for all of the prayers, notes and expressions of care since the surgery on my knee this past July. I will confess the past two years have provided for periods of great frustration as I wrestled with my leg following the accident in Lake Charles. Thanks to the fine work of Dr. Bill Webb of our Cathedral congregation, my leg is wonderful and you don’t know how freeing it is to be able to walk without crutches nor pain.
As to the healing of the diocese with respect to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, there are still areas out there with the familiar blue roofs and boarded windows that Susan and I encounter as we travel the diocese. But each day brings about a more fully recovered environment as is evidenced with The Open Door ministry in Lake Charles which is housed at this time at the former Church of Our Saviour site. This property which was severely damaged, and has been fully repaired and now operational. As was announced yesterday, they were the recipients of the offering at our opening Eucharist.
We need to continue to hold our sister dioceses – Louisiana and Mississippi in our prayers as they have much work yet before them. You may have read where the bishops were asked to bring a special offering of $10,000 per diocese to the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans for the benefit of these two dioceses. The ingathering of this offering amounted to more than $931,000! It is important to note that I did not take an offering as we, the people of Western Louisiana, had contributed $26,500 to each of the dioceses earlier in the year.
Closer to home, I am saddened to report the Mount Olivet Chapel restoration work is moving quite slowly. As reported in the September issue of ALIVE!, the windows have all been removed and are presently being restored by Stan Gall Company in Crowley, but the beginning of the foundation work is still on the drawing board. The architect promises that we are on the horizon, and apologizes for the delays that have come about due to larger projects for which he was committed. With the exception of the boarded up windows, signs of visible progress are minimal. His word is that the endeavour will be completed within the year, and I look forward to a rededication of this historic holy space in keeping with next year’s convention.
Visible signs of ministry are being witnessed in the diocese in viable and exciting ways – the Episcopal Church Women continue to grow in their ministry across the diocese. The Time for Joy weekend was an enriching time for many this year, and the Celebration of Women’s Ministries had a record attendance of participants this past month. Susan and I are included in a tangible way in each of these events, and for all of this we are grateful to Sandra Edwards, member of Holy Trinity, Sulphur and president of the women for her leadership, and those who share in this ministry with her.
The Commission on Spiritual Formation, chaired by the Rev’d Paula Claire Hall of Grace, Lake Providence, has completed its first year with the offering of their second retreat since formation, and the Commission on Addiction and Recovery held another successful retreat, and once again it was a privilege to participate as one of the speakers. I am grateful to Reece Middleton, Holy Cross, Shreveport, for his commitment to this important ministry.
Under the leadership of Dr. Cheryl White of St. Paul’s, Shreveport, the Commission on Christian Education is working on a curriculum on Confirmation preparation that will be available for use across the diocese. I feel this document will prove to be most helpful to many of our congregations, and especially some of the smaller ones. The Commission on Evangelism continues to provide programs to congregations on an individual basis, and I am thankful for Judge Dee Drell of St. James, Alexandria, and the Rev’d Paul Martin of St. Paul’s, Shreveport, for their work with the congregations in the diocese.
The Diocesan School of Theology has experienced an increase in enrollment this year, and included in this number are two of our Postulants for Holy Orders. My thanks to the Rev’d Dr. Bill McBride of St. Matthias, Shreveport, and the faculty for their commitment to this program. The Institute for Lay Ministry has been engaged in the work of preparing for the Convocational training that will be offered for Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, and Worship Leaders. This ministry is under the leadership of Dr. Jim Boyd of St. Paul’s, Shreveport, and I know he would be pleased to discuss these opportunities with you.
Not to be overlooked as we focus on ministries of the diocese is the ministry of Hardtner Camp and Conference Center. Pat Higgins, executive director, Deacon Boo Kay, headmaster at Bishop Noland School, Lake Charles, chair of the Board, and the members of the Board have provided tremendous direction this past year. Included in this was our Summer Camping program headed by the Rev’d Skully Knight, formerly of our Cathedral. There is much more to be shared about Camp Hardtner, and you will hear from Pat a little later today. I know he is excited to share with you some of the things taking place, and you can also get a first-hand view by visiting the Camp Hardtner booth in the exhibit area.
Our ministry to youth and young adults continues under the leadership of Monet Brashear of Holy Trinity, Sulphur and prayerfully the recent appointment of several people to the newly formed Commission on Youth and Young Adult Ministry will help strengthen this important ministry.
The college work in the diocese is growing with Canterbury ministries now being exercised on six campuses. I must say this makes my heart glad as the ministry to the students, as with our youth and young adult ministry, is a priority for me. In keeping with this in the new year will be the work involved in reestablishing a Canterbury ministry on the campus of Grambling University. This new work will be headquartered out of St. Luke’s Mission, and approval has been given for the funding of an African-American priest to take up this ministry. One of the major accomplishments this year was the completion of the work involved in making Canterbury House at Centenary College disability accessible. My thanks to Fr. Ben Songy for seeing this brought to fruition.
Other ministries include the Commission on Stewardship, and Education for Ministry, both under the care of Brenda Milam of St. James, Alexandria; Daughters of the King with leadership provided by Anita Luff of St. Andrew’s, Moss Bluff; the Cursillo movement under the present leadership of Dale Dimos of Grace, Monroe; the Altar Guild headed by Kathy Dungan, St. James, Alexandria; our participation in the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the work of the Rev’d Dr. Wayne E. Carter, rector at St. John’s, Minden, and ecumenical officer; our Disaster Relief work and Episcopal Relief and Development provided by the Rev’d Elizabeth Ratcliff of Calvary, Bunkie; the important discernment work done by the Commission on Ministry under the care of Herschel Richard of St. Mark’s Cathedral; the care of children through the Commission on Schools, and chaired by the Rev’d Deacon Boo Kay; the Commission on Anti-Racism, chaired by the Very Rev’d John Clark of Trinity, Crowley; and the Commission on International Mission which is headed by Tom Dalton of St. Paul’s, Shreveport, and from whom we will hear a report later this day; and not to be overlooked is the important work of the Kairos ministry that draws upon many from across the diocese.
Reflecting upon these things, I must pause and give thanks to all those whose generosity, care and love brought about the fulfillment of an endeavour that began more than two years ago. There were so many angels that were a part of this, I would error in attempting to acknowledge them, but I must express thanks to Clare Nelson and Drs. Bill and Rhonda Webb of St. Mark’s Cathedral, and Dr. Richard Campbell from St. John’s, Minden, for they truly provided the needed leadership. The event to which I refer, and I trust all are aware, was the life saving and life-giving surgery for Lusila, the young woman from the Dominican Republic. Through the effort of many, many people, and especially Dr. Ghali Ghali and Christus Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, what began as a commitment on the part of our medical mission team in the summer of 2005, was accomplished in the summer of 2007 and her life touched and changed.
As Susan and I travel the diocese visiting congregations and participating in various events, we encounter with great regularity people who share the story of their lives being touched … being changed by the ministry of the people of this fine diocese.
We may fret about much, but these things of which I speak are the mission of the Church, and this is the will of God. All of the things I have shared that are taking place, which are a part of the fabric of the diocese, are the things that happen when people are willing to move beyond their differences in order to focus on that which the Gospel calls us to be about. When we share a vision of being “disciples making disciples,” and we are personally reconciled to God and through him to one another, we will do as Jesus promised, “the things he has done, and even greater things.” [John 4:12] We can and must focus on the Gospel imperative that we share.
Pausing to reflect at this moment causes me to fear that I have overlooked one of the many important ministries in the diocese, but in thinking about the above, I realize that many other signs of health are being experienced, but in many ways go unnoticed. But then, as Paul wrote to the people of Corinth, “… look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:18]
Not overlooked, but held until now is acknowledgment of an important part of our ministry, and this is ALIVE!, our diocesan newspaper. An enhanced publication was promised to you in my address of last year, and Bob and Maryse Harwell have indeed provided this. Not only has this monthly publication taken on a new look, but the appointment of the advisory board took place this past year and is in place. In addition to his work on the newspaper, Bob provides important work in the capacity as communications officer, and for this I am indeed grateful.
Looking ahead, I am calling upon Dean John Clark and the Commission on Anti-Racism to begin making plans for our participation on a wider scale in the area of awareness training. We can easily feel that issues of racism do not affect us, but we must be mindful that what took place in Jena these past months can happen anywhere across our diocese and state.
While much was taking place in the form of public demonstrations in Jena, Susan and I were in Jena participating in a meeting with local leaders and members of the district attorney’s staff. The only difference is that our meeting, arranged by Father Dan Krutz of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, was not in the limelight, but rather, was held in a quiet spot within the community. The reason for the nature in which this took place was that I was one of four judicatory leaders in the state that was asked to meet with the group in order to begin looking toward a “post Jena” period with the hope of helping bring about reconciliation to this divided community within our diocese. I share this with you this day as we have been asked to return for a follow-up meeting.
And speaking of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, the action that I raised last year with respect to issues of violence within our communities and school settings, was lost in the continued disaster relief work that consumed many across the state and continues to do so in some areas, but the issue of violence is not forgotten.
In the course of this address to you, the gathered convention, we have looked at where we have been, what we have done, and where we are. Now, let me segue from this into where the work of this past year will lead us in the next year. I want to share with you a vision that will embrace every congregation in this diocese, and this is with disregard to size.
It is with glad heart that I share with you that in the early new year a diocesan-wide conference will be offered under the leadership of the Commission on Evangelism. This event is being designed to reach out to every congregation in the diocese and will feature a noted international evangelism leader. The conference will not be unto itself as the participants will not only be challenged to discipleship, but will go home with materials to share with their congregation. It is our prayer that in the following six months each congregation, utilizing the materials from the conference, will explore how each of you “proclaim the Gospel … proclaim your faith” in your respective settings.
It is not enough to just talk about what is needed, we must provide it, and this begins with each of us personally allowing Jesus to be seen in our lives. Through this, each of our congregations can more fully live into being a beacon for Christ in your communities. Or as heard in the sermon on the mount, “… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16]
In addition to the materials, members of the Commission on Evangelism will be available to assist you in this endeavour. The work accomplished will be shared as we all gather for diocesan convention next year, and continue to build upon this work through the much desired small group settings with one another. I urge you to be mindful that this conference is part of that which many of you requested be offered and in turn make a commitment to participate. If we are truly serious about wanting to build up the “Body of Christ,” we will be mindful of Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, and wherein we read that “the body does not consist of one member but many.” [1 Corinthians 12:14]
My prayer is that we will not only draw upon the reconciliation and healing work of this past year, but will build upon it. To allow this to be a bridge into a greater ministry of being “disciples making disciples.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, if the mission of discipleship to which God calls us to in Western Louisiana is going to be not just talked about, but done, we must go forward together in faith. As we are reminded through the words found in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, “… faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” [Hebrew 11:1]
May we, in faith, be mindful of the further words in the Letter to the Hebrews, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” [Hebrews 12:1-2]
Now, before closing, permit me to say a word about the convention dinner last evening and the wonderful experience of having the Ugandan Children’s Orphanage Choir with us. The witness of these children truly makes clear Jesus’ words “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” [Mark 10:14] Thanks be to God for this ministry to these young people.
A regular part of our dinners for the past couple of years has been the announcement of the recipient of the Bishop’s Mount Olivet Award. This award is given to a member of the diocese that had demonstrated ministry in a faithful manner over a period of time. I am pleased to share that Mrs. June Strausser of Grace, Monroe was the recipient for this year. Mrs. Strausser actually received her award when I made my visitation to Grace Parish this past May 13th as I knew she would not be in attendance with us this weekend. This delightful soul has contributed to so many areas of the life of the church, and up until this year served as chair of the diocesan Church Periodical Club and faithful member of the Board at All Saints’ School, Vicksburg. With respect to the latter, I will state that she was one of the most regular attendees on the Board. As we give thanks to God for her ministry, may we also give thanks for her birthday on October 31 … her 94th!
Another special announcement was made last evening as it was my privilege, to recognize the extended ministry of two lay people in this diocese by making them Honourary Canons. They are both people who have done much in areas of leadership, ministry development and discipleship; people who are always willing to step up and make things happen. Through their ministry the ministries of many people have been enriched and the ministry of this diocese enhanced. Please join me in showing our appreciation to the first Honourary Lay Canons in the Diocese of Western Louisiana, Dr. James D. Boyd and the Honourable Dee D. Drell. Congratulations, Canon Boyd and Canon Drell.
Now in closing, I want to say again that it is my honour to serve as your Bishop, and to share with you for these past four plus years in the ministry that God has entrusted to us. It is not our ministry, but it is our Lord’s and I truly feel we are blessed to be here together.
An important part of this ministry are those who labour with me at Diocesan House each day, and for whom I am truly thankful, and they are Dianne White, Kathy Richey, and Canon Larry Wilkes. I must add, Dianne celebrated her 25th anniversary at Diocesan House two weeks ago, and is now on her third bishop!
The last person to be recognized is the person that God has blessed me with, my beloved wife of 49 years and supporting helpmate in the ministry to which God has called us, please join me in giving thanks to Susan for all she does on behalf of us all.
Let us pray.
“O Christ, it is no wonder that in every age men and women catch a glimpse of your splendour and become your followers. Though we are among the least of all people, common folk bearing no great distinction, you stand at the threshold of our lives with the promise that our barren lives can yield unexpected grace. Even though we have laboured through long and fruitless hours, though we claim no talent and feel unworthy to bear your love into the world, you still call, pouring the fullness of divine care into such unwitting vessels as we are. As you directed the disciples to a great catch of fish, you can wrest forth a surprising harvest from our lives as well. O Christ, may your gracious promise to us not be in vain. Grant us openness and eagerness to follow you and to show forth God’s glory to the world. Send us out now as “disciples making disciples: restoring all people to unity with you and each other in Christ.” Amen. [drawn and adapted from All the Seasons of Mercy 1987]
Thank you.

Saturday Afternoon Live Blog – Western Louisiana Convention

LSU to kick off at 2:30 in Kentucky, so we need to finish. The only reason we are meeting today is because LSU in Kentucky.

Report of elections committee:

3 tallies made of the ballots.

Alternate to GC:

Reese Middleton
Penn Thompkins
Daniel is third

Must have been a split conservative vote.

Resolution:

Lay: 70-53 in favor.
Clergy 24nay to 19 yea.

Resolution fails.

(BLD Comment: Obviously, the clergy are not in step with the laity. This is a real shame. However, if trends continue and considering the number of vacancies we have in the Diocese, this result is not likely to be repeated.)
Kem Hartgrove for Constitution and Canons:

Proposed const. amendment from last year…has to pass two conventions and this is the second convention. Article X – Executive Committee becomes Diocesan Council. (This is in accord with how everyone else does things.)

Passed.

Canon 9 to be amended along the same lines. Passed.

Report on International Missions.

Installation of folks elected.

Courtesy resolutions. Note: According to the chair in a conversation earlier, there will be no resolution for KJS.

That’s all folks.

Morning Live Blog II – Western Louisiana Convention

Keep hitting refresh..back after a hymn and a break.

Resolution being handed out..elections are to happen now.

Put no more or no less than required..add Daniel Cutler to the ballot. If ballot has more or fewer than the appropriate number, it will not be counted.

No runoff in the clergy…only five running. Will have two ballots on lay deputies. Vote for four clergy and four lay only at this time.

While balloting is going on, word around the campground is that conservatives were less than thrilled with Bishop MacPherson’s address regarding issues in the Anglican Communion. Some folks are no longer willing to wait, not even until October 31. Yet, the liberals aren’t happy with the resolution coming. No one is happy. We’ll see what develops.

Next will be the budget, which I am not going to live blog…too boring. I suspect we will have the ballot count after the budget presentation, but I could be wrong. Depends on how long Gray Easterling takes.

$1.4 million in income each year though.

Folks were asking for more money for the Good Shepherd Mission in Vidalia and for youth..want a full time youth person…but budget does have a youth minister matching fund this year.

Resolutions committee rising…the resolution I blogged last night will be presented. Objections anticipated. Judge Marchman at the mic ready to go. Peter Cook coming to the microphone.

Guido Verbeck coming to the mic. Kem Hartgrove getting up to object. Cheryl White at the microphone. as well. Going to be interesting. Alternating for and against. Rule #8 – identify yourself and why needing recognition. Procedural motions preclude speaking to the substance of the motion. Four speakers for, two either against or for procedural motions…we’ll see.

Peter Cook – two motions have been joined; lateness of the motion due to recency of HOB meeting. +Bruce had resolution there for pastoral scheme. Pastoral scheme is safe place for the orthodox. Without the safe place, church will continue to hemorrhage. Offshore oversight. Dioceses asking for Primatial oversight. Pastoral scheme would prevent this…designed to accommodate with American bishops providing oversight. Work out reconciliation. Covenant will ultimate replace.

Kem Hartgrove – speaking against – obviously we committed to Windsor last year. If anything comes up, we’ll have a special convention. That’s all we need. Things in the resolution – we don’t know what is necessary. What does call upon commit us to? What actions are we to take? What are the deputies to do. Act toward creation of pastoral scheme? Can we do this? Too many questions. We are Windsor compliant; that is all we need.

Guido Verbeck – speaking for – painfully aware that TEC has caused Anglican crisis. It is the Primates that are trying to find ways to save us and bring us back together. GC2006 failed to do this. HOB meeting was on the same course. Fracturing the church. Global South coming to aid of orthodox. If we would pass this, incursions would stop. Brings us closer to what we are trying to seek. Anglican Communion keeps throwing us lifelines, including the pastoral scheme.

Ginger Paul – against – many breathed when Kenneth retired, but here’s Ginger. Feels resolution is premature. We are in a process. October 3 reports of ACC Committee said we had clarified the outstanding questions. Not a uniform response. Quoting the forum…need to be aware of the process.

Cheryl White – for – refer to packet last year and read Windsor Compliant resolutions. Two resolutions – look closely at what we committed to. It is a process, but we are in a different part of the process. Nothing inconsistent with last year.

Mitzi George – against – in light of Bishop’s address and Gospel to be of one body…resolution has sense of division instead of reconciliation..unknown variables…when do we trust the process to which we were called to be faithful…Bishop called us to be faithful to Windsor…shouldn’t circumvent the process. So vote against so process can work.

Sharon Marchman – for – co-author of the motion. Offered to track language of our own bishop’s resolution offered to the HOB. Bruce’s resolution didn’t make it out of committee. Show support for the bishop. Culmination of process – Camp Allen Principles discussed and incorporated and set for the pastoral scheme. It is the only way we can show continued commitment to the Windsor process.

Mark MacDonald – against – past summer – healing and reconciliation – this is forcing us to make a choice, will be divisive – trusts we will work in the processes of TEC and Anglican Communion. Don’t see the need for the resolution.

Paul Martin – for – believes this to be a vehicle in which we can maintain the dialogue and supports our bishop. Allows us to be pro-active rather than reactive, which is better.

Morgan Allen – Point of Order – rules of procedure – Rule #12 – third sentence – 300 copies of materials. Specific reference to bishop’s resolution to HOB – requesting 300 copies – or discharge the motion. Bishop ruling that the pastoral scheme accompanied that. Morgan arguing with the Bishop. Objection overruled.

Keith Milligan – read a copy of the Bishop’s resolution?

Morgan Allen – against the resolution – I am reminded of Jarius – please to Jesus to come heal his child. We are stewards of God’s church. We need Jesus to heal who is ailing. Jesus didn’t raise the daughter, but said the child is only sleeping and was left unattended because family and friends to pre-occupied with there own struggle. Asks convention to reject resolution and take a look at those in need…one body – TEC.

Pt. of Order – Sharon Marchman – move for vote by order and by written ballot. Second. Motion carries.

Elections committee still counting the votes. So, we are working on the ballots at this time.

Penn Thompkins at the microphone.

Reporting on GC elections:

Clergy:

Carter
Cook
Riley
Verbeck
Thompson – alternate

Lay:
Drell
Polombo
Robert
White
alternates will be next round of elections – vote for one next round.

mark on the same ballot – yes or no to the resolution is before us. Mark lay or clergy as vote is by orders.

Middleton, Thompkins, and Cutler. Vote for one and only one.

Noonday prayer and lunch.

Morning Live Blog – Western Louisiana Convention

Keep hitting refresh.

Resolutions committee was interesting this morning. The liberal members of our Diocese will attempt the usual procedural and other ploys to prevent the convention from taking action on the resolution I posted last night. Prayers needed.

Okay. We are getting started.

Standing Committee organizational meeting after convention session this afternoon.

Address beginning.

Prayer: O Risen Christ, Lord of the Harvest, as farmers patiently waited over the barren soil, so we wait for your harvest…new hope in your resurrects us each day. Unite us in Christ to yield a rich harvest. May each person be cherished as indispensable to the life and happiness of each one of us…reconciliation…peace…disciples making disciples. Quiet moment…

In keeping with the theme of this years conventions – disciples making disciples – Paul to Ephesians – Paul offering thankgiving…blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…who has blessed…he chose us before the foundation of the world that we would be holy and blameless before him…through Jesus Christ…grace freely bestowed on us in Jesus…forgiveness of our trespasses…riches of his grace…made known to us all wisdom and the mystery of his will..according to his purpose in Jesus Christ…

Four years ago, this month, Grace Monroe, for Bruce’s first convention as bishop. Today it seems like so long ago. Yet, in other ways, it was just yesterday. Much has taken place in our lives..personally and corporately…three hurricanes since Bruce’s arrival…some have suggested a correlation in this < – grin ->…We can’t believe what has happened since he arrived either…together, we have experienced much, and accomplished good things. Bruce’s message has been to call us to be about the mission of God’s Church…committed to discipleship and preaching the message of the Gospel. Can’t let issues derail the mission and ministry of our Diocese. If we are going to take our call seriously, we much be about proclaiming the Gospel and not beating each other up over the issues of the church…if we do not stand firm in our mission we will have succumbed to the Devil. Will not permit our ministry to derailed and ran off the track. Mindful of examination and oath when he was consecrated bishop in the church catholic. Reads ordination vows from the BCP. Good stuff.

These words offered are indelible on Bruce’s heart. Bear same depth of commitment today as in the September pastoral letter…me and my household, serve the Lord. Continued commitment to path of faithful fulfillment of the Gospel. Actions of past Diocesan Conventions and the reconciliation gatherings. Over and over, we have voiced the desire to remain in the Anglican Communion…on both sides of the issues. Remain in Communion. Some would like to affiliate with this group or that, but looking at these groups…their direction no more definitive than that which is before us..other than to be disciples making disciples. Benedictine Scotman, our bishop, I cannot precipitously. I won’t. Process has rested with the Primates in their response to the American Church. We must see fulfillment of the process.

HOB meeting…ABC asking Primates to response by October 31. Conversations…he is confident the answer will be clear and will be soon. Next 18 days…we will know the decision of the wider communion with respect to our place in it. Since HOB…Bruce has personally communicated with ABC about our continued recognition (as stated by Bruce in Dar)…in keeping with this, concern with waiting for Diocesan Convention next year…if action is needed, we will have a special convention per our Diocesan canons…Bruce will do so. Changes in the articles/constitution…2/3rd vote at 2 annual conventions.

Recent HOB meeting… reports of reception have been mixed. Bruce thinks response inadequate. Reference pastoral letter of September. Much of what happened…never known or seen by outside…failed. Confessed silence by Bruce…the critical explanation was in Dar by Bruce…that is where he stands…statement reverberated across the church. Things done in the last eight years as bishop in the church catholic not enough..I’m sorry, but I must be about my Father’s business…accused Bruce of denying Jesus as Peter did…but look at Peter’s later works…Peter..rock build church, powers of death shall not prevail against it.

Ministry of this Diocese is built on this rock. Jesus words…no power shall prevail against it.

Sunday visits…church’s one foundation is Jesus (hymn)…if we are going to build on this foundation…we must be people of vision…Proverbs.. no vision, people perish. Continuing call to faithful ministry.. we must Trust God. Habbakuk last sunday…right my vision..make it plain upon the tablets…vision awaits its time…hastens to the end…wait for it..it will surely come..it will not delay..righteous shall live by his faith.

Visions began to unfold as we were called to a year of reconciliation and healing…knew this was necessary to build the Kingdom of God…needed each other…three day training event…convocational gatherings…650 people participated in these events. Positive energy for ministry. Thanks Judge Drell for chairing this…those that spent time and treasure on this. Much insight…greater sense of Diocese wanting to share in ministry. Challenge – truly sharing in ministry rather than talking about it in small groups. People want more small groups..but past attempts has had negligible response.

For the moment, pause…give thanks to all of you for prayers, notes, etc…surgery since July. Past two years have provided for periods of great frustration as I wrestled with my leg following my accident. Dr. Bill Webb of Cathedral…leg is wonderful…no pain, no crutches. I’ll jump right off here and show you (No…no.)

Healing of Diocese since hurricanes..still work to do. Each day better…Open Door ministry in Lake Charles at Church of our Savior which has been repaired. Recipients of offering at opening Eucharist… Hold LA and Miss. in prayer. Bishops brought $$$ (10,000) to HOB. In gathering $931,000 to LA and Miss. Bruce did not take an offering…as we had contributed $26,500 to each Diocese just a few months earlier. Closer to home..Mt. Olivet work is moving slowly. Windows removed and being restored in Crowley..foundation work not yet started. Architect apologized for delay. signs of progress minimal. Should be completed within the year…rededication at next years convention.

ECW growing their ministry…time for joy weekend for young Moms…Com on spiritual formation has completed first year with offering retreats on formation and on addictions and recovery (Bruce speaks of this…thanks Reese for his commitment.) Dr. White – Education – confirmation preparation curriculum to be prepared. Evangelism..thanks Judge Drell and Paul Martin for their work with congregations. School of theology – increase in number..two postulants..thanks Dr. McBride and faculty. Institute of lay ministry..convocational training for LEMS..thanks Dr. Boyd. Hardtner…tremendous leadership this last year. Summer camp. Thanks Pat Higgins and Boo Kay. Youth and young adults…thanks Monet Brashear.

Six Canterbury ministries…re-establish Canterbury at Grambling (big priority for bishop based on a conversation we had)…work at Canterbury at Centenary – handicapped access. Stewardship. Daughter of the King. Cursillo. Louisiana Interchurch Conference. Disaster relief with ERD and others…thanks Liz Ratcliff. Thanks Com. on Ministry. Commission on schools.. anti-rascism commission. International mission. Kairos Prison Ministry. Thanks to those whose generosity, care and love…brought about care for Lusilla..docs and others.

Travel around the Diocese…people’s lives being changed and touched. We may fret about much…but these things are the mission of the church and the will of God. All these things are part of the fabric of Diocese..move beyond differences to focus on the Gospel. When we share a vision of being disciples making disciples…personally reconciled to God and through Him to one another..the things he has done, we will do greater things.

One other ministry – many other signs of health are being experienced but unnoticed. Acknowledgment of the Alive, our paper. New format, color, etc. Advisory board for paper. Dean Clark and anti-racism to get our participation wider. Talking about Jena..can happen anywhere. Work of reconciliation by +Bruce and Susan in Jena. +Bruce one of four church leaders to help bring reconciliation there; been asked to return and follow up. Violence in communities…work lost in disaster relief work..but we must take this up.

The Future. Vision that will embrace every congregation…disregard to size. Early in the year…Evangelism event…noted international evangelism leader. Not unto itself, but folks will go home with materials to share with their congregation. Each congregation will use this to explore how each can proclaim the Gospel and the faith. We have to provide what is needed…Let Jesus be seen in our lives. Each parish to be a beacon for Christ…light shine before others…member of Evangelism will be there to assist. You folks asked for this; please participate. If we are truly serious about building up the body of Christ..Paul to Corinth..body has many members. Draw on reconciliation work and build upon..bridge to greater ministry of disciples making disciples. Mission of discipleship to which we are called to be done, we must go forward in Faith. 11 Hebrews – faith is assurance of things hoped for…therefore, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…run with perserverance the race.

Convention dinner last night. Uganda children’s orphanage choir…orphans due to AIDS…witness of the children.. let the little children come to me…such as these to whom the Kingdom of God belongs. Awards again…Mt. Olivet award…honorary lay canons.

Closing – honor to be your bishop…not our ministry, but the Lord’s…thanks Diane, Kathy, Canon Larry.  Diane has worked for us for 25 years..on her third bishop.  Last person to be recognized…Susan MacPherson…49 years of marriage.

Closing prayer…

In Other Diocesan News

My father, Judge Dee Drell, and Dr. Jim Boyd, were both made honorary lay canons of the Diocese.

Latest Draft of the Resolution (merging the other two) that is expected to be substituted tomorrow by the Resolutions Committee

In accordance with the Lord’s High Priestly prayer that we be one, and in obedience to his Great Commission to go into the world and make disciples, and in gratitude for the wider Anglican Communion which is a sign of the fulfillment of the High Priestly Prayer, and in working toward reconciliation of all people with God and each other, we propose the following resolution:

 

Whereas the Diocese of Western Louisiana is committed to following the recommendations of the Windsor Report; and

 

Whereas we support Bishop MacPherson’s resolution to the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans expressly calling for the establishment of a Pastoral Scheme as outlined in the Dar es Salaam Communique;

 

Be it resolved that the Diocese of Western Louisiana calls upon our Bishop, Standing Committee, and General Convention Deputation to initiate plans and to take all possible action toward the creation and implementation of the Pastoral Scheme proposed in the Dar es Salaam Communique; and to take all possible action to ensure that the Diocese of Western Louisiana remains fully in communion with the wider Anglican Communion.

 

 

Grace Church, Monroe

St. Michael & All Angels, Lake Charles

St. Paul’s, Shreveport

The Rev. Errol Montgomery, Christ Church, Bastrop

St. Thomas Monroe Delegation Members, Vicki LaMarca, Tony LaMarca, and David Furr

Judge Dee Drell, Individually, St. James, Alexandria

First Session – Guaranteed To Be Non-Controversial

The Bishop’s convention address will be given tomorrow. So, this will be a two hour session, then dinner, and then we’ll have the candidates forum tonight for those running for deputy to General Convention.

The election of deputies will be Saturday morning. Resolutions will be considered in the afternoon.

We will have the final list of candidates for various offices during this session, and I’ll live blog that the best I can.

Credentials – Wayne Carter – we have a quorum.

Dispatch – Boo Kay – agenda accepted.

Nominations – Dee Drell – for election of convention secretary – Whit Stodghill – elected.

Parliamentarian – Chancellor John McLure.

Disptach: adopt rules of procedure.

Greetings from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria. Cathedral is open for our use during this convention.

Bishop Hughes, interim dean of St. Mark’s Cathedral, Shreveport.

Bishop of the Domincan Republic here. Long relationship between Dioceses.

Fr. Dan Krutz for the Louisiana inter-church conference.

Acknowledgment of Dawnell Stodghill – to be ordained December 4 to the priesthood.

Standing Committee and Commission on Ministry busy this morning. Morgan MacIntire and Mike Millard approved for candidacy to be ordained to the Diaconate. Ordinations to be in June.

Postulants – 3 – Betty Jo Coffman, Mary Richard, and Kay Hunter. GOE’s for everyone in January of 2008.

Visitor section gets fuller each year (I wonder why???)

Acknowledge Executive and Standing Committee. Non-canonical clergy.

Order of business.

Minutes of last convention. Adopted.

Report of the nominating committee:

GC Deputies:

Clergy:

Wayne Carter
Peter Cook
Gregg Riley
Catharine Thompson
Guido Verbeck

Lay:
Bradley L. Drell
Reese Middleton
Don Polombo
John Robert
Cheryl White
Penn Thompkins
Daniel Cutler – dad didn’t mention.

Standing Committee:
Mary Louise Skelton
Mitzi George

Trustee- Sewanee
Andrea Petrosh
Those unopposed are elected.

Resolutions Committee Report:

Gregg Riley – distributing two resolutions that have been submitted. One is from St. Michael’s & All Angels that I had seen and had some input on. The other is on the previous post.

Resolution from St. Mike’s is as follows:

Whereas the Diocese of Western Louisiana is committed to following the principles and recommendations of the Windsor Report, and committed to remaining in full communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the wider Anglican Communion;

BE IT RESOLVED that Diocesan Convention 2007 instruct its bishop, Standing Committee, and legal counsel of the diocese to initiate plans (either following recommendations of the Dar-Es-Salaam Communique, though not restricted to such), which enable General Convention 2008 to take whatever steps best ensure that the Diocese of Western Louisiana remain “Windsor compliant”, and remain fully in communion with the wider Anglican Communion.

Announcement of appointments:

Cursillo: Paul Martin

Deans: Acadiana – John Clark, Lake Charles – Jack Myer, Alexandria – Catherine Thompson, Monroe – Gregg Riley, Shreveport – Bill Bryant.

Reports from Seminaries and such; I’m running a bored Sarah Drell home.

I missed the seminary reports – with the usual song and dance that we just don’t know why enrollments are dropping.

Report from the Bishop of the Dominican Republic.

Report on Camp Hardtner.

All first day business has been handled.  Motion to recess.  Resolutions and nominating committees to meet.  Turn in your forum questions.

I will blog about the forum tonight or tomorrow morning.

First Post From Diocesan Convention – Western Louisiana

We had a good Standing Committee Meeting this morning. We approved the consent for the consecration of Lawrence for South Carolina (again.) We also approved the ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Dawnell Stodghill, and approved the candidacy of two others, including Michael Millard, a sometime visitor to this blog.

I had to miss the service today because of a work crisis, but the sermon has been reported to have been pure Gospel.

We have another candidate in the running for lay deputy: Daniel Cutler of St. Timothy’s, Alexandria. He is 18 years old, an Eagle Scout, and who is described as “a dedicated Christian and a student of the Bible.” I hope he makes it.

Everyone is starting to come into the hall now, so hopefully I can make this fast.

One of the resolutions proposed (turned in today before 1 p.m.) reads as follows:

In accordance with the Lord’s High Priestly prayer that we be one and in obedience to his great commission to go into all the world and make disciples and in gratitude for the gift of the wider Anglican Communion as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work of reconciliation throughout the world, we offer the following resolution with the hope of providing for those groups within our diocese alienated by the recent developments in the Episcopla Church in a way acceptable to them and that enables the Primates to end all interventions:

Whereas, we support Bishop MacPherson’s resolution to the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans expressly calling for the establishment of the Pastoral Scheme as outlined in the Dar-es-Salaam Communique;

Be it resolved that the Diocese of Western Louisiana calls upon our Bishop, Diocesan leadership, and General Convention delegates (sic, should be deputies) to take all possible action toward the creation and implementation of the Pastoral Scheme proposed in the Dar-es-Salaam Communique.

Submitted:

Grace Episcopal Church, Monroe
Christ Church, Bastrop
St. Thomas, Monroe
Hon. Dee D. Drell, St. James, Alexandria

with more signatures coming.