| Category: | Deputies Forum |
| Author: | |
| Date: | 6/20/2006 8:28 AM |
| Thread ID | 41 |
| Content: | Dear Diocese of Texas:
I know some of you have been awaiting a post. The Convention was moving along with a good spirit but slow and it did not seem that there was much to report. In the wake of the election of the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop we have been running -- attempting to keep up with legislation and the debate of the Special Committee's report on the Windsor Resolutions.
Some of you have asked how the process took place within the Convention; and I have to say that many were surprised at the outcome. As you know I have since the very beginning supported the ordination of women and here in the 30th anniversary to have now before us the appointment and consent of Bishop Jefferts Schori as our primate is simply a natural result of having fine women in the priesthood and episcopate.
Just a word about Bishop Jefferts Schori. I have served with her on committees and in the House of Bishops and find her to be a delightful presence. All the bishop's were impressed with her words to us at our last House of Bishops meeting at Kanuga and, in fact, believed she outshined the other nominees. She is wise and extremely smart. She speaks Spanish and French fluently (both languages of our church). And, I believe she is a leader. She will be tested by the work that is still before this convention. And, she will be tested by the work that is before us as a church.
As for the vote, Bishop Jefferts Schori was consented to by our deputation in the House of Deputies with two non-consenting votes, one lay and one clergy. The House of Bishop's vote is not public. However, I will say to you that I understand she received votes from supporters and a solid number of more conservative bishops who supposedly hope to move the split of our communion forward. Politics can make strange bedfellows. Further, this same undercurrent is attempting to undermine the good work of the Special Committee on Windsor.
In these times God can do mighty things and I believe there are great possibilities of hope ahead of us.
We have also received letters of support from many primates of the Anglican Communion and the Archbishop's Secretary, Kenneth Kearon, who is with us, has welcomed Bishop Jefferts Schori, saying he looks forward to working with her on our Communion relationships.
I would say one more thing about the effects of Bishop Jefferts Schori-- I believe while her appointment by the House of Bishops and consent by the House of Deputies is an exciting moment for some it is also a troubling moment for others. As Christians are we responsible to one another and I am hopeful you will be mindful and prayerful for our brothers and sisters throughout the diocese and communion who do not share the excitement of this moment.
Our focus these last two days has been very much upon the matters before us from the Windsor Report. The House of Deputies has passed a major resolution stating regret and today they are working on a statement regarding the refraining from consecration and development of rites. There is a solid middle ground supporting the Windsor recommendations.
I ask your prayers for your deputies and your bishops as we continue this dialogue and move to accept legislation. The work is difficult. There is a sense of the holiness of our convention community and great respect abides still in this place for one another and the issues at hand. There have been several very powerful witnesses testifying on behalf of the special committee's work on the floor of the House of Deputies which worked into the night yesterday. There is a sharing of pain and the costliness of the decisions before this House of Bishops and Deputies.
I continue to be hopeful. I continue to pray daily for this work God has set before us. It is good work and that always demands our best efforts. I firmly believe that if we can pass the Windsor resolutions with the strongest language possible we will give our new Presiding Bishop and the Archbishop of Canterbury a good beginning at repairing the bonds of affection so strained in these last years.
You have a very good deputation. Bishop Suffragan-elect Dena Harrison has been an outstanding leader and chaplain in the House of Deputies offering great wisdom and strength for those who have sought out her comfort. Canon Andy Doyle has been hard at work in dispatch showing the national church what we already know of his work ethic and abilities. The Revs. Cecelia Smith and Mike Wyckoff have been welcoming your alternates onto the floor and have been gracious. They have worked diligently to be in committee hearings and caucuses bringing news to the deputation. Mary Parmer has met absolutely everyone - along with David Grizzle -- they do not meet strangers. Ora Houston has worked diligently on behalf of those less fortunate and on the edges of our community. So powerful was her presentation to PB&F that it was used in their presentation to the combined houses. John Bennet Waters has been active in the structure meetings and David has spoken thoughtfully on the business before the house. Each has brought a gift to this convention and I am proud of them. You should be too. You elected good men and women and it has been a pleasure to serve and walk with them.
Now, I do want to say that I am eager to return to Texas. In this place I am more convinced than ever that our beloved diocese is a leader in missionary endeavors and I am rejoice in our focus and ministry.
Last night the Diocese of Texas and the Diocese of West Texas gathered to celebrate the consent to consecrate our two new bishops. It was a wonderful time and a reminder of our shared ministry. Our daughter Bishop of West Texas, Gary Lillibridge, sits at my table in the House and I have enjoyed our time together. Last night was a fun celebration of the burgeoning new relationships between our two dioceses and the goodwill and love we share for one another. Thank you to Andy for the idea and to Nancy Brainerd who helped make all the arrangements.
Also know that while I am here you remain in my daily prayers.
I am praying for you and your congregations. I am praying for the diocese and its ministry. I am praying for our new deacons who will be ordained this Saturday. I am praying for those affected by the storms in Houston and the surrounding area. I am praying for the Manchaca family and their son now known to have been killed in Iraq. I am praying for our soldiers in the new offensive in Afghanistan. I am praying for those women who delight in the election of our Presiding Bishop and the men who support them. I am praying for those dear souls who are troubled by the election of Jefferts Schori. And, I am praying for our deputation -- good folks working very hard.
Please keep me in your prayers. I fell on Sunday and have bruised my ribs. I am healing but very sore.
Faithfully yours,
Don
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| Discussion Category: Deputies Forum (1 items) |
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 »» From Bishop Don Wimberly «« | | 6/20/2006 8:28 AM |
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