Today's general session
began with opening and stage setting addresses from the Presiding Bishop
Katharine Jefforts Schori and Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of
Deputies (HOD.) Each spoke with passion
and conviction about the future and vision of The (international) Church.
Bishop
Katharine emphasized the continuing work toward unity and reconciliation within
our international church given the
ethnicity, theological diversity, and the reality of voices unheard and
unaddressed. Bishop Katharine also urged each person to find someone with whom
they disagree or have wounded to engage in learning about that person while
seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. She closed with a prayer by Sir Francis
Drake, which he prayed before setting out to explore the New World- quite
profound and intentional for blessings as they set forth into the unknown and a
new future. It is a good thing to let go with faith and venture beyond the
sight of land into something new and different--do not distrust the Lord.
Bonnie
Anderson, retiring President of the HOD, reminded us of the significance of
July 4th, Independence Day, and the fact that we have yet to reach the ideals
of the Declaration of Independence as set forth by the founding fathers of our country. The ideals set forth are not
only for individuals but are also applicable to us as we strive to be united as
people of God in God's Church.
It is
time for the church to take decisive actions on issues of justice and
peace Please find a copy of the
Declaration of Independence and reflect on where we are in relationship to
those ideals, individuals and shared governance.
 |
| The Rev. Bob Taliaferro (and Jesus) |
May the peace of the Lord be always with you-
The Rev. Bob Taliaferro
St. Peter's Episcopal Church- Amarillo
Clergy Deputy
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