Let the games begin

I don't enjoy the summer Olympics as much as the winter games, just because the events don't seem as interesting, but it's still fun to have them going on. Sadly, the games are being hosted by an oppressive nation. It's not the first time (the games were held in Berlin in 1936, in Tokyo and Nazi Germany in 1940, and in Moscow in 1980). But hopefully, this is more a part of China's freer future than it is its recent oppressive past.

Let the games begin, and in the birthplace of fireworks, let the fireworks begin. What is the Olympic sport you enjoy watching the most? For me, I enjoy boxing, badminton, diving, pole vaulting, and some of the shorter races.

Ordination vows

Since we're having a priestly ordination here at St Alban's on Saturday, I've been reflecting on the theme recently. Most of the sacramental rites have a covenant or set of vows to articulate the meaning of the ritual and prepare the recipient to make the most use of the graces. Ordination is no different, hence ordination vows. (By the way, contrary to popular belief, there is nothing in the vows about the Episcopal Church or any other particular church).

There's a lot of good stuff in there and they are work taking a look at. As you can see, the wording changes between provinces and editions of Prayer Books, but there are some common themes. We see the belief in the Scriptures and the commitment to defend the faith, the acceptance of the work of the ministry, acceptance of the bishop's leadership, and an embrace of holiness. Here are the texts from different ordinals.

1979 American Prayer Book and the Canadian Book of Alternative Services

Bishop My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to this priesthood?
Answer I believe I am so called.

Bishop Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Answer I do.

Bishop Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of such things as may make you a stronger and more able minister of Christ?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you do you best to pattern your life [and that of your family, or household, or community] in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
Answer I will.

Bishop Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification of the Holy Spirit?
Answer I will.

Bishop May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.
Answer Amen.


Renewal of Ordination Vows from the American Book of Occasional Services

Dear friends, the ministry we share is none other than the sacrificial ministry of Christ, who gave himself up to death on the cross for the salvation of the world. By his glorious resurrection he has opened for us the way of everlasting life. By the gift of the Holy Spirit he shares with us the riches of his grace. We are called to proclaim his death and resurrection, to administer the Sacraments of the New Covenant which he sealed with his blood on the cross, and to care for his people in the power of the Spirit.

Bishop Do you here, in the presence of Christ and his Church, renew your commitment to your ministry, under the pastoral direction of your bishop?
Answer I do.

Bishop Do you reaffirm your promise to give yourself to prayer and study?
Answer I do.

Bishop Do you reaffirm your promise so to minister the Word of God and the Sacraments of the New Covenant that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
Answer I do.

Bishop Do you reaffirm your promise to be a faithful servant of all those committed to your care, patterning your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
Answer I do.

The Bishop then stands and makes this affirmation
And now, as your bishop, I, too, before God and you, re-dedicate myself and reaffirm the promises that I made when I was ordained. I ask your prayers.

Bishop and Clergy May the Lord who has given us the will to do these things, give us also the grace and power to perform them.


1928 American Prayer Book

Bishop. Do you think in your heart, that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons of this Church, to the Order and Ministry of Priesthood?
Answer. I think it.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all Doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined, out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge; and to teach nothing, as necessary to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scripture?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and have so determined, by God’s grace.

Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the Doctrine and Sacraments, and the Discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this Church hath received the same, according to the Commandments of God; so that you may teach the people committed to your Cure and Charge with all diligence to keep and observe the same?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.

Bishop. Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's Word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, within your Cures, as need shall require, and occasion shall be given?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you be diligent in Prayers, and in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, and your families, according to the Doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you maintain and set forwards, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop. Will you reverently obey your Bishop, and other chief Ministers, who, according to the Canons of the Church, may have the charge and government over you; following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves to their godly judgments?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

¶ Then, all standing, shall the Bishop say,
Almighty God, who hath given you this will to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


1662 English Prayer Book

The Bishop. Do you think in your heart, that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons of this Church, to the Order and Ministry of Priesthood?
Answer. I think it.

The Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all Doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined, out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge; and to teach nothing, as necessary to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scripture?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and have so determined, by God's grace.

The Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the Doctrine and Sacraments, and the Discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this Church hath received the same, according to the Commandments of God; so that you may teach the people committed to your Cure and Charge with all diligence to keep and observe the same?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.

The Bishop. Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's Word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, within your Cures, as need shall require, and occasion shall be given?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent in Prayers, and in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?
Answer. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, and your families, according to the Doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forwards, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you reverently obey your Ordinary, and other chief Ministers, unto whom is committed the charge and government over you; following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves to their godly judgments?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Then, shall the Bishop, standing up, say,
Almighty God, who hath given you this will to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Church of England's Common Worship

Bishop And now, in order that we may know your mind and purpose, you must make the declarations we put to you. Do you accept the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ?
Ordinands I do so accept them.

Bishop Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you lead Christ’s people in proclaiming his glorious gospel, so that the good news of salvation may be heard in every place?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you faithfully minister the doctrine and sacraments of Christ as the Church of England has received them, so that the people committed to your charge may be defended against error and flourish in the faith?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you, knowing yourself to be reconciled to God in Christ, strive to be an instrument of God’s peace in the Church and in the world?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you endeavour to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way of Christ, that you may be a pattern and example to Christ’s people?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you work with your fellow servants in the gospel for the sake of the kingdom of God?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you accept and minister the discipline of this Church, and respect authority duly exercised within it?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.

Bishop Will you then, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, continually stir up the gift of God that is in you, to make Christ known among all whom you serve?
Ordinands By the help of God, I will.


1962 Canadian Prayer Book

The Bishop. And now, that this present Congregation of Christ here assembled may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties, ye shall answer plainly to these things, which we, in the Name of God, and of his Church, shall demand of you touching the same. Do you think In your heart that you be truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this Church, to the Order and Ministry of Priesthood?
Answer. I think it.

The Bishop. Are you persuaded that the holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing (as required of necessity to eternal salvation) but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scripture?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God's grace.

The Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments, and the discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded, and as this Church hath received the same, according to the commandments of God; so that you may teach the people committed to your care and charge with all diligence to keep and observe the same?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.

The Bishop. Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's Word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, within your cures, as need shall require, and occasion shall be given?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent in prayers, and in reading of the holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?
Answer. I will endeavour myself so to do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, and your families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the Flock of Christ?
Answer. I will apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and specially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you reverently obey your Ordinary, and other chief Ministers, unto whom is committed the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves to their godly judgements?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say:
Almighty God, who hath given you this will to do all these things: Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same; that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


1968 Roman Rite of Ordination

The Candidate then stands before the bishop, who questions him:
My son, before you proceed to the order of the presbyterate, declare before these people your intention to undertake this priestly office. Are you resolved, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discharge without fail the office of priesthood in this presbyteral order as a conscientious fellow worker with the bishops in caring for the Lord's flock?
Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to celebrate the mysteries of Christ faithfully and religiously as the Church has handed them down to us for the glory of God and the sanctification of Christ's people?
Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to exercise the ministry of the word worthily and wisely, preaching the Gospel and explaining the Catholic faith?
Candidate: I am.

Bishop: Are you resolved to consecrate your life to God for the salvation of his people, and to unite yourself more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a perfect sacrifice?
Candidate: I am, with the help of God.

Then the candidate goes to the bishop and, kneeling before him, places his joined hands between those of the bishop, who says:
Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors [or, to your Ordinary]?
Candidate: I do.

Bishop: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.

Light for the journey

Today is the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus. From Peter's comment about offering to build booths for Moses and Elijah, we can reasonably conclude that this is taking place during the feast of Succoth ("Booths" or "Tabernacles"). What is revealed on the mount of transfiguration is the glory of God shining radiantly in the human person of Jesus Christ. Divinity tabernacling in the midst of humanity--this is the light of Tabor.

As the Hebrews departed from Sinai on their way to the promised land, the Lord guided their path through the manifestation of his glory in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When we turn to the New Testament, John's gospel begins with the assertion that the eternal Word of God became flesh in Jesus Christ and dwelt among us. The eternal Light pitched his tent among us as a human being. Jesus is our Light for the journey, showing the way through the dark wilderness on our pilgrimage to the land of promise. The glimpses of his glory that we are blessed with in this life sustain us along the way.

Collect for the Transfiguration
O God, who on the holy mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thy well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.

Now THAT's a sacristy

Click on the picture above to view a larger picture of the sacristy and other pictures of the new shrine Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

It's a bit warm today

That's right. This is an undoctored image capture of the temperature in Arlington right before the Sunday evening Mass. The high was 106 today and is expected to rise to 108 tomorrow. Keep it cool.

In him all things hold together

Colossians 1:15-20
"[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

(Tip of the biretta to Meredith Killingsworth.)

Picturing Lambeth saved by amazing grace

Each Lambeth Conference has a group photo taken. This time around, as the Anglican bishops were getting into position on the bleachers, they broke out into song. More specifically, they sung that old hymn "Amazing Grace," written by that former servant of a slave trader turned Anglican priest and abolitionist John Newton. The Lambeth Daily has a slide show here with the audio. The last photo includes my own bishop (above).

As we are getting into the latter days of the conference, difficult issues are beginning to be addressed head-on. The latest news is about the Windsor Report Continuation Group. Their recommendations about where we go from here is in their observations, which can be viewed here. The transcription of the press conference is here.

The bottom line seems to be that (consistent with the statement of the last Lambeth Conference) all same-sex blessings/marriages and ordinations of non-chaste candidates must stop as well as the jurisdiction crossings by other dioceses and provinces. In other words, the Windsor recommendations must be fully complied with in order for the churches of the Anglican Ccommunion to have a future together. Many TEC bishops were reportedly not happy.

Bishop Iker has an audio interview with Sarah Hey, posted here on Stand Firm. He notes in conclusion that while the prospect for results do not appear promising, "Nonetheless, it is a good proposal. I think we ought to welcome it, and cooperate with it as much as possible."

The parable of the Sower

Click here to listen to my sermon from 13 July 2008.

"Understandable and doable"

You are not going to believe this one. When asked by WXIA reporter Dennis O'Hayer about her view on whether departing congregations should keep their property, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said that if they were going to a church that is in communion with TEC, that would "be understandable and doable." The relevant clip is with about 2:30 minutes left in this interview.

O’Hayer: "Court battles have started. Virginia has had a case where the congregation that left got to keep the property, at least in the lower court ruling. Would you rather have those properties sold, than go with the congregation that leaves the [Episcopal] Church?"

Schori: “The issue that’s often not understood is that bishops and officers of dioceses have a moral and a fiduciary responsibility to see that the legacy of the church, the assets of the church, are used for the purposes for which they were given. When a congregation, or members of a congregation, or a priest decides that he wants to set up as another church that’s not in communion with this church, we really don’t have the right to give that property away, give those assets away. If it’s another . . . you know, if it were a church with whom we are in full communion, like the ELCA, that would be much more understandable and doable. In the absence of that kind of full communion relationship, we really don’t have a choice. Our task is to see that the assets of the church are used for the ministry of the Episcopal Church.”

That should be good news for Bishop Schofield and the people of the Diocese of San Joaquin, who left TEC last December for "a church with whom we are in full communion." It is a reassurance to the dioceses of Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, and Quincy who are considering the same move.

Of course, I don't believe that our Katharine has changed her hard-line stance on departing congregations. It is interesting that she mentioned the ELCA as an example of churches with whom we are in communion. Surely other churches of the Anglican Communion would fit this category at least as well, or are we no longer claiming that TEC is a part of the Anglican Communion?

When the time comes for her to take the stand in the next church property trial, she may wish she could take that interview back.

"That's a bit of an understatement"

Bishop Schori stated in the above interview (click on picture) with WXIA that Anglicanism has no passion for uniformity. No "passion for uniformity"? There is certainly no idolatry of diversity in the New Testament when it comes to faith and doctrine.

Romans 15:4-6
"Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Ephesians 4:4-5, 11-16
"There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. . . . And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Philippians 2:1-2
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

Certainly there is (or ought to be where there is not) a passion for uniformity in doctrine in Anglicanism. What is particularly Anglican is the reality that such a pursuit is a struggle.

You can find part one of the full interview here. Part two is here.

Arriving at Lambeth

"I'm here to represent" says the Bishop of Fort Worth and his wife Donna as the Lambeth Conference attendees arrive.
Source

Links for following Lambeth news:
Anglican Communion News Service
Anglican TV
BBC News
Christian Challenge
Episcopal Life/ENS
George Conger
Integrity USA
Lambeth Daily
The Living Church
Ruth Glendhill
Stand Firm
TitusOneNine
VirtueOnline

I believe in the Immaculate Reception

Look 'em in the eye

I remember being told growing up to look someone in the eye when you are talking with them. When you go on a job interview, what do your friends and family say? "Be sure to look 'em in the eye."

Well, it's a little more complicated. First of all, if you are more than five feet away, you are really just looking someone in the face. And that's where you'd be looking anyway if you are carrying on a conversation. Up close, however you can look someone in the eye. But then I think, which eye? The right or the left? Will I be darting back and forth? Maybe I should look in between the eyes.

Unless I'm thinking about it, I tend to look people in the mouth when I'm up close. Why? It's not because I'm hard of hearing, but it's just because that's what is talking back to me. Anyone else do the same?

Old priests and young priests

I thought these comments in a July 10th sermon from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet ring true:

"We [older clergy] shall probably need to be a little less slavishly Roman: we shall need to be a bit more RSV and a bit less Jerusalem bible; a bit more on with fine liturgical music and a bit less indebted to 1970s folk masses; a bit more damask and a bit less polyester. It will require some of us older priests, brought up with Vatican II reforms, to be more patient and understanding towards some of the younger priests, with their maniples and miraculous medals. They come from a different culture, an age of heritage and retro, not an age of lunar landing and futurism."

Speaking truth to power

Most bishops attending the Lambeth Conference have arrived and the circus has begun. Someone suggested checking out BBC America for TV coverage. There is, of course, plenty of controversy and that will be a part of what we see as the conference unfolds. Some of those who arrived early were guest preachers around England. Bishop Schori was in Salisbury, for example. Her sermons are posted here.

Foreseeing that the Bishop of New Hampshire would be a speaker of interest and a controversial figure, the Archbishop of Canterbury barred him from preaching or celebrating the Eucharist in his province. Episcopal Cafe reported:

"Citing fears of creating a controversy, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury has refused to grant Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the right to preach or preside at the eucharist in England. Robinson received the news in an email yesterday morning.

Sources familiar with the email say Williams cites the Windsor Report and recent statements from the Primates Meeting in refusing to grant Robinson permission to exercise his priestly functions during his current trip to England, or during the trip he plans during the Lambeth Conference in July and August."

Well, he decided to anyway. Sure enough, it was an occasion of controversy. A young man boldly stood up like a modern day John the Baptist, speaking truth to power and calling the bishop (who is supposed to be an example to the flock) to repentance. You might call it a diaconal ministry, as the deacon is the one who calls us to confession. The BBC reported:

"As Bishop Robinson began his sermon a member of the congregation repeatedly called him a 'heretic' and said 'repent, repent, repent'. He began his sermon by saying how sad it was that the Anglican Communion was tearing itself apart. But he was stopped when the man in the congregation shouted that the schism was the bishop's fault."

You can read the whole story and see the video here. Katie Sherrod has posted her account of the event for Integrity USA here.

Next Sunday, 20 July, Bishop Robinson will be at a Eucharist at St Stephen's in Canterbury co-sponsored by the LGBT advocacy groups Changing Attitudes and Integrity. We have yet to see what his role will be this time. But I'm sure there will be controversy.

Mobilizing the Faithful

Dr Michael Howell delivers the keynote address.


A capacity crowd gathers at Ss Peter and Paul in Arlington.


Remain Faithful spokesperson and Trinity, Fort Worth parishioner Cora Werley addresses a question during the panel discussion.

Melisa and I attended the Remain Faithful event on Saturday. I think it was a real blessing to her and I quite enjoyed seeing the laity making their voices heard. We began with a votive Mass for Christian missions at Ss Peter and Paul in Arlington. Dr Bill Dickson from St Andrews, Fort Worth gave the sermon on the Great Commission. I only wish there had been enough room for everyone in the church.

I am told that they expected 150, so they prepared for up to 300 (just in case). But then 400+ showed up. It was a nice problem to have. According to a board member, St Alban's has the most members of any one parish (at least of a week ago).

Dr Howell was very good in his keynote address in the Great Hall. I could have listened all day. We did go more than 2 hours over the scheduled time, but everyone seemed pleased. My thanks to the laypeople who put this together. Keep up the good work.

I'm not finished yet

I love reading books, but I have a bad habit of not finishing them. I read very slowly, underlining and making notes to digest what I am reading. But before I finish a book, I often come across another book and begin it. So there are many books (maybe half of the ones on my shelf that I have completed) that I have yet to finish, but all of them are books that I would like to finish.

To give you an idea, I have compiled a list for you (in no particular order). I have not included books that would not normally be completely read, such as reference books, text books, or collections of essays and other compilation .

Listening to the Past: The Place of Tradition in Theology, by Stephen Holmes
Christ: The Experience of Jesus as Lord, by Edward Schillebeeckx
Common Witnesses to the Gospel, Ed. by Jeffrey Gros, et al.
An Outline of Biblical Theology, by Millar Burrows
The Everlasting Hatred: The Roots of Jihad, by Hal Lindsey
The History of the Church in England, by J. R. H. Moorman
Hail, Holy Queen, by Scott Hahn
Revelations of Divine Love, by Lady Julian of Norwich
Celibacy in the Early Church, by Stephen Heid
About Being a Priest, by Frederico Suarez
The Unity We Seek, by Robert Runcie
The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ, by Alphonsus Liguori
Three to Get Married, by Fulton Sheen
The Memoirs of Cleopatra, by Margaret George
The Signature of God, by Grant Jeffrey
What if the Bible Had Never Been Written? by James Kennedy
The Gnostic Gospels, by Elaine Pagels
The Divine Commission, by Frank Wilson
Church Building and Furnishing, J. B. O'Connell
Love and Responsibility, by Karol Wojtyla
The English Church and the Papacy in the Middle Ages, by C. H. Lawrence
The Theology of the Body, by John Paul II
The Birth of the Messiah, by Raymond Brown
Women in the Priesthood? by Manfred Hauke
Defence of the Seven Sacraments, by Henry VIII of England
Liberal Fascism, by Jonah Goldberg

Canonical Exams

Since I serve on the Commission of Ministry (Committee for Diaconate), I'm pushing the group to revamp our canonical exams. I think they should be much more intensive and a lot more fun (except for the candidates, of course). I thought we'd have family and friends present, plus a crowd of parishioners. Then we'll make sure we include some of the most probing and embarrassing questions imaginable (that's okay, we'll just label those "moral theology"). If they answer all the questions truthfully, they can be ordained. It would probably look something like this . . .

I know Fr Hightower will be with me on this because he loves a good show. I don't think the chair, Deacon Lana, will go for it though. She's worried that there will be no ordination candidates.

General Synod took action on innovation

Today, General Synod considered action on the measure for the consecration of women to the episcopate in the Church of England. Along with that discussion was consideration of options for traditionalists. The Archbishop of Canterbury criticized the measure without traditionalist protections as "marginalizing" traditionalists and current proposals for traditionalist protections as "structurally humiliating" for future women bishops. The principle of ordaining women as bishop was already affirmed at a previous synod. This debate was over care for the minority, which was not forthcoming. No Anglo-Catholic ghetto will be created. Massive defections, as took place in 1992, appear to be likely. Here are a few links to follow the story:

A decent summary by the New York Times

AFP Newswire

General Synod home

Audio of Synod debate, Part One

Audio of Synod debate, Part Two

Audio of Synod debate, Part Three

Ruth Glendhill's liveblogging of the debate

In her last update, Glendhill noted:

So that's it! Unless the laity throw the whole thing out in the final vote at 10.30, admittedly a possibility, the rest of the amendments concern merely the code of practice. What this means is that the Church is going to move towards the ordination of women bishops with a code of practice, with the draft legislation now to be drawn up to be considered in February next year. It's not over long-term of course. The legislation will have to get a two-thirds majority in each house when it reaches the final vote in two or three years time. The narrowness of the vote on this motion shows just how close it could be and of course the women priests vote in 1992 only went through when one lay traditionalist woman crossed the house and voted for woman priests instead of against at the very last minute.

More debate after dinner with the final amendments, but women are going to be bishops and there will be a national code of practice for the trads. Christina Rees welcomed it as the 'lesser of two evils' and said the women would accept and work with the code of practice. The former Archdeacon of York, Ven George Austin, who was watching the debate, has just left, almost in tears. He will stay in the CofE, as long as he has somewhere to worship. 'If I had been a serving priest, I couldn't have stayed.' I hear rumours of a protest walk-out planned by 100-or so trads at the end of the sessions this evening. And of course there will be more meetings in Rome, more plotting. Father David Houlding said: 'It is getting worse. It is going downhill very badly. It is quite clear there is a pincer movement and we are being squeezed out.

Forward in Faith--UK issued this response:
"The consistent behaviour of the General Synod compels Forward in Faith and the Catholic Group in General Synod to recognise that, without intervention by the House of Bishops, there is little prospect of gaining a synodical majority which would provide a structural solution that would meet the needs of those who, out of obedience to scripture and tradition, are unable in conscience to receive the ordination of women to the episcopate. We will in the coming days continue to explore all possible avenues which might secure our corporate ecclesial future and look to our bishops to facilitate this."

A nice BBC wrap-up with the Bishop of Fulham

The gospel of revolution

Christian History (a wonderful publication of Christianity Today) has an article about the role that preaching played in the colonies, leading up to the declaration of independence and the Revolutionary War. Here is an excerpt:

Who will you turn to now for direction? There are no presidents or vice-presidents, no supreme court justices or public defenders to call on. There are a handful of young, radical lawyers, like the Adams cousins, John and Samuel, but they’re largely concentrated in cities, while you and most of your friends live in the country. In many colonies, including Massachusetts, there are not even elected governors or councilors—they have all been appointed by the British crown and are answerable to it.

Where you turn is where you have habitually turned for over a century: to the prophets of your society, your ministers.

The American Revolutionary era is known as the “Golden Age of Oratory.” What school child has not heard or read Patrick Henry’s immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death”? Who has not seen reenactments or heard summaries of Ben Franklin’s heroic appearance before a hostile British Parliament? Yet often lost in this celebration of patriotic oratory is the key role preaching played in the Revolutionary movement.

Read the entire article here.