Author: Daniel Rondeau

I am a husband and father and an Episcopal Priest (now retired) in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

The ‘Splainer: Can the Anglican-Episcopalian marriage be saved?

This is a good introduction from Religion News Service (RNS) to the recent decision of the leading bishops of the Anglican Communion (“the primates”) to remain together but in a divided way. Confusing? Yes. This helps set the foundation and offers some history. I encourage you to read more on your own, pray, speak, study, and decide for yourself what the Spirit is saying. ~Daniel Rondeau

The Anglican Communion has voted to suspend the Episcopal Church, its American branch, from participating in decision-making and governance for three years. The move came in a private meeting of Anglican leaders in Canterbury, England and is designed to send a message — Anglicans feel the decisions Episcopalians have made regarding gay clergy (they got ’em), same-sex marriage (they do ’em) are out of line with what the the majority of Anglicans consider Christian doctrine. Read more on Religion News Service http://bit.ly/1KnxLjJ

What poem speaks to you?

Is there a poem you most need as you step further into the new year? Is there a poem written on your heart—suddenly there when you most need it?

It’s that time of the year: the time when I need to carry my favorite poem in my pocket and read it frequently. I do this to inoculate myself against the fantasies that come up about now. Not Christmas fantasies of sugar plums dancing in my head—New Year’s fantasies.

As a new year approaches I begin to imagine that I will finally grab the reins of my life and get things under control. […]

I don’t actually have to put the poem in my pocket, for I carry it within me, recalling its images whenever I need them

What is the poem? The Avowal by Denise Levertov. Why does this work for Roger Owens? Why is it something to take with you as you follow the Way? Read Owens’ essay on The Christian Century and discover for yourself.

A beautiful response to Luke 3:21-22

May Imagine Us Beloved by Kayla McClurg invite you deeper into the “now” of the long-ago and far-away event of the Baptism of our Lord.

Imagine with me, if you will, a world in which vast numbers of people are hearing and beginning to integrate at heart and soul level that we, the same as Jesus, are God’s beloved. That we, too, are intended to hear the blessing Jesus heard at his baptism; that God bends over each of us and whispers, “With you, even in your current state of unfinished glory, with you I am well pleased.” Continue reading “A beautiful response to Luke 3:21-22”

Striving for justice and peace

We post here a letter written by The Most Rev. Alan Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit to the priests and people of his diocese. We believe it reflects well the baptismal promise made, renewed and lived into by Episcopalians: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? … ‘I will with God’s help.'”

“In light of a public proposal put forth recently to restrict the immigration of Muslims into the United States based on their religion, I thought it would be helpful to remind everyone of the Catholic teaching regarding Islam. Fifty years ago, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council taught that the Catholic Church treats with respect those who practice the religion of Islam. And for these past fifty years, Catholics and Muslims in southeastern Michigan have enjoyed warm relations marked by a spirit of mutual respect and esteem.

Restricting or sacrificing these religious rights and liberties out of fear – instead of defending them and protecting them in the name of mutual respect and justice – is a rationalization which fractures the very foundation of morality on which we stand.

While the Catholic Church refrains from weighing in for or against individual candidates for a particular political office, the Church does and should speak to the morality of this important and far-reaching issue of religious liberty. Especially as our political discourse addresses the very real concerns about the security of our country, our families, and our values, we need to remember that religious rights are a cornerstone of these values. Restricting or sacrificing these religious rights and liberties out of fear – instead of defending them and protecting them in the name of mutual respect and justice – is a rationalization which fractures the very foundation of morality on which we stand. This also threatens the foundation of religious liberty that makes it possible for us to freely practice our faith. These are not only Catholic sentiments on these issues; these, I believe, are the sentiments of all Americans.”

Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron,
Archbishop of Detroit
December 10, 2015

Few the letter on the Diocesan Website

Detroit archbishop denounces proposals to bar Muslims from U.S. by David Gibson on Religion News Service

A Jubilee of Mercy

A papal embrace on December 8, 2015

Pope Francis launched the jubilee of mercy on Tuesday (Dec. 8) with the opening of the Vatican’s holy door, joined by his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by heavy security.

“This extraordinary year is itself a gift of grace,” Francis told the faithful gathered at the Vatican. “To pass through the holy door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them.”

Read more on Religion News Service.

Once again we encourage you to read the text of Pope Francis’ declaration—Misericordiae Vultus—that sets out the purpose of the Jubilee of Mercy and invites all Christ-followers to encounter and share God’s mercy and love.

Image: Osservatore Romano/Handout via Reuters via RNS

On the Way: 12/06/15

2015 Year of Mercy Logo x289Our weekly newsletter is now available.

Grace and Peace to you.

Two shooters bring death and destruction into a festive gathering just down the road from us. The media whether in print, online, or on the air, seems to need a daily dose of violence and evil to report and dissect in order to sell the products of their sponsors. The Church in its Lectionary readings features texts about the end of time and God’s judgement. Pope Francis will open an “Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy” (a Holy Year of Mercy) on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in Rome.

“We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” (From the Pope’s proclamation of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy)

What shall be our Way? Pay attention. Prepare to receive the Divine Mercy. Pay attention. Prepare to share the Divine Mercy you know in Jesus Christ.

View the entire Newsletter

Against the brutal urge

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As day dawns in California details continue to emerge about the brutality of yet another mass shooting in our nation. The lament that this is becoming too “normal” is gaining volume. When will our leaders hear the lament?

Prayers multiply. Action to reign in gun violence by gun control has yet to reach the ‘tipping point’ and yet it is the hope and the work of many more each day: to be the voice, to join the work, that begins to control the proliferation of arms in our neighborhoods and communities; it is the further hope of many to be the voice and join the work of nurturing dignity, respect, and peace in our neighborhoods and communities.

How about you, what do you hear? What is the movement of the Spirit within you?

Here is one Pastor’s Response:

Dearly Beloved,

Grace and Peace to you.

Against the brutal urge
only a mass of gentle people
will be effective.

Against the deep night
which is not bottomless after all
only light will bring release.

Read the entire post on Unfolding Light, the blog of Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes. And, listen for the Spirit.

December 2: Channing Moore Williams, Missionary Bishop in China and Japan, 1910

December 2nd the Episcopal Church remembers Channing Moore Williams. On his gravestone some Japanese friends placed this touching epitaph: “During his fifty years in Japan he taught Christ’s ways and not his own.” So: In all things, may we seek Christ’s ways, not our own ways, to the glory of God.

What do you hear?

If you’ve not encountered  (Pastor) Steve Garnaas-Holmes yet, let this be your introduction. Upon hearing these words from Luke…

Prepare the way of the Lord, make a straight path for God. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. —Luke 3.4-6

… Steve heard a prayer and shared it:

God of love, take my heart and change it.

Take what is rough in me and let it become gentle.

Take my fear and let it become wonder.

Read the entire prayer

And you, what do you hear?

Visit Steve’s Blog: Unfolding Light

 

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