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The Grapevine
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Volume 7 Number 2 |
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The Loss of Diversity Concerns Me By: The Rt. Rev. Jack M. McKelvey As we approach the General Convention in Denver, we will hear more and more about resolutions and actions that will effect our Church for years to come. One resolution which seems, on the face of it, to be a minor issue, has the potential for a new pattern of entrenchment in our Church. The entrenchment of which I speak is the seeming desire of many congregations and dioceses to remain monochrome and reduce diversity in their midst. If we decide to vote provinces out of existence, we will have created a situation that will make it very easy for some dioceses to avoid having to meet with and contend with people, who differ from themselves. I have heard it said, "oh, it would be better if we could choose to work with dioceses more like ourselves". At first blush, that may seem just fine. Actually, if one has common needs, issues and mission with another, then it makes sense to work together. Yet, that same sentiment can be used to avoid struggling with those who differ from us while trying to determine what might be our common mission. Recently, several diocese of our Second Province planned a conference on The Children's Charter to which more than 300 people came. They came from all over the country, though the largest percentage of attendees was from our Province. The point is that it was the care and concern for children and opportunities for children's worship, which was the organizing focus. However, because it was province wide, there was considerable diversity on the planning team and among the participants. The chance for a variety of opinions, style and ministry to and with young people was enhanced by the breadth of the geographic difference in the province. In and of themselves, provinces are not a panacea for anything. As a matter of fact, I once offered a resolution to do away with the Synod of elected diocesan deputies because I could not see much value in these annual meetings. I still don't see a reason for annual Synod meetings in two of the three years between General Conventions. I do, however, see many reasons for a conference approach which could bring together representative persons two of the three years between conventions from across the province to consider network ministries for young people, education, spiritual development, the Church in the public square, peace and justice, anti-racism, stewardship, and liturgy and worship, to name a few. A network to bring together persons working on retooling congregations could only be strengthened by a diversity of dioceses and cultures. The year just before General Convention we could get together as a Synod Council to prepare for Convention. As a rabbi friend of mine once said, in response to whether the local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews should continue or "pack it in", "if we didn't have a NCCJ, we would have to create it". I feel similarly in regard to provinces, IF, we continue them and, IF, we approve funding to encourage each province to hire a part-time coordinator to support, and even encourage dioceses to work together in our diversity to develop ministry and to enhance our mission. Removing a sure way to bring a variety of diverse people together to do common ministries doesn't make sense to me. Let's give ourselves a change with the help of a province coordinator to experiment in the expansion of networks for mission.
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Agenda
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Synod of Province II
Thursday, May 11
Friday, May 12 Saturday, May 13:
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The winter meeting of the Executive Council met in the French Quarter section of New Orleans, Louisiana, from January 17-21, 2000. The city, founded in 1718 by the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sier d'Bienville, is named for Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, Regent of France. It is known for its jazz and the "King Cake", which is served from January 6, King's Day (the Epiphany), through Mardi Gras. The Diocese of Louisiana is part of Province IV, home to twenty dioceses, making it, numerically, the largest of the Provinces of the Episcopal Church. Nine members of the thirty-eight Executive Council members come from Province IV. Mrs. Scott Evans, President of Province IV, spoke how the Province wanted to model what it might mean to have "hospitable conversations", and how to build upon this idea for General Convention. She thanked the Church for the contributions made to them, especially from the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, during the floods of 1999 that came during harvest time, causing serious loss of homes, crops and jobs, especially for Hispanic workers. Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold In his opening remarks to the council, Bishop Griswold spoke about some of his activities since our last November meeting in Honduras. He told of his visit to the Diocese of Columbia, which is part of our Episcopal Church, and expressed his concern that due to the tragic violence in that country, they have not had a companion relationship with any other Diocese in the Anglican Communion for twenty years. Hence, the Diocesan Bishop and the people have felt cut off from the rest of the Communion. He said, "I think it is tragic, and a Diocese in this situation is in need of a companion relationship with the kind of urgency that other Dioceses simply do not have." Meeting with the Bishop of Colombia, Griswold said, "during the course of the meeting one aspect of the usefulness of the role of the Presiding Bishop, is that sometimes the Presiding Bishop showing up in places can open doors to the Bishop locally that would otherwise remain closed." Elsewhere, his meeting with ten Anglican Bishops at West Park Holy Cross Monastery, his trip to Rome, taking part in conversation with the Vatican, and the meeting with the heads of the communion of churches in the United States at the College of Preachers, were all occasions for genuine conversation that strengthened relations and opened doors for continued dialogue. Dr Pamela Chinnis In her address to the council, Dr. Chinnis called for reconciliation at General Convention, and "for encouraging respectful dialogue and creating connections between those holding conflicting position seeking reconciliation within our own church body". She mentioned that many deputies and bishops are already engaging in conversation and exchanging information through e-mail. She felt certain that "the 2000 Convention will be the first to benefit from the kind of preparation afforded by this non-geographic conversation." Adam's Mark Hotel One of the important decisions of the council was announced in a statement released on January 17, 2000 concerning the issue of the Adam's Mark Hotel chain. In the statement, the council unanimously voted not to use the Adam's Mark Hotel after learning that "the United States Department of Justice had filed suit against the hotel chain in federal court in Florida alleging a broad pattern of racial discrimination." Because of the allegations and other reports from leaders in Denver "citing similar problems with the Adams Mark in Denver led us to recommend to the Council that the church not go forward with the planned arrangements to use any of the facilities of that hotel at the Denver convention." Bishop Frank Turner, a member of the council, said that "it was a tough decision, but the right one." 2001-2003 Triennium Proposed Budget The proposed budget of $136,444,000, which includes $600,000 for Provincial Coordinators, was approved. The final determination of the budget takes place at General Convention. It is important to note that the proposed budget first began with a visioning process. A vision statement for the 2000 General Convention begins by saying: "Our Vision for the Episcopal Church is that we shall live as the community of the New Covenant, in accordance with the catechism of the Book of Common Prayer, and carry out the Church's mission of restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. Our Mission as the national church in partnership with provinces, dioceses and congregations is to live out the Baptismal Covenant by making disciples and apostles...promoting diversity...enhancing communications...striving for justice and peace...strengthening and affirming the partnership of the Episcopal Church within the Anglican Communion...and encouraging ecumenical relationships." The council approved a one-time, fair share contribution of $300,000 from the 2000 budget for the financial recovery and renewal of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States as they reorganize their corporate and financial structure. Highlights From the Meeting
The council will be meeting from April 27 to May 1, 2000 in Washington DC. At this final Executive Council meeting of the Triennium, Dr. Pamela Chinnis will be honored by the Council and the Diocese of Washington as she completes her nine year term as President of the House of Deputies. Shortly following the meeting, the council was informed of the death of Pam Epting, wife council member, The Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting, Bishop of Iowa. The Rev. Dr. Virginia M. Sheay
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Faith, Hope, Caring Hearts, and Extending Hands Over the past 3 years, I have written articles in the Grapevine as the Province II ECW President. The end of April, my term of office ends. I have enjoyed sharing the work of the ECW with the other networks. My most enjoyable experience has been Synod. Working with the Provincial Council has been so enlightening and has provided me with more insight in the workings of the church, and the need for the province level in the church. It is my hope that more people on the local level will have the opportunity to experience the province Synod for themselves. There is much work to be done, for we are not an inclusive body by nature. It will take faith, hope, caring hearts and extended hands to bring together the joy and wonder of all God's works. As this millennium unfolds, may we reflect on our faith. May our faith serve as a bridge that offers us a way past our challenges to the joy and blessings of this life. May our faith be built on solid ground, so God can see our good works as God continues to provide us with life, renewal, and hope. Preparing for the first General Convention of this millennium, may we pray for God's wisdom to be a people of his word and to live in peace and harmony with all our brothers and sisters around the world. With faith, hope, caring hearts and extended hands, we can truly make a difference. Your sister in Christ, Lillian Davis-Wilson,
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Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief Joyce Hogg A special thanks you to everyone in Province II who supports The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief. In 1999 the Fund received $9,919,616.39 in contributions, an increase of three million dollars over 1998 and six million dollars more than 1997. Province II contributed $1,286,576.90, a remarkable increase of $178,000. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Let me share with you the amounts from each diocese plus the names of the Diocesan Fund Coordinators:
Faith, Hope and Joy, a Project for Living is progressing well in Honduras. The Fund has now purchased additional land and will be able to build 200 houses on the site. Volunteers continue to sign up to go down and work on the houses, in fact we have bookings through early 2001. There is a wonderful new video about the project, which is available from Parish Services by calling 800-903-5544. The Fund continues to respond whenever disaster strikes whether it is in Mozambique after the floods or Georgia after the tornadoes. The Presiding Bishop's Fund Board will meet in early May to review grant applications, including some from Province II. This year we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The Fund. It is our hope that congregations will mark this occasion with a special service highlighting these sixty years of mission and ministry. We also hope that each diocese will commemorate the occasion, either on a special Sunday or perhaps at their diocesan convention. Speakers are available for conventions or other large gatherings. Please call Joyce Hogg at 800-334-7626, extension 6027 to make arrangements. There will be two special opportunities to acknowledge this wonderful ministry of relief, rehabilitation and development at General Convention. Bishop and Mrs. Griswold will host a luncheon on Friday, July 7th to which all are welcome. There will be a joyous evening of music, featuring Chanticleer at the Colorado Ballroom of the Marriott City Center on Monday, July 10th at 8:00pm. We hope that the General Convention deputies from Province II will support these events. For more information about The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief visit our web site at http://www.pbfwr.org.
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The Rev. David Bena was elected Suffragan Bishop of Albany on the First Ballot by a substantial majority. The Consecration is scheduled for the Diocesan Millennial Convention at Camp of the Woods the first weekend in June. Fr. Bena is currently the rector of Calvary Church, Burnt Hills, NY. The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York announces the appointment of an Assisting Bishop. The Rt. Rev. David C. Bowman has agreed to this new ministry beginning in March. "We are delighted that Bishop Bowman will be our Assisting Bishop during the interim between the episcopate of Central New York's Ninth and Tenth Bishop. His pastoral experience in Upstate New York and his desire to work collegially with us are strong assets valued by us all," said the Very. Rev. W. Frisby Hendricks, III, President of the Standing Committee. The Diocese is currently in the search process for its next Bishop, following the Ninth Bishop, the Rt. Rev. David B. Joslin's move to the Diocese of New Jersey. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Herbert A Donovan. Jr. has been appointed to serve as the Anglican Observer at the United Nations on an interim basis. Bishop Donovan began working as interim in January. Bishop Donovan will remain an Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of New York and will continue to chair the Congregational Support Plan Task Force. In a colorful ceremony that blended religious and military symbolism, the church consecrated a Vietnam War hero, the Rev. George Packard, as fifth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services, Healthcare and Prison Ministries on February 12 at Washing-ton National Cathedral. At a service filled to overflowing at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark, Bishop John Croneberger was invested and seated as ninth bishop of the Diocese of Newark.
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Agenda Synod
of Province II