Bishop in Europe to Retire Nell Toensmann The Rt. Rev. Jeffery Rowthorn, Bishop in Charge of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe (Episcopal Church USA), has announced that he will retire effective 1 January 2000. Appointed as of January 1, 1994, Bishop Rowthorn was installed as Bishop in Charge in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Paris in April of that year by the Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, then Presiding Bishop. The Convocation of American Churches in Europe is the only diocesan jurisdiction for the Presiding Bishop. Prior to his appointment in Europe, Bishop Rowthorn was Bishop Suffragan in the Diocese of Connecticut. In his letter to Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold III, Bishop Rowthorn acknowledged that he had been asked to continue for two more years as Bishop in Charge, but enumerated his reasons for terminating his current contract as follows: "Anne and I have thought long and hard about your invitation. When Anne returned recently from helping our daughter with her infant son (born December 20) and from her two weeks as Visiting Professor at the Episcopal Divinity School, we realized that it is now time for us to return to the United States." "Increasingly we miss our three your grandchildren and their parents miss our presence and active support. We also both feel that we have some more teaching in us and would like to do that while we have time on our side. Furthermore, after thirty-six unbroken years of ministry, I feel the need to stop, rest and choose, from a variety of options, some fresh part-time commitments which particularly appeal to me." Bishop Rowthorn then commented on his continuing work in Europe: "These five years and more in the Convocation have been a superb experience. I have been blessed with truly excellent leadership, lay and ordained, in the congregations, the Council of Advice, the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized, and the General Convention deputations in 1994 and 1997. Together we have been exhilarated by the new missionary challenges and ecumenical opportunities which present themselves daily to us in the "New Europe."" Bishop Rowthorn concluded his letter with the following statement: "This comes with my deep appreciation both to Bishop Browning and to you for the great privilege of serving the Episcopal Church here in Europe as Bishop in Charge." When Bishop Rowthorn came to Continental Europe in 1994, he was the first full-time, non-retired, Bishop in Charge of the Convocation. Following a succession of retired bishops, whose primary responsibility was the pastoral care of the Convocation churches, his appointment signaled a real commitment to the ministry and mission of the churches in Europe. His expanded responsibilities include: On behalf of the Presiding Bishop, to provide episcopal oversight for the Convocation of the American Churches in Europe; on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, and in consultation with his Ecumenical Officer, to represent ecumenical concerns of the Episcopal Church USA in Europe; and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, to develop and strengthen relations with Anglican partner Churches in Europe. The Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will be responsible for appointing a new Bishop in Charge for the Convocation. He will be working in collaboration with a Committee for the Transition of the Episcopate consisting of: The Rev. Dr. Michael Vono, Rector, St. Paul's Within-the-Walls, Rome, Chair of the Committee; Michele Spike, Esq. of Florence and Chair of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB); Jeanne Glenz, a Jungian analyst and laywoman from Munich; Peter Hanford, Esq., Chair of the Rector Search Committee in Waterloo, a member of COMB and an English aviation lawyer. Working closely with the committee, in an ex officio capacity are the Very Rev. Dr. Ernest Hunt, Dean of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Paris; The Rev. Dr. Peter Casparian, Rector, St. James, Florence and President of the Council of Advice; and Bishop Rowthorn. In addition, Marnie Dawson Carr, a resident of Greenwich, CT, a member of COMB and of the Board of Foreign Parishes, will serve as the committee's "stateside" liaison. When the Convocation bids Bishop Rowthorn au revoir, auf wiedersehen and arrivederci at the end of this calendar year, a review of his episcopal oversight will reflect the many accomplishments taking place during his six years in continental Europe. Bishop Rowthorn has often spoken of "running to keep up with the Holy Spirit" and the expanded mission and ministry of the Convocation reflect just how active the Holy Spirit has been in the Convocation. Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized Bishop Rowthorn is responsible for the formation of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB), with clergy and lay members, who have three primary areas of responsibilities: Youth and Young Adults, Ministry in Daily Life, and Mission. The Mission Committee is responsible for the Mission 2000 Consultation, setting a missionary agenda for Europe, which will take place in Nice 7-9 May. Pilgrimage of the Cross During the year of St. Augustine, celebrating 1400 years of Augustine's pilgrimage to Canterbury, a cross, made from old oak beams from the bell tower of Canterbury Cathedral, was loving shaped into a cross, blessed at Canterbury Cathedral and voyaged by van, automobile, train and airplane to each of the Convocation churches and missions between August and October 1997. It arrived at the American Cathedral for the annual Convocation Convention in the presence of the Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, during his last trip to Europe as Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Bishop of the Convocation. Bishop Rowthorn was present for each of the services and conducted the Renewal of Baptismal Vows by hundreds of Convocation members during this Pilgrimage. Expansion of mission congregations within the Convocation. In addition to the mission congregation in Bruckmuehl from the Munich church (founded in 1989), additional congregations have been planted and are blossoming in Karlsruhe from Wiesbaden, Darmstadt from Frankfurt, Ingolstadt from Munich, and Royat (Clermont-Ferrand) from Paris. At two of the congregations, Lay Pastoral Leaders have been appointed. On Easter Sunday Anglican-Episcopal services will resume in Baden-Baden for the first time in sixty years. Expansion of indigenous language ministries within the Convocation. A missionary clergy couple, Juan and Cecilia Erazo, came from the Diocese of Central Ecuador to Rome and planted a flourishing, Spanish-speaking congregation at St. Paul's Within-the-Walls. Since the Erazos departed for the Diocese of Los Angeles, their children have ensured the continuation of their parents' ministry. A search is in progress for a Spanish-speaking priest for Rome. The first Italian Episcopal priest ordained in Italy, Claudio Bocca, works with St. James, Florence, to develop an Anglican ministry to the Italians. A book is presently being printed of a range of services from the Book of Common Prayer in English and Italian on facing pages and will soon be available for the churches in Italy. A four-person committee has been appointed in Germany to coordinate the translation of portions of the Book of Common Prayer into German. Francophone ministry exists in Paris at the American Cathedral through the ministry of the Rev. Canon George Hobson, working with his wife Victoria and an Old Catholic priest, the Rev. Bernard Vignot. The Rev. Nathaniel Hsieh, a native of Taiwan, the Canon for Chinese Ministry at the American Cathedral, offers regular worship and ministry to some of the large Chinese population in Paris. Youth Across Europe Beginning with the 1997 Convocation Convention in Paris, the teenagers from the various Convocation congregations around Europe have come together for worship, fellowship, sharing and growth. In addition to their meetings parallel to the annual convention, the young people also journey to Taizé during Holy Week. Anglicans working together in Continental Europe There are four separate Anglican jurisdictions existing within Continental Europe - The Episcopal Church USA (the Rt. Rev. Jeffery Rowthorn); the Church of England Diocese in Europe (the Rt. Rev. John Hind and the Rt. Rev. Henry Scriven, Suffragan); the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church (the Rt. Rev. Carlos L pez Lozano); and the Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church of Portugal (the Rt. Rev. Fernando Soares). Each of these bishops has been installed as an assistant or assisting bishop in each of the others' churches. In 1995, the College of Anglican Bishops in Continental Europe (COABICE) was founded. The Bishops meet annually, with observers from the Scandinavian Porvoo Churches and the Old Catholic Churches in attendance. On Trinity Sunday 1997, as the Pilgrims' Way Pilgrimage from Rome to Canterbury was coming to an end, the COABICE bishops signed a letter addressed to the 1998 Lambeth Conference asking the Bishops for their support in moving towards the formation of a possible Province of Continental Europe. In February 1998, the Madrid Statement was issued by the Bishops, clergy and lay delegates to the first Province Consultation, affirming their commitment to work together towards greater fellowship, collaboration and partnership, at both the diocesan and local level. Following an almost unanimous resolution at Lambeth Conference 1998 encouraging the movement towards a new Province, the next consultation will meet 27-30 May in Oporto. Council of Anglican-Episcopal Churches in Germany All of the Church of England and ECUSA parishes in Germany have joined together to form the Council of Anglican-Episcopal Churches in Germany and now meet on a regular basis twice a year, to share problems and resources, examine educational and theological opportunities, explore areas of cooperation, and work ecumenically at the national level. This council provides an example of how different Anglican jurisdictions can work together on a national level and could provide a model for an eventual provincial structure. Bishop Rowthorn, through his leadership, gift of languages and cultural understanding, has encouraged the Convocation to take bold steps in new directions. The seeds planted during his episcopate in Europe will continue to grow and blossom and flourish long after he and Anne have returned to the United States. But the vision that he has provided for the Convocation remains strong and stands as a challenge for those who would follow in his footsteps. His presence will be missed. Contact: Nell Toensmann, Press Officer e-mail: NellToensmann@compuserve.com --Return to Contents The Presiding Bishop's Fund Plans Safe Housing in Honduras Joyce Hogg The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief would like to thank all of the people of Province II who gave so generously to our appeal for help for our brothers and sisters in Central America whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Mitch. The response was incredible, the Episcopal Church throughout the United States responded as never before. Mrs. Phoebe Griswold, the wife of our Presiding Bishop, put together a team to visit Honduras and Nicaragua to see the damage first hand and to express the love and concern of our Church. Mrs. Griswold and her committee are working with the Presiding Bishop's Fund and the Bishops of the affected area to put together a plan to provide lasting relief for those who suffered so greatly. After consultation with Bishop Frade, it was decided that the greatest need in Honduras is to provide safe housing for those who had lost everything. Land must be bought in various areas of the country and houses must be built which will provide shelter, electricity (where available), basic sanitation and potable water. This is a tremendous undertaking, and although we have money in hand to begin the project, we will need much more. Our objective is to help the people to rebuild community, not simply to put a Bandaid on the problem. This is an exciting enterprise, one that we hope will generate your interest and your contributions. You may send your donations to The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief (PBFWR), c/o Banker's Trust Company. PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101. A Videotape of Mrs. Griswold's trip to Central America is available from Parish Services at 800-903-5544. This will give you the opportunity to see the damage wrought by Hurricane Mitch and hear from the people whose lives were devastated. Updated information on the work of the Fund is available on our web page at <http//www.pbfwr.org> Contact Joyce Hogg Phone: 800-334-7626, extension 6027 e-mail: jhogg@dfms.org --Return to Contents Congratulations and Farewells On February 7, 1999, the Rev. J. Gurdon Brewster announced his plans to retire after serving more than 34 years as Episcopal Chaplain to Cornell University. The Episcopal Church at Cornell is involved in a search process with the help of The Rt. Rev, David Joslin, Bishop of the Diocese of Central New York, and his staff to find a successor. "I have served this wonderful chaplaincy for just over 34 years and now I believe it is time for me to retire. This is about the most difficult decision I have ever made. After much searching and prayer, however, I do believe the time has come. I will remain in this position until we feel that this chaplaincy is secure, either with an interim priest or with a full time chaplain. I imagine this may take from 5 to 12 months, as a guess. Meanwhile, I will do all I can to help guide this cherished chaplaincy through a sound transition" said the Rev. Gurdon Brewster.--taken from The Messenger The Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop, has appointed Warren Ramshaw to represent the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to the Executive Council of the Anglican Church of Canada. The structure similarity of both national churches allows each to send partners to the other. Warren's term of appointment began in March of 1999 at a meeting of the Canadian Church in Toronto. Warren is a member of St. Thomas' Church in Hamilton, Diocese of Central New York and Province II representative to the Executive Council. --taken from The Messenger The Rev. Dr. James and Lorine Williams will become volunteers for Mission in the Church of the Province of South Africa. They will be leaving the parish of St. Michael and All Angels in the Diocese of Western New York in August. They will serve in the Diocese of Klersdrop, just south of Johannesburg. Deacon Williams will serve as Bishop Nkew's Diocesan Administrator and Lorine will help with diocesan bookkeeping. There will be a three year commitment. Dr. Williams is presently on the faculty of Niagara University and is the coordinator of the Center for the Study and Stabilization of the Black Family. The Diocese of Western New York, along with the Missionary Society, will enter into partnership with the Williamses. The couple needs to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 for their first year. -- from The ChurchFacts Bishop James Ottley, Anglican observer at the United Nations, resigned in March. A five member interim transition team, headed by retired Bishop Paul Moore, Jr. of New York, will oversee the office until a permanent replacement for Ottley is named. The observer is jointly appointed to a three-year renewable contract by the archbishop and the Anglican Communion Council, which represents all the provinces of the Anglican Communion. Ottley was formerly Bishop of Panama and has been UN observer since 1994. --From ENS Bishop Joe Morris Doss of the Diocese of New Jersey announced his resignation at diocesan convention in March of 1999. He is technically on a sabbatical leave of absence until his retirement in September of 2001. Bishop Clayton Matthews, director of the office of pastoral development and the presiding bishop's envoy, said the standing committee has agreed to accept an interim bishop from among nominees the presiding bishop will propose. --From ENS --Return to Contents ECW Reflects on the Paradox of Our Age Lillian J Davis-Wilson As we look to the future of becoming a more inclusive body, and this Lenten season is coming to a close. I thought it appropriate to share some of my Lenten reflections. It is not easy to reflect on your life, as we live in this "Paradox of Our Age." As I read the Paradox of Our Age, I was able to reflect and identify where my priorities have been. I was able to more fully understand what lent is, and to make some changes to my life to experience real joy. I therefore want to share the Paradox of Our Age for your reflection: Paradox of Our Age from the Albany ECW newsletter We spend more, but have less; we buy more but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses, but smaller families, more conveniences, but less time; we act more quickly, but have less common sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We spend too recklessly, we invest too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, and stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch too much TV. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much. Love too seldom and lie too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we have added years to life, not life to years. We have been all the way to the moon, and back; but we have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We have conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soil; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we've higher incomes, but lower morals; more food, but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort, but less success. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men and short characters; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are times of two incomes, but more divorces, of fancier houses, but broken homes. I hope this writing will shed new light on your life. Lent is a time of sharing and reflecting. A time to reflect on your life, and the sacrifice of Christ, who died on the cross to save us from sin. Perhaps as we experience the Lenten season fully, we can make changes in our lives to experience real "Joy." Contact: Lillian J Davis-Wilson ECW President, Province II 69 Carriage Hill East Buffalo, NY 14221 e-mail: Ljdwilson@aol.com --Return to Contents On the Web... As more congregations and dioceses develop web sites on the internet, more resources become available to more people. Of course, one of the beauties of the web is that it is so easy to make connections that enable us to share resources. Here are just a few examples! From Central New York's Messenger Do you know all those registration and application forms that we keep asking for? Well in this age of advanced digital communication, and our desire to be as helpful as possible, we have put all Youth Ministry application and registration forms on the web. Using Adobe's PDF format, you can now download copies of all Youth Ministry documents. This includes New Beginnings, Happening, WINGS, Bishop's Ball, Nightwatch, PYMRA, and even scholarship forms. Point your web browser to: <http://www.dreamscape.com/etravis/apps.html>. Also be sure to check out the CNY Youth Ministry pages as well. From Newark's Voice Want a copy of Bishop Spong's convention address? Need an application for ACTS/VIM or Ward J. Herbert? Want to know more about the Isaiah Team or check the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese? Point your browser to <http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/newark/>. More and more information is now readily available - even in the middle of the night - on our web site. Here's an overview of what's on our web site: Diocesan Convention Materials, Brief Biographies of the Bishops of Newark, Church and Clergy Directories, Clergy Compensation Annual Report, Online Clergy Resource Directory, A form to subscribe to our Internet mailing list, Mailing labels for diocesan congregations, and much more. Check out the diocesan web sites in Province II: Diocese of Albany <http://www.albanyepiscopaldiocese.org> Diocese of Central New York <http://www.cny.anglican.org/> Diocese of New Jersey <http://members.aol.com/njdiocese/homepage/> Diocese of New York <http://www.dioceseny.org/> Diocese of Newark <http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/newark/> Diocese of Western New York <http://www.buffnet.net/~episwny> Convocations of American Churches in Europe <http://ecusa.anglican.org/europe/> --Return to Contents St. Francis Academy in Province II The Camelot Campus of the St. Francis Academy , located in Lake Placid, New York, was established in 1965 as a residential treatment center with a capacity for twenty-five boys, ages 12-18. More recently, Knight House, also in Lake Placid, was established in 1990 as a residential treatment and transitional living experience for seven boys, ages 15-18. Additionally, in 1990 The Adirondack Experience was established as an intense 10-day early intervention and prevention program with a one-year follow-up for 8 girls or 8 boys at each session. Father Peter Francis, a pillar of the St. Francis Academy, was honored at the first "Fr. Pete Day" on August 15. Adirondack Experience campus council members and volunteers prepared food, fun and fellowship for this enjoyable event. Father Pete came to the St. Francis Home for Boys to become the first resident director of the Salina, Kansas facility in 1948. He moved to the Ellsworth, Kansas facility in 1952, where he remained until 1965 when he moved to Lake Placid to establish the Camelot campus. Although he retired in 1983, Fr. Pete remains an active member of the Lake Placid community. The St. Francis Academy is a national not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization. Its mission is to facilitate healing in children, youth, and their families in mind, body, and spirit to help them live as responsible members of society with vision and hope. Contact: The Saint Francis Academy, Incorporated, Lake Placid 50 Riverside Drive Lake Placid, NY 12946 518-523-3605 --Return to Contents