If you’re like me, there are lots of things about the world you’d like to see change. I’d like to live in a world that pays less attention to the latest pseudo-celebrity and more to the lives of the poor and marginalized. I’d like to live in a world in which free speech means all voices […]
The secret to changing the world—all is revealed in the Great Vigil of Easter Read More »
Nine years ago, when Gene Robinson was elected bishop of New Hampshire, conservative Episcopalians—not to mention Anglicans elsewhere in the world—were adamant that the Presiding Bishop at the time, Frank Griswold, “do something” to prevent New Hampshire from going ahead with the consecration. Bishop Griswold replied that, as the election and confirmation process had proceeded
The hierarchical nature of the church and the good news of Jesus Christ Read More »
Here’s a picture of the Rt. Rev. Stephen Conway, the bishop of Ely in the Church of England. By chance, I’ve been to two services in the past week at which he’s presided: one, a re-dedication of a refurbished church, the other, the installation of a new rector. What was interesting to me is that
The curious case of the bishop who didn’t celebrate the Eucharist Read More »
I was recently looking through my notes from my trip a year ago to China and I found this story I had forgotten. One Sunday I visited one of the major, sanctioned Protestant churches in Beijing. The congregation stood while the pastor prayed over the communion elements. Then, just before the distribution, the pastor made
“If you are not baptized, please sit down” Read More »
I once heard a story about an older woman who reprimanded her priest for giving communion to young children. “Father,” she said, “you can’t give them communion. They don’t understand what happens!” To which the priest replied: “Mrs. McGuillecudy, I don’t understand what happens!” I think of that story often as I read about—and participate
“I don’t understand what happens!” Read More »
As if the current raft of controversies isn’t enough, the Episcopal Church is moving towards open debate about the relationship between the Eucharist and baptism. The other weekend, I attended a gathering in the Diocese of Connecticut on this issue. What struck me at the gathering was not so much the arguments about the issue
Beyond “open communion” Read More »
I once met an Orthodox woman who was flabbergasted to hear that in some parts of the Episcopal Church, Mary is not venerated. “I know there can be different practices on the Eucharist and other things,” she said, “but I just don’t see how you can be a Christian and not venerate the Virgin Mary!”
How do we argue in the church? Read More »
In his column today, David Brooks encourages those in my generation committed to service around the world to develop a sense of “moral realism” by reading novels by folks like Hammett and Chandler: There’s only so much good you can do unless you are willing to confront corruption, venality and disorder head-on…. A noir hero
“Moral Realism” about Christian service Read More »
