Well …Convocation is over and we are safely home! Today I am struggling with a bit of headache, surely from generously sampling a new spirit while in conversation with CEC clergy boys last night. I should have known better but felt exceptionally brave, maybe from the excitement of the occasion.......lesson learned!
It was a wonderful couple of days of worship , conversation with old friends and making new acquaintances. Our departure from the CEC for ECUSA seemed common knowledge, yet we were treated with great cordiality. I hoped and expected no less…we are, after all.... family!
The Convocation began with the enthronement service Wednesday. The CEC was at worship in all its convergence glory featuring colorful banners, processions, flags, wonderful music, dynamic worship, the Gospel read in multiple languages and, of course, clouds and clouds of incense. The entrance procession seemed endless with the deacons and priests and the bishops all decked out in red… a sight to see! It was services like these that attracted many of us initially to this expression of the Church, and even the annoying feedback from the sound system, did not detract from truly beautiful celebrations. 
The events were energetic, joyful with a focus on the present and future of the CEC. The crises of the last years seemed passed and, although acknowledged in passing by +Bates, the focus was on mission and ministry. There was much positive to be seen; young people who seemed inspired in the worship, younger clergy obviously excited about God and the church, an international presence from the Philippines, Africa , Brazil and a definite mellowing in the language as it refers to the CEC’s place in Christendom. 
The star of the show, for me was Olivia Jones! After what seemed to be a losing battle with illness and great suffering, her smiling face, her health improved beyond odds, reminded us all of the power of faith! We sung Happy Birthday to his wonderful woman of God, as +Bates reminded us of the CEC’s own difficult last years and recovery. As the services ended, there seemed to be enough talent, gifting and conviction in the place to allow for hope as to the CEC’s future.
Yet, for both of us attending the services some concerns remain. The absence of +Randolph Adler, the CEC’s founder and first Patriarch,certainly was felt and the subject of uncertainty and question. The CEC remains committed to Government by Consensus, male headship, and despite a softening on the language from its bishops, seems to remain on a very conservative bent. The Liturgy is definitely evolving most notably the new version of the Creed, minus the filioque, and a couple of innovations borrowed from the Roman Rite which, to a fan of the BCP, did not seem to flow well.
I am so glad we had the opportunity to attend, to worship with this family in Christ, to rejoice with them even as they look forward to a future full of hope. As to regrets …happily I have none! Even as I rejoice in the joy the CEC expressed in its Convocation in Orlando, I am more excited than ever to be in the Episcopal Church.Blessings
Seraph.
2 comments:
Miguel,
Ditto to all of your comments except those which pertained to Abp. Adler. I agree that Abp. Adler's lack of presence was disconcerting. His contribution to the CEC and his courage and vision were acknowledged and commended by Abp. Bates. In addition the Patriarch prayed for Abp. Adler that his time of restoration might be fruitful, that his restoration would be complete and that he would end well. Remember, that Abp. Adler is on a sabbatical tending to the many issues that have come up in his life. While a passing of the torch might have been nice, pulling the former patriarch out of his sabbatical for the purpose of prancing him around as part of some dog and pony show would be horribly out of line. The man needs time to heal. This was not the forum for his first public appearance. Wednesday was about Abp. Bates and the future of the CEC. By God's grace, Abp. Adler will speak at the 2012 International Convocation in Madrid.
Finally, It was great to see you, Miguel, Marcos and Maria there. I hope all of you had a magnificent time.
Blessings,
sjl+
slj+:
I do not disagree with your comments here! I am no fan of dog and pony shows but in a perfect world it would have been nice to have a formal passing of the torch! I thought the Patriarch's comments about Abp. Adler were wonderful and added my hearty Amen!
It is undeniable that his absence was felt and has raised some questions, some out of concern , others out of curiosity. Even in the small group I was with the question of his lack of presence was raised, and it was the first question I encountered on my return home... Did you see Betty and Abp Adler?
I understand there are probably multiple reasons for this but could not help a little sadness. The CEC is moving on, there is joy! But there are reminders that some are left behind.
By God's grace I do hope we can see Abp Adler and Betty in Madrid.
btw we had a wonderful time!
M+
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