CEC Convocation

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.

Episcopales Latinos!

Nuevo Amanecer represents 'A New Dawn' for Hispanic and Latino ministries

By Nan Ross, July 02, 2008

An Episcopal Church conference on Hispanic and Latino ministry underway this week near Atlanta has gathered more than 200 people from diverse Spanish-speaking communities in eight countries to share in the challenges and blessings of their ministries and chart a course for continued growth.

"A New Dawn -- Nuevo Amanecer -- Together We Grow and Are Strengthened," represents the first time in six years that Episcopalians engaged in Hispanic and Latino ministries have come together. The entire program is offered in Spanish, with English translation available throughout.

At the opening Eucharist June 30, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori encouraged participants to examine "Why are we here? What is our mission? What is our vocation as Christian brothers and sisters?" And she reminded them, "Jesus' ministry belongs to all people who are baptized, not just bishops and clergy."

In her sermon, preached in Spanish, Jefferts Schori used Old and New Testament lessons for the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. Both readings use shepherds and sheep as metaphors to convey the vision of God, she said. And the vision of God "involves caring for all of the sheep, which means offering justice for all.

"It is our role, our work, to raise a strong voice in the wilderness," she said. "Only with a strong voice will we be able to challenge injustice."

Pastoral care is one of the more urgent topics being discussed. With tougher immigration laws being implemented in various parts of the country, a great deal of Hispanic and Latino ministry involves people who are feeling the pain of families torn apart by a legal system that's not as tolerant as it once was.

"Families are being divided because in the same family some are residents and some are not," said Soto.

"What is the church called to do?" Soto said. "The great Anglican theologian Richard Hooker told us to look to scripture, tradition and reason. The Hebrew scripture says the alien shall be as a citizen; the alien shall be given food and treated as if born here. We are too far from that concept. We are Episcopalians, and we have made the promise that we will treat every human being with dignity."

...

It was wonderful

Blessings

Seraph

Episcopal Diocese Welcomes New Flock

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS A 150-member Hispanic congregation merges with St. Luke's Episcopal Church, becoming one.

By Jeff Brumley, The Times-Union

The Rev. Miguel Rosada read the gospel in both English and Spanish to about 350 worshipers during an unusual service Wednesday night at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville.

The bilingual reading from Luke, in which Jesus commands his disciples to cast their nets wide and deep, marked a new reality for Rosada, his congregation and the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. "You've cast your nets down and taken us up," Bishop John Howard said to Rosada in welcoming him and his Spanish-speaking flock into the diocese.

The new reality for Rosada is he and his 150-member congregation, Ministerio Hispano El Mesias, have formally merged with the 80-member St. Luke's Episcopal Church to become St. Luke's/Iglesia Episcopal San Lucas.

In leaving behind their previous denomination, the Charismatic Episcopal Church, Rosada's congregation also creates a new, unique tool for the Jacksonville-based diocese to more effectively reach out to North Florida's Hispanic community, Howard said Tuesday.

Howard said it is the first time an existing congregation has left another denomination to join his diocese. An Episcopal Church official said it may also be the first time a Hispanic parish has left another organization for the denomination.

Rosada is now the rector for the merged parish. St. Luke's, located on University Boulevard near Jacksonville University, has recently been without a full-time priest. The move gives his ongoing ministry to Latinos more resources and scope, Rosada said."This is a much wider community in which to share our faith," he told the Times-Union on Tuesday.

The Hispanic group began worshiping at St. Luke's as renters two years ago. But a worship and ministry relationship developed that made it clear the diocese was the right spiritual home for Rosada and his parishioners, he said.

The Charismatic Episcopal Church, with fewer than 100 congregations in the U.S., emphasizes both charismatic and liturgical worship. Rosada said his group's "livelier" worship style will be welcomed in Howard's diocese. "It's a very natural, very organic transition."

The merger comes at a time when the Episcopal Church is striving to reach out to minority groups. Last fall, the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, declared a special focus on reaching out to the nation's growing Hispanic and Asian populations, according to its Web site.

Currently, there are 250 Spanish-speaking or bilingual Episcopal congregations in the United States and another 380 in Latin America, said the Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen, the Los Angeles-based staff officer for the denomination's Latino/Hispanic Ministries. There are about 25 such congregations, missions or ministries in central and southwestern Florida, the denomination's Web site reported. None are listed in North Florida.

Gaining an already-formed Hispanic congregation -which will offer services in English and Spanish - will jump-start outreach efforts that have previously come and gone in the 25-county diocese, Howard said.

The development also comes as the diocese emerges from almost five years of turmoil surrounding the issue of homosexual ordination in the Episcopal Church. Approximately 200 Anglican congregations - including about 20 in North Florida and South Georgia - have been formed since 2003. Most were created by Episcopalians who left the denomination when an actively gay priest was elected bishop of New Hampshire.

Rosada said neither he nor his congregation are concerned about that issue because it pales compared with the social, spiritual and material needs of Hispanics in the region.

TEC, soon to Be...

FLORIDA: Priest and 150 parishioners join Episcopal Church
June 10, 2008

[Episcopal News Service] More than 150 new Episcopalians will be received and welcomed into the Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida’s St. John’s Cathedral on June 18.

The Rev. Dr. Miguel Rosada and 150 Spanish-speaking parishioners, formerly members of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, will become members of the Diocese of Florida.

“We joyfully receive this flock into the Episcopal Church,” said Florida Bishop Samuel Johnson Howard. “We look forward to being colleagues and companions in ministry with the people of San Lucas and with Fr. Rosada. This event marks not only the addition of a substantial congregation to the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, but also a remarkable beginning for us in terms of Hispanic ministry.”

Two years ago, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church began renting worship space to the Hispanic congregation, which was then Minsterio Hispano El Mesias in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The two groups, worshiping at different hours on the St. Luke’s campus near the gates of Jacksonville University, grew to share an increasing amount of fellowship and outreach ministry. Over time, through conversation with Howard and others in the diocese, the leadership and people of El Mesias realized a call to join the Episcopal Church.

“The newly combined congregations are enthusiastic about the new opportunities for enhanced ministries which are emerging from their new status as ‘St. Luke’s/San Lucas’ — St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal San Lucas — with Fr. Rosada as rector,” said a news release from the diocese.

Commenting on the merger of his Spanish-speaking congregation with the English-speaking congregation, Rosada said: “We are all foreigners. All of us came from somewhere else. We are all on a journey — travelers in this world headed to a new place. God is King of all nations.”

The Diocese of Florida was founded in 1838 as the entire state of Florida. Today’s diocese consists of 70 parishes in 25 counties in northern Florida, stretching from the Apalachicola River to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the Georgia border to the Palm Coast region.


So far...no regrets!

Blessings

Seraph

TEC...Why?

New York Times ad notes Episcopal Church history, mission

Somewhere near you, there’s a blue-and-white sign bearing the familiar slogan: The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. It represents some 7,400 congregations that trace their beginnings in North America to a small but hopeful group of English Christians who arrived May 14, 1607 at a place they called Jamestown — the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

...Wherever you find us, you’ll find the Book of Common Prayer and a Christian faith that honors and engages the Bible, the tradition of the Church, and God-given human reason. Joined in prayer, you’ll find people with many points of view — Christians who are progressive, moderate, and conservative — yet who value the diversity of their faith community. That’s a heritage drawn from our deep roots in nearly 2,000 years of English Christianity, and shared by a worldwide Anglican Communion that unites nearly 80 million people in 164 countries through prayer and ministries committed to caring for “the least of these,” as Jesus commanded, by reducing poverty, disease, and oppression.

Episcopalians struggle with the same issues that trouble all people of faith: how to interpret an ancient faith for today… how to maintain the integrity of tradition while reaching out to a hurting world… how to disagree and yet love and respect one another. Occasionally those struggles make the news. People find they can no longer walk with us on their journey, and may be called to a different spiritual home. Some later make their way back, and find they are welcomed with open arms.

Despite the headlines, the Episcopal Church keeps moving forward in mission — in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as congregations in Belgium, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Guam, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands. We’re committed to a transformed world, as Jesus taught: a world of justice, peace, wholeness, and holy living.

...Come see for yourself. Come and visit… come and explore… come and grow.

This ad which ran in the New York Times almost a year ago really caught my eye. It is a good piece which presents a picture of the church that resonates with my experience.

No uniformity here!!! Not all who grace its doors, pray the prayers, recite Creeds or kneel at its altars have the same take on life or spiritual issues! Though I agree with some and others I profoundy disagree, with all I share a bond that is beyond myself! There is a union we share by virtue of our baptism , one that grows as we share the table of the Lord, as we serve the needy in the name of Christ...! These same bonds I share with my very charismatic sisters, my very Baptist cousins, Roman Catholic aunts, my spiritual family in the CEC, friends and acquaintances throughout the years with whom I have prayed, studied, believed, hoped, argued, laughed and cried...we all call on the name of Jesus, are baptized by one Spirit into one body...pimples and all! There is also the bonds of our common humanity with all its joys, hopes and profound sorrows which Christ decided to share! These as I see it, no ammount of discussion and disagreement can destroy.

I have grown weary of the seeming pettiness that has so often intruded into my walk of faith, the demeaning or exclusion of others in the name of "truth", the push for uniformity, to exactly define, renew , reform , reinvent, retain, correct... always and to the ages of ages amen! All of these, done in the name of purity, annointing, faith, Christ, His Church... catch the attention of sincere people! It does sound inspiring but is very sobering to experience, a marvel that we, being as flawed as our neighbour, spend precious energy on the mote in the other's eye!

I need a change in scenery...and as some run from The Episcopal Church, I have felt drawn to it! There is a fascinating, perhaps unmanageable mix, catholic, protestant , liberal, conservative, unity and chaotic diversity, beauty and unatractiveness, selfishness and charity .... frustrating, wonderful, imperfect, unfinished...just like me, just like Christians, like the Church of Jesus which I have loved in its many forms for the last 30 years! I do not have to talk myself into believing it is "the One", nor "the move of God for the day", nor a "New Reformation"...it is what is is...and right now, it is quite okay by me!

I do not have the answer to the dilemmas and conflics of people in TEC, I did not in the CEC, as I do not for my own...but God, who came to us in Jesus surely must or we would all be insane! It is in Christ I put all my trust, in Him I lean, He that I follow as I come to the Episcopal Church...to see, discover, serve , hopefully grow! The rest are incidentals....!

Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner!

Seraph

TEC Talk...

Well there you have it! After months of prayer, discernment, meeting with all kinds of committes for ministry and the local Episcopal bishop it looks like we will be received into The Episcopal Church this summer. Upon the announcement that this was to be so, people actually danced in the aisles at mass Sunday and, the few cradle Episcopalians among us, had tears of joy....So much for GBC!

Granted, we hold no illusions about the perfection of TEC but, in the diocese we will call home, it feels like a good fit. We will be the first Hispanic ministry in the diocese, a moderately conservative leaning community, whose clergy and bishop have been outstanding in their welcome and support. From being basically homeless, we inherit a paid for beautiful building, several dozen new members, at least 70 sister churches locally, companion dioceses in Cuba and Peru and, beyond that,the Anglican Communion. It seems a given that the wide open doors are the doing of God!

Unchanged, yet mixed with a bit of sadness, is the love and regard I and many hold for our formative years in the CEC. There are scores of memories, people we love to whom we are so deeply indebted. Yet, there is a sense that there must be a parting of the ways, that each may follow Christ according to conviction with joy. I had hoped it would take longer but... alas, life happens and news travel fast! So far all has been peaceful and positive, our CEC, bishop has heard the news and spoken like a true gentleman, the clergy who know so far have been a blessing to my soul.

May God grant us the wish of a transition full of His presence for all involved .....! We are to be received at a special service in the Cathedral early summer....that will be something! Hmmm ...how about that guest list!!!!

Blessings

Seraphim

Archbishop Bates message for Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

“remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.

Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality and the inevitability of our death. When we receive the ashes on our foreheads the priest or deacon will say, “remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The liturgy of Ash Wednesday is not however unconnected from the events of the Passion and Resurrection. The Psalmist reminds us that our Father also remembers even in our rebellion that we “are but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.” Psalm 78.39

It is a good thing that the Church calls us to pause and reflect on not only our mortality but also the struggle we all face with sin, the world, and the devil. Even in our baptism we are signed with the sign of the cross. This sign, done with the oil of chrism, seals us as Christ’s own forever while at the same time reminding us that we participate in the life of Christ crucified and are called into the great spiritual warfare in the heavens.

The Church calls us on Ash Wednesday to a holy season of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting is an ancient tradition of the church. This season will, in light of the love of Christ Jesus, enable us to make a serious self-examination and confess, with the intent of amendment of life, our sins. It is a time to seek the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) for self-examination must always be done with the knowledge of the assurance of forgiveness. This is not a time of accusation and condemnation but a time when we can lament our sins knowing we are loved and forgiven. For as John reminds us, “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is no in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness. (I John 1.8-9) James tells us, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5.16)

It has been said, “we are merely beggars telling other beggars where to find food.” In Lent as we are reminded of our sin and the forgiveness of Christ we are also allowing the Holy Spirit to transform and conform our hearts to the loving heart of Christ. Lent motivates us to fulfill the great commission. It reminds us, as we participate in the reconciling work of Christ Jesus that the primarily mission of the Church is the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5.19) The message of the Church is that God loves us and has demonstrated this love on the cross. (Romans 5.8)

Our prayer during Lent should be for an increase awareness of the love of Christ, which will inflame and renew in us a desire for evangelization.

So we should heed the call of our fathers in God when they call us to a most holy Lent. It is good news to our ears. It is a call to remind us of the shortness of life, the reality and horror of our sins, and the incredible and awesome love of God made manifest in the Cross and Resurrection and proclaimed at every Holy Eucharist.

Under His Mercy,
The Most Rev’d Craig W. Bates
Patriarch, ICCEC

Patriarch’s Message from the March for Life

"...We are light because He is the Light..."

I just returned from a gathering with the young adults of the American Church in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, January 22nd we gathered at the Supreme Court to pray for the souls of the hundreds of thousands of babies who have died in the greatest holocaust known to mankind and then we joined hundreds of thousands of others - mostly young adults and walked in prayer to end abortion in our generation.

I also want to thank the priests and deacons who came to the events. Your presence is a clear sign that our communion is Pro-Life. Thank you to the adults from various churches that took a day off from work and travel great distance to be part of the March for Life - your sacrifice means a great deal in the heavenly realms.We were reminded over and over again by our first Patriarch that we are a church of generations. The blessing of God is for us and our children and our children’s children. In one generation the culture of death has made great advances, but I believe in one generation abortion in America will be once again made illegal. Young men and women of the CEC, you are the generation of warriors for the Gospel. You are the generation that will bring in a revival of God’s gift of love and life in the Western Church.

Abortion, not only in American but also around the world, is the most obvious and horrific manifestation of the culture of death. However to be pro-life is far deeper than being anti-abortion. The Gospel is a message of life. Jesus said that he came to bring life to its fullest.The greatest gift of life is the forgiveness of sin, which is received freely by those who come to Christ Jesus in genuine repentance and willingness to amendment of life. This is the message of reconciliation that we are commissioned to preach in word and action. Genuine life and the fullness of life come from God as we live in relationship with Christ Jesus. The promise of those who believe in Christ Jesus and follow Him is eternal life.

The sacraments, as means of grace, give life. Baptism not only conveys the reality of the forgiveness of sin and reception of the Holy Spirit, it is also an affirmation of life as a gift from God. In the celebration of the Holy Eucharist we proclaim the death of Christ. This death we know is our own forgiveness of sin. The Eucharist is also the hope of the eschatological banquet and our participation in the heavenly wedding feast. Jesus proclaimed that when we eat His flesh and drink His blood we will have life in us. Every Eucharist is pro-life.

We are light to the world. This is the message of Epiphany. For some of us the darkness is very dark. Many minister in situations where there are constant death threats upon them and their families. But we are called to be light. And, as it has been suggested, “it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” We are light every time we go into the world with the message of hope, but also with ministry that makes visible the void. Every birthing clinic, orphanage, feeding program, nursery school, or HIV/AIDS clinic is a proclamation that all life is sacred. Every time evangelists go into the world under the power of the Holy Spirit they are going empowered by the very Lord and giver of life.

Christ has come among us and He will never leave us or forsake us. He is in our midst and the light will overcome the darkness.

Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch, ICCEC

There are several wonderful things I get from this statement from the Patriarch of the CEC.

First is the unfailing commitment to the pro-life cause. The CEC was birthed in the midst of this movement, something we have been often reminded of. A commitment not just to end abortion but promoting a culture that respects life has been a theme in communications from the Patriarch and other CEC leaders. Though polls regarding the legality of abortion do not give as optimistic an outlook as this communication suggests, there is of course room for hope. Most Americans seem to feel that abortion should probably be limited, but few that it should be illegal in all cases. That could change and the young are challenged to be catalysts of transformation.

Secondly, he rightly identifies abortion as a symptom of a wider evil in our society, a culture of death. Though he does not specify what he means by that presumably violence, wars, hostility to the Gospel, could be intended as he quickly identifies the proclamation of the Gospel as a message of life through Jesus Christ.

The sacraments, he points out, are life giving means of grace. Baptism and the Eucharist, long held by Anglicans as the essential sacraments are cast as pro-life sacraments, God's affirmation of life and promise of life eternal. We iluminated by the life of Christ also stand in some sense as sacraments, bringing light rather than cursing darkness, through our very concrete actions of message and ministry to the hurting and needy.

I love the reminder at the end, very much in the tenor of our founding Patriarch "Christ will never leave us nor forsake us..."

May this be a vision we hold close to our hearts and God give us the grace and strength to live it!

blessings

Seraph

The CEC Talk....

Our parish had “the talk” yesterday, one that we have been trying to put off for weeks. After a wonderful time of prayer and fellowship we had the very serious conversation about our status in the CEC.

The problem we finally had to face, is that the institutional and canonical developments within the CEC over the last decade, are in no way parallel to the development of this very nice group of people, given to God, each other and to those in need.

There has been a great emotional investment by many of these folks in the name CEC, in belonging to a community which seemed to capture the idea of convergence. That name has meant for some a place of conversion, for others the discovery of the Holy Spirit and Charismatic gifts, the beauty of the Eucharist, a place where the Bible has become a living book, a place of freedom and family. To visit a Eucharistic celebration you would be experiencing convergence at its best! That, makes it all the more difficult!.

Most people in this colorful CEC parish, probably would not feel comfortable with a female celebrating the Eucharist but, cringe at the thought that there would be any impediment for someone called by God on the basis of gender. Women, in all areas of ministry pray for and welcome more male involvement, but be taken aback by the suggestion that leadership in church should be only open to their husbands. Along with great respect for clergy, there is a healthy sense that all people are called to ministry, and all voices important in the discernment of God’s will.

The CEC, as presently defined by its canons and some in its leadership and episcopate, is not just about convergence or ministry. It is also defined by government by consensus, male headship and female exclusion from holy orders and church governance, a conservative bent on social issues, a growing demand for conformity in theological views to traditional boundaries. It is a quandary!

How do you choose convictions over family? How do you come to accept that others feel you “do not belong” though every fiber of your being tells you otherwise? Do you compromise deep held convictions or do you resist the forces demanding uniformity despite the risk of being an outcast? None of these seems like attractive options, nor has this kind of conflict been on the radar screen of a parish leadership that has avoided conflicts of a theological or administrative nature by focusing on evangelism and mission.

On the other side, there are those, outside the parish, who wonder how it could be possible for any group in the CEC to have existed for so long without any reference to GBC, the communion's very clear positions on male headship, women in ministry and other social issues. The question of how people with progressive leanings were ordained, commissioned to minister and encouraged in this communion has also been voiced by some!

Maybe, the mere fact of the existence of our congregation, speaks to the disarray of our communion in the last decade! Maybe it is testimony to the very flexible margins of CEC’s early days! Maybe it is evidence of a don’t ask, don’t tell policy some in the episcopate have tacitly followed! I would like to think it is testimony of things as they should be, unity in essentials, liberty in non essentials and charity in all things.

Should relationships trump religion? Should unity mean uniformity? Can two who love but disagree still live together? Is the CEC to be a tight ship or a big tent? The answers to that are still undetermined but the future does seem uncertain.

I could not help a feeling of sadness as a wonderful bunch of people I respect and love settled with firm determination to; be in the CEC but, of course, to also be us! A total wonderful contradiction, but then again...they say that "nothing is impossible" to those who believe. With new leadership and momentum in the CEC wether that is in the realm of possible...is surely to be soon put to the test!

Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles,‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you’:look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church and grant it the peace and unity of your kingdom;where you live and reign with the Fatherin the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever. Amen

Blessings

Seraph

You Did Not Choose Me....

From Bishop Craig Bates, Patriarch of the ICCEC

...I want to thank everyone who has sent email and notes of congratulations on my election. I am grateful to be part of such a fellowship of believers. Our Lord is leading us and as the people of God we will continue to listen to the voice of the Lord and when we hear we will obey.

Many have said to me “let’s forget the past and move forward.” I understand what they are saying and what they mean by that statement. But to totally forget our past would be foolish and dangerous. I want to acknowledge today, and will continue to do so in the future, the faith, courage, and boldness of Archbishop A. Randolph Adler. This man of God was willing to be obedient to the Lord and continues to be obedient. Bishop Adler was chosen by the Lord in the midst of defending the rights of the pre-born to speak the word of the Lord concerning what we now know as convergence or three streams. Making visible the void was not spoken in the comfort of the pews but in the streets and jails of Los Angeles. Bishop Adler for over three decades has spoken prophetically and pastorally to the good people of St. Michael’s Church and since 1992 has spoken to the nations of the world. He has prayed for us, led us with a spirit of humility, has been a giver and not a taker, and has raised up men and women around the world who will carry on the vision. I am not worthy to step into his shoes and I need each and every one of you to stand with me, in a unity that will be given by the Holy Spirit.

And, I stand today and honor Betty Adler. There are not words that can express our appreciation for this more than gracious woman of God. Few know the sacrifices she has had to make over the last decades. How she had to often stand-alone while her husband was traveling and facing the demands of leadership. How she, along with Bishop Adler, had to face personal sacrifice. How they model faith during the death of loved ones. We honor and love Betty. Our prayers are that after some well-deserved rest they will once again be among us in giving voice to the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the Father. We want the wisdom the Lord Holy Spirit has given to both of them. It is a wisdom birthed not only in obedience but also in suffering.

Our Church is Pro-Life. ..It is my plan to join Fr. Terry Gensemer and the youth of our Church on January 20-23 in Washington, D.C. for the March for Life and the annual gathering of CEC for Life. I hope and pray that many of people, particularly leadership will be with CEC for Life and me at this event.

...On Wednesday evening of the Convocation I will be enthroned as the second Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. It is my hope that Bishops from around the world will be able to be in attendance to once again express liturgically what is true about our communion. We are an international church! And, my hope is that as many of us as possible will be able to be present.

Thanks to a working group on communication we have two new websites - cechome.com and cecida.com. As you can see by visiting the sites there will be regular updates from around the world. Very soon you will be able to make your reservations for Convocation on line. We encourage you to do so quickly. Let’s fill up the Wyndam Resort in Orlando and gather for three days of fellowship, teaching, and worship of our Lord Jesus.

...Archbishop Adler and Archbishop Chuck Jones have prophetically spoken of a Tsunami anointing of God’s love coming upon the earth. This word has been spoken not only by them but also by prophetic people throughout the church. God is pouring out His love and mercy everyday. We are, through prayer and worship, to earnestly seek God as He seeks us. Brazil is evidence today of a spirit of revival and renewal. To sit with Archbishop Paulo Garcia is to be encouraged to press on and see that even in the midst of post modern humanism God still moves drawing people to Himself. I know in the future God will use Archbishop Garcia, and indeed the Bishops of the South Hemisphere, to work with the Bishops of the West in walking close to the heart of God.

There is a spirit of unity and cooperation among the Bishops of the West. I know each of them is eager to get to work and build the Church. It is no longer time to describe our wounds it is time to seek healing for our wounds. The American Church has gone through hard times - much of which we inflicted upon ourselves. We made mistakes, often had poor judgment, and in so doing we not only offended but hurt many. We have asked forgiveness. We intend amendment of life and will implement necessary corrections. But more than anything we will move forward in articulating the vision God has given us. We will move forward with loyal and faithful men and women who have weathered hard times. We will move forward knowing we will make other mistakes and face difficult times. We will however move forward knowing that the Lord will not leave us or forsake us. We will move forward not with political agenda but being led by the Spirit.

I have hit the floor running. I will try to answer as much correspondence as possible. This Friday and Saturday I am in Portland, Maine meeting with the great clergy of Maine. On Sunday, I head of to Washington, D.C. and then the following Sunday-Monday I will be gathering with some administrative types to begin looking at not only the transition of leadership but the creation of an infra-structure for the entire communion. When things begin to get into place I will try, through our website, to keep everyone informed of our progress.

Please pray for me. I yearn to be among you as one who serves. I am humbled by this task and humbled by the love and support so many of you have already offered. I am humbled to follow such a good and godly man. Please pray for the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor, as it becomes the new See of the ICCEC. The faithful people of St. Michael’s Cathedral will tell you what a difficult job it is to be out front. They did a phenomenal job and our hearts will always be drawn to them. Now we pray for them, as they get about the new phase of their life together as a family. Pray for my family particularly Cathy. Those who know Cathy know you are around a special person when you are in her presence.
Under His mercy,

The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch

For prayer and consideration! Read the whole text at http://cechome.wordpress.com/

Blessings

Seraph

CEC- International Communion!

The election of new patriarch for the ICCEC brings into focus yet again the international character of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. As Archbishops and bishops from our communion in other parts of the world write to congratulate our new Patriarch, their faces and words, remind us that others share with us the vision which is the CEC

In reality most of the faithful and clergy in this communion are not North Americans but people in what has been termed the Global South; the Church in Brazil, several African nations and the Philipines outnumber by many times those of us in the US who call the CEC home. Even prior to the divisions and defections of clergy and congregations in the last years, the church in the US was but a small minority.

Perhaps, as we look forward to a new season in the church, we would do well to look at the perpectives, experience, ideas and spirituality of our brothers and sisters elsewhere. They seem, for the most part, to have been spared the crises we have faced and continued to grow, even as many of us felt the whole church was crumbling around us. It may be that, as we go forward, their greater participation in the life of our church will be a catalyst for renewal! Maybe,the growing realization that we are but a small part of a community that extends beyond the walls of our parish, priest, bishop, patriarch or computer server, will help us set healthier priorities as we live the life of faith and engage in the mission and ministries each have been called to.

There are particular strong concerns I hold about the life of our church in the US. The aura of a growing conservatism in some areas, less accomodation to diverging theological views, a push for more unformity in liturgy. Issues of accountability, the application of Government by Consensus, limited laity participation and the exclusion of women at all levels of church government still cause me to wonder about the future. Yet, looking at the faces from across the globe, gives me some hope.

It may be that some answers to our dilemmas can come from those we rarely look to, those who in the setting of other cultures, customs, traditions and different circumstances are living the life of faith under the banner of the Charismatic Episcopal Church .

May God bless the people of the ICCEC

Seraph

The Time is Now

I look forward to the 2008 March For Life more than ever before. I am encouraged for many reasons, not the least of which is the growing intensity of the battle. After several years of domination by a political party that promised everything, yet delivered very little, maybe the church will wake up and realize the futility of putting all of our eggs in one basket.

This battle must be fought on all fronts. It is a battle for the hearts and souls of mankind. It is a battle that will decide the future of humanity and civilization. It is a battle that will not be completed until a majority of people both in the U.S. and throughout the world grasp the concept of the sanctity of human life. That ideal will only be realized as hearts are changed. That means we have to fight spiritually through prayer and truth as well as visibly being seen with our message on the streets, in the political, social and economic arenas. You might appropriately ask how that can be accomplished. To be honest, I do not have the complete answer. However, I do believe the solutions to winning the battle for life are encapsulated in the energy, passion, creativity, and enthusiasm of our youth. They are the ones closest to the battle. It is their friends who are faced with crisis pregnancies, with Frankenstein-like bioethical decisions being thrust upon them, with increasingly louder voices denying the existence and relativity of God. So I believe that God will reveal the solutions to them. We as adults and battle weary soldiers need to trust them and their ability to hear the voice of God in this strategic time. We can be there to help, to advise and give counsel, but we must let them enter this battle in full armor. Having said this, I am strongly appealing to Clergy and youth leaders to come to Washington this January and bring your young people with you. (My idea of youthfulness ranges from teens to thirties).

This will be the best event we have ever had in Washington and will be totally different than what we have done before. We will have rallies both Sunday and Monday nights as well as different events planned for the day of the March. We will no longer be standing around for hours on the cold, frozen Mall. We have different plans. More on the details coming soon. As you can read from the quotes on the front page, our youth are ready to step up. Let’s join them and encourage them. See you in DC!

Thank you for your support and dedication to protecting life!

Fr. Terry Gensemer, Director
CEC for Life
1-888-550-8699
cec4life@charter.net

Blessings to you Fr. for being an inspiration and a voice for life to the CEC and world!

Seraph

CEC Reconciliation?

It is no secret to most people by now that the CEC has experienced very hard times lately. One of the most difficult episodes in the life of the communion was the loss of aproximately half of its bishops within the past 2 years.

The reasons for the breakup have been the subject of speculation and discussion. It has been attributed to growing theological differences among bishops, conflics arising from leadership style at the higher levels of the church, credible allegations of misconduct about the CEC's founding patriarch and issues of accountability.

With changes in the make up of the CEC's house of bishops and recent election of a new Patriarch, the question of reconciliation, communion, or even reunion among this once self proclaimed "band of brothers" was posed at a discussion forum about the CEC's situation. Here a response from Bishop Painter...

"...First, to answer Seraph's question...I would always welcome the restoration of friendships and even fellowship with my estranged Bishops...even those that called me unrepeatable names, told lies about me, and blamed me for things I could have in no way ever had the authority to make happen. However, to be a part of the CEC again I have no interest...just personal. I still pray for my brother Bishops and the CEC and pray for God's blessings on them, and all of the clergy and laity. Not endorsing any cover-ups, sloppy agape, or acting like "it does not matter". Rather, I must leave that between God and all those still involved.

As to +Bates, the new Patriarch. I am sorry the CEC retained that office and title. There are other, better in my viewpoint, options available to them and to choose one of these would have been fresh and demonstrated forward looking more than just words. I still believe +Bates will do a very good job in his new "official role". He is very gifted, has true administrative and organizational skills, is an outstanding preacher and teacher, loves people and souls and God's church (en toto), and is called and anointed by God.

Has he ever blown it? Yes. Have I ever blown it? YES! Is he human and even carnal at times? Yes. Am I human and even carnal at times? YESSSSS! Will he make mistakes in the future? Yes. Will I make mistakes in the future? YES! Are we clear, yet? All of us need all of the help, prayer, love, and forgivenes we can get. My friend, Craig, if you read this or someone shares this with you...I love you and am praying for you and all in the CEC...God's very best blessings on you and them!!!

Thank you patient people for hearing this old, a little tired, Bishop! You are all in my prayers, even though I do not know all of you personally...

+Rick Painter

Our prayers are with you as well bishop, thanks for all you do!

Blessings

Seraph

God's Purpose

“The Lord shall accomplish his purpose with me”
Psalm 138:9

These are faith filled words that encourage us in times of uncertainty and doubt.

Certainly the author was no stranger to unusual turns in life. After being anointed to be king , gaining the favor of the people, he becomes a persecuted outcast, exiled to the land of his enemies and surrounded by people of ill repute. I wonder how many times this shepperd boy, turned warrior and would be king wondered whether the words of the prophet and the promises of God would be fulfilled in his life.

So it happens to us at times. The circumstances ever changing of life can bring questions we have no easy answers for, bewilderment, fear. What a good reminder are the words of this Psalm there is a purpose in our life which is God’s and he will accomplish it. It is an invitation to trust in God and his mercy, his providence , his promise that “all things will work out for the good of those that love him”.

These words found in the scripture selection of today’s Morning Prayer are also of comfort for us as the CEC begins a new season of ministry with the election of our Patriarch yesterday. Despite our disappointments, concerns, flaws and obvious failures, there is a purpose of God that he means to fulfill.

May we find ourselves united to God’s purpose, may ours be the prayer “thy kindgdom come”, “thy will be done” , May we be coworkers with God in the fulfilling of his vision, his dreams his purpose and trust him to accomplish in us what he has in his heart.

Blessings

Seraph

+Bates, Patriarch for the CEC

Orlando, FL - January 9, 2008

The Most Reverend Loren T. Hines, Senior Archbishop of the ICCEC, announced that the Patriarch’s Council, in accordance with the Canons, has elected The Most Reverend Craig W. Bates as the new Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

Craig W. Bates, 58, is the Bishop of the Northeast Diocese and the Diocese of Canada and Senior Pastor of the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor in Malverne, New York. He is a graduate of Franconia College, Franconia, New Hampshire with a BA in Psychology. He has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts and a Masters of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He was ordained a priest in 1980.

He served as Senior Pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Fitchburg, Massachusetts from 1980 to 1985 and has served at the Church of the Intercessor since 1985. He was consecrated a bishop on November 14, 1997. Prior to ordained ministry, he worked in Drug and Alcohol Counseling as a Psychologist and Administrator both in treatment programs and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Bridges of Greater New York and the Board of Directors of Concerts of Prayer of Greater New York. He is considered one of the key pastors in the New York City area. He and his wife, Cathy, have three grown children and three grandchildren

Whereas the whole concept of a Patriarchate for a communion as small as ours has always been a question for me, the election of a new Patriarch does put the CEC on a path for the future. My prayer and well wishes to Bishop Bates and his family. May his leadership bring much needed change and stablity to the CEC.

blessings

Seraph

Of Clergy and Pink Hats...

What's With All that Stuff?

What's with the difference in clergy, the different colored shirts, crosses, and "plus" signs? Such have been a few of the questions I have received since my consecration as a bishop last month. Briefly--and I do mean briefly--here are a few words on the matter:

There are three types of clergy in the Charismatic Episcopal Church with all three being ordained ministers; deacons, priests, and bishops. The laity are also ministers by virtue of their baptism. Actually they are THE ministers of the church--the ordained clergy are like the "coaches" with the laity being the "players" on the field and in the game.

Deacons are not to be confused with evangelical protestant deacons. Evangelical protestant deacons, for the most part, are laymen, not ordained clergy, who serve on a "board" and may have other assignments. They are not normally authorized to do priestly or sacramental duties, although good deacons in an evangelical church are a very valuable asset to the pastor and the church.

Our deacons are fully ordained clergy and, under certain circumstances, may marry, bury, be a pastor, serve Eucharist with pre-consecrated elements, counsel, pray, baptize, and assist the priest or bishop, among other duties. Deacons in our communion wear a gray clergy shirt. On Sundays, they wear a stole that is diagonal. Deacons represent the servant heart of Christ. They wear a silver, pewter, or wooden cross on a black cord. Some deacons are "permanent deacons" and will serve God as lifetime servants, usually in one church, unless they move to another location, assisting the priest and bishop. Others deacons feel called to the pastorate and are "transitory deacons" who, one day, may be ordained to the priesthood and will plant a church.

Priests may perform all of the sacraments except confirmation and ordination. They wear a black clergy shirt, although they may also choose to wear gray at times. On Sundays, their stole hangs straight down, hopefully equally, on both sides in the front. They wear a silver cross and chain. Priests represent the father heart of God. A priest may use a cross, or a plus sign, after his name in correspondence, for example, Father John Brown +. The cross indicates that he is a priest. Priests should also be good deacons, as far as their "servant hearts" are concerned.

Bishops may perform all of the sacraments. They wear a purple clergy shirt but--guess what--they may also choose to wear black or gray! Confused yet? They wear a gold cross and chain and wear a ring on their right hand indicative of their office. A bishop is the chief pastor in a diocese and is a pastor to ALL the members of the churches but especially to the deacons and priests. In our communion, bishops who lead a diocese are to be pastors of their own churches--demanding, but good for keeping their feet on the ground and their heads out of the ozone.

The bishop represents the government of God--but he should also be a prime example of a servant and be a good spiritual father. The bishops may use a plus sign, or a cross, in FRONT of their name as in: + John Brown. The cross takes the place of the word "bishop." So, + John means "Bishop John." Deceased believers also have a cross in front of their name in special services such as All Saints Day. So both bishops and deceased people have crosses in front of their names, which says something--I don't know exactly what-- but something.

But the truth is that it's ALL about the High Priest and, if it's not, we are wasting our time. Jesus is the High Priest in the midst of his people and He is the consummate servant, father, and king. Don't get all hung up about this stuff. If you desire to know something, just ask. There are no dumb questions, although I just might give a dumb answer---it's happened before! :o)

On Sundays, I wear a purple "beanie-thingy" called a "zucchetta," not to confused with "zucchini." Actually, it's sort of a "red-purple." A young boy asked me the other week, "Why do you have to wear that pink hat?" "For humility," I said. "For humility."

Anyway, I hope that answers a few of the questions you might have on your mind. If there are any others, let me know! If I have shared any incorrect information, I am certain that someone will correct me--but it's okay. I wear a pink hat and am learning humility.

Your servant,

+ David Epps

I have always liked + David and this little article is part of the reason why. Blessed is the man able to find some humour in religion and his job!

Seraph

+ Epps... Bishop!

Father David Epps, pastor of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church, will be consecrated as a bishop in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. The service will be conducted in the sanctuary of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Highway 54, Peachtree City.

Epps, 56, was elected at the U. S. House of Bishops in Orlando during October to serve the Mid-South Diocese which includes Georgia and Tennessee. The election was made necessary when, in June 2007, the Diocesan Bishop, The Most Reverend John W. Holloway, 53, suffered a debilitating stroke. Epps will serve as auxiliary bishop with Holloway remaining the diocesan.

The consecrators for the service will be The Most Reverend Charles Jones, Archbishop of the Southeast Province, The Most Reverend David Simpson, Bishop of Florida, and The Most Reverend Gene Lilly, Auxiliary Bishop of the Southeast Province.

Epps, who first began ministry as a youth worker in 1971, was licensed to preach by the United Methodist Church in 1975 and was later ordained in the Assemblies of God in 1978. In 1996, he was ordained a priest in the ICCEC.

Prior to 1983, Epps served United Methodist and Assembly of God churches in Tennessee, Virginia, and Colorado. In June 1983, he became the pastor of Fayette Fellowship Assembly of God, Peachtree City, which later relocated to Sharpsburg and was renamed Trinity Fellowship.

In September 1996, Epps and 18 other people planted Christ the King Church which met for six years at Carmichael-Hemperly Funeral Home in Peachtree City.In November 2002, the church relocated to its present site on 12 acres in Coweta County. The church currently has approximately 250 people who claim the church as their home. In addition, Christ the King has assisted in the planting of other congregations in Hogansville, Fayetteville, and Champaign, Ill.

Epps is a graduate of Berean College of the Assemblies of God, East Tennessee State University, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, International Seminary, and Berean Graduate School of Divinity, an institution founded by Carrie Nation. He is a current doctor of ministry candidate at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.

Epps, a karate black belt and former instructor, also received an honorary doctorate for his work with youth and martial arts ministry from Great Plains Baptist College and Seminary. For 18 years, he has served as the chaplain for the Peachtree City Police Department and is a graduate of the police academy in Fulton County.

Within the ICCEC, Epps has served as canon to the ordinary for the Mid-South Diocese, canon to the ordinary for the Archdiocese of the Armed Forces, chair of the Diocesan Commission on Ordained Ministry, as a member of the Mid-South Diocese Bishop’s Council, and as a member of the Provincial Council for the Southeast Province.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Epps also served with the Tennessee Army National Guard and served as a chaplain (with the rank of captain) for the Georgia State Defense Force, an auxiliary of the Georgia Army National Guard.
Epps has been published in over 20 magazines and journals and he has served as a regular weekly columnist for The Citizen newspapers for nearly 11 years.

He is married to the former Cynthia Douglas, a professor of nursing at the University of West Georgia. They have three adult sons and nine grandchildren.

The consecration service, which will be followed by a reception, is open to the public.

Article courtesy of The Citizen

Break Ups...

NEWS FROM VIRTUOSITY ONLINE...

CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH SPLITS. More news. In my last VIEWPOINTS I said the schism in the CEC had resulted in many leaving and going to Rome. A priest who is leaving the CEC himself wrote to say that many of those leaving have gone to Western Rite Orthodoxy, but the most common destination has been for AMiA, CANA and the Anglican Province of America."Individuals have indeed gone to Rome, but parishes cannot do so. Thus, considering parishes are moving toward Anglican jurisdictions. It is much more accurate to describe the movement as toward Anglicans, including myself. Many former CEC priests have chosen to affiliate with AMiA and are busy planting parishes. Not a few parishes have also chosen to affiliate with AMiA. Lately, others have begun to affiliate with CANA. Eventually, however, it seems likely that a large number of former CEC clergy and parishes are in conversation with APA-REC. In the end, this may result in the largest single quorum of all." The source told VOL that the total number of parishes being planted by former CEC priests added to the parishes that have/are joining with Anglican bodies could total well over 30 Anglican parishes, when all the dust settles.

I am uncertain as to the accuracy of this news, it does not seem that way from where I am looking. It sure feels bad to have this kind of news about your church reported...such a letdown! My heart goes out to the Episcopalians who seem to have been in the news and blogs ad nausaum for the past year! I guess time is needed for all to settle. In the mean time the best we can do is pray!

blessings

seraph

From Bishop Ken Myers...

A Christian I admire posted this in a different blog. I am still thinking and praying about all it conveys. Yes...this is an old picture!!!!

I registered, but it wouldn't let me post under my registered name, so I'm doing it this way.

Shall I weigh in? Since it was an affront against my wife which was one of the central pieces of the San Clemente problem, perhaps I might make a couple of observations on the retirement of the Patriarch.

I went to the Patriarch's Council over a year ago asking the Patriarch to step down, for a variety of reasons. He said he would if the Council thought it best. They didn't. In a round the table poll, I was the only member asking for him to step down. Interestingly enough, many of them expressed to me "on the side" that Bishop Adler was "a mess", in deep personal crisis, unfit to truly lead, and I was promised that he was going to take "an extended sabbatical" during which he would release the reins of leadership.

A letter was drafted, insisting that there had been NO sexual harassment by the Patriarch. I was told, erroneously (and manipulatively) that if Shirley and I said there was sexual harassment it automatically became a "legal" issue and HAD to be addressed in a court of law. Not wanting it to become a legal matter, rather something dealt with in the context of the church, we refrained from the language of "sexual harassment" and said that there had been inappropriate behavior. This was spun into a strong categorical denial that there had been any sexual harassment charges leveled against Bishop Adler.

Later, one of the Patriarch's Council members told a priest, "We intentionally marginalized Myers". This man was someone I had counted a good friend and someone I had trusted. It was a deep cut.

Through much grief and pain, my diocese left the CEC a month later. We left in mass, but within a matter of months experienced fragmentation - some going to Orthodoxy, some going to Rome, some going to Bishop Zampino, some going to Bishop Fick. That experience was also very, very painful.

Now, a year later, Bishop Adler admits to his local congregation that he had been inappropriate toward the wife of a close friend (that means, Shirley, the wife of his close friend, Ken). Likewise, other allegations were brought forth, and are at least reported to have been admitted to.

Now, I receive emails from some of the priests who have left my fold (good men, I might add), saying, "if only this had happened" a year or so ago none of the fracturing of the CEC or of our diocese would have happened. Indeed.

So, you all must understand that it is with some measure of incredulity that I read the official report: Bishop Adler has retired. His retirement has been graciously accepted by the others and thanks offered for his years of service. Not a mention of the scandal. Not a mention of the sin. Not a word about having been wrong in previous decisions.

I recognize the need for civility, but I detest spin. Couldn't there have been even the simple admission that there were problems? That mistakes were made? That this wasn't just the giving of a man a golden watch at his retirement party? It all has a ring of hollowness to it.

I think what people really yearn for is honesty.

Those men who came to me privately saying, "Keep pressing the matter. Don't let up" but who refused to speak when I spoke; those men who said to me, "He's messed up" (but using language much stronger than "messed"), but refused to demand correction; those men who said privately to me, "He MUST step down" but who when polled said, "No"; those men who insisted that there was "no sexual harassment" but admitted to "marginalizing Myers" - will they make amends? Will they even dare say publicly that sins were committed and grievous mistakes were made?

That Bishop Adler has "retired" is a good thing. I still love him very much, miss him, and pray for him. I hope his life is brought into a good and godly balance and restored to a healthy place. And so now what, for those left in leadership? I love and respect Archbishop Woodall, who had the courage to write on this forum under his own name. I understand what he means when he writes, "For those of you who have left the CEC for whatever reason and have expressed your pain and anger, may God in His mercy begin the healing process in you which enables you to forgive those who have intentionally or unintentionally hurt you and to move on with your lives." I would simply suggest that "the healing process" is best accomplished when there is godly repentance by the offending party. I would suggest that a good start would have been Bishop Adler publicly asking forgiveness and particularly doing so directly to those he sinned against. A good continuance would be for the leadership of the CEC to not spin this as a retirement, but deal honestly with the matter and to perhaps, themselves, in a spirit of repentance, ask forgiveness of those many who have been devastated by the choices they have made (or failed to make) in the past - choices of publicly whitewashing rather than simply being honest.

Archbishop Woodall suggests that those who have been hurt, even intentionally, come to a place where they can "move on with your lives". We are moving on with our lives, Shirley and I. With a diocese that has completely exploded, with significant financial difficulties, with the struggles of moving forward in a new communion, with the personal pain of friendships lost and the abuse of authority figures - we are indeed moving on with our lives. It's just that such a moving on would be much easier if there were a little bit of genuine repentance and admittance of wrongdoing.

That's all I'm saying. Twelve Step stuff. Bible stuff.

+Ken

Lord Jesus Christ son of God, have mercy on us...

seraph

Patriarch Retires...

Statement from the ICCEC's Patriarch Council, October 15, 2007




The Patriarch’s Council of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, meeting in Orlando, FL, October 15,2007, accepted the Most Reverend Randolph Adler’s retirement as Primate and Patriarch of the ICCEC. We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for his founding of and many years of service to our church and we express our deepest love and affection for him and his
wife, Betty, and our best wishes for their future.

without comments for now

seraph