I Was a Stranger and You Didn't Welcome Me ...

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“I was hungry and you didn’t give me food to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me. Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.”  Matthew 25:42-45

 Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the unwelcomed stranger!

 I am writing to remind us of our moral responsibility, as Disciples of Jesus, to welcome the stranger. In light of the recent Executive Action taken by President Trump, it is especially important to remember that our sisters and brothers seeking asylum from violence and persecution, not of their making, look to us for protection and safety. The crisis in Syria and the surrounding region is horrific and complicated.

 However, in the midst of this legal and global complexity, our responsibility to care for the innocent, especially the most vulnerable children, abides! 

 This is an invitation to take some kind of intentional action on behalf of these refugees and the scores of others who are affected by our country’s action. Gather with others in your town or city during a time of public witness. Reach out to a neighbor you don’t know and engage in a respectful conversation. Visit a mosque or Islamic Center near you. Write or call your representative or senator. Talk with the children and be a good witness. They are watching.

 In concluding, I ask you to intercede with unceasing prayer.

 - Pray for any unwelcomed stranger.

-  Pray for those in authority in our nation: the President, the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court, as well as all state and local leaders whom we put our trust in to make fair and equitable decisions for the good of our nation and the world.

-  Pray for those individuals in nations deemed a threat to us.

- Pray for every citizen in our nation during these troubled times.

When you pray, remember the last two questions in the Baptismal Covenant. Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

Be assured of my prayer for each of you,

Doug

Serving as 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Evangelism Resources from December Enews 16 Dec 2016

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Grace and peace be with you in the Christ whose coming we await!

As promised, I've had Vestry Conversations with 28 of our 36 Faith Communities since June.   I've listened to you share what God is up to in your neighborhoods. You've shared your gifts, challenges, and possibilities.  You've provided me a glimpse into your lives as Disciples of Jesus, the Risen Christ.

One of the common themes that has surfaced in our conversations is summarized by the following question (or some variation of) "How do we get more members?"  At our Annual Diocesan Convention, you were invited to adopt the Five Marks of Mission as a framework to engage God's mission.

The Five Marks of Mission are:

  1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

  2. To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers

  3. To respond to human need by loving service

  4. To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation

  5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth

In my commitment to find resources that assist in implementing and living into each one of these Marks of Mission, I'd like to share the following. Let's start with resources for Mark 1...to proclaim the Good News of God's Kingdom. This is the work of evangelism, sharing one's faith story in such a way that it is received by another as a gift, an invitation.  Please consider and review the following two resources.

EVANGELISM MATTERS
In November, the Episcopal Church sponsored a gathering in Texas entitled EVANGELISM

MATTERS. On the website are videos of several keynote presentations, including one from

our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, along with all the panel discussions and workshops.  The URL link is www.evangelismmatters.org.  It is a valuable resource for your use in ongoing formation and commitment to Evangelism.

INVITE / WELCOME / CONNECT
Recently Bishop Duncan Gray, who has agreed to serve as my coach for my first three years in ministry as your bishop, introduced me to another resource.  It is called INVITE / WELCOME / CONNECT.  I've spent several days reviewing the resources on their website. The URL link is www.invitewelcomeconnect.com.  It is a process of training and instruction to prepare each of us to be more intentional in the work of Evangelism.  If there is an interest, I would be happy to follow up with Mary Parmer, who developed this process, by inviting her to offer a series of workshops here in Northern Indiana.  

If any of you are aware of additional useful resources in the work of Evangelism, please forward them to me so they may be shared it with others.

Advent Blessings,
Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks

Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath 9 Dec 2016

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9 December 2016

Grace and peace be with you these Advent days...

This Wednesday, 14 December, is the fourth anniversary of the Sandy Hook School Shooting.  On that day, 20 children, ages 6 and 7 years, along with 6 adult faculty and staff, were killed.  This event initiated millions of people to take action on behalf preventing gun violence by urging state and federal legislatures to pass sensible gun legislation.

Stephen Miller and his wife, Joellen, who are members of the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana, are traveling to Washington, D.C. along with many other survivors, this coming week to participate in a Vigil at St. Mark's Episcopal Church from 14 - 18 December, during the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath.  Please uphold them in your prayer.

I invite you into a time of prayer, reflection and action during these days of sabbath.  Please find more information on the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath here and at www.decembersabbath.org.

Advent blessings,

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks

Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Advent 2016 Video on Marriages and Blessings (2 Dec 2016)

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Advent Video

1 December 2016 The First Week of Advent  
ON MARRIAGES AND BLESSINGS  

Dear Sisters and Brothers,  

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, whose coming we await!  

After prayerful and respectful conversations with our clergy, the members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council during the last six months, I have decided to allow same gender marriages and blessings to take place within our diocesan borders.  The actions taken by the General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake authorized same gender marriage and blessings beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, 2015 throughout the Episcopal Church and trial usage of marriage and blessing rites “under the direction and with the permission of” the Diocesan Bishop.  

During my first six months, I have been asked by ordained and lay leaders in some of our Faith Communities about the possibility of implementing a process which could lead to adopting a Marriage Policy (that would include both Same Gender as well as Opposite Gender Marriages) by the Rector, Wardens and Vestry.  It is in response to this pastoral concern for the people of our diocese, that I have made this decision.  

I would like to describe the process of implementation that I am asking all of us to adopt.  Let me share it by way of two scenarios.   

Scenario One

A priest in our diocese is asked by a gay or lesbian couple to witness their marriage. The couple have made plans to be married at the Century Center in South Bend and would like the priest to witness their marriage.  As the Church canons require prior to their marriage, the Member of the Clergy shall determine: a) that both parties have the right to marry according to the laws of the State and consent to do so freely, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to the identity of either, or mental reservation; and b) that at least one of the parties is baptized; and c) that both parties have been instructed in the nature, purpose, and meaning, as well as the rights, duties and responsibilities of marriage.  Furthermore, if one or both of members of the couple have been married before, an application for remarriage must be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop.  While it is not required by our canons, I have asked clergy who witness same gender marriages or blessings to let me know about it as a matter of courtesy, given the sensitive nature of this matter.   

Scenario Two

A gay or lesbian couple who are active members of one of our Faith Communities (Congregations) in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana ask their priest to witness their marriage and to have their marriage take place in the church or chapel of the congregation.  Given the sensitive nature of this matter and because of my commitment to engaging in prayerful and respectful conversations around this topic, the priest will bring the couple’s request to the Wardens and Vestry.  The priest will facilitate a process of discernment and reflection, utilizing the material prepared by the Episcopal Church. This process may (or may not) lead to the adoption of Congregational Guidelines for Marriage.  This time of discernment and reflection should include conversations and forums in which all active members of the Faith Community (Congregation) are encouraged to participate.  I have encouraged our ordained and elected leaders in our Faith Communities (Congregations) to avoid having an up or down vote on the matter but rather to utilize a consensus process that I have found from experience to be most helpful.  This process of discernment and reflection will take time, but I believe it is time well spent in deeply listening to one another as God’s Holy Spirit guides and directs your conversation.  


If the Rector / Priest in Charge, Wardens and Vestry of that Faith Community (Congregation) adopt a Marriage Policy which includes witnessing the marriages of same and opposite gender couples, the same canonical requirements apply.  The Member of the Clergy shall determine: a) that both parties have the right to marry according to the laws of the State and consent to do so freely, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to the identity of either, or mental reservation; and b) that at least one of the parties is baptized; and c) that both parties have been instructed in the nature, purpose, and meaning, as well as the rights, duties and responsibilities of marriage.  Furthermore, if one or both of members of the couple have been married before, an application for remarriage must be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop.  Given the relational nature of our diocese, it is my expectation that I will be involved in conversations with the clergy and lay leaders of Faith Communities who want to be engaged in a process of discernment and reflection.  


I would like also to directly address the question of respecting theological diversity on this matter.  Quoting from the resolution, “that this convention honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and that no bishop, priest, deacon or lay person should be coerced or penalized in any manner, nor suffer any canonical disabilities, as a result of his or her theological objection to or support for the 78th General Convention’s action in this resolution.”  From Canon 18.7, “it shall be within discretion of any Member of the Clergy of this Church to decline to solemnize or bless any marriage.”  It is a privilege and responsibility to serve as your bishop.  I take seriously our baptismal commitment to respect the dignity of every human being which includes honoring the theological diversity among us.  

Will there be challenging situations or circumstances for us?  Absolutely.  Is there a-one-size-fits-all pattern for these conversations?  No.  But together, we can demonstrate our reliance on God’s grace and manifest a generosity of spirit as we strive to live out the commitments of the Baptismal Covenant as members of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement!   

A WORD ABOUT BLESSINGS AND LIFELONG COVENANTS

There are often reasons why persons choose not to be married but have made a decision to establish a committed relationship with another person for the rest of their lives.  This is true for both opposite gender couples and for same gender couples.  Among the resources authorized for use in the Episcopal Church is a service entitled The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant.  This liturgical rite can be used, if requested, as a way of pastorally addressing the desire of a couple who are active members of one of our Faith Communities (Congregations) to have their relationship blessed by God in the midst of their Faith Community while not having a civil marriage.  The Member of the Clergy must obviously exercise great care and sensitivity in responding pastorally.  


The opportunity to bless a couple who have a civil marriage also continues and a revised liturgical rite has been provided by the Episcopal Church.  Resources for engaging in a process of discernment and reflection are available on the Diocesan website.  The Liturgical Resources approved by General Convention 2015 are already available on our website.  
Be assured of my ongoing prayer and support for you as you prayerfully consider how best to respond to the working of God’s Holy Spirit.  If I can be of any assistance to you, please call on me.  

Every blessing,  
Doug  
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Serving as the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana

Thanksgiving Blessings (23 Nov 2016)

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace be with you in the Risen Christ whose coming we await!

As we gather around various tables the next few days, be assured of my prayer and support.  I am honored and humbled to serve as your bishop.

As many of you know, I have used prayers from various resources and would like to share two collects from a resource called Celebrating at Home by Payden and Loving copyright by United Church Press 1998.  One is for Thanksgiving and the other is a prayer for the end of the Church year.

I offer them as a gift of Thanksgiving while we also end one Church year and begin another...

Thanksgiving Prayer

Gracious Provider, it is from you that all good gifts come.  Hear our grateful praise to you this day.  Send your Spirit to join us in our feasting and celebration.  And when this day is done, remind us to be a daily reflection of your gracious compassion and steadfast love.  By our words and deeds we witness to your way and truly give you thanks.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Prayer for the Reign of Christ

Timekeeper of eternity, we come to the close of another church year.  It has be a year filled with joy and sadness, with possibilities and dashed hopes, with hope and despair.  As we have journeyed through this year, you have been our constant mark, our compass leading home.  Guide us again in the time before us.  Help us to keep the rhythm of the faith, day in and day out.  May we mark the seasons not by minutes, hours, days or weeks, but by words said and deeds done on behalf of Christ, our Sovereign and Savior.  Amen.

As you gather with your families and friends for various activities - such as serving at a local food pantry, with your Faith Community on Thanksgiving Eve/Day, OR on the First Sunday of Advent - would you please take some pictures and forward them to Missioner Michelle Walker at missioner.walker@ednin.org? We would love to assemble a collage of thankfulness images to share.

Every blessing,

Doug

Moving Forward Together - Pastoral Letter 9 Nov 2016

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

"Is not this the fast that I choose:  to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in." Isaiah 58:6-8, 12 (NRSV)

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Risen Christ!

Today, I had the privilege of gathering with hundreds of others at FASHIONING OUR LIVES, an annual event of St. Margaret's House, a Day Center for Women in its 26th year, whose mission statement is Creating Community, Changing Lives.  We listened to the stories of four women whose lives have been transformed by the relationships they have formed at St. Margaret's House, not in an instant but for some over a decade or more.  These sacred stories were a reminder to me of the work that lies ahead of us on the day after Election Day!

In the Joint Statement written by the Episcopal and Lutheran Bishops of Indiana, we wrote,

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? This challenging question is at the heart of what it means to live as citizens of this nation!"

There are citizens who awoke rejoicing today and there are citizens who awoke deeply saddened today.  Yet we remain citizens of the United States of America, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice assured for all.  As engaged citizens, let us demonstrate our commitment to striving for justice and peace and to respecting the dignity of every being by our behavior, in our conversations and through our actions.

This striving remains our noble work on the day after Election Day and into the future. I ask you to pray for all who have been elected in our townships, cities, state and nation.

As the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in Northern Indiana, we remain committed to the Five Marks of Mission...tell, teach, tend, transform, treasure...to the work of evangelism; racial reconciliation and justice; and environmental stewardship. Let us commit ourselves to being "Repairers of the breach and Restorers of Livable Streets!"

Every blessing,

Doug

 

Prayers for our Nation - Joint Statement Bishop of Indiana October 2016

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“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,

and respect the dignity of every human being?”

 This challenging question is at the heart of what it means to live as citizens of this nation!

We, the Episcopal and Lutheran Bishops of Indiana, invite our sisters and brothers in Indiana to pray for our nation as we continue to prepare for Election Day, Tuesday, 8 November.  Let us remind each other that as part of our Affirmation of Faith in the Book of Common Prayer and Evangelical Lutheran Worship, we have committed ourselves “to respect the dignity of every human being” and “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”

As engaged citizens, let us demonstrate these affirmations by our behavior, in our conversations and through our actions. Pray for all those who have offered themselves for elected office in our townships, cities, state and nation.  Our fervent prayers can be manifested in various ways.  We offer these two texts as resources to support our prayer throughout the state.

For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. Amen.

Copyright © The Episcopal Church, 1979

 Responsible Citizenship

Lord, God, you call your people to honor those in authority.  Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities.  Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Amen.

Copyright ©2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, amended.

 The Rt. Rev. William Gafkjen, Lutheran Bishop, Indiana – Kentucky ELCA Synod

The Rt. Rev. Francis Gray, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Northern Indiana, retired

The Rt. Rev. Edward Little, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Northern Indiana, retired

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Northern Indiana

The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Indianapolis

Donations for Kokomo Tornado Relief

August 29, 2016

Blessings to you on this slightly less rainy day! The offering at Saturday's Welcome and Seating of the Bishop was designated for St. Andrew's in Kokomo to assist with tornado disaster relief. Other faith communities or individuals interested in contributing towards the relief effort should please send a check to the diocesan office (payable to The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana) at the address below.  All contributions will be consolidated and forwarded to St. Andrew's for use in rebuilding the community.
 

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

117 N Lafayette Blvd

South Bend, IN46601

Thank you for your generosity.  On any day, in any given moment, any of us could be in the same situation.  It is through our help to one another that Christ's hands and feet are made tangible on earth.

Blessings on your day!

Doug

Pastoral Letter 9 July 2016

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9 July 2016

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace be with you in God our Creator, Redeemer, and Giver of Life!

The horrific and tragic events of this past week have rocked us to our core. In Louisiana, Minnesota and then in Dallas, Texas, the killings at the hands of others have been shocking, heartbreaking and beyond comprehension. Many of us are numb and yet filled with raw emotions, wondering what we can do, how to navigate this tangled web of violence tied to so many issues and where to begin with healing the pain.

Immediately, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called us to a time of prayer for those who were killed, those who grieve over these deaths, those who place their lives at risk to protect us and for the sake of others...indeed, he has invited us to pray for our nation that we may recognize each other as beloved Children of God, made in God's image and likeness...every one of us!

Personally, I am so often led in prayer to The Baptismal Covenant ... to those five questions acting on our affirmation of faith. Please reflect on these in your prayer:

Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must be sustained in intentional and communal reflection on God's word. We must remain in community, nourished by the sacrificial gift of Christ's Body and Blood as we are sent out to do the work God has given us to do.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? In order for us to work for peace through justice, many of us must recognize our privilege and repent of our complicity in the sin of racism.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must stand with others who call for action on behalf of the most vulnerable among us. We must take a risk to be associated with those who have no voice or power in the face of violence.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? In order for us to work for peace through justice, we must seek out and serve Christ in all persons, loving our Muslim neighbors, our indigenous neighbors, our LGBTQ neighbors...all our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being? In order for us to work for peace through justice, our striving needs to include intentional conversations with our neighbors about gun violence, abuse of power, fear of those who differ from us, white privilege and racism.

On the Walkabout in January, I shared with you my desire to move us into a time of Deep Listening. This is what we need to do for each other now and I pray our faith communities in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana can have respectful conversations.

Several years ago, I participated in an ecumenical training developed by the Minnesota Council of Churches focused on engaging in RESPECTFUL CONVERSATIONS. This is what Presiding Bishop Curry is encouraging our nation to do, as we address these painful manifestations of violence.

I would like to invite all of us in the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana, along with our neighbors, to engage in RESPECTFUL CONVERSATIONS around gun violence, hatred, fear of those who differ from us, suspicion, misjudgment of law enforcement, white privilege, abuse of power and racism.

To that end, I will ask the deans of our three regions to work with me and our lay leaders to provide a process and several venues for these conversations.

Finally, I leave you with the prayer Bishop Curry referred to, The Prayer for the Human Family, found in the Book of Common Prayer, page 815.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son; Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us continue to work for peace through justice!
Every blessing,

Doug

Serving as Bishop of Northern Indiana

Pastoral Reflections on the 78th General Convention

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Dear brothers and sisters,

God came among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth to change the world, to change it from the nightmare it often can be into the dream that God intends. He came to change the world, and we have been baptized into the Triune God and summoned to be disciples and followers of this Jesus and to participate in God’s work, God’s mission of changing and transforming this world. . . . We are part of the Jesus Movement, and he has summoned us to make disciples and followers of all nations and transform this world by the power of the Good News, the gospel of Jesus.

- The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop-elect

On June 27, the House of Bishops elected Bishop Curry as the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, a first-ballot election that captured the deep affection and respect that the bishops feel for this godly Christian leader.  Bishop Curry is profoundly Christ-centered, a spell-binding preacher, and a bridge-builder whose wide embrace embodies St. Paul’s reminder that we are to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-4). You can find a video link to Bishop Curry’s sermon on the final day of General Convention, quoted above, here.

While the election of our next Presiding Bishop added drama and excitement to the work of General Convention, many other issues also drew the attention of bishops and deputies.  We passed, quite literally, hundreds of resolutions, covering topics as diverse as church governance, marriage, liturgical matters, evangelism, and issues of peace and justice.  These reflections, necessarily, cannot detail all that Convention did during eleven days of work.  I will simply highlight a few items of particular importance.

For three years, in response to a call from the 77th General Convention in 2012, the Episcopal Church has been discussing “structure,” the governing bodies that include the Episcopal Church Center in New York City, various boards and agencies, and General Convention itself, both its size and scope.  The idea behind these conversations has been to create a leaner and more “nimble” structure, for the sake of mission.  The 78th General Convention took a fairly modest approach.  The relationship between Executive Council (the body that governs the church between Conventions) and the staff of the Episcopal Church was clarified, especially in matters of hiring and supervision; and the number of Standing Commissions (groups that study issues and propose resolutions to General Convention) was reduced to two (Constitution and Canons; Liturgy and Music).  There was little energy for reducing the size, scope, and frequency of General Convention.  Much work, I think, still needs to be done in order to fashion a more mission-driven church structure.  That will be left to a future General Convention.

General Convention passed resolutions to begin the process of revising both the Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal 1982.  The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music has been directed to devise a “plan” for revision, and to present that plan to the 79th General Convention in 2018.  The Constitution of the Episcopal church requires two successive meetings of General Conventions to revise the Prayer Book.  Since the plan for revision won’t be presented until 2018 – with a first “reading” of the new Prayer Book three years later, in 2021 - the new versions cannot be approved until 2024 at the soonest.  I voted against the proposals, for a couple of reasons.  First, we are still internalizing the changes that the 1979 Book of Common Prayer brought to the church, particularly regarding the centrality of baptism as the fount of the Christian life and the Eucharist as the primary act of Christian worship.  It takes generations for texts (and the practices connected with those texts) to find their way into our hearts and minds.  Second, I am concerned that current theological trends, and especially a tendency to eliminate male-oriented language for God, will lead us to a Prayer Book where words like “Father” and “Lord” will be rare.  It is better, I think, to allow these trends to marinate for a few decades and to see if they hold up to long-term theological and spiritual reflection.  My reservations, however, did not carry the day, and the process for Prayer Book and Hymnal revision is now set in motion.

Two important initiatives were added to the Episcopal Church’s budget for the 2015-18 triennium:  evangelism and church planting, and racial reconciliation.  Both are significant.  The best way to reach “unchurched” people is to plant a new church, and there was a good deal of excitement about bold and creative ways to form winsome and engaging new Christian communities.  Racial reconciliation, too, was much on the hearts of bishops and deputies, particularly in light of the tragedy in Charleston on June 17.  And so General Convention allocated significant funds to assist the church in addressing the sin of racism and seeking ways to foster deep and healing conversation.  These initiatives are, I think, positive steps for the church, addressing both the spiritual needs of men and women and the great gulf that continues to plague our nation.

I have attended General Convention since 1991, either as a deputy or a bishop, and every Convention has been dominated by difficult and sometimes painful discussions regarding human sexuality.  The underlying question has been:  How do we welcome gay and lesbian people into the church, and what is the best way to minister to them?  Three years ago, in 2012, General Convention authorized a liturgy for blessing same-sex unions, a liturgy that required the permission of a diocesan bishop in order to be used in that bishop’s jurisdiction.  This year, the discussion had moved to marriage itself.  A marriage task force, commissioned by the 77th General Convention, recommended a change to the church’s canons (the laws that govern the church) re-defining marriage to include same-sex couples.  In addition, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music submitted a number of liturgies for the solemnization of the marriage of two persons of the same sex.  And so the 78th General Convention debated both canon law and liturgical practice.  In the background, by accident of timing, on the fourth day of General Convention the United States Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage must be made available in all 50 states. 

Debate on both proposals – the change in canons (Resolution A036) and the provision of liturgical forms for same-sex marriage (Resolution A054) – was heartfelt and gracious.  The resolution which authorizes liturgical forms includes the following:  “Bishops exercising authority or, where appropriate, ecclesiastical supervision will make provision for all couples asking to be married in this Church to have access to these liturgies.  Trial use [of these liturgies] is only to be available under the direction and with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop. . . . [T]his convention honor[s] the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and . . . no bishop, priest, deacon, or lay person should be coerced or penalized in any manner, nor suffer any canonical disabilities, as a result of his or her objection to or support for the 78th General Convention’s action on this resolution.”  Both A036 and A054 passed, with substantial majorities in the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.  While I voted no on these resolutions, I am grateful that General Convention recognized the diversity in the church and made explicit place for those who find themselves in a theological minority. 

During the debate on liturgical forms I said, “As a matter of Christian conviction, I must vote no.  I do not believe that we have the authority to alter the sacrament of holy matrimony.  That sacrament is rooted in creation and redemption, and is a sign of God’s good provision for humankind.”  But I am well aware that many in the Diocese of Northern Indiana will be distressed that I could support neither the canonical re-definition of marriage nor the liturgies for same-sex marriage.  I am committed to them – and, in particular, to the gay and lesbian members of our diocesan family.  Jesus has called us together, and it is important that we find ways of caring for one another.  People on all sides of these difficult and complex matters are committed to Jesus and to the church, and are seeking to follow our Lord faithfully.  Mutual affirmation in the midst of painful disagreement is at the heart of our call to Christian community.

As noted above, the resolution authorizing liturgies for same-sex marriage requires that bishops make provision for couples who wish access to these liturgies.  At the same time, the resolution states that in each diocese the use of the liturgies requires the bishop’s direction and permission.  To honor both mandates, I am continuing the arrangement that began in 2012, after General Convention authorized a liturgy for blessing same-sex unions.  In Northern Indiana, that means:  1) that I cannot, because of conviction and conscience, authorize the use of these liturgies in the diocese; and 2) that if a couple wishes to married under these liturgical provisions (Resolution A054), they and their priest may cross into a neighboring diocese and, under the license of the bishop of that diocese, celebrate the rite.  I have spoken with the bishops of Chicago, Western Michigan, Michigan, Ohio, and Indianapolis, and all of them have most graciously agreed to this arrangement.  It is not an ideal solution.  No compromise is.  But, at a minimum, it provides a “container” in which both conscience and pastoral care can be provided for all.

Following the passage of A036 and A054, I joined with a group of bishops in issuing the “Communion Partners Salt Lake City Statement.”  We attempted to be at once clear and irenic, affirming both our convictions and our commitment to brothers and sisters with whom we disagree and to whom we are bound indissolubly in baptism.  The House of Bishops graciously received this statement, and unanimously passed its own “Mind of the House” resolution, entitled “Communion Across Difference,” for which I am profoundly grateful.  This statement serves as a reminder that in a season when the church is not of one mind on a difficult issue, we are one in Jesus.  “He is our peace” (Eph. 2:14).  Thus our “opponents” are not opponents at all, but fellow disciples – brothers and sisters who love Jesus as we do, and who wish the best for his church.

Several times, over the course of these reflections, I have used the word “gracious.”  Even when General Convention was at its most heated, when disagreement was most pronounced, I experienced enormous generosity of spirit.  Deputies and bishops stretched out their hands and their hearts to each other across theological divisions.  For that generosity I praise God.

Let us now pray for our church; for Katharine, our Presiding Bishop, and for Michael, our Presiding Bishop-elect; for those who will bring the decisions of General Convention back to their dioceses, and for wisdom in communicating this information; and for the whole church, that together we may join in “looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2) and find in him both the source of our unity and the inspiration to bring Good News to the world.

Yours in Christ,

+Ed

 

A Pastoral Letter on the Charleston Tragedy

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Dear brothers and sisters,

Shortly after the devastating news of the mass murders at Emmanuel AME Church began to spread, a deacon of our diocese wrote to me.  “Why?” he asked.  “How could such a thing happen in a sacred place?  What can I say to people who are looking for an explanation?”  I have pondered those questions for a day and still am unable to answer.  The “Why?” and the “How?” are unfathomable in the face of overwhelming evil.  Nine people are dead, brothers and sisters in Christ.  They were cut down solely because of their race.  How could one human being inflict such a thing on another?  How can we hear God’s voice in the midst of the storm of emotions – from fear to anger to bewilderment – that sweep over us?

In the end, we are reduced to silence and prayer.  I find myself seeking to be still in the presence of the Lord.  I find myself gazing at the cross, and into the face of the One who suffered immeasurably on our behalf.  I find myself allowing the questions simply to be, now and perhaps forever unanswered.  Meanwhile, we can seek comfort in the familiar and oft-prayed words of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer – words that themselves were written by people who asked the same questions and struggled with their own version of the same pain.

Here are some texts that have seared themselves into my heart.  Perhaps they will touch yours as well.  In the first, the Psalmist – like us – pleads for understanding, and then slowly, tentatively, recognizes the Lord presence, without “explaining away” the evil.

O God, why have you utterly cast us off?

            Why is your wrath so hot against the sheep of your pasture?

Remember your congregation that purchased long ago,

            and the tribe you redeemed to be your inheritance,

            and Mount Zion where you dwell.

Turn your steps toward the endless ruins;

            the enemy has laid waste everything in your sanctuary.

Your adversaries roared in your holy place;

            they set up banners as tokens of victory.

Yet God is my King from ancient times,

            victorious in the midst of the earth.

                        (Psalm 74:1-4,11)

In the second, the author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus himself suffered our sufferings and prayed our prayers (indeed, his Prayer Book was the Book of Psalms).  He walked the way of the Cross not only to rescue us from sin, but also to drink to the dregs the pain of human life.

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.              (Hebrews 5:7-8)                   

And finally, two prayers from the Book of Common Prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brothers and sisters Cynthia, Sharonda, Ethel, Tywanza, Clementa, Myra, DePayne, Daniel, and Susie, who were reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that their death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love.  Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way, and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages.  Amen.

                        (BCP, p. 498)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:  Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

                        (BCP, p. 815)

I ask that this Sunday, in all the parishes of the Diocese of Northern Indiana, prayer be offered for the victims, for their families, for the city of Charleston and all touched by this tragedy, and for our nation.  With all blessings I am

Yours in Christ,

+Ed

April's Letter from the Bishop

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Dear brothers and sisters,

This past Tuesday I presented a letter to the Standing Committee, announcing my retirement as of June 30, 2016. At the time, I will have served as bishop of this wonderful diocese for 16 years.  My ministry as your bishop, however, will actually conclude three months earlier – March 31, 2016 – when I begin a three-month sabbatical to write a long-planned book.

Palm Sunday marks the first day of a new visitation cycle.  In my closing cycle, I will have the opportunity to visit all 36 churches of our diocese and to thank you for your witness to Jesus, for your faithfulness in mission and ministry, and for your kindness and encouragement to Sylvia and to me.

I have said many times and in many settings that if I had the opportunity to choose any diocese in the Episcopal Church to serve as bishop, I would without hesitation select Northern Indiana.  Our diocese is a profoundly Christ-centered community, a place where Jesus is known, loved, worshiped, and followed.  Our relationships are deep.  Indeed, the small size of our diocese is a blessing, because it has given me the gift of knowing people and parishes in a way that my colleague bishops envy.  March 18, 2000, the day of my consecration in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of Notre Dame, marked a turning point in my life for which I will always give thanks.  You have touched Sylvia’s life and mine, welcomed us into your hearts, and drawn us ever more deeply into the heart of Jesus himself.

Sunday is the high point of my week.  Worshiping with you, hearing the Word and sharing the Eucharist, and seeing Jesus at work in a glorious variety of ways have planted memories that I will forever cherish.  I offer thanks to God for the gift of walking with you as fellow disciples, and am humbled by the expressions of love and support that Sylvia and I have received during a decade and a half of ministry in Northern Indiana. 

In the coming months, I ask for your prayers for the Standing Committee, under the leadership of its president, Fr. Matthew Cowden. Their task is to discern the next steps for the diocese and to oversee the process of electing the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana. This challenging and exciting work will be an opportunity for the entire diocese to walk in faith into the future that God has planned.

St. Paul’s words seem especially apt, and express something of what I feel as I write this letter:  “I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-5).

I lean on St. Paul’s words because I am overwhelmed with gratitude, beyond my ability fully to articulate, for the privilege of serving as Bishop of Northern Indiana.  With love and blessings I am

 Yours in Christ,

+Ed