EDNIN Ends Relationship with Howe Military Academy

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8 May 2017

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

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

On Friday, 5 May 2017, at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Howe Military Academy (HMA), I resigned as Chairperson and disassociated the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana from any ongoing relationship with the academy.  This action comes as a result of extensive conversations with both of my predecessors, Bishop Little and Bishop Gray, members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council and the Chancellor, Mr. Daniel Pfeifer.  (My letter is attached to this communication.)

The Episcopal Church and Howe Military Academy have been woven together since the academy was founded in 1884.  For most of those years, the Bishop served as President of the Board and exercised a much greater role in the day to day operation of the school, which included the appointment of a priest to serve as Chaplain.  As you can appreciate, the landscape of Military Schools has changed dramatically over the last 40 years.  Howe, like many other schools, has faced challenges of recruitment as well as those of aging facilities and a smaller pool of benefactors to support this manner of formation and education.  During the latter years of Bishop Little’s ministry, the Howe Bylaws were changed to make the Bishop Chairman of the Board, responsible for chairing Board meetings with voice but without vote except when there is a tie.  At the same time, these Bylaws added the roles of President and Vice-President, elected from among the Board members.  Bishop Little devoted an enormous amount of his time annually in support of the academy, and most importantly, in the pastoral care of the cadets.

During the last 3 – 4 years, the academy has struggled financially, to the point of facing the possibility of closing.  One of the many consequences of the school’s financial peril was the Alumni Association establishing itself as a separate 501.3c in order to continue to operate in the case of the academy’s closure.  A state of mistrust, suspicion and enmity manifested itself among some members of the Board, officers of the Alumni Association and the Administration at Howe.  Adding to the complexity, the Board of Trustees began a Search Process for the Head of School.  Bishop Little and members of the Standing Committee expressed specific concerns, in writing, regarding one of the candidates.  These concerns were ignored.

I arrived on 16 May 2016, and within a few days, I began dealing with various concerns at Howe.  I did so, in consultation with Bishop Little, with then Head of School, Colonel Douglass and with members of the Executive Committee.  While not yet ordained and consecrated, I participated at the commencement on 4 June 2016 because of our longstanding relationship with the academy.  In June and through August, I began working to find a chaplain. This involved working with the new Head of School, Colonel Osenbaugh.

My first Board of Trustees meeting in late August, included the election of a new President as well as a Parliamentarian.  My second Board meeting was in mid-October.  At that meeting, a conversation was convened among the Board Liaisons from the Alumni Association, the Head of School, the President and myself to see if there were a way forward toward reconciliation.  Members of the Alumni Association reached out to me and asked for my help in convening a future conversation.  During the week of 16 – 22 October, I spent a significant amount of time working toward reconciliation.  On Saturday, I was asked to chair the HMA Alumni Association’s Board Meeting, which included for the first time in some time, the Head of School and President.  As with most experiences of reconciliation, it was clear that it was going to take time for trust to be rebuilt but at the end of the teleconference, we had come to agreement on next steps forward for the Alumni Association and Administration.

In late November, an email was sent to the school from the Alumni Association indicating their desire to work collaboratively, as had been agreed to in October, with the Administration in planning the 2017 Alumni Weekend.  In early December, the Development Officer, with the support of the Head of School, replied to the Alumni Association representative that the Administration would be taking control of all the planning for Alumni Weekend.  I called to speak with Colonel Osenbaugh about these developments, and as our conversation unfolded, it became clear to me that the depth of mistrust and enmity between his administration and the Alumni Association was such that any hope of reconciliation was gone.

There were several other incidents at the school, that, as Chairperson of the Board, I should have known about which resulted in me calling the Head of School for clarity or update.  Dates were set for the Board Meetings before I began serving as Bishop and Chairperson.  Out of my desire to serve the academy and most importantly, the cadets, I asked if the January and March Board meeting dates could be rescheduled so that I could attend as Chairperson.  My request was not even referred to the Executive Committee for consideration.

It became clear to me that the Head of School and some members of the Board of Trustees no longer desired or valued the longstanding relationship with the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.  Therefore, I decided, after prayerful consultation and discernment, and with some sadness, to resign as Chairperson and disassociate the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana and my successors from any relationship with Howe Military Academy.

I honor the long history we have had with Howe.  I am profoundly aware of the affection its alumni, especially its Episcopal alumni, have for our diocese and the ministry of so many bishops and priests and lay persons from our diocese who have served there.

As some of you know, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church has used the Chapel of St. James as its place of worship for many years.  The way forward for St. Mark’s will need to be discerned in conversation with Howe, its Board and Administration.  Please uphold in your prayer all those engaged in these conversations…pray for the gift of a generosity of spirit.

Pray for all those whose lives are woven together at Howe, especially for the cadets and their families who entrust their sons and daughters to the care of the Howe Administration, Faculty and Staff.

Every blessing,

Doug

5 May 2017 Disassociation Letter

Thoughts from March House of Bishops ...

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16 March 2017

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace be with you in the Crucified and Risen Christ!
My hope is that during this Lenten Journey, you are being invited to deepen your life in prayer, in the reflection and study of God's Word and in works of charity. I have just returned from the annual March House of Bishops Meeting, which was held at the Kanuga Conference Center near Ashville, North Carolina.

The theme of our gathering was Reconciling Leaders: Bishops in the Jesus Movement. We are committed to following Jesus into loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God, with each other and with this fragile earth, our island home. In that context, we worked for three days in table conversations, listening to one another and learning skills to assist ourselves and the people in the dioceses we serve in our work of racial justice and reconciliation. This was intense and profound work, grounded in scripture study and common prayer. The Presiding Bishop's Canon for Evangelism, Racial Justice and Reconciliation and Creation Care, the Rev. Stephanie Spellers along with the Missioner for Racial Reconciliation, Heidi Kim, helped to frame our work within the Episcopal Church's vision recently adopted by the Executive Council. I have invited Missioner Heidi Kim to be our Convention Speaker in October. She is also going to begin working with our Racial Reconciliation Working Group.

At the end of each day, we gathered to celebrate the Eucharist. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry presided on the first day of our meeting and preached on the last day of our meeting. Other Bishops presided and preached each day and I was inspired by each of them. We had the opportunity as well for the Laying on of Hands and Anointing, for which I was most grateful.

It is the custom of the House of Bishops to assign each bishop to a class based on the year one is elected. On Saturday evening, our class went out to dinner. Many of our colleagues commented on how diverse a group the nine of us are: four men of color, three women (one of color) and two white men. I am thankful to be called to serve with these wonderful people in Episcopal ministry.

We had the opportunity to listen to our sister and brother Bishops who participated in the Standing as Stone Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral and March in Washington, D.C. on 10 March. We also received a presentation by the Rev. Mark Stevenson, the Director of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), on the current status of our work. EMM is one of only nine agencies that work with the Federal Government in resettling persons who are identified as refugees by the United Nations and Geneva Convention. I am so proud of the work of our church in this urgent ministry.

On Tuesday, we received updates on the preparations for the General Convention 2018 planned for Austin, Texas along with updates on various committees engaged in the various work between convention.

I so appreciate that the day to day life of so many of you is connected to the immediate context of your neighborhoods and communities, which is where your energies and efforts to engage God's mission should be. I'd also like you to know that we have brothers and sisters throughout the church who care about the ways WE are engaged in God's mission in the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.

This comes with a brother's love and blessing!
Doug

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