Provincial Synod

I was privileged to be able to attend our Provincial Synod in Richmond this last week.  I have attended Diocesan Synods, but this was my first Provincial. 

It was nice putting faces to some of the names I know, speaking with some very interesting and learned folk.

However, I must admit that I find the politics distasteful.  I understands the need to deal in administrative matters - that is the purpose of a Synod - but the infighting, the lack of charity... well, words fail me. 

It just seems best that I am called to assist at the altar, and to pray for those who must deal with these other matters.

The 1550 Book of Common Prayer Noted

This link is to a Google Books scan of the 1550 BCP, noted by Merbecke, and reprinted in 1840 by Marbeck. This is not Google's best scan, but it is worth a look. The Book of Common Prayer is remarkable in its richness; singing the prayers and psalms adds a lot to the experience. Not many churches hold sung services like Morning Prayer any longer. Not enough time in the day for most folks, I suppose. Still, I would like to see some effort made to revive the practice.

Fulton Sheen

I've known of Archbishop Sheen for many years. I recall seeing some of his broadcasts when I was young, and was re-introduced to him recently. My Rector gave me a copy of "The Priest is Not His Own" to aid me in understanding the shift in thinking that accompanies a call to Holy Orders. It is an excellent book, but somewhat unsettling for a fellow somewhat set in his ways, anticipating retirement, and, frankly, who had never before considered this type of life.

At any rate, a good book, and it led me to research a bit more. Here, then, is a fantastic library of talks by Sheen; some free, some available for purchase. Well worth a look.

PBS and religion

This is a dated story, but evidently PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), as it is partially funded through taxes (yeah, part of the "Listener Support" is taxation) has decided they will no longer carry religious programs. Mass for shut-ins, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, that sort of thing. Some affiliates will continue with existing programs, but there will be no more new religious or "(pure) spiritual content" programs.

Well... that is, except for the Wayne Dyer new age spiritualism that masquerades as fund raising specials - and that also sell a lot of his books and videos. Oh, and let's not forget Deepak Chopra and his eastern mysticism and daily devotions. And....

Fact is, if the Daily Mass raised as much for PBS as do these spiritualists and mystics, there would be no question that PBS would encourage the program. But the Mass does not lend itself to fund raising efforts. Bye bye, Daily Mass. Bye bye, Christian programming. Bye Bye, PBS.

Getting Serious

The Diocesan Commission on Ministry met, and has decided on a course of study. My education thus far has been largely self-guided, using recommendations from our Bishop. I hope to begin a more structured educational process now.

The challenge for the Bishop and the Commission is in how to handle an old fart candidate like myself. If I were younger, a degree followed by seminary training would be the natural course. If my kids were older or out of the house (which would be the case for many men my age) then seminary work in the evenings would work. In my case, with my home school schedule during the days, and work (as unprofitable as that has been this last year) in the evenings and at night, time for formal schooling is limited - not to mention the costs, which would be prohibitive at this time.

Since I am a candidate only for the deaconate, my educational requirements will not be as strict as they would be for someone going on to the priesthood. Still, the Bishop and the Commission want to make sure that their clergy are properly formed, and in light of some past ordinations I think it wise.

It is a bit frustrating, but I doubt God would have given me a calling without also providing a way for me to fulfill His calling. It will happen at the time He chooses, not on my schedule.

Trembling before G-D

Trembling Before G-D

I watched this remarkable documentary last night. It explores homosexuality among the Hasidim. I found it particularly interesting as it touches on many issues that catholic and orthodox Christians face. The film did not overtly take one side over the other, although since it followed the lives of several homosexuals it was sympathetic to their viewpoints. But it did not shy away from some very difficult questions, and presented the issues fairly.

Several scenes were striking: the young man noting that he had wasted many years of his life, and asking if he would be HIV positive had he followed the Torah; the Rabbi who obviously cared for the plight of his friend, but honestly answered "Yes, you must live a celibate life" to the tearful question of living life alone; several who were painfully separated from their family and community because they lived openly as homosexuals; the Rabbi who asked simply "Should I lie to them?" about the proscription against homosexual acts.

It is easy to think about these questions intellectually, but putting a human face to this question requires wisdom. The openly gay "Orthodox" Rabbi (I use quotes as I don't think anyone beside himself considers him orthodox) finds the answer in reading the Torah in a different way - not unlike the way progressive TEC seminarians exegete Scripture to find loopholes for their heterodox behaviors. I don't think this approach does anyone good. But on the other extreme, neither does a community that shuns members who struggle with a desire that is so deeply ingrained.

This is a challenge, a balancing act. We cannot refuse to preach the Gospel, nor can we ignore the uncomfortable bits. But when we preach those uncomfortable bits, we risk chasing out those who do not wish to hear the truth. And this is not limited to one particular sin - I had a parishioner squirming in her seat when I preached forgiveness. And a difficult sermon it was for me, as I had to face my own faults during the writing of that sermon.

I pray for grace and wisdom on this matter, for at its heart this question touches on all sins, and therefore on all men.

The Book of Common Prayer

We celebrated the 460th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer on Whitsunday. We used the 1549 Canon for the Mass; it was a nice ceremony, and it is surprising how little our liturgy has changed through the centuries.

Click through to find the1549 Canon on-line.