RISEN Fall 2010 web

Fall 2010Risen

2010 Convention Resolutions

The New Hispanic Ministry

Nominations: Who’s Who.

TheConvention issue

COVER PHOTO: courtesy of istockphoto

RISENRhode Island’s Source for Episcopal NewsThe Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 274-4500 Fax: (401) 331-9430www.episcopalri.org

Publisher: The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of RI Editor in Chief: Ruth Meteer, Communications Officer Art Direction and Design: Ruth Meteer, Communications Officer

Copy Editors: Liz Crawley, Executive Assistant to the BishopGloria Williams, Administration/Reception Printer: Graphic Developments, Hanover, MA

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30 Hour FamineSaturday March 26th- March 27th 2011

St. Peter’s by the Sea, Narragansett RI. Join with other young Episcopa-lians in World Vision's 30 hour famine. You will become more aware of world hunger

and the global community and participate in doing something about it! For more info to learn more visit www.30hourfamine.org or contact

[email protected] 401-274-4500 x247NIGHT WATCH Friday May 13 - May 14, 2011 Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NY, NY . High Schoolers will travel to the New York City Cathedral for its famous “Night Watch” Program. For more information visit www.stjohndivine.org or contact Catherine Thenault at [email protected]

Get your parish involved!Contact Mary Ann Kolakowski at (401) 274-4500

[email protected]

Diocesan Youth Kick Off BBQ

Sunday October 3, 2010 3:00 – 6:00 pm

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 55 Main St. North Kingstown, RI

Gather with youth and their leaders from across the diocese for an afternoon of fun,

food and joining hands in outreach projects for Mobile Loaves and Fishes RI, and the

Diocese of Rhode Island’s City Camp. Talk to your Youth Leader to get involved. Youth

leaders should contact Catherine Thenault [email protected]

Episcopal Youth Mission EYE 2011 June 22 -26, 2011Bethel University St. Paul Minnesota. Come together with youth from across the coun-try for a greater awareness of and commitment to God’s mission in the world. View the Chrsitian Formation Catalog at www.episcopalri.org and stay tuned for more info .

2 RISEN / FALL 2010

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2010 Convention Resolutions Each Parish in the Diocese of Rhode Island has a few delegates to our Diocesan Convention, which will

meet October 23rd to vote on the resolutions included in the following pages. Why do you need to know

what these resolutions are? Because they will affect your parish life, and through your parish delegates you have a

vote. Unlike The Episcopal Church’s General Convention, our Diocesan Convention has Clergy members and

lay Delegates, not Deputies. Delegates are required to vote as representatives of their Parish, so to make sure you

are being correctly represented read the following the ten resolutions which were submitted to this year’s resolu-

tions committee, and let your Parish’s delegates know what you’d like to see happen, and what you wouldn’t.

To Do:To Do:• *READ these Resolutions!• *Go to that Deanery M

Will My Voice

Be heard??!

ContentsFEATURESConvention Resolutions 14Will your voice be heard? Read these resolutions and talk about them at your parish to make sure.

Nominations Who’s Who 22Meet this year’s nominees to diocesan leadership posi-tions and to the next General Convention.

New Hispanic Ministry 13The Diocese of RI has started a new Hispanic Min-istry at Ascension Cranston. Read about our new Hispanic Missioner, The. Rev. Mercedes Julian.

Pumpkin Junction at St. John’s 10The Annual Pumpkin Junction at St. John’s Bar-rington becomes a People Junction as the whole com-munity gets involved.

COLUMNSOpenings 4

From the Bishop 4 Body Building 5

Fhristian Formation 6

NewsBriefs 8On the Qur’an Burnings 8RSCM Summer Course 9

Scenes 11Episcopal Charities 12

Episcopal Life 28

Postlude 34

14

9

13

22

10

FALL 2010 / RISEN 3

When Autumn CameFaiz Ahmed Faiz (translated by Naomi Lazard)

This is the way that autumn came to the trees:it stripped them down to the skin,left their ebony bodies naked.It shook out their hearts, the yellow leaves,scattered them over the ground.Anyone could trample them out of shapeundisturbed by a single moan of protest.

The birds that herald dreamswere exiled from their song,each voice torn out of its throat.They dropped into the dusteven before the hunter strung his bow.

Oh, God of May have mercy.Bless these withered bodieswith the passion of your resurrection;make their dead veins flow with blood again.

Give some tree the gift of green again.Let one bird sing.

4 RISEN / FALL 2010

programs will need to be diminished or cut, and this will affect the people who bear responsibility for their im-plementation. It will also affect those who have looked to these ministries for sustenance, guidance, and hands-on assistance. We are being called to take seriously Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus, “Try to find out what

would please the Lord.” (Ephe s i an s 5:10)

When we take council together, we will not ar-rive at a per-fect solution,

but hopefully, at the best decision un-der very difficult circumstances. Some accept decisions and make the best of them; others express their dissatisfac-tion, and a few announce their depar-ture from the Church. Paul and Timo-thy said to the Church at Philippi, “Let your bearing towards one another arise

out of your life in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) And so, as we gather as the Church, the Body of Christ, our conversations take on a holy and sacred search for what God would have us do.

To lead us into our Godly de-liberations, we will celebrate the Eucharist on Friday, October-----at 6PM. Our preacher is The Rev. Canon Andrew White, the “Vicar of Baghdad”, Iraq. His ministry was highlighted in a section of 60 Minutes, and his message speaks of enormous faith and courage, which is available to all of us.

Everyone is invited to share in the Eucharist, and to attend con-vention. It is a good opportunity to observe the workings of your diocese. Hope to see you there!

“Now you are called to work as

a pastor, priest, and teacher, to-

gether with your bishop and fellow

presbyters, and to take your share

in the councils of the Church.”

This statement is part of The Examina-tion of a person about to be ordained to the Priesthood. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 531). As Diocesan Conven-tion draws near, ordained and lay lead-ers will gather to attend to those things that make it possible for us to engage in the work of the Gospel.

As one who has attended over 35 con-ventions in 5 dioceses, I can attest to the sometimes tedious content of “the councils of the Church.” However, I also find myself praising God for the open process by which we engage in decisions that inspire our common mission and its implementation.

One of the challenges this year is to balance financial resources, dioce-san mission, and the needs of the local congrega-tion. The Gospel calls us to par-ticipate in many important min-istries, but no one person, church, or diocese can ful-fill the whole of Jesus’ call. Thankfully, Jesus is speaking to the whole Church, in which we take our part. At the 2010 Convention, we will make difficult decisions as to the ongoing course of our common mission and ministry. We cannot do everything, and some

From The Bishop

no one person, church, or diocese

can fulfill the whole of Jesus’ call.

Thankfully, Jesus is speaking to the whole Church,

in which we take our part.

Bishop Wolf at the Rev. Anne Marie Richards’ Installation at Trinity, Newport

FALL 2010 / RISEN 5

Openings

A year ago, a new relation-ship began in South County. Representatives

from five churches – St. Peter’s by-the-Sea in Narragansett, St. Au-gustine’s in Kingston, St. John the Divine in Saunderstown, Church of the Ascension in Wakefield and Church of the Holy Spirit in Charlestown - gathered to discuss

how they might work together to pro-vide ministry both to and with youth in their churches. While few of these churches had a large enough census of teens to provide a full program, to-gether they had the numbers not only of teens but also of interested adult leaders. From their initial meetings, the South Deanery Youth Group was formed. During the past year, they’ve gathered twice a month for fellowship, fun, worship, study and have partici-pated in several diocesan programs like the 30-Hour Famine. This summer, members of the group took a pilgrimage to the Borderland Ranch in South Da-kota. This year’s plans include monthly outreach opportunities along with their ongoing program. About twenty young people in grades 6-12 regularly attend this program.

Three years ago, the wardens of the Episcopal churches in Warwick began meeting quarterly to get to know one

another and the ministries/activities of the churches that are located a few miles from one another. Although the wardens change, the commitment to work together, to support each other, and to look for opportunities to provide ministry to Warwick continues. The same conversation has begun among the leaders in our Cranston churches. What each church might not be able to do alone, a larger group of churches can accomplish together.

In Rhode Island we are blessed by our compact size which means that no church (with the exception of St. Ann’s on Block Island) is located more than 10 miles from their nearest Episcopal neighbor, most within a much smaller circle. We have the opportunity to work together, to capitalize on our as-sets of place and person, to do greater things than any one person or one church might do.

Priesthood on 12/11/10 on behalf of the Diocese of Chicago.

• The Rev. Patrick Greene, Assis-tant to the Rector at St. Paul’s in Wickford, will be ordained to the Priesthood on 12/18/10

• Emmanuel Church in Newport and the Rev. Dr. Anita Schell Lambert will celebrate their new ministry on 10/17/10 at 4 p.m.

• St. John’s Church in Barrington and the Rev. Robert Marshall will celebrate their new ministry on Friday, 11/12/10, at 6 p.m.

• Grace Church in Providence and the Rev. Jonathan Huyck will celebrate their new ministry on Sunday, 11/21/10, at 4 p.m.

• St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea in Little Compton and the Rev. Peter Tier-ney will celebrate their new minis-try on Sun 1/23/11, at 4 p.m

Churches in Self Study • St. David’s-on-the-Hill, Cran-

ston• All Saints’ Memorial, Provi-

dence• Transfiguration, Cranston• Trinity, Cranston• Christ Church, Westerly• Chapel of St. John the Divine,

Saunderstown• Emmanuel, Cumberland• St. Paul’s Church, WickfordReceiving Names• St. Elizabeth’s, Hope Valley,

VicarRecent Calls• The Rev. Robert Marshall has

been called as Rector of St.

CreativecollaborationBy Betsy Fornal, Canon for Congregations and Clergy

BODY BUILDING:

Clergy Transitions

congregational d e v e l o p m e n t

John’s in Barrington.• The Rev. David Dobbins has been

appointed as Interim Rector, St. Paul’s in Wickford .

• The Rev. Donald Parker has been appointed as Interim Rector, Em-manuel Church, Cumberland.

Ordinations/Celebrations of New Ministry• The Rev. M. P. Schneider was

ordained to the Priesthood on 9/25 at the Cathedral of St. John, Providence. Empy has been called as Rector of St. Mary’s Church in Northfield, VT, beginning at the end of October.

• The Rev. Edmund Harris, Assistant to the Rector at Epiphany in East Providence, will be ordained to the

...Continued on Page 8

6 RISEN / FALL 2010

Openings

...Continued on Page 8

In my notes to you in the latest Christian Formation Catalog, I re-ferred to the abundant blessings I

have been given by serving in the midst of all of you, the faithful, ministering to all of God’s people and each other. I hope these few and simple thoughts will give you a glimpse of what I meant.

During July and August this year, I had the privilege and gift of working side by side with some deeply committed servants of the Lord. As I reflect on my work and ministry in the diocese and beyond, I always have this gift, however this summer it seemed to be even more vibrant.

When I remember the summer of 2010, I will hear

“C- I- T- Y City, C- A- M- P Camp, we’re loud and proud, we don’t mess around, so listen to us chant!”, coming from the voices of young day campers. I will see Meghan and Jordan and Deirdre

and many of the ECC counselors gath-ering God’s children in the Olneyville section of Providence, in Joslin Park, for days of safe and fun games, fieldtrips to museums, the beach, and other oppor-tunities to be together. I will remember Meghan quickly moving from speaking Spanish to English sometimes all in one breath as she made it easy for each fam-ily and their children to participate.

I will remember All Saints Providence and St. Barnabbas, Warwick who regu-larly offered their parish halls to City Camp as a safe and dry place for them to be when the weather turned inclem-ent and the lead-ers from these parishes who of-fered to take the calls at any time of the day or eve-ning in order to be ready for the day ahead.

I will remember the smiles and joy on the faces of these young people everywhere they went, and one time in particular as a group of young girls smiled with delight as they touched the sting rays swimming in their touch tank at Mystic Aquarium.

I will also remember the tireless plan-ning and organizing put into this year’s very first RSCM (Royal School of Church Music America) Newport, RI Summer Course. A week long summer program for choristers (41 attended this year), taught and led by RSCMA’s gift-ed musicians. I will remember Priscilla’s vision and passion for the course and Allen’s meticulous attention to details as he organized and ran the registration and documented the week’s activities in photographs.

I will remember that first night when we all gathered for com-pline in Ochre Court, and the young people who sought out our Chaplain Scott Gunn to ask about adding someone to the prayers or offer to lead them.

I will remember the generous gifts of time and snacks provided by parents of St. Luke’s music pro-gram and the gracious hospitality and the joy and celebration felt at Trinity Newport and at Emman-uel Newport during the services of Evensong and Sunday’s Eucha-

rist.

I will also remember the gener-ous gifts given by p a r i s h e s and indi-viduals in the dio-cese which

brought 4 teens and one adult chaperone from the diocese of Louisiana to attend a week at ECC.

I will remember the spirit of commitment and dedication I observed as Laura and Deborah, Terry and Ciana spoke about sewing quilts late into the night. Quilts which needed to be ready to be blessed at the Eucharist the next day to be ready to be sent to All Souls Parish in New Orleans, Starbirth (a program for Mothers and Children in Rhode Island) and Youth Pride Rhode Island. I will laugh when I remember

It is the seemingly simple, yet constant and committed

ways in which we as Christ’s followers

gather to worship and then offer ourselves for God’s work

of reconciliation in the world

Notes From Christian Formation

Blessings all around us By Mary Ann Kolakowski Director of Christian Formation

FALL 2010 / RISEN 7

Openings

the Bible’, she explained that the spiteful destruction of the sacred texts and religious symbols of oth-ers runs counter to Jesus’ call for mutual respect.

Officials of the RI State Council of Churches spoke of the outcry against this burning from faith groups across the nation, espe-cially the Florida State Council of Churches, and in a particularly poi-gnant moment, Rabbi Stein of the RI Board of Rabbis quoted the Ger-man poet Heinrich Heine, “Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings”.

David Coolidge, the Muslim Chap-lain at Brown University, spoke to the heart of the protest when he explained that Muslims revere books because “they are a sign of the inherent nobility of the human being”, representing the intellect which is considered God’s greatest gift to humanity. In closing, he read the first revelation of the Qur’an which begins with the simple com-mand “Read”, to read for God gives knowledge to humanity by the pen.

Although the Florida pastor did not follow through on his planned burning, the nationwide desecra-tion of the Qur’an he petitioned for still occurred. According to The Guardian (UK), the Qur’an was torn up at gatherings in two states and burned by pastors and a church group in at least two additional states.profession.

On September 10, 2010 at Prospect Park in Provi-dence, the Rhode Island

State Council of Churches (RISCC) and interfaith leaders lodged their protest against the planned Qur’an burning by a pastor in Gainesville, Florida. This denouncement of re-ligious fanaticism took place on the last day of Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan, only one day prior to the Anniversary of the 911 bombings.

Against the backdrop of Roger Wil-liams’ statue, families with small children gathered along with com-munity activists, government of-ficials, students, and clergy people of all faiths. It was a reminder that Rhode Island was founded on Rog-er William’s premise that people who held a variety of religious be-liefs could live in peaceful harmony.

Eight local clergy members spoke out against the proposed burning, including a Jewish Rabbi, a Catho-lic Priest, a Muslim Imam and the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf.

Bishop Wolf reminded Rhode Is-landers that while our country pro-vides for many liberties in the name of free speech; Christians are called to pattern their life and actions on the one who revealed his love for all human kind. Referencing a full page ad placed in the New York Times that day which stated ‘Burn-ing the Qur’an does not illuminate

Against Qur’an Burnings; Bishop Wolf at the RISCC Press Conference By Susan Chase Pracht of St. Martin’s, Providence

In the next several months, mem-bers of the Commission on Con-gregational Development plan to start these conversations in other areas of our diocese. The meet-ings are intended to introduce the great potential of collabora-tive ministries which will be de-fined by the group that gathers. Each group will be self-directed and there is no limit on the min-istries that may arise from these creative conversations.

As God’s hands, feet and voice in this world, we need to dream and work creatively to meet the many needs around us. Together we are stronger than any one of our congregations is alone. Let the conversations begin!

Body BuildingContinued from page 6

the story of Deborah and the Po’ Boys she made as a special snack to share with the rest of the team for that week.

I could go on, but will stop here for now as I leave you with this thought. It is the seemingly sim-ple, yet constant and committed ways in which we as Christ’s fol-lowers gather to worship and then offer ourselves for God’s work of reconciliation in the world that makes us church, and it is happen-ing here every day in the Diocese of Rhode Island. May God con-tinue to bless us and give us the grace to move into the uncharted places where we will be led.

Christian FormationContinued from page 6

NewsBriefs

8 RISEN / FALL 2010

This year the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island and the Roy-al Church School of Music,

America (RSCM) held the first ever Rhode Island RSCM Summer Train-ing Course. The course was held the first week of August at Salve Regina University in Newport, and there was great interest and excitement on that beautiful campus all week.

The Course drew young people ages 9- 17, from 7 states for a great week of singing, learning and friendship for all involved. Choristers were housed in Miley Hall with gorgeous views of the ocean, and a beautiful new chapel which was completed in the spring of 2010 was used to begin each day with Morning Prayer and close with Com-pline.

On the educational level, choristers received private vocal coaching from a highly qualified teacher as well as classes in liturgy. On their course evaluation sheets the choristers gave high marks to the Liturgy Classes and

seemed very engaged in the closing discussions of it.

The schedule for the week also includ-ed rehearsals in preparation for leading Evensong at historic Trinity Church on Wednesday, where afterwards they took a tour of the church and had a barbeque picnic. Choristers also lead worship at Emmanuel Church, which was the site for a second Evensong on Friday and the closing Eucharist on Sunday,

August 8th.

Rehearsals were held at Ochre Court, one of the smaller New-port mansions which is also a tourist attraction at the college. Enthralled tourists frequently stopped to listen to the Choris-ters rehearsing.

To keep it fun, practice and learning were interspersed with activities such as swimming at the many beaches of Newport, a dance with a DJ in the elegant lobby of Ochre Court, and a hi-larious Saturday evening skit and talent show run by choristers for choristers.

With a successful first year be-hind us we plan to offer the RSCM Summer Training Course again next year. Salve Regina has invited us to return August 1 -7 2011 and many choristers have promised to return too. What

could be bet-ter than a week in Newport singing by the sea? Check out http://www.emman-

uelnewport.org/rscm-newport-course-2010 for additional pic-tures and more information.

Youths make music and friends at the rscm summer courseBy Priscilla Rigg, Music Director St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

What could be better than a week in Newport

singing by the sea?

Photos by Allen Hill

FALL 2010 / RISEN 9

NewsBriefs

Each year St. Johns’ Bar-rington receives a mas-sive delivery of pumpkins

from the diocese of Navajoland which carpets our long front hill in orange from late September to Halloween, turning it into a fun fall gathering place for the whole com-munity. The p u m p k i n sale always opens with a Saturday family fes-tival called “p u m p k i n j u n c t i o n” and then the pumpkin patch is open seven days a week, 8 hours a day until Oct. 31st.

What started out as a small fund-raiser has grown into something that is now as much about out-reach and fellowship as it is about

raising money. As I stopped into vari-ous businesses in town hanging posters this year, I became more aware of just how famous our not-so-little pumpkin patch is becoming. I got comments like, “Oh, yes, it’s that time again isn’t it?” or “I hear the pumpkins are com-ing early this year!”

The entire com-munity has now come to expect that delivery truck and that “sea of orange” each fall. We have had new families join or at least return to our parish as a result,

and at the very same time this is our largest fundraiser, which allows us to grow so many of our vital ministries! Now that’s called icing on the pump-kin cake!

This year many hands of all ages and sizes came together to unload the 2,489 pumpkins and set up for Pump-

kin Junction. Over the next month around 120 St. Johns’ parishioners will volunteer to work a one or two hour shift in the pumpkin patch. It’s a great way to meet other parish members, and to introduce community members to the people of our parish. It is truly amazing what we can do as a collective family.

How very fortunate we are that we are actually selling a product that people really want! We have been able to sell all of our pumpkins for the last 4 years running and last year, as Halloween neared, we had customers rummaging through the rotten pumpkin pile, will-ing to buy anything to use for carving. At last years’ parish Halloween party, I stepped outside (fully adorned in my best gypsy costume!) to run to my car at about 8pm and was approached by a woman desperately seeking a pump-kin, which I happily sold her! Indeed, we have found our niche!

On Saturday September 25th at our Pumpkin Junction opening event we had a record-breaking sale day in the patch. There were an abundance of smiling faces as people browsed our 50 plus vendors; rode Okie’s Old Fash-ioned rides; rode ponies from Stony Creek farm; pet Rupert the teacup pig; ate our delicious offerings from the café; or sang, danced and played in-struments with our storyteller amongst the areas finest mums and pumpkins!

Pumpkin Junction at St. John’s becomes a people junction -Kerri Payne, St. John’s Church, Barrington

What started out as a small fundraiser

has grown into something that is now as much about outreach and fellowship

as it is about raising money.

10 RISEN / FALL 2010

NewsBriefs

Scenes1

6

5

7

3

24 AROUND THE DIOCESE

1 About 50 people at the Program & Bud-get Hearing at St. Michaels’ Bristol 2 Cel-ebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Anne Marie Richards and Trinity, Newport 3 The Rev. Mercedes Julian preaches at the new Hispanic Ministry at Ascension Cran-ston (Photo by F. Leon Sibielski) 4 Gen-erous Stewardship at Trinity Church, Newport

AND MORE5 The Rev. Empy Schneider ‘s Ordination to the preisthood. 6 Bishop Wolf offers a toast to the new Rector at Trinity Church Newport 7 Choris-ters at the first annual RSCM America summer course in Newport RI this past August.

FALL 2010 / RISEN 11

NewsBriefs

Episcopal Charities UpdateThe Link Between Healers and Healing

Your Episcopal Charities Dollars at Work:For twenty three years WARM – Westerly Area Rest Meals has been a safe haven to the homeless, the hungry and the most vulnerable in the greater Westerly community.

Over the years WARM has provided safe, temporary drug/alcohol shelter for homeless adults and nutritious lunches and dinners to the hungry; each day, every day in our Community Soup Kitchen.

To respond to the increasing and often changing needs of our clients and the commu-nity, WARM has expanded its programs to include: Attire for Hire – clothing at no cost for people returning to work; Community Critical Needs – financial assistance to help pay basic necessities; WARM-Up transitional housing as residents take their final steps to independence; Harvest Homes – apartments that provide supportive hous-ing for homeless families with intensive case management services ; and Basic Health Care – where a registered nurse practitioner provides basic medical care for residents and soup kitchen guests.

All of WARM’s programs meet a critical need but over the years the Community Soup Kitchen has seen the greatest increases. The number of hungry and those facing food insecurity in the greater Westerly area is staggering. We are seeing more low-moderate income families and the aging elderly on a fixed income visit the kitchen. Individuals and families are forced to make difficult financial decisions – food or rent, food or gas, food or medical bills. Last year, the soup kitchen served 38,036 meals.

I think a good view of WARM’S soup kitchen might best be conveyed in a recent letter I received from a volunteer at an evening meal at WARM.

“Dear Jean, Cooking and serving an evening meal was a great success. We had so much fun. When we got to WARM we worked with Richar, Food Services Assistant, to get everything cooking; then we started working on the placemats. My children helped for about 20 minutes and then they went outside. I was going to call the kids back in to help but I noticed they were playing basketball with a few of the residents and I thought that was just great! We served about 45 meals I think; many guests complimented us on the cooking. Thank goodness – I felt a lot of pressure to deliver a good meal! We met some really nice people that were both residents and guests.

Everyone had so much fun we want to do it again soon. I forgot how nice it was to come and hang out at the Community Soup Kitchen…it had been awhile. It makes you feel that you make a difference.”

The Rev. Deacon Jean Barry is the Executive Director of WARM – Westerly Area Rest Meals at 56 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891, 401-596-9276

WAYS TO GIVE:• Donate online at

www.episcopalri.org/charities• Respond when contacted by our

parish representative.• Send your donation to us at 275

North Main Street, Providence RI. 02903. Include your name, ad-dress, phone, and parish.

• Call 401-274-4500 to learn more.

Campaign Update:

Together, we are continuing a great tradition of being a link between healers and those in need of healing.

Please help reach this very impor-tant goal.

Many thanks to our dedicated vol-unteers who are continuing to work hard to encourage people in their parishes to participate in the impor-tant and wonderful work of Episco-pal Charities.

Congratulations to our donors for their support and commitment to helping so many of our fellow Rhode Islanders who are in fragile situations and living on the edge.

As we get back into the routine of fall, we have asked our volunteers to contact their others who have not yet made a contribution to the Epis-copal Charities Fund.

If you have not participated yet, just think of all the good your gift will do for so many. And, how good you’ll feel!

Please join with others across our diocese to help Christ in healing the gaps, hurts, and brokenness in thousands of lives. We are all feel-ing the pinch in our economy and the problems it has brought, but none more than the most marginal-ized across our state.

As of September 21, 2010, pledge total $327,964.

This is 66% of our $500,000 goal.

For more information on the work of the agencies, go to www.episcopalri.org/Charities and click on “Who We Support”.


NewsBriefs

On August 22nd the first cel-ebration of a Spanish lan-guage Eucharist and the

baptism of two children at Church of the Ascension in Cranston marked the commencement of a new Hispanic ministry in the Di-ocese of Rhode Is-land. Many came from the Diocese of RI’s other His-panic Ministries at St George’s Church in Central Falls and Church of the Messiah in Providence to join Church of the As-cension on this exciting day, and it was a glorious celebration.

In response to the growing Hispanic/Latino population in our state, Rhode Island parishes collectively voted at our Diocesan Convention last October to expand diocesan ministry to this par-ticular population. In the following months, after a careful search, the Rev. Mercedes Julián was called as our new Hispanic Missioner and asked to begin the new Ministry in partnership with

the Church of the Ascension.

The Rev. Mercedes Julián, native to the Dominican Republic, was called to ministry in the late 70’s. She finished

seminary in 1981 in the D.R., and was ordained in Panama in 1990. Since 2004 she has resided in the United States as a Hispanic Mission-ary, first at Grace Church in New

Orleans and then at San Juan in South Carolina.

The beginning of any new congrega-

New Diocesan Hispanic Ministry at Church of the Ascension, Cranston

Photos By F. Leon Sibielski

tion is a challenging task, but on June 1st Mercedes began meet-ing and talking with the local Hispanic community through visits to places people frequent such as supermarkets, banks, laundromats, parks, post of-fices, and restaurants. She also has been helping at the Cranston Food Pantry every week.

Mercedes Julián says, “This is a new opportunity to serve and of-fer others the chance to begin or reinitiate a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The spiritual need is latent in our society; the strengthening of human values and the importance of the family are aspects where the church is needed to guide the community of God in its search for a better world.”

The new ministry at Ascension holds its own services and edu-cational programs in the Spanish language, but the hope is that in many areas of congregational life the Hispanic/Latino congrega-tion will be fully integrated with the existing English speaking congregation of the parish. For example, the choir program for children age 6-12 takes place be-tween the English and Spanish services so that children of both services can participate.

“This is a new opportunity to serve and offer others

the chance to begin or reinitiate

a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.”


NewsBriefs

1.

Inclusiv

e Church

Paperwo

rk

RESOLVED

, That t

his 220t

h Annual

Conven-

tion of

the Dioc

ese of R

hode Isl

and rec-

ommend a

nd encou

rage all

bodies

of the

diocese

to utili

ze all a

vailable

resourc

-

es to re

vise and

adapt f

orms to

be fully

inclusiv

e of all

people:

by incl

uding

lines no

t only f

or one’s

legal n

ame, but

also for

one’s p

referred

name as

well as

one’s ge

nder ide

ntity an

d pronou

n prefer

-

ence.

Explanat

ion

The 76th

General

Convent

ion – h

eld in

2009 – a

dopted s

everal r

esolutio

ns sup-

porting

and affi

rming th

e transg

ender

members

of The E

piscopal

Church.

Reso-

lutions

included

support

ing tran

sgender

civil ri

ghts and

support

ing a fu

lly in-

clusive

ENDA (Em

ployment

Non-dis

crimina-

tion Act

). This

resoluti

on exten

ds into

th go by

his mid

dle name

.

2010 Convention Resolutions Each Parish in the Diocese of Rhode Island has a few delegates to our Diocesan Convention, which will

meet October 23rd to vote on the resolutions included in the following pages. Why do you need to know

what these resolutions are? Because they will affect your parish life, and through your parish delegates you have a

vote. Unlike The Episcopal Church’s General Convention, our Diocesan Convention has Clergy members and

lay Delegates, not Deputies. Delegates are required to vote as representatives of their Parish, so to make sure you

are being correctly represented read the following the ten resolutions which were submitted to this year’s resolu-

tions committee, and let your Parish’s delegates know what you’d like to see happen, and what you wouldn’t.

To Do:To Do:• *READ these Resolutions!• *Go to that Deanery Meeting• *Tell my parish delegates what I think about stuff

• *Pray for wisdom and guidance for all

Will My Voice

Be heard??!


THE TWO HUND

RED TWENTIET

H ANNUAL CON

VENTION

of the DIOCE

SE OF RHODE

ISLAND

REPORT OF TH

E RESOLUTION

S COMMITTEE

To the Bisho

p, clergy, a

nd lay deleg

ates to Dioc

esan Con-

vention:

Eight resolu

tions were d

uly submitte

d by Septemb

er 23,

2010; this w

as the deadl

ine 30 days

prior to Dio

cesan Con-

vention. Ple

ase find the

se resolutio

ns attached

below.

The Resoluti

ons Committe

e met on Sep

tember 24 to

review

all resoluti

ons. Our man

date is to e

nsure that e

ach reso-

lution is in

the correct

form and, i

f necessary,

to rec-

ommend chang

es for compl

iance with t

he canons of

the Dio-

cese of Rhod

e Island or

of the Episc

opal Church.

For each

resolution,

we have issu

ed a recomme

ndation, and

these are

contained he

re with the

resolutions.

One member o

f the Resolu

tions Commit

tee is liste

d as the

submitter of

one of the

resolutions.

That person

did not

vote on the

Committee’s

recommendati

on for that

resolu-

tion.

If you have

questions ab

out our repo

rts, the mem

bers of

the Resoluti

ons Committe

e will be at

Diocesan Co

nvention

and are avai

lable before

then as wel

l.

Yours faithf

ully,

Note: There

is one vacan

cy for a lay

member of t

he Resolu-

tions Commit

tee.

Ms. Carol Anne Bennett

The Rev’d Chris Epperson

The Rev’d Scott Gunn, Chair

The Rev’d William Locke

Mr. Dante Tavolaro


1. Inclusive Church Paperwork

RESOLVED, That this 220th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Rhode Island recom-mend and encourage all bodies of the diocese to utilize all available resources to revise and adapt forms to be fully inclusive of all people: by including lines not only for one’s legal name, but also for one’s preferred name as well as one’s gender identity and pronoun preference.

Explanation

The 76th General Convention – held in 2009 – adopted several resolutions support-ing and affirming the transgender members of The Episcopal Church. Resolutions included supporting transgender civil rights and supporting a fully inclusive ENDA (Employment Non-discrimination Act). This resolution extends into the life of the Church the respect and recognition of transgender people conveyed by these other resolutions, by calling for a small but significant change in forms. This reso-lution would add four lines to Church forms: legal name, preferred name, gender identity, and pronoun preference. The addition of preferred name would benefit many people. A person’s legal name could be William, but he might go by his middle name. For transgender persons, the “preferred name” line can facilitate respectful treatment even if they do not have the financial means to legally change a birth name to one that reflects their gender identity. The choice to write out one’s gender identity (one’s inner sense of oneself as a man, a woman, or another gender category), rather

than the restriction of the categories “male” or “female” from a multiple choice dropdown menu, would significantly facilitate the ability of transgender people to access and take their place within the life of the Church. Similarly, the abil-ity to choose the pronouns by which one is referenced deeply impacts transgender people’s experience on a very concrete level, moment by moment. The imposition of pronouns with which one does not identify can be experienced as profoundly de-humanizing. Adding these four lines to church forms would represent a small but significant step forward as transgender people increasingly take their place in the life of the Church. In a highly concrete way, these changes would reflect our conviction, as stated in our Baptismal Covenant, that we respect the dignity of every human being. Forms are, in a real sense, doorways that can significantly frame our experience of the Church. For transgender people – and indeed, for all – they should stand open, inviting and valuing full participation.

Submitted by

Ms. Caryl Frink, Good Shepherd, Pawtucket

The Rev’d Jennifer Pedrick, Epiphany, Rumford

The Rev’d Jennifer Phillips, St. Augustine’s, KingstonMr. Dante Tavolaro, St. Paul’s, Pawtucket

Report

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution.


2. Handicap Accessibility at Diocesan Events

RESOLVED, That in order to ensure that all people can be welcomed at diocesan liturgies and events, the Diocese of Rhode Island shall commit to holding diocesan events only in those spaces which are substantially compliant with the standards of the “Accessibility Mini-Audit for Churches”, especially those items concerning wheel chair access, and be it further

RESOLVED, that this shall apply to Diocesan Convention, the Convention Eucha-rist, Convocation, and Confirmations.

Explanation

The holy obligation of extending hospitality requires that we make our diocesan events open, welcoming and accessible to people with physical disabilities. While churches may not reach every standard of the Accessibility Mini-Audit, it seems good to set a standard toward which to strive. Meanwhile, we hope to ensure that people in wheel chairs are able to access diocesan liturgies. The Episcopal Church does not seem to have created a compact checklist such as the one to which this resolution refers, so this resolution relies on good work by the United Methodist Church.

The “Accessibility Mini-Audit for Churches” is available online at: http://tinyurl.com/miniaudit

Printed copies will be available at each table during Diocesan Convention.

Submitted by

The Rev’d R. Casey Shobe, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett

Report

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution. This resolu-tion is presented here in a form slightly different from the way in which it was submitted. The Resolutions Committee suggested changes to the submitter, who was supportive of the proposed changes.


3. Transparency in Finances and Leadership

RESOLVED, That in order to encourage open access to information, the Diocese of Rhode Island shall make financial and other leadership information available on its website, and be it further

RESOLVED, That an accurate list of Diocesan leaders, including the members of all elected bodies and all appointed Commissions and Committees of the Diocese, shall be kept on the website and that these lists shall be updated within 30 days of any changes of leadership position whether through election, resignation, appointment, or replace-ment, and be it further

RESOLVED, That monthly treasurer's reports shall be posted within 30 days of the end of each month, and be it further

RESOLVED, That the full report of the audit of the Diocese and a summary of all sig-nificant assets of the Diocese shall be posted annually, including current balance and a brief description of each restricted fund and of any real estate holdings, and be if further

RESOLVED, That summaries of meetings from Diocesan bodies, including Standing Commit-tee, Diocesan Council, and all Commissions, recognizing that some confidential infor-mation may be redacted, shall be posted regularly on the diocesan website or shall be linked from the diocesan website if posted elsewhere, and be it further

RESOLVED, That complete annual reports, including financial reports and audits, of all diocesan institutions, shall either be posted on the diocesan website or shall be linked from the diocesan website if posted elsewhere, and be it further

RESOLVED, That Diocesan Council shall monitor compliance with this resolution.

Explanation

Open access to information is essential in healthy governance. This resolution en-sures that members of the Diocese of Rhode Island will have ready access to financial information. Moreover, this resolution ensures that interested Episcopalians and oth-ers will know who the leaders of the Dioceses are, should they have questions or sug-gestions.

Submitted by

The Rev’d R. Casey Shobe, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett

Report

The Resolutions Committee recommends adoption of this resolution. This resolution is presented here in a form slightly different from the way in which it was submitted. The Resolutions Committee suggested changes to the submitter, who was supportive of the proposed changes.


4. Mutual Ministry Review

RESOLVED, That the Bishop and Standing Committee engage in an annual Mutual Minis-try Review (MMR) each year and publish the results of each MMR in RISEN and on the diocesan web site.

Explanation

Mutual Ministry Reviews are considered “best practice” throughout the Church. The Diocese requires MMR’s to be done in the first year of any Rector’s tenure and en-courages their use throughout a Rector’s tenure. The ongoing use of MMR’s by the Bishop and Standing Committee would both add to the effectiveness of their work together and set a good example for the entire Diocese. An increasing number of Bishops and Standing Committees are already practicing annual MMRs.

Submitted by

The Rev’d Robert T. Brooks, retired Report

The Resolutions Committee recommends that this resolution be referred to the Stand-ing Committee. The Resolutions Committee believes that the intent of this resolution can be achieved by encouraging the Standing Committee to address this topic with the Bishop.

5. Merger of Diocese

RESOLVED, That the Bishop and Sanding Committee or their designees enter into dis-cussions with the Dioceses of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Western Massachu-setts regarding the possibility of merging the Diocese of Rhode Island with one of those dioceses, and report the results of those conversations to the Diocesan Convention in 2011.

Explanation

In times of continued economic uncertainty and the ongoing mergers of parishes in the Diocese of Rhode Island, our diocese should explore the possible benefits of partnering with a neighboring diocese. Provisions for what the Constitution of the Episcopal Church refers to as “the junction of two or more dioceses” can be found in Article V of the Constitution.

Submitted by

The Rev’d Robert T. Brooks, retired Report

The Resolutions Committee recommends that this resolution be referred to the Stand-ing Committee. The Resolutions Committee believes that the intent of this resolution can be achieved by encouraging the Standing Committee to address this topic with the Bishop. The Resolutions Committee notes that there is another resolution covering substantially the same topic as this one. The Convention may address only one reso-lution on the same topic, so if the other resolution has been acted on, then this one will not be acted on.


6. Begin study of possible merger between the Diocese of Rhode Island and a neighbor-ing Diocese.

RESOLVED, That the Standing Committee appoint a study committee to investigate di-ocesan mergers already effected and those under study in the Episcopal Church, and report back to the 2011 Convention their findings, which should include, but not be limited to, options for possible merger.

Explanation

The recent economic decline and the continuing merger and closing of parishes in the Diocese of Rhode Island dictates that it would be prudent to study the possi-bility of merger with another diocese. Our ability to provide fundamental minis-tries in Episcopal parishes and for the common good has been threatened and dimin-ished.

Submitted by

The Rev’d Marsue Harris, Trinity, Cranston Report

The Resolutions Committee notes that there is another resolution covering substan-tially the same topic as this one. The Convention may address only one resolution on the same topic, so if the other resolution has been acted on, then this one will not be acted on. It is the Committee’s sense that the other resolution more effectively ad-dresses the intent of the proposers to encourage conversation about a diocesan merger.

7. Balance the diocesan budget by a one-year reduction of all staff compensation and continuing the compensation freeze through 2011, protecting core ministries

RESOLVED, That the diocesan budget be balanced through the combination of a one-year compensation (and work hour) reduction for all diocesan staff, and the continuation of the compensation freeze for 2011, protecting core ministries through the current downturn.

Explanation

A unanimous resolution of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church, Pawtuxet: Having expressed our opposition to some proposals to balance the diocesan budget through core ministry cuts we feel obligated to offer viable alternatives. We propose that the convention consider balancing the budget in part by temporarily reducing sala-ries for all diocesan staff while preserving church-defining ministries including Christian formation and prison chaplaincy. It is a common practice in industry to preserve the strength and accumulated expertise of the organization through diffi-cult times by retaining all staff while temporarily reducing all staff compensation and working hours. As conditions improve the organization emerges from downturns with full strength.

Submitted by


The Resolutions Committee recommends referral to the Commission on Finance. The Convention should address budget concerns when the budget itself is being considered, not through resolutions.


8. Retain Director of Christian Formation and Resource Center

RESOLVED, That the position of Director of Christian Formation and the associated resource center, proclaimed as high priority ministries of the diocese, be main-tained at 2010 funding levels in 2011, and not reduced and not eliminated to balance the diocesan budget.

Explanation

A unanimous resolution of the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church, Pawtuxet: For our parish Christian formation is a core ministry that depends in important ways on expertise, oversight and resources at the diocesan level. We agree with the high priority the diocese places on Christian formation among its ministries. We therefore oppose proposals to eliminate or to halve the Rhode Island Diocese po-sition of Director of Christian Formation and the associated resource center as a way to balance the diocesan budget.

Submitted by


The Resolutions Committee recommends referral to the Commission on Finance. The Con-vention should address budget concerns when the budget itself is being considered, not through resolutions.

Convention is October 22nd and 23rd 2010

-October 22nd 6pm Opening Eucharist @ the Cathedral -No RSVP necessary & Its FREE! -The Rev. Canon Andrew White “The Vicar of Baghdad” will be guest preacher. Watch his crazy videos of ministry in Iraq online at www.episcopalri.org/diocesan convention .

-Business Stuff is on October 23rd. -Check in at 7:30am & Continental Breakfast by the ECW ! -9:00am SHARP call to order -Register (for this part) online by October 18th. $20 + handling Theres a late fee so do it now at www.episcopalri.org/diocesan convention

Don’t Forget:Don’t Forget:


I am pleased to announce this year’s nominations for the open leadership po-

sitions in the diocese, as well as for our deputation to the next General Con-

vention of the Episcopal Church. Read these biographies carefully, because

at Diocesan Convention on October 23rd your parish Clergy and Delegates

will be asked to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to let them know what you

think, and there are many fine men and women to choose from. Rhode Island

I am proud to present to you the people who will form our future together.

Standing CommitteeThe Rev. Robert T. Brooks, retiredBob has served as rector of two parishes (Christ Church in Kent, Ohio and Grace Church in Providence) and as the Interim at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea in Little Comp-ton. In the Diocese of Rhode Island, Bob has served on Diocesan Council, Finance (Chair), and College Work. Bob serves as a trustee and Treasurer of Episcopal Di-vinity School, as Chair of the Audit Committee of the Episcopal Church, and as a member of the faculty of CREDO.

The Rev. Dr. Anita Schell-Lambert, Emmanuel Church, NewportThe Rev. Dr. Anita Louise Schell-Lambert is the 18th rector of Emmanuel Church, Newport. She is a native of Lancaster, PA and holds degrees in music, English litera-ture, and world religions from Brown University, General Seminary and most recent-ly, the Episcopal Divinity School, where she wrote her doctorate thesis on the topic of environmental justice. She began her ministry at Emmanuel on May 9, 2010. Before moving to the Diocese of Rhode Island, Anita served as the founding Chair of the Diocesan Stewardship Committee of Vermont, President of the Standing Com-mittee of the Diocese of Vermont and as an alternate delegate to the Province I

The Who’s Who Convention 2010’s Nominee Biographies


of the Financial Assistance and Missions Commission and the Liturgy and Music Commission. He is a two time Deputy to General Convention (2006, 2009) and is completing a term on the Standing Committee, serving as President for the past two years. He is currently chaplain to the Mission Task Force and Dean of the Blackstone Deanery. Fr. Locke is a member of the Homeless Working Group in Pawtucket and serves on the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at Rhode Island Hospital.

The Rev. Robert Marshall, St. John’s, BarringtonThe Reverend Robert K. Marshall was recently called as the 14th Rector of St. John's Church, Barrington. He came from St. John's Church in Lynchburg, VA, a large parish in the Dio-cese of Southwestern Virginia, a responsibility which he has had for the past four years. In addition to participating in the liturgical life of the parish and pastoral care of members, Rob-ert has had particular responsibility for outreach and ministry to young families. He has worked extensively in developing children's liturgies and in leading youth mission trips to El Salvador, Belize, Mexico and Navajo land. He holds the degree of Master of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Prior to his ordination to the priesthood he was a TV anchor in North Carolina and Georgia. His interests are varied, and include hiking, camping, fly-fishing, cycling, golf, as well as song-writing and participation in a pop/rock band.

Mr. Dave Siefert, Grace Church, ProvidenceDave Seifert is currently Senior Warden at Grace Church in Providence and is a former member of the parish’s Search Committee and Welcoming Committee; he also serves as a lector and intercessor. Before moving to New England, he twice chaired the Communication Committee for the Diocese of Kansas. At St. Michael and All Angels in Mission, Kansas, one of the nation’s 50 largest Episcopal churches, Dave chaired the Search Committee, Stewardship Committee and Christian Education Committee, and served on the Vestry. Dave spent more than 20 years in employee communication leadership positions with Hallmark Cards and Sprint and now operates his own communication consultancy, whose clients include Hasbro, Hallmark, Textron and National Grid. He is a former worldwide chairman of the International Association of Busi-ness Communicators, the world’s leading resource for effective communication practice and a professional network of nearly 16,000 business communicators in more than 70 countries.

Synod. She chaired the program committee for the Diocese of Vermont’s 2008 Convention which showcased environmental stewardship. While serving St. Peter’s, Bennington, VT, Anita served on various community boards, including Bennington Project Independence, the Turning Point Recovery Club, and Vermont Interfaith Power & Light. As a member of the Ben-nington Interfaith Council Anita founded the free clinic of Bennington, VT. Anita looks forward to serving in the Dio-cese of Rhode Island.

The Rev. Susan Wrathall, St. Mark’s, WarwickThe Rev’d Susan Wrathall is the Rector of St. Mark’s Church in Warwick. She is completing her term on Diocesan Council where she also served on the Executive Committee. She serves on the Program and Budget Committee and on the Episcopal Conference Center board. Susan was ordained to the priest-hood in 2006 while serving as the Assistant to the Rector at St. Paul’s Church in Pawtucket. She has three adult children and two grandchildren.

Mr. William Plumb, Trinity Church CranstonCradle Episcopalian and lifelong member of Trinity Church Cranston. Vestry person for over 20 years, Assistant Treasurer, Junior Warden and Senior Warden. Also served on Finance Committee, Stewardship, Usher and Head of Acolytes. Con-troller at SafeData, Disaster Recovery Firm in Warwick, RI, Past Secretary, Pawtuxet Volunteer Department, past Co-President Pawtuxet Village Association. Harbormaster, City of Warwick, Pawtuxet Cove area. Board of Governors Edgewood Yacht Club. Delegate to Rhode Island Diocesan Convention past 15 years. Standing Committee 4 years and President of Standing Committee 2008.

Diocesan CouncilThe Rev. William Locke, St. Paul’s, PawtucketFr. Locke was ordained deacon and priest in the Diocese of Rhode Island by Bishop George Hunt. He has served as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pawtucket, and since 2002 as Rector of St. Paul’s, Pawtucket. Fr. Locke has served on the Christian Social Relations Commission, and as chair


Mr. Dante Tavolaro, St. Paul’s, PawtucketDante is in his Senior Year at Rhode Island College, where he majors in Political Science with a minor in International Non-Governmental Organization Studies. He has served in several ministries in the diocese including ECC, the Environmental Stewardship Task Force, as a General Convention Deputy in 2009, and has just completed the Diocesan Discernment Pro-gram. As a parishioner of St. Paul’s Pawtucket, he is involved heavily in the music program, is a Rite 13 leader, serves in vari-ous liturgical capacities, has been involved with EfM, and is a delegate to Diocesan Convention. Dante is also a part of Epis-copalians for Global Reconciliation, TransEpiscopal, Integrity, and the Episcopal Public Policy Network. In the community he is involved at Youth Pride Inc., the LGBT Substance Abuse Council, and Student Community Government at RIC – with service as a Finance Committee Member, By-laws and adjudi-cation member, and a student representative on the Council of RIC.

Commission on Congregational DevelopmentThe Rev. Susan Carpenter, St. Thomas’, GreenvilleSusan was born in Providence, RI and grew up in Scituate. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Rhode Island College in Education and a Master of Divinity from The Gen-eral Theological Seminary. She was a sixth grade teacher in the Scituate School system. She and her family lived in Gloces-ter on a 50 acre farm, and in 1987 left teaching and opened "Cherry Valley Herb Farm". She operated the herb farm until going to NYC to seminary in 2005.

Susan was active for many years at her home parish of Trinity, North Scituate in numerous roles. She has been involved in the wider church community in the Central Deanery as well as serving on the Diocesan Council, Executive Council, Bridge-builders and the ECC board. She was the Associate Rector at St. John’s in Barrington, before becoming the Priest-in-Charge at St. Thomas’ Church in Greenville, as well as the Program Director at ECC this past May. Susan has been married to Brian Carpenter for 35 years and they have two sons, Scott and Peter. She and Brian now live back in Scituate, where she tries

very hard to find the time for her hobbies of creating stained glass and copper enameled jewelry.

The Rev. Canon David J. Lucey, St. Michael’s, BristolThe Reverend Canon David J. Lucey has been serving as the Rector of St. Michael’s Church in Bristol, R.I. since February 2009. Sponsored and ordained in the Diocese of New York, Canon Lucey has served in three parishes from New York to Illinois with a focus on family ministry, and Christian Forma-tion. In addition to Christian Formation issues he has worked in parish development and successfully led the financing and restoration of an historic Episcopal Church building in the diocese of Maine while his parish also improved their annual Stewardship Commitment by over $100 thousand. Canon Lu-cey currently chairs the Diocesan Program and Budget Com-mittee as well as serving on the Commission on Ministries. He came to ordained ministry after fifteen years in the finan-cial services industry, primarily with the Bank of New York in Manhattan.

Ms. Jaquelyn Kirby, St. Matthew’s, JamestownJacquelyn (Jackie) Kirby is a graduate of Berkely Divin-ity School at Yale (MDiv, 2008), where she received the St. George's College, Jerusalem Award for her commitment to in-terfaith dialogue. She completed her pastoral education (CPE) at the Eleanor Slater Hospital in Cranston, RI and served as an intern at St. James Episcopal Church in New London, CT and St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Kingston, RI. Prior to attending divinity school, Jackie was a writing professor and Associate Director of the Writing Program at Boston Univer-sity. She currently serves on the vestry, preaches, and performs a variety of other ministries at St. Matthew's Church in James-town, RI. Jackie lives in Jamestown with her husband, Ed, and her two-year old daughter, Annie.

Deputation to The General ConventionThe Rev. Scott Gunn, Christ Church, Lincoln


The Rev’d Scott A. Gunn is Rector of Christ Church in Lin-coln, RI. Scott is committed to the Church and its need to be both relevant in our modern context and rooted in the ancient traditions. At Christ Church, he is seeking to build on the best aspects of local tradition while radically expanding minis-tries and mission. Scott is running for re-election as a Deputy, having served at General Convention in 2009. In addition to his service as a Deputy, Scott serves on Diocesan Council and as the chair of the Resolutions Committee. He is a native of Iowa and was educated at Luther College, Yale University, and Brown University. Prior to ordination he worked in in-formation technology, working for a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations (The Atlantic Monthly, MIT Media Lab, Education Development Center, IBM). He is married to Sherilyn Pearce.

The Rev. William Locke, St. Paul’s, PawtucketFr. Locke was ordained deacon and priest in the Diocese of Rhode Island by Bishop George Hunt. He has served as Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pawtucket, and since 2002 as Rector of St. Paul’s, Pawtucket. Fr. Locke has served on the Christian Social Relations Commission, and as chair of the Financial Assistance and Missions Commission and the Liturgy and Music Commission. He is a two time Deputy to General Convention (2006, 2009) and is completing a term on the Standing Committee, serving as President for the past two years. He is currently chaplain to the Mission Task Force and Dean of the Blackstone Deanery. Fr. Locke is a member of the Homeless Working Group in Pawtucket and serves on the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at Rhode Island Hospital.

The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, Church of the Epiphany, East ProvidenceI have been a priest for eleven years and Rector of Church of the Epiphany, East Providence for eight years. During this time I believe I have grown in leadership and ministry. It has been a privilege to lead Church of the Epiphany as it has grown in faith, size and service in Christ. Over time, I have served the Diocese as a member of Diocesan Council, the Clergy Continuing Education Committee, Bridgebuilders, the Commission on Ministry, and the Standing Committee. I was a Deputy to the 2009 General Convention and was the Chair for the Diocesan Mission Task Force in 2010. In my life beyond church, I am happily married to Mike DeAngelo and

we have two daughters, Lydia and Bella.

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Philips, St. Augustine’s, KingstonI attended the last General Convention for RI as an alternate. The particular usefulness I offer to this diocese if re-elected, being Vice President of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music that has been working for years on rites for the blessing of same sex relationships and civil marriages, new Eucharistic rites, creation and Creator-honoring rites, Holy Women Holy Men (now in evaluation process), and liturgical education materials, is the chance to carry this work forward & take your voice onto Committee 13 (Liturgy, BCP, and Mu-sic) at Convention. I have just edited and helped author an SCLM book on Reconciliation rites coming out this fall from Church Publishing. My prayers appear in the new Prayerbook for the Armed Services and two books of my own from CPI. I’ve served as Rector in RI 10 years, MO 5 years, MA 7 years; 7 years hospital chaplain associate.

The Rev. Melody Shobe, Christ Church, LincolnThe Reverend Melody Wilson Shobe has been serving for two years as the Associate Rector of Christ Church in Lincoln, RI, where she focuses on Christian formation and outreach. Mel-ody grew up in Virginia and was educated at Tufts University and Virginia Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Rhode Island, she served at St. Thomas the Apostle in Nassau Bay, Texas. There she was a member of the Christian Formation Commission of the Diocese of Texas and wrote for Episcopal Café. As a priest who is not yet thirty, she hopes to engage more people her age in the life of the Episcopal Church, be-cause she believes our rich liturgical tradition and emphasis on intellectual engagement have a lot to offer those searching for meaning in today’s world. Melody is excited about being a delegate to General Convention, where she can get a vision of the wider church that reaches beyond our geographical and ideological differences to try and serve God. She hopes that, following General Convention, she will be able to bring some of that excitement back to the Diocese of Rhode Island.

Ms. Carol Anne Bennett, St. Mar-tin’s, ProvidenceCurrently, I am the Financial Administrator at St. Martin’s Church in Providence,


President and Executive Director of New England Amateur Skating Foundation, and Bookkeeper at Preserve Rhode Is-land. In the diocese, I am Chair of the Commission on Min-istry, and have served previously on the Standing Committee, Resolutions Committee, Commission on Financial Assistance and Missions, Admissions Committee, and ECC Board of Managers. I have been a Deputy to General Convention four times. In my parish, I have served on the Vestry and Finance, Outreach, and Worship Committees. I am a licensed lay read-er and chalice bearer. In the community, I have served on Al-location Committees for United Way and when my children were small I served on the Board of Governors and various committees at their school.

Ms. Amy Esposito, St. Martin’s, ProvidenceAmy Esposito is a freshman at Georgetown University. She is a recent graduate of Lincoln School in Providence, RI where she was an active member of the Judicial Board, Student Council, and the Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice. At St. Martin’s, Amy has served as a lector, acolyte, Sunday school teacher, lay Eucharistic minister, and was an active youth group member. She also served on a mission trip in New Orleans in the spring of 2009. She attended ECC in 7th grade and Happening #62. Amy was a RI delegate to the Episcopal Youth Event in 2008 and was a member of the Official Youth Presence in General Convention 2009. While at Convention, she addressed the Episcopal Church Women and wrote and spoke to a resolution that promotes youth participation on parish vestries. Amy re-cently returned from a two week Pilgrimage to the Holy Land sponsored by Camp Kanuga.

Mr. Joel Gardner, Christ Church, Lincoln Joel Gardner is a communicant of Christ Church, Lincoln where he serves as Senior Warden. He previously served on the vestry, as treasurer, and as warden at St. James Church in Woonsocket. He has been a delegate to diocesan convention, and was a presenter at this year’s Leadership Development Day. A graduate of Bryant University and Rhode Island Col-lege, Joel is a second career teacher employed as the Math De-partment Chair at Shea High School in Pawtucket. Teaching in an urban school with a diverse student population gives Joel an appreciation for the richness that various cultures bring to a community. He would very much like to bring this experi-ence, and his commitment to supporting congregational devel-opment and mission work in his parish to share with members

of the wider church. In return, he knows that collaboration with those members will provide a wealth of ideas that can be brought back to our diocese. Joel and his wife Doreen have two children who are currently preparing for college.

Ms. Maryann Kolakowski, St. Paul’s, PawtucketI am a lay person, and my daughter and I are active members of St. Paul’s Church, Pawtucket. I am currently serving as Di-rector of Christian Formation offering support and resources to parishes, individuals and ministries throughout the diocese. Prior to serving on Diocesan Staff, my previous parish and di-ocesan leadership experience includes having served as a Vestry person, Jr. and Sr. Warden, leadership in the Central Deanery, Diocesan Council and over the years serving on a variety of task forces and committees formed by the Council in order to support and grow the life of this Christian Community, one of which was the Program and Budget Committee at the time of the first triennial budget. Currently, I am active in Province 1 and serve as the Co Convener of the Christian Formation and Youth Networks.

I am seeking election as a Lay Deputy to the next and 77th General Convention having served as an Alternate Deputy in 2006 and as a Deputy and part of the World Mission Commit-tee in 2009. I hope that what I have learned and experienced in the previous two General Conventions will help me to offer myself and my gifts in the way that can best serve our wider church. I will bring my passion for mission and commitment to Lifelong Christian Formation to this body if elected.

Ms. Phoebe Pettingell, St. Ste-phen’s, ProvidenceA professional writer and lifelong Episcopalian, Phoebe Pet-tingell attended every General Convention from 1979 through 1994 as a lay delegate from the Diocese of Fond du Lac, Wis-consin; and has since continued to attend in various capaci-ties for such official bodies as the General Convention Office and the Ecumenical Office. In 1995, she was appointed to The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM), where she chaired the Expansive Language Project which produced volumes 1 and 2 of Enriching Our Worship in 1997 and 2000. Continuing as a consultant for the SCLM, she was principal editor of EOW 5: Liturgies and Prayers Related to Childbear-ing, Childbirth, and Loss (2009), and worked extensively on the new Episcopal Calendar of Saints, Holy Women, Holy


Men (2009). Here in the Diocese of Rhode Island, Phoebe serves on the Commission on Ministry and as Clerk of the Vestry at S. Stephen’s Church in Providence.

Mr. Dennis Stark, St. Martin’s, ProvidenceDennis is a member of the Vestry and Treasurer of St. Martin’s Church in Providence and a member of the Diocesan Coun-cil and its Executive Committee. He is a past Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Commission of the Diocese. He is on the board of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA and is Chairman of their Audit Committee.

He has served as a Deputy to General Convention for three terms, as a Lay Deputy on the Executive Council of The Epis-copal Church, and as a member of its Administration & Fi-nance Committee and Investment Committee.

In addition to his church service, Dennis is President of the Pawtucket History Research Center, President-Elect of the Gilbert Stuart Museum, Vice President of the Preservation Society of Pawtucket, Vice Chairman of the Historic District Commission of Pawtucket, and Chairman of the Audit Com-mittee of the Redwood Library & Athenaeum.

He is also a board member of the Rhode Island Historical Soci-ety, Friends of the Brown Library, Museum of Primitive Art & Culture, Rhode Island Philatelic Society, Chorus of Westerly, Friends of the Pawtucket Public Library, and a member of the Pawtucket Police and Firemen Pension Commission. He has served as Vice Chairman of the Budget Panel of the United Way, Treasurer of the Greater Providence YMCA, and on the board of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and Music School.

Dennis served for five years as Vice President for Business & Finance at the University of Rhode Island and was Chief Financial Officer of six banks in five states over a thirty-five year banking career. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, studied international economics at Princeton Univer-sity, and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois Wes-leyan University.

Dennis has resided in the Oak Hill neighborhood of Pawtuck-et since l998.

Mr. Dante Tavolaro, St. Paul’s, PawtucketSee Dante’s Biography printed in full on page 24 as he is also a nominee for Diocesan Council.

PHOTO: Bishop Wolf with our Deputation to the 2009 General Convention in Anaheim California.


episcopalchurch.org/ens

episcopalnewsquarterly

+

fall 2010

BISHOPS SEE BORDER REALITIESBy Pat McCaughan

THE NAMES OF those who died trying

to cross the desert sounded against the

hum of rush hour traffic Sept. 14 as 60

Episcopal Church bishops, their spouses

and others moved along the Pan American

Highway in Douglas, Ariz., toward Mexico.

As the roll was called, the procession

responded: “Presente,” answering for

those unable to speak for themselves.

Then, each participant placed a 12- by 18-

inch wooden cross, inscribed with a name or

“No Identificado” followed by a number for

the unidentified dead, on the curbside.

By the procession’s end, 300 crosses

stretched for a quarter-mile to the border,

representing the bodies discovered in the

desert in Cochise County since 1994.

The vigil was part of a three-day “border

immersion experience” before the House of

Bishops meeting in Phoenix (see Page D).

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

said she gained a sense of the situation’s

complexity and thought the visit would “help us

to reduce both our own caricatures and preju-

dices and maybe do the same for others.”

DIOCESAN DIGESTBishops speak on migration, Haiti, MDGs

DIOCESAN DIGESTDreaming of orchards as recovery continues

CHURCHWIDEMoravians vote for full communion

p.D p.E p.F

Bishops participate Sept. 14 in the Healing our Borders vigil organized by Frontera de Cristo, a Douglas, Ariz.-based organization, to commemorate the 300 people who have died crossing the border in Cochise County since 1994. Photo/Lynette Wilson

B episcopal news quarterly fall 2010 episcopalchurch.org/ens

WE MUST JOIN IMMIGRATION DIALOGUE by Katharine Jefferts Schori

MOST EPISCOPALIANS are aware of,

and probably invested in, the current

public debates about immigration in

the United States. The 15 other nations

represented in the Episcopal Church also

are engaged in similar debates and

struggles over the same issues of

national security, economic and

political refugees and the rela-

tive priorities of citizens and

immigrants.

Our biblical tradition speaks

loudly and prophetically about

God’s intent for a healed society

in which distinctions based on

nationality or ethnicity are tran-

scended. The Hebrew Bible speaks

more often (38 times) and more vocifer-

ously about welcome for the alien and

the sojourner (the non-Jew who resides

in or travels through Israel) than any

other topic of identity: “Remember that

you were slaves in Egypt … do not op-

press the aliens in your midst” (Deuter-

onomy 24:18-22).

The great prophetic vision of Zion is as

a light to the nations, where all will worship

God and do justice together (Isaiah 42:6-7;

Isaiah 60:3), where people from every lan-

guage, family and nation gather before the

throne of God to build a city of peace and

justice (Revelation 5:9-10; 21:22-26). That

overarching dream of differing peoples

gathered to worship and build a just society

also underlies the founding vision of the

United States. Those American forebears

claimed that vision of a “city built on a hill”

to which the nations shall stream.

The Episcopal Church long has

claimed a particular place in seeking

to build those divine visions into reality

through engagement with our political,

economic and social structures – and

not only in the United States. That

engagement with society is a

central aspect of the Episcopal

Church’s mission in every part

of the world in which it exists –

those like Honduras and Haiti,

which still are part of this church,

and those like Liberia and the Philip-

pines, now in other provinces of the

Anglican Communion. We believe that

our faith has something essential to do

with how we engage major social issues,

and migration is a central one at present.

Attitudes and political approaches to

migration in the United States and across

the globe have changed in the last decade

both because of increased fears about

terrorism and national security and be-

cause of the ongoing economic crisis. Both

realities have engendered responses that

turn inward to focus on personal security,

both physical and economic.

Those fears are powerful forces, and

they are understandable, even if they are

not always wholly rational. Uncontrolled

migration across the U.S.-Mexico border,

for instance, actually has decreased by

two-thirds over the last decade, and the

total number of undocumented immi-

grants in the United States has declined

about 10 percent. Violent crime in the

border states has decreased signifi cantly

over the same time period. Yet most

American citizens still believe that more

people are coming and that violence

continues to increase.

Those fears, whether substantiated

by declining employment opportunities

or baseless prejudice, are contributing

to increased tribalism across the globe.

Tribalism is the belief that our group is the

only “good” one and that “we” must protect

ourselves from all “others” who are really

out to destroy us. That attitude is funda-

mentally un-Christian, for it denies that the

“other” really bears the image of God.

At the same time, that kind of attitude

has emerged repeatedly in the United

States and elsewhere as the local people

are threatened by changes represented

by newly arriving groups. Immigrants to

the United States from Ireland, Spain, the

Basque country, Italy, Poland and many

other places have experienced that kind

of xenophobic response in recent centu-

ries. That sort of response is not terribly

far from racism, which forced-immigrants

from Africa and their descendants

continue to experience, and which in an

ironic reversal continues to shape Anglo

responses to Native Americans.

Human beings have packed up and

moved for millennia,

are engaged in similar debates and

struggles over the same issues of

national security, economic and

God’s intent for a healed society

through engagement with our political,

economic and social structures – and

not only in the United States. That

engagement with society is a

central aspect of the Episcopal

which still are part of this church,

and those like Liberia and the Philip-

pines, now in other provinces of the

THE PRESIDING BISHOP’S MESSAGE

The Episcopal Churchwelcomes you

(to page D)

Cepiscopalchurch.org/ens episcopal news quarterly fall 2010

THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

BEING STEWARDS OF GOD’S MYSTERIESby Bonnie Anderson

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (I Corinthians 4:2).

ON THE AUTUMNAL equinox just a few

days ago, as the earth was tipping on its

axis, congregations all across the Episco-

pal Church were hoping to tip themselves

into the black by preparing for their annual

stewardship campaigns. In the Episcopal

Church, the fall stewardship campaign,

or “pledge drive,” is as predictable as the

rising and setting of the sun.

Even though the stewardship-cam-

paign ritual continues as usual in congre-

gations across the church, this year the

situation is different. All across the globe,

people face new and significant economic

challenges. Unemployment rates are at

all-time highs, funding for public educa-

tion is inadequate, and public services are

on the chopping block. Too many people

are unable to earn even a subsistence in-

come, and too many children and seniors

suffer too much.

The significant societal economic and

environmental change happen-

ing all around us calls us to look

at old practices in new ways. Our

response to all that God has given

us through stewardship – the biblical

tithe and giving of our time, talent and

treasure – has a new sense of urgency.

Like a pebble thrown in a pond, the

pledge that an individual or family makes

to a congregation sustains the ministry of

the congregation and, in turn, contributes

to the ministry of the diocese through the

congregation’s contribution. The ripple

effect carries from our homes to our con-

gregations, to our dioceses and on to the

wider Episcopal Church to support and

enable God’s work in the world.

Until the last several years, giving

increased in the Episcopal Church faster

than the rate of inflation. While member-

ship in the Episcopal Church and at-

tendance at Sunday worship have been

decreasing since 2002, stewardship

trends primarily have been positive.

According to Kirk Hadaway, director of

research for the Episcopal Church, plate

and pledge giving increased steadily

from 1991 to 2008, when it dropped for

the first time since good records were

available. The average pledge among

domestic parishes increased from $1,791

in 2003 to $2,302 in 2008, and plate and

pledge giving per attendee increased

from $1,496 to $1,883 during the same

period, Hadaway has found.

Perhaps now we are being called by

God to return to our pre-

2008 generosity, even in

the face of economic crisis.

Perhaps we are being called

to revisit our concepts of success

and wealth, and invent a lifestyle that

reflects the Christian values we profess to

hold. Our stewardship practice can exem-

plify our moral theology and demonstrate

the ways we are stewards of relation-

ships, time and money while maintaining

a balance between responsibility and ac-

tion. God’s work seeks a rare equilibrium.

Let’s put a lid on our own personal

spending and envision ourselves living

within a personal budget that is lower than

what we really have available. Let’s call

the difference between our real income

and our budget a “cost of giving” increase.

We can target our personal tithe on the

real income, then add the cost of giving.

Then give the total amount away.

Like the harvest moon, which unusu-

ally coincided with the autumnal equi-

nox this year, the yearly stewardship

campaign may look like just another

business-as-usual event to the unprac-

ticed eye. But God’s work is never busi-

ness as usual. Each individual’s, family’s,

congregation’s and diocese’s giving

takes on immeasurable significance in

these tough times, calling us anew to

unimagined opportunities to live as the

holy people of God.

‘ Perhaps we are being called to revisit our concepts of success and wealth, and invent a lifestyle that reflects the Christian values we profess to hold.’

D episcopal news quarterly fall 2010 episcopalchurch.org/ens

TOP STORIES

PRESIDING BISHOP, FROM PAGE B

in search of food, shelter, safety, better

climate, economic opportunity and free-

dom. The presenting issue in the United

States centers on American labor needs

and economic need in Mexico and other

Latin American countries. The American

economic system depends on labor that

is not being provided by citizens. Mexi-

can citizens seek to fill that labor need in

order to answer their economic need. We

currently do not have legal structures that

permit an adequate and appropriate flow

of labor to satisfy those mutual needs.

Americans benefit from the current

system, which encourages “illegal” migra-

tion, primarily in the form of low-cost food.

Americans also benefit from a larger

international system that privileges do-

mestic crop production through subsidies

and penalizes food production in other

nations through import duties. We cannot

separate the immigration issue from the

economic systems in which we all partici-

pate and from which only some profit.

We all agree that American immigra-

tion law is broken. Just and appropri-

ate responses can be shaped in public

conversations in which people of faith do

and must have a voice. As you engage

in that civic discourse, I would encourage

you to learn more about the underly-

ing issues and then gather with others

in your congregation and in the larger

community to reflect on a number of

questions:

What values do I as a Christian

hold about the dignity of every human

person?

Should immigrants be treated differently

from citizens and, if so, how and why?

What values do I believe this nation

should hold up as central?

What are my own fears in the midst of

this current debate?

What is my prayer?

BISHOPS SPEAK ON MIGRATION, HAITI, MDGS, BENNISONBy Mary Frances Schjonberg and Pat McCaughan

THE HOUSE OF Bishops, concluding its

Sept. 16-21 gathering, issued a pastoral

letter and a “theological resource” on

immigration, pledged to support a major

fund drive to aid rebuilding the Episcopal

Church in Haiti and reaffirmed support for

the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.

The bishops also called on Diocese of

Pennsylvania Bishop Charles Bennison

to “tender his immediate and uncondi-

tional resignation.” Bennison, saying

that he has “always been innocent of the

charges against me,” announced Sept.

22 that he would not resign. He said he

hoped that “the suffering I have endured

during the past three years has strength-

ened me and will enable me to work for

reconciliation within the diocese.”

Bennison resumed his role as dioc-

esan bishop Aug. 16, after the church’s

Court of Review for the Trial of a Bishop

overturned a lower church court’s finding

that he should be deposed (removed)

from ordained ministry because he

had engaged in conduct unbecoming a

member of the clergy. The review court

agreed with one of the lower court’s

two findings of misconduct but said that

Bennison could not be deposed because

the charge was barred by the church’s

statute of limitations.

On immigration, the bishops said,

the motivation for reform begins with “an

obligation to advocate for every undocu-

mented worker as already being a citizen

of God’s reign on earth and one for

whom Christ died.”

In their 17-page “The Nation and the

Common Good: Reflections on Immi-

gration Reform,” the bishops said that

concerns about “the threat uncontrolled

immigration poses to our safety and eco-

nomic well-being” must be “approached

within the broader context of a national

commitment and covenant to inclusion

and fellowship across all lines for the

sake of the common good.”

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts

Schori predicted that the document

would be “the subject of a great deal of

conversation and, I hope, learning over

the coming months and years.”

The Episcopal Church’s stance on

immigration reform is guided by the

policies set out in General Convention

resolutions. Most recently, Resolution

B006, passed in 2009, repeated

the church’s call for comprehensive

immigration reform.

In other actions, the bishops, noting

the Sept. 20-22 high-level United Nations

summit on progress towards achieving

the Millennium Development Goals, called

the goals “a response to God’s mission of

restoration and reconciliation” and pledged

“to re-engage our dioceses in helping to

achieve the goals of the MDGs.”

The bishops also backed a planned

fundraising appeal to help the Episcopal

Diocese of Haiti rebuild after a magni-

tude-7 earthquake on Jan. 12 devastated

the country. The idea began with Execu-

tive Council’s challenge to the church to

raise at least $10 million for initial recon-

struction. The council was due to discuss

the appeal in more detail during its Oct.

23-25 meeting in Salt Lake City.

Eepiscopalchurch.org/ens episcopal news quarterly fall 2010

churchwide

By Mary Frances Schjonberg

THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE of the Mora-

vian Church voted Sept. 10 to enter into full

communion with the Episcopal Church.

The 121-74 vote came after two

hours of debate on the second day of the

church’s Sept. 9-12 quadrennial

Provincial Synod at Blue

Ridge Assembly in Black

Mountain, N.C.

Presiding Bishop

Katharine Jefferts Schori

said after learning of the

decision, “I am delighted that

the Southern Province has discerned

the rightness of a full-communion agree-

ment with the Episcopal Church. Togeth-

er we will be better able to serve Christ

our chief elder and all God’s people.”

“This is an important action for our

churches, both Moravian and Episcopal,”

Wayne Burkette, Moravian bishop and

outgoing Provincial Elders’ Conference

president, said in a press release. “Full

communion acknowledges our essential

unity as disciples of Jesus Christ and

enhances our witness to the world.”

Diocese of Milwaukee Bishop Steven

Miller told ENS that he hoped the decision,

paired with a similar agreement made in

June with the Moravian Northern Province,

“will mean that we can really support one

another’s ministries in some new and excit-

ing ways and deepen the learnings from

one another through some real experi-

ences of each other’s tradition and gifts.”

Miller, co-chair of the Moravian Episco-

pal Dialogue, addressed the synod before

the vote. He said he told the participants

“we were given an opportunity today to

witness that disagreement doesn’t mean

division and to witness to our com-

mon unity in Christ.”

During the ensuing debate,

members defeated an amend-

ment to table the issue indefinite-

ly. Earlier, a legislative committee

rejected as out of order a substitute

resolution critical of what it called the

Episcopal Church’s “rejection of the

authority of the Scriptures” and other

theological standards, and noted the

tension between parts of the church and

the Anglican Communion. The substitute

resolution would have postponed any

decision until 2014.

The Rev. Thomas Ferguson, the Epis-

copal Church’s officer for ecumenical and

interreligious affairs, told ENS that the

Episcopal Church was “not of one mind”

on certain theological issues.

“I firmly believe that this is something

that we can struggle with together,” he said.

“We can move ahead despite our dis-

agreements. In fact, I think we’re called

to move ahead with disagreements. I

appreciated the honesty and clarity with

which the debate went on here – the fact

that people were clear and honest about

where they feel there are some disagree-

ments. I don’t think full communion

requires us to reach unanimity on those

[disagreements].”

The Moravian Church does not allow

service by openly gay and lesbian mem-

bers, but the church’s international body,

the Unitas Fratrum, has said the issue is

not a doctrinal matter, Ferguson has noted.

A liturgical service to inaugurate the

agreements will be held later this year or

early in 2011, and the denominations soon

will begin “the process of working together

in mission and ministry,” Ferguson said.

The Northern Province of the Moravi-

an Church on June 18 agreed by a near-

ly unanimous voice vote to enter into full

communion with the Episcopal Church.

Each province can independently enter

into full-communion relationships.

The Episcopal Church agreed during

the 2009 General Convention to enter

into a full-communion relationship with

both provinces.

Diocese of Milwaukee Bishop Steven Miller, co-chair of the Moravian Episcopal Dialogue, addresses the Provincial Synod of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church June 18 after the synod agreed to be in full communion with the Episcopal Church. Photo/Kat Lehman, Diocese of Bethlehem

MORAVIANS VOTE FOR FULL COMMUNION

episcopal news quarterly fall 2010 episcopalchurch.org/ensF

diocesan digest

By Mary Frances Schjonberg

FIVE YEARS AGO as New Orlea-

nians struggled to survive in the

wake of Hurricane Katrina, few if

any were thinking about trying to

plant an orchard in the Uptown

neighborhood.

A group supported by the

Jericho Road Episcopal Housing

Initiative is working toward just that

goal. The orchard will complement

the community garden that already

exists in the Faubourg Delassize

“sub-neighborhood” of what some

call the Uptown and others refer to

as Central City.

Jericho Road and Episcopal

Community Services of Louisiana

are two Episcopal Church-affiliated

organizations that have grown and trans-

formed themselves and the people they

serve since they began work during the

months after Katrina wreaked destruction

over the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005.

Nell Bolton, ECSLA executive director,

recently told ENS that the organization

had spent the last year transforming itself

from the Diocese of Louisiana’s Office of

Disaster Relief out of “a real recognition

that as the church we do have a role to

play in addressing immediate crises in

our midst, as well as longer-term crises

around poverty, racism and exclusion.”

Brad Powers, Jericho Road’s ex-

ecutive director, said that organization’s

“core idea, which we still have, of creat-

ing housing” soon grew to where the staff

saw that high-quality, low-cost housing

was “one piece of an orchestrated effort

that we’ve come to discuss as commu-

nity revitalization.”

Jericho Road’s idea for an orchard

was one of five winners in the Communi-

ties Take Root competition sponsored

by Edy’s Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree

Planting Foundation.

“We would never have been able to

pick out of thin air that an orchard was

something that a bunch of residents

would want to have in their neighbor-

hood,” Powers said. Such ideas come

of “trying to provide confidence, trying

to provide improvements to the built

environment, trying to

link residents to each

other and trying to

brand the area a little.”

ECSLA has helped

more than 3,500

New Orleans-area

residents to restore

their homes, lives and

communities, and

hosted more than

12,000 volunteers who

came to the area to

help in the recovery

effort, according to a

summary of the orga-

nization’s work. Some

of ECSLA’s work has

occurred in the same

area where Jericho Road operates.

“Clearly people have gone through an

extraordinary healing journey, but many

others are still on that journey,” Bolton

said.

There is a “fragility of well-being”

among many Katrina survivors, she said.

Bolton’s work has reminded her that

“without real intentional focus the most

vulnerable will continue to get passed

by … and that that is a place that we are

called to be as a church.”

DREAMING OF URBAN ORCHARDS AS KATRINA RECOVERY CONTINUES

An Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana volunteer builds a deck for one of the many homeowners who had their homes destroyed by Hurri-cane Katrina. More than 12,000 volunteers from across the United States, as well as from other countries, have helped New Orleans-area families restore their lives since 2005. Photo/ECSLA

Dear Readers,

Here is a secret: The Convention Issue of RISEN Magazine is my least favorite issue of the year. I hear the feeling is mutual. And yet, this is perhaps the most important issue we release.

As much as Convention details can be tedious, as much as we would all prefer to hear and do fellowship and ministry all the time, it is Convention’s planning and crafting of our future that enables us to spend the rest of our time (or pages in RISEN’s case) in more meaningful feeling pursuits.

My hope is that this issue, if not as fun as others, will help you take ownership of our future together as a diocese, through being a part of Conventions’ deci-sions. Read the resolutions and nomination biographies. Tell your parish Clergy and Delegates what you think. You can help form the future of our diocese.

Ruth A. Meteer, Editor in Chief

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2010 Advent ConfirmationsDecember 4th, 10amCathedral of St. John 271 N. Main Street, Providence

Clergy, Presenters, and candidates should arrive 1 hour early for orientation.

Additional info will be sent as the dates approach.

Contact :Canon Tylan Creason at [email protected] or 274-4500 X 242 THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND

2010 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 6:00PM

Th e Cathedral of St. John Opening Eucharist Followed by a Reception

SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 9:00AMTh e Marriott Downtown, One Orms Street

As Our Guest:

Th e Rev. Canon Andrew White Canon Andrew White is the President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, a non-profi t organization dedicated

to fi nding a peaceful solution to confl icts.34 RISEN / FALL 2010

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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND

2010 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 6:00PM

Th e Cathedral of St. John Opening Eucharist Followed by a Reception

SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 9:00AMTh e Marriott Downtown, One Orms Street

As Our Guest:

Th e Rev. Canon Andrew White Canon Andrew White is the President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, a non-profi t organization dedicated

to fi nding a peaceful solution to confl icts.

RISEN Fall 2010 web

Documents

Transcript of RISEN Fall 2010 web