an edition of THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CHURCH THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA June 2008 PACIFICNEWS VOL. 19 No. 6 Bishop travels to companion diocese in Curitiba, Brazil

By Sean T. McConnell n March 31, 2008, Bishop Marc and Sheila Andrus arrived in OCuritiba, Brazil, as guests of the Anglican Diocese of Curitiba— companion to the Diocese of California —and their bishop the Rt. Rev. Naudal Alves Gomes. It was a brief visit, a portion of which Bishop Marc spent at the Special Convention held May 10 meeting of the House of Bishops of the Province of Brazil, but the impressions Adopts Beloved Community vision and canon changes; made by the people and sites of Curitiba Charleston named ethnic and multicultural missioner on the Andruses were deep and lasting. At California’s annual convention and assistant bishop in October of 2007, the diocese By Monica Burden including a comprehensive governance overwhelmingly approved a resolution n May 10, 2008, the Diocese review and entering into a companion to enter into a companion relationship of California met at Grace diocese relationship with the Diocese with the Diocese of Curitiba. The two OCathedral in San Francisco of Curitiba in the Province of Brazil. dioceses will enter a mission partnership, in special convention to consider the The bishop then identified five areas for and Andrus has recommended that this results of the Beloved Community the diocese to focus on over the next partnership be viewed through the lens Visioning Process and to discuss and five years: embodied justice, church of the Millennium Development Goals vote on proposed changes to the canons. vitality, rooted spirituality, organizational (MDGs). Both Curitiba and California The special convention voted on three development, and inclusive community. are forming diocesan committees to resolutions and three amendments to the “This is a beautiful vibrant coordinate and deepen the relationship The Rt. Rev. Naudal proposed canon changes. At the end of vision,” said the bishop. “It paints and to begin to tell their stories, one to the the meeting, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley a picture of a Beloved Community, other, within the framework of the MDGs. Alves Gomes, bishop Andrus introduced the Rt. Rev. Steven one that we recognize as being both of the Diocese of Charleston, current president and dean ourselves as we currently are, loved 4Curitiba: Page 6 Curitiba, Brazil. of Episcopal Divinity School, as the by God, and also a community yet to new ethnic and multicultural missioner be, our home in the fullness of our and assistant bishop for the diocese. call to be the Body of Christ.” The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus attended the meeting of After opening the meeting with Andrus continued by calling for the House of Bishops of the Province of Brazil in April. Sheila prayer and a hymn, Andrus delivered an this vision to be implemented broadly address reporting on the outcomes of the through Area Ministry, the model of Andrus accompanied him on the trip to visit the Diocese of Beloved Community visioning process. shared ministry being pioneered in the California’s companion diocese, the Diocese of Curitiba. The process began with a diocesan- Diocese of California. Area Ministry wide meeting at Grace Cathedral on teams will be developed in emergent May 5, 2007, and continued with four regions of the diocese with support regional meetings. These five events of diocesan staff and using formation enabled the diocese to come together resources developed in collaboration with as a community and envision what the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. future of the diocese might look like. Additional support will be used to create More than 800 people participated in intentional communities to provide low- the process, both in person and online. cost housing for young adults who will Andrus began his address by commit to service within area ministries. describing a number of actions taken “A life-giving shift in the by the diocese in the past year toward flow of energy into mission rather becoming the Beloved Community, 4Convention: Page 2

Also in this issue: Praying in Pages 4-5

Ararat Armenian Tehran fruit stand The The mountains of Tehran Cultural Center The liberating power of love

him” too well (meaning not really at all)— long winter march. Our hero said that he Deputies comment on covenant he can do very little there in his mission. had two great friends, both of whom lifted I thought about this negative power, his spirits when he completely despaired, By Vanessa Glass and how debilitating it is in our lives, even of the presence of God. Where did n May 15, the Diocese of how we are held back and bound by his friends get the strength themselves California’s elected deputation others’ narrowing, limiting images to lift their friends low-burning spirits? Oto General Convention met of us, and how we return the favor This is what happened to one of to respond to the request of Bonnie to them or pass the negativity on. them, “We were marching through a city, Anderson of the House of Deputies Destructive as this negative binding the guards were separating us prisoners to comment on the latest version power is, we must believe that the from the passersby. There were three nuns (St. Andrew’s Draft) of a proposed liberating power of love is greater. I walking by, and when they saw us, one of covenant for the Anglican Communion. remembered an exhibit Sheila and I them pushed her way past the guards and President Anderson seeks input from saw at the Yerba Buena Center a couple came up to one of my friends. She took his all deputations, to give those bishops of months ago, called “The Missing hands, and looking him in the eyes spoke allowed to attend this summer’s Lambeth Peace;” 80 artists from around the rapidly and urgently to him. My friend Conference the mind of the clerical and world focusing on the meaning of the understood not one word she was saying, lay leaders of The Episcopal Church. Dalai Lama, what he symbolizes to but when she let go of his hands and then A covenant is a statement of common the artists and to millions of people. cupped her hands together before him, beliefs, which in this instance includes As we were looking at the exhibit, he understood her message, ‘We are all a means of enforcing compliance. Sheila remarked to me, “Think about in God’s hands.’” It was this message of While a more detailed statement is how if a whole community believed hope and love that lifted our hero’s friend being prepared by the deputation that any child carried divine capacity up, and allowed him to give comfort and our initial comments follow: for leadership, what could be unlocked support to one who had lost all hope. yy We affirm that The Episcopal within that child, abilities that God We are each given opportunities Church is a credal church, n Saturday, May 19, I confirmed, created there, but given room by the to be the messengers of God’s love in not a confessional one. received and heard the positive expectations of the community.” another’s life each day. God is seeking yy The proposed covenant is Oreaffirmation of baptismal vows And that put me in mind of a story to give you this same message of love, discordant with the polity of of 109 people at Grace Cathedral -- people told to me by a World War II veteran through other human lives and through The Episcopal Church. coming from congregations all over the who is an active member at St. Paul’s, all that God has made. I hope we can yy The language of the covenant Diocese of California, and including Walnut Creek. He was a flyer, operating remember that such love takes in, is culturally conditioned so as a group from the cathedral itself. out of England. Shot down, he was taken comprehends, and transforms even the to invite interpretations that The Gospel text for the service was prisoner in Germany. It was near the end most limiting boundaries that seek to are potentially divisive. from Luke, and describes Jesus going of the war, and the Germans decided to hem in and distort the creatures of God. yy The proposed covenant intends to his hometown of Nazareth near the move the prisoners in the bitter winter. to bind the communion together. beginning of his ministry. He has been What was supposed to be a three-day We see it as a means to change the moving about the region, healing and walk turned into an eighty-six day nature of Anglicanism which would teaching, and being recognized as a person nightmare as the Germans were more ultimately result in the exclusion who has the authority of God with him. and more harassed by the Russians. The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus of The Episcopal Church from But in Nazareth Jesus is hampered by To support one another, each prisoner Bishop the Anglican Communion.  the negative regard of people who “know of war bonded with a companion on the

4Convention: From page 1 create a new Executive Council that would procedures for transitioning to the as a leading advocate for justice issues be the board of directors and council of new governance structure passed and spiritual renewal in the church. than maintenance is the heart of the Diocesan Corporation. Other proposed by unanimous voice vote. Another In what he called “a refreshing Area Ministry,” said Andrus. changes to the canons seek to make resolution, establishing a task force to spirit-filled moment,” Charleston spoke Following his address, the bishop governance of the diocese transparent and examine the mission, scope, purpose, briefly to the special convention, saying asked participants to discuss the report accountable, in keeping with the vision and structure of the deaneries and make “I’m coming here full of enthusiasm with their neighbors and to respond in of the Beloved Community. This includes recommendations for any appropriate and with an open heart to work with writing to two questions, What excites simplifying the legal structure of the changes to the canons at the 160th Annual all of you because I believe this is a or interests you most about the results diocese by merging the Corporation Sole, Convention of the diocese in 2009, also great diocese and you’re on the verge of of the visioning process? and How the legal entity by which the bishop holds passed by unanimous voice vote. doing some really exciting things that might you collaborate with neighboring property, with the Diocesan Corporation, At the end of the meeting, Andrus will be excellent for the whole church.” congregations and your community the legal entity by which the diocese took a moment to introduce the new Charleston will begin his work with the to embody the diocesan vision? transacts non-ecclesiastical business. ethnic and multicultural missioner Diocese of California this summer.  A resolution adopting the Three amendments to the proposed called to the diocese in fulfillment recommendations contained in the changes were considered by special of a resolution passed by Diocesan report of the Beloved Community convention before voting on the proposed Convention in 2007. The Rt. Rev. visioning process and committing the changes to the canon. Votes for all three Steven Charleston was selected to fill diocese to work in the five identified amendments were too close to call by this position after a nationwide search areas was then discussed and voted on. voice vote, and were taken by card vote. during which the interview committee Discussion centered on language in The first amendment, which would considered a number of highly qualified the resolution calling for “intentionally have granted the executive council broad women and men from a wide variety working against racism, sexism, and authority to act between convention of backgrounds. Charleston will also heterosexism.” Two amendments were meetings, was defeated. The second serve the diocese as assistant bishop. passed by voice vote, changing the amendment, which removes the interim Charleston is the president and dean resolution to call for “working against authority of the Executive Council to act of Episcopal Divinity School, a post discrimination based on race, gender, with the powers of convention, passed. he will be leaving this summer before sexual orientation, disability or age.” The The third amendment, which enables joining the Diocese of California. A amended resolution passed by voice vote. deaneries to appoint two laypeople to citizen of the Choctaw Nation in his The next order of business was executive council rather than one clergy home state of Oklahoma, Charleston the discussion and voting on proposed member and one layperson, also passed. has been national staff officer for changes to the canons developed in joint A vote was then taken on the Native American ministries in The meetings with the standing committee, proposed changes to the canons, Episcopal Church, director of the the committee on canons, the governance as amended. The voice vote was Dakota Leadership Program, diocesan steering committee and working group, unanimous, approving the changes. bishop of Alaska, and assistant bishop The Rt. Rev. Steven the diocesan council, and the deaneries. Two resolutions were then of Connecticut. He is widely recognized Charleston will join the The central change proposed was to considered. A resolution outlining diocese this summer. PCN2 | June CHURCH PACIFIC NEWS InFormation Vol 19, No 6. June 2008 Hear what the Spirit is saying through God’s people

Episcopal Life ISSN 1050-0057 By Julia McCray-Goldsmith USPS# 177-940 is published monthly conversation,” observed What kind of Beloved Community by the Domestic and Foreign educational visionary Parker does God call us to be? One clear and Missionary Society, Inc. 815 Second Palmer in the prologue to consistent lesson from the conversations Ave, New York, NY 10017. Periodical “A Courage to Teach, “is only as good as around our diocese is that we already postage paid in New York, NY and ad- the questions it entertains.” With this know the answers—they are discovered ditional mailing offices. principle in mind—and trusting that within us when we listen to each other POSTMASTER: Send change of address engaging good questions is as important and to the deepest longing of our to Episcopal Life, PO Box 2050 to our community as the particular hearts. The word is indeed very near Voorhees NJ 08043-8000. answers—the Diocese of California to us; as the Deuteronomist pointed has been in conversation. Over the past out almost seven centuries before the The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, year, over 800 people have gathered in birth of Christ, “It is in your mouth and publisher diverse venues to wrestle with questions in your heart for you to observe.” Mr. Sean T. McConnell, editor about vision and hope. We have listened, Over the next months and years, we Ms. Monica Burden, managing editor we have spoken, we have been heard. invite you to continue to observe, listen, The series of five “Beloved converse, work and pray as the five Advisory Board Community... in Conversation” strategic priorities generated from this events—and the “PlayBox” resource congregations and diocesan structures that visioning process— The Rev. Rob Droste, chair designed to give self-organized groups facilitate involvement. In response to the Ms. Mary-Jane Wood, access to the same conversational question What would we need to build • Embodied Justice Diocesan Council Representative tools—have been the context within this Beloved Community? we identified • Church Vitality which our diocese has engaged in an willingness and intention to do so, truth- • Rooted Spirituality Ms. Sandra Gary intentional process of imagining the telling, collaboration, and joyfulness as • Organizational Development The Rev. Fred Heard future together with our bishop. some of the tools of our transformation. • Inclusive Community Mr. Tom Jackson Of course it wasn’t all about talk. We ourselves will take part in this Ms. Julia McCray-Goldsmith The clergy and lay leaders who designed beloved community, we said, by taking —take shape in the particular ways Ms. Eleanor Prugh the “good conversation” method that responsibility for our own involvement. that are appropriate to each of our The Rev. Dr. M.R. Ritley undergirded the Beloved Community We will be a people who reach out to congregations and ministry clusters. For Ms. Connie Rusk strategic visioning process—committed underserved communities, especially it is in the nature of God’s lively word Ms. Mary Singer Christian educators, all—know that we youth; who are faithful in practices of to move: So shall my word be that goes The Rev. Mark Spaulding learn best when we bring all of our senses spiritual formation and discernment; out from my mouth; it shall not return to Ms. Ede Zollman and our capacities to the conversation. who have a diocesan structure that me empty, but it shall accomplish that Mr. Gary Lawrence, chair emeritus Learning through multiple intelligences, facilitates involvement; who take risks; which I purpose, and succeed in the thing in this case, meant listening to and and who get to know other parishes. for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)  The Episcopal Diocese learning from each other in worship, song, art and movement as well as words. of California We prayed and shared communion is 27,000 people in 81 congregations, together, listened to our bishop, sang You benefit now... with 40 educational institutions, who and danced and created art and poetry, speak English, Spanish, Chinese, and—in facilitated small groups—gave Japanese, Filipino, and American Sign voice to our realities and our dreams. Your church Language, and minister to one another, And this is what we said. Across proclaiming the good news of God’s un- the diocese, using varied languages conditional love as shown to us in Jesus. and examples, we emphasized that we benefits later are beloved community when we are with a The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, personally known and able to contribute Bishop meaningfully. “With my healing ministry charitable team,” “In EfM and 4th Day Groups,” 1055 Taylor Street “With my choir,” and “Getting together gift annuity San Francisco, CA 94108 with like minded folks who want to create generous assured this community” were some responses to lifetime income The Episcopal Church the question Where have you come close to (experienced) a Beloved Community? is a community of 2.5 million members Frequently-mentioned experiences include Call or email for in 114 dioceses in North America and formation ministries (EfM, Cursillo, a complimentary abroad. Organized in 1789. Bible studies, and prayer groups), personalized healing ministries and other ministries illustration. For The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, of compassion, and singing together. sample rates and Presiding Bishop But we want more from our donor stories, see congregations than comfort. We long EpiscopalGift.org. Episcopal Church Center for worshiping communities that are 815 Second Ave. outwardly focused, inclusive and anti- New York, NY 10017 racist; creative and courageous in evangelism and outreach. In response to the question What might the Diocese The Anglican Communion of California look like as a Beloved Community? we told each other things is a global community of 70 million like “Give up our denial about racism Gift Planning Office Anglicans in 38 member provinces. and see where our resistances are,” The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP Diocese of California 415.869.7812 “Extend our loyalties—not just feed [email protected] The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Dr. Rowan the poor, but extend ourselves to the Williams poor in spirit;” and “We will have the energy, joy and spirit of Jesus.” Empowering Generosity London, England SE1 7JU In order to get there, we know that we need more collaboration between

PCN3 | June Exquisite Faith

om, Iran, is a world apart from the rest was the obligatory tea with the professors telling us of of the country. The world center for Shi’a the importance of the center for the study of the world’s Qeducation, is populated by seminarians religions. The scholars on Judaism, Christianity, and and clerics; devotion to study of Qur’an is the Buddhism were present and they told us about the study way of life. The fundamentalist clerics who have of religions in an Islamic context, and they did a good ruled Iran since the revolution were all educated job at dodging our group’s rather political questions. in Qom and Ayatollah Khomeini based his Then I got to spend some time in the library -- this opposition to the Pahlavi dynasty from there. was why I really wanted to visit Qom. Two students The women of Qom do not openly challenge the worked with me to try to find the texts I was looking covering that is a mark of the Islamic Revolution as for, but after a very short time, our host came and told they do in Tehran and Isfahan where most women me that the bus would soon be leaving for a mosque. wear their hijab on the back half of their head. In I said my goodbyes to my new friends. (Mahmoud fact, the women of Qom almost all wear the more was studying Christianity and he asked if he might conservative chador that covers from head to toe. be able to email questions to me. I said “Of course.”) I was worried that we would not make it to Qom, Exchanged email addresses and they walked me to the and I don’t think that many of my traveling companions bus, saying goodbye with the traditional three-cheek kiss. shared my desire to go to the world’s most important As I was the last one on the bus, there was already center for Shi’a study. It was the last full day that we discussion about our next stop. One of our delegation would spend in Iran and there was hope that we might members was reading the description of the mosque to have an opportunity to meet with former president the group from her Lonely Planet guide. She tells us that Mohammad Khatami. But as we had already learned the Jamkaran Mosque is revered as a very holy place all too well, simply because our hosts told us it might in Shi’a Islam and it is said that the Imam (the happen, there wasn’t that great of a chance that it would twelfth Imam, or the messianic figure of Shi’a Islam) is actually happen. So, I and a few others lobbied for the said to have visited the site on which the mosque sits. opportunity to go to Qom. It was not too far from the Millions of faithful visit the mosque each year, and on Imam Khomeini International Airport, and there were Tuesday nights as many as 300,000 will visit for prayers. religious studies professors there waiting to meet with us. Driving the back roads out of eastern Qom, we The visit to Qom’s Center for the Study of Religions see incredible along the way. Each one raises was not a disappointment, even though just about every the hope that it must be our destination. One mosque An angel welcomes visitors to the member of our delegation was completely exhausted -- all lit in green -- is on top of a very high hill. As the Armenian Cathedral in Isfahan. and looking forward to the end of the day when we sun is about to set, we see groups of people (including would board the Lufthansa jet for our trip home. There women in chador) climbing the rather steep trail to Did you know...

... there are many religious minorities in Iran. Buddhists, Jews, even Anglicans have thriving communities in Iran.

...the largest Christian community is the Armenian Apostolic Church. They worship in Armenian and maintain cultural and social centers for maintaining Armenian culture. Following the Armenian genocide in 1915, the numbers of Armenians in Iran swelled, and the Armenian people claim that the Iranian people have always made them feel safe and welcome. Armenians have been in Persia for more than 1,700 years, and Iran is the site of two important Armenian monasteries. Named for Saints Thaddeus (Jude) and Stephanos (Stephen), these two monasteries both claim direct connection to the first century martyrs who are their namesakes. The hookah vendor on the Khajou Bridge tends his coals. Sean McConnell, communications officer for the Diocese of California recently visited Iran with a citizens delegation from the Fellowship of Reconciliation. He went on behalf of Bishop Marc’s “Walking With Others the Path of Peace” initiative in order to build person-to-person relationships with Iranians and to improve our understanding of each other. The Fellowship of Reconciliation is the oldest faith-based peace and justice organization in the United States, and McConnell was a member of the seventh delegation that they have sent to Iran in the past four years. For more information visit www.forusa.org. Spices fill the air in the Grand Bazaar in Shiraz.

PCN4 | June PCN in Iran reach the mosque. But no, the bus keeps going past mosque and we know that the women are on the other the world’s oldest hotel, walking the streets of an this, and several other spectacular sites, until we see a side; this experience of prayer is the first time that I ancient Zoroastrian village, visiting Khomeini’s home, huge mosque on the horizon. As we get closer, it looms have had a single-sex religious experience (there was touching the tomb of Hafez - all come rolling over above the landscape and we can see that there is new the Orthodox Synagogue in Tehran, but the women me in a wash of experience like an ablution from construction for an even larger set of and a were not out of sight, simply sitting on the other side all of the assumptions that I arrived in Iran with. massive . This is it - the Jamkaran Mosque. of the room). To see a room full of what must have To find out about all of these things, I invite As we disembark, we are greeted by Afzali, been about 2,000 faithful men moves me in a way I you to visit the links below. To hear the sounds our guide. We are told to stay with the guide had not expected. I long to participate in the prayers, from outside and inside the Jamkaran Mosque, be and not to wander off. As we note the size of the but instead I sit with the rest of the men as a religio- sure to tune in to my podcast at episcopod.com. complex and the crowds of people, no one has tourist in this deeply spiritual place. Later, I find out Blog: edoc.vox.com any desire to break away from the group, and that the women actually participated in the prayers. Photos: flickr.com/photos.diocal we comply (albeit for the first time all trip). One of the women in our delegation tells me that for Podcast: episcopod.com The call to prayer has begun. It is a beautiful the first time she welcomes wearing the chador because If you would like to invite Sean McConnell lilting chant. With this aural backdrop, Afzali tells us it takes her from the communal to the personal as she to come speak to your congregation about his briefly about the history of the Jamkaran Mosque. knelt down becoming wrapped in a cocoon of prayer. experiences joining an interfaith citizens’ delegation He also tells us that the mosque is a popular spot for We were told that we could not take photos or to Iran, email him at [email protected].  the faithful because their prayers are answered here. “If video inside the mosque, but I ask our guide if I can on your first visit to Jamkaran, you ask for something record audio. This is not a problem so I set up my with a pure and faithful heart, Allah will grant it to you.” microphone and record the prayers (and the coughing Soon we are walking across the great complex to the of our government guide). As I listen closely to what I front of the mosque and the chant on the loud speakers am recording, I am struck by a few things. In the middle changes to the takbir, stated as “Allah Akbar” (God is of the sea of men is a man who is trying to calm his the greatest). There are two voices: a tenor repeats the toddler-aged son. The child is crying, and his loving takbir and a baritone is making longer prayers. The father has stopped the motions of standing and bowing women are separated from us and taken to their own and kneeling so that he can sit and bounce his son on entry into the mosque. We sit on the steps and remove his knee. No one seems fazed by the crying. Then I our shoes. Then we are ushered into the great mosque. am struck by the sound of the takbir. In a strange way, The Jamkaran is already full and I see the origin there are parts of it that sound like the chanting of the of the two voices for the first time. Two men stand Gospel. It doesn’t seem foreign to me whatsoever. I at podiums at the front of the gathering of men. am struck by the different levels of vocal participation At the entry, there is a large vat of the stones that of the men during the prayers. It reminds me of the Shi’a faithful put on the ground in front of them as Prayers of the People, and how different people they pray. We know from previous discussions that respond to the opportunity to make their petitions out Baking flat bread in Tehran. this is a reminder that we are from dirt -- a close loud. Some mutter, some speak in audible tones. As connection to our ashes on Ash Wednesday. I look around, I am struck at how the others in my There is a large partition down the middle of the group are completely mesmerized by the moment. Then I decide to turn off my reporter mode and simply be in the moment. I stop, sit quietly, and begin to go into a trance. The previous two weeks come rushing over me like a waterfall of experiences. Meeting with Armenian Christians in Tehran and Isfahan, attending Orthodox Synagogue in Tehran, walking along the muraled wall outside the former American Embassy, listening to Persian sitar on the street outside the Tehran Conservatory of Music, interviewing a religion writer for the Tehran Times, sipping tea in a carpet shop in a bazaar in Isfahan, striking Tehran schoolgirls on an outing to the Sa’d up conversations with clerics on Abad Museum complex in North Tehran. the street, meeting Ahmadinejad’s spiritual advisor, sipping soup in

Did you know...

...Anglicans have not faired as well as other Christian groups in Iran, but according to some sources the situation for Anglicans is changing for the better and the new Anglican Archbishop Azad Marshall is improving relations between Anglicans and the government of Iran. Problems sprang up in the earliest days of the Islamic Revolution when it became apparent that a great number of Muslims had been converted to Christianity by the Anglicans. According to reports, there was an Anglican hospital for the blind in Isfahan, and the children who were being brought there for a residential treatment program were being converted during their stay. Some say that if you are looking for an Anglican in Isfahan, look for a blind person. Shortly after the revolution, the Anglican hospital and a few churches were confiscated by the government. Archbishop Marshall is working closely with the government to assure that Anglicans will be able to continue practicing their faith in Iran, and the highest The Jamkaran Mosque on the outskirts of Qom, levels of government have given him their promises of support. Iran, is one of the world’s holiest sites for Shi’ites.

PCN5 | June Around the Diocese

4Curitiba: From page 1 four missions, and six preaching points. For instance, Andrus said that Curitiba is the largest city in Mapping project seeks churches south of Market Street the southern region of Brazil. The in San Francisco “might want to name “Curitiba” comes from two to understand scope of consider the mission demands of a Tupi words that mean “many pines” higher infant mortality rate in the because the region is filled with Bayview neighborhood and enter Brazilian Pines. The city sits on top diocesan outreach into dialogue around that.” Reducing of a plateau 3,050 feet above sea level By Jasper Goldberg still must be collected. Unlike a city child mortality is the fourth MDG. and its climate is considered to be his summer, the Diocese of map, where the data are the locations The idea is that both dioceses can similar to that of San Francisco.  California will begin collecting and points of interest, along with the learn from one another, sharing their Tinformation on parish ministries pathways that connect them, the data own mission creativity with each other. for inclusion in the Millennium for the MDG Mapping Project are the In so doing, the two dioceses will grow Development Goals map under the churches and individuals, along with deeper in understanding and relationship. direction of the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley the outreach programs and volunteer “The Diocese of Curitiba is an Andrus. Even though the framework efforts that connect them. Before the exciting partner for the Diocese of of the map is still under construction, MDG map can be published, all of California,” said Andrus. “Californians the diocese wants to begin collecting this information must be recorded. are going to find Anglican friends who are stories and ministries for the map Jasper Goldberg, a high school both deeply like them and who will help The Millennium Development intern for the diocese, will begin the us see new ways of being Anglican.” Goals (MDG) Mapping Project will effort with a small group of churches The Diocese of Curitiba is a relatively provide a global storytelling platform to using a three-tiered approach. Once the young diocese. It was created by the show the local and global connections approach has been tested on a small approval of the Brazilian General Synod that are already being made. The MDG number of churches, the MDG working on May 31, 2003. It is made up of the While in Brazil, Bishop maps will provide a scalable application group envisions expanding the collection Brazilian state of Paraná in the southern Marc picked up this wooden where one can see ministry projects efforts to the rest of the diocese and part of the country. Curitiba is the capital both large and small, both local and even to other parts of the country. city of Paraná and is known for being one ring, worn by Brazilian international, and find ways to become The first step of data collection of the best planned and most ecologically Christians in solidarity further involved in the ministries of the will be an individual conversation sound cities in the world. According to with the poor who cannot Episcopal Church. The maps will look with the rector of the parish to discuss the Brazilian Institute of Geography and afford gold wedding rings like spider webs and will highlight our the “big picture” of the church’s Statistics, Paraná’s population is just under (see bishopmarc.com). growing network of relationships making involvement. Goldberg and the rector 10.5 million. The Diocese of Curitiba the global feel local. When people use will discuss the major programs, counts 1,500 members in six parishes, the MDG maps to see what others are events, and focuses of the parish. doing, it will help them know that they Following that meeting, are not working alone, and that people Goldberg and the outreach and youth they know and trust are engaged and groups of the parish will meet to Companion Diocese can provide advice and support. focus in on more of the details of the Suppose you want to do your part church’s outreach work. During this Committee organizes to feed the hungry. Where can you conversation, the magnification level volunteer? Suppose you want to combat of the “MDG microscope” will be By Ted Thompson HIV/AIDS in Africa. Where can one go to increased, and the participants will ver 20 clergy and laypeople met with the Rt. Rev. Marc find out who in the Diocese of California talk about the specifics of the church’s Handley Andrus on April 29 to further our diocesan is working on this issue? Or perhaps your outreach programs and events. Ocompanion relationship with the Diocese of Curitiba. congregation has expressed an interest in Finally, Goldberg and members of After hearing Bishop Marc report on his March visit to working on environmental sustainability. the church’s youth group will set up a Curitiba for their House of Bishops meeting, as well as reports Your congregation wants to install solar station during coffee hour and conduct on trips to our companion diocese by the Rev. Don Fox and Br. panels, but how? Once completed, interviews with parishioners to learn more Richard Jonathan (SSF), the committee organized the development the Mapping Project will provide the about their individual efforts. At this level, of our relationship with Curitiba into five categories. answers to all of these questions. the conversations will be about individual The committee invites you to engage your congregation or institution “Episcopalians are only just Episcopalians and how their individual in the developing relationship with Curitiba and pass along this contact becoming aware of the profound impact efforts fit in to the broader themes that information to anyone interested. Stay tuned for more details about work that working on the MDGs can have on a the rector and outreach/youth groups in each of the following categories as well as news from Curitiba. suffering world,” says Cary McCullough, have identified. These individual stories Worship and Spirituality—Plans include a prayer cycle for our who has spent nearly a year building the will form the links within the MDG map congregations and exploring Curitiba’s interest in creative liturgies. map, along with Kevin Jones, Rosa Lee “spider web.” Special care will be taken Contact: The Rev. Amber Sturgess, [email protected] Harden, and other members of the MDG to avoid posting anything online that Education—Plans include a preparatory course to be designed mapping team. McCullough says, “The could impair a parishioner’s privacy. for groups going to Curitiba and for those interested in preparing world’s problems can seem distant and The goal of the three-tiered to host or work with members of the Curitiba diocese. daunting; they’re too big and it’s often approach is to provide the diocese with Contact: Mr. Rod Dugliss, [email protected] unclear what an individual or church several levels of information. Each MDGs—After learning where Curitiba is with regard to MDG community can do. Yet alongside this level will eventually be incorporated work, this group envisions collaborative efforts that will include both sense of being overwhelmed, people are into the network maps and made mission trips and online communications. Online tools for our diocesan actually taking individual and collective available online. For more information MDG work are already underway (see Mapping Project, this page)s. action.” The MDG map will provide on the data collection process, contact Contact: The Rev. Rosa Lee Harden, [email protected] a central resource for collaborative Jasper Goldberg at 415.869.7819 or Trips and hospitality—The first work of this group will be to action throughout the diocese. [email protected].  help our diocese prepare for the visit of the Rt. Rev. Naudal Gomes, While major progress has been Bishop of Curitiba, for our annual convention in October. This group made on the mapping tools, the data will also become a resource for those traveling to Curitiba. Contact: Mr. Fritz Scheider, [email protected] m ss.org Communications—This group will help coordinate information 2 both within our diocese and also between dioceses, in colloboration ministry to straight spouses with our committee chairperson, Ted Thompson. A web link for our m2ss makes no recommendations about diocesan website is under development. The Englist translation of the validity of relationships or of mar- Curitiba’s website can be viewed at dac.ieab.org.br/text-in-english/ riages. It has been put together by people Contact: The Rev. Leslie Nipps (temporary), [email protected]  who have lived with these issues and healed. It simply shares what has been been useful to others in this situation.

PCN6 | June Around the Diocese Darby Betts leaves a In Memoriam legacy for seniors The Rev. James Vevea The Rev. James Vevea died Monday, April 28 in Seattle By Sally Coates $84,000 with the Diocese of California after a two year battle with cancer. Vevea served as n your senior years, how will you live receiving $23,500 in grants, El Camino rector at Church of the Incarnation, San Francisco, your life if your income is limited? Real receiving $30,500 in grants, and from 1970 to 1981. Vevea attended Church Divinity IHow will you stretch your budget to Northern California receiving $30,000. School of the Pacific and served as an assistant pastor cover the most basic expenses of housing, The programs funded through the 2008 at St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek, before being called to food, transportation, and health care? grant money address needs including Incarnation in 1970. Vevea also served the diocese Too many of our seniors today transportation, programs for incarcerated as chair of the Assessment and Appeals Committee are confronted with the rising costs seniors, outreach and services to and vice chair of Diocesan Council. After 11 years of housing, medical care, prescription homebound seniors, expansion of senior at Incarnation, he was called back to his native drugs or utility bills while living on abuse preventions, and emergency food Washington to serve at St. Timothy’s, Yakima. He is small fixed incomes. Seniors face tough and housing programs to elderly indigent remembered as a man with intelligence, common sense, and a sense of humor.  choices between purchasing food or their seniors. Disbursements were given to prescription medications. For those adults the following agencies and programs: The Rev. Jack Schanhaar who live alone, they often feel isolated The Rev Jack Schanhaar died peacefully in his sleep May and suffer from depression. According · Berkeley Food and Housing 18 after three years in a board and care home following to US Census Data, approximately 80 Project to expand case management the death of his partner of more than 30 years. Schanhaar percent of seniors have at least one to low income seniors. was priest in charge at Redeemer for many years, as well chronic health condition and 50 percent · Carmel Foundation/All Saints as having served as vicar at St. Aidans, San Francisco, have at least two. Arthritis, hypertension, Episcopal Church to expand the interim at Holy Innocents, San Francisco, and occasional heart disease, and respiratory disorders transportation services for seniors supply at St. Francis. Schanhaar came from St. John the are some of the leading causes of activity · Church of the Incarnation, Santa Evangelist, where he also served after his ordination. limitations among older people. Rosa, for the parish nurse program. He was a former Benedictine monk who led many In 2005, the Diocese of California, · Correctional Institutions pilgrimages to monasteries in England, France, Italy, in partnership with Episcopal Senior Chaplaincy (CIC Ministries) for Spain. He was the founder of the Benedictine Experience Communities, created a fund to help programs for incarcerated seniors. at the Bishop’s Ranch, started in 1985 and now in its 23rd year. Schanhaar was a parishes, city agencies and nonprofit · Colusa County Senior Meals/ gentle, grace filled person, and remained so even when he had difficulty understanding organizations address these troubling St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church what was happening. In his last days, it seems as if he was preparing himself, since issues. The Darby Betts Fund, named for to provide hot meals to seniors. reports are that he seemed more at peace in his surroundings. Information about a the Rev. Darby Betts, honors his legacy · Eldergivers to provide high memorial service was not available at press time; please see diocal.org for updates.  while supporting senior service programs quality art education experiences in three Northern California dioceses: · Episcopal Lutheran and the Dioceses of California, Northern Episcopal Church to establish California and El Camino Real. Darby a senior produce market. Betts was the beloved and respected · Episcopal Community Services to Rector of St. Paul’s, Oakland, for 11 years provide hot lunch meals to seniors before becoming a founder of Episcopal through the CHEFS program. Diocesan Calendar Senior Communities. Thanks to his · Faith in Action in Solano County to leadership and guidance, Episcopal Senior provide respite services to frail elders. June/July Communities has grown to include five · Holy Spirit Episcopal Church to Life Care retirement communities serving provide outreach and services to Sunday, June 1 over 1,500 seniors, three affordable low income homebound seniors. • Bishop’s Visitations: St. Michael and All Angels, Concord; St. Lukes, housing communities which serve close · Lytton Gardens Senior Walnut Creek to 350 seniors, an affiliation with Lytton Communities to expand the senior Gardens Senior Communities which abuse prevention program. Tuesday, June 3 serves over 500 low-income seniors · River City Community Services to • DYYA Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in independence living, affordable provide emergency food and housing Friday, June 13 housing and skilled nursing, and programs to elderly indigent seniors. • General Ordination for Transitional Diaconate, Christ Church, community based services which benefit · Senior Resources Oakland to Alameda, 7 p.m. close to 2,500 seniors from Monterey implement an intern program for Saturday, June 14 County through Sonoma County. graduate students in gerontology. • General Ordination, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, 11 a.m. To honor and continue Betts’ · South Coast Seniors to expand inspiring work, a Program Planning their nutrition, health and well- Sunday, June 15 Committee was formed to administer being programs for seniors. • Bishop’s Visitations: St. Paul’s, Oakland; Good Shepherd, Berkeley the Fund. Each year they may grant Tuesday, June 17 up to $100,000 to support programs The Darby Betts Fund exists to aid • Justice, Peace, and Integrity Commission Working Group, Dio House, serving seniors in the three dioceses. Two parishes, agencies and other nonprofit 2 p.m. representatives from Episcopal Senior programs in helping seniors live Sunday, June 22 Communities and two representatives with dignity and respect; supporting • Bishop’s Visitations: St. Albans, Albany; Holy Trinity, Richmond from Episcopal Charities oversee the independence and building self- administration of the grant process. Each worth; and encouraging intellectual, Friday, July 4 January a Request for Proposal (RFP) physical, social and spiritual growth. • Independence Day, Dio House closed is sent to all of the parishes of the three If you have a program that Friday, July 5 dioceses as well as the commissions supports the well-being of seniors and • Diocesan Picnic, The Bishop’s Ranch, Healdsburg and partner agencies of the Diocese of you are located in one of the three California. Grant applications are returned dioceses served by Episcopal Senior Tuesday, July 8 and then reviewed by the committee with Communities and have a tie with the • The National Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), San Antonio, Texas (ends grant decisions made in May of each year. Episcopal Church, YOU are eligible to July 13) The Program Planning Committee apply for a grant from the Darby Betts Wednesday, July 16 awarded its first set of grants in 2006 Fund. Contact Tracy Powell (tpowell@ • Lambeth Conference, England (ends August 3) in the amount of $53,000. In 2007, ehf.org) or Sally Coates (scoates@ See the diocesan calendar at www.diocal.org for more. grants in the amount of $73,000 were episcopalcharities.org) to be put on the awarded. In 2008 that amount grew to mailing list for the 2009 grant cycle. 

PCN7 | June CHURCH PACIFICNEWS Blessed solar panels in Walnut Creek LVa`l^i]i]Z7^h]de^cHVc;gVcX^hXd Article and photos by Pat Smith t 6 p.m. on May 15, a very, very warm evening in Walnut Creek, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus Aclimbed a ladder to the roof of the parish office wing and blessed the 137 new solar panels at St. Paul’s. Joining Andrus on the roof was the Rev. M. Sylvia O. H6K:I=:96I: Vásquez, St. Paul’s rector; Dave Mattern, a member of St. Paul’s and solar project manager; and Angela Greene, one HVijgYVn!DXidWZg&&!'%%- of the solar panel installers from Solar Richmond. The risk management conscious staff of St. Paul’s made sure that Andrus was outfitted properly by presenting him with a purple hard hat decorated with the Episcopal shield.  HZZÒghi"]VcYl]Vi:e^hXdeVa8]Vg^i^ZhVcY^ih eVgicZgV\ZcX^ZhVcYeVg^h]djigZVX]b^c^hig^Zh VgZYd^c\idVYYgZhhedkZgin^hhjZh#

Youth begin Save Darfur campaign Article and photos by Wendy Cliff he “Confirm not Conform” students at St. John’s, Ross, were required to do a final project Tto develop an outreach/social justice campaign and present it to the vestry. Led by Associate for Youth Ministry Wendy Cliff and working with parishioner John Leonhardt, a member of the Save Darfur organization, they created a project that demonstrated how the genocide in Darfur is an issue of faith. After reviewing how the events in Darfur tied to the vows in the Baptismal Covenant, and being inspired by the ONE Campaign’s work in support of the Millennium Development Goals, the students brainstormed CHURCH and came up with a plan to purchase, decorate, and PACIFICNEWS display a tent which would promote awareness of the 1055 Taylor Street situation in Darfur. The students and their mentors San Francisco, CA 94108 worked together to erect and decorate the tent. In addition, they wrote a script and shot a YouTube video about their plan. The video is online now and currently has over 600 hits (search YouTube under “One Tent”). The Vestry granted the group permission to erect the tent on the church lawn for two weeks, sleep in it for one night using the “Not on Our Watch/Nightwatch” angle, and try to attract media attention. Once the group has slept in the tent, they will look for another youth group to carry on the campaign. For more information, contact St. John’s, Ross, at 415.456.1102. 