EpiscopalEpiscopal 10 th 10 th year Anniversary

MONTHLY EDITION | $3.75 PER COPY Vol. 10 No. 1 | January 2020 JJournalournalMONTHLY EDITION | $3.75 PER COPY Vol. 10 No. 10 | November 2020 When voters go to the polls, how political can clergy get?

By Egan Millard also got advice from three All Saints’ parish- Episcopal News Service ioners who serve in the Georgia Legislature. She sees running for office as “an extension s vicar of Church of the Common of [her] ministry” with vulnerable people on 3 Ground, a street-based ministry, the the streets of Atlanta, for whom political de- Budget adds relief Rev. Kim Jackson serves homeless cisions can have major, immediate impacts. for struggling A and vulnerable people living on the If elected, she would continue to serve Com- dioceses streets of Atlanta. mon Ground “because these two things are News This coming January, she hopes to serve intertwined,” she told ENS. them in an additional setting: the Georgia “In the congregation that I serve, the poli- Capitol, as a member of the state Senate. cies that we make around issues of affordable “About half the folks that attend my ser- housing, around criminal justice and reentry vice on Sundays sleep outside of the Capitol — those policies make a difference in their during the week — they sleep across the street Courtesy photo lives every single day. So, yes, we talk about from the Capitol,” she told ENS. “I will serve The Rev. Kim Jackson speaks during a meet- those things,” Jackson said. and-greet campaign event. outside of the Capitol with people who sleep She got Atlanta Bishop Rob Wright’s ap- out there, and I will go inside and fight like trict, including much of Atlanta, and the Rev. proval before running and does not campaign hell on behalf of them.” Clementa Pinckney, the South Carolina state during services. Still, she has found it hard 9 Jackson is running as a Democrat in a reli- senator who also served as pastor of Mother to separate Kim Jackson the priest from Kim Advent resources ably blue district in Atlanta’s eastern suburbs. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church Jackson the candidate. to prepare for The seat is currently held by Senate Demo- in Charleston, where he and eight others were “I am running as Kim Jackson, not the Rev. a holy season

ture cratic Leader Steve Henson, who is not seek- killed by a white supremacist in 2015. Kim Jackson,” she told ENS. “And I did that ing reelection. If she wins, she will be the first Jackson, who was also born in South Caro- intentionally because a year ago, I thought

Fe a openly lesbian state senator in Georgia history. lina, described learning about Pinckney’s life that those two things could be separated out. Jackson, who since age 13 has wanted to be as a “pivotal moment” for her. But I will say, a year into it, that that is not both a pastor and a politician, said the decision “That reminded me that I was in the South possible. People know me as Reverend Kim, to run was “more a question of how do I do and that this was possible — that you could and whether I am stumping for my campaign this or when do I do this, not will I do this.” be a state senator who served a church … and or standing up to deliver a homily, I am Rev- She was inspired by other clergy members that there was room, particularly in the Black erend Kim, and my congregants are extraor- who have served in office, like the late U.S. tradition, for one to do both of those things.” dinarily proud of the fact that I am running.” Rep. John Lewis, an ordained Baptist minister A former associate rector at All Saints’ Epis- Jackson’s run for office does not violate any 12 who served Georgia’s 5th Congressional Dis- copal Church in downtown Atlanta, Jackson continued on page 6 Young artist looks to work At this election time, we can ask: what did Jesus do? of ‘Old Masters’ Arts The following is excerpted he writes: tween the church simply being another reli- from Presiding Bishop Michael “In the first book,gious institution that exists for its own sake Curry’s sermon at the Sep- Theophilus, I wrote about and the church being a Jesus movement that tember virtual meeting of the all that Jesus did and taught courageously follows the way of Jesus and his House of Bishops. from the beginning until the love, not for its sake, but for the sake of the A G E day when he was taken up world that Christ gave his life for and rose

I D PA his November, the into heaven.” All that he did, from the dead in. US P O S T Bellmawr NJ PE R M IT #1239 people of the United all that he taught. As you know, the Episcopal Church does No n -Profit O rg. States will elect a In a powerful sermon not endorse, support, or oppose political can- T president and many Photo/via Zoom preached at the July meet- didates for elective office. There is good reason others to public office. This Bishop Curry speaking online at ing of the House of Bishops, for that. First, in the United States, tax exempt, election occurs in a time of House of Bishops meeting. Bishop Scott Hayashi of Utah religious, and charitable organizations are by global pandemic, a time when there is hard- said something that might be helpful to us. He law prohibited from such endorsement, sup- ship, sickness, suffering and death. made mention of the little acronym WWJD, port, or opposition to candidates. This election also occurs in a time of great “What Would Jesus Do?” This does not prohibit churches from en- divisions that are deep, dangerous, and poten- He said that can be a helpful way of dis- gaging in voter education, voter registration, tially injurious to democracy. So what is the cerning what we might be being called to do helping people get to the polls to vote, or even role of the church in the context of an election at any given time. But he offered an alter- advocating for issues of public policy reflective being held in a time such as this? What is our native. He said, “What would happen if we of the tenets of our faith. And every citizen, role as individual followers of Jesus Christ com- began to ask the question, not what would including those of us who are members of the mitted to his way of love in such a time as this? Jesus do, but what did Jesus do? What did he church, has rights and responsibilities as well. In the first chapter of the Acts of the Apos- do? What did he teach? What do Matthew, Secondly, there are good and faithful fol- tles, Luke refers to the Gospel of Luke when Mark, Luke and John tell us that Jesus did lowers of Jesus Christ who are Episcopalian. and taught?” Some are Republican, some are Democrat, I want to suggest that addressing that ques- some are independents, some liberal, some Due to U.S. Postal Service delays, Episcopal tion, “What did Jesus do?” and summoning centrist, some conservative. Journal subscribers may have received previ- the Spirit to help us apply it to our lives and Just as we must respect the right of every ous issues, and this issue, later than usual. to our times may mean the difference be- continued on page 7 2 Episcopal Journal November 2020 Conversations Finding joy in 2020? It’s not such an absurd idea, really

By Angela Gorrell Whereas happiness is generally the effect nificance in an action, a place, a conver- helped us, a time we felt deeply loved … of evaluating our circumstances and be- sation or even an inanimate object. the moment we saw our child for the first The year 2020 ing satisfied with our lives, joy does not When I teach about joy, I use an ex- time. We can close our eyes and meditate hasn’t been one to re- depend on good circumstances. ample from my family to explain this. on the memory, even walk through the member — in fact, When my sister looks at a Mason jar details with someone else or in a jour- for a lot of people it An illumination now — whether in someone’s hand nal and, often, experience that joy again, has been an outright A couple of days after my cousin’s filled with tea or bursting with flow- sometimes even more acutely. nightmare. The pandemic, along with husband died, a small group of family ers on a friend’s coffee There is a kind of political turmoil and social unrest, has members and I were shopping for fu- table — it reminds her joy, too, that is re- brought anxiety, heartbreak, righteous neral items when the group decided to of her son Mason. It is demptive, restorative anger and discord to many. go to the place where Dustin had died not just an object she — resurrection joy. It is Amid such suffering, people need by suicide. It was getting dark and the is seeing, but a rela- the feeling that follows some joy. sun had almost set. As we were taking in tionship imbued with things that are broken As a scholar who has investigated the the landscape we suddenly noticed a star beauty, goodness and getting repaired, things role of joy in day-to-day life, I believe above the trees. Standing next to one an- meaning. It gives her a that we thought were that joy is an incredibly powerful com- other in a line, we looked across the sky feeling that can be de- dead coming back to panion during suffering. and one of us asked whether any other scribed only as joy. life. This kind of joy stars could be seen. There were none. We We cannot put joy can be found in apolo- Speaking at funerals, teaching joy realized that there was just this one ex- on our to-do lists; it gizing to someone we This is more than academic work for ceedingly bright shining star in the sky. does not work that have hurt, or the feel- me. In late 2016, less than a year after Gazing at the star, we felt as if Dustin way. But there are ways ing that follows recom- I was hired to be on a team researching had met us there, that he’d allowed that we can prepare our- mitting ourselves to so- joy at Yale University, three of my family single star to be seen in the sky so that we selves for joy. There are briety, a marriage or a members unexpectedly died within four would know he was all right. It was not “gateways” to joy that Photo/Lidya Nada/unsplash.com dream we feel called to. weeks: my cousin’s husband Dustin at 30 the kind of relief we wanted for him. But help us to become more open to it. Futuristic joy comes from rejoic- by suicide, my sister’s son Mason at 22 of for a few minutes we allowed the tragedy Gratitude involves bringing to mind ing that we will again glimpse mean- sudden cardiac arrest, and my dad, Da- of what had occurred in this very space the good that is in the world, which ing, beauty or goodness, and seemingly vid, at 70 after years of opioid use. just two days before to hang in the back- makes rejoicing possible. The feeling that against all odds feel that they are con- While researching joy, I was speaking ground, and we instead focused on the follows contemplating nature or art that nected to our very life. This type of joy at funerals. At times, even reading about star. We were filled with a kind of trans- we find inspiring is often joy, as these are can be found, for example, through sing- joy felt so absurd that I almost vowed to formative, quiet joy. And we all gave experiences that help people feel con- ing in a religious service, gathering at a be anything but joyful. ourselves over to this moment. nected to something beyond themselves, protest demanding change or imagining In 2020, many people can relate to As scholar Adam Potkay noted in his whether to the natural world or to oth- a hope we have being realized. this. 2007 book “The Story of Joy,” “joy is an ers’ feelings or experiences. Since “hope,” In the midst of a year in which it is I want to be clear: Joy is not the same illumination,” the ability to see beyond as theologian Jürgen Moltmann has said, not difficult to stumble onto suffering, as happiness. Happiness tends to be the to something more. is “the anticipation of joy,” writing out the good news is that we can also stumble pleasurable feeling we get from having Similarly, Nel Noddings, Stanford our hopes helps us to expect joy. onto joy. There is no imprisoned mind, the sense that life is going well. professor and author of the 2013 book heartbreaking time or deafening silence Joy, on the other hand, has a mys- “Caring,” describes joy as a feeling that Three types of joy that joy cannot break through. terious capacity to be felt alongside “accompanies a realization of our relat- In my book, “The Gravity of Joy,” I Joy can always find you. n sorrow and even — sometimes, most edness.” What Noddings meant by re- identify multiple kinds of joy that can be especially — in the midst of suffering. latedness was the special feeling we get expressed even in today’s troubled times. The Rev. Angela Gorrell is ordained in This is because joy is what we feel deep from caring about other people or ideas. Retrospective joy comes in vividly re- the Mennonite Church USA. She is Assis- in our bones when we realize and feel Joy is also the feeling that can arise calling a previous experience of unspeak- tant Professor of Practical Theology, George connected to others — and to what is from sensing kinship with others, expe- able joy. For example, we can imagine in W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor genuinely good, beautiful and meaning- riencing harmony between what we are our minds an occasion when we helped University. This article first appeared on ful — which is possible even in pain. doing and our values, or seeing the sig- someone else, or someone unexpectedly The Conversation website. From The editor’s desk Episcopal Given the vagaries of holidays has been replaced with enormous levels Journal the U.S. Postal Service these of anxiety. We consider the wisdom of having a Editor: Solange De Santis days, our readers may receive family gathering and if so, how many people to Art Director: Linda Brooks their Journal in late October or include and whether, in warmer climes, it can be Editor Emeritus: Jerrold Hames early November. Either way, it held safely outdoors. Business Manager: Michael Brooks may seem early to start think- We wonder if we should travel and if so, how Advertising: Shanley + Associates, LLC ing of Advent, but that season is — car? Bus? Train? Plane? If we do decide to Board of Directors: Mary W. Cox; Solange De Santis, ex officio; Pamela A. Lewis; Craig Wirth a bit early this year, starting on travel, we should check supplies of masks, hand Sunday, Nov. 29. sanitizer, even face shields for some. We may want All Episcopal News Service articles in this issue are reprinted with permission. Further ENS content is available at As usual, we are presenting a selection of to check the rate of coronavirus positive cases at www.episcopalnewsservice.org. Advent material from Episcopal and other sources our destination and the rules on mask-wearing. Editorial: Send correspondence and letters to the editor at for individuals and groups. In this year fraught with worry, it looks like 123 Mamaroneck Ave., #616, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 or As this is being written in the third week of Advent practice has something to teach us. Every [email protected]. October, spooky decorations are in full swing. year in the church calendar, we wait, for four Business: Michael Brooks at 111-56 76th Drive, #F7, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Even in this pandemic year, many kids are eagerly weeks, anticipating the birth of the Christ child. or [email protected] anticipating Halloween. We may mark the time by dipping into a Advertising: [email protected] 312-919-1306 Adults are adjusting festivities to include collection of prayers, meditations or readings for Subcriptions: To change subscription addresses, contact: Episcopal Journal COVID-19 precautions, checking to see if their each day, creating a moment of relaxed stillness Circulation Department, PO Box 937, Bellmawr NJ 08099-0937 municipality has published any rules on trick-or- and contemplation. We might light a candle on [email protected] or call 800-691-9846. Individual subscriptions are treating — and weighing their own views on the an Advent wreath each week. $36 per year, available through www.episcopaljournal.org. activity. We don’t have to go anywhere or buy anything Episcopal Journal is an independent publication, produced by and for members of the Episcopal Church in the United States and abroad. Episcopal Journal is a 501(c)(3) tax- As the holidays turn in the U.S., once Hal- to mark Advent. In a time more frantic than ever, exempt charitable corporation, registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Episcopal loween is over, it’s time to starting thinking of the title of a popular Advent poster might also Journal is published monthly by the Episcopal Journal, Inc. Episcopal Journal is published Thanksgiving, then Christmas. serve to create momentary calm: “Slow down. monthly and quarterly in partnership with dioceses and individual churches and is distributed n to individual subscribers. Postage paid at Bryn Mawr, Pa. Postmaster: Send address This year, any pleasure in anticipating year-end Quiet. It’s Advent.” changes to: Episcopal Journal, P.O. Box 937, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-0937. ISSN: 2159-6824 November 2020 Episcopal Journal 3 News Executive Council passes 2021 budget, including $1 million in relief for struggling dioceses

By David Paulsen Some of the other resolutions and new narrative questions to help track “op- Episcopal News Service discussions at this Executive Council portunities, innovations and challenges” illustrated how thoroughly the ground that congregations experienced while t was inevitable, heading into the has shifted under the church since the dealing with the pandemic. Racism is an- October meeting of Executive Coun- pandemic took hold in mid-March, other new section in the report, with con- cil, that the coronavirus pandemic forcing suspension of in-person worship gregations asked to discuss how they are Iwould color much of the work of the and face-to-face activities. With much of “actively addressing and working toward church’s governing body. Cases of CO- the work of the church moving online, racial justice and reconciliation.” VID-19 are still on the rise in the United church leaders are grappling with fun- Such narrative questions will preview States and worldwide, and some dioceses damental questions about how to assess a new approach to future parochial re- and their congregations are struggling congregational life today and plan for ports, as Rankin-Williams’ committee with decreased revenue as the virus and the future. Photo/ENS responds to complaints that the past em- precautions to slow it upend parish life. Such questions weighed heavily in the The Rev. Chris Rankin-Williams, chair of phasis on numbers misses other exam- Over Executive Council’s online ses- Rev. Chris Rankin-Williams’ presenta- the House of Deputies’ Committee on the ples of church vitality and Episcopalians’ sion, held Oct. 9-12, the pandemic’s im- tion to Executive Council about changes State of the Church, speaks to Executive participation in the Jesus Movement. Council about parochial report revisions. pact on church operations and finances to the parochial report forms that con- “As a rector, my concern is not primar- was evident. In one of its most signifi- gregations and dioceses submit each person worship from Jan. 1 to March 1. ily with a report that tells me what hap- cant moves, Executive Council approved year. Data from the parochial report is New questions, under the heading “Wor- pened but is something that the leaders the Episcopal Church’s 2021 budget on intended to provide a summary of the ship During the Pandemic,” will require of my church can use to make decisions the final day of the meeting, after a de- year and help gauge trends in church vi- congregations to say whether they’ve for the future,” Rankin-Williams said. bate over staff cost-of-living adjustments tality, but “2020 has been a bit of a pile- worshipped online and, if so, what plat- He serves at St. John’s Episcopal Church and financial relief to dioceses. on year,” Rankin-Williams said. form they used. They also will be asked in Ross, Calif., north of San Francisco. The pandemic also has affected plan- He serves as chair of the House of to report what metrics they used, if any, After the presentation, the Rev. Gay ning of the church’s triennial General Deputies’ Committee on the State of the to track online participation. Standard- Clark Jennings, president of the House Convention. The 80th General Conven- Church, which had been working on a ized methods for counting online traffic of Deputies, led off a Q&A session by tion, which had been scheduled for July revised parochial report even before the may be recommended in future revisions thanking the committee for responding 2021 in Baltimore, could be moved on- pandemic. For 2020, the committee rec- to the parochial report. so quickly “to the current realities to this line or postponed. It will be up to the ommended a special edition of the paro- “Churches are doing amazing stuff and global situation and the situation we’re church’s presiding officers, after consult- chial report that partly treats this year as facing some really incredible challenges,” facing in the church today.” ing with Executive Council, to make a statistical anomaly. Rankin-Williams said. Some congrega- Those realities dominated delibera- that call. In the special report, average Sunday tions are thriving online, while others soon tions by Executive Council’s Finance “We can expect a decision in Novem- attendance, one of the church’s most may be at risk of closing down because of Committee over the budget and other ber, so stay tuned,” said the Rev. Michael prominent metrics, will reflect only the the pandemic’s disruptions, he said. church finance resolutions. Barlowe, secretary of General Convention. number of people who attended in- The special report for 2020 will include continued on page 8 Parochial reports for 2019 show continued decline in Episcopal Church membership

By Egan Millard that’s a blip or whether that’s a improvement. Sunday attendance fell Episcopal News Service trend.” 2.55% from 2018 to 2019, compared Across the church, the de- to 4.5% from 2017 to 2018. And the ith every release of clines in average Sunday wor- percentage of churches that saw an in- parochial report ship attendance have slowed crease in Sunday attendance year-over- data — the statis- slightly over the past few years, year shot up from 24% to 32%, while W tics on attendance, but a decline is still a decline, the share of churches that had a decrease membership and finances that Zscheile says. fell from 53% to 49%. every parish in the Episcopal “This most recent report However, there are also signs of a trend Church must submit yearly — shows a slight moderation of toward disparity in the church when it a picture of the denomination’s the trend of decline in the past comes to attendance, with more churches Photo/ENS future comes gradually into fo- This screen shot shows parochial report data for churches in the year, but overall the trajectory at either end of the spectrum and fewer cus. 50 states and the District of Columbia. is clear,” he told ENS. “The in the middle. In 2018, 14% of churches It’s not a holistic depiction Episcopal Church has lost a saw at least 10% growth in Sunday atten- of the church’s health or success, and it denomination,” Zscheile told ENS. quarter of its worship attendees over the dance over the preceding five years, while comes with many caveats — it’s difficult The decline is, of course, nothing past decade.” 59% had lost at least 10%. For 2019, that to infer much from one set of data, and new. The Episcopal Church has seen Across the church, year over year, the gap widened to 15% versus 61%. some statistics conflict with each other. declining membership, to varying de- decline in active members was essentially “It would be my hunch that the But the release of the 2019 data makes grees, since the 1960s, when it counted unchanged at 2.29%. However, Sunday healthier churches are getting healthier the picture clearer than ever: Even be- 3.4 million members. As of 2019, it had attendance did show some signs of slight continued on page 8 fore COVID-19, the Episcopal Church’s about 1.8 million. Membership is down days were numbered. 17.4% over the last 10 years. “The overall picture is dire — not one After some fluctuation — including a of decline as much as demise within the period of stagnation and minor growth MOVING? next generation unless trends change in the early 2000s — the statistics seem significantly,” said the Rev. Dwight Zs- to have settled into a trajectory of steady, • Clergy Discount cheile, an expert in denominational de- gradual decline. • Guaranteed Dates cline and renewal. An Episcopal priest, “The trends are continuing,” said the • 3 Estimates with only 1 survey Zscheile is vice president of innovation Rev. Tom Ferguson, rector of St. John’s • All Major Van Lines Episcopal Church in Sandwich, Mass., and associate professor of congregational Ask for a clergy moving specialist and discover mission and leadership at Luther Semi- who has blogged extensively about the why thousands of churches, clergy and seminarians nary in St. Paul, Minn. church’s decline. “It does seem, at least 800-733-0930 have relied on us for over two decades. “At this rate, there will be no one in from this data, to maybe have slowed worship by around 2050 in the entire down a bit, but we have no idea whether www.clergyrelocation.com • [email protected] 4 Episcopal Journal November 2020 Around the church National Cathedral to host interfaith prayer service on Nov. 1

By Egan Millard presiding bishop for evangelism, recon- tion and our world,” Curry told Episco- to the God who is the Creator of us all. Episcopal News Service ciliation and stewardship of creation. pal News Service. “As the people of the We pray, in a sense, on our knees before Curry will offer “wisdom and encour- United States cast their votes for the of- our God that we might learn to stand s the United States struggles agement,” along with the Rev. James fice of president and many other offices holding each other’s hands as the chil- through a time of turbulence and Martin, a Jesuit priest, and Valarie Kaur, throughout the land, we gather to pray dren of God.” n tension, Washington National a Sikh filmmaker and speaker. Curry will A Cathedral will host a national also preach earlier that day at the cathe- interfaith prayer dral’s All Saints’ Paul-Gordon Chandler elected 10th bishop of Wyoming service on Sunday, Day Eucharist at he Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler he is an author, peace builder and art Nov. 1 — two days 11 a.m. Eastern was elected on Sept. 19 to be curator. He grew up in Senegal, West before Election time. the 10th bishop of the Episcopal Africa, and has lived and worked Day — featuring In statements Diocese of Wyoming. Chandler around the world in leadership roles Presiding Bishop to Episcopal News T succeeds Bishop John with the Episcopal Church, faith-based Michael Curry and Service, Curry and S. Smylie upon his publishing, the arts and Christian relief other spiritual lead- cathedral Dean retirement in 2021. and development agencies. ers. The service, Randy Hollerith Chandler is the He is also the founding president of titled “Holding On to Hope: A national spoke of the renewed importance of the rector of the Angli- Caravan, an international peace build- service for healing and wholeness,” will be cathedral as a space for Americans to unite can Church in Qa- ing nonprofit closely associated with livestreamed on the Episcopal Church’s in the presence of God, even if they are tar (the Church of the Episcopal Church that uses the Facebook page in English and Spanish physically separated. Washington Bishop the Epiphany & the arts to build sustainable peace around from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Mariann Budde will lead the service along Anglican Center) in Chandler the world and which has held several “In the midst of pandemic, racial with Hollerith and Spellers. the Persian Gulf, a church that hosts 85 strategic interreligious art exhibitions reckoning and a historic election, the “Washington National Cathedral, for other church congregations of varying throughout Wyoming. livestreamed service will gather Ameri- our nation, has been a place to gather sizes, in addition to its own. Chandler was elected on the second cans for prayer, song, lament, hope and for prayer: at the death of presidents, Serving as an appointed mission ballot out of a field of three nominees. a call to love God and neighbor,” said after terrible tragedies like 9/11, and in partner with the Episcopal Church, — Diocese of Wyoming the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, canon to the moments of joy and hope for our na-

Obituaries conference center near Hendersonville, of Missouri. “Bishop Jones served as Former Colorado Bishop N.C. He attended camp there as a boy, the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of William Frey led youth conferences there early in his Missouri during a period of significant Former Central Gulf Coast ministry and as a bishop was a popular change in the Episcopal Church. His Former Bishop William C. Frey, the Bishop Charles Duvall chaplain for summer guests for many pastoral presence and good humor eighth bishop of Colorado, died on years. He served on the Kanuga board went well beyond his tenure as Bishop Oct. 11 in San Antonio, Texas, age 90. Bishop Charles Farmer Duvall, re- of visitors and was at one time chair- Diocesan.” Frey was born in 1930 in Waco, tired bishop of the Diocese of the Cen- man of the board of directors. Following General Convention’s Texas, was ordained in 1956 in the Di- tral Gulf Coast, died on Oct. 8, 2020, Duvall served on numerous boards approval in 1976 to ordain women, ocese of Colorado, served as mission- in Columbia, S.C., at age 84. and received recognition for his ac- Bishop Jones ordained the first wom- ary bishop of the Episcopal Diocese Duvall graduated complishments from many. The School an in the Diocese of Missouri. He also of Guatemala from 1967 to 1971 and in 1957 from The Cit- of Theology at the University of the worked to expand lay involvement was elected in 1972 as bishop of the adel, the Military Col- South, where he served on the board, in the diocese, establishing the Lich- Diocese of Colorado, lege of South Caroli- and Virginia Theological Seminary tenberger Society to provide spiritual where he served until na. Upon graduation, both awarded him a doctorate of divin- opportunities for lay people. Bishop 1990. he married to Ann ity. He also served as the chairman of Jones re-established the Bishop and In 1985, he was Warren (Nancy) Rice the board of trustees for the Episcopal Council model and continued the one of four candidates of Charleston, S.C., Duvall Media Center, which joined with Day diocesan tradition of responding to for presiding bishop before attending Virginia Theological 1 Ministry to become the Alliance for social needs. Under Jones’ leadership, in 1985 when Bishop Seminary, where he graduated with a Christian Media during his tenure. In the diocese began a new companion Frey Edmond L. Browning Master of Divinity degree in 1960. addition, he served on the board of St. relationship with the Diocese in Ni- was elected to the position. He left the Duvall served three churches in George’s College in Jerusalem. geria. That relationship led to many episcopacy to become dean of Trinity South Carolina from 1960 to 1962: His survivors include his wife of 63 visits, establishment of programs and Episcopal School for Ministry in Holy Trinity in Grahamville, the years, Nancy Rice Duvall, a daughter longtime friendships. Ambridge, Pa. Church of the Cross in Bluffton and a and two sons. He is also survived by six The bishop and his wife, Margaret Frey retired to the San Antonio small mission on Hilton Head Island. grandchildren. Loaring-Clark Jones (Maggie), had area in 1996 but used his gifts for In 1962, he became the rector of St. — Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast four daughters. Jones retired in 1992 reconciliation and healing to serve as James (James Island) in Charleston. Be- and the couple moved east, settling in assisting bishop for the Diocese of the tween 1970 and 1977, he served as the Former Missouri Bishop Kennett Square, Pa. His wife Maggie Rio Grande after its bishop, Jeffrey rector of Holy Trinity Church in Fay- William (Bill) A. Jones died last February. Steenson, resigned to join the Roman etteville, N.C., after which he became “I was fortunate enough to chat Catholic Church. rector of the Church of the Advent in Bishop William (Bill) A. Jones, Jr., with Bishop Jones after my election Frey later became interim rector of Spartanburg, S.C. former bishop of the Diocese of Mis- and again after my ordination & con- Christ Church in San Antonio, the In November, 1980, Duvall was souri, died on Oct. 11 at the age of 93. secration. I greatly appreciate his deep largest congregation in the neighboring elected bishop of the Diocese of the Jones was a native of Memphis, Tenn. wisdom, profound insight and his will- Diocese of West Texas, at a time of cri- Central Gulf Coast and was consecrat- He was ordained the ingness to support me ‘as his bishop,’’’ sis after a large faction left to form an ed the following spring by Presiding eighth Bishop of Mis- said Johnson. independent Anglican church. Bishop John Allin. He served as bishop souri in 1975 and “Bishop Jones now joins with that Frey’s wife, Barbara, died in 2014. of the Central Gulf Coast for twenty served as bishop until glorious band of saints who have en- He is survived by their five children, years, retiring in 2001. 1992. tered into a nearer presence with the Paul, Mark, Matthew, Peter, and Su- Known as a storyteller, Duvall em- “I join with the Eternal God, and we give thanks for the zanna, as well as numerous grandchil- phasized the teaching office of the bish- people of the Dio- tremendous impact his life and ministry dren and great-grandchildren. Two of op. He recorded a series of ten Bible cese of Missouri in Jones has had in shaping who we are as follow- his children, Paul and Matthew, fol- stories titled “Biblical Stories Retold to giving thanks for the life, work, and ers of Jesus in this time and place. May lowed him into the Episcopal priest- Tickle the Ear and Touch the Heart.” ministry of the Rt. Rev. William “Bill” Bishop Jones rest in Christ’s peace and hood, and continue in active ministry Duvall had a lifelong connection Jones,” said Bishop Deon K. John- rise in glory.” in Texas and Colorado. with Kanuga, the Episcopal camp and son, eleventh Bishop of the Diocese — Episcopal Diocese of Missouri — Episcopal Journal November 2020 Episcopal Journal 5 Around the church Panel finds Albany (N.Y.) bishop broke church law on same-sex marriages

By Egan Millard will then issue an order, which could will be made for all couples desiring to Episcopal News Service involve suspending or deposing Love — use these [same-sex] marriage liturgies in essentially stripping him of his ecclesias- their local congregation.” ishop William Love, of the Dio- tical authority. In a letter to his diocese, TheR ev. Chip Strickland, who rep- cese of Albany (N.Y.), violated his Love said that hearing “will be scheduled resented Love and also serves as the ordination vows and the Episco- within the month.” Diocese of Albany’s chancellor, argued Bpal Church’s canon law when he “While I am very disappointed and that Resolution B012 does not hold ca- banned same-sex marriage in his diocese strongly disagree with the decision of the nonical status and, therefore, Love had in 2018, a disciplinary hearing panel hearing panel … they have issued their not committed a canonical violation. found in a decision issued Oct. 2. judgement,” Love wrote. “Unfortunate- Strickland asserted that authorized trial The unanimous ruling, conducted un- ly, given the nature of this case, I have Photo/ Episcopal Church video rites like the same-sex marriage liturgy der the church’s Title IV disciplinary pro- no reason to believe that appealing the Bishop William Love of the Diocese of in question only have canonical status if cess, refutes Love’s arguments – articulated hearing panel’s decision would result in Albany tells the 2018 General Convention they are proposed revisions to the Book by his counsel at a virtual hearing in June any different outcome. that passing a resolution on same-sex of Common Prayer, and that B012 does — that Love had not committed a canoni- “Whatever the final outcome, it will marriages would force him to violate his not fall under that category. ordination vows. cal violation by prohibiting clergy from severely impact not only me and the The hearing panel disagreed, saying using the same-sex marriage rite approved ministry entrusted to me as bishop of Rhode Island Bishop Nicholas Knisely the “plain language of the resolution” for churchwide use by General Conven- Albany, but it will also seriously impact as president, Assistant Bishop Jennifer makes it a proposed revision to the Book tion in 2018 because it was not a proposed the life and ministry of the diocese. I Brooke-Davidson of the Diocese of Vir- of Common Prayer, even if it lacks “the revision to the Book of Common Prayer. continue to pray that somehow God will ginia, the Rev. Erik Larsen of the Diocese magic words” explicitly identifying it as The decision does not stipulate what use all of this for his purposes.” of Rhode Island, Melissa Perrin of the such. B012, the panel said, is canonical consequences Love will face. The panel Through the diocesan office, Love de- Diocese of Chicago and retired Southern and therefore mandatory. By ignoring will schedule another hearing for Love clined a request for additional comment. Virginia Bishop Herman Hollerith IV. this mandate, Love violated church can- and the church to offer proposals and The hearing panel is composed of At the June hearing, the panel heard ons and his ordination vows. arguments from representatives of Love The panel also refuted Love’s argument and the Episcopal Church. They did not that B012 is inconsistent with the Book of California priest removed from ministry dispute the facts of the case — or the Common Prayer, which still defines mar- theological validity of same-sex marriage riage as the union of a man and a woman due to misuse of funds — but debated whether Love’s actions in its catechism and marriage rubrics. By David Paulsen that involves the management of funds.” had violated church canon law. The preface of the marriage rite in the Episcopal News Service Dutton-Gillett also agreed to engage in The church, represented by lawyer Book of Common Prayer, the panel said, “repentance, restitution and amendment Paul Cooney, argued that Love, by di- only applies to that particular rite and not priest in the Diocese of Califor- of life,” including returning the money tak- recting his clergy to continue comply- the additional rites authorized by General nia has been barred from priestly en from Trinity Episcopal Church, Andrus ing with a diocesan canon prohibiting Convention, and the rubrics to the cat- ministries for four years over al- said. He has paid back at least $52,000 so participation in same-sex marriages, had echism describe it as “an outline for in- legations that he misused more far, according to the Mercury News. violated General Convention Resolution struction” that is “not meant to be a com- A n than $200,000 of his parish’s money “At the end of those four years, tak- B012, which stipulates that “provision plete statement of belief and practice.” over the past decade. ing into account his conduct during the The Rev. Matthew period of restriction, I may remove him Dutton-Gillett had from the priesthood or modify, sustain served since 2009 as rec- or remove the restrictions on ministry,” tor of Trinity Episcopal Andrus said. Church in Menlo Park, Dutton-Gillett, son of a United between San Francisco Church of Christ minister, was ordained and San Jose. He is ac- Dutton-Gillett as an Episcopal priest in 1992 in Ladue, cused of spending church money on him- Mo. He later served in Sycamore, Ill., self since 2011, which the congregation and Farragut, Tenn., before accepting discovered in April and notified police. the call to rector in Menlo Park, accord- California Bishop Marc Andrus ing to a biographical summary that has placed Dutton-Gillett on paid leave been removed from Trinity Episcopal while the diocese hired Evidentia Con- Church’s website. sulting to conduct an investigation into He called this “a painful time” for HEALING HOPE the full extent of the priest’s spending. him and his family in a statement earlier “The money came from the parish’s this year to the Mercury News. “I have operating account which comes directly a deep love for the Trinity community, from donated funds,” junior warden and they for me, and I know that this 75 years ago, “Fr. Bob” Mize Jr. founded a ministry of redemption and Steve Andrew told the Mercury News last is painful for them, as well. I regret that hope. Unwilling to simply “write off” troubled boys, he chose to help month. “We are a volunteer charitable deeply,” he said. organization and we work completely on Despite his removal as rector, Dutton- them redeem their self-worth and imagine lives of purpose. donations. We’re just so deeply saddened, Gillett was allowed to maintain his health shocked and surprised by the breach of insurance through the end of this year and What began as St. Francis Boys’ Home, with a handful of employees trust between Matthew and the parish.” temporarily remain living in the church’s in Ellsworth, Kansas, is now Saint Francis Ministries, serving more than The congregation officially removed rectory with his family. Those accommo- 31,000 children and families in eight U.S. states and Central America. him as rector on Sept. 4, and last week dations were made “out of concern for his Today, 1,800 employees provide a wide range of social, therapeutic, it turned over results of the consultant’s family’s welfare,” Andrus said. investigation to police, according to an “I am grateful to the vestry of Trinity, and residential services to children and families most in need of Oct. 3 email to the diocese from Andrus. Menlo Park, for its leadership during this healing and hope. Andrus, whose diocese encompasses difficult time, and especially to the parish’s the San Francisco Bay area, also an- priest-in-charge, the Rev. Thomas Traylor, Dedicated to the dignity and worth of every human person, nounced reaching an agreement with for his steady and experienced guidance,” Saint Francis continues to serve wherever God calls us. Join us in Dutton-Gillett regarding disciplinary Andrus said. “Trinity is continuing its action under Title IV of the Episcopal ministry as a Christ-centered community, celebrating 75 years of changing lives. Church’s canons. Under the agreement, committed to its mission in the commu- Dutton-Gillett’s ministry will be restrict- nity and hopeful about its future. I bid ed under Andrus’ supervision, and he isn’t your prayers for the people of the parish, SaintFrancisMinistries.org | 1-800-423-1342 allowed to serve “in any church capacity for Matthew, and for his family.” n 6 Episcopal Journal November 2020 news

Voters continued from page 1 “engaging in the definitions that envelop ing a risk, Hayes said. our world: Democrats, Republicans. … “I think most clergy law or any church canon, and though it All those things are being called into are pretty well aware that is unusual, it’s not unprecedented. Former question by the Gospel. Jesus calls all entirely aside from the tax three-term U.S. Sen. John Danforth, a these structures into question.” exemption issues, it can Missouri Republican, was also an Episco- Clergy who choose to wade into politi- be potentially alienating pal priest, though he never served a parish. cal issues must proceed with caution be- to some segment of their Jackson’s race is not particularly heat- cause of legal and practical implications. communities for them to ed, but the simultaneous U.S. Senate and The Johnson Amendment remains on the be involved in a way that presidential elections are, and although books and in effect, according to the Jus- even a minority of their the law is clear on what clergy can and tice Department, despite President Don- congregation might dis- cannot say from the pulpit, some clergy ald Trump’s false claims that he “got rid of agree with.” say it’s hard to know where the line is it” with an executive order in 2017. TheR ev. Joe Jenney, when it comes to social media. The Episcopal Church’s Washington, who serves St. Andrew’s While some Episcopalians see po- D.C.-based Office of Government Rela- by the Lake in Harris- litical engagement — especially in a tions, which advocates for nonpartisan ville, Mich., says he always presidential election of unprecedented policy positions adopted by General Con- keeps politics outside the Courtesy photo importance — as a moral imperative, vention, suggests that if clergy endorse church door. The Rev. Kim Jackson speaks to a man after washing his feet. others firmly believe in keeping religion candidates, they should do so in their per- “I would absolutely never endorse date,” she said. “We do not allow elec- out of politics and vice versa. That’s cre- sonal capacity and make it clear that they any candidate or party in my church,” tioneering at All Saints in any way on ated a moral and legal quandary for some are not speaking on behalf of any institu- Jenney said. “My congregation knows I any partisan issues. We do take positions clergy as they wade through the swamp tion. It also offers the Vote Faithfully Elec- am a conservative, and I have private po- on initiatives and propositions and will of social media: Exactly how political tion Engagement Toolkit to help churches litical discussions with both the liberals continue to do so. I think there is an im- can they get? Do endorsements cross the discern what they can and cannot do. and the conservatives in my congrega- portant bright line in terms of advocat- line? And is it possible to separate their But when it comes to social media, tion. But we don’t try to convince each ing from the pulpit or through the insti- personal politics from their clerical role? the line between personal and institu- other to change views.” tutional church on a candidate because There are countless complicating fac- tional is sometimes unclear. Although On his personal social media pages, that gets us into a whole different dark tors, but there are some basic standards some clergy may see a clear line between though, Jenney is open about his politi- place of having organized religion co- that apply to all churches; the Internal Twitter and the pulpit, others may see cal convictions. opted for partisan politics.” Revenue Service’s regulations governing Twitter as a pulpit. Dioceses have come “I know members of my congregation Russell is one of a number of priests on tax-exempt organizations, often referred up with different approaches to political see my posts and that’s fine,” he told ENS. Twitter who regularly express strong polit- to as the Johnson Amendment, prohibit statements on social media, but many “I respect their views and hope they re- ical opinions; while some do not include churches from participating in political have reached a similar conclusion: It’s spect mine. I just never want to express their parishes and titles in their bios, oth- campaigns, as Presiding Bishop Michael best not to address political specifics on political views in my church except in pri- ers do. Some make it explicitly clear that Curry explained in a sermon during the social media, but if you do, keep it on vate one-on-one conversations.” they are only expressing personal views, House of Bishops meeting on Sept. 16: your personal account. The Rev. Susan Russell, assisting while others mix political statements and “TheE piscopal Church does not en- Christopher Hayes, chancellor for the priest at All Saints Church in Pasadena, theological ones. And although all clergy dorse, support, or oppose political can- Diocese of California, says churches are Calif., sees it differently; she hopes that must follow the IRS regulations, some didates for elected office. And there is still struggling to adapt to the gray area by freely sharing her political views, she must abide by diocesan rules as well. good reason for that. First, in the United that social media presents. In the past, can build bridges across partisan divi- Some dioceses — like Rochester and States, tax-exempt, religious and chari- it was much easier to differentiate the sions instead of deepening them. Southwest Florida — include provisions table organizations are by law prohibited use of personal resources and church re- Russell is known for her outspoken on political speech on social media in from such endorsement, support or op- sources. Now, he says, it’s best to make presence on social media; on her Twitter their diocesan communications policies. position to candidates,” Curry said. that separation explicit. account, she frequently criticizes Trump But many don’t have hard and fast rules. However, Curry added, that does not “I would strongly recommend to and Republicans and promotes Demo- The Rev. Dorothy Massey “d’Rue” mean Episcopalians — even clergy — clergy that they have a separate personal crats “because at this point, the values that Hazel, canon for vision and ministry should not be publicly involved in po- social media account from any account I’m seeing from that political party align development in the Diocese of Upper litical discussions. In fact, he suggested, that they use for official church purpos- with what I believe [is] how I’m supposed South Carolina, says her diocese has no civic engagement is part of living out the es,” he told ENS, “so that they can main- to live out my faith in the world,” she said. specific policy on political statements on Christian faith. The key, he said, is not to tain a separation that will allow them For Russell, expressing political con- social media, but treats these things on cling to partisan divisions, but rather to victions in this moment is a matter of a case-by-case basis. Personally, Hazel follow one’s conscience and look to the personal integrity and a way to model thinks it’s wise for clergy to avoid them, examples of Jesus’ public ministry. civil discourse. She also serves as canon whether on personal or official accounts. “There are good and faithful follow- for engagement across difference in the “If an account is private, what does ers of Jesus Christ who are Episcopalian. Diocese of Los Angeles — a position es- that mean? Does it mean that just the Some are Republican, some are Demo- tablished as part of a diocesan initiative people you like in the church are part of crat, some are independents, some lib- to bridge societal differences in 2019 — that or people who aren’t even involved eral, some centrist, some conservative. and finds it unhelpful to shy away from in the church are a part of that?” she said, And just as we must respect the right of any talk of politics. adding that whenever she posts some- every citizen to cast his or her own vote “I think it’s important for me to be thing that could be considered politi- according to the dictates of their con- willing to talk about what I believe and cal, she includes a link totThe Episcopal science, so we must do so in the church,” why I believe it in order to model how Church’s official position on the subject. Curry said. “But it’s important to re- it’s possible, regardless of where you The Diocese of Olympia is an exam- member that partisan neutrality does not stand on an issue or a candidate … that ple of a diocese that does have a policy mean moral neutrality.” we can have respectful dialogue across about getting political online. Diocesan That idea was further discussed dur- those differences,” she told ENS. “How staff may not use official email accounts ing a webinar hosted by the Episcopal do we demonstrate that it’s possible to to participate in any political campaign Church’s Office of Social Justice and Photo/Mary Frances Schjonberg/ENS talk across difference if we’re not willing for or against a particular candidate or Advocacy Engagement on Sept. 30 titled The Rev. Susan Russell celebrates the U.S. to articulate what those differences are?” promote “personal positions or agenda “From the Pew to the Public Square: Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage Still, she says she follows All Saints’ in- not associated with one’s position as an Preaching, Politics, and Justice.” on June 26, 2015, in the General Convention ternal guidelines about not using church employee of the diocese.” In the diocese’s worship hall before the daily Eucharist. One of the featured speakers, the Rev. platforms to advocate for personal views. social media guidelines, users of accounts Mark Jefferson of Virginia Theological to participate, if they wish, in political In one of its few instances of action on that represent the diocese or its congrega- Seminary, encouraged attendees not to discussions online without involving the the Johnson Amendment, the IRS in- tions are urged to avoid those same topics. be shy about taking on political topics, resources of their church and creating vestigated All Saints over a sermon given Josh Hornbeck, the diocese’s canon but not to latch onto partisan divisions questions about whether the church has by a former rector two days before the missioner for communications, says either. Political labels, he said, may be been involved in a political campaign.” 2004 presidential election, in which he those social media guidelines are “not easy to define, but they do not line up But even though that may prevent some discussed Christian approaches to voting hard and fast rules for what they can and with Jesus’ ministry. of the more serious legal problems, clergy but did not endorse a candidate. cannot say on social media,” but prin- Preachers, Jefferson said, should avoid who are politically outspoken are still tak- “I would never preach about a candi- ciples to keep in mind. n November 2020 Episcopal Journal 7 news

Curry continued from page 1 tal where they were being taken, shout- I am a follower of the Lord Jesus ing, “Let them die.” Those two sheriffs Christ, because I believe he has shown us citizen to cast his or her own vote ac- are children of God. George Floyd, and that better way. I believe that the way of cording to the dictates of conscience, so Breonna Taylor are children of God. We unselfish sacrificial love can show us the we must do so in the church, the body cannot go on this way. way of repentance, the way to repair the of Jesus Christ. That is how it should be. In 1858, as divisions in this nation breach. The way of reconciliation that The Bible says we have one Lord, one over slavery, born of racism, would lead ultimately can lead us to the beloved faith, one baptism, not one political party. to a civil war, Abraham Lincoln gave a community, but it’s not easy. But it’s important to remember that parti- speech warning the nation, quoting the This is long distance work. There are san neutrality does not mean moral neu- ality. The vote, as an act of moral hu- words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, no quick fixes because the wounds are so trality. Partisan neutrality bidden to us manity, is so important that people have “A house divided against itself cannot deep, but we need not feel enslaved by fate. by human civil law does not mean moral given their lives for it. stand.” We are not people of fate. We are people neutrality, because we are bidden to obey If you don’t believe Michael Curry, I am not suggesting that we are on the of faith in the God who raised Jesus from the royal law of almighty God. And this ask the people of Belarus right now. Ask verge of a civil war, but we must not under- the dead. Nothing can defeat God or stop may be where our text from Acts helps us. the American martyrs who sacrificed, estimate the danger of the divisions that we God’s cause of love. We can do this. When Luke says, “the first book,” he’s gave their lives, gave that last full mea- are in. These divisions are dangerous, inju- Jesus has shown us the way; it is the referring to the Gospel, but notice what sure of devotion so that people might rious to democracy itself. We must, and I way of unselfish, sacrificial love. And he does so skillfully. Ancient tradition have the right to vote. believeBFW20 we XE can, EJ_half find 9.04.qxp_FINAL a better way. 9/4/20 4:42 thatPM Pageway 1can make room for us all. n says that Luke was a physician. But in this America’s soldiers have fought to de- text, he sounds more like Luke the lawyer. fend freedom. Many of them have given Luke is suggesting that the Jesus we see their lives and many of them live with in the Gospel, what he did and what he wounds and the scars of war. And one taught, is precedent. It is the precedent of the freedoms they defended was the for how those who would follow him freedom, the right, and the responsibil- will act and live in their days and in their ity of the vote. SEND times. Just as precedents are critical to the John Lewis in his last published writ- law, the precedent of Jesus is critical to the ing before his death said, and I quote, life of those who would follow him in the “The vote is the most powerful nonvio- CHRISTMAS first century or in the 21st century. lent change agent that you have in a dem- When Jesus says that the entire law ocratic society,” end quote. There actually and will of God is summed up in the is in the New Testament an example of CARDS THAT words, “You shall love the Lord, your this model of living for followers of Jesus. God, with all your heart, soul, mind, You’ll find it in the writings of St. Paul and strength, and love your neighbor as in the 12th, 13th, and 14th chapters of yourself,” that’s precedent. Romans. I don’t mean to suggest that Paul HELP END When Jesus told the parable of the voted; he didn’t. He was a Roman citizen, Good Samaritan about somebody who but he lived not in the time of the Roman helps somebody else because that per- Republic, but in the time of the Roman HUNGER son, that man was a human child of God Empire. But Paul in Romans 13 specifi- created in the image of God, that’s prec- cally identified the teachings of Jesus with edent. how he would live his life in both civil so- In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the ciety and in Christian community. beatitudes (“blessed are the poor …”) In the 13th chapter of Romans, he are the precedent for what it means to speaks about the role of government. Ten cards and follow in the way of Jesus in the first cen- And then he quickly shifts from speak- tury or the 21st century. ing about the role of government to the envelopes: The task of the church in the first role of the citizen and then the role of the only $15 century or 21st century is to live by the Christian, who is a disciple in the empire. precedent, to bear witness to the prec- He says, “You have to pay taxes to (includes shipping) edent and lift up the values of the prec- whom taxes are due, and an honor to edent of Jesus in our time. whom honor is due.” And then he says, For details and So what can we do? Well, we can vote “But owe no one anything except to love as individuals. We can help others to reg- one another. For the one who loves an- W O R L D to order: T H E

ister and to get to the polls and cast their other has fulfilled the law.” F O R visit vote. We can encourage others to vote as Partisan neutrality was not the same bread.org/cards their conscience leads them. And I know as moral neutrality in the first century or call someone is probably thinking, that’s true and it is not today. The royal law of love P U L E R / B A D but what does that have to do with Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the will

D O U G 800-822-7323

Christ? of God. It is the ultimate standard, norm © What does voting have to do with the and guide for following the way of Jesus Gospel? What does voting have to do in any society, in any time. With grace with being a Christian? to aid and conscience to guide, each of An election for public office is not a us must discern and decide what love of W O R L D

popularity contest. It’s a contest of ideas neighbor looks like in our lives, in our T H E Additional designs about how to shape the future of a com- actions, in our personal relationships F O R munity, nation and maybe even a world. and in our social and public witness. available at B R E A D It’s a contest, a debate, a discernment of What did Jesus do? bread.org/cards / moral values and their relationship to The vote is vitally important, but it’s public policy. not enough. The wounds and the divi- M O L I E R

Voting is an act of moral agency. It is sions in American society are so deep J O S E P H an act of moral discernment and decision. that even an election by itself cannot heal © It is how a community or a nation decides them. The murder of George Floyd, Bre- how the moral values that it holds and onna Taylor, and so many others has ex- shares shape public policy and the lives of posed the death-dealing depth of racism people. The children of God. It is salutary and white supremacy deeply embedded to remember that partisan neutrality does in the soil and in the soul of America. not mean moral neutrality. Two deputy sheriffs in Compton, Ca- The vote is sacred and important for lif. were deliberately shot as they sat on all people, regardless of your religious duty in their car. Then a group of people XE20-EJ2 tradition or your politics or your nation- tried to block the entrance to the hospi-

425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20024 l bread.org 8 Episcopal Journal November 2020 News

Council continued from page 3 And Executive Council ap- Barlowe indicated that Executive proved the latest move in the on- Council likely will schedule another The Episcopal Church’s going efforts to find a new home meeting in November to discuss various finances are relatively stable, for the church archives, now pressing issues, including General Con- Treasurer and Chief Finan- based in Austin, Texas. Until a vention. In the meantime, Executive cial Officer KurtB arnes permanent location can be de- Council at this month’s meeting passed told the committee, thanks termined, the archives will seek a amendments to its bylaws aimed at mak- in part to cuts made by de- five-year lease on an interim site. ing online meetings more productive, partments of the Domes- Potential locations and terms of while affirming that physical meetings tic and Foreign Mission- the lease were discussed in execu- are preferred. ary Society, or DFMS, the tive session and not identified in The amendments will require com- church’s corporate entity. the final resolution. mittees to meet at least once before each The DFMS also received Executive Council, which full Executive Council meeting to discuss a $3 million loan from the Photo/ENS serves as the church’s governing proposed resolutions and submit those federal Paycheck Protec- Clockwise from bottom left, the Rev. Anne Kitch of the Diocese of body between meetings of Gen- resolutions at least 15 days in advance, tion Program that could be Newark, North Carolina Bishop Suffragan Anne Hodges-Copple eral Convention, has 40 voting so they can be translated into Spanish in and Andrea McKeller of the Diocese of South Carolina sing converted into a grant if the “I Have Decided to Zoom With Jesus” during the final day of members, including the presid- time to be reviewed by all members. church succeeds in meeting Executive Council’s meeting on Zoom. ing bishop and House of Depu- “These amendments take seriously the program’s criteria, such ties president, as well as addi- our commitment to operating as a bilin- as keeping workers on the payroll and ecutive Council voted to move into ex- tional nonvoting members, such as the gual body,” Russ Randle, a member from maintaining salaries. ecutive session, which closed the rest of Episcopal Church’s finance director. the Diocese of Virginia who serves on the The 2021 budget estimates $45.9 the debate from public view. No reason Twenty of the voting members — four Governance & Operations Committee, million in income and $47.1 million in was given for that motion, though Diane bishops, four priests or deacons, and 12 said when presenting the amendments. expenses. Despite a single-year deficit, Pollard, a member from the Diocese of laypeople — are elected by General Con- They passed despite some concerns that the church budgets on a three-year cycle, New York, said she was “uncomfortable” vention to six-year terms, with half of the changes could create additional bur- with surpluses and deficits balancing by continuing the discussion with DFMS those members elected every three years. dens for the committees. the end of the triennium. staff present. The other 18 are elected to six-year terms “I think one of the things we can be Since it remains unclear whether Gen- Executive Council remained in execu- by the Episcopal Church’s nine provinces, mindful of is, it’s OK to experiment and eral Convention will be held in 2021, tive session for 28 minutes. After return- with each province sending one ordained live with something and see if it needs to departments separated about $3.8 mil- ing to open session, Curry requested a member and one lay member. be refined,” Curry said. n lion in convention expenses, to be put brief break, and when members returned in reserve. For the remaining expenses, from the break, they approved the 2021 church planners are assuming a gradual budget without further discussion. The Report continued from page 3 the oldest continuous gathering of data by return to pre-pandemic spending lev- approved budget included the DFMS The Episcopal Church. With some adjust- els but will make cuts if income doesn’t adjustments of up to 3% and the addi- and the unhealthier churches are getting ments in methodology and definitions, the match projections. tional $1 million for assessment waivers. unhealthier,” Ferguson said. report has measured membership since Even so, several Executive Council Executive Council also approved a Declines continue to be strongest 1880 and Sunday attendance since 1991. members raised concerns that some dio- new round of grants from several church in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Even before COVID-19, efforts were un- ceses and congregations face a bleaker fi- programs. United Thank Offering will Province I, which covers New England, derway to redesign the parochial report, nancial outlook, which they said should award nearly $450,000 to 26 projects saw the worst year-over-year attendance and the onset of the pandemic made that be reflected in the 2021 budget. A pro- addressing the effects of COVID-19. decline at 4.4%; in the Diocese of New even more urgent. For 2020, parochial re- posal to include up to 3% in cost-of-liv- Eleven grants totaling $365,000 were Hampshire, it fell 15.6%, the worst of ports will only measure Sunday attendance ing adjustments for DFMS staff mem- approved for church planting. any diocese. The worst declines in ac- from Jan. 1 to March 1 and include new bers was singled out for scrutiny. And about $87,000 in “rapid re- tive baptized members came from Wis- narrative questions to help track “opportu- “How do I vote to pass this when I sponse” grants will support an additional consin, where the small dioceses of Eau nities, innovations and challenges.” After know other people are suffering?” Louis 16 ministries aimed at promoting racial Claire and Fond du Lac lost 27% and 2020, the new permanent parochial report Glosson, a member from the Diocese of healing as part of the church’s Becoming 18.4% of their members, respectively. format may include additions or changes. San Diego, said when the budget was Beloved Community initiative. The first Ferguson said those could be symp- Church leaders have said that includ- proposed for a vote. round of 17 grants totaling $100,000 toms of larger demographic and social ing narrative sections allows parishes to Bishop Ed Konieczny agreed. was approved in June after the killings of trends in the U.S. describe the less quantifiable ways in “In these difficult times, we have dio- George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ah- “I think in the Northeast, it’s largely which they are serving God and their ceses and we have congregations that are maud Arbery. secularization, whereas I think in the communities, and that membership and unfortunately laying people off, have al- “The amount of grant applications we Upper Midwest, it’s part of that popula- attendance numbers alone don’t paint a ready told staff members that there will received was wonderful and overwhelm- tion flight,” he said. “It’s really hard. The complete picture of the church. be no cost-of-living raises for them,” said ing and telling of just how deeply com- Upper Midwest is having a rough time “Churches are doing amazing stuff and Konieczny, who retired this year as bish- mitted people of the church are to doing demographically.” facing some really incredible challenges,” op of Oklahoma. “I just think it sends this work,” the Rev. Edwin Johnson told Declines tend to be slower in the the Rev. Chris Rankin-Williams, chair of a very poor message to the rest of the the Finance Committee. Johnson serves South and West, mirroring population the House of Deputies committee that has church.” as chair of the Presiding Officers’ Ad- trends, and some dioceses there saw mi- been working on revisions to the parochial The Rev. Mally Lloyd, who chairs the visory Group on Beloved Community nor growth. Dioceses outside the U.S. report, told Executive Council on Oct. Finance Committee, noted that the bud- Implementation, which received 89 ap- vary dramatically. Colombia, for exam- 10. “As a rector, my concern is not primar- get will allow senior church officials to plications for the two rounds of grants. ple, showed the strongest growth in at- ily with a report that tells me what hap- reduce next year’s cost-of-living raises if In another financial matter, Execu- tendance and membership of any diocese, pened but is something that the leaders of the financial picture worsens by the end tive Council, which includes Honduras while Honduras is declining sharply. my church can use to make decisions for of this year. She also emphasized that the Bishop Lloyd Allen as a member, ap- The one bright spot in the data is the the future,” Rankin-Williams said. committee chose to add $1 million in proved an emergency financial assistance continued increase in pledge income. Ferguson says that although numbers diocesan relief through the assessment plan for the Diocese Honduras, which Despite declining membership and at- like Sunday attendance don’t tell us ev- waiver process to fully fund grant pro- cited hardships caused by the pandemic. tendance, average pledges and total erything, they are important for assess- grams that benefit dioceses. The plan will forgive $163,000 in church pledge and plate income were up; after ing the reality of the church’s situation. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry also loans to the diocese and provide an ad- a small drop from 2017 to 2018, total He hopes that future reports don’t brush spoke in favor of the proposed budget, ditional $75,000 if the diocese fulfills pledge and plate income increased 1.7% that aside. including the cost-of-living adjustments certain requirements, including selling from 2018 to 2019, though that was “My real fear is, I don’t want a tool and the promise of additional diocesan a storage facility and catching up on its slightly less than the rate of inflation. that just normalizes decline — which, support. pension payments. However, even that presents a problem frankly, I just see everywhere, this nor- “This council is putting forth $1 mil- Executive Council also reviewed and going forward, according to Zscheile. malization of decline,” he told ENS. lion in relief for our dioceses through the endorsed churchwide guidelines drafted “The fact that fewer people are giving “If you have tons of folks coming to assessment waiver process,” Curry said. by the Archives of the Episcopal Church more money is not a sustainable trend your free laundry, that’s great. … But if After other members questioned how on updating gender references in church over the long term,” he said. you’re still losing 25% of your congrega- the cost-of-living adjustments would records to reflect sensitivity to the trans- 2019 will now be the last year of this tion, well, then in a few years, you’re just look to others around the church, Ex- gender community. particular iteration of the parochial report, going to be a laundromat.” n November 2020 Episcopal Journal 9 Advent Resources Episcopal materials available to enrich Advent experience

Nov. 29 is the first Sunday of Advent, the Allusions and references to other Scrip- initiative called AdventWord, a global displaying a crèche, decorating a Christ- Christian season of spiritual preparation be- tures are accompanied by brief medita- community praying and walking to- mas tree, quiet and reflection, gifts and fore celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas. tions so that readers may step more deeply gether during the holy season. Hosted giving to those in need. into the Advent story and find its meaning by Virginia Theological Seminary and By Episcopal Journal The Advent Wreath and impact for their own lives. Available in partnership with Forward Movement, This introduction to www.churchpublishing.org ew and updated Advent resourc- from . AdventWord invites people to read and the Advent wreath pro- es for individuals, congregations, Expectant: Advent Meditations respond to each day’s word. vides an insightful history In addition, each day features a doo- dioceses and communicates of The Rev. Anne E. Kitch offers a short of its meaning, includes dling prompt by artist and Praying in faith are available in many loca- meditation for each of the 30 days of the instructions on how to use N Color author Sybil MacBeth. Available tions, including www.episcopalchurch. season, from the First Sunday of Advent it, and offers family bless- from www.forwardmovement.org. org, www.churchpublishing,org, www. through Christmas Day. In the spirit of ex- ings to be used during the weekly wreath forwardmovement.org, www.episcop- pectancy, each meditation focuses on seek- lighting. Both pamphlets available from alrelief.org. Here is a selection. ing and seeing God in the everyday of our POSTER www.forwardmovement.org. ordinary lives, based on a psalm that corre- Waiting & Watching: Advent Word Poster BOOKS sponds to the daily office for the season of A companion to the book “Waiting GIFTS Advent. Available from www. Preparing Room: An Advent Companion & Watching: Advent Word Gifts for Life churchpublishing.org. Reflections,” this poster by The Rev. Russell J. Episcopal Relief & Development’s Sybil MacBeth allows users Levenson, Jr. explores Waiting & Watching: 2020 Gifts for Life catalog is now avail- to create an individual Ad- the biblical context for Advent Word Reflections able. Users may “buy” such gifts as a goat, vent calendar. The poster is Advent in this series of Several authors, in- chickens or disaster relief kits for com- part of the #AdventWord contemplations. cluding Presiding Bish- munities worldwide, on behalf of them- initiative, which invites re- The beginning of op Michael Curry, the selves or in honor/memory of a loved one. flection and prayer on a par- the Christian story Rev. Scott Gunn and Available at www.episcopalrelief.org. ticular word as Christians comes together from Richelle Thompson of Equal Exchange wait and watch for Jesus. many hands. In the Forward Movement This fair-trade vendor of four Gospels, Mark makes no mention and Virginia Theologi- coffee, tea, chocolate and oth- of the events leading up to and sur- cal Seminary Dean Ian PAMPHLETS er items supports small farm- rounding the birth of Jesus. John points Markham, contribute to this collection How to Keep Advent ers in the U.S. and around the back to Genesis. Most of the historical of daily devotions for Advent. The four weeks of Advent are in- world. Choosing the “part- pieces come primarily from Matthew Drawn from the weekly Scripture read- tended as a time of preparation for the ners” drop-down menu, then “interfaith and Luke. Levenson writes that the ings, they offer an opportunity to pause, mystery of Christmas. This pamphlet partners,” then “Episcopalian,” supports Scriptures together are the key to telling wait, and watch for the Christ child. contains suggestions for observing this Episcopal Relief & Development. Avail- the story of the season. The reflections are part of a larger rich season: lighting an Advent wreath, able at www.equalexchange.com. n

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Visit episcopalrelief.org/gifts or call 1.855.312.4325 EJ20-G 10 Episcopal Journal November 2020 Feature El Camino Real Episcopalians continue jail and reentry ministries despite pandemic

By Sharon Sheridan easy just to focus on the people inside. ly in a faith community,” Fanning said. again, “they were still by my side,” he Episcopal News Service … Let’s do what’s hard, and let’s get “That was so big, to be able to fit without said. “They were still checking on me.” them involved in our lives outside in our any exceptions.” Ultimately, he quit using drugs and went ocked up in Elmwood Correc- ministry, in our parish. Let’s do whatever He joined the church’s efforts to through a rehabilitation program. Today, tional Facility in Santa Clara we can to walk with them to real trans- launch Stepping Stones and find an ac- he’s part of the Stepping Stones leader- County, Calif., Renee Lopez was formation.” cessible worship location. The goal was ship team and works for a caterer and a L a little annoyed when fellow pris- They began inviting former prison- to offer a place of compassion, com- drug and alcohol residential program. oner Jack Fanning signed him up for a ers to attend the church. They deepened munity, family and spirituality, and to For Bobby, Stepping Stones consti- religious class without asking him. connections with the men and their fam- maintain connections with men in jail, tutes a second family. (His last name is Today, he couldn’t be more grateful. ilies. On Oct. 13, 2018, they launched so that, once released, “they know where withheld to protect his safety in jail.) Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the “gathering,” a satellite worship ser- their feet can land,” he said. “I can’t tell you in simple words how Saratoga, which led the class, continued vice offered in partnership with Grace After spending time repeatedly be- it has helped me. I can only say that it to support Lopez, 43, after hind bars over the last 20 has saved me,” he said in a Zoom inter- his release three-plus years years, Daniel Martinez, 51, view from Elmwood. Stepping Stones ago. As soon as he could, appreciated being connect- brought him from “a very dark place … he joined Saint Andrew’s. ed to a supportive commu- to the light.” He was confirmed into The nity outside, he said in an He participates in the Sunday online Episcopal Church and now interview via Zoom from worship and studies with others behind serves on the vestry and as Elmwood before his release bars. The only way to show his gratitude part of the leadership team this summer. is to keep the program going in Elm- for the church’s Stepping “Being in jail, though wood while the volunteers can’t come in, Stones Gathering, a reentry you’re with many people, he said. “We’re just filled with so much ministry for those formerly you’re alone many times,” love, so much hope. Without Stepping incarcerated that Fanning he said. Saint Andrew’s Stones, I don’t know where we would co-founded after his own support “keeps us thriving. be.” release. It keeps us knowing that Volunteers find love and community “Without that commu- there’s a world of people as well. nity, I [would] quickly go out there that want to help Gerry Chartrand, who provides heal- back to doing the things I people such as ourselves.” ing prayers during worship, said she was was doing before,” Lopez Housed in a dorm with “scared to death” the first time she en- said. “This community has Photo/courtesy of Peggy Bryan 40-some men, Martinez tered the jail. “After my first visit, I felt given me the life that I en- Renee Lopez stands on a log in Jewel Lake, Calif. After leaving the and other prisoners stud- like I had gone to a beautiful, wonderful visioned when I was locked Elmwood Correctional Facility in Santa Clara County, Calif., he joined ied the Bible daily using church filled with loving people and I’ve up.” Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Saratoga. materials supplied weekly loved every bit of it.” Providing support and by Saint Andrew’s and held Volunteer Christine Clifford’s son is the chance for transformation for men Baptist Church in the urban corridor of evening prayer circles. “It’s just what incarcerated elsewhere. like Lopez and Fanning is a key element San Jose, significantly closer than subur- keeps us from that boiling point,” he “It’s terribly isolating to have your of service ministries at Saint Andrew’s. ban Saint Andrew’s to the halfway hous- said, noting that COVID-19 added to loved one go to jail. It puts you in Oz. For the past seven months, that work es and other places where the men lived. their stresses. “So many uncertainties; It’s not like you can go to your neigh- has continued with participants inside The $98,000 program is launching as this is what keeps us together.” bor and say, ‘What did you do’” in these and outside Elmwood despite the CO- an independent nonprofit called Hope Anticipating his release after 16 circumstances, Clifford said. “It’s really VID-19 pandemic and the resulting Inside/Out that incorporates Stepping months in jail, he looked forward to important that you can find people that suspension of in-person worship and jail Stones and hopes to add more services, continuing his Saint Andrew’s connec- can walk you through. To be able to find visits. including reception centers to house for- tion, which is, he explained, “a strong people like Jack and Renee and Richard, Elmwood is part of the Santa Clara mer prisoners. It also has applied for a support system and a foundation that’s who can give me a hug … and say, ‘He’s County (“Silicon Valley”) jail system, the $40,000 New Episcopal Communities needed in order for me to go in any good going to be OK, he’s going to find his fifth largest in California with a capacity Harvest grant. direction.” way,’ — those things are just incredible.” of 4,500 prisoners. About 30 people — former prisoners “I’m always at the verge of tears now, Stepping Stones has led to celebra- Pre-pandemic, Saint Andrew’s led and people in recovery, members of both and it’s not tears of disappointment but tions — both typical liturgical occasions, weekly worship and Bible study for men churches and some college students — for joy,” Martinez said. “It’s having peo- such as the baptisms of Clifford and Fan- inside Elmwood. The Rev. Peggy Bryan, were attending the service in San Jose ple care for you and understanding what ning and confirmation of Lopez – and the church’s associate rector for outreach each Sunday when the pandemic forced that means. … I got lost for a while. I’m less-typical ones. Because of the COV- and Stepping Stones leader, provided the service online. Now, 40 to 50 attend, learning just to reach out and ask for ID-19 shutdown, Lopez never went to pastoral care. Parishioner Katy Dickin- including men who connect to Zoom via help, and it feels good.” court to see a judge bang a gavel to signal son, Education for Ministry coordina- 15-minute phone calls from the jail and The men inspire each other. his release from probation. tor for the Diocese of El Camino Real, one former prisoner deported to Mexico. “A lot of us have done time togeth- “I feel like I missed out,” he said. But facilitated classes in the country’s first Leaving Elmwood, Fanning, now 51, er for years,” said Richard Nunez, 40. two weeks later, on his birthday, the jail-based EFM program. When prison- couldn’t wait to reconnect with Bryan “We’ve all seen each other at probably Stepping Stones community surprised ers were transferred from Elmwood to a and with Cathy Holley, who played gui- our best and our worst. So even one per- him with a visit from a county superior state prison, the church commissioned tar during the jail worship services. He son doing better and doing well, it holds court judge, who performed the gavel them as “ambassadors of the gospel” and first met them in 2016, worshipping in a lot of clout. … I saw Jack get better. I dropping during the group’s Zoom wor- provided continuing encouragement a mop closet — “they called it a multi- saw Renee get better. I wanted to do bet- ship service. and Christian formation through letters, purpose room, but it smelled like dirty ter. It’s like each one of us was able to get “I’ve never been so emotional,” Lopez phone calls, packages and visits. mops.” through to the other one.” said. “I felt so loved in that moment, “There’s a whole lot you can really “Because I lived in a dorm setting, “Peggy and Cathy and everyone else that this community went out of their do inside to engage them and preach a that was my way to get some sense of … who came in there and ministered way to give me that moment.” lesson in love,” Bryan said. “They hear peace in my heart,” he said. “Along the to us taught us that we were loved, that Friends who attended “were crying,” the message of hell, brimstone and judg- way, my faith grew. The hope grew.” we weren’t forgotten, and we could turn he said, telling him, “Those people love ment [from others]. We bring them a When he was released and came to this whole thing around,” Nunez said. you.” whole different picture.” Saint Andrew’s, the community em- “So when I got out, I wanted to come Concluded Clifford, “Family comes But that wasn’t enough, she said. “I braced him. “I’m a young man that has to Stepping Stones to show other people in all sorts of forms, and we’re just re- want to see their lives transformed when tattoos every place, and I don’t normally the same thing.” ally blessed that we found one another they get out. That’s the hard part. It’s too fit anywhere in today’s ‘society,’ especial- Even when he started using drugs in this space.” n November 2020 Episcopal Journal 11 Feature Arizona priest brings church to people via ‘pop-up’ ministry

By Tony Gutiérrez bit more mobile, I Left, The Rev. Holly Episcopal News Service still think that there’s Herring, left, canon a place for this.” precentor at Trinity n the driveway of one of her parish- Jim and Kay Shu- Cathedral in Phoenix, is ioners, and with a cotton swab in her maker, also Trin- joined by Bishop Jennifer Reddall of the Diocese of gloved hand, the Rev. Holly Herring ity parishioners, were Arizona, during the “Pop- Iapplied holy oil to several Episcopa- among Herring’s up Pastor” mobile ministry lians, administering the anointing of the first visitors seeking outside the cathedral in sick. For many, it was the first time they’d spiritual support. downtown Phoenix. received any sacrament since COVID-19 The couple from Sun forced churches throughout the country Lakes, both in their Below, The Rev. Holly and the world to go on lockdown. 80s, have been un- Herring offers spiritual Among them was cancer survivor Bill able to visit their son counseling to Jim and Coleman, a parishioner at Trinity Cathe- and his family during Kay Shumaker during her dral in Phoenix, where Herring serves as the pandemic be- “Pop-up Pastor” mobile ministry. canon precentor. Although it wasn’t the cause their age makes Photos/Tony Gutiérrez/ENS Holy Eucharist, for him, “it’s another them more vulnerable to the virus and lacks, and that’s being form of contact. … That’s the thing I their daughter-in-law has an autoim- present with somebody miss the most about going to church.” mune disorder. whom you can actually Before receiving the sacrament, Cole- “We’re really isolated from family, and feel their presence rather man sought one-on-one counseling from we chatted about that,” Jim Shumaker than just see them.” Herring as they sat in socially distanced told ENS. “Holly shared her experiences, Ellish and her family camping chairs placed outside her car. and we commiserated back and forth.” have known Herring since Since many churches are either still Kay Shumaker admitted that at one 2014 when she served as a closed or limiting participation, Herring point, they had to get out of the house priest at All Saints’. Ellish started “Pop-up Pastor,” an initiative to and “snuck out and didn’t tell any of our told Herring that she’d just bring the church to the people. kids” to take a short vacation in northern returned from moving her “We’ve got a lot of people in our Arizona. 15-year-old son Nolan, community, and I know a lot of people “It was at that point we just had to who served as an acolyte in the communities of my colleagues, get someplace where it was cool, and we when Herring got married, to an Epis- prayer for,” Ellish said. “Mother Holly who really are very isolated,” Herring had to get away from the four walls of copal boarding school in Austin, Texas, also knows the rest of my family. She’s told Episcopal News Service. “Zoom is the house,” she said. “But then you feel where he’s a sophomore. kind of a special person in our family.” n great; telephone calls are great; emails are guilty. So then you talk about guilt.” “We talked about some good things, great; all of these things that we use as “She feels guilty,” Jim Shumaker some bad things that are going on, and Tony Gutiérrez is a freelance journalist resources to connect with people, they’re chimed in. “I said, ‘Hey, let’s do this.’” some things that I asked her for some based in Cave Creek, Ariz. wonderful in a time of pandemic, [but] Drawing on her experience as a hos- they don’t speak to the need to actually pital chaplain, Herring allows time and see each other’s faces in makes space for people real time.” to arrive at their own The ministry’s name solutions. She asks them derives from the pop- how they’re going to up tent she sets up be- care for themselves and hind her car and her allow others to care for pastoral role. The visits them, and how they’re are not intended to be planning to “reconnect long-term or limited to the world in a world to Episcopalians; she that has changed while wants to invite people you’ve been away.” to reconnect with their “Pastoral care is about communities and faith, listening intently,” Her- whatever tradition that ring said. “Someone may be, and refer them Photo/Courtesy of Holly Herring needs for me to say, to those communities. The Rev. Holly Herring’s dog, ‘I hear you. I see you. “I started thinking Siena (named for St. Catherine How would you solve about how food trucks of Siena), tests out the pop-up that?’ and then to let go into neighborhoods tent for her person’s “Pop-up them solve it and go, and feed people,” Her- Pastor” mobile ministry. ‘You know, that sounds ring said. “I thought, like something that’s ‘Why am I waiting for the office to feasible. Why don’t you try that?’” open? I should be out in the neighbor- The Pop-up Pastor grew out of the hood like a food truck, feeding people in virtual ministries Trinity set up when the body, mind and spirit.’” pandemic began in mid-March. Her- So far, Herring has set up shop in the ring has chanted Compline every night Ahwatukee area in south Phoenix, out- and has invited laypeople to lead virtual side of the cathedral in downtown Phoe- morning and evening prayers online. Transformed nix and to the north near Scottsdale. Many parishes in the Diocese of Arizona “It was really a joy to see even the few have offered services online, and the dio- people who came here today,” said Caro- cese has highlighted one in English and by Friendship lyn Warden, a member of Trinity Cathe- one in Spanish at a different church each dral, who, along with her husband Jim, Sunday. GFS provides an environment for girls hosted Herring for a soft launch of the “I really miss being present in the to build healthy, supportive relationships. Pop-up Pastor on Aug. 30 outside their same space,” said Courtney Ellish, a home. “We need each other. We miss member of All Saints’ Church in cen- An Episcopal fellowship for girls age 5 and up each other. Moving forward with this tral Phoenix. “I have done a few Zoom Visit www.gfsus.org today! ministry, once this pandemic is better things and watched services online. understood and we’re able to be a little There’s something that virtual space 12 Episcopal Journal November 2020 Faith and the Arts Modern-day ‘Old Master’: Painter depicts African-Americans as Bible characters

By Pamela A. Lewis ly peripheral. Black figures, frequently unidentified, were relegated to the margins, in the background of paintings, he term “Old Master” painters always brings the or portrayed in servile roles. well-known heavy hitters to mind: Rembrandt, One exception is Balthazar, recounted in legend as Giotto, da Vinci, Dürer, and Mantegna, who one of the three magi who brought gifts to the Christ Tare on the long list of European men (and a few Child. As Ballon explained, “We live in direct relation- women) who, between the 13th and 19th centuries, ship to our heroes. If our heroes are in the Bible and yet produced some of the greatest paintings in Western art. don’t resemble us in images, we can’t see ourselves as try- According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an ing to be like them or trying to do what they’ve done.” “Old Master” was “a pre-eminent artist of the period Ballon has filled this pictorial vacuum. Using the before the modern; especially a pre-eminent western tools of the old masters — grand canvases and oil paint, European painter of the 13th to 18th centuries.” and fluently speaking their iconographic language — At first glance, contemporary artist Tyler Ballon Ballon has moved Black bodies from the shadowy mar- may not remind anyone of the traditional image of an gins of the canvas to the forefront, portraying (and also “Old Master.” On the day of his Zoom interview with honoring) them as biblical characters. Episcopal Journal, he was clad in a T-shirt bearing the His paintings document the struggle and pain still words “God vs. my enemies,” and jeans. embedded in the contemporary Black experience, while From his canvas-packed studio at the Mana Con- interpreting these circumstances within the Christian temporary Center in Jersey City, N.J., the 24-year-old African-American figurative artist turns out large-scale Photos/courtesy of the artist paintings like those that Renaissance and Baroque-era Above, Deposition, European artists typically produced. 2018; far left, However, the common themes of old master paint- Called, 2019; left, ings have also strongly inspired Ballon, a Jersey City Take up Your Cross, native and graduate of the Maryland Institute College 2020, oil on canvas. of Art in Baltimore. He traces to early childhood his first encounters with these works’ depictions of mytho- (again, the artist), logical heroes, and, more specifically, biblical characters wearing a baseball and saints. Over the last several years, Ballon has used cap, sits on a dam- old master techniques from celebrated works to draw aged set of steps. attention to the challenges facing Black Americans. He is interrupted Ballon grew up in a “challenging environment,” where from counting the many of his peers were incarcerated, struggled to sup- money he holds port families, or died violently. But he credits his parents in each hand by a (who are both pastors in the Pentecostal church) and his white jacketed but love of art for setting him on a different path. faceless figure who “Art saved me,” Ballon asserted. At first it was merely narratives of faith and redemption. holds a Bible in his right hand while pointing to the a hobby that competed with his other love, boxing. But Ballon’s meticulously detailed paintings often evoke young man with his left. Looking up, the young man his now-deceased grandmother, upon seeing a drawing the work of American illustrator Norman Rockwell, as points to himself, as if to ask, “Who, me?” Inspired by he did of her, encouraged him to “keep it up,” because well as that of Kehinde Wiley, the African-American Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew(1599-1600), it would bring him and the family success. artist whose paintings also reference European master- the work represents subtly yet powerfully the decisive In 2013 and 2014, he received the Young Arts pieces, and whose portrait of former President Barack moment when the soul is summoned. awards (presented by the National Young Arts Foun- Obama drew accolades. Ballon is not bothered by the Take Up Your Cross (2020) offers an ambiguous dation in Miami), and since 2014, his work has been comparison to Wiley, whom he met when he was 18 portrayal of its subject. Drenched in dramatic, Cara- included in several group exhibitions in this country years old and whom he idolizes for the older artist’s vaggesque light, he looks penetratingly at the viewer, ap- and in Sweden. technique and his broad knowledge of art history. pearing to be just another elementary school kid clutch- During his years attending a Roman Catholic gram- While Ballon draws inspiration from a variety of ing an unusual object he has found. But in truth, he is mar school and church, Ballon was exposed to and fell old master painters, the use of color and light, strong the young Jesus embracing the instrument of his death. in love with traditional iconography that tells the Bi- composition, and powerful storytelling seen in works by Mary in Prayer (2018), based this time on Francisco ble’s dramatic stories the renowned Roman Renaissance and Baroque painter de Zurbáran’s The Young Virgin (1632-33), is a nearly in stained glass and sculpture. As a high school stu- Caravaggio (1571-1610), are reflected most prominently full-length figure work and one of Ballon’s most explic- dent, he studied the works of Michelangelo and other in his work. itly devotional images. The open book (suggesting the great painters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Ballon brings these elements together to emphasize Scriptures) on Mary’s lap and her hands positioned to “I was always very observant, and I noticed and was the pathos and theatricality of The Deposition (2018), receive the Holy Spirit place her solidly in Western ico- impressed by their technical skill, use one of his most pointedly Cara- nography, yet Ballon uses her to address current con- of color, and profound knowledge of vaggio-inspired works. Here, the versations about whose body can embody holiness. the human anatomy, as well as their mourners, one of whom locks Although not a member of a faith community, like ability to turn the Scriptures so pow- his eyes with ours, are captured the message on his T-shirt, Ballon is forthright about erfully into ‘real life’ onto the can- in the same fan-shaped arrange- his beliefs and self-identifies as a devout Christian who vas,” Ballon said. ment as those in the Italian mas- dedicates all of his work to God’s glory. However, his deep affection and ter’s 1603 The Entombment. “God is the source of my gifts and my greatest agent, respect for the work of the Old In Ballon’s hands, they have who brings opportunities to me,” he said. He feels clos- Masters gradually came into conflict become residents of an African- est to the Old Testament’s Joseph, on whom God be- with his growing and discomfiting American neighborhood lament- stowed the gift to interpret dreams, whereas Ballon feels awareness of their Eurocentrism. ing over the murdered body of a that he has received the gift to interpret the Scriptures “I felt a separation from the art loved one. As a kind of homage through his paintings. His goal is to become one of the because all of the figures were White to Caravaggio, who often includ- greatest figurative painters in the art world, and to be people. I loved the work, but none ed himself in his paintings, Bal- a mentor to other young artists. But, again, he said he looked like me. It left me feeling ex- lon has cast himself as the corpse leaves that in God’s hands. cluded from the conversation,” he in this work. Ballon is part of a small but growing group of artists said. With an economy of gesture who have returned to representing the human form. His Representations of what is now and expression the artist gives models are friends, family, and members of his immediate often termed the “Black body” in Eu- Photo/courtesy of Tyler Ballon his attention to hands in Called community, and in his view, the figure expresses most ef- ropean art have been scant and large- Tyler Ballon is seen in his studio. (2019), where another young man fectively all that can be expressed continued on page 14 November 2020 Episcopal Journal 13 Faith and the Arts Presiding bishop shares stories from life and ministry in new book

By David Paulsen this love message is a consistent message; ings of Jesus of Nazareth, that means we follow the Episcopal News Service it’s something you’re constantly talking then love must be the Jesus Christ who in Mat- about,” and somebody put it this way: dominant chord of the thew 5, 6 and 7 said, “Do residing Bishop Michael Curry’s “Where does that come from, for you?” music, of the life of we unto others as you would latest book, “Love Is the Way,” I wasn’t speaking of love in the abstract. who are the church. That have them do unto you.” was released on Sept. 22, and I wasn’t speaking of it as a theoretical means that we by defini- How does the policy that P like his 2018 book, “The Power construct. I was speaking of it based on tion are a community of we have do to others what of Love,” it emphasizes Christian teach- my actual experience of people who have people who are bidden we would want someone ings, particularly Jesus’ command to love taught me about love, shown me how to to love, to live for the to do to us? That’s just a one’s neighbor, as a powerful force for love and who loved me. good and the well-being, simple question. How unity and healing in a troubled world. And that ranged from the love of my not of the institutional does this public policy Whereas the earlier book was a collec- family, going through the trauma of my church, not of ourselves, or this action, how does tion of notable sermons, including the mother’s death. I also saw it in people but for the world for this reflect the values that one Curry preached at the U.K. royal who helped me to see stuff as I went which Christ died. Jesus of Nazareth taught wedding in May 2018, “Love Is the Way” along, kind of the educational journey ENS: You also say at us in the parable of the takes a more autobiographical approach that we all go through. I saw it when we one point that we live in Good Samaritan, showing to the lessons of his faith. Curry illustrates were at Standing Rock. I saw it in our a world of selfishness. compassion and mercy to someone else? core Christian beliefs and applies them to church’s struggle for true equality, bap- Curry: And it’s not working out very Or how can we shape it in a way that it today’s social context by mining personal tismal equality, and actually applying well for us. does reflect that, that both you and I can stories, from his early childhood in Buf- what Paul says in Galatians 3 about bap- ENS: Some chapters in the book ap- agree on? I’m trying to be nonpartisan falo, N.Y., to his work as a parish priest tism. We are all equal at the baptismal ply that love to the public sphere and and to actually argue that we’ve got moral in Baltimore to his time as bishop of the font, we must all be equal at the holy politics. In reaction to the church’s ad- common ground. Not on everything, but Diocese of North Carolina. table, we must all be equal in all of the vocacy, some people say that it’s not the we’ve got moral common ground on a lot Curry, who was elected presiding sacramental rites of the church, which church’s business getting involved. How more than we sometimes think. We can bishop in 2015, also describes key mo- includes marriage. would you respond? build on that. I’m here to say Curry: You know, last week, when I ENS: In a chapter talking about the there is power in the preached at the House of Bishops meet- Episcopal Church’s decision in 2015 to kind of love that is ing about the role of the church in the offer marriage rites for same-sex couples unselfish, even sac- time of an election, one of the things and the negative reaction of some of the rificial, that seeks I said then is the church must always provinces of the Anglican Communion, the good and the maintain partisan neutrality. We don’t you say some of that reaction was based well-being of others tell people how to vote. That’s not our on a perception of a kind of American as well as the self — job. Everybody must make that deci- imperialism and not just on that issue. enormous untapped sion based on their own conscience. But Do you think that dynamic still shadows power in that kind partisan neutrality does not mean moral the Episcopal Church’s interaction with of love that can help neutrality. The church must always be a other provinces, as we look ahead to the both to give us hope moral voice for what is good, for what is Lambeth Conference of Anglican bish- in troubling times kind, for what is just, for what is loving. ops in 2022? and to help us find That’s the nature of the church. That’s Curry: Well, we all have to reckon Photo/Reuters Jesus of Nazareth. When he was in with the histories of our countries and The Rev. Jim Wallis, second from left, a conversation about love and some- our cultures. And so we who are Ameri- and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry lead one asked him who’s my neighbor, cans, we have a burden that we have to fellow clergy in a vigil titled “Reclaiming he told the parable of the Good bear. Other people from other countries the Integrity of Faith During Political and Moral Crisis” as they walk to the Samaritan. That was a moral dec- have burdens that they have to bear; White House in May 2018. laration about how we need to live that’s true for all of us. And we have to ac- both together interpersonally and as knowledge that. My approach, whether Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaches a society, and in a society, the way it’s the Anglican Communion or differ- in July 2017, at the 145th Niobrara things get adjudicated is in the polit- ences in the church, is that it’s important Convocation at Red Shirt Table, S.D. ical world, the public square. There to learn how to both kneel and to stand Photo/David Paulsen/ENS is a separation, and should be, of the at the same time. To kneel in real humil- ments in recent church history, includ- our way and navigate our way through. church and partisan politics, but not the ity, to know that I’m not God. This is ing the internal debate over same-sex ENS: There’s a passage in which you morals of public policy. the best that I can do with the light I’ve marriage, the church’s values-based po- note that church is the only society that ENS: Do you find it harder to get received. And I’ve got to honor and re- litical advocacy and its support of the doesn’t exist for the good of its members. those messages across in today’s world spect the fact that you differ with me on Standing Rock Sioux in their opposition Curry: Yeah, that was a [Archbishop given how polarized American politics whatever the issue or concern happens to an oil pipeline in North Dakota. of Canterbury] William Temple quote. in particular has become? to be, and I’ve got to kneel before you “The purpose of this book is to ex- ENS: How do you see the role of the Curry: Not necessarily. One of the as my brother, my sister, my sibling, and plain what the way of love looks like, church, both for its members and look- things we must do is to find where is honor the image of God that is in you even as we walk it in a world that feels at ing outward? there common moral ground? Where are because you, like me, are a child of God. times closer to a nightmare than to the Curry: Well, again, Jesus said the su- there values, ideals, moral principles that And then it’s also important to stand dream,” he says in the introduction. preme law is the law of love. He was very we share that we can then build on in with integrity for whatever it is you hap- Curry spoke with ENS by phone clear about that, Matthew 22. There can terms of developing public policy? And pen to believe. And I’ve learned, I’m from his home in North Carolina, where be no debate about that. The New Testa- that’s where there may be great overlap still learning, that it’s important to both he now spends much of his time, since ment was absolutely clear about that: to between progressives and conservatives, continued on page 15 his normally dizzying travel schedule has love God and love the neighbor, that is or whatever the various sides or factions been disrupted by the coronavirus pan- what the will of God calls for. are. Because we actually do share moral demic. The following interview has been What is love? The love most frequent- common ground. classifieds lightly edited and condensed for clarity ly talked about in the New Testament is Some years ago when I was in North Organs for sale and length. “agape” love, which is a kind of love that Carolina and we were attempting com- ENS: Your previous two books have is not selfish. It actually seeks the good prehensive immigration reform, I was in Pipe Organs for sale by Pfeffer, been on the theme of Christian love, and well-being of others as well as the a number of conversations with legisla- Hilgreen-Lane, Debierre, and Redman. but this new book is quite a bit differ- self, but it’s not a selfish kind of love. It’s tors, members of Congress, and one of Contact Redman Pipe Organs, Fort ent than the last. Why did you write this giving, not always taking. If that is the the things I would say to them often — Worth, Texas 817 996 3085 book and why now? case, and we who are the church are a Je- most of them, at least in North Carolina, ADVERTISING INFO or to submit classified ads to Curry: This book really came out of sus movement of people who have com- were professing Christians — and I said, Episcopal Journal Advertising Department contact a number of people saying, “You know, mitted their lives to the way and teach- that means we follow Jesus Christ. And [email protected] 14 Episcopal Journal November 2020 book Review Renewing our citizenship, faithfully

By Kate Beeby imaginary,” a relational place of love and “We are asked to see one another in the turning from the resounding gongs and plenty where all God’s people, all God’s light of a singular inalienable worth that clanging cymbals of national identity, di- xhausted by our political circum- creation, thrive together. would make a family of us if we let it. visive hegemonies, hyper-fractured indi- stance? Terrified as our broken- However, Doyle is clear that his book The ethic in these words should be vidualism, and toxic rhetoric, away from ness, selfishness and crass disre- isn’t a prescription for a magic pill, it’s no the standard by which we judge our- fear, towards love. Then we might begin E gard crushes the cornerstone of how-to manual, nor a map that tells us selves, our social arrangements, our deal- again to live into our baptismal covenant. our democracy into unstable footing? how to get from here to there. However, ings with the vast family of humankind. Doyle shows us that “God’s garden Maybe we need to get it offers hope as we citizens It will always find us wanting. The idea is imaginary is not a human project, but away. Perhaps Canada — struggle to find our way a progressive force, constantly and neces- a reality that we can taste when our lives though it’s not clear that forward. sarily exposing our failures and showing are aligned with the life of God and we our friendly neighbors to There are aspects of this us new paths forward.” are committed to the cultivation of vir- north will have us. work that are challeng- With her gracious words, Robinson tue.” From the bishop’s lips to God’s ears Perhaps times like this ing. It is not entirely clear urges us onward in a secular way. In and straight into our hearts and souls. n call for another kind of for whom it was written: “Citizen,” Doyle holds a mirror to our journey. I’ve read that Academics? Theologians? otherworldly nature as children of God. Kate Beeby is an essayist and children’s the act of pilgrimage is Seminarians? Other bish- Christians must first renew our faith by Christian educator. a prayer — costly, time- ops? Priests? Mere mortals? consuming, arduous — a And in its narrow focus on Curry continued from page 13 like your granddaddy did. He was a re- purposeful and sacred ex- politics and government, vivalist.” And then he stopped and said, pedition. The bishop of “Citizen” barely touches kneel and stand at the same time. And “That’s fine. Just always make sure it’s the Diocese of Texas, C. the human brokenness that if we all do that and engage each you and not a show.” Andrew Doyle, expresses reflected in all our institu- other, kneeling in real humility before ENS: One other thing that you note his autobiography in a Citizen: Faithful tions, like our corporations each other and before God, and yet be- in the book is that not only are you the scant, yet compelling, six Discipleship in a and the church. ing honest and up front and clear about first Black presiding bishop but you also words: “Met Jesus on pil- Partisan World Looking at our own what we stand for or what we believe and were the first Black diocesan bishop in grimage, still walking.” faith tradition, one need hold, the fact that we have knelt before the South. And you mention in high In his most recent By C. Andrew Doyle only watch the coronation each other creates the space where we school reading writers of the Harlem book, “Citizen, Faith- Church Publishing, Inc. episode of “The Crown” to can stand together with our differences. Renaissance, including James Weldon ful Discipleship in a New 272 pp., $22.95 sense old and dark forces at ENS: Let’s talk a little about preach- Johnson, who wrote the hymn “Lift Ev- World,” he invites us on work. Daily, I am reminded ing. You describe in the book that your ery Voice and Sing,” also known as the another trek in this critical election year. to hold the things of this world lightly, in more emotive style differed from the Black national anthem. What meaning Here, Doyle illuminates how Christians particular our institutions, because human preaching style of your father, an Epis- do you take from that hymn? must work to repair a broken nation, a agency requires constant confessional hu- copal priest, partly because the church Curry: Well, there’s a lot! One of the broken world, even our broken disas- mility, by God’s grace, we are offered an- culture has since changed to encourage verses, it speaks of “the lessons the dark sociated selves. If we might be reluctant other opportunity that we might try again. more of the preacher’s “authentic voice” past has taught us.” And then it says, “fac- to go with him on the expedition, Doyle Doyle is also writing as the leader of to come through. ing the rising sun of a new day begun, let reminds us that “the wilderness is a place a diocese covering nearly 50,000 square Curry: I remember my father telling us march on until victory is won.” No- of formation.” miles, with more than 77,000 members, me, when he was in seminary they were tice the pattern. The lessons the dark past Doyle’s narrative outlines an ambi- in a state that while increasingly diverse told that displays of emotion are signs of has taught us, and then facing the rising tious overview of political theory and a and progressive, secessionist sentiments lack of intelligence and that a preacher sun. What you have in the genius of that compelling range of theological voices, are still openly courted. It would seem must give a learned discourse. That’s the hymn is a recognition that you can’t ig- making a case for faithful discipleship to be a daunting landscape in which to way the church was; that’s the way clergy nore the past, and this is a message I think in a partisan world. His argument is as preach, teach and shepherd the faithful. were trained. Now this would have been for all of us, white, Black, brown, Indig- tightly woven as Kevlar, with footnotes. But Doyle reminds us that this is noth- in the late ’40s, early ’50s. It was a dif- enous, Asian, all of us, everybody, that His thesis is that educated people in ing new for God’s people. ferent time. By the time I went to semi- part of our past is dark, part of our past is wealthy, democratic, Western nations In her recent essay for The New York nary, people were saying, you need to filled with pain. The point is not to wal- are toxically attached to notions of in- Times, “Don’t Give Up on America,” find what is your voice in the pulpit. It low in it but to acknowledge and face it dividuality and self-interest, confining Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marilynne was Phillips Brooks who said preaching and then learn from it, and then turn in a themselves to a detached and desolate Robinson reminds us that America is an is the communication of truth through new direction and together, for all of us, wilderness far from God’s “garden social idea based on human equality: the medium of human personality. You together to work to right any wrongs, to need to communicate the truth of the repair the breach and then to work at the Gospel as you understand it through work of real reconciliation and creation of the modality of who you are. That was the beloved community. That’s right there a change that probably started in the in that hymn. The message of that hymn 1970s in Episcopal seminaries and ecu- — which I had to memorize as a kid, and menical seminaries all across the board, we sang it all the time, sang it in church and so that freed me to learn to be me on various occasions — what I realized is in the pulpit in ways that are authentic. that that hymn was teaching a worldview I remember Daddy telling me at one where you’re charged with living a life in point — because my grandfather was a such a way that you help this world and Baptist preacher, my father’s father — I our society to learn from a dark past and remember my father saying, “You preach turn to work for a new day. n

Ballon continued from page 12 interest in and discussions about the lives of African-Americans and other people in life. As was true for these painters from of color by bringing together their un- Europe’s past, composition, vivid color, derrepresented bodies and a European light and gesture are his currency. art form to tell the Bible’s compelling Embracing Evangelism: A six-part digital Whereas some may accuse the artist of stories. His work unapologetically af- course from The Episcopal Church and a lack of originality, his references to and firms that these bodies can portray sa- evocations of their works are in keeping cred characters, be the bearers of eternal Virginia Theological Seminary. Now available with past practices of artists borrowing truths, and can reflect the imago Dei. n at episcopalchurch.org/embracingevangelism. from one another’s masterpieces. After all, imitation is the highest form of praise. Pamela A. Lewis writes about topics of But more importantly, Ballon is con- faith. She attends Saint Thomas Church, THE Episcopal CHURCH tributing meaningfully to the growing Fifth Avenue in New York. November 2020 Episcopal Journal 15 Faith and the Arts Ohio church’s ‘Homeless Jesus’ sparks call to police – and conversations about poverty

By David Paulsen broader one. of “Homeless Jesus” have the Episcopal News Service “The goal of the statue, the power to turn heads, and perhaps sculpture there, is to not only raise open minds, wherever they are in- t. Barnabas Episcopal Church awareness about homelessness and stalled. in Bay Village, Ohio, a western extreme poverty but also to remind In 2014, St. Alban’s Episcopal suburb of Cleveland, welcomed us that we are all created in God’s Church in Davidson, N.C., host- Sthe opportunity to display a image and we have a Christian ob- ed one of the sculptures, provok- sculpture known as “Homeless Jesus” on ligation to stand with the outcast ing a mix of reactions, including its property for seven weeks this fall be- and marginalized,” said Martin, at least one call to police. Another cause the congregation thought it would who has served St. Barnabas as neighbor wrote a letter to the edi- spark conversations about how society priest-in-charge for two years. tor of a local news website saying treats and cares for the marginalized. It’s not all surprising that some- the sculpture “creeps him out,” Did it ever. one mistook “Homeless Jesus” according to an NPR report. On Oct. 12, minutes after the sculp- for a real person. The sculpture Photo/Alex Martin St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in The sculpture “Homeless Jesus” has been installed on the ture was installed facing a city park’s well- is deceptively realistic. Its subject property of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village, Buffalo, N.Y., purchased a version traveled pathway, the Rev. Alex Martin is depicted lying on a bench and Ohio, since Oct. 12 and will be there through Dec. 1. of the sculpture for $33,000 and received a visit from a police officer in- wrapped in a blanket, with only installed it in a downtown park in quiring about the sculpture: Authorities his bare feet poking out. His identity is Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland 2015, sparking a local controversy. had received a call alerting them that revealed by his wounds, from the spikes to support its ministries serving people “There are some who are totally op- someone was sleeping on a bench — mis- used to affix Jesus to the cross. living on the streets or struggling with posed to it. One particular person said taking the sculpture for a real person. The original sculpture was created by poverty. ‘Jesus is not homeless,’” lay leader Mi- “Bay Village is a small tight-knit Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, who After his initial tweet about “Home- chael Bonilla told a local public radio community where people genuinely care is Roman Catholic, as a representation less Jesus” was retweeted more than station at the time. “If you read the about each other,” Martin said in an in- of Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, just 28,000 times, Martin followed up this Scripture, Jesus did not have a home.” terview with Episcopal News Service. “I as you did it to one of the least of these week with a message inviting com- The effect is particularly poignant in have every reason to believe that the call who are members of my family, you did munity members to donate money to more affluent cities and neighborhoods was made out of genuine concern and it to me.” a fund that St. Barnabas will used to where residents don’t often come face to compassion.” St. Barnabas was offered a version of support the work of both Community face with the problem of homelessness, The officer simply inspected the the sculpture to display through Dec. 1 by West Foundation and St. Luke’s. As of as is the case for St. Barnabas’ “Homeless sculpture and its plaque and then chat- Community West Foundation, which is Oct. 16, that campaign had raised about Jesus.” ted with Martin about it, but since then, loaning it to various churches in the area. $1,000, with most of the donations to- “In a neighborhood like this, it’s jar- the story has been picked up by news Community West Foundation is the taling $5 to $15. ring to see someone sleeping on the outlets in the Cleveland area and be- largest provider of services to people suf- “The sculpture speaks to people, and bench, and it’s forcing us to have con- yond, including Vice News and CNN. fering from homelessness in Cuyahoga it draws strong reactions,” Martin told versations that we might not otherwise Much of the coverage so far has focused County, which encompasses both Bay ENS. have,” Martin said. And if it makes peo- on the decision to call police, but Mar- Village and Cleveland. St. Barnabas That hasn’t just been the case at St. ple uncomfortable, “homelessness ought tin said the purpose of the sculpture is a also has an ongoing partnership with St. Barnabas. Schmalz’s various renditions to make us uncomfortable.” n

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By Lauren Stanley which encompasses the entire state, were your plan. So you have to be remarkably Going online and meeting remotely Diocese of South Dakota chosen, and special rules were set al- flexible — and, with God’s help, our “was a great idea because it helped keep lowing only for delegates, or alternates people are.” us safe, and it was a good way to see each hen the Episcopal Diocese taking their place, to attend, along with By convention time, the Cheyenne again.” of South Dakota held its an- assistants to handle the technical details River Reservation site had to be dropped “Some of us,” he said, “haven’t seen nual convention on Oct. 10 and to serve box lunches. each other in seven to eight Wit didn’t look like any other Safety procedures were out- months, so it was a nice way to convention that had preceded it. lined, including the mandatory visit with each other.” Instead of gathering at a hotel or wearing of masks, social distanc- Geboe added that “economi- the First United Methodist Church in ing at each meeting site, health cally, it was better, because be- Pierre, as it had in years past, and instead checks at the door, and the con- fore you had to travel and spend of having 350-400 people present, in the tinual use of hand-sanitizer and money, but we didn’t have to year of coronavirus, the diocese went bleach wipes throughout the do that this time. Maybe in where it had never gone before: online. day. Special health instructions time, we can perfect this, and Like so many other dioceses across were created for the preparation just do it this way. It might save the country and around the world, an and serving of food, along with us money doing it this way all in-person convention could not be held. instructions for how to vote re- around. It worked out well for South Dakota is tied with North Dakota motely from each site. our first time. We got all the for highest infection rate per 100,000 “Whereas I know that other Photo/Diocese of South Dakota business done in one day. We people in the nation, so the idea of meet- dioceses are conducting their Trinity Episcopal Church, Pierre, was one of five sites for the didn’t have to go up the night ing in person for the 136th Convention conventions 100% virtually,” Diocese of South Dakota “virtual in person” convention. before and have banquets. We was a non-starter. Folts said, “I haven’t heard of had our communion service, In mid-July, as the coronavirus pan- any diocese meeting ‘virtually in person.’ because of COVID concerns, and sev- and everything went well. It was very demic raged throughout the country, Even if we had the resources to conduct eral other sites experienced a drop in well organized.” diocesan bishop Jonathan H. Folts con- an all-virtual convention, a number of participants when various clergy and del- “There were definitely concerns about sulted with diocesan leaders via Zoom to our regions are not privileged to have egates were quarantined due to COVID what to do if one of our sites lost signal,” discuss what to do with the two-day con- good or reliable internet service. So, if exposure, or decided to stay home due Folts said, “and I give our Worship Com- vention scheduled for late September. we couldn’t all meet in person — and if to pandemic worries. In the end, 111 mittee high marks for their creativity. If a By early August, the decision had been we all couldn’t meet virtually — this was delegates attended, down from the usual host site went down, they were given five made to take convention online. the next best option to bring us together 190. There were no vendors, no displays to 10 minutes to get their signal back. If Going online, Folts told the diocese and to stay within our canons. and no visitors allowed. that failed, they would need to call in on prior to the meeting, would keep ev- “Often, the only thing you can plan In his convention address, Folts, fo- the Zoom phone line. We put our con- eryone safe. Six sites across the diocese, on in South Dakota is that nothing will cusing on Romans 12:12 — “Rejoice in vention within the context of a Eucha- hope, be patient in suffering, persevere rist service, and all the assigned liturgical Episcopal in prayer” — praised Episcopalians in leaders had back-ups in case we lost them South Dakota for keeping their focus on electronically. We had con-celebrating God’s mission. priests at the other four host sites who Journal Free Book “Our participation in God’s mission is were softly praying the Eucharistic prayer where our true focus lies,” he said. “Living along with me, and we gave them instruc- When You Subscribe or Donate into Jesus’ Great Commandment — lov- tions for what to do should our signal ing God and loving our neighbor — that be dropped, namely… ‘Speak up and go Our friends at Forward Movement have is our focus. Living into Jesus’ Great Com- on!’” go ac- mission — worshipping God, making The diocese was able to hold conven- provided three titles for our new Reader cord- new Christians, forming new Christians, tion this way by using a grant from the Offer. With your 1-year or 2-year ing to and transforming God’s world! — that is St. Mary’s Leadership Board, a group subscription or minimum donation of $36, our focus. COVID-19 and all that it en- that provides scholarship assistance to tails? That is not our focus. It is part of our students and supports youth formation, choose one free book as our gift to you. current picture. It is certainly a part of our to purchase the necessary microphones Episcopal Journal reflects the vibrant, diverse current picture. But it is not — and I pray and projectors, which will then be used and global Episcopal Church and Anglican to God that it never will be — our focus.” for other on-line meetings and training Communion. It’s the only place you’ll find: The bishop emphasized various ways sessions. in which South Dakota Episcopalians • News curated from around the world of “Because of the COVID-19 virus,” have overcome pandemic difficulties to Folts told the convention, “this new interest to Episcopal readers continue to serve God’s people, through equipment became more than just a • Original inspirational columns and features online and radio services, taking the wish or an idea — it became a necessity • Arts and entertainment coverage www.forwardmovement.org sacrament and prayers to the people — — and it has become a genuine bless- and seeing Church membership actually ing. For many of our events, people have Subscribe today! To receive this special offer send in the form grow as a result — and by making vid- to travel a number of miles to attend — below OR Call 1-800-691-9846 (mention free book) eos of “virtual mission trips” to keep in and we also are very dependent upon OR go to EpiscopalJournal.org/subscribe touch with mission teams that were not the weather. So having this technology (Episcopal Journal is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable corporation registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.) able to travel this year. and equipment will therefore widen our Yes! Sign me up for a one-year subscription for only $36 or save with a two-year subscription for $67.50. “What has happened,” Folts said, “is ability to meet and offer diocesan-wide  One year subscription $36  Two year subscription $67.50  Donation of $36 or more that our clergy and the people of our programs, and especially those regarding Choose one of the following books: congregations … have found ways in Christian formation.”  Angels of the Bible  Sing to the Lord an Old Song  The Way of Love which to worship God and to follow He added, “Initially, when we were

I’m not ready to commit but would like help support the Episcopal Journal with a tax-deductible donation: $______Jesus despite COVID-19. They have faced with the challenge of COVID-19, (Donations above $36 receive a book! You will receive a tax receipt). found ways to share fellowship and to we were shocked and stunned. But we Mail to Episcopal Journal, Attn: Mike Brooks, 111-56 76 Drive, #F7, Forest Hills, NY 11375. stay in relationship with each other de- reached deep inside of ourselves. We To subscribe or donate by credit card, call 1-800-691-9846 (mention free book) Please PRINT clearly spite COVID-19. They have found ways made use of the faithful resiliency and to form their people and they have con- tenacity that God has given us. We be- Name______tinued to transform their communities.” lieved in God, we continued to follow n Address______Rosebud Episcopal Mission Senior Jesus, and we trusted each other.” Catechist Erroll Geboe, who served as City______State______ZIP______master of ceremonies at the Bishop Jones The Rev. Lauren Stanley is superintend- Building in Mission, liked the online ing presbyter, Rosebud Episcopal Mission

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