EpiscopalEpiscopal 10 th 10 th year Anniversary

MONTHLY EDITION | $3.75 PER COPY Vol. 10 No. 1 | January 2020 JJournalournMONTHLY EDITION | $3.75 PER COPY aVol. 10 No.l 1 | January 2020 ‘We have seen his star in the east’ Epiphany, traditionally marked on Jan. 6, celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles. It is also 2 known as Three Kings Day, commemorating the visit Remembering Louie Crew Clay’s of the Magi (or Wise Men) to the Christ child. This justice work watercolor on textured wove paper by British artist John Flaxman (1755-1826) is a design for a marble bas NEWS relief. The watercolor is in the Paul Mellon Collection at the Yale Center for British Art.

Photo/Yale Center for British Art via Wikimedia Commons Baptizing child of early enslaved Africans 8 helped tie Episcopal Church to slavery’s legacy ‘God doesn’t hate’ says evangelism By Mary Frances Schjonberg campaign Episcopal News Service ollowing this year’s commemorations of the 1619 arrival of enslaved

re F e atu Africans to the Jamestown colony, there is at least one anniversary to come that is worth remembering for how it ties the Episcopal Church F to the legacy of slavery. Sometime in the first five years after those Africans were traded to the colony for food by an English pirate who had captured them on the high seas, the infant son of two of the original “20 and odd Negroes” was baptized in an Anglican church in the area, according to the colony’s 1624 census records. Those records say the son of “Antoney Negro and Isabell Negro” was baptized with the name of his family’s owner, William Tucker. It was the first 13 documented baptism of an African baby in English North America. Harry Potter Day

t s attracts kids Photo/National Park Service Baby William’s baptism likely took place in the Anglican church near his to cathedral The enslaved Africans taken to Virginia in 1619 had been master’s plantation on the Hampton River in an area where the Kecoughtan a r captured at sea by British privateers and sold for supplies at Point tribe lived. The church was known as Elizabeth City Parish, which is still Comfort before most of them were brought inland to Jamestown. active today as St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hampton, Va. The church’s willingness to perform such baptisms “tells me that sin is very real and In El Paso, border ministry assists that blindness is very real, and we can extend

A G E baptism, which is freedom offered us through the power of the Holy Spirit and at the same I D PA Mexicans fleeing violence US P O S T Bellmawr NJ time, maintain and develop and make thrive a PE R M IT #1239

No n -Profit O rg. By Lynette Wilson system of chattel slavery,” Diocese of Atlanta Episcopal News Service Bishop Robert Wright said in an interview with ENS. n informal tent city has taken stake The sin of the church’s approval of and in Cuidad Juárez, Mexico, along- participation in slavery, Wright said, had its side the entrance to the Santa Fe roots in Cape Coast on the western shore of A Street Bridge, one of three bridges Ghana, which was a nexus of the transatlan- that connect the sprawling northern Mexi- tic slave trade. He recalled a March 2017 trip co border city to El Paso, Texas. there during which he toured the dungeons In recent months, Mexican families flee- where captured Africans were held before ing rising violence perpetrated by drug car- Photo/Lynette Wilson/ENS being forced onto ships bound for North tels in the country’s south have arrived at the Tent cities have taken stake at the foot of the America and the Caribbean. U.S. southern border seeking protection in three bridges on the Juárez side of the U.S.- Standing in those “dank, dark places,” the United States via the asylum system. Mexico border where Mexican nationals are Wright realized that “just above those Unlike Central American asylum-seekers, waiting to claim asylum in the United States. dungeons was the Anglican chapel where who have been arriving steadily at the U.S.- people said basically the same words that we’re Mexico border for more than a year, there’s “The people who are living out on the saying now in our Episcopal churches every no “official” system for handling the surge streets by the ports, they are all Mexican; Sunday.” It is believed that many Africans in Mexicans seeking the same protection there is no established system to deal with were forcibly baptized before they were taken from violence and persecution. continued on page 6 to the Americas. continued on page 7 2 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Conversations Two paths, one faith

By Sharon Sheridan “‘God, I can’t pray just now,’ laments think he had a car. His voice certainly room-only life celebration by people the praying man. ‘Some people/have did not echo across the diocese, let alone gathered from across the country. Traveling the been saying/that you/might not even throughout the wider church. And yet, the same God welcomed both night before Thanks- be a real man,/might be instead an an- And yet, what stands out in my mem- home, inviting both equally to the heav- giving, I opened my drogynous mutation. … It was difficult ory of John is not so different from how enly banquet, just as God invites us all to e-mail to the news that enough/when those black children/start- I viewed Louie. the same Communion table each week. Louie Crew Clay had ed coloring you black./Before long/even He was a Christian. He was kind. He We each receive a portion of talents gone home to God. sissies will be saying/that you lisp/or go served his church. and challenges; we steward the one and I often said that Louie was the most about in drag.”’ While John lived locally, he faithfully battle the other as best we can. In the Christian man I knew. Seven years later, I was thrilled to par- attended worship. He willingly pitched end, it is the faithfulness and integrity of A white, gay Southerner who mar- ticipate in a poetry night in honor of his in when we needed tables moved or other the journey, not the sphere of influence ried a black man and launched the or- 80th birthday. And I was both surprised assistance around the facility. He attend- or scope of worldly accomplishment, ganization Integrity to support and push and touched when he greeted news of ed our first-ever parish-wide weekend that matters. for full inclusion of LGBT people in my progress through the ordination pro- retreat. The last time I saw him, he was I doubt they met on earth. But I the Episcopal Church, he suffered more cess with not only delight but also an ad- visiting my friend at her church during like to picture Louie and John meeting than his share of life’s slings and arrows. monition to keep writing poetry. When Christmastide two or three years ago. now, and going in to sit at the banquet But however much they vilified him, he I visited his church in Newark in 2017, Two different men. Two very different together: unequal in life circumstances, countered his critics with grace and wit. he inquired during coffee hour what po- spheres of influence. but equally loved children of God. He demonstrated how to love one’s en- ems I was working on. And yet, I saw the spirit of Christ Joy anyway, my friends. Joy always. n emies. And he steadfastly signed his mes- Through the years, Louie’s voice within them both. sages: Joy anyway! projected in the halls of General Con- One had what I imagine was a small The Rev. Sharon Sheridan Hausman is Predictably, tributes soon appeared vention and beyond. But he also had a and quiet funeral. The other’s memo- priest associate at Christ Episcopal Church across Facebook and listservs from all knack of encouraging other voices, in- rial service will, I suspect, be a standing- in Newton, N.J. corners of the church he had served as a cluding mine. member of Executive Council, a six-time As I thought and read about Louie, deputy from the Diocese of Newark, In- and prayed for his husband and the many Louie Crew Clay, champion of tegrity founder and tireless advocate for others who loved him, I received word of social justice. another death during that Thanksgiving LGBTQ inclusion, dies at 82 Everyone, someone commented, had a weekend. By Egan Millard Known as Louie Crew until he Louie story. I could tell several, from when He was not a public figure, so I’ll just Episcopal News Service took his husband’s name in 2013, he I first encountered him when I began call him John to protect his family’s pri- was remembered across the Episcopal working as a church reporter in the 1990s vacy. While Louie’s obituary made mul- ouie Crew Clay, a longtime Church as a tireless trailblazer for sexual to when he sent me a gift for my 2018 or- tiple churchwide publications, Google advocate for the full inclusion of continued on page 4 dination to the transitional diaconate. reveals no obituary for John. I learned LGBTQ people in the Some of my favorite memories of this of his death by chance, while visiting the L Episcopal Church, the former English professor involve poetry. At church of one of his relatives and hearing founder of Integrity and a the 2009 General Convention, he joined his name in the prayers. former member of the House in a poetry slam, giving, as I wrote for the I met John when he began attending of Deputies, died on Nov. 27 Convention Daily, “an animated reading the church I belonged to when I started at age 82 with his husband of two poems from his collection ‘Quean seminary. Many in the church were well- by his side, according to the Lutibelle’s Pew’ (the ‘Quean’ is his alter off or solidly middle class; but John Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, a close ego, he explained), adopting an auction- inhabited a lower economic stratum. friend. eer’s stance for ‘Lutibell Goes to an Auc- It’s long enough ago that I’ve for- tion’ and crossing himself solemnly and gotten the details, but I know he faced Louie Crew Clay, right, invoking the Trinity as he began reading challenges. I recall some level of hous- celebrates his 80th birthday with his husband, Ernest Clay. ‘Lutibelle Imitates a Strait Male Prayer.’ ing and employment instability. I don’t Photo/Cynthia Black From The editor’s desk Episcopal First of all, you have to my body and personality to be reconciled were Journal understand that Louie Crew still not met.” Editor: Solange De Santis Clay, whose obituary is above, The gay-liberation movement of the 1960s Art Director: Linda Brooks was born in 1936. galvanized Clay’s ebullient personality. He came Editor Emeritus: Jerrold Hames When he was, say, 20 in 1956, out of the closet in 1973 and married his partner, Business Manager: Michael Brooks the age when his straight coun- Ernest Clay, in 1974, although the marriage had Advertising: Shanley + Associates, LLC terparts would be finding ro- no legal standing. Board of Directors: Mary W. Cox; Solange De Santis, ex officio; Pamela A. Lewis; Craig Wirth mantic partners and looking to- Always, he pushed against boundaries. As a All Episcopal News Service articles in this issue are reprinted ward marriage, homosexuality was illegal in many white man from the South, he married a black with permission. Further ENS content is available at states, including Alabama, the state of his birth. man and they were together (and legally married www.episcopalnewsservice.org. The American Psychology Association listed in 2013) until his death. He simply couldn’t see Editorial: Send correspondence and letters to the editor at homosexuality as a mental disorder, and police why racial prejudice should keep them from fall- 123 Mamaroneck Ave., #616, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 or raids on gay bars in many cities were common. ing in love. [email protected]. The word “gay” was not generally used to refer He refused to tamp down the more colorful Business: Michael Brooks at 111-56 76th Drive, #F7, Forest Hills, NY 11375 to homosexual people. Most religious denomina- aspects of his persona, writing under the names or [email protected] tions condemned homosexuality as sinful. of various alter egos: Li Min Hua, Quean Luti- Advertising: [email protected] 312-919-1306 “Being gay for me meant being terribly alone, belle and Dr. Ddungo. He simply couldn’t see Subcriptions: To change subscription addresses, contact: Episcopal Journal always having to wear a mask, constantly justify- why his creativity should bow to attacks by ho- Circulation Department, PO Box 937, Bellmawr NJ 08099-0937 ing even to myself my lack of sexuality by say- mophobes. [email protected] or call 800-691-9846. Individual subscriptions are ing that I thereby won some spiritual compensa- Turning his critical eye on his church, he sim- $36 per year, available through www.episcopaljournal.org. tions,” Clay wrote in the essay “Growing Up Gay ply couldn’t understand why gay people should 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- in Dixie.” be denied the love of Christ, the gospel and full exempt charitable corporation, registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Episcopal He left the Baptist church of his youth to be- participation in their church. Journal is published monthly by the Episcopal Journal, Inc. Episcopal Journal is published come an Episcopalian at age 25, “and though the It’s a different world and a different church monthly and quarterly in partnership with dioceses and individual churches and is distributed to individual subscribers. Postage paid at Bryn Mawr, Pa. Postmaster: Send address n form of worship was more pleasing, the needs of now. Thank you, Louie. changes to: Episcopal Journal, P.O. Box 937, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-0937. ISSN: 2159-6824 January 2020 Episcopal Journal 3 news Office of Government Relations prepares to launch civic-engagement initiatives

By Egan Millard word. Within the next Although part of the idea be- Episcopal News Service few weeks, OGR will hind the civil discourse curricu- start releasing an edu- lum is that it’s a framework that ov. 3 marked the one-year cational series on the people of all political persua- countdown to the U.S. presi- census, explaining why sions can unite behind, there dential and congressional it’s important and how has been some pushback on the N elections, and the Episcopal it will work. concept of “civility” itself. On Church’s Office of Government Rela- The second part is social media, some Episcopa- tions (OGR) is gearing up for a year election engagement, lians have reacted negatively, that’s expected to see even more vitriol which has long been a arguing that calls for civility are in public discourse than in the rancorous component of OGR’s not an effective way to respond 2016 election. And as debates over the work. This includes to an administration and politi- church’s role in politics have intensified, resources like the Vote cal movement that embrace lies so have OGR’s efforts to facilitate civil, Faithfully Toolkit, a Photo/David Paulsen/Episcopal News Service and white supremacist ideology respectful discussions about political is- guide for congregations The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations is preparing for a and make threats of civil war. sues across partisan boundaries. that covers registering contentious election season. Yarborough says he under- TheO GR, based in Washington, voters, getting voters stands that view but draws a D.C., directly across the street from the to the polls and advocating for voting Episcopal Church, told ENS. “In our distinction between civil discourse and Capitol and the Supreme Court, advo- rights. It’s not a primer on specific issues meetings with legislators and policymak- the mere idea of civility. cates for policy positions based on Gen- or candidates, and OGR emphasizes that ers in Washington, we have heard and “We focus on civil discourse because eral Convention and Executive Council it is an entirely nonpartisan endeavor. seen the need for civil discourse. And it is useful when we are already in — or resolutions. It also educates and engages The IRS prohibits churches and other we know that need extends across the want to be in — conversation with our Episcopalians on those policy positions nonprofit organizations from campaign- country where many of our parishes and neighbors. It doesn’t apply in all circum- through the Episcopal Public Policy Net- ing for or against particular candidates. communities are already engaged in this stances, and it doesn’t mean we stop ad- work, which sends out action alerts for However, churches are allowed to in- crucial work.” vocating for justice in all the ways we those looking for opportunities to get volve their members in advocating for The new civil discourse curriculum can. Civil discourse is a tool, and like any involved. policies they support, and to help them will be an expanded version of last year’s, tool, it’s appropriate for certain applica- Over the past few years, OGR has get registered to vote. plus a few advanced sections, such as a tions. It’s not a prescription for solving been busy in the halls of Congress repre- The toolkit also offers liturgical re- training for facilitators. There will also any and every disagreement or injustice, senting the church’s positions on a wide sources that can be incorporated into a be a video version and an online plat- but it is useful for leveraging our diversi- variety of specific issues: refugee resettle- service to remind people of the moral im- form that allows individuals to take the ty in thought, perspective and identity to ment, drilling in the Arctic, gerryman- portance of voting and allow for prayer- course on their own, rather than as part give us the best shot at solving problems dering, gun control and many more. As ful consideration of the topics at hand. of a parish group. in our society.” n the election approaches, it’s focusing on The 2020 version of the Vote Faithfully ways that people can engage with these Toolkit will also be released within the issues in a productive way, cast informed next few weeks, Yarborough said. votes and ensure fair representation in The third part is a new and expand- Congress. ed multi-week curriculum on civil dis- In addition to its usual advocacy course. Last year, recognizing how dif- work, OGR is “kicking off a civic en- ficult it has become to have a political gagement initiative that we’re breaking discussion in good faith with someone down into three parts,” said Alan Yar- who holds different views, OGR de- borough, OGR’s church relations officer. veloped a five-week group workshop The first part focuses on the 2020 that creates a framework for produc- Census, which will take place in the tive dialogue. Grounded in prayer and spring. The Episcopal Church is an of- Scripture, the curriculum establishes ficial partner of the census, which means an environment of mutual respect and OGR is working directly with the U.S. guides participants through political dis- Census Bureau “to encourage people cussions in ways that foster learning and to take the census because we want the understanding, rather than the kind of GIVE count to be as accurate as possible,” Yar- divisive, emotional arguments that have Giving is an act of grace. It doesn’t take much to make a borough told Episcopal News Service. become more common. Census data is used to determine how “Civil discourse is a key component difference. It simply requires attention and willingness to government funds and services are dis- of our engagement in 2020. We want give of our time, of our resources. tributed, so an accurate census count is to equip Episcopalians, and all people, necessary to ensure fair representation in to be able to engage across political dif- Some can give more, some must give less. Every gift helps. government. ferences, especially with our fellow pa- Every gift puts your values into action and is an act of grace. “The U.S. Census has profound im- rishioners and community members,” pacts on not just our electoral system, Yarborough said. “We hope that the civil but also how over 100 federal pro- discourse curriculum can help Episcopa- grams, and many other state and local lians to listen, to be aware of how their initiatives, allocate funding and other own messages are heard, and to allow us The smallest gesture can change a life. resources to best serve the population,” all to enrich our own thinking about dif- To learn how you can help through giving call 1-800-898-4896 Yarborough explained. And frequently, ferent political perspectives and policy or make your online donations at SaintFrancisMinistries.org. the groups needing those resources most proposals.” are the hardest to count. In OGR’s dealings with politicians, “Evidence shows that faith-based the response to its civil discourse efforts communities often have some of the has been encouraging. closest connections to communities “The Office of Government Relations that are hard to count,” Yarborough is well placed in the church to help us Embracing the Episcopal tradition of service, our programs honor said, which is why the Census Bureau to speak across political difference,” the the inherent dignity and worth of every person we serve. is working with the Episcopal Church Rev. C.K. Robertson, canon to the pre- and other religious groups to spread the siding bishop for ministry beyond the 4 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Obituaries The Rev. Donald Nickerson

By David Paulsen at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, Episcopal News Service Maine, where Nickerson had served as rector in the 1970s and 1980s. he Rev. Donald Nickerson, who served as the “He was a pastor’s pastor and mentored Episcopal Church’s executive officer of General hundreds of people to be leaders of the gospel, Convention from 1986 to 1998, died Dec. 9 at both within and beyond the church,” Maine T the age of 80. Bishop Thomas Brown said in a diocesan news Nickerson, a lifelong New Englander, lived with release announcing Nickerson’s death. “It is Parkinson’s disease for 33 years. In retirement, he and not too much to say we’ve lost a giant.” his wife, Susan Martin, continued to attend services Nickerson was appointed executive officer and secretary of General Convention in 1986 by Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning and the Very Rev. David Collins, president of the Margaret Morgan House of Deputies. While the position of secretary dates to the Lawrence first General Convention in 1785, executive officer was a relatively new role, tasked with By David Paulsen keeping records and administering governance Episcopal News Service of the church during its triennial gathering and Photo/Episcopal News Service The Rev. Donald Nickerson celebrates the Eucharist in 1998. the years between General Conventions, in- argaret Morgan Lawrence, a longtime cluding through the work of Executive Coun- lay champion of The Episcopal Church’s cil. Nickerson was the church’s second executive officer. Christ Church in North Conway, N.H., before moving peace and reconciliation work, particularly “Don served with distinction as secretary and execu- to Maine in 1974. M through her advocacy on behalf of the Epis- tive officer of the General Convention during some of He also served as a deputy or alternate at six General copal Peace Fellowship, died Dec. 4 at 105. the most challenging times in the life and governance Conventions, from 1970 until his appointment as ex- Lawrence was born in of the church,” said the Rev. Michael Barlowe, the cur- ecutive officer, and he was elected to Executive Council 1914 in New York but grew rent executive officer. “He mentored many of today’s in 1982. As executive officer, Nickerson also served as up in Mississippi and spent senior leaders of the Episcopal Church, and was known registrar of the Episcopal Church, and in that role he much of her life resisting for his fairness, civility, and wisdom.” participated in more than 100 bishop ordinations, ac- and triumphing over barri- Nickerson grew up in Massachusetts. A graduate cording to the Diocese of Maine. ers based on racial and sexual of Springfield College and Berkeley Divinity School, Nickerson’s funeral is scheduled for Dec. 28 at 11 discrimination. Her father he was ordained in 1964 as a curate at Trinity Church a.m. at St. Paul’s in Brunswick. A private burial will was an Episcopal priest and in Newton Centre, Mass. and later served as rector of follow at Kearsarge Cemetery in Kearsarge, N.H. n her mother a teacher, and in 1932 she received a schol- arship from the National Clay continued from page 2 Episcopalians, including official support for their access Council of the Episcopal Lawrence to the sacraments of holy orders and marriage. Church to attend Cornell minorities and outcasts, a prolific author and a devoted Clay also served six terms in the House of Depu- University in Ithaca, N.Y., where she was the only husband and friend. ties, representing the Diocese of Newark, and one term black undergraduate student at the time, according to Clay was born Erman Louie Crew Jr. in Anniston, on Executive Council. He was a pioneer in using the a family obituary. Ala., on Dec. 9, 1936. Having earned a doctorate in internet to spread information throughout the church She later earned her medical degree from Colum- English, he taught at preparatory and beyond. bia University on her way to a long career as a doctor schools and universities in the “Louie was social media before specializing in child psychiatry in Rockland County, United States, England, Hong there was social media,” the Rev. N.Y. While attending Columbia, she met and married Kong and China throughout his Gay Clark Jennings, president of Charles Lawrence, who later served as president of the career, most recently at Rutgers the House of Deputies, said at Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies, from 1976 to University until his retirement in Integrity’s 40th anniversary cel- 1985. 2002. In 1974, he married Ernest ebration during the 2015 General In 2003, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship honored Clay, though the marriage was not Convention. Margaret Lawrence with its Sayre Award for her con- legally recognized until 2013. Clay served on numerous tributions to the organization and “her journey as a Also in 1974, while teaching boards, committees and task forc- peacemaker and a speaker for justice,” Janet Chisholm, in San Francisco, he called Grace es, including the National Gay president of the organization’s executive board, said at Cathedral to ask if they could and Lesbian Task Force, General Photo/Cynthia Black the time. help him connect with other gay The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings and Louie Convention’s Committee on So- “She has struggled against racism and sexism to be Episcopalians and heard “derisive Crew Clay at the Integrity Eucharist during cial and Urban Affairs and Stand- the accomplished child psychiatrist that she is,” Ch- laughter” in response. Determined the 2015 General Convention. ing Commission on Health and isholm said, while also noting Lawrence’s participation to change the church’s attitude, in Human Affairs, and the Diocese in peace pilgrimages in England during the Anglican November of that year, he published the first edition of Newark’s Standing Committee. Communion’s Lambeth Conference of bishops, held of a newsletter called Integrity, a forum for gay and A prolific essayist and poet, Clay documented over about every 10 years. lesbian Episcopalians to connect, organize, express 2,600 publications of his work, including the 2015 an- Lawrence also was a prominent lay leader in the themselves and support each other. thology “Letters From Samaria: The Prose & Poetry of Diocese of New York. Her papers, along with those of “The Christian Gospel is for all persons,” he wrote Louie Crew Clay.” her late husband, have been donated to the Archives of in the first issue. “For too long has our beloved church On social media, Clay was remembered as “a holy the Episcopal Church. neglected its historic mission to bring the Gospel to gay troublemaker,” “a great light,” “giant of justice” and a “Along with the leadership they brought to the wider people. Instead, we have typically been treated as the “gift to the church.” Episcopal Church, Charles and Margaret Lawrence lowest of God’s creation, too vile even to be mention- “Louie changed the face of the church with his were giants in the history of the Diocese of New York able. The hour has come for us gays to recognize that gentle spirit and fierce convictions,” Jennings wrote on for over half a century,” New York Bishop Andrew the only gift that our church has to offer us is the all- Facebook. “He loved the Episcopal Church too much Dietsche said in a written statement. “They were precious grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” to let us stay the way we were. Thanks to his resilient pivotal in the leadership which this diocese brought The newsletter rapidly grew into a national nonprofit witness, we are more just, more faithful and look more in the raising up of church leaders among men and organization dedicated to full inclusion of LGBTQ like the kingdom of God. On behalf of the House of women of African descent, and in the rise of women to people in the Episcopal Church, with an official Deputies, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Louie’s the top tiers of the church.” presence at every General Convention since 1977. husband, Ernest, and to all who mourn.” Lawrence is survived by her three children. The Though it has experienced organizational turmoil in A requiem service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, family is planning a memorial service for next year at recent months, Integrity’s advocacy efforts are credited 2020, 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, Emmanuel Church in Boston. n with securing the most significant victories for LGBTQ N.J. n January 2020 Episcopal Journal 5 Around the church Brokenleg named officer for racial reconciliation he Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Bro- hoped for in this position.” pal Church in several capacities, serving reservation, she has experienced and wit- kenleg has been appointed staff Mullen noted that there were more on the Executive Council Committee on nessed the devastating effects of histori- officer for racial reconciliation for than 40 qualified applicants for the po- Anti-Racism, the Standing Commission cal/generational trauma, colonization, T the Episcopal Church, a member sition. “Racial reconciliation is central to on Health, and most recently as a mem- and racism. As a winktè (Lakota two- of the Presiding Bishop’s staff. the church’s calling, and many capable ber of the Task-Force on Communion spirit), she is called to be a healer and Brokenleg will work to catalyze and leaders are emerging in all parts of the Across Difference. move our communities in the direction organize Episcopal efforts to embrace and church to inspire and lead us on new Her cultural background provides a of positive change, in the direction of practice “Becoming Beloved pathways to healing,” she said. rich source of wisdom for this ministry. reconciliation, toward living in right-re- Community,” the church’s Brokenleg begins her new Brokenleg believes that we are all related lationship with one another. She strives long-term commitment to ra- position on Jan. 6, and can be (“mitakuye oyasin”), and that the Gospel to live out her calling through her work, cial reconciliation, healing and reached at sbrokenleg@epis- calls us to be “good relatives” to one an- our church, her art, and in her life. justice. She will support net- copalchurch.org. Learn more other. Having grown up on the Rosebud — Episcopal Church Public Affairs Office works of regional leaders and about Racial Reconciliation coordinate church-wide efforts, in The Episcopal Church at especially around StoryShar- https://episcopalchurch.org/ Becoming Beloved Community ing, pilgrimage, anti-racism beloved-community. training and liturgical resource Brokenleg Brokenleg is an enrolled development. Brokenleg will member of the Rosebud Sioux grant recipients announced work with Rev. Chuck Wynder, staff of- Tribe (Sicangu Nation). She is a priest in ficer for social justice engagement. the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota, Episcopal Church Public Affairs Office justice, healing, and reconciliation. “We are thrilled to welcome Rev. where she grew up, and the place she Recipients of major Seed Grants Brokenleg — a seasoned, deeply soulful calls home. he Episcopal Church’s Execu- included the Diocese of Kentucky, leader who is respected across our church Brokenleg has a master of divinity tive Council at its fall meeting the Ethnic Studies Academy in Des and beyond — to now coordinate the from the Church Divinity School of the awarded 42 Becoming Beloved Moines (Diocese of Iowa) and the church’s deeper engagement with Be- Pacific and a masters of public health T Community grants totaling Charis Community in Charlottesville, coming Beloved Community,” said the from the University of Minnesota. Prior $350,600 to catalyze the church’s work Diocese of Virginia. Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, canon to to the priesthood, she worked as a clini- of racial healing, reconciliation and Recipients of major Impact Grants the Presiding Bishop for evangelism, rec- cal epidemiologist and served Indian justice. included the Absalom Jones Episco- onciliation and creation care. Country in the Great Lakes region. Allocated by the 79th General Con- pal Center for Racial Healing in the The Rev. Melanie Mullen, director of In her church life, Brokenleg has vention, the grants are intended to build Diocese of Atlanta, the Episcopal the department of reconciliation, justice served in multiple ministries as an aco- capacity and increase Episcopal parish, Farmworkers Ministry in the Diocese and creation care, said, “Rev. Broken- lyte, vestry member, member of her diocesan, and agency engagement in of North Carolina and the Center leg is an inspiring teacher, researcher, church’s social justice project, priest, and four primary fields: telling the truth for Reconciliation in the Diocese of and lover of the people of God, and she an Education for Ministry mentor. Rev. about our churches and race, proclaim- Rhode Island. brings just the wisdom and expertise we Brokenleg has served the larger Episco- ing the dream of Beloved Community, A full list of grant recipients is at practicing Jesus’ way of healing and rec- www.episcopalchurch.org. onciliation, and repairing the breach in Questions about the Becoming Be- institutions and society. loved Community grants may be ad- EYE20 venue change, theme, Two types of grants were awarded: dressed to the Rev. Edwin Johnson, Seed Grants, geared for groups launch- chair, Presiding Officers’ Advisory registration details released ing new projects and/or evolving the Group on Beloved Community Im- scale of an existing project; and Impact plementation, at padreedwinj@gmail. he venue for the 2020 Episcopal Unite as people of the ‘Jesus movement.’ Grants, for growing capacity, impact, com or the Rev. Meg Wagner, chair, Youth Event (EYE20) has been Unite as a people following the Way of and reach of communities and institu- Advisory Group Grants Subcommit- changed to the University of Love.” tions already working to advance racial tee [email protected]. n T Maryland, College Park (UMD). Youth participants in EYE20 must The location remains within the Diocese be enrolled in high school during this of Washington and the dates, July 7-11, school year and must have turned 15 or 2020, are unchanged. be no older than 19 by the event start. “I couldn’t be Current freshman who are 14 will have more thrilled with an opportunity to attend EYE2023 as the potential to the Episcopal Youth Event is on a three- grow the Episcopal year cycle. No other youth will be per- For where life takes you, trust the Youth Event in size mitted to attend EYE20. and reach on the Registration for EYE20 is of- UMD campus,” fered to provincial, diocesan, said Bronwyn congregational, and other Epis- at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines Clark Skov, director of Faith copal organizational delega- Formation, Youth and Young tions as long as all EYE20 par- Through Stevens Clergy Move Center,® we’re Adult Ministries. “Campus staff ticipation and chaperone criteria proud to deliver over 110 years of family-owned have been gracious and the EYE are met. moving expertise and quality services to Episcopal Members, Clergy and Employees. planning team is eager to live into the Registration preference is given space creatively and faithfully.” to diocesan delegations. As such, • Discounted pricing The theme for YE E20 is “Unite! registration will open for diocesan • Top-rated drivers and crews ¡Unámonos!” The planning team chose delegations on Monday, Jan. 6 at 9 am • Customized moving packages • Stevens Home Protection Kit™ this theme at their October meeting. EST. Registration for other delegations • Free no-obligation moving “It was a blessing to sit with this team will open on Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 am estimate of young people as they engaged and EST. • Single point-of-contact contextualized the guiding Scripture for Registration is available on a first- EYE20, Matthew 11:29,” said the Rev. come, first-served basis. Delegations The way to move Abi Moon, EYE20 team chaplain. should be prepared to register as soon as “Recognizing that we are ‘yoked possible after the assigned date. together’ as a community through God’s For more information: https:// Call Vicki Bierlein: mercy and grace, the Planning Team events.episcopalchurch.org/eye/ discerned a call to action for all EYE20 Questions? Contact Bronwyn Skov, 800.248.8313 www.stevensworldwide.com/affinity participants and those who will journey [email protected]. alongside them, to ‘Unite! ¡Unámonos!’ — Episcopal Church Public Affairs Office 6 Episcopal Journal January 2020 News Christians who serve migrants attend Border Ministries Summit

By Lynette Wilson and share meals, passing homemade On Nov. 21, opening day of the sec- In all, 200 people attended the summit Episcopal News Service foods through the fence. ond annual Border Ministries Summit, from Nov. 21-23 at Saint Philip’s in the Not anymore. A teenager’s death pre- Babnew and a caravan of Episcopalians Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson. he steel border fence separating cipitated further separation. and other Christians drove 70 miles from Summit participants learned about Nogales, Ariz., from Nogales, In October 2012, U.S. Customs and Tucson to Nogales to see the border wall. the 1,954-mile U.S.-Mexico border and Mexico, follows a rolling hill, and Border Protection Agent Lonnie Swartz its history, the U.S. im- T depending on the slope, residents fatally shot 16-year-old José Rodríguez migration system, the im- can sit on their porches and watch life through the fence, the Rev. Rodger Bab- pact of U.S. foreign and unfold on either side. new said as he pointed to a single-story trade policy on societies It was the mayor of Nogales, Mexico, concrete building on the Mexico side and economies in Mexico who in 1918 initiated a 6-foot wire fence that features a mural memorializing the and Central America, and separating the two cities, and countries, teen. the various ministries car- in a transborder “good fences make good Babnew, a deacon serving St. An- ried out by dioceses and neighbors” cooperative spirit. drew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales, churches along the border. One hundred years of history ensued. Ariz., is also a co-convener of Cruzando Plans are underway for Families living on either side crossed Fronteras, a Diocese of Arizona border continued on page 10 over: adults to work and shop, children ministry that, along with ecumenical to attend school. Up until a few years partners, provides shelter, food, medical ago when the United States installed care and other assistance to migrants and A section of the border wall steel mesh between the slats, families asylum-seekers on the Mexico side of the cuts a line between Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Mexico. would gather at tables set on either side border. Photo/Lynette Wilson/ENS

Border continued from page 1 A father who was sent photographs of assistance to the Rev. Hector Trejo who based and other humanitarian workers his murdered son’s lifeless and tortured serves as vicar of three Anglican churches get a handle on the situation, it changes. Mexican asylum-seekers seeking the pro- body by his son’s own murderers. And, in the Diocese of Northern Mexico. “The second we feel like we have fig- tection of the United States,” said the Rev. just yesterday, a mother sobbing on the “When the buses were coming through, ured out the shape of migration in Juarez Cristina Rathbone, who for three months sidewalk, showing me photos of her hus- we in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, were it changes, whether through U.S. policy while on sabbatical has served the Diocese band in an open coffin — murdered in caring for the people that were coming off or where folks are coming from,” said of Rio Grande in El Paso as a bridge chap- her own home a week ago. the buses and helping them get resettled. Curtis. lain, accompanying families as they wait “All of these people, who are also Je- When the U.S. government started the “In late September, early October, we their turn to claim asylum and holding sus himself, and many thousands more remain in Mexico policy, instead of those were down to about 15 Cuban asylum- daily English and art classes for children. — including the most vulnerable among buses coming into the Diocese of the Rio seekers, and then the Mexicans started “By the three ports of entry there are us: pregnant women, unaccompanied mi- Grande, people were just put on the bus- coming from southern states and they’ve three tent communities, and the people nors and members of the LGBTQ com- es and driven across into Juárez and left started sleeping around the bridges. … there, more than two-thirds of them munity — are being denied their right on the street in Juárez,” said Rio Grande It’s a guess as to when CBP will be letting have families, have self-organized,” she — supposedly upheld by both U.S and Bishop Michael Hunn. “But we felt that people over. So, they have been staying said. “They have created unofficial com- international law — to apply for asylum those are folks who are trying to come to by the bridges because they don’t want to munity-based lists; the people at the top in this country. And all are waiting at our the United States, and we think that that miss an opportunity to cross.” of those lists go up to the ports of entry ports of entry, nonetheless, because still is our responsibility to try to help and care Some of the families have been living and seek permission to ask for asylum they believe in the hope that is — or used for them.” in tents in Juárez for two months; as the from the border patrol agents every two to be — the United States of America. For some in the United States it may weather gets colder some are sleeping in hours, 24 hours a day, and almost always “‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus says. ‘Just as seem the most recent wave of migration shelters, returning to the bridges in the are turned away with the same refrain, you do to one of the least of these, you has ceased, but that’s not the case; it’s morning to take their places in line. And ‘there is no room.’” do to me.’” just less visible, Hunn said. for some, the long wait can result in being Earlier in the year, the Trump admin- Episcopalians are providing humani- “It’s not true that the migration has sent back to the very communities they’ve istration implemented Migrant stopped,” said Hunn, whose office fled, as Rathbone pointed out in her hom- Protection Protocols, a policy is based in Albuquerque, N.M. “It’s ily when she told the story of a woman commonly referred to as “Remain just that the people are on the other with five children who’d fled after the car- in Mexico” that requires asylum- side of the border now. And, so we tel tried to kill her oldest son. They were seekers to wait in shelters in Mex- were able to work with and lever- denied asylum. The likely outcome if they ico while their credible fear claims age our existing relationship with return home, the mother told Rathbone, are processed. The policy and oth- Padre Hector Trejo … He opened is that her sons will be forced to choose ers like those brokered with indi- up immediately one of his churches between joining the cartel or death. vidual countries, El Salvador for to serve as a shelter.” “It’s important to remember that these example, were designed to deter Trejo has now opened the doors Mexican asylum-seekers are the people asylum seekers. to two of his three churches to serve in the small pueblos and the big towns The protocols, however, do not as shelters, with assistance from Rio and the enormous cities who are saying apply to Mexican asylum-seekers Grande and the wider support of no to the violence and the drug cartels of who have congregated in tents; its borderlands ministry. Mexico. These are the people whose lives President Trump has character- Photo/Lynette Wilson/ENS In August, when the Rev. Lee are being threatened and many of them ized immigrants and migrants as The Rev. Cristina Rathbone, right, and the Rev. Lee Curtis Curtis became Rio Grande’s canon ended because they are refusing to join “murders” and “rapists.” Though discuss strategy on the Santa Fe Street Bridge between to the ordinary based in El Paso, the criminal enterprises,” said Rathbone. Mexico and the United States. cartels have exploited the chaos at shelters were the urgent need. “They are determined to protect their the border to their advantage, some mi- tarian aid to migrants and asylum-seek- “We were serving mostly Cuba children from that because they are grants are fleeing cartel violence in their ers and, where possible, support to law nationals; this was just as the ‘Remain in small business owners, because they are communities. enforcement officers in their parishes Mexico’ policy took effect,” he said. “So taxi drivers, because they are people who During a homily delivered at the sec- and communities, all along the 1,954- the task was pretty clear: build up shelter, have been preyed on by the cartels. So ond annual Border Ministries Summit mile U.S.-Mexico border. The Diocese support the Cubans as they’re waiting in they’re, in fact, the very opposite kind held in Arizona, Rathbone shared some of Rio Grande, which includes the entire Mexico for their ‘credible fear’ interview. of people they’re being characterized as of the stories she’s heard while serving at state of New Mexico and far West Texas, Then when they get their ‘credible being by the president and many oth- the border. stretching from El Paso down through fear’ interview, they’re released by CBP ers, these are the brave, law-abiding pil- “Hundreds,” she said, “a grandfather the Big Bend regions, includes 40 per- [Customs and Border Protection] back lars of their communities who have been shot in the stomach and then slashed cent of the southern border and has been to the U.S. and we’ve done our job.” forced to flee their communities, by the by a machete and left for dead after see- working on both sides. One of the other major challenges, violence that at the moment is on the ing a murder he shouldn’t have seen. In Juárez, the diocese has provided though, is that almost as soon as faith- upswing in Mexico again.” n January 2020 Episcopal Journal 7 News

Legacy continued from page 1 were here, you were a person made in who were forced to come to Virginia in that also urged dioceses to collect in- God’s image and you had dignity, even 1619, Andrus noted. formation on the church’s complicity in Baptism’s implications for slavery was if you were not treated that way at the The Episcopal Church must not for- slavery, the subsequent history of segre- later institutionalized in the law of the time,” he said. “That’s a gift to give both get its Jamestown legacy, Andrus said, gation and discrimination, and the eco- Virginia colony. Many Anglicans were to the dead and the living.” urging Episcopalians to consider becom- nomic benefits the church derived from members of the Virginia Assembly in The Episcopal Church has been re- ing what is called a culture of remem- slavery, the Episcopal Church apologized 1667 when it declared that even if “by flecting on its Jamestown legacy since at brance in Germany, where the Holocaust for its role in slavery. the charity and piety of their owners” least 2007, when the church marked the is remembered so that its horrors are not The effort to collect information slave children were baptized, “the con- 400th anniversary of the 1607 establish- repeated.The 2008 documentary “Traces has been uneven. For instance, Andrus ferring of baptisme doth not alter the ment of the colony and the Anglican of the Trade” is an example of Episcopa- said his diocese’s work “was not always condition of the person as to his bond- Church’s presence. “This place reeks with lians trying to foster a memory culture, smooth sailing; there were people who age or freedome.” The law permitted the the origins of the slave trade in this land,” he said. In the film, Katrina Brown tells said that really doesn’t apply to us” be- baptism of slaves and their children be- then-Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts the story of her ancestors in the DeWolf cause California was officially a free cause it would help spread Christianity Schori said in June 2007 during a Eucha- family, the largest slave-trading family in state. However, people persevered, he in the colony. The preamble of the leg- rist marking the occasion. “That history is U.S. history and also a prominent part said, and the diocese reported its find- islation noted that the law was meant to not yet fully redeemed, even though the of the Episcopal Church. James DeWolf ings in 2012. n free slave owners from any doubt about church which sanctioned slavery was in- Perry was the Episcopal Church’s 18th their baptized slaves’ status as property. strumental in its dismantling.” presiding bishop. The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg The U.S.-based Episcopal Church de- The work to which Jefferts Schori BFW19Prompted XD2 EJ_4 in part10.21.qxp_FINAL by the film 10/21/19 and a 12:46 retired PM Pagein July1 as the Episcopal News veloped out of the Anglican Church in called the church in 2007 continues. To- 2006 General Convention resolution Service’s senior editor and reporter. the 1780s after the British surrendered day the descendants of slaves and share- to the colonists at the end of the Revolu- croppers — including Presiding Bishop tionary War. Michael Curry — and slave owners sit in Despite the sin Wright sees in the the House of Bishops. They worship to- church’s motivation for William Tuck- gether in churches, some of which were er’s baptism, he said he also finds “a lot built by slaves. Some seminarians and SILENCE CAN KILL: of power” in a story that could help all other students study on campuses built Episcopalians understand that African with slave labor and the financial fruits Speaking Up to End Hunger Americans have been part of the church of the slave trade. One of them, Virginia since the beginning, despite the discrim- Theological Seminary, has set aside $1.7 and Make Our Economy Work ination they often face there. million for a slavery reparations fund. “So often in the Episcopal Church, Two dioceses, Long Island and New for Everyone African Americans can feel like guests, York, have pledged to set up reparations even though we have been members of funds. Georgia Bishop Scott Benhase recently announced the creation of the St. Anna Alexander Center for Racial SPECIAL Reconciliation & Healing, contributing 3 percent of the diocesan endowment OFFER: to the effort and calling on all endowed congregations to contribute at the same level. The Diocese of Maryland is con- You can order tinuing to study the issue of reparations. Art Simon’s newest This year the Episcopal Church joined with people across the country book for only $29 to remember the events of 1619. Such (includes shipping) commemorations are important, the and learn how an Rev. Charles Wynder Jr., staff officer for outpouring of social justice and engagement, told ENS, citizens’ voices because “we stand with our bodies as witness in these types of memories.” At could bring us Photo/David Paulsen/ENS least one more Episcopal Church com- together around William Tucker’s baptism likely took place memoration at Jamestown is planned for a new vision for in the Anglican church near his master’s next year. America. Eerdmans Publishing, July 2019 plantation on Virginia’s Hampton River Bishop Marc Andrus, of the San Paperback, 300 pages in what was then an area where the Francisco-based Diocese of California, Kecoughtan tribe settled. told ENS that he traces his family’s roots “This book is both a powerful argument and a manual this church since 1624. There’s some- in North America to Jamestown. Four for making a difference.” thing about William’s baptism that pops hundred years ago Thomas Andrus, a that bubble of feeling like a guest in your 12-year-old boy who might have been an – Rick Steves, noted travel writer and own home,” he said. “This has been our orphan, was snatched off the streets of author of Travel as a Political Act home — for better, for worse, for all London, likely by members of a religious of its blemishes and all of its blessings order. He arrived on a ship with about — this Episcopal Church has been our 99 other boys in 1620 and was forced Arthur Simon is founder and president emeritus of Bread for church from 1624.” into indentured servitude. Thomas An- the World. His books include The Politics of World Hunger, Wright said he wishes that white Epis- drus survived Jamestown, but Andrus copalians and those of color could know said about 70 percent of the boys who coauthored with his brother, Paul Simon, the late U.S. Senator about William “and that [that] could arrived with him died. from Illinois. somehow create more of a connection Thomas worked off his indenture and between us.” was freed. Within 100 years of Thomas’ In addition, acknowledging the arrival in Jamestown, his descendants church’s past sins can allow Episcopalians had moved to Louisiana. By the early To order visit to posthumously confer the Baptismal 19th century they were prosperous rice Covenant’s promise of respect for the buyers and brokers. The stigma of inden- bread.org/journal dignity of every human being, Wright ture and the poverty that the young An- or call said. “Even down the long hallway of drus experienced in 1620 and thereafter time, what some of us are attempting to “was all erased and it would be as if it 800-822-7323. do with the memory of 1619 and going never happened.” It is a far different fate forward is to say that despite what peo- than that of the descendants of most if ple did to black and brown people, you not all of those “20 and odd Negroes” X D 1 9 - E J 4

425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20024 bread.org 8 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Feature Diocese of Fort Worth evangelism campaign seeks out those wounded by the church

By Egan Millard parents because they’re gay or they’re Episcopal News Service transgender. Those are the people who desperately yearn to hear the good news logans like “All are welcome!” that we carry. And that means having the and “God loves you — no ex- courage to stand up and risk being vul- ceptions!” are a common sight nerable with that message.” S at Episcopal churches, but one That message — “God doesn’t hate” diocese is expanding on those messages — might seem innocuous, but it’s more and making them more specific, target- controversial than one might expect, and ing those who need to hear them most. that’s precisely why it was chosen as the In October, the Diocese of Fort theme of the website. Worth in Texas launched an evangelism “We had to wrestle back and forth initiative “aimed at the unchurched, with this phrase a lot,” Johnson said. the dechurched, those wounded by the “But we finally decided to risk using the church, those who sometimes are told phrase ‘God does not hate you,’ which that God hates them,” with a website as is really in your face for good-mannered Photo/Diocese of Fort Worth its centerpiece: godlovesall.info. Episcopalians.” A group from the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth at the Tarrant County Gay Pride “God doesn’t hate. God loves all,” it “We got a lot of pushback at that,” said Parade in Fort Worth, Texas. proclaims on its homepage, and its pages Katie Sherrod, the diocese’s communica- focus on topics associated with division tions coordinator. “Episcopalians don’t and it developed into a broader evangelism church because they were, as I like to and exclusion in American Christian- say things like that, that bluntly. ‘God campaign, but “our main goal is not to get gently say, they were too spiritually gen- ity, with headings like “LGBT,” “Racial doesn’t hate!’ And rightly so, we all recoil people in our pews,” Sherrod explained. erous,” Johnson said. “So we’re in this Justice” and “(Re)Marriage.” The pages from the word ‘hate.’ … But when that’s “Our main goal is to show people how crazy context, which allows for risk and explain the Episcopal Church’s views been actually said to you — ‘God hates to have a closer relationship with God — vulnerability.” on these topics and you, God hates who hopefully in and through the Episcopal “A lot of people here know what the what the church — and what you are’ Church, but if that doesn’t happen, we’re phrase ‘wounded by the church’ means especially the Dio- What is God asking — you hear that fine with that. If they find God through because of the split we went through. cese of Fort Worth phrase, ‘God doesn’t anything we tell them, that’s fine with us.” So even very privileged white people in — is doing to ad- ‘us to risk in order to hate,’ in a whole dif- The website was completed in time for our pews have some sense of what that dress them. The site ferent way.” the Fort Worth Pride parade, at which a means,” Sherrod added. also features video “We’re all com- group from the diocese passed out cards For Johnson, the risk and vulner- testimonials from better communicate fortable talking with the URL. ability the diocese has experienced lend clergy and parishio- about God’s love,” “As a road test, it was astonishingly themselves well to evangelism and have ners with titles like … to the community Johnson added. “I successful,” Sherrod said. “People were made this campaign stand out. “Women priests? mean, that’s just our very moved by that message.” “This was different because it really Yes, women priests” in which we live? cultural norm. But “We all got matching T-shirts that started out with a question that I’ve nev- and “Will God love pointedly saying say ‘God doesn’t hate’ with the URL er seen [being asked], which is, What is — The Rev. Kevin Johnson me if I’m gay? Yes.” ’ ‘God does not hate’ on it. We had banners, and then at the God asking us to risk in order to better “Come in. Sit carries tangential booth, we interacted with people … and communicate our unique share of the awhile. Explore. It’s safe here,” the messaging that directly counters a lot of that gave us the opportunity to talk and good news to the community in which homepage concludes. the public messaging that gets put out look people in the eye directly and give we live?” The website is the brainchild of the over the airwaves in our region.” them a business card with the URL on it One thing the diocese has risked by Rev. Kevin Johnson, priest-in-charge at And it seems hatred is increasingly less and just say, ‘Hey, you might want to go undertaking this campaign is discomfort St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Arling- of an abstract concept and more of an ac- check this out,’” Johnson said. among its more conservative members, ton, Texas. Disappointed by the negative tion, making it all the more necessary to Johnson and Sherrod said they’ve but the bonds forged in the aftermath of and exclusionary forms of Christianity counter it with a message of love. Sherrod gotten vitriolic responses to the website the split have proven able to withstand that garner so much of the public’s atten- and Johnson have seen it firsthand. from other Christians and some criticism that discomfort. tion — especially in his region — John- “Texas has the highest rate of mur- from within their own diocese, although “There are still people uncomfortable son decided to counter those messages dered transgender [people of any state], the diocese’s painful history has given its with it,” Sherrod told ENS. “But they’re with the Episcopal message of uncondi- and Dallas is the epicenter of that,” Sher- members some crucial perspective. willing to live in that zone of discomfort. tional love and acceptance. rod told ENS. “So we were seeing real Even its most traditional, conservative Because they get it. … We’ve had a lot of “I have become convinced, especially life-and-death consequences to that mes- members know what it feels like to be people here who’ve learned to be uncom- during my time in this particular parish, sage that God hates you. And then you rejected and excluded by the church. In fortable with stuff for the last 10 years. We that the Episcopal Church has gifts that have a man who drove from Dallas to 2008, a majority of clergy and lay leaders have conservatives in our pews who have a lot of people in the world yearn to re- El Paso to shoot immigrants, Hispanic in the Diocese of Fort Worth voted to stayed with us even though they’re a little ceive, but they don’t even know they ex- people in a Walmart. We were being hit leave the Episcopal Church and join the uncomfortable with some of the stuff the ist, especially in our cultural context in in the face with murderous results of that Anglican Province of the Southern Cone church is doing. But they feel loved in their north central Texas, which is very con- message that God hates you. And it just (located in South America) over doctri- parishes, and so they’re hanging in there.” servative,” Johnson told ENS. became more and more urgent for us to nal differences on topics like same-sex Aside from the kind of in-person ad- Some of the most influential Chris- get this message there.” marriage and the ordination of women. vertising they did at the Pride parade, tian ministers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Johnson wanted to reach people di- Now there are two entities calling the diocese has been promoting the area preach messages of hatred, claim- rectly, especially people who might not themselves the Episcopal Diocese of website through targeted Facebook ads ing that “God hates you because you’re want to walk into a church, so Johnson Fort Worth: the original diocese associ- and hopes to reach even further into the gay or God hates you because you’re a asked the diocese for funding to do mar- ated with the Episcopal Church and the community with grant funding. woman in power,” Johnson said. keting and outreach. breakaway group that is now part of the “As we move toward 2020, we’re “There are too many people in our “At the local parish level, we’ve kind Anglican Church in North America. thinking bigger,” Sherrod said. “I mean, world who are being told right now that of test-driven the practice of raising That breakaway group claimed some of why not? We’re hoping for billboards, God sees them as an abomination or is community awareness about our values, the Episcopal diocese’s properties, includ- for banners in downtown Fort Worth, ashamed of them in some way, that they practices and gifts in very purposeful, ing the original building of St. Alban’s, … with movie screen ads, things like have to change a core part of their be- straight-up marketing ways. We’re really the parish in which Johnson grew up and that, because we’re becoming increasing- ing to be loved by God. … There are not afraid to say we have a good product which he now leads. The congregation has ly confident that the place we’re sending lots of people we’re talking to who have that people want,” Johnson said. been worshipping in a theater ever since. them is a place that they will feel safe and been chased out of their home by their Bishop J. Scott Mayer got on board, “The folks got kicked out of their comfortable being.” n January 2020 Episcopal Journal 9 News Integrity president resigns amid mounting criticism

By Egan Millard “Family is the most important, and have pointed out that the bylaws do not the members of the Stakeholders’ Coun- Episcopal News Service if I’m spending so much time focusing allow the board to make an appointment cil, said the Rev. Frederick Clarkson, on that, it really wouldn’t be fair to the to fill a vacancy in that position. That re- treasurer of Integrity. he Rev. Gwen Fry resigned Nov. Integrity organization moving forward,” sponsibility falls to the vice chair of the Clarkson told ENS he is “sorry to see 25 as president of Integrity USA Fry said. “So it was a very difficult de- Stakeholders’ Council, which is vacant Gwen resign” but understands her deci- — the nonprofit or- cision to make. But I because those elections were never held. sion, and he stressed the importance of T ganization dedicated have all the faith in the In a post on Integrity’s website, Garner showing respect in difficult circumstances. to LGBTQ advocacy within world in the current new outlined the process for electing a new Despite questions raised by members The Episcopal Church — as board.” president of Integrity. The Stakeholders’ about how Integrity should — or even the organization’s volunteer Fry’s term has been Council accepted nominations through whether it can — continue, Fry said she board faces members’ accu- marked by a string of the end of 2019. A list of candidates was believes it is still needed and must go on. sations of mismanagement board resignations, most to be released by Jan. 3, 2020. Ballots will “Unless and until every parish in The and lack of transparency. recently secretary Lindsey be issued in late January, and the new Episcopal Church is open and affirming Fry, in a letter posted on Harts on Oct. 20, and the president is to take office on Feb. 1. to the LGBTQIA community, there’s al- Integrity’s new website, cit- board has filled all those The board is currently reaching out to ways work to do,” Fry said. n ed “a great deal of change in vacancies with appointees my personal life,” including who will serve until the severe medical issues in her Photo/Integrity via Facebook next regular election in The Rev. Gwen Fry at the family and a cross-country 2015 General Convention. 2021, in accordance with move. Fry was elected to a Integrity’s bylaws. Fry’s three-year term in June 2018, but late departure leaves Kay Smith Riggle, vice that year went on medical leave, which president for local affairs, as the only re- Integrity didn’t announce until July maining elected board member. 2019. She did not return to her work as The bylaws specify that if the presi- president until September 2019. dency becomes vacant, a new president “As you can imagine, it has been a is elected to serve until the next regular stressful time,” Fry wrote. “None of this election by the Stakeholders’ Council. was happening, or even a remote possi- Under the bylaws, the Stakeholders’ bility, when my name was put forward Council “shall meet at least once each cal- for nomination to be elected president of endar year,” and its members must elect a Integrity USA. After prayerfully discern- chair and a vice chair. However, neither ing where I am in life, I have decided of those things has happened under the that it is important to focus on my fam- current administration. Instead, on Nov. ily, which is why I’m resigning as presi- 15, Fry announced on Facebook that dent of Integrity USA.” the board had appointed Bruce Garner, In an interview with the Episcopal a former two-term president, as “interim News Service, Fry said her resignation had Stakeholders’ Council chairperson.” The nothing to do with the criticism she and validity of that appointment has been dis- the board have faced in recent months. puted by some Integrity members, who Pittsburgh bishop announces retirement PREPARE FOR MINISTRY ittsburgh Bishop His “Church Without IN THE WAY OF JESUS Dorsey W.M. Walls” launched a series of McConnell an- grassroots interactions be- Students at Pittsburgh Seminary prepare for ministry in the nounced Dec. 4 tween members of predom- P way of Jesus. Together we welcome neighbors. We share that he plans to retire in the inantly white congregations spring of 2021, after lead- and those of historic Afri- meals, differences, and experiences. We expand our minds. ing the diocese since 2012. can American heritage. And we are challenged and enriched as we explore the broad “We have been through so Within the church local- range of beliefs we bring to the table. Join us! much and accomplished so ly, the bishop has sought to much, in what seems to me strengthen the preparation the twinkling of an eye,” McConnell for ministry for both clergy Academic Programs: the bishop wrote in a letter announc- and the laity, principally by helping • Master of Divinity ing his plans to the diocese, which shape the Anglican-Episcopal Studies • Master of Divinity with joint degrees (including law, social numbers about 8,600 members among track at Pittsburgh Theological Semi- 36 participating congregations. nary, and also through the diocese’s work, and public policy) McConnell said he would remain in program of lay formation. • Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies charge until April 24, 2021. McConnell’s latest initiative in- • Master in Theological Studies When he was installed, McConnell volves a multiyear process aimed at • Doctor of Ministry became the first permanent bishop af- restructuring diocesan governance and • Graduate Certificate in Church Planting and Revitalization ter a period of division and rebuilding encouraging parishes in their efforts in that began when a former bishop, many communication, new lay-led minis- • Graduate Certificate in Ministry clergy and their congregations left the tries and in knowing the needs of their • Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership diocese and the Episcopal Church. local communities. • Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies During McConnell’s tenure, most The Pittsburgh diocese will begin a • Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry of the outstanding legal disputes with discernment and search process for the the former members were resolved. A next bishop. The diocese plans to hold a settlement concerning property use special diocesan electing convention on was hailed locally and nationally for Nov. 21, 2020, with the consecration of the way it recognized the validity of the new bishop on April 24, 2021. each others’ claims and set a structure Following his retirement, McCon- for building new relationships. nell and his wife, Betsy, plan to reside 1-800-451-4194 On social issues, McConnell placed in New Hampshire. www.pts.edu/Episcopal an emphasis on racial reconciliation. — Diocese of Pittsburgh 10 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Feature Western Massachusetts backpack ministry offers supplies, support for women released from jail

By David Paulsen The seed for the ministry was planted a few years Episcopal News Service back when senior warden Susan Todd learned of the struggles of prisoners re-entering society, sometimes small Episcopal congregation in needing to start from scratch obtaining basic supplies the Diocese of Western Massa- like toothpaste and shampoo. A group from St. John’s chusetts is helping female prison- visited the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s A ers adjust to life back in the com- Correctional Center in Chicopee to learn more. munity after their release with backpacks “Our understanding was there were more services full of supplies and expressions of support. for men when they got out than for women,” Link said. In three years, the “Love in a Backpack” “That may be changing, but certainly we’re making a ministry at St. John’s Episcopal Church difference in that.” in Ashfield has assembled and distributed What started as an effort to assemble toiletry bags more than 100 backpacks for women re- quickly grew to include a wide range of items, all leased from the Franklin County jail in stuffed into backpacks that could be easily taken home Greenfield and a women’s prison in Chi- by the newly released women. Members of the congre- copee. Organizers and volunteers hope to Photo/Diocese of Western Massachusetts, via video gation donate some of the items, and Link buys addi- expand the ministry in the future as they Backpacks filled with supplies await distribution to women being tional supplies as needed: personal care items, snacks, enlist other churches and community released from prison, part of the “Love in a Backpack” ministry of St. socks, a Bible, a stuffed animal or doll, poems, prayers, partners to join in the effort. John’s Episcopal Church in Ashfield, Mass. a journal and pens. Some of the women, after completing porting community ministries in Ashfield, a town of Volunteers meet about three times a year to fill the their sentences, are released with nothing to help them about 1,700 people. An initial grant from the Com- packs for distribution, and “no two backpacks are ever start rebuilding their lives, coordinator Mary Link told munity Foundation of Western Massachusetts allowed the same exactly,” Link said. ENS. The backpack “gives them something they can the church to hire Link part time three years ago to co- The congregation takes special interest in the “reading, say is theirs,” though the personal connections some- ordinate those efforts, which included a drive to collect writing and reflection” components, Link said, and each times are even more important than the physical items. soap and paper products for a food pantry and outreach pack includes a personalized note — often written by a “It helps them in that scary moment when they’re to low-income single mothers who may feel isolated liv- 90-year-old woman from the congregation who finds it going back out, that somebody somewhere has faith in ing in the hill towns of Western Massachusetts. hard to leave her home but enjoys contributing messages them,” Link said. The backpack ministry, meanwhile, continues to of hope and support to the backpacks’ recipients. St. John’s, with an average Sunday attendance just grow and flourish, with help this year from a $5,000 “These are women who’ve had a lot of trauma in under 30, has long been active in organizing and sup- diocesan grant. continued on page 11

Summit continued from page 6 Anglican and Episcopal bishops gath- Central America arrived regularly at the The effects of the Remain in Mexico ered at the conference issued a statement U.S.-Mexico border in what became an program are visible in cities along the a third annual Border Ministries Sum- at the summit’s end recognizing the unprecedented humanitarian crisis. border. Across the downtown bridge mit to be held in San Diego, Calif., in Americas’ shared history and the human During a border summit session on connecting Brownsville, Texas, to Mat- 2020. desire for a safe, violence-free, economi- Nov. 22, U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sec- amoros, Mexico, the tent city that From Brownsville, Texas, to San Di- cally viable life. tor Chief Roy Villareal, who joined the housed 20 or so families in May has ego, Episcopalians are providing hu- “We … acknowledge that North and Tucson sector last March, acknowledged grown to more than 200 tents, said Ta- manitarian aid to migrants and asylum- Central America have a long history that the federal agency didn’t have the tiana Hoecker, who volunteers with mi- seekers and, where possible, support to which we share, before the current na- capacity in its detention centers and was grants in the Diocese of West Texas. law enforcement officers in their parishes tions existed. We have been President Donald Trump and communities. bound together by shared cul- campaigned on anti-immigrant Historically, adult males made most tures, languages and econo- rhetoric and, since taking of- of the attempts to cross the border, but mies. We are in this situation fice, has banned immigrants in the last five or six years, families, together and we have been for from predominantly Muslim women and unaccompanied minors — centuries,” the statement read. countries, gutted the federal many fleeing violence in Honduras, El “To the migrants we want refugee resettlement program, Salvador and Guatemala — have begun to say we gathered here with implemented policies separating making the journey. you in our hearts. We see you, families at the southern border, It’s not uncommon to see the border we hear you, and we wish to cut aid to Central America and wall, which in most places is vertical stand with you in our com- imposed the Remain in Mexico steel slats, cutting a line through cities mon search for security, dig- restrictions. and small towns along the border. The nity, justice, and community. On Nov. 22, bishops and border region extends 60 miles north “We also acknowledge that clergy serving in El Salvador and of the wall into the United States where we are all seeking safety from Photo/Lynette Wilson/ENS Mexico outlined the dangers border agents make random stops at violence and a peaceful way of The Rev. Rodger Babnew of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in their citizens face: the high rates checkpoints along interstates and high- life for our families. We stand Nogales, Ariz., leads summit attendees on a tour of the U.S.- of violence, death, femicide, ways. Most migrants and asylum-seekers against all criminal activity, Mexico border in Nogales. gangs and cartels controlling entering the United States make their the drugs which addict and territories and the governments’ way to destinations further beyond the enslave people, and those who would not equipped to handle the humanitar- failure to protect citizens. border, reuniting with family and friends prey upon others through sex trafficking, ian crisis at the border. It’s critical that churches in the in other parts of the country. kidnapping, and other forms of oppres- The U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sec- United States and churches in Central “We’re inviting folks to recognize that sion.” tor covers 262 miles of border, which is America and Mexico make connections the migrant journey just doesn’t stop at The bishops, representing the dio- patrolled by 3,900 agents. On Nov. 22, and work together, said Western Mexico the border; it continues as people step ceses of Texas, Arizona, Rio Grande, Los Homeland Security announced it would Bishop Ricardo Gómez Osnaya, during into our immigration process. We are Angeles and San Diego, recognizing the expand the Trump administration’s Mi- a presentation describing the violence in called to continue to walk with, serve and diversity of political ideologies among grant Protection Protocols program to Mexico and shifting migration routes. be transformed by migrants as they jour- Episcopalians, stressed that Matthew 25 the Tucson sector. The MPP, commonly Twenty of the Diocese of Arizona’s ney through the process,” the Rev. David calls Christians to welcome the stranger. called “Remain in Mexico,” requires asy- churches, including Grace St. Paul’s in Chavez, Diocese of Arizona missioner for The first border summit took place lum-seekers to wait in Mexico, some in Tucson, which is involved in the sanc- border ministries and a summit convener, in November 2018 in El Paso, Texas, shelters, some on the streets, while U.S. tuary movement, have ministries serving said in a conversation with ENS. at a time when migrant caravans from officials process their cases. migrants. n January 2020 Episcopal Journal 11 Feature As Americans become less religious, the role of chaplains may grow

By Alejandra Molina founder Trace Haythorn. Religion News Service The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab helped organize panels about the state of he Rev. Donna Mote regularly chaplaincy during the recent American accompanies military personnel Academy of Religion meeting. escorting the caskets of fallen ser- Lance Laird, an assistant profes- T vice members through Atlanta’s sor at the Boston University School of Hartsfield-Jackson International Air- Medicine, took part in one of the panels, port, where she serves as a chaplain at which documented the experiences of the busiest airport in the world. Muslim chaplains in the United States. Mote is the first person to greet the Through online surveys of 85 people escorts once they step off the plane. She from across the U.S., Laird found stands shoulder to shoulder with them that Muslim chaplains were highly while Delta Honor Guard members educated, with nearly 80% having march with flags of the five military obtained a graduate-level degree. Most branches. She stays with them through (67%) identified as men and three- their layover at the airport. She’s there Photo/courtesy of the Rev. Donna Mote quarters of the Muslim chaplains served for support. In many cases, the escorts The Rev. Donna Mote, right, a chaplain at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International both Muslims and non-Muslims. The are grieving because they knew the de- Airport, prays over a coffin with a military escort for the life and service of the deceased. top three sectors where the chaplains ceased. They also pray for wisdom and courage for the escort in completing the sacred duty. served were health care, corrections and When it’s time to go, Mote helps with universities. check-in at the departure gate, walks familiar faces at airports, hospitals, col- likely to meet a Laird also down the jetway, and once the remains leges, military bases and other places. chaplain than shared person- have been confirmed, she heads up the They do ministry in the midst of every- a local clergy al anecdotes of airplane stairs with the escorts to bid day life — dabbing ashes on Congress person at a Muslim chap- them farewell. members’ foreheads during Ash Wednes- congregation. lains. Mote extends her hand for a proper day services, supporting students in cri- That’s why He spoke handshake, but she’s often embraced sis at universities. It’s also not uncom- the newly of a chaplain with a big hug, followed with a “thanks, mon to see them in homeless shelters or formed Chap- who offered chaps” or a “thanks, padre.” in New York’s subway stations. laincy Inno- support to “These are among the highest compli- In simple terms, a chaplain is a person vation Lab a Buddhist ments I’ve ever received for any ostensi- who performs ministerial duties apart at Brandeis woman before from a parish. And as fewer people iden- University bly religious work anywhere,” said Mote, Cadge Laird she went into an Episcopal priest. tify with a specific religion or attend re- in Waltham, surgery. He Chaplains like Mote have long been ligious services, Americans may be more Mass., aims to explore how chaplains encouraged her to pray and embraced are adapting to their changing circum- her when she asked for a hug. He helped stances. put the woman at ease, but wondered if Backpacks continued from page 10 want to advocate for their place among “They’re very much below the ra- he had betrayed his faith by embracing us and for the systemic change needed to dar,” said Wendy Cadge, founder of the the woman. their lives, a lot of chaos, a lot of up- fully welcome them back.” Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. “This group Laird recalled another chaplain, who heaval,” Sister Mary Quinn, a reentry In most cases, the congregation never of people is sort of rising and taking on read Christian Scripture about Jesus with coordinator at the Chicopee facility, said hears from those who receive the packs, new responsibilities.” a white Catholic woman who was ini- in a diocesan video about the backpack though sometimes the women write The lab, which formed in 2018, hosts tially hesitant to receive guidance from a ministry. “A lot of them don’t have a safe notes of thanks, saying it was helpful events that deal with chaplaincy within Muslim woman wearing a hijab. In that place to go when they leave here. A lot of “knowing somebody cared,” Link said. Buddhism and other religions, in pris- case, the Muslim chaplain sought com- the women literally have nothing. So it’s Her goal in the coming year is to on and in secular settings. It also offers mon ground by talking about visiting a wonderful gift to them and blessing to partner with enough businesses, schools, resources to those exploring careers in the Vatican and working alongside Cath- them, but also for them to know that the churches and other organizations to in- chaplaincy. olics. Eventually, the woman allowed community cares about them.” crease the ministry’s capacity so that it Cadge said a national survey she led the chaplain to read from the Gospel of Jen Brzezinski, the caseworker at the can fill about 80 backpacks a year, based at Brandeis University found that 20% Matthew during her stay in the hospi- Franklin County jail, echoed Quinn’s on jail officials’ estimates for the number of the American public had worked with tal. Laird said the woman’s daughter told comments in an interview with the of women in greatest need of that assis- a chaplain or had been contacted by one the chaplain her mother expressed how Greenfield Recorder for a recent story tance. in the last two years. much she enjoyed her visits. about the ministry. “Love in a Backpack” is focused on “To me, that number is surprisingly “We also see patients crossing bound- “There’s a huge need, and the women the needs within the local community, high,” she said. “It suggests the need for aries to receive care from someone they who receive one are so grateful,” Brzez- but Link has a kit with information and more understanding.” perceive as a sometimes dangerous ‘oth- inski said. “They don’t have a lot. They’re a packing checklist that she distributes The lab’s website helps highlights in- er,’” he added. headed into the unknown, and that can to churches and other organizations out- stitutions that offer degree programs Through interfaith spiritual care of- be really scary.” side the immediate area to help them and specializations in chaplaincy. It fered by Muslims, Laird said, patients or Before the backpacks are given to the start their own backpack ministries. also notes the requirements for certain staff have found a new appreciation of jails for distribution, they are blessed at As coordinator, Link’s work typically sectors, such as the training necessary Islam and Muslims as a “healing force.” Sunday Eucharist — a profound mo- ranges from three to 10 hours a week, for federally employed chaplains in the To Mote, the chaplain at Hartsfield- ment for the congregation at St. John’s, depending on what needs to get done. Army or in federal prisons. There is no Jackson International Airport, onlookers the Rev. Vicki Ix, vicar at St. John’s, told She described it as a “retirement job,” standard training for chaplains working may think that “anybody could do what ENS by email. and while she brings her own faith to the at the nonfederal level, according to a I do,” she said. “Over time, we have been led deeper work as a Quaker, not as an Episcopa- Chaplaincy Innovation Lab report. While anyone can greet and escort, into the issues impacting women as they lian, the cause is one she finds personally The lab aims to better grasp that land- Mote said, not everyone can be present leave prison. Our eyes have been opened and spiritually fulfilling. scape. in the moment, whether that means be- to the vulnerabilities of transition,” Ix “We’re all people of faith,” she said. “We really wanted to begin to look ing comfortable in silence or engaging in said, adding that the congregation is “Even though I’m not an Episcopalian, at who are they, how did they get there, a thoughtful conversation. planning a forum on the topic in March. it’s so wonderful to be able to work with what do they consider professional in It’s about “learning to be present “We hope each woman feels God’s love other people of faith … doing things out terms of their work and how do we be- without pushing your own agenda,” she in a backpack, but equally important, we of a sense of mission and faithfulness.” n gin to bring them together,” said lab co- said. n 12 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Faith and the arts Actor Mark Ruffalo blends film and faith-fueled activism in ‘Dark Waters’

By Emily McFarlan Miller when I stand. / Your hand is upon me Religion News Service protecting me from death, / keeping me from harm.” ctor Mark Ruffalo said he’s had In the call with faith leaders, Bilott, a hard time melding his activ- who is Catholic, pointed to the late Ten- ism with storytelling. nant as his motivation for taking on the A Then Ruffalo encountered lawsuit against DuPont. the story of the people of Parkersburg, Tennant, the lawyer said, was “con- W.Va., who were exposed for decades vinced that if people just see the facts to “forever chemicals” produced by Du- and just see what’s actually happening, Pont, one of the world’s largest corpora- the truth will come out, and people will tions. do the right thing.” And he was moved by attorney Rob- “Despite all of the legal wrangling ert Bilott’s 15-year battle to bring Du- over the years, I really do believe when Pont to justice, putting his family, his people see the information, when people career and his health at risk for others. are given access to the facts, that people “In a moment in time where the sto- will do the right thing at the end. It may ries that we are being told are so cynical take a while. But I still believe that,” he and the stories we hear all the time are said. like ‘people are just horrible people’ and That inspired Ruffalo and helped him ‘just be as selfish as possible’ and ‘no one’s Photo/Mary Cybulski/Focus Features to portray Bilott, the actor said. doing anything for the greater good, re- Bill Camp, left, as Wilbur Tennant and Mark Ruffalo, right, as Robert Bilott in “Dark So did his own diverse faith back- ally; it’s all personal gain,’ I believe in a Waters,” a Focus Features release. ground, which he said not only motivat- different reality than that,” Ruffalo said. ed him to take on the role of Bilott and “I believe our heroes, real heroes in tor of the National Religious Partnership to produce “Dark Waters,” but it has also the world, are the ones who are like Rob for the Environment. I think we also work grounded his activism over the years. Bilott. And so I just thought it was a sto- Throughout the film, Bilott and Ruffalo grew up with “a good part of ry that we needed to see and hear at this farmer Wilbur Tennant’s Christian faith ‘really hard to shine a the Middle East basically in my house- particular moment in time, and it really is portrayed matter-of-factly as a part of hold,” he said: Catholicism, a Baha’i suited where I was in my career to be their lives. father, a “born-again Christian” grand- able to bring something like this to life.” Their depictions rang true for Carmi- light on stories that mother. That’s the real-life story behind the chael, who works on environmental ac- Later, he studied under famed actress film “Dark Waters,” which opened in tivism with Catholics, evangelical Chris- need to be told from and acting teacher Stella Adler, who was wide release over the weekend. tians, mainline Protestant Christians, Jewish. Adler “really believed in the Tal- Ruffalo produced the film and stars Jews, members of the black church and communities and mudic principle of questioning and be- as Bilott. The story follows the attorney Orthodox communities. ing aware,” he said, and she taught him from defending chemical companies to “From a faith perspective, we often individuals that are that the responsibility of an artist is to taking them on after he is approached try to carry the water for others, to help lift up the voices of people who aren’t in the late 1990s by a farmer from his them when they need help, whether often not heard. heard and to tell their stories. hometown who believes waste produced that’s building the stage for their voice or ’ Adler also introduced him to an idea by the local DuPont plant is killing his being an advocate when their voice can’t — Cassandra Carmichael he attributed to playwright George Ber- cattle. be heard or getting into the trenches nard Shaw: “People should have to pay The movie also gets faith-fueled envi- with them and fighting injustice,” she shine a light on stories that need to be to go to church, and the theater should ronmental activism right, according to said. told from communities and individuals be free.” Cassandra Carmichael, executive direc- “I think we also work really hard to that are often not heard.” That’s the moral, ideological and Ruffalo said during a call with faith spiritual power of storytelling, he said. leaders last week those depictions were It transcends politics and ideologies and intentional. connects audiences to a common hu- The actor recalled being approached manity. by a man at a summer camp who ques- “And so those teachings inspired me,” REAL tioned why Hollywood makes so many Ruffalo said. films that are hard on Christians. And he “I mean, those were heroes. Those wanted to honor what is a serious part of were people who were doing things for ISSUES, “the reality of these people,” he said. other people at great sacrifice because In one scene in “Dark Waters,” Bilott they were the right things to do, and (as played by Ruffalo) frets over the cost they were community-centered, and of Catholic school for his sons as the they were conscious of those around RELIABLE ongoing lawsuit against DuPont takes a them, and there was a spiritual dimen- toll on his career, resulting in several pay sion to it — an important spiritual di- cuts. mension to it.” COVERAGE In another, his wife, Sarah Barlage Bi- Their example of “righteousness” and EPISCOPALNEWSSERVICE.ORG lott (played by Anne Hathaway), assures “care for community” led him into activ- him, “You saw a man hurting and you ism and social justice, he said. did the Christian thing — you helped Ruffalo identifies as an activist for him.” the environment, for peace and for so- Both Bilott and Tennant are depicted cial justice — The NewY ork Times has attending church — not at climactic called him “the actor’s activist.” moments in which a sermon ties togeth- He’s spoken out against natural gas er the movie’s message in a neat bow, drilling in rural New York, delivered so- ENS but sitting with their families, singing lar trailers to the Standing Rock Reserva- EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE hymns like “You Are Near,” with its qui- tion in North Dakota during the action et assurance: “Lord, you have searched against the Dakota Access Pipeline and my heart, / and you know when I sit and continued on page 14 January 2020 Episcopal Journal 13 Faith and the arts Harry Potter Day at San Francisco cathedral combines fun, magic and theology

By Egan Millard On Nov. 16, the children learned that Episcopal News Service prayer can be its own kind of Patronus when fear becomes overwhelming. ased on the number of excited Then it was time for Quidditch, the children who showed up to Har- sport described in detail in the series that ry Potter Day at San Francisco’s is played for real by enthusiasts. B Grace Cathedral on Nov. 16, “We had a college Quidditch team you might find it hard to believe that the come and teach them Quidditch in the last book in the series was published 12 plaza,” Miles said. “The Bay Area Break- years ago. About 80 children — far more ers came, brought all the equipment, than the cathedral staff initially expected and were willing and young enough to — from around the Bay Area came to run around with small kids all day.” make wands, play Quidditch and learn That was followed by a wand-making how prayer can fend off scary feelings. class, in which the kids could choose the And given the day’s focus on the materials for the wand based on parts of overlap between J.K. Rowling’s books their personalities. and the Christian worldview, you also “It’s kind of fun to be able to talk might find it hard to believe that in their about spiritual gifts in that way, to talk heyday, the books faced fierce opposi- about what are the things that you have tion from some fundamentalist Chris- that we can amplify as good,” Miles said. tians who claimed they were satanic. In And since Hogwarts students take Po- 2006, the American Library Association tions classes, the children then learned named the Harry Potter books the most Photo/Matthew Woodward about another kind of supernatural challenged of the 21st century up to that About 80 children participate in Harry Potter Day at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. transformation: the Eucharist. The Rev. point because so many parents Kyle Oliver, who has developed a set of had tried to remove them from Left, different materials for making wands cards that break down elements of the lit- libraries on the grounds that are available at Harry Potter Day. urgy to explain them more fully, “walked they were anti-Christian and the kids through the entire Eucharistic dangerous to children. Below left, the flags of the four houses of prayer, explaining all of the little magic Caren Miles, the Diocese of Hogwarts (Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw pieces,” Miles said. California’s associate for faith and Gryffindor) hang in the nave of Grace “And then we had a closing Eucha- Cathedral. formation, never saw it that rist and a group photo. Everybody went way. “I just remember reading the first book before I even heard that folks were getting upset about it; the baptism analogy hit me so hard over the head Photo/Mike Scrutton that I didn’t think anyone would have a problem with it. [The Christian imagery] seems so blatant to me!” said Miles, who orga- nized this first-ever Harry Potter Day for the cathedral, which is the seat of the Diocese of Cali- Photo/Mike Scrutton Photo/Mike Scrutton The Bay Area Breakers teach kids how to play Quidditch. fornia. Rowling, a member of the Scottish warts [acceptance] letter on his 11th working for the Diocese of Dallas, and home happy!” Episcopal Church, has said that the par- birthday because that’s the day that J.K. said it’s a great way to attract the young In her sermon at the Eucharist, the allels between her books and the Gos- Rowling was baptized,” Miles told Epis- families that churches are so eager to reach. Rev. Lindy Bunch, priest in charge at pels are intentional, although she rarely copal News Service. “It was that idea of trying to have Trinity St. Peter’s in San Francisco, fo- delves into more details. The only ex- “There are so many examples of — something for families mainly in the cused on Dobby, a lowly enslaved elf who plicit connection to Christianity is the not only faith, but that idea of life and diocese, but also something they can in- ends up making the ultimate sacrifice to appearance of Biblical passages on two resurrection coming through death, es- vite friends to as an easy entry into The save Harry and his friends. She connect- gravestones in the final book, but readers pecially in the seventh book,” Miles said, Episcopal Church,” Miles told ENS. It ed his story to Romans 8, which talks have long observed allegorical elements citing a particular scene that has been shows parents who might be unfamiliar about how Christ frees all from bondage in the stories. commonly interpreted as a vision of the with the church that “we are fun, we are and ends with the famous passage: “For I “To me [the religious parallels have] afterlife in which Harry talks face to face silly, your kids can run around and be am convinced that neither death nor life, always been obvious,” Rowling told an with a dead character. themselves and be kids!” neither angels nor demons, neither the interviewer in 2007. “But I never want- “There are so many great role mod- Harry Potter Day was a mix of fun present nor the future, nor any powers, ed to talk too openly about it because I els in the books. Even Draco Malfoy and more serious topics, of religion neither height nor depth, nor anything thought it might show people who just ends up making a turn. Snape obviously and Potter lore. It started with morning else in all creation, will be able to sepa- wanted the story where we were going.” makes a huge turn,” Miles went on, re- prayer, followed by “Defense Against the rate us from the love of God.” Some of Rowling’s own faith journey ferring to two characters who are ini- Dark Arts,” which in the series is a Hog- “We’re not teaching them that there is hidden in the books, Miles said. tially portrayed as villains but prove to warts class in repelling curses and crea- are bad things in the world. They already “I love to tell kids the trivia that most be more complex. “So it’s this [sense of] tures like the boggart, a manifestation know that,” Miles said. “But we’re giving of them don’t know — even the ones redemption.” of one’s worst fear. In the books, this is them tools and emotional help to stick who know every little bit of trivia — Miles first organized a Harry Potter done with a Patronus — a sort of spiri- together, to fight, [to] hope. We’re giving which is that Harry receives his Hog- Day almost 20 years ago, when she was tual guardian in the form of an animal. them hope.” n 14 Episcopal Journal January 2020 Faith and the arts N.T. Wright explains the world of the New Testament in new book

By Emily McFarlan Miller if the book’s nearly 1,000 pages aren’t the kingdom of God to be the literal end Religion News Service enough, there’s also a workbook and a of the world, and since they were wrong series of lectures — available online or about that, they must be wrong about ew Testament scholar N.T. on DVD — filmed in such locations as other things, reconstructing those things Wright has spent most of his Jerusalem and Rome. for themselves in ways that have “often life teaching people how to Wright hopes to help readers to avoid led to quite radical theology.” N study the New Testament. “the false antithesis of fundamentalism “So you can see those misunderstand- And the most important thing, he and liberalism, of left and right and all ings playing out, particularly in America, says, is getting the context right. the rest of it,” he told a packed sanctuary in a sort of culture wars battle of some Without that context, it’s “fatally easy at an event promoting the book Tuesday people becoming more and more con- for people to distort bits of Christian- (Nov. 19) at Covenant Presbyterian servative and thinking that that’s their ity,’” Wright said. Christian obligation “If we ignore and other people the context, we can becoming more and make the New Tes- more radical and tament stand on its thinking that actu- hind legs and dance ally that’s the only around the room thing that’s left to and play to our do with Christian- tunes — and that ity,” he explained to because Jesus is king, and his kingdom is that has always been RNS. a kingdom of justice.” the case, no doubt,” Both progressive Nagle had read one of Wright’s earlier he told Religion and conservative books, “Surprised by Hope: Rethinking News Service in a Christians misun- Heaven, the Resurrection, and the recent interview. derstand what Jesus Mission of the Church,” about a year “But the correction meant when he said ago. He wanted to better understand the is always to go back the “kingdom of New Testament to teach it to children, to, ‘What was the God is at hand,” he he said. context?’” said. The book ended up transforming the Wright, a retired “Actually, the way he looks at Scripture, he said. Anglican bishop kingdom of God at “Because his heart is so pastoral, even and now chair of Photo/Emily McFarlan Miller/RNS hand means God’s the most academic stuff he writes is very New Testament and Scholar and author N.T. Wright, right, speaks with Covenant Presbyterian kingdom coming in ‘how does knowing this change the way early Christianity Church of Chicago pastor Aaron Baker. unexpected ways on you live?’ — which makes it easier to at the University of earth as in heaven access as far as academic work goes,” St. Andrews in Scotland, is author more Church of Chicago. — not away somewhere else and not Nagle said. than 80 popular and academic books As an example, he pointed audience destroying earth, but transforming it.” Candace Kyles, 35, of Chicago, first about Christianity and the Bible. The members to what he calls the “absolutely Wright’s comments resonated with encountered Wright’s work in a course latest — co-authored with fellow scholar vital but usually misunderstood” theme Robbie Nagle, 27, a children’s pastor about the Gospel of Mark at Trinity Michael F. Bird — is “The New Testa- of the kingdom of God in Jesus’ teach- who traveled from Brantford, Ontario, Evangelical Divinity School outside ment in Its World: An Introduction to ings. to hear the scholar speak in Chicago. Chicago. She’s now a doctoral student at the History, Literature, and Theology of Many Christians look to the kingdom Nagle said he recently preached a ser- Loyola University Chicago. But she said the First Christians.” of God as an escape in the next life and mon at his nondenominational church that readers don’t need to be academics The book is meant not just for students are hesitant to upset the status quo in that was inspired by Wright’s interpreta- to understand Wright’s work. getting an introduction to the New the here and now, leaving that to politi- tion of the kingdom of God. “He’s not super lofty. I think he’s re- Testament, but for any Christian feeling cians and social workers, he said. Others He said that he told the congregation ally accessible to even a layperson,” she stuck reading Scripture, said Wright. As believe Jesus and his followers expected that “we need to be about social justice said. n

Dark Waters continued from page 12 “You come out of that movie and and Chris- you’re like, what are we going to do?” tian Scrip- championed green energy on the board said Carmichael of NRPE. tures and of The Solutions Project. Recently, he’s “It’s this motivational film, which I next steps to lent his voice to Missing and Murdered think can be really beneficial as we try take — like Indigenous Women in the United States to raise awareness within the faith com- contacting and Canada on social media and raised munity,” said Carmichael. “I personally policymak- awareness of so-called forever chemicals, like to give folks the sense of hope that ers or mini- not just through “Dark Waters,” but also we can do something about it and make mizing the an accompanying website, fightforev- some changes … in our personal lives, in use of pack- erchemicals.com. our communities and also on the policy aged foods “I really wanted to, at this phase in front to combat these things, these injus- and nonstick my career, use that celebrity to highlight tices that we find ourselves in.” cookware these kinds of stories and these commu- It’s a cause the executive director be- that can con- nities that unjustly had these issues hap- lieves people of faith can get behind be- tain forever pening to them and without any choice cause of their concern not just for what chemicals. of their own,” he said. they view as God’s creation but also for More than Forever chemicals like those depicted vulnerable communities who are most just the story Photo/Mary Cybulski/Focus Features in “Dark Waters” have been linked to affected by environmental injustice — of forever Mark Ruffalo stars in “Dark Waters.” health problems such as birth defects, children, communities of color, commu- chemicals, or one lawyer’s fight against “We’re living in a time of revelations,” thyroid issues, liver and kidney damage nities with lower incomes. them, Ruffalo said, the film also tells “a he said. “We see now what our world is and cancer, according to NRPE. NRPE has produced a discussion bigger story about how we’re going to and what our world has been, and now And the film doesn’t present those guide for “Dark Waters,” which includes go forward from here, knowing what we we collectively have to make choices problems as solved. prayers, reflections from both Jewish know.” about that together.” n January 2020 Episcopal Journal 15 News At U.N. climate conference, Episcopal delegation urges nations to act swiftly and justly

By Egan Millard get, which the U.N. says is “ambitious From left, Episcopal News Service but still possible.” Lynnaia Main, “The overarching theme, which con- Episcopal s the impacts of the climate cri- tinues to remain uppermost on the agen- representative to sis become more dire with each da, is the need to ramp up ambition sig- the U.N., Ruth Ivory-Moore of passing year and the catastroph- nificantly, not only by member states but the Lutheran A ic future scientists predicted by all parties, including the private sec- church and the decades ago inches closer to reality, gov- tor, civil society and individuals,” Lyn- Rev. Melanie ernments have still not taken the actions naia Main, the church’s representative to Mullen of the necessary to protect humanity. Instead of the United Nations, told ENS. Episcopal Church declining, emissions of greenhouse gases The presiding bishop has sent a del- attend the United have been increasing. And while nations egation to each COP conference since Nations Climate are being warned that the commitments COP 21 in 2015. This year, the delega- Conference COP they have already made — such as the tion was headed by California Bishop Photo/courtesy of Lynnaia Main 25 in Madrid. Paris Accord — are not enough to en- Marc Andrus, an outspoken climate ac- look to faith bodies as the place civil so- organizations has strengthened the im- sure a livable future and must do more, tion advocate. Andrus suffered a stroke ciety nurtures hope and progress,” Mul- pact of the Episcopal Church’s efforts. the Trump administration has chosen to in October and participated remotely len told ENS. “[The Episcopal Church] On Dec. 2, the delegation and its ecu- abandon that agreement. from California. The team in Madrid is already doing many kinds of impor- menical allies held a prayer service on the It was a bleak backdrop for the United consisted of Main, Mullen and Jack tant local climate work. For instance, the theme of “Praying For Climate Justice”: Nations Climate Cobb, senior policy General Convention mandates funding Partnerships like these, Mullen said, Conference, adviser in the Epis- creation care ministries are exactly what magnify the powerful message the Epis- known as COP We continue to copal Church’s Office government negotiators mean when they copal Church has to offer: that “a life- 25, held Dec. of Government Rela- talk about local-level ‘ambition’ and cli- giving, liberating and loving vision for 2-13 in Madrid. ‘ tions. mate ‘mitigation efforts.’” be surprised and the world matters in addressing climate But a delegation So far, the del- And joining forces with other faith change.” n of Episcopalians encouraged as egation has been busy representing Pre- forging new partner- siding Bishop national delegations ships, Main told ENS, Last chance for this special offer! Michael Curry especially with ACT brought a Chris- at COP look to faith Alliance — a coali- Receive a Free Book when you tian perspective tion of 156 churches to the summit, and adjacent organi- Subscribe or Donate to grounded in hope bodies as the place zations working on yet committed to humanitarian goals Episcopal substantive ac- civil society nurtures around the world. tion. They shared hope and progress. “The Episcopal the church’s views Church delegation Journal on the sanctity has spent the past — The Rev. Melanie Mullen’ We are excited to team up with Forward Movement for this reader offer. With of creation and few days focusing on humanity’s moral developing new part- your subscription or minimum donation of $36, choose a free book courtesy duty to care for it, as well as the dangers nerships and advocacy strategies with of our friends at Forward Movement. facing the world’s poorest and most vul- Anglican Alliance partners who are here nerable people. — Archbishop Julio Murray and Dr. The award-winning Episcopal Journal reflects the vibrant, diverse and global The delegation’s objective was “to Elizabeth Perry — and for the first time Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. It’s the only place you’ll find: build relationships — and to do lots has joined up with ACT Alliance’s ecu- • News curated from around the world of interest to Episcopal readers of listening, praying and meeting with menical delegation which also includes • Original inspirational columns and features global leaders because of our commit- the World Council of Churches and Lu- ment to God’s justice and sustained vi- theran World Federation. The Anglican • Arts and entertainment coverage sion for the earth,” said the Rev. Melanie Alliance also has been working with us Subscribe today! Mullen, the church’s director of recon- on this partnership,” Main said by email. ciliation, justice and creation care. “We “As a delegation, we are advocating Supples are limited! are not alone as religious bodies in this for several priorities that link to our To receive this special offer send forum — along with ecumenical part- 2018 General Convention resolutions. ners, Episcopalians are expressing our Among these are accelerating ambition, in the form below OR commitment to living a public faith and increasing support for loss and damage, Call 1-800-691-9846 witness in the world.” protecting human rights in addressing (mention free book) OR go to 25, or the 25th Conference of the Par- adaptation and mitigation and boost- ties, is critically important because it is seen ing financial resources and mechanisms. 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Supplies are limited: The U.N. has established that bench- ginalized, and in U.N. terms there is a  Broken  The Path  The Social Justice Bible Challenge  Forward Through the Years mark as the recommended limit, beyond parallel principle at work: We speak of I’m not ready to commit but would like help support the Episcopal Journal with a tax-deductible donation: $______which humanity runs the risk of inflict- ‘leaving no one behind’ and ‘reaching (Donations above $36 receive a book! You will receive a tax receipt). ing “increasingly severe and expensive the furthest behind first.’” Mail to Episcopal Journal, Attn: Mike Brooks, 111-56 76 Drive, #F7, Forest Hills, NY 11375. To subscribe or donate by credit card, call 1-800-691-9846 (mention free book) impacts” on itself. Based on today’s The delegation is not only urging po- Please PRINT clearly commitments, emissions will be twice litical leaders to strengthen their policies. what they should be by 2030, missing It is sharing the ways that the Episcopal Name______the 1.5-degree target. Because so little Church has already acted to reduce its Address______action has been taken, emissions must impact. City______State______ZIP______now drop 7.6 percent every year between “We continue to be surprised and en- 2020 and 2030 in order to reach the tar- couraged as national delegations at COP Email ______book-0120 16 Episcopal Journal January 2020 News Church of England’s cathedrals continue to attract increasing numbers

By Rachel Farmer events. In 2018, 340,000 young people increase, but that the cathedral had im- Anglican Communion News Service from nursery through to 18+ attended proved publicity, developed hospitality, events at cathedrals and at Westminster invested in music and built relationships s Church of England cathedrals Abbey. across the city and county. reported a record increase in Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield “We are increasingly trusted to offer visitors, they have been hailed as and chair of the Association of English worship which is inspirational and in- A places “for all, and for fresh en- Cathedrals, described the latest statistics clusive; it is both ‘classic cathedral’ yet counters.” as pleasing, but warned against compla- imaginative and challenging,” he said. In the report published in late No- cency. “We draw from the riches of our faith vember, cathedrals reported nearly 10 “We continue to try and find ways directing us to God and yet we address million visitors in 2018, an increase of that offer spiritual nurture and hospital- the lived experience of our people today.” more than 10 per cent on the previous ity to people who have never had much Next year will see new pilgrimage year. There were also over one million contact with the church or with orga- routes opened-up as part of ‘Year Ca- visitors to Westminster Abbey. nized religion,” he said. thedrals; Year of Pilgrimage,’ a project The major Christian festivals also “There is a place for a creative inter- in collaboration between the British grew with Easter congregations reaching pretation of big events and anniversaries Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of a record high, with 58,000 people at- — whether that’s the Armistice, Easter, English Cathedrals. The initiative will tending a cathedral at Easter and 95,000 Advent or the moon landing — and by ensure there is a one-day pilgrimage during Holy Week — the highest num- opening up our great sacred spaces for route for every Church of England ca- bers recorded for a decade. such encounters, it opens up opportu- thedral, in addition to a group of six new Third Estates Commissioner Eve nities for new conversations and new trails in the northeast. n Poole, who leads the Church of Eng- dialogues; it welcomes, land’s Cathedrals Support Group, said: it challenges, it engages “We are proud that our cathedrals are a Photo/Wikimedia Commons our communities and precious resource not only for the church The spire and south transept of Norwich allows us to reach new but for the nation as well. Cathedral is viewed from the cloisters. audiences and that says “We know from countless anecdotes something about cathe- that many who visit as tourists encoun- thedral to a mini golf course in Roch- drals being a place for ter something deeper, and cathedrals ester which drew crowds but also led to all, and a place for fresh have been imaginative in creating more criticism. encounters.” opportunities for people from all walks Cathedrals reported a total of 37,000 Dean of Leicester of life to cross their thresholds.” people worshipping each week in 2018, David Monteith, of a Over the summer several cathedrals marking an increase of around 14 per cathedral where atten- hit the headlines for their quirky art in- cent over the past 10 years. They also wel- dance continues to grow, stallations which ranged from a helter comed the highest ever number of chil- said there had been no Photo/Wikimedia Commons skelter amusement slide at Norwich Ca- dren and young people for educational single factor behind the Durham Cathedral is of Romanesque design. Episcopal leaders join celebrations of Church of England’s first black female bishop

By David Paulsen ministries, were among the church lead- Episcopal News Service ers who attended Hudson-Wilkin’s instal- lation Nov. 30 at Canterbury Cathedral. he consecration and installation of the first Hudson-Wilkin, a native of Jamaica, black female bishop in the Church of England previously served as chaplain to members last November were celebrated by a wide array of the British Parliament and as priest-in- T of Anglican Communion leaders, including charge of St. Mary-at-Hill Church in Lon- numerous leaders from the Episcopal Church. don. Her appointment to succeed Bishop The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, the Episcopal Trevor Willmott was announced in June. Church’s House of Deputies president, was joined by The bishop of Dover is technically a West Tennessee Bishop Phoebe Roaf and Connecticut suffragan role in the Diocese of Canter- Bishop Ian Douglas, among others, in attendance bury, though it effectively entails oversight at the Nov. 19 consecrations of Dover Bishop Rose of the diocese, freeing the archbishop of Hudson-Wilkin and Reading Bishop Olivia Graham Canterbury to focus on his responsibili- at St. Paul’s Cathedral in ties with the Anglican London. Communion and as Photo/Kaya Burgess via Twitter A reception followed at head of the Church of Dover Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Reading Bishop Olivia Lambeth Palace, hosted by England, according to Graham are consecrated Nov. 19 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Archbishop of Canterbury Jus- the Anglican Communion News awe in it all. But also something refreshing about be- tin Welby. Service. ing open to the new things that God has in store, not Jennings and Douglas served Hudson-Wilkin was born in just for me as a person taking on this new leadership with Hudson-Wilkin on the Jamaica and ordained a priest in role, but for our diocese as a whole.” Anglican Consultative Coun- 1994, the first year the Church of Hudson-Wilkin led prayers during the royal wed- cil, most recently in 2016. England allowed female clergy. ding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a cer- The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, “I’m excited, I’ve got lots of new emony in which Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop the presiding bishop’s canon people to meet, to get to know, and Michael Curry preached. for evangelism, reconciliation Photo/Andrew Holness via Twitter that fills me with joy,” Hudson- Graham, the bishop of Reading who was conse- and creation care, and the Rev. Dover Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin with Wilkin said after her consecration, crated with Hudson-Wilkin, is the first female bish- Ronald Byrd, the Episcopal Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby according to the BBC. “Beginning op in the Diocese of Oxford. She now oversees 170 Church’s missioner for black stand outside St. Paul’s Cathedral. this new ministry, there is a sense of churches in the Reading area. n