The Early Summer 2018 EpiscopalEpiscopal NewsNews www.episcopalnews.com serving the six-county diocese of Los Angeles
The Divine Office How a Santa Monica parish is taking care of business From the Bishop Arming ourselves with the power of love and justice By John Harvey Taylor Bishop of Los Angeles or our celebration of Holy Eucharist at Messiah, Santa Ana on June 22, the Fmorning of Orange County Pride, our Taylor H arvey John liturgist, the Rev. Kay Sylvester, selected the passage up his alley. My solution was to reframe the story as from 1 Samuel about David going to war against the a parable Jesus might have uttered: “The Kingdom Philistines. In Sunday school in bygone days, it was of God is like a soldier who was too small and weak the ultimate battle between good and evil. to wear his king’s armor and went into battle armed So as preacher, I was conscious of a dilemma. I only with five smooth stones and the power of love had just read a column by David Brooks of The New and justice.” York Times in which he argued that in our society, The OC Pride service presented yet another dilem- competitive virtues are overwhelming cooperative ma. Brooks warns us against the dangers of tribal ones. Religion, which transmits values in the am- thinking. But as often happens when I’m among my biguous form of parable, is receding. Mythos — sto- fellow Episcopalians in the Diocese of Los Angeles, ries of existential struggle between light and shadow, we 50 gathered for worship before Saturday’s parade from “Star Wars” and “Black Panther” to video felt exactly like a tribe. By and large our signifiers games — is on the ascendant. and unifiers are the prayer book, our love for God “[Competitive virtues] tend to give short shrift to and one another, and our belief in Jesus’s inclusive, relationships, which depend on the fragile, intimate egalitarian heart. Within Christendom, we’re small bonds of vulnerability, trust, compassion and self- but hearty. less love,” Brooks wrote. “They tend to see life as We don’t agree on everything, of course. Soon we an eternal competition between warring tribes. They your deputies head to Austin for General Conven- tend to see the line between good and evil as running tion. We’ll debate issues ranging from gun violence between groups, not, as in parable, down the middle and immigration to Israel-Palestine and marriage of every human heart.” rite equity. Especially when we’re confident we’re Assessing our deeply polarized society, Brooks is doing what Jesus wants, our temptation will be to of course on to something. My dilemma was preach- give in to us v. them thinking, to look for that “line ing appropriately about the mythos-drenched story between good and evil running between groups.” Above: The tribe of David and Goliath. Jesus would have wept at the May we arm ourselves more or less like David, with wore red at the June big guy’s death. But the paradox of righteous weak- the sword and shield of forbearance, love, and jus- 22 OC Pride parade. ness defeating unjust strength would have been right tice — and five smooth, gracious talking points. ?
THE Volume 68, Number 4 In this issue: Page 4: Advocacy and action on immigrant families Episcopal News Page 6: Bishops, deputies get ready to follow the issues at General Convention Publication of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Serving readers since 1898. Page 10: St. Augustine’s Church takes care of business at ‘day monastery’ Editor The Episcopal News (ISSN 0195-0681) is Page 12: St. Barnabas’ Church concludes parish ministry in Eagle Rock Canon Janet Kawamoto published bimonthly by the Program Group [email protected] on Communications and Public Affairs of the Page 14: Bishop ‘Sammy’ Azariah shares episcopal duties in the Diocese of L.A. Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, 840 Echo Correspondent Page 16: Troy Elder continues ministry in new role as legal advocate for immigrants Park Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90026. The Rev. Canon Patricia McCaughan Page 18: People: News of the diocesan community [email protected] Subscription price: $15 per year. Art Director Page 20: Good Samaritan Hospital remembers Bobby Kennedy Molly Ruttan-Moffat The Episcopal News Update is published [email protected] by email each Wednesday (every other Wednesday during the summer months). Editorial and Advertising Office To subscribe, send a request to On the cover: Deborah Kaufman Giordano, a healthcare recruiter and one of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul [email protected] 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026 For weekly news and calendar updates co-creators of The Divine Office at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Santa 213.482.2040 online, visit the Episcopal News website at email: [email protected] www.episcopalnews.com Monica, uses hymnals to convert a plastic card table into a desk for now, while money for renovation is being raised. Story on page 10. Photo / Katie Cadigan
2 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 news Housing Justice Task Force launched with o ‘Come Home’ theme t kawamo From staff reports t ane j o address the “moral crisis of unaf- their grandchildren. Remembering that we Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce listens as Bishop John Harvey Taylor addresses the fordable housing” across Southern follow a savior who had nowhere to lay new Housing Justice Task Force of the TCalifornia, Bishop John Harvey Tay- his head, we’ve adopted the United Way’s diocese, meeting June 20 at the Cathedral lor on June 19 convened a 55-participant “housing first” mantra as a gospel proposi- Center of St. Paul. diocesan Task Force for Housing Justice, tion. We don’t diagnose hungry people be- bringing together a diverse representation fore giving them something to eat. Accord- “One can’t get up in the morning with- of developers, bankers, architects, govern- ing to the same principle, people do better out realizing homelessness is an issue,” ment officals, non-profit representatives, battling addiction, mental illness, and job said Canon Karen Uhler, junior warden of and faith leaders united in achieving solu- insecurity if they have a place to live. St. John’s Cathedral and an experienced tions for people without housing. “Using social enterprise tools and part- trustee of Carter House, built to assist Believed to be the first denomination- nering with developers and non-profits, homeless mentally ill residents. “The issue wide effort on this topic of a major faith we can glorify God and sustain our par- also touches students and working fami- group in the Southland, the new task force ishes and missions by providing housing lies who can no longer afford the increas- began its work of consultation and advo- solutions, from winter shelters to afford- ing cost of rent.” cacy with opening comments led by the able senior housing, on our campuses. Other financial aspects were under- bishop. A total of 40 members — some “It’s time to leverage the church’s po- scored by Becks Heyhoe of Orange County representing agencies such as the United litical clout individually and corporately United Way, who noted that government Way and Habitat for Humanity along with with city councils, boards of supervisors, spends on average $42,000 on services leaders from Episcopal Communities and and state legislators, calling on them to use to one homeless person annually while it Services and other developers — attended our tax dollars to serve all our neighbors costs some $9,000 yearly to provide af- the opening meeting held at the Cathe- in need — including by demanding that fordable housing with supportive services. dral Center, which also will host the next government scale back density and height The bishop encourages others to join scheduled meeting on Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to limits that make it hard to build afford- this effort, or to share ideas, by contact- 12 noon with working groups dedicated to able housing and require developers to do ing the task force’s staff liaison, Canon for social enterprise, political advocacy, and more affordable and permanent support- Common Life Bob Williams, bobwilliams@ “incarnational ministry.” ive housing projects.” ladiocese.org. ? Lunch-time keynote speaker was Lisa Payne, director of public engagement in the office of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and ‘Interdependence Day’ walking a former director of the Southern Califor- nia Association of Non-Profit Housing. meditation set for July 1 in Echo Park “I applaud what you are doing here to ith the goal of strengthening interfaith cooperation in assemble expertise to turn this work into Southern California, the fourth annual Interdependence reality,” Payne said. WDay walking meditation around Echo Park Lake is Under the theme “Come Home,” Taylor planned for 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, with seven stations of brief emphasized four focus areas, using a newly prayers and meditations offered in the tradition of major world re- produced videotape (available on the dioc- ligions. All are welcome to participate and invited to assemble on esan Facebook page) to highlight the areas the plaza of the Cathedral Center, 840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles. Coordinated by of “housing first,” social enterprise, politi- the Interfaith Cooperative of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, this year’s walk cal strategy, and ongoing direct services. will follow the theme of “L.A. as Metaphor,” affirming hopefulness and positive solu- Excerpts of the bishop’s comments fol- tions to current pressing world concerns. Organizers for the event are the diocese’s low here. Taylor said: three interfaith ministers-in-residence, Sable Manson of USC, Tasneem Noor of the “Southern California is experienc- Islamic Center of Southern California, and Tahil Sharma of the Hindu and Sikh tradi- ing a vast social crisis brought on by the tions. Following the walk, light refreshments will be served inside the Cathedral Cen- high cost of housing, which affects every ter with optional time allotted for group reflection. Further information may be re- socio-economic cohort from the homeless quested by email at [email protected], or by phoning 213.482.2040, ext. 230. ? to retirees who have to move away from
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 3 advocacy and action California bishops call for end to Deputies ask separation of immigrant families convention to ishops of the six Episcopal dio- cese of the Rio Grande and the Rt. Rev. act on behalf of ceses in California — California, Kirk Smith of the Diocese of Arizona BEl Camino Real, Los Angeles, have added their signatures to those of asylum seekers Northern California, San Diego and San the California bishops Joaquin — co-signed a letter issued June Donald Trump on June 20 signed an eputies from the dioceses of Los 20 by Episcopal Public Policy Network executive order ending the practice of Angeles and California have writ- of California calling for an end to the separating children and parents, but con- Dten a resolution to General Con- Trump administration’s policy of sepa- cerns continue over the proposed incar- vention calling for an end to the practice rating parents and children who enter the ceration of entire families, a practice that of separating immigrant children from country seeking asylum. would conflict with current law forbid- their parents without due cause, and re- The Rt. Rev. Michael Vono of the Dio- ding the extended detention of children. iterating previous calls for comprehensive immigration reform. The Rev. Canon Susan Russell submitted Let My People Go: the resolution, endorsed by Deputies Sarah A statement on family separations Lawton of the Diocese of California and hen large numbers of people cross borders to flee persecution, war, and disas- Canon Jim White of the Diocese of Los Wter, they are considered refugees in the world’s eyes, and many nations build Angeles to the General Convention office, refugee camps or absorb migrating people, helping families resettle and educate the which has given it the number D015. children. In the United States, our tendency has been to treat migrants as criminals Resolution D015 will be assigned to one violating our international boundaries, especially at our border with Mexico. of several committees for refinement dur- In the past two weeks, the Department of Justice has taken the deeply troubling ing Convention proceedings. The commit- step of separating migrant children from their parents at border crossings and putting tee may alter the language or combine the those children in detention facilities. This policy is intended to horrify and deter mi- resolution with others of similar intent. If grants. Approximately 2,000 children have been taken from their parents in the past endorsed by the appropriate committee, two weeks and put in detention centers, including in San Diego. the resolution will go to either the House As Christians in the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, we are appalled by of Deputies or the House of Bishops for this practice of separating children from their parents. This cruel and inhumane treat- initial action. If the originating house votes ment can cause long-lasting physical and emotional injury to children, according to the for the resolution, it goes to the other American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. house for a vote. As with any resolution, In addition, it is morally indefensible. In Hebrew and Christian Holy Scriptures, we both houses must concur. are enjoined again and again to love the resident aliens and strangers and treat them The resolution text follows. as our own, to extend hospitality, and to share our resources with them, for we recog- nize that all that we have is a gift from God. We also are charged with paying special D015 Support Keeping Families Together attention to the most vulnerable in our community. Resolved, the House of ______concur- Children are some of the most vulnerable members of society, and they need their ring: That the 79th (continued next page) families’ love as well as our care and attention. We Episcopalians join with many other people of good will across the United States in asking the government to return migrant children to their parents immediately and to allow migrants to process asy- lum claims or to unite migrant children with family members in the United States. Finally, we call upon Congress and our Administration to overhaul our immigration system to relieve the suffering of all those who have been harmed by our policies.
Episcopal Public Policy Network The Rt. Rev. David Rice of California Diocese of San Joaquin The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Diocese of California Diocese of San Diego The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner The Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith Diocese of Northern California Diocese of Arizona General Convention Deputies Jim White and The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor Diocese of Los Angeles Diocese of Los Angeles Susan Russell pose with Jaime Edwards- Acton at a recent rally on behalf of immi- The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves The Rt. Rev. Michael Vono grant children. Diocese of El Camino Real Diocese of the Rio Grande
4 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 resolution (continued from page 4) Prayer service set at Texas detention General Convention urge The Episcopal Church to support policies limiting the sep- center during General Convention aration of families at or near ports of en- try and prohibiting the removal of a child esponding to calls from Episco- vention is being held. from a parent or guardian solely for the palians across the church to act Varghese says Trinity Wall Street hopes policy goal of deterring individuals from Ron behalf of families seeking asy- to provide buses for the event that would migrating to the United States or for the lum at the southern U. S. border, a team depart from the convention center at 10:45 policy goal of promoting compliance with of concerned leaders heading to General a.m. Organizers say participants may also civil immigration laws; and be it further Convention has planned a prayer service drive to the detention center. Parking is Resolved: That The Episcopal Church outside the T. Don Hutto Residential De- available nearby. reaffirm GC2009-B006 which advocates tention Center in Taylor, Texas, at about Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the for comprehensive immigration reform. noon on Sunday, July 8. Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the The planning team, led by alternate House of Deputies, have arranged for a Explanation Deputy Megan Castellan, rector of St. one-hour delay in Sunday’s legislative cal- The security of family provides criti- John’s Church in Ithaca, New York, is endar to facilitate participation by bishops cal mental, physical and emotional sup- working with Grassroots Leadership — a and deputies. The legislative session will port to the development and wellbeing of local community organizing group in Tex- begin at 3:15 p.m. CDT (2:15 p.m. PDT) children. Our congregations and agencies as that has held numerous gatherings at The event, which Curry and Jennings serve many migrant families that have re- the Hutto Residential Center. Deputy Win- will attend, is open to all who are commit- cently arrived in the United States. Leaving nie Varghese, director of justice and recon- ted to praying for an end to the inhumane their communities is often the only option ciliation at Trinity Church Wall Street, is treatment of those seeking asylum in the they have to provide safety for their chil- helping to arrange buses to the event. United States. It has been planned not to dren and protect them from harm. Tear- “What is happening to those at our bor- conflict with the Bishops United Against ing children away from parents who have ders is monstrous,” Castellan said. “My Gun Violence event at 9:30 a.m. in Brush made a dangerous journey to provide a bishop, DeDe Duncan-Probe [of Central Square Park, near the convention center. safe and sufficient life for them is unnec- New York] and I were discussing how we, A former medium-security prison, the essarily cruel and detrimental to the well- as a church, could respond on Saturday Hutto center has been the target of fre- being of parents and children. morning. By evening, and with the help quent lawsuits over issues including harsh Scripture calls us to welcome the strang- of enthusiastic Episcopalians across the conditions, poor food and sexually abusive er (Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:34, church, the idea had taken shape and was guards. Originally a family detention cen- Matthew 25:35) and our Baptismal Cov- moving forward.” ter, the facility since 2009 has housed only enant calls us to respect the dignity of ev- The detention center at 1001 Welch St. female immigrants and asylum seekers. ery human being. We pray for the children in Taylor is operated for Immigration and The planning team, which includes sev- and families suffering trauma due to this Customs Enforcement (ICE) by CoreCivic, eral clergy and parishioners of the Diocese inhumane policy of separating families at formerly the Corrections Corporation of of Texas and the Association of Episcopal our border and urge support for changes to America, a private prison company, and is Deacons, is considering follow-up advo- those policies and continue to advocate for about a 40-minute drive from the Austin cacy activities. ? comprehensive immigration reform. ? Convention Center where General Con- —Episcopal News Service
Sacred Resistance group joins rally at ICE’s L.A. headquarters At far left: Bishop John Harvey Taylor of the Di- ocese of Los Angeles addresses the assembly. At left: Members of many faiths and denomi- nations gathered on June 21 — the longest day of the year — at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles to sing, pray and protest against the incarceration of children and the separation of ell families who enter the United States seeking ss u asylum, and to advocate for humane immigra- an R an
s tion reform. Su
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 5 general convention
Bishops, deputies get
ready to follow the issues at k c hia Blahia
General Convention t Cyn Deputy Susan Russell and Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce uly 5 – 13 Southland Episcopalians will join an take a selfie at the 2015 meeting of General Convention, estimated 10,000 people — bishops, deputies, which was held in Salt Lake City. Both will be returning volunteers, media, guests, exhibitors, vendors, to the 2018 meeting in Austin, Texas. Episcopal Church Women and others — deep in the heart of Texas at the 79th General Convention of LGBT-rights activism involved him initially in 1997 the Episcopal Church in Austin. at the 72nd General Convention in Philadelphia. Along with counterparts from 108 other Episco- He has attended every subsequent convention, as a pal Church dioceses in 16 countries, bishops and “Claiming the Blessing” exhibitor in 2000 and serv- Triennial deputies will hear testimony and deliberate about ing since either as an alternate deputy or a deputy. hundreds of proposed resolutions, fine-tuning of- His love of all things General Convention — an- meeting to take ficial church policies and positions on the environ- ticipating renewed and new relationships, crafting ment, ethical divestment, racial reconciliation, Isra- church policy and experiencing huge worship — res- place in Austin, el-Palestine, gun violence, revising the prayer book, onates in the city of about a million people whose the budget and a multitude of other issues. unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” — land of live They can expect busy days, with joint and individ- “I just love it,” White says laughingly of the gath- ual sessions of both Houses — Deputies and Bish- ering the Episcopal Church has hosted every three music and ops — sandwiched between early morning and late years since 1785. “General Convention for me is Texas barbecue night legislative committee meetings. There will be like summer camp. I know, it’s weird, but I’m really 95-degree daily temperatures with humidity peaking looking forward to it.” at about 88 percent, and opportunities for entertain- Angelenos will be widely represented in a variety By Pat McCaughan ment as Austin, the state capital, is also known as of roles at General Convention. the live music capital of the world. It will be the ninth such “family reunion” for Jim Bishops: Racial reconciliation and ‘holy work’ White, chair of the Los Angeles deputation, whose It is Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor’s first convention as a bishop, and he will serve on the Racial Reconciliation Legislative Committee, which How to follow General Convention has been already been assigned several resolutions regarding funding anti-racism training and other ini- u The Episcopal News will report daily u The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija of the Diocese tiatives. from General Convention, focusing on of Los Angeles will anchor “Inside General After a conversation with Rochester (New York) representatives of the Diocese of L.A. Convention,” a daily TV broadcast Bishop Prince Singh, who co-chairs the committee, Subscribers to the weekly Update will beginning July 3, aimed at humanizing and receive the reports automatically. To illuminating the workings of General Taylor said, “We compared notes on his growing up subscribe, visit www.episcopalnews.com, Convention in both English and Spanish. in Chennai, India, in the shadow of the caste system and select “Contact/Subscribe.” See the daily Episcopal News reports and, in my case, 1960s Detroit as it grappled with for viewing information. the sin of segregation. u Episcopal News Service’s team of “In Los Angeles, our dream is to move beyond di- journalists will cover the wide variety of u The General Convention Media Hub versity toward a true gospel of understanding of our legislation that will be considered at the will broadcast sessions of both legislative unity and accountability in Christ as a diocesan fam- houses, as well as worship services and convention, as well as other activities. ily,” he added. “That means owning up to our social To receive ENS’s daily list of stories, visit other activities. Visit www.episcopal- polarization — by region, race, language, culture, www.episcopalnews service.org and church.org/general-convention-2018- select “Subscribe.” media-hub. politics, and especially social-economic status ... and we will be seeking resources (continued next page)
6 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 general convention (continued from page 6) Heading for Austin to aid that effort. Bamberger plans to track legislation “I’ll also be following Israel-Palestine concerning marriage, compensation for closely, hoping we can speak both pro- the president of the House of Deputies phetically and constructively into the re- (currently a full-time volunteer position) gion’s almost infinitely complex historical theological education and the ordination and cultural dynamics.” process. While he is “proud to represent the Dio- “I’m excited about Bishop Curry’s lead- cese of Los Angeles, a progressive leader in ership,” he added. “It will be fun to watch many respects,” he is also looking forward Bishop Taylor engage at his first General John Harvey Taylor Diane Jardine Bruce to fellowship, community and collabora- Convention. And Austin is a fun city, even Bishop of Los Angeles Bishop Suffragan of tion, and to continuing to learn from expe- in the middle of summer.” Los Angeles rienced hands in the House of Bishops … Canon Julie Dean Larsen, vice chancel- “including our very own secretary to the lor of the diocese, parishioner at St. Mar- House, Bishop Bruce.” garet’s, San Juan Capistrano, and a first- Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce time lay deputy, is “more excited than an said she is excited to again gather with eight-year-old planning for Christmas” as Episcopalians from across the globe. she prepares for convention. She is assuming the role of Secretary to “I have reviewed and summarized blue the House of Bishops this year, “so my fo- book reports, thought carefully about Julie Dean Larsen cus will be making sure everything is run- what to pack (bug spray cloths are essen- Vice chancellor of Lester Mackenzie ning smoothly for our time together,” she tial), and studied the deputation list for the diocese Priest-in-charge, St. told The Episcopal News recently. people I know. Because of the humidity, I Mary’s Laguna Beach “It is an interesting perspective, sitting let my hair grow so I can braid it and put it on the dais versus the tables we normally up. Easy hair care is a huge reason to live sit at. While we are engaged in the conver- in So-Cal if your hair is curly. sations regarding various pieces of legisla- “I am ready to represent the Episcopal tion, we have the added burden of ensur- Diocese of Los Angeles and will endeavor ing everything is in ‘good order’, and that to post a report each night.” nothing is missed. It is holy work in this She aims to track Title IV (clergy disci- time together.” plinary) legislation “because I believe there Michael Bamberger are many provisions which are biased or an Rector, Ascension Kathryn Nishibayashi Deputies: Steady, deliberate work anathema to our goals. For example, open- Church, Sierra Madre Member, St. Mary’s at a dizzying pace ing a Title IV proceeding for public com- (Mariposa), L.A. For many General Convention depu- ments does not promote truth or justice.” ties, the pace of work can seem ploddingly The Rev. Lester Mackenzie, priest-in- slow and steady at convention’s start, then charge under special circumstances at St. shift into free-fall overdrive near its end, Mary’s, Laguna Beach, a three-time clergy as committees race to move resolutions to deputy, is assigned to Legislative Commit- the deputies and bishops for final approval tee 9, Racial Justice and Reconciliation. before the last legislative day. Mackenzie, hugely popular as chaplain Southland lay and clergy deputies repre- to the House of Deputies at the 78th Gen- sent a range of experiences, from first-time eral Convention in Salt Lake City, consid- Melissa McCarthy Susan Russell conventioneers to others who have attend- ers “a privilege” the invitation to serve in Canon to the ordinary, Diocese of L.A. Associate, All Saints ed for nearly two decades. Most are from that capacity a second time. Church, Pasadena Los Angeles and Orange counties. All are He is pondering “how do I let us go excited and honored to serve. deeper, for those who’ve been there be- The Very Rev. Canon Michael Bamberg- fore” while reaching those who are new. er, rector of Ascension Church in Sierra “It’s a tightrope of putting, once again, Je- Madre for 32 years, a second-time clergy sus as our center in the work we do and re- deputy, is assigned to the Ministry Legisla- minding us that we do this together. That tive Committee. He also is a member of the we are one together.” General Board of Examining Chaplains, Weighing themes of unity and love af- which creates, administers and evaluates ter Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s royal Dan Valdez the General Ordination Exams for those wedding sermon went viral, he wonders Member, All Saints Jim White seeking to be ordained in the Episcopal what they mean, “for us, as a deputation? Highland Park Member, All Saints, Pasadena Church. For us, as a church (continued next page)
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 7 general convention (continued from page 7)
… and what does the next joys the “family reunion aspect” phase for the church, the of Convention and hopes to fol- organized church, look like as we try to low several “hot topics” like stay and live out the Gospel in a structured prayer book revision and com- way, in church business, church structure pensation for the president of the and ecclesiastical structure?” House of Deputies. The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, can- “There are going to be more on to the ordinary for the Diocese of Los joint sessions of both houses this Angeles and a second-time clergy deputy, time around focusing on Racial ell plans to track Title IV revisions and follow Reconciliation, Evangelism, and ss
up on resolutions involving racial reconcili- Creation Care, which were the ru an s u ation, church growth and climate change. identified priorities for The Epis- s “The beautiful thing about not being on copal Church in this triennium,” she said. Canon Jim White, chair of the Los Angeles a committee, I get to visit lots of commit- “I’m excited that this will be the first diocese’s deputation to General Convention, tees and see the work people are doing. I convention for Presiding Bishop Curry,” is pictured celebrating at the 2015 meeting get the view the breadth of the work that’s she added. “I would have been excited of General Convention on June 26, the day going on throughout the Church.” even before he became the breakout star the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states She also wants to focus on legislation of the royal wedding, but now I’m really could not restrict gay marriage. targeting violence and weapons. She is hoping that the large gathering of Episco- looking forward to Austin because “it’s palians can channel the energy, enthusi- tuary Task Force [I] will be advocating for the only time that the leadership of the asm, and interest that was generated by his anything coming forward on support for church is gathering in one place, being to- sermon into figuring out ways to reach out immigrants and refugees,” she said. gether as one. Relationships are formed. to the world.” She supports compensation for the presi- Connections are made in ways that do not The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, senior dent of the House of Deputies, and is hope- happen if you meet electronically or not at associate rector for communications at ful that “this will be the year we finally end all,” she said. All Saints, Pasadena, is a three-time clergy the inclusion wars and move forward to- Kathryn Nishibayashi, lay leader and deputy and 10-time General Convention gether as a church where the question of parishioner at St. Mary’s, Mariposa in attendee. She is assigned to Committee 13, whether LGBTQ people are full members Koreatown, a third-time deputy to con- Committee to Receive the Report of Reso- of the Episcopal Church is answered with a vention, is assigned to Committee 14 — lution A169. strong ‘yes’ once and for all.” Christian Formation and Discipleship. “Having served on the Task Force on Also enthusiastic about the energy for Nishibayashi, a third grade teacher in the Study of Marriage I’ll be certainly be evangelism and outreach under Bishop the Glendale Unified School District, en- following the work of that task force and Curry’s leadership, she hopes “this Gen- our three resolutions — particularly A085, eral Convention will be one where we are which would continue the trial use of the united in our vision of taking God’s love marriage rites we adopted in 2015 and out into the world — and challenging take a step further to make them available any powers or principalities that oppress in all dioceses,” Russell told The Episcopal or marginalize any member of the human News recently. family.” “Currently eight out of 101 domestic And, she added: “I’m hoping to get dioceses do not have access to the rites, in some Texas barbecue.” spite of language in the 2015 resolution Dan Valdez, parishioner at All Saints, mandating that bishops with jurisdiction Highland Park, six-time lay deputy, is as- “will make provision for all couples ask- signed to the Committee on Social Justice ing to be married in this Church to have and United States Policy. access to these liturgies” (2015-A054). We Immigration will be a primary focus of hope to end what is de facto sacramental the committee, he said, “and we under- apartheid in those dioceses — excluding a stand that there’s going to be similar legis- percentage of the baptized from a percent- lation coming up in the Social Justice and age of the sacraments,” she said. International Policy Committee. So there A longtime LGBTQ activist, Russell is going to be a joint committee hearing plans to monitor legislation about LGBTQ scheduled.” concerns, resolutions coming from the The other major topic the committee will Special Committee on Sexual Harassment take up during its work is gun violence, and Exploitation, gun violence resolutions he said. “Especially since the last time we and, “as a member of the Diocesan Sanc- met [in Salt Lake (continued next page)
8 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 general convention (continued from page 8)
City in 2015], the first piece of legislation [A302] that came out of our committee was the church’s formal response to the s er shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. t s / reu Resolution A302 expressed solidar- o t ity for the community and sorrow after awamo a 21-year-old white supremacist killed umphrey K nine African Americans at Emanuel AME t wen H Church during a bible study. O Jane “We talked much about gun violence and here we are again, three years later. Obvi- The presiding officers of General Convention ously, we haven’t spoken loudly enough. residing Bishop Michael Curry — The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, pictured It’s ridiculous.” Ppictured above delivering a sermon delivering a sermon at the 2015 meeting Canon Jim White, a lay leader and at the recent wedding of Prince Harry of of General Convention, is president of parishioner at All Saints Pasadena, is as- the United Kingdom and American actor the 850-member House of Deputies. signed to Committee 10, Congregational Meghan Markle — will lead the House The General Convention July 2 – 13 and Diocesan Vitality, and is interested of Bishops at General Convention. The in Austin will be Curry’s first as presid- in updating parochial reports to include house comprises all active and retired ing bishop; he was elected at the 2015 emergent congregations such as Holy bishops in the Episcopal Church, which meeting and took office that November. Spirit in Silver Lake, where he attends on is based in the United States, but includes Jennings is serving her second three-year Thursday evenings. dioceses in some 14 other countries. term as elected leader of the deputies. ? “We have at least 20 people for whom that is their only church home, yet they are not counted. We need to find a way to in- Flowers and Amy Sisson. City in 2015 “was a hoot to watch and clude them,” he said. The Rev. Jo Ann Weeks, vicar of Grace, be a part of.” It inspired him to want to He also hopes the reports can be amend- Moreno Valley, was gifted with hand- tell the church’s story “and “to bring that ed to include the “reach” and vitality of painted vestments “in gratitude for … her wonder of people gathered together to do small congregations. “For example, there many years of service as chaplain to the mundane tasks all while seeking to discern are places with 25 members who reach Daughters in the Diocese of Los Angeles,” where the Holy Spirit might be edging us 300 people every week through their ef- said Budzowski, a member of the church- along.” forts in outreach and soup kitchens.” wide DOK council. The Rev. Canon Eric Law, founder and Israel-Palestine, Title IV changes, racial Mikaela Sesler, Alethia Winley, and Tes- executive director of the Kaleidoscope In- reconciliation, church growth, climate sia Winley have been selected to represent stitute, and also an exhibitor at General change and gun violence-related legisla- Girls’ Friendly Society in the Diocese of Convention, will also be featured in a July tion are also on his radar, he said. Los Angeles. The girls will assist at meet- 6 Facebook Live teaching session on issues ings and presentations, participate in mu- of racial reconciliation. Episcopal Church Women Triennial sic presented by Triennial musician Linda Law, along with the Very Rev. Kelly Canon Martha Estes, a lay leader from Patterson, and work at the GFS booth in Brown Douglas, dean of the Episcopal Transfiguration, Arcadia, will be installed the Exhibit Hall. Divinity School at Union Theological as Province VIII vice president/representa- Seminary (EDS), and Bishop Jeff Fisher, tive to the ECW National Board during Keeping track of General Convention regional bishop of the Eastern Region of the Triennial — the every-three-years gath- Diocesan development officer, the Rev. the Diocese of Texas, will share their expe- ering of Episcopal Church Women held Lorenzo Lebrija is slated to anchor “Inside riences of doing racial justice work in the concurrently with General Convention. General Convention,” a daily TV broad- Episcopal Church. She will be among several others repre- cast beginning July 3, aimed at both hu- View the session at www.facebook.com/ senting Los Angeles at the Triennial, in- manizing and illuminating the workings of episcopal.divinity.school at 12:30 p.m. Cen- cluding Christine Budzowski, president of General Convention. tral Time, or 10:30 p.m. PDT. the diocesan ECW; vice president Martha Aided by a team of reporters, “we go Additionally, Canon Janet Kawamoto, Watson; and United Thank Offering chair live at 4:30 p.m. Central time in English Episcopal News editor, will file daily re- Diane Askren. The Rev. Julie Bryant, rec- and 6:30 Central time in Spanish,” Lebrija ports from General Convention, focusing tor of Transfiguration, Arcadia also will told The Episcopal News. A one-minute on the Los Angeles deputation. All regular attend as a delegate. daily segment, “What to Look for Today” subscribers to the Episcopal News Update The Los Angeles diocese was represent- will air each morning. weekly newsletter will receive the updates. ed during the June 20 – 24 Daughters of Lebrija, a former journalist, said his To subscribe, visit www.episcopalnews.com the King Triennial by co-presidents Gloria first experience of convention in Salt Lake and select “Contact/Subscribe.” ?
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 9 creative ministry
Peace. Prayer. Productivity: St. Augustine’s Church takes care of business at ‘day monastery’ ie Cadigan t ie a K
hen Dennis Doherty found working from his West ple working from their homes can be and feel so iso- Los Angeles home too distracting and isolating, lated, which is the opposite of what Jesus modeled in he went to coffee shops and even the local IHOP. being in community,” she said. Then he heard about The Divine Office (TDO) at “The Divine Office offers a space in which people St. Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Santa can come together and connect — it is a holy space ‘Jesus is our Monica, California, a few miles away. It blends mo- and time.” nastic-style spirituality and the secular phenomenon The Rev. Thomas Brackett, Episcopal Church co-worker’ of creative coworking spaces. manager for church planting and mission develop- Initially, “I wondered, what’s all this prayer busi- ment, said TDO’s application captured the imagi- in experiment ness?” Doherty told Episcopal News Service during nation of reviewers from the Genesis Advisory begun in a recent telephone interview. “Then I decided, well, Group on Church Planting by saying basically, “We if this is the price I have to pay for having believe that a rhythm of life blesses any- Santa Monica a quiet place to work, I’ll check it out.” body who engages this. The Rev. Katie Cadigan, associate rec- “And, instead of waiting for people to tor and TDO founder, views it as a “mi- come and learn our prayer book or the By Pat McCaughan cro-monastic community” operating in Daily Office, we want to take it to them underutilized rooms on St. Augustine’s in ways that are meaningful to them.” campus. And that it’s a work in progress. With growing numbers of people work- “They said from the very beginning, ing remotely, Cadigan hoped the church’s we don’t know what that is going to look location — a few blocks from the Pacific Katie Cadigan like yet, but if you are willing to venture Ocean — and its available space would with us, we’re going to figure it out and draw from the area’s boom in younger, home-based we will let you know what we learn,” Brackett said. professionals. Funded, in part, through a $40,000 Episcopal A work in progress Church New Church Start grant last year, TDO Doherty is among at least a dozen TDO “co-cre- is “like a WeWork or like the people who work in ators” who meet once, sometimes twice weekly and Starbucks independently,” but whose participants who take turns leading intervals of morning, noon- pray several times daily, Cadigan said. day and closing prayers. At top: Christopher “This is kind of like a day monastery, where peo- Another member of the group, Deborah Kaufman Curzon, IT consultant ple will come to work and worship,” she said. Giordano, president and founder of Healthcare Re- (left), and Dennis “Instead of going off to a monastery, having a cruiting Inc. especially appreciated that “not every- Doherty, founder of wonderful retreat and coming home and realizing, thing needed to be perfect to start this community DohertyTech GOSLYN after a day, a week, all that good feeling and con- plant. … We didn’t have to have it all figured out on (right), are two of nection is gone, what if we brought monastery-like day one.” more than a dozen experiences into our everyday world? What if we While at times working with laptops on card co-creators of The wrapped and enveloped our work lives in prayer?” tables and spotty internet has a rough-around-the- Divine Office. Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce, a TDO ad- edges feel, the collective wisdom of the group of viser, said the idea immediately intrigued her. “Peo- writers, filmmakers, editors (continued next page)
10 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 Divine Office (continued from page 10) and others is rewarding, said Giordano, its roots in the ancient who is married to actor James Giordano, Jewish custom of of- of “Twin Peaks” fame. fering prayers and “TDO is making a huge difference in psalms periodically my life, and holds the potential of mak- throughout the day. ing a big difference in the lives of others Doherty, a distribu- … by balancing our work lives with our tor for restaurant envi- God-lives,” Giordano said. “This isn’t a ronmental waste man- space where we are trying to convert any- agement systems, said one. We never ever proselytize. But … I’m he usually schedules working on not compartmentalizing God, his workweek around not pushing God into a box where I only TDO, and spends his ie Cadigan t ie a reflect on Him maybe once a week, in Sun- time there invoicing K day worship. It gives me hope.” clients and responding Madeline Stewart, storyteller and community builder, co-leads a Currently, the group meets on Thurs- to emails. prayer and meditation service. days and some Tuesdays. Eventually, the “The good news is, goal is to expand to five days a week. the prayer has become very important to She also discovered that “a good num- The days begin with 9 a.m. Morning me. It’s not the price to pay for having a ber of people who work and worship with Prayer and have fallen into a rhythm of quiet place to work,” he told ENS during us for just one or two days experience a morning prayers and a lifting up of daily a telephone interview from Ireland, where spiritually meaningful shift of some sort intentions. he was vacationing. “Prayer is really part and emerge seeing The Divine Office as A bell chimes at noon to signal worship, of the appeal and the value … so it’s pretty a community to participate in on a more and everyone “puts down the laptop,” Ca- exciting.” infrequent basis than I had originally en- digan said. “They do not finish the email visioned.” they were typing. Just like monks way Jesus as a co-worker This “unexpected rhythm is … stretch- back when would not finish their calligra- Cadigan, 56, began the TDO startup ing us to conceive of membership as some- phy. They would put down the pen, and in August 2017, recruiting Giordano, 53, thing far broader than initially assumed. at the sound of the bell, go into the chapel and Doherty, 64, both St. Augustine’s And a new dimension of discernment and do prayer meditation.” members. opens up for us around how we go about Noonday prayers are a “kind of check- Over time, and with a more reliable creating a cohesive community with far in, a where we’re at right now vis-à-vis internet connection, Cadigan anticipates wider and more fluid edges than antici- what we’d prayed for in the morning … that gradually TDO’s reach will expand, pated,” she said. and people are in gratitude,” Giordano she hopes, to a broader base, “since the Eventually, she hopes the model of being said. nature of independent work is that you are a cloister in and of the world will be rep- Lunch is fluid; some people bring sack not showing up every day.” licable “in any denomination, any space.” meals. Others walk the four blocks to the For example, “there’s a writer who’s “The way we think about monaster- Santa Monica Pier or to local restaurants. now in Atlanta, a filmmaker who just got ies is, they’re places you go away to,” she Closing prayers are typically at around 4 back from several months in Cambodia said. “You go to get your spirituality fix, p.m. — “the group decides when … and filming, and another one in Boston editing, but in the life of a monastic, the work and the prayers are more around reintegrating so the day-to-day makeup is a bit more prayer is all integrated.” with the world or family or what’s next on fluid.” So, TDO is reclaiming the experience of the horizon,” Cadigan said. There are also physical plant and finan- the monastic, “milking cows and praying, She joins the group for their regular cial issues: a future building renovation writing your emails and you’re praying — prayer intervals, but “I have never, ever led is planned, and plans are in the works and, as we Episcopalians like to say, pray- prayer,” Cadigan said. “My role is as a vi- for that more reliable internet access as ing shapes believing.” sionary and a shepherd. The challenge is, well as a campaign to raise the additional We need places like The Divine Office to how do I grow this organically and listen $220,000 needed to finance it all. Eventu- help us all to daily grow into discipleship, to the Spirit, so the gifts people have in the ally, a membership fee will be charged to Cadigan added, quoting Giordano: “‘Jesus community can rise up and flourish in the help defray those costs. is our co-worker, sitting right beside us for ways the Spirit calls them to grow.” Unanticipated, but necessary additions every email, every phone call, every every- The TDO’s pattern is a modern-day take will include “phone booths” for private thing.’” ? on the traditional daily round of prayer calls and even a shower. “The first week, known as the Divine Office, the Liturgy we had a guy go swimming and then come The Rev. Canon Pat McCaughan, cor- of the Hours, or the Daily Office, which up and work,” Cadigan recalled, chuck- respondent for The Episcopal News, also has been practiced since the earliest days ling. “So, we discovered we’re going to writes for Episcopal News Service, where of the Christian church. The practice has need a shower … and a feeding station.” this article first appeared.
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 11 congregations
St. Barnabas’ Church concludes parish ministry after 104 years in Eagle Rock
n Episcopal congregation that built a hand- some English Gothic church and filled it with a notable series of stained-glass windows, nurtured o
the man who founded the World War II Navajo t Code Talkers, harbored a Polish refugee family and endured for nearly a century without its own kawamo parking lot celebrated its final Eucharist on June 10 t ane with sadness, but also with pride for its long history j of ministry. being used. And the parish hall’s lovely. There are Declining membership and a lack of funds forced two kitchens, one downstairs and one upstairs.” The By Janet Kawamoto the closure of St. Barnabas’ Church as a regularly facilities are in need of repair, she added, but could worshipping congregation, although the property, certainly be renovated and used by other ministries. located at Chickasaw and Caspar avenues in the Ea- Jay and her team, which for the past few years has gle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, will remain included two priests — the Rev. Lucinda (Cindy) as a diocesan facility that will serve the neighbor- Voien and the Rev. Dorothy Torrey — and a deacon, hood with ministries yet to be determined. the Rev. Dina Fulgoni, have done whatever they can “The people and leaders of this historic parish to help St. Barnabas’ remaining members look for- have served faithfully and well for many years, lov- ward to joining other congregations. The most likely ing and caring for their neighbor, comforting the destinations, Jay said, are St. Mark’s Church, Glen- sick, baptizing and burying, laughing and crying, dale; Church of the Angels, Pasadena; and All Saints and participating in eternal Resurrection,” Bishop Church, Highland Park (Los Angeles). John Harvey Taylor told The Episcopal News. For Karen Morgan, senior warden, the closing of “Their individual pilgrimages in Christ have not St. Barnabas’ ends a long family tradition. come to an end even as the parish, as currently con- “I feel sad,” she said. “My daughter is fourth-gen- stituted, ceases active ministry. We have no plans to eration here and that makes it very hard. sell the church or its properties. Instead, we will lis- During her childhood Morgan was a member of ten for word from the Holy Spirit, through which all the children’s choir and the parish’s chapter of Girls things are being made new.” Friendly Society. “I pretty much grew up here,” she The Rev. Canon Lynn Jay, who with a team of said. In more recent years, Morgan has been a vestry clergy has led the congregation since the departure member, clergy of the vestry, junior warden as well of its last rector about four years ago, reassured as- as senior warden at St. Barnabas. sembled members that ministry in some form would The remaining members, she said, are mostly over go on at the church they have loved. 65. “I’m one of the youngest,” she noted. After the service, Jay told The News, “The ru- “We just don’t have the money any more. We can’t At top: Lynn Jay, mors were rampant, that this was going to be a cof- support a priest,” she said. who has served St. fee house, it was going to be a shelter — you know, “This is a group of people who have loved each Barnabas’ Church those would be good, I suppose — but it’s going to other for a very long time, and they love their parish along with a team of continue in some respect.” church,” said Voien, who has assisted at St. Barn- other retired clergy for For example, Jay said, the preschool that has long abas’ while also serving a congregation in Bakers- the past four years, used classrooms in the parish house will continue at field, in the Diocese of San Joaquin. “This is the only greets parishioners St. Barnabas’. church I’ve ever served where every single person and friends at the “The rectory is being used as a sober-living walks out of the sanctuary and into the coffee hour. parish’s final Eucharist house,” she said. And there’s a little house around Nobody blows it off. Sometimes people go out to on June 10. the corner that they own, a little yellow house, that’s breakfast together. being used as a counseling center — so the building’s It’s likely, she said, that the (continued next page)
12 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 St. Barnabas (continued from page 12)
Above: The team of clergy who have led St. Barnabas’ Church for several years celebrate its final Eucharist on June 10. From left are Dorothy Torrey, Cindy Voien, Lynn Jay and Deacon Dina Fulgoni. Above right: St. Barnabas’ English Gothic church has stood in Eagle Rock since 1924. At right: Crucifer Bud Ilic bears the cross out of the church for the last time. members will find ways to continue their tion to a sexton’s cottage. The only ame- fellowship even if they join different congre- nity it lacked was a parking lot — for the gations. “I think if they do end up worship- church’s entire history, parishioners have ing in different places, there may be a lunch had to compete for street parking on Sun- bunch that will get together — another way days with parishioners from the much of renewing friendships,” she said. larger Catholic church a block away. Sayre also led efforts to install a series A century of service of stained-glass windows, created by Jud- St. Barnabas had its beginnings in the son Studios, depicting the life of Jesus. early years of the 20th century as a small The windows are included in an index of o group of Episcopalians who met in a Ma- Judson’s finest artistic creations. Some 30 t sonic temple in Eagle Rock under the lead- years later, the original craftsman, John ership of the Rev. William E. Mason, whose Rundstrom, oversaw the restoration of t kawamo successor, the Rev. Robert Renison, led the those windows, which had been damaged ane o / j congregation to financial security and mis- by wind, sun and rain. t sion status in the Diocese of Los Angeles. One of St. Barnabas’ parishioners dur- pho In 1915 they built a small frame church at ing Sayer’s tenure was Philip Johnston, a ready to rent an apartment nearby. Norwalk Avenue and Ellenwood Drive. son of missionaries to a Navajo reservation In the 1990s, led by the Rev. Alan Already outgrowing their small church who after their retirement settled in Eagle Scarfe, ninth rector, the congregation by 1920, the congregation bought a parcel Rock and joined the parish. Johnston, a joined with other Eagle Rock churches to of land nearby. Architect William Major de- World War I Army veteran, had grown up establish a nightly feeding program for the signed a Craftsman Tudor-style rectory, and speaking the complex unwritten Navajo poor and elderly of the area. Scarfe also in- by 1924 the new church itself was built language, and during World War II it was troduced the concept of “total ministry,” a and welcoming worshipers. he who suggested to a general of the United lay training program, to the congregation, The next year the congregation suffered States Marines that Navajo might be the and eventually to the diocese. Scarfe was a tragedy when Renison, its vicar, was basis for a code the enemy couldn’t possi- elected in 2002 as bishop of Iowa, where struck by a car and killed while crossing bly break. The result was the now-famous he still serves. a busy street. His youngest son, the Rev. Navajo Code Talkers, who are credited Subsequent rectors have included the George Edward Renison, left his parish in with helping the Allies win the war. Rev. Tom Discavage and the Rev. Fran Missouri to take over his father’s work in During the 1980s, the congregation spon- Cantella, a former parishioner who stud- Eagle Rock. He was succeeded in turn by sored a Polish refugee family that had been ied in Scarfe’s ministry formation program his son-in-law, the Rev. Samuel Sayre, hus- expelled from the communist nation for and was eventually ordained to the diacon- band of his daughter Marjorie. political activism. Marek and Anna Woji- ate and priesthood. She retired in 2014. ? During Sayre’s 22-year tenure, the con- tas and their 7-year-old daughter Annetta gregation built a two-story parish hall were established in the renovated sexton’s Historical material for this story was with classrooms, the rector’s office, two cottage, where they lived for two years with drawn from “Affectionate Memories of St. full kitchens and a choir room, in addi- support from the parish until they were Barnabas,” written by parishioners.
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 13 bishop assisting
interfaith programs, rescued victims of sex traffick- ing and blasphemy laws, and endured institutional- ized persecution with grace and reconciliation. Conversant in English, Urdu and Punjabi, he now hopes to learn Spanish. He has traveled the world, lived on several continents, served on international councils, hosted archbishops of Canterbury in his home, and last year was awarded the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation by current Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Most of that would not have happened, he be- lieves, without the partnership of the Rev. Khush- nud Mussarat Azariah, the first Pakistani woman ordained a priest and his wife of 40 years, and their experiences of the crippling poverty, unassailable arvey Taylor H arvey John hope and deep faith of his flock. Bishop ‘Sammy’ Azariah ‘What my background is’ Azariah’s “ministry with passion” began more than 7,700 miles and a continent away, in the south- shares episcopal duties ern part of Pakistan. He was born in Karachi in 1949 to young parents who so desperately longed in the Diocese of L.A. for their first child to be a son they promised God to dedicate him to the church. “That’s how I got my name, Samuel, from the sto- ry of Samuel; ‘Here am I, send me.’” Early dreams rom Long Beach to Lompoc, Bishop Assisting of becoming an airline pilot dissolved into a love for Samuel Azariah baptizes and confirms Southland the church that led him to ministry and, ultimately, Episcopalians and playfully asks congregations for to the Diocese of Los Angeles where he has served a show of hands if they’ve “ever seen a Pakistani two congregations and as an assisting bishop. bishop before.” “I’ve been on a journey. It wasn’t something like The soft-spoken Azariah told the Episcopal News what happened to St. Paul, a sudden thing, but more recently he likes to ask because “I look so different. a systematic development and growth of faith and ‘My life, my Everybody’s interested in looking at me and hearing interest in the life of the church.” passion, from me. After undergraduate studies in sociology and ur- “I tell them who I am and what my background is ban development at St. Patrick’s College in Karachi, commitment, and where is my faith based and how it has grown, he was set to attend seminary at the Near East School and how I have grown in my faith and experienced of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon, when war broke out. joy, hope and this ministry with passion.” Instead, he went to Trinity Theological College in Singapore where he met Khushnud Mussarat, my challenge is ‘Who I am’ also a theology student. Ordained in the Diocese of He is the retired moderator of the Church of Los Angeles in 2009, she is the vicar of St. George’s the church’ Pakistan, the result of the 1970 union of Anglicans, Church in Riverside. Methodists, Lutherans and Scottish Presbyterians in After his 1980 ordination to the priesthood, Azariah By Pat McCaughan a nation where Christians number about 2.5 mil- served as curate of St. Andrew’s, Karachi, which he lion, or about 1.6 percent of the population. Of humorously calls a testament to “church unity.” The Bishop John Harvey those, approximately half are Roman Catholic in mostly Methodist congregation met in a formerly Taylor snaps a selfie the majority-Muslim country. Scottish Lutheran Church and was led by an Anglican. with Khushnud and Elected the church’s youngest bishop in 1987, he In 1987, he was elected Bishop of Raiwind and 10 Samuel Azariah, with moved from Karachi’s bustling metropolis to Rai- years later became the Church of Pakistan’s modera- Melissa McCarthy, wind, “the smallest diocese,” with about ten rural tor, for the first of two terms as its presiding bishop. canon to the ordinary, congregations and “no money, no programs, no in- He has also served as bishop-in-charge of St. during a June meeting frastructure.” Clare’s, Rancho Cucamonga, where Canon Gisele in his office at the Undeterred, throughout his 20-year episcopacy Tackoor remembers his upbeat sermons, pastoral Cathedral Center. Azariah built a cathedral, started schools, ministries, sensitivity, hopeful encouragement and steady guid- and health care facilities, initiated ground-breaking ance as the congregation (continued next page)
14 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 Bishop Azariah (continued from page 14) “I’ve been on a journey. merged with St. Mark’s Church in Upland other, the meal was a piece of warm cha- in 2015. patti, a pita-like bread, with garlic, lemon It wasn’t something like what “He was warm, kind, gentle, interesting, and mustard oil to drizzle over it. happened to St. Paul, a had a good sense of humor, was classy. I And yet, Azariah said: “I felt so good sudden thing, but more a can’t say enough good things about him,” about it. It was not what I was eating or recalls Tackoor, who was senior warden at drinking. It was the love I was getting, systematic development and the time. the great faith I got which was amazing growth of faith and interest “He was delightful to be around and we beyond my expectations. I’ve experienced in the life of the church.” all looked forward to seeing him when he the faith in very simple things.” would return from his duties in Pakistan. Once, when he was hosting Archbishop — Bishop “Sammy” Azariah We didn’t know he was an archbishop un- of Canterbury Robert Runcie, an elderly, til much later.” bent-over woman motioned to Azariah to What began as a disagreement between Currently, Azariah calls St. Peter’s tell Runcie to bow to her. two 10-year-olds quickly escalated into a Church, Rialto, a “home base” and serves The people “had never seen a white death sentence. One was the son of a Mus- there as bishop-in-charge on Sundays when archbishop of Canterbury and he had ar- lim cleric. The other was a Christian. They he isn’t visiting congregations on behalf of rived in a big car with a police escort.” fought, and the Christian youngster was Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor. He When Runcie bowed, the elderly woman charged, found guilty of blasphemy and describes it as a lively, lovely and growing laid hands on his head and blessed him. sentenced to death. congregation with lots of possibility. “He cried,” Azariah recalled. “He said, “I was so emotional when it happened,” “He gives me a lot of opportunity to ‘nobody has done this ever to me. I have Azariah recalled. “I talked to him and learn and grow,” said St. Peter’s associate laid my hands on many people. But this said, we will see what we can do to help priest, the Rev. Barrett Van Buren. mother has laid her hands on me.’” you. And he said to me, ‘Bishop Sammy, “It’s been a great experience working why are you worried? If we have to die for with him. He loves the church. He loves ‘How my faith has grown’ Jesus Christ, we will die.’” the community and he’s dedicated to mak- Establishing two schools for the men- After an appeal, a higher court acquitted ing sure the people’s needs are met. And tally challenged — Dar-ul-Kushnud (home the youth. Azariah, fearful the boy could the people love him. They enjoy his cha- of Happiness) in Karachi, serving 150 still be targeted and possibly even killed, risma, his interest, his passion and his wit. students and another in Lahore, Dar-ul- arranged to fly him out of the country. But He’s got a great sense of humor.” Mussarat (happiness) — was inspired by a the pilot refused to fly them, and Azariah mentally challenged sister-in-law, he said. found someone to drive him instead. ‘Where my faith is based’ And the schools themselves were an in- “He was released in the middle of the Serving among the extremely impover- spiration, successfully training many stu- night,” he recalled. “The driver drove like ished and the persecuted taught him “faith dents thought incapable of learning. That a madman. We changed cars, bribed po- in the very simple things,” and the impor- ministry taught Azariah the beauty of sim- lice, drove 300 miles the same night. As we tance of unity, according to Azariah. ple, direct, honest love. passed the village where the young boy’s With compassion and humility, he built “We learned a lot. The thing we learned mother lived, he wanted to stop and say bridges with those trapped in the sex in- from these children was honesty,” he said. goodbye to her. But we weren’t able to. We dustry, women who initially balked even at “We learned to see the real divinity inside took him and his uncle to Islamabad and meeting with him for fear of condemnation. them. They are very loving.” got them out of the country the next day.” “They were mostly Christian women Similarly, he built bridges among the (and often) … circumstances had forced most unlikely of groups, creating a week- ‘Ministry with passion’ them into a situation of that nature. But long retreat connecting radical Muslim Sometimes, on pastoral visits to congre- God wouldn’t want them to starve,” Aza- clerics with Christian clergy. gation, he is asked about the contextual riah said. “There is a lot of religious prejudice,” differences between the Pakistan and U.S. The nation’s constitution bars Chris- he said. “We cannot eat in the same place. churches, regarding sexual orientation, and tians and other non-Muslim minorities We cannot stay in the same place.” issues including women’s empowerment. from holding political office, even from And yet the group found commonalities Regarding sexual orientation, he be- employment beyond menial labor. They in prayer, meals and conversation. So much lieves: “Let God decide. Who are we to de- are frequent targets of blasphemy laws so that now, “whenever we as Christians cide what is sin? God is not bothered with and physical attacks. have difficulty and problems in our com- who’s sleeping with whom. I doubt that is He recalled invitations to dinner with munity, some of these religious leaders God’s main agenda at the moment.” parishioners, mostly in tiny, windowless would help us. It was a step forward in our In July, he and Khushnud will celebrate mud houses “like a box. Animals were understanding of the new commandment.” 40 years of marriage and ministry togeth- also there.” He even resorted to real-life cloak-and- er. They are both supportive and proud On one such occasion, “dinner was a dagger tactics to spirit a youngster out of of the accomplishments of the couple’s glass of water and one boiled egg.” On an- the country to safety. three daughters: (continued on page 18)
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 15 ministry in the world
Troy Elder continues ministry in new role as legal advocate a j
for immigrants, refugees ri b e orenzo L L ishop’s Legate for Global Partnerships Troy El- Instead, we listen to what they need, to what they der has spent the past four years building bridges want, and they come up with their solutions and we on behalf of the Diocese of Los Angeles, advo- see how we can be part of that,” said O’Reilly, who cating for unaccompanied minors, detainees, and serves at St. George’s Church, Hawthorne. comprehensive immigration reform. “But mostly, we are in relationship with them, so Now he is engaging that struggle on another front. they enrich our lives and we enrich their lives, just by Former The human rights attorney concluded his dioc- being together as Christians in a global setting. esan staff ministry several weeks ago and has begun “I’m so glad we’re not going to lose him one hun- bishop’s legate working full-time for the Immigrant Defenders Law dred percent. We really need a staff person to deal for Global Center (IDLC) (www.immdef.org), a nonprofit orga- with global issues because we’re such a key diocese nization that defends immigrants of all nationalities in this country. “ Partnerships against systemic injustice. “I will be back in court, working up at the deten- Exploring Partnerships: Guinea and Kenya will aid tion centers,” Elder told The Episcopal News re- O’Reilly said Elder has already visited the African cently. “I feel like it’s a natural next step to some of nations of Guinea and Kenya, to lay the groundwork refugees with the immigration advocacy and human rights work for developing projects. with Central American migrant children I’ve been “We were given $100,000 to build a school in a psychiatric involved with since 2014.” predominantly Muslim country, a school for girls,” He had just attended a June 11 farewell party in O’Reilly said. The PGGP is working with the Rt. challenges his honor at his last official meeting as diocesan staff Rev. Jacques Boston, bishop of Guinea and Guinea liaison to the Program Group on Global Partnerships Bissau, to develop the school in the predominantly By Pat McCaughan (PGGP), an association he plans to continue as a vol- Muslim country. unteer. PGGP is carrying on the work of Canon Percia “I’ve been hired to work on special projects for Hutcherson, a physical therapist and missionary who immigrants with severe psychiatric disabilities,” he on her frequent medical missions to Eldoret, Ke- said. “I’ve been out of active law practice for the last nya, treated many people with orthopedic disorders. four years and I’ve been itching to get back into the When Hutcherson died January 9, 2018, the PGGP fray and use my legal skills. And then this opportu- became involved in her ministry to the disabled, nity came up.” O’Reilly said. During Elder’s tenure as staff liaison for PGGP, the In 1990, the late Anglican Bishop Muge invited group pioneered a program that connected South- Hutcherson to serve as a missionary and, along land youth with their Pakistani counterparts, and with diocesan staff, to develop a community-based established Los Acompañeros, which provides sup- approach to treating those with disabilities. That port and encouragement to unaccompanied minors, work led to creation of Changing Lives Foundation Troy Elder took part children who made their way without adults through (www.changinglivesinternational.org), and establishment in a number of Mexico from Central America to the United States, of six clinics. actions in support in search of a better life. PGGP sponsored a memorial service for Hutch- of refugees and The Rev. Pat O’Reilly, PGGP chair, said Elder en- erson June 23 at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, immigrants during his ergized the program group and “has given us a stan- attended by Eldoret Bishop Christopher Kiprugut tenure as bishop’s dard we need to live up to in terms of how we in- Rutto and the Rev. Evelyn Jerotich Mulwo. legate for Global volve ourselves in global ministry.” The PGGP also supports partnerships in the Great- Partnerships, “He has put the whole idea of accompaniment and er Middle East, in Jerusalem and Pakistan, Haitian beginning in 2014. listening to our overseas partners at front and cen- schools, and with the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, ter, so we don’t just go in and do our own project. New Zealand. (continued next page)
16 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 troy elder (continued from page 16) “I’m proud and privileged to O’Reilly said the PGGP’s approach is most of the people that attended were us. be part of a relatively new more of an accompaniment role with vari- group of attorneys for some of ous ongoing projects. Others include the A life of service, advocacy Conejo Compassion Coalition, involved in Elder is “grateful” for his tenure at the the most vulnerable members Haiti, Puerto Rico and Uganda, as well as diocese and working with two bishops di- of our society in cases that the diocese’s companion relationship with ocesan, Jon Bruno and John Taylor. the Diocese of Cuernavaca in Mexico. There is a special connection between are really life and death for Additionally, the group is involved the diocese and IDLC, he added; Bishop them and for their families with refugees outside of the United States. Bruno provided a $200,000 loan to aid the and those in their community O’Reilly explained that while the sanctuary nonprofit’s start-up about three years ago. movement deals with the refugee crisis in “It’s my understanding that when the who love them.” — Troy Elder the United States, “there are a lot of refu- folks, the attorneys at the Catholic legal gees coming from Honduras, El Salvador, services, Esperanza, decided to strike out “I’m proud and privileged to be part of a Guatemala, to Mexico. Often they are ex- on their own … Bishop Bruno made them relatively new group of attorneys for some ploited and abused. We are working with a $200,000 loan. It’s a nice connection. of the most vulnerable members of our so- supporting and advocating with people There is a Bishop Bruno conference room ciety in cases that are really life and death who run shelters for unaccompanied youth in the office downtown,” he said. for them and for their families and those in and other vulnerable refugees in Mexico.” Elder, a 1995 Yale Law School graduate, their community who love them. said he is profoundly grateful for the oppor- “The cases I am working on, folks with Justice work in Los Angeles, Haiti tunities of the past four years and is eagerly several psychiatric disabilities at risk of de- O’Reilly said she recently heard from a anticipating continuing the relationship. portation, face certain death if they are re- teen-aged girl she befriended and encour- Prior to coming to the diocese, Elder, 49, turned. It is tantamount to torture.” aged through Los Acompañeros. was admitted to the bar in New York in Acknowledging the challenging context She “had come from El Salvador as a 1996, in Paris in 1999, and in Florida in of his work, Elder said he and his col- teen. She lived in gang territory. A child 2001. He was clinical associate professor leagues at IDLC “are working very closely next door to her was murdered. She had of law at Florida International University with Southern California legislators and been abandoned by her father; her mother College of Law in Miami, where he found- others at the national level in an attempt was here. When she first arrived, she was ed Miami’s first public, law-school based to respond to scandalous actions that this so insecure, having nightmares. She didn’t legal aid clinic representing torture victims, government is taking, in terms of ripping know a word of English. asylum seekers and neglected juvenile im- babies out of their mother’s arms.” She now is a legal resident. “She is confi- migrants, among others. The office also organized a rally in front of dent, beautiful and she just graduated from A Michigan native, he holds a bach- City Hall recently to protest recent actions Bell High School,” O’Reilly said. “She con- elor of arts in political science and French by border patrol in separating families. tacted me to ask me to come to her gradua- from the University of Michigan, having Protestors were asked to bring their chil- tion because I was really important to her.” also earned a certificate and high honors dren. “It was a very powerful statement.” Elder’s previous work in Jeremy, Haiti from the Université d’Aix-Marseille II. He “You’re taking someone’s child,” said El- — prior to his tenure with the Los Angeles speaks fluent French and Spanish, and con- der, referring to the border patrol’s actions. diocese — led to the establishment of a law versational Haitian Creole. He also holds a “It is outrageous and horrific and this soci- clinic “because there are no public defend- master of arts in religion (ethics) from Yale ety will live to regret it because kids ripped ers in Haiti, so people just languish in hor- Divinity School. from families — the data’s out there — will rendous jails,” O’Reilly said. “The clinic is “I look forward to continuing in a new have a huge uphill battle. a lifeline for so many people.” capacity the important work of world mis- “It is a challenging context in which to She described Elder as “committed, intel- sion for this diocese, which has really been resume this work but one to which I feel ligent, always thinking ahead and recogniz- thriving in recent years under the leader- privileged and humbled to be called and ing the legal and financial implications of ship of the Rev. Pat O’Reilly,” said Elder, maintain a foot in my environment of the everything we do. He knows how to main- who is married to the Rev. Lorenzo Leb- ministries of global partnership and world tain and promote relationships globally, rija, diocesan development officer. mission that are so robust. which is really tremendous. He is a person Elder knows he faces an uphill battle. Speaking of his new position, Elder said, of deep compassion and works so hard. Many detainees, except for those with men- “I’m rejoining this fray at a very critical “He’s just been amazing. We would not tal disabilities, don’t have the right to bring and difficult time. In addition to children’s be where we are if it weren’t for Troy. Troy a lawyer with them to court proceedings. [issues], the attorney general proclaimed has really made us a global partnership. Be- “These people are incompetent to stand we weren’t going to recognize victims of fore, we each were people on the commit- trial, incapable to defend themselves and domestic abuse. It’s been a really sobering tee interested in particular areas and would I’m … basically serving as a court-appoint- and challenging first couple of weeks to relate to each other about our area and then ed lawyer in a narrow-type case we hope to hit the ground in this very oppressive and we’d have a conference once a year, but expand,” he said. uphill-road posture.” ?
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 17 people News of the Diocesan Community
REQUIESCAT Azariah (continued from page 15)
u The Rev. Congreve Kathleen and son Patrick. Stingley served Anushua, a mental health therapist; Arusa, Hamilton Quinby, for- at St. Hilary’s from 1992 to 2009; previ- a certified public accountant, and Abana, mer vicar of St. Joseph’s ously she assisted at St. Paul’s, Lancaster. a medical resident specializing in brain in- Church, Buena Park She was a chaplain at Antelope Valley jury and rehabilitative medicine. (1958 – 1962), former Hospital and Medical Center and later at He shares a video he has just received via rector of Christ the Good Victor Valley Global Medical Center in email. Secretly taped, it shows an attack Shepherd Church, Los Victorville. Before ordination she taught on a priest during a worship service in the Angeles (1962 – 1978), and a tireless music in Pennsylvania public schools and Church of South India. As the priest leads social justice warrior, died June 14 at was an organist, choir director and hand- worship, a man assaults him. Bloodied but his home in Burlington, Vermont, un- bell choir director for a Lutheran church undeterred, the priest simply turns the oth- der hospice care. He was 89. Survivors and a synagogue. er cheek, and continues to lead worship. include his wife, Constance, their two Learning not to fear persecution has daughters, a sister and sister-in-law, and u The Rev. Canon also been a lesson of his decades of min- three grandchildren. Services will be held Richard Alden Wagner, istry, Azariah said. “We were not scared at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 at St. former Air Force pilot, of it anymore,” he said. “It also helped us Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington. After leav- retired vicar of St. Al- understand the importance of loving our ing the Diocese of Los Angeles in 1978, ban’s Church, Yucaipa, neighbor in spite of pain and hatred. We Quinby served congregations in Kansas and a longtime member learned we have to win them over with City, Missouri, and Potsdam, New York. of the Program Group love.” He served in the United States Navy dur- on Missions and Diocesan Council, died Grateful for the welcome and support he ing the Korean Conflict as a naval intelli- June 10 at the age of 80. A service was and his family have received in the South- gence officer, achieving the rank of Lieu- held on June 23 at Trinity Church, Red- land, he hopes Episcopalians here know of tenant, junior grade. lands. Survivors include his wife, Joan; the faithfulness of their Pakistani counter- their children Dede Lehmkuhl, Richard parts — that “in our poverty, in our mar- u The Rev. Elizabeth Wagner, Jr. (Lisa) and Matthew Wag- ginalization, in our hunger, we have done Stingley, retired vicar of ner (Hannah); four grandchildren and the best and contributed the most for our St. Hilary’s Church, Hes- one great-grandchild. Wagner served national development, the development of peria, died June 18 in several congregations in the Diocese of the wider community.” Texas. She was 80. Ser- Chicago, then was called as rector of All The population of the schools they start- vice details are pending; Saints Church, Vista, in the Diocese of ed is about 80 percent Muslim students, he interment will be at Ar- San Diego before moving to the Diocese said. Because of unjust laws, “we’ve kept lington National Cemetery with her hus- of Los Angeles to be vicar of St. Alban’s our children uneducated, and educated band Patrick Stingley, a career Marine in 2000. Bishop Jon Bruno named him a their children. We’ve kept our children un- officer who died in 2004 after 48 years canon of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul dernourished and taken care of their chil- of marriage. Survivors include daughter in 2010. ? dren through our institutions of charity.” Mostly, he wants the Docese of Los An- For full obituaries, visit www.episcopalnews.com geles and others to know that Christians elsewhere in the world “are a long-suffer- ing community. We have to recognize it. We cannot sugarcoat it.” Supporting Pakistani Muslims who are in the minority here is a two-way street, he believes. “We must tell them, we fight for you, we stand for you, and we want you to tell your loved ones back, that they should fight for non-Muslims there. We cannot continue the sin of silence.” Still, he joyfully leads worship, visits congregations on behalf of Bishop Taylor, and is preparing for an upcoming visit by Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Bruce. He hopes to learn what Southland Episcopa- lians have to teach him, adding: “My life, my passion, commitment, joy, hope and my challenge is the church.” ?
18 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 people News of the Diocesan Community CONNECTIONS
u The Rev. Kate Cress will begin her new ministry as rector of St. James in-the- City Church, Los Angeles, in August. Most recently she was rector of Church of Our Savior in Somerset, Massachusetts, where she has served since her ordination in 2009. Previously she was a social scientist and teacher. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Harvard, a master of arts in education from Brown University, and a master of y divinity degree from Boston University. t umil
She lived in Botswana for two years, three t s years in South Africa and Uganda, and hri c two years in Korea. Seven ordained to diaconate at St. John’s Cathedral u The Church of the Angels, Pasadena, Bishop John Harvey Taylor ordained seven new transitional deacons in a service on June 2 at honored the Rev. Robert Gaestel on his the Cathedral of St. John. Pictured above are new deacons (from left) Carole Lee Horton-Howe 35th anniversary as its rector June 17 with (St. George’s, Laguna Hills), Antonio Jose Gallardo (All Saints, Pasadena), Laurel Eileen Coote (St. Cross, Hermosa Beach), Jennifer Lynne Wagner Pavia (St. Augustine’s, Santa Monica), Sarah a gala brunch after church services. The Anne Reynolds (Thad’s, Santa Monica), Anil Virendra Shah (St. Paul’s, Pomona) and Joseph congregation has named its parish hall in Bradley Courtney (Holy Spirit, Silver Lake) with (at center back) Bishop Suffragan Diane Jardine Gaestel’s honor. Bruce, Bishop Taylor, Canon to the Ordinary Melissa McCarthy, and the Ven. Canon Charleen Crean, archdeacon. Preacher for the service was the Rev. Stefanie Wilson Brown, chaplain at u The Rev. Lauren Grubaugh began serv- Campbell Hall School, North Hollywood. ing as curate of Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis in June. vicar of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Hall chaplain and as part-time parish as- u Mimi Grant and Bob Kelley, parish- Long Beach. sociate at St. Michael and All Angels, Co- ioners at Trinity Church in Orange, were rona del Mar, on Aug. 5. ? featured in the Spring 2018 issue of Good u The Rev. Jorge Pallares Arellano be- Samaritan Hospital’s quarterly magazine, gan serving as canon for congregation life Good News. Grant and Kelley, a married at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, couple, serve on the hospital’s board. Connecticut, in June. He previously served at St. Luke’s of-the-Mountains Church, La u Bishop John Harvey Taylor named Crescenta, and at St. Simon’s Church, San Mary Alice “Mar” Jennings an honorary Fernando. canon of the Cathedral Center in May in recognition of her dedicated service to her u The Rev. Sharon Sheffield has been parish of St. Matthew’s, Pacific Palisades, called as priest-in-charge of St. Thom- and the Neighborhood Youth Association. as’ Church, Long Beach. She previously served at St. Mark’s, Downey. u The Very Rev. Roberto Martinez, vicar of Iglesia de la Magdalena, Glendale, and u The Rev. William Smyth Stanley has the Very Rev. Fernando Valdes, deacon and been called as associate rector for pasto- canon for operations at St. John’s Cathe- ral care and adult formation at All Saints’ dral, have been named co-deans for Dean- Church, Beverly Hills, beginning July 8. ery 4. They succeed the Very Rev. Mark He will conclude his ministry as associ- Weitzel, rector of St. Mark’s, Glendale, who ate rector at St. Cross Church, Hermosa has served as dean for several years, con- Beach, on July 1. cluding with the deans’ meeting of June 12. u The Rev. Stefanie Wilson Brown will u The Rev. George Okusi began serving begin serving as an associate at St. Mat- as rector of St. John the Divine Church, thew’s, Pacific Palisades, in August. She Costa Mesa, in June. He previously was will conclude her ministries as Campbell
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018 19 people News of the Diocesan Community Good Samaritan Hospital remembers Bobby Kennedy ood Samaritan Hospital, an institu- tion of the Diocese of Los Angeles, Gremembered Robert F. Kennedy on June 6, the 50th anniversary of his death at the hospital after he was shot at the Ambassador Hotel, where he had been cel- ebrating his victory in the California pri- mary election as he sought the nomination for president of the United States. The Rev. Michael S. Bell, director of At top: Michael Bell, director of pastoral pastoral services, led the 20-minute ser- services at Hospital of the Good Samaritan, vice, at which Tom LaBonge, former Los leads a program of remembrance for Robert F. Kennedy on June 6. At right: Tom LaBonge,
Angeles city council member and longtime y friend of the hospital, also spoke. former Los Angeles city councilman, helps Bell t umil
Bell described the tumult of the 1960s:. lay a wreath in Kennedy’s honor. s t
“It could be said that our nation was di- hri vided and wounded, as well as inspired — of anger and violence, brutality and death ts / c divided over issues of race and rights, po- domestically and abroad — inspired by pho litical polarization, use of deadly force and people taking courageous stands against “It’s an age-old battle between the debili- war, socio-economic justice, free speech, injustices, invoking powerful symbols of tating forces of darkness and the transfor- and trust in establishments once held in es- resistance. And our saturation with all this mative power of light. We remember this teem — wounded by repetitive and some- news was newly enabled by ever-evolving morning, as Kennedy did, that each day we times overwhelming images and sounds mass media technology. have choice about where we put the focus of the best of our efforts and how to better demonstrate our love of our neighbors.” “Bobby Kennedy would want you to know about him, and it’s important that you each find out about him and what he stood for as a person,” said LaBonge. He described the 1960s as enduring “earth- quake after earthquake” as the nation saw the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King and was jolted by the civil rights movement and turmoil over the Vietnam War. “Why do we miss Bobby Kennedy so much?” LaBonge asked. “Be- cause we need someone who brings people together, not separate them — who brings together all people from all places.” Bell and LaBonge laid a wreath in Ken- nedy’s honor and Bell led a brief litany of remembrance. He concluded with a tradi- tional Irish blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.” ?
20 THE EPISCOPAL NEWS Early Summer 2018