Episcopal Press and News
Diocesan Digest
Episcopal News Service. April 21, 2005 [042105-4-A]
CONNECTICUT: Statement by Bishop Andrew D. Smith of Connecticut
Bishop Andrew D. Smith of Connecticut invited all the clergy of the diocese to a meeting with him at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday, April 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to talk about the issues over implementing Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight for six of the congregations in the diocese. A report will follow from the Diocese of Connecticut.
Bishop Smith released the following statement April 18 after a meeting with the six rectors who have refused to accept Smith's leadership:
"The fundamental organization for mission and life within the Episcopal Church is a geographical area called a diocese, whose head is its bishop. That principle was established at the first ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.
The historic ministry of the bishop is to be shepherd of a diocese. The shepherd's staff that the bishop carries in worship symbolizes the bishop's care, in the name of Jesus, for everyone in the diocese. The relationship to the whole diocese is fundamental for the Episcopal Church, no matter what the time or situation or issue.
Full statement: http://www.ctdiocese.org/news/press.shtml
KANSAS: Christ Church parishioners approve separation
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Kansas] -- The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and the rector and vestry of Christ Episcopal Church of Overland Park, Kansas, jointly announced that Christ Church parishioners have approved an agreement to separate from the diocese and the national Episcopal Church.
Voting occurred at special parish meetings April 3, 10 and 17. The agreement was approved, 873 to 211.
"Although both parties are sad that this separation is going to occur, we both feel that it is the only realistic course given our disagreements," said the Rev. Ronald L. McCrary, rector.
"The diocese and parish have attempted to conduct the entire process with respect for one another's beliefs and opinions," said Bishop Dean E. Wolfe of Kansas. "While these issues have caused great pain for many people, the agreement allows us to move forward on separate paths in our ministries."
Full story: http://www.episcopal-ks.org/news/Finalannouncement.html
NEW MEXICO: Prison Ministry conference slated for five Southwest dioceses
By Val Hymes
"Exodus: Helping Others on the Way to Successful Reentry" is the title of the 2005 prison ministry conference slated for five Episcopal dioceses in the Southwest May 12-14 at the Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The dioceses of the Rio Grande, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Navajoland are invited to participate.
The conference will focus on "opportunities for the Christian community to help make today's inmate tomorrow's good neighbor," said the Rev. Steve Caldwell, coordinator.
Sponsored by the Office of Peace and Justice Ministries of the Episcopal Church, it will open with a dinner and greetings from Bishop Coadjutor Jeffrey Steenson of the Rio Grande.
Speakers Friday include corrections officials, an ex-offender, an Episcopal Church Washington lobbyist, retired prison warden and youth facility superintendent and a panel of rehabilitation program experts, a prison chaplain and corrections official.
A variety of workshops spelling out reentry and aftercare programs including those for addiction, spirituality, therapy, parolees, women and inmates' children will take place Friday morning.
Saturday's plenary session and closing Eucharist will be led by the Rev. Jackie Means, criminal justice officer and director of prison ministry for the Episcopal Church.
The conference grew out of the increased concerns about recidivism, with about 60% of all ex-offenders going back to crime.
"We must do something about it," said Caldwell, retired rector of St. Chads, Albuquerque.
"That means doing something about providing healthy, creative, supportive aftercare upon reentry into society after prison. The Church has a noble opportunity to be part of that care team, and has unique gifts to contribute to its effectiveness.
"This conference," he added, "is about seizing that opportunity and ministering those gifts."
For more information, contact the Rev. Steve Caldwell, 505.823.9219 or srcabq@comcast.net.