Episcopal Press and News
Province I Holds Fourth Convocation
Episcopal News Service. December 4, 1986 [86259]
Bill Ferguson, Diocese of New Hampshire, Helen Ferguson, Diocese of New Hampshire
HOLYOKE, Mass. (DPS, Dec. 4) -- Outstanding leaders, including Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning, made the fourth annual convocation of Province I (New England) a memorable event.
Two hundred people from seven dioceses Joined Browning, retired Bishop John Burt of Ohio, chairman of the Urban Bishops Coalition, and Caroline A. Hughes, assistant to the Bishop of Atlanta and senior consultant for the Alban Institute, at the Mont Marie Conference Center here Nov. 21-22.
Five years ago, the Province I synod decided to break out of its established routine, which was anything but lively. The result was an invitation to all church members, whether synod delegates or not, to convene for a non-legislative study session. The first such convocation was held in 1983 and was so successful it has become an annual event. Diocesan delegates to a smaller synod continue to hold a business meeting with the diocesan bishops twice a year.
"I love America. So do you!" Burt said in a plenary session. "But, as a biblical people, we must not deify our country. The American dream is the American nightmare for many... the unemployed, the elderly, the poor and the illiterate."
He recited a litany of parish attitudes about social issues, beginning with "moral piety," which limits preaching to the Gospel. Next was "moral charity," the parish which supports specific funds, such as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, but does not want a refugee in its midst.
"Moral reflection" describes the parish which will hold a forum on social issues, but does not take a stand. He calls it "moral witness" when a parish takes an official position in the name of the Church, much as the General Convention does. And finally, "moral action" describes the parish that takes a strong position and becomes an instrument for social change.
Burt declared that moral outrage is not enough, that we need "a workable program of justice in the concept of community." Three words, he said, that are key to action are vision, community and empowerment. Jesus, he added, addressed economic questions more than any others, and he cited numerous biblical references to support his thesis.
A videotaped conversation between educator John Westerhoff and Hughes served to emphasize the subject of the other learning track, Shared Ministry. On film, the two explored the ways in which Christians can make a difference wherever they may be.
Hughes amplified the video message by identifying ministry as something which is shared by laity and ordained persons as they live into their baptism. She named five dispositions that mark its success. These are, first, to be present in the moment with simple gestures and eye contact. Second, to reveal alternatives: things may not need to be as they are. Third, to welcome "the enemy" as a guest. This means to be hospitable to new persons and to new ideas. Fourth, to bare oneself, to be vulnerable, to show one's wounds. And finally, to give of oneself, not stay shut away.
God moves people forward into these dispositions, she said, by grace. The ordained person she calls a symbol bearer, but ministry, she feels, should pervade all of life and be intentional. If it is successful, the community will be different because of it, she said.
At the Eucharist, Browning was celebrant and preacher. He defined the Church with two words: sanctuary and sign. The first, he said, describes the Church as a safe refuge from a hostile world. But a sign, he said, points beyond itself and testifies to something that is hidden.
"My prayer for all of us," he concluded, "is that we let the power of the risen Christ transform us in this world which is God's creation."
Next day, the bishop spoke informally to the assembled group. With humor and humility he described his first year in office. It has been a year of grace, he said, when he has felt sustained, directed and filled with hope for the future. Seventy percent of his time has been spent in travel, to all parts of the United States, to Canada, Panama and South Africa.
"The Church is healthy!" he declared. "I am encouraged by the gifts and talents I see, not Just among the clergy, but among the laity who make the Church a real presence in the community."
"I rejoice in our diversity," he continued, "and I see the Presiding Bishop as a bridge so that diversity can be encouraged and understood." He spoke of the growing awareness of the tremendous inter-relationship of issues, pastoral and advocacy concerns. "We are no longer a one-issue Church," he said, promising to work on a strategy to bring energies and finances together.
The Rt. Rev. Arthur E. Walmsley of Connecticut was elected president of the Synod, replacing the Rev. Gordon J. Stenning of Rhode Island. Vice President is the Rev. Roger Smith of Maine, and treasurer is Dorothy Smith of Connecticut. Stenning was chosen to represent Province I on the Executive Council, to fill the unexpired term of the Rev. Donald Nickerson of Maine. Nickerson has been named executive officer of General Convention.
Walmsley praised the convocation for its new sense of identity and energy. "It provides an opportunity for dialogue," he said, "between individuals, who carry the story back to each diocese, and between the dioceses themselves. I thank God for this new beginning!"