Reflections
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Bishop MacPherson's message for August 2010
Many people that I have encountered in the past weeks have spoken of their vacations and things they have done over the summer to provide for a break in regular routines. This message comes this day following a break, a break from some of the regular routine of ministry that is shared with you.
For Susan and me, the summer provided for much of the same routine as the work of the Church continued. This was interspersed by a few challenges that surfaced in a couple of areas within the life of the diocese, and although important, we were able for me to deal with these and to continue forward.
Following our return from the medical mission to the Dominican Republic, (See Around the Diocese.) we took a few days and ventured along the Gulf Coast in order to see firsthand the conditions people are facing due to the oil spill and to also see how the area has progressed with their continuing hurricane recovery efforts. As to the oil spill, the media reports are accurate when it comes to speaking about the economical impact in this area. This is underscored by the vast number of fishing boats sitting idle day after day and the beaches void of people with the exception of those doing oil clean up work.
The time was highlighted by a visit from our daughter Heather, and two of our granddaughters, Erika and Claire, visiting with us for a few days from their home in Oklahoma. Needless to say, this was a treat!
Looking ahead, we have a number of things on the horizon within the diocese, and importantly, one of these is the Anglican Covenant. A well-presented article is included in this issue of ALIVE!, and while I will have much more to say about this in the next issue, this document speaks much to our historic identity with the Anglican Communion. We are, by virtue of our place in The Episcopal Church, constituent members of the Anglican Communion, and in communion with the See of Canterbury, the Archbishop.
To further the understanding of the diocese on this, copies of a booklet entitled, “The Anglican Heritage: Essays on Anglican History and Unity” will be sent to all of the delegates to our Diocesan Convention. In addition to the convention delegates, copies are being sent to the congregations and diocesan leadership. This excellent piece is the collection of eight essays written by our Canon Theologian, Dr. Cheryl H. White. The document concludes with the text of a presentation made by Canon White at the joint conference of the Anglican Communion Institute and Communion Partners in April 2009.
“The Hermitage” is about done! Yes, a place for our clergy and their families is about ready for occupancy. Many reading this may be at a loss as to what I am writing about, but on the other hand many have heard me speak about this for quite some time. For the curious, permit a little background. Since our arrival in the diocese eight years ago, Susan and I have felt an increased need for a place for clergy and their families to be able to pause and have time away. For many this has not been possible for a variety of reasons, and included in this is the economical challenge. Thus, after much prayerful thought and the generosity of a blessed benefactor, the old “directors home” at Camp Hardtner located by Lake Bordelon, has been completely renovated.
The finished product is unbelievably great, and is not only totally new inside with a revised room arrangement, but newly furnished throughout. The next issue of ALIVE! will feature this new setting and will include pictures. The facility will be available for the clergy of our diocese on a reserved basis, and arrangements will be handled through Dianne White, my assistant. Clergy from the Diocese of Louisiana who support our camping program through their ministry on staff there will also have access to this facility.
Also completely renovated and made “anew” is the sacristy in the Chapel of the Holy Family at Camp Hardtner. Again, through the generosity of the same blessed benefactor, the chapel for the first time has an actual sacristy for the care of the holy vessels and other appointments. Professionally designed and completed, this will serve the diocese well.
Following through on last month’s ALIVE! cover story on the “Haynesville Shale,” the prospective members of the committee to assist me in looking at the direction forward with a proposal for presentation at Diocesan Convention are in the process of being contacted at this present time.
Speaking of committee membership, please be mindful there are a vast number of diocesan committees to which I must make appointments at the time of our Diocesan Convention. Thus, if you are interested in serving in a particular area, please let me know by contacting my assistant, Dianne White at 318.442.1304 or ladydiwhi@aol.com.
At the outset of this “Message” I stated there were a number of things on the horizon within the diocese, and that which I have shared above is just a part. But one item that must be shared with you in keeping with my priority of transparency, is something that I spoke to in my address at our Thirtieth Annual Convention last October. While speaking about the state of the larger church as it relates to the wider Communion, and of people considering leaving The Episcopal Church, it was shared “I realize well there are some within our diocese at present who are taking a more formal step in looking toward separation, and with the thought of their loss from this portion of Christ’s Body, I truly grieve. On the other hand though, I know them to be faithful people and know the decisions they are contemplating have not come lightly, and that it is with much prayer that they are willing to leave behind the places that have been their spiritual home for many years as they seek to find a place anew. They go with my prayers.”
My heartfelt comments and thoughts have not changed, and neither has the contemplation of some to leave. This having been said, I share that a small group of laity in the Monroe Convocation has continued their exploration as to other options for worship. At this writing, my understanding is that about 35 former and present lay people are looking at affiliating with one of the groups that have formally left The Episcopal Church. It is important for all of us to be mindful that for this group, or the various former members of The Episcopal Church around the country that have left the Church, while they remain Anglican in spirit, there is no formal connection with the Anglican Communion. To this date, and for the foreseeable future, there is not a methodology for them to be recognized as a part of the Anglican Communion worldwide, or by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
This having been shared with you, I ask your prayers for me, our diocesan leadership, and all who are affected by the decisions and actions to come.
“O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” [BCP p.818]
Faithfully in the Light of Christ,
,
The Rt. Rev’d D. Bruce MacPherson,
D.D.
III Bishop of Western Louisiana
