Former R.I. clergyman pleads guilty to child-porn charge, now listed as ‘credibly accused’ in Mass.

From Rhode Island-

Gregory Lisby, an Episcopal priest who served at churches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, pleaded guilty Friday to possessing child pornography, and has separately been “credibly” accused of abusing a teenager, the Diocese of Western Massachusetts alleged.

In a letter sent to congregants Friday, Western Massachusetts Bishop Douglas J. Fisher revealed that, since Lisby was charged last September, the diocese has found “devastating credible evidence” that Lisby sexually abused a teenager “after he was ordained as a priest in 2007.”

A diocese spokeswoman provided the letter but said she could not comment further, citing concerns about the victim’s privacy. She declined to say whether police had been notified or were investigating.

More here-

https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20200225/former-ri-clergyman-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-charge-now-listed-as-rsquocredibly-accusedrsquo-in-mass

Worcester priest and ex-kindergarten teacher pleads guilty to child porn possession

From Western Massachusetts-

Gregory Lisby, the former Worcester rector and Holyoke kindergarten teacher accused of possessing child pornography last September, pleaded guilty to the charge Friday in federal court, and has separately been “credibly” accused of abusing a teenager, his diocese alleged.

In a letter sent to congregants Friday, Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, revealed that, since Lisby was charged with child pornography last September, the diocese has found “devastating credible evidence” that Lisby sexually abused a teenager “after he was ordained as a priest in 2007.”

A diocese spokeswoman provided the letter but said she could not comment further, citing concerns about the victim’s privacy. She declined to say whether police had been notified or were investigating.

The letter does not say which congregation the alleged victim attended. Lisby was suspended from his post as rector at All Saints Church in Worcester in 2018, according to a statement Fisher released last September, for an “inappropriate relationship with an adult that did not involve sexual contact.”

More here-

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200221/worcester-priest-and-ex-kindergarten-teacher-pleads-guilty-to-child-porn-possession

Mass. church ministry ‘Love in a backpack’ helping women released from prison

From Christian Post-

A ministry led by a Massachusetts congregation has been helping former female inmates begin a new chapter of their lives by providing them with backpacks full of supplies upon their release.
St. John's Episcopal Church of Ashfield has been overseeing a ministry known as “Love in a Backpack” for the past three years with the goal of ensuring that women recently released from prison receive basic necessities.

Each backpack has three bags of items: one bag is filled with personal care and toiletries, a second bag contains food and water, and a third bag includes a Bible and a personal note of encouragement.  
Mary Link, who helps to lead the ministry, told The Christian Post on Monday that the project has “deepened and grown over the years.”

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/massachusetts-church-ministry-love-in-a-backpack-helping-women-released-from-prison.html

Speaker to explore intersection of religion, climate change

From Western Massachusetts-

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas believes religion and climate change are not mutually exclusive subjects, but rather that individuals can prepare themselves spiritually to combat climate change in their own lives.

This belief will be the topic of Bullitt-Jonas’ free talk titled “Earth Care, Soul Care: Reflections from the Front Lines,” Thursday at the First Congregational Church in Ashfield. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., will be preceded by a 6 p.m. potluck.

“I’m deeply concerned about the climate crisis,” Bullitt-Jonas said, adding that “I really feel that at this point, we need a power greater than ourselves” to guide our relationships with the Earth.
Her concern about the planet led her to a unique role. In 2013, she became the minister for creation care for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. That role turned into an ecumenical one — she is also the minister of care for the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.

More here-

https://www.recorder.com/When-the-Spirit-Fights-for-the-Earth-local-talk-on-religion-s-role-to-combat-climate-change-28999998

Springfield protest calls on Smith & Wesson to help prevent gun violence

From Western Massachusetts-

Numbering about 60, a coalition of youth groups and concerned citizens gathered at Memorial Field across Roosevelt Avenue from Smith & Wesson headquarters Friday afternoon to call on executives to work with them to address gun violence.

Joining the groups were two of the state’s Episcopal bishops and a co-founder of Bishops United Against Gun Violence.

Bishop Douglas Fisher of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts said he invited fellow bishops to join him to back up youth groups such as Campaign Nonviolence, the Pioneer Valley Project and B-Peace for Jorge as they demonstrated.

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/09/springfield-protest-calls-on-smith-wesson-to-help-prevent-gun-violence.html

Bishop suspended child porn suspect Rev. Gregory Lisby from Worcester’s All Saints Episcopal Church in 2018 over ‘inappropriate relationship’

From Western Massachusetts-

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts on Friday sent a letter to all congregants lamenting the arrest of the Rev. Gregory Lisby on a child pornography charge last night, highlighting that Lisby has been banned from all contact with the church.

FBI agents raided Lisby’s Worcester home — an Episcopal rectory where he lives with his husband and the couple’s two daughters — on Sept. 11. Lisby was a newly minted kindergarten teacher in Holyoke when the government closed in. He resigned his position at the school in an email sent to a Holyoke schools official at 2:30 Thursday morning.

Lisby was arrested last night in Northborough, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Boston. He will be arraigned in a federal court in that city this afternoon. Lisby has been charged with possession of child pornography after agents recovered more than 180 photos and 15 videos from his computer, according to court records. That charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/09/bishop-suspended-child-porn-suspect-rev-gregory-lisby-from-worcesters-all-saints-episcopal-church-in-2018-over-inappropriate-relationship.html 

and here-

https://www.gazettenet.com/Holyoke-kindergarten-teacher-resigns-amid-child-pornography-investigation-28474323

FBI child porn raid at Worcester church rectory leads to Holyoke kindergarten teacher’s resignation

From Western Massachusetts-

A Morgan School kindergarten teacher under investigation for child pornography has resigned after the FBI raided the rectory of a Worcester Episcopal church where he lives.

Holyoke Public Schools Receiver Stephen Zrike Jr. told parents about the investigation involving Gregory Lisby in a letter sent on Thursday.

“We know that this is troubling news, and we understand that this will prompt many questions from the community,” Zrike wrote. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we do not have any additional information to share at this time.”

The rector of the church is Lisby’s husband, the Rev. Timothy Burger. Lisby is also an ordained minister and served as the rector of a different Episcopal church in Worcester from 2015 to 2018 but is no longer working as a minister, the search warrant application said.

Lisby’s Linkedin profile said he was the rector of All Saints Episcopal Church on Irving Street. 

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/09/holyoke-kindergarten-teacher-resigns-under-investigation-for-child-pornography.html

Amid dangerous times, a 'Blessing of Journalists' in Springfield

From Western Massachusetts-

For journalists overseas, the job is becoming increasingly dangerous. Even here at home, concerns are growing over press freedom.

Knowing this, for the second year in a row, the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts dedicated the Feast of Frederick Douglass on Wednesday to the "Blessing of Journalists."

"He was an orator and advocate for truth and justice," Bishop Doug Fisher, of Great Barrington, said of Douglass, at Christ Church Cathedral. "He believed telling the truth about slavery would change hearts."

At the blessing, which drew about two dozen people, the diocese awarded WGBY-TV reporter Carrie Saldo with the Bishop's Award, honoring her for bringing local and national concerns to residents of Western Massachusetts through her reporting.

Saldo, host of the station's "Connecting Point," has reported for Public Broadcasting Service, NPR, The Berkshire Eagle and Berkshire Living Magazine. 

More here-

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/amid-dangerous-times-a-blessing-of-journalists-in-springfield,565437

Better Angels foster dialogue between local conservatives and liberals

From Mass-

Although officially described as a workshop, a gathering of “blues” and “reds” on Saturday was also something of a retreat.

The day-long session to foster dialogue between conservatives and liberals using a Better Angels approach, brought together seven self-described “blues” and four “reds” for a series of exercises at the Episcopal Church of St. James and St. Andrew.

Organizers from Community Conversations — a Franklin County group that’s been meeting for months — attempted to attract an equal number of community members, they explained, but were unable because of a reluctance from the “red” minority in Massachusetts to come forward.

The workshop, one of 130 around the nation since the bi-partisan Better Angels organization was created in 2016, was also attended by more than a dozen observers.

Each side, meeting separately, identified stereotypes that members felt the “opposite” group held about them, then analyzed the myths about each stereotype, as well as the kernel of truth about it. Discussing  the findings together afterward, the exercise helped both sides be self-critical, demonstrate humility and see each other beyond stereotypes.

More here-

https://www.recorder.com/b1--Better-Angels-session-talks-across-the-divide-in-Greenfield-21168294

Massachusetts Episcopal bishops, Catholic leaders decry deadly synagogue attack

From Mass Live-

The bishops of the two Episcopal dioceses in Massachusetts are among the religious leaders issuing statements of support to the victims of Saturday's attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue during a baby-naming ceremony that killed 11 people and injured 6, including four police officers.

The statement from Bishops Douglas J. Fisher, Alan M. Gates, Gayle E. Harris, also pushed back on President Donald Trump's statement that the "results would have been far better" if the targeted Tree of Life synagogue had hired an armed guard.

"A ceremony celebrating new life has become the latest setting for the murderous intersection of bigotry, religious hatred and easy access to lethal weapons," the bishops' statement reads.

"We extend our deepest condolences, solidarity and kinship to our sisters and brothers at the Tree of Life synagogue and to the wider Jewish community throughout the nation upon the massacre today in Pittsburgh."

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/10/massachusetts_episcopal_bishops_other_faith_leaders_decry_deadly_synagogue_attack.html

From royal wedding to Pittsfield, Episcopal bishop preaches 'power of love'

From Western Mass.

The Episcopalian priest who left spellbound nobles, royals, celebrities and millions of television viewers during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May also captivated a large Berkshire gathering Sunday afternoon with the same message: Love thy neighbor.

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, spoke to the power of love during a revival service staged by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. The service was held at the First United Methodist Church on Fenn Street to accommodate the more than 1,000 people in attendance.

Curry relied on a mix of biblical passages, humor and the words of Jimi Hendrix to get his point across that love is all you need to start making the world a better place.

"God is love. We were made by love, made to love, made to be loved," said the man dubbed "Royal wedding Preacher." "Dr. Phil would charge you five commercials for [this advice.]"

More here-

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/from-royal-wedding-to-pittsfield-episcopal-bishop-preaches-power-of-love,553786

Bishop Michael Curry, preached at royal wedding, to speak in Worcester, Pittsfield

From Western Mass-

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, will visit Pittsfield and Worcester next month.

Curry, who made global headlines as the charismatic preacher at the royal wedding of England's Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle, will preach at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. 

The Most Rev. Douglas Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, will preside over the Holy Eucharist service.

Later in the day, Curry will preach at the Hanover Theatre of Performing Arts in Worcester at 5 p.m.
Both events are part of an Episcopal revival sponsored by the diocese and the Episcopal Church.
The revival is being described as dedicated to "spiritual renewal and transformation."

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/09/bishop_michael_curry_preached_1.html

Episcopal diocese's newest priest grateful for ministry

From Western Mass-

The Rev. Victoria Ix is communications director for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, and for the last six months has served as deacon at Grace Episcopal Church here.

On Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Boltwood Avenue church, Ix will become the diocese's newest priest when diocesan Bishop Douglas Fisher ordains her to that ministry.

Fisher called the liturgy for the ordination of a priest a "powerful one."

"Near the start of the service at Grace Church, I will ask the congregation 'Is it your will that Victoria be ordained a priest?' I anticipate a packed church and a thunderous reply 'It is!,'" Fisher said.

He added, "I'm confident that will be the response because Vicki was born for this mission."

"Later in the liturgy I will read the instructions of what a priest is to do which includes proclaiming the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and 'to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor,'" Fisher said.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2017/12/episcopal_dioceses_newest_priest_grateful_for_ministry.html

Presiding Episcopal bishop to visit Christ Church Cathedral for 200th

From Western Mass.-

The Most Rev. Michael Curry will celebrate the Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. liturgy at Christ Church Cathedral, as well as attend the Choral Evensong at 4 p.m., during a three-day visit timed to the church's 200th anniversary.

Curry, the first African-American Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, is well known as a dynamic preacher who has called for a revival of Christianity.

The cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, headed by the Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, and both services are open to the public.

"I'm so pleased that our presiding bishop was able to accept our invitation to be part of this joyful day," said Fisher who was recently with Curry during the Church's House of Bishops annual six-day fall meeting held this year in Fairbanks, Alaska.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2017/10/western_mass_episcopalians_prepare_for_presiding_bishop_who_lives_what_he_preaches.html

Massachusetts Catholic, Episcopal bishops urge Congress to act on DACA reform

From Massachusetts-

Catholic and Episcopal bishops in Massachusetts issued separate statements calling on Congress to remedy President Donald Trump's recent move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The program, instituted by executive order under President Barack Obama in 2012, allows some 800,000 young people brought to the United States illegally as children to remain here without fear of deportation and be able to work and pursue an education. Trump announced Sept. 5 he will end the program unless Congress agrees to enact it into law within six months.

The president met with Democrattic leaders on Wednesday night to craft a deal.

In a letter issued Wednesday, the commonwealth's Catholic bishops called the DACA program "successful since its inception" and said its "children and young adults are innocent of any wrongdoing" and "should not be punished for living in the United States of America."
More here-

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/09/massachusetts_bishops_urge_con.html

Episcopal bishop calls on Mayor Sarno to support sanctuary church in Springfield

From Western Massachusetts-

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts has asked Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to reverse course and support South Congregational Church as a temporary sanctuary to undocumented immigrants whose deportation has become a priority under the Trump administration.

"I ask Mayor Sarno to reconsider his opposition to this compassionate initiative. I ask the Mayor to consider the impact the fear of deportation is having on our children, our neighborhoods, our businesses," the Rev. Douglas J. Fisher in his statement released Saturday.

"If Springfield were to become a 'sanctuary city,' what harm could come from it? Our vulnerable neighbors would have no fear in calling the police or an ambulance. I know Mayor Sarno is a good man who has the responsibility of upholding the law. I ask the Mayor to give South Congregational its sacred space in this community, to allow the Church to be Church. I intend to support South Congregational as my office permits. I ask Mayor Sarno to do the same."


More here-

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/episcopal_bishop_asks_springfield_mayor_to_support_sanctuary_church.html

Episcopal church presiding bishop to visit Springfield

From Western Massachusetts

The Most Rev. Michael Curry, who is the first African American Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will celebrate morning liturgy and evensong Oct. 15 at Christ Church Cathedral as part of the church's 200th anniversary.

He will also attend a luncheon reception following the liturgy at what is the cathedral seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts at 35 Chestnut St. 

Curry was installed during services Nov. 1, 2015 at Washington (D.C.) National Cathedral, succeeding Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman leader of the church.

A graduate of Yale Divinity School and formerly bishop of North Carolina, he was elected presiding bishop by a landslide vote at the denomination's national assembly in June 2105 in Salt Lake City, Utah, that was attended by the Right Rev. Douglas Fisher, ninth diocesan bishop here.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/episcopal_church_presiding_bis.html

Church of the Epiphany, Christ the King Lutheran Church prep for merger

 From Western Massachusetts-

The congregations of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany and Christ the King Lutheran Church will officially join together to become one in the near future. 

Rev. Nathaniel Anderson, priest-in-charge for the Episcopal Church and pastor of Christ the King, told Reminder Publications for the past two and a half years he’s led both churches.

During that time, the two congregations have worshiped together on Sundays, completed social ministry with one another, helped raise money for the homeless, hosted feeding programs and concerts and have had joint Christian education, Anderson.

“Really anything that the church does we’ve been doing together the last two and a half years, which is a really positive experience,” he added.

Anderson said before he started as pastor for both churches, they were independent of one another.

More here-

http://thereminder.com/localnews/wilbrahamhampden/epiphanychristthekingmerger/

Episcopal bishops call for 'period of intense prayer' before Election Day

From Western Massachusetts-

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, is among the state's Episcopal bishops calling for "a vigil period of intense prayer from noon on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 6 through noon on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8."

The diocese has scheduled a prayer vigil Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the court yard of Christ Church Cathedral. Others are being planned, including in Worcester and in Pittsfield, and will be posted on the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts website.

"We must pray that all those elected on that day be moved, strengthened and guided by the Spirit, to lead us through fractious and dangerous times," the statement reads in part.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/10/massachusetts_episcopal_bishop_2.html

Episcopal cathedral names Mark Shapiro first 'rabbi in residence'

From Western Mass-

Recently retired rabbi Mark Shapiro has been name Christ Church Cathedral's first "rabbi in residence."

Shapiro retired in June after nearly 28 years of service from Sinai Temple on Dickinson Street.

"Judaism is a unique expression of God's love for the world. Our faith will be expanded by sharing life with Rabbi Mark and deepened as we learn more about the richness of this tradition," said the Right Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/07/western_mass_episcopal_cathedr.html