Video: Jefferts Schori reflects on nine-year term as Presiding Bishop

From ENS- (with video)

In a 10-minute video interview with the Episcopal News Service, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori reflects on her nine-year term in office that began Nov. 1, 2006. She discusses her vision of the reign of God on earth, her hopes for The Episcopal Church, what it has been like to be the first woman to hold the office of presiding bishop and primate, how she has been inspired and where she has found solace.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/10/30/video-jefferts-schori-reflects-on-nine-year-term-as-presiding-bishop/

Archbishop of Canterbury and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church to Attend the Consecration of Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary

From Virginia-

Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) announces that the Dedication and Consecration Service of its Immanuel Chapel and a special Choral Evensong will be streamed live on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Streaming for the consecration begins at 10 a.m. and for Choral Evensong at 4 p.m.

The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be the celebrant for the consecration. The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, will deliver the sermon during this historic event in the 192nd year in the life of the Seminary.

The ceremony is expected to draw approximately a thousand invited guests to campus including church leaders, alumni, friends, chapel artisans, and builders. The event marks the official completion and blessing of Immanuel Chapel. The Chapel, designed by New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects, was built to replace the Seminary's 1881 Chapel that was destroyed by fire in October 2010.

Read more:

http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/15/10/p5891966/archbishop-of-canterbury-and-presiding-bishop-of-the-episcopal-church-t

PB Supports Iran Agreement

From The Living Church-

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has joined more than 50 other religious leaders urging Congress to approve the Obama administration’s agreement with Iran.

“The July 2015 diplomatic agreement with Iran will dramatically shrink and impose unprecedented constraints on Iran’s nuclear program,” the leaders say in an open letter. “In exchange, the international community will begin to lift sanctions on Iran. It also establishes the most robust monitoring and inspection regime ever negotiated to verify Iran’s compliance with the restrictions on its nuclear program.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/pb-supports-iran-agreement

Reflecting on outgoing Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s tenure as Episcopal Church brings in new leader

From The Washington Post-

This opinion piece is by Diana Butler Bass, an independent scholar and expert on U.S. religion. She is the author of eight books, including “Christianity After Religion.”

In 2006, the Episcopal Church elected Katharine Jefferts Schori to serve a nine-year term as the denomination’s presiding bishop, the head of the church, an ecclesiastical position equivalent to the Church of England’s archbishop of Canterbury. The election was historic – she was the first woman elevated to the position, and the only w

And now her term is coming to an end. On Saturday, the Episcopal Church elected a new presiding bishop, Michael Curry of North Carolina. Curry will be the first African American to lead the church, one of the oldest and most historic Christian bodies in the United States.
oman among the senior bishops of the global Anglican Communion.

More here-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/06/27/reflecting-on-outgoing-presiding-bishop-katharine-jefferts-schoris-tenure-as-episcopal-church-brings-in-new-leader/

Camp McDowell dedicates $10.5 milllion expansion

From Alabama-

The Episcopal Church dedicates the new Bethany Village at Camp McDowell on Saturday: a $10.5 million eco-friendly, handicapped accessible expansion of the Diocese of Alabama's camp and conference center.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will help lead a special service of dedication and blessing beginning at 10 a.m., June 20.

The 1,140-acre Camp McDowell in Winston County is at the southern edge of the Bankhead National Forest between Double Springs and Jasper on Highway 195.

While many church camps around the country are struggling, McDowell has for years been bursting at the seams.  Its facilities have been operating at capacity, with waiting lists. "The expansion will enable us to better serve Alabamians and their neighbors regardless of their religious affiliation," said Bishop Kee Sloan, head of the Diocese of Alabama.

More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/06/camp_mcdowell_dedicates_105_mi.html

PB Welcomes Bishop David Bane

From The Living Church (with lots of background links)

Bane worked with the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Camden County. Made up of former parishioners from Christ Episcopal Church, and currently led by the rector, the Rev. Craig Stephans, Bane says he made good friends there, and enjoyed working with Stephans, a man he is happy to call friend.

“I love Craig Stephans and the folks at Redeemer,” said Bane. “They are still dear friends.”

But Bane had realized, he explained, that the Episcopal Church is his home, and he was ready to return to it. It is a decision that has roots in his decision to become a priest in the first place.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/pb-welcomes-bishop-david-bane

Also here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/04/28/presiding-bishop-restores-david-bane-to-ordained-ministry/

Climate denial is immoral, says head of US Episcopal church

From The Guardian-

The highest ranking woman in the Anglican communion has said climate denial is a “blind” and immoral position which rejects God’s gift of knowledge.

Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal church and one of the most powerful women in Christianity, said that climate change was a moral imperative akin to that of the civil rights movement. She said it was already a threat to the livelihoods and survival of people in the developing world.

“It is in that sense much like the civil rights movement in this country where we are attending to the rights of all people and the rights of the earth to continue to be a flourishing place,” Bishop Jefferts Schori said in an interview with the Guardian. “It is certainly a moral issue in terms of the impacts on the poorest and most vulnerable around the world already.”

More here-

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/24/climate-change-denial-immoral-says-head-episcopal-church

Head of Episcopal Church will speak at Bruton Parish Church in April

From Williamsburg-

The head of The Episcopal Church will preach at two services on Sunday, April 12, at Bruton Parish Church in honor of the 300th anniversary of the church's present building on Duke of Gloucester Street.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will preach at the two morning services (9:15 and 11:15 a.m.) on Sunday April 12. The evening prior she will present a forum 5-6 p.m. entitled "Where Is The Episcopal Church Today and Where Is It Going?" A reception follows in the parish house.

Bishop Jefferts Schori was elected in 2006 to a nine-year term as the 26th Presiding Bishop, the first female presiding bishop in the history of the Episcopal Church. She serves as chief pastor and primate to the denomination's 2.1 million members in 17 countries and 109 dioceses.

More here-

http://www.vagazette.com/news/va-vg-head-of-episcopal-church-will-speak-at-bruton-parish-church-in-april-20150323,0,5590093.story

Rio Grande Episcopal diocese sees ‘change of identity’

From Albeuquerque-

At the time of her 2008 visit to Albuquerque, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori headed a congregation torn, both in New Mexico and nationally, over the role of gays and lesbians in the church.

The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande was preparing to select a new bishop to replace former Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson, who resigned in 2007 to join the Roman Catholic Church over the issue.

Several New Mexico congregations had split from the diocese and others were discussing similar moves.

More here-

http://www.abqjournal.com/551955/abqnewsseeker/rio-grande-episcopal-diocese-sees-change-of-identity.html

Episcopal, ELCA Presiding Bishops: World AIDS Day 2014

From Huffington-

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have issued a joint statement for World AIDS Day 2014.

World AIDS Day 2014

Every year on December 1, Episcopalians and Lutherans join with people around the world to commemorate World AIDS Day. This day serves as a time to remember those whose lives were forever changed because of HIV and AIDS. It also offers an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building God's Kingdom by working to bring the AIDS pandemic to an end. This year, World AIDS Day falls on the second day of Advent, a time of hope and anticipation of the new life Jesus' birth brings. As does Advent, World AIDS Day invites us to live with the joy that is to come by continuing to lift up the vision of a new life free of HIV and AIDS.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bishop-katharine-jefferts-schori/episcopal-elca-presiding-_b_6248626.html

Presiding Bishop’s statement on the way forward from Ferguson

From ENS-

 Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on the way forward from Ferguson:

The Episcopal Church joins many others in deep lament over the tragic reality that continues to be revealed in Ferguson, Missouri. The racism in this nation is part of our foundation, and is not unique to one city or state or part of the country. All Americans live with the consequences of centuries of slavery, exploitation, and prejudice. That legacy continues to lead individuals to perceive threat from those who are seen as “other.” The color of one’s skin is often the most visible representation of what divides God’s children one from another.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/11/25/presiding-bishops-statement-on-the-way-forward-from-ferguson/

Hundreds sign worker justice petition to Episcopal Presiding Bishop

From Ekklesia-

Within a few hours over 550 people have already signed a petition to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US, calling for reinstatement of eight fired seminary professors.

The move follows the intransigence of the Board of Trustees of General Theological Seminary in New York, a flagship Episcopal institution, over their sacking of most of the GTS faculty for a protest and work stoppage concerning allegations of abuse and a hostile work environment against the Dean and President.

The Board has dismissed the allegations against the Dean through a private investigation involving an outside lawyer, but have ignored or bypassed due process and the procedures set out in the Seminary's own handbook, say supporters of the dismissed professors.

More here-

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/20961

Presiding Bishop announces she will not stand for reelection

From ENS-

The following message is from Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori:
To all the people of God in The Episcopal Church:

It is a great joy and privilege to serve as your Presiding Bishop.  I have been blessed to be able to meet and build relationships with people around the globe – in every diocese in this Church, most of the provinces of the Anglican Communion, our full communion partners (ELCA, Moravian Church, Old Catholics of the Union of Utrecht), as well as civic leaders and leaders of other denominations and faith traditions.  That relational work is fundamental to the reconciliation we seek in Christ.  As bridges are built, more and more people can begin to cross the divides between us, and God’s dream begins to take flesh in a more just and peaceful world.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/09/23/presiding-bishop-annouces-she-will-not-stand-for-relection/

Controversy over Seminary Speaker Invite Tempered by Student's Death

From Christianity Today-

A seminary student's request for the leader of The Episcopal Church (TEC) to come and witness unity between U.S. Anglican conservatives and progressives instead prompted a public wave of disunity—which has now been ironically (albeit tragically) tempered by the student's unexpected death.

Terry Star and two other students at Nashotah House, a theologically conservative Anglo-Catholic seminary in Wisconsin, had asked the seminary to invite Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to "come and see ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and [TEC] in harmony" because she had once advised them not to attend the seminary, Nashotah dean Edward Salmon told the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD).

The invitation to preach in Nashotah's historic chapel sparked a furious uproar among Anglican conservatives, including the resignations of a Nashotah trustee and an honorary board member as well as a call for Salmon's own resignation.

Bishop Jack Iker wrote in his resignation announcement that he "could not be associated with an institution that honors her," pointing to the lawsuits that Jefferts Schori has initiated against his diocese. Honorary board member Bishop William Wantland joined him, writing that he "will not take part in any functions at Nashotah" nor "give financial support to the House as long as the present administration remains."

More here-

http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2014/march/controversy-over-seminary-speaker-nashotah-jefferts-schori.html

Princess Basma meets bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States

From Jordan-

Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal met on Tuesday with the Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States, Katharine Jefferts Schori, who is currently visiting the Kingdom.

The two sides discussed the current situation in the Middle East and voiced hope that peace and stability will prevail in the region.

Princess Basma welcomed the visit, which coincides with the International Women's Day, as Bishop Katherine is the first woman to hold this religious position, a fact that represents a distinguished accomplishment for women at the international level.

Her Highness praised the services provided by the Jerusalem Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children to the followers of the three monotheistic religions.

The Executive Director of the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, Farah Daghistani, who attended the meeting, reviewed the programs of the fund that aim to achieve sustainable development of local communities.

More here-

http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=142359&Type=P

Festivities to go on; Episcopal Bishop to reschedule visit

From Conn.-


UPDATE: The Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church had to postpone her visit to St. Mark’s, scheduled as part of the parish’s 250th anniversary celebration. A family member of the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori is ill, according to the church.

Sunday’s church festivities will go on as planned Sunday. Jeff Fager, Chairman of CBS News, is going to step in and speak at the Sunday morning forum at 9 a.m.

Bishop Schori plans to reschedule her visit to New Canaan in the coming month, according to St. Mark’s.

SATURDAY — St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will host a visit from the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, on Sunday, Jan. 26, to kick off the celebration of its 250th year.

“We are excited and honored to have the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church with us at the start of the celebration of our 250th year here at St. Mark’s,” said The Rev. Peter Walsh, Rector of the church. “The Presiding Bishop represents the presence of the whole church for us. Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is a great inspiration.”

More here-

http://www.ncadvertiser.com/28951/new-canaan-festivities-to-go-on-episcopal-bishop-to-reschedule-visit-to-st-marks/

West Africa: More Anglican Communion Leaders Pay Tribute to the West Africa Primate

From AllAfrica-

The news of the sudden death of Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa, Dr Solomon Tilewa Johnson, have prompted more tributes from Communion leaders. The Most Revd Dr Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop of Kenya and Bishop, All Saints Cathedral Diocese, Nairobi said, "It was with shock and great sadness that we heard about the sudden death of our brother Primate, S. Tilewa Johnson, earlier this week. "In October last year we shared fellowship at GAFCON 2013 here in Nairobi and we thank God for his commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ whom he served with a robust faith and cheerful energy throughout his ministry. He was a man of global vision and his death, so untimely from our human perspective, has deprived not only the Church of the Province of West Africa, but the whole Anglican Communion of a talented leader.

"We assure Mama Priscilla, his family and the Church he served of our prayers in their loss, that they may know the presence of the Prince of Peace who has conquered death and from whose love nothing can separate us."

Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church the Most Revd Katharine Jefferts Schori said, "The bishops and people of The Episcopal Church are grieving the death of the Primate of West Africa. The province and his family are in our prayers."

More here-

http://allafrica.com/stories/201401240928.html

New SW Virginia Episcopal bishop ordained

From Southwestern Virginia-

ROANOKE The new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia says the church needs to appeal to the millennial generation in order to continue its message.

The Very Rev. Mark Bourlakas was ordained and consecrated as the diocese’s sixth bishop on Saturday during a ceremony at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre. He succeeds Bishop Neff Powell, who stepped down after serving for 17 years.

Bourlakas met with media outlets and friends of the Episcopal Church on Friday to discuss his goals as bishop. He previously served as dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville, Ky.

“I think that we are going to have to get used to moving beyond that establishment place where we decide who’s included and try to ask where we might be included,” Bourlakas said. “I think it’s going to be millennials and the culture around us that’s going to decide whether we’re included or not.”

More here-

http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/new-sw-virginia-episcopal-bishop-ordained/article_d6432c3b-e20a-590e-929b-d2e547ff2aff.html

Episcopal Leader Claims St. Paul of Tarsus' Curing of Demon-Possessed Girl Was Wrong

From Christian Post-

The head of the Episcopal Church has garnered outrage from some in the Anglican Communion over her claim that St. Paul of Tarsus' curing of a demon-possessed slave girl as described in the Bible was wrong.

In a sermon delivered before the Diocese of Venezuela on the island nation of Curaçao, Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori said that by driving the demon out of her Paul was "depriving her of her gift of spiritual awareness."

"Paul is annoyed, perhaps for being put in his place, and he responds by depriving her of her gift of spiritual awareness," said Jefferts Schori.

"Paul can't abide something he won't see as beautiful or holy, so he tries to destroy it. It gets him thrown in prison. That's pretty much where he's put himself by his own refusal to recognize that she, too, shares in God's nature, just as much as he does – maybe more so!"

The passage that Jefferts Schori was preaching can be found in the Book of Acts, chapter 16. The chapter provides an account of some of the mission Paul of Tarsus did in the early church.

Read more at

http://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-leader-claims-st-paul-of-tarsus-curing-of-demon-possessed-girl-was-wrong-96465/#fsiEf0s6tQi2d8hs.99

Christian leaders seek to overcome polarization

From RNS-

Twenty-five top Christian leaders gathered in the U.S. city with perhaps the worst reputation for civil discourse Wednesday (May 15) and committed themselves to elevating the level of public conversation.

Meeting in a row house three blocks from the U.S. Capitol, the group spanned the Christian spectrum, and included officials from liberal churches and the most conservative of interest groups.

“The ground of our spiritual understanding is in treating other people as the image of God, treating people with respect,” said Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

“Faith leaders have a remarkable opportunity to shift the conversation, but it’s very challenging, particularly in a larger society that wants to understand everything as a battle, as engaging the enemy, rather than with someone who might have something to teach us,” she said.

Joining Jefferts Schori at the two-day meeting sponsored by the nonprofit Faith & Politics Institute were Kenda Bartlett, the executive director of Concerned Women for America; the Rev. Jeffery Cooper, general secretary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Barrett Duke of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; and Sister Marge Clark of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice lobby, among others.

More here-

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/15/christian-leaders-seek-to-overcome-polarization/