The Biggest Loser in the Alabama Election

From Christianity Today-

It’s not Republicans or Democrats, but Christian witness.

No matter the outcome of today’s special election in Alabama for a coveted US Senate seat, there is already one loser: Christian faith. When it comes to either matters of life and death or personal commitments of the human heart, no one will believe a word we say, perhaps for a generation. Christianity’s integrity is severely tarnished.

The race between Republican candidate Roy Moore and Democratic candidate Doug Jones has only put an exclamation point on a problem that has been festering for a year and a half—ever since a core of strident conservative Christians began to cheer for Donald Trump without qualification and a chorus of other believers decried that support as immoral. The Christian leaders who have excused, ignored, or justified his unscrupulous behavior and his indecent rhetoric have only given credence to their critics who accuse them of hypocrisy. Meanwhile the easy willingness of moderate and progressive Christians to cast aspersions on their conservative brothers and sisters has made many wonder about our claim that Jesus Christ can bring diverse people together as no other can.
More here-

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/december-web-only/roy-moore-doug-jones-alabama-editorial.html

White Evangelicals Voted En Masse For Roy Moore In Alabama, To No One’s Surprise

From Huffington-

Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s special Senate election Tuesday night upset the status quo in his state in many ways ― it put a Democrat from Alabama in the U.S. Senate for the first time in 25 years, and it showed off the political clout of Alabama’s black voters.

But amid the tumult of the special election, one thing did not change. White evangelical Christians, longtime supporters of Jones’ Republican opponent Roy Moore, decided en masse to stand by their man.

According to exit polling conducted by Edison Research, 80 percent of white voters who self-identified as born-again or evangelical Christians voted for the former judge. About 18 percent voted for Jones, while another 2 percent chose to write in a candidate.

About 76 percent of everyone else ― those who didn’t identify as white evangelical Christian ― voted for Jones.

A small number of evangelicals appeared to sit out the election. Evangelicals claimed 44 percent of the total vote in Alabama, The Washington Post reports, even though they made up 47 percent of voters in the 2012 and 2008 presidential elections.

More here-

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/white-evangelicals-voted-en-masse-for-roy-moore-in-alabama-to-no-ones-surprise_us_5a314abee4b01bdd7659366c

5 faith facts about Doug Jones: Quiet Christian

From RNS-

Democrat Doug Jones wasn’t supposed to have a chance in the Senate race that pits him against Republican Roy Moore in the ruby red state of Alabama.

But in recent weeks, as women began to accuse Moore of inappropriate conduct with them when they were teenagers, suddenly Jones seemed to have a shot.

Jones, a former U.S. attorney, slammed Moore on those allegations as they campaigned to take the seat once held by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, saying, “I damn sure believe and have done my part to ensure that men who hurt little girls should go to jail, not to the U.S. Senate.”

Tuesday’s (Dec. 12) election will determine whether Alabama could actually elect a Democrat to the Senate. But even as his national profile has risen, most people still know little about Jones and his faith.

More here-

http://religionnews.com/2017/12/12/5-faith-facts-about-doug-moore-quiet-christian/

Retiring Episcopal Bishop Philip M. Duncan comments on the state of the Church, same-sex blessings and what's needed in his successor

From The Central Gulf Coast-

The first time I met the Rt. Rev. Philip Menzie Duncan II, he was standing outside Trinity Episcopal Church on Dauphin Street on Dec. 26, 2012. An EF-2 tornado had hit midtown Mobile the day before, tearing a hole in Trinity's roof and turning the front of Irving Hall into a pile of rubble.

"Ultimately, property is property," he said at the time. "People are the important thing for me."

After serving for 14 years as the third bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Gulf Coast, Duncan, 70, is retiring this summer. His successor will be chosen by votes of the clergy and laity on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the diocese's 44th Annual Convention, being held at Trinity.

More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/02/retiring_episcopal_bishop_phil.html

See video of Huntsville atheist opening City Council meeting with invocation extolling American virtues

From Alabama (with video)

Here's what happens when an atheist offered Alabama's first non-theist invocation to open a public meeting: 90 seconds of thoughtful statements that began with "Dearly Beloved" and ended with "Let it be so," and no reaction from a packed City Council chamber. As the invocation ended, everyone swung automatically to face the flag to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, with the atheists who had come going silent on the "under God" phrase.
More here-

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2014/09/atheist_prayer_huntsville.html

Trinity Episcopal invites midtown residents to mark tornado anniversary at Christmas Eve services

From Alabama-

Still rebuilding its sanctuary a year after a Christmas Day tornado ripped through Mobile, Trinity Episcopal Church is inviting midtown residents to mark the storm’s anniversary at Christmas Eve services in the Parish Hall.

The church, located at 1900 Dauphin St., will hold two Christmas Eve worship services: one at 5:30 p.m. and a second at 10:30 p.m., which will be preceded by Christmas carols at 10.

"We will mark the anniversary of the storm and give thanks for our community that pulled together in the days and months following the tornado,” said Rev. Bailey Norman, who had been rector only about three months when the tornado hit. “Things definitely look better today than they did just after the storm.”

The church’s sanctuary was hardest hit and is largely being rebuilt. The Parish Hall was also damaged, and has undergone numerous repairs, including a new roof and front wall. After the storm, the congregation worshipped with fellow believers at All Saints Episcopal Church nearby until the Parish Hall could be used.

More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2013/12/trinity_episcopal_invites_midt.htmlv

Historic building deemed unsafe

From Alabama-

Mayor Ian Sanford said he and the City Council need answers about the future of the old Grace Episcopal Church building across from City Hall.

The historic 110-year-old building that was added to the Alabama Historical Commission's list of Places in Peril earlier this year has been posted as an unsafe structure by the Sheffield Building Department.

City Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Grimmitt said the building was posted because of its condition.

The building's north wall has been leaning toward the residence next door for years and the wall facing Montgomery Avenue is also leaning, Grimmitt said.

The mayor said the structure is not exempt from any city ordinances because of its age or status as a historic structure.

Sanford said members of the Colbert County Historic Landmarks Foundation are expected to attend Monday's council meeting and provide an update on their progress in raising money to restore the building.

More here-

http://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/article_57cbb94c-654b-11e3-9833-0019bb30f31a.html

Trinity Episcopal's parish hall is 'structurally sound,' says rector

From Alabama-

Trinity Episcopal Church’s parish hall is structurally sound, despite losing its front wall, according to the Rev. Bailey Norman, rector of the church that was severely damaged by a Christmas Day tornado.

Irving Hall served as a temporary sanctuary when the church underwent significant renovations in 2010, members said Wednesday as they gathered to survey the damage.

In a report on the church’s website, Norman said that engineers would be coming today to evaluate the sanctuary area, which lost part of the roof and had a bulge in the east wall. “We will then make an assessment of what we need to do in terms of repairs,” he said.

Trinity was established in 1845 as Mobile’s second Episcopalian church and today has a membership of about 300. The current structure was moved brick by brick to Dauphin Street from a downtown location in 1945 in order to preserve its Gothic Revival architecture.

More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/12/post_79.html

Episcopal bishop coming to survey damage at Trinity church

From Alabama- (Episcopals? Really?)

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast was on his way this morning to survey the Christmas storm damage to Trinity Episcopal Church, said the Rev. Bailey Norman, rector at Trinity.

Once the Rt. Rev. Philip Duncan is here, and the building is secured, a decision can be made about what to do next about the church, which suffered a direct hit, losing part of a wall and roof, he said.

“The building will have to be secured this afternoon. Then we’ll look at what repairs are needed,” said Rev. Norman, who has been rector for about a year. “It will be significant, whatever it is.”

He said several congregations, including Episcopals, Lutherans and Catholics, had offered to help or house services.

A small group of church members and neighborhood residents gathered Wednesday morning outside the church on Dauphin Street to see for themselves what they had only heard about last night. Some hugged and shed tears. Others snapped pictures.
More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/12/episcopal_bishop_coming_to_sur.html

Historic Trinity Episcopal 'likely a total loss,' after tonight's tornado

From Alabama-

The roof to the sanctuary at Trinity Episcopal Church on Dauphin Street in Midtown Mobile completely ripped off during tonight’s tornado, according to witnesses.

It's "likely a total loss," the Rev. Bailey Norman posted on the church's website.

"We have been told by the fire department to stay away from the building as it has severe structural damage. We will return in the morning to survey the damage," Norman wrote. "We are so thankful that (so far) no one has been injured that we know of.

"We must soak all that has happened, but I believe in God's grace to overcome any obstacle and I believe in the good folks at Trinity who will band together to face what is to come. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. I will keep you updated."

More here-

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/historic_trinity_episcopal_lik.html

Vandals Ransack Shoals Church, Pastor Speaks Out

From Alabama- (with video)

The Grace Episcopal Church in Sheffield got ransacked by vandals. Lamp posts were knocked down and every door got broken and pried open.

The thieves stole cash but the pastor says the senseless damage done to the church is most shocking.

“The place was just in disarray,” said Grace Episcopal Church Pastor, Rick Oberheide.
Oberheide walked into his office and found his computer tipped over and the contents of his closets, scattered.

“The first impression was kinda shock when you see something like it’s not suppose to be, trying to make sense of it. Then I felt a real sense of violation like, it`s a sacred place to me, this is my church family. Somebody walked into it without any respect or regard to the sanctity of this place and what it represents and turned it upside down,” said Oberheide.

The pastor believes the vandals cut a screen on an outside door to get inside.

“When you do things like this there are consequences and it’s not just consequences for the victim, there are also consequences for the perpetrator,” said Oberheide. “I believe in justice. I also believe in mercy and sometimes they are not mutually exclusive.”

More here-

http://whnt.com/2012/09/12/vandals-ransack-shoals-church-pastor-speaks-out/

The Comeback of the Christ Episcopal Church in Albertville

From Alabama- (with video)

On Sunday, the consecration of the new Christ Episcopal Church celebrated the two-year journey that began with the Albertville tornado of April 25, 2010. Their church was hit hard by a tree and was torn down shortly after.  Since that time, a new church has been in the making.

Members of Christ Church have been worshiping in the new church since Easter Sunday earlier this year.  Church members spoke with WHNT News 19 about the consecration and how thankful they are to be in their new church home.

More here-

http://whnt.com/2012/06/18/the-comeback-of-the-christ-episcopal-church-in-albertville/

Christ Episcopal members plant vegetables to feed poor

From Alabama-

Christ Episcopal Church is celebrating the season of Lent in a new way.

A “Glory Garden” has been set up in the courtyard of the church. Vegetables grown in the garden will be donated to people in need, and church members have planted the seeds and nurtured the plants’ growth.

“God’s people were always connected to the land,” said the Rev. David Meginniss, the church’s pastor. “Those of us who are not part of that small group of people still working the land have lost that connection.

“We should always be connecting to God in this way, and maybe in the future we will be able to share our experience with the community,” Meginniss said.

Ashley Ferry, a coordinator of the garden event, said members will also forge a connection with their community.

More here-

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120407/NEWS/120409834/1291/sports?Title=Christ-Episcopal-members-plant-vegetables-to-feed-poor

Church featured in national documentary

From Alabama-

When Bill King came to Trinity Episcopal Church nine years ago this week, there were only eight people in the pews.

Fast forward to 2012, when the sanctuary was nearly filled for Palm Sunday services.

That growth and renewed vitality has not gone unnoticed — Trinity will be one of just a handful of congregations across the country featured in the Episcopal Church USA’s “Transforming Churches, Changing the World” project.

The documentary project, which is in its second year, highlights churches that are growing and making a difference in their community.

Last year, the short films focused on larger congregations in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities. However, this year the spotlight will be on smaller churches, much like Trinity.

“(We are) doing profiles of churches that are growing and giving insight into how they are growing,” said Olivia Silver, editor and producer.

More here-

http://www.clantonadvertiser.com/2012/04/05/church-featured-in-national-documentary/

21st-century Lent: This year’s sacrifices include Walmart.

From Alabama-

The idea had been percolating in her mind for more than a year. For the past three years, Jim Ellis Fisher has gone on mission trips to Dominican Republic.

“I noticed that I had more stuff packed in my suitcase for a week than some of the people working in these villages had in their entire home,” she said.

Fisher’s decision was cemented when she recently attended a lecture series at her church, Grace Episcopal in Anniston. The series focused on simpler living and compassionate living.

“One of the things that really hit me between the eyes was the idea that everything I have is taking away from someone else,” she said. “My life is filled with things that other people could use.”

With the season of Lent having begun this week on Ash Wednesday, Christians around the world are trying to decide what to give up for the 40 days leading up to Easter.

http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/17649936-21st-century-Lent-This-year’s-sacrifices-include-Walmart-Facebook-clutter

Writing about spirituality, Episcopal pastor Richard Schmidt explores breadth of God's presence

From Alabama-

The Rev. Richard Schmidt, former rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne, likens knowing God to the experience of strolling by the sea.

“I can walk along the seashore, telling others what the ocean is like,” he says, “but there is so much more. What about the sailors, the cartographers, the fishermen?

“Could I learn something from each of them?”

For Schmidt, 67, the answer is yes.

Through his five books including “God Seekers: Twenty Centuries of Christian Spiritualities,” and “Praises, Prayers, and Curses: A Conversation With the Psalms,” Schmidt has explored faith in its myriad forms.

More here-

http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/02/books_spirituality_episcopal_author.html

God still is speaking, but are we listening?

From Alabama-

I couldn't sleep for about two weeks after the move.

The horns, sirens, voices and general clattering of New York formed an undecipherable jum­ble of noise. It's amazing how much sound seeps through a window five floors above the street. I was used to the silence of an Alabama night and now all I could hear was noise. This posed a problem as it would be my family's home for the next several years while I was in seminary.

A funny thing happened aft­er a few weeks of the noise. My ears adjusted. Soon, I didn't simply hear a bunch of racket. I heard the rhythm of life.

I could identify and decipher the different sounds. I heard people talking and the notes of songs playing on car radios. I could tell when the man who pushed a shopping cart around our neighborhood arrived to collect bottles in the alley, be­cause I could pick out his voice.

More here-

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20120121/LIFESTYLE/201210336/God-still-speaking-we-listening-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFrontpage%7Cs

Bible used to fight, defend Alabama immigration law

From Alabama-

The Bible tells its readers to obey the law, but it also tells them to welcome strangers and foreigners.

That’s left Christians divided over the issue of immigration reform, and the fight has come to Middle Tennessee.

Members of Nashville-based Clergy for Tolerance say that any new immigration laws have to mix justice with compassion. They hope to prevent Tennessee from passing immigration laws like the one in Alabama, which they say is too harsh.

But supporters of the Alabama measure say the Bible teaches that the government’s job is to enforce the law, and those who break it should be punished. The American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal group with local attorneys, filed a brief in federal court supporting the Alabama law.

More here-

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120118/NEWS06/301180079/Bible-used-fight-defend-Alabama-immigration-law?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Interfaith Voices: Public officials need humility

From Alabama-

As a student at the General Theological Seminary preparing for ordination in the Episcopal Church, I often made several visits a day to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd as the community took a break from class and gathered for worship.

The chapel is a neo-gothic structure built in the late 19th Century. Day after day of entering the chapel for services, the architecture, the stained glass, and other features of the chapel began to sink into my soul and shaped my understanding of God.

On the floor of the chapel were a series of tile mosaics of the words of the seven virtues, written in Latin.

Many of us are familiar with the so-called seven deadly sins but are less familiar with their positive opposites, the seven virtues.

Among this list appearing on the floor of the chapel is humilitas, or humility.

More here-

http://progress.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20120109/OPINION0101/201090301/-1/7daysarchives/Interfaith-Voices-Public-officials-need-humility

Local doctor survives plane crash and continues mission

From Alabama-

A Bessemer doctor and his daughter are back to doing charitable work in Haiti after their plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near the Bahamas.

Dr. Richard Mcglaughlin and his daughter, Elaine, took off Saturday on a mission trip to Haiti.

Ever since his first trip to Haiti with the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Dave Drachlis says Mcglaughlin has been hooked. "He's an energetic, very caring person with a lot of interests," said Drachlis.

The two men traveled to Haiti back in May of 2010 to help earthquake victims. Since that trip, Mcglaughlin has made it his mission to continue the visits.

So much in fact, he setup his own lab at the St. Damians Hospital in Haiti.

Drachlis says, "he's been going once a month since then for a week on his own down there to help out." You might think twice about hopping back on a plane after what happened to Dr. Mcglaughlin.

His plane with his daughter on board, went down Saturday in the Bahamas, crashing into the ocean. On his way back onto a commercial flight in Miami Monday morning, Mcglaughlin says, "It leaves you a little shaky for a while and not entirely sure what to do next."

His daughter, by his side, is still processing Saturday's crash. "I have just been going over the events of Saturday and it just seems really surreal," said Elaine.

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/16482862/local-doctor-survives-plane-crash-and-continues-mission