Bill requiring churches to allow guns during worship passes Louisiana House

 From Louisiana-

As Rev. Bill Terry walks in front of the memorial for murder victims outside his church, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church on Esplanade Avenue, he says he knows more guns are not the answer.

“We started this in 2007 and it ended in 2012 because we ran out of room,” said Terry, as he pointed at the wall on Monday night. 

To Terry’s dismay -- a series of gun bills passed the house Friday. One -- House 334 -- would allow those who have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed handgun into a church. 

“There is too much murder and violence and particularly gun violence that goes on right now without exacerbating that by arming our citizenry and encouraging that,” said Terry. 

Rep. Bryan Fontenot, a republican out of Thibodaux, sponsored the bill and says the leader of the church may still stop someone from carrying and says he wants to be clear on that. 

More here-

https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/politics/bill-requiring-churches-to-allow-guns-during-worship-passes-louisiana-house/289-284da0ce-9d93-4a46-bea1-c8218b949f3f

One priest who died of the coronavirus could have helped us cope with it

From Washington-

The life of the Rev. Canon William Barnwell, a crusading, liberal, Episcopalian priest who died March 27 of (suspected) coronavirus in New Orleans, could teach lessons we all should apply as we respond to the current contagion.

Barnwell was my friend, just as he was a friend to many other conservatives despite political disagreements. He had a rare ability, as described by journalist Jed Horne in a March 29 obituary: “He could read a room — and immediately begin putting together people he thought might be good at energizing each other in common cause.” 

He could quickly discern which subjects were ones on which you and he would never agree and push them aside forever. He could figure out which things were negotiable disagreements and bank them in his mind for later, cordial discussion. But with just a few probing questions or suggestions, he would find common ground on other topics and immediately home in. How could that agreement be turned into concrete action — and how quickly? And crucially, how could it be organized and leveraged to be most effective? He wanted discernible results, not merely feel-good fulminations or worthless wheel spinning.

More here-

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/one-priest-who-died-of-the-coronavirus-could-have-helped-us-cope-with-it

Louisiana church leaders: Expanding immigrant detention in Louisiana a tragedy

From Louisiana-

Because of our commitment to upholding the dignity of human life and our recognition that redemption and forgiveness are core principles of our Christian faith, we welcomed with great joy news earlier this year that the total number of persons imprisoned in Louisiana in 2018 was almost 19 percent lower than its peak in 2012. 

However, our relief and gratitude that our state has begun to reduce the number of Louisianans sent to prison soon turned to shock and disappointment when we learned that newly empty prison beds are now being used, through local agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to detain vast numbers of immigrants.

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/article_f6c45d82-1789-11ea-afa6-1bf07cf5a7b8.html

New Orleans church making sure victims of gun violence aren't forgotten

From New Orleans-

New Orleans has one of the highest death rates tied to gun violence in America. 

Like many places, gun violence in “The Big Easy” is often defined by numbers. 

St. Anna’s Episcopal Church is making sure the names of the victims aren’t forgotten and that people take notice of the issue that advocates are fighting to stop. 

“This city is still killing over a hundred people a year,” said Father Terry. “Numbers dehumanize, names humanize.”

Since 2007, Father Bill Terry has written the name of every murder victim in the city on what he calls the murder board, outside the church. 

“I would say 95%, if we look at the murder board, of homicides are done by guns,” said Father Terry. 

More here-

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/national/new-orleans-church-making-sure-victims-of-gun-violence-arent-forgotten

Episcopal Church holds 'Bob Dylan Mass' in tribute to famed folk singer

From Christian Post-

A Louisiana-based congregation of The Episcopal Church will hold a “Bob Dylan Mass” as a tribute to the famous folk singer and to focus on the messages of his music on Sunday.

Christ Episcopal Church of Covington, whose membership is around 1,200, will hold a “tribute mass” at the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services, with musical preludes starting 15 minutes before each service.

The tribute mass will include meditations on three of his songs offered by clergy as well as performances of selections from Dylan’s music, including “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “The Times They Are a-Changin,'” “Forever Young,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and a gospel song Dylan wrote titled “Pressing On.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-holds-bob-dylan-mass-tribute-famed-folk-singer.html

Covington priest cries foul over Saints no-call; plans special services to help fans deal

From Louisiana-

Like most Saints fans, The Rev. Bill Miller was a bit irate after referees blew an obvious pass interference call in Sunday’s (Jan. 20) NFC Championship game that essentially robbed the New Orleans Saints of a trip to the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Rather than simply seething in anger, the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Covington has decided to help the community re-channel its grief and anguish by hosting “Black and Gold and Yellow Flag Sunday” during the church’s four services on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3.

"Folks will be encouraged to wear black and gold," Miller said. "And we will distribute yellow penalty flags during the service but will turn them into prayer flags on which they can write an injustice or a challenge they wish to change, or work toward changing."

At the conclusion of the service, the congregation will sashay to "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" and hang the symbolic yellow flags on prayer lines set up outside the church.

More here-

https://www.nola.com/news/2019/01/covington-priest-cries-foul-over-saints-no-call-plans-special-services-to-help-fans-deal.html

The Murder Wall of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church: a wake up call for New Orleans

From Louisiana-

Since 2007 Saint Anna's Episcopal Church, in the Treme community of New Orleans, has drawn attention to New Orleans' murder problem.  The Very Reverend William Terry displays the names of those murdered in the city out in the open for the world to see and has been doing so since 2007.

"it was in 2007 there had been a large number of murders. We had just done a major march on city hall and nothing seemed to be really changing," said Reverend Terry.  "Every year we put up a new outside board and we have to handwrite them because a printer can't keep up."

The ongoing project is a crusade with a sharp message-- in one of the most violent cities in the world.  Reverend Terry wonders why more churches do not get involved.  However, Reverend Terry has found that there simply isn't a space big enough to display a ravenous list of names.   He has the idea to replace putting the names outside on a wall in favor of displaying them inside in the future, in a way that could mimic Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.   He wants to engrave the names on gold stars and affix them up on the rafters inside of the church's sanctuary.

More here-

https://wgno.com/2018/09/27/the-murder-wall-of-st-annas-episcopal-church-a-wake-up-call-for-new-orleans/

'All you need is love': Episcopal pastor in Covington to lead 'Beatles Mass' featuring Fab Four's songs

From Louisiana-

The Rev. Bill Miller, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, has made pilgrimages to Jerusalem and such sacred sites as Patrick Mountain in Ireland and the Scottish isle of Iona.

In the summer of 2017, he embarked on a religious journey of a different sort: to Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles.

“I’d really call it a Beatles pilgrimage,” Miller said. “Some really extraordinary, creative things happened in that place that continue to shape the world. There really aren’t enough superlatives. I had the same feeling that day as when I go to Patrick Mountain or Iona or even Jerusalem.”

Thus inspired, Miller will preside over "All You Need Is Love," a “Beatles Mass” — a service using the songs of the Fab Four instead of hymns — on Sunday at Christ Church (120 S. New Hampshire St. near Bogue Falaya Park in Covington).

More here-

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/faith/article_610e9d70-bb6e-11e8-81dd-0788419d54df.html

Hill Riddle, 19-year rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, dies at 82

From Louisiana-

The Rev. Hill Riddle, an avuncular Virginian who preached a pragmatic message of Christian love and community over 19 years of nurturing social justice at New Orleans' Trinity Episcopal Church, died Sunday (July 29) at his home. He was 82.

Rev. Riddle retired as Trinity's rector in 2003 after doubling the size of its Lower Garden District physical property, which includes a church and an elementary school, and fostering dialogue and understanding across socioeconomic differences. With a mostly white, well-to-do, old-line New Orleans congregation worshiping three blocks up Jackson Avenue from the St. Thomas public housing development, Riddle's church ran summer camps for poor, black children, taught parishioners to recognize racism in themselves and society and established medical missions to Nicaragua and Honduras.

All the while, Trinity thrived with education ministries, a rich and storied music series, the Trinity Counseling and Training Center, conventional worship services and what for the Episcopal Church at the time were unconventional spiritual offerings such as Taize services and a labyrinth. With some 3,000 members it was the largest Episcopal church in Louisiana and one of the 25 largest in the United States.

More here-

https://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2018/07/hill_riddle_19-year_rector_of.html

Episcopal High in Baton Rouge says investigation finds no evidence of alleged sexual assault

From Louisiana-

After a five-month investigation led by Baton Rouge attorney Mary Olive Pierson, Episcopal High School has been unable to corroborate a complaint that an employee had sexually assaulted a former student several years ago.

Moreover, Pierson “has found no evidence of any other allegation of sexual misconduct on a student by any current or former employee,” according to a new release issued by the school Wednesday morning.

Sgt. Don Coppola, a spokesman for Baton Rouge Police, said Wednesday that it too has closed its investigation in this allegation after it was unable to find probable cause to bring charges but could reopen the investigation if new information emerged.

More here-

http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/education/article_3af3ddc4-11a7-11e8-8a39-7f55ff3d8c31.html

Covington priest offers perfect message for Super Bowl weekend

From New Orleans-

When the Rev. Bill Miller, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, began his sermon last Sunday, it was like being transported back in time: "Jan. 14, 2018, is a day that shall live in infamy," he intoned. "Especially if you love the New Orleans Saints."

He proceeded slowly, emphasizing every bit of the agony we all were feeling.

"Most of us may try to forget but will likely always remember that moment at the very end of the playoff game two weeks ago, after God's team -- the New Orleans Saints -- made another miraculous comeback against the Minnesota Vikings in their home stadium. A moment when victory was ours and was all but assured. A Saints Super Bowl was in sight when the mistake was made -- an inconceivable miscalculation of consequential impact."

When a young 21-year-old safety by the name of Marcus Williams missed an easy tackle, even taking out the only other Saints defender who might have made a play on Stefon Diggs after he somehow caught a desperation pass from Case Keenum as time on the clock expired and he ran untouched for a 61-yard, game-ending, season-ending, heart-wrenching score, and in an instant absolute euphoria turned to utter devastation.

More here-

http://www.nola.com/living/index.ssf/2018/02/covington_priest_offers_perfec.html#incart_m-rpt-2

“We’re back” | St. Francis Episcopal Church holds first service on campus since Great Flood of 2016

From Louisiana-

Gene Knecht stood outside St. Francis Episcopal Church, greeting church goers with a handshake and a program as they entered the building.

Inside, Erik Pittman sat at his organ, where he sent a string of church hymns in the air as people chatted amongst themselves and found their seats.

The sanctuary started filling up around 9:30 a.m., about half an hour before the scheduled start of service. When 10 a.m. struck, chairs had to be added as more and more people kept walking through the two stained doors in front.

This wasn’t just another Sunday at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

No, this was the church’s first service on its main campus since the Great Flood of 2016, and, boy, did it feel good to be back.

More here-

https://www.livingstonparishnews.com/featured_stories/we-re-back-st-francis-episcopal-church-holds-first-service/article_7c4f3e74-ff0c-11e7-ace7-cfcfae03ca3f.html

Amid national fury, local reb service proceeds quietly

From Louisiana-


They gathered in Thibodaux as they have in the past, numbering nearly 50.

Their purpose, they said, was to honor dead whose lives included service to the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

“It is a memorial to those who served who are buried at this cemetery, and for those who died at Lafourche Crossing and other battles, and those who are buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery,” said Steve Alvarez, a retired Gretna carpenter who is commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Lt. J.Y. Sanders Camp, organized at Thibodaux.

The memorial service, held on private property at St. John’s Episcopal Church, was cultural as well as spiritual, as evinced by the Confederate re-enactor uniforms, the presence of several Confederate national and battle flags, and sentiments expressed in speeches and in the prayers themselves.

The Rev. Larry Beane of Salem Lutheran Church in Gretna – like St. John’s, a church steeped in history – gave the invocation.

More here-

https://www.houmatimes.com/news/amid-national-fury-local-reb-service-proceeds-quietly/article_79cd919e-87ae-11e7-8527-8710f1019676.html

Trinity Episcopal Church distributes shawls of kindness

From Louisiana-

Members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Prayer Shawl ministry recently delivered the first set of handmade fleece shawls to members of the Baton Rouge Police Department.

As part of the Fleece for the Police program, officers will carry the shawls in their vehicle trunks and distribute to anyone in need.

According to church member Becky Williams, the ministry is part of a larger effort that was started in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary, and it grew from there.

More here-

http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/mid_city/article_330148b6-4450-11e6-8c8d-e3172a248599.html

Historic St. Matthew's Episcopal Church to celebrate formal reopening

From Louisiana-

A newly built historic church in downtown Houma will celebrate its formal reopening to the public in mid-December.

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 243 Barrow St., was built in the mid-1850s as a place of worship for local Christians and as a community-gathering point.

The church was added to the National Register of Historic Sites in 1989. However, it burned down in an electrical fire on Nov. 11, 2010, leaving only a shell of the original structure.

More here-

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20151122/ARTICLES/151129878?Title=Historic-St-Matthew-s-Episcopal-Church-to-celebrate-formal-reopening

Episcopal ministries evolving 10 years after Katrina, website says

From New Orleans (with video)

The Right Rev. Morris Thompson Jr. didn't become bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana until 2010. But even five years after Hurricane Katrina, it was still clear that the storm had "deeply wounded" the faithful, he told Episcopal News Service in a video interview.

"I could be in a meeting and say 'Tell me your experience,' and it would just flow out," he said.
More here-

http://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2015/08/episcopal_ministries_evolving.html

Retired bishops reflect in Episcopal news site's video on Katrina

From New Orleans-

The Episcopal bishops of Louisiana and Mississippi reflect on Hurricane Katrina and its lessons for the church in a video posted Friday (Aug. 28) by Episcopal News Service. The Right Revs. Charles Jenkins of Louisiana and Duncan Gray III of Mississippi retired in the years after the storm struck Aug. 29, 2005.

"A church that is focused inwardly, a church – as I have said before – that exists for those who are already in it, I think, is a church that is not living up to the calling of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Jenkins is quoted as saying. "I would want the rest of the church to know that, here in New Orleans, she was reaching out to people to whom no one else would reach."

More here-

http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2015/08/retired_episcopal_bishops_refl.html

Cuban Episcopal Bishop makes historic visit to Christ Episcopal Church

From New Orleans-

Love brings courage and last week Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, the Episcopal Bishop of Cuba, brought love and courage to Christ Episcopal Church in Covington. 

Christ Episcopal welcomed Bishop Del Carpio with a program featuring prayers, readings, and songs, including a rousing rendition of Guantanamera, all in Spanish by students of Christ Episcopal School under the direction of Spanish teachers Dawn Cox, Elizabeth Ryan and Angela Nunez.
More here-

http://www.nola.com/community/st-tammany/index.ssf/2015/08/covington_town_talk_cuban_epis.html

Historic Houma church may be rebuilt by early next year

From Louisiana-

A historic downtown Houma church being rebuilt may be ringing its bells again early next year after a fire destroyed it more than four years ago.

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 243 Barrow St., was built in the mid-1850s as a place of worship for local Christians and as a community gathering point. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Sites in 1989 but burned down in an electrical fire on Nov. 11, 2010.

Only a shell of the original structure remained, but this proved to be the structural basis for the new church, said the Rev. Craig Dalferes. St. Matthew's pastor.

More here-

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20150724/ARTICLES/150729830

Archbishop Gregory Aymond and others speak up for prisoners returning home: Jarvis DeBerry

From Louisiana-

All those things, the archbishop acknowledged, require us going "beyond our comfort zones." But when we are hesitant to do so, he said, we should ask ourselves, "What happens if we don't say, 'Welcome home?'"

Sunday's event was the brainchild of the Rev. William Barnwell, a retired Episcopal pastor who has been ministering to prisoners since the 1970s, and its chief purpose seemed to prick the consciences of believers, to persuade them to be true to the faith they profess -- and in all situations.

Rhett Covington, assistant secretary in the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, said that he often jokes that Jesus must be in prison. He's seen lots of clergy visit prisons to minister to inmates. But when those same people are released from prison, he said, those ministers don't welcome them as members of their church.

More here-

http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2015/06/welcome_home_sunday.html