Indian-American priest says local clergy more liberal

From India-

While the Indian judiciary appears to be inclined to criminialise homosexuality and society would like to sweep the issue under the carpet, Indian churches including those in the city are increasingly willing to explore the issue.

Earlier this week for instance, Indian-American priest Winnie Varghese of the Episcopal Church, who is openly lesbian, was in Chennai and Bangalore for consultations with church leaders as well as the Chennai-based collective Christians Against Homophobia on resources for people of faith to overcome homophobia and gender-based discrimination.

At the meet in Chennai, Varghese discussed how members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community in the US have fought homophobia in churches and urged her audience to support a similar movement in India. 

More here-

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Indian-American-priest-says-local-clergy-more-liberal/articleshow/32031368.cms

Up from Pavement and Puddles

From The Living Church-

Artists are odd. They look at the same world that we do, but they see it at a different slant, and pick up things we don’t. I recently had breakfast with an alumnus of Wycliffe, a friend of mine, who told me about two Christian artists he was encouraging. At a nearby college they were commissioned to produce paintings for the walls of the religious studies department. The first was given the assignment of a picture of the Incarnation, the birth among us of the God-man Jesus Christ.

Now the painter, it turns out, has a fascination with pavement and puddles. He walks around looking down. No one notices this stuff. He draws and paints them, including how they reflect the sky. They are simple things, easily overlooked. They are dirty, and trodden underfoot. The painting is called “The Great Mystery.” The baby Jesus lies on the hard and cracked ground. He is swaddled tight with a cord. He is confined. His tiny head is turned to look at two puddles, one on each side of him. In one a donkey has come to drink, in a second a lamb. In the puddles around him you can see a touch of the sky. Jesus is down at our level, bound like us, approachable like us. But we also are in God’s image, reflecting the heavens.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/pavement-and-puddles

Bishop's attitude to Cathedral 'bizarre'

From New Zealand-

Nothing would symbolise survival, rebirth and memorial so dramatically as the restoration of the Christ Church Cathedral, writes Philip Burdon

The legacy of the earthquake is a devastated and broken city that has shown a brave and determined ambition to recover and rebuild.

The Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and the very badly damaged Provincial Council Chambers have all committed to a restoration programme that has the support and endorsement of their governing bodies.

Of the iconic symbols of the history and heritage of the city, only the cathedral remains an issue of bitter contention and debate.

The cathedral was, and remains, the physical symbol of the deeply religious convictions and beliefs of the founding fathers of the Canterbury Settlement.

More here-

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/perspective/9826910/Bishops-attitude-to-Cathedral-bizarre

Writers of new series of Rev explore tensions in C of E

From The Church Times-

THE Archdeacon arrived in a taxi; the church could be bankrupt in two years' time; and the Vicar is "furious" that he cannot conduct gay blessings. At a screening of the new series of Rev at St Leonard's, Shoreditch, on Tuesday night, it was evident that the writers really do hold up a mirror to parish life.

In the third series, set to begin on 24 March on BBC2, the Revd Adam Smallbone (above), played by Tom Hollander, is fighting on several fronts: new fatherhood, a diocesan secretary with an eye on the bottom line, and the diktats emerging from on high, including the statement on same-sex marriage.

The first two episodes screened on Tuesday include a multifaith fund-raiser with the imam of a local thriving mosque ("I love your church: there's always so much space"), and a request for a gay wedding.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/14-march/news/uk/writers-of-new-series-of-rev-explore-tensions-in-c-of-e

Methodists Debate Punishing Pastors Who Perform Same-Sex Marriages

From Christianity Today-

The trial of a United Methodist Church (UMC) minister who performed a same-sex marriage ceremony has been halted by a bishop before it began. Meanwhile, a retired UMC bishop may face a trial of his own for a similar ceremony.

Bishop Martin McLee of New York committed this week to stopping all such trials in his region. The New York Times has the details.

Meanwhile, Religion News Service reports on the latest (and highest-ranking) dissident to potentially face punishment, and assesses how geography is shaping the "emerging dynamic that allows some pastors in the country's second-largest Protestant denomination to skirt rules banning clergy from performing same-sex wedding, while others risk costly church trials and the loss of clergy credentials."

More here-

http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2014/march/methodists-debate-punishing-pastors-perform-same-sex-umc.html

Georgia’s Episcopal bishops sign statement opposing Republican ‘guns in church’ bill

From Georgia-

The highest officials in Georgia’s Episcopal Diocese signed a letter on Tuesday urging the state legislature to abandon its push to allow guns in churches.

The letter appeared on EpiscopalAtlanta.org after the Republican-led state House passed HB 875, which would allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons in churches, bars and schools. The state Senate version of the bill is expected to go before the legislature on Wednesday. If it passes, it will go straight to the desk of Gov. Nathan Deal (R) to be signed into law.

“Supporters of this bill claim our current quite expansive gun laws are not expansive enough,” wrote Revs. Robert C. Wright and Scott Anson Benhase. “They claim that if only the ‘bad guys’ have guns, then the ‘good guys’ cannot stop them. As one State Representative who sponsored the bill said: ‘Gun free zones that are created by well-meaning laws are gun-free to the good guys only. The bad part of our society does not care.’”

More here-

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/12/georgias-episcopal-bishops-sign-statement-opposing-republican-guns-in-church-bill/

After 7 Years, U.S. Supreme Court Issues Final Word: The F.C. Belongs to Diocese

From Falls Church-

The U.S. Supreme Court announced this Monday its denial of an appeal from the congregants who defected from the Falls Church Episcopal Church in 2006, letting stand Fairfax Circuit Court’s ruling that the property of the historic church remains in the possession of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

Monday’s announcement finally exhausts the legal appeals of the ruling available to the defectors, ending eight years of contention which began with the defectors’ vote to leave the Episcopal Church in December 2006, to align with an Anglican bishop from Nigeria and to subsequently occupy the church property for over six years before before being mandated by the Fairfax court to vacate the site in 2012.

Central to the rift that led to the defection was the issue of homosexuality, specifically that the conservative rector at the church, Rev. John Yates, led the defection and subsequent occupation of the property that was ruled illegal, because of his opposition to the national Episcopal Church denomination’s election of an openly gay priest, the Rev. Gene Robinson, to standing as a bishop in 2003.

More here-

http://fcnp.com/2014/03/12/after-7-years-u-s-supreme-court-issues-final-word-the-f-c-belongs-to-diocese/

‘Homeless Jesus’ finds a home in North Carolina

From ENS-

Downtown Davidson, North Carolina, has all of the idyllic, small-town Southern charm a weekend visitor could want: old-fashioned brick sidewalks, quaint shops and lots of leafy trees. Residents of the town, known primarily for its prestigious liberal arts college, are proud of their postcard-ready community, but the recent installation of a sculpture outside of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church has reminded locals that not all members of the affluent community can afford to live in the town’s beautiful homes – or in permanent housing of any type.

A new arrival in the neighborhood

The sculpture, “Homeless Jesus” by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, is a life-size bronze that depicts Jesus as a homeless man huddled in a blanket and sleeping on a park bench. The blanket’s folds hide the man’s face, and the only clues to his identity are the crucifixion marks through his feet and a nearby plaque revealing the piece’s name. From a distance, it is easy to mistake the sculpture for a living person. Situated in front of St. Alban’s at the entrance to the upscale St. Alban’s Square neighborhood, the artwork rests in stark contrast to its surroundings.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/12/homeless-jesus-finds-a-home-in-north-carolina/

Brackets of the Saints

From The Living Church-

It’s that time of year again: break out those brackets, pick your favorites and get ready to compete for serious bragging rights. College basketball? No, a tournament in which stakes are not as temporal as those of the NCAA, but instead reach all the way to heaven: Lent Madness.

For the fifth consecutive year, fans of saints are lining up to make sure March excitement is not confined to athletics. They pick winners among 32 holy heroes and heroines, who battle it out for the coveted Golden Halo in an online tournament billed as “so fun you won’t know it’s edifying.”

While hoop fans revel, “Why should we as Christians be sitting around giving up chocolate and eating twigs all day?” said the Rev. Tim Schenck, creator of Lent Madness. By day, he’s rector of Church of St. John the Evangelist in Hingham, Massachusetts. By night, he’s a self-described “huge sports fan” who loves saints even more.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/brackets-saints

White Mountain, shining face: Remembering Deacon Terry Star

From ENS-

As the Rev. Terry Star is buried March 10 out of his home church of St. James Episcopal Church in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, we share the following article from fellow seminarian Benjamin Jefferies from Nashotah House who reflects on the memories and the legacy Star leaves behind. Star died of a heart attack the morning of March 4 at Nashotah House, where he was studying for ordination to the priesthood. He was 40.

Truly, Nomen est Omen — the name determines the man: The brightness in Terry’s gentle eyes really did shine like a Star in the night sky. And what image is more apt to describe our peaceful, giant friend than his Lakota name :“White Mountain”. 

The impression of his calm, thoughtful, big, guileless, and playful presence is permanently etched into my memory. Although this memory-mark is indelible, how much fresher and warmer was the man himself, how much I would prefer to have him, and not just the memories.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/10/white-mountain-shining-face-remembering-deacon-terry-star/

Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of dispute over Episcopal Church’s property in Va.

From Virginia-

Seven years after 15 conservative Virginia congregations made global news by breaking away from the Episcopal Church — and refusing to give up tens of millions of dollars in property — the Supreme Court on Monday ended the complex legal dispute by declining to take up an appeal by the last remaining plaintiff.

The Falls Church Anglican, a 2,000-member breakaway congregation, had asserted that the nearly 300-year-old sprawling property belonged to the Anglican group because the Episcopal Church “left” its umbrella Anglican tradition by becoming more liberal in interpreting scripture and ordaining gay and lesbian clergy.

More here-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/supreme-court-wont-hear-appeal-of-dispute-over-episcopal-churchs-property-in-va/2014/03/10/8f22e72a-a886-11e3-8599-ce7295b6851c_story.html

also here-

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/03/10/supreme-court-lets-ruling-stand-leaves-falls-church-building-episcopal-church/

and here-

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/03/10/supreme-court-lets-ruling-stand-leaves-falls-church-building-episcopal-church/

and here (with statement from the diocese)

http://fcnp.com/2014/03/10/u-s-supreme-court-denies-defectors-appeal-vs-episcopal-diocese-of-virginia/

The Church is alienating an entire generation over gay marriage.

From The Telegraph-

Planning a wedding, as any newly-wed will tell you, can quickly become one of the most stressful experiences of your life – particularly for the bride. From attempting to hand-make 100 place-holders for that “personal touch” to ensuring there's a cheese-free menu option for one lactose-intolerant aunt, many women will have something that triggers a major meltdown before they make it down the aisle.
But, for my friend Ella*, these issues and obstacles seem blissfully trivial in comparison to the worries that keep her up at night as the big day approaches. 

She's marrying her girlfriend of two years in the summer, and the wedding preparations are well under way. It should be a time of excitement and celebration, despite the anxiety-inducing ‘wedmin’ – but Ella, as well as being in a same-sex relationship, is also a Christian. And, as things currently stand, this creates some pretty insurmountable problems.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10687356/Church-is-alienating-a-generation-over-gay-marriage.-Its-breaking-my-heart.html

BISHOPS CONDEMN CONTINUED KILLING OF NIGERIANS IN NORTH-EAST

From Nigeria-

Some Catholic and Anglican Bishops, after celebrating the 50th anniversary thanksgiving of Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, on Saturday, barred their minds on the current security situation in the country.

Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said the present crisis in the North-East is affecting all Nigerians both at home and abroad. According to him, “I have just returned from Europe. Anywhere I went, Nigerians in Europe were asking me the same question: why is Boko Haram killing innocent children?

The only thing I will advise Jonathan on is to go after those stealing Nigeria’s money. This money can be used to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and the violent attacks in the North. I will also advise Nigerians to be security conscious because in all Catholic Churches in Abuja Archdiocese, the faithful watches everybody’s back in order to prevent any attack.”

More here-

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/columns/backpage/in-out/item/1042-bishops-condemn-continued-killing-of-nigerians-in-north-east-advise-nigerians-to-protect-selves

In first year, Pope Francis has challenged 'all' to live Gospel

From CNA-

Anticipating the one-year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the Bishop of Rome, Catholic leaders nationwide have reflect on his papacy thus far, noting his call for every Catholic to evangelize.

“In a certain sense, by his style of interviews and public statements, he kind of throws the ball back in our court as well – and I don't mean bishops, I mean all the faithful,” Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Neb. told CNA March 6.

“And what I mean by that is that…it kind of falls upon us to put him in context, and to tell people what he means. And that's part of the sensus fidelium, that's part of, really, our baptismal charism: that the faithful also have the responsibility of articulating the teaching of the Church, so it doesn't focus on one person, like the Pope, like a bishop; that we all have this responsibility of preaching the gospel, and explaining the Gospel, and articulating the Gospel.”

More here-

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/in-first-year-pope-francis-has-challenged-all-to-live-gospel/

Christian Associates of Southwest Pa. elects new director

From Pittsburgh-

The bishops and other church leaders -- some in black clerical garb, some in business suits, most of them graying and male -- gathered behind closed doors around a long conference table for more than an hour before one of them emerged.

"There is white smoke," said a smiling Lutheran Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow.

And with that, he ushered the Rev. Liddy Barlow in to the board room as the newly elected executive director of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, a coalition of more than two dozen Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant denominations that issues policy statements, oversees jail chaplaincies and promotes church unity.

"We voted unanimously and enthusiastically," the Rev. Sheldon Sorge, the board chair and a Presbyterian executive, told Rev. Barlow as she entered. "We believe this is something that is good for all of us."

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2014/03/10/Christian-Associates-of-Southwest-Pa-elects-new-director/stories/201403100077#ixzz2vYmryN1D

Terry Star

From North Dakota-

Deacon Terry Star, 40, Cannon Ball, passed away March 4, 2014, in Delafield, Wis. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 10, at St. James Episcopal Church, Cannon Ball, with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating. Burial will be at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery at Red Hail’s Camp, Breien.

A wake service begins at 5 p.m.today with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. also at St. James Episcopal Church.

Terry was born Aug. 13, 1973, in Seattle, to young parents, Woodrow and Charlotte (Martinez) Star Jr. He graduated from Todd County High School, Mission, S.D., and Sinte Gleska College, Rosebud, S.D., Sitting Bull College, Fort Yates, and the North Dakota School for Ministry.

Woodrow, Terry’s father, began a career in law enforcement, a career that took the family to other reservations through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal law enforcement agencies. Terry’s mother, Charlotte, has always been active in the communities by providing safe activities for neighborhood kids who adopted her as “Mom.”

More here-

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/obituaries/terry-star/article_bccf896c-a70f-11e3-917f-001a4bcf887a.html

An Open Apology to the Local Church

From Christianity Today-

You might think I'm writing to throw my lot in with your strongest defenders. After all, I've faithfully attended one of your high-church Anglican iterations for seven years, watching with disdain as peers hop from building to building, seeking an "awesome" and "powerful" worship experience (and attractive members of the opposite sex). Instead, I'm writing to apologize. While claiming publicly to have loved you as Christ does—like a spouse—in spirit I have loved you like an on-again, off-again fling. My faithful attendance suggests a radical commitment to gathering with your people. But many Sundays, my heart is still in it for me. And while I think the blogger is ultimately misguided about his relationship (or lack thereof) with you, I can appreciate his honesty. At least he's not leading you on.

Here's where I need to confess my true feelings about you, Church: The romance of our earlier days has faded. The longer I have known you, the more I weary of your quirks and trying character traits. Here's one: You draw people to yourself whom I would never choose to spend time with. Every Sunday, it seems, you put me in contact with the older woman who thinks that angels and dead pets are everywhere around us. You insist on filling my coffee hour with idle talk of golf, the weather, and grandchildren. As much as I wax on about the value of intergenerational worship, a lot of Sundays I dodge these members like they're lepers. (This is of course my flesh talking, to borrow a phrase from one of your earliest members.) Many Sundays I long to worship alongside likeminded Christians who really get me, with whom I can have enlightening, invigorating conversations, whom I'm not embarrassed to be seen with in public. I confess to many times lusting over one of your sexier locations, wondering if I would be happier and more fulfilled there.

More here-

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/april/open-apology-to-local-church.html

New Bishop Offers Promise to Anglicans

From British Columbia-

Robed in a flowing, full-length purple cassock, the Rev.

The slim, grey-haired grandmother was about to be ordained as Vancouver's first female Anglican bishop. Formerly a brand manager for Procter & Gamble, Skelton is also the first businessperson -- and first American -- to be made Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, headquartered at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver.
Canon Melissa Skelton stood with her back to the crowd of over a thousand people in Vancouver's Convention Centre last Saturday and faced her inquisitors: fifteen bishops of the Anglican Church. She answered each of their questions in a clear, confident voice.

More here-

http://thetyee.ca/Life/2014/03/08/Anglican-Promise/

Ugandan orphanage provides Tender Mercies to its inhabitants

From Montana-

With work nearly done on an orphanage in central Uganda, it’s time to thank the people who pitched in to make it a reality and invite others into its future.

That’s the idea behind a gathering on Tuesday by AIDSpirit in Billings, to talk about the successes of Tender Mercies Ministries and outline upcoming projects.

“There are so many people who have participated monetarily or with their prayers and their support,” said Kathy Brayko, an AIDSpirit board member. “We’re so appreciative, and we want to thank them and show them what their generosity has achieved.”

The hope is also that others who have never heard about the African outreach will come and learn about it, Brayko said.

She gathered with Tom Jacques, chairman of the board, and board member Terry Fettig to discuss the international aspect of the faith-based ministry.

Read more:

http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/ugandan-orphanage-provides-tender-mercies-to-its-inhabitants/article_28dc30f2-9a83-5e2b-914d-dafe28dbc7cc.html#ixzz2vNP2r6vK

Priests rock the house with a religious message

From Milwaukee-

They call themselves the Rectors of Rock. The Fathers of Funk. The Collar Studs.

It’s all cheeky fun, but believe it or not, these four Episcopal priests live up to the billing.

Fathers Drew Bunting, Andrew Jones, David Simmons and Don Fleischman are the fab four of Monstrance, a rock, blues and country band more interested in fun than fame, whose members lend their considerable talents to worthy causes throughout the Milwaukee diocese.

“We’re not in this to make money. We know we’re never going on tour,” said Drew Bunting, priest-in-charge at St. James Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, who sings lead vocals and plays bass in the band. “We just want to have a good time. We know we have these gifts and we want to use them in service of the greater good.”

The good fathers fired up the amps under the stained glass windows of Simmons’ home church — St. Matthias in Waukesha, Wis. — for band practice on a recent Friday. There, they ripped through covers of Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and the Ramones, not to mention an ecclesiastic parody of the J. Geils Band’s “Centerfold.”

More here-

http://kdhnews.com/living/religion/priests-rock-the-house-with-a-religious-message/article_91aa77ea-a671-11e3-973f-001a4bcf6878.html

African church leaders resist gay rights, call it a colonial import

From The National Catholic Reporter-

A call for greater acceptance of gays and lesbians has put African and Western churches on a collision course, as some African clerics liken mounting criticism from the U.S. and Europe to a new wave of colonization by the West.

Consider some of the statements at a news conference last week led by Bishop Arthur Gitonga of the Redeemed Church in Kenya:

“Homosexuality is equivalent to colonialism and slavery,” said one participant.

“We feel it’s like a weapon of mass destruction,” said another.

“It is not biblical and cannot bring blessing to Christians,” said a third.

Gitonga, a powerful East African Pentecostal church official, is among a group of Kenyan leaders who have launched “Zuia Sodom Kabisa,” Kiswahili for “Stop Sodom Completely.” The campaign seeks 1 million signatures to petition legislation to criminalize homosexual acts in Kenya.

Scholars warn that such radical comparisons blur real issues.

More here-

http://ncronline.org/news/global/african-church-leaders-resist-gay-rights-call-it-colonial-import

Federal judge agrees to dismiss Narragansett man's lawsuit over chiming of church bells

From Rhode Island-

 A federal judge has agreed to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a Narragansett man against the attorney general, the Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin and others over the tolling of church bells.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux on Wednesday ordered the dismissal of John Devaney's  lawsuit alleging that the chimes of nearby St. Thomas More Catholic Parish and St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church were denying him the peaceful enjoyment of his home and had helped precipitate the demise of his 23-year marriage.  Devaney counted 700 "claps" and "gongs" each week, more than 36,000 throughout the past 13 years.

In dismissing the suit, Lagueux accepted U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan's recommendation. Sullivan quoted poet Ezra Pound in advising Lagueux: "The act of bell ringing is symbolic of all proselytizing religions. It implies the pointless interference with the quiet of other people."

More here-

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140306-federal-judge-agrees-to-dismiss-narragansett-man-s-lawsuit-over-chiming-of-church-bells.ece

TV birth will focus on faith

From The Church Times-

BEFORE giving birth to her first child, Sheona Beaumont avoided watching One Born Every Minute, deeming it to be "too raw, too real".

By the time she was pregnant with her second child, she was ready not only to watch the programme, which documents births in close detail, but to participate in it. Furthermore, she is planning to use the reaction to the episode to create a piece of artwork.

Mrs Beaumont, an artist, who is married to the Revd Adam Beaumont, Assistant Curate of Holy Trinity, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, has been commissioned to contribute to the Birth Online: Birth Offline art project, which will explore perspectives on public birth. It will form part of the Birth Rites Collection, on permanent public display at the University of Salford and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London.

More her-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/7-march/news/uk/tv-birth-will-focus-on-faith

Ashes to Go!

So "we" got a lot of press on the  "Ashses To Go" thing-

Oregon-

Rhonda Harding says she has always been a believer. But Wednesday morning, she proudly wore the mark.

“I feel blessed,” Harding said of the ashes drawn in the shape of a cross on her forehead by the Rev. Brent Was during a streetside Ash Wednesday gathering of local Episcopalian clergy and lay people who offered the rite to passers-by at the Lane Transit District plaza downtown.

More here-


http://www.registerguard.com/rg/news/31248160-76/ashes-church-eugene-episcopal-wednesday.html.csp

from Massachusetts-

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140306/NEWS/403060380 

 Rhode Island-

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140305-episcopal-priests-take-to-the-streets-for-ash-wednesday.ece

Louisville-

http://www.wdrb.com/story/24897969/st-thomas-episcopal-provides-ash-on-the-go-at-comfy-cow-kroger

Missouri-

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20140306/NEWS01/303060065/Ashes-to-Go-Ash-Wednesday-ceremony?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

California-

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2014/03/05/3530238/ashes-to-go-brings-ancient-ash.html

Ohio-

http://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2014/03/coming_this_ash_wednesday_to_a.html

Vatican's Turkson criticises Ugandan anti-gay law backed by country's bishops

From The Tablet-

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said this week that “homosexuals are not criminals” and should not be sentenced for up to life in prison.

He was speaking at a human rights conference in Bratislava, where he was asked about new legislation in Uganda that bans funding, recruitment and promotion of homosexuality.

Cardinal Turkson said the Vatican also called on the international community to keep providing aid to Uganda.

The World Bank has suspended a US$90 million loan for that would help fund maternal health, newborn care and family planning because of the legislation.

His intervention directly contradicts the country’s bishops’ conference, which along with Protestant, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Muslim leaders last week welcomed the law saying it would promote morality, describing homosexuality and lesbianism as “part of human weakness” that had to be addressed through repentance.

More here-

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/496/0/vatican-s-turkson-criticises-ugandan-anti-gay-law-backed-by-country-s-bishops

Anglican Communion women in USA for UN Commission

From ACNS-

Women from 18 Provinces of the Anglican Communion are converging on New York, USA, to collectively take part in the annual session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women.

On Monday, 10 March, the United Nations will launch the 58th session of the Commission, which this year has the theme of Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.

Anglicans and Episcopalians were selected by their Primates to attend on behalf of their Province and will be monitoring plenary sessions and attending parallel events (panels and meetings) on topics that all speak to that theme.

After the Commission concludes, the women will be returning to brief their Provinces on the discussions and outcomes from the event.

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2014/03/anglican-communion-women-in-usa-for-un-commission.aspx

Pittsburgh Episcopal diocese offers 'ashes to go'

From Pittsburgh (with video)

The bishop and priests of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh were marking the beginning of Lent with "ashes to go" at several nontraditional locations, in hopes of reaching people who cannot, or would not feel comfortable, attending an Ash Wednesday service at church.  

Bishop Dorsey McConnell will distribute ashes from about 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Market Square, an open-air gathering place popular with the city's downtown luncheon crowd.

More here-

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/pittsburgh-episcopal-diocese-offers-ashes-go/nd596/

Also here-

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2014/03/05/Ash-Wednesday-rituals-offered-to-busy-commuters/stories/201403050191

and here-

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/5709040-74/ashes-distribute-priests#axzz2vBdggh00

Deacon Terry Star, Executive Council member, found dead at seminary

From ENS- (Terry was a friend and we served together on Executive Council)

The Rev. Terry Star, a 40 year-old deacon in the Diocese of North Dakota and a member of the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council, has died suddenly at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin, where he was studying for ordination to the priesthood.

After Star did not attend chapel the morning of March 4 and failed to show up for classes or meals a member of the Nashotah House community went to check on him and found he had died, according to the Rev. Canon John Floberg, a fellow member of the Diocese of North Dakota and also an Executive Council member, and the Rev. Phillip Cunningham, Nashotah House associate dean of administration.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/05/deacon-terry-star-executive-council-member-found-dead-at-seminary/

Anglicans left out of cathedral briefing

From New Zealand-

The Anglican church says a British multimillionaire's suggestion that it hand over Christ Church Cathedral for restoration is "completely bizarre".

UK businessman Hamish Ogston yesterday announced he would fund an independent survey to find out what residents wanted to see happen to the ill-fated Cathedral Square centrepiece. Shortly after the February 2011 earthquake Ogston pledged $4 million to kickstart the restoration of the building and said he wanted to reiterate his pledge.

"There should be a foundation set up which will take over the reconstruction of the cathedral, independent of the Anglican church, but with their co-operation," he said.

The media announcement took place at the Christchurch City Council building alongside former MPs and co-chairmen of the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust (GCBT), Jim Anderton and Philip Burdon, and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

More here-

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/9790491/Anglicans-left-out-of-cathedral-briefing

Clergy to take Ash Wednesday to the streets today in Concord

From New Hampshire-

Episcopal clergy plan to hit the street in Concord to offer ashes to pedestrians today, which is Ash Wednesday, the start of the 40-day season of Lent.

The Episcopal bishop, the Right Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, and three other Episcopal ministers will take part of Ashes to Go, a nationwide program designed to mark the foreheads of Christians who don’t have the time or forgot to attend a service, according to the website ashestogo.org.
They will be at the State House Plaza from noon to 2 p.m.“It has been a long and grueling winter. The ashes on Ash Wednesday could be seen as the hope for Mud Season,” Hirschfeld said in a statement. Last year, more than 70 Episcopal parishes in 18 states took part in Ashes to Go.

Catholics and Christians of Western churches begin Lent today. They are urged to abstain from certain foods, give more to charity and pray.

“Take up the exercise of prayer again. Get up! Get to Mass! And don’t just let it happen — pray your brains out,” Catholic Bishop Peter A. Libasci said in prepared remarks.

More here-

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140305/NEWS08/140309628

and New Jersey-

http://planetprinceton.com/2014/03/04/episcopal-diocese-new-jersey-observe-ash-wednesday-ashes-go/ 

and Arizona-

http://www.kpho.com/story/24890097/az-episcopal-churches-offer-ashes-to-go