Where is the hope?

Taking the risk toward reconciliation. Nicky Gumbel interviews Mark Russell of the Church Army, who talks of his experience in youth ministry in Northern Ireland and his work with the homeless. Nicky Gumbel is vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, founding parish of the Alpha Course. "Love your neighbor wasn't a piece of advice," Mark says. "It's a command."

Breaking News: Virginia Trial Ends

The trial finished this afternoon in time to catch planes and trains and automobiles for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Bishop Peter James Lee and the Presiding Bishop's chancellor David Booth Beers were among those who testified today. Judge Bellows is expected to issue his ruling around January 17.

Keeping Watch

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
-Evening Prayer, Book of Common Prayer, 1662.



Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

Lamentations 3:22-24

Waiting ...

Sunday Night at the Cafe: I Believe in You 2007

Just found this video of Dylan's concert in Melbourne this year where he performed "I Believe in You,"from "Slow Train Coming." Here are the lyrics:

They ask me how I feel
And if my love is real
And how I know I'll make it through.
And they, they look at me and frown,
They'd like to drive me from this town,
They don't want me around
'Cause I believe in you.

They show me to the door,
They say don't come back no more
'Cause I don't be like they'd like me to,
And I walk out on my own
A thousand miles from home
But I don't feel alone
'Cause I believe in you.

I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter,
I believe in you even though we be apart.
I believe in you even on the morning after.
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart.

Don't let me drift too far,
Keep me where you are
Where I will always be renewed.
And that which you've given me today
Is worth more than I could pay
And no matter what they say
I believe in you.

I believe in you when winter turn to summer,
I believe in you when white turn to black,
I believe in you even though I be outnumbered.
Oh, though the earth may shake me
Oh, though my friends forsake me
Oh, even that couldn't make me go back.

Don't let me change my heart,
Keep me set apart
From all the plans they do pursue.
And I, I don't mind the pain
Don't mind the driving rain
I know I will sustain
'Cause I believe in you.

B. Dylan 1979

Here's his 2007 version, live from Melbourne just three months ago. Those taping the video sound as excited as I would be if I heard him pull this one out. It was not on his regular playlist this year. But it's a great year to do it.


If you want to hear amazing interpretations of Dylan's Gospel songs, catch the performances on this terrific documentary:

Saturday Night at the Cafe

Diocese of Ft. Worth Convention Live

SATURDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: (3:11 p.m.) The resolution to consider the invitation to the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth to join the Province of the Southern Cone is now on the floor. Ft. Worth Convention is being told that the Archbishop of the Southern Cone met with the Archbishop of Canterbury and received a positive response from Canterbury to extend this invitation.

SATURDAY UPDATE: The Diocesan Convention continues today.

Here is the resolution up before the Convention of the Diocese of Ft. Worth today to realign within the Anglican Communion by separating from the Episcopal Church and joining the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone:

A Response to the Invitation of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone
Whereas, it is the resolve of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to remain within the family of the Anglican Communion while dissociating itself from the moral, theological, and disciplinary innovations of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America;

And whereas, the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, meeting Nov. 5-7, 2007, voted to "welcome into membership of our Province on an emergency and pastoral basis" those dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America who share this resolve;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 25th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth extend its sincere thanks to the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, and to its Primate, the Most Reverend Gregory J. Venables, for the generous and fraternal invitation to join their Province;

And, be it further resolved, that the Bishop and Standing Committee prepare a report for this diocese on the constitutional and canonical implications and means of accepting this invitation.

SAT AFTERNOON UPDATE: Here is a letter to all the churches in the the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin regarding the upcoming vote in that diocese to amend their constitution and also realign with the Province of the Southern Cone.

Here is the letter Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote to Jack Iker:

8 November 2007

The Rt. Rev. Jack Iker
The Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth
2900 Alemeda Street
Fort Worth, TX 76108

Dear Jack,

As you are undoubtedly aware, it is my view that recent amendments to your Diocese's constitution violate the Constitutional requirement that the Diocese maintain an "unqualified accession" to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church. I have now reviewed several proposed constitutional amendments that will be considered at your forthcoming diocesan convention. It is evident to me that several of these proposed changes would further violate the Church's Constitution, while some other proposed changes would undo the problems created by the earlier amendments. It is clear from your public statements and from what I understand your position to be regarding these matters that you endorse the first set of changes. Your statements and actions in recent months demonstrate an intention to lead your diocese into a position that would purportedly permit it to depart from the Episcopal Church. All these efforts, in my view, display a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between The Episcopal Church and its dioceses.

I call upon you to recede from this direction and to lead your diocese on a new course that recognizes the interdependent and hierarchical relationship between the national Church and its dioceses and parishes. That relationship is at the heart of our mission, as expressed in our polity. Specifically, I sincerely hope that you will change your position and urge your diocese at its forthcoming convention to adopt the proposed amendments that will bring the Diocese's constitution into agreement with the Church's Constitution and Canons.

If your course does not change, I shall regrettably be compelled to see that appropriate canonical steps are promptly taken to consider whether you have abandoned the Communion of this Church -- by actions and substantive statements, however, they may be phrased -- and whether you have committed canonical offences that warrant disciplinary action.

It grieves me that any bishop of this Church would seek to lead any of its members out of it. I would remind you of my open offer of an Episcopal Visitor if you wish to receive pastoral care from another bishop. I continue to pray for reconciliation of this situation, and I remain

Your servant in Christ,

Katharine Jefferts Schori

Here is Jack Iker's response to Katharine Jefferts Schori:

November 12, 2007

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Dear Katharine,

I have received your letter of November 8th and am rather surprised by your suggestion that I have somehow abandoned the communion of the church and may be subject to ecclesiastical discipline. Such a charge is baseless. I have abandoned nothing, and I have violated no canons. Every year at our Chrism Mass, I very happily reaffirm my ordination vows, along with all our clergy, that I will be “loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.” (BCP, pages 526 and 538)

It is highly inappropriate for you to attempt to interfere in the internal life of this diocese as we prayerfully prepare to gather in Convention. The threatening tone of your open letter makes no attempt to promote reconciliation, mediation, or even dialogue about our profound theological differences. Instead, it appears designed to intimidate our delegates and me, in an attempt to deter us from taking any action that opposes the direction in which you are leading our Church. It is deeply troubling that you would have me prevent the clergy and laity of this diocese from openly discussing our future place in the life of the wider Anglican Communion, as we debate a variety of proposals. As you well know, the polity of this Church requires the full participation of the clergy and lay orders, not just bishops, in the decision making process. It grieves me that as the Presiding Bishop you would misuse your office in an attempt to intimidate and manipulate this diocese.

While I do not wish to meet antagonism with antagonism, I must remind you that 25 years ago this month, the newly formed Diocese of Fort Worth voluntarily voted to enter into union with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. If circumstances warrant it, we can likewise, by voluntary vote, terminate that relationship. Your aggressive, dictatorial posturing has no place in that decision. Sadly, however, your missive will now be one of the factors that our Convention will consider as we determine the future course of this diocese for the next 25 years and beyond, under God’s grace and guidance.

In closing, let me be very clear. While your threats deeply sadden us, they do not frighten us. We will continue to stand firm for the unchanging truth of the Holy Scriptures and the redeeming Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whatever the costs. I shall continue to pray for you, as I trust you will pray for me, in the difficult days ahead.

Faithfully in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth

FRIDAY: The Diocesan Convention will begin at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. The diocese will consider the offer from the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone to join their province. Stay tuned.

While we wait for the Convention coverage to begin from Anglican TV, here's a little something to keep you company:

Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin Invited to Join Anglican Church of the Southern Cone

BB NOTE: The Diocese of Ft. Worth is also meeting this weekend to discuss joining the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone. You can watch the Ft. Worth meeting live here, starting at 3:00 p.m. today.

FRESNO, CA - November 16, 2007 – The Diocese of San Joaquin today announced that the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of South America has extended an invitation to offer the Diocese membership on an emergency and pastoral basis.

The announcement comes three weeks before the Diocese is scheduled hear the second and final reading of Constitutional changes first adopted on December 2, 2006. Should the second reading of the Constitutional changes be approved at the Diocesan Convention on December 8, 2007, the Diocese is free to accept the invitation to align with the Province of the Southern Cone and remain a diocese with full membership within the Anglican Communion.

According to the Rt. Rev. John-David M. Schofield, Bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, “We welcome the invitation extended by the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone. The invitation assures the Diocese’s place in the Anglican Communion and full communion with the See of Canterbury.”

He added, “This is a sensible way forward and is by no means irrevocable. During the 1860’s, the Dioceses of the Southern States left the Episcopal Church and then returned after the Civil War. As the Southern Cone invitation makes clear, the Diocese may return to full communion with the Episcopal Church when circumstances change and the Episcopal Church repents and adheres to the theological, moral and pastoral norms of the Anglican Communion, and when effective and acceptable alternative primatial oversight becomes available.”

The Bishop’s pastoral letter will be read in churches of the Diocese on Sunday, November 18, 2007. For a full text of the letter, visit www.sjoaquin.net or contact Joan Gladstone, jgladstone@gladstonepr.com.

The Diocese of San Joaquin was founded as a missionary diocese in 1911 and became a full autonomous diocese in 1961. The Diocese encompasses churches in the counties of San Joaquin, Alpine, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern and Inyo.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:4-15

Day Three: Update from the Courthouse

The day began fiercely, with a wind and rain squall rushing through Fairfax. I've discovered a short cut from Truro to the Courthouse and managed to get across Main Street and inside the Courthouse in fifteen minutes, the umbrella still in tact.

The morning session began with cross examination by the counsel for the Diocese of Virginia and then the Episcopal Church of Abraham Yisa, official Register of the Anglican Church of Nigeria and elected member of the Anglican Consultative Counsel. He testified - and continued to testify under cross examination - that indeed there is a division in the Anglican Communion. This was dramatically illustrated by the changing of the Anglican Church of Nigeria changing their constitution to reflect that they are in communion with those Anglican provinces that hold to the faith. The Church of Nigeria as well as the Church of Uganda and the Church of the Southern Cone and many others are in broken or impaired communion with the Episcopal Church. He also testified in his capacity as an elected member of the ACC that the Episcopal Church did not attend the last AAC meeting in Nottingham as voting or seated members, following the advice from the Primates Meeting. He described broken communion as the breaking of fellowship, of exchanged visits, by sharing of clergy, of training, workshops, financial assistance and through the primates.

What I found moving during his testimony was his refusal to compartmentalize the Church. While TEC continues to focus on the constitution and canons, asking of every clergy person or elected lay person who takes the stand about their loyalty to the constitution and canons, Mr. Yisa spoke eloquently about the shared fellowship of the Gospel, of the partnership in the work of Jesus Christ. He spoke of the living church, not just the one on paper and it was seamless. It was especially moving coming from a barrister who cares deeply about law and procedure and the care of documents - it was clear he takes those tasks very seriously. But woven into his expertise of law and procedure and documents was a deep and resilient faith.

A lot more of the documents we all know and love were entered into the official court record, including the Primates Communique from Dar es Salaam.

After Mr. Yisa completed his testimony we broke for lunch. I headed down to the cafeteria and sat by the window with friends and watched through the window as people went through security, emptying their pockets, handing over lighters, giving up their camera/cell phones for secured safekeeping, and waiting for their stuff to be scanned or themselves to be wanned if they set off the alarms while walking through the checkpoint. A new courthouse is being built here in Fairfax and it is quite a contrast to the monstrous modern fortress that was built back in the 70s. The new one reminds me of the old Arlington Courthouse before it was torn down and replaced by a 90s monstrosity.

The oddest part of the days have been standing in the halls outside the courtroom. When we see courtroom dramas we often see some of the big dramas actually happening out in the corridors and I can see how that happens. But we're Virginians and we all remain civil. The highlight probably was when we discovered that there was a massive water leak in the ladies bathroom and we went to find the bailiff to call someone before the roof fell in. There seems to be a metaphor in that somewhere. There are always signs that there is a break.

When we returned to the courtroom after lunch we heard testimony from David Allison, one of the officers of the Anglican District of Virginia and a member of Church of the Apostles, Fairfax, who testified that there are now 20 congregations in the Anglican District of Virginia with 7,500 members and still growing.

Following this testimony came excerpts from the video testimony of the person in this so-called "artwork" (and we still use that term lightly) above. I do have another drawing that looks like something out of Wizard of Oz where I was trying to illustrate all the testimony about "branches" but it frightened me too much to put up. If, after having this chai at Starbucks, I change my mind I'll get it scanned in later and you can see exactly how I was feeling listening to the testimony about branches in the Anglican Communion. Or that I was having a bad hair day. (LATER: Drinking the chai did not help the drawing, so we'll just give you this instead - we were thinking of this, but it turned into something like this - so we'll just leave it in the notebook for now.)

I'm sorting out what to say about that testimony. So stay tuned. What I can say is that is it's way okay to turn your church into a saloon, but don't interfere with the TEC franchise or kaboom - a new sheriff comes to town. Oh, and someone did not agree with this - no, not at all. The yes meant meant no. And now we know.

What Andrew Carey writes here is what we saw - very clearly - on video today in the courtroom. The case was made.

After this particular testimony, the CANA Churches rested their case (with the possibility of calling one more witness next week) and the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia began their case. The Diocese of Virginia counsel presented a short opening statement and then called their first witness, an old friend who serves on the Diocese of Virginia Standing Committee. It was a bittersweet reunion to see him and catch up on his life and his family - we served together on the Truro Vestry , even though the causes of our meeting are sad. He was testifying for the diocese in his capacity on the Standing Committee. I still have not changed my mind of his integrity and his call to be a reconciler. That was so apparent - at least to me - while he was on his stand.

And in one of the portraits of old Fairfax judges that surrounded the room, looking down on him as he testified, was the portrait of his own father. I don't think that was lost on him as he testified and it certainly was not lost on me. And perhaps that was why he was there.

The trial breaks until Monday and should finish mid-day on Wednesday. Please keep praying - now the Episcopal Church starts their case that there is no division in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion is just a dream.

Oh, and Steve Waring, call your office.

PS: Alas, that's not Elvis.

LATER: I was driving home tonight from Starbucks where I stopped first after leaving the courthouse and as I drove down the road towards home tears began to fill my eyes suddenly, almost inexplicably. I realized that it broke my heart to see that first witness put on by the diocese and that is exactly why they did it. That was mean - mean, there is no other way to explain it. Of all the members of the Standing Committee, they picked him and perhaps it was to warn him as much as it was to break our hearts. To even see the pain on this witness' face made him a victim as well. He's trying to do the right thing, I understand that. He's trying to find a way for the Diocese of Virginia to get through this and survive. It hurt him to testify. His last words in answering a question about Bishop Lee and the 57-9 churches was to say that he, this witness, is a reconciler (implying he would support the protocol, his law partner was a member of the Special Committee that wrote it). And that is so true. To find him on the stand being the designated person to actually be the one to challenge the Bishop's own protocol's authority was twisted. It was mean. I'll tell you friends, there are wonderful, wonderful people who are in the Diocese of Virginia, including the man who testified on the stand today. But something is really wrong in Richmond and today reminded me of why we voted to separate from the Diocese. Listening to Mr. Yisa's testimony about the fellowship of churches and what they do for one another, not based on legalism but on love, reminded me that there is a new kind of legalism all over the Episcopal Church (if you are not for us, then you are against us) and perhaps that is the real "new thing" after all. But legalism is the death knell to the ministry of reconciliation - as the final witness on the stand today showed in the deep sorrow that was on his face and in his voice. I've known him a long time and that moment, when I looked across the courtroom at him, his father's portrait nearby, was one of the saddest in this whole journey. And that, my friends, was precisely why the Episcopal Church put him there.

Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf Heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least:
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee -- and then my state
(Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings'.

W. Shakespeare

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

Day Two - Evening Update: The Windsor Report and the Virginia Protocol are admitted into the trial now underway

Back at Starbucks after a full day of testimony in court. First up was Dr. Paul Julienne who continued his testimony on his service on the Diocese of Virginia's Reconciliation Commission (see below) and following Paul's testimony was the Rev. Dr. John Yates, Rector of The Falls Church and member of Bishop Lee's Special Committee which developed the Protocol for Departing Congregations. John Yates testified on the growing crisis in the Anglican Communion and the division as the fabric of the communion was torn by the actions of the Episcopal Church General Convention in 2003.

It appears (to me, just to me, this is my opinion) that the TEC/Diocese of Virginia counsel were caught by surprise that it was through John Yates testimony that the Windsor Report was presented as Exhibit 61. TEC objected using what is fast becoming the most-talked about "objection" in this case - something called "The Religious Thicket."

What is the religious thicket? Objections were raised before the trial began that this trial would be impossible to conduct without entering into the "religious thicket" - in other words, entering into debating the merits of the cause of the division in the Diocese and the Episcopal Church - the division over doctrine. With agreement that counsel will avoid entering the religious thicket, it has become the "objection of choice" by TEC to object to exhibits presented by the CANA congregations. It appears that if the word "Jesus" or "God" or heaven forbid "scripture" is used in the document, the document should be excluded as entering into the "religious thicket."

On that ground (or is that in that brier patch) entering into the record of both Exhibit 61 (the Windsor Report) and Exhibit 67 (the Protocol sent to Bishop Lee which was followed by Exhibit 126, the official Protocol) were objected to on the grounds that they were entering the "religious thicket." Earlier in the day, the official report from the Diocese of Virginia Reconciliation Commission also raised objections from TEC/Diocese of Virginia on the same ground - that it too was entering the "religious thicket." In addition, TEC objected to the Windsor Report's inclusion into the court record maintaining that there really is no Anglican Communion (hints of things to come from the Episcopal Church since we've all ready heard that some leaders think the Anglican Communion is just a dream or an idea) and so there can be no official documents of the Anglican Communion (I kid you not). But that objection was overruled.

Since these documents clearly state the nature of the division, the judge overruled all the objections and the Reconciliation Commission Report, the Windsor Report, Bishop Lee's official draft of the Protocol, and the final of the Protocol (which is basically identical to the draft sent to Bishop Lee, he did not make any changes) were all entered into the court record today.

John Yates spoke of his meetings with Bishop Lee, including the Sept. 2005 meeting with 25 rectors with Bishop Lee sharing from their hearts the depth of the division in the Episcopal Church, of Bishop Lee's meeting with Special Committee which he personally formed and telling John when he was given the protocol that "yes, this is a way forward." He talked about how the bishop and the diocesan leadership participated in the congregations period of discernment as they prepared to vote following the protocol. John also spoke of the conversations with Bishop Lee on December 7 when Bishop Lee warned that "a new sheriff was in town" with the recent installation of a new presiding bishop who held different views than her predecessor who believed that dealing with the issues of property was a diocesan issue and not one for 815. After all the work of his Special Committee, it appeared that the Bishop of Virginia had totally departed from the tenor of the meetings of his Special Committee. He threatened litigation, even after the Special Committee had done all they could to avoid that outcome. You could see the sorrow on John Yates face.

Another great moment was when John Yates was being cross-examined by the Episcopal Church counsel. They were trying to get him to affirm that the ultimate authority in the Episcopal Church was the constitution and canons and John would affirm that, but qualify it by adding "under the Lordship of Jesus Christ." And when he was questioned whether he would obey the constitution and canons he said he would "unless they go against the teachings of Christ." It was extraordinary to hear that affirmation in a court of law, while Lord Fairfax and George Washington and James Madison looked down from their portraits.

The final witness late this afternoon was the official Register of the Anglican Church of Nigeria and elected member of the Anglican Consultative Counsel, Abraham Yisa. He reminded us that Kenneth Kearon is not a member of the ACC but provides secretarial support. I have to say, I enjoyed that moment.

Got on an elevator with a bunch of folks from the CANA congregations, including our Bishop, chatting about the day. At one point the elevator opened before getting to the ground floor and there was Bishop Jones trying to find the exit out of the court house. We cheerfully invited him into our almost full - but still room for one more - elevator and after hesitating a moment, he got in and rode the rest of the way down with us and we left the court together, the Senior Warden of Truro and Bishop Jones chatting politely as we walked down the road and headed home.



For the record, I also want to thank Doug LeMasters, the Administrator of Truro. I realized when I went back to my car during the lunch break that I had left my lights on (it was very foggy this morning) and the battery was nearly dead. He got his portable jumper cables (you don't even need another car to jump start your car - it's a compact unit!) and he got the Trusty Turcel going again. Thank God for friends.

NOTE: You can click on the "drawing" (I still use that word loosely) to find what is in the "Religious Thicket."

Day Two: Quick Update

I've rushed over to Starbucks with a quick update. Both Bishop Martyn Minns and Bishop John Guernsey were on the stand this morning, explaining to the court the division that has occurred in the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia. They were followed by Dr. Paul Julienne, member of the Truro Vestry and member of the Diocese of Virginia's Reconciliation Commission where he testified that the Commission reported that there was a Level Five (the most severe) division in the Diocese of Virginia.

Another highlight was that Bishop Minns was made the official agent of Truro Church in the courtroom. This was objected to by the Diocese of Virginia saying that he has no official connection to Truro. Bishop David Jones is sitting in the front seat of the gallery in his purple shirt throughout the trial. The Diocese of Virginia/815 had said that there was a remote possibility that Bishop Minns would be called to the stand by the Episcopal Church (which would have kept him out of the courtroom until he testified, if he ever testified). Since the Diocese admitted that the possibility was "remote" and Bishop Minns is Truro's bishop, Judge Bellows overruled the objection and Bishop Minns is now also in the courtroom.

Paul Julienne will return to the stand after lunch.

UPDATE: Here is the Diocese of Virginia Reconciliation Commission Report that talks about the Level Five conflict. You can find it here.

The Diocese of Virginia Protocol for a Departing Congregation is here at the Diocese of Virginia official website.

Here is a video report from Brit Hume's Special Report on FoxNews here.

Day One

Here's what happens when BabyBlue has a pen and paper and has spent five hours listening to testimony from historian experts. We are artistically-challenged, but as you can imagine we must be cautious with commentary (we love our lawyers). You can click on the picture to make it a bit larger (at your own peril). This was the big moment today - and it was a doozy (for history wonks, that is). Figured that since we shouldn't really comment on it, we'd draw the moment instead. Nothing like historian professors prowling through libraries looking for cool stuff.

Did see friends, some who had driven a long way to be here. Ran into another long-time Truro member who was actually serving on a jury down the hall and that was a great surprise. Bishop David Jones, the Suffragan Bishop of Virginia, was in the court room all day. Witnesses testifying (but have not yet have testified) are not permitted in the court room until after they have testified.

So, here's our report. Can you find the former Truro Parish vestry member from the 18th century in the picture?

Thank you for your prayers! Tomorrow should be interesting. Stay tuned.

Tip of the tinfoil to Linda for the scan! Thank you!

Crossing the Street in Fairfax City

Watch, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35,36

Psalm 121 Levavi oculos
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.

Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessed Savior, at this hour you hung upon the cross, stretching out your loving arms: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may look to you and be saved; for your tender mercies' sake.Amen.

Almighty Savior, who at noonday called your servant Saint Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles: We pray you to illumine the world with the radiance of your glory, that all nations may come and worship you; for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to you; my peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly city, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.

By request:
By Jeremy Soule

Bishop of the Diocese of Ft. Worth responds to PB

A letter from Bishop Iker to the Presiding Bishop

November 12, 2007

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
815 Second Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Dear Katharine,

I have received your letter of November 8th and am rather surprised by your suggestion that I have somehow abandoned the communion of the church and may be subject to ecclesiastical discipline. Such a charge is baseless. I have abandoned nothing, and I have violated no canons. Every year at our Chrism Mass, I very happily reaffirm my ordination vows, along with all our clergy, that I will be “loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.” (BCP, pages 526 and 538)

It is highly inappropriate for you to attempt to interfere in the internal life of this diocese as we prayerfully prepare to gather in Convention. The threatening tone of your open letter makes no attempt to promote reconciliation, mediation, or even dialogue about our profound theological differences. Instead, it appears designed to intimidate our delegates and me, in an attempt to deter us from taking any action that opposes the direction in which you are leading our Church. It is deeply troubling that you would have me prevent the clergy and laity of this diocese from openly discussing our future place in the life of the wider Anglican Communion, as we debate a variety of proposals. As you well know, the polity of this Church requires the full participation of the clergy and lay orders, not just bishops, in the decision making process. It grieves me that as the Presiding Bishop you would misuse your office in an attempt to intimidate and manipulate this diocese.

While I do not wish to meet antagonism with antagonism, I must remind you that 25 years ago this month, the newly formed Diocese of Fort Worth voluntarily voted to enter into union with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. If circumstances warrant it, we can likewise, by voluntary vote, terminate that relationship. Your aggressive, dictatorial posturing has no place in that decision. Sadly, however, your missive will now be one of the factors that our Convention will consider as we determine the future course of this diocese for the next 25 years and beyond, under God’s grace and guidance.

In closing, let me be very clear. While your threats deeply sadden us, they do not frighten us. We will continue to stand firm for the unchanging truth of the Holy Scriptures and the redeeming Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whatever the costs. I shall continue to pray for you, as I trust you will pray for me, in the difficult days ahead.

Faithfully in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
Bishop of Fort Worth

You can read Katharine Jeffert Schori's leter to Jack Iker here.

1867

From Wiki:

Events of 1867

January - June

• January 1 - The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge opens between Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky, becoming the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• January 8 - African-American men granted the right to vote in the District of Columbia.
• January 11 - Benito Juárez becomes president again.Mexican
• January 30 - Emperor Kōmei dies. Crown Prince Mutsuhito is expected to become the next emperor of Japan.
• January 31 - Maronite nationalist leader Karam leaves Lebanon on board of a French ship for Algeria.
• February 3 - Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu abdicates, and the late Emperor Kōmei's son, Prince Mutsuhito becomes Emperor Meiji of Japan. End of the Late Tokugawa shogunate.
• February 7 - West Virginia University is established in Morgantown, West Virginia.
• February 17 - The first ship passes through the Suez Canal.

February 19 - The Carolina General Assembly incorporates the town of Rocky Mount, first settled in 1816 and named for a rocky mound at the base of the nearby Tar River falls.

• March 1 - Nebraska is admitted as the 37th U.S. state.
• March 16 - First publication of an article by Joseph Lister outlining the discovery of antiseptic surgery, in The Lancet.
• March 29 - The British North America Act receives royal assent, forming the Dominion of Canada in an event known as Confederation. This unites the Province of Canada (Quebec and Ontario), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia as of July 1. Ottawa becomes the capital, and John A. Macdonald becomes the Dominion's first prime minister.

• 

  March 30 - Alaska is purchased for $7.2 million from Alexander II of Russia, about 2 cent/acre ($4.19/km²), by United States Secretary of State William H. Seward. The news media call this "Seward's Folly."
  
• April 1 - Strait Settlement of Singapore, formerly ruled from Calcutta, becomes a Crown Colony under the jurisdiction of the Colonial Office in London.

• May 29 - Austro-Hungarian agreement called Ausgleich in German or kiegyezés in Hungarian ("the Compromise") is born through Act 12, which established the Austro-Hungarian Empire; on June 8 Emperor Francis Joseph was crowned King of Hungary.
• June 19 - Firing squad executes Emperor Maximilian of Mexico.

July - December

• July 1 - The Dominion of Canada is created by the British North America Act.
• July 2 - First elevated railroad in the United States begins service in New York.
• July 9 - Queen's Park F.C., the oldest league team in Scotland, founded.
• July 17 - In Boston, Massachusetts, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is established as the first dental school in the United States.
• September 2 - Emperor Meiji of Japan marries Empress Shōken (née Masako Ichijō). The Empress consort is thereafter known as Lady Haruko.
• September 4 - Sheffield Wednesday F.C. are founded at the Adelphi Hotel in Sheffield.
• September 30 - The United States takes control of Midway Island.
• November 15 - Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as The Grange).
• November 23 - The so-called Manchester Martyrs were hanged in Manchester, England for the murder of a policeman whilst attempting to rescue two Irish men from jail.
• October 18 - Alaska was bought from Russia by William Henry Seward
• October 21 - 'Manifest Destiny': Medicine Lodge Treaty - Near Medicine Lodge Creek, Kansas, a landmark treaty is signed by southern Great Plains Indian leaders. The treaty requires Native American Plains tribes to relocate a reservation in western Oklahoma.
• October 27 – Giuseppe Garibaldi's troops march into Rome.
• December 2 - In a New York City theater, British author Charles Dickens gives his first public reading in the United States.

Also in 1867

• Publication of the first volume of Das Kapital by Karl Marx.
• Transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period in Japanese history.
• Pierre Michaux invents the front wheel-driven velocipede, the first mass-produced bicycle.
• Otto von Bismarck organises a North German Confederation under the leadership of Prussia.
• Yellow fever kills 3093 in New Orleans.
• War of the Triple Alliance in Paraguay.
• Second Reform Bill by Disraeli enfranchises many working men and adds 938,000 to an electorate of 1,057,000 in England and Wales.
• South African diamond fields discovered.
• Fenian rising in Ireland.
• Prohibition National Committee formed.
• Wasps R.F.C. formed in Middlesex, England (see London Wasps and Wasps FC).
• Gorse naturalised in New Zealand, soon becomes worst invasive weed.
• At historic Fountain Point, Michigan, artesian water spring gushes continuously till present day.