AGAPE A Fortnightly Publication of Calvary Episcopal Church. The Case of the Buddhist Bishop by Nate Rugh, Associate Rector

Transcription

1 The Case of the Buddhist Bishop by Nate Rugh, Associate Rector While it has been a long time since I have written on Episcopal/Anglican affairs, it does not mean that things have not been happening. Actually, if you miss a day you miss a lot, and all sorts of thing have been happening. A group of Episcopal Church bishops have sought to assert the primacy of dioceses over the province; the breakaway Anglicans have been forming and reforming what they hope will be a new province of the Anglican Communion (with Robert Duncan at their head), and the Anglican Consultative Council have met to talk about the latest draft of the proposed Anglican Covenant (something on which I will write next month). But in this piece I want to turn our attention to the election of the Rev. Kevin Thew Forrester as bishop of Northern Michigan. This event has become a flashpoint in the life of the church and I believe that it poses all sorts of fascinating questions about the identity of The Episcopal Church and about its future. Let me take you back in time to the evening of June 3, On that day the Bishop of Northern Michigan, James Kelsey, was killed in an automobile accident on his way to home from a parish visitation. The death of the young and popular bishop was a distressing blow for the Diocese of Northern Michigan. Among other things, Bishop Kelsey was an innovator and was exploring how ministry might look in a changing and rural setting. He helped to design a collaborative form of ministry that took the name Mutual Ministry. This ministry uses local Ministry Support Teams supported with seminarytrained regional missioners as a foundation for its work. Through these teams local ministry efforts gain strength through collaboration. Fast-forward to February 21, 2009, the Rev. Kevin Thew Forrester was elected bishop of the Diocese of Northern Michigan. Right off the bat there was controversy. At first the controversy focused on two different areas. The first area of controversy was the method by which Thew Forrester was elected. While he was elected on the first ballot and received 88% of the delegate votes and 91% of the congregational votes, his was the only name put forward as a candidate by the diocesan Discernment Team. While Northern Michigan pointed to its context as a justification for its use of the Mutual Ministry model, critics wondered if the diocese had not become insular. The second area of controversy was a concern raised by some conservative bloggers around Thew Forrester s involvement with Zen Buddhism. He was quickly dubbed the Buddhist Bishop by these bloggers and by The Living Church. By his own admittance, Thew Forrester uses Zen meditation practices and received an ordination by a Buddhist community. However, he was quick to point out that he continued to be a committed Christian and that The issue of Thew Forrester raises the issue of how much theological divergence should be allowed among candidates for bishop. his ordination was a lay ordination that symbolized his commitment in the contemplative path of meditation and living a life of compassion. His critics, however, asserted that his involvement with Zen compromised his commitment to Christianity. With these controversies in the air a campaign was begun to keep the bishop-elect from receiving the necessary number of consents by bishops and standing committees of The Episcopal Church (TEC). To be consecrated a bishop in TEC, a bishop-elect must secure consent from a majority of standing committees and a majority of bishops with jurisdiction (i.e. diocesan bishops) from the whole church. While there were a vocal number online lobbying to keep him from becoming a bishop, early on it seemed that Thew Forrester would have no problem securing the necessary consents. He even received a vote of confidence from Ruth Gledhill, a relatively conservative British religion columnist from The London Times. The initial concerns, however, gave rise to others. Many took issue with the fact that Thew Forrester continued on page J U N E AGAPE A Fortnightly Publication of Calvary Episcopal Church

2 Nate Rugh, continued from Page 1 had used experimental liturgies in his parish on some Sundays. One example that was of particular concern to many was the revised baptismal liturgy used on Easter Day Among other things, the liturgy removed the renunciations of Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God, the evil powers of this world, and all sinful desires and in their place was the new question, Do you seek to awaken to the eternal presence of God, who is your very heart and soul? with three new invitations. There were also changes to how the first three questions in the Baptismal Covenant were phrased. While Father Forrester received a letter of support from the noted liturgical theologian Louis Weil, criticism gained steam. In my opinion, the turning point for Thew Forrester s candidacy was a letter dated March 27 by the Rt. Rev. Tom Breidenthal, Bishop of Southern Ohio, in which Breidenthal described his reasons for voting against the confirmation. In the letter, Fr. Breidenthal does not take issue with Bishop Forrester s meditation practices or with the internal process of the Diocese of Northern Michigan that led to his election. Instead, the bishop expressed deep concerns about Thew Forrester s Christology. After reading a sample of Thew Forrester s sermons and the baptismal liturgy described above, the bishop began to have deep questions of whether the bishop-elect believed in Jesus as the unique mediator of salvation. In his letter Breidenthal says, [Thew Forrester] appears to be settled in his conviction that our relation to Christ is not about salvation from a condition of objective alienation from God, but about a more realized union with God. To Breidenthal, Thew Forrester s theology misses the conviction that we are in bondage to sin and cannot get free without the rescue God has offered us in Jesus, who shouldered our sins on the cross. The reason that I believe that this letter represents the tipping point is because Breidenthal is not a conservative by anyone s estimation. Breidenthal is an advocate of the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church and represents a moderate position on theological issues. His public letter, published online, gave voice to a concern expressed by many. While I cannot say that Bishop Breidenthal was the first such bishop to withhold consent, he was certainly not the last. Bishops Paul Marshall of Bethlehem, Michael Curry of North Carolina, and Nathan Baxter of Central Pennsylvania are examples of other bishops with similar positions who voted against consecration. In response, Thew Forrester wrote an essay titled Approaching the Heart of Faith in which he makes a case for his theological position. In the essay, he asserts that there has never been a single way demanded by the church of articulating the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity. Moreover, he points to the broad nature of Anglicanism and its theological diversity. In defense of his Baptismal liturgy, he claims that he was looking for ways to recognize the -2- symbolic and spiritual meaning in the language of Satan and Sin and to discover anew ways to speak clearly, meaningfully, and truthfully, about the enormously destructive power of evil in our lives without succumbing to the inadequacy of literalism. And yet the critics remained unconvinced. At this point, there are a number of unofficial tallies that show that the majority of standing committees of TEC (including the Diocese of Pittsburgh) have withheld consent to Forrester s confirmation. Bishops and standing committees have 120 days to render their decision and vote for or against his consecration. Barring an immense change of heart by those who have voted against consecration, Fr. Kevin Thew Forrester will not become a bishop of the church. If the vote total stands, then Thew Forrester will become the first bishop-elect to go unseated since the 1930 s. I bring this matter to your attention because I believe raises all sorts of fascinating questions and issues. The controversy reveals in its own small ways the changing nature of TEC and Christianity in the postmodern era. One issue involves the boundaries of the interaction of different faith traditions in the face of globalization and pluralism. How far should we go to mine the wisdom of other faith traditions? How far is too far? Another issue involves the role of acceptable level of diversity in the realm of belief. Thew Forrester expressed his commitment to the creeds, but many did not recognize his articulation of the faith. How far is too far in our search to give voice to the mysteries that are at the center of our shared and common faith in God and Jesus Christ? Some see the result of the consent process as a triumph of a generous orthodoxy and as a day when TEC asserted that the boundaries of acceptable belief are critical, particularly for those who are called to serve as bishops in the church. These folks point to the creeds as the sufficient expression of the Christian faith and believe that Thew Forrester s articulation of that faith exists outside of the acceptable boundaries. Others are concerned that these boundaries are too strict. Another issue is how much leeway should communities and their priests be granted in the alteration of liturgical language and rites? How much liturgical experimentation should be allowable? Thew Forrester received his bishop s permission to experiment liturgically. Moreover, in the case of the baptismal liturgy described above, Thew Forrester was responding to a request by the parent of the child being baptized to remove reference to Satan. How far can priests go in altering liturgy to make pastoral concessions to the communities they serve? Many point to the Book of Common Prayer as normative and worry about alterations that might lead to divergence in our common mission and common prayer. But others have asserted that experimentation is necessary if our liturgy is to adequately address our changing worldviews and language. continued on the next page

3 What is the role of the Internet in the life of the church? Bloggers and websites already have had a profound impact on the state of relations in the Anglican Communion. They also played a tremendous role in this issue as well. An obscure and small diocese has become the center of dramatic action as opinions flared back and forth. Anyone with interest who had access to the Internet could (and often did) make his or her opinion known. And yet this also made wonderful conversation about our identity as a faith community possible. Of course, all of these questions swirl around the question of the role of the bishop in our church. Traditionally, one of the roles of a bishop is to guard the faith and to communicate that faith. The issue of Thew Forrester raises the issue of how much theological divergence should be allowed among candidates for bishop. Do bishops have a responsibility to be more conservative than the rest of the church? Since Thew Forrester s theology strikes many as divergent from the theological norm, would it be even possible for him to be a successful symbol of unity? Or perhaps, because his witness is so distinct from the normative, might he have been a challenging witness and prophetic voice, encouraging us to stretch our language for God and thus deepen and broaden our understanding? At the center is the question of the nature of our identity. Who will we be as followers of Jesus Christ? How are we to know and love God and to give voice to that faith in times of change and transition? Who are we as members of the Body of Christ? While these questions have focused on the candidacy for bishop of a small, remote diocese, at the end of the day, these questions are for all of us. Next month we will look to issues surrounding the Anglican Consultative Council, the Anglican Covenant, and the changing nature of our Anglican identity. Calvary is a community that strives to: Welcome all in the name of Christ Worship God in the beauty of holiness Offer spiritual refreshment and nurture Challenge all to a committed and active expression of their faith in Jesus Christ through: Word and Sacrament Teaching and Learning Stewardship and Service -3- Summer Worship Schedule and Office Hours Weekday celebrations of the Holy Eucharist will take place on Wednesdays only, at 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There will also be a celebration at 6 p.m.on Monday 29 June. The regular weekday Eucharist schedule will resume on Tuesday 8 September. Through Rally Sunday 13 September, Sunday services will be at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (no Eucharist at 12:45). The 9 a.m. Eucharist will be celebrated in the Swan Garden. Parish offices will be closed on Friday 3 July in observance of Independence Day. Through 4 September, parish offices will close at 4 p.m. A word of Appreciation from Dr. Archford Musodza Dr. Musodza, his wife, Victoria and their daughters I met Archford at the College of the Transfiguration, Grahamstown, South Africa, during my sabbatical there in Since that time, Calvary Church, through its theological education fund, has assisted Archford in his doctoral studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Late in May, the University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. I received the following letter from Archford: Just to inform you that my graduation went on very well and was a wonderful occasion. I owe it all to your support. Please know that my family and I are very grateful to you personally and the Calvary congregation at large for the support and encouragement you all provided throughout the period of my studies. May the Almghty God bless you all. Archford, a native of Zimbabwe, is a parish priest and archdeacon in the Diocese of Botswana, where he is also canon theologian to the bishop and lecturer at the diocesan seminary. What a privilege it is that our outreach has touched the lives of so many people in the Province of Central Africa. ---H.T.L.+

4 MUSICAL NOTES by Alan Lewis As we shift, collectively, into summer gear, I would invite any interested singers to take part in the Summer Choir. If you ve been thinking about joining the Choir, but haven t quite been able to decide to take the plunge, this is a nice way of dipping your toes in the water; if you love to sing, but know you don t have time for the regularity of Choir membership, this is your chance! Singers gather each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in McClintic Hall, prepares music for the 11 a.m. service, sings, and calls it a day. No robes, no long-termcommitments just a chance to sing to the glory of God for a day in the company of others. Speaking of the company of others, the Choristers will be having Choir Camp here at the Church, August This is an opportunity for Third- through Twelfth-Graders to spend the week singing, playing, and generally having a good time; it s a great time for new singers to join the group, and for not-so-new ones to refresh their skills after a long summer off. To sign up, or for more information, contact me in the Parish Office by phone or (alewis@calvarypgh.org). May the different rhythms of summer bring you refreshment and renewal. Summer Finances: A Reminder The church s expenses continue apace in the summer, at a time when church attendance, and therefore offerings, are lower than usual. You are encuraged to make every effort to keep up with your pledge payments during this season. Some parishioners find it convenient to send their payments by mail if they are away for an extended period. Many thanks. Agape Deadline The deadline for submissions for the next issue of Agape is Monday, June 22, Announcements may be ed to calvary@calvarypgh.org or delivered to the church office. For the latest news visit the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Women of Calvary Lunchtime Home Eucharist Home eucharists are meaningful and memorable occasions for both a social and spiritual experience. Please come at Noon on Tuesday, June 23 to the home of Betty Carlson, 2510 Collins Road, Churchill Boro, Leslie Reimer will celebrate the eucharist. Please RSVP to Betty at Soup Group Update There are several containers of delicious soup in the freezer located in Calvary s pantry. If you know of someone in our parish family that would enjoy some soup while they are recovering, recuperating or convalescing, please deliver a container to them. There is a list on the freezer door where you may log out a soup you take to deliver. You may still participate in this ministry from the convenience of your home There are labels and containers in the pantry. When you bring soup from home, please place it in the freezer in the pantry. Our sextons can direct you to that location. There is a list on the freezer door where you can log in your donation. The next soup making session in Calvary s kitchen has been scheduled for Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m. Adele Eley, , eleyaw@comcast.net The Church Mouse I would like to thank all those who contributed to my retirement party. It has been my pleasure and good luck to work at Calvary in the Beginnings Program for 27 years. I will miss everyone so much, the Beginnings staff, Calvary staff, and my fellow co-workers, but especially all the adorable children I ve met through the years. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart. Most Sincerely, Pat Resutko (Miss Pat) Mark Your Calendar: The 2009 Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 14

5 Habitat Helpers A team of Calvary parishioners donned work gloves and yielded paint brushes for Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, May 9th. Those involved were Mark Rust (a board member for Habitat), Mark Nabuda, Richard and Susan Shafer and Bob Eley. The project involves rehabing a home in Wilkinsburg to make it accessible for a family with a handicapped member. They did such a good job that Randy Brubaker, the Habitat construction coordinator, said he d like to have the Calvary team back. The Vestry provided the necessary funds to enable Calvary to participate in the project. If you have visited Calvary s website ( in the last several months I m sure you noticed the Career Corner at Calvary link. If you click on this big red section you will find a wealth of information regarding employment opportunities. Also be on the look out for the Career Corner at Calvary coming in hard copy to the Parish Hall where you will be able to obtain additional reemployment information. A group is being formed, which will provide support for members and friends of Calvary who are currently unemployed or who are concerned about possibly losing their jobs. If you are in this situation, there is a survey form link located on Calvary s website in the Career Corner section. We ask that you complete and submit this survey, which you can do electronically, so that Calvary might best meet your needs. You can see Marsha Morris, Parish Secretary for a hard copy of the survey if that would be more convenient. If you have questions you can contact Vestry member Colleen Sari at sari@highlandta.com or John Wray, Director of Stewardship at extension 31, or jwray@calvarypgh.org. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity. It just might be the best investment of time you can make during this transition time. Coffee Hours Thank you! Thanks ever so much to all of you who helped to make possible this wonderful opportunity for fellowship! After a summer hiatus, Coffee Hours will be back in September, and I will again be seeking hosts. Hosts have been not only Calvary organizations but also neighborhood groups, groups of friends celebrating favorite causes like The Neighborhood Academy and Good Grief Center and Calvary Camp, and families celebrating special occasions. Then, of course, there are the Spring Chickens who rise to the occasion when no other host has volunteered! Future projects are in the works and donations and volunteers will be needed. On Rally Sunday, 13 September, there will be an opportunity to sign up for particular Sundays, but, in the meantime, I d be happy to hear from volunteers. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or by if you have any questions or if you would like to reserve a date. Again, thank you so much for your cooperation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mark Rust at or mrust@aol.com; or Matt Muldoon at mattmuldoon@msn.com, or Colleen Sari at sari@highlandta.com. Keep your eye on the Agape for upcoming announcements. Barbara Scruggs, ; oteys@verizon.net -5-

6 The Day of Pentecost, 31 May 2009 Altar Flowers Help us keep the church in full bloom by donating flowers in memory of, or in honor of, someone special. If you would like to place a memorial listing, please contact Susie Wolfe at , extension 26. Item of the Month Please support the East End Cooperative Ministry s Hunger Programs with contributions of groceries and non-perishable items. For June Canned Tuna For July Macaroni and Cheese For August Feminine hygiene products For September Canned Fruit and Vegetables For October Canned or Dry Soup For November Paper products Bring your items to church on Sunday or drop them off in the Parish Hall cart anytime. Please bring whatever is convenient or easy for you to carry or share. All items are welcome. Thank you! Church Tours The Architectural-History Committee is available to give individual or group tours. If you would enjoy a close-up look at the splendor of our church building please give us a call. Bring along friends or relatives, too. Tours during the day or evening can be arranged. Call the church office for more information: If you wish to sign-up to receive ed reminder messages and breaking news, please visit the website and click on Stay Connected. It s easy to register. There are additional photos on our website: -6-

7 Archbishop-Elect of the Congo To Visit Calvary The Rt. Rev. Henri Isingoma Kahwa, bishop of Boga and Archbishop-elect of the Province of the Congo, and his wife Mugisha will be guests of the parish 4-5 July. The bishop will preside and preach at the 9 and 11 a.m. services on 5 July It will be an honor and privilege to learn first hand from Bishop and Mrs. Kahwa, of the mission and ministry of the Province of the Congo. The Penguins Prayer The following prayer, composed by the Rector, was offered at the celebrations of the Eucharist on Trinity Sunday. It proved to be efficacious with respect to the sixth game of the series held on Tuesday 9 June. At press time, its efficacy with respect to the seventh and final game is unknown, but in the words of the Prophet Zechariah, we are prisoners of hope. A Thoughtful Quiz 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade s worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their field. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here s another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. 6. Name five heroes whose stories have inspired you. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Almighty God and Chief Referee, thine Apostle Paul saith that we must press on toward the goal for the prize, Be with your servants the Penguins. Although they be flightless birds, give them the power to soar and to vanquish their enemies who hath Wings of Red, so that at the last the Cup of Stanley cometh back to Pittsburgh, and runneth over with the wine of joy and gladness, wherewith we shall savour our long-deserved victory. We ask this in the name of Him who confoundeth the feet of our enemies on the ice and causeth their pucks to fumble, even Jesus Christ our Lord and Coach. AMEN. -7-

8 The Calvary Calendar June 14 28, 2009 Sunday, June 14, 2009 The Second Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 9:00 A.M. Garden Eucharist 9:00 A.M. The Bookstore at Calvary s Used Book Sale 11:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist Monday, June 15, 2009 Evelyn Underhill, :00 P.M. Centering Prayer Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, 1752 Wednesday, June 17, :00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 7:30 A.M. Bible Study 10:30 A.M. Holy Eucharist Thursday, June 18, 2009 Bernard Mizeki, Cathechist and Martyr in Rhodesia, 1896 Sunday, June 21, 2009 The Third Sunday after Pentecost (Father s Day) 8:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 9:00 A.M. Garden Eucharist 11:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 1:00 P.M. Calvary Camp Bus Departs Monday, June 22, 2009 Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c :00 P.M. Centering Prayer Wednesday, June 24, 2009 The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 7:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 7:30 A.M. Bible Study 10:30 A.M. Holy Eucharist 4:30 P.M. Finance Committee Meeting Friday, June 26, :00 A.M. Soup Group Saturday, June 27, :00 P.M. Calvary Camp Bus Returns STAFF AND OFFICERS The Rev. Harold T. Lewis, Ph.D., RECTOR The Rev. Leslie G. Reimer, ASSOCIATE RECTOR The Rev. Nathan A. Rugh, ASSOCIATE RECTOR The Rev. Zachary Drennen, MISSIONARY TO KENYA Dr. Alan Lewis, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Amy Muñoz, ORGAN SCHOLAR Adele Eley, COORDINATOR FOR CHRISTIAN FORMATION Vanessa Sterling, YOUTH MINISTER Ray White, SENIOR WARDEN Robert Dilts, JUNIOR WARDEN Robert Eley, TREASURER Arleen Walter, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION John Wray, DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP Peggy Morycz, DIRECTOR, BEGINNINGS Louise Wells, EVENTS COORDINATOR Penny Hunt, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR Kenneth Smith, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jeff Rutkowski, HEAD SEXTON Marsha Morris, PARISH SECRETARY 315 Shady Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania telephone: facsimile: calvary@calvarypgh.org A faithful Episcopal Church welcoming all in the name of Christ CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH Friday, June 19, :30 A.M. VBS Lunch 3:00 P.M. Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, June 20, :00 P.M. Wade/Richardson Wedding Sunday, June 28, 2009 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 9:00 A.M. Garden Eucharist 11:00 A.M. Holy Eucharist 1:00 P.M. Calvary Camp Bus Departs *To make reservations for starred events, for which a meal is being prepared, please telephone the church office, , extension 40 June 14, 2009, Vol. 48, No. 12 AGAPE (USPS ) is published biweekly except monthly in July and August by Calvary Episcopal Church 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh, PA POSTMASTER: Send address change to the above address