Dear St. Michael’s Parish Family,
This morning, I woke up with a tremendous feeling of thanksgiving – thanksgiving that God has placed me and my family in such a wonderful parish, in a wonderful diocese with two wonderful bishops, in a Province that is so committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the real, historical Jesus Christ! The word that came to me over and over again was “Wow! The grass really is greener on the other side. Not perfect, but definitely greener.”
Then, as I sat down over my morning coffee and my computer (which has replaced the newspaper for those in my generation), I read that the Episcopal Church has laid down charges against Bishop Mark Lawrence of the Diocese of South Carolina for abandoning the Episcopal Church. I thought I would be shocked and sad, but for some reason that attitude of gratitude continued to pervade my spirit as I read more and more. Then it became clear. The only thing shocking to me about what TEC has done to Mark Lawrence is that they waited until October to do it.
In my heart of hearts, I know that God has something so much better for the Diocese of South Carolina than what they are going through now. The grass really is greener on the other side, but unfortunately, sometimes we have to travel through the desert for a time to get there. All of us here in the Diocese of San Joaquin have travelled that road at one point, and we know that, at times, it can be painful.
For this reason, I ask you all to please pray fervently for the Diocese of South Carolina, for Mark Lawrence their amazing and Godly bishop, for their Standing Committee, and for all their clergy and laity who will be struggling with potential lawsuits and some major decisions over the coming months. Please pray that God will provide in them a might sense of direction, if He has not done so already. Pray that they will continue to stand strong for the Gospel of our Almighty God in the face of the persecution that they are dealing with. If you know anyone in the Diocese of South Carolina, please send them a note or an email of encouragement – letting them know that we love them and they we are with them in this.
I remain…
Faithfully yours,
Fr. Townsend Waddill+
Rector
I have not heard anything about this here in Wisconsin. All the division / split talk has been pretty much non existent here. I understand though and fully support SC in their decision. I just saddens me to see how the TEC reacts to these self produced problems. Maybe more time spent in scripture and less in law books and litigation would help heal a lot of the wounds they have been inflicting.
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