The Chicago tribune has a new story online about this morning’s Eucharist in New Orleans. Their reporter also got a chance to question ++Rowan Williams briefly. Here’s an excerpt:
At the meeting set to last through Tuesday, the U.S. bishops will discuss how to respond to a directive from Anglican leaders to stop consecrating gay bishops and to ban blessings of same-sex unions until the global church reaches consensus. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, head of the communion, attended, meeting U.S. bishops at home for the first time since the 2003 consecration of openly gay Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.
Speaking to a reporter after the service, Williams praised the worshipful mood that began the event but dodged a question about the visit of Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, who will preach in Wheaton, in the territory of the Diocese of Chicago this Sunday.
The Diocese of Chicago regards the visit as confrontational. But Africans who are incorporating American congregations say they are responding to neglect of U.S. conservatives by the Episcopal Church.
“I really don’t know anything about that,” Williams said.
Hat tip to Pat Dague
Ok, I’m still reading the story (Heh, it’s my job to post the news, not necessarily READ it, LOL!) but anyway:
How interesting that the Chicago Tribune thinks that this statement by +KJS is refering to gays & lesbians:
[i]In a statement that appeared to address the position of gays and lesbians in the church, Jefferts Schori said, “I assure you that there are some in our midst who feel quite unwelcome, who have not known here what it is to be beloved,” she said.[/i]
I had thought in the context of her remarks about full participation in the HoB meetings that she was probably referring to the Network bishops? Hmmm. Just does go to show you how your theology and worldview can influence how you read the news!
[blockquote]In a morning Eucharist for U.S. Episcopal bishops gathered here, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori called for church leaders to set aside an “abundant disdain” for those who hold different opinions. [/blockquote]
Wait, wait, does this mean she’s going to stop the inhibitions and the lawsuits?
This leads to the question ++Rowan needs to ask himself: Does the PB’s left face know what her right face is saying?
RSB
Elves, #1, that was how I heard it as well. I think because of the operative words “our midst.” I.e. the Bishops or establishment of TEC/ECUSA.
I know within the context of the Episcopal Church USA, I feel like a stranger in a strange land. It’s curious that I have more of a connection to my Jewish friends who value the Holy Scripture than I do to Episcopalians…
I wish that entire sermon were posted for us so we could make our own assumptions rather than have it distilled by the Trib or others.
[i]Agreed. I imagine it will be posted by ENS / Episcopal Life Online… we’re keeping our eyes out for it and will post it if/when we see it[/i]
+++RW: “I really don’t know anything about that,” Williams said.
Colonel Klink: “I know nutink, nutink!”