The Anglican churches in Australia and New Zealand are hosting Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for an informal two-week visit to the two provinces.
“I’m to speak with people there about their conversations around human sexuality and also about their missionary development work — not in the sense of finances but in the sense of leadership development and theological education,” Jefferts Schori told members of Executive Council during their June 16-18 meeting in Maryland. “We’re also going to have a conversation about the work that they’re doing around the Millennium Development Goals, and, obviously, our relationships within the Anglican Communion.”
Neva Rae Fox, the Episcopal Church’s program officer for public affairs, said the trip, which has been in the planning stages for more than a year, is all about building relationships.
What “theological education” can she give them? What they want to hear?
I thought this wasn’t about sex yet it starts out that way. You would think mission would be listed first but no, it is an after thought … [blockquote] and also about their missionary development work.[/blockquote] Then the real issue is [blockquote] our relationships within the Anglican Communion.[/blockquote]
It looks to me like she is on a covering her assets tour.
It’s a mission about sexuality, funding it, and getting the message to the world that TEc is “right” and all the theology stuff is wrong. She’s the right person for the job, alrighty! Dean of a Theological School and everything – with a mitre, too.
will report back, folks, in due course – with candour, flair, humour, no.8 wire directness, tuneful didge, etc. – exactly what the whales thought, as well as the dingos …
I wonder if they’ll let her wear her miter? Or will she tuck it under her arm again?
She’s got lots of airmiles!
Any chance we can just leave her there?
#8. Dilbertnomore,
[blockquote]Any chance we can just leave her there?[/blockquote] She would profit from a walkabout while there. I also recommend the bridge walk for a great view of Sydney Harbor.
Jenny Te Paa should be swooning in fawning ecstasy about now.
The Australian end is as low key as it comes – just a parish visit (and even that not noted on the parish’s website). Not even the Cathedral in Brisbane. The NZ end is little more than an exercise in extending minimal courtesies and a few events organised by a handful of supporters – but she has apparently not been extended any official invitation to the ‘main event’ in ACANZP next week in Auckland, the third hermeneutical hui (meeting) to explore biblical passages dealing with same-sex sexual expression. And Christchurch Cathedral also declined to host her.
The Australia visit to Abp. Aspinall’s diocese appears to be hastily arranged. Since Aspinall is the Anthony Kennedy of the ACC Standing Committee, one cannot help surmising that the PB is going there to plead for her spot on that committee. Will Aspinall turn out be the one to deliver the [i]coup de grace[/i]?
The last three weeks have been awful for TEC, with the embarrassing performance by the Executive Council marking a new low in TEC’s relations to the rest of the Communion. But I doubt that record will stand for long. The coming weeks are likely to bring a lower low.
#12. wildfire,
“Bad news travels like wildfire
Good news travels slow
They all call me ‘Wildfire’
‘Cause everybody knows
That I’m bad news
Everywhere I go, whoa
Always gettin’ into trouble” (Johnny Cash)
Your moniker could be the theme song of KJS.
Thanks to those in NZ, especially Dean Tim Harris (#11). I look forward to art’s eventual report (#5).
David Handy+
a gentle rebuke has come my way: “didge” (#5) = didgeridoo, that splendid blown-into wooden pipe-like instrument of Aboriginal origin, played either upbeat or mournfully, but always with passion!
The PB may find that she has few friends that will to stick their mitres out for her. Now, it is beyond the sexual stuff but Biblical teachings. Her many paths may not have many takers. If the conversation changes to scripture, as it has been for a couple years, she may find herself in trouble. Her term seems like the longest ever. I don’t think she is half way through it and she has managed to cause a fight at home and abroad.
Martin, I think you are correct in assessing her leader support base.
She still plays it as a mandate, however.
I’m afraid I couldn’t get past her first two words to Council on the matter, or rather, first three words contracted:
“I’m to….” [i](speak with people)[/i]
The implication verbally – unless it is a poor choice of words, or perhaps a customary choice of words for such information sharing – is that she has been given orders.
If so, by whom?
Under what directorship does she consider herself operating on mission?
I’m not being naive, but is this phrase something for Exec Council to be alarmed about? Or just her self perception? Which should also be alarming.