At the risk of mixed metaphors – when I first learned of this, I happily envisioned Bp. Lawrence as a chess king protected by a castling move, with the internationally respected Bp. Nazir-Ali as the rook (0-0).
But then I reflected on the nature of actions TEC has undertaken so far.
If he remains with the C of E, then that might be considered border crossing….. Which would mean that the Archbishop might have to withdraw his membership and become a Consultant to all his committees ….
Like Bishop Scriven, he will have to become a member of the House of Bishops while he is here, and that will take a vote of a majority of those bishops with jurisdiction. He will subscribe the Oath of Conformity in front of Bishop Lawrence, who will then certify to the PB that the Standing Committee and Convention of DSC have approved his appointment, and she will canvass the other Bishops.
The problem will not be so much with his appointment, as it will be if he ever leaves to go back to the Church of England. Then (if she is still in office) watch the PB insist that he has to renounce his orders as a condition of leaving.
Oh, my. No matter how anybody else might try to speculate on this appointment (and Bp Michael’s acceptance), for the vision articulated this is amazingly right. Would that all diocesan and parochial appointments could and would find such a right person for the job. And on the important matter of global Anglican relationships, may all dioceses do the same (as long as the vision is well in place).
You’re absolutely right, my friend. But I don’t know why you singled me out, as I’m not in SC. But this is an incredible gain for all Anglicans in North America, whether in TEC or in the ACNA.
In saying what I did in my earlier comment (#14), I see I might have been misled by the title of the article, which uses the word “Assisting Bishop”. According to the text, and also another announcement, his actual title is to be “Visiting Bishop.”
An Assistant Bishop is a formal canonical position, with the requirements for appointment as stated above. A “Visiting Bishop”, however, can be any bishop invited in by the diocesan to perform specific functions — and the appointment would [b]not[/b] have to be approved by any other bishops — since he would not have seat or voice in the House of Bishops.
Obviously, Bishop Lawrence and his Chancellor have consulted with Bishop Nazir-Ali, and they have this all worked out. I join all in wishing them well — including a chance to do their good works without interference from 815.
The word assisting has been used quite often in the discussions leading up to this which is why I used it. It is not as you say an assistant and was never intended as such.
It is an unusual formulation which really has no usually available nomenclature to describe it since the role is not part of the normal “structure” these days.
You have been richly blessed in South Carolina: our loss is your gain. Prayers for your convention this weekend Canon Harmon.
Whoa! When he left his see in CofE, it was to work for the persecuted church. Interesting that SC would prove a better home base than Rochester.
I think it is a good fit w/ Bp. Lawrence’s vision of building “global Anglicans.”
All I can say at this time is, “WOW!” And now we know who the persecuted Church is!
Cool, and now I wonder what [the Presiding Bishop] is going to do? (slightly edited).
Setting aside the faithfulness of Bishop Nazir-Ali . . . what an absolutely BRILLIANT move.
This is just . . . I’m speechless with awe.
#4 “I wonder what [the Presiding Bishop] is going to do?”
Cackle horridly and get out her wax dolls?
At the risk of mixed metaphors – when I first learned of this, I happily envisioned Bp. Lawrence as a chess king protected by a castling move, with the internationally respected Bp. Nazir-Ali as the rook (0-0).
But then I reflected on the nature of actions TEC has undertaken so far.
veni jesu
David Handy just got an early Christmas present.
Is he going to come under the Jurisdiction of TEC, or stay affiliated with the C of E?
He’s a talented bishop and leader. And he may teach the diocese something about the rest of the world.
WOW!!!! What a blessing he will be to that diocese and to those of us in general who are remaining in TEC! Absolutely brilliant! 😀
815 is surely already thinking about the language they’ll use on his inhibition papers.
If he remains with the C of E, then that might be considered border crossing….. Which would mean that the Archbishop might have to withdraw his membership and become a Consultant to all his committees ….
Like Bishop Scriven, he will have to become a member of the House of Bishops while he is here, and that will take a vote of a majority of those bishops with jurisdiction. He will subscribe the Oath of Conformity in front of Bishop Lawrence, who will then certify to the PB that the Standing Committee and Convention of DSC have approved his appointment, and she will canvass the other Bishops.
The problem will not be so much with his appointment, as it will be if he ever leaves to go back to the Church of England. Then (if she is still in office) watch the PB insist that he has to renounce his orders as a condition of leaving.
Oh, my. No matter how anybody else might try to speculate on this appointment (and Bp Michael’s acceptance), for the vision articulated this is amazingly right. Would that all diocesan and parochial appointments could and would find such a right person for the job. And on the important matter of global Anglican relationships, may all dioceses do the same (as long as the vision is well in place).
Jeremy (#8),
You’re absolutely right, my friend. But I don’t know why you singled me out, as I’m not in SC. But this is an incredible gain for all Anglicans in North America, whether in TEC or in the ACNA.
Fantastic news!
David Handy+
Any chance he’d be available for DEPO?
In saying what I did in my earlier comment (#14), I see I might have been misled by the title of the article, which uses the word “Assisting Bishop”. According to the text, and also another announcement, his actual title is to be “Visiting Bishop.”
An Assistant Bishop is a formal canonical position, with the requirements for appointment as stated above. A “Visiting Bishop”, however, can be any bishop invited in by the diocesan to perform specific functions — and the appointment would [b]not[/b] have to be approved by any other bishops — since he would not have seat or voice in the House of Bishops.
Obviously, Bishop Lawrence and his Chancellor have consulted with Bishop Nazir-Ali, and they have this all worked out. I join all in wishing them well — including a chance to do their good works without interference from 815.
The word assisting has been used quite often in the discussions leading up to this which is why I used it. It is not as you say an assistant and was never intended as such.
It is an unusual formulation which really has no usually available nomenclature to describe it since the role is not part of the normal “structure” these days.
Since we in Upper S.C. are worlds apart from DSC, will he be open to “relate” with us?
David+ (#16),
You had joined in my lament on an earlier thread about departures of bishops from the bench of the Church of England and mentioned +Michael.
I know you’re in ACNA now but South Carolina isn’t so far away 🙂