The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina has been notified a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and a majority of Standing Committees have consented to the election of the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence as the 14th bishop of South Carolina. A consecration is planned for Saturday, January 26th, 2008. The diocese looks forward to a continued vigorous mission under its new bishop.
Update: An ENS article is there.
Good news indeed. Prayers for the Bp. Elect, his family and friends, the Diocese of South Carolina, and all Bishops and Standing Committees of the Episcopal Church who have been guided by the Holy Spirit in this matter.
Peace,
Pray, Brothers and Sisters, that +Mark does not turn into a Company Man.
Charley,
I do not know Fr. Lawrence, but from all I’ve read, it is highly doubtful. Nevertheless, I’m sure he would welcome prayers that his ministry would always remain faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God! Can’t wait for the Lawrences to get to SC.
My particular thanks to the parish of Saint Paul’s Bakersfield who have been great throughout this whole challenging process.
Exactly, William. Mark IS a Company Man – the J.C. Company.
Congratulations to TECusa for getting it right; to Mark and his family; and as Kendall noted to St. Paul’s, for their patience, endurance and grace.
RGEaton
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!
Brian from T19’s prediction was correct the second time around.
; > )
Many Years!
As +Mark wrote last year when the consent process failed:
“…All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”
Brian from T19’s prediction was correct the second time around.
; > )
Ha! You think you can bait me with such a simple trick! Well, you’re right!
I was right the first and second time!
I’m always willing to be wrong when it means good things happening.
I don’t mind Bishop-elect Lawrence being a “company man” as long as it is “The Blessed Company of all Faithful People.”
May God bless His new Bishop and may Bishop (elect) Lawrence guide the Diocese of South Carolina and the entire ECUSA into continuing in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship.
YBIC,
Phil Snyder
YBIC,
Phil Snyder
And isn’t it marvelous that Bishop Lawrence did not have to do what Brian from T19 stated he thought Bishop Lawrence might have to do in order to receive consents the second time around, ie: “However, you may be correct that a pledge of total fealty to TEC may be needed for (+)Lawrence to be confirmed. But that is the fault of bishops like +Iker and +Duncan, not of other faithful bishops.”
I know that Brian is as thrilled as I am today!!!
#13. Sarah, you state a quote:
“However, you may be correct that a pledge of total fealty to TEC may be needed for (+)Lawrence to be confirmed. But that is the fault of bishops like +Iker and +Duncan, not of other faithful bishops.â€
I am new to this quote; what do you or the author mean exactly by “But that is the fault of bishops like +Iker and +Duncan, not of other faithful bishopsâ€?
Jafer
Jafer, I think that is Brian’s quote that Sarah is using. You need to ask Brian what he meant by it.
Congratulations to Mark+ and the good people of South Carolina!
May the Lord grant continued support and guidance to the people of St. Paul’s Bakersfield. May the Lord send wise and faithful Bishops to do His work of consecration through the power of His Holy Ghost! May the Lord guide and protect Mark+, his wife and his whole family!
Hey. Even if he had to pledge total fealty to TEC, he was just the messager and signed off only to show solidality and inclusiveness.
I am glad to learn that despite the balderdash resolutions of Executive Council the majority of the bishops and Standing Committees are not willing to throw the conservatives under the bus.
I’m glad to hear this. I’ve said all along that he should have gotten his consents the first time around.
I think that both (soon-to-be)+Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina showed remarkable restraint and patience above-and-beyond the call of duty in being willing to go thorugh the process a second time. In reversed circumstances, I’m not at all certain that I would have been able to be a voice counseling similar patience; so I commend the Diocese and their bishop-elect for it.
I have it from a member of our standing committee here in Northern California that we changed our vote to yes this time around. I’m told Bishop Beisner actively lobbied for consent (this in spite of Lawrence’s opposition to Beisner’s election at GC).
The general sentiment was that oppositon to Lawrence would only be counterproductive. Those concerned that he would lead SC out of TEC realized that to withhold consent would only alienate SC further and push them out anyway. There was also a general feeling that we should respect their decision (even if folks like Lawrence didn’t quite accept ours).
I for one am relieved, and pray blessings for Lawrence and SC.
Thanks to Alta Californian for the post and the prayer. That Bp Beisner lobbied for Lawrence seems to me a reminder that the Spirit can assist us in unexpected ways, when we speak the truth in love.