I am pleased to announce that the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, has accepted my invitation to be our guest and speaker January 16-20, 2008. I am especially grateful to Assistant Rector Wes Wasdyke for helping invite Bishop Robinson. Wes is canonically resident in the Dioces eof New Hampshire where he served the church and medical communities for many years.
Bishop Robinson is an astute speaker and spiritual leader with a passion for shared ministry and well known for his pastoral support of clergy and congregations in New Hampshire. While he is the focus of much attention in the Anglican Communion, his visit to us is a personal one where he will be able to share his own journey of faith and encourage each of us in ours.
As is always the case in the visit of a bishop from another jurisdiction, Bishop Smith was consulted, and has given permission for Bishop Robinson to be our speaker in residence. Bishop Smith has encouraged us by describing this visit as an important part of the listening process which is key to the Windsor and Lambeth recommendations for the Anglican Communion.
The Boniface Speaker series was created to bring the brightest and best in religion to this parish and community. Among our other speakers in recent years we have welcomed The Rev. Frank Wade, Chancellor David Booth Beers, Professor Kathy Grieb, Bishop Johannes Seoka, and Brother Robert Hugh. The speaker in residence program includes times to preach and teach both parishioners and diocesan clergy, to speak to the public, and to enjoy some sabbath time in our beautiful area.