Part one is here and part two is there. You are encouraged to take the time to listen to (suffer through?) it all.
Please note–these are both audio files. The time begins with a short Q and A to introduce me to those present before the questions shift to the subject at hand. Note, too that Bishop Kee Sloan of Alabama was invited by the Dean, Frank Limehouse, to come, which he (graciously) chose to do. During the time, Dean Limehouse invited Bishop Sloan to speak, and he chose to do so. This covers a wide range of recent events/developments and will be of broad interest to many blog readers–KSH.
Kendall,
Nicely done – clear irenic and bold all at the same time. The most important parts, I think, are your discussion of exile – your reference to Daniel, Ezekiel and Jeremiah, especially Jer 29 and your encouragement to be faithful in small things is spot on. The second important note in this talk is the need for self-criticism and the sad inability of both the Episcopal Church and those who have left to be just that.
Thanks
Thanks – this is encouraging and refreshing. Strange book though it is, Ezekiel’s been one of my favorites for a long time – you help me see God’s grace in making that connection.
Kendall+, WOW! What can I say? Your summary of what has happened ,is happening, and may happen in the Episcopal Church (and at GC 2012) is as good a summary as I have heard anywhere. I have to admit that to hear these questions and your answers while I am studying the book of Daniel is a real eye opener. Perhaps the Episcopal Church (and those who have left) can not be self critical because they have deluded themselves to such an extent that they no longer see the drift in their heart towards heresy. Those who left will head down that same road and not even realize it until it is too late ( think AMiA and +Chuck Murphy). My mom always said incrementalism will win the day and so far that has been true. One small change leads to another……. etc.
We all have to be aware that it takes awareness and faithfulness in small things to have the courage to stand up for the big things.
That’s quite a skillset the bishop has for handling such issues.
Many wonderful lines in this presentation. One powerful image delivered: The Episcopal Church is on a trajectory not to disappear but they are “becoming a Unitarian Universalist sect with a veneer of liturgical covering†(At about the 12:20 mark of Part 2 of 2).
Kendall provides helpful admonition for us reasserters to live into the wilderness time of judgment through prayer and meditation on the books of Jeremiah, Ezekial and Daniel.
Kendall offers sensitive caution to reasserters against self rightousness. He commends us to be self critical – to realize that all (not just our opponents) are under judgment.
There are very, very helpful suggestions of practical actions for those standing up for the true Gospel – the small acts of faithfully living out our call – “be faithful to Christ in my own life and grow in Christ myself†(somewhere near 40:00 of part 1 of 2)
It’s always interesting to hear Kendall’s speculation (with the warning that he offers of “very tentative†thoughts) on the upcoming 2012 General Convention.
Finally this is worth a listen (even though parts of the audio are difficult to hear) because it gives an example of a pastor/teacher strengthening one of the small platoons holding a bridgehead in the battle sweeping TEC.