Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the video to play on mycomputer here at work. Bishop Guernsey has visited my parish and I’m sure thins interview will be worth listening too. I’ll try it at home. One that that bothers me, however, is the tendancy for some leaders in the reasserter camp to avoid appearing in clericals. I think it is an unfortunate trend that erodes our Anglican identity. Surely, at least when speaking in a public forum representing the church, our clergy should wear the symbols of their calling.
Evan, in this setting, mufti is correct. This interview takes place at a clergy retreat, where clericals probably were not required. Wearing them is an outward witness of one’s vows to serve the Lord in a special capacity, and those attending the retreat do not need to be this kind of a witness to each other. Every one of them is not only a witness as in “eye witness” but they are also witnesses as in the Greek root of the word, which is translated “martyr.” They’ve all left TEC at great cost. Bishop Guernsey probably didn’t know about the interview in advance and graciously agreed to speak. He is a servant, above all else.
Besides, why not be comfortable at this private meeting, without having the scratchy “dog collar” around your neck to distract you? I’ll bet that my own Rector is probably not there in clericals. In three decades, I’ve seen him dressed casually only a handful of times. If he reads this, please know that your parish is praying for you, as you requested.
Sue,
As I said, I couldn’t play the video so was unaware of the venu. If he was unaware that he was going to be interviewed, then, fine and good, mufti it is. Otherwise, I think it important for clergy to wear their clericals as part of their “work clothes” as a part of that witness you spoke of.
And you are quite right about +Guernsey. He is very much a servant and a very pastoral bishop.
Just to set the record straight, this interview was scheduled in advance and Bishop Guernsey asked if he should wear clericals or casual. Since he was at a retreat and in southern California – where flip-flops are considered dress shoes – he was told casual was fine, and so that’s what he wore. But he does have on his Uganda pin!
+Guernsey was interviewed on TV (by David Frost I think) last year – and he was wearing his clericals. I’m virtually certain that he does not have a tendency to avoid appearing “in uniform.”
What really cracks me up about this thread is that during the interview, Bp. Guernsey specifically mentions real-world opportunities he’s had to witness because of his appearing in clerical dress. In context, he talks about how, when people on the street ask about his collar, he gets the chance to explain what it means to be Anglican vs Episcopal. He goes on to say how that window of curiosity can open doors to more fruitful conversation with those who have already made up their minds about TEC clergy.
I met Bp Guernsey in an airport in January, when we were both delayed for many hours. He was in full bishop clericals complete with large pectoral cross. And he was about the most personable, pastoral man I could ever imagine. My teenaged daughter was with me and she, too, gained a whole new perspective on bishops and on the mission of the church.
What a mess: too many denominations! Only Protestants would have all these “groups”.
Also, far too many Bishops! I fear that the splinter groups will be many and Bishops will not step down when their African overseers let them go. They will be Bishops in a Province which did not elect them! How un-Protestant!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the video to play on mycomputer here at work. Bishop Guernsey has visited my parish and I’m sure thins interview will be worth listening too. I’ll try it at home. One that that bothers me, however, is the tendancy for some leaders in the reasserter camp to avoid appearing in clericals. I think it is an unfortunate trend that erodes our Anglican identity. Surely, at least when speaking in a public forum representing the church, our clergy should wear the symbols of their calling.
Apologies for the typos. One of these days I’ll learn to proof my comments.
Evan, in this setting, mufti is correct. This interview takes place at a clergy retreat, where clericals probably were not required. Wearing them is an outward witness of one’s vows to serve the Lord in a special capacity, and those attending the retreat do not need to be this kind of a witness to each other. Every one of them is not only a witness as in “eye witness” but they are also witnesses as in the Greek root of the word, which is translated “martyr.” They’ve all left TEC at great cost. Bishop Guernsey probably didn’t know about the interview in advance and graciously agreed to speak. He is a servant, above all else.
Besides, why not be comfortable at this private meeting, without having the scratchy “dog collar” around your neck to distract you? I’ll bet that my own Rector is probably not there in clericals. In three decades, I’ve seen him dressed casually only a handful of times. If he reads this, please know that your parish is praying for you, as you requested.
Sue,
As I said, I couldn’t play the video so was unaware of the venu. If he was unaware that he was going to be interviewed, then, fine and good, mufti it is. Otherwise, I think it important for clergy to wear their clericals as part of their “work clothes” as a part of that witness you spoke of.
And you are quite right about +Guernsey. He is very much a servant and a very pastoral bishop.
Just to set the record straight, this interview was scheduled in advance and Bishop Guernsey asked if he should wear clericals or casual. Since he was at a retreat and in southern California – where flip-flops are considered dress shoes – he was told casual was fine, and so that’s what he wore. But he does have on his Uganda pin!
I stand corrected by you both.
Well, at our reception post-Easter Vigil the parochial vicar and our transitional deacon both were in cassocks. Kickin’ it old-school.
+Guernsey was interviewed on TV (by David Frost I think) last year – and he was wearing his clericals. I’m virtually certain that he does not have a tendency to avoid appearing “in uniform.”
What really cracks me up about this thread is that during the interview, Bp. Guernsey specifically mentions real-world opportunities he’s had to witness because of his appearing in clerical dress. In context, he talks about how, when people on the street ask about his collar, he gets the chance to explain what it means to be Anglican vs Episcopal. He goes on to say how that window of curiosity can open doors to more fruitful conversation with those who have already made up their minds about TEC clergy.
I met Bp Guernsey in an airport in January, when we were both delayed for many hours. He was in full bishop clericals complete with large pectoral cross. And he was about the most personable, pastoral man I could ever imagine. My teenaged daughter was with me and she, too, gained a whole new perspective on bishops and on the mission of the church.
What a mess: too many denominations! Only Protestants would have all these “groups”.
Also, far too many Bishops! I fear that the splinter groups will be many and Bishops will not step down when their African overseers let them go. They will be Bishops in a Province which did not elect them! How un-Protestant!
Eugene: the place to start with trimming Bishops is ECUSA. Eastern Oregon, Eau Claire, NW Penn., the list goes on and on…..