On Saturday, delegates at both conventions noticed old friends were missing — and they felt the loss.
“Certainly, when a loved one dies, you want to move on. Yet it’s hard to transition from a deep relationship when they aren’t there,” said the Rev. Bill Gandenberger, assistant to Bishop John-David Schofield, leader of the breakaway diocese that held its convention in Fresno.
“It takes time. You can’t shake someone out of grief,” Gandenberger said.
Bishop Jerry Lamb, leader of the Episcopal diocese that held its convention in Hanford, said he also felt sorrow. Last week, Lamb began the process to suspend 36 priests and 16 deacons over charges they abandoned the Episcopal Church by taking part in removing the diocese from the Episcopal Church and repudiating the authority of the church.
“There’s a lot of personal sadness and sorrow seeing relationships end,” Lamb said.
I don’t claim to speak for anyone else, but I felt a distinct sense of relief and renewal; relief that we are at last free from the clutches of a Church which has lost its way and which has come under the influence of forces alien to the Gospel of Our Lord, and renewal which is even now enabling us to proceed forward in proclaiming and spreading His Gospel.
Yep Cennydd! I felt it too! I have no idea what Fr. Bill is talking about save the fact that there are some clergy that were not there and were missed and some laity as well from other churches that chose to stay with TEc. But the mood was lighter and more free as well as happy! No one felt the need to walk on egg shells around anyone being more careful not to speak for fear that you may hurt someone feelings. That is not a good way to live with each other. I kept hearing people say it was more light and free feeling than we have experienced in many years. So maybe Fr. Bill’s comment above has been taken out of context as is often the case when journalist report on something that is controversial!
As for +Lamb…. Since he has never worked with any of us here in San Joaquin closely save the Remain Episcopalian’s in these past months I have no idea what he means by “sadness and sorrow of relationships ending”! What relationships with any of us has he had? Save to inhibit our clergy of which they are all to happy to have their letters of inhibition! I truly question +Lamb’s sadness though. That’s like an oxymoron statement to me!
“There’s a lot of personal sadness and sorrow seeing relationships end” —Bp. Lamb
Crocodile tears, disingenuously phrased—as though Lamb’s own divisive role were mere coincidence.
Better to say, “I feel sad when I inhibit you and depose you. I feel sad when I treat you more severely than ECUSA treats the most arrant heretics.”
These are the tears of a willing executioner. These are the tears of a Lamb with fangs and claws.
Did anyone hear David Roseberry+? I think the diocese chose well to have him as a speaker.
I heard him preach at Mass in the cathedral, and what a tremendous preacher this faithful man of God is! And, oh, that service was something to behold! The Faith was clearly palpable!
“There’s a lot of personal sadness and sorrow seeing relationships end,” Jerry Lamb said. Funny… he was always very open with expressing his public antipathy toward Jon-David Schofield for the past decade, at least. Who is he talking about? Did he have any friends among the orthodox in San Joaquin, ever? Perhaps he’s talking about somebody else’s experience then, and is relaying what he heard from someone else. That would be the charitable explanation.
Many of us attended this convention not as delegates, but as members of the new (and improved) diocese, eager to hear Fr. Roseberry’s uplifting messages and to take part in his bible study. It was a most encouraging two days filled with enthusiasm and hope for the future, and a wonderful celebration with our bishop of his 20 years as our bishop, as well as his 70th birthday. The cathedral was filled to overflowing. Parish banners were brought in in the colorful procession and adorned the walls of the cathedral. Two new missions were admitted (with the promise that an additional two or three will be added next year). The music was uplifting as we praised God for his faithfulness, the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable, and we left convinced that we are on the right path, the one chosen for us by our dear Lord.
I was a delegate at our previous two conventions, and each time we left with heavy hearts reflecting the serious nature of the work we had been called to do. But we left that sombre mood behind us. This convention was different, filled with joy and promise, and we feel ready to do God’s bidding as we look ahead to a bright future. Thanks be to God!
I heard him, listened intently, digested every word and then thanked him immensely for his sermon, study and teh blessed gift of his presence with us ! Now that’s a priest! 🙂
Oops! I forgot to say that I was replying to robroy’s question! Just got home from Yosemite celebrating and anniversary!