Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Get out your thank you notes, kids!


The headline reads:
Bishop who leads Pensacola area Episcopal diocese will bless gay unions


Here's the link to the story in the Pensacola paper:
Although the spiritual leader of Pensacola-area Episcopal churches is conflicted, he has decided to authorize blessing same-sex unions. The Rt. Rev. Philip M. Duncan II, bishop of the 63-congregation Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, stated in a letter to his flock of about 19,000 people: “I will consider each request for blessing individually, and I shall permit it where it has pastoral warrant.”

Duncan’s statement followed a decision by bishops at the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis this month to approve rites for gay and lesbian relationships.
Yep. This is Big News. And Bishop Duncan is going to hear about it. And if we're as well brought up as our mothers would like us to be, we're going to make sure he hears from US in thanksgiving for his work and witness on behalf of the Gospel. Here's the note I just sent:
Dear Bishop Duncan,
Just a quick note to add my voice to those applauding your leadership in opening the way for the blessing of same-sex relationships in your diocese. I know all too well that what is routine in Pasadena is revolutionary in Pensacola and I know I speak for countless Episcopalians across the country who see in your actions the “light at the end of the tunnel” in the inclusion wars. As we move forward together into God’s future, may we truly be the church where “all means all” as we proclaim the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to absolutely everybody. Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and your work and witness in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

Blessings, (The Reverend) Susan Russell
All Saints Church
132 North Euclid Avenue
Pasadena CA 91101
Please do consider going and doing likewise. You can email Bishop Duncan here. Seriously. Go do it now. Your mother will be so proud!

7 comments:

JimB said...

Done. He deserves thanks indeed.

FWIW
jimB

Catherine said...

Message of thanks sent to Bishop Duncan from moi.

Christian Paolino said...

Bishop Duncan:

I just wanted to take a second to say "thank you" for your measured but realistic response to the church's decision to authorize a provisional rite for same-sex blessings. I know that you were not thrilled with the development, but I appreciate your willingness to allow the congregations in your diocese to consider such blessings if they feel called to do so.

It is our hope that same-sex couples will, by their example, help you and other leaders who wrestle with these issues find peace with the direction the church has taken. We ask those who seek these blessings are prepared to embrace the same responsibilities and ideals that the church holds out for all couples.


--
Christian Paolino
Diocesan Organizer (Newark)
Integrity USA
|([+])| BELIEVE OUT LOUD!

Troglodyte said...

Done!

Troglodyte said...

Done!
I'm proud of him for doing the right thing for people while covering his tail for the "old folks".

JCF said...

Yup, me too. :-)

IT said...

Done. I told him what it meant to us to have our civil marriage blessed in church. (See more ruminations o this at Friends of Jake today).