First Day at the House of Bishops, September 15, 2011

Bishop Harrison and I reviewed the fire situation in the Diocese of Texas and decided that she would stay and go and be with Calvary, Bastrop this coming Sunday.  I left on Wednesday and flew to Quito, Ecuador for the Fall House of Bishop's Meeting.  (We are meeting in Ecuador because it is an inexpensive place to hold the meeting. Our Church and our Diocesan out of pocket will actually be less than the meeting we had last fall in Arizona.) 

I arrived in my room around 1:00 a.m., woke up early and headed to the gym, having breakfast with bishop friends and connecting on topics such as technology/communication, mission, and community.

Spouses and Bishops gathered as the meeting was opened with a Eucharist.   Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori presided and preached.  She tied the life of James Chisholm, priest in tidewater Virginia during a yellow fever epidemic in the 1800s, with the HOB meeting theme of liberation theology with incarnational ministry.  It was a very good sermon and one of the best lines was that "the least unlikely person can be an instrument of God's healing love when presented with challenges that call forth a sacrificial offering of self."  

I reflected on the ordinary people I have visited with who are our particular heroes during the fires that have blazed across the diocese.  Men and women offering everything they have, sacrificially, for the other.  This is obvious in our civil servants who have done so much for our people; including John Alexander (Bishop Neil Alexander, Atlanta) of the Austin Fire Department.  This is less obvious to the casual observer but clear to your bishops that the great human outpouring of care throughout the diocese for those in need because of the fire disaster is not unlike Chisholm's incarnational ministry in the midst of great tragedy. 

Every day at the HOB we have an Emcee and today it is Bishop Nedi Rivera of Eastern Oregon. 

The Episcopal News Service offered this description of our time together: Bishop Stacy Sauls, chief operating officer for the Episcopal Church, greeted the bishops and talked about the Everyone Everywhere 2011 conference, a conference on domestic and global mission, will be held in October.

Bishop Scott Hayashi of Utah introduced the discussion on the Denominational Health Plan and the Lay Pension.  Details were presented by representatives of Church Pension Group: Frank Armstrong, chief actuary and senior vice president; Laurie Kazilionis, vice president; Michael McDonald, vice president.
 
The afternoon was dedicated to a presentation and discussion on the "Spiritual Foundation for Prophetic Proclamation to the Least," presented by Don Compier, professor at St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri, and in Spanish by the Rt. Rev. Naudal Gomes, bishop of Curitiba in Brazil.  They impressed upon us the seeds of liberation theology present in our own Anglican history.  They also made connections with our Eucharistic liturgy, Incarnation, and God's preferential option for the poor. 

In my own reflection of the day's talks I found this last presentation for the day was excellent. Bishop Gomes gave a great and stirring talk about ministry on the ground, with the people, a mission and ministry that is incarnational and tangible.  He offered illustrations about how the poor and homeless had given to him visions of God in ways he had not known before.  He talked about the inter-mingling of scripture's Gospel of Grace and life lived with those with whom Jesus had a special relationship.

He talked about the church's work of knowing and announcing God's presence in the midst of people and communities.  The work of the church to be open to how the poor can teach us about grace and to listen attentively within the context of our mission for God's words.  And, he talked to us about the importance of engaging power to raise up the very best in our civil societies but how we also must be willing to speak out on Gospel imperatives.  He got a very challenging question about how difficult it is to be close to power but not corrupted by it.  He said that such work between the margins is the work of the Gospel.  He ended by encouraging us forward through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was an excellent talk!

Then before breaking for evening prayer and dinner I along with two others were invited to address the House on the disasters in our diocese.  This was one of the reasons why Bishop Harrison and I felt I should be here...to tell our story.

 
We heard first from Bishop Tom Ely of Vermont.  He shared with HOB the devastation in the state as a result of the floods and the needs of the people.  Their communities are suffering as many roads and bridges are gone. They have a shuttle system which gets food and supplies throughout the area of devastation.  Two congregations suffered damage; many of the poor are suffering a great deal.  

Bishop William Love of Albany spoke about the widespread impact of the flooding from Hurricane Irene. He shared with us his on the ground visits with people and congregations.  He reflected with the group that (like our experience and Tom's that Episcopal Relief and Development has been very responsive).  I also thought that I remember our same thoughts and needs post hurricanes that dealt heavy blows across the gulf coast.  Both these diocese and many other smaller areas throughout the northeast will require years of recovery.
 
I then was able to provide a vision of our experience in the Diocese of Texas.  If you are interested in the latest news, the short film, and how you can help today to meet the needs of the wildfire victims follow this link:  http://www.epicenter.org/texas-wildfires

I am glad I came to be with the house.  Not only to participate in prayer and to share our story from Texas but because by doing so a number of Bishops have promised funds; some in addition to funds already sent.  Let me also say that many bishops have come to me personally and asked that I share their love and prayers for the people of Texas as we go through this trial.  It was a humbling experience, a grace-filled experience, this morning to hear during our service of morning prayer bishops pray out loud for Bishop Harrison, myself, Lisa Hines, and all our people. 

We concluded the daylong session with Evening Prayer, led by Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina.

It has been a special pleasure to sit and be with our visitors from around the Anglican communion.  These are:

• The Rt. Rev. Naudal Gomes, bishop of Curitiba, Brazil;
• The Rt. Rev. Peter Price, bishop of Bath and Wells, Church of England;
• Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu, primate of Nippon Sei Ko Kai (the Episcopal/Anglican church of Japan); 
• Archbishop Albert Chama, primate of Central Africa will arrive later in the meeting.

I will add a special note that Bishop Nathaniel's son was born in Austin and that he is a graduate for our Seminary of the Southwest. He is a wonderful man and we sat at Eucharist together yesterday.  I am hopeful that he might join us in Texas for a visit.  He has shared with us some of his experience post earthquake and the work that is underway there through his congregations and their mission.

Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, D.D.

IX Bishop of Texas

Sent from portable while out of office.

Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

Sermon Preached at St. John the Divine, Houston

Philippe came to see Guy Tozzoli, President of the of the World Trade Center Association, day after day. He said he wanted to do a story about the World Trade Center as a French Journalist.

Yet, Philippe kept asking Guy how the buildings move in the wind. Guy told him the buildings oscillate like snakes. Philippe also wanted to know how far apart are the buildings were.

The reason for this was that Philippe Petit is French but he is a performance artist and his goal on August 7, 1974 was to walk a tight rope between the two twin towers of the World Trade Center.

Step by step he would make his way to the other side. He traveled the 1,350 feet six or eight times.

When asked what it was like to walk across, he said he could hear the sounds of the city floating upwards. He could hear people, cars, boats and police. He could feel the wind, and the buildings move. But he remembers that first step.

He says, “I had to make a decision from one foot anchored on the building to one foot anchored on the wire.” He remembers thinking, “This is the end of my life.” Then he was resolved and with clarity he took his first steps. He knew he must go. He says, “I was pulled forward … and death is very close.” [read all]

Remembering 9/11

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was nearby leading a conference as the first plane hit the tower. He remembers saying to himself as the second plane hit and the lights went out, “Let us not be afraid to tell God how afraid we are.” He then joined a few others to guide children (ages 4 and under) in a nursery school out of the buildings and to safety.

After the towers fell, a tiny 18th-century Episcopal church became a relief center where clergy counseled, cooks dished out meals, and medical workers treated stiff muscles and burned feet. More than 5,000 people used their special gifts to transform St. Paul’s into a place of rest and refuge. Musicians, clergy, podiatrists, lawyers, soccer moms, and folks from all walks of life poured coffee, swept floors, took out the trash, and served more than half a million meals.

In the days leading up to the tenth anniversary we have heard and commemorated what our lives were like on that day and what it has been like to live life post-9/11. The theme is clear—while humanity can do horrible things we are also capable of selfless giving, deep compassion for our neighbor, love and care for those who mourn, and the ability to give mercy to all those in need.

This truth is clear in the stories we tell on this tenth anniversary. We are proud too that the Episcopal Church sent people to the 9/11 site to care and offer a vision of God's hand working in the world. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said recently, "People of faith gave sacrificially in the immediate aftermath of the plane crashes. St. Paul's Chapel opened its doors to the emergency responders, and volunteers appeared with food and socks, massaging hands and praying hearts. Volunteers continued to staff the chapel for months afterward, and prayers were offered as human remains were sought and retrieved in the ruins of the towers."

C. S. Lewis wrote, "When pain is to be born, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all."

Episcopalians will join the American people this weekend in remembering. But we do this so that the epitaph we write in the ashes of 9/11 is one of hope, kindness, and humility.

We are transformed by the events of ten years ago. But it is our hope that through our transformation we may more widely engage our communities in the work of reconciliation wherein we find a common ground to change the world itself. Where together we may beat our swords into plowshares our spears into fishing hooks. (Isaiah 2.4) This anniversary is a special opportunity in our history where embracing our neighbors and loving them as ourselves can open new doors to understanding, fellowship, cooperation, and peacemaking. We tell and retell our 9/11 story so that we remember. We remember so we can be transformed. We do this in the name of Jesus Christ who came and offered the ultimate sacrifice so that we might be brothers and sisters, friends, and neighbors.

Prayer for our Country

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Some Events in the Diocese of Texas

In the Diocese of Texas we will remember the events and the people who cared. St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston will hold a "Service of Prayer and Remembrance" at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11. St. Andrew's Church in Pearland plans to honor and bless first responders in remembrance of all those who lost their lives and their bereaved families.

In Austin, St. David's Episcopal Church has invited the entire community to join them for an "Evensong for Peace" at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11. The service of prayer and remembrance will include prayers "and deeply moving choral and organ anthems—all of which speak to the community's deepest desires for peace and reconciliation among all peoples," according to a diocesan news article.

"It is our desire to call our community together to remember our losses and the individual and corporate pain of the events of Sept. 11, 2001," said the Rev. David Boyd, rector of St. David's. "As people of faith, we seek to hold up hope and pray for peace among all people."

The Diocese of Texas has partnered with Compassionate Houston on a "Compassionate Weekend of Service." Organizations throughout Greater Houston will be hosting activities with a compassionate focus.

Sounds of Worship: Recordings of Hymn Singing at All Saints Church in Southern Malawi

Click on the title or below and go to my podcast site to hear sounds of Africa.

http://adoyle.libsyn.com/webpage

My last full day in Southern Malawi

On my last full day in Malawi I went out with the Diocesan Secretary, Godfrey, to a youth conference that was being held at Trinity Anglican School which is outside Blantyre by about 30 minutes.

Trinity Anglican School is a relatively new school. It was purchased from a school that went out of business. They are remodeling the buildings. Creating a computer lab, library with books in it, meeting space, a school store, and dorms. The dormitories are important because many of the children travel for a long distance to attend school. Being able to stay at the school insures they will attend regularly. Therefore, the school has both boarders and day students from the surrounding villages.

Being able to attend the event and see Trinity school had a multiplicity of purposes. It gave me time with the youth but it also allowed me as a member of the Compass Rose Society (the Anglican and global missionary society. You can read more about the society and how to become a member here: http://www.compassrosesociety.org) to see how some of our monies are being used. The school is a beneficiary of a mission trip taken by board members some years ago. The Compass Rose has helped to supply the school and get it off to a good start. Also, I was able to bring with me financial support for the diocese from the Society which underwrites participating in the youth event itself. It ensures that orphans, and the poor can attend with no worries.

They do four to six of these youth conferences a year. 100 to 150 students attend. They are there for several days. The conferences are held around the diocese. The conferences bring together youth leaders from the different parishes and different churches across the diocese. It reminds me of how we used to do EYC Council in the Diocese of Texas where we gathered representatives from the different parishes and convocations.

I was invited to celebrate and preach. Then after a tour of the school I was invited to tea with the youth and to receive a number of presentations. They read poems, sang songs, and performed a skit. The latter shows that universally youth skits are silly and hilarious. We had quite the group of performers!

Afterwards there were several more formal presentations from the youth leadership and coordinators. These included insight into the work of the conference. The youth have set as their goals to improve the communities of their churches and Malawi through the work and ministry of:

Literacy
HIV/AIDS and STD education
Family planning
And job training

They also are very clear about the importance of prayer and reading the scripture.

This work is done as a cooperative project between the youth of the diocese (which make up 60% of the Diocese of Southern Malawi church attendance), the diocesan staff, and the minister of youth from the Malawian government.

I have been struck on my trip to Africa by the notion that the growth in numbers of Christians has to do with the combined evangelical proclamation of the Gospel AND the fact that each of these churches see clearly a role for social interaction and the need to be part of the solution to their culture's needs. It is truly a Gospel that is proclaimed in Word and Action.

I officially opened the conference. I then invited the youth to be in conversation with me about their life and ministry.

I was surprised and delighted when the session turned out to be something akin to what we call in the states "preacher on a hot seat." The youth asked me: Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved him? Why if Paul says we can't see the kingdom of heaven do we even bother praying? Is it possible for God to heal you from HIV/AIDS as some of the pentecostal preachers claim? What is our youth ministry like in Texas? Do the youth of the U.S. believe in God? And, the last question was a liturgical one. The young lady asked why we had done something different during our Eucharist celebration when she understood it was doctrine. This also reveals that most in the U.S. or in Malawi many people think their liturgical customs are the full expression of Anglican liturgy. I wish that people throughout the communion would have the privilege and honor as some do to experience the length and breadth of our worship as Anglicans!

In the afternoon I rested a bit and got a latte! Quite the treat. Then I packed and worked on sorting out pictures and got ready for the evening.

I attended a wonderful event at St. Paul's Cathedral in downtown Blantyre. Where leaders of the diocese gathered to celebrate with me my visit. We had a wonderful traditional meal. Chambo (fish) is a local delicacy and one of my new favorites.

After dinner I was introduced to the leadership which I had not yet met. Then Bishop James gave the history of the Diocese of Texas with Malawi. In the 1970s the Diocese of Texas began a partnership relationship with the diocese here which was at that time encompassed the whole of the country of Malawi. During those early years the Diocese of Texas grew the partnership with a group called "The Friends of Malawi." This group included a number of strong diocesan leaders, Bishop Suffragan Roger Cilley and then Bishop Suffragan Bill Sterling. During those early years before the division the Diocese of Texas funded a small clinic which we supported into a hospital which is called St. Luke's and is even today serving in the Diocese of Upper Shire, north of where I am visiting. Also, Bishop Cilley came to Malawi in 1982 (we think) to open the new Diocesan Center which continues to serve the Diocese of Lake Milawi in Lilongwe. The Diocese of Texas has served to help support each new diocese as it was forming and getting on its feet. Today we are continuing a 40 year tradition as we support the diocese of Southern Malawi in its early stages of building a strong foundation for mission and ministry.

It has been a great trip. I have made many new friends. I have also deepened the friendships of those whom I met on their visit to the U.S. We are hoping that Bishop James will be with us for clergy conference this year and he will be bringing with him his minister of health - Geoffrey.

I now that as we are faithful to our global communion partnership both our diocese will be strengthened.

As we were waiting to go out last night we watched a show on the science of what makes people happy. The scientist talked about jobs, money, relationships and all the many things that seem to be the bedrock of what makes people happy. In the end of the program he said there is one common denominator to all of these things and that is "relationship experiences." I can say after a week of visitations throughout the diocese of Southern Malawi that I have had a rich experience of love and hospitality and I am very happy!

Blessings to all of you have been reading along. I look forward to sharing my slides and the information I have gathered here with the different groups supporting the Malawi mission. I am of course eager to be home with my family (both JoAnne and the kids and the Diocese of Texas). And, I am looking forward to picking up my schedule of visitations.

You can see the last pictures uploaded in my photo journal here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ajsdoyle/AfricaTripToSouthernMalawi