One of the First Evenings

This evening Kathy and I attended two events with friends from Alabama. The first was an open house sponsored by Integrity, which is a group who is seeking the full inclusion of all people within the life of the Church. I enjoyed my time there and had good conversation with a number of long-time friends, many of whom I am in agreement with and a number of whom I disagree with their agenda. What I loved about being there, was the people who love the Church and were open and honest about why they believe what they believe. These are people who love the Lord and continue to be a part of the Church that often rejects them. I find at times that I am seeking ways to reconcile my theology (the Church’s Theology) and my desire to keep the Church (the larger church beyond my own congregations, diocese and Episcopal Church) together in conversation, and a way of living beyond our differences and disagreements. I am encouraged that it has been that way since the time of the writing of the Acts of the Apostles.

We drove to St. Michael’s Church and attended two meetings. The first was for the Hispanic/Latino ministries. It was a joyous time and I was able to spend time with the Rector, The Rev. Juan Jimenez. Fr. Juan was the Canon of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas when I was the Dean. What a joy for Kathy and me to see him and the wonderful ministry he is doing in this diocese.

We also saw Sarah Eagleheart from our Diocese, who is now working for the Episcopal Church as the new Program Officer Indigenous and Indian peoples. It is always good to see her and to see the ministry that she is doing. The last time we saw Sarah was in Poarch, Alabama, and she was getting ready to move. She has moved and is doing fine work getting things prepared for the General Convention and our visit. We will see Sarah again and I am pleased that this ministry is bringing joy and focus to the work of our hands on evangelism, to which we are all called.

Tomorrow I have a very long day with a four hour meeting in the morning with Committee #18, Ecumenical and Interreligious work and ministry in the Episcopal Church. May God’s grace always lead us and following, as we move where we are called to go.

Blessings and PAX, Bishop Duncan