By Retta Blaney Members of New York theater company Blessed Unrest were meeting in 2015 with their partners in the Kosovo theater group Teatri ODA, searching for a third original play. They had no way of knowing that their choice — a story of Albanians’ life-saving hospitality during World War II — would be so timely when it opened Off-Broadway in the spring of 2019. “It’s … [Read more...] about Hospitality and Mercy Are Timeless
Archives for May 2019
Arizona Appoints Canon to the Ordinary
The Rev. Anita Braden will join the Diocese of Arizona staff as canon to the ordinary on June 17. Braden is currently the chaplain of St. Margaret’s, an all-girls Episcopal boarding school located in Tappahannock, Va. She is in the final stages of obtaining her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. Braden brings to her new position experiences with large and … [Read more...] about Arizona Appoints Canon to the Ordinary
A Christian Response to Catfishing
Gary Allman of the Diocese of West Missouri writes: Without realizing it I’ve innocently become embroiled in organized crime. There, I’ve said it. It sounds sort of exciting as we are tempted to think of the scenarios that play out in the movies. At the same time, when put like that, it also sounds rather mundane. There is no scurrilous money laundering, even though I live … [Read more...] about A Christian Response to Catfishing
Due Honor for John Jewel
Defending the Faith John Jewel and the Elizabethan Church Edited by Angela Ranson, André A. Gazal, and Sarah Bastow Pennsylvania State University Press. Pp. 342. $129.95 Review by Richard J. Mammana John Jewel (1522-71) was just 37 when he became Bishop of Salisbury. A colleague of Cranmer and Ridley, Jewel traveled widely in conversation with Reformation leaders … [Read more...] about Due Honor for John Jewel
‘Do You Love Me? Feed My Lambs’
By Zachary Guiliano The Anglican Consultative Council concluded on May 5 with its customary resolutions, but a series of announcements and late developments hinted at future conflicts to come, as well as reconciliation among some parties. “Let us be honest with one another,” said Abp. Paul Kwong of Hong Kong in his sermon at the closing Eucharist. “We have had our arguments, … [Read more...] about ‘Do You Love Me? Feed My Lambs’
Will Sex Affect Episcopal-Methodist Communion?
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Nearly a century of ecumenical dialogue between Episcopalians and Methodists is approaching a crossroad. In May, United Methodist bishops cleared the way for a 2020 General Conference vote on a full communion agreement that would allow the two churches to share clergy. If the Methodists approve the proposal, the Episcopal Church could take it up at … [Read more...] about Will Sex Affect Episcopal-Methodist Communion?
‘Alexa, Ask the Church of England’
Embrace of social media by the Church of England continues apace, with its Alexa Skill project fielding 75,000 questions in its first year of operation. Skills are Amazon's name for voice-activated service. The C of E skill can help people with prayers, and provide answers to questions about the Christian faith and local church events and services. Data shows that peak use of … [Read more...] about ‘Alexa, Ask the Church of England’
New Archbishop of West Indies
Anglican Communion News Service reports that the Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands has been elected Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of the West Indies. Archbishop-elect Howard Gregory told reporters the province needs to address a number of social issues, including abortion, marijuana, and human trafficking. Read on. … [Read more...] about New Archbishop of West Indies