Commentary by Kirk Petersen January 6 will live forever in history as a red-letter day. It is, of course, the day on which we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany -- the visit of the three Magi to the Christ child. The beginning of the introduction of Jesus to the corners of the world. Secular forces have a way of overwhelming religious observances. For most people, … [Read more...] about PB Attempts to Reclaim January 6 for Epiphany
Diocese of Washington
St. John the Lego Episcopal Church
By David Paulsen Episcopal News Service In Matthew Taylor’s imagination, the historic church in Washington, D.C., that sits across Lafayette Square from the White House is 144 “studs” long (about 45 inches). It is 15 inches wide, rises about 2 feet from its base and is made from as many as 5,000 bricks, many of them purchased online from after-market sellers around the country … [Read more...] about St. John the Lego Episcopal Church
Assessing and Improving the Viability of Churches
By Kirk Petersen It's a story that has played out many times. A church's membership dwindles over the years -- perhaps the ethnic group the church was built around has mostly moved out of the neighborhood. The last few elderly parishioners -- including some who were married in that building half a century ago -- scrape together the money for a supply priest every Sunday, … [Read more...] about Assessing and Improving the Viability of Churches
A Different Model for Churches Changing Hands
By Kirk Petersen In an era of bruising litigation over ownership of church properties, a prominent diocese and a church founded in 1698 are showing that amicable solutions are possible. On April 29, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde announced that the Diocese of Washington has sold Christ Church in Accokeek, Maryland, to the congregation that worships there -- which has left the … [Read more...] about A Different Model for Churches Changing Hands
Noose Found Hanging in DC Church Courtyard
[Episcopal News Service]On the morning of March 26 a noose was found hanging from a branch of the largest tree in the courtyard of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., according to local news reports. The rope fashioned as a symbol of racial hatred comes after two Black Lives Matter signs have been stolen from the church over the last few months, … [Read more...] about Noose Found Hanging in DC Church Courtyard
Episcopal Organizations Get $4 Million in Lilly Grants
By Kirk Petersen Four dioceses and an Episcopal seminary will receive a total of $4 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment, as part of Lilly's $93 million Thriving Congregations Initiative. Judith Cebula, Lilly's communications director, told TLC the four grants of $1 million each are structured as follows: Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis: In collaboration with … [Read more...] about Episcopal Organizations Get $4 Million in Lilly Grants
Bp. Budde: ‘Too Dangerous for Anything but Truth’
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde came to the attention of the Joe Biden presidential campaign when she rebuked President Donald Trump for using tear gas to stage a photo op at a church. She was invited to give the benediction for the second night of the Democratic National Convention, and appropriately took a nonpartisan approach. She began her 1:03-minute prayer by quoting … [Read more...] about Bp. Budde: ‘Too Dangerous for Anything but Truth’
Bishop Budde to Give Benediction at DNC Tuesday
By Kirk Petersen The bishop who expressed outrage when President Donald Trump staged a controversial photo op on June 1 will have a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention. But don't expect a partisan message. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, is one of a number of faith leaders who will take part in the convention. She will give the … [Read more...] about Bishop Budde to Give Benediction at DNC Tuesday