The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana gathered for their annual convention last weekend. I have attached Bishop Jenkins’ sermon which speaks candidly about the identity crisis of many in New Orleans since the storm. And, the renewed mission that has come out of tragedy.
One of the sections that stood out to me was Bishop Jenkins’ explanation as to why he is committed to staying in the Episcopal Church:
I call upon you and this Diocese to display toughness (not meanness, insensitivity or stubbornness) and a persistence that speaks of our true nature as partakers of the divine nature. I am weary of the tactic of who is the most injured. It reminds me of a game show my mother used to watch on our black and white television set. It was called “Queen for a Day.” Whoever told the most heart-wrenching story won a wringer washing machine. Do you remember it? I would love to have the applause-o-meter (I remember watching that meter ascend and descend as the studio audience applauded the saddest sob story) that determined the winner! What is the place of emotional sensitivity in our discernment of God’s will? A Thomist will note that the heart, as the seat of emotion, is not to be trusted. A Jesuit would counsel that private perception needs be tested in community. Even we test an individual’s perception of vocation in the local and diocesan community.
(Via The Bishop’s Blog)
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