Bishop Hollerith on the outcome of the Anglican Primates' meeting

As you may already know, the Anglican Primates, meeting in Canterbury, England, voted to suspend The Episcopal Church from decision-making and interfaith bodies of the Anglican Communion for three years. The suspension is a direct response to The Episcopal Church's decision at General Convention last year to authorize marriage of same-sex couples.

My initial reaction to the agreement was one of surprise, followed by disappointment. I'm particularly disappointed that our new Presiding Bishop, who was present at the meeting,  was forced to endure what was most certainly a difficult and painful experience. I ask that you keep Michael in your prayers.

Despite what you are hearing from the media, The Episcopal Church has not been removed from the Anglican Communion. While we have been censured, the primate's  recent decision also confirms the Communion's "unanimous commitment to walk together".

From my perspective, this recent decision should not in any way seriously impact the mission and ministry of the greater Episcopal Church. It certainly should not affect our ministry here in Southern Virginia.

In closing, let me say that I find myself agreeing with Bishop Curry's hopeful statement that this recent turn of events is perhaps part of our calling to lead the Communion in its becoming a church where all God's children are fully welcomed. Please pray for The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion as we continue to walk together in spite of our differences.

Faithfully,
+H. Hollerith 

Read the statement from the Primates here.

Read Episcopal News Service story here.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the actions at the Anglican Primates Meeting

"We are part of the Jesus Movement, and the cause of God's love in this world can never stop and will never be defeated."  

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has issued a video statement concerning the actions of the Anglican Primates at the meeting in Canterbury, England. Click here to watch (and read) Bishop Curry's statement.

Trinity Institute webcast cancelled, to be re-scheduled

After much thought and consideration, we have decided to cancel the Trinity Institute live webcast Jan. 21-23.  Weather reports are calling for "significant" snow north and west of Williamsburg and a possible "wintry mix" on the lower Peninsula.  Our desire is to have a full, meaningful engagement around the topic of racism, and uncertain weather provides a distraction.

We will show the entire Trinity Institute broadcast at a later date in parishes in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and possibly the Richmond area within the next few months.  While this will not be a live telecast, it will give us an opportunity to hear all speakers and presentations in their entirety and to engage in dialogue with other participants at these locations.  The dates for these events will be publicized very soon and we hope that you will be able to join us at one of these events.

Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop Jan. 30

Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, will host an Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is an interactive workshop which will cover how to prepare, deliver and share biblical stories. The workshop is free, bu you should register by emailing ellenclements@vaumc.org. Good Samaritan is located at 848 Baker Road, Virginia Beach. 

Angelica Garcia-Randle named Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore

Congratulations to Angelica Garcia-Randle on being named Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore. In her new role, Angelica will make available resources and information for parishes and parish leaders drawn to establishing or cultivating Latino ministries. This includes cultural education and information exchange across the diocese through workshops, site visits, etc. A seven-member Advisory Board for Episcopal Latino Ministries was recently formed to provide oversight and create benchmarks and goals for the venture.

"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to be doing this work that I'm so passionate about," Angelica says. "Serving the Eastern Shore Latino community and growing the mission in Southern Virginia is a dream come true. I'm thankful to so many people that have supported this ministry along the way."

For more information on the work of this ministry, visit www.diosova.org/latino_min.

Celebrating Absalom Jones and James Solomon Russell

The Union Of Black Episcopalians will celebrate Absalom Jones day on Sunday, February 28, at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Chapel on the campus of St Paul's College in Lawrenceville. They will also celebrate James Solomon Russell at the same service. A reception will follow the service.

Congregations across Southern Virginia - including choirs and acolytes - are invited to participate in this service. For more information about the service and how your congregation can participate, call David Flores at 757-466-1991 or the Rev. Joseph Green at 757-461-3864. 

New Safe Church training classes scheduled

Safe Church training is available in both classroom and online formats. Based on the positive training evaluations received from participants, we strongly recommend that all first-time users complete a live classroom training. The collaborative learning, and question and answer period are invaluable in evaluating individual parish needs. Upcoming classroom training:

• Jan. 23 - Johns Memorial, Farmville
• Feb. 27 - Good Shepherd, Richmond
• Mar. 19 - St. John's, Hopewell
• Apr. 2 - Emmanuel, Franklin
• Apr. 9 - St. Matthias', Midlothian
• Apr. 23 - Hickory Neck, Toano
• May 21 - St. Christopher's, Portsmouth
• Jun. 18 - Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Click here for more upcoming classes, information about Safe Church training and to register for an upcoming class or for online training.