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Dear St. Christopher’s Family,
A lot of changes have happened in the Church these last couple of months. You may have noticed in our Prayers of the People, we are now praying for both our Bishop George and our new Bishop Rob. Those who follow such things are very hopeful for his term at the head of our church right now. It's particularly hopeful here at St. Christopher's because Bp. Rob is known for his emphasis on the needs of parishes trying to be the light of Christ in the neighborhoods they serve. That's what we're working for, week in and week out, on our corner of Dallas.
You may also be aware of a less hopeful change. A large number of provinces in the Anglican Communion, of which we are a part, have removed themselves from communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and thus with us, over theological disagreements that, in their mind, are insurmountable. Rupturing a communion is always a traumatic event, and this is no exception. What hope I can find is in the belief that darkness will eventually come to light, and that Jesus does clear out the Temple from time to time.
So what are we to do? In a digital world it's easy to see ourselves as part of a team playing on a global stage. Our Episcopal church in particular is fond of taking grandiose stands on all range of social issues, and rightly so because the Gospel has something to say to all parts of our common life. And we are rightly ashamed when our leaders allow wickedness room to breathe. But that is a sideshow compared to what our real work is: our churches live in neighborhoods. We are not just voices on different sides of debates for Fox or MSNBC. We're here to be Good News. We're here to strengthen those who stand, comfort those who are discouraged or sorrowful, and raise people up when they fall. We do that because Jesus loves us. And because Jesus loves the people who enter our lives every day.
Our neighbors will see the good and the bad news about the Church. As big as our field might be, we work in it inch by inch, and row by row. But they'll also see St. Christopher's. St. Christopher's might be the only Gospel somebody hears today. The Good News is not about how good we are. It's about how much Jesus loves us AND them.
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