Thursday, November 8, 2012

Election Healing

My mother forwarded an email to me from the Bishop of Atlanta, and I've posted it below.  I met Rob Wright and his family over Labor Day weekend and was impressed.  Now I'm even more so.  Bishops are the spiritual leaders of the dioceses.  In challenging times they have the opportunity to "rise above the fray" and provide spiritual leadership to their people.  Thank you Bishop Wright for doing that.  Jesus does call us to be peacemakers, and wherever we stand on the outcome of Tuesday's election, those of us who are Christians are first and foremost followers of Jesus.  The big picture is that God is in control, not us, and certainly not anyone in political power.

In the aftermath of the election I have been so saddened by the intense rancor and vitriol that remain on social media and on television.  I had hoped the negativity of the campaign would end when the election was over.  I find myself praying for our country, praying for the healing of divisions, praying for cooperation and creativity to find solutions for all, praying for our leaders to come together to move our beloved country forward.  In the words attributed to St. Francis, "Lord, make us instruments of your peace."  And please, help us bring healing to our divided nation.


November 7, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers"

Brothers and Sisters, I greet you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By now you are well aware that our election season has come to an end. The people have spoken. For those elected, my prayer is that they would "...faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people." BCP 822. For those not elected, I pray that God would make God's will for their life and gifts apparent and that they might have the faith to respond.

Beyond that, I write to encourage you.

While we certainly hold different political views and affiliations, we are first and foremost followers of Jesus Christ. That fact alone makes us trans-political. You might say in politics, but not of politics.

Being ultimately citizens of God's Kingdom, and one American family, my earnest hope is that in the days ahead, we might distinguish ourselves as people utterly committed to reconciliation in thought, word and deed. Rancor and vitriol destroy fellowship, but "a soft word turns away wrath." Proverbs 15.1 Right now, you and I have an opportunity to exercise our discipleship of Jesus Christ by being peacemakers wherever God has planted us. The power and grace to do this work comes from this simple prayer:

"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love." BCP 833

God bless you, God bless the State of Georgia and God bless the United States of America.


+ Rob Wright
Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

Monday, November 5, 2012

I'm Back!

It's been a few years since I posted at my original Leaping Greenly Blog and now I'm trying it out again.  I'm going to see if I will actually make posts before I let anyone know of the existence of this blog.  My intention with this one is to discuss issues of healing and spirituality.  I currently work as the Director of Community Programming at SpiritWorks Foundation Center for Recovery of the Soul in Williamsburg and as the Canterbury Chaplain to Christpher Newport University.  College students and people in recovery.  Meaningful work that feeds my soul.