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Daybook -- Today is Thursday, January 18, 2007, in Epiphany, and marks the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Church calendar remembers the Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle.
* Today in Scripture: Daily Office meditation: http://www.forwardmovement.org/todaysreading.cfm * Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm * Today in History: On this day in 1993, Herbert Thompson, Jr. was formally installed as the eighth diocesan bishop of Southern Ohio. http://www.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/ENS/ENSpress_release.pl?pr_numbe r=92036M
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'Breaking the Silence' is theme of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
[WCC] Traditionally, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from January 18-25 in the northern hemisphere but in other parts of the world it is observed around Pentecost. This year's theme is "They were astounded beyond measure, saying, 'He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.'" (Mark 7: 31-37).
A complete version of the annual brochure jointly produced by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Catholic Church) is available at http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/wop-index.html.
This year's Week of Prayer has its origins in the experience of Christian communities in the South African region of Umlazi, near Durban, a region deeply affected by unemployment and poverty but most of all by HIV/AIDS -- it is estimated that 50 percent of the residents of Umlazi are infected with the virus.
The theme of "breaking the silence" challenges cultural norms wherever matters relating to sexuality are "not to be spoken about." In Zulu, the term ubunqunu, literally "nakedness," indicates that these matters are taboo -- and this reluctance to break the silence is costing lives. For the churches in Umlazi carrying out their ministry under these circumstances, the "visible unity of all Christians" is far more than a theological concept. The churches can be and do become agents of healing only when they themselves are healed, when they are truly the one body of Christ.
The human suffering caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other dehumanizing forces threatens to overwhelm the divided churches. Christians and churches can, however, break the silence, speaking out with a single voice and reaching out as a single body, acting with compassion and in unity.
Week of Prayer resources include an introduction to the theme; a suggested ecumenical worship service which local churches are encouraged to adapt for their own particular liturgical, social and cultural contexts; biblical reflections and prayers for the "eight days"; and additional prayers from, and an overview of, the ecumenical situation in the particular country which has prepared the material -- in this case, South Africa.
Further information: http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/wop-index.html.
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A round-up of news from Episcopal dioceses since January 11:
Diocesan Digest
BETHLEHEM: Bishop challenges Archbishop of Canterbury to meet with House of Bishops http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81227_ENG_HTM.htm
LOUISIANA: Bishop joins other clergy in New Orleans anti-crime march http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81185_ENG_HTM.htm
PITTSBURGH: Parish to host local kickoff for MDGs effort http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81184_ENG_HTM.htm
SOUTH CAROLINA: Diocese postpones Bishop-elect's consecration http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81172_ENG_HTM.htm
SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawrence responds to election postponement in letter to parish http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81233_ENG_HTM.htm
More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_19507_ENG_HTM.htm
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People
A round up of People news since January 11:
Arkansas Episcopal head of school Diane Brownlee to leave post voluntarily http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81187_ENG_HTM.htm
Kate Adams joins Episcopal Church Foundation
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81188_ENG_HTM.htm
Donald Keeney named director of Booher Library at Seminary of the Southwest http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81189_ENG_HTM.htm
Christine Petersen-Snyder becomes first woman rector of Farmingdale parish http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81191_ENG_HTM.htm
American Anglican Council president transfers canonical residency to Nigeria http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81204_ENG_HTM.htm
More People news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_78001_ENG_HTM.htm
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Catalyst: "Holy Hospitality: Worship and the Baptismal Covenant" from Church Publishing, by Clayton L. Morris, 120 pages, paperback, c. 2005, $15.00
[Source: Church Publishing] -- What does it really mean to "proclaim the good news of God in Christ" and to "continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?" These promises from the baptismal rite of the Book of Common Prayer have become very familiar to most Episcopalians, but they have yet to be fully lived out in most congregations. In this lively and accessible guide, Clayton Morris argues that everyone present on Sunday mornings has a ministry of hospitality, coming together in a proclamation of welcome to all.
"Holy Hospitality is an excellent primer for those who are just beginning liturgical leadership and is full of wisdom and friendly reminders for those who have been at it for a while. Everyone involved in parish worship -- presiders, deacons, musicians, altar guilds, ushers, worship committee members -- will profit from the rich experience that Dr. Morris brings to bear." -- The Right Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta.
To order: Episcopal Books and Resources, online at http://www.episcopalbookstore.org or call 800-903-5544.
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