This column was written for and ran on EpiscopalCafe.com on 21 April 2012. We have a new addition in our household, a giant-pawed Great Dane puppy named Julian. She came into our lives recently as a 10-week-old, gangly, runt-of-the-litter, Brindle-colored baby and immediately wriggled her way into our hearts and minds. Watching her adjust to her new surroundings, with three new people and two new dogs (who are, as they constantly remind us, Not. Amused.) reminds me of missionaries and the adjustments they go through when they arrive in a new land. Just as missionaries need to leave … [Read more...]
In defense of seminaries
May 19, 2011 By 6 Comments
(Written for Episcopal Cafe) Tis the season for graduations, including those at seminaries across the United States. Within a matter of a few short weeks, Christian churches will be flooded with hundreds of new graduates, most newly ordained, to serve as ministers. It should be a time of great celebration … unless, of course, you read Jerry Bowyer on Forbes.com. According to Mr. Bowyer, all these graduations, all these newly ordained clergy, are not a matter of rejoicing but of sorrow. Mr. Bowyer claims, in columns published on April 20 and May 11, that seminary is, basically, a … [Read more...]
Claiming our voices
March 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
For EpiscopalCafe.com's Daily Episcopalian: Finally, finally, FINALLY, I went to see The King’s Speech. I did not see this movie because of the cast – although Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush all do magnificent jobs. I did not see it because it is nominated for awards everywhere. I saw this movie because as a child, I, too, had a speech impediment, and from one line I head in an NPR interview with director Tom Hooper – the King yelling, in Westminster Abbey, “I have a voice!” – I knew this movie was telling part of my story as well. Unlike … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to the Members of Congress
November 30, 2010 By 1 Comment
Dear Ladies and Gentleman: I write to you today on behalf of the people of the United States of America. I do not actually claim to speak for all of my fellow Americans, but I do know that many of us feel the same. As you prepare for the new Congress, with a Republican-led House, a Democratic-led Senate and a Democrat in the White House, please remember these things: First, you work for us. You work for all of us. We do not work for you. Obviously we are not your immediate constituents. But in reality, we are. Because we are the citizens of this country, and you are the … [Read more...]
