Charleston Named Ethnic and Multicultural Missioner and Assistant Bishop

On May 10, 2008, the Diocese of California met at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco in special convention to consider the results of the Beloved Community Visioning Process and to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the canons. The special convention voted on three resolutions and three amendments to the proposed canon changes. At the end of the meeting, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus introduced the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, current president and dean of Episcopal Divinity School, as the new ethnic and multicultural missioner and assistant bishop for the diocese.

After opening the meeting with prayer and a hymn, Andrus delivered an address reporting on the outcomes of the Beloved Community visioning process. The process began with a diocesan-wide meeting at Grace Cathedral on May 5, 2007, and continued with four regional meetings. These five events enabled the diocese to come together as a community and envision what the future of the diocese might look like. More than 800 people participated in the process, both in person and online.

Andrus began his address by describing a number of actions taken by the diocese in the past year toward becoming the Beloved Community, including a comprehensive governance review and entering into a companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of Curitiba in the Province of Brazil. The bishop then identified five areas for the diocese to focus on over the next five years: embodied justice, church vitality, rooted spirituality, organizational development, and inclusive community.

On May 6, 2008, the Rev. Anna Lange-Soto took part in a rally in front of San Francisco City Hall protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that took place around the Bay Area over the weekend and declaring support for San Francisco's efforts to provide services to all its residents regardless of immigration status. The rally was attended by many Bay Area faith groups and others concerned about the treatment of immigrants. During the rally, Lange-Soto read a statement from the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus. The text of the statement appears below in English and Spanish.

Bishop Marc's Statement on Comprehensive Immigration Reform:

One of the most fundamental principles of Christianity is hospitality. Hospitality takes many forms, but at base it is an expression of the way to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Offering hospitality to the stranger, to the one who is unfamiliar to us, brings us into communion with each other and into communion with God.

This weekend, ICE raided El Balazo restaurants around the Bay Area. Those who follow Christ are called, as a people of faith to radical hospitality. Raids are antithetical to the radical hospitality. ICE raids are as cold as the acronym we use to name them. Raids are often carried out in ways that are neither compassionate nor humane. 

Uno de los principios más fundamentales del cristianismo es la hospitalidad. Hospitalidad adopta muchas formas, pero en base es una expresión de la forma de vivir el evangelio de Jesucristo. Ofrecer hospitalidad a los extraños, al que es desconocido para nosotros, nos lleva a la comunión unos con otros y a comunión con Dios.

Este fin de semana, ICE hizo redadas en los restaurantes El Balazo en el Área de la Bahía. Nosotros, como cristianos y pueblo de fe, somos llamados a una hospitalidad radical. Redadas son completamente opuestas a la hospitalidad radical.


En inglés, la palabra “ice” significa “hielo.” Las redadas de ICE son frías, tal como su nombre, ICE/hielo. Típicamente, las redadas se llevan a cabo de maneras que no son ni compasivas ni humanas.

The Diocese of Washington recently contacted us to share the news that they have proposed the inclusion of Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall on the Church's liturgical calendar to the Standing Commission on the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music. We will learn soon if the Standing Commission will recommend the proposal for consideration at General Convention 2009. Until that time, the Diocese of Washington has recommended that congregations throughout The Episcopal Church consider celebrating services in Marshall's honor during the month of May. Washington's diocese is recommending May 17th as the calendar day honoring Marshall as that is the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

The proposal to include Marshall in the Church's liturgical calendar (which would include publication in Lesser Feasts and Fasts) comes from members of St. Augustine's in southwest D.C., the parish Marshall attended after moving to Washington. His wife Cecilia (Cissy) is still a member of St. Augustine's. This article from the May 2007 edition of Washington Window gives a history of the resolution and further details about Marshall's life.

On March 31, 2008, Bishop Marc and Sheila Andrus arrived in Curitiba, Brazil, as guests of the Anglican Diocese of Curitiba – companion to the Diocese of California – and their bishop the Rt. Rev. Naudal Alves Gomes. It was a brief visit, a portion of which Bishop Marc spent at the meeting of the House of Bishops of the Province of Brazil, but the impressions made by the people and sites of Curitiba on the Andruses were deep and lasting.

At California’s annual convention in October of 2007, the diocese overwhelmingly approved a resolution to enter into a companion relationship with the Diocese of Curitiba. The two dioceses will enter a mission partnership, and Andrus has recommended that this partnership be viewed through the lens of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Both Curitiba and California are forming diocesan committees to coordinate and deepen the relationship and to begin to tell their stories, one to the other, within the framework of the MDGs.

MENLO PARK, Calif – April 15, 2008 – The Rev. Michael Spillane, rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, died on April 15 from complications of a brain tumor. He was 58.

A memorial service to celebrate Father Mike's life on earth will be held this Saturday, April 19, at 3:00 pm at the church, 330 Ravenswood Ave at Laurel, followed by a festive reception in the courtyard.

Father Mike’s call to become the 17th rector of Trinity last year led him to return to Menlo Park where he’d earned his Masters in Divinity at St. Patrick’s Seminary. He became an Episcopal priest in 1992 and previously served in the Diocese of Idaho.

In an essay Father Mike wrote about his spiritual journey, he talks about an influential priest he met while he was a home beat officer (Bobbie) in London, describing him as “approachable, someone with a sense of humor who liked to kick the soccer ball around.” The description fit him just as well.

In less than 8 weeks, Diocesan Archdeacon, the Venerable Anthony Turney, will ride his bike over 545 miles in just seven days (June 1-7) from San Francisco to Los Angeles as a participant in AIDS/LifeCycle 7.  This will be the fifth time he has participated in the event.

In explaining his motivations for doing the grueling ride, Anthony says, “As was the case in 1999, the first year I did the Ride, and in all the subsequent years I’ve participated, my reasons for taking part in AIDS/LifeCycle 7 remain very simple: I ride to honor the memory of all those who have died of AIDS, especially the 108 loved ones, friends and co-workers of mine. I ride because we still have no cure and millions around the globe are infected. I ride to raise money for essential HIV/AIDS–related programs and services in the Bay Area. I ride because this year in the United States, 40,000+ people will test HIV positive and 50 percent of them will be under 25 years old. Last, but not least, I ride in celebration of my 70th year!

A central part of Anthony’s commitment to this year’s event is his pledge to raise at least $2,500 to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation:  “I’d love to raise $7,000, again as a gesture of celebration and thanksgiving for my 70th birthday. I can ride the 545 or so miles -- but I need the help of a lot of generous folks to meet my fundraising goal. No amount is too small –- every dollar counts.”

If you would like to help Anthony in his fundraising efforts, you can make your tax-deductible gift on-line using your credit card at: www.aidslifecycle.org/donate/1070

If you send a check to Anthony, please make it out to AIDS LifeCycle, making sure to add the note: “Rider #1070.” 

The St. Luke's chapter of the national Episcopal Peace Fellowship, headed by Barbara Ruffner, marched in downtown Walnut Creek, CA with the "Surge for Peace" rally on Saturday, March 15.  Barbara had a new banner made, for this occasion and to carry in future marches. Holding the banner in the photo (by Henry Bailey), from left to right: Deacon Roxanne Walters, Nancy Dill, Barbara Ruffner, Barbara's daughter Sally Neider (holding the peace symbol), Phil Greer, Flo Rosenberg, Dot Reesor (also a daughter of Barbara's), and the Rev. Anne Cox Bailey. Barbara, Roxanne and other members of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship also carried the banner during the protest at Laurence Livermore Labs on Good Friday morning.

 Reprinted from The Rosmoor News

William McNeil Crawford of Piedmont, CA, died in the company of his family, March 19th, after a valiant battle with cancer. Crawford served for many years on the boards of Bay Area Seafarer's Service, Episcopal Charities, and Episcopal Homes Foundation. He was a deanery representative and was the bishop's representative to the Deptartment of Missions. At St. Paul's, Oakland, he had several tours on the vestry, was an usher/greeter, youth group advisor, hospitality and special events coordinator, family camp organizer, and a volunteer for Senior Resources and Meals for St. Mary's.

"It is our desire and our wish that everyone created in God's image with dignity and intrinsic worth should have everything that is essential to human living, such as access to clean water, shelter, clothing, health care and to education. That is our mandate, our God-given mandate, as stewards of God's creation." -- The Most Reverend Winston Njongonkulu Ndungane, Archbishop of Cape Town (Retired)

The climate is changing.  Not only will climate change impact our environment, the land, air and sea, it will affect our health.  In particular, we know that climate change will disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, people living in poverty and in particular climate change will affect the health of our children both in the United States and around the world.  As Christians and Episcopalians, what is our role and responsibility in protecting the health of our neighbors?  This week we continue our Lenten series, For the Beauty of the Earth by exploring the relationship of climate change and health.

What are the impacts?

In February, the Communications Working Group (CWG) at Diocesan House launched a survey on information technology (IT) use in the Diocese of California. The purpose of the survey was to begin assessing the IT capacities and needs of parishes in the diocese. The survey asked for information about how congregations maintain and use membership and pledge information as well as financial data.

Just after the Windsor Report came out I noticed that a certain interpretation of the report was already taking on a reality of its own. Just as the report itself, a document produced by dedicated leaders within the Communion but which has taken on a prominence more out of proportion than its sudden appearance on the scene would warrant, the interpretation of the report took on a solidity and reality that seems hard to shake.

In particular, the report was seen as making several demands or prescribing several lines of behavior for the Communion in its internal relations. This interpretation never numbered the recommended exclusion of Gene Robinson, the Bishop of New Hampshire, from "councils of the Communion" in the “official list” of Windsor recommendations. 

Immediately after the Windsor Report was released, I and other bishops pledged to Gene that we would not attend the Lambeth Conference if he were not invited, as a stand of solidarity with him.

For some time now Gene has stated that he thinks all The Episcopal Church bishops should attend, so that as many voices can be at the table as possible. I have accepted this as wise and good counsel.

At the same time, it seems imperative to me that I find some creative way to attend that does not seem to support Gene’s exclusion by silent acquiescence on my part. One solution that is being acted upon is being called “Witness at Lambeth.”

Witness at Lambeth is a piece of the listening process called for from the 1998 Lambeth Conference forward.  It involves bringing the voices of LGBT people from around the Communion to Lambeth so they can tell their life stories to all who will listen. Some of these stories will be narrated in person, while others will be on videotape. I think it will be a moving, important witness, and I hope many will support the effort.

Also, I have come back from this most recent House of Bishops meeting resolved to have a consultation here in the Diocese of California about other ways witness can be carried out at the Lambeth Conference. I want to receive the creative thoughts and dreams of our people in patterning my and our participation in the Lambeth Conference.

Peace,

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin has a wonderful new website that includes the agenda for their March 28-29 Special Convention. Be sure to visit if you can and let them know what a wonderful job they are doing. 

St. Luke's Walnut Creek is situated in the "active adult community" of Rossmoor.  As one of the original "clubs" serving the 9500 residents, we literally "make Church" every Sunday in one of the common rooms.  Ironically enough, it is called "the Diablo Room"!!  Two employees of Rossmoor set up the chairs, a long table on risers, and the tables used for the coffee hour, and then the dedicated and faithful members of the Altar Guild prepare the altar with all the traditional elements.

Fr. Ivan Ramirez, assisting priest at Holy Trinity/ La Santisima Trinidad, Richmond,  died peacefully at about 10:30 in the morning on February 26th at Berkeley's Alta Bates Hospital. On the one hand we feel the sadness of his loss.  On the other hand, he was in pain and miserable because of the limitations of his condition, and he is now released from his suffering.

His wife Elena told me a story about one of his last days in the convalescent hospital. Many people were visiting at the same time. A Cuban woman who worked at the hospital asked, "Who is this man that so many people come to visit him?"  When she was informed that he was a priest, she said, "Oh, I must make my confession."  So, while the visitors waited in the garden, Ivan heard the woman's confession.  So, he was a priest to the end.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Cathedral on Saturday, April 12th, at 4:00 p.m.

April 5th, Bishop Marc and Sheila Andrus will welcome community supporters and Episcopalians at Episcopal Charities (EC) annual gala, Night of Light.  This year’s honoree, Margaret Gill embodies the 2008 theme -“Helping Dreams Come True through her leadership in EC and the diocese. 
 
The live auction promises to excite bidders with a Maine Lobster Fest, Infinium Raceway driving school, bishop’s dinner, instant wine cellar, California coast get-aways, Whiskeys of the World dinner, a DC3 plane ride, a couturier fashion show, and a barbecue in Healdsburg. Tickets to the gala are $250 with a tax deductible portion funding EC’s programs and services.

To order tickets call Deborah Mann Productions at 415-563-6451 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.episcopalcharities.org.

Don Gotthold died on Friday, February 1, after a brief illness. Don was the husband of Mary Louise Gotthold and a member of St. Timothy's, Danville. For many years, they together have been devoted to their parish, to the diocese, and to the church at large. The requiem for Don Gotthold will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at St. Timothy's, 1550 Diablo Road, Danville, with Bishop Marc Handley Andrus presiding.

Please remember Mary Louise and their children in your prayers.

This note  was sent to the Diocese of California from Saint Dorothy's Rest Camp and Conference Center: 

It is with sadness to inform you of Grace Martin's death. As you may know, Grace was the niece of Nellie Lincoln the founder of Saint Dorothy's. The Martins, especially Grace have been steadfast supporters of the Camp for generations, and we will miss her greatly. Her daughters Ruth and Virginia have also been steadfast supporters of Saint Dorothy's and members of our board (with Ruth currently heading up our buildings and grounds committee).

A memorial service was held at Saint Mark's, Crockett, on February 1st.

Please keep Grace and her family in your prayers.

The Rev. Edward Arthur Wicher Jr. passed away on Friday, January 25, 2008 following a stroke 10 days earlier.  During the prior 10 days he had visits from his six children and was with family when he died. 

CDSP alumnus the Rev. John Mwiya traveled to his native Kenya to work as an observer for the presidential elections, and has found himself in a country in chaos. When post-election violence erupted, John began working out of a church, giving aid to children made orphans and families made homeless by the reckless destruction rampant in that area. When John last made contact, 22 orphans were in his care, and he was preparing for a healing service for 1500 who were among those who fled when their city, Kisumu, was burned to the ground.  John writes that he agonizes when the children ask why. As he strives to show the broken-hearted that God’s love is present, even in the midst of such overwhelming horror, there is still the need for the most basic supplies: food and blankets.

On Thursday, January 17, the Rev. Sally Bingham, president of the Regeneration Project and co-founder of California Interfaith Power and Light, will be installed as Canon for Environmental Ministry in the Diocese of California. The installation will take place at Grace Cathedral's weekly Evensong service at 5:15 p.m. and all people of faith who are concerned about care for the environment are encouraged to attend.

According to the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Diocese of California, the installation is "in recognition of [Bingham's] outstanding advocacy in the field of environmental ministry." Bingham is the first Canon for Environmental Ministry in the Diocese of California and she is recognized throughout the Episcopal Church and across many faiths as a leader in environmental education and action.

SAN FRANCISCO (Jan. 9, 2008)—The Right Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, has endorsed the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, a historic California ballot initiative that will greatly improve the lives of millions of farm animals.

Andrus presides over 27,000 Episcopalians in the Californian dioceses, which includes San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. He gave his support for the initiative during a recent interview with The Humane Society of the United States.

"The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act is a modest but important measure that will simply give veal calves, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens enough room to engage in basic movements,” Andrus said.  “God entrusts animals to our care. Denying them the ability even to turn around is surely not an example of faithful stewardship."

Loving God, the Winter Solstice indicates a growing shadow that many of us find mirrored in our own lives and in the world around us. We long for the birth of the Messiah, once again, in our world, in our hearts.

We are grateful today for Mary and Joseph, courageous parents who helped raise Jesus to be the embodiment of hope for the world.

We thank you for Jesus the child, God-With-Us in a way the world did not expect, shattering equations of authority with power and force.

We pray for the eyes of hearts to be opened so that we might see the birth of the Messiah now, come again in the way we need now. We have learned that you send your love to us in the places we would rather not look, so help us spend a little time on the margins of our lives so that we might be among the first to welcome our expected Savior in this new appearing.

In the name of this mysterious, surprising and entirely familiar Christ we pray,

Amen

something you can't find anymore? Connect to the new administrative website at DioCal.org. The new site is designed to make it easier to find the Adminstrator's Manual, resources for youth and young adult ministries, registration forms for events like the January 12 Regional Faith Formation Event, web pages for stewardship and planned giving, contact information for the bishop and staff, and much, much more.

Although most of our administrative resources have migrated to the new site at Diocal.org, news of general interest from around the diocese and beyond can still be found here at EpiscopalBayArea.org. Please read more about these important changes.