Diocesan News
Bishop Henderson offers initial comment on recent Primates' Meeting
About the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam
No. 1; February 23, 2007
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life
worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all
lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in
love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace.”
—St. Paul, to
the Christians in Ephesus (Eph. 4:1-3).
Beloved, since they have been published earlier this week, I have been studying the following three documents, which I commend to you in their entirety. You may find the full texts online as noted at the end of this comment.
1. The Communiqué Of the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, 19 February 2007;
2. The Key Recommendations of the Primates; and,
3.“An Anglican Covenant: Draft prepared by the Covenant Design Group", January, 2007.
There is much in these documents to absorb and prayerfully consider; I’m still coping with it myself. Let me emphasize, first, that the Primates both affirmed and challenged The Episcopal Church. About this I will be writing to you soon and more extensively. But I hasten to express to you my concern that some, from different, even opposite quarters of the Church, have already rushed to judgment. It is my prayer and hope that in Upper South Carolina we will not leap to conclusions but, rather, commit ourselves to appropriate consideration, reflection, dialogue, and—again—all of it immersed in prayer.
That is not to say that the concerns already expressed through the media and the internet are without merit. There certainly are legitimate issues about what it means to be the Anglican Communion; what is meant by “bonds of affection”; about authority, autonomy, and interdependence in Anglican polity; about care, justice and peace for all of God’s people.
But let’s step back from whatever precipice tempts us to schism and precipitous judgment, reaffirming our commitment to remain faithful “in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship” within The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion—“with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
More anon.
Faithfully in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr.
USC VII
texts
The Communiqué of the Primates’ Meeting in Dar es Salaam, 19th February 2007, is available here. The "Key Recommendations of the Primates" appears at the end of the document.
The text of a proposed Anglican Covenant is available here.
Save the dates!
Diocesan Leadership Conference—
85th DIOCESAN CONVENTION PART I, May 18-19 (yup, Friday evening and Saturday!) at Christ Church, Greenville.
Since this conference is the official beginning of our 85th
Convention (to conclude on October 26 & 27), clergy and elected
delegates are expected to attend. Stay tuned to the diocesan
Web site for
more information.
SC
State Day at National Cathedral will be Sunday, July 15, 2007, with the
opportunity to participate in a contemplative pilgrimage on the cathedral
grounds on Saturday, July 14. Every Sunday at the National Cathedral one of
our 50 states is honored, but every four years there is a great celebration
for the state remembered on that day, and 2007 is our year to celebrate. You
won't want to miss it.
Go to the diocesan Web site for lots of information, including local and national contacts, registration links and acolyte info. (See the "Clergy" section, below, for a great suggestion—State Day & confirmation prep!)
Grand opening celebrated—
Shearouse Center for Wellness at Still Hopes launched February 15
The Marshall A. Shearouse Center for Wellness at Still Hopes opened on February 15 with great anticipation and fanfare.
The events of the day began with a dedication service in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit lead by Bishop Henderson. The keys to the Shearouse Center were presented to the bishop by Danny Sanford, executive director of Still Hopes, and Denise Heimlich, director of the Wellness Center. G. Cameron Todd gave a eulogy in memory of Marshall Shearouse, his friend and colleague.
Two separate ribbon cuttings marked the official opening of the center. The first ribbon cutting was held at the center’s connecting corridor across from the interior entrance to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Henderson gave the blessing after which Frances Shearouse, widow of Marshall Shearouse, and son Daniel Shearouse cut the celebratory ribbon. The Shearouse Center Resident Advisory Group sharing in the ribbon cutting were: Podie Brunton, Herb Guerry, Flynn Harrell, Marilyn Maddox, Blackie Meadows, Nancy Self, Anne Smith, and Bill Willoughby.
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Ribbon cutting # 2 (click to enlarge) |
A second ribbon cutting and blessing were held, as quickly as the bishop could travel, in front of the ground floor entrance to the Shearouse Center. Those participating along with the bishop were: co-chairs of the Shearouse Center Capital Campaign Cameron Todd and Cravens Ravenel; Patty Johnson, Trustee; Jim Scott, Still Hopes resident; and Danny Sanford; executive director.
All residents and guests enjoyed self-guided tours throughout the center. Many comments were made about the exercise equipment, spa amenities, and especially the 20 x 60ft. warm-water therapy pool. Other wellness programs include a variety of exercise classes and the most up-to-date strength and cardio exercise machines tailored to address balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. The Shearouse Center for Wellness brings full circle the Still Hopes commitment to provide wellness of mind, spirit and body for all residents in our care.
We invite you to come and tour the Shearouse Center to experience, first-hand, the wonderful amenities and offerings this new Center brings to Still Hopes.
Bishop Gravatt updates
Palmetto Parent Camp Fairs in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston; lodging for the Masters Tournament, April 2-8; and, of course, Camp Gravatt. Read all about what's going on at your camp and conference center online at www.bishopgravatt.org, and while you're there register for camp and sign up for Gravatt's new e-mail newsletter.