MISSION

In 1835, what was then known as the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States was recovering from nearly two generations of extraordinary challenges. During the Revolutionary Way, the vast majority of Anglicans were Tories who staunchly opposed any thought of independence from the British Crown. During the war, many Anglican church buildings were used as barracks, field hospitals and even stables for officers' horses. After the war, many abandoned the newly emerging United States and resettled in Canada or elsewhere in the British Empire. Clergy were minimally trained and few in number. The financial support for the church was anemic.

The General Convention of 1835 could have spent its time bemoaning the problems and sharing their frustrations with each other. Instead, it took two essential steps. It provided funds for a missionary bishop to lead the church in expanding into what was then referred to as the great northwest. Jackson Kemper was appointed to this daunting post, and through his boundless energy and endless travels, the church was established in what are now the states of Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas. It also formally declared that all members of the church belonged to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church, thus recognizing that the ministry of the baptized is essential to the renewal of the church.

Today, nearly 175 years later, the church also faces many challenges, and could spend its time bemoaning the problems. Or we could take our cue from those of long ago who chose to deepen our commitment and move forward with well-prepared leaders.

Jackson Kemper died on May 24, 1870 and is remembered by the unofficial title, "The Bishop of the Whole Northwest." I wonder what would happen if every member of the church today chose to live out the baptismal promises in the deepest possible way.