As seems appropriate, I try to speak truth to power on behalf of the church. It is my understanding that this is a part of the vocation of the church and that the bishop has a particular responsibility to incarnate the church's preference for the poor and to give voice to our striving for justice and peace.

Last week's shooting in Roseburg, Oregon was such a moment. It will not surprise you to learn that I received both affirmation for my call for prayer and action in the face of continued gun violence. It will likely not surprise you that some voice, once again, pique that a bishop would speak about "politics." I am absolutely sure that from time to time each of us has heard this criticism.

I believe that it underscores a fear of bringing a moral and theological lens to a whole host of questions, particularly as they relate to the taking of human life, either through poverty and societal neglect, permissiveness and faux rights like those about guns, or war. In all of these areas, our society is eerily silent when it comes to asking the moral questions about things in the political arena.

And so like the Jesus whom we follow, who never flinched from speaking truth to power, let us be of good cheer and redouble our efforts to bring Jesus' values and moral compass to the commonweal.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop  

Our nation celebrates Columbus Day on Monday October 12. This holiday may bring conflicted experiences and emotions for different Americans. For many, it serves as a painful reminder of the brutal European settlement and conquest of the Americas. 

Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori offers the following statement: "I urge you to learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery and the search for healing in our native communities. But this is also a matter for healing in communities and persons of European immigrant descent. Colonists, settlers, and homesteaders benefited enormously from the availability of 'free' land, and their descendants continue to benefit to this day. That land was taken by force or subterfuge from peoples who had dwelt on it from time immemorial - it was their 'promised land.'" Continue reading the full statement, Doctrine of Discovery repudiation found here

"It can also be a time of learning and understanding," said Sarah Eagle Heart, the Episcopal Church's officer for Native American and Indigenous Ministries. "Columbus Day could instead be a time to turn away from those things done 'on behalf' of Native Americans so that we all might come to live in justice and peace with all people."

A Prayer for Healing and Hope

O Great Spirit, God of all people and every tribe,
through whom all people are related;
Call us to the kinship of all your people.
Grant us vision to see through the lens of our
Baptismal Covenant,
the brokenness of the past;
Help us to listen to one another,
in order to heal the wounds of the present;
And give us courage, patience, and wisdom to work together
for healing and hope with all of your people,
now and in the future.

Mend the hoop of our hearts and let us live in
justice and peace
through Jesus Christ,
the One who comes to all people
that we might live in dignity. Amen.

Register for our 42nd Annual Diocesan Convention online here. The price increases from $25 to $35 on October 19. This will be a one-day convention with an ordination during the Eucharist. We encourage you to bring water bottles and coffee mugs to reduce our impact on the earth. You are also invited to download the convention information on your tablet ahead of time. If you have questions, please contact Bobbi Hoff. 

Please share with your congregations: All Cursillistas,those who have attended a Cursillo weekend, and all who have attended a similar weekend retreat, are welcomed and encouraged to come to Back to the Mountain, January 8 - 10 at Camp Stevens, 1108 Banner Rd., Julian. Begin the new year with a retreat. Come listen, talk, sing, pray, learn, grow, love, have fun, and renew your commitment to our Lord. There will be planned activities and free time to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, plants, and animals. $140/person when paid by 12/21 and $150 after 12/21. Last day to register is 12/31. For more information, visit the diocesan website.