Friday, July 11, 2008

Bishop Jerry Lamb asks clergy to confirm status in The Episcopal Church

It seems that Bishop Lamb, of the Diocese of San Joaquin, has written a letter requesting all diocesan priests/deacons to decide whether they will uphold their ordination vows by August 5th. The letter gives them three choices:

1) remain a clergy member of The Episcopal Church,

2) no longer "exercise ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church ... for reasons not affecting my moral character"

3) declare no longer consider self to be a clergy in The Episcopal Church.

Bishop Lamb emphasizes that he is willing to talk, and that he has attempted to contact these folks several times, but that he needs peoples positions to be clarified so that the Diocese can move forward.

Interesting developments happening in San Joaquin!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

In some circles, this is called a "firm, but fair" hand. And it is very effective. God prosper your work, +Jerry.

Leonard said...

I'm so happy, I'm so happy, I'm so happy that you're all here and I'm so happy that Bishop Lamb is ALL "there"...I won't go into it BUT it does take a spiritually and emotionally HEALTHY Bishop to put San Joaquin back together again.

I just got home from Southern California...I thought about Jake all the way home on the airplane...please Jake, contribute, you won't be upstaging anyone as we love you as our brother...I thought so much of your life, your "story" your "now"...and please don't sit on the stool with your mask on anymore...it's not allowed amongst those who love you dearly.

Gotta hit the sack...it was a huge day and I returned via Houston.

Leonardo Ricardo (who promises updates/eruptions at my little blog and beyond, tomorrow).

June Butler said...

Bishop Lamb has been patient. It's time the priests declared themselves.

susan s. said...

It will be interesting to see which actually reply. Im sure many don't think they have to do a thing one of "us" requests!

Cany said...

What ^^ Grandmère Mimi said...

It's time.

Anne said...

So, from an ecclesiastical standpoint, what happens to those who continue to ignore him? Can he cancel their canonical status if they do not respond?

episcopalifem said...

Good question Anne - I'm not sure what will happen. Thoughts anyone?

Anonymous said...

eileen,

If I know +Jerry, love will prevail, and all will be well, eventually, no matter how long it takes. We live in eternity, after all.

Frank Remkiewicz aka “Tree” said...

Keep in mind ALL the clergy save 12 voted to go to the Southern Cone. These answers could prove to be very creative.

Doorman-Priest said...

Excellent news about firm action. This +guy sounds like a +guy who doesn't mess about.

Ann said...

If they don't agree they will be deposed -- no longer recognized as priests in the Episcopal Church. No more pension contributions. No more Health insurance unless the So.Cone has it.

June Butler said...

Ann, what if they don't respond? Will Bp. Lamb give them a deadline and then remove them from the rolls?

Anonymous said...

Geez: no new posts here, and only a blathersome anonymous troll.

I miss Jake. :-(

Call for recipes?

Frank Remkiewicz aka “Tree” said...

jcf:
Nice to hear from you. Trolls in aisle three. Clean up please!

Hey, Padre Mickey, Eileen, David, Ann and IT -- you win the prize, first troll since the World Stopper. Congratulations!

Cany said...

me too, jcf, me too.

just get some troll spray:)

i also had one on my blog but i zapped it.

Ann said...

Woohoo -- all are welcome but we would hope you would sign your name and not be anonymous.

episcopalifem said...

Yeah...we like our trolls to work hard, and pick a creative handle.

David said...

It was trolling, full of lies, and posted anonymously - it's outta here.

I'm not feeling well this morning anyway, and thus am in no mood for this sort of nonsense.

Ann said...

Prayers for a quick recovery david.

June Butler said...

David, prayers that you feel better soon.

These good folks are not trying to be Jake. No one can be be Jake, but Jake. To all of you who labor here, I appreciate your hard work.

Dusty in the San Joaquin said...

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams has written concerning Schofield:

“it is acknowledged that his exact status (especially given the complications surrounding the congregations associated with him) remains unclear on the basis of the general norms of Anglican Canon Law,”

This could not have come at a more opportune moment and should add great emphasis to +Bishop Jerry Lamb’s call to return home; time is running out.