Collect for Epiphany

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your Incarnate Self to the peoples of the earth: Led us, who know you now by faith to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Vicar's Voice - Epiphany 2025

I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. There are gay, lesbian, transgender children, Democratic, Republican, independent families — some who fear for their lives.

- Bishop Marianne Budde, Diocese of Washington D.C.

Why is it that the Episcopal Church seems to stir the pot so much? Ordaining women, consecrating non-heterosexuals, sheltering undocumented individuals, etc. We always seem to be doing things that are associated with fringe movements. Maybe our role as the sibling of our nation (we did come into being simultaneously as a result of American independence from England) has given us a bit more rebelliousness than other denominations.

This Tuesday, the Bishop of Washington (who has served in that role for more than a dozen years), seated in their cathedral, issued the challenge above to the President. Whether or not she had the right and responsibility to do so, it was clear to all that the challenge issued was uncomfortable, both in the proclaiming and in the hearing.

Many took to social media (our virtual public square) to either condemn or celebrate the sermon's audacity. A few called for her to apologize, and others called for her to exercise less restraint. What caught my attention was the misunderstanding of many of who Bishop Budde is, what their call is, and what their authority is.

Before consecration as bishop, the Right Reverend Budde served as rector of an urban church in Minneapolis for almost two decades. The ministry of that church was committed to challenges faced by economically challenged individuals, new Americans, and marginalized individuals. The advocacy certainly made Bishop Budde and those who ministered in that place particularly sensitive to those issues. When we are sensitized by our experiences and outreach to particular persons and needs around us, we tend to focus on those persons and needs.

As Bishop of Washington, and having their seat in the National Cathedral, Bishop Budde has frequently carried those sensitivities and attention into the role to which they were elected. In the Book of Common Prayer, bishops are called "...to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ's resurrection and interpreting the Gospel...to guard the faith unity, and discipline of the Church...and to be in all things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ." Bishops promise "...to boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of the people

..." We must all admit that there's been some stirring this week.

The prayer book also asserts that bishops must "...be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper..." Whether or not this particular occasion was the best time to do so, we must acknowledge that Bishop Budde affirmed her lifelong commitments and fulfilled her vows as she spoke ex-cathedra in her church on behalf of those living in fear and want.

I hope that I may have the fortitude not to shy away from my ministerial vows and speak with compassion, mercy, and truth; I hope others have the freedom and strength to do so as well. And I hope that we can see that, despite our disagreements on actions and attitudes, we all sincerely serve God made manifest in Jesus Christ our Lord and inspired by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

"...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” - Joshua 25:15b

Peace in Christ the Light of the World,

Father Shawn