A Light Shining in the Darkness

The Diocese of South Carolina reconvened and passed a number of powerful resolutions which helps to anchor its autonomy, and attempts to stave off the unwanted and inappropriate incursions by the National Church into diocesan affairs. The convention also went about its business in addressing the very troubling Title IV National Canon changes that go into effect next summer.

I read Bp. Mark Lawrence's convention speech tonight, and I continue to be amazed at the calm spirit with which Bp. Lawrence speaks in the face of such rabid persecution from 815 and most notably, Katherine Jefferts Schori. Would that others within the House of Bishops spoke with such clarity of conviction. Instead, the House issues position papers on immigration devoid of any substance whatsoever.

At the end of his address, Bp. Lawrence stated that he received a phone call from a fellow bishop stating that he and five other bishops had been sent e-mails from Ms. Schori discussing South Carolina's upcoming convention and the problems that it presented for the diocese and the bishop. Ms. Schori encouraged the six bishops to speak with Bp. Lawrence because, "'the apparent focus of this diocesan gathering does not bode will for [Mark's] status as a bishop who has sworn to uphold the doctrine, discipline, and worship of this Church.'" The mere fact that she would stoop to levels such as this is almost beyond belief. The only word that frankly comes to mind is evil. She is doing her best to make sure that the faithful, orthodox voice is stamped out wherever it is uttered so that TEC can go about its business of being the ecclesiastical arm of the United Nations.

May God continue to bless Bp. Mark Lawrence, the Standing Committee, the clergy, and faithful churchmen of the Diocese of South Carolina. I'm proud to have worked there as an intern in the summer of 2006.