Diocesan Digest
Episcopal News Service. May 13, 2005 [051305-1-A]
* CHICAGO - Sudan remembered and celebrated at youth-led event
* LOUISIANA - Controller resigns after misappropriating funds
* MARYLAND - Convention supports pastoral care, 'Christian respect' for gays and lesbians
* NEW YORK - Business leader Carl Weisbrod named new head of Trinity Church real estate
* NORTHWEST TEXAS - Diocese issues statement regarding parishioners' separation
* SOUTHERN VIRGINIA - Executive board, Bishop accept covenant to address leadership
CHICAGO - Sudan remembered and celebrated at youth-led event
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Chicago] -- Inspired by recent visits of Sudan clergy and the advocacy work of Bishop William Persell of Chicago and the Commission on Global Mission, at least half-a-dozen congregations have invested their time, money and hearts into forging closer relations with Chicago's companion diocese of Renk in southern Sudan.
Among the most fervent voices joining this effort are a group of diocesan teens who dreamed up and then made happen a teach-in and fundraiser for Renk on Saturday, April 9, at Elmhurst College. The catalyst was a round table discussion with Bishop William Persell at a vocations fair last spring, part of the annual ministry day event. He shared his concerns and the Episcopal Church's efforts on supporting peace in the Sudan, and the youth took it from there.
Full story: http://www.epischicago.org/News/ViewArticle.cfm?ArticleID=395
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LOUISIANA - Controller resigns after misappropriating funds
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Louisiana] -- Diocesan controller Selwa Perry has resigned after confessing May 2 that she had "misappropriated funds from the diocesan account for her personal use," Bishop Charles Jenkins of Louisiana wrote in a letter to the diocese.
Perry's husband, the Rev. Rex Perry, Canon to the Ordinary for the diocese, told the bishop he "had no knowledge of her actions," according to the letter.
"The chancellor of the diocese, Cove Geary, has notified our insurance company of the defalcation. We do not expect to have to file a claim if full restitution is promptly made," Jenkins said. "The work of the diocese will continue. Obviously, there will be personnel changes and changes in our safeguards and operations procedures to strengthen controls. I shall strive to build and establish a trustworthy, efficient and kindly responsive operation. Please pray for Selwa, for Rex, for all my staff and for me."
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MARYLAND - Convention supports pastoral care, 'Christian respect' for gays and lesbians
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Maryland] -- Following the Diocese of Maryland's annual convention, held May 6-7, Bishop Robert W. Ihloff of Maryland read a statement during a news conference concerning four passed resolutions regarding the pastoral care and Christian respect for gays and lesbians. "Within the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, we cherish individual thinking and different interpretations of scriptures," said Ihloff. "We find unity at the altar: liturgically and spiritually."
Statements were also issued by Bishop Suffragan John L. Rabb of Maryland regarding anti-racism, and the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, canon to the bishops, regarding international relief and the affirmation of 2003 General Convention resolutions.
Full story and statements: http://www.ang-md.org/press/index.html
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NEW YORK - Business leader Carl Weisbrod named new head of Trinity Church real estate
[ENS, Source: Trinity Church] -- The parish of Trinity Church-St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan has named Carl Weisbrod, president of the Alliance for Downtown New York, Inc., as executive vice president of real estate. In his new role, Weisbrod will develop, manage and oversee Trinity's real estate holdings in Lower Manhattan totaling approximately six million square feet, headquartered just two blocks from the World Trade Center, and based primarily in the Hudson Square area west of SoHo and south of Greenwich Village. Trinity ranks among the largest commercial property owner managers in New York City.
Weisbrod will also be a member of the parish's executive team, the advisory body to the rector that recommends and sets mission priorities, operating objectives, and policies for the 308-year old Episcopal parish and its numerous programs and outreach services. He will assume his new position and responsibilities July 1.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_61872_ENG_HTM.htm
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NORTHWEST TEXAS - Diocese issues statement regarding parishioners' separation
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Northwest Texas] -- The Diocese of Northwest Texas issued a statement May 12 expressing its "great sadness" towards the decision of the clergy and most of the parishioners of St. Nicholas Church, Midland, to separate from the Episcopal Church.
The statement clarifies that, although some of the reports have suggested that members were "ousted" or "asked to leave," Bishop Wallis Ohl, Jr., of Northwest Texas has repeatedly asked members not to leave.
Full story: http://www.nwt.org/.
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SOUTHERN VIRGINIA - Executive board, bishop accept covenant to address leadership
[ENS, Source: Diocese of Southern Virginia] -- The Executive Board of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, in a joint meeting with the Standing Committee May 4, accepted the work of the Accountability Committee, formed in November 2004 to develop a covenant for the ecclesiastical functions of the bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
"This is a wonderful place to begin and I am deeply grateful for the incredibly hard work it represents. I am excited about the conversation it will lead us into," said Bishop David C. Bane, Jr., of Southern Virginia, speaking about "The Essential Expectations for Episcopal Ministry" document.
Full story: http://www.southernvirginia.anglican.org/cross/may05/covenant.htm#report