Afterwards, Canon Bob offered these reflections on his Listening Tour, "There's pain, there's anxiety, there's frustration, there's uncertainty, but most of all they have discovered the hope of the resurrection and will live it out enormously...In 29 years of ministry, this ranks at the top of everything I've done. There's no other vocation like this, where you walk into a place and people share with you so personally...I'm grateful to the Presiding Bishop for asking me to do this. I'm honored to do whatever I can."
"In all of this we seek the continued functioning, new growth, and renewed flourishing
of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of San Joaquin. There may be bumps in
the road, but with God’s guidance and in the power of the Holy Spirit, you will all be
witnesses to the Resurrection in this part of God’s vineyard. I fully expect that
this Diocese will emerge from these trials and tribulations stronger and more
clearly focused on the mission of Christ which we share."
"It'll be normal here soon. As people get more courage, as they find their voices, live into their baptismal covenant and find that it's okay to question, that they have to take a stand for truth and justice, as soon as they get a feeling for that, change will really take off."
- the Rev. Michele Racusin,
Clovis resident, and member
of Church of the Holy Family
in Fresno.
Remain Episcopal in the Diocese of San Joaquin
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
News Coverage of the Week's Events:
'You are the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin': hundreds offer support at 'Moving Forward, Welcoming All' celebration [ENS by Pat McCaughan, January 27, 2008] here...
In San Joaquin's continuing Episcopal diocese, reconciliation and hope central [ENS by Pat McCaughan, January 28, 2008] here...
Episcopal Church members struggleDozens gather in Hanford to discuss how to keep going amid religious dispute [The Fresno Bee by Ron Orozco, January 26, 2008] here...
San Joaquin Standing Committee not recognized as official, Presiding Bishop says - Support pledged to continuing Episcopalians [ENS by Pat McCaughan, January 26, 2008] here...
Episcopal leader appoints clergyman to serve Bakersfield churches
[Bakersfield Californian by Louis Medina January 26, 2008] here...
Province VIII seeks lay representative for vacated Executive Council seat
[ENS by Pat McCaughan, January 24, 2008] here...
Moving Forward, Welcoming All:
the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
an event at Church of the Saviour, Hanford, January 26th, 2008
Watch the 2-hour ENS webcast including the opening Eucharist celebration, welcoming
remarks by the President of Remain Episcopal, and Bonnie Anderson's address on
"Reconciliation within the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin" click here
The day-long event, attended by over 350 valley Episcopalians and guests, was the culmination of a 5-day "Listening Tour" of the central valley made by the Rev. Canon Robert Moore. Canon Bob, appointed by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as an interim pastoral presence in the Diocese of San Joaquin, traveled the valley meeting with both clergy and laity who wish to remain in the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of San Joaquin. At stops in Stockton, Riverbank, Fresno, Bakersfield, Visalia and other towns in between, Canon Bob listened to the stories, concerns and hopes of the Episcopal faithful in San Joaquin and answered questions about the "next steps" for laity and clergy alike. Read a pre-tour message from Canon Bob here .
"We are not establishing a new Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, we are celebrating, worshipping and working for the continuing Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. You are the Episcopal Church in this part of the world."
- Rev. Canon Robert Moore, appointed as the interim pastoral presence by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for remaining Episcopalians
Nancy Key, Remain Episcopal co-founder, was the moderator for the day's events.
The following day after services at the Church of the Holy Family in Fresno, Bonnie Anderson cited Nancy as "a great example of the kind of difference one person can make" and an example of faithful commitment and reconciliation.
Women priests - a sight to behold in San Joaquin: Bonnie Anderson (l) and the Rev. Vanessa Glass (r) assist the Rev. Michele Racusin in distributing communion to the congregation assembled in Hanford.
The Rev. Michele Racusin, of Clovis, says Saturday's gathering and celebration reawakened hope, "for a true mainstream Episcopal Church" in the central California valley. Because women priests were not allowed to serve under the former bishops, Rev. Michele has commuted to serve at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco three Sundays a month for nearly three years. "Finally, we'll have order, peace and inclusion," she said. The Rev. Donna McNeil, Stockton resident and chaplian at University of the Pacific, was also a concelebrant.
"Today represents the beginning of healing between the Diocese of San Joaquin and the national Episcopal Church."
- Nancy Key, co-founder of Remain Episcopal.
"This process of reconciliation will take courage. People will need to truly reach out to each other in the name of Christ. I encourage those present to reach out to others in the diocese who are struggling with their decision. Be open and encouraging, including everyone. Some people will need to let go of newly-found power. Some people will need to let go of long-held power...Safe places for conversations and safe ways of talking together will need to be developed. Everyone must be committed to this work."
- House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson
"It's important to be here, to offer support."
- Dottie Fuller, from the Diocese of El Camino Real and member of Executive Council of The Episcopal Church
"Remain Episcopal is planning for the day we cease to exist, a day the renewed leadership of the Fresno-based Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin can once again continue the reconciliation, work and mission of the church."
- Cindy Smith, President of Remain Episcopal
