Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's Christmas message highlights the journey and challenges faced by those in the Nativity story, emphasizing Jesus' arrival as a sign of hope and renewal. He encourages support for three Episcopal ministries—Episcopal Migration Ministries, Good Friday Offering, and Episcopal Relief & Development—that serve the vulnerable, urging donations to help bring God's kingdom closer to those in need.
The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Sean Rowe, issued a letter condemning the Trump administration's immigration policies, including the use of military force in Los Angeles and the travel ban from 19 countries, urging moral clarity and justice rooted in Christian values amidst these turbulent times.
Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly-gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, reflects on his journey of coming out and the challenges he faced, including death threats and controversy. He discusses the impact of his identity on his role as a bishop and the progress made in the church, with five openly-gay bishops now serving. Robinson's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is highlighted through his involvement in the memorial for Matthew Shepard and the naming of a chapel in his honor. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his faith and community.
The Justice Department has sided with St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Brookings, Oregon, in its lawsuit against the city of Brookings over restrictions imposed on its free soup kitchen. The city had changed its zoning code to limit meals to three times a week for two hours each, which the church challenged in federal court. The church's soup kitchen has faced complaints from neighbors, but the Justice Department's support may bolster its case.
The secretary general of the Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, has defended the value of Anglican unity during his visit to the US, while a group of conservative Anglicans meeting in Rwanda have rejected the Archbishop of Canterbury's role as one of the four Instruments of Communion and cast doubt on the Anglican Communion's structure. Poggo has also focused on migration issues during his visit, calling on the church to respond to the needs of migrants and advocate for their rights and dignity.
