NORTHERN INDIANA: Diocese called to pay attention to early church model, mission
Episcopal News Service. November 9, 2007 [110907-03]
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, meeting in its 109th annual Convention on October 26 and 27 at Howe Military School in Howe, heard Bishop Edward Little, instruct the members to "look back at our spiritual roots, take stock of where we are right now, and look ahead and try to catch a glimpse of the journey upon which the Lord Jesus invites us to embark."
In looking back, Little cited the early Christian church in Antioch, as described in Acts 11-13, as a model for the diocese to measure itself against. Little identified the church in Antioch as being mission-driven, understanding the importance of teaching, demonstrating compassion, expecting the miraculous, and possessing a catholic vision of faith and life.
The complete text of Little's address is available here.
Honduras Bishop Lloyd Allen, who served as the Convention's chaplain, warned in his sermon at the convention Eucharist against trends in the church to treat the Great Commission with laxity. He stressed the "active" nature of Jesus' words as it instructs believers to "go."
The convention's only resolution was a renewal of the companion relationship that has existed between the dioceses of Northern Indiana and Honduras since 1996. Both have benefited from the partnership. Little expressed hope that not only would Northern Indiana be sending more mission teams to Honduras, but that teams from Honduras would come to Northern Indiana.
Little also spoke about the September statement from the House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans. He reiterated his "dual commitment to the Episcopal Church and to the Anglican Communion," and said that "despite the weaknesses, the statement moves in a Communion-friendly direction and recognizes that we are part of a global family of Christians." He also noted that, "to be a catholic Christian means to be in communion with a historic see…for Anglicans, that See is Canterbury."
The Diocese of Northern Indiana comprises about 6,100 Episcopalians worshipping in 37 congregations.