House of Bishops, Province IX Meets in Virgin Islands
Episcopal News Service. October 20, 1977 [77337]
The Rev. John M. Hennessy, Editor, V.I. Churchman
ST. THOMAS, V.I. -- General missionary strategy, theological education, relationships with independent dioceses, and translations of new liturgical rites occupied the major hours of a one-day session of the Episcopal Church's Ninth Province House of Bishops on Oct. 13 in St. Thomas, V.I.
Under the presidency of the Rt. Rev. Lemuel B. Shirley, Bishop of Panama and the Canal Zone, bishops of the Caribbean and Gulf areas considered the relationship established with the newly independent Central American Diocese of Costa Rica, under the guidance of the Rt. Rev. Antonio Ramos.
The House of Bishops, Province IX, is the metropolitical authority for Costa Rica, though the diocese is not included in funding for the Province.
The extra-provincial independent status of the diocese, formerly included in Province IX, is a new strategy which will extend the Anglican Communion into new areas, Bishop Shirley said.
A new concept of "regional Churches" in the Caribbean, South America, Central America, and other areas, was unfolded and discussed, the Panamanian Bishop said. Costa Rica will be considered a "partner" of the U. S. Church, supported partially from within, partially by Canadian and U. S. funds, a previously initiated Development Fund, the United Thank Offering and emergency grants.
Also proposed by the House of Bishops was a commission on theological education, to include the Virgin Islands and Haiti (members of Province II) for the education of candidates for the priesthood, using primarily the facilities of San Andres seminary in Mexico City. Also discussed by the bishops were the use of scholarship funds and programs by extension to be financed by the sale of the now defunct El Seminario del Caribe, Carolina, Puerto Rico. The ordination and training of "sacramental" priests was also discussed by the prelates.
Bishop Shirley said that the liturgical rites now used in the Spanish language dioceses of the Episcopal Church are essentially a translation of the "Green Book," but that work has begun on a new Hymnal translation. The Canons of the Church in Spanish is now in the hands of the printer, the Bishop said. He added that the Spanish in the late "Oracion Comun" is largely archaic, though there is a sentiment among more conservative churchmen that parts of the new translation are "far out. "
The revised Eucharistic Rite is known as the "Red Book," he said, and a book of special offices is known as a "Blue Book." However, a movement is already under way to create a Eucharistic Rite which would reflect the culture of the West Indies.
The House of Bishops also considered proposals previously set forth for two suffragan bishops for Mexico and two for Colombia to spearhead missionary advance in remote areas. Approval of the plan by Province IX will be returned to the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, Bishop Shirley said.
Province IX prelates met in St. Thomas in conjunction with Coalition-O (overseas bishops) which convened Oct. 9-16 following the general meeting of the House of Bishops in Port St. Lucie, Fla., beginning late in September.