News Briefs
Episcopal News Service. January 24, 1985 [85022]
(DPS, Jan. 31) -- Meeting here Jan. 22-23, the steering committee of the Evangelical and Catholic Mission has elected the Rt. Rev. Robert E. Terwilliger as its chairman. Following his election, Terwilliger re-affirmed the organization's continuing opposition to ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate, adding "Recent requests for assistance from other provinces of the Anglican Communion have encouraged us to explore means of becoming international in scope." Terwilliger was founding director of the Trinity Institute in New York City and is currently bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Dallas. The Evangelical and Catholic Mission describes itself as "an organization of bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity dedicated to recalling the Episcopal Church to her heritage of biblical authority, apostolic ministry, Christian morality and Anglican spirituality, working from within the Episcopal Church."
(DPS, Jan. 31) -- An instructional tape on baptism, produced by the Video Task Force of the Diocese of Colorado and featuring its bishop, William C. Frey, has now been completed and is available for distribution. Running approximately 45 minutes, it is especially designed for use in baptismal instruction, inquirer's classes and classes on lay (baptismal) ministry. The videotape includes segments on baptism in the early church, the fellowship of the baptized as a "New Humanity", the liturgy for baptism in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and questions frequently asked about baptism. The cost for rental (including study guide) is $20; purchase price is $40. It is available from: Video Task Force, Box 18-M, Capitol Hill Station, Denver, CO 80218; phone: (303) 837-1173.
(DPS, Jan. 31) -- In celebration of its 200th anniversary, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has published a 737-page volume, The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, 1784-1984: A Mission to Remember, Proclaim, and Fulfill. The book, which offers a view of the way in which the present Church has been shaped by the area's diverse cultural contexts and communities, combines overall diocesan history with individual parish essays. Included are six full-length articles which discuss such topics as the contributions of women to the Church's missionary calling and the influence of Episcopal authority upon a liberal, broad church tradition. With its emphasis on the major part played by the laity in the Church's development, the book can also serve as a resource on the social history of New England. For further information, contact Katherine Powers at the Diocese of Massachusetts, 1 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108; phone: (617) 742-4720, ext. 40.
(DPS, Jan. 31) -- South African Bishop Desmond Tutu was named "Person of the Year in Religion" for 1984 by Christian Century magazine, an ecumenical weekly published here. The announcement was made in the Jan. 2-9 issue and marks the first time the magazine has designated such, although editor James M. Wall said it is intended to become an annual event. According to Wall, the in criterion in making the selection was "the magnitude of impact, for good or ill, on religious institutions and on society as a whole."
(DPS, Jan. 31) -- The Church of England, which in recent years has experienced a steady drop in the number of men selected for training as clergy, has started a massive drive to reverse the decline. Called for by the House of Bishops, the campaign began with educational packets sent to parish clergy and chaplains. While intended to stimulate interest in all aspects of ministry, the information is especially aimed at encouraging vocations to the full-time stipendiary priesthood. It is feared that if the decline continues, the pastoral effectiveness of the Church would be damaged and some theological colleges would have to close. The decrease is not limited to the Church of England, a fact which puzzles analysts, since, historically, more men have considered a career in the Church at times of high national unemployment; Britain currently has about 4 million people out of work. The situation has also increased tensions between those who favor the ordination of women and those who oppose it.