The Rev. Terry L. Martin named Program Officer for Evangelism

From Fr. Tancredo R. Pastores, Jr. • Visalia, California, Jul 24, 2008 Is this a joke? How can Fr. Terry Martin, aka Father Jake, a self-acknowledged heretical snake oil peddler, be named Program Officer for Evangelism?

If you read what he used to write over at "Father Jake Stops the World" you will know that he is one of the most hateful and angry persons in the blogging world. He also allowed some the vilest comments on his blog that I have ever read anywhere.

Keep Communion safe

From Donald Lamb • Vancouver, BC, Canada, Jul 24, 2008 Providing wheat-free wafers is absolutely no problem. I cannot imagine a priest being concerned as to "how difficult" it is for her to provide and administer non-wheat wafers. Ours are consecrated in a pix on the paten along with the regular wafers. (Actually a member of our parish--who has celiac disease--bakes our rice wafers).

Keep Communion safe

From Ellen Tillotson • Torrington, Connecticut, Jul 24, 2008 I was pleased to read Susan Delaney's article and astounded that, in this day, anyone should question making gluten-free wafers available every week for both parishioners and visitors.  We regularly consecrate several gluten-free wafers and keep them in a separate container with the rest of the reserved sacrament.  All it takes is a little awareness of the medical needs of these persons and the commitment to make sure everyone is welcome at the Lord's Table.

Keep Communion safe

From The Rev. Marcia A. Tremmel • Parrish, Florida, Jul 23, 2008 Thank you for helping to spread the word. My priest is absolutely wonderful about the whole thing - he offered GF wafers before I got there (described it as "a good pastoral thing to do). Unfortunately, not all manage it so well. At large gatherings (like clergy days, etc.) I usually just ask for a blessing rather than risk all the "not so fun" after effects that I can usually count on if I receive a wheat wafer. I hope your article educates more people. Thank you.

EUROPE: Catholic, Orthodox warn Church of England on women bishops decision

From Eddie Hall, Inman • South Carolina, Jul 23, 2008 I fully support the Anglican ordination of women as bishops. The Vatican, just like the Southern Baptist Convention, think they can declare what is best for all Christians.  I disagree.  The Holy Spirit is the One we need to listen to and not anyone else.

Keep Communion safe

From Jane Schmoetzer • Laurel, Montana Jul 23, 2008 Seabury-Western seminary has a tradition of using communion bread baked by students, and has developed a gluten-free recipe.  I would imagine they would be glad to share it if asked.

Bishop Gonzalez, formerly of Cuba, dies at 94

From The Rev. Oscar Gonzalez • Bayonne, New Jersey, Jul 22, 2008 Very appropriate comments on the life of my brother. Our family appreciates your good taste and prompt news.

NEW YORK: Bronx rally against gun violence draws hundreds

From Lourdes Acevedo • New York, New York, Jul 21, 2008 I feel that this organization is doing a very good job, and I feel that this is a major concern for everybody to help and get involved to make our street safe by getting the illegal guns out of the street. I myself try to join all the rallies and marches that the organization does.

MILWAUKEE: All Saints' Cathedral sells thousands of books to alleviate hunger

From Sister Mary Paula Bush, C.S.M. • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jul 19, 2008 Excellent article! May God abundantly bless the book sale and its working staff. Donors and recipients will be blessed also. You are an inspiration!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Emmanuel Parish, Grass Valley, to celebrate 150th anniversary of historic church

From C. Chan • Grass Valley, California, Jul 19, 2008 Those reading this will find our history very interesting. I think that if they have not visited Grass Valley before they would include our historic church as a "must visit;" I know I would if it were me! I am thankful for the interim rector, Fr. Phil!

Churches for Middle East Peace ask Secretary Rice's help for students in Gaza

From Richard Rosenblatt • Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Jul 18, 2008 Your "high-minded" pleadings and pronouncements on behalf of the Gazan Fulbright recipients ring hollow to my ears.

You must be aware that they live in a region ruled by a fundamentalist Islamic sect committed to the destruction of Israel. Hamas institutionalizes this commitment in its charter and acts on it with terror attacks and a continuous rain of rockets and mortar shells on Israeli civilian targets. The Islamic University of Gaza, from which a number of these students originate, is controlled by Hamas, has been used to cache arms, and is suspected of being the site where a kidnapped Israeli was held. Yet, the Episcopal Church chooses to ignore Israel's security concerns and, as far as I know, has done nothing to help ameliorate their deep and justified suspicion of anything eminating from Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Your article quotes Maureen Shea's statement, "The co-signers of the letter to Secretary Rice believe that education for young people is a critical investment for peace between Israel and Palestine."

Fine. Now, instead of always pointing your finger at Israel, how about focusing your efforts on getting the other parties to contribute to the investment: Hamas to stopping the terror attacks, Iran to stop funding them, other Muslim governments to apply pressure to Hamas and its sponsors to stop the terror, the Egyptian government to allow the students to transit through that country, etc., etc.

Until your church demonstrates this kind of even-handedness, I will view the activities praised in your article as hypocritical and cynical.

Presiding Bishop responds to GAFCON statement

From Jeremiah • London, Ontario , Jul 17, 2008 I continue to pray for the communion in Canada and the U.S. for spiritual maturity. As James points out faith without works is dead [James 2:20]. Obedience to the gospel which requires us to die to self daily is a hard thing; however God enables us to be faithful when we have faith. In our secular self-centered world however, this obedience, which took Christ all the way to his death, is not popular.

The Churches in Canada and the U.S. are struggling because faith is weak, and consequently obedience to the Gospel is also weak. My prayer of course is that that weak faith be strengthened.

However, statements like these presented by 'The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori' do not instill confidence that a true spirit of reconciliation reigns, or that subordination to a Biblically centered theology will overcome the pressure exerted by corrupt worldly influences.

I will pray that the Lambeth conference indeed assist the apostate churches in Canada and the U.S. and their representative Bishops, to overcome the world and return to Biblical truth.

PITTSBURGH: Parish wants court-appointed monitor to oversee possession, use of diocesan property

From A.N. Guthkelch • Saline, Michigan Jul 16, 2008 It was Calvary Church that welcomed me back after 40 years of non-attendance.  The then Rector, John Baiz, would have thoroughly approved his parish's present stand.  My only concern is that legal proceedings are costly.  I invite those who agree with Calvary's position to join me in sending a donation to make up the shortfall in charitable works that must result from resisting this schismatic nonsense.

CONNECTICUT: Diocese, Episcopal Church file complaint against those refusing to vacate Groton church

From Claude Whitcomb • Little Rock, Arkansas, Jul 16, 2008 Is ECA more concerned about property and buildings than the sheep? In a lawsuit of sheep vs. sheep - Jesus looses.

Does the ECA believe it can hold the church together by political or legal force? Holy Spirit keeps us connected to the Head of the Church.

How does this help reach souls in need of Jesus?

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