Support for churches

[theretohere]

Can we have a thread where we just acknowledge- and support- all our churches, and church bodies, all around the world that are in turmoil and are undergoing changes? I don't really want to come down on either side of the issues, but I know a lot of churches are experiencing strife. Let's all for for peace in our churches!

[EnviroBecca]

Good idea! : Hooray for churches! May the light of Christ shine through them all, make things right, and bring peace.

I'm an Episcopalian in Pittsburgh. After several years of turmoil, 2/3 of my diocese including the bishop left the Episcopal Church and joined what they hope will be recognized as a separate province of the Anglican Communion in America, with more conservative policies. My parish is part of the remnant Episcopal diocese that is now rebuilding. We've been sent a new bishop, and he is wonderful. But before the split, despite our conflict with Bishop Duncan, we prayed for him every time during the Prayers of the People; now, we only pray for our new bishop and the rest of the Episcopal hierarchy. I do pray in my own heart for Bishop Duncan every time, still, because I think he still needs my prayers that he will experience the grace, truth, and love of God and walk the path of righteousness. If we give up on him, how can he ever see the light? (I mean no offense to people on the other side of the Episcopal controversy! This same idea applies to any other church conflict.)