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Bucking National Trend, Diocese of South Carolina Experiences Growth in 2011 |
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At a time when the Episcopal Church is experiencing serious decline, (with a projected loss of an estimated 27,000 members in 2011*) the Diocese of South Carolina experienced growth. Average Sunday attendance as well as membership, communicants, and parish giving all reflect an increase over 2010, according to the parochial reports received from its parishes.
“This growth brings glory to our Lord and witnesses to the faithful ministry of the priests, deacons and laity within this diocese as they share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina, when presented with the figures.
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Bishop Lawrence Addresses Diocese Following 77th General Convention |
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The following letter written by the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, was provided to clergy throughout the Diocese to be read aloud in parishes on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Clergy were asked to provide printed copies of it as well. An abbreviated version was also made available. July 15, 2012,7th Sunday After Pentecost
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Some of you have actively followed the decisions of the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Others have been blissfully unaware that our denomination even had a General Convention. We have. And the actions taken mark a significant and distressing departure from the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.
In conversations with clergy, and from the emails I have received, I know there is much uneasiness about the future. Some of us are experiencing the well-known stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. And, of course, I must acknowledge there are those for whom the recent decisions are a cause for celebration. For me there are certainly things about which I was thankful at the convention in Indianapolis. I might even have taken encouragement from the resolutions that were passed regarding needed structural reform, and for the intentional work in the House of Bishops on matters of collegiality and honesty. Unfortunately, these strike me now as akin to a long overdue rearranging of the furniture when the house is on fire. Why do I say this?
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South Carolina Differentiates Itself from Actions of 77th General Convention |
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It was with significant prayer and reflection that the Bishop of South Carolina, the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, and the South Carolina deputation to the 77th General Convention took steps to differentiate themselves from actions taken by the convention which, in the words of Bishop Lawrence “mark a departure from the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.”
On the morning of July 11, 2012, five of South Carolina’s seven deputies did not return to the house floor. Bishop Lawrence, after addressing the House of Bishops in a private session, also left the convention.
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SC Deputation Statement, July 10, 2012 |
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Due to the actions of General Convention, the South Carolina Deputation has concluded that we cannot continue with business as usual. We all agree that we cannot and will not remain on the floor of the House and act as if all is normal. John Burwell and Lonnie Hamilton have agreed to remain at Convention to monitor further developments and by their presence demonstrate that our action is not to be construed as a departure from the Episcopal Church. Please pray for those of us who will be traveling early and for those who remain. |
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Update on Bicycles for Northern Uganda |
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By Cindy Pennington, St. John's, John's Island
“How can they hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15
Most of us are familiar with this scripture. It is often quoted in missions teachings; encouraging Christians to support/send missionaries overseas to preach the gospel. In this case, I would like to propose a slightly different slant. “How can they preach unless they have a way to get to the people?”
The Diocese of Northern Uganda covers 4,530 square miles. There are approximately 180,000 Anglicans (vs. 28,000 members in our diocese). However there are only 48 priests (vs. 181 in our diocese) to “tend the sheep” and only one priest has a motorized vehicle.
A priest travels about 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) to get to one congregation. The preferred mode of transportation is motorcycle, however the capital investment and the cost of fuel is prohibitive to most clergy who earn the equivalent of $1,000 USD per year. The next most effective mode is a bicycle. Bishop Johnson Gakumba of the Diocese of Northern Uganda asked if the Diocese of South Carolina could help with the purchase of 100 bicycles.
Thanks be to God and to the people of the Diocese of South Carolina! This need was made known though the e-newsletter on May 24th. Immediately, $5,100 was raised and sent to the Diocese of Northern Uganda. On Friday June 15th, 48 brand new bicycles and 1 new motorcycle were delivered to the Diocese. Bishop Johnson distributed them to his priests and lay readers. Bishop Johnson sends his thanks to the people of this diocese for helping him provide essential tools for ministry. Bishop Johnson said “thank you for enabling us to solve the problem with transport. The Diocese of Northern Uganda is struggling to recover from the over twenty years of war of the Lord’s Resistance Army which destroyed churches, pastors houses and left many people displaced. We are now in the period of rebuilding and continue to value your prayers and partnership.”
What a gift!! One new bicycle only costs $100 and it can provide years of transportation and ministry potential to a Ugandan pastor.
Our Diocese has raised an additional $1,100 for 11 more bicycles; however we are 41 bicycles short of the 100 bike request made by Bishop Johnson. If you can help in this effort, Donate here. Be sure to note "Bicycles for Uganda" under "purpose."
Let’s help equip the clergy of the Diocese of Northern Uganda; to do the Lord’s work; to expand His kingdom! |
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