I Spent My Day Reading...



I spent my day reading the forty-four page PDF file of the eight nominees for Bishop of Chicago. Our initial slate was five following the search process, three more were added today following the open nomination process and background checks. You can read about them here...and more if you wish to download that 44 page file linked to that page.

I am trying to remain unbiased, but I must admit I know 6 of the nominees. (OK not well, but I know them). Of the eight, four seem like really good candidates. (Of the four I think are good candidates, I only know two...)...

It's going to be an interesting couple of months.

Comments

Diane M. Roth said…
I'll be interested in your further thoughts.
Terri said…
I'm hesistant to say anything. I really want to keep an open mind and listen for the Spirit.

But I am already forming opinions of who I think is a good fit and who is not.

And I am really struggling with one of the nominees who entered the process at the beginning and was rejected by the search committee - they found him "arrogant" and that he was unable to connect with the group - all 28 on the search committee had the same response.

So, now it seems kind of arrogant that he has gone out and solicited the support and resubmitted himself into the process. Doesn't this kind of behavior just make you wonder what his objective is? sigh....

So. I am struggling to keep an open mind and an open heart.
Jan said…
I'm glad that prayerful and informed people like you are considering the bishop candidates. I hope you will keep us posted on your thoughts.
i suspect it is much the same in your denomination as others... the conflicts; the issues; the stances folks have. not sure that I agree that the battles over sexuality & interpretation of sripture will die down. I think more than likely church bodies will fracture; split; reform.

with all that is before the church today... who really would want the quite weighty position of bishop? if they "want" it.. i'm not sure that equates to being called or qualified. know what i mean?
Terri said…
yes, I know what you mean about "wanting it" - it is kinda suspect.

I guess I think the issue will die down in 50 years or so. In the mean time churches will split and fracture and reform....but at some point, I think, people will look back and say, "They did what over human sexuality?" - sort of like we do when we look back at some of church history - Like the Pope has the authority to tell leaders of nations how to rule their countries or whether one can divorce or not, and if divorced can one recieve communion, and if remarried is one living in adultry and/or can one receive communion... or is the consecrated nature of the sacrament dependent upon the character of the priest who blesses it, is the bread and wine really the body and blood of Christ or a symbol of? (OK, we're still debating that one, but not fracturing over it)...

does that makes sense?
Gannet Girl said…
Tracey Lind is an extraordinary woman.
Terri said…
Yes. I've met Tracey, and I agree...(actually I was one of several women from this diocese who encouraged her to allow her name to be submitted)...but, also, I am impressed with at least 5 out of the eight. Which means, perhaps we are in for a tough time as we sort out who is the "best" or the "right" one called...'cuz I think we have several who might be.
mmmm... the sexuality stuff i think in many circles is a symptom of bigger stuff... interpretation of scripture. it's like is that sweater blue or periwinkle? and someone else says it's green... not to make light of it, but really i think that is the BIG issue.
Terri said…
Indeed, HC, I hear you...it is all about the interpretation of scripture. If the TEC or ECUSA had settled that piece first....

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