Huzzah, ++Katherine!!

Lo, it comes with clouds descending!! The letter from our Presiding Bishop, published on Thursday as I traversed the mountain roads of Alabama, was a measured and forceful statement of condemnation of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. As you who visit this blog know, I have been shaking my head in disbelief that our church leaders have been so slow to speak out against a proposal that has dangerous and deadly consequences for the LGBT people of Uganda, as well as any group that attempts to serve this small population. Finally, the head of our Church has spoken!

As always, our Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori exercises amazing graciousness in her response. She has been a target for scorn and derision from the "boys" in purple shirts worldwide who are having a bit of a problem with a skirt being in their company. And so each statement she makes must be "that much more". Read the full text of her statement HERE. The highlights, from my perspective:

• Citing past actions of both General Convention 2006 and Lambeth Conferences to support why this legislation is WRONG!
• Carefully framing her response as being one that is representative of the laws and understanding in the United States which, while it may not be Africa, is still part of this fragile earth, our island home.
• Noting the sin of exporting our culture wars over homosexuality to Africa as a painful and hurtful form of colonialism
• Her continued persist call on all of us to never forget that Christ is in each of us, no matter our sexual orientation, race, creed or theological perspective and to always strive toward living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and returning to the table of God, especially if we are to continue any kind of real listening process as laid out by the Anglican Communion.

So, a great big thank you to our Presiding Bishop for speaking out and encouraging our political leaders to make provisions for people who are trying to escape a worsening situation.

She has placed her cards on the table. Will the Archbishop of Canterbury trump her, or choose to fold?