A recent report in The Eagle-Tribune of No. Andover, MA has quoted a priest as saying that the Bishop of New Hampshire has given permission for clergy of this diocese to act as agents of the State in marrying same-gender couples. That is categorically untrue. The current policy as stated on our website is that any civil union is to be presided over by a secular magistrate of the State and not, by our clergy. When pastorally appropriate and only if the clergyperson is so inclined, may the church’s blessing of that union may be offered. Civil marriage of same-gender couples does not become law until January 1, 2010.

(Policy: http://www.nhepiscopal.org/artman/uploads/civil-unions-updated_pastoral-letter.pdf)

Going where the fish are

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In a recent meeting with the Standing Committee, a couple of people mentioned a few of their parishioners who were puzzled and even angered

that I would appear on The Daily Show with John Stewart on the night of the inauguration – and wondered why I would do such a thing. The Standing Committee thought my response would be good to share with the diocese.

From time to time, I accept media requests for interviews, accept an award from a group outside the diocese, or speak in a college or school venue.

Some of you might wonder about my reasons for doing so. Some charge it’s because I am feeding my own ego. Others think I would be better to

spend my time only in New Hampshire, and only in our churches. Still others wonder if I couldn’t be spending my time in better ways. Let me tell you why I do it.

Among the promises made and responsibilities given to me at my consecration, are these words: “A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel.” “Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?”

It seems fair to say that I get to talk to more unchurched and formerly-churched people than any other bishop in The Episcopal Church. I am

invited to preach not only to the “choir,” but to those who have left the religious communities of their upbringing. Many have been hurt by the Church, made to feel unworthy of God’s love and the Church’s care. Others have simply become bored with the irrelevance to their lives they experience in the Church, many of them young people.

Continued...