Week ending 01/03/22

Pittsburgh Episcopalians Mourn the Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis

The Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis led Calvary Episcopal Church, one of the three largest parishes in the diocese for over a decade.  He died, age 74 on December 31.  He had come to Calvary after serving as the staff person at the Church Center for African America ministry.  Dr. Lewis was a noted historian who published several books and articles, wrote poetry, and served on numerous Church Boards and as a Deputy to General Convention.  He is remembered as the rector of the parish in Pittsburgh who won a lawsuit against Bishop Duncan and the Episcopal Diocese as it was headed towards schism, thus preserving the property of the Episcopal Diocese for Episcopalians. You can read about more of his accomplishments here.  The notice of his death put out by the diocese includes a statement from the President of the House of Deputies.  A statement from Progressive Episcopalians is here

Colorado Episcopalians Begin Fire Relief Work

A devastating wildfire swept through two large, middle-class communities between Golden and Boulder with the lost of 991 homes and several other structures.  The fire spread very rapidly with little warning as winds up to 105 miles an hour drove the flames across plains already parched by drought.  Falling temperatures and a full winter snowfall followed the fires helping to put out the flames, but hindering recovery actions.  Episcopal churches in the area were not burned, but the homes of many parishioners were.  The churches are already mobilizing to provide basic needs for families left with nothing but the shirts on their back.The Episcopal News Service has the story.

Continuing Stories

Retrospective on Archbishop Tutu

Last week Update carried the news of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's death and the various ways he was being commemorated.  This week Anglicans On Line has a retrospective on his life and the many causes he upheld.  He was an  advocate for women's ordination, LGBTQA people, the poor, reconciliation, opposed governmental corruption in his own party, and spoke out against the mistreatment of Palestinians.