Reflections of a Canadian Churchman

 Chapter Sixteen: Judy Licks Her Wounds Tony was smiling as Maddie told him the story over lunch.  "I'm not under any illusions, Tony, that she still won't come out swinging but I was so proud of Reg. He really shut her down. He was filled with such self-confidence when he described the whole thing...but what was even more amazing was that I would have thought that he would have needed to blow off some steam, but instead...well, it was just amazing the peace he experienced and the compassion he felt for her." "He's actually a really kind man," Tony said, "Sometimes kind people need to be affirmed that kindness is actually a strength, not a weakness." "Yes, it was amazing to see Reg recognize this. I think for the first time in his life, perhaps, he realized that he is strong, and that strength isn't just the property of the bullies." "True strength is not something that bullies have at all, Maddie.  It's true, some...

 We interrupt our ongoing serial, "The Bishop", for a brand-new Mr. Perkins story! Grace: A Mr. Perkins Story Daniel F. Graves   One of the duties that falls to a cleric such as our old friend, Mr. William Perkins, is pastoral counselling. It not quite like psychotherapy. It’s not an ongoing deep exploration of a person’s inner world and into what makes them tick and act the way they do. Although it might involve some psychotherapeutic methodology, it is more about listening to someone who is having a difficult time; listening, walking with them, and helping them to find a sense of their worth, their value in the sight of God, and unburden themselves of the troubles or mistakes that hold them back. Pastoral counselling holds out the hope of healing and wholeness.           One of the individuals who sought out Mr. Perkins in his pastoral capacity at Christ Church, Hampton’s Corners was a parishioner named Grace Goodham. Whe...

 Chapter Fifteen: A Decision is Made Our dear Bishop had made a decision. Late on Saturday night he had distributed by email a pastoral letter to the clergy and people of the Diocese informing them that he intended to proceed, one month hence, with the authorizing of a rite for same-sex marriage, and to allow all clerics whose conscience permitted to perform such marriages.  He did add the proviso that any cleric whose conscience did not permit would not be required to perform those marriages but ought to direct interested couples to clerics who would. The Bishop had consulted widely on what he would do. He had taken advice from his main counsellors, from Robbie Ready, Suzanne Sharpe, Chancellor Trehewey, and many others.  He had received submissions pro and con from many concerned groups and parties.  There were pleadings, warnings, and offers of prayers and support.  No matter what he decided, there would be unhappy people.  The Synod has approved of sa...

Chapter Fourteen: Judy Jumblejump Goes to War When word reached Judy, as it always did, that Maddie was planning to oust her as the Rector’s Warden of Hampton’s Corners at the upcoming vestry meeting, Judy immediately went into battle mode.   When she learned that Maddie was going to replace her with Reg Canon, presently the People’s Warden, she embarked on a course of what she did best - intimidation.   It began with a visit to Reg’s home where she pounded on the door, Reg answered, and she just stood there, hands on her hips, staring him down.   Sometimes when aggravated Judy would come out swinging right away, but with Reg, she usually chose a different method of intimidation that was tried and true.   She would instil some initial fear through silence and a death stare.   Usually, Reg would cave right away because he couldn’t stand the yelling, the finger-wagging, and the hand-waving.   He was afraid of her and he was so used to seeing her fury unleashe...

Chapter Thirteen: Burn the Heretic "I don't think they will charge you with being a heretic, Bishop," said Wilma Trehewey, QC, as she dropped the letter on his desk.   The Diocesan Chancellor, the senior legal officer of the Diocese, was perhaps Bishop Perkins' only true ally and confidant. She made sure she steered clear of any "office politics" at the Diocesan Centre, as her role was voluntary and she was otherwise preoccupied with her partnership in a large city law firm. An extremely competent and judicious individual, the Chancellor commented only on matters within her purview of expertise and oversight. Yet, she was a trustworthy ear for the Bishop, a good listener, and exemplary encourager. The issue on this day, however, was well within her wheel-house.   The Bishop had been visited by a delegation of clerics and lay people who had presented him with a letter strenuously objecting to any implementation of the Synod vote to authorize same-sex marriage...