From here (page 4):
THE NEW DEAN of Christ Church Cathedral, Very Rev. Paul Kennington, right is joined by Bishop Barry Clarke and Rev. Canon Alan Perry, who served as the bishop’s chaplain, as the new dean is applauded after his installation.
The diocese had to go all the way to the UK to find a Dean who is in a same-sex civil partnership. The Very Rev. Paul Kennington is hitched to Jonathan Bailey and they both were at St. Mary’s Battersea which proclaims, “Open Church, Open Heart, Open Mind” – one of the lesser known sayings of Jesus.
Jonathan wrote back to their former church:
You will note Paul’s cassock, with scarlet piping courtesy of Stephen Miles (thanks!) and 39 scarlet buttons sewn on lovingly by Tim, Marie-Ca and Philippa all had a fabulous time in Montreal, and it was wonderful for Paul to have them with him at this big change in his life. It was also lovely for the children to see where Daddy will be working and living
It’s all about the cassock with its 39 darling buttons.
The traditional 39 buttons were to remind clergy of the 39 Articles. Sewing them on is the same kind of hypocrisy as all that public recitation of credal statements no longer believed in. To avoid the hypocrisy, I recommend that clergy cut off all those buttons which may relate to a rejected Article. Problem is, they might then end up with very unsecured, draughty cassocks, with very few darling buttons.
Though I am opposed to Same-sex blessings, and liberal innovations in the Church, I was just wondering what evidence you have that supports the comment, “The diocese had to go all the way to the UK to find a Dean who is in a same-sex civil partnership.” it would be very informative for me to pass along to my Bishop. I would appreciate your reply.
I thought it odd that, after going all the way to the the UK to find a Dean, one was chosen who is in a same-sex civil union: I was being funny – unsuccessfully, it seems.
Thanks for your reply. I agree that it does seem odd. I think what happened was that the new Dean was very qualified for the high culture of the people in Montreal. Unfortunately, he comes with the culture of the world. Sadly, even tragically, it did not seem to matter to the selection committee, or the bishop of the Diocese. LORD have mercy.
You’re welcome and – agreed on all points.
I know Paul as a colleague and student of his (Hebrew). He is very intelligent, talented, capable and a true Christian. He has a passionate heart and will make a very good Dean. Sometimes it’s not always clear to see God’s hand in the midst of a particular situation – but it is there nevertheless. I’m sure Paul can benefit from all our prayers as he seeks to do God’s will in his life and ministry. LORD have mercy indeed.
We are so eager to see God’s hand in these situations that we fail to recognize Satan’s influence.
Steve, Satan can indeed appear in the guise of an ‘angel of light’ – even under the banner of intolerant conservative evangelicals, liberal too-tolerant catholics or those at the polar extremes. But none of us can claim we have the last word on the mind of God! He (she?) knows all, sees all, understands all. We? only in part. Why don’t we wait until the ‘perfect’ comes? In the meantime why make ourselves and our neighbours miserable by judging, prejudging and usurping God’s role?
“Open Church, Open Heart, Open Mind” – one of the lesser known sayings of Jesus. lol, quite witty.