“A Letter from Bishop Chris”

This past Sunday I mentioned that membership here at Immanuel includes a commitment to the Anglican Way of following Jesus. A vital part of being Anglican is our participation in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (DOMA). A diocese is a network of churches overseen by a Bishop who is committed to guide and guard each congregation in keeping with Gospel of Jesus. An important way that you can participate in our Diocese is to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, the Mid-Atlantic Messenger.

This month’s Mid-Atlantic Messenger includes a pastoral letter from our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Chris Warner. Bishop Chris requests that each member of the 42+ congregations in the Diocese read this important letter. In this communication he calls on the church to be a refuge for all people, especially for the most vulnerable among us. He has in mind in particular those who have suffered abuse:

Because the Diocese of the Mid Atlantic seeks to live out the Gospel, I believe it is imperative that we develop churches which seek to protect our most vulnerable from abuse including children, youth, and adults. We must also learn how to care for those among us who have been harmed or abused by others. And we must learn to understand how abusers groom people and communities so that we can help our churches be safe. I hope you’ll join me in this important work.

Here at Immanuel we are indeed committed to this important work, as we are committed to offering Refuge, Reconciliation, and Renewal to our communities. The policies and training we require of our leaders are part of that work, as is the pastoral care, prayer, and guidance we offer. The way you treat, support, and watch out for each other is essential as well.

Please read the entirety of our Bishop’s letter, and subscribe to the Mid-Atlantic Messenger if you have not yet done so.

I also encourage you to listen my message on September 08 for a full overview for what it means to be a member this local expression of the body of Christ, Immanuel: God with us…for the sake of others.

Your Pastor in Christ,