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There hasn’t been much to write about on this old blog. That’s good news for the CEC (+++Bates is doing an outstanding job, I must say) and back news for this blog!
The only thing that caught my eye was this statement sent out last month regarding St. Michael’s Seminary:
The [sic] are recommending that St. Michael’s be the official seminary of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States and that every Diocese use the seminary for preparing men for ordination.
Why on earth would they do that? Unless the CEC is wanting to get a hold of more cash by putting all the guys interested in ordination through the St. Michael’s Seminary mill … or, they want to make absolutely sure that everyone who puts in time at St. Michael’s Seminary and wants to leave the CEC has no real transferable education to take with them.
I’ve heard lots of stories of former CEC deacons and priests with work completed at St. Michael’s Seminary but no diploma or transcripts to show for their work. The checks they wrote to St. Michael’s Seminary were all cashed in an orderly manner. But, they have nothing to show for it.
Why would the CEC be opposed to men going to accredited seminaries for Masters and Doctorate degrees? Perhaps it’s because they would have transferable education in the event they would ever want to leave the CEC. Perhaps it’s just another tool to keep people in the CEC.
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Statement from the Meeting of St. Michael’s Seminary Curriculum Committee of the American Church
The Curriculum Committee of St. Michael’s Seminary, USA met in Olathe, Kansas October 16-17, 2008. Those in attendance were the Patriarch, Bishops Doug Kessler and Mike Davidson, Archdeacon Bill McLoughlin, Canons Mark Finley, David Almond, Robert Wills, Fr. Terry Hedrick, and Deacons John Garrett and Steve Phelps. Canon Mark Pearson was unable to attend the meeting because he is recovering from surgery.
On the first day, the Patriarch addressed the members of the committee. He commended the committee for the excellent work they have done in setting curriculum and in teaching and mentoring men around the United States and Canada. There is always need for improvement because our culture is slowly entering a post-Christian era. Our men need to be educated and prepared for the days that face us.
After discussion of the Patriarch’s comments, the committee continued with their work. At the conclusion of the two days of meeting they prepared several recommendations to the United States House of Bishops.
The are recommending that St. Michael’s be the official seminary of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in the United States and that every Diocese use the seminary for preparing men for ordination.
There was a lengthy discussion of the spiritual and moral formation of seminarians and clergy. They are recommending to the Bishops of the U.S. Church that all clergy be mandated to be involved in continuing education and spiritual direction. They are reminding the Bishops and the seminarians that St. Michael’s Seminary is contextual education and involves spiritual/moral formation, practical ministry, and academics. The committee also recommended that there be programs developed for the wives and families of clergy and those seeking ordination.
Finally the Committee recommended to the Patriarch, who is also the Primate of the United States, that the Seminary seek accreditation and that he appoint a group to research the possibility. The Patriarch responded by appointing a group to work on this process.
The Primate reappointed Bishop Doug Kessler as the Dean of the Seminary and Dn. Steve Phelps who serves at the Cathedral in Kansas City will assist him in administrative matters.
The Patriarch is returning to New York where he will preach and preside at the Sunday Eucharist at the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor. At the 11 a.m. Eucharist he will baptize a infant boy. On Monday and Tuesday, the Patriarch will be on retreat with the full time staff pastoral staff of the Cathedral and then he will be traveling to Rochester, New York where he will ordain two men to the Order of Deacon.
On Saturday, October 18th over 100 people were Chrismated into Holy Orthodoxy by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America with still more to follow. Members from both Emmanuel & St. Stephen’s Churches, formerly of the Diocese of the Northeast of the CEC under Abp. Bates, completed the nearly year-long process of being Chrismated (Confirmed) into the Orthodox Christian Faith.
Kenneth DeVoie, former CEC Priest, and Christopher Nerreau, former CEC Deacon, are scheduled to be Ordained to the Deaconate on Friday, November 21st and both to the Priesthood on Saturday, November 22. The Ordinations will take place at St. George’s Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral on Anna St. in Worcester, MA.
Photo includes some of those Chrismated on October 18th.
For additional photos, you can go to:
http://emmanuelorthodox.squarespace.com/emmanuel-church-pictures/chrismation-into-holy-orthodoxy/
Thanks!
Ken DeVoie
www.emmanuelorthodox.org
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