Reader Response

Executive Council prepares to study United Thank Offering

From Sylvia Robinson Corrigan • Westport, Connecticut Dec 22, 2008 Having served as Connecticut Diocesan Coordinator for the United Thank Offering for 5+  years (2000 - 2006), I am very much interested to hear that a "serious and extensive study of the current and future (state? - my parenthesis) of the United Thank Offering" will be undertaken by an Ad Hoc Committee appointed by Presiding Officers of the Executive Council. I am glad to hear that the members will study its "roles, purposes, function, operational procedures and vision for faithfulness of God's mission in the 21st century".

As Diocesan president, I continue to screen grant applications.  A concern of mine has been that only two applicants have been able to receive a grant in a given diocese -- now one, I think!  I would like to see every qualified applicant receive a grant. In Connecticut, my diocese, a mission called "The Bishop's Fund for Children" was started a few years ago. I have been impressed that all qualified applicants receive funding.

It is agonizing to turn people away, when the UTO makes promises about giving hope through daily thanks.  It can mean that someone who applies one year is encouraged to reapply, but then may lose interest or momentum as a result.

Finally, since the United Thank Offering was started by women, and has carried a certain momentum and excitement through women to this day, I hope that women may continue to play an important role in this mission, even if we do give it up as a "possession."

Archbishop of Canterbury's 2008 Christmas Message to the Anglican Communion

From Chris Baker • Durham, United Kingdom, Dec 22, 2008 A surprising lack of comment on this around the Anglican blogosphere. Could it be anything to do with paragraph 3, do you think?

BETHLEHEM: Goths meet 'gentle evangelism'

From John Nowacki • Hartford, Connecticut, Dec 22, 2008 Brava, Rev. Divis! Listening to the Holy Spirit's direction will never let you down when it comes to ministering to the people around you. Thank you for being open and willing to stretch out to reach these young people. God's richest blessings on you and your parish.

RIO GRANDE: Diocese disaffiliates from Anglican Communion Network

From Pam McArthur • Lincoln, New Mexico, Dec 22, 2008 Having lived and served in the Diocese of the Rio Grande for over 30 years (my husband was baptized and confirmed in the missionary District of NM) this good news gives us cause to rejoice! The last 20 years under the old leadership were difficult and discouraging to say the least. Hopefully and expectantly now, the people of the Rio Grande can move forward again in faith, compassion, witness, and action.

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