Bishop Eric Menees
Last Friday, Archbishop Beach sent out the following message
to the Province in the wake of the elections. I now prayerfully pass it along
to you all in the Diocese of San Joaquin, for your prayerful
consideration.
“These have been historic days in the United States, and
will have a ripple effect that cannot yet be predicted. Scholars will be
dissecting these events for years to come, but I want to take a moment to speak
to you about the next few days. Some of our members have been encouraged by
this election, and some have been discouraged by its outcome.
Firstly, I want to thank the Canadian and Mexican members of
our province for praying for your brothers and sisters in the United States
this week. The diversity of the Anglican Church in North America is one of its
strengths, and a reflection of the image of God. Being a province that spans
not just political parties, but multiple nations is a unique gift, and provides
helpful perspective in times such as these.
Secondly, to those in the United States, regardless of how
you voted, this morning we are all even more aware of the fact that our country
is in need of healing. There is a need for reconciliation across the divisions
of race, ethnicity, class, and political party. While the issues are
complicated, it is clear that many in our country are scared and feeling
wounded. This is a time for the Church to be a refuge and an example. While
living in this earthly kingdom, we must allow our citizenship in the heavenly
kingdom to lead us in thought, word, and deed. The depth of this reconciliation
can only be accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit, and I call on each of
us to care for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thirdly, I ask for your prayers for President-elect Donald
Trump, and I ask you to continue to pray for President Barack Obama, Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau, and President Enrique Peña Nieto. Pray that each of
these leaders would govern with wisdom, care, and courage. Pray for a smooth
transition, and for President-elect Trump to select wise counselors to surround
him as he becomes President. Practice 1 Timothy 2:1 ("First of all, then,
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a
peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.") And pray for
healing and reconciliation in our nation.
Lastly, I write this to you having just stepped off of a
flight to Asia where I will be ministering and sharing fellowship with our
Christian brothers and sisters in Singapore, India, and Nepal. I am reminded
how so many around the world look to the United States for good leadership, but
more importantly, for our responsibility to pray and work that the whole world
will hear and have the opportunity to experience the transforming love of Jesus
Christ."
Let us pray,
"Almighty God, we pray that you will lead the nations of the
world into the way of righteousness; and so guide and direct our leaders, that
your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our
leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth,
restrain wickedness and vice, and maintain true religion." (Texts for Common
Prayer, Prayers of the People)
Thirty-nine Articles
of Religion
III. Of the going
down of Christ into Hell
As Christ died for us; and was buried, so also is it to be
believed, that he went down into Hell.
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