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Letters from 12 September to 18 September 2005

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Looking with joy is a form of prayer

Thank you for your positive reminder of the health of the Church, during what has been a long period of doom and gloom. Thanks, too, for passing on the idea of a Vistors' Sunday--what a great way to welcome people intentionally!

Like you, I have often enjoyed looking at the people coming back from communion, and for a long time thought it meant I was spiritually lazy, as I "ought" to be praying. Then I realized that looking with joy and appreciation on God's children is a form of prayer in itself--especially if One says "thank you" to God for each one. I do believe prayer is much more encompassing than we're inclined to recognize--so I hope you'll understand that your joy in the presence of these folks was a prayer in itself.

The Rev'd Peggy Blanchard
St. Barnabas Episcopal/Lutheran, Jefferson City
Harriman, TN, USA
revpeg@hotmail.com
12 September 2005

How can I find a service with a woman priest?

I am an Anglo-Catholic, but I differ in that I feel in me no opposition to the ordination of women. I must say I have difficulties expressing my views. On one hand there is something very traditionalist about me, on the other hand there is something that might be termed 'liberal'. Hence I beleive in the traditional beliefs of the Church I find it important to celebrate the eucharist in the catholic manner. But I feel within me no opposition to a woman doing it.

Is there a group of people like me in the Church who do not feel antagonism between traditionalism and certain trends that might be classified as liberal? Is it a legitimate option to want to assist at a woman-priest run service in order to make up one's mind on the issue as I might get entangled in pros and cons and theological arguments. I would believe first-hand experience is better. And if this is a legitimate option, where can I find women-priest run services in Gloucestershire?

I hope I haven't bothered anyone with my stuff. i do feel important to communicate on those issues so that my faith can be strenghthened in the spirit of Christ.

Jean-Marie Avril
All saints, Cheltenham, UK
Jnnslmn@aol.com
16 September 2005

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All of our letters are in our archives.