A Word From The Bishop

Bishops' Response to Governor's Decision on Refugees

Statement from the Rt. Rev. George Sumner and the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

As you know, Governor Abbott refused to admit any government vetted refugees to Texas in 2020, a decision just stayed in federal court. We are glad that this unfortunate decision will not be moving forward, at least for now.

In order to gain a social and theological perspective on the issue, we commend the arguments made in the attached statement from Episcopal Church to you, as it describes how refugees include the vulnerable, abused, and religiously persecuted. Furthermore the welcoming of refugees not only has been a strong tradition in our nation, but is also rooted in the Scriptures themselves (Matthew 25:35 for example).

On this issue we believe we are in concert with our fellow bishops in the state, Roman Catholic and Episcopal. Obviously ministry to refugees has been important in our own diocese. In the newsletter and on our diocesan website you can find an accompanying note from Mother Samira.

Peace

+GRS, +MS

Anglican Bishop of Mumias to Visit Dallas

Joseph Wandera is the Anglican Bishop of Mumias, in south-western Kenya. In addition to being a pastor, he is a scholar who holds a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Capetown, South Africa.  Prior to his election, Wandera was a teacher at the St. Paul’s University in Limuru. His area of expertise is inter-religious dialogue, and in particular Christian-Muslim relations.  He is also a member of the taskforce called ‘Theological Education in the Anglican Communion’ (TEAC).

Bishop Wandera will be in the United States to speak at a consultation to be held at Virginia Seminary entitled ‘Communion and Disagreement.’ After this event, we will be welcoming him to visit the Diocese.  On Thursday, January  16,  at 7 p.m. at Canterbury House, as a guest of The Living Church, he will take part in a conversation about his work. All are welcome.  Then on Friday, January 17, he will take part in a luncheon conversation with scholar- priests of the diocese- if you are currently at work on a D.Min. and would like to attend, get in touch with the Bishop’s office. On Saturday, Bishop Wandera will be taking part in Stanton Center classes, and on Sunday, January 19, he will be the preacher at Good Shepherd. We want to welcome him most warmly to our Diocese.