Prayer for Coronavirus

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Greetings in Christ. We in the diocese are making several changes to our liturgical life due to the possibility of the coronavirus, especially communion with the bread alone (wherein is found Christ’s full and real presence) and the peace without touching. Let me emphasize that: - this is temporary

  • while our theological commitments are unchanged.

  • they aim at enabling parishioners to worship without anxiety and with a mind to protecting the vulnerable.

  • we aim to be a calm and hopeful presence in the wider community.

  • we continue to seek medical and public health advice.

Please pray with me this prayer during this period: 

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they  may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Peace,

+GRS 

Bishops' Response to Governor's Decision on Refugees

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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

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