Latest Episcopal Rubbish

[venerable_bean]

This is for my Anglican / Episcopal friends out there.  Here is the latest rubbish from Trinity Cathedral here in Portland....

"Come be part of an international, inter-faith project to cloak the earth with prayer and love. After a walking meditation on the labyrinth, watch your vision of healing and peace magically unfold on your fabric."

Um....

Comments

[osbick_bird]

We were just at Trinity Cathedral this Sunday and noticed that bit about the labyrinth on their website. They also evidently sponsored a 'Women's Dream Quest' involving "creative handwork" for $85. From what I could dig up, it seems to be heavily inspired by Lauren Artress--the language used makes me squeamish, too. "Through the use of ritual, music, candlelight, lecture, small group discussions, clay, mandala drawing, etc. I attempt to 'wake up the old mind' (Margo Adler)." What the heck does *that* mean? It just sounds like an incoherent mishmash of other people's faith traditions and pure invention into a lumpy porridge of new-agey spiritualism trying to present itself as a valid historical practice dating back to the Middle Ages.

(Back story/too much information: my better half has become more open to the idea of a regular faith practice, and I've been missing the liturgical traditions of my Lutheran upbringing without necessarily wanting to go back to the Lutheran church--hence we have lately been tentatively visiting some Episcopal churches, including Trinity, which from my superficial perspective I actually rather liked, the music was beautiful.)

[venerable_bean]

You should check out my parish, once part of The Episcopal Church. We use the old 1928 Book of Common prayer. It's on the corner of NW 21st and Marshal and Solemn High Mass is at 10am on Sundays. Beautiful frescos and Russian Icons to. German Baroque pipe organ.

Our priest grew up Methodist, his Sister In-Law old school Lutheran. I grew up Baptist. In fact 1/2 the people there are converts looking for solid liturgy and spirituality without the bullshit preaching from either the Left or Right. It's just not why we are there. Silence, prayer, communion. If that motivates you to be socially responsible for either party, we think that is great, -but not from the pulpit!

I think we have the best traditional liturgy in town... but im hardly impartial.

[osbick_bird]

Sounds interesting, we might have to do that. In total agreement with you about not wanting to get a hefty dose of political indoctrination along with my religion. :P No thanks. Hmm though is it closed or open communion?

communion

[venerable_bean]

It's open if you are Baptized and have been admitted to Holy Communion by your priest. Confirmation is preferred. So, I would say most people consider this "closed" communion.