Standing Committee Update
To my knowledge, there’s no official fairy tale for the Episcopal Church, but “Goldilocks” might be a good choice. As a cautionary tale, it’s the story of a judgy little intruder who spends a lot of time pointing out what’s wrong with things and doesn’t show much respect for others’ individual choices. Best not to emulate that. But from a more positive point of view, of course, it’s a story of seeking a balance between extremes, that which is “just right.” A “middle way,” if you will.
As we know, the Anglican via media, that “middle way” our tradition is famous for seeking (and probably never quite finding) since the 16th century, is not about making easy compromises or refusing to hold fast to hard commitments. It can be tough work to walk the way that seeks to find the best in different points of view, hold in productive tension disparate ideas, and, quite simply, work together in as inclusive a way as possible. The grace comes as we find that this tough work, when pursued faithfully, in the end somehow makes it all easier, and, certainly, more successful.
The Standing Committee, of course, has two main functions: to serve as a committee of advice and consent to the bishop and to act as the ecclesiastical authority in the diocese in the absence of a bishop. When our metaphorical bed is too soft, the Standing Committee is relegated to being “yes-persons” to the bishop who have little or no input on important matters. When our “bed” is too hard, the Standing Committee’s work becomes overwhelming, with too much authority and too much to do.
Speaking on behalf of the Standing Committee of our Diocese, I want to share with you how blessed we feel to be getting back to the middle way, to seeking that Goldilocks “just right,” by working with a Bishop again. The Rt. Rev. Stephen Lane has begun his work with us on behalf of our diocese as our Advising Bishop. God willing, and the Convention consenting, he’ll become our Bishop Provisional in October. Bishop Lane has outlined for us what he hopes our future working relationship will be like, and we are confident he has the experience and the gifts to collaborate with us (and our Diocese) effectively through this challenging but exciting time of transition. All of us in our Diocese have lots of tough work ahead, but with his guidance we think it’ll be, as I mentioned, easier and more successful than it would be otherwise. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we believe we’re off to a great start toward discerning and embracing the future God has planned for the Diocese of Western New York.
In Christ,
The Rev. Daniel Pinti
St. Peter’s-Eggertsville
Vice-President, Standing Committee