As time for our 214th Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina approached, I found myself in the middle of all kinds of demands and crises, local and diocesan, national and international; strident voices demanding to know why I had not done what Bishop X had done, voices of support and care, voices that longed for a return to another day, voices that were accusatory and angry.

My response was to take more time just to be quiet and say my prayers. I read two books that helped me hear more what the Holy Spirit may be trying to say to me. The first was The Working Poor by David Shipler. The working poor - that was a strange image at first. I mostly think of the non-working poor. I want to say more about that later, because in the midst of our struggles and our affluence, Lazarus is right under our noses and invisible.

The other book was written by R.R. Reno, entitled In the Ruins of the Church. In that book I found an analysis of the state of the church that was not just some issue oriented analysis, because the issues we fight about are symptoms of a much greater picture. We are stuck because we try to resolve the symptoms, but such resolution cannot cure the disease, which is theological and ecclesial. I found comfort in the image Reno used concerning the church in ruins – namely, the task he sees before us. He uses the image of Nehemiah and the ruins of Jerusalem – his calling was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As painful as it will be – as long as it will take - so long that we may ourselves not see it rebuilt – we are called to rebuild the ruins of the church. “We need a redoubled intimacy if we are to suffer divine things in an age that urges us to flee,” to quote Reno.

I believe we are called to the rebuilding; and that it does not mean a return to business as usual. The Living Church quotes the Bishop of Atlanta as saying to his diocese that “we cannot return to business as usual.”

There is a resolution before this convention endorsing the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes. Bishop Skilton and I are two of its founders. The original idea for the Network was the suggestion of the Archbishop of Canterbury. We have with others have been in communication with him since early fall. The orthodox position which we uphold, was clearly on the losing side in the consecration of Gene Robinson and same-sex blessings. We believe that these are symptoms of much more profound theological and ecclesial issues. This crisis is the result of the church trying to settle through political power what actually requires profound theological work on the part of the American Church and the whole communion. The purpose of the Network is to provide a means of strength within the Church to uphold orthodoxy and to provide support for those under persecution in a number of dioceses. The Network also provides a means for Primates and others to support us more effectively in this struggle. Its purpose is to provide a place of strength and witness within the American Church.

Endorsement does not mean that individuals and congregations who do not agree are thus co-opted against their will. As a diocese, over the years, we have had a number of initiatives endorsed by the diocese and supported by many and ignored by others. It does mean that this is not just the personal position of the bishops.

I met with a group of clergy on Monday who were for and against the endorsement of the Network, so that their positions on the resolution could be fully presented and discussed. I told them that I had asked the Constitutions and Canons Committee to meet earlier today and to present the resolution to the convention as soon as it was organized. Our usual practice is to have resolutions at the end of convention, sometimes then ending with acrimony, after a day and a half of good work and fellowship.

After we have heard from anyone who wishes to speak, we will vote, and go on about our work and the mission of the church.

After the Resolution on the Network, we will also receive a resolution to establish a Reconciliation Commission in the Diocese, and a resolution asking the House of Bishops, which meets on March 19th, to begin the work of Reconciliation. These resolutions come from All Saints’, Hilton Head. I heartily endorse then both. Reconciliation here is well beyond just understanding each other. My work in the Beaufort Deanery some weeks ago helped me see that, at least among the clergy, the problem was that they did understand each other, and occupied positions of contradiction. That requires more than just understanding. We often don’t even talk the same language. We have the opportunity to engage in theological reflection that can bless us all, clergy and laity alike, and at the same time, empower the mission of the church. Stanley Hauerwas in his book With the Universe warns us that Christians have often desired a place conceived as “unity”, but when we have done so, we confuse the peace of Christ with worldly order. That reminds me of William Alexander Percy’s hymn They Cast Their Nets in Galilee which concludes “the Peace of God, it is no peace, but strife closed in the sod, yet brethren pray for but one thing – the marvelous peace of God.” The same can be said of church unity. There is no quick easy fix – but by the power of the Holy Spirit all things are possible where solutions seem absolutely impossible.

We set a vision fourteen years ago to Build Up the Congregations for the work of the Gospel. We continue to be blessed as that vision becomes reality. Just last weekend I received word from David Thurlow that St. Matthias, Summerton, had been able to hire a teacher to begin a Montessori Church School at St. Matthias’ this fall. The Council in its last meeting agreed to support the project for up to $30,000, less what St. Matthias was able to raise in a capital campaign. $5,000 was the first gift received in that campaign. How exciting! Epiphany, Eutawville has begun the process to add Sunday school rooms to their new Parish Hall. A Parish Hall that seemed only a dream a few years ago, is now being expanded. The Fishers of Men Ministry, which brings the races together, has now expanded to three locations. This ministry began in Eutawville with the fine leadership of Fr. John Scott and Epiphany Church. Construction of the new Parish Hall is complete at Holy Apostles Barnwell and the church tower has been rebuilt. In December we successfully completed the merger of St. Peter’s Charleston and St. John’s Charleston. We now have the renewed church of St. Peter and St. John with the Rev. Jennie Olbrych as its Rector, ably supported by Joseph DiRaddo. Attendance is strong and enthusiasm is this congregation points to a vigorous new day and a great future. Bishop Skilton installed Peter Mitchell as the new rector of Holy Trinity Charleston in January amidst great enthusiasm for renewed mission there. St. Mary’s, Goose Creek has a new, united and energetic Mission Committee which came en-mass to the West Charleston Deanery meeting. Their energy inspired us all. I dedicated the new facilities of Holy Cross Sullivan’s Island in August and Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant in January, the Sunday before Epiphany. Both of those projects are massive and bode well for the future. The best word to describe these new buildings is awesome. The Diocese has a partnership to make interest payments through 2006 in both congregations. I will dedicate the new Ministry Center at St. James’, James Island on July 31st. It will be completed in a few months and ready for use. The million dollars from the Diocese is in hand to begin construction of St. Timothy’s between Bluffton and I-95 in the near future. Worship there began in Shell Hall Community Center last Sunday with 162 in attendance. In the next few months, The Church of the Cross will begin a five million dollar capital fund program to build the parochial school along with the church. The diocese has half of the 1.5 million in hand to build the new church on Daniel Island, and should have the remainder through sale of property later this year. St. Michael’s Charleston has recently purchased a commercial building next to their property on Broad Street and will begin a major renovation later this year. St. George’s Summerville under the leadership of its new rector Mike Szymanowski, has grown impressively and will soon seek to develop a master plan for the present campus. The Council also agreed at its last meeting to provide $25,000 toward a Youth Worker for a partnership between Calvary Charleston and St. Andrew’s Mission, and to contribute $50,000 from Builders for Christ towards the extensive renovation of the rectory and other facilities of St. Stephen’s, Charleston. St. Stephen’s congregation raised over $406,000 towards this project. Holy Cross Faith Memorial in Pawley’s Island is about to build a new facility, as they have completely outgrown the present church and attendant facilities. The Council enthusiastically agreed to support this project with $90,000 to be paid in 2005-2006. Resurrection Surfside, even with a new facility, is cramped for ministry space. They have been blessed to have a parishioner in the construction industry give them two houses placed on their grounds. The parishioner remodeled one as a youth building and is remodeling the other as a caretaker house. Trinity, Myrtle Beach has begun the process of evaluating its facilities because of the need for space for children of the parish and school. Trinity Edisto has recently received the architect’s proposal for their new building. Christ St. Paul’s, Yonges Island also has plans for a new church.

One reason that we have been able to invest in our congregations so strongly is that we have grown our congregations so that their Net Disposable Income in fourteen years has grown from 9.6 million to 26.2 million. In 1990, we asked for 20-25% of the 9.6 million. In 2004, we ask for 10% of the 26.2 million. Besides the increase in parish income of approximately 17 million dollars, the administration of the diocese asked for 2 million dollars less in pledges.

Besides that, we have directed the income from Builders for Christ to congregations for buildings, youth workers, etc. We have over the years reduced the cost of administration and size of the Diocesan Staff. With the crisis in the church, I asked Canon Malone to retire January 1st, as he was of retirement age. He graciously did so. I need to thank him here for 14 years of devoted work which enabled me to be itinerant bishop among you and provided that Diocese with the finest administration possible. He is one of the reasons for our strength. Please thank him. As a result of his retirement we have been able to use those resources in much needed support for our congregations.

In the 2004 financial figures which you have on your tables, 28 congregations had an increase in giving, 21 remained the same and 21 had decreases in income, many in smaller congregations. It is difficult to say in some cases why the congregational income is down in these 21 congregations. In a few it is clearly related to the present unrest in the church. We are blessed that it is not greater than it is. I plan to ask the Council in April to ask Congregational Development to analyze the various congregational situations, particularly the smaller ones, and offer a plan of support for those who want such a partnership well before the Fall every member canvass.

All of the clergy and delegates here need to be reminded, as I have done every year, that we are on a 10-10-10 giving plan for the Diocese - a tithe from our parishioners, a tithe to the Diocese, and a tithe to the larger church. Any monies of the Diocese not sent to 815 must be at the request of the local vestry. The money cannot be kept here, it must not be spent on ourselves. These decisions are made by Diocesan Council. All of you have before you the breakdown of congregational giving. 34 congregations are above 8%. Many others are improving year by year. Others are not. Our giving is voluntary as it should be. My hope is that all of our congregations will develop a real sense of generosity, as we have tried to do in the Diocesan administration in response to God’s generosity to us. We give away every penny we can.

In my 2003 address, I asked rectors and vestries of the Diocese to develop and publish clear requirements for vestry leadership, and to teach about this ministry of leadership to their congregations. Vestry leadership is a partnership with the rector or vicar. Constructive criticism is a precious gift. Adversarial behavior is an anathema. I also discovered last year that there were vestry persons who had no pledge to their parishes. That is unacceptable. Amount is not the issue. In my first parish, by my standards, my largest contributor on the vestry gave $125.00. She had almost nothing, but her giving was an inspiration to the whole church. Regular worship, attendance at vestry meetings, maintaining good relationships with fellow vestry members, are all basic. Vestry membership is not a right; it is a calling. We must take it seriously. Leadership in Christ’s church should and must be a witness to others.

You all know about my concern about the evil of the tongue – talk that is irresponsible. In troubled times, it becomes increasingly important. With electronic communication being what it is, one of the saddest and most destructive things I see is passing on information from e-mail, without checking to see that it is true. I have heard a number of things recently that priests have done or said – told to a third party. “Do you know what Father X did or said?” A life of its own is created, often at best, out of half truths. After this convention, I am going to continue my habit of checking things out and tell everyone what is said about them and who said it. Responsible people talk to each other, not about each other. You can be assured that Bishop Skilton and I intend to preside over a diocese where people are engaged in deep, respectful, and mature conversations with each other. Highly charged emotional conversations are unable to be touched by reason or truth. Such conversations lodge in our heads so as to make us deaf. Holding ourselves accountable is difficult, frustrating and draining. I refuse to be discouraged.

You all know from the last Jubilate Deo that the Vestry of All Saints Waccamaw voted to amend their charter and remove the parish from relationship with the Diocese. The present charter was created in 1903 when the Trustees of the Diocese gave the parish a quit claim deed to the property in order to clear the title. The action removing the Diocese from the charter also removed the vestry, as you cannot leave the Diocese and still be a vestry person in a congregation of the Diocese. There are a goodly number of parishioners who wish to remain. They have organized as All Saints Waccamaw, elected a vestry and wardens, and have delegates here today. I have asked Ed Kelaher to be their priest and he has agreed. The court which heard the appeal on September 10th has still rendered no decision. This is a sad situation no matter how it turns out. The mission of the church is not empowered by such a public disagreement. Please pray for everyone involved and for a godly solution.

The Vestry and Rector of the Church of the Redeemer, Orangeburg are currently in a broken relationship. I have invoked Canon 27 and I am in the process of seeking a solution. Fr. Jim Law is in charge at this time. Please pray for Fr. Retzlaff and Joy and the congregation of the Church of the Redeemer, and Fr. Jim Law, as he seeks to bring about reconciliation in the congregation.

We have completed the construction at Camp St. Christopher. It is simply marvelous and makes the use of the camp a joy for everyone. Cursillo can now have its closing at the camp. This frees up the Church of Our Saviour for a Sunday afternoon Eucharist for the congregation.. I will ask the Council to review our financial situation and make a plan to pay for the new facilities and renovations before I retire. Many congregations have made commitments toward the construction, and are paying them, others have not. The Camp is a crucial tool in our diocesan and congregational ministries. It is also a facility, which we have the resources to support.

I mentioned to you earlier that I have just read David Shipler’s book The Working Poor . This is about another group of people in addition to the poorest of our society. They have jobs, but a vast number of them have no medical insurance. In fact, forty million people in both these groups of our society have no medical insurance. Can you imagine not getting medical assistance until you go to the emergency room because you can’t afford to go to a doctor? Many of them have lost jobs and in a few months become homeless because they have no reserve and nowhere to turn. There are thousands of single mothers in the bounds of this diocese, who can barely feed and clothe their children. We see the working poor everywhere. When you travel do you notice those who clean the room? Many barely speak English. Do you leave them a tip? Do you notice the people who are crossing guards for our children? Word is they make $7,000 a year. I was at a business counter this week. The young woman working there was gracious and efficient, but the transaction took a good bit of time. I found out she was from the mid-west. She was not in school. She needed to pay her debts to go back to college. Her family couldn’t help her. Her girl friend had moved back home recently. She told me that her boyfriend had dropped her. “He told me I was not attractive enough.” I felt like crying. She had few friends. “Do you have a church,” I asked? “No.” I am referring her to one of our churches where singles are cared for and gave her my business card to stay in touch through my office.

The words that come to my mind, in terms of what God is calling us to do as Christians, are found in the offices of Morning and Evening Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. “Let not the needy, Lord, be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor be taken away.” Those are marching orders for the church and for us as disciples. “In as much as you have done it unto me of the least of these my servants, you have done it unto me.”

The Diocese in 1997 ordained the first permanent deacons. We now have 12 in the Diocese, 9 ordained here in South Carolina and 3 coming from other dioceses. Deacons in the Acts of the Apostles were ordained to serve at tables so as to free the Apostles for their apostolic calling. They are reminders, icons for all of us in our ministry reminding us that our Lord emptied himself and took the form of a servant. Self-emptying service lets the merciful face of Jesus Christ be visible. Deacons help us see that by ministry of service embodying it in their ministry to the poor and those in need.

All over the diocese there are congregations caring for the poor. On Tuesday morning I tried to reach Alan Kirkpatrick by telephone. He was unavailable. He was in drug court with one of the young people in the community. He works regularly with the young people in the court system. I met one such young man the last time I was at St. Andrew’s in the evening. He was attending the Alpha course. Economic, social, and racial barriers being what they are, can you imagine how difficult it is for us personally to reach across these divides and be present with each other in the name of Jesus Christ. The irony is that more often than not, we are the ones most blessed – God enables us to see beyond our sheltered lives into the real world around us. Many of you know that Alan and Jan are returning to England by summer. My understanding is that he is training others to continue this vital ministry. Thanks be to God.

I could list innumerable ministries around the Diocese. St. John’s, Florence as a parish that is very involved in care for the poor. They provide free housing for Habitat for Humanity, an agency which works for literacy, and for an agency that deals with sexual abuse. They are partners in an ecumenical ministry call the Lighthouse and also the Manor House. These ministries work with the homeless, those in need of food, and personal assistance. I hope this afternoon all of you will share both your personal and congregational ministries with each other.

I continue to work with Agape Ministries with Brother Dallas Wilson and Jimmy Gallant, who grew up in Calvary Church, Charleston. They have recently been accepted as postulants of this Diocese. This ministry has made a tremendous impact on East Charleston, not unlike the work of Fr. Grant years ago. The ministry of Father Grant was the last time the Episcopal Church made a significant impact on the poor of East Charleston. Their project RESTORE which unites fathers with their children is now nationally recognized. Tuesday, when I was talking to the painters working on our property across the street from the Cathedral, one of the painters greeted me. “Bishop, do you remember speaking at my graduation from project RESTORE in the Cathedral Parish Hall?” happily he is working and connected to his children.

You will have before you later in this convention a resolution to recognize Healing Farm Ministries, Inc. as affiliated with the Diocese. It is a ministry to families with developmentally disabled members. It is yet another opportunity for care for us to consider.

Sunday when we all return to our parish churches, we will hear the first lesson from the Old Testament, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18. This is probably the oldest statement of the Abrahamic faith. It was utilized by St. Paul for his great teaching on justification by faith. Abraham and Sarah were called out of their barrenness by God’s powerful word. Their pilgrimage of hope began on no other basis than the promise of Yahweh. His promise stood against the barrenness. This Lord invites and permits, but will not coerce. Abraham is forced to faith no more than the creation is forced to obedience.

In this passage Abraham comes to rely on the promise of God. God is no longer a theory about the future, but the voice around which his whole life is organized. Abraham has repented – this is not some sentimental notion that everything will work all right. The future of God’s goodness is open to Abraham and to those who trust themselves to that future. The faith of Abraham is not anything he sees in the world, but in a word which will overcome the barrenness of the world.

And he believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Our Lord himself promised that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the Church. I trust that in believing and relying on that promise, we too will repent, and that the walls of the church will be rebuilt in God’s time and in His way.

Questions or Comments: Fax or e-mail--Bishop Salmon - (fax) 843/723-7628 or (e-mail) elsalmon@dioceseofsc.org.