Thursday, June 28, 2012


I’M SORRY, SO SORRY

GenCon 2012 starts next week.  And what would any Episcopal get-together be without Episcopalians corporately thanking Vague, Ambiguous, Infinitely-Malleable, Inclusive, Affirming, Open-Minded And Tolerant Deity Concept that they are not as other men are?


Individuals and communities of Episcopalians are invited to add their voices to the “Lament Over the Doctrine of Discovery” by praying at the same time as the special event occurring at General Convention 2012 on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern (6:00 p.m. Central, 5:00 p.m. Mountain, 4:00 p.m. Pacific, 3:00 p.m. Alaska, 1:00 p.m. Hawaii).

And yes, that is actually what they are calling this complete waste of time event.


“Dioceses, congregations and individuals — both Native and other people — throughout the Americas are invited to participate with simultaneous local laments held in cathedrals, churches, backyards, offices, apartments,” noted Sarah Eagle Heart, Episcopal Church indigenous missioner.

“Simultaneous local laments.”  Three words that have never before appeared next to each other in the English language.  But really?  Seriously?  Simultaneous local laments.  Planned laments.  On this specific day at this specific time, pretend to feel really bad about something that happened centures before you were born; yeah, that sounds completely sincere.  Just don’t forget your trumpet.


Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies, will offer prayers during the Lament at General Convention, to be held at the JW Marriott. The Lament will include the Red Leaf Singers, traditional Lakota singing and drum group from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, South Dakota. White Earth Tribal Chair Erma Vizenor will reflect upon the boarding school impact to Native American peoples with other church leaders sharing their perspectives on the Doctrine of Discovery.

“White People Suck” key chains and coffee mugs as well as “I Repented For Somebody Else’s Sins And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt” T-shirts will be available for sale in the lobby following the event.  These and many other items can also be ordered online at www.whitepeoplesuck.com.  Shipping is included in the price.


For both those present for the Lament in Indianapolis, as well as those elsewhere, stay in touch and contribute responses to and reflections on the lament through…

Looks like we officially have a new Episcopal buzzword.  No word yet on whether any of this will be part of the festivities but it wouldn’t surprise me.

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