05/06/2008
Epistle for 5-6-08
by Bishop Kirk S. Smith
A week ago I had the kind of adventure that only comes with being Bishop of Arizona. I was invited by one of our priests, Richard Morrison, to fly with him in his small plane to the Hopi Reservation to visit the Hopi Mission School. For a while I have been toying with the idea of getting my private pilot's license, and so having the chance to fly with Richard (a former Navy fighter pilot) was a good test of my interest.
Although Richard is an expert pilot, the experience convinced me that small planes are not my preferred method of travel, especially in high winds!
But although my interest in aviation may have cooled somewhat, my visit to the school increased my desire to be involved in this project. The Hopi Reservation is, after all, geographically part of the Diocese of Arizona, even though it is surrounded by the Diocese of Navajoland. The Hopi tribe historically has been very resistant to contact with any western religious influences, but it has allowed Hopi Mission School, a project started by the Mennonites, to continue to operate as that denomination has always been respectful of native Hopi traditions.
It now seems that the Mennonites are no longer able to underwrite the mission, causing the school to look for other means of support to continue to provide Christian education for about 50 Hopi children in grades K-6. Even though their financial situation is good, the principal is especially interested in having a regular Christian presence on campus, and so she has turned to the Episcopal Church for help.
I plan to enlist the help of our Native American Program Group on this project, but I would be delighted to hear from anyone who might be interested in doing some volunteer work at the school-experienced teachers who are willing to live and teach there for a season are especially sought after!
The tentative plan is for a group of Episcopalians, including The Rev. Ann R. Johnson from St. John's Church in Williams, to be at the school on opening day in August. The first step will be relationship building with the families and faculty, and this may take a while to live into, but my hope is that this effort will evolve into a long and supportive friendship.
So thanks to the "Bishop's Air Force" for getting me to one of the most remote parts of our Diocese, and thanks to the folks at the Mission School for opening up for me some new horizons!
+Kirk
On the Net: http://www.hopimissionfoundation.org
A Final Thought
If you haven't seen any of the great cartoons of Dave Walker yet, then you are in for a treat. Now comes word that he will be the "official cartoonist" at the upcoming Lambeth Conference. If he can help us to laugh at ourselves, then his presence will be most welcome.
+Kirk
Here is the announcement via Episcopal Café:
Dave Walker will be the cartoonist-in-residence at the Lambeth Conference, July 16 to August 3, in Canterbury.
The Anglican Journal writes:
For the first time since Anglican bishops worldwide began meeting every 10 years (beginning in 1867), this year’s conference, scheduled July 16 to Aug. 3 in Canterbury, England, will have a cartoonist-in-residence....For the first time since Anglican bishops worldwide began meeting every 10 years (beginning in 1867), this year’s conference, scheduled July 16 to Aug. 3 in Canterbury, England, will have a cartoonist-in-residence.
Mr. Walker, whose series on the publication of the Windsor Report, www.wibsite.com/features/windsorreport, was a huge hit across the Anglican Communion, said he is delighted by the prospect of having a visible presence at the conference.
“It is certainly a rather daunting prospect, but I’ll be okay. A planned new easel will be a help,” wrote Mr. Walker on his blog, www.cartoonchurch.com, in his typical wry manner.
Mr. Walker said his role would be to draw events at the conference as they develop; his drawings will be displayed by various means, including the Internet.
Read: The Anglican Journal: Cartoonist’s role at meeting of bishops a bit sketchy
See Cartoon Church.
Interview with Dave Walker here.
