2006 Annual Council News

11/12/2006

The 9th Bishop of Atlanta's 2006 Address to the 100th Council

By the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander

My sisters and brothers, I greet you this afternoon in the Name of our Risen and Living Lord Jesus Christ! My name is Neil Alexander and I am blessed to be the Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta! There are so many things I want to say to you this afternoon. To express to you all that is on my heart would take more time than I have allotted, so allow me to begin with some brief, but heartfelt words to you. The last year has been quite an experience, to say the least. At the time of our Annual Council last year, the search process for our 26th Presiding Bishop and Primate was still in its early stages. It was not until several months later, near the end of January, that we all found out that I would be honored to be among the nominees. I was humbled, grateful, and scared to death. The roller coaster of emotions that Lynn and I experienced in the five months between the public nomination and the election ranged between exhilaration and holy terror. We were aware at every point along that ride that part of our emotions were rooted in how much we love the clergy and people of the Diocese of Atlanta, and what a privilege it is every single day to serve among you. In reflecting on the experience, now from at least some distance, I want to say three things to the Diocese of Atlanta: First, the love and care that was shown to us by the clergy and people of this diocese was a gift we will cherish forever. While we are not quite as fragile as some may have imagined, I find that being overwhelmed with love and generosity and concern is much preferable to the obvious alternatives. So for all of the cards, letters, e-mails, hugs, words of encouragement, and even the marvelous spray of funeral flowers, Lynn and I are deeply grateful. Secondly, I want to express my gratitude to so many, and particularly to the diocesan staff, who not only shared my desire that we not let my nomination sidetrack the diocese, but who stayed focused on our mission so that the inevitable interruption was as minimal as could be. I asked everyone to stay on point with respect to our mission and our common life and, insofar as possible, not move into some sort of holding pattern. I am pleased to say that most of what we hoped to accomplish this year has, in fact, taken place. So, to the Standing Committee, the Executive Board, our other boards and commissions, the diocesan staff -- to everyone whose hard work kept the train on the track -- I am deeply grateful. Thirdly, there has been some chatter in some quarters of our church about Bishop Katharine. Some have expressed a desire for "alternative primatial oversight." That's an odd request, it seems to me, in a church that constitutionally and canonically makes no provision for any sort of primatial oversight. We do not have an archbishop in this church; we have a presiding bishop. And I believe that much of that chatter is intended to be destructive, or at the very least it is uncharitable, unhelpful and inappropriate. Let me respond to all that chatter this way: Katharine Jefferts Schori is my Presiding Bishop and Primate, and if you understand the canons properly, that makes her your Presiding Bishop and Primate. And with you and on your behalf, I look forward to welcoming her to preach and celebrate at the Cathedral of St. Philip at Annual Council next year. I believe that under her centered, faithful and decisive leadership, our church will grow and prosper and reach new depths of mission and ministry in the Name of Jesus and for the sake of the whole world. To God be the glory!   Visist St Benedicts Website

11/10/2006

2006 Annual Council begins

By Tom Smith

The 100th Annual Council of the Diocese of Atlanta began Friday, Nov. 10, in Macon, Ga. In photo, Bishop J. Neil Alexander welcomes more than 500 clergy, delegates and attendees. At left is the Rev. Herschel Atkinscon, secretary of council. At right is the Rev. Hazel Glover, president of the Standing Committee and rector of St. Margaret's, Carrollton.

11/10/2006

Results of '06 Council Elections

By Bill Monk

The following people were elected Nov. 10 to various council positions:Standing Committee (Clergy) - The Rev. Douglas Dailey, rector, Grace, GainesvilleStanding Committee (Lay) - Leslie G. Callahan III, member, St. Anne's Episcopal Church, AtlantaMikell Board of Governors (Lay) - Timothy F. Lytle, member, Grace-Calvary, ClarkesvilleGovernor, Appleton Family Ministries - Anna M. Haslbauer, member, All Angels, EatontonGovernor, Appleton Family Ministries - The Rev. Z. Mark Smith, associate rector, St. Paul's, MaconTrustee, University of the South - John L. Ford, St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, AtlantaMember, Ecclesiastical Trial Court - Dennis Edwards, member, St. James', MaconMember, Ecclesiastical Trial Court - The Rev. Camille Hegg, rector, St. Paul's, Macon Trustee, Cathedral of St. Philip - The Rev. William "Mac" Thigpen, rector, St. Bartholomew's, Atlanta