The Bishop's Blog

ECS of LA Update and Bishop Jenkins Now on FaceBook

2009-07-03T09:13:00.003-05:00

Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of Louisiana had it's first meeting...

As Seen on FaceBook...

Charles Jenkins : The ECS of the Diocese of Louisiana had it's first meeting Wednesday. Photos included are those of the New Orleans folk involved. We met by video conference.

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The Blanchards from Gentilly, New Orleans

2009-06-22T15:40:00.002-05:00

By Ms. Carrie Crockett,

I wanted to talk about a couple whose home we’re rebuilding and whose lives we’re trying to help put back together. They are the Blanchards from the Gentilly area of New Orleans. Their pretty, pale peach home suffered major damage from Katrina’s flood waters, with 6 feet of water throughout.

Mrs. Blanchard cares for her husband 24 hours a day in a FEMA trailer. Her husband, a disabled veteran, suffered a stroke after the stress of Katrina and evacuation and is now entirely bedridden. He cannot speak at all, but communicates with his wife of nearly 30 years by squeezing her hand and moving his eyes. His diabetes, complicated by his invalid state, has necessitated the amputation of one of his legs. Today he is scheduled to have the other foot amputated as well.

Before the storm, Mrs. Blanchard worked and maintained a stable income as a data entry clerk, while Mr. Blanchard enjoyed life as a retired vet. Now Mrs. Blanchard has lost her income since she must care for her husband 24 hours a day. She recently told us that she gets only 2 hours of sleep a day, from 8 am to 10 am, since her husband requires round-the-clock care and nights are the worst.

Mrs. Blanchard’s life has begun to slowly change since July 2008, when she met Connie Uddo, Director of St. Paul’s Homecoming Center in Gentilly. Connie was so moved by Mrs. Blanchard’s situation that she purchased a lawn mower the following day so that her grass could be cut. She also connected Mrs. Blanchard to ECS Case Manager Cathey Randolph, who conducted home visits and provided support and advocacy work for the couple.

Then, EDOLA Rebuild Program Coordinator Amanda Davis, along with a cadre of volunteers from all over the world, began to rebuild the Blanchard’s damaged home, complete with a handicap bathroom and ramp so that Mr. Blanchard can be taken to and from the doctor via ambulance, which is the only way he can be moved now. Working hand in hand through Episcopal Community Services, the Rebuild and Case Management programs have truly been a beacon of hope in helping to rebuild this couple’s life. I want to thank everyone who has helped this couple by giving of their time, sweat, or financial support.

A Word from the Province IV Synod

2009-06-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

Canon Mark Stevenson and Mr. Ed Starns joined me for the Province IV Synod at Kanuga. We have just completed the Synod Session Agenda for the Episcopal Public Narrative Project. It was great! The idea that when we focus on issues we find what divides and when we focus on stories we find our common values is compelling.

There seems to be even more anxiety than usual about the coming General Convention. I have not bought into that anxiety and actually after completing this Synod session I feel positive about General Convention.

I wish all in the Diocese could have been here to have a positive experience of the Church at work! Our province will and our diocese will be well represented at General Convention.

Bishop Jenkins

The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Jenkins reflection on his experience testifying on Capitol Hill on May 22, 2009

2009-05-29T09:06:00.003-05:00

Looking at three of the four witnesses - David Garratt, FEMA’s acting deputy administrator; Fred Tombar, HUD’s advisor for disaster and recovery program; and Paul Rainwater, director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) – Chairwoman Eleanor Holmes Norton declared, “Gentlemen, you all have failed. The only man in this room who has succeeded is Rev. Jenkins.”

This is a paraphrase of a stunning statement by Chairwoman Norton. It was an affirmation of the past years of sacrificial work of our staff, the volunteers from around the country, the support from Episcopal Relief & Development and individuals, and all those who have held us up in prayer.

The invitation to appear before the House of Representatives Committee which has oversight of FEMA, HUD, and in some sense I do not yet understand, the LRA (Louisiana Recovery Authority) was not one that I could pass up. Since the House had unexpectedly adjourned the night before, there were but two members present. There needed to be only one, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. I must admit to some disappointment that my own congressman, “Joseph” Cao of the Second District of Louisiana was not present since he is a member of this committee and since this hearing had much to do with the actions of FEMA, HUD, and the LRA in the recovery in our state. I need to ask him why he was not there to stand up for the people of his district.

Chairwoman Norton grilled the agency representatives (including Paul Rainwater) insisting upon a solution to the problems along the Gulf Coast. Her staff had carefully digested the written testimony I offered and she seemed prepared to look beyond the volumes of figures and data offered to get to the real problem, how do we help people!

Several things must happen quickly or there will be hell to pay. First, HUD must list the ‘thousands’ of affordable housing units that are empty in Orleans parish. The addresses must be supplied. We are going to check these out because when I stood against the destruction of the Federal Housing in New Orleans, HANO said they had other houses. Some checking was done and in some cases the addresses did not exist. I do not think there is an abundance of affordable housing in New Orleans. I do not think folks living in trailers have been given three affordable housing options and refused them all.

Second, FEMA told the Congresswoman there would be no evictions anytime soon. In particular, she pressed and pressed hard on why we would evict people from worthless trailers sitting on their own property whilst they were repairing their houses! FEMA reckons there are 1894 such people in Louisiana alone! This is a boost to the American economy, cried the Chairwoman. They promised that even after the looming deadline, it would be months before they evicted anyone. If you know of anyone evicted please get information (and photos if you can) to Shakoor Aljuwani.

Third, I think we are going to see some Katrina Cottages built right soon. She could not believe that we have only one Katrina Cottage in the state of Louisiana. Look for action here.

Fourth, Case Management using the current model sparingly and unevenly deployed by the state and the feds is unacceptable. I must tell you, from my experience on the street, there is no case management happening at all for Katrina and Rita folks in Louisiana. If there is something going on, please help me find it. The Chairwoman asked me what Case Management was needed to help people stand on their own and told them what the Diocese does (with the generous help of ERD). She said that was the smartest thing she heard all day!

Our model is the Anthony Johnson model (named for our own head of case management) which does not put a time limit on help nor does it limit the number of visits. Whereas the other models limit contact Anthony’s does not. We do not simply pass out a bunch of phone numbers, that does not work. Our Case Managers walk with folks, drive them when necessary, and know them by name. I asked that the Catch 22 model that always catches the poorest and neediest be abandoned.

Certainly the Stafford Act cannot not be used to solve the social ills in south Louisiana. Our folks need to understand that if you are offered three houses and refuse, you are own your own.

Finally, Chairwoman Norton established a special panel of representatives from FEMA, HUD, and the LRA to come up with a quick plan to end the emergency measures in Louisiana. It is a noble goal. I was not invited to be part of that planning but I think Paul Rainwater is going to try to get us in. Perhaps our participation will be limited but someone needs to be there to stand for the people. I think the faith-based folks and not for profits have earned a seat at the table.
I think I was heard when I suggested that the government can set eviction dates and end of program dates until the end of time. These do not motivate those who cannot move. Congresswoman Norton asked if we refused to move. I assured her our steadfastness was not a refusal but was based on inability. She got the message.

I am grateful indeed to Nell Bolton, Dr. Courtney Cowart and Shakoor B. (that is, Barnabas) Aljuwani for their hard work, encouragement, and assistance. I think they will write reflections as well. Finally, I am grateful to the benefactor who made possible our travel to Washington.

Bishop Jenkins' Testimony on Capitol Hill

2009-05-22T10:26:00.001-05:00

Bishop Jenkins is testifying today, Friday, May 22nd, before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in Congress at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. The subcommittee is holding a hearing, "Still Post Katrina: How FEMA Decides When Housing Responsibilities End," which determines whether or not Congress will continue to fund the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP). He was asked to specifically address the implications that a final shutdown of DHAP would have in Louisiana. Joining him is a representative from HUD, FEMA, and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Bishop Jenkins is the only non-governmental official who has been asked to provide testimony on DHAP.

Testimony of The Rt. Rev’d Charles E. Jenkins, D.D.
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese Of Louisiana &
The Diocesan Office of Disaster Response &
Chair of The Rebuilding Lives Statewide Organizing Coalition

Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
1623 7th St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-895-6634

United States House of Representatives
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
“Still Post-Katrina: How FEMA Decides When Housing
Responsibilities End”

May 22, 2009

Introduction

Thank you, Chairwoman Norton and distinguished members of the Committee, for the opportunity to share with you my perspective on the implications of a final shutdown of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) and its impact on the people of our state. I also want to thank you for your continued concern and compassion for the most vulnerable of the hurricane survivors on the Gulf Coast, who have faced unnecessary obstacles and affronts to their dignity as they have struggled to return home. It is my hope that you will hear the pleas of our people for respect and understanding, and that you will agree with me that we will only be able to make appropriate decisions about ‘when housing responsibilities end’ once we focus on lives and communities instead of thinking in terms of programs and administrative deadlines.

My name is Bishop Charles Jenkins. I am the tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and have served in this capacity since 1998. Our diocese comprises 54 congregations in southeast Louisiana with a communicant strength of 20,000 prior to the 2005 hurricanes.

Our Diocese began its hurricane relief and recovery work in the early days following hurricane Katrina, in response to the humanitarian crisis occasioned by the storm and levee breaches and exacerbated by injustices in the federal response. Including our relief efforts following hurricanes Gustav and Ike, we have served in East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany and Terrebonne Parishes. Today, our programs are concentrated primarily in Orleans Parish and metro New Orleans. We are also working regionally in south Louisiana through the Rebuilding Lives coalition, of which I serve as Chair, and across the Gulf Coast as members of the Equity and Inclusion Campaign.

Starting in fall 2005, and with the generous support of Episcopal Relief & Development and churches, schools, and individuals across the country, we provided immediate relief, cleaning supplies, and basic necessities to 190,000 people. As the recovery progressed, we concentrated our efforts on the primary needs of tens of thousands of storm survivors: affordable housing, case management, and—because of the impediments to attaining dignified stability for our most vulnerable neighbors – community organizing and advocacy to help address these housing and case management needs.

Thanks to our 9,200 volunteers from all over the country, we have enabled nearly 3,500 families in the New Orleans area to return home:

Our Rebuild program has gutted almost 900 houses and rebuilt more than 50 homes owned by low-income, elderly, and disabled residents who lack the resources to complete the work on their own;

The separately incorporated Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative has built and sold 20 affordable new homes in the Central City neighborhood; and,

Our case managers, working both under the Katrina Aid Today program and independently, have helped another 2,500 families to put their households and lives back together.

Homecoming Centers operated in partnership with St. Paul’s Church and Beacon of Hope in Lakeview and Gentilly, as well as St. Luke’s Church in the Treme, have provided resources to almost 55,000 neighbors, including youth. The Diocese’s mobile respite unit provided pastoral care and now offers mental health services as the bi-weekly Talk It Out Van in partnership with St. Thomas Wellness Center and the St. Anna’s Medical Mission.

The Diocese has also supported additional post-Katrina initiatives in our congregations and neighborhoods, including:

Feeding ministries that have served 109,000 people;

Primary health care through grants to the St. Thomas Community Health Center and the St. Anna’s Mobile Medical Unit, which has served over 11,500 patients;

Affordable day care at Grace Church and St. Andrew’s Church;

A Latino Apostolate at St. Anna’s and Grace;

Legal assistance; and,

Suicide counseling and prevention, which has touched 8,830 lives to date.

Our work has not been limited to providing direct services. Recognizing the impact of federal, state, and local policies on the wellbeing of those whom we serve, we have focused on promoting citizen participation in recovery planning and policy-making by supporting community organizing as well as conducting advocacy on issues affecting recovery and return. From organizing to ensure a representative process for the 2006 Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP), to working with residents in the Renaissance Village trailer park in Baker, LA, to the creation of the Rebuilding Lives Coalition in 2008, we have sought to amplify the voices of the most marginalized storm survivors.

With the exception of a portion of our case management program, the above activities have been exclusively privately funded, principally by grants from Episcopal Relief & Development that total more than $10 million over 3.5 years.

Impact of DHAP Closure
Through our case management and Rebuild programs, as well as through our community organizing, the Episcopal Diocese comes in daily contact with the most vulnerable of those affected and displaced by hurricane Katrina as well as by more recent storms. In fall 2008, outreach organizers for Rebuilding Lives conducted 1,000 surveys – traveling into homeless shelters, hotels, food pantries, and discount stores to find homeless and transient storm survivors and capture data on their predicaments. Survey respondents included pre-storm renters, homeowners, DHAP participants and those deemed ineligible for housing assistance.

As is indicated by these survey results and the stories we hear each day, very few of the people we serve will be able to sustain themselves after the DHAP program closure on August 31 of this year. Others will be unable even to make the incrementally increasing monthly rent contributions. We understand that of the approximately 17,000 families on DHAP in the state of Louisiana, almost 60% are expected to qualify to transfer to permanent housing vouchers. This is a much-needed help, and we are grateful to HUD for expanding access to these permanent vouchers. We remain concerned, however, for the approximately 7,000 remaining households who will not qualify for a voucher but who are at grave risk of becoming homeless without further assistance.

Consider the case of Ms. S., a single mother whose home in St. Bernard Parish was wiped out by Katrina. She is working on rebuilding, and has “the shell of a house” completed, but is out of funds to do the rest of the work. She received less Road Home money than expected, and is still fighting with her insurance company over the paltry settlement. She and her son were in a FEMA trailer but were moved 6 months ago due to the health problems he had developed. She also suffers from severe migraines. Any extra money they have goes to cover medical costs (the father does not pay child support). They have been living in a DHAP-supported apartment, and do not know where they will go if their home is not completed at the end of the DHAP program.

Through the Rebuilding Lives campaign, we have spoken with dozens of residents who have been informed that they will be ineligible to transition to the Housing Choice Voucher program. Many of these residents are employed but have not yet been able to accrue sufficient savings to afford to pay full rent on their own. Others lost jobs as a result of the hurricane Gustav evacuation. For many, a lack of transportation and the non-availability of job training have been barriers to obtaining or keeping work. Attached as an addendum to this testimony are excerpts from interviews with several New Orleans area residents.

The Shortage of Affordable Housing
The above stories illustrate that deadlines for disaster housing programs cannot be determined in isolation from the larger context of recovery. Not only are jobs and transportation essential components of housing self-sufficiency, but so is the availability of affordable housing. This is a commodity in very short supply in south Louisiana and indeed across the storm-affected Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Katrina alone caused major or severe damage to 82,000 rental units in Louisiana, of which 52,000 were affordable. Federally-funded rental housing recovery programs were intended to replace only 23,000 of these units. Yet to date, these programs have produced a mere fraction of the intended units.

The Small Rental Property Program is one example. As of May 4, 2009, the program had produced a total of 1,237 rental units, of which 1,069 were affordable to families earning less than 80% of Area Median Income. At best, the program expects to produce 3,500 rental units by the end of the year, and 9,200 by this time next year. Yet, the DHAP program will end many months before these units become available. There has been no effort to synchronize the closeout dates of disaster housing assistance programs with the production and availability of affordable rental units.

Just as the economic downturn has touched the lives and stolen the jobs of the people whose stories are shared above, the financial crisis has stalled the state’s ability to produce rental units that were to be funded through low-income housing tax credit programs. In spite of this, Louisiana’s request to be able to exchange its unused (and, in the current economic climate, unusable) Go Zone tax credits for cash value under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was recently denied by the U.S. Treasury.

Due to high demand for existing units, the high costs of repairs and insurance, and even the high bar set by federal housing vouchers, rents remain elevated well out of reach of the average worker. Until there are more units on the market, and specifically more affordable units, ‘housing self-sufficiency’ will remain an unattainable goal for many families.

Inadequacy of Rebuilding Funds, and the Looming Trailer deadline
Many DHAP recipients who are homeowners are still working on rebuilding their homes and will be unable to pay both rent and a mortgage note. Like Ms. S, above, they will be faced with the prospect of resigning themselves to renting for the indefinite future—leaving their unfinished houses sitting vacant—or squatting in their own unrepaired homes while they save the money needed to rebuild.

Katrina caused major or severe damage to 122,000 homes in Louisiana, of which 38,000 were owned by low-to-moderate income owners. We are rebuilding homes with many of these low-income owners, who have depleted their available insurance proceeds or Road Home grants, or who have been the victims of contractor fraud. The homeowners with whom we work are most often elderly, disabled, or both. They therefore do not qualify for construction loans. Without assistance, they will never be able to move back in to their homes.

Many of these homeowners are among the remaining 3,427 FEMA trailer residents in Louisiana. In just one week, they will face eviction from their trailers. Although today we are discussing the end of the DHAP program, I am equally concerned about the fate of these trailer residents. In Orleans Parish, about 75% of the remaining 1,000 trailer residents are homeowners struggling to rebuild, and 25% are renters searching for affordable housing.

Just next week, our volunteers will be gutting the home of Mr. Earnest Hammond, whose story you perhaps read in the May 8 New York Times article, “Ready or Not, Katrina Victims Lose Temporary Housing.” Mr. Hammond has been living in a FEMA trailer and collecting cans in order to save enough money to repair his home, a triplex that was ineligible for a Road Home grant. At the rate at which he is saving, he might have had enough money in another three or four years to begin work on his home—but only if he did not also have to pay rent. We expect to be able to rebuild his home in three to four months; but until it is completed, where will Mr .Hammond live without his trailer?

Another couple with whom we are working, Mr. & Mrs. B., are struggling to survive in their trailer but are reluctant to move away from their property for fear that their supplies will be stolen. The couple’s Road Home application has been repeatedly denied, so we are using donated funds to complete the work. He is a disabled Vietnam veteran who suffered a massive stroke in 2006 and now requires round-the-clock care. Mrs. B. stopped working in order to tend to his needs, and has to unplug various appliances in their FEMA trailer in order to use his medical equipment when needed. He is getting bedsores because the trailer is too small to accommodate the type of bed he should have. We are in the process of modifying their home in order to make it handicap accessible. They do not know where they will go if their trailer is repossessed at the end of the month.

We believe that trailer residents whose incomes are below 50% of AMI should be eligible for Housing Choice Vouchers, just as DHAP clients are. Moreover, in order to qualify those who ought to be eligible but currently are not, HUD should grant a waiver under the definition of income for the value of a Katrina-damaged home. By not doing so currently many families who need and deserve assistance are disqualified from voucher programs. Emergency rental assistance should also be made available to those homeowners who need additional time to complete their rebuilding projects or those renters seeking alternative housing. The May 31 deadline cannot be imposed without regard to these considerations, and I strongly urge an extension of the deadline.

Lack of Effective, Intensive Case Management
To date, there has been no effective case management provided to Katrina and Rita victims to assist with the transitions from FEMA housing to DHAP nor from these housing assistance programs to self-sufficiency. In principle, case management was provided to DHAP clients but we repeatedly hear the refrains, “I never saw a case manager…I was never able to reach a case manager … I was given a list of phone numbers to call and that was the last I heard from my case manager.”

And yet, the families remaining in trailers and on DHAP are among the most vulnerable members of our community. They are elderly, disabled, often seriously ill, and are without a support system to become stably housed. It will be the quality of the case management they receive, and the humaneness of the interactions with their case managers, that will determine whether or not these individuals establish a secure household and thrive. We recently completed an evaluation of our programs, including case management. The people we have served reported the various material ways in which their life situation had improved through case management. Yet, it was the respect and the kindness they were shown that they singled out as making the greatest difference in their recovery. It is this human and spiritual element that, coupled with intensive and effective case management, will make all of the difference.

Not only have we not seen this kind of quality case management on a scale large enough to meet the challenge before us, but case management for Katrina and Rita victims has been virtually absent from Louisiana since the end of the Katrina Aid Today (KAT) program in March 2008.

As a KAT participant, between November 2006 and March 2008 the Diocese assisted 1,285 families to re-establish a measure of stability in their lives, whether by securing housing, appliances and basic furnishings, transportation, employment, or other necessary components of a healthy life.

Anticipating the humanitarian crisis that would be precipitated by the end of KAT case management, eight months prior to the KAT deadline the Diocese began to advocate for the extension of FEMA Disaster Case Management, investing significant funds and capacity to win an extension on behalf of the entire state. At the 11th hour, an extension was granted, and FEMA supplied a small amount of funding through the Cora Brown fund in April and May 2008.

The much-anticipated Disaster Case Management Pilot (DCM-P) program, however, was never launched in Louisiana. As negotiations wore on between FEMA and the State of Louisiana, potential nonprofit partners were asked to revise their applications and budgets again and again to satisfy FEMA’s latest requirements. With each passing month of bureaucratic delay the numbers of people eligible to be served under DCM-P was steadily whittled away. Whether or not this was an intentional stalling tactic, the net result was a reduction in the amount of funding for disaster case management allocated by FEMA to the state and a failure to provide appropriate case management. While Louisiana was originally eligible for $32 million in spring 2008, when the state finally received its award letter from FEMA in February 2009, the revised amount for a three-month program to assist a remaining 3,944 households was $8,372,992.

Even had DCM-P been launched, there would have been major limitations to the success of the program. The original $32 million proposed by FEMA was intended to serve households still in trailers after the closure of most of the group trailer sites. The majority of those households were in trailers because they could not access funds to repair their homes. Without accompanying direct service dollars to close this gap, DCM-P case management would have been highly ineffective. Even today, 3,528 of the remaining 3,944 households in trailers are waiting for resources to rebuild their homes. Although the Louisiana Recovery Authority recently announced the creation of a $5 million pool for rebuilding gap financing—a much-needed and much-appreciated resource—this sum is less than a quarter of what is needed just to address the most pressing unmet rebuilding needs.

More recently, even after the recent DHAP extension, the State, FEMA, and HUD were unable to agree upon a common platform for case management for all remaining DHAP- and FEMA-supported households. FEMA’s failure until quite recently even to share with the state its data and lists of the population in need is unconscionable. I am saddened to think that the kind of institutional intransigence and bureaucratic wrangling that has characterized the entire Katrina recovery continues into 2009, and hope that we will soon see new levels of cooperation and collaboration.

Although we reluctantly chose to shrink our case management program rather than pursue funding we did not think would permit us to serve our clients well—and which ultimately never materialized in Louisiana—the Diocese has continued to provide services with support from Episcopal Relief & Development and private resources. Although at its peak our program consisted of 15 staff, there are currently 4 staff members working on the program. The budget under the Diocese’s 16-month Katrina Aid Today grant was just over $1 million, with the Diocese providing almost equivalent private funds to meet clients’ direct needs. Currently the privately-funded Diocesan case management budget is $226,303 annually exclusive of direct service dollars raised; on this budget, the Diocese has served 672 households since the end of Katrina Aid Today. Despite a decrease in staff capacity, we have continued to serve to the best of our ability.

Ineligibility
The needs of DHAP clients and trailer residents are pressing. Yet there are tens of thousands of additional families whose recovery needs are not met, and who are not receiving housing assistance. From the beginning, FEMA’s methodology for determining eligibility was flawed. The decision to award one FEMA number to a single head of household did not fit the reality of many household situations in the New Orleans area, where multi-generational extended families often lived together. Following the massive evacuation across the country, these family groups were often split apart, yet only one adult was allowed to register with FEMA. Some people were denied assistance because their addresses were considered duplicates of existing addresses, even if the properties were subdivided into separate apartments (half-addresses, lettered apartments, etc.). Others were denied assistance because of a simple data-entry error on the part of a poorly trained intake worker.

More recently, even more families were deemed ineligible during the transitions from one housing program to another. For example, there were over 73,000 households receiving FEMA housing assistance prior to the three-phase transition to DHAP in 2007 and 2008. While many of these households have successfully attained stable housing, there were inevitably households incorrectly determined to be ineligible in each successive phase of the program.

It has been difficult to get FEMA to reconsider its eligibility determinations, and was difficult for nonprofits like ours to assist people with their FEMA appeals due to privacy laws and the challenges of gaining access to FEMA representatives with decision-making authority. Yet, the fact that households in need have been determined to be FEMA-ineligible does not absolve us from the responsibility of working to help them. Indeed, it has been a special concern for this population in perpetual limbo that has motivated much of the Diocese’s work.

A State of Perpetual Crisis
I have witnessed the mental strain and anxiety caused in our people by a series of looming deadlines followed by last-minute extensions, none of which are adopted in the context of a comprehensive plan for housing recovery. We fear that if the DHAP deadline is imposed as planned, prior to the production of additional affordable housing units or the creation and implementation of a reasonable housing and case management plan, we will certainly face a new and larger wave of homelessness in our communities. We also risk re-traumatizing the most disadvantaged of our citizens: persons who lost everything they owned, their livelihoods, and even members of their families.

The August 31 deadline is yet another example of arbitrary, illogical and random deadlines that have been selected without first devising a plan and timeline scenario for what it will take to achieve the restoration of housing stability. I can appreciate that FEMA understands its housing mission to be a temporary one. Yet we must ask: should deadlines be determined based solely on an agency’s wish to conclude dealings in a particular state? Or according to the satisfactory attainment of a minimum level of housing stability?

The pattern to date has been as follows: deadlines are set, and then the process of developing a plan to meet the deadline begins. Stalemates ensue between FEMA, HUD, and the state. Programs are not launched, and people are not served. Meanwhile the clock is ticking, and progress fails to be made. So another arbitrary deadline is set.

This pattern rewards a lack of cooperation on the part of FEMA, the state, and HUD. None ultimately assume responsibility for doing what is necessary—nor for footing the bill. Meanwhile, lives hang in the balance. For those of us in the non-profit sector, attempting to partner with government to find effective solutions, and working with anxious, terrified, and vulnerable people every day, it is maddening to be locked in this kind of a circular stalemate.

Recommendations
What is needed is a new, more rational and more humane approach. The only way to resolve the predicaments of thousands of struggling storm survivors is to ensure the production of the safe and affordable housing that is needed, and to provide the systematic, comprehensive, reliable and consistent support to place them stably in this housing. Until scenario planning occurs that that fully assesses household needs and identifies a path to success, roles for each of the agencies involved, action steps, timetable, budgets, and accountability measures, it is illogical to set deadlines for evacuation of FEMA trailers and the end of DHAP assistance.

While this kind of scenario planning can certainly be completed in several months’ time—indeed, the Louisiana Legislature’s recent SCR 118 report offers several key analyses and recommendations—I find it implausible that any such plan would be successfully implemented prior to the August 31 DHAP deadline.

The challenges before us can only be met with:

Sincere motivation of all responsible parties to meet effectively the needs of all disaster-impacted families, especially those in the most difficult circumstances;
Acceptance that this is going to cost a certain amount of money and there is no way to avoid the expenditure;
Acknowledgement that funds will have to come from all three key parties: FEMA, HUD, and the state;
A rejection of the tactics of intransigence and delay, which only increase costs over time;
Demand from those with oversight authority that all parties immediately work out and present an adequate plan, with the assistance of an independent mediator if necessary;
Close monitoring of meetings between parties by an independent observer with legal authority; and,
Strict deadlines for short-term progress enforced by Congress, and accountability hearings held frequently to ensure benchmarks are met.

Case management is absolutely necessary. It must be made available to trailer residents and DHAP clients, and it should be provided to those who have been lost in the shuffle. Additionally, the barriers to the production of affordable housing units—which have been widely documented—should be addressed. Where bureaucratic red tape and unacceptable delays merit investigation, then such investigations should be launched. Where institutional parties complain that funds are nonexistent, there should be an investigation of whether all awarded and allocated funds have actually been spent, and how.

Thank you for your attention today, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together to ensure that all of our citizens struggling to return home will be able to do so in safety and in dignity.
Addendum: Survey & Interview Excerpts

Tameka Domino
Ms. Domino is a 26-35 year old woman with children. She works, but only recently got on the DHAP program and has not been able to save enough to afford rent on her own. She reports that she has never received any real case management, and says that she needs training in order to land a better-paying job. “Can we get some help? Does anybody care?”

Arthur B. Evans
Mr. Evans is a 25 year old man. He is unemployed and is trying to go back to school. He says, “I need transportation. I could find work if I had transportation. Put us to work!” Without DHAP, he will be homeless.

Phyllis Penn
Ms. Penn is a 46-55 yr old woman who is a single head of household. She lost her job, and says, “I can never get to a case manager. I need transportation. I need a job. I can’t possibly afford my rent without DHAP.”

George Weatherby
Mr. Weatherby is a 51 year old male. “I got a job but can’t afford my rent. I don’t know where I will go” without DHAP.

Larry Paul Sceau
Mr. Sceau is a 58 year old male. He is working, but not making enough to afford the rent. He does not have a clue what he will do if DHAP is not extended. “This was supposed to be the Land of Opportunity, where is it? We are the nuts and bolts of this city…why can’t we get jobs to build the inner city? Would we be treated this way if this was Maine, Connecticut or New Hampshire?”

Treniece Lee
Ms. Lee is a 36-45 year old woman with kids. She is working, but needs help to pay her high rent that she is being charged. She got on DHAP only in late 2008 and “now it’s ending. We need help, everyone promised us help; why can’t we get it?”

Dawanda Michelle Thompson
Ms. Thompson is a single mother, and head of a household with kids. “I am unemployed. Transportation would help me get a job. I can’t afford the rent without DHAP. I don’t know what I will do if it is cut out. New Orleans doesn’t need any more homeless. Give us a chance.”

Jamie Brown
Mr. Brown had a job but lost it because he was unable to get back quickly from the Gustav evacuation. He does not know what he will do without DHAP. “I might become homeless. Why can’t we get jobs rebuilding New Orleans?”

Jason B. Wiley
Mr. Wiley is a twenty-five year old man who is married with 2 children. He is unemployed and has no transportation, which makes a successful job search difficult. Without DHAP, he says, “I will be forced to move in with relatives….[They] do not have space for me and my family…[It’s] not a long term solution. I don’t know what I will do. We need more time to get on our feet. We need jobs…we want to work!”

Demetrase Lionell Smith
Mr. Smith is a 24 year old male with 2 kids. He is unemployed, and has no transportation. “Can’t find work without it, without work can’t pay for transportation. I heard people in Texas was able to get used vehicles so that they could find work and get back on their feet. Why can’t we?”

Terrasina Thomas
Ms. Thomas is a 36-45 year old woman. She lost her job. “I don’t know how I will pay rent without DHAP. Transportation would help me get a job and get straight. We need help.”

Latoya Honeycutt
Ms. Honeycutt is a 24 year old woman with children. She says: “I lost my job. I haven’t been able to get another one. I can’t afford my rent. I will have to move back in with family and that’s a very difficult situation. Help us—we need jobs, we need more time to get it together.”

Quindell J. Quinn
Ms. Quinn is a 25 year old single mom with kids. “I don’t have a job. I want one bad. I need training for better jobs. I need a chance to get things together. We need more time.”

Baccalaureate Speech – Episcopal, Baton Rouge - May 14, 2009

2009-05-15T11:48:00.000-05:00

It is a wonderful honor for me to be here today as your families, school friends, faculty and staff celebrate with you, the Senior Class, this important moment in your lives and development as human beings. I am particularly grateful to Kay Betts and Ralph Howe for their friendship and their leadership at Episcopal, and for their warm hospitality during my visit to Baton Rouge. And it is wonderful to be with you again, Bishop Jenkins.

I hope that each of you, as you prepare to graduate, feels proud of your accomplishments, and full of hope and happy anticipation about your future. As we look to the future with you, I want to share with you this afternoon three essential truths about the human journey that I continue to struggle and wrestle with in my own life and work.

The first of these truths is that our basic worth as human beings is a gift from God. The second truth is that we must discover and live our own lives. The third truth is that the essential goal of human living is to know and share joy.

Let me begin by telling you a favorite poem by the Australian writer and cartoonist, Michael Leunig. The title of this poem is The Plot, as in the plot of a story.

"He's lost the plot.,” they say,
But it simply isn't true:
You can't just lose the plot;
It's stuck to you!

Nor can it be chucked out
Or thrown into a pit:
You can't just dump the plot;
You're stuck to it!

But you can soak the plot
And loosen it with tears
And slowly peel it back;
It could take years.

And you can lose your face,
And you can lose a lot,
And feel blessed when they say,
"He's lost the plot!"

Now, it's clear that the writer is a lot older than you are. We can tell that he is looking back through the years and experiences of his existence, and acknowledging that the plot or story line of his life is like a deep rut in the road that he can't easily escape. It's also clear that this plot was formed for him - imposed on him by unnamed forces and people. You, unlike the writer, are still very much in the process of forming your plots and story lines; but it is important, I think, for you to be very aware of how difficult it is for each of us to control our own destiny and story. We are all vulnerable, especially when we are very young, to the voices of others as they try - often with the best of intentions - to shape our plots for us. Be a doctor - a lawyer - a homemaker - a business executive. Do this or do that - in this way you will be happy and successful. Faced as we are with the difficulties that life presents as we seek to find our own paths, it is especially important that we wrestle with deeper questions about what truly makes for meaning and deep, sustaining satisfaction in life. So let us turn for a few moments to these three spiritual truths.

The first, again, is that our basic worth as human beings is a gift - it is not something we have to earn. In fact, one of the essential features of an Episcopal school is the belief that human worth is the free gift of a loving God, who wants us to strive to do our very best with the gift of our worth and with our various talents. This is very different than pushing ourselves to do well in order to convince ourselves and others that we are worthy. But even to say that, as obvious as it is in some ways, is immediately to run into so many voices within us that would say, "That’s not true." "It’s easy", one might say, "to talk about someone’s worth being a gift, but in truth you have to prove it everyday". The former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Frank Griswold, himself an Episcopal school graduate once referred to the human drive toward “perpetual self-construction”. Those words hit me where I live. There is this pressure that we carry within us, and certainly our schools carry with their high tuitions and high expectations, that we are always to be dedicated to making ourselves, reconstructing ourselves, because in a sense we are saying that our worth isn’t a gift. And yet, finally, embracing our worth as a gift is what life is all about. If we can rest in the assurance that our worth is a gift, then we have greater freedom to go out into our lives and to be of use, to be of service - not to prove ourselves and our worth but simply in a grateful sense to say yes; yes to God’s love to us, and yes to the life in which we are asked to serve.

My father used to tell a great story that illustrated how finally our worth is a gift, and that where we go to school or college and our pedigree and our credentials ultimately don’t matter. He had a wonderful friend at his parish in Connecticut named Eugene Stetson. Eugene was a great philanthropist who had made a lot of money in New York and was something of a tycoon. He had grown up in very humble circumstances in Macon, Georgia, and in his youth had gone to a small regional college there called Mercer College. Well, many years later he was presiding at a meeting in his offices in New York and was by then the kind of senior person around and the old chairman. It was the week before the Yale-Harvard football game and several of the young Turks in the office were at the meeting. Some of these young guys had gone to Yale and Harvard and they were talking back and forth about who would win the game. One of them finally turned to Eugene and said, “Mr. Stetson where did you go to school?” He said, in the homegrown drawl that he never lost, “Well, I went to Mercer College.” And one of the young men was enough of a fool to ask, ‘What kind of college is that?” And Eugene just smiled and said, “Why that’s the institution that produced your employer.”

My father loved to tell that story, because he was well aware of how difficult it is to believe that our worth is a gift. He once told me that it took him until the age of 50 to stop driving himself so hard and overworking (and neglecting his family!). "I had this incredible need" he said, "for respectability, and it took me many years to realize that it was a gift all along."

This struggle for our sense of worth reminds me of my favorite cartoon from the Peanuts comic strip. Charlie Brown says to Linus: "You know, Linus, when I came out on the stage of life, the director, my parents, and all my friends in the audience looked at me and said in unison, "Nor right for the part!" We all laugh at this marvelous cartoon because we identify with Charlie Brown, and because we realize that - on some deep level - it is so very human to doubt our own worth or value.

The second truth is that we have to live our own lives. You have to live the life that is yours. There is much in us that would ask us to be roles and to shape ourselves to be and live, as the poem I read described, by a plot that has been written for us. And so often what happens along the way in our middle years, after those many roles of the first adulthood begin to crumble for us, is that we are forced to ask ourselves all over again, "Who am I and how am I really to be myself?"

You may know the ancient story about the rabbi named Benjamin who went to his own teacher and said, “Rabbi, I’m worried about dying and facing God, and afraid that God won’t reckon me as being the kind of person that I should be. I know I should be more like Moses.” And his teacher looked at him and said, “Benjamin, when you face God he won’t ask you why you were not more like Moses, he will ask why you were not more like Benjamin.”

I think it’s difficult for us to separate out our roles from who we essentially are, and to allow whom we are to inform our roles, instead of the other way around. I do know this: the people I most respect and who have been the most helpful to me as friends, teachers and mentors, are those who have wrestled with this matter of finding their own paths and living their own lives. The writer, Parker Palmer, gets at this challenge in his book, Let Your Life Speak, by suggesting that we ask this question of ourselves: "Is the life I'm living, the life that wants to live in me?"

The third truth, again, is this: the goal of our lives is joy - a kind of abiding and true happiness that transcends mere optimism. It is hope based, not optimism based. It is internally based not externally based. Optimism, afterall, is based on outer realities and possibilities. It is based on the fact that I think that the stock market will go up and my portfolio will recover. It is based on the thought that the New Orleans Saints might finally win the Super Bowl. Hope, on the other hand, is based on the deep and abiding, experientially based conviction that I am connected to a power that transcends me and yet is in me. And therefore, I am a spiritual being and I am called by God to live out of that power and to give myself freely back to God and life.

One of the most important books I’ve read is Thomas Keating’s work, The Human Condition. I couldn’t recommend a book more. It’s a very simple, 40-page work that lays out Keating’s whole sense of how the inner life is to be tended to. Keating, a Roman Catholic monastic and leader, has been instrumental in what is known as Centering Prayer - a wonderful and grounded approach to Christian meditation. In The Human Condition, Keating tells the story of the Sufi master who had lost his car keys and was out on the front lawn of his house on his hands and knees in the early morning looking for the keys through the blades of grass. And a couple of his disciples came along and asked him what happened. And he said, “Well, I’ve lost my keys and I’m trying to find them.” Being dutiful servants of his, they got down on their hands and knees too, and started crawling around trying to find the keys. Well, it began to get hot and they began to get kind of restless, so one of them said to him “Sir, do you have any idea where you might have left them.” He said, “Oh, I know where I left them. I left them inside the house.” The disciple said to him “Then, why the heck are we looking out here?” And he said, “Can’t you tell, there’s more light out here.”

Keating is saying through this illustration that this is the human condition: we have lost the keys - which is the way of understanding ourselves as deeply connected to God and to knowing that true joy and connectedness are to be found within ourselves. Yet, we are looking outside ourselves, outside of the house, where there’s more light, more pleasure, more security, more power, more acceptance by others, and all the encouragement in life around us is to do exactly that. Nobody knows where to find the keys and everybody’s looking for them. And you can get all the advice in the world out there. Just go to the bookstore or the Internet. Just turn on the television. But the advice is all wrong: everybody is looking for the keys and they all think they are outside themselves, when all along they are here in our hearts.

When the youngest of our children was a boy, he was filled with this natural and inner joy of which I speak. The most obvious sign of this was that Matt skipped everywhere that he went. He didn't walk or run, he skipped. It always made my heart leap a bit when I saw him with his natural smile skipping off to school or to meet his friends. It made me want to skip. Now, when we get a little older than Matt, we all stop skipping. It starts to feel silly as we become more self-conscious and begin to rely more heavily on signals from others about what is acceptable. Big kids and adults just don't skip, do they? I think of the act of skipping as a metaphor for being grounded in the natural joy and wonder and being human – at being given the gift of life and possibilities. Truth be told, as our lives unfold and we begin to experience loss and heartbreaks and the many dynamics in life and ourselves that are imperfect and even broken older, the more we get worn down and cut off from joy. In a sense, more than giving it up we are actually robbed of our skip - and we actually begin to believe that our joy, like the car keys in Keating's story, are lost outside the house instead of inside in our hearts themselves.

And so, my young friends, these three truths with which I continue to wrestle, are what I hold before you this afternoon. Please believe me when I assure you that each of you is indeed a precious being: your worth is a gift and no one can take it from you; so too, each of you - to find lasting and sustainable satisfaction in your life - must discover your own path by writing the plot to your own story; and finally, the purpose of the human journey for each of us is to know the God-given joy that is in each of us - and to share that joy with others.

It is a great privilege to join you today. I congratulate you as you graduate from Episcopal.
Don't ever stop skipping!

Thank you.

A Pastoral Message for the Diocese of the Episcopal Church in Louisiana

2009-05-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

We live in hope and not fear. Whether the much discussed pandemic turns out to be a real threat or much ado about nothing, the Church holds up and celebrates the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. This hope shall not be taken from us by any power of this world, even death.

We need to prepare for the worst even while we pray and hope for the best. Yesterday I sent to the clergy of this diocese via email information linked from the website of Episcopal Relief and Development. I thought the document from the Diocese of Davenport to be especially useful for us. If our situation worsens there are several practical steps we can take to protect our people. As Diane Christopher noted on Thursday in the organizational meeting of the Ecclesiastical Court, "I don't believe God will let me get sick by drinking from the Chalice, but it might be a good idea to take some of the pressure off God."

This is an opportunity for us to undertake some basic teaching about the Eucharist. I have been asked to issue a policy statement against intinction but I shall refrain from doing so at this time. If the pandemic worsens, such may be necessary. The practice of dipping the consecrated host into the chalice, whether such is done by someone administering the sacrament or by the communicant, does not constitute a more hygienic practice than drinking from the common cup. In fact, such dipping may well pose a threat to those who receive after us. The faithful receive the fullness of Christ in either species. Receiving both bread and wine is part of our Anglican tradition; however, if one is concerned about disease, I think it better to receive only the bread than to dip the host into the chalice. It should be noted that we who share the common cup are no less hearty than those Christians who do not do so. It is better to introduce this subject now as a pastoral matter rather than waiting for something more to happen.

If we are encouraged or forced to move towards social distancing or isolation we may see mandatory church closings and the like. The Disaster Preparations that we have in each congregation for another hurricane will be invaluable to us. Our phone trees and the Internet will be helpful in keeping in touch with one another. We must remember those in our congregations who might have special needs or who cannot care for themselves. Perhaps it might be worthwhile to pair those who do not have Internet connection who someone who has access to the web. I hope your Disaster Plan is complete and up to date. If not, as we look at this potential threat and see hurricane season but a month away, this is a good time to fine-tune that plan.

The Diocese has contacted various authorities to note our willingness to help care for the poor and most vulnerable in the towns and cities of the Diocese. What that might mean, I do not know. Even so, our concern has been registered and noted.

A glance at the history of the Church in Louisiana will show that we Episcopalians have dealt with pandemic before in the outbreaks of yellow fever. We have done heroic work in the name of Christ in the past and I am confident that should it be necessary, we can glorify God in this age. We are people of hope.

Blessings to all.

+Charles E. Jenkins
X Bishop of Louisiana
May 1, 2009

CONSORTIUM OF ENDOWED EPISCOPAL PARISHES EVENSONG SERMON

2009-03-16T13:57:00.003-05:00

A SERMON FOR THE CONSORTIUM OF ENDOWED EPISCOPAL PARISHES EVENSONG- THURSDAY AFTER THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENTCHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, NEW ORLEANS
MARCH 5, 2009

Speaking from Washington, D.C., the then President of the United States, George W. Bush, once demonstrated a bit of compassion fatigue with us. I think he was frustrated with us (and may I say we were too were frustrated – to put it mildly) anyway, his frustration came out when he said, and “those people down there need to understand . . .” and on he went. The next day an African American friend of mine, Bishop J. Douglas Wiley, asked, “Bishop Jenkins, have you ever been called one of those people before?” I replied that I had not. “Welcome to the club,” said Bishop Wiley. So welcome to the world of “those people.” If I may adapt the words of a beloved hymn, “I hope you mean to be one too.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury wrote a letter of encouragement to Louisiana in November of last year. Rowan Williams’ description of what God has done with “those people down there” is worth sharing. The Archbishop wrote; the whole story is really one of how the Church itself gets converted to being itself by the pressure of these moments when you have to decide for or against the most needy. Now, I want to put that into an image you can understand – this conversion is the movement from fear to hope. Let me say it again, the conversion to being ourselves is the movement from fear to hope.

This conversion is not an easy movement. As I watched, heard and listened to my city being evacuated to 18,000 Zip Codes across this land, I stood on the edge; I looked into the abyss of despair. I thought I had lost all my worldly possessions but that was not the issue. I watched people, my brothers and sisters in Christ, calling out from the roofs of their homes, I saw the horror in the Superdome, I knew what was happening at the Morial Center, I saw the bodies coming to the morgue at the Hansen’s Disease Center in Carville. I watched as we were flown out, bussed out and floated out from home. Friends, in that moment it was for me either a life of hope or death.

What it would be like for the Church to make the shift from fear to hope? What it would it be like for this Church, and especially those who are gifted with an extra capacity for generosity, to move from fear to hope? A first sign of this shift would be to boldly move beyond the technical to the adaptive changes. As did Dr. Martin Luther King in his speech at Riverside Church, that famous speech “Beyond Vietnam,” when he boldly challenged our thinking about the Vietnam War, the Church must boldly challenge the nation to realize the value, the dignity of each human being.

You know, we are building houses here through the Jericho Road; in a separate and distinct ministry the Diocese is rebuilding the houses your parishioners as volunteers gutted. We yesterday celebrated the fiftieth rebuild of the 920 houses we gutted. We could be rebuilding the ghetto. Let me say that again, if we were just about building structures, we could rebuild the ghetto. Instead, the Diocese through our office of Disaster Response and Jericho Road is about building homes, transforming lives, and changing neighborhoods. We are not building another ghetto that can be measured by the number of structures completed; for us to move from fear to hope is to move beyond the measuring stick. You cannot measure adaptive change; you cannot measure human dignity, you cannot measure compassion, you cannot measure mercy. Our ministry here, and it is our ministry, it is not mine, it belongs to the whole Church, is not about rebuilding what was. You can be darned proud to be an Episcopalian in south Louisiana. You know, the waters and winds of Katrina, Rita, Ike and Gustav, washed away the thin façade of American respectability. Yes, post-Katrina New Orleans is America’s failure, but that failure began long before we were baptized the second time in muddy water. When that façade was washed away we saw the horror of centuries of racism, we saw the results of inadequate heath care and education, we saw the wound of a multi-generational trauma that goes back to the middle passage. And let me just say it whilst I am on a roll: I see the evil of an attempt to socially reengineer this city. I look that evil in the eye, and say, you will not succeed here. Instead, the Church stands for the life of grace and possibility in the beloved community of Dr. King, in that community in which our values are made manifest.

Some are thinking, “ it is a good thing he is retiring. “ The stress is too much for Jenkins. Perhaps so. I have been threatened physically, my reputation, which was never much, is hurting badly, but friends, I have learned to live in hope and not fear. I am told that we are trying to do too much; I must be realistic in these hard times. The Episcopal Church shall not abandon the field lest we give into fear. This is a Church of hope and that hope shall give life to the continuing conversion and sanctification of the faithful. To live in hope is to live a generous life even when the temptation is great to live otherwise. I can do nothing more than hope, I can do nothing less than to make that hope manifest.

Fifty-one percent of the children from pre-Katrina New Orleans are gone from here. In many cases, these youngsters realize they are not cared for, good riddance some would say. These youngsters have turned against themselves. It is ok to shoot a black person in New Orleans. It is so common that little notice is taken. Yet, your Church, through St. Anna’s parish, the Diocese of Louisiana and her Deacons will not let the city forget. Not only do we keep a murder board giving the name, age, and circumstance of all who are murdered in this city, we take to the mayor, the DA, and the chief of police a rose each week for every person slain. There is not a program out there that is going to change a population that hates itself. There is not measuring stick here. I am talking about theology, the spiritual change of heart and the intellectual change of mind that enables one to see dignity in oneself.

On June 21, 1964, three young civil rights workers—a 21-year-old black Mississippian, James Chaney, and two white New Yorkers, Andrew Goodman, 20, and Michael Schermer, 24—were murdered near Philadelphia, in Nashoba County, Mississippi. They had been working to register black voters in Mississippi during Freedom Summer and had gone to investigate the burning of a black church. They were arrested by the police on trumped-up charges, imprisoned for several hours, and then released after dark into the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, who beat and murdered them. It was later proven in court that a conspiracy existed between members of Neshoba County's law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan to kill them. I have talked to the man who gave those three youngsters the car they were driving that day. They were afraid to go into the evil but they went, hoping they could make a difference. And so they did.

Brothers and sisters, my gift for you this night is a challenge, in these hard times, let us manifest the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Peace in a Times-Picayune Piece

2008-12-31T07:44:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Day, an editorial appeared in The Times-Picayune that called for peace to be upon our struggling city and world. In it was mentioned all that we have to be thankful for in the face of economic hardship, wars, and uncertainty. Among these wonderful gifts that the writer insisted we must not forget were the volunteers of Jericho Road and the Office of Disaster Response, called out as part of the 50,000 who have given of their time and themselves to help rebuild New Orleans in the past three years.

“In these four holy seasons since Katrina, we have not needed to be reminded of what is truly important: family, friends, health, home. Coming so close to destruction clarifies people's priorities. This is a day, though, to take note of the kindness manifested around us.

Astoundingly, the outpouring of rebuilding help shows no sign of diminishing. More volunteers came this year than last. Five groups alone -- New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities' Operation Helping Hands, Baptist Crossroads Project, Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative and the Louisiana Episcopal Diocese's Office of Disaster Response -- have accounted for 50,000 volunteers since Katrina.”

The Diocese of Louisiana would also like to give thanks here for all of those who continue to take time out of their lives to come down and volunteer with our programs. We could not do the work that we do without you. Thank you for helping peace to be restored to our city.

Bishop Charles Jenkins Announces Pending Retirement

2008-12-04T14:55:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends in Christ,

At the December 4, 2008 meeting, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Louisiana heard of my decision to retire as the tenth Bishop of Louisiana effective December 31, 2009. This move is based on issues of health and a concern for the mission strategy of the diocese. To that end, I now call for the election of the eleventh Bishop of Louisiana.

This decision and the timing of my announcement are not what I had hoped. However haltingly I have displayed my value of transparency over the last decade, I do think transparency important. As we struggle with the new realities of our life in common for 2009 and beyond, I thought it best that I make this announcement now rather than continuing my discernment. I am of the mind that a healthy Bishop, fully engaged with the needs of the Diocese and one who has the confidence of the clergy of the Diocese, will better lead us through this challenge and into the future.

My struggle with health issues since Katrina has not been a secret. My PTSD was exaggerated by the experience of the mandatory evacuation in Hurricane Gustav. The symptoms that accompany the PTSD now seem deeper and more frequent. After talking with various health professionals, it seems best for me that I take a significant rest, which means an absence from the stress and strains of the episcopate. I considered and explored the possibility of a medical leave and even a sabbatical. I could not bring myself to do this for there is no assurance that I would be back to lead the Diocese. I am not willing to ask this Diocese to take such a risk.

I discern God’s call to continuing concern for and involvement with the social apostolate of the Church across Louisiana. In such ministries I find energy, excitement and satisfaction. I pray that God will enable me to continue to give myself to the work of a newly constituted Episcopal Community Services in Louisiana. I hope by God’s grace that I will be able to devote even more time and energy to the social ministry in Louisiana. We are in a position of leadership in our part of the Kingdom like the Episcopal Church has never been before; let us not turn our back on this ministry especially in times of economic uncertainty. I shall remain Bishop of this Diocese until the day of my retirement and I shall do all in my power to see that we stay on this path to Biblical justice, the building of the Beloved Community, and the realization of the New Jerusalem midst our ruin and degradation.

We will have time over the coming year to bid farewell and perhaps enjoy memories of the past decade. Perhaps, by God’s grace we can do several things in my last year. I want to incorporate Episcopal Community Services and merge the Office of Disaster Response into ECS. I pray that somehow we can move ahead with some sort of Reconciliation work in south Louisiana. What would it take to get us off “stuck” in conversations about race and class? Second, I hope we can break ground on the Youth Campus at SECC. The revitalization of youth ministry in this Diocese will be an important accomplishment for today and for tomorrow. Finally, I want to more firmly anchor the Diocesan Perpetual Memorial and Endowment Fund. Let us get these tasks done in the year to come.

The Standing Committee has met with Bishop Clay Matthews of the Presiding Bishop’s office to begin moving us towards the election of the eleventh Bishop of Louisiana at an Electing Convention to be convened in 2009. The Standing Committee is already developing the process for choosing our next Bishop. The broad outline of this process will be shared publicly in early January. The Standing Committee is committed to transparency, accountability and widespread participation as we move forward.

Thank you for your love and patience with me and I hope in return you know that I have loved you as brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

+Charles E. Jenkins
Tenth Bishop of Louisiana

A Bright Future for All Souls

2008-11-04T09:30:00.000-06:00

After last week’s visit from over 100 national and international clergy from the Black Ministries and Church Innovators Conference, the Church of All Souls is moving forward into fall with many new programs to help bring music and learning to children in the Lower Ninth Ward.

A Sunday School program will begin in November, as well as a children's choir. In addition to this, a classical music program will begin in January of ’09. This program will introduce young children, beginning at age 7, to classical voice and instrument training using the Korda method for voice and the Yamaha program for violin training. Classical training was selected because, in a city where jazz is king, especially in African-American communities, classical training and appreciation is a new opportunity for diversity within this community struggling to return to a more vibrant life. The classical music program will allow children and parents to attend symphony rehearsals and concerts, as well as ballet performances such as “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake,” composed by Tchaikovsky. The program will be powered by a strong tutoring component.

These programs are part of the long-term goal for All Souls--to transform the Lower 9th Ward by building God's kingdom through cultural programs such as these that bring children to Christ. We are blessed with a strong but extremely dedicated group of Christians whose aim it is to serve the poor, needy, and underserved in their community. This is remarkable in a community as devastated as the Lower Ninth Ward, where almost everyone is underserved or in need in some way. So those who have “learned to fish” and who are making headway reach out to share their knowledge with those who are still struggling. We at All Souls hope to be an integral part of what becomes once again a vibrant, self-sustaining community.

Yours in Christ,
Lonell Wright

A Huge Week for Church of All Souls

2008-10-26T09:35:00.003-05:00

This was a huge week in the life of All Souls, one that was long in coming for what is, arguably, a most significant church plant in the Episcopal Church.

First, we had over 100 national and international visitors from the Black Ministries and Church Innovators conferences (both meeting in NOLA this week) toured All Souls on Wednesday. Deacon Lonell Wright gave a stirring talk and, in an impromptu “passing of the plate” (a tambourine, quite fittingly), about $1,000 was collected.

Second, we held a workday at All Souls today, which was supported by over 40 volunteers from The Netherlands, Atlanta and New York City. We planted gardens on the property, hung drywall, hung a new fence, and worked on residents’ homes in the L9 [lower ninth ward]. Founding member Jeannetta Burton supplied a New Orleans style gumbo lunch. During lunch, members of the congregation and residents of the L9 recounted stories of their Katrina experience and what recovery has meant for them.

Look for photos and stories to follow!

The Rev'd Canon Scott P. Albergate, D. Min.
Canon for Mission & Congregational Development

The Bishop’s Charge to the Clergy of Louisiana

2008-10-20T16:41:00.001-05:00

The Bishop’s Charge to the Clergy of Louisiana
Given in the College of Presbyters/Community of Deacons
Meeting in the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
October 19, 2008

“What does the Bishop want? I have trouble figuring out where he wants to lead us.” I hear such questions from time to time. So, let me be clear, I do not want much, just a revolution, a revolution of values. The idea of such a revolution comes from Dr. Martin Luther King in his sermon, “Beyond Vietnam.” After the Good Samaritan has shown charity to the man robbed and beaten, Dr. King notes that we must transform the Jericho Road with a revolution. Let us this night begin a revolution, a true revolution of values, and a catholic revolution of values as expressed in the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church. As our faith is expressed in the Apostle’s Creed in the Baptismal Covenant, so are basic Christian values expressed in the questions that follow the Creed. Amongst these values we include continuance in the Apostle’s teaching and fellowship, participation in the Eucharistic assembly, a commitment to a life of prayer, a pledge to persevere in resisting evil and the hope of a penitent life. We value the proclamation of the Good News in Christ and we seek to serve Christ in our neighbor, loving them as we love ourselves. We hold up the values of justice, peace and dignity. My dream is a revolution of values.

I hope for a Diocesan Community in which maturing Christians live into constantly transformed and transforming relationships. We deacons, priests and bishop must risk, work and sacrifice to make transformed relationships the reality our existence. No longer can we afford several systemic luxuries of the past. No longer can we afford the comfort of homogeneity (that is, hanging with those we like and who like us), the lure of gossip, the destructiveness of competition, the pride of comparison, the ruthlessness of ambition and the comfort of self-preservation.

I call upon you in this Clericus to be reckless in vulnerability to others, to be lavish in the giving of self to others and to be a worker of kindness. As Fr. Timothy Radcliffe would remind us, without vulnerability there is no hope of fortitude. (What is the Point of Being a Christian? Page 72) I ask you to be tireless in asking the Holy Spirit to guide all. If we ask, we must be open to that guidance, whatever the cost. Do not come here only to be understood but seek to understand the other. Give trust to all, knowing that such trust will be violated for all here are creatures. These violations of trust will surely occur but they will not do you in. Indeed, they hurt, I know so from experience, but to live in trust is to live in the example of Jesus who built his Church on those who betrayed and abandoned Him.

All need affirmation. Feel free to ask for it, be quick to give it even when not solicited. The warts and imperfections, the hurts, the foibles, the shortcomings of all were not left at the gate when we came onto these beautiful grounds. All stand in need of healing. None more so than I, none more so than you.

Do not give way to the temptation of sarcasm, self-aggrandizement, pettiness, a prickly attitude or negativism. I see so many children who cannot escape the negativism of the street. Some clergy preach that a positive attitude will do magic for these kids. It will not do so for these youth or for us. Can we escape the systemic culture of emotional and spiritual smallness that entraps us? Such escape will not be by magic or positive thinking but by lavish generosity towards one another and by hard, risky work. I charge you to sacrifice personal safety for the sake of the Body of Christ. To paraphrase Jonathan Sacks, it is time to move beyond “I want, I need, I feel to I ought.” Obligations can be debated. Wants, feelings and even choices are either satisfied or frustrated.

I do not hold up a Pollyannaish or utopian vision. I do not seek a syncretism that celebrates process over content. I do seek a community in which we dare to speak the truth in charity and where we are not afraid of one another. We need not ignore the difference to live into transformed relationships. I call upon us to move beyond a toleration of difference to what Sacks calls the Realization of the Dignity of Difference. Rabbis Sacks writes: one belief, more than any other (to quote a phrase of Isaiah Berlin’s) is responsible for the slaughter of individuals on the Altars of the great historic ideals. It is that those who do not share my faith – or my race or my ideology – do not share my humanity. (The Dignity of Difference, page 45). I do not seek to impose an Episcopal imperialism or a fake koinonia on this Clericus. Having said that, I do announce a bit of good news. You are free to happily settle for less than you would like from this community. You are free to be satisfied with less than you would like from one another and from me. Such “settling” does not compromise your being. You do not need to conform another to your ideology nor must you abandon that ideology to live in a transformed relationship that honors the dignity of difference.

Our world has changed on us. We deal with all the issues of others such as globalization, climate change, a diminishment of resources, an uncertain economy, rapid change in communication and political polarization. In addition we deal with the ravages of Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike and the fear of more to come. I again quote Rabbi Sacks, Bad things happen when the pace of change exceeds our ability to change, and events move faster than our understanding. It is then that we feel the loss of control over our lives. Anxiety creates fear, fear leads to anger, anger breeds violence. The greatest single antidote to violence is conversation, speaking our fears, listening to the fears of others, and in that sharing of vulnerabilities discovering a genesis of hope. (Dignity of Difference, page 2)

So we are here to talk. We come fearful and in some cases angry. It is time to put anger aside and to move from fear to hope. Optimism, says Sacks, is the belief that things will get better. Hope is that faith that together we can make things better. (Dignity of Difference, page 206). I have faith that together, we can make things better. Yes, we are in tough times, even what is called Root Shock, and we are ill equipped to deal with these times. These times are an opportunity for grace. Tough times are what the Church came from. Tough times are the “special of the house” on the Christian menu. We can preach hope and be real; we can practice hope and work hard to transform relationships here, in the Church, and in the world. I ask that you demonstrate the courage to lose what is good for the sake of what is better. (Timothy Radcliffe, What is the point of Being a Christian? Page 72)

This time, this meeting, is a test of faith. Sacks asks, can I make space for the difference? Can I recognize God’s image in someone who is not in my image, whose language, faith, ideals are different from mine? If I cannot, then I make God in my image instead of allowing him to make me. (Dignity of Difference, page 201).

+Charles

IKE Update - Saturday Morning

2008-09-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

There is no communication yet from Texas or Western Louisiana. We continue to pray and hope for the safety of all.

As noted, IKE put more water into southeast Louisiana than did Gustav. A priest wrote this morning saying that he and his family are safe but stranded as their neighborhood is surrounded by water. He fears a rain storm would flood their home. There is a good deal of flooding here on the north shore. Louise and I are fine.

The third choice of the Collects for Mission (see Morning Prayer, Rite II) contains the phrase, that we reaching forth our hands in love. The Collect implies that our reaching forth is like that of our Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks reflects upon “Love as deed” in his book, To Heal a Fractured World. Quoting Stephen Carter, Sacks writes, In the Jewish tradition . . .civility is called hessed, the doing of acts of kindness – which is in turn derived from the understanding that human beings are made in the image of God...What is hessed? It is usually translated as “kindness” but it also means ‘love’ - not love as emotion or passion, but love expressed as deed. (page 45)

May God grant us grace and resources to continue to the reaching forth of our hands in love. It Is a joy and an honor to share in your reaching forth. I hope for you a quiet, safe and restful day.

Bishop Jenkins

A Quick Reflection on Evacuation (Saturday, September 6, 2008)

2008-09-06T09:06:00.001-05:00

Nell Bolton, the Canons and I toured a bit of the Southwest Deanery on Friday, The Bridge on Hwy. 315 was broken and the Falgout Canal road flooded so we could not get to Bayou du Large. The devastation and need in Terrebonne Parish is huge.

As I drove back to my personal home in Slidell, La., I passed convoys of trucks bringing power workers into the region. I also passed convoys of buses bringing home those who had needed assistance to evacuate. The stream of autos returning to New Orleans has been heavy for three days. I congratulate the Governor of Louisiana and the Mayor of New Orleans on the evacuation effort for Gustav. I have been quick to criticize; my congratulations are genuine.

A lot of us will not be able to willing to go next time. Should IKE threaten, many of us will just try to hunker down. The infantile pleas of grossly inarticulate leaders will likely fall upon deaf ears. The Gustav evacuation demonstrated even to those of us who have some means, the frustration of not being able to meet our basic needs when nothing is available for purchase. We have now an experience, albeit it miniscule, of being poor. For example, even the rich are poor in Houma today. There is no electricity; there is little clean water, if any. I hope we learn from this experience.

A deep sadness of the Gustav evacuation was hearing the telephone calls on WWL radio of the poor who had evacuated and then been turned out of their hotels for lack of resources. Some who self evacuated did not have the means to purchase fuel for the trip home. I assume that those of us who rely solely upon a monthly check will get those funds when the power comes on. In the meantime, we have nothing to live on except the generosity of others. Many of us will not have the means, financially or emotionally, to go again. Some have said it is better to die here than elsewhere.

None of this should be considered an excuse to stay put if an evacuation is ordered. If we are called to go again, we must go!

It is joked that in New Orleans a common wedding present is an axe to put in the attic of your home. An axe in the attic is needed to cut through the roof if you must evacuate vertically. I am off to the Home Depot to replenish my hurricane supplies and to purchase an axe.

Bishop Jenkins

A Message from Canon Scott Albergate

2008-09-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

I have been touch today with the Rev. Dr. Jean Meade who is weathering the storm with her husband Louis at their Garden District home. Jean reports that they are doing well. They lost power early this morning but still have working land line and cell phones.

To my knowlege, all other clergy in the New Orleans metro area and in our Southwest Deanery have evacuated to safety. Just now Father Spencer Lindsay called to say that he has finally reached his evac point in Missouri. Please let me know if you have other information on our clergy and I will be glad to share it with you all.

I am grateful for all the expressions of support for me and for the Bishop's staff. We are all safe and well and looking forward to getting back to serving you and our congregations.

You are all held up in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you and be safe.

Scott+

Monday Message from the Bishop

2008-09-01T09:29:00.001-05:00

Monday, September 1, 2008

Greetings from Baton Rouge where Louise and I have taken refuge from the wind and water of Hurricane Gustav. The many prayers and messages of support are appreciated. All of our staff and volunteers have left the city of New Orleans. We expect to open our office at St. James Church as soon as we can safely move about. The wind and rain here in Baton Rouge are bad and predicted to get worse.

St. James, St. Luke’s and St. Alban’s Chapel are all either hosting evacuees or are prepared to do so and take up emergency ministry. You may remember that St. Luke’s is adjacent to Woman’s Hospital, Baton Rouge, and acts as an overflow site for the hospital. Sharkoor and Coutrney have taken a van load of youngsters, who live without parents, to Atlanta or Birmingham.

Louise and I were awake and moving about at 4.00 a.m. on Sunday when a computerized call came to our house in Slidell ordering us to leave. Sunday was a long day, emotionally and physically exhausting. We loaded up what personal things we could, stacked furniture, and closed up the house. We were on the road by 8.30 a.m. but so was everyone else in south Louisiana. I felt physically ill by the time we made it to Baton Rouge.

The emotional and physical reaction I experience in my heart and body is more than a bit surprising. I know that I am not alone in this experience. Healing from Katrina has not been so certain as I had hoped. I talked with Dr. Karen yesterday and she was not at all surprised by our reactions. In fact, she expected it. I share this in hope that my experience will help others. By God’s grace and with a good deal of self-care and patience, we will persevere.

Gustav is wading ashore early this Monday morning in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. I am concerned for our folk in that civil parish (St. Matthew’s, Houma and St. Andrew, Bayou du Large) as well all of the southwest Deanery. Trinity, Morgan City and St. Mary’s, Franklin, will take a big hit. So far as I know, our clergy are safe and have checked with parishioners who needed help. The preparations were appropriate and were carried out properly. We are waiting now as the hurricane passes. The wind is whistling even here in Baton Rouge.

Gustav does not seem to be as severe as was predicted. God’s Holy Name be praised. My greatest concern has been the potential storm surge, which was predicted to be catastrophic. Some even thought it might even overtop the huge earthen levees along the Mississippi River. That storm surge has yet to materialize, so far as I can tell. Let us remember that New Orleans flooded the day after Katrina passed.

Please be reminded that I cannot personally respond to every email that comes in. I will try to keep you informed.

In the meantime, please pray for us.

Bishop Jenkins

OH, OH . . .the television report has just shifted to the Industrial Canal in New Orleans. Waves can be seen breaking over the floodwall. Unlike the drainage canals in New Orleans, the Industrial has no gates to keep the water from the Lake and the MRGO from coming in. You will remember that it was the failure of the floodwall along the Industrial Canal that flooded the Lower 9^th Ward and contributed to the disaster in St. Bernard Parish. It ain’t over till it’s over.

Monday Morning Thoughts from Canon Mark Stevenson

2008-09-01T08:42:00.001-05:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers -

Like many of you, I am sitting in my living room this morning watching the televised reports of Gustav on (what seems like) several stations at once. We have said our prayers, made our preparations, and gotten our family and friends to places of safety. Now, we are waiting for the storm to make its way by.

I continue to receive emails and telephone calls expressing concern for, and solidarity with, the people of south Louisiana and the entire gulf coast. Numerous clergy and lay friends around the country have reported to me that their church services yesterday contained lengthy times of prayer for us - - both in remembrance of the tragedy of Katrina three years ago and the coming effects of Gustav. I have reports of prayer services going on even now all across the USA, and in several locations around the world, lifting us up to the one who created us and sustains us. As Bishop Jenkins constantly reminds us around our office, “God is good, all the time.”

May we remember to let the peace and mercy of Christ rule in our hearts this day.

Mark+

The Rev'd Canon E. Mark Stevenson

Canon to the Ordinary

Denver to New Orleans!

2008-08-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Taken from an email from Courtney Cowart to Bishop Jenkins

Shakoor & I are taking 9 youth who have been back in the city without family since the storm in the van with us. Several of the young men have relatives in Birmingham so we are taking the group there tonight. These young men were with us in Denver. They are all members of “To Be Continued” brass band. Their main concern about utilizing the public means of evacuation was that they would have to leave their instruments behind. So we are loading the van with drums and trombones and trumpets. That's really all these young men own. They've been getting by playing on Canal and Bourbon Street. We will also be responsible for returning them to NOLA.

Courtney Cowart.

Saturday's Thoughts - Katrina & Gustav

2008-08-30T17:29:00.001-05:00

From the Bishop,

On Friday night the Muslim call to prayer rang out in Temple Sinai in New Orleans. It was the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. People of faith from the Jewish, Sikh, Bahia, Muslim, and Christian communities came together to pray in thanksgiving and to remember what happened to us. We prayed for the living and the dead, some eighty of whom were buried with no name on this very day. We came together as people brought low, many of us still living with injury and loss, but as one people of hope. We know that we are not disposable people because God’s mark is upon us. The Archbishop of New Orleans, the Most Revered Alfred Hughes, gave a wonderful homily noting how we are building a better place in the midst of ruin. We lit the Sabbath candle, sang the blessing of the wine, and then our host, Rabbi Cohn lit a candle for the departed of our city and by name those of Temple Sinai.

Like most of us, Louise and I are packing to leave. We have offers of hospitality from around the country but will likely go to Baton Rouge so that we can be poised to minister to God’s people here in the place we call home. The threat of Gustav has stirred up in me feelings and emotions too complicated to explain now. I am in touch with my brokenness and I am aware that it is by God’s grace alone that I can put one tired foot in front of another. I share this because I know that I am not alone in getting in touch with the hurt from Katrina and the fear that is ours this night. It is a strange and painful time and many of us are struggling. We struggle together, friends, we are one. The pain is not only emotional but physical. Many triggers are pulled in my mind. I cannot believe this is happening on the very day New Orleans flooded. I pray God to give me patience, strength, and humility to accept with gratitude the many blessing of life. I likely will not receive the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood tomorrow (Sunday) in the outward and visible forms. I pray Christ will come to me inwardly and spiritually as I do so desire Him. Please remember me and all of us when you make your Communion.

Bishop Charles Jenkins

Lambeth - Friday - Aug. 1st

2008-08-02T02:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The last several meetings of this Lambeth Conference shall soon be over. The anxiety here is greater than I expected. No matter the outcome, I wish to express my gratitude to the Archbishop of Canterbury and other leaders here for providing us with this opportunity.

The format of the Conference has been much discussed and disrespected. It seems to me to reflect the work of the Holy Spirit in the miracle of Pentecost. This is to say that all have been given a chance to be heard and understood. Voices from the “edges” of the English speaking world have been heard. In the Indaba to which I am assigned, these voices have been from the Church in India, the Sudanese Church, and the south American Church. I have been taken again to the very roots of my Christian belief by the words and actions of the Church in Japan, the Church in the Indian Ocean and the Church in Burma. These voices which might not enter the fray of debate have proved powerful. This reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost. No matter the outcome, this process has been the right thing.

I do not share in the anxiety so easily touched around here. I am optimistic that the mission of God shall continue in and through the Anglican Communion. In the final analysis, this is God’s Church and we have not been brought so far to be abandoned now.

Pray for us and rejoice.

+Charles

The First Plenary Session

2008-07-21T07:11:00.004-05:00

The first plenary session of the Lambeth Conference was an important and encouraging time. The Archbishop of Canterbury demonstrated leadership that I would characterize as visionary, brave, biblical, and persevering. Many, many questions are yet to be addressed and some even answered, but I think that all will be heard, even the small voices (like mine) from the side. The Indaba (not pronounced in-da-bar, as one English Bishop tried) groups are a wonderful opportunity for the Bishops, all of the Bishops, to discern the will of God in the various voices and experiences. These groups are not representative of a triumph of process over content nor does the Indaba process represent an attempt to avoid decisions. Rather, this is for us in the west, a new of proceeding. It is an African way taken when the whole village gathers in to face a decision. As for our Western methods of parliamentary law so well defined in the 20th century, how well have this worked for the Church? So, Archbishop Rowan leads us in a new way.

Brothers and sisters, I am more encouraged than I have been in a long time. This Archbishop is showing leadership that I so admire. Continue to pray for us.

Louise and I are living in the dorm, which has certain drawbacks not to be discussed here, but which puts us right near the center of things.

I am off to Bible study.

+Charles

Read more about the Lambeth Conference by clicking here!

New Orleans City Council Housing Committee UPDATE

2008-04-21T22:27:00.000-05:00

Father Walter Baer and Deacons Elaine Clements, Charmaine Kathmann, Mike Hackett and I attended the Housing committee meeting this morning at City Council chambers, as did Martha Kegel of Unity for the Homeless and representatives of several non-profits and faith-based groups concerned about this issue. Unfortunately the committee chair was not present and there were not enough members for a vote to be taken, but Councilmembers Stacy Head and Shelley Midura were there for the whole meeting and James Carter (chair of Criminal Justice committee) for much of it. They seemed very responsive to our concerns; Stacy Head said she had tried to reach someone at the Diocese previously on the housing issue but had not heard back. They are eager to work with us and relieved that we have a task force organized.

Elaine and I both had an opportunity to speak and Fr. Baer read the Bishop's letter, listing most of the names we had available this morning. The consensus--apparently shared by Ms. Midura and Ms. Head by the end of the meeting--was that criminalizing homelessness will NOT help to solve the problem, and that housing, social services, and case management must be in place before there is any serious talk about forcing the homeless off of the streets.

There will be a joint meeting of the Housing and the Mental Health (chaired by Midura) committees on May 8 and we are all invited. Also, a city task force is being formed on the homelessness issue and we are asked to participate.

Updates as they become available....Thanks for all the support.

Deacon Lydia Hopkins

Homeless need Compassion, not Criminalization

2008-04-21T14:56:00.000-05:00

Dear Members of the City Council,

We write to you today to express our grave concern over the proposed ordinance on public habitation, section 54-419 of the City Code.

Please know that we are not bystanders offering our opinion on the work that others are doing. We, along with countless other members of the community, have been actively involved in ministry to the homeless and precariously housed in our city. We provide food and clothing to those living on the streets; we assist with re-housing efforts as well as the transition from FEMA trailers to permanent housing; we provide case management services and resources to help families remain housed; and we help to rebuild homes for the most vulnerable members of our community. We see first-hand the varied factors that contribute to the homelessness crisis, and our experience has taught us that the homeless need compassion, not criminalization. A simplistic “quick fix” as proposed in this ordinance will only exacerbate the dire conditions that are keeping residents down-and-out.

The failure of our community to develop and implement a comprehensive affordable housing strategy in the wake of unprecedented disaster is a communal failing. Yet this ordinance penalizes only those individuals who have fallen through the cracks—and we expect that there will be many more yet to come.

Furthermore, the ordinance will divert precious city resources to policing and jailing the destitute, at a time when our city is in the grips of a wave of violent crime and our jails are stretched to capacity.

· We call on you to adopt a policy that affirms the dignity of every human being in our community, including the homeless.

· We believe that our limited resources can be more compassionately and effectively utilized to house rather than criminalize the homeless.

· We ask you not to pass this ordinance.

· We stand ready to work with you and offer our experience, our time and our energy in order to draft a comprehensive, effective, and ethical solution to our city’s homelessness crisis.

In faith and hope,

Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins

Bishop, Diocese of Louisiana

Rev. Jerry Kramer

Rector, Church of the Annunciation

Rev. Jim Quigley

Rector, St. George's Episcopal Church

Rev. Lydia Hopkins

Deacon, St. George's Episcopal Church

Rev. Elaine Clements

Deacon, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Nell Bolton

Exec. Director, Office of Disaster Response

Diocese/ACT

Shakoor Aljuwani

Community Organizer

Diocese/ACT

Back from Katrina exile, man lived alone and died

2008-04-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

by Katy Reckdahl, The Times-Picayune

Sometime during the night on March 15, Alvin Thomas crumpled onto his cold porch floor, where he lay, alone, behind a locked wrought-iron door embossed with oak leaves and acorns. An Episcopal Diocese volunteer found him the next morning, near death. Firefighters broke down the door for paramedics, who took him to University Hospital, where he succumbed to an undiscovered brain-stem tumor. The volunteer had stopped by with a can opener for the food Thomas had stacked inside the gutted house during the past year but couldn't open.

Read the full story at NOLA.com here!