The Practical Parson

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ- Today the world witnessed a horrific act of targeted political violence, in the form of the assassination of a conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk, in Utah.  As people of Christian faith and charity, I ask you all to remember his family and friends in your prayers; and commend to your prayers the intention of the repose of his soul.  Before too long, media outlets will shift the narrative of this day away from the story of what happened, and will begin blaming inanimate objects and victims themselves for acts of horrific violence; in a spectacle that is a revolving circle of self-righteous grandstanding rather than meaningful discourse or transmission of fact.  As both a Bishop but first and foremost a Christian; I have been heartbroken and utterly sickened to see so many people who profess Christian faith and love, actively celebrating the death of a man whom they deemed “the enemy.”  While he may have held views that we...

 During this election year, there is one topic that seems to lead the headlines for the Democratic party- that of abortion.  Every single day; TV, Radio, websites, social media: all are inundated with the doom and gloom prophecies of the liberal party, proclaiming that women's very existence and freedom are at stake if we do not vote for someone who will "enshrine Roe v. Wade".    Access to abortion was granted under the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe vs. Wade in 1973, in which the supreme court interpreted that the US Constitution granted an imagined "right to privacy" as part of the first amendment right to freedom of speech.  The ruling was always fraught with controversy from the beginning, not only because of the outcome; but also because the notion that Freedom of Speech grants you freedom of privacy, is found nowhere in any of the foundational documents of the United States, and is not mentioned in any book of law with regard to the constitution (pre-R...

 This past week, the state of Georgia was gripped with what is always a horrific tragedy whenever it occurs: a school shooting.  While we pray for the recovery of those injured, the repose of the souls of the victims killed, and justice on those responsible for this crime; it is worthwhile to remember that crimes such as these are never an appropriate time nor place for political propaganda-ing.  In the wake of any school shooting, there always seems to be the eternal argument between the Left and the Right; one side arguing for increased gun control, the other opposing it as unconstitutional.  Perhaps ironically enough, both sides are correct and incorrect in equal measures.   While it is true that our founding fathers gave us the 2nd amendment in order that we might be able to defend ourselves against enemies, both domestic and foreign; it is untrue that they would have likely intended people to carry large rifles into public eateries and grocery stores o...

 Yesterday Evening, president Donald Trump was the target of an attempted assassination in Pennsylvania at a political rally.  While he himself escaped with relatively mild injuries, One attendee was tragically murdered by the gunman's fire, and 2 more are in critical condition at present.  The gunman himself was killed by return fire from secret service snipers.   After taking a brief moment in prayer for the deceased victim, we will continue. May his soul rest in peace. +++ Listen, my children, to the word of wisdom which has long been avoided in preference of outrage and intrigue:   When you consistently and constantly scream that an individual is "an existential threat to our democracy", and call for your followers and friends to "take him down", you forever abandon the right to act surprised or disturbed when someone makes good your demand.   You cannot constantly work to demonize someone, and then expect others less than yourself to wit...

 Imagine you live in one of the smallest countries in the world, surrounded by larger nations who have repeatedly vowed to destroy you and your country.    Imagine groups of people who violently assault you and members of your family on a consistent basis; while claiming YOU are the one who is committing a crime.  Imagine your children being burned alive; your sisters and mothers brutally raped and butchered; your family and friends mutilated and dragged into the dirt streets and left for dead; your neighbors beaten to death while their children watch, then having the children either kidnapped and held hostage or raped and videos of it sent to family members.  Imagine your country finding its footing and launching a defense against people who want you and everyone like you dead; to protect the innocent and eliminate terrorists who prey on the innocent.  Imagine the same terrorists using innocent women and children as human shields so that when you wipe...