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Article RatingSt. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral advertises its red front doors as open to all those who pass on Front Street in Harrisburg.
Today those doors will welcome a special visitor, the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori — presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Patrick Collins said Jefferts Schori will take part in the cathedral’s renewal of reordination vows, where she will bless the oils the church uses for christenings and healings. This is the first time Jefferts Schori has been to the cathedral, which serves as home to the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
Although the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on a weekday, Collins said, there’s no way of telling how many people might show up to see Jefferts Schori in person.
“We’re in overdrive right now, setting up the details,” he said Wednesday afternoon, noting the church has seating for 400 people.
David Shively, communications officer for the Central Pennsylvania Diocese, also was excited Jefferts Schori accepted the invitation from Bishop Nathan Baxter to visit the church.
“It’s an honor, especially during Holy Week, which is the busiest time of year for any clergy person,” he said.
While Shively said Episcopalian churches have ordained women priests since the 1970s — and female bishops soon after — since her election in June 2006, Jefferts Schori has nevertheless courted controversy as the first female primate in the Anglican Communion. Although her election indicated widespread support in the church for ordaining women, some dioceses —including the diocese of Fort Worth, Texas — oppose women in holy orders.
However, at St. Stephen’s, Collins said, the church has a long history of women clergy.
“We’re just flat-out excited she’s coming,” he said.
During this difficult time in Episcopalian history, Collins said, the church continues to support the presiding bishop.
In 2003, Jefferts and other bishops across the nation voted to the ratify the election of Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, as bishop of New Hampshire — an act to which some conservative Episcopalians have objected.
Since Robinson’s election, the U.S. Episcopal Church has been at odds with Anglican leaders. Some Anglican traditionalists believe gay relationships violate Scripture and they have demanded the U.S. church adhere to that teaching or face discipline.
Despite the tensions of the last years, Collins said, Episcopalians are still in communication with the Anglican Church.
“Everyone is still in dialogue together and for us, and the Anglicans, this is very important,” he said.
As for how the discord has affected those at St. Stephen’s, Collins said, the congregation is moving forward through prayer
“More than anything us, that binds us together as Episcopalians and as Christians,” he said.
Shively also was hopeful the situation would be resolved. In March, he said, bishops across the nation made a unanimous decision to work through their disagreements and remain unified.
“The strife is beginning to resolve itself,” he said. “Now, the bishops are saying, ‘Look, we don’t agree on everything, but Episcopalians never have.’ The decision was based on maintaining unity.”
He does not expect any controversies to erupt during Jefferts Schori’s visit to St. Stephen’s.
“Absolutely not,” he said.
