Date: September 14, 2021
The Rev. Barney Hawkins and I had originally agreed to be the speakers at the Convocation of Europe Clergy Gathering back in 2020, but along with everything else, it was postponed. Instead, the gathering is taking place today. So I find myself in the Austrian town of Salzburg.
The Convocation of Europe is an extraordinary project. These Episcopal congregations are in some of the most beautiful cities in the world — Paris, Florence, Rome, and Munich. English speaking, they attract a significant number of local Christians. These locals are drawn to the witness of the Episcopal Church as we strive to be a Church for all people.
Bishop Mark Edington leads these pioneering congregations. As they cope with their secular environment, these congregations are in many ways anticipating the direction that some parts of America are heading (especially on the coasts). We can learn from our siblings in Christ as they pioneer a witness in an ever-changing world.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President