Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2013 Issue | Page 4

Council Focuses on Reconciliation, Stewardship Emily Cherry Disagreement played a starring role in the 218th meeting of the Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia in January – but not in the way you might imagine. In his annual pastoral address, the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop, spoke about the value of not reaching a consensus, and the possibility for disagreement and reconciliation to coexist. “We must want reconciliation and be open to the possibility of it,” said Johnston. “That’s when grace happens.” He added, “The core of my faith is utterly and absolutely defined by the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds. I do in fact believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation. But I also think that, inevitably, people will have differing ways of understanding, interpreting, appropriating and applying these essential truths. I do not accept that my own dearly held faith is in any way compromised by agreeing to disagree over the ways in which the catholic and apostolic Church gives witness and offers ministry, any more than I feel that my 1 4 1 Bishop Johnston greets members of St. Peter’s in the Woods, Fairfax Station, as they’re recognized for achieving full church status. 2 Dr. Clif Christopher, keynote speaker for Council, preached a message of abundance in his presentations on stewardship. Photo: The Rev. Ed Miller Photo: Emily Cherry 2 Council continued on page 3 2 3 Church is compromised by my doing so. Furthermore, although sometimes I don’t live up to this ideal, I want always to keep an open and respectful mind to other points of view. To me, the plain fact is that I – we – need to hear and understand other views of Christian truths.” “Setting God’s Table” was the theme for this year’s meeting, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, Va. Presenter Dr. Clif Virginia Episcopalian / Spring 2013 3 The Rt. Rev. David Jones, retired bishop suffragan, and the Rt. Rev. Mano Rumalshah, former bishop of the Diocese of Pakistan, join in worship at Council. 4 St. Peter’s in the Woods brought 150 parishioners to the Hyatt Regency in Reston during Council to celebr