When Bishop Chang, our colleagues, and I began planning our formal partnership and reciprocal visits, the light kept shining on the word exchange – youth and camper exchanges, seminarian exchanges, intern exchanges, exchanges of recently ordained clergy, and exchanges of veteran clergy. Come to think of it, this could also include exchanges of retired bishops, such as Lennon and I are about to be.
Because for those who have been raised with Christ, when we see the light shine, we behold not our national and language differences, but our family unity. And so we want get ourselves quickly to where others live and worship.
In Taiwan and the United States, we are subject to unjust decisions made by leaders over which we are tempted to fear we have no control. But we do have control. We stand in the light, so we can see and grasp our authority. We have the gospel of Christ, we have our work of reconciliation, and we have one another.
This Cathedral congregation incarnates one example of courage against great worldly odds. St. John’s has deep roots in the Belizean and Belizean–American community in Los Angeles. As you may know, only 15 nations in the world, not including the United States, extend formal diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. Just 15 nations, standing up and defying pressure from powerful mainland China. Among these 15 is the nation of Belize.
For ten days, the light of Christ in the eyes of these 15 missionaries has bathed us. I pray they have seen the light shining in the eyes of their partners in faith all over our diocese. I know that I have made friends for life.
Let us proclaim the unity of Christ from St. John’s Cathedral in Los Angeles, from St. John’s Cathedral in Taipei, and indeed from St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City. May these exchanges prosper and multiply. Many we continue to lift high our lanterns of hope, consigning fear to its small place in the shadows. May we continue glorifying God and lighting the way toward God’s realm of freedom, peace, justice, and love.
[An excerpt of my remarks at today’s service of Holy Eucharist at St. John’s Cathedral. The Very Rev. Anne Sawyer, interim dean and priest in charge, was our host. Bishop Chang preached; I presided. The photos comprise my weekend worship scrapbook. On Saturday, the Rev. Dr. Fennie Hsin-Fen Chang, vicar of St. Thomas’ in Hacienda Heights, and her congregation co-leaders hosted a full house for an evangelical-style meeting of 135 representing all of our Chinese language congregations, including The Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel and St. Gabriel’s in Monterey Park. Members of the Taiwan mission team shared testimony, prayers, and song. The LA Chinese Philharmonic Chorus offered three stirring numbers. Bishop Chang and the mission team invited us all up for prayers of healing and praise. A fabulous feast followed.]
