Diocese of New Jersey | Bishop's Blog | EYE 2005

Today's morning program included a final meditation by the Presiding Bishop on the theme, 'Can You?' He reminded us of Paul's words, 'I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me' — the text that is the basis for a beautiful Latino hymn by Sandra Montes, 'Todo Lo Puedo Hacer.'

We heard a powerful and inspiring talk by Bishop Roger Sainsbury, retired Bishop of the Church of England and Chairman of the National Youth Agency. Bishop Sainsbury has been a youth advocate and minister for over 40 years. He brought our attention to how many of God's leaders in the Bible were young people: David, Jeremiah, Daniel and Mary. He pointed how, in his very first sermon, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter cited the words of the prophet Joel, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions...' (Acts 2:16). Using songs by contemporary bands, Bishop Sainsbury called upon young people to bear prophetic witness and to work for the relief of the poor and the care of the earth.

I have observed that the youth here at EYE seem passionate about being part of a Church that has both a genuine spirituality and a genuine commitment to serve the poor and care for creation. Over and over again, this has been a powerful theme throughout this conference.

As Fr. Tim Holder said in his introduction to the Hip Hop E Mass, we need to take the streets seriously and we need to take the altar seriously. These young people are committed to a Church that is passionate about Jesus and justice and joy.

During a panel discussion today we heard a powerful story about the town garbage dump outside Quito, Ecuador. Cameron Graham, Youth Coordinator from that diocese, told us about going to visit the dump, where more than 200 people live, including many children. She described the children who live at dump. Their clothes are soiled and look and smell like they have been living in the midst of garbage. When they see visitors, they run to them because they want to be picked up and held. Cameron confessed that she was reluctant to touch them because they are so filthy. But, as she reminded us, this is what God does. We, who are soiled and sullied by our sinfulness, want to be lifted up and held in God's loving embrace. In Jesus, we see that that is exactly what God wants to do. So, we, who have been embraced by the love of God in Christ, are sent out to embrace the least and the lowest and loneliest, among the outcasts, the helpless and the hopeless.

Our New Jersey delegation gathered for a group photo with the Presiding Bishop this afternoon. I then went back to my room to do a little writing on this Blog. Two hours later, I noticed that there were still groups lined up to have their photo taken with the P.B. In addition to all that he is doing in support of EYE, he spent over two hours having his photo taken. He really, really loves this Church.

At the conclusion of our Province II meeting this afternoon, the young people and their advisors presented me a gift, with thanks for my attendance at EYE. It is a lovely metal sculpture of a drummer, seated behind a trap set. Around his neck is a felt heart cut-out, with 'George' on the front and the signatures of all of our New Jersey delegation on the back.

On to the wrap up->