Well, after the wonderful time in Melk, Marsha and I went to Munich for a few days...a few very short days.  Arrived Friday, late afternoon, and returning to Vienna on Monday afternoon...

Saturday, we took the local train to Dachau.

WOW!!!

Man's inhumanity to man!

It is holy ground, obviously.  Ground upon which God cried, without stop.  How could something like this have existed, and the world did nothing for so long...13 years...

We wandered the grounds, and went through the museum.  We went to the 'film' which was showing, in English.  There were moments in the film when the narrator stopped talking, and allowed the horrific pictures to tell the story!  Very powerful!!!  Even the young teenagers in front of us were enthralled, and watching every minute.  There were no sounds from the audience, and now fidgeting.  I believe everyone was transfixed. 

We toured the barricks, and the grounds.  Went to the RC Chapel, the Jewish Chapel, and then off to the furnaces.  In all of this..the only good was that the gas chambers that had been built were supposedly never used...but death came in so many other ways, that it probably didn't matter.

As we toured the holy space, I was reminded of my father.

While I realize that there is a vast difference between a Concentration Camp, such as Dachau, and a POW camp, such as where my father lived for several years, there was (to me) a strange similarity.

Your life is not your own.  Time travels at someone else's pace.  Accountability, and role call are required.  There is no freedom. 

My father never talked about his time in the POW camp, but once in a while, we got a glimpse, or a quick story.


He said that the most 'true' depiction of life in the POW camp was 'Hogan's Heros.'  He said that the guards (Schultz) were just doing their job, and wanted no trouble.  They didn't really want to know what was going on, but the alternative to working there, was working on the Front, and that was no ideal for anyone...so they stood their ground, but just marked time, as best as they could.

He also said that his 'gang' of friends were all picking through the Red Cross rations, and picking out 'stupid' things, rather than the important things, like cigarettes...It turns out they were gathering up chocolate and flour, etc, to make him a birthday cake for his 21st birthday - celebrated as a POW.  Those are friends!

For some reason, as we walked through the foundations of the barricks that used to be at Dachau, I thought ofmy father's favorite joke (or at least one of the 2 or three that I remember him ever telling).  He said, "The guard came into our barricks and said, "Men, I have good news and bad news!  The good news is that you're going to have a change of underwear, today.  The bad news is:  Bill you change with Harry.  Jim, you change with Joe..."

A rather strange thought standing in the midst of such tragedy, but I suppose that somoene had to find some humor somewhere, to make life bearable.

How in the world?

And then we left.  We took the bus back to the train station.  And along the way, we drove through the town of Dachau.  A beautiful town, with lovely shops and homes.  Children playing, and the streets lined with people.

How???

Not only "how could this have been allowed to happen?" but how could someone stay in such a town?  Always that name...always that remembrance...always that sadness...

When other tragedies have happened, it is not uncommon to raze the property, and start a garden, or a memorial...but in this case, the camp remains...such as it is.

I guess in this case, the remains tell the story, and we should never forget...never shall this happen again!

God...you are in the midst of us, and we are grateful. 

+WMK

Two years ago, during his report from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Lichfield announced to the Old Catholic bishops that the Episcopal Church was active in the 'communion of the unbaptized' ministry.  Fortunately, he usually gives his report first, so I could respond during my report. 

Later, I spoke with him privately.  I told him that the Bishops of the Episcopal Church had refused to accept this at the General Convention ('03 or '06, as I recall)...but...does it happen?  I'm sure, somewhere...but what are we to do?  If one of my priests decides to do this, am I prepared to inhibit the priest, bring in Church Attorneys, and pay Church Court costs, potentially up to $100,000?   He agreed that it didn't make sense...then he thought for a moment and said, "I have a priest who has denied the Trinity, and I can't do anything about it."  WHAT????

this year, he said that he heard that the Episcopal Church was welcoming dogs to the Altar Rail.  Not sure if he meant just as companions, or as they were receiving communion. 

Again, I said that I had never heard of that, except that some people do bring their dogs everywhere they go.  But - we are not in the habit of communicating dogs.

He again paused and said that he knew he had some laity presiding over 'Communion from the Reserved Sacrament' in some of his remote congregations.

then he said...'it's good that we talk about these things, to dispel the rumors.'  How true!!!

Vienna was wonderful!  Museums, the opera and great food...and even better - time with my wife!!!  It's been a while since we've spent this much time together, and it was great to reconnect! 

We got to Melk Abbey, and the IBK (International Bishops' Conference) was gathered.  They were most welcoming, and we were quickly brought into the meeting and to continued friendships.

Along with me, the Bishop of Lichfield is also a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  He and I have been attending for many years, and now (not really, but it appears) we have moved up on the ranks of the IBK...with 4 new bishops, since I've been attending.

the membership consists of:
The Archbishop of Utrecht
The Bishop of Holland
The Bishop of the Czech Republic
The Bishop of Poland
The Bishop of Switzerland
The Bishop of Germany
The Bishop of Austria

IN addition, last year, the Bishop of the Mariavite Church in Poland has asked for membership in the IBK.  The Mariavites were members of the Old Catholic Church, but left.  Now they want to return.  It's not easy to become a member of the IBK/Union of Utrecht.  They take their theology and ecclesiology VERY seriously!  Questions about Mary, Scripture, ecclesiology, collegiallity, etc are all closely studied, and only then, will decisions be made.

In addition, the IBK is very clear that there are two different aspects to decisions they make:  faith and order.

If something is determined that it is a matter of faith - then there is little room for change...but it can be done...but only slowly, and with agreement along the way.  Matters of faith cannot be tossed aside. 

If something is determined to be a matter of 'order,' then that's a different matter.  Order is 'man made' for the Church, and can be transformed.

The problem for many, and for us too often, is determining which column something belongs in.  For some, matters of sexuality are matters of faith...for others, it's a matter of order.  Depending on which column you put this, determines how important it is, or how easily changes can be made to the way the Church operates.

During the meeting we discussed the permanent diaconate...we discussed the transferring of clergy from the various Churches/Countries and from the Roman Catholic Church, into the various/specific Churches/Countries of the IBK.  There is not a uniform process...which shows that while theIBK/Union of Utrecht is very similar to the Episcopal Church, it is not identical. 

The other major difference between the IBK and the House of Bishops is that the IBK is only 7 Bishops...they know each other well, and they trust each other. They do not require uniformity, but they do require discussion and talk! 

The Poles do not ordain women, but it's all right that other parts of the Old Catholics do.  Sexuality?  Obviously a problem for some, but not for others...and you know what?  That's all right.

They live together, for the common mission of God.

Trust, Faith, Respect and a common mission.

Not bad.

Well, we arrived in Stift Melk (Melk Abbey) yesterday afternoon.  Reconnected with the Old Catholic Bishops, and began our meeting.  Last night we heard reports from the various dialogs that are taking place.  The Old Catholics and the Mariavites, and others.  There are serious concerns that the Union of Utrecht looks at when having these discussions.  Church 'union' for union sake is not the goal.  Rather, serious theological and ecclesiological concerns must be addressed.  in a side discussion later, wtih one of the bishops, he expressed concern that 'ethical matters' might be taking a  higher priority than theological issues.  I asked, using a phrase they use often, if that was 'order' over 'faith.'  Yes, was his reply. 

Order can be debated.  Faith is another matter!

We had a wonderful time in social gathering last evening (it began at 10 pm) with various bishops.  Marsha enjoyed being with them, and I know they enjoyed having her company!

This morning began with morning prayer, led by the German Bishop, then breakfast.

We gathered at 9 am for the next session, and continued our discussion about the Mariavites....and their use of the filioquey clause in the Nicene Creed...as well as the dogma of the Immaculate Conception...the Union of Utrecht does not accept either...so this appears to be a problem with admitting the Mariavites.

I looked at my counterpart (Bishop Gledhill, from Litchfield) and we both seemed amused...as the Anglican Church/Communion uses the filioque clause...That was mentioned, but quickly dismissed because while we are in Full Communion, we are not members of the Union!

Later morning, we disucssed the Vocational Diaconate (Permanent).  They have the same issues we have...using lay gifts, but not denying the role of the threefold ordained ministries.  How do you exercise full orders, without denying laity?  The BCP clearly states 'in the absense of sufficient bishops/priests/deacons (whichever role needs to be fulfilled) priests/deacons/laity may fill in.

Had a nice lunch, and then a quick stroll around the grounds.  Marsha spent the morning reading and walking in the gardens...truly amazing!!!

Arrived safely, but been off the internet since we got here.  Saw the Marriage of Figaro the first night.  interesting question midway through the opera.  The Count asks if he must suffer so that all the others may be happy.  It struck me as a rather theological / christological question.  Went to St Stephen's, the Cici museum, Hapsburgs, Schoenbroon Palace...

tomorrow we head to Budapest for the day.  Then to the Vienna Boys choir and 'the horses' on Sunday.  Monday we leave for Melk, for the Old Catholics' meeting.  This is the first time Marsha's been with me for this time...so we've added a week's vacation.  Fortunately, she has met most of the bishops in the International Bishops' Conference (IBK).

Probably won't enter anything on Saturday, as internet is expensive...but will write later.

Thanks for following!

been running around all day, getting things in ready for the trip.  Suitcases packed.  last minute details to the post office, St Matt's, and around the city. 

Now is also the time for various Vacation Bible Schools.  you will all be in my prayers, as you spend a lot of effort, spirit and time for the good of the Children of God. 

God bless you all! 

We'll be out of contact until at least Tuesday, when we arrive in Vienna.  Interesting - various websites, when you type in 'Vienna Aust,' the self-corrector finishes by saying 'Australia.'  Hmmm a far cry from Austria.

+WMK

Well, on Monday, Marsha and I head off to the Vienna Austria.   A little less than a week of vacation, and then off to the Old Catholic meeting..then to Munich for a couple of days, then home.

From there, we have 2 days to do laundry, then off to Trinity, Wheaton, for their 130th Anniversary.  Thursday through Sunday we'll be there...then home.

Home for a couple of days, then off to General Convention.  Should be an interesting time.

I will be updating this blogsite throughout the weeks to come.

God bless you all.

+WMK