News & Messages

Episcopal Dioceses Hold Initial Trialogue

Leaders from the Episcopal dioceses of Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Eau Claire have unanimously agreed to pursue reunion. This idea has been talked about since the 1970s. It was agreed that now is the time to explore the option. A reunion would incorporate the three dioceses back to the one from which they were formed. Other paths could be followed, but pursuing reunion first provides clarity of purpose. It is understood doing so now is following opportunity rather than responding to necessity.

This agreement was made during the initial trialogue meeting on September 29, 2021. The trialogue explores how the three Wisconsin dioceses might work together to serve the mission of the Episcopal Church. Conversation focused on congregations, specifically how the diocese might better equip them to share the Gospel and serve Christ in their communities. There was enthusiastic discussion seeking new ideas and dreams of what could be developed for the 21st century and beyond. One participant noted, “whether we want change or not, change is upon us.”

Pursuing reunion will involve a variety of voices to develop a common understanding. The focus is first on describing the ministry, then imagining how to form it in the shape of one diocese. The initial leadership group, selected by each diocesan Executive Council, is planning a second meeting with an outside advisor. Together they will seek the best way to engage lay and ordained members of each diocese in conversation.

The initial trialogue participants are the Rev. Canon Kathleen Charles, Tim Donahue, the Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, the Rev. Canon Aaron Zook (Diocese of Eau Claire), the Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter, Matthew Payne, Pat Pfeifer, the Rev. Canon Wilson Roane (Diocese of Fond du Lac), The Rev. Canon Scott Leannah, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee, the Rev. Jana Troutman-Miller, John Vogel (Diocese of Milwaukee).

The prayers of the Church and its members are asked to support this process.

Media Contact: Matthew P. Payne, , (920) 830-8866.

A Visit from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at St. Peter's, West Allis

At a recent Sunday service at St. Peter's, West Allis, our mission for social justice was at the forefront. Deacon Karen Buker invited Hassiem Abdullah Babatu of the Bait ul-Qadir Milwaukee chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to address St. Peter’s congregation.  

Hassiem arrived early with others in his community, and all shared in fellowship and a light brunch. Before the service began, Hassiem and others from his community formally addressed the congregation. 

Their message was quite familiar but always good to hear: Love for all. Hatred for none. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s goal is to build bridges by connecting with people on a human level and helping them understand what we all have a lot in common. “We are what we do. And, in the next life, we will be judged by our actions. Our actions remain here.”  

photo credit: Karen Buker

We also learned the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community faces violent persecution in many Muslim countries from extremist radicals who have perverted Islamic teaching, creating misconceptions and misinterpretations of jihad or “struggle.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community staunchly rejects the notion of violent jihad. They believe the greater jihad is the jihad of reforming oneself. This prepares one for the ultimate jihad, serving mankind. 

Upon conclusion of their commentary, we proceeded with worship and Eucharist. After the closing hymn and dismissal, those from Ahmadiyya Muslim Community stayed with us for extended conversations. We sought first to understand rather than be understood. We found we all believe that love begets justice. And justice will ultimately beget peace.

Members of St. Peter’s have been invited to visit the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Bait ul-Qadir Mosque on Friday, November 29, to continue our conversations and share in their prayer service.

~Steve Elliot, Senior Warden
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
West Allis, Wisconsin

Photo credit: Karen Buker

Take Your Faith on the Road: Episcopal Cycling Jerseys!

Bill Robison, member of Trinity, Wauwatosa and winner of last year's Bishop's Shield Award, has designed cycling jerseys featuring The Episcopal Church and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) logos. And 10% of all sales will benefit EMM! It even has a quote from Presiding Bishop Curry on the sleeve. What a great way of showing your faith as you ride all the great trails around Wisconsin (living in Milwaukee, I'm partial to the Oak Leaf Trail, but there are so many great cycling spots here!).

Read all about the origin and inspiration for the jerseys and order your own jersey on the blog post on the EMM website.

Previous123