History in the Making

It's not everyday that someone gets to witness history in the making. I am still revelling in the excitement of it all...the investiture of the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. And it was not your every day, run-of-the-mill type of investiture. But the investiture of the first ever WOMAN presiding bishop!

I was there at the National Cathedral in D.C. yesterday. Sitting about 10 rows back from the altar at the crossing on the south side. The entire service was indictative of her gentle pastoral, inclusive and reconciling presence.

To read her homily click here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_79214_ENG_HTM.htmHTM.htm

To see a video of the entire 2-hour investiture click here: Video of the Investiture Service, broadband (Windows Media 9)

In all one's senses, the service was most pleasing and engaging in beauty, holiness and the grace of the Spirit. But the most moving part for me was witnessing the two-plus hours after the service that the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the Episcopal church's 26th Presiding Bishop, stood at the baptismal fount and was available to any and all who wanted to greet her and/or receive a blessing. As wonderful as her homily was, words will never equal that simple and humble act -- a giving of presence and service imitative of Jesus.