Unabashedly Episcopalian: Proclaiming the Good News of the Episcopal Church

Before a review, something of a disclaimer:First, Bp. Doyle is my bishop.Those who know me well will know what an amazing statement that is.When I first came into the Episcopal Church one of the appealing factors for me was contained in the idea of the episcopate: that each congregation (and each minister) was not on it's own to define and safeguard the content of the Christian faith. There was a core body of understanding for which the churches were responsible to one another. This responsibility extended not just through our local association, but around the world and back through the ages. The chief difference from the (Roman) Catholic understanding was that, instead of this responsibility vested in the office of one central "vicar" (or representative) of Christ - the Pope, it was understood as vested in the collegiality of bishops. This mix of authority, responsibility and society was and is enormously appealing to me in a way that relates to the very idea of the Triune God as a Three-in-One; Plural, and yet One. In short, I loved it. I resonated to it like a tuning fork in a cathedral bell tower. Well, to quote a past-his-prime pop icon, "How's that been working out for you?"Whatever one's opinion on the issues of the day in the Episcopal Church, it is no secret to any but the most determined ostrich that we, along with our more global parent Anglican Communion are in deep distress. And in distress over issues that strike at the heart of accountability and collegiality for the guarding and teaching of Christianity. My bulwark had let me down.Emotionally, I want to place a lot of blame on our House of Bishops over the past few generations. Thus, all Bishops strike the ears of my heart as suspect until proven trustworthy. Bp. Doyle is no exception. And yet, my desire to trust his pastorate is profound.So when I say that "Bishop Doyle is my Bishop" I mean something a great deal deeper than just that I am a member of a church in his diocese. It is a statement of ownership, of trust. There is no pedestal on which he can stand, and that is a problem for us both; but primarily on the basis of this book, and on his recent statement "Unity in Mission" I can own him in the fellowship of our Lord, as I trust he can me.So, with that declaration of biases for and against out of the way,"What did you think of the book, Eric?"Twenty and Thirty years ago, I would have loved it. And I think I would have been right. He does not do something I have long wanted from the Bishop if Texas; he does not rise up and bear arms against our troubles. He does not denounce those who rend this church, nor does he issue a call to arms and an inspiring "Follow Me!" as he leads into the battle, risking all so that the purity of the Gospel be defended. I wanted that. I still want that. But I am becoming convinced that it is not the path of wisdom. Bp. Doyle offers something else.This book is not a deep read. Again, I wanted something else. I have been reading a lot of Bp. N.T. Wright lately; he has long had my trust, and yet he challenges me immensely through his scholarly authority, through his commanding vision. Bp. Doyle is not so imposing. I started reading this book with one ear out to catch traces of "tainted thought," and even imagined that I caught a few. But in the end, I had to admit that I was reaching. His call to be the body of Christ, to do the work of Christ in this world, that "Your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven," that "the kingdom of God is among you," that we as Christians are called to bring healing to the wounded, and peace to the fearful, to live out reconciliation and redemption as a matter of first importance (it is the incarnate "outward and visible sign" of the inward and spiritual aspect of God's saving work), is straightway in accord with Wright as I understand him. Back in an age before the leadership so seemed to doubt the foundations of the faith, I would have cheered every line.Although I don't think I am Bp. Doyle's prime target, I do think he is calling me to return to a vision of the church I had in the time antebellum, before the war: when I understood the story to be told was of the love of God for His people, for all of His creation; that even though this world, often through our own fault, was broken and bleeding everywhere, He had never lost His love for it, for me, and for you. He has never stopped trying to reconcile us to Himself. He invites you, and me, to lay down our frightened, wounded, fruitless and counterproductive rebellion today, to repent and be transformed; and then to help bring that reconciliation to the rest of this world.Bp. Doyle reminds me that this is the Gospel.The rest of the things which concern me may be related to a sheep herder marking off dangerous water springs, poisonous plants, dangerous bogs; to identifying wolves. It is important that he understand what sheep need, and what the range is like, so that they may be cared for.But all those things are not the life of the flock. They are needed, but they are not the point. They are not the life.Bp. Doyle's little book is a recall to that life. In his stories, in the very brief description of his own dark night, of what in my Baptist days I would have called his "personal testimony" of a salvation encounter with Jesus, he gently presents that vision again.No matter what "winds of doctrine" may blow, and how much the church is troubled by storm, *This* is the Gospel. This is Life.

To me, the good news is that I have found a home in the Episcopal Church. I picked up Bishop Andrew Doyle's book in an attempt to learn more about my new church home. Little did I know that it would make for such contagiously compelling and faith-full reading. Another reviewer called it a "love letter to the Episcopal church" - it is that and more.Bishop Doyle himself says it best for me when he states " I love Jesus and I love our tradition. I am unabashedly Episcopalian and want others to experience the love of God and our church as I have experienced them..." He has definitely succeeded in that aim and his love and joy shines through in his writing. Through chapters that begin with the baptismal promises, the author teaches us as well as reminds and instructs us in just what we are promising, with church history interspersed along the way. It is a guide in the most readable way and ultimately, it is a rousing call to service, as we are reminded that we are a missionary people, whose lives have been transformed by our love for Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility and privilege to share that Good News with those we meet and to welcome them into a church where they can be nurtured by the Word of God and joyfully experience His love through one another.I enjoyed and was inspired by this well written little book and I recommend it not only to those interested in the Episcopal Church or to those life long church members looking for refreshment but to all who would be interested in a closer relationship with Jesus. It is, as I have found the Episcopal Church to be, joyful with the Good News that we are loved by God.

Realtors and neighborhood associations know the benefits of "Welcome" packets. They help newcomers lay a foundation for building a sense of community and orient them to what is where and why things are as they are in their new neighborhood. In "Unabashedly Episcopalian", Bishop Doyle offers a similar warm welcome package to church newcomers. His down-to-earth take on the Episcopal church, her history and doctrinal beliefs will be accessible to anyone but are particularly helpful to those going through confirmation or baptism. Having come to the Episcopal church from another tradition, I learned stuff I didn't know and corrected stuff I had sort of right.He wraps up with a no nonsense "This I Believe" manifesto in which he shares thoughts on issues like evangelism and caring for others.He presents engaging and concrete views on what it means to be both Episcopalian and Christian. He never employs "Anglo-theo-high-tea" speak. This Bishop doesn't BS; he calls us to action.I caught myself saying, "But Andy, what about ???" as if we were neighbors sitting around a kitchen table going on passionately about stuff that matters to us.And I suppose neighbors is what we are.Thanks be to God, Bishop Doyle and the inevitable behind the scenes beloved angels for this soon-to-be well-worn, multi-purpose tool.

This book has sealed the deal for me on getting baptized into the Episcopal Church! This book cleared up confusion about the Lord's Prayer-(Why it says, "Lead us not into temptation...)-among other questions about the Episcopal church, and it's a short read. Lights the fire of zeal for evangelism! If you re looking for a church that embraces all people while holding fast to the traditions of the Gospel, this is it.