Foundation Day is June 23rd

Foundation Day began as Founder’s Day. It was an offering to be taken on a Sunday close to the date of the consecration of Austin Randolph Adler as the first Bishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The offering would be given to him to be used at his discretion.

I am not sure how the name changed from Founder’s Day to Foundation Day, but I assume it had to do with a decision made by Abp. Adler to use the offering for the purchase of property and the repair of property. One-third of the money would be given as direct grants, one-third as low-interest loans, and one-third to be put in interest-bearing accounts.

So much has happened with the money given to this account. The most recent event is the building of a cathedral in the Mid-Atlantic Diocese. I have seen the land and the pictures of the construction. The building will soon be finished, and I am already planning on being there on July 28, 2024. At the time of the CEC-NA Convocation in Orlando, the building will have been completed (except for many small details). I am sure Bishop Northwood, his wife Sarah, and each of their children (and spouses) will have plenty of pictures on their phones to share with you. They can be proud. And we can be proud that we were a part of it.

There is a long list of projects funded in one way or another by the Foundation Day Offering. My own cathedral, which, under Bishop Brett Crompton, is now debt-free, also benefited from the offering as we added an addition to our very small facility. Again, the folks of Intercessor gave and gave over the years, but we are well aware that it was also sacrificial giving on the part of people all across the country who helped contribute to the endeavor.

So this year, once again, we will take an offering that will be given to the Primate of the Church in North America. Yet again, it will go into that special fund. The only difference is that the money is no longer being used only for buildings and property but also for activities and ministry that will grow the communion.

I believe the money in the account is “legacy money.” It is always tempting to spend “savings” or “investments” rather than wait. We have spent some, but this is a fund that the founding generation, many of whom are now retiring from the ministry, is leaving the new leadership who are living the future. The Primate—that’s me—believes that this “passing of the baton” is critical.

I hope that each rector or vicar will take this offering seriously. It is $10 per person. Cathy and I are always thankful to put in our $20, plus $80. I am particularly excited because the Church I attend somewhat regularly is looking to purchase a building. The future is still before us.

Under His mercy,

+Craig W. Bates,

Patriarch

For more information, visit the Foundation Day website.

Foundation Day is June 25th

There are so many stories to tell about how the Foundation Day Offering has been able to assist churches not only in doing renovations but to purchase buildings and properties. Right now, we have given grants and loans to help churches around the United States. In particular, we have invested in building a new Cathedral in Bel Air, Maryland. The project is enormous, and we are so thankful that God has used you to provide sufficient funds to plant in our future.

Coming up on Sunday, June 25th, is the Celebration of Foundation Day. It is the Sunday closest to the consecration of A. Randolph Adler as the first Bishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The event happened almost 31 years ago at St. Michael’s Church in San Clemente, California. Since then, we have seen churches develop around the globe. (Not only are we building a Cathedral in Bel Air, but we are also building a Cathedral in Manila.)

None of us can predict the future of the Charismatic Episcopal. I know that the CEC is God’s Church, and He is not a God of failure. The vision of the CEC is still in place, and the mission continues even as I write this letter.

On Foundation Day, we ask every member, young and old, to give ten dollars each to a special offering that will be used to plant seeds for our future and the next generation of believers. The money will be used for building, property, renovations, and for church growth projects. As the first generation, we are called now to continue being faithful. We are asked to walk by faith and not by sight. We are asked to hear God’s voice and obey.

I was taught, and I have lived, the truth that there are “givers” and there are “takers.” Givers understand the heart of God, who is generous in giving, even to the point of “giving” His own Son. His demonstration of love is in the act of giving.  As we participate in the life of Christ Jesus, we are made into givers who will give not only generously but sacrificially.

I continue to pray daily for all the churches. You are all so very faithful and obedient. I am humbled to be among you as one who is given the opportunity to serve you.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

Church of the Messiah to Welcome International Bishops

This Sunday, Church of the Messiah is very pleased to welcome four bishops from the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.  On Sunday, March 12th, Archbishop Craig Bates, the Patriarch of the ICCEC, will visit Church of the Messiah and welcome three international leaders to Jacksonville.  Bishop Elmer Belmonte is the Bishop of the Diocese of Europe.  Many will be familiar with Bp. Belmonte from his daily live streams during the pandemic and beyond.  Bishop Ariel Santos is the Bishop of the Diocese of Metro Manilla & Northern Luzon and Bishop Paulino Villavicencio is the Bishop of Diocese of Southern Luzon.  Both Bishops Santos and Villavicencio are mighty leaders in our church in the Philippines.

These leaders in our international church will be visiting Church of the Messiah prior to the House of Bishops the following week and we are truly blessed to be able to receive men of God who labor for the Kingdom across the globe.  Be sure to make plans to attend on Sunday, March 12th, to experience what these incredible pastors and leaders have to share.

The Patriarch’s All Saints’ Day Message

Since the foundation of the ICCEC was laid in the early days, the Church in North America, under the direction of the Bishops, has taken up an offering for the development of the ICCEC around the world. As a result of this offering, churches have been established or planted in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Asia. As the offering developed, the funds were distributed to various territories. The one exception has been in Africa, where we have vibrant churches, missions, and ministries in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, and Sudan. Therefore, the North American Church has decided to give all its mission resources to Africa.

There is something unique about our giving to our brothers and sisters.

We have decided to divide our work in Africa into four territories. Each territory is governed by a General Secretary who convenes all the Bishops of the various Diocese in that territory. These Bishops gather regularly to support each other and determine, by consensus, the direction of the territory. The four General Secretaries also gather together to determine, by consensus, the direction of the Church in Africa. It is amazing that, with so few resources, the Church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the discernment of the Bishops, has grown not only in the number of persons but in ordinations, buildings, orphanages, health care, emergency responses, and even a seminary.

At the invitation of the Bishops of Africa, I traveled to East Africa at least once a year. My heart soars when I am there and see first-hand what has been accomplished by the Holy Spirit through these men of God. Unfortunately, because of the Pandemic, I have been unable to travel to Africa for two years. But soon, I will be going to Kenya, and other places, where I will sit with all the Bishops of Africa, and together we will install the first indigenous Archbishop of Kenya for the ICCEC.

What is unique about the offering we will take up on All Saints Sunday is what I have chosen to call “micro-businesses.” The money given to each of the territories, with the consensus of the Bishops, is used to start a profit-making business. The profits are used to build up the business, start another business, and financially support the ministry’s work. With these profits, the Bishops built a seminary, built cathedrals, built churches, and supported the Bishops in their Church planting efforts. It is incredible what God has done through the people in America in partnership with the people of Africa.

I have done fundraising for lots of charitable organizations. I don’t like doing it. The Development Fund is not fundraising. I believe that when we give, it will be given to us. The Development Fund giving is a spiritual partnership that benefits all involved in the growth of the Kingdom, which is ultimately about the salvation of souls. I believe the Church in North America is being blessed by the giving to the Development Fund.

I am excited about giving to the work in Africa. I am excited because I know the joy that will be in the hearts of our people in Africa. I know that 100% of the funds will be used for ministry, and the Bishops will be accountable for every penny. They will not use a single dime for their personal benefit or administrative costs. It will all go to the micro-businesses, and the profits will be used for the work of the ministry.

This year, I think we can all give generously in thanksgiving for God’s provision and protection through the Pandemic. Good seeds planted will grow things of great worth. Will you join Cathy and me in giving to this great project?

May Jesus our King be worshipped and adored from sea to sea, and may the voices of His people be heard in the heavens.

Under His mercy,
Archbishop Bates
ICCEC Patriarch

Click below to watch a special video about the 2022 All Saints’ Mission Offering:

For more information on the missions and development in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, click this LINK.  To sign up to receive Sursum Corda, the official newsletter of the CEC, click this LINK.

The Patriarch’s Message for Pentecost

Pentecost 2022

In recent tradition and liturgical practice, Pentecost has stood alone as a festival. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter are and always have been seen as one continuous event ending with the awesome events of the Resurrection. It is easy to see that there is no Easter without Good Friday. But to perceive the events in this way deletes the story’s impact. The events of the Passion Week (including Holy Saturday – the seventh day), along with the Resurrection, the Post Resurrection appearance, the Ascension, and Pentecost are one continuous event, and each is only fully understood and appreciated if seen together. It would be appropriate to celebrate these holy days in one weekend-long liturgy.

Pentecost
Pentecost

If we understand the connection of Pentecost to all days of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension, then Pentecost is so much more than the “birthday of the Church” or even the “empowerment of the disciples” for the apostolic mission to the world.

The event of Pentecost is prophesied by John the Baptist and affirmed by Jesus, that the Father would send the promised Holy Spirit and we would be baptized (immersed) in the Holy Spirit. I have always been fascinated by Luke 24 and its connection to Acts chapters 1 and 2. Of particular fascination were verses Luke 24.49 and Acts 1.4-5, both spoken before the Ascension. For me, they raised the question of “why wait?” They were called to wait for the “promise of the Father.”

I am not going to do an exegetical work on the passages. It would end up being a book or at least a very long paper. I want to merely point out that Luke points out that there is “something” or, more importantly, “someone” that is critical to the Redemptive love story of God in Jesus. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, now immerses the disciples in His life, and He immerses Himself in their lives. The “continuation” of the mission with the Church as the Body of Christ visible on earth is fulfilled in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, who makes us “one body.” He immerses us into One Body. It is this living relationship with the Holy Spirit that makes known the love of God in our hearts. It is this love of God that I believe is the power of God.

There is far too little teaching on the person of the Holy Spirit. Far too little teaching about this person for whom “we are commanded to wait.” Far too little teaching on this baptism or immersion into His life in us and among us.

An essential part of being the Charismatic Episcopal Church is our conviction that the life of the Spirit and the manifestation of the gifts of that life are not optional but are essential to the life of a disciple of Jesus. We are all called to be baptized not only in the waters of baptism but in or with the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost. It is the Holy Spirit who will draw us into the life of Jesus and hence into the life of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.

Being a “charismatic” and encountering the work and gifts of the Spirit (charismata) in our worship and in the daily life of the Church and individuals is not an option or a suggested addition to the Christian life but is something for which we are to wait and receive. It is part of the love of God.

I pray the Feast of the Pentecost for us will be a day of “mighty wind” and “tongues of fire.” That it will be a time when we are renewed by the giver of life, and our churches will obtain a new delight in proclaiming the Gospel. Let us prepare for Pentecost with times of prayer and asking for the outpouring. Let us take time on Pentecost and pray for each other for a refreshing and renewal in the life of the Spirit.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

The Patriarch’s Letter on the Feast of the Ascension

Shrine of the Martyrs

One of the highlights of my ministry was a visit to Midland, Ontario, Canada, and the Shrine of the Martyrs.  This Roman Catholic Church was built to honor the lives and deaths of Fathers Jean de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Isaac Jogues, Oblates Rene Goupil, and John de Lalande.  These men were part of the Jesuits who came to the new world to bring the Gospel to Canada’s aboriginal or indigenous people.  This particular group was sent from Quebec to minister to the Huron Tribe in Ontario, Canada.

They built a compound on the banks of the Wye River, which flows into the beautiful Georgian Bay.  Ultimately it included not only a residence, but a Chapel, a school, a medical facility, and farmland and storage for food.  Their story is an incredible story of sacrificial love for the Huron people.  Eventually, they were martyred at the hands of the Iroquois tribe, who blamed the Jesuits for the outbreak of smallpox.

Shrine of the Martyrs

Beside the beautiful Church of the Martyrs in Midland, (Shrine of the Martyrs) is the national historic site Sante-Marie Among the Hurons Mission.  It is located under the site of the reconstructed 17th-century Jesuit mission.  The current site presents reconstructed European-style mission buildings, including barracks and workshops, Iroquoian-type longhouses, and a chapel situated within a wooden palisade fortification.

If my memory is correct, we had three clergy retreats at the National Historic Site.  The Jesuit Priest, who was responsible for the site and served at the Church of the Martyrs (Shrine of the Martyrs), permitted us, on each occasion, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the Chapel.  Each time, those present could sense an incredible anointing as we united ourselves with Christ, but also with the lives of the martyrs.  I hope to return someday.

I learned a great deal about the mission work of the 17th century in Canada.  As part of our visit, we were given a “special” tour of the facility.  It was led by a trained guide who was also a devote catholic and historian.  He spoke eloquently about the cultural and language differences between the Huron and the Jesuits (who were from France).  Everything emphasized their differences from clothing, food, religious practices, framing methods, and especially language.  The Jesuits attempted to live among the Huron, trying to learn their language and culture, while at the same time, after winning their trust, to bring the message of salvation found in Christ Jesus.

Imagine the faith of these men who left the comforts of Europe to come to the wilderness of Canada with the sole purpose of bringing souls to Christ.  They went with the French military and entrepreneurs who wanted to colonize Canada and gain wealth and resources for themselves and their homeland. They went along to establish the Church in the French Settlements along the St. Laurence River, particularly Quebec City, and minister to the French population.  But this group of eight left not only the comfort of Paris, France, but even the comfort of Quebec to go among the very rural and rustic areas of the Huron people. They were compelled to bring the love of God.

I could write a great deal more about these men, particularly Jean de Brebeuf.

Over the last few months, there have been many ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  Most of these ordinations are young men who will shepherd the CEC into the next generation.  Their success with be in their love for God and His people and their faithfulness to the mission God has given to them under their Bishop.

Some will be called to go where there are very limited resources.  Some will be called to places where there is famine and civil war.  Others will be called to minister to the Asian immigrant community in Europe.  Others will go to areas of poverty and lack of education to bring the message of the Gospel as well as the hope of education for the children.  Others will find themselves either in or on the borders of poverty where the majority of the children are fatherless, and the mothers are prisoners to the tyranny of the welfare state.

Whatever the circumstances, there is great work to be accomplished by the people of the CEC.  God will bless us.  Our success will be in “going” outside of the Church building and being, like those martyrs, light.

We are not allowed the luxury of discouragement, particularly if we are going to find our identity beyond the walls of the local church and beyond the space and time limitations.  We are part of the universal church throughout the ages who know that the glory of God is found in Christ crucified and risen.  And our marketing and branding are living our Crucifixion and Resurrection in our day-to-day lives.

Do not be afraid.  Do not be discouraged.  Put your hope in the Lord.  As we await the Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost, let us pray for the renewal of the Church.  Let us pray for that renewal by asking the Lord Holy Spirit to renew in us the faith of the Martyrs of North America.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

 

The Patriarch’s Message for Easter

Dear Brothers,

It is hard to believe that Holy Week and the Paschal Feast are here. The ancient liturgical events from Palm Sunday through Holy Week and culminating on Easter morning are so rich. I know each of you will be preparing sermons, and that is good. But the liturgy will do a great deal of the preaching by itself. The message is simply the victory of Jesus over Satan, sin, and death. It is the glory of Jesus!

In the 1960s and 70s, spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss Psychiatrist, we saw the beginning of the field of Thanatology. Thanatology, or the study of death, led to the Hospice Care movement, which stood absolutely opposed to any idea of euthanasia, like that advocated by Jack Kevorkian. Dr. Kubler-Ross and Hospice suggested that there was much “human work” to be done when we are dying and in death itself. She did massive studies of near-death experiences. And she was most famous for developing the five stages of death and dying.

Out of this movement, which continues today in the Hospice Program and Palliative Care Units in Hospitals, came a revolution in medicine and psychology, social work, and Pastoral Care. Many of our CEC clergy work in or are associated with the Hospice Program. It was a revolution that built on the obvious that we are all dying. The significance was not the fact of death, but the significance of the movement was the acceptance of the reality of death and the care and spiritual direction that can be given not only to the dying but to all of us. Something that has been sorely lacking in a culture that sterilizes death. I am thankful for all the CEC clergy who do Hospice and Palliative Care work.

I had the opportunity to sit next to the (retired) Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Donald Coggan. We were participating in a “break out” session on leadership during Renewal Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Archbishop was the plenary speaker. And he was awesome.

We did some chit-chat prior to the session’s leader giving an introductory talk on leadership in the Charismatic Renewal. At one point, he said, “we need to teach people how to live a good life.” Archbishop Coggan turned towards me and whispered, “Young Man, don’t you dare do that, or you will not preach the Gospel. Prepare people to die a good death.” Wow!

Any good life will be a life that was lived out in the reality of death and the hope of the resurrection. Any good life will be a life lived “participating in the suffering and death of Christ, in order to know and share in the power of His Resurrection.” Any discipleship program must begin and end with a deep understanding of Luke 9.23, “And He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Discipleship is having the image of Christ Jesus formed in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I love the Proper Preface for funerals (Mass of the Resurrection) in our, soon to be, new Sacramentary.

“Father all Powerful and ever-living God, we do well, always, and everywhere, to give You thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord who rose victorious from the dead and comforts us with the blessed hope of everlasting life. For to Your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended, and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us an eternal dwelling place in the heavens.”

How appropriate that the liturgical renewal changed the liturgical colors for “funerals” or “Burial of the Dead” from Purple/Black to White. Now we celebrate the life of the person and their resurrection in Jesus. Death recalls our own mortality and the hope of the new day now in our present life and the life to come. Even in the darkest moments of pain and despair, there will be, because of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ Jesus, an unending hope of salvation, healing, restoration, reconciliation, and new birth.

Right now, the Charismatic Episcopal Church in North America has been thrust into a season of hope and new birth.

There is a great deal of talk in the Church, not just our communion, about “three streams” or “convergence.” In the 1980s, there were only a few who talked about the “convergence” of the Catholic/sacramental/liturgical “stream,” the evangelical “stream,” and the charismatic “stream.” But like the birth of the Pentecostal movement, the Revival movements of the 1940s and 50s, and the Charismatic Movement of the 60s and 70s, there was a small group of, dare I say, prophetic Pentecostal and Evangelical men and women who saw these three streams as coming together. In fact, what they were saying, and I am going out on a big limb, is that the worship of the ancient Church was “convergence” in nature. And that the Church today should embrace all three streams.

But it is really important, I believe, that we understand that it is not about the “streams” as if one could pick and choose which “stream” they wanted to be a part of. It was about the “streams” coming together as a mighty river. Though the “streams” indeed are the source of the river, it is the river that gives life.

I could, at this point, go on and on about the streams of Israel that flow from the area around Caesarea Philippi. They are beautiful. Particularly beautiful are the Dan Stream and the walk-through Tel Dan National Park. The sound of the rushing streams is very soothing and peaceful, like a great classic composition, but it is nature’s music. These streams will flow into the Sea of Galilee, around which was the majority of the life and ministry of Jesus. The streams gave life to the people then and today. But Galilee is not the end as the Lake gives its life to the Jordan River. The Jordan River, where the people of God crossed into the Promised Land to a new beginning. They were no longer slaves but inheritors of the Promises of God. The Jordan River where John the Baptist called those same people to repentance and an awakening to the Lamb of God. And finally, the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is the river where we are transformed.

The CEC, I believe, is called to be a River Church, not three streams. It is a Church called to reach out to the least among us and find ourselves ministering to Jesus. It is a Church called to find the lost and bring them to the Good Shepherd. It is a Church that is called to go to the lonely and embrace them and incorporate them into the household of God. Or, as the Celebrant and People proclaim at Baptism, “we receive you into the household of God.”

It is a time to renew our commitment to go into all the world. Around us, no matter where you are located, are suffering people. There are single mothers; there are fatherless children, there are grieving people, there are those suffering from addictions, there are women who have been raped or abused, there are women who have had abortions, there are adults who suffered from child/sexual abuse, there are those who have been abused even by the Church. I could go on and on, but all of us must be reaching out to become a place of worship. But a place of worship will become a place of healing and spiritual warfare.

It is a day of “baptism in the Jordan” for the CEC. It is a “changed” day. It is a resurrection day!

I want to encourage all of you. I know that Holy Week will be special for each of you, and it will be special for your people. God is going to send you visitors and family members. See God’s hand at work in them. See in their faces the very image of God.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

The Patriarch’s Lenten Message

I grew up in a liturgical church, and every year we dealt with Lent.  We didn’t do the distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday until I was older, and then it was optional.  Some people in the Church saw the distribution of Ashes as “Roman Catholic” and hence suspect, so my Pastor had to introduce it slowly.  But we did do fasting, or what I knew as a youngster as “giving something up for Lent.”  We also refrained from eating meat on Fridays, which we did every Friday during the year.

abpbates_lent

Friday was Pizza Day – we had it for lunch at school and then again when we came home for dinner.  (Meatless pizza).  I didn’t understand it as fasting to help us recall the crucifixion of Jesus and his love for us.  It was just Pizza night and not very sacrificial because I loved pizza, especially the thin-crust style of pizza made in the Philadelphia area.  During Lent, Wednesday became another “meatless day,” and my mother served “Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks.”  This is a meal that turned an entire generation against eating fish.  On top of Pizza Day and Fish Stick Wednesday, I was taught that “you had to give something up for Lent.” The rules were it had to be something “you liked,” and then you had to give it up for 40 days (not including Sunday, which was a “break”).  The reason we did it?  It is because we were Christians, and Christians fast during Lent.

Some other things happened during Lent.  The big one was covering all the crosses (we didn’t have statues – again “catholic”) with what looked like the same material out of which wedding veils were made.  For most of Lent, the processional cross and the cross on the altar were covered with a purple veil through which you could see the cross.  I am not sure how it served the intent of “covering.”  Then on Palm Sunday, the veil was red and remained during Holy Week.  After that, the veil was black on Good Friday.  Finally, on Easter, the veil was removed.  All of it was great symbolism.  I am not sure what the symbolism was, but it pointed out that Lent was a special season.

What was missing in all of it was any understanding of what Lent was all about, so I lacked an explanation of why we would want to do it in the world.  To be fair, I am sure the Pastor told us the reason.  I am sure I was not listening.  But when I finally understood the reasons for Lent and the invitation “in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word,” the season of 40 days became one of the highlights of my journey into Christ.  Lent increased in so many ways the depth of my relationship with Christ Jesus and the reality of His death and resurrection not only then but now in my life and the world.   It awakened in me that to be a follower of Christ was to participate in His life so that I would arrive at the point of being crucified with Him to share in His resurrection.

The recommendations for a Lenten discipline are disciplines that every Christian should practice every day of every year.  Yet, it remains a good thing that we take a season to intensify these disciplines that we may grow spiritually and in our awareness of the forgiveness, mercy, and love of God that we find at the cross.

This season is not about “works” or “spiritual manipulation.”  It is about responding to the desire of God to be in a relationship with us.  I believe it is the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Church, that is calling us to His love because it is only when we know the height and depth of His love for us that we will be able to walk in what it means to be human and hence to love one another.  It is only when we know how much we have been forgiven and the incredible grace of God that we will be able to forgive and do the ministry of reconciliation.  We live in a very dark world of confusion, fear, anger, frustration, depression, chaos, hatred, and violence.  Lent is a time to open ourselves to the light of Christ so that we can be that light.  And, when we become light in the darkness, the darkness can no longer be dark.  Healing will come.  Reconciliation will come.  Healing will come.  Salvation will come.  All in the Name of Jesus.

It all begins and ends in Christ Jesus and that He is in us, and we are in Him.

I call the ICCEC to a holy Lent.  There is no promise of revival at the end of Lent.  There is no guarantee of answered prayer.  What is guaranteed is that we will have spent 40 days with the Holy Spirit leading us into the truth of Him, who is the One we can trust.  That alone is worth everything.

God bless you on your Lenten Journey.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

 

This message was originally published in Sursum Corda, #1, 2022.

Patriarch’s Message on the Feast of Our Lord the Giver of Life

In November of this year, I tested positive for COVID-19. It happened, even though I was double vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine. I ended up very sick for several days, and continued for a significant time not feeling well and being weak and tired. But I survived and, for this, I am grateful.
As you know, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease like the common cold, the influenza, or pneumonia. I have had all of them several times. None of them are pleasant, particularly pneumonia. The concern with COVID-19 and its variants is that it is highly contagious and can lead to death, particularly with the elderly or those who have immune difficulties and other factors such as obesity, diabetes, or respiratory issues. The primary issue with respiratory ailments is that they affect your breathing. Very simply, you are short of breath and, at times, feel like you are not going to be able to breathe.
In the case of COVID-19, if your breathing gets worse, it means you end up in the hospital, either on oxygen or on a ventilator. There are now some therapeutics that help, like the monoclonal antibody infusion.
While sick, I discovered a gadget called a “pulse oximeter” that measures the oxygen level in your blood. You need to remain above 90. If I got below 90 then I had to go to the hospital. I became somewhat obsessed with the gadget and Cathy had to take it away from me. Obviously, my blood oxygen level was okay and still is.
During my time with COVID-19, and my 14 days of quarantine, the Holy Spirit reminded me, once again, not only that all life is sacred, but the life which is given to us is a grace from Him. He is the giver of life. In fact, He is life. Life is a person named Jesus. Every time we take a breath, which we do usually without any awareness, we participate in the life of God. We participate in the life of Jesus. God is as close as the next breath.
Abortion is the taking of human life. It is not a reproductive procedure. It is the exact opposite. Abortion is an attack on the reproduction and creation of human life. It is an attack on the image of God. God desires for the reproduction of human life to take place. It is the law of creation and nature that we reproduce life. Abortion is anti-creation, anti-nature, and anti-God.
Once again this year, our communion will celebrate worldwide the Feast of Our Lord the Giver of Life. On that Sunday — January 16 this year — we take up a special offering, to the glory of God, that will be given to CEC for Life for its work in the Pro-Life Movement. All churches and clergy are asked to submit their memberships to CEC for Life at this time. And, hopefully, the vast majority of CEC members will join CEC for Life through their special offerings.
Life will always be victorious in every circumstance and on all levels. Death has been defeated by the Lord, the Giver of Life. The cross reminds us that death is not the final word, but rather that death on the cross is the beginning of life. Breathe on us, O breath of God.
Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates
Patriarch, ICCEC

The Patriarch Launches a New Website

This week, Archbishop Craig Bates, the Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) officially launched a brand new website.  BishopBatesCEC.org is the new address for Abp. Bates’ blog and media home.  During the pandemic lockdown, hundreds of people throughout the world followed Abp. Bates as he reflected on the daily Gospel readings.  As circumstances evolved, the Archbishop felt led to take a hiatus from those daily meditations and evaluated how to continue that ministry most effectively.  With the launch of BishopBatesCEC.org, the Patriarch is excited to be able to resume reaching out and ministering to a broader, online community.  The design team is working to develop more content and looks forward to adding more content on a regular basis as they build this exciting new platform.  Be sure to visit the Patriarch’s new website, watch all of his videos, and then subscribe so that you never miss the Archbishop’s new videos.