On our way to Nairobi, we made a few stops to deposit contributions made by the TLS group so that they would have receipts for their contributions. One of those contributions was for an orphanage operated by the Anglican Diocese of Mt. Kenya South. The diocesan offices are located in Kiambu.
Since the accountant had stepped away, we had a chance to visit with some of the staff including Bishop Mbuthia. Turns out he is an avid mountain climber and uses this as a way to raise funds for diocesan youth ministries. (Perhaps this is a fund raising idea for St. Luke’s High School Youth Group?:-))
John made introductions and we had a short visit. There was nothing exceptional about the visit except that I must say that every time I as a gay priest in The Episcopal Church feel humbled and honored. Now that is not to say I came out to the bishop, but he knew that I was a representative of TEC. The cordial hospitality I receive everywhere I go in spite of the media focus on issues of disagreement continues to tell me that this work on the ground is a ministry. The loud voices that we keep hearing speaking doom and gloom and division are not the only voices and I dare say not truly representative. Is there ever one voice that speaks for all?
I had decided purposely that I would not ask for anyone’s card while here, thinking it better if it were voluntarily offered. We had the normal handshakes and goodbyes and started down the hallway when the bishop caught up with us to hand me his card as he said, “You forgot something.” In fact, he hadn’t given it to me before. So in this case, it seems clear that he definitely wanted me to have it. One more contact and one more opportunity to reach out again once I return to the U.S.
For one or two of you (you know who you are) who I so often must remind, I’ll say it again, “Good is good!” I know you’re laughing as you read this!
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