The Assembly of Bishops wants your money

I know - before I even finish posting this - that there will be more than a few comments along the lines of: "Send them money?! They haven't done anything yet." Fair enough. Beyond pooling together parish and clergy directories from all the jurisdictions in the Assembly, they have sent out some festal announcements, spoken on a few political matters, and let themselves be interviewed for podcasts. None of this is anything earth shattering or something SCOBA didn't do.

I also know that - shortly after I post this and the comments have come in - Assembly committee members will email me to assure me things are happening in the background. This also happens not infrequently.

Speaking to people online and off, at home or while traveling, I have yet to hear anyone happy with the rate of "progress." Many of those same people also know what politics, history, and with what speed a single bishop (much less a synod) moves will encumber things. My laundry list of things I'd like them to act on is quite long as I'm sure yours is. Here's hoping prayer and patience will yield results in 2012. I would not advise holding your breath.

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(AOB) - The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops is a conference comprised of all active bishops of North and Central America, of every jurisdiction. Its purpose is to preserve and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church by helping to further her spiritual, theological, ecclesiological, canonical, educational, missionary and philanthropic aims. To accomplish this, the Assembly has among its goals: the promotion and accomplishment of Church unity in North and Central America and the strengthening of the common pastoral ministry to all the Orthodox faithful of this region.

The Assembly has thirteen committees to help further its work. They are: Canonical Affairs, Canonical Regional Planning, Church and Society, Clergy Affairs, Ecumenical Relations, Financial Affairs, Legal Affairs, Liturgy, Military Chaplaincy, Monastic Communities, Pastoral Practice, Theological Education, and Youth.

Please consider supporting the Assembly’s work by making a tax-deductible contribution in care of:

The Most Reverend Archbishop Antony, Treasurer

Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops

P.O. Box 495

South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

You may also contribute online.