From the President

Dear Friends:

So much of what we do or say as Christians is done in the shadows. We don't always stand up in the light of day, from the pulpit , or from the pew and talk about sensitive issues. It's too bad we can't talk about politics, sex, or race. We are not always able to risk speaking out because we can lose our 501c3 status, upset the "powers that be," or end up unpopular with "key players."

Joseph of Arimathea was an important member of the high Jewish council (the Sanhedrin). He was a very influential and wealthy Christian, working  in the shadows, out of the public eye. But I imagine he was there when Jesus was being crucified; the public beating, the nails, the thorns, the blood, sweat and tears.

But there came a time when Joseph could not stay in the shadows any longer. So he stood up to the Roman government and said "I want the body of Jesus." He took our Lord from the cross, wrapped him up, carried him to a tomb, and rolled a stone over the opening to secure the body.

As Episcopalians today, many of us are in the shadows, standing up only when it is not too controversial. We fear what might happen to our careers. We fear to take a stand and shout out "I want the body of Jesus!" To take a stand would mean becoming passionate; that we would stand up for many clergy who don't have an advocate; that we would publicly admit that we need each other, and that we care for each other.

This is what NNECA is all about. As members we need to be able to be able to stand up in the name of Jesus and support our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's be there for each other no mater how uncomfortable it feels.