Sunday, December 23rd, Trinity Wall Street held it’s final forum at the office complex at 74 Trinity Place on “Jesus in the Margins”. TWS’s site states this last session “continues by exploring economic marginalization. Bryan Parsons will look at Situational Ethics, the prophet Amos, and the goals that Occupy and the Christian movement have in common. How does Christ call us, and Occupy encourage us, to look at humanity first when considering another? And what is the place of movements in influencing secular society to create space for all people to live happy and productive existences?” Those familiar with this blog and the OTWS community remember Bryan Parsons arriving intoxicated one night to trade alcohol for cigarettes. Clergy, Matt Heyd, commented in November that it was time for these people to leave. It was getting cold, after all. It was cold for those shepherds who kept watch, and the parables often read in Advent are about waiting in faith. This is the time of year during which we are reminded that it is God’s decision about what happens in our lives. Our work is to wait in faith. Rather than deciding what’s right for those on the street, it might be the “churchy” or priestly thing to do and bring blankets. a hot meal, counsel for the troubled.
Some of those sleeping in front of Trinity Wall Street are part of the Occupy Sandy efforts – it’s an easy commute to Brooklyn or downtown and the Diocese of New York (not Long Island of which Brooklyn is a part) has forbidden volunteers from sleeping in the churches. It has been observed that the space in front of Trinity Wall Street could provide a warehouse for provisions, but that space is locked up tight. This time of year, it’s dramatic and telling – lots of square footage empty, with signs posted about the area being under surveillance, and tourists following red umbrellas touring the adjacent graveyards.
The spiritual illness at Trinity Wall Street has metastasized and those charged with oversight are cowed by Trinity’s wealth. Like so many stories in holy scripture, riches keep a person or an institution sick. Christmas Eve marked day 200 of Occupy Trinity Wall Street.
Hopeful Episcopalian: because hope comes from despair 
Question I should know the answer to but don’t – what do we do about Matt Heyd’s nomination to be suffragan bishop of NC? How can we make sure that what we know about him, and his complete lack of fitness for the episcopacy, is made know in the dio of NC?
Dear P.O.T.M. – that is a great question. One of the reasons I made sure to cite Heyd’s name was in case anyone from the DONC did some Google searches on the candidates.
These posts can go both ways-some can perceive this particular candidate to be a “good man” under siege by OWS. If that is the case, then NC gets the bishop they deserve. Someone who validates many millions of real estate profits (mostly in luxury apartments) and directs a small percentage to “charity”. I don’t quite understand how skimming some of the cream from Trinity’s assets qualifies someone to work as a suffragan in a struggling diocese. Unless the diocese thinks they now have a connection with the only church entity with deep pockets. Remember – becoming a bishop is a matter of winning an election. Nothing more, nothing less.
I do know that Heyd’s wardrobe of cashmere, Brooks Brothers, and $200 shoes do not go over well on the street.
Hello!
I have started an Episcopalian Bloggers linkup at my blog, TheJonesesBlog.com, and wondered if you were interested in joining. The Episcopalian Bloggers linkup’s purpose is to promote the diversity of Episcopalians by advertising your church membership through a blog badge and blogroll. Having a collection of blogging Episcopalians in one place would be amazing for anyone interested in knowing exactly who Episcopalians are. (Which is to say, they are a diverse group of people.)
To join the linkup, simple visit the Episcopalian Bloggers page on my blog at http://www.thejonesesblog.com/2013/09/episcopalian-bloggers.html, retrieve the badge code, and add your blog’s information to the linkup. If you have any questions or concern, please contact me. I would love to have you join us!
Lisa Jones