An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
I was in Rome, Italy last week, where the light always astounds me. Even though rain was pouring into the city on the morning that Boog (my wife) and I arrived, I was struck by the amazing light of that place. Light is streaming across the Caravaggio paintings, into the ancient city ruins, through the narrow and cobbled streets, even from the fertile but threatening rain clouds.
I was in Rome at a meeting of other leaders from larger Episcopal parishes. We met at The Anglican Centre, one of the representative offices of the Church of England. There, we enjoyed the immense wisdom and hospitality of Bishop John Flack, Director of the Anglican Centre. He reminded us of ongoing ecumenical conversations between the Church of Rome and the Anglican Communion. He noted that these conversations are always hindered by some issue or another, but that our inner relationships remain strong. We all shared impressions of the Roman Church during this transition time for them.
In Rome, we also spoke of deep and good things that are occurring in the Anglican Communion. Yes, even while some are focusing on the threats, there is a much larger element among churches in the Anglican Communion who are focusing on the light. I am thrilled by that light.
The beauty of Rome is many things, but among them are the light of civilization itself, and the light of hope. Rome is evidence that civilization and hope and beauty and truth all continue over time; there is no stopping them. I saw basilicas which had been built over churches which had been built over chapels, all layered in truth and faith. In one way, Rome represents those layers of faith.
Atlanta has a ways to go before it reaches the history of Rome. The Cathedral of St. Philip has a ways to go before we reach the history of a Roman basilica. But this Cathedral of St. Philip sure has light like that of Rome. "Let Your Light Shine" has been the title, not just of our capital campaign, but of our very community together.
Many of you have pledged so generously toward our $15 million goal. We knew that any total over $9 million would be amazing! Well, we are at $12 million, more than four times the amount the Cathedral has ever raised for a capital campaign. In addition, many of you are giving faithfully to our regular operating fund: our 2005 pledge drive, at $3, 167,000 is also more than this Cathedral has ever pledged to an annual fund drive.
Friends, these are historic numbers! These are historic and tremendous numbers because the Cathedral of St. Philip is in a good and historic place! We have laid our claim to be children of the light, not children of the dark (Ephesians 5.8).
As many of you know by now, we are using this beautiful season of Easter to renew our capital campaign. We are at 80% of the total, and we need 20% more. Our remaining $3 million in pledges will come in pledges of $50 and in pledges of $1 million. We need each and every one of them. You can make your gift all at once, or you can spread the pledge over another 3 years.
There is light in this beautiful city of Atlanta. There is light in this beautiful Cathedral of St. Philip. That light is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, living among us. That light is you, the faithful and generous people of God. Thank you!
The Very Rev. Sam Candler