Independence Day - twice over..... Rector's Rambling for July 4, 2021

     In the Anglican Tradition in the United States Independence Day is a Prayer Book Holy Day, which means that it takes precedence over the Fifth Sunday after Trinity.

It makes perfect sense that this would be so, since our country’s founding document, the Declaration of Independence, was signed by a majority who were members of what would become The Episcopal Church.  According to Gregory Elder of Redlands Daily Facts, “32 of the signers, well over half, were Episcopalians, or Anglicans, the old state Church of England.  There were 13 Congregationalists, 12 were Presbyterians.  There were two Quakers, two Unitarians, and one Roman Catholic.”

Being that Episcopalians were accustomed to praying for the King and his government in the Daily Office, it would be understandable that that would be converted into a daily prayer for the President and all others in authority, as well as a celebration of our God-given liberties, along with the responsibilities that come with that freedom.  We are blessed to have this freedom, and it is our bounden duty to glorify God and to make sure that those liberties are preserved and equality applicable to all.

Today we also celebrate a full year of public worship with no spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the dioceses in Michigan moving into the next phase of reopening which includes making the wearing of masks and social distancing optional.  You are most welcome to continue to wear your mask, and distance as you feel comfortable or of your necessity because of your own health requirements.  And, of course, we will respect each other’s decisions with the love of Jesus Christ.