[Magdalen] Leaving...

[Jo Craddock]

Not me, but our rector. He announced at the annual meeting this a.m. 
that he has entered the search process, and following his sabbatical 
this summer, he will not be returning to St. James, Baton Rouge. He and 
I have disagreed -- as parishioner and employee -- on several things, 
but I have admired his forward thinking, empowerment to laity, and 
stances on social justice and marriage equality. It is these last two 
which, IMO, have pushed him out the door. Too many old guard, angry 
white men (and women) in the South, yet.

What's scarier to me is the slate of vestry in place, and several of 
those elected this morning (we have 18 on our vestry; down from 24 just 
10 years ago!), in the formation of a search committee. These truly are 
old timers in Baton Rouge; most attend *nothing* but Sunday a.m. 
services, but their names are known so they are elected.

Prayers for our parish in these changing times, and for my personal 
discernment as an old white lady likely to be readjusting her work 
situation yet again, are dearly requested.

Peace,
Jo