Our Stories

To the Episcopal Congregations in Arkansas: The Central Convocation churches north of the Arkansas River, and I as your bishop, invite you to the 139th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Arkansas. It will convene with Holy Eucharist at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock. The evening will continue with a reception at … Read More

Tuesday the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church in Arkansas met and approved the diocesan budget for 2011 and also reviewed the financial results for 2010. First, the historical part: In 2010 the diocese ended up with a $4,000 surplus based on expenses that totaled $1,344,000. It was thanks to your generous gifts and the hard work of staff members … Read More

Lately everyone has been fascinated by the notion of energy independence, even if we are not truly trying to become independent, and the poster child for it is the hybrid car. A Prius is now a status symbol, just like, but oh so very different from, the Hummer a few years back. The Prius is in some ways the tangible … Read More

The Rev. Mary Craig Caruthers was installed as rector of St. Paul’s, Newport, on Saturday, November 13, 2010. Caruthers had previously been serving as a priest in mission in the Dominican Republic. St. Paul’s has a rich heritage as a Delta congregation and also has a thriving Latino service on Sundays.

Many things have already been said in the public arena about the proposed Anglican Communion Covenant. As Provinces around the world continue to discuss this important document I think it worth clarifying some points about it. I am not arguing here for or against the Covenant, merely pointing out that it should be debated fairly, with an accurate reading of … Read More

They call it “shift work.”  For those of you with office jobs, you may need a reminder of what it is. It is working in one’s job at different shifts of time of the day or night. Formerly it was a manufacturing job term, but now it includes such jobs as customer service representatives, so that all of us with … Read More

Para leer la carta en español, haga clic aqui.  Una Carta Pastoral de la Cámara de Obispos. Dear People of God, Throughout our meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, we have reflected on the immigration crisis facing our host state, the United States, and all nations globally. A number of us visited the United States-Mexico border and saw first hand the many … Read More

Larry Benfield Proper 17 – Year C 29 August 2010 St. John’s, Helena People often accuse us Episcopal members of the clergy of not speaking out enough on sin, and they may be right. Here in Arkansas I generally avoid the topic like the plague. I have by and large left the message that we are miserable offenders to the … Read More

My first official activity following last Friday’s surgery to repair my broken collarbone was Tuesday evening in Forrest City, where I ordained Peggy Barry as a transitional deacon. Peggy is part of the ministry team at Good Shepherd Church, a team that has been working for several years toward the goal of raising up locally trained ordained ministers for the … Read More

When I left for vacation a few weeks ago, I simply wanted to go someplace where I could sit and read.  My wish was  fulfilled. While on vacation in Maui one of those legendary Hawaiian waves got the best of me.  I ended up cracking my left clavicle.  The doctor told me that he wanted me to spend time in my … Read More