Church must push for inclusiveness, Episcopal bishop says

The Episcopal Church must open its doors to become more inclusive and find ways to make itself relevant beyond Sunday mornings, its presiding bishop said Friday as she prepared to take part in the Diocese of Milwaukee's annual convention.

Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, chief pastor of the world's 2.4 million Episcopalians, downplayed the schism that has rocked the church over its liberal views on homosexuality and gay clergy, and emphasized the importance of mission and ministry both at home and abroad.

"We need to speak the good news where people can hear it," said Jefferts Schori, who planned to visit some of the local diocese's poverty ministries - The Gathering meal program, the Red Door clothing ministry and an indigent burial program - during her stay.

"One of my jobs is to tell the story of the good works being done here," she said in brief remarks to local media at the diocese's All Saints Cathedral downtown. More of Church must push for inclusiveness, Episcopal bishop says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -