A Wing and a Prayer: A Message of Faith and Hope [Paperback]

Before you're even halfway through this trim volume (a collection of homilies on a wide variety of subjects) you'll realize that the author has a firm grasp of orthodox theology as well as a broad and compassionate sense of mission for all believers. She tells of positive encounters with people of other faiths, and she treats these people as her equals and relates these encounters without resorting to Christian triumphalism. She possesses a very clear vision of Christ's mission and works daily to live it by example.

I was particularly impressed by the way she tries to deal with anyone she doesn't understand, doesn't get along with, or doesn't agree with, no matter whether they're family, or someone of a different faith or belief system that she encounters half a world away. She reminds herself that no matter who they are, they're still a child of God, even if it's not easy for her to see that. She prays, "Oh God, let me see your image in this person, and may they see your image in me as well." It's a simple yet powerful prayer, and one that we should all take to heart.

As an Episcopalian, I'm well aware -- from a number of comments made in the press over the years -- that some prominent Christians have judged the Episcopal church as being too welcoming, too ecunemical and sometimes too tolerant, but that's an oversimplification of the situation, and something Schori attempts to address through the passages in this book. The Episcopal Church has broad shoulders, and she appears to believe it operates in part on the notion that it would rather be judged for being too compassionate than be judged for being too judgmental and divisive through legalistic interpretations of Scripture, such as using some of the 613 Old Testament laws to condemn others while overlooking our own inablility to follow them all. I was very pleased that at no time in this book did she ever let her message get dragged down in strict legalism, doctrinal disputes or political issues, instead choosing to focus nearly all her energies on teaching us how to become living examples of the greatest commandment, that we strive to love one another.

The new presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church reminds us that God came in the flesh for everyone, and responds to anyone who truly seeks Him. She points out that in the Book of Isaiah, God makes it abundantly clear that when the Kingdom arrives, people will come from all the world and all the nations, and the most important thing we can do on our watch is to be good ambassadors for our faith. In this wonderful little book, she lays out her vision and introduces herself to a world that's certainly in need of more like her. This book will allow you to get to know her on a personal level, and I hope and pray that she has a impactful and fruitful term as our new Presiding Bishop. Shalom!

A Wing and a Prayer loudly echoes much of the call of the gospels of Jesus. It targets Christians and non-Christians alike to answer the call of Jesus to come and to love others as God loves, through sacrifice, relationships, service and ministry.

She describes the book as consisting of essays that began as sermons and "look at my dream for the Church and the reckless, abundant love of the God we serve." The structure of the book creates a style of spontaneity that makes readers experience the adventure of life with God.

The book is small but dense with profound, eloquently written chapters connected by the common theme of ministering to the least of those around us as if ministering to Christ. Schori emphasizes what she calls "the dream of God:" His desire to have you and all people with him at his feast in His kingdom. Schori beckons readers to respond to God's invitation without fear or hesitation.

Along with God's dream, Schori promotes good works by the saints. She conveys her own burning passion to see the gospel performed in practical ways. Her gracious tone throughout the book allows her to prod readers to discover and create ways to reach out with the love of Christ. She generously sprinkles her writing with personal stories, scripture lessons, historical anecdotes and contemporary workings of the Body of Christ.

The chapters are divided into eight parts, each emphasizing a particular theme. Each part would make for a rich spiritual discussion for small groups or weekly Bible studies. As a whole, I think the book would inspire groups or churches to take steps of faith toward outreach, mission and growth.

In the book, Schori affirms the sainthood of all believers in Christ and in doing so, also challenges the saints to live like the heroes of the faith. Readers will also notice and appreciate how often she asks questions like "What dream can you dream that is worth your all?" and challenges readers to do things like: "Go hunting for the unloved."

Perhaps my favorite statement from the book is "It takes courage to celebrate. Jesus was called a glutton and a drunk because he continually invited people to God's party." Schori paints an appealing picture of God's kingdom and exhorts readers to not be complacent until all around us, near and far, are compelled to join us at the feast.

Only once did I notice Schori departing from the gracious tone of the book. She compares Episcopal leaders opposed to the election of a homosexual bishop to the Pharisees, both who she accuses of fearing the "wind" of the Holy Spirit and their own loss of control. Although this may be true of the Pharisees, it is untrue of those who oppose the election of a homosexual bishop and same-sex unions in the church; they have not departed from Scripture, Christian teaching or the church as a whole. In this case, I think Schori shows the challenge in promoting a belief that is just not backed up by Scripture and Christian heritage. She also demonstrates her willingness to equate cultural influences with the Holy Spirit--a potentially deadly mistake that undermines the apostolic faith and teachings.

Overall, my reaction to this book is very positive. Schori's message should compel readers to join the journey of the faithful seeking Christ in the homeless, naked, hungry, sick and prisoners and smallest among us. This book will help readers become better Christians, more like Christ and more effective in ministry.

What is lacking in the book is any real mention or appropriate emphasis on the cross of Christ. As she emphasizes the invitation to the feast of God, Schori avoids the gospel teaching that only those born again through the death and resurrection of Jesus will be at that table. Christ himself repeatedly warned of many being "shut out" from the feast and the kingdom. I think any message of the kingdom of heaven has to include more emphasis on repentance of sins and on Christ crucified, the "power and wisdom" of God. This would lend urgency to Schori's call to make the church "compelling and appealing" that all would come. Any such teaching as is done in this book must be set in the larger context of the Bible's teaching about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for sinners as the only way to the Father and salvation.

Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

Katherine Jefferts Schori has collected in this small volume an assortment of meditations, homilies, and thoughts challenging one to find ways be a Christian in today's world. Building on a person's Baptismal vows and our Lord's call to ministry, both lay and ordained, our Presiding Bishop reveals her deep faith and belief that the church is on the brink of many exciting new works, serving the world. Throughout the book is her belief in the total ministry of the whole church. Laced with illustrations from her personal experieces as an oceanographer, lay leader, priest, and bishop. she calls all Christians to roll up their sleeves and get involved serving the poor, needy, forgotten, and destitute. It is inspiring to find such down-to-earth love for the church and its Lord in a Presiding Bishop. I was reminded often of the passion and strength of John Hines while reading her call to faith and action. This little book deserves wide-spread study throughout the church by lay and clergy alike. It served me well as a Lenten book of meditation. My only suggestion would be to incorporate more Biblical chapter and verse where they are often missing.