Bishop Jones is honored September 4th. in Holy Women, Holy Men: Calendar of Saints (new names for Lesser Feasts and Fasts) :
In April 1918, the House of Bishops tried to silence a prominent Episcopal voice against World War I, Bishop Paul Jones. Jones, serving then-Missionary District of Utah, was forced to resign his post when he revealed his deep convictions about war, stating “I believe that the methods of modern international war are quite incompatible with the Christian principles of reconciliation and brotherhood…”
However, Jones’ work for peace continued. He was a founder of the Fellowship of Reconciliation and its secretary for 10 years. He helped found the Episcopal Peace Fellowship prior to his death in 1941. During World War II, he helped resettle Jews and others who fled Nazi Germany, and he argued for greater understanding in relations with Japan.
PRAY:
for the courage to speak and act your faith about violence, war, racism, environmental destruction, the death penalty.
STUDY:
*Read about Bishop Paul Jones:
Read this article by Joseph Wakelee Lynch printed in The Witness, March 1, 2002.
*Order the booklet, Bishop Paul Jones: Witness for Peace by John Howard Melish, here.
*Order copies of the EPF brochures about Bishop Jones for your track rack here.
ACT
*Plan a parish discussion about the actions of Bishop Jones by sharing the articles and then setting a time to discuss his decision.
*Include prayers about nonviolence and the end of war in your Prayers of the People this month.
*use quotes from Bishop Jones in your newsletters, bulletins, and announcements.
Resources and Materials:
*About the Icon: The Artist: THE REV ROBERT TWO BULLS (Oglala Lakota)
“It was after much prayerful thought, imagination and comtemplation that Robert Two Bulls was able to create this
icon. He said, “Bishop Jones was one interesting fellow and he reminds me how far we are from the Gospel with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. After doing the icon I became much closer to him and what his life and work represented.”
Order Bishop Paul Jones note-cards here
All EPF Peace Partner Congregations receive a Bishop Paul Jones Poster for their parish, read about Peace Partner Congregations here
*Brochure on Bishop Jones, order here
*Biography booklet: Bishop Paul Jones, Witness for Peace by John Howard Melish, order here
*Bishop Paul Jones, the Cost of Questioning Church and Country by Joseph Wakelee-Lynch here
