From the Editor's Desk.....

In October the Consultation, a semi-formal gathering of Episcopalian justice ministries, met in Atlanta. The Consultation includes Integrity, Claiming the Blessing and other advocates of gay and lesbian rights, so it was probably predictable that it would be picketed by the fanatic fringe of those who oppose such rights.

They came, they carried signs, they were relentlessly grim and determinedly self-exiled from the brightness, the celebration, the gentle fellowship going on inside. They were, in short, a small, sad commentary on the dreary divisions that beset our world but that cannot negate the charism of communities dedicated to justice.

In this issue of Ruach, we've tried to capture a bit of that ambient joyousness in our story-in-pictures of what came to be called the "Big Tent Meeting." Our other major story--the Windsor Report--shows clearly that such issues will be with us for some years to come. Already the Report, despite pleas from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and others for a carefully evaluated reading, is drawing fire--and rightly so-from both sides for its apparent subordination of inner conscience to outward unity.

We are heirs, it would seem, to the ancient Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times."

As we make our way through these times the Episcopal Women's Caucus will state and restate, as many times as need be, our dedication to justice, freedom and equality for all of God's children, and our belief that our commitment must be not only unwavering and even passionate--it must also be conducted with respect, honor and grace.

You have our word on it.