On Wednesday, I found out that Bishop Jim white had died, aged 58. Assistant bishop of Auckland, previously Dean of our national seminary, St John’s College, Bishop Jim had a strong focus on liturgy and on inclusion. He understood the shifts for people of faith in the Third Millennium, post-Christendom context. He began blogging in 2014. I honour him and his contribution to Christ’s mission, and let us pray for his close family and friends and all who grieve at his death.
Struggling to know what to write, I repeat what I wrote when I announced his new blog:
Bishop Jim White, Assistant Bishop of Auckland, is a friend of mine; I appreciate his quiet wisdom, his honesty, integrity, and his sense of humour.
Jim described himself in the following way:
I am a husband, father, bishop in the anglican church, and pilgrim making my way with sometimes not enough fear and trembling and sometimes way too much.
Rangitoto is my mountain and the Waitamata are my waters. When I see them or swim in them I know that I am home.
I have anglo-catholic leanings – which means I am all for solemn bows and probably should be more for prostration.
I think of myself as orthodox in my beliefs but I note that there are many who have different beliefs to mine and they claim the same title.
Kia whakapaingia te Atua.
Let us give thanks to God.
Bishop Jim White was both a ‘scholar and a gentleman’. In fact, when he left New Zealand to pursue further studies in the United States, may of us thought he might be attracted to the then more liberal atmosphere of The U.S. Episcopal Church (TEC). However, his love for his native country ensured his return.
Jim’s contribution to the Diocese of Auckland’s synodical debates was always looked forward to – especially by those ofr us who were a bit more timid to express our desire for a more robust commitment of our Anglican Church for its mission to the poor and disenfranchised of society.
The sentiments of a great Anglo-Catholic hymn (EH 208) (which we sang yesterday at SMMA on the Feast of the Dedication) might well be sung of Bishop Jim’s place in the Communion of Saints: “In the morning of life, and at noon, and at even, (God) called them away from our worship below; But not till His love at the font and the altar, Had girt them with grace for the way they should go!”
May he +Rest in Peace and Rise with Christ in Glory. Alleluia! Amen
Thanks, Fr Ron. William Draper’s hymn makes a wonderful connection. Blessings.