Celebrating the resignation of someone who has made such incredible contributions to our Church is hardly a characteristic of Americans of which we should be proud.

Where we belong is Heaven. I don't think this thread is going to do much to help us to get there. And I would like to know how God's grace has anything to do with this sad news?

As a recent former Byzantine Catholic, I have to disagree that the contributions are either needed or liked by a great portion of the faithful.

While I am unhappy with the horrible things that Prof. J Michael Thompson did, let us continually pray for him to have Eternal Mercy and Blessings now and unto the Ages of Ages.


Also, first of all, let us remember if it is true that he resigned, the grass may not be greener on the other side. For all I know the Bishops may have told Prof. J. Michael Thompson to start writing a Liturgy that deletes the Holy Trinity or some other crazy thing and he may have finally refused to ruin the Liturgy and resigned. The Bishops may have the intentions of replacing him with a guitar playing Nun for all I know...

(Assuming he really did resign) While I am happy that Prof. J. Michael Thompson resigned I hope that he has or will find gainful employment or a good Monastery to join and I wish him a long happy life of repentence (which we all need) and joy in the Risen Lord!

This whole thread is over the top, as far as I am concerned. It amounts to backbiting.

I think perhaps people are reading far too much into this, if the rumor is true it would be a career change but we all make them. Idle speculation is unhelpful.

Anyway, the professor is a great talent, such a departure would be an immense loss.


Michael

Jerry Jumba is an excellent chanter, as I have good reason to know. Haven't been in touch with him for several years. Our own Administrator is an excellent chanter, who has published and distributed quite a lot of worth-while music which the clergy and parishes have received and used gratefully.

On the other hand, I rather doubt that anyone could fully "replace" J. Michael Thompson. Does anyone even want to? At least part of the problem was that someone piled too many functions on one man. In the words of a Russian proverb: "one man; one job".

Fr. Serge

While Professor Thompson has garnered much criticism for his work in respect to the music associated with the Revised Divine Liturgy, some of the commentary made in response to the news that he has resigned is unseemly and lacking in Christian charity. Some - perhaps many - are pleased that he has made this choice and it is not out-of-line to express that or the thought that the Metropolia may benefit from his decision.

What is absolutely unacceptable is the posting of comments that deride another human being, ascribe ill-will on his part to his past work, or wish him other than well in his future!

Judgment is a curious and dangerous thing, which is likely why God ultimately reserves it to Himself. I strongly suggest that posters refrain from intruding on His prerogatives, lest they find themselves to someday be the victims of it for having done so.

Neil