Only in Lent Madness will you find a 19th century pioneering bishop squaring off against a 12th century monk. Which, you guessed it, is precisely what we have today as Henry Beard Delany faces Aelred of Rievaulx in the second matchup of Lent Madness 2017.
In yesterday's "Ash Thursday" kickoff, Stephen soundly defeated Alban, 62% to 38% in heavy voting. Indeed, with over 9,600 total votes cast a new Lent Madness turnout record was set! We also love that over 450 people added comments to the post. With his victory, Stephen became the first saint to advance to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen, where he'll face the winner of Henry Budd vs. Cecilia. Somewhere Bob Dylan is singing, "Everybody must get stoned."
Still wondering how to keep up with all the players saints? You need a Saintly Scorecard 2017! While the paper book has passed into the realm of collectors' items, the ebook is available. Pick one up for your Kindle or iPad today! For only $2.99 you'll have the inside track on all things Lent Madness!
Finally, in case you've ever been kept up at night wondering about the inner workings of the Supreme Executive Committee, you're in luck! Tim and Scott recently appeared on the popular Priest Pulse podcast. In addition to discussing all things Lent Madness, they even touch on the roots of their longstanding feud. Enjoy!
Henry Beard Delany
Born a slave into a Methodist household in Georgia, Henry Beard Delany was freed at the end of the Civil War. As a teenager, Delany moved to Florida with his family, where he learned bricklaying and carpentry. Delany received a scholarship from a local Episcopal parish to attend St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina—a college founded by Episcopal clergy to educate emancipated African-Americans.
Delany studied music and theology, joining the faculty after graduation and teaching building trades. Together, he and his students built the chapel, library, and hospital for the college. He attended an Episcopal church and was ordained a deacon in 1889 and priest in 1892. Upon his ordination, Delany became the vice-principal of the college. His wife Nanny Logan, also an alumna of St. Augustine’s, taught and served as matron at the college. They had ten children, including noted authors Sadie and Bessie Delany. During the later part of the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century, the southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church were wrestling with the status of African-Americans within the church. While there were historic African-American congregations—like St. Ambrose where Delany was nurtured and ordained—they were routinely refused full parish status due to fears that a sizeable block of African-American delegates to diocesan conventions might upset the status quo.
Delany was part of the Commission for Work among Colored People, the leading association of African-American clergy and lay leaders in the Episcopal Church. In 1908, he was appointed as Archdeacon for Negro Work in the Diocese of North Carolina. When the church decided to maintain segregated missionary districts for African-Americans, Delany was unanimously elected by the diocesan convention as Suffragan Bishop for Negro Work. On November 21, 1918, he was consecrated bishop in the chapel at St. Augustine College—a house of worship he had designed and helped to build with his own hands. He worked tirelessly throughout the Carolinas, planting and nurturing African-American congregations until his death on April 14, 1928.
Collect for Henry Beard Delany
Almighty God who frees your people with a mighty hand and outstretched arm: Grant strength to all your servants who, inspired by the example and prayers of Henry Beard Delany, hold fast, bearing witness to the truth of your love and justice in the face of oppression; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Aelred of Rievaulx
Aelred of Rievaulx was born in northern England in 1110. Thanks to a biography written shortly after his death, much is known about his life and travels.
After spending several years at the court of King David I of Scotland, Aelred entered the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx, in Yorkshire, at the age of 24. In 1147, Aelred was elected abbot and led the abbey through a period of growth and expansion, growing the abbey to about 140 monks and 500 laymen.
A prolific writer who authored several volumes on spirituality, Aelred is also remembered as a tireless traveler and political negotiator. In addition to visiting the abbey’s five daughter-houses in England and Scotland, he also traveled annually to the general chapter of the Cistercians at Cîteaux (France). In 1138, he traveled to the Scottish border to help negotiate the transfer of a castle to King David of Scotland. Four years later, he traveled to Rome for an audience with Pope Innocent II as part of a group who opposed the election of William, King Stephen’s nephew, as Archbishop of York.
Aelred’s writings include histories and biographies, spiritual treatises, and sermons. For his talents as both an author and a church manager, Aelred has been called the “St. Bernard of the North” (in reference to Bernard of Clairvaux, a French Cistercian abbot). Although never formally canonized, he has been venerated as a saint since the 1400s. His feast is marked in the calendars of various churches on January 12, the traditional date of his death.
After reading his correspondence and a biography by a fellow monk, author John Boswell and a few other scholars have suggested that Aelred may have been gay. Because of this conjecture, and inspired by Aelred’s writings on friendship, Integrity U.S.A. and some other LGBT organizations have adopted Aelred as their patron saint, as well.
Collect for Aelred of Rievaulx
Almighty God, you endowed the abbot Aelred with the gift of Christian friendship and the wisdom to lead others in the way of holiness: Grant to your people that same spirit of mutual affection, that, in loving one another, we may know the love of Christ and rejoice in the gift of your eternal goodness; through the same Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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338 comments on “Henry Beard Delany vs. Aelred of Rievaulx”
This was a tough choice for me only because I have been to Rievaulx and found it so beautiful that I would have joined the monastery (if it were still the 12th century). I voted for Henry.
This was a difficult choice. I was fascinated by the presence of separate Bishops for "negroes" in light of the ACCs recent decision to have separate Indigineous bishops. It will be interesting to watch how all this unfolds.
I, too, was astonished by that sad bit of church history. Lord, have mercy. 🙁
I had to vote for the beard, as I have one, but also because he was a hard worker, building both real structures and spiritual ones, and raised fine children; it must have been a difficult time, but he stayed with the faith and devoted himself to the church. I must say I was not terribly impressed with the acts of Aelred, in comparison.
A toss up, at first. But I leaned toward Henry and voted for tis 'modern' saint. After reading all the contributions that preceded mine, I now know it was the right choice. Like Diana, I believe his wife merits some credit, as well! and them there are the Delaney sisters! I had not known about their parentage. Henry and Nanny continue to affect the world through them, as well! What a marvelous testimony to their upbringing! Godspeed, Henry! PS. Welcome back, Oliver! You brighten my day and make me smile!
Who can relate to a 12 th century person, saint? I just can't get into it. Maybe I should read Aelred's writings , if I had time and knew where to find them.
I voted for Henry. It makes me feel good that many did help the slaves get educated and by the church
Who can relate to a 12 th century person, saint? I just can't get into it. Maybe I should read Aelred's writings , if I had time and knew where to find them.
I voted for Henry. It makes me feel good that many did help the slaves get educated and by the church
I like beards
I didn't know about Delany. Understandably a popular choice. I did think the blurb on Aelred rather pitifully undersold the beauty and significance of his book On Spiritual Friendship which reproduces the ancient Celtic Christian tradition of Anamchara through the lens of Cistercian spirituality. Whether or not he was gay, though an intriguing question for which we will never know the answer, is not really the point. GO AELRED!!!!!!!!
How could a former vocational educator not vote for Bishop Delany?! Not only did he and his students build important additions to their college, he was a true leader for African-Americans. He was one of the most important figures in history and especially the Episcopal Church. He truly is an inspiration for us all. Of course his wife was a saint too! Sadie, Bessie and eight others -- amazing grace.
"Delany received a scholarship from a local Episcopal parish to attend St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina—a college founded by Episcopal clergy to educate emancipated African-Americans." I voted for Delany. Oh, how I wish the Episcopal Church were more active in supporting Historic Black Colleges and Universities. Now especially -- they need funding and leadership support.
Beards are cool
I vote for Bp. Delany as well. His dedication to the Church, despite the Church's racist treatment of him and other African Americans is remarkable.
Since I love the Episcopal church so much, it's hard to believe it was also involved in discrimination. But we have admitted it and have tried to rectify that. For that reason, and others, I cast my ballot for Henry Delany.
I voted for Bishop Delany also. His reputation and accomplishments are timely reminders for all of us who seek and support diversity within our church, as well as in our society. I was gratified to learn that he was the dad of the lovely Delany sisters:)
I identify in many ways with Henry Beard Delaney. I was born in North Carolina; I studied music in college and grad school, and still sing at age 79. After being ordained in the United Methodist Church, I was the first woman pastor in two different churches before becoming a hospital chaplain. My beloved uncle, a clergy in the United Brethren Church, was also a bricklayer. Not to mention my remembering reading excerpts of his daughters' book in the New York Times...must get that book for my Lenten reading. But most of all I revere him for continuing to serve God and his neighbor, lovingly and well. (I'm also being inspired to read Aelred's writings!)
Delaney got my vote, I agree he & his wife are inspiring.
I had never heard of either of them, but Aelred sounded too much like a Monty Python skit, so I voted for Delany. Is that a good reason?
I voted for Henry as I believe his work lead to the enventual ordination of Bishop Gale Harris as our first Bishop of color. I am fortunate to have been at several services with her and attend a retreat at a Camp in N.H. named in her honor . It did a lot to include blacks in our church life.
I assume you mean Bishop Barbara Harris, who will one day win the Golden Halo. 😀
Voted for Delaney. What an awesome story - and loved his daughters' book. Glad Lent Madness is back. Betty Morris
So glad to see Oliver back and sharing his wisdom with us!!
I live in Hawaii so my vote comes late in the process but I'm so glad my vote still counts!!
For Delany, today!!
Did I miss the chance to vote for St Cecilia? The patron saint of MUSIC, duh! Consider this my vote, on behalf of all patio pants in the RSCMA King's Course 🙂
Participants, not "patio pants", sorry. Stupid samsung.....
I'm glad you added that corrective, Louisa. I was totally befuddled by your vote on behalf of patio pants!
...and I assume the wearers are singing in the King's "Chorus"? I love it. All God's children..or at least the singing Episcopalian variety... should wear patio pants! You gave me a joy and avchuckle! Thank you!
...and I assume the wearers are singing in the King's "Chorus"? I love it. All God's children..or at least the singing Episcopalian variety... should wear patio pants! You gave me a joy and a chuckle! Thank you!
Well said Eva. Truly a great man. Humble, compassionate. A man of faith and works.
I voted for him, but was Delany really "born a slave" or born a human into the institution of slavery? I know I am mincing words, but words matter.
Yea! Oliver is back! Delaney it is!
Welcome back Oliver. Nice to see you again. The choice today was much more difficult than I first imagined. Both men did wonderful things and worked tirelessly for Christ. While I love the fact that Aelred viewed friendship as a gift and encouraged it, in the end I voted for Bishop Delany because of how far he came at a time when all the odds were against him and he was viewed as a second-class citizen. He and his wife Nanny are joint saints in my eyes.
Two wonderful saints once again. I voted for Henry Delaney because of his strength, perseverance and nobility in serving Christ and his church in spite of the totally unjust and un-Christian obstacles put in his way by a sinful church itself.
But PLEASE, someone (Derek?), correct the English of the collect for his day. It should be "Almighty God, who FREE your people," not "who frees," since the collect is addressed to God in the second person!
Delaney. Aelred is a tough competitor, but I gotta vote for a Saint that can work with his hands!
I also voted for Bishop Delaney, but I assume that (being a medieval monk) Aelred would have also spent time working with his hands as well.
I do so love learning about these strong people of God.
Have to go for the North Carolina bishop who overcame so much hardship due to his pigment and his times, Henry Beard Delany. He led us to greater grace.
In addition, Bishop Delany has a grandson, Chip (Samuel R) Delany, whom I know as an award winning science fiction writer and have learned is also a well-known gay writer, editor, and a professor at Temple. Very cool guy!
Had to vote for the patron saint of LGBT
This was PAINFUL. Initially I was just going to vote for Aelred because I've always felt a connection to him. I've even visited the remains Rievaulx.
But as soon as I saw the photo of Delaney I switched sides. We spend too much time on dead white guys. It's long past time we recognized the dead men & women of color who have shaped the church as we know it today.
This is fun. I haven't participated in Lent Madness before. Thanks!!