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October 1997
General Convention Action: Reconsideration of Florence Nightingale Succeeds
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Resolution D054a: Commemoration of Florence Nightingale was approved by the House of Deputies on the seventh day of Convention. The Deputies voted overwhelmingly in favor of concurrence with the House of Bishops.
The Deputies’ approval means the resolution has cleared both houses and is therefore an official action of the General Convention. Resolution D054a asked that the Standing Liturgical Commission reconsider Florence Nightingale for inclusion in the church’s Commemorative Calendar.
Resolution D054: Commemoration of Florence Nightingale
Resolved, That the Standing Liturgical Commission reconsider Florence Nightingale for inclusion in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, and entry into the Calendar of the Church Year (Book of Common Prayer).
Based on erroneous statements by members of the Committee on Prayer Book and Liturgy, an article in the Convention Daily mistakenly reported that Nightingale had been rejected for inclusion in the Anglican Church of Canada’s Calendar of the Church Year, nearly derailing attempts for the reconsideration. (The article correctly noted that the Australian and New Zealand churches have approved Nightingale for inclusion.)
NEAC and Nightingale
The Nightingale reconsideration issue became a part of the NEAC General Convention agenda as means of honoring those nurses who have “stood by the thousands of AIDS patients across this country,” according to NEAC President Jesse Milan, Jr. “She (Nightingale) is also a symbol of hope for all of us living with AIDS. Living with debilitating illness herself, she re-organized public health throughout the British Empire, demonstrating that while we are ill we can still contribute to the well-being the community at-large.”
Florence Nightingale Press Conference: (left to right) The Rev. Ted Karpf, Sally Bucklee, Barbara Dossey, Dr. Louise Selanders, and Jesse Milan, Jr
Nightingale was among several historical figures under consideration for inclusion in the church’s Commemorative Calendar and Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Her inclusion was being given a second reading at the 1991 General Convention. What seemed a sure thing was derailed suddenly by allegations that Nightingale was an atheist, was mentally unstable, and suffered from syphilis.
Following that defeat, two health care professionals undertook research on the life and ministry of Florence Nightingale and sought to disprove the allegations against her. Dr. Louise Selanders and Barbara Dossey produced a definitive document that sets the record straight. In light of their research, a resolution asking for reconsideration of Nightingale’s inclusion was introduced by Deputy Judge James Bradberry from the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
Special Press Conference
Selanders and Dossey joined NEAC’s board president and executive director at a press briefing on the new research. Sally Bucklee, deputy from the Diocese of Washington and a former member of the Standing Liturgical Commission which considered Nightingale’s inclusion, also spoke on the process by which persons are considered for commemoration.
“Laity and women have a hard time getting commemorated,” Bucklee commented. “Ninety-nine percent of those on the calendar are male and ordained.”
Dossey described the symptoms of chronic brucellosis, an infection contracted by eating contaminated, unpasteurized dairy products, primarily goat’s and sheep’s milk or cheese. Crimean Fever, which Nightingale contracted in 1855 while serving as a nurse during the Crimean War (1854-1856), is included as part of brucellosis. Nightingale suffered from brucellosis for over 30 years, during which time she experienced such symptoms as agitation, insomnia, frustration, and depression.
“We must consider clearly and carefully the evidence of brucellosis as the cause of Nightingale’s symptoms and her subsequent invalidism, and not be misled by the condescending and mean-spirited interpretations and reinterpretations of her life and work that have surfaced from time to time. Instead, let us honor the majestic and monumental contributions of this great woman, which she achieved against great odds,” Dossey added.
Dr. Selanders, an Episcopalian, disputed the assertion that Nightingale was an atheist and therefore unsuitable for commemoration. Selanders, a nursing educator and historical researcher at Michigan State University’s College of Nursing, said that Nightingale was baptized as an infant in the Church of England and received the sacrament of Eucharist regularly throughout her life. “Her spiritual story, however, is much deeper than that of the average individual,” Selanders said.
NEAC Executive Director The Reverend Ted Karpf, and Ntsiki Langford of Episcopal Church Jubilee Ministries, at the NEAC booth at General Convention
“It is one of profound faith in God which resulted in extraordinary service to humankind.” Nightingale was a “prolific diarist,” and as early as age 6 wrote of an appointed mission in life, one of self-dedication to the service of God. At age 16 she wrote again of hearing God calling her into service. At age 71, she wrote, “O Father, God of childhood and youth and middle age, but more especially of old age and of what we can do in old age, teach us to do all in Thy name and for Thy sake.”
Why NEAC?
NEAC’s board president Milan connected Nightingale’s story to the reality faced by many in the AIDS community. “Florence Nightingale faced diseases of her time with courage and fairness and with a conviction to serve. The HIV pandemic has been blessed by medical professionals and volunteers who have felt called to minister to those who still fear and shun HIV/AIDS. NEAC knows them as people of faith called simply to service regardless of risks, misconceptions, and unknown senses of social propriety. Persons living with AIDS and those affected by AIDS suffer ostracism, discrimination, and humiliation that is as serious as HIV itself. Florence is an example for the health care profession, an example of selfless service, and an example of ministry for the Episcopal Church.”
What NEAC Did
NEAC developed a brochure describing the case for Nightingale. Some 12,000 were sent to deputies, alternates, bishops and every parish, mission, and diocese in the church, as well as every member of NEAC.
What You Can Do
For the next three years, the Standing Liturgical Commission will be collecting evidence that parishes and individuals are developing and celebrating occasions recalling the work of Nightingale. All materials must be submitted to the Commission by October 1999 for final consideration to recommended. Historical research documents will be presented to the Standing Liturgical Commission when it meets early next year.
