Schism looms over Episcopal Church
Schism looms over Episcopal Church
Fighting isn’t in their nature.
But now, as members of the Episcopal Church in the United States gird for a possible schism with the international Anglican Church, they’re wondering how to move forward.
“The Episcopal Church has a very long history of agreeing not to agree with itself but still staying together,” said the Rev. Debra Bullock, of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park.
“Once they leave, it really shuts the door on a conversation.”
Across the United States and here in the Southland, religious and lay leaders are struggling to reconcile with the worldwide Anglican Communion, most of which opposes the acceptance of gay religious leadership.
Addressing the conflict, the Rev. Gary Hall, president of Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, and the Rev. Kathryn White, rector of St. Edward and Christ Episcopal Church in Joliet, will speak at 7 p.m. tonight at the Church of the Transfiguration.
The debate about whether to accept homosexual religious leaders is hitting close to home. Two churches in the Chicago region, including one in Wheaton and one in West Chicago, are contemplating leaving the northern Illinois diocese, Bullock said.
They would become part of the dioceses of Uganda or Nigeria, regions that oppose the ordination of gays.
The controversy began in 2002 when the Episcopal Church consecrated the Rev. Gene Robinson, who is openly gay, as bishop of New Hampshire.
Posted in ANGLICAN, TEC/ECUSA Conflicts, TEC/ECUSA | Edit | 2 Comments »
posted by t19elves at 12:38 PM
2 Comments:
It is seems a bit of an understatement to say Uganda and Nigeria do not support the ordination of gays. Uganda has referred to gay people as abominations and the +Akinola, the primate of Nigeria actively supports legislation not only to imprison them but anyone who associates or advocates for them. By contrast, Nigeria does not support the ordination of women. Let's really call it as it is EPfizH
I think it is a bit rich from the Episcopal left to wrap themselves in the American flag - how many of them have likely protested against Amerian unilateralism since the 1960's. Now they are renouncing British imperialism over Americans - as if that has been a real concern for nearly two centuries. And the Rev. Bullock is now saying that Africa is viewing this as payback for American imperialism. The American flag has not flown over any of the TEC's largest critics.
There is no consistency in any of the progressives arguments other than we have the votes to do what we want. I had bet that they would have found the votes for Lawrence and I had bet that they would have punted for six more months. The left is now seeking endgame - because they believe that they can.
Post a Comment
<< Home