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The Episcopal Church’s Step Forward (Guest Voice)
The Episcopal Church’s Step Forward
by Britney Wilkins
On Monday, the bishops of the Episcopal Church voted to open the ministry position to gay men and lesbians which seems to almost undermine a previous moratorium which was passed three years earlier. While this resolution does not mandate that all dioceses have to consider gay candidates, it simply allows some diocese to do so. This debate over homosexuality in the church has been closely watched around the world because of the implications it may have for other Protestant Churches. Because the Anglican Communion is the world’s third largest family of Christian churches (which the Episcopal Church belongs to), many other churches have considered this to be a significant step.
The many conservative sects of the Anglican Communion have broken ties with the Episcopal Church because of their seemingly open views related to homosexuality, brought to light whe Bishop Gene Robinson was elected as the first openly gay bishop. Due to this election, the church itself conditioned the moratorium that passed three years ago in an effort to curb further ostracization from the Anglican Communion. This measure served to implement friction between the political sections of the church, as conservatives noted that many were not abiding by the moratorium and liberals viewed it to be a trampling upon many civil liberties as well as a flagrant sign of discrimination.
The fact that such a reputable church within the Anglican Communion has voted to allow openly gay diocese is historically significant and it will be interesting to view how other sections of the communion will react to this news. Many within the Episcopal Church view this as a historic event in which all are baptized under the Body of Christ regardless of their sexual preference.
However, as can be foreshadowed, many conservatives have broken away from the church in light of the recent changes that have been occurring over the past years and have begun to form their own alliances, seemingly representing the “true” Anglican tradition. These break-away churches now boast memberships of 100,000 which is a significant number when compared to the 2 million Episcopal Church followers.
This new conflict between liberals and conservatives has caused quite a gap within the communion itself, as many conservatives maintain that the Scripture prohibits homosexual relationships, while liberals counter that the Anglican Communion can cater to multiple approaches. This does not appear to be a conflict which can be easily resolved in a few months or even years, but the first foot is in the door for this church which is a significant factor in the Protestant world.
Britney Wilkins writes about the online universities.
13 Responses to “The Episcopal Church’s Step Forward (Guest Voice)”
The real question is now many will still be around in a few years to pay the bills. Their membership was falling before the homosexual question arose (along with the memberships of most mainline liberal protestant churches). Now that they have decide to alienate their more loyal members, will the Episcopal church soon be the homosexual only church?
Well at least they don't harbor pedophile clergy like the conservative church…The Catholics.
Some key points in this piece deserve a little attention.
The “many conservative sects” do take issue with homosexuality: specifically, with open homosexuality. They seem to have no problem as long as bishops, priests, deacons, and laypersons keep quiet about it. Just like the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). This is not healthy human behavior, and it results in all kinds of problems. Just ask anyone who has come out of the closet.
The term “sexual preference” is not really accurate in describing people's sexual orientation. It implies some kind of choice.
Finally, can we have some references on the real membership numbers among these conservative groups? I'd be interested to see the sources on this.
Gegenschattenbild:
The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) had its inaugural assembly in Texas in late June. Their membership – which gathers up a number of groups that have splintered over the past nine years from the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. (ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada – is around 100,000. They have a quality website, and have launched with impressive enthusiasm and endorsements, including that of the Orthodox Church in America.
On the other hand, it may be questioned to what extent the latest action of the ECUSA will have ripple effects on other Protestant denominations in the U.S. If the recognitions of the ACNA pouring-in from various international provinces of the Anglican Communion are any indication, the ECUSA's misguided decision is already isolating them further within the bounds of their own theological tradition. To think that their decision to ordain practicing homosexuals will win converts among other American denominations, groups characterized by adherence to a more litreral interpretation of Scripture, is at-best wishful thinking.
I agree superdestroyer. Churches have no moral stake in cases of discrimination. In the end, it’s all about butts in pews and the money. Hail Mammon!
*Awaits Rome's Reaction*
Good points Superdestroyer..
I agree SD. In the end, it's all about butts in pews that counts and the lucre they bring. Hail Mammon!
I disagree. Sexual preference is exactly correct because it is exactly a personal choice. There is no worthy evidence to prove otherwise. Having said that, choice is what freedom is about.
Unless you count millions of people's failed attempts to un-choose it.
That’s because they choose not to un-choose it. I don't believe in the “failed attempt” theory.
Perhaps they do, but having tried to un-choose it myself, I'm convinced otherwise. And I don't see grounds to disbelieve the millions of other people who report similar experiences. That's a lot of data. Is there any at all to support your claim?
Redbus, do you have any numbers on the ratio of clergy to nonordained members in the ACNA?
Father_Time, it's certainly good that people are entitled to their opinions. They are not, however, entitled to their facts. Give us some nonbiased research data on the effectiveness of so-called “conversion therapy,” and we can discuss those.