Is this too big of an issue to ever find a solution?
Episcopal leaders, pressured to roll back their support for gays to keep the world Anglican family from crumbling, affirmed earlier this week that they will "exercise restraint" in approving another gay bishop and will not approve prayers to bless same-sex couples. It falls short of an outright ban, called for by the Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the U.S.
Here's a statement from Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina:
Brothers and Sisters,
The Statement of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church responding to the requests, questions and concerns addressed to us, by the Primates of the Anglican Communion is a significant accomplishment, a positive step, and a hopeful sign.
Our statement was crafted after two days in prayer and conversations with the Archbishop of Canterbury and other leaders of the Anglican Communion. It follows two days of work and worship in New Orleans and Mississippi to support the work of rebuilding by the church and community there after hurricane Katrina.
The result was that bishops holding different perspectives on the issues before us were able to find common ground. The statement was approved by a nearly unanimous vote of those present and participating. I am aware of only one bishop who was unable to vote in the affirmative. Liberals, conservatives, and those in between were able to find agreement in a context of mutual respect and fervent prayer. In finding common ground, we were able to discover the high ground.
Bishops Gregg, Marble, and I participated fully in the discussions and we support the actions of our House of Bishops.
There is good reason to be hopeful that the response by the bishops will be positively received by the leadership of the Anglican Communion.
This is a significant accomplishment, a positive step, and a hopeful sign.
Keep the Faith,
+Michael
Comments (4)
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"whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion."
They also pledged not to authorize public rites for same-gender blessings "until a broader consensus emerges in the Communion, or until General Convention takes further action," according to the response.".....................................
so what they actually said is this ' being gay presents a challenge and a strain on the church community' - are we to assume they draw this wisdom from scripture or from internal peer pressure from the larger body of believers? God's word is immutable - once He said it - it is 'amen'.
what i find even more strange in their declaration is they might change their minds if a broader consensus emerges or until their general assembly takes further action. this statement says to me that whatever scripture might says about homosexuality can take second fiddle to what a 'group' of people decide on this issue. to me they have zero credibility, i say get off the fence and fall on mans side or Gods side of the fence and either reap the consequences or the blessings.
Posted on September 27, 2007 8:48 AM
This issue within the Church of England can be found in other religious bodies in the US; SBC, PCUSA, UMC, Religious Society of Friends - FUM, and others.
So, it is not uncommon. What is troubling is the backpedaling that is being done by the Church of England.
And remember, two people/groups and one Bible does not mean that each reads/interprets any one verse exactly the same. Even biblical scholars have differing views/interpretations.
Each person has to live as he/she finds way opening following Spirit. There will always be some that will say another is wrong, etc. Yet, until one is led in other ways/directions; that one must stay true to the path the he/she feels led to journey.
Shalom
Posted on September 27, 2007 12:34 PM
Give the Episcopal church some credit. Rather than simply forcing their understanding of scripture on people, they are attempting to sincerely seek each other's thoughts and beliefs to better understand God's word. I like to point out that (some of the) church leaders who supported slavery were sincere, dedicated, spiriitual people who thought they understood God's word. We need to approach scripture with some humbleness.
All that said, notice that the Bishop's statement very strongly stressed that gays and lesbians should not be considered evil or persecuted -- which they are in many places. The Bishops have taken a big step. It may take a while to go further. (Since I am not gay I can only guess at the frustration caused by that last statement -- sorry.)
Posted on September 29, 2007 8:15 AM
"Episcopal leaders, pressured to roll back their support for gays to keep the world Anglican family from crumbling, affirmed earlier this week that they will "exercise restraint" in approving another gay bishop..."
Meaning, of course, that it won't happen again until hell freezes over, thaws out, gets overgrown with green roses and freezes over a second time.
All this backpedaling takes place in order to "save the union." So what's so terrible about having a schism? I mean, other than cutting the worldwide holdings of the C of E significantly... and is that really a reason to keep together?
Posted on October 4, 2007 1:08 PM