Courant on “Episcopalian War”
January 9th, 2007 by Peter
The Christmastime decision by eight Virginia congregations to bolt the Episcopal Church in favor of Anglican partners in Africa echoed loudly in the church’s oldest diocese – the one in Connecticut that is shuddering from its own active revolt.
“We are living in a time of great chaos. Would we consider breaking out [like the Virginia churches]? Yes,” said the Rev. Christopher Leighton, rector at St. Paul’s Church in Darien, a leader of the rebel band known as the Connecticut Six…
On a global scale, the revolt unites conservative U.S. congregations with African churches in the belief that the Episcopal Church’s liberal stance on homosexuality has carried it much too far from the Anglican faith they all inherited from the Church of England.
Ignited by the 2003 election of the openly gay Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire, the dispute has at stake the potential exclusion of the 2.2 million-member U.S. church from the worldwide Anglican Communion. Also on the line is the ownership of millions of dollars of church property, some of it historic. George Washington worshipped in one of the Virginia parishes now allied with Africa.
In Connecticut, the rebellion has seen such oddities as a rally at the state Capitol where a Ugandan bishop called out, “Africa is praying for you. The church is one”; the freezing of parish bank accounts by the diocese; and the dramatic seizure in July 2005 of one rebel church, St. John’s in Bristol.
To follow breaking developments in the Connecticut Six’s struggle against the state’s pro same-sex “marriage” Episcopal bishop go here. On the battle for orthodoxy within the Anglican communion more generally go here. On complaints to the Courant from liberal Episcopal readers go here.
Some people are gay. Can’t we all get over it and simply move on? Did Ted Haggard’s sad story suggest nothing to the “Christian” Right?
I’m much more concerned about Global Warming, religious strife among nations, and the welfare of the poor, — than I am about trying to tell people who they should or shouldn’t couple with.
Jesus would promote a Christian church, tolerant of gays. What’s wrong with ya’ll?
What should Ted Haggard’s story suggest to the Christian right? That immorality and adultery should be embraced? I don’t quite get what you’re saying.
As for moving on, I guess some people just can’t get over the fact that every christian apostle, saint, father, (non modern) theologian or philosopher, pope, etc., that mention the subject – and scripture (not to mention common sense) all clearly indicate that homosexuality is inconsistent with natural law, and immoral. Probably, some people aren’t willing to toss their faith in order to assimilate some folks’ notion that homosexuality is the source and summit of all things beautiful. And, given the fact that homosexual marriage is routinely rejected when brought to a vote by the people (as opposed to elitist legislatures and courts), they probably don’t appreciate the repeated attempts to stuff their faces with it.
I guess some folks are just going to have to “get over” the fact that many christians aren’t going to simply roll over every time left wing extremists suggest a new whack-job theology.
Can you direct me to Scripture wherein Jesus addresses the subject of homosexuality?
Can you direct me to scripture where Jesus addresses the subject of human slavery? Women’s rights?
If you’re going to determine morality only by your extrapolation of what is explicitly contained in the four gospels, more power to ya. But you’re going to have to reassess more than a few things, I’m afraid.
Actually… although the Gospels do not contain any quotations addressing women’s rights from Jesus, we do have the example of Jesus’ actions on this front. In what was a male-dominated society where women had little more status than slaves, Jesus allowed women to travel with him and the disciples — and not just as tent-followers. In a time when women were not educated, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as a disciple and was taught by him. There are other examples.. and in the early Church women were treated as near-equals. And then came Paul…
Ahh, the complexities of simpleness. First you ask to provide a specific “Scripture wherein Jesus addresses the subject of homosexuality” as a proof text, and when I demonstrate that the words of Jesus in the gospels do not explicitly elucidate every universal moral truth, you proceed to prove my point by educating me on ancient Jewish culture, and biblical exegesis. Thank you.
I asked you for an example of Jesus addressing homosexuality; I did not specify that it be addressed in words. One can address something through action.
You implied that Jesus did not address women’s rights. He did, by his actions. An argument can certainly be made that within the gospels we do indeed find elucidation of every universal moral truth, either in word or deed. A “simple” Christian might, in faith, believe that with God’s guidance the gospels addressed all those things of importance to us.
You frame your beliefs regarding homosexuality as “Christian” beliefs — yet you cannot provide one instance where Jesus, in word or action, condemns homosexuality. Or addresses it at all.
You have, certainly, every right to your dislike of homosexuality. I am simply tired of having this dislike held up as a “Christian” standard with no basis.
Last year I attended a pro gay biblical seminar where the instructor contended that homosexuality is not condemned in scripture. I wasn’t surprised, but the contrived, baseless and novel opinions that he employed in the attempt to explain away the explicit condemnations of homosexual behavior in scripture, and the complete disregard for overwhelming historic condemnations, amazed me. I was equally amazed that the seminar attendees bought his romper room theology so easily, without regard to any real evidence whatsoever. It’s evident that Christianity teaches to seek the truth, and once found to conform ourselves to it (not the other way around), but it was clear that the attendees were seeking validation of pre-conceived beliefs and were willing to accept virtually any explanation. I get the same impression in this conversation. “Homosexual Christianity” (for lack of a better term) is a belief in search of a religion. If you want to call yourself Christian while cutting out, disregarding or flippantly explaining away explicit moral declarations in scripture, then that’s your prerogative, I suppose. I guess you’ve found your religion. But please don’t confuse it with Christianity.
Steve,
In all honesty, I am very interested in hearing a clear, concise explanation of WHY you believe Christianity is so opposed to homosexuality — based on purely Christian scripture/teaching.
You claim theological “truth” is on your side. I have looked and have failed to find any indication that it is.
I understand sociological, psychological, personal reasoning. But I have never found a religious basis for condemnation of homosexuality.
Additionally, is there honestly a theological basis for SECUALR condemnation of homosexuality?