Recent developments in The Episcopal Church with respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our Provinces on the doctrine of marriage. Possible developments in other Provinces could further exacerbate this situation.
It is our unanimous desire to walk together. However given the seriousness of these matters we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of three years The Episcopal Church no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.
So what does all this mean? Well, I'm no expert in any of this and I tend to stay away from the politics of the church, but I have a couple of thoughts.
- I was surprised that this happened, but upon reflection I'm not really. TEC went their own way in their decision, knowing it wouldn't sit well with the communion and did it anyway. This is the consequence.
- I wish the Primates had come down this hard on the Dioceses in Africa that actively promote, or at least do nothing against, the violence against gays in their communities.
To be fair, they did publish a statement about #2:
The Primates condemned homophobic prejudice and violence and resolved to work together to offer pastoral care and loving service irrespective of sexual orientation. This conviction arises out of our discipleship of Jesus Christ. The Primates reaffirmed their rejection of criminal sanctions against same-sex attracted people.
The Primates recognise that the Christian church and within it the Anglican Communion have often acted in a way towards people on the basis of their sexual orientation that has caused deep hurt. Where this has happened they express their profound sorrow and affirm again that God’s love for every human being is the same, regardless of their sexuality, and that the church should never by its actions give any other impression.
In my opinion, it wasn't strong enough. But, here we are. The question now becomes, what does this mean for us right here at St. Judes?
Really, not much.
We are going to continue to do what we have always done. Reach people, Disciple them, give them opportunities to Serve and Worship our Lord and to Share his love with EVERYONE. I emphasize everyone because I mean everyone. No one is excluded from God's love, mercy and grace.
I was ordained into the Anglican Church by a bishop who was ordained by bishops who were ordained by other bishops in a line of succession that stretches back to the very beginnings of the Christian Church. Is the Anglican Church perfect? Nope. There isn't one here on earth. Every denomination has problems and disagreements and fractures. But we are part of one holy, catholic and apostolic church, and what we do right here in Denison matters.
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