Integrity from Integrity
The Rev. Michael W. Hopkins reflects here on a conversation that he and the Rev. Susan Russell had with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori in the wake of the Primates Meeting in Tanzania. Of the many insightful things Michael says, I choose to highlight this:
"She told the Church Center staff after her return from Tanzania that she really did not know if the Episcopal Church could make a positive response to the 'requests' of the Primates. I believe she sincerely means that, and is willing for us as a Church to disagree with her. I say disagree, because I do believe she thinks the current proposals are the best way forward, and I have no doubt she will continue to argue for them. On the other hand, she is not going to force us to do something we are not willing to do."
From your lips to God's ear, Michael.
Among other excellent things, Michael had this to say:
"The full inclusion of lgbt people in the life of this church (incomplete as it is, but also as far along as it is) is not up for negotiation, and this must include our being very clear that Lambeth 1.10 (1998) is not the standard of teaching in this province of the Communion (the most recent missive from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes it clear that his goal is our accession to this standard. If that is the case, then the Communion is indeed in trouble)."
Correct. As a Communion, we also need to hear from other Provinces about whether they have ever formally adopted this "standard" that the ABC assumes applies - or should apply, or might apply - everywhere.
Or maybe Archbishop Rowan just assumes and says that to appease Nigeria for the time being. After this week's Church of England Synod, that seems possible, even likely.
For our part, we should indeed maintain our integrity in the service of our Lord and the Gospel, even as we do not rush to judge those who disagree with our biblical understanding of inclusion.
Posted by christopherDC | March 7, 2007 9:54 AM