episcopalian problems? (priests, tradition, homosexuality, America, churches)

[Terrywoodenpic]

During Thursday evening Communion, our priest asked us to pray for the Episcopalian church of America.
It seems all Anglican churches have been asked to to this by the Arch-bishop of canterbury.

The arch-bishop is visiting his opposite number in America shortly.
Can any one fill us in, with any problems facing the Episcopalians, that would make special prayers necessary.

It also seems that an African Bishop is seeking support to be elected as an Anglican/Episcopal Pope....But that is another story.
African Anglicans have strong views on women priests and homosexuality, amongst other things.

[lunamoth]

I would think this has to do with the ordination of gay Bishops and same sex blessings performed in the Episcopal Church USA. The ArchBishop of Canterbury has recently given an interview that suggests that the Anglican Union is not going to go along with that. Not as much progess was made at our convention in June as the ArchBishop had hoped for, I guess.


lunamoth

[sojourner]

One of the problems is that, even though the Archbishop of Caterbury is respected by the ECUSA, there is no particular "chain of authority" present which supercedes the authority of our own college of bishops and general assembly. I suppose the real issue here is: The importance of addressing the gay issues vs. the importance of remaining in the Communion. Which is more expendable -- the inclusion and support of homosexuals, or religious unity? Most of the opposition seems to be coming from conservative Africa. It's very sad that this issue would be viewed as heinous enough to warrant a threat of disunity, which has been the cornerstone of Anglican theology and tradition for 500 years.

[Buttons*]

aawww it'll be in my thoughts

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by sojourner

One of the problems is that, even though the Archbishop of Caterbury is respected by the ECUSA, there is no particular "chain of authority" present which supercedes the authority of our own college of bishops and general assembly. I suppose the real issue here is: The importance of addressing the gay issues vs. the importance of remaining in the Communion. Which is more expendable -- the inclusion and support of homosexuals, or religious unity? Most of the opposition seems to be coming from conservative Africa. It's very sad that this issue would be viewed as heinous enough to warrant a threat of disunity, which has been the cornerstone of Anglican theology and tradition for 500 years.

I must admit to being woefully ignorant about much of the leadership of the Anglican Communion. However I have been reading about Rowen Williams, the present Archbishop of Canterbury, and it seems that he has moved his position with respect to homosexuality. I think that issue may very well be choosing between keeping the Communion intact and full inclusion of homosexuals. A very sad situation IMV. I think one of the attractive things about the AC is its big tent approach.

[sojourner]

There's no question that it's a big, big step to take for an orthodox (little "o") body to take. The effect of its final stance will be far-reaching. The Church must be very careful about what it says and does, for it is the mouthpiece of Christ.

I don't think the "agenda" is as political as some evangelicals would like to think, nor are the decisions as arbitrary. This has been an issue for at least 15 years (and probably longer). There are several Biblical tenets and examples that need to be weighed. It will be interesting to see if common ground can be found here that will bolster unity instead of cause division. The Church is on the cusp of change. That's never easy. I hope the changes will come without devastation.