an ecusa bishop named 'Skip' tries to explain himself...

private discussion list | 28 January 2004 | ecusa bishop Gladstone B. Adams III (aka 'Skip)

[ahadams2]

January 22,2004

The Rev. Douglas Taylor-Weiss Church of SS. Peter and John 169 Genesee Street Auburn, NY 13021

Dear Doug:

In your letter of October 8, 2003 you and the clergy of the Confessing Anglicans of Central New York requested that in reference to the blessing of same-sex unions I "clearly and unequivocally forbid the clergy of Central New York from conducting or participating in any such liturgical action." Since your letter I have sought the counsel of the Standing Committee, the Deans, the Liturgy and Music Commission and some others as to what my response might be to this request.

My response it that I will not substantively change what has been the implied policy of this Diocese for some twenty years or so. That is to say, that no priest or parish is required to offer such rites. If a request comes to a priest it is to be handled on a case-by-case basis and with the pastoral attention and discretion of the individual clergy person. If I understand correctly, however, past administrations of this Diocese have not wanted to know in advance of such liturgical actions. It would be my expectation that I be informed of any such planned rites. If offered, the rite is not to look like a wedding (not parallel the rite of Holy Matrimony), but be held in the context of the blessing of a friendship/relationship, perhaps with a celebration of the Eucharist. It could only be done with the deepest integrity and intention of a life-long monogamous commitment.

I know that we disagree on this matter, but my perspective is that this is not about overturning ".the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures and of the saints of God throughout church history." It is about living more fully into the Gospel of Christ and his intention for all humankind, with Jesus and his life being the interpretive principle for all Scripture and the moral response we make to those Scriptures. I believe that it is to be publicly tested from time to time and it is in that testing that we will more fully discover the leading of God's Spirit to the truth that I trust we all desire.

You may also want to know that since I have become bishop I have received no requests from the clergy for same-sex blessings. Some folks' fear that there might be a groundswell of gay and lesbian couples coming forth to seek such blessings has not been born out.

Please know that I greatly appreciate the manner in which you and others have kept me informed of your actions and theological perspectives. It helps me to pray and search and discern in this difficult and anxious time. I pray for you and the other Confessing Anglicans as well.

Peace in Christ,

(signed) +Skip

Gladstone B. Adams III Bishop [of Central New York]

CC: District Deans The Standing Committee

[ahadams2]

looks like ol' Skip is trying to cover his...er,...bases

[ahadams2]

Ping.

[LiteKeeper]

not about overturning ".the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures and of the saints of God throughout church history." It is about living more fully into the Gospel of Christ and his intention for all humankind, with Jesus and his life being the interpretive principle for all Scripture and the moral response we make to those Scriptures. I believe that it is to be publicly tested from time to time and it is in that testing that we will more fully discover the leading of God's Spirit to the truth that I trust we all desire.

What a weasel statement. It is all about overturning the doctrine of Scripture! And God's Spirit will NEVER lead the church in a direction diametrically opposed to Scripture. This is ecclesiastical obfuscation at its worst.

[ahadams2]

er, well, what did you expect from a bishop who signs his letters 'skip'?

[RobbyS]

Neither do I condemn you. But whatever happened to the GO and SIN NO MORE part?"

[newheart]

ROFL. Yes, the bish' is practiced in the art of weasel wording. But don't take it out on his name. Somebody else probably hung it on him. Just as someone else hung it on me. But you have to admit it does have a certain Episcopal ring to it. ;-)

[beelzepug]

"...er, well, what did you expect from a bishop who signs his letters 'skip'?"

On the other hand, if someone had named ME Gladstone.....

[rackatoot]

Did you forget to specify "(no relation)" to Skip?

[rackatoot]

I'm sorry. Skip (III) is a later model, not an 'adams2'. Definitely not the same line.

[ahadams2]

LOL! indeed. Actually the family name was Adam (both 'short' 'a's with the accent on the second syllable) until WWI. At that time my family were all farmers in rural Wisconsin, but in order to avoid the anti-German persecution of the time, they added an 's' to the end, so that it would sound more American.

I have a feeling ol' skip might be related to *the* Adams - y'know, Mayflower, Declaration of Independence, two presidents - those folks. About the closest to president any of my ancestors ever got was being elected to the board of the local farm co-op. :-)