Posted on 08/12/2005 8:09:05 AM PDT by sionnsar
[The referenced article on FR and original. --sionnsar]
Comments to Religion Today 8/11/05 article
and a message to
Parishioners of “both” St. John’s
Pertaining to article: http://www.ctsix.org/1/2005/08/Religion-today.cfm. And I quote, "Everybody has a boss, and whether you agree with that boss or not, you have to respect them," Getler said.
As a parishioner of St. John's I say "no one from either the vestry, or Father Mark Hansen himself for that matter, exhibited the least amount of disrespect towards Bishop Smith".
We followed the rules. We applied for DEPO. We informed the Bishop of the sabbatical.
This is not about respect, or lack there of, for one's boss. This is a church we are talking about here… a place of worship; a place to confess your sins; a place to learn more about our Lord and walk closer with Him. Not Corporate America.
But even if it was corporate America, there are rules that “bosses” must follow; else there are consequences to pay. One could even say this about our church, canonically speaking that is. Church property in this case was taken against canonical law, against the vestry, and without a parish vote. This is about power, rather the abuse of it, on the part of Bishop Smith and the CT standing committee.
And perhaps more importantly, this is also about a pure and simple right, as conservative Christians, to follow the Gospel and still remain in the Episcopal Church. Bishop Smith sent a clear message on 7/13 by taking the property... worship my way or leave. He forces the schism between ECUSA and the Anglican Communion.
As for a 50/50 split that this author Cara Rubinsky eludes to in this article; I can only say that I respectfully disagree. St. John’s in Exile parishioners overwhelmed Trinity parishioners by at least 4 to 1 last Sunday. I didn’t actually count, but I’d say St. John’s was in the 80’s strong… hence the schism tears a bit more… some in Exile, some in the “occupied” building. And both believing where they are is right, or shall I say some feeling they are at least in familiar surroundings.
This was and continues to be a hard decision to make for all of St. John’s members. But we are being forced to choose, by the CT diocese itself. However, I’m sure you recall, this is also found in scripture. And not to choose is a choice as well.
I am not making judgments as to which side is right or wrong. God didn’t supply me with that kind of wisdom. I know He gave us free will and meant for us to use it. I can tell you that I loved my parish family (and still do) as my own. I worked hard, as the rest of my parish family did, to build our worship space. And I also loved that beautiful worship space and did not want to leave it.
I as well would love to turn back the hands of time, the way it was before VG a few years ago, or whenever this movement away from His Word started originally. But unfortunately, we all know that is not possible.
I am only sure of 1 thing and 1 thing alone. For myself, following the Bible, as it is written and not twisted to suit a problematic society, IS what He meant for me (us) to do.
To all my friends at St. John's on Stafford Ave. in the “occupied” building... we miss you, we love you, and we are still a family even if we are apart. Our hearts still long for the fellowship of your company. We long for unity of our tag sales, soup kitchens, and all Outreach events such as the “festival of Sharing”. The doors are always open to you at St. John's in Exile. And right now that's across Bristol at Trinity. I personally extend an invitation to each and every one of you to attend, if only once. I ask for once, once to unite with your family, your friends, in His Name.
God Bless us all,
Tammy Vogt
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Sorry about St. Johns, but at least one of the churches, St. Pauls with Rev. Leighton, has looked deeper into the matter and apparently the Bishop not only has no legal right to take their property, but if he pushes the issue he will be arrested for tresspas if he sets foot on the grounds.
Very interesting! I wonder if this has been conveyed to the other four of the CT 6 churches (though I'd be surprised if it hasn't).
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