Posted on 03/29/2006 6:45:25 PM PST by sionnsar
Strategy time again. New possibilities are emerging. I’d never have thought GC2006 of ECUSA might actually comply with the Windsor Report enough to stay in the Anglican Communion and not give its consent to another homosexual bishop. But, what if they do, and what if, let’s say, Bishop Jenkins is elected Presiding Bishop. What then?
My buddy Fr. Matt Kennedy warns we need to “hold the line” and continue to press for repentance by ECUSA. But, he also admits elsewhere that our only pressure is international. If all of the above paragraph happens, which it is now looking like it might, I feel sure Presiding Bishop Jenkins would be admitted to Holy Communion at the Primates meeting. The pressure, internationally, will lessen, as they will give Jenkins a chance to get the ECUSA house in order.
Without the international pressure, the orthodox, reasserters, conservatives (whatever we are - those that hold to the faith in Jesus Christ, died, buried, arisen and Lord of all that don’t buy into the false Gospel of revision and acceptance of sin) will be on our own. A long time ago, the Global South primates warned that while they will help us in our struggle, the struggle is ours.
In short, we must continue to keep the pressure on. We must question everything ECUSA does - from the parish to the Diocese to the Province to 815. We must stand for vestries, standing committees, deputies to General Convention, and, yes, the Executive Council of ECUSA. Further, we have to engage in dialogue not just amongst ourselves, but with the mushy middle and even die hard revisionists in our church. We must do this in a Christ-like manner with a humble servant’s heart. But, we can no longer afford to hand over power to folks who cannot be trusted - to Bishops who will attack orthodox priests in their Diocese, to priests who will harass orthodox laity.
For me, GC2003 tought me that the church just doesn’t take care of itself while I’m off ministering in prison. Like it or not, I have to dedicate a good portion of my ministry time to the church, if I want to even have a church. I can’t just tuck tail and run simply because I don’t like my church. If I don’t like it, I need to decide what I am going to do about it.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
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