Posted on 05/18/2006 5:37:05 PM PDT by sionnsar
In an open letter to his diocese, John-David Schofield, the bishop of San Joaquin, called Robinson’s election and confirmation “a move of arrogance and disregard for the expressed concern of the rest of the Anglican Communion,” expressing his desire that the church remain united.
“Since (Robinson’s confirmation), many have left the Episcopal Church. Whole parishes have left their dioceses,” Schofield wrote. “Other Provinces of the Anglican Communion (are) anguished over the decision of American Episcopalians. No new act of rebellion needs to happen!”
Calls to Schofield’s office in Fresno were not returned.
The Rev. Richard Matters, the pastor of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Lodi, said his views are more liberal than those of the San Joaquin Diocese.
“I believe schism is a sin,” Matters said. “I see the inclusion of Gene Robinson to be most consistent with the message of the Gospel.”
It is promiscuity that’s looked down upon, so if an individual is in a faithful relationship, it does not matter if that person is gay or straight, Matters said.
For Ted Yumoto, a 59-year-old Stockton resident who is a member of Martins’ congregation, acceptance of gay clergy means the Episcopal denomination is forgetting its roots.
“The church has been merging itself with the secular society in its appearance and decision-making process and has put Scripture on the back burner,” he said. “When Scripture’s not the driving force, you have no central point.”
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Isn't this unfair to swingers and players? How narrow minded, puritanical and non-inclusive of him!
This whole 'election of bishops' thing is a bit odd.
Christ never said the Church was a democracy.
No, He didn't. OTOH, he never talked about bishops, either. I don't see anything in the Bible that would forbid election of bishops.
Agreed, there is nothing to forbid such elections but Christ, understandably, knew His mind enough to know who was doing what, eg. St. Peter as the first Pope.
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