Posted on 08/29/2006 5:02:44 PM PDT by sionnsar
Fr. Jake (aka Terry Martin) posts this call for open war by the Rev. Michael Russell, Rector of All Souls', Point Loma, CA:
1) Quit apologizing for straining the bonds of affection. We did that at GC, now its time for folks to get over it. If they don't want to, tough, we're done talking about it. Instead we could simply re-affirm the call of the Baptismal Covenant to inclusion (that pesky respecting the dignity bit). Our leaders could all stand up and affirm the inclusion of gay and lesbian folk in the full life of the church (lift up all the GC 06 and previous resolutions that have done that) and our commitment to find the appropriate path to blessing the intention of two people to live in a life long committed relationship. We could go further and indicate that we will not spend another moment in conversation on this, moving instead to deal with all the sorts of important issues ++FTG has been naming right along.
2) Convene an international conference of progressive spirits from the WWAC to formulate a world wide "Merciful and Just Christian" agenda. That agenda would include: a Mission centered campaign around the MDG's: the elevation of the status of women in every province, and establishing a public listening and discourse opportunity in every province. Let's go to Nigeria and meet with the oppressed gay and lesbian community.
3) Extend the jurisdictional umbrella of this group to include any local Diocese or parish in any province of the world that wants to ally with this agenda. Take the money we and the others are now putting into the WWAC and put it into local mission and ministry. Find, train and ordain women and gays and lesbians and establish parishes around them.
4) Extend that same jurisdictional agenda into the ACN Dioceses. Frankly, any diocese that has altered its accession clause to the C&C should be de-credentialed and an alternate structure recognized immediately. It is time to hold Duncan et al accountable for their lawless behavior. If they cry martyrdom and oppression of the orthopox, that's just fine, let them cry. We simply affirm the decisions of GC surrounding women and gays and give aide and comfort to those parishes and individuals who wish to be out from under the oppressive and abusive and misogynist thumb (of some but not all) of the ACN crowd. With the CT decision we should change locks and freeze bank accounts.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. I am glad to read that "the conversation" is over.
It's not "over" yet but from where I see it (from well outside, mind you; the Episcopalians I know and can name today I can count on the fingers of one hand with a whole thumb left over), both sides are preparing for the "big" battle yet to come -- lining up their (legal) ammo, determining exactly who's on which side, that kind of stuff.
There are three objectives in the battle(s) to come, not necessarily in order: Who owns the property, who remains in the Communion, and just what is that (or "are those") Communion(s) anyway?
It's coming; from what I read I see no way back.
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