25 July 2007

(Mostly) Quiet On The Anglican Front.

Not much news, Episcopal Church-wise. There is some fussing by Conservatives about wording of Consents for a Bishop, and what technically violated what Canon. This is an issue, I suppose, because the Presiding Bishop used just such a Canon technicality to invalidate the election of a conservative Bishop to the Diocese of South Carolina. Did the Consent forms violate the Canon? I’m no lawyer, but it seems, on the face of it, yes. But a priest once told me that, in a theological debate, if you have to argue Church Canons to make your point you have lost the argument. What my Orthodox and Conservative friends need to remember is that all the Liberation Theology, “New Thing” wing of The Episcopal Church ™ has to defend their positions are the Church's Constitution and Canons, and the legalisms therein. There is little basis (if any) Scripturally for their positions. And besides, to us check-writing-pew-sitters, this sort of issue sounds like arguing about angels on the head of a pin. Let it go, folks. Do not become what we oppose.

In a sense, this time is the calm before the real storm. Which should happen, ironically enough, in September in New Orleans, when the US House of Bishops meets with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Primates Standing Committee to (hopefully) deal directly with the Current Unpleasantness. If we are to remain a Communion at all, the Current Unpleasantness that The Episcopal Church™ has thrust upon the Anglican Communion must be resolved. Must. So the question is: Will this be a Second Battle of New Orleans and The Episcopal Church™ made to answer for what it's unilateral action has done to the very core of our Faith, or will this be just another Showdown At The I’m OK, You’re OK Corral (complete with Communiqué)??

We shall see.

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