The Episcopal Church: In The News Again

I've been an Episcopalian all my life and I must say I'm disappointed in the Episcopal Church for forcing the issue of gay and lesbian clergy at General Convention this year. I myself have no problem with gays and lesbians being elected as clergy, but I don't see why the church needed to take a definitive stance on the matter.

The Episcopal Church has distinguished itself from other Christian denominations through progressive thinking and an acceptance of open discussion on controversial topics. By taking a stance that clearly puts the community at odds with the larger Anglican Communion is no way to maintain that standard. In taking a specific stance, we move closer to the Catholic Church with an inflexible and clear-cut statement of beliefs. While the community adheres to a belief in God, Episcopalians find comfort in acknowledging they don't have all the answers. They see the experience of faith as a journey not a destination that requires specific directions. We agree or agree to disagree, but we keep talking and we allow both viewpoints to exist without issue.

While the move towards a liberal church did provide a more inviting atmosphere towards the LGBT community, it further isolated current parishioners who have expressed their displeasure over the inclusion of that group. If the decision was a move to bolster attendance, it merely attracts one group and repels another. The governing body of the church knew the problems the issue would raise, but proceeded regardless. Now, a number of dioceses are threatening to leave and the possibility of being cut off from the Anglican Communion remains.

On the other hand, I take issue with conservative members who complained about gay Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire's presence at General Convention and at previous major gatherings of church leaders. They fail to respect the generally inviting nature our church has attempted to maintain and label the man as a villain leading the liberal revolt. I've had the distinct honor of meeting the controversial figure a number of years ago and was able to speak with him openly about the subject. He acknowledges his position in the church and in various media have brought a lot of unwanted attention to the church. However, in the end, he is primarily focused with the needs of the diocese he serves. Like every other Bishop, he needs to explain to his parishioners why churches are closing and where the money will come from next. He is attempting to do the job he was elected to do without shaking the boat too much.

Gene Robinson is a gay man who is in a faithful committed relationship holding an office within the church. People may consider his homosexuality as a serious sin. I disagree, but if it is a sin, it is a minor one compared to the way people have treated this man. Robinson was ordained wearing a bullet-proof vest and surrounded by a security detail for protection from death threats. The church he was ordained in had metal detectors posted at the entrances for fear of an attempt on the man's life. What kind of a country do we live in when people have to live in fear for who they are or what they believe? I was under the impression that we lived in America, and I was under the impression people who believed in God also valued the protection of life and the promotion of peace.

I certainly don't know the answer to resolving all this, but I firmly believe the Episcopal Church should never have banned gay and lesbian clergy in the first place. I think the decision to lift the ban will do more harm than good in the end. If a diocese wants to elect gay clergy, so be it. If it doesn't, so be it. Each diocese should decide for themselves. Each member of church should decide for themselves. That's my sermon for today...