Somehow I missed this report from ENS on SC's diocesan convention. The ENS report includes this:
According to the Episcopal Forum of South Carolina, a group of Episcopalians who oppose the official stance of the diocese, Salmon said that the diocese alone has the power to perpetuate itself. The group's post-convention newsletter said that Salmon criticized Jefferts Schori's Christology, saying it was the reason that the diocese needed an alternative to her leadership.
The group reported that Lawrence said the Episcopal Church is dying and that there must be a change in the way it is related to the Anglican Communion and in the way all the members of the Communion relate to each other.
If that 2nd paragraph is accurate, how can there be any consideration of consenting to his consecration??
Of course the EFSC has no axe to grind, but if the 2nd paragraph is accurate, it looks like a priest facing reality:
ReplyDeleteThe ECUSA is dying, we are burying and loosing at a greater rate than we are baptizing and receiving - so he's accurate about that, and there is no reversal in sight except in the Diocese of South Carolina.
He is also calling for something similar to what the ABC has suggested - a change in how the AC relates to each other including the ECUSA.
Simon,
ReplyDeleteMy diocese (Dallas) didn't really withdraw, they're just using "Episcobabble" to spin it that way. +Stanton has asked the ABC for an "alternative pastoral relationship" or something like that (seems to change from one day to another).
But would AlPO by any, other name smell as sweet ? ;)
Thanks for the map of the APO-states.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at those who are willing to give Mr. Lawrence points for stating the obvious.
ReplyDeleteThe question is this: Will you remain FAITHFUL to the doctrine and discipline of The Episcopal Church?
NOT the ANGLICAN COMMUNION.
The EPISCOPAL Church.
If the answer is no, then the answer is no.
Period.
What part of "no" don't we understand?
Well it is not exact but he seems to answer the question:
ReplyDelete7. Will you uphold the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of the Episcopal Church as now constituted?
Yes, as I have for the last twenty-six plus years of ordained ministry! One, however, should be cognizant of the essential fact that this upholding of the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of the Episcopal Church includes the essential fact of remaining
“…a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church…propagating the historic Faith and Order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer….” (Preamble to the Constitution)
Unfortunately, when this vow is looked at in it’s entirety, all Episcopalians may at some point in the not too distant future be asked to declare allegiance to one portion of the Constitution and Canons at the expense of another. Frankly, this is because in more than a few highly publicized actions, bishops and priests of this Church have acted contrary to the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of the Episcopal Church.
Of course he is again stating the obvious and earning points ; )
Spirit of God is alive and everlasting, in spite of ordained stiff collars predicting eternal death for The Church. Numbers of Baptisms and church attendance do not qualify as 100% accurate measurements of vitality of God's Faithful,the true zest/ spirit of the church. Best for you doomsdayers to reread the bible and pay attention to the transformation in God's people from Old Testament Temple times and New Testament "baptism by the Spirit" times. Enough already! Your ego's are the only audience attending your devisive games in God's name.
ReplyDelete