PRESS RELEASE FROM THE REV. TODD H. WETZEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANGLICANS UNITED & LATIMER PRESS
June 21, 2006
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The news of this Episcopal Convention can be seen in the replacement of a large cross once prominently displayed behind the dais in the House of Deputies. Sixteen flags of nations where expressions of the Episcopal Church exist now hang where once there was a cross.
The Rev. Canon George Werner, President of the House of Deputies, proudly pointed to the sixteen flags as representative of the sovereign nations represented in this “august” House. In opening session, someone pointed out that we are no longer to be referred to as The Episcopal Church in the United States of America(ECUSA) rather we are The Episcopal Church (TEC). Get it? We are a Church of sixteen national Episcopal Churches functioning interdependently and “autonomously.” Once a proud member of the Anglican Communion we have now become our own “Communion.” It won’t be long before other “progressive” and enlightened Episcopal churches in Canada, or New Zealand (for example) might join us.
The American Church, once the knee jerk sentiment attached to membership in the Anglican communion wanes a bit more, and weak protests die, will happily own up to the string of decisions which have deliberately defined a progressive and revisionist brand of Christianity which no one, past or present, would define as traditional, Biblical or orthodox.
The Episcopal Church became bifurcated as early as the 1950’s with the weakening of marriage canons. The traditional three-legged stool of Scripture, Tradition and Reason informed by the Holy Spirit as the basis for authority has been gradually replaced by experience and legislation as the new means for defining truth.
This rapidly developing post Enlightenment and post modern church formed energetically and boldly first within and then beside a traditional church caught up in Renewal and preoccupied with the parochial while the emerging church took over diocesan and national church structures. While the older “church” clearly maintained a majority in the pews across the country, the emerging church began winning votes in the legislative conventions of the Church. Along came the Pike affair, a new Book of Common Prayer, women’s ordination, the ordination of practicing homosexuals the blessing of same sex unions.
There developed two separate and distinct churches of very different minds The one viewing Truth as the result of Revelation, the other seeing truth as personal and relational. The one views Truth in Creeds and Catechism, the other finds truths in pictures usually abstract. Neither understands the other. Both cannot be “right.” One must prevail
The emerging Church now decisively exercises control. They have the votes! Those who look to Scripture, Tradition and Reason have acquiesced their place on “the Floor”. There is no room for them. The emerging church is now firmly in charge and conformity to truth as their experience defines it and the political process refines it is required.
Examples of this newly defined Episcopal Communion witnessed at this Convention which advance the distinction from an older more Anglican Communion:
1. Through a string of liturgical (worship service) decisions the Book of
Common Prayer is becoming less a “Book” and more a loose leaf
three ring binder;
2. The Rev. Canon Barry Beisner, twice divorced, now in a third marriage was
approved for consecration to the Episcopate. Many dioceses in the Church would
not approve him for ordination to the priesthood due to his multiple divorces.
But he is a capable, nice and intelligent man and that trumps principle every time
in the emerging church;
3. The Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori was elected on the fifth ballot in the House of Bishops and overwhelmingly approved by the House of Deputies. The overwhelming number of churches in the Anglican Communion do not ordain women and are clearly not about to consecrate them to the Episcopacy. Further she clearly supports the ordination of practicing homosexuals, their consecration to episcopacy and the blessing of same sex unions. No clearer signal could be sent the Anglican Communion that the American Church cares little for their Faith let alone their sensibilities. But, she is a very talented, capable and intelligent woman and that trumps concern for overseas partners or long time relationships with “traditionalists in the pews.”
4. This Convention was charged with responding to the Windsor Report, a clear delineation of Anglican beliefs and historic sensibilities written in response to the crisis precipitated by the American church’s approval of the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson despite strong advice to the contrary by most of leadership in the Anglican Communion. The American response at best is obfuscating, disingenuous, and ambiguous confessing a love and respect for “our Anglican brothers and sisters,” stating a desire to keep talking but not backing down from any decisions while advancing their agenda. The American church is convinced of its own righteousness and is determined to export it.
The Episcopal Church has left the Anglican Communion de facto if not yet de jure.
A new Communion is in the process of being formed. An emerging church is now fully apparent and it has clearly eclipsed the once proud Episcopal Church in the United States of America a one time constituent member of the Anglican Communion.
The American Church is active and independent. It remains to be seen what the Anglican Communion’s response will be. It remains to be seen whether there is enough energy left in the beleaguered and now eclipsed traditional elements of the Episcopal Church to generate a life giving response and establish a new residence apart from the ecclesial home they once owned but have now lost.
Oh, yes , there is the Joint Meeting this morning of Deputies and Bishops. There will be regrets. There will be other meetings in which regret and remorse are expressed. But the divorce has been effected. And, sadly, my friends. It is over.
The Rev. Todd H. Wetzel, Executive Director
Anglicans United & Latimer Press
