RNS—Second (partnerd) gay bishop OK’d for Episcopal Church

Posted by Kendall Harmon

[At the present time]... the communion’s 38 national provinces are also debating a “covenant” aimed at settling disputes between liberals and conservatives. But Williams is seen as “increasingly irrelevant” for the future of the Episcopal Church, said the Rev. Jo Bailey Wells, who directs the Anglican/Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School.

“The Episcopal Church, by its actions, is demonstrating that it no longer values its place under the historic headship of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and therefore the Anglican Communion,” Wells said.

The confirmation of a second openly gay bishop is even more significant than the first, Wells said, since the consequences—widespread dissent in the communion and persecution of Anglicans in countries where homosexuality is reviled—are clear.

But gay and lesbian Episcopalians celebrated on Wednesday, and hinted that more traditional barriers may soon fall, as gay rectors, bishops and weddings become more common.

“We are past the turning point and the forecast for full inclusion in the Episcopal Church is brighter than ever before,” said the Rev. David Norgard, president of the pro-gay group Integrity.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Bishops • TEC Conflicts • TEC Conflicts: Los Angeles • Sexuality Debate (in Anglican Communion) • Same-sex blessings

3 Comments
Posted March 18, 2010 at 9:44 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. New Reformation Advocate wrote:

Well, with regard to the president of Integrity’s triumphant comment at the end, TEC has passed another key turning point, or tipping point all right.  More like passing the point of no return, although thankfully, there is always the theoretical possibility of repentance.  But at this point, the Titanic’s stern is tilting higher up than ever…

More disturbing to me was Glasspool’s quite smug attempt to allay fears about a negative reaction from much of the AC.  Her attempt at reassurance comes across as either incredibly naive, blatantly cynical, or simply hypocritical.  You take your pick.

“I have a hard time imagining what’s going to be different tomorrow, with respect to our relations to the world, from today.  I am committed to extending my hand and my heart to those who may think or believe differently than I do.”

To me, that sounds like her target audience is really secular America, and not those of us who don’t just “think differently” than she does, but are convinced that she thinks totally differently from God himself, as his will is clearly revealed in his Word.  This whole crisis isn’t about mere personal preferences, or putative private “values,” but about objective, universal moral standards, set forth unambiguously in Holy Scripture.

David Handy+

March 18, 2:02 pm | [comment link]
2. Cennydd wrote:

Sorry, but I can’t accept her ‘hand and heart’  without compromising my beliefs.

March 18, 4:16 pm | [comment link]
3. Br. Michael wrote:

I think she is correct.  TEC is, and has been, past the point of no return.  And she recognizes that the ABC and the AC will do nothing about it.  It’s up to the individuals to leave or stay as they think best.  But TEC’s path has been charted for a long time.  The AC bears the greater responsibility because they did nothing about it.  The AC offers nothing and is nothing.

March 18, 5:27 pm | [comment link]
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