As the CofE moved this week to ordain female bishops, the money quote unwittingly came from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby himself, (via AFP)
This vote ensures that the "church of those who disagree" will indeed flourish (as long as it continues to hold true to the Biblical teachings on the nature of bishops).
Thanks for giving it a kick start Justin!
"Today we can begin to embrace a new way of being the church and moving forward together,"The results of the Episcopal church's experiment of being the church of those who do agree (re: female bishops) suggests, the future of the CofE is likely to be one of steady decline.
"We will also continue to seek the flourishing of the church of those who disagree."
This vote ensures that the "church of those who disagree" will indeed flourish (as long as it continues to hold true to the Biblical teachings on the nature of bishops).
Thanks for giving it a kick start Justin!
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"The principle had been strongly opposed by conservatives, but many were persuaded following assurances that the views of parishioners who did not want a female bishop would be taken into account."
ReplyDeleteThose conservatives who were persuaded also are planning on buying the Brooklyn bridge. What does "taken into account" mean anyway? Does this mean 'duly noted' and get used to being led by a female bishop. We also know the history of this in TEc and how the thinking continued to 'evolve'.
The response to the Philadelphia Seven experiment has faded from the collectives memory. More recently we saw a similar response to what the AbofC suggesting in TEc's response to gay bishops when Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight was proposed. "We as bishops are not of a common mind about issues concerning human sexuality. Different points of view on these matters also exist within our dioceses and congregations." The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, from their document: "Caring For All The Churches", and ++Welby's statement echoes PB Frank Griswald's words back then, "I could not possibly be more proud of our bishops, who with great care and deliberation sought to articulate our shared ministry of reconciliation in ways that are generous toward those who feel themselves in some sense alienated from our common life."
Delete"The honesty and generosity of spirit that have prevailed throughout this meeting make it clear that we as bishops, regardless of our several points of view, are deeply committed to the costly work of reconciliation, not only within the church but for the sake of the world."
"We are moving beyond winning and losing. Together we are coming to a new place of mutual discovery and trust."