All Saints Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, PA is right across the street from Saint Katherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church and Elementary School (link to Google Map). This past week, the Episcopal parish posted the following announcement on their roadside message board,
This is not what I would call "being a good neighbor". For one thing it has not been the church's habit to display wedding congratulations for their heterosexual members. It is clearly an attempt to say, "Hey look at us!" It also sends a message to children being ferried to and from the R.C. elementary school across the street that the R.C.'s teachings on same-sex marriage should be questioned.
Never mind the fact that this parish has lost 38% of its Sunday pewsitters over the past 10 years.
One reason might be that their social activism includes distributing 1,000 packets of information on The Episcopal Church at the Philadelphia Outfest this Sunday.
Naturally, their web page proudly displays this,
This is not what I would call "being a good neighbor". For one thing it has not been the church's habit to display wedding congratulations for their heterosexual members. It is clearly an attempt to say, "Hey look at us!" It also sends a message to children being ferried to and from the R.C. elementary school across the street that the R.C.'s teachings on same-sex marriage should be questioned.
Never mind the fact that this parish has lost 38% of its Sunday pewsitters over the past 10 years.
One reason might be that their social activism includes distributing 1,000 packets of information on The Episcopal Church at the Philadelphia Outfest this Sunday.
Naturally, their web page proudly displays this,
I wonder if they would welcome those who disagree?
Seeing as how the rector, in a not so welcoming gesture reportedly recently ex-communicated one pewsitter who questioned some goings on in the church office (personal communication), I kinda doubt it.
Posts
"In Your Face". There is another expression that came to mind.
ReplyDeleteYep, but not publishable.
DeleteEpisodes like this have me wondering whether orthodox Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Lutherans might, to some extent, bear some responsibility for the state of the ECUSA, PCUSA and ELCA because so many are leaving. I struggle with this. I understand the temptation to leave. But it just seems, in the end, to make easier the work of those who think that the conventional wisdom of upper-middle-class suburbia beats the witness of Scripture every time.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt conservative flight has helped unleash the revisionist hounds.
DeleteI believe at one time there was a discussion of the "Inside strategy" the "Outside strategy" and the "Stay and die" strategy (Ephraim Radner). I'm not sure the Communion Partner bishops haven't been muted by KJS through the "Conciliation" process. Those of us who did leave (Now I am speaking only for myself) felt that we were in spiritual jeopardy.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget the underground strategy.
DeleteYes, I felt in spiritual jeopardy. My anger was overwhelming me.
DeleteThe Librarian,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that was getting the best of me too.
"And don't forget the underground strategy." Was that what was advocated by Sarah H.?