….Here are some questions to consider, derived from the Ordination liturgy, which outlines in some detail what is entrusted to and expected from any bishop:
1. Does the person believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation? (BCP 513)
2. Has the person consistently conformed to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church? (BCP 513) If not, why not? Has any failure to conform been theologically or pastorally justifiable? Has this person accepted the consequences of such failure? Is this person willing to uphold the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church as the standard expected behavior of the clergy over which this person will exercise oversight?
3. Are there any doubts that this person has been lawfully elected? (BCP 514)
4. Have concerns been raised in any quarter as to this person’s suitability? (BCP 514) If so, what are the concerns? Are they justified? Are these concerns so serious that they raise the question of whether this person will engage in inappropriate or scandalous behavior in the future or compromise the witness that The Episcopal Church is called to maintain?
5. Is this person “one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel?” (BCP 517)
Of course, all of this depends what the meaning of “is” is… (sorry couldn’t resist being facetious here)
Terry Mattingly [http://www.getreligion.org] and [http://www.tmatt.net] has three questions that he asks of Christian leaders:
(1) Are biblical accounts of the resurrection of Jesus accurate? Did this event really happen?
(2) Is salvation found through Jesus Christ, alone? Was Jesus being literal when he said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me†(John 14:6)?
(3) Is sex outside of marriage a sin?
I know there are many questions asked in the ordination and consecration services in the BCP but it seems to me that these three cover all the bases. And they’re simple, too!
Left out a few important questions to send to the candidate:
1. What is Episcopalian Buddhism?
2. What is the historical and geographical background of Episcopalian Buddhism?
3. What are the purposes of the Buddha’s preaching?
4. What is the status of Buddhist Episcopalians among world living religions?
5. What is the size of the Buddhist Episcopalian population in the United States?
6. What is the official administration of the Episcopalian Buddhist Order?
7. What is the World Fellowship of Buddhists?
8. What role does the Episcopal Church play in the World Fellowship of Buddhists?
9. What is the meaning of the Buddhist flag?
10. What is the meaning of the Buddhist symbol?
11. What are the differences between the major schools of Buddhism, Theravada and Mahayana?
12. How and what should an Episcopalian Buddhist Bishop believe?
13. Are Buddhists taught to be tolerant of other’s opinions, beliefs, or customs?
14. Could we live happily without believing in any religion?
15. Are there any particular forms of practice in Episcopalian Buddhism?
16. What are the results of the practice of the Five Precepts?
17. How should an Episcopalian live the Buddhist way of life?
18. Is there any Buddha’s teaching that monks should serve society in addition to teaching Dhamma ?
19. Should an Episcopalian believe they can be a real Buddhist only through meditation?
20. Why do monks wear patched robes ? Does a darker robe signify strictness of the wearer?
21. Why do monks go on alms round in the morning?
22. How is the universal loving-kindness taught in Buddhism?
23. What is the candidate’s teaching about hamburgers and methane?
24. What is the candidate’s attitude towards ecological problems?
25. Is it true that Buddhism is pessimistic?
26. What is the justification of Buddhist’s worshipping and making a Buddha image?
27. What is the real meaning of merit making?
28. What is the real meaning of dana (giving)?
29. What does it mean when a Buddhist Episcopal Bishop takes refuge in Triple Gem?
30. What are the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha?
31. What does “going to the monastery” mean?
32. Is it compulsory for Buddhists to go to the monastery regularly?
33. In Buddhism, can women attain enlightenment?
34. Is it true that in some countries women can be ordained?
35. What is the Buddhist attitude towards prostitution?
36. Is the Buddha’s teaching dynamic?
37. What is the truth of life, according to Buddhism?
38. What is the concept of “Anatta” (no-self), how can this concept direct us in our daily life?
39. If there is no ” Atta” or permanent soul, how does the kamma continue?
40. What is the instruction on divine being and what are the qualifications to be divine in this life?
41. How many categories of divine being are mentioned in Buddhism?
42. What are the benefits which the Buddha told the practical ways and means to achieve?
43. Please tell the (three levels of) Buddhist study as instructed by the Buddha?
44. What are the main doctrinal tenets of Episcopalian Buddhism?
45. Is Nibbana or Nirvana attainable in this lifetime?