…the bishop of Spokane, the Right Rev. James E. Waggoner, told me today (5/5/09) he has consented to the election of the Rev. Kevin G. Thew Forrester as bishop of Northern Michigan.
The word that Waggoner used most (about a half-dozen times) to describe Thew Forrester is “integrity.” Bishop Waggoner said he knows Thew Forrester, he’s worked with Thew Forrester, he’s read the bishop-elect’s writings and he’s observed the bishop-elect’s leadership.
“He’s a person of integrity in his proclamation of the Gospel, in his preaching, in his teaching. I think it [Thew Forrester’s message] certainly is orthodox and has integrity to it,” Waggoner said.
Hmmm, one wonders less at the mess the ECUSA/TEC/GCC/EO-PAC is in with every approval given. It is rather humorous that integrity is related to one-ness in a candidate not at one with the Faith delivered and going to end up in the Nothingness. But hey, at-one-with-Nothing is integral in some eyes.
NT Wright is also one of those, I’ve read, that has respect for Forrester. It seems that those who have met him, trust him. Those who have not, don’t.
John Wilkins, you read wrong. Wright totally OPPOSES Forrester as bishop. This was NT Wright’s quote:
[blockquote]“I don’t really see what there is left to say – the unique incarnation, saving death, bodily resurrection and universal lordship of Jesus are basic to Christian faith and to question that means you are disqualified from being an upholder of that faith in any official capacity in the church. That such a man should be considered even a possibility for a bishop is quite simply extraordinary.†– The right Rev. N.T. Wright, lord bishop of Durham, England[/blockquote]
Hardly a ringing endorsement! Go back and read the original article here.
http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/may/02/believing-outside-20090502/
The way the quotes are presented are confusing at first, I grant you. But to seriously think Wright would approve of Forrester is utterly ludicrous and quite an insult to the Bishop of Durham.
#2 – I’m sure that most who have met him do trust him. My rector knows him and trusts him, but she has yet to reasonably answer any of my objections as to why I believe he should not be a bishop.
#2 – John.
I did — on a number of occasions — and don’t. That is, of course, only my personal opinion and experience, but I am afraid it does not support your maxim. Sorry.
Neff Powell of SW.VA. also voted yes to the liturgical vagrant. Powell has roots in Washington State. Something about that place that attracts and produces such quality?
I think the code word is “integrity” Choir Stall. Probably in all of its connotations rather than definitions, but there you have it. ‘Neff said, as it were.
Forrester may also love his dog, but that doesn’t make him qualified to be a bishop.