There was much anticipation Thursday morning as the time approached for the daily Eucharist; the Archbishop was scheduled to preach. Would there be any new word about how he felt and what he thought, personally, about the Episcopal Church and the actions we have taken in past Conventions? He was much more personal, expressing gratitude for the role the American Church has taken, even apologizing for actions taken by Churches outside the United States. His sentiments were heartfelt and, at least by me, welcome. Then, as has happened so often in the past, the Archbishop said, “I hope you take no actions that will push us further apart.”
Push us further apart? It is not universally accepted that anything the Episcopal Church did is what broke us apart. Some of us chose to move away from the rest of us. This is a very old and tired argument. It’s time for us, while we have the opportunity at this Convention, to move forward, beyond the arguments and justifications. It is the time for bold and powerful leadership; may God send it now.
“It is not universally accepted that anything the Episcopal Church did is what broke us apart. Some of us chose to move away from the rest of us.” Who? Us? We didn’t do anything. Good grief! He probably really believes this. Eyes have they and see not, ears have they and hear not!
It may not be universally accepted but it is still true. Obviously this writer does not get it.
It was not for light and transient reasons that we reasserters left the Episcopal Church, and Fr Papile knows it, I’m sure. Saying that his Church was not at fault is nothing more than abject denial.