In response to the Primates’ request for clarification, the JSC generously (and erroneously given the reality on the ground in many dioceses) concluded that the New Orleans HoB commitment meant that the use of any rites or liturgies which includes a blessing on a same-sex union would not have the bishop’s authority “until a broader consensus emerges in the Communion, or until General Convention takes further action”.
The passing of C056 is General Convention’s further action. It clearly gives the use of such rites the authority of the House of Bishops and of General Convention. It thus represents a determined rejection of the moratorium repeatedly called for by all the Instruments of Communion.
As outlined above, the rest of the Communion has ”“ in faithfulness to Christ’s call to seek reconciliation – walked patiently with our brothers and sisters in TEC for many years, constantly inviting them to turn around in freedom and relocate themselves within the story of God that we collectively tell as a Communion, a story in which mutual subjection out of reverence for Christ, synodality, and mutual interdependence play key roles. At every stage attempts have been made to interpret TEC responses to requests as generously as possible. Now, however, TEC has spoken resoundingly and clearly through its supreme governing body of General Convention and addressed the question it avoided addressing in 2003. Sadly, through C056, we hear their firm and unequivocal answer to the Windsor Report and to the pattern of life set out in the affirmations and commitments agreed by ACC in the Covenant. An answer already made evident in the passing of D025: “No! We choose autonomy over mutual interdependence. We will now, in freedom, believing ourselves to be led by the Spirit, continue our prophetic witness and walk apart”.
Of course nothing will happen.
The English Bishops must surely realize now the true intentions of the Americans. The Presiding Bishop and her crew are threatening the ABC with monetary violence if they dare go against the new world order they hope to establish.
The English lack a fundamental understanding of the violent socialization of the American personality. Americans have often acted, on a local level, to address their grievances through riots, vigilantism, lynching, trade union strikes, range wars, gang wars, etc. It is our most valued tradition to settle individual, familial, and local jurisdictional issues through one of these or other similar methods. The issue is a local one in the mind of those in control of TEC.
And, in the last 25 years, they have mastered the art of communications to obfuscate their true intent and to confuse the public as they accumulate one victory after another against their opponents. In this way, they have successfully built a consensus around what conservative Episcopalians might term illegal acts in that the various resolutions passed at GC violate the canons. This is American domestic social violence in action. The bitterness and desire to do battle, with no regard for a deep understanding of the meaning of God’s love, has been a hallmark of this social movement.
“Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle. … Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war.” General George S. Patton
When Patton uttered these words they were true. It is still true that Americans who believe their cause is just hate losing any battle.
I for one believe that the patience exhibited by the Communion was required. Now there can be no doubt of TEC’s true intentions. What remains to be seen is whether it will be addressed with strength or weakness.
The English Bishops must surely realize now the true intentions of the Americans. The Presiding Bishop and her crew are threatening the ABC with monetary violence if they dare go against the new world order they hope to establish.
The English lack a fundamental understanding of the violent socialization of the American nation. The personal grievance must be put right. Americans have often acted, on a local level, to address their grievances through riots, vigilantism, lynching, trade union strikes, range wars, gang wars, etc. It is our most valued tradition to settle individual, familial, and local jurisdictional issues through one of these or other similar methods. The issue is a local one in the mind of those in control of TEC.
And, in the last 25 years, they have mastered the art of communications to obfuscate their true intent and to confuse the public as they accumulate one victory after another against their opponents. In this way, they have successfully built a consensus around what conservative Episcopalians might term illegal acts in that the various resolutions passed at GC violate the canons. This is American domestic social violence in action. The bitterness and desire to do battle, with no regard for a deep understanding of the meaning of God’s love, has been a hallmark of this social movement.
“Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle. … Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war.â€
General George S. Patton
When Patton uttered these words they were true. It is still true that Americans who believe their cause is just hate losing any battle.
I for one believe that the patience exhibited by the Communion was required. Now there can be no doubt of their true intentions. What remains to be seen is whether it will be addressed with strength or weakness.