The problem for Anglicans is that they cannot agree on how to interpret the Bible, and therefore they arrive at very different views on a number of moral issues.
For conservative Anglicans, the Bible is clearly opposed to homosexuality. Liberals say that Jesus was silent on the issue.
What is clear is that the debate over sexuality is not going to be over soon, but in the meantime African Anglicans are seizing the initiative and creating new branches of their churches inside the United States.
Why are all these new bishops being minted? There are so many! And even before the expected final NO from TEC bishops.
Supply creates its own demand.
[blockquote] Why are all these new bishops being minted?[/blockquote]
To shepherd the growing flock bringing orthodox Anglican Christianity to North America. What a concept.
Nature abhors a vacuum.
Yeah, all that. But they’re jumping the gun, esp. since Pittsburgh, Quincy, FW and San Joaquin are in process of seceding. Does anyone else think that, “in order to preserve a more perfect union” of orthodox Anglican, they should wait for those dioceses and bishops to put in place the process for discerning and consecrating American bishops?
And what place will there be for all these bishops once the dust settles and it’s time to put together a new American province? Will they all humbly offer to step back? or will there be a power struggle in purple? I think difficult times are coming within the orthodox camp once the present struggle is over.
“But they’re jumping the gun”
Are they? There have been numerous signals from TEC that it has no interest in even considering the conditions of the communique. You’re right, there’s been no real answer yet, but there’s smoke. And where there’s smoke…
It may seem like jumping the gun, but it’s merely the act of being prepared for a likely conclusion.
This BBC reporter states “For conservative Anglicans, the Bible is clearly opposed to homosexuality. Liberals say that Jesus was silent on the issue.” So the Bible and Jesus are pitted against each other? How ridiculous, even for revisionists!
# 7 ; well, some Americans are heeding the call to convert to Islam (Rev Redding etc). I think it’s a fair surmise that c. 2000 parishes would leave Tec fairly readily if they knew they could take the property (along with the mortgages) – and I think you’d agree with that estimate. You know exactly what is holding people in.
#6 Right on about jumping the gun but let’s not forget who is pulling the trigger. Seems to me the PB is doing most of the shooting.