Now we are tested again.
Such is the election within the Diocese of Los Angeles, and consented to by a majority of jurisdictional bishops (those who are actually in charge of a diocese) and diocesan Standing Committees (69 out of 110), of the Rev Mary Glasspool to be a Suffragan Bishop (an assistant bishop for the diocese). The problem is that Mary openly admitted at the time of her nomination to an existing “committed” relationship with another woman, clearly implying including a sexual relationship.
Why is that a problem? Very simply, the bible is consistent throughout the Old and New Testament that God has deemed marriage to be between a man and a woman, and God has commanded that no physical sexual acts are to take place between people outside of marriage. No if’s, and’s or but’s.
Of course, this is not a new development. Seven years ago, in 2003, there was the election, consent and consecration of the Rev Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. That event became the tipping point for many in our Church, and which has caused you and I and the parish such grief from our friends and neighbors and former parishioners for still being a parish in The Episcopal Church USA. That your vestry and I have not condoned this rejection of clear biblical standards, in fact actively condemned it, has not lessened the confrontations we have experienced. And it is this very rejection of biblical authority that pushed the diocese of San Joaquin to vote in convention to associate with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone (South America).
This is also not a new development for Los Angeles. The Rt Rev Jon Bruno, an old acquaintance of mine, is obviously openly supportive of such an election (or he could have kept her from being nominated), as well as back-door methods of allowing same-sex unions to be “blessed” by members of the clergy when they request it. As well, he hired an already ordained bishop to assist in Los Angeles (who is now retired and thus the need for new assisting bishops) who has also been in a same-sex relationship. +Los Angeles is in great confusion regarding the authority of Holy Scripture.
A fine pastoral letter by the lone orthodox priest remaining in the TEC rump diocese of San Joaquin. Well done, Rob+.
I’m glad he prays that apt collect each day in Morning Prayer on behalf of his parish. A great example for all of us. I think if you’re going to stay in TEC as he and St. John’s have chosen to do, then you better be ready to be the same kind of “[b]aggressive[/b] biblical witness.” I like that. not just a quiet witness for biblical truth, but a bold, unashamedly aggressive witness. Bravo!
David Handy+
Nice. Keep it coming Rob+, our prayers are with you.
With continuing thanks to Rob for his faithful ministry in San Joaquin, and for the good people of St. John’s.
Bruce Robison
This is an absolutely correct position and one that I wish more rectors had been willing to adhere to as opposed to departing. If there is any omission in the letter, I think it is that there are many priests, vestry and parishioners throughout the Episcopal Church who share these views. Father Eaton and his flock should find some comfort in knowing that they have plenty of friends and admirers within the Church.
Fr. Rob,
Bravo on this the Feast Day of Pentecost.
Pax,
Dale Matson+
Thank you, all, for your encouragement.