As to my own prayerful reflection on this important issue, I do not believe that Scripture, Christian tradition, nor the Book of Common Prayer authorize me to bless same-sex relationships. I know well, from years of conversation and study, the arguments brought forward by those who advocate such a blessing, but I have not been persuaded. I am committed, as always, to the full welcome in our parish of all, regardless of sexual orientation. The church has, to my sadness, failed too often to do so.
While I will not authorize same-sex blessings at Trinity, I am committed to our having respectful conversations. Such discussion may not be always comfortable. It often requires sacrificial love. We will offer opportunities for
such conversation, using the curriculum developed by the task force for groups that will meet for six to eight weeks. That resource affirms that Scripture is our ultimate authority, and asks how we are to understand and apply
it in dialogue with tradition and with one another.
Whatever.
Memo to good Reverend.: You are a member of a church that blesses homosexual marriage. You are in full communion with that church’s presiding bishopess who is an apostate, and both communion and obedience to a bishop who is a heretic. When that changes drop me a line.
It appears that Dean Jones serves Yahweh within the tabernacle of the apostate ones, as Obadiah remained faithful to God whilst serving Ahab and Jezebel:
[blockquote] “Now the famine was severe in Samaria, and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)” [1 Kings 18:2-4] [/blockquote]
His stance will likely cost him, and cost his family. Pray for them. May the Lord protect them and multiply their witness.
RE: “It appears that Dean Jones serves Yahweh within the tabernacle of the apostate ones, as Obadiah remained faithful to God whilst serving Ahab and Jezebel.”
An apt and excellent analogy, MichaelA. Thank you.