I wrote you in November that a “season of separations” had come upon us. And I have tried to keep you apprized of the way events have unfolded since then.
Today I write you with the greatest thanksgiving. This terrible time of separations is coming to an end. Two weeks ago all of the parties concerned agreed to a Mediation Settlement at Trinity, Vero Beach, which was the last of the nine congregations involved.
To recap, very quickly: the two tiny church “plants” (neither of which had yet become an organized mission) have left The Episcopal Church. One Rector changed his mind, entirely, and he and his congregation remain very much part of the Diocese. One parish has become an independent community church, and they are renting the facilities from the Diocese. And the other five congregations have seen their clergy, and a portion of their membership leave, but there remains a continuing congregation in each of those five places.
By the grace of God we have been able to navigate these very troubled waters in a way that is different from what has happened anywhere else in this country. We have had NO litigation, there has been NO inhibition or deposition of clergy, and there has been NO transfer of real estate.
[blockquote] By the grace of God we have been able to navigate these very troubled waters in a way that is different from what has happened anywhere else in this country. We have had NO litigation, there has been NO inhibition or deposition of clergy, and there has been NO transfer of real estate. [/blockquote]
Jadis must be doing a slow burn.
In the article [url=http://tinyurl.com/4tzsm3]below[/url] the Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori indicates she hasn’t found a solution to messy, expensive litigation.
[blockquote] When a questioner pressed her on the issue, she said that ideally the church should find a way to settle rather than go through messy, expensive litigation, “but we haven’t found it yet.”[/blockquote]
As I [url=http://new.kendallharmon.net/wp-content/uploads/index.php/t19/article/12556/#222534]wrote in the comments[/url], the committee appointed by Virginia Bishop Peter James Lee discovered the way out, but was blocked from implementing in by the Presiding Bishop. The Virginia Plan appears to be very similar to what was implemented in the Diocese of Central Florida. It is my hope and prayer that the Presiding Bishop will be open to this solution.
Is thousands of laity and a dozen clergy leaving an already declining church an outcome to be praised or a sign of God’s judgment?
As far as I’m concerned, I don’t care either way, because I’m no longer a member of TEC. I left with our diocese.
If it is a sign of God’s judgement, blessed are those who are able to separate themselves and escape the wrath to come!
I believe this marks an interesting turning point in the struggle and clearly demonstrates how ++KJS will be victorious. Central Florida declares victory and now joins the placated dioceses of South Carolina, Texas, Dallas, et all. With the few thousand outraged Anglicans now gone, ECUSA will settle down for the simple reason that there is now nearly no one left inside with enough outrage to raise a big fuss at anything that happens. Iker and Duncan will be more and more isolated by labels and perceptions of “leaders of an extreme and tiny minority”.
By Lambeth, the worst of the fizzling revolt will be over and ++KJS will still be standing with Howe et al dejected but docile by her side. Mop up begins.
South Carolina “placated?” Don’t bet on it. Why else would the PB be keeping a wary eye on their new bishop? And don’t think she isn’t!
Howe declares victory. It’s true, it could have been worse, but, when you lose impassioned Christians because you can’t figure out what in the world you believe about marriage and the qualifications for leadership in the church, well, what’s to celebrate?
7. While everyone thinks SC could become a problem, the chance that it will now is small. If SC wasn’t willing to make a difference before now, what would make her break out and lead at this point? Possible but increasingly unlikely, especially given the arguments of the Canon and the new Bishop. When +SC arrives in London, he may be more agitated than docile but he will be standing with ++KJS at Lambeth and that is all she needs.
8. Sure, it is a Pyrrhic victory for Central Florida, but I am referring to TEC’s perspective. TEC is playing an end game where they intend to be the last gig standing at Lambeth. They are winning that game and there are fewer and fewer people within willing to challenge TEC’s end game.
I’m interested to know how Bp. Howe managed to have negotiations with these congregations while other Bp.s were told such negotiations weren’t acceptable? How is it that Central Florida found a way to deal with the division without litigation? I guess where there is a will there’s a way.
RazorbackPadre, if being “willing to make a difference” is contingent on SC being willing to “break out” than no, by your definition, SC won’t be willing to “lead”.
But good news! You can go follow the other three dioceses who are willing to “lead.”
It’s indeed interesting that Bp. Lee caved in. Perhaps the reasons for that will some day be known. Perhaps not.
“SC” and the other faithful bishops have lots of support, albeit not in the leadership of TEC.
One would pray that GAFCON will produce a series of very strongly-worded resolutions that will be taken to Lambeth, and acted on with strength and courage. One would pray that these resolutions will bring the legions of Belial out of their distress – they who have rebelled against the word of God, who reel to and fro, who stagger like drunken men, who are at their wit’s end. (Ps 107, Is 24)
The faithful, orthodox bishops of the Anglican Communion doubtless have the authority and power to do all of this. The question is whether they have the courage to stand up to an evil assault.
I am a new member of the Diocese of SC. Both the diocese and my parish are experiencing real growth and they are proclaiming in word and deed the good news of the gospel. TEC may not like this but there is little they can do about it. There is a third way in this mess.
“I’m interested to know how Bp. Howe managed to have negotiations with these congregations while other Bp.s were told such negotiations weren’t acceptable? ”
ISTM the answer is: “…and there has been NO transfer of real estate.”
This is really a pretty good outcome for the PB, which IMHO appears to be an inadvertent or unintended effect.
#14 – Yes, isn’t it sad. No transfer of property – no hassel from KJS.
No hassel about the PEOPLE leaving, just property! “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” Says a lot for her heart!
#13: Pray for a long life and tenure for your current bishop! Having to endure two separate elections, and great insult by those doubting his loyalty to TEC, he will likely be the last man your diocese will ever get by the HOB and TEC as bishop for SC. The longer future for your diocese will be compliance with TEC or law suits. The compromises have only begun.
From this morning’s meditation:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
-James 3:17-18