Speaking of the members who left, [Bishop Dorsey] Henderson said, “They are acting out of conscience, and I respect that.”
The primary causes he’s heard for their decision to leave is that some reject the current presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori, and disagreement over the consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson.
[The Rev. George] Gray said human sexuality is of minor significance and that the issue is essentially about the authority of Holy Scripture.
He said the church has taken positions and made policies inconsistent with Holy Scripture and is more concerned with canon law than biblical law.
“I feel the Episcopal Church is leading people away (from), rather than to, Christ,” Gray said.
He said hundreds of Episcopalians, perhaps thousands in the area, have left the Episcopal Church and are attending other churches.
Those who remain, he said, believe they can fight to make a difference.
He’s come to the conclusion reform is not possible.
By George, Rev. Gray gets it right spot on! Very succinctly said.
Jim Elliott <><
C.O.U.R.A.G.E.
T.R.U.T.H.
F.A.I.T.H.F.U.L.N.E.S.S.
Bp. Henderson’s conciliatory-sounding words do not square with his deeds. http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/12346
“[The Rev. George] Gray said human sexuality is of minor significance and that the issue is essentially about the authority of Holy Scripture.”
His heart is in the right place but I wish people would stop saying this. Yes, the problem has greater dimensions than human sexuality that amount to a thorough rejection of God’s revelation, but the human sexuality part alone is a big deal, it is of major significance. Such acts constitute mortal sin, and hence can never be of minor significance, and forcing churches to bless mortal sin is more scandalous yet. It is in fact diabolical.
Downplaying the seriousness of the sexuality issue, even if to highlight other abuses, plays into the hands of the apostates, as it helps when their foes admit that it’s “no big deal.”