On Tuesday 22 July, approximately 200 bishops and several primates gathered to discuss issues which concern the Global South, especially that of the faithful Anglicans in the United States. Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh spoke, along with Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt of Winchester and Bishop N.T. Wright of Durham. We had a wonderful time with the bishops from Africa, Asia, Latin America, UK, Australia, New Zealand and USA. We were all encouraged and ended the meeting by singing “He is Lord.”
Our daily Bible study time in small groups have included good opportunities to meet and share our thoughts, bringing tough issues to the surface and talking about them. I was encouraged by several American Bishops who thanked me for my words to the TEC House of Bishops in New Orleans. One of them said “we needed to hear your words because our knowledge of the communion is limited.” I do not believe that The Episcopal Church is going to change its direction. It is not all about sexuality but about biblical interpretation, Ecclesiology and Christology. This reminds me with the position of US administration before and during the war in Iraq. They refused to listen to millions of voices that cried against the war. The North American churches believe that the truth was revealed to them and that the other churches in the Communion need to follow them.
A very perceptive letter to his diocese.
Personally, I’m always curious when an American Conservative hears a global south bishop accuse TEC of being just like George Bush.
I also think, as a reappraiser, it is a good critique. I do think there are aspects of the issue that represent empire, but I wonder if the American reasserters understand the root insult: TEC is invading, just as the United States has invaded the rest of the world. TEC has become the convenient proxy for years of terrible American involvement in the rest of the world. It is an implicit critique of American hegemony. Perhaps the reasserting camp will then learn about how American imperialism has stunted the development of many countries for years from their new friends in the South.
John – we understand, but we also understand that due to their history, their culture, etc. , they may see things that way, but that doesn’t make it correct. I wonder if the reappraisers really understand how individualistic and egotistical they are when it comes to acting as though they are the only ones with a direct line to the Spirit. (I am thinking of Jim Naughton’s supposed “satire” of the N.T. Wright when +Wright compared the American church with Bush’s policy – you could tell that Naughton was really outraged at the comparison and would have none of it – yet it is true at its root – Americans are individualistic.) I happen to think that looking out for one’s national security and best interests is the role of the government, but a church should have a different outlook.
Sorry – here’s the link to Jim’s article at The Lead.
[blockquote]I do not believe that The Episcopal Church is going to change its direction. It is not all about sexuality but about biblical interpretation, Ecclesiology and Christology.[/blockquote]
There was some unfortunate speculation awhile back that Archbishop Mouneer had “jumped the shark,” and another website that shall remain nameless has claimed in the couple of days that the Archbishop is part of a conspiracy to undermine GAFCON and “divide and conquer” the Global South.
The above quote says all that needs to be said. And, of course, he is correct–both about TEC and about the Bush Administration. Both ignored literally millions of international voices. Whether one agrees or disagrees with either TEC or the Bush Administration, Bishop Mouneer speaks the truth about that.
Well, William it seems we do agree about something.
#3 you say “we understand, but we also understand that due to their history, their culture, etc. , they may see things that way, but that doesn’t make it correct.” Hm – I feel that way about sexuality.
You do make a mistake by saying we think we have the only line to the spirit. If anything, I’ve stated that I think reasserters are holy, just and pious people. I do not think that their fear of God needs to be my fear of God. I have little problem worshiping with them, or even taking communion from their bishops. I reject the idea that the people of New Hampshire are any more faithless than others. It is precisely humility that lets me say that +Robinson should be a bishop: because I trust New Hampshire Christians.
I would also argue that American governments have generally been guided by “American Exceptionalism,” allowing them all sorts of mischief. And I wonder whether overthrowing the secular governments of Iraq and Iran in the 1950s really made us safe in the long-term. Personally, I think the Hussein, the Shah and the current theocrats are a lot worse than those we helped depose due to national security. I could be wrong, but I do understand when the Global South expresses their skepticism about our own need for “security” especially at their expense.
It seems mighty convenient to say that exceptionalism is true when it comes to foreign policy, but that it is wrong when it comes to matter of spirit.
I am sorry that this portion of +Mouneer’s blog post is the part which was excerpted and commented upon. He asks specifically for prayer for today, Monday 28 July, as he speaks for the faith to the bishops at Lambeth. Please pray for him.
I don’t happen to agree with his political analogy, but I am resigned to the European attitude which he expresses. However, it does give me some enjoyment to see how much what is perceived as an insult (“you’re just like Bush!”) stings the religious revisionists in the U.S.
May one like Elijah stand at Lambeth, he who James calls a great example of prayer. He who fled before the anger of the woman who brought in the false prophets. Who was fed by ravens. Who called upon the Lord to send fire from heaven.