August 14, 2003

Explicable Silence

I've been getting e-mail from readers wondering why I haven't commented on the election of Gene Robinson as an Episcopal bishop.

There's not a lot to say that hasn't already been said. The subject has filled every other corner of the blogosphere.

I'll sum up my views:

The problem with the Episcopal Church is not that it has elected an bishop who is actively engaged in buggery. Any open, visible sexual relationship outside of marriage is wrong and should be a disqualification for any holy orders, because it should be a disqualification for any communicant relationship with any Christian organization claiming to be part of the Church. Gene Robinson shouldn't be coming near the Holy Table, not to mention purporting to celebrate at it. Again, not because he is gay - because he is in open, flagrant scandalous sin.

Since the Episcopal Church doesn't recognise sexual sin, this is all a moot point. If this organization doesn't believe that there is anything wrong with relationships outside of marriage amongst the laity, it would be hypocritical to suggest that there should be a different standard for the clergy. I think the Episcopal Church is just being honest with itself and with everyone else.

Posted by david at August 14, 2003 11:00 PM | TrackBack
Comments

I agree with you entirely, David; Robinson's "status" as a homosexual is entirely irrelevant. I'd note, however, that even if scandalous sin were not involved, Robinson's public belief and teaching are heretical (even by Anglican standards, to say nothing of the standard of the authentic Apostolic Tradition). This disqualifies him to be a bishop, even if his flagrant sin did not disqualify him to be a communicant.

Posted by: Christopher Jones at August 15, 2003 03:17 AM

Amen and thank you.

Posted by: Mary at August 18, 2003 11:30 PM

Amen and thank you.

Posted by: Mary at August 18, 2003 11:30 PM