TEC GC 2012: Maybe We're Just Nuts?

Dr. Samuel Johnson the famous British writer observed that people do not need to be taught as much as they need to be reminded. Perhaps this is the reason that whatever comes out of The General Convention of The Episcopal Church (even the good things) seems irritating ...

What are the results from the fifteen million dollars plus spent on this year's convention? Same sex trial liturgies approved, to the surprise of no one, and barriers are now removed for employing and ordaining the transgendered. No wonder the reaction from the world is a laugh when it is not a yawn. After thirty years as a parish priest I cannot claim to have seen it all but transgender issue in the parish is one I escaped. Perhaps it is easier to proclaim this a victory rather than deal with the deterioration of our denomination ...

[Joe DeCaro]

from virtueonline:

"The deeper question is in light of this latest fiasco, does the average Episcopalian need the General Convention guiding us in our Christian duty? If the fifteen million plus cost of this convention is added to the twenty one plus million dollar price tag of suing congregations attempting to depart our church we are approaching forty million dollars. This money would be better spent on youth ministry and congregational development. The presiding bishop may claim she will not get into a numbers game, but the sobering question remains. Where does the money come from?..."

[MiddleWay]

Faith.

[Joe DeCaro]

MiddleWay wrote:

Faith.

Not "hope and change"?

[T McCabe]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

from virtueonline:
"The deeper question is in light of this latest fiasco, does the average Episcopalian need the General Convention guiding us in our Christian duty? If the fifteen million plus cost of this convention is added to the twenty one plus million dollar price tag of suing congregations attempting to depart our church we are approaching forty million dollars. This money would be better spent on youth ministry and congregational development. The presiding bishop may claim she will not get into a numbers game, but the sobering question remains. Where does the money come from?..."

My city and county are even more of a waste of money then General Convention. At least I can't be sent to jail for not 'paying to be saved' as I would be if I failed to pay the coercive burden of wasted tax payments.

[Joe DeCaro]

T McCabe wrote:

<quoted text>
My city and county are even more of a waste of money then General Convention ...

... is that supposed to be a rationale for spending more than $15 million on this year's convention?

[T McCabe]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
... is that supposed to be a rationale for spending more than $15 million on this year's convention?

It is our money to spend. I know that you and the Merry Pirates and rogues of the Global South and their North American Allies just hate that Episcopalians have the money and other assets they want to buy new machetes and Mercedes-Benz like Big Pete Akinola in their Tribal home lands. To bad they can't get it.

[Joe DeCaro]

T McCabe wrote:

<quoted text>
It is our money to spend ...

... even at the expense of "mission"?

[MiddleWay]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
... even at the expense of "mission"?

Yes.

We will follow the Spirit wherever He leads us.

We have missionaries all over, many are volunteers and that costs us nothing.

See how faith works?

[Joe DeCaro]

MiddleWay wrote:

<quoted text>
Yes.
We will follow the Spirit wherever He leads us ...

That Spirit doesn't appoint false prophets who lead His people to destruction.

[MiddleWay]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
That Spirit doesn't appoint false prophets who lead His people to destruction.

I know.

That's why I'm an EX-roman.

;-)

[Joe DeCaro]

MiddleWay wrote:

<quoted text>
I know.
That's why I'm an EX-roman.
;-)

From the roman frying pan into TEC's fire.

[T McCabe]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
... even at the expense of "mission"?

What is your mission Mr. Null Set?

We are still faithful to our Baptismal Vows. Mr. Null Set do you have any Baptismal Vows to share with us?

TEC Book of Common Prayer.

Holy Baptism

Question: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

Answer: I renounce them.

Question: Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?

Answer: I renounce them.

Question: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

Answer: I renounce them.

Question: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

Answer: I do.

Question: Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

Answer: I do.

Question: Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

Answer: I do.

AND

Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?

People: I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

People: I will, with God’s help.

[RevKen]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

from virtueonline:
"The deeper question is in light of this latest fiasco, does the average Episcopalian need the General Convention guiding us in our Christian duty? If the fifteen million plus cost of this convention is added to the twenty one plus million dollar price tag of suing congregations attempting to depart our church we are approaching forty million dollars. This money would be better spent on youth ministry and congregational development. The presiding bishop may claim she will not get into a numbers game, but the sobering question remains. Where does the money come from?..."

This whole David Virtue diatribe is sour grapes.

[Joe DeCaro]

T McCabe wrote:

We are still faithful to our Baptismal Vows ...

... even after contradicting the BCP, the very book those vows are recorded in?

[MiddleWay]

RevKen wrote:

<quoted text>
This whole David Virtue diatribe is sour grapes.

I'm afraid joie lives with sour grapes, He makes his very own whine.

[MiddleWay]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
... even after contradicting the BCP, the very book those vows are recorded in?

You have heard it said......but i say to you.- Jesus

[Joe DeCaro]

MiddleWay wrote:

<quoted text>
You have heard it said......but i say to you.- Jesus

... heard it said, but not seen in scripture.

Next to the Bible, the BCP was the most celebrated work of Christian literature.

[RevKen]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

<quoted text>
... heard it said, but not seen in scripture.
Next to the Bible, the BCP was the most celebrated work of Christian literature.

Joe,

I don't recall the Book of Common Prayer as being stuck on or defending slavery or unwarranted discrimination toward others.

Furthermore, just like the "39 Articles," nothing in our Canonical doctrine says that we cannot modify or reword certain sections.

What is the cause of your obsession with the "Face of Medusa?"

Rev. Ken

[T McCabe]

Mr. 0+0=0 has no known faith of statement of faith to defend. He can only attack others because he has no base of beliefs to stand on. Poor old Mr. Null Set has no place to stand.

P.S. Can emptiness stand?

[Joe DeCaro]

RevKen wrote:

<quoted text>
Joe,
I don't recall the Book of Common Prayer as being stuck on or defending slavery or unwarranted discrimination toward others ...

I don't recall the Bible being stuck on that either, unless you consider God's Grace to be "unfairly" distributed?