Presiding Bishop to English Synod: Don't Foster Schism

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has told the Church of England to keep its hands off the Episcopal Church and not foster schism by entertaining ideas of endorsing the Anglican Church in North America ...

[Joe DeCaro]

"... The secessions of the ACNA had been a cause of pain, she said, pain for 'many Episcopalians in several places of being shut out of their traditional worship spaces, and the broken relationships, the damaged relationships between people who have gone and people who have stayed.'

Were the Church of England to recognize the ACNA, it would 'unfortunately only encourage more of that kind of behavior,' Bishop Jefferts Schori said."

The only behavior that encouraged the formation of the ACNA was that of TEC's presiding bishop.

[Think Again]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

"... The secessions of the ACNA had been a cause of pain, she said, pain for 'many Episcopalians in several places of being shut out of their traditional worship spaces, and the broken relationships, the damaged relationships between people who have gone and people who have stayed.'
Were the Church of England to recognize the ACNA, it would 'unfortunately only encourage more of that kind of behavior,' Bishop Jefferts Schori said."
The only behavior that encouraged the formation of the ACNA was that of TEC's presiding bishop.

Amen to your last statement.

I thought all of the people leaving were so few in numbers as not to be of much or any significance in the grand scheme of TEC's "new thing."

I thought the ordination of Gene would open the proverbial floodgates and people would join TEC left and right. Remember the members of ACNA didn't tear the "fabric of the communion" by pushing the ordination against the wishes of many in the communion.

I don't think the HOB will pass DO25. They are truly in between a rock and a hard place now and have no one to blame but themselves.

[Angry Pastries]

Oh, she is priceless!!!! She can dish it out, but darn it, she won't stand for others playing her game, by her rules!

[bjarlington]

I am a fairly new convert to Episcopalian after spending many, many active years in another mainstream church. I thought it was the absolutely perfect spot for me and my family. Wow, did I ever not see what was coming down the pike! My congregation is one that is withdrawing, and as much as I appreciate the congregation itself, and its many wonderful members, I am thinking, "Do I know enough about this subject to be a reactionary?" Probably, the Patriots in New England felt the same way in 1776. But that does not resolve MY mind. It puts us new members in quite a difficult position.

[Think Again]

bjarlington wrote:

I am a fairly new convert to Episcopalian after spending many, many active years in another mainstream church. I thought it was the absolutely perfect spot for me and my family. Wow, did I ever not see what was coming down the pike! My congregation is one that is withdrawing, and as much as I appreciate the congregation itself, and its many wonderful members, I am thinking, "Do I know enough about this subject to be a reactionary?" Probably, the Patriots in New England felt the same way in 1776. But that does not resolve MY mind. It puts us new members in quite a difficult position.

I appreciate the position you are in during this time. There is much surrounding TEC that is unclear.

Prayer, fasting, and Bible study will help guide you through these times.

[Gary47]

Joe DeCaro wrote:

"... The secessions of the ACNA had been a cause of pain, she said, pain for 'many Episcopalians in several places of being shut out of their traditional worship spaces, and the broken relationships, the damaged relationships between people who have gone and people who have stayed.'
Were the Church of England to recognize the ACNA, it would 'unfortunately only encourage more of that kind of behavior,' Bishop Jefferts Schori said."
The only behavior that encouraged the formation of the ACNA was that of TEC's presiding bishop.

THe Presiding Bishop is in sync with the Episcopal Church, overall.

The sad part of this is that both sides are drawing lines in the sand and not listening to one another.

D025 was the right decision at the wrong time, given current church politics.

[Joe DeCaro]

Gary47 wrote:

<quoted text>
THe Presiding Bishop is in sync with the Episcopal Church, overall ...

Actually TEC has to be in sync w/her, otherwise you left to join the ACNA.

[Think Again]

Gary47 wrote:

<quoted text>
THe Presiding Bishop is in sync with the Episcopal Church, overall.
The sad part of this is that both sides are drawing lines in the sand and not listening to one another.
D025 was the right decision at the wrong time, given current church politics.

The entire "listening" process was a stall put forth by TEC to buy time until this GC. Now that the HOB and HOD have played their hand the rest of the AC will play theirs.