I Can't Keep Up

The history of the Christian church sometimes seems a history of division and schism. One recent big one is the Anglican Church in North America, which claims 100,000 Anglicans in 700 parishes within 28 dioceses (and dioceses-to-be) to become the 39th province in the worldwide Anglican Communion. These churches come from dioceses of Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, Quincy and San Joaquin; the Anglican Mission in the Americas; the Convocation of Anglicans in North America; the Anglican Network in Canada; the Anglican Coalition in Canada; the Reformed Episcopal Church; and the missionary initiatives of Kenya, Uganda, and South America’s Southern Cone. Additionally, the American Anglican Council and Forward in Faith North America are founding organizations (Numbers taken from the web site of Christ Church in Hamilton and Wenham, MA).

Let's see, there was the Prayer Book Society begun back in the '70s, who don't like the 1979 Prayer Book or the ordination of women. Many within the regular Episcopal Church also opposed women's ordination and were allowed to, on a diocese by diocese basis. Then along came the gay marriage/ordination argument which I believe is driving the current schism. That is, according to my friend Doc, who keeps up with these things, the ACNA ordains women (though so far no women bishops) and they use the 1979 Prayer Book. Therefore, the uniting principle of these current dissident groups appears to be homophobia.

But I believe there is more to it, and that is that the Episcopal Church in the United States I believe for some time has been weakened by a failure to preach Christ crucified. We have lost our fear of God and reverence for ancient truths. We have quarreled over stupid things. We have got distracted over church dynamics and have adopted the goal-setting success theology of the secular world. We don't believe in the Resurrection, and our priests lazily misquote the Bible, or glibly dismiss it. Our ignorance is astonishing, and that is why the schismatic groups appeal.

I can't keep up with the quarrels and doctrinal dispute--all occurring alongside quests for ecumenism (e.g., the Revised Common Lectionary). I have personally gotten fed up with the Episcopal Church (numerous times!) but could not change to a church based on anti-gay doctrine. Better, I suppose, to remain with the organization founded on a king's wish to divorce. I know love and pray with Christians on both sides. And can only tell you the riven and distressed Church did manage to bring me the Gospel, and it has been my mission field.

If anybody reads this, I await your comments.