"As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous Judge, for
former sins, doth blind and harden, from them he not only withholdeth his grace
whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought
upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had,
and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasions of sin;
and, withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world,
and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves,
even under those means which God useth for the softening of others."
Here's VOL's article.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=15736
By Ladson F. Mills
Special to Virtueonlinewww.virtueonline.org
March 23, 2012
The Episcopal Church has become the personification for what my friends in AA call the definition of insanity; repeating the same behavior over and over again and expecting a different result. In a denomination which has become accustomed to bad news the news grows progressively worse. The Washington Cathedral is a potential casualty following a year that has marked the closings of at least three diocesan cathedrals. Trinity Church Wall Street, arguably the wealthiest single parish in the world, finds itself on the receiving end of unflattering articles concerning finances and its relationship with the rector. Its enormous wealth and prestige has failed to protect it from the collective angst now permeating the Episcopal Church.
In 2000 Jan Nunley, then communications officer for the Diocese of Rhode Island wrote an article admitting the 1990's Decade of Evangelism was more like a Decade of Factionalism. What began with a whimper had ended with a sigh. A further effort by the church to establish a goal of significant growth by 2020 can only be viewed as having been received with a collective yawn. One cannot thrive when the challenge is how does one survive.
Following the 2003 General Convention the Diocese of East Tennessee where I was then serving experienced the institutional insanity which has become our denomination's trademark. Following the vote to confirm Gene Robinson my bishop wrote back to the diocese that although he voted against this confirmation he would stand, applaud and welcome Robinson into the House of Bishops.
The position of our deputies to the convention seemed even more confusing. After being quoted in the local newspaper expressing concern as to the adverse effect their vote to confirm Robinson might have on the diocese, I was immediately challenged by diocesan newspaper editor Sharon Rassmussen. She argued since not all our deputies were in agreement the vote was not unanimous as I had stated. While I could not confirm the accuracy of her statement I could in fact note the deputies from East Tennessee voted to give their consent to approve Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. Technical hairsplitting aside this was a source of concern for many members of my parish as well as others throughout the diocese
I found myself experiencing a curious situation. The bishop was creating an impression that although he had voted against Robinson he might actually be supporting him. The diocesan deputation was now trying to create a plausible deniability that while voting to confirm Robinson's election as a bishop they may not truly be in support of him. This may be the poster child for disingenuousness, but it is masterful example of smokescreen and political astuteness. It created enough illusion to keep the conservatives quiet and hopeful they were not being completely disenfranchised.
This philosophy appears to be driving the current debate on the new same sex liturgies in dioceses such as Georgia. The debate is frame worked around theological subtleties such as differences between blessing a relationship and the blessing of a marriage. This is a smokescreen. Conservatives will embrace hope their concerns are being honored while revisionists know it's simply a matter of time. It is hard to fathom anyone doubting that when same sex blessings are approved same sex marriage will soon follow. This type of obfuscation may make for good politics. The question is does it make for good Gospel? "
The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church during its recent meeting received sobering statistics in regard to our continuing decline. Among the most alarming were a 33% national decrease in church school attendance and a 2.5 to 1 ratio of parish closings to openings. We are closing churches and losing our future. Our bishops during their recent meeting at Camp Allen, Texas seem reassured things are better since they found their time together less contentious than usual. One can hardly contain ones relief at such joyous news. Like the AA definition of insanity we are determined to continue the same behavior expecting a different result.
If as the old saying goes there is no lesson in the second kick of a mule our collective heads must be ringing as we approach the 2012 General Convention. We are once again deluding ourselves with the belief that same sex unions and inclusiveness (whatever that is supposed to mean) will somehow turn this disaster around sobering statistics notwithstanding. While House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson and our Presiding Bishop continue their power struggle one must wonder will there be anyone left to inherit this legacy of our collective insanity.
An increasingly number of bishops, priest and laity across the theological spectrum see this tragic situation for what it is and will admit so privately. I am impressed by their astuteness. Although Bonnie Anderson does easily attract clergy support many have come to view her as the only senior Episcopal Church Leader in a position that affords her the independence necessary to thwart the power grab by the Presiding Bishop and her chancellor. Their use and some would suggest misuse of the canons is designed to force submission through regulation, isolation and control. This has resulted in Anderson receiving an ever increasing number of reluctant and silent supporters among the clergy.
Others, however, note that as bad as the House of Bishops may be they are as a body more conservative and predictable than the House of Deputies. Theology may not be the bishop's strong suit but they do understand the power of the check book. One priest observed that in this climate even his well known revisionist bishop has begun speaking to the need for Christian witness and mission.
So where do we go from here? Do we embrace the legal fictions that make good politics but poor Gospel? Do we wait to see how the turf war between Katherine and Bonnie turns out? Or do we continue on our current path and pray for the continued gift of insanity. It won't produce any different results but at least we can find solace in the fact that it is one thing we continually do well.
Ladson F. Mills III is a retired priest living in South Carolina with over thirty years parish experience. He currently serves as Scholar in Residence at Church of Our Saviour Johns Island.
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