As an Episcopalian, it is painful to watch my denomination schism right before my eyes.
As the radicals seem to be on cruise control with the election of Presiding Bishop Katherine Schori, a neophyte at best, heretic at worst, as many as 10 dioceses are pleading with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Right Reverend Rowan Williams, for alternate oversight.
Some of the reasons are varied from three dioceses that do not recognize ordained women to the priesthood to those upset over the ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson, the first not only openly gay man but one living with another man. Some are just upset at the drift of the Episcopal Church away from anything that resembles traditional Christanity.
What has always set the Episcopal Church apart from others was that it was the middle way. In between the Roman Church and protestants. High Church to Low Church. A lot of room for people who are borderline fundamentalists to out right heretics like the former Bishop of Newark, New Jersey, John Shelby Spong. It appears that the heretical faction is running the show, but it may not be for long.
There are a lot of real middle of the roaders that are tired of seeing the church drift into being a lap dog for the liberal wing of the Democratic party. So, what do we do?
We confront those who want to take the Church away from Christianity. We need to be aggressive in involvement in our local parish and diocese. Remember, it took roughly 40 years to see the Episcopal Church go from the beloved 1928 Book of Common Prayer to "In Christ, By Christ, With Christ" instead of Father, Son and Holy Ghost(Spirit). We can not be denied our place in our parish and diocese. We must stand up for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, not our "Mother" as Presiding Bishop-elect Schori referred to our Lord and Savior. We must embark on renewal. We don't want to go on a witch hunt and root out liberals. We must find common ground and where we can not, do not.
The Church is a human institution, flawed and with many disticnt persons and personalities. I do believe that simply finding a comfortable church or seeking outside oversight actually gives in the the liberals. Smart parishes should simply not give money to the diocese or national church and focus on bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their communites.
For those of us that love the Episcopal Church and what it CAN be, do not give up. Get ready and go to battle for the Lord. It is time to make the liberals uncomfortable and have to defend where they want to take the Church.