Colorado Unrestrained II

Colorado Unrestrained

Part II: Questions for the Bishop

One, with whom?

            A constant them of bishop O’Neill’s episcopacy is unity.  The key chapter of the theme is John 17, specifically verses 11 and 21: “…that they may be one, even as we are one,” and “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” 

            Time was, the bishop used this passage not just in the context of the diocese, but in the context of the Anglican Communion.  That is no longer the case because, “I have less confidence in the Windsor process now more than ever because I’ve been in it, and people don’t keep their commitments.  Its just time to move ahead here, in this context.”  So now, if we are to follow our bishop, we are to understand that Christ calls us to the cross inside the diocese, but the cross is not prudent in the Communion? 

Here’s the rub for me: Our bishop is invoking his Episcopal authority, using his pulpit to call his diocese to be one even as it moves away from the Communion, and the greater church as well.  This definition of one and catholic appear to be on a collision course.

Doesn’t a diocese, by embracing doctrinal innovation, become a sect?  Isn’t it innovative theology to square sectarian unity with classical Anglicanism’s catholic unity?  One, yes, but with whom? 

 

The gift of each-other?

            A constant sub-theme of bishop O’Neill’s episcopacy is the gift of each-other.  This language harkens to St. Paul’s “body-of-Christ” language in Corinthians and Ephesians.  It is a way of framing the issues as non-essential, secondary to the mission.  We must hold our convictions fully while respecting those of others.  We must take intentional delight in one another. 

            Let’s consider the specific gifts we might offer each-other, the actual content of what we might give each other.  Here are our gifts as questions:

            Are same-sex attractions a gift from God?  Are same-sex partnerships a gift from God?  Do deacons and priests living in same-sex relationships show us a fuller, complementary ministry as having men and women in these orders do?

            Let’s turn it around.  Is healing of same-sex attraction a gift from God?  Is the absolute and unwavering commitment to the sacrament of marriage a gift from God?  Is faithfulness in marriage and celibacy for those not married a gift from God? 

            It is not logical to believe that same-sex attractions are a gift from God and believe that God can graciously bring healing to same-sex attractions.  It is not logical to believe that marriage is the only “office” in which sex is blessed, while believing that other sexual relationships also may be blessed.  It is not logical to believe that married and faithful, single and celibate is the definition of chastity, while believing that same-sex, sexual relationships are also “wholesome examples.” 

            It seems that in this disagreement, A+B does not equal a higher union (D), but rather, A+B=0.  In other words, if we truly gave equal weight to both positions, we would not come to missional union.  We would, in fact, be stuck.  Can you show me how these differences specifically, can lead to a more perfect union? 

Comments

[Jill Woodliff]

Re: the gift of each-other--
Thank you, Theron. The two positions are contradictory and mutually exclusive. Underlying them are two different understandings of sin. The understanding of sin cannot be changed with altering our understanding of the atonement, which is the core of our faith.