Revolting Episcopalians

Seems there is trouble brewing in the Episcopal Church. Some of the conservatives are up in arms. The Washington Post reports:

Under one roof there were female bishops and male bishops who would not ordain women. There were parishes that celebrated gay weddings and parishes that denounced them; theologians sure that Jesus was the only route to salvation, and theologians who disagreed.

It seems the big tent theory isn't working for them, particularly in Virginia.

As many as eight conservative Episcopal churches in Virginia are expected to announce today that their parishioners have voted to cut their ties with the Episcopal Church. Two are large, historic congregations that minister to the Washington elite and occupy real estate worth a combined $27 million, which could result in a legal battle over who keeps the property.

The Virginia groups appear ready to align themselves with the archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola:

... an outspoken opponent of homosexuality who supports legislation in his country that would make it illegal for gay men and lesbians to form organizations, read gay literature or eat together in a restaurant.

Yikes!

Much of the current conflict can be traced to the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson, of New Hampshire.

In the last three years, since the Episcopal Church consecrated V. Gene Robinson, a gay man who lives with his partner, as bishop of New Hampshire, about three dozen American churches have voted to secede and affiliate with provinces overseas, according to The Episcopal News Service.

Bishop Robinson is a wonderful, thoughtful person. How tragic it is that others can't accept him.

The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori, said in an e-mail response to a request for an interview that such splits reflect a polarized society, as well as the “anxiety” and “discomfort” that many people feel when they are asked to live with diversity.

“The quick fix embraced in drawing lines or in departing is not going to be an ultimate solution for our discomfort,” she said.

Gee, I wonder how Jesus would vote?