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Death by Delay / A Failure of Fortitude - by Gil Wilkes

Death by Delay / A Failure of Fortitude

by Gil Wilkes

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mt 16:24 KJV]

In his address to the annual diocesan convention, held in October, Bishop Andrew Smith, issued an ultimatum to those parishes within the Diocese of Connecticut who are in protest over ECUSA’s departure from biblical norms: dissenting parishes must either accept DEPO on his terms, or accept his oversight - in either case, full financial support of the Diosces is expected. Not to accept either of these alternatives within the next few months will trigger canonical initiatives to ensure that dissenting parishes remain within ECUSA.

Over the past year, Bishop Smith has taken no overt action against us and has genuinely, I think, sought to find a middle ground. The problem is that DEPO is fatally flawed, it allows an orthodox bishop to perform ceremonial functions, but all power and authority rests with the Diocesan. Additionally, DEPO, as it is structured by the HOB is temporary and is intended to result in reconciliation. Unfortunately reconciliation is understood to mean that revisionist doctrine prevails. Assuming that Bishop Smith believes that what he is doing is right, his ultimatum falls appropriately under the categorty of leadership.

It looks as if we here in Connecticut have choices to make. The challenge of the Gospel is coming due; a question that comes to mind, however, is simply that if the people of a parish are willing to risk losing the facility that they have built, paid for, and maintained over the years rather than compromise their beliefs, where is the support of “active duty” orthodox bishops? Why are they not willing to risk anything? Why is it that only retired bishops have the guts to do anything controversial like crossing boundaries? Why are the Africans willing to provide oversight and cover, while our own bishops are not? Why have some active bishops described themselves as having “Survivor Guilt”, but still are not willing to risk anything themselves? If the African Bishops are willing to forego ECUSA funding rather than take tainted money, why are our bishops so timid? Is Biblical Truth not worth anything but words and platitudes?

Someone remarked the other day that if Biblical Orthodoxy were ever to prevail, the laity would have to make it happen - that is obvious, but the laity has to have leaders who are willing to lead. In the end, people are like cooked spaghetti - they must be led from the front! Where are the leaders who are willing to stand out front and lead?

We have a problem, the time for delay and discussion is over, George Patton had good advice for those of us who claim Biblical Orthodoxy, “Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!”

The Rev. Gil Wilkes is the rector of Christ and the Epiphany in East Haven CT.

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