Exclusives : McGreevey's Masquerade
McGreevey's Masquerade
EDITORIAL
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
5/4/2007
There are times when one wonders if the blasphemies of The Episcopal Church will ever truly come to an end. "God gave them up unto vile passions..." is the tough but sad response of St. Paul in his opening words to the Christians in Rome, words that find an all too familiar ring in the post-Christian Episcopal Church.
Could the Apostle Paul be any more explicit were he to address a letter to Episcopalians in Newark or New Jersey, presuming of course, that there really are Episcopalians there worth addressing.
It is hard to see how he could ignore this latest outrage. James McGreevey, a former Governor of NJ, married and divorced two women, had children by both, declared himself to be a practicing homosexual, got into a sad homosexual affair with one man, was forced to resign from office and finally settled down with another man. He now wants to become an Episcopal priest.
Mr. McGreevey, the debonair sodomite from Plainfield NJ, is no ordinary Episcopalian. A Johnny-come-lately to the Episcopal Church, he is a former Roman Catholic altar boy who attended Catholic schools. His penchant for buggery apparently now matches his need for salvation, (presumably from guilt) by donning Episcopal robes, thereby declaring that he wants all the outward and ceremonial trappings of Catholicism but none of its inconvenient theology or morality. McGreevey is even further distanced from reformed Catholicism (Anglicanism and The Reformation) with its emphasis on Holy Scripture and its brazenly clear prohibitions on his particular line of behavior.
He has gone from Catholic heavy to Episcopal light overnight. All it took was a quick trip to a yuppie homosexual-friendly Episcopal Church in midtown Manhattan (St. Bartholomew's) where he was fawned over by Gucci and Pucci type, BMW driving Episcopalians eager to rub shoulders with an ex-Governor no matter how disgraced he might be (even lost power has a certain narcissistic attraction, just ask a disgraced Bill Clinton).
The heterosexual turned homosexual, ex-Governor turned lawyer, ex-Catholic turned Episcopalian then declared he wanted to become an Episcopal priest! Say what? This is the equivalent of an ecclesiastical 911. The church still stands, but the Holy Ghost left the narthex so fast, the Starbucks coffee pot was still boiling.
One can only imagine what orthodox African Anglicans must be saying to themselves in countries like Nigeria, Uganda, Central Africa, Kenya and Rwanda as they wake up to this new outrage in The Episcopal Church. Perhaps Nigerian Primate Peter Akinola will have some choice words to say about this when he arrives in the U.S. this week to lay hands on a new bishop of his own...it will certainly reinforce the notion that he made the right decision.
The Episcopal Church is so far off track it is hard to know if they would recognize the railway lines if they ever spotted them again.
One wonders if the Archbishop of Canterbury isn't shaking his head in bewilderment inside Lambeth Palace and saying (in one of a dozen languages he speaks), what the hell are the Americans doing now...and then going into his chapel to pray.
McGreevey might just as well have a made a grand appearance at Tavern on the Green to be met by a fully robed Bishop of New York, Mark Sisk, and handed the keys to the Cathedral Church of the Divine on New York's Upper West Side with a promise he would take occasional courses on Inclusivity 101 at General Theological Seminary. He could have, as his own personal tutor, advisor and reader V. Gene Robinson, the sodomite Bishop of New Hampshire. McGreevey would undoubtedly be a straight A student.
In moments like these one might argue that there is more hope for Tony Soprano than Jim McGreevey in finding salvation. At least one of these men knows he is a sinner in need of salvation and grace. The other one simply wants us to bless buggery and hopes the world and God will do the same thing. The Episcopal Church has already obliged. A-Men.
END
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
| Poster | Thread |
|---|---|
| Guardian | Posted: 2007/5/4 22:41 Updated: 2007/5/5 13:31 |
Home away from home   Joined: 2006/9/21 From: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 184 |
 Re: McGreevey's Masquerade This afternoon I was surfing the internet and found the following site: http://www.cafepress.com/fartotheleft/1363767 At this site TEc members can find T-shirts, coffee mugs, posters, etc.; everything they need to help them make a "statement" about their church's position on just about everything. Wait until you see their products "honoring" ++Akinola. I'm sure they will soon offer support for Mr. McGreevey and his decision to become a priest. Guardian  P.S. Don't you love the website's name! |
| kglenmark | Posted: 2007/5/4 22:42 Updated: 2007/5/4 22:43 |
Just popping in   Joined: 2005/8/15 From: Posts: 12 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Maybe instead of becoming a priest he should join the SSJE monks in Cambridge, Massachusetts...he'd be like a fish in the water there...
|
| Fisherman | Posted: 2007/5/4 23:11 Updated: 2007/5/5 1:23 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2006/8/25 From: Dallas - Province of the Southern Cone, DoFW Posts: 675 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade "he was fawned over by Gucci and Pucci type, BMW driving Episcopalians"
I drive a Suburban  and am no longer Episcopalian.Good commentary David, Thanks. |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/4 23:35 Updated: 2007/5/4 23:35 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Kglenmark, I'm sure that Bishop Shaw would gladly sponsor him, since he's one of them! Another recruit for the Gay Brotherhood.
Cennydd |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/4 23:40 Updated: 2007/5/4 23:40 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Guardian, it looks to me like they've hit the bricks and launched a full-scale display ad campaign. Why don't we do the same with something similar?
Cennydd |
| Guardian | Posted: 2007/5/5 0:15 Updated: 2007/5/5 0:37 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/9/21 From: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 184 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Cennydd,
Let's Do It! As a matter of fact I just had an idea for a T-shirt pop into my mind. You know those emergency "Break Glass" red cases that have fire extinguishers/hoses inside? How about one of those with a picture of ++Akinola inside. It would read "In case of Apostacy Break Glass". Have a nice weekend by friend, Guardian |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/5 0:18 Updated: 2007/5/5 0:56 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Sounds like a great idea to me! How can we get started, and who makes shirts like these?
Cennydd |
| Guardian | Posted: 2007/5/5 0:20 Updated: 2007/5/5 0:20 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/9/21 From: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 184 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Cennydd,
Maybe David could help us. Think of the income potential if there was a VOL giftshop. Guardian |
| daveball | Posted: 2007/5/5 0:33 Updated: 2007/5/5 0:33 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2004/12/18 From: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2301 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Reflecting on this article, the truly sad thing isn't that Tony Soprano has a better chance at salvation or anything else of that nature. It is that what was once a magnificant and noble faith has become a "Motel Six" sign, a magnet for nightcrawlers, for every form of deviate and heretic know to God - and that's all of them.
The list is becoming endless and needn't be rehearsed here but to see what was once my church and the church of generations of my ancestors become the "We'll leave the light on" attraction for slime like McGreevey, Bennison, Robinson, Schori, Crew, Spong, Russell and all the rest truly grieves me. Lord have mercy on me, a sinner. |
| Guardian | Posted: 2007/5/5 0:40 Updated: 2007/5/5 0:40 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/9/21 From: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 184 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Daveball,
Your comparison of TEc to a motel is interesting. I'm sure their motel would offer hourly naptime rates. Guardian |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/5 1:01 Updated: 2007/5/5 1:01 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Guardian, I sure wouldn't mind springing for a few bucks' worth of Tee shirts to get the word out! What a thing to wear to next Diocesan Convention this October.....we're informal out here!
Cennydd |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/5 1:46 Updated: 2007/5/5 1:46 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade I remember that poster, but I haven't a clue as to where you could find one. If I see one, I'll let you know by PM.
Cennydd |
| otispage2 | Posted: 2007/5/5 2:42 Updated: 2007/5/5 2:55 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2007/3/14 From: Posts: 607 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade It is my opinion the frivolous statements above detracts from the import of Virtue's assessment, and I believe are a poor witness to those who read these comments all over the world.
Why? Virtue’s comments are a serious indictment of TEC in the eyes of the Anglican Communion. The "Gay Pride" demonstration of T-shirts and buttons, sarcastically portraying the homosexual agenda in TEC, is a disgraceful and calculated disparagement of the Episcopal religion and is a stench in God’s nose. (Isaiah 65:3-5) The homosexuals are resorting to distasteful and vulgar means to publicize their victory! They have seized TEC and its trust funds from a sleeping congregation of Episcopalians, with the noble exception of those orthodox who are standing for the faith once given. Is the CofE and Canada far behind? Most Episcopalians appear to be mesmerized by their liturgical recitations – like Pharisees at the wall – with their smug self satisfaction of being “above it all” and “open minded” in terms of doctrine and understanding God’s Word - while the small homosexual minority takes over their church. It is a culmination of the many incidents of apostasy leading to present larger corporate apostasy that defiles all Saints in the Episcopal Church that must be exorcized by the Communion if it is to continue. (Heb 6:4-6) If the homosexuals are right in their cause, God is dead. But He isn’t – and those backing the insidious homosexual agenda in TEC (T-shirts, buttons and all) will soon learn of God’s judgment on their betrayal and disparagement of a once great denomination of the Anglican Communion. |
| Cennydd | Posted: 2007/5/5 4:12 Updated: 2007/5/5 4:14 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6727 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Frivolous? Perhaps, but there is seriousness behind them. The revisionist heretics are soon to reap what they have sown.
Cennydd |
| daveball | Posted: 2007/5/5 10:57 Updated: 2007/5/5 10:57 |
Home away from home Joined: 2004/12/18 From: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2301 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Guardian,
The reference is, of course, to the qualities of "cheap", "lacking in class", "available at any time", "no questions asked" and so on. That seems to be TEC. Before all you Motel Six fans get excited, sure it is a reasonable place to stay and the light is always on - but it's a motel and that's its purpose - it's not a religious denomination. It is an amusing thought for TEC, however - Clown Mass in room 125, Homosexuals Unanimous meeting in room 220, Moon Worship in the Narthax........ |
| daveball | Posted: 2007/5/5 11:07 Updated: 2007/5/5 11:07 |
Home away from home Joined: 2004/12/18 From: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2301 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade otispage2,
I hear what you're saying however we have heard TEC analyzed so many times - and the conclusions are always the same - that it is hard to remain stone cold serious. TEC has become the laughing stock of religion - OK, there are a few other cults who are pretty far out also - and has long since surrendered any legitimate right to respect and dignity. David's analysis is, as always, right on target. We can all read it, understand it, agree that TEC are miserable apostate, heretic loonies, and then what? We knew that. Maybe a bit of levity is what we need. Is a tee shirt campaign really a "campaign" or simply a way to ward off some of the frustration and anger that most of us feel? Let me know where I can get some tee shirts. |
| gregory | Posted: 2007/5/5 11:13 Updated: 2007/5/5 12:28 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2004/8/4 From: Nflorida Posts: 4425 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Poster: Guardian Posted: 2007/5/5 0:58:40
"daveball, cennydd Speaking of posters, about six months ago I saw a really insulting poster that had images of ++Akinola, Stalin, and one or two other villins. I wish I had saved it because it would be a perfect visual response when TEc talks about how inclusive it is. Have you seen it? Does anyone know where I can locate it. Thanks, Guardian" Knock and it will be opened Ask and you will receive http://rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/gallery/akinola_time.JPG or click here for David Virtue's posting. Thank you for asking and You're Welcome, gregory http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1187221,00.html |
| quissum | Posted: 2007/5/5 11:57 Updated: 2007/5/5 11:57 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/2/18 From: Posts: 337 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade ...it is difficult not to write satire, for who in this wicked city has such an iron spirit that he can endure...
Juvenal's comment from his first Satire certainly seems appropriate here, and justifiable so often when we read the outrageous but factual antics of heretical Anglicans and Episcopalians. Greatly appreciating the thoughtful and clever blogs of Virtueonline brothers and sisters, grieved and outraged by the treachery, apostasy, folly, and arrogance of the revisionists, part of me does respond to Otis' concern for our online witness. Not that we can change the view of enemies who expect to find and condemn the 'narrow-mindedness,' 'fundamentalism,' and 'lack of love' they think they have transcended with their 'advanced thinking' and new 'revelations' from some god. This is, of course, galling for those who wish only that the Lord and Savior we have come to know and adore through the witness of Scripture and the Holy Spirit be exalted and glorified in the Church and the World. Irony, however, often seems appropriate and can be an effective response to gross human folly. Moreover, God can and does take even our foolishness and use it for His holy purposes. It is a spiritual battle we are in, always, but with the battlefield and tactics changed dramatically with the Internet. May God keep us vigilant and faithful, zealous for His Kingdom, and yet attentive to His Spirit, and gracious with the proclamation of His saving Gospel. His is the final victory, praise God! Vengence is Mine, says the LORD; I will repay...He that sits in the heavens will laugh; the LORD will hold them in derision...and to Him every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. |
| gregory | Posted: 2007/5/5 13:19 Updated: 2007/5/5 13:31 |
Home away from home Joined: 2004/8/4 From: Nflorida Posts: 4425 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade |
| chaps | Posted: 2007/5/5 15:14 Updated: 2007/5/5 15:14 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2007/2/11 From: Posts: 438 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade quissum wrote:
“Not that we can change the view of enemies who expect to find and condemn the 'narrow-mindedness,' 'fundamentalism,' and 'lack of love' they think they have transcended with their 'advanced thinking' and new 'revelations' from some god.” Satire and sarcasm are often the best rhetorical approach, both to get “through” to the loon left and to deter others from listening to them – which is why Jesus often used sarcasm and why the loon left whines about it (and because they take themselves so seriously that they don't have a sense of humor). Christ is risen! chaps |
| otispage2 | Posted: 2007/5/5 16:25 Updated: 2007/5/5 16:37 |
Home away from home Joined: 2007/3/14 From: Posts: 607 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit may be appropriate, but, I believe, it should not be a chorus considering the greater tragedy while “the small homosexual minority takes over their church.”
For me, it is like joking about the holocaust. Nevertheless, I agree I have overreacted and am guilty of the same thing (Rom 2:1) and I ask those I have offended to forgive me. For sarcasm and caustic wit are armor in my war-kit, but I know I sometimes cross the line into sin when using them. Is it too “fundamental” to say, “Pray before you say”, and consider your witness? A VOL participant is a witness to the world! But am I tripping on myself in not considering that, after all, I am exchanging with fellow Christians whose “sarcasm” is a veil used to ignore a greater pain and revulsion as to why homosexuals have taken over their church. Now this is not irony, it is a tragedy; and I am guilty of caustic sarcasm in making the point. Again, forgive me. (Matt 6:14-15) |
| ZachD | Posted: 2007/5/5 17:47 Updated: 2007/5/5 17:48 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2005/11/10 From: Posts: 1782 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade My dear friends,
This is a fine editorial, and a fine thread. I was reminded, while reading, of the almost immortal words of the housekeeper of Ebineezer Scrooge, who said, "Never was there a truer word spoke." I would change the name of the Motel to "Motel Six Six Six", actually. For a tee-shirt, I would suggest a Sci-Fi concept that I will PM around a bit. I have used it for soul-less beuracracies in my city. Every blessing in Christ Jesus, and for rescue prayers for our church! |
| cjanning | Posted: 2007/5/5 17:58 Updated: 2007/5/5 17:58 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2006/12/19 From: Deep East Texas Posts: 279 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade It's all about power! The amoral perverts in the world, though a very small percentage of the population, want to wield the power to make normal people give sodomites the same respect as is given to hetrosexual married couples. The perverts are not going to quit until they gain "this respect", somewhat like a person who sends $300 to a diploma mill, then takes the worthless degree, has it framed, and proclaims to all that he is a "college graduate". The homosexuals, through a massive disinformation campaign, have managed to take over what was once a mainstream American church, and now have people with fancy titles and pretty robes telling them how "right" their perverted lifestyle is. My grandmother used to say that "putting catchup on a cow patty didn't make it a hamburger". Reality will catch up with these people, either in this world (look at HIV/AIDS), or in the next. After all is said and done, God is still immutable, and putting "catchup" on an abomination still won't make the abomination an alternative lifestyle.
|
| Joe of the Mountain | Posted: 2007/5/5 20:25 Updated: 2007/5/5 20:25 |
Home away from home Joined: 2004/1/3 From: Posts: 3472 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade |
| FatherR | Posted: 2007/5/5 20:28 Updated: 2007/5/5 20:28 |
Just can't stay away  Joined: 2007/2/9 From: Wisconsin Posts: 71 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Everytime I think that ECUSA can't sink any lower, they turn around and surprise me once again. How anyone can think that this guy should be a priest, is beyond me. But then again at his age he may end up being Presiding Bishop. I guess the old saying is true: With heresy anything is possible.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.  |
| Guardian | Posted: 2007/5/5 23:50 Updated: 2007/5/6 0:00 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/9/21 From: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 184 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade quissum,
Thank you for an excellent post. Since I began reading and posting on VOL, I have had the opportunity to read many superb posts written by readers who are blessed with great theological knowledge and perspective. Others, including myself, take a more lighthearted approach. Last week I included the following two quotes in one of my posts: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." - Martin Luther "The devil...the prowde spirite...cannot endure to be mocked." - Sir Thomas More These quotes sum up the way I believe I am called to fight against the apostasy of TEc. TEc also attempts to use what they misguidedly call humor. Take a moment and look at the following site Gregory has provided. http://rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/gallery/akinola_time.JPG Unlike VOL writers, TEc's purpose is to destroy honorable and godly men such as ++Akinola, as well as, the Christian faith as a whole. There is no joy in their humor, only hate, perversity, and apostasy. Have no doubts, we are engaged in a war against a vicious and dangerous enemy. I hope that in some small way my attempts at humor accomplish two things. First, to provide a respite from battle for VOL regulars. Second, by reposting such things as the preceding link to their ++Akinola poster and the following link to the infamous "clown communion", new readers may quickly see for themselves how sick and destructive TEc truly is. http://www.expagan.info/blog/?p=123 With love and respect to all my VOL brothers and sisters, Guardian |
| Showmeguy | Posted: 2007/5/6 0:44 Updated: 2007/5/6 0:44 |
Quite a regular  Joined: 2007/3/29 From: Oklahoma Posts: 58 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade It became quite apparent around 4 years ago, with Vickie's election that TEC paid no attention to the bible, especially 1 Timothy 3, regarding quals for a Bishop. IMHO(In My Humble Opinion), a priest or deacon should meet the same requirements. Jimmie Mac is nowhere close to that, but if he makes it through "Semen"Airy, I have little doubt that he'll be another joke of a bishop in short order. PB Kathy, Vickie,Spong and about half the others still in TEC will make sure of that. But now, to the Tee-Shirts, hey, I'm in!!!
|
| frcochran | Posted: 2007/5/6 1:36 Updated: 2007/5/6 1:39 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2004/6/28 From: Posts: 544 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade From the ordinal of that 1979 BCP (Book of Crappy Preposterousness):
Bishop Has he been selected in accordance with the canons of this Church? And do you believe his manner of life to be suitable to the exercise of this ministry? Presenters We certify to you that he has satisfied the requirements of the canons, and we believe him to be qualified for this order. Yes Bishop, he is also superbly and stunningly qualified, he has left two wives, fathered children with both of them, has sex with other men, and rumor has it he is biding his time until V. Gene becomes available. NOW COME ON. AND THIS WILL BE SAID WITH A STRAIGHT FACE? You couldn't write this stuff. John+ |
| bjoyfull | Posted: 2007/5/6 16:25 Updated: 2007/5/6 16:25 |
Just can't stay away Joined: 2006/3/29 From: Posts: 80 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade If this McGreevy caper doesn’t say it all about TEC's apostasy, I don't know what does. Quite simply and to the point, McGreevy gets considered for the priesthood within minutes of becoming an Apostopalian, given a free pass for being gay, their current “cause celeb”, but a TSM grad doesn’t stand a chance for ordination in the vast majority of U.S. dioceses. Reading about this has made me sick to my stomach.
|
| Wilhelm | Posted: 2007/5/7 19:46 Updated: 2007/5/7 19:46 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2006/6/19 From: The Colonies Posts: 172 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade Oh dear, here is simply another squirming creature crawling in and about a decaying putrified corpse. Perfectly logical. Of course McGreevey's attracted to taking such "unholy orders".
Bury the stinking thing or at least stay away from it. Don't look back or you're NaCl before too long. |
| chaps | Posted: 2007/5/7 22:00 Updated: 2007/5/7 22:00 |
Home away from home Joined: 2007/2/11 From: Posts: 438 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade jimB01 wrote:
"He clearly has the academic potential and history for seminary admittance, after all, he is a lawyer who got decent grades in law school. So he can, I suppose, do an Mdiv." Just what TEc needs -- another lawyer. He can join the other Pharisees in whining about the letter of the Canons while ignoring their intent. I suppose you're correct -- if a PhD in oceanography can do a quick MDiv, why not a lawyer? jimB01 wrote: "That does not get one ordained...." Nice try at attacking the critics instead of dealing with the substance: McGreevey's immoral behavior makes him an unsuitable candidate for the priesthood. In fact, his unrepentant behavior makes him an unsuitable candidate for membership in the church. The statements released by McGreevey's "friends" make it clear that he's not attending seminary for his own edification and the reception he has received in TEc makes clear that his intention is welcome. Christ is risen! chaps |
| rebmarc | Posted: 2007/5/8 16:37 Updated: 2007/5/8 16:37 |
Just popping in Joined: 2007/5/8 From: Posts: 3 |
 Re: McGreevey's MasqueradeNew poster here...you might want to check Anglican Centrist blog...the good Father, as a GTS Trustee, did some research and found the original news was erroneous!
Always wise to weigh others in the same scale we wish to be weighed by.... Blessings! |
| chaps | Posted: 2007/5/9 21:13 Updated: 2007/5/9 21:13 |
Home away from home Joined: 2007/2/11 From: Posts: 438 |
Re: McGreevey's Masquerade keithsy wrote:
“It is a free country and the Constitution guarantees him the right to practice his faith as he wishes.” Although “the Constitution guarantees him the right to practice his faith as he wishes,” the Constitution does not guarantee Mr McGreevey or anyone else the right to practice his faith *where* he wishes. In fact, the Constitution guarantees churches the right to set their own membership and clergy requirements, which is the issue here: Mr McGreevey does not meet the criteria for either membership or clergy because he is a practicing homosexual. keithsy wrote: “I have shared a pew with him and his daughter at St. Bart's. He is a lovely gentleman.” Gentlemen do not lie. Gentlemen do not cheat on their wives. Gentlemen do not divorce their wives to satisfy their own lustful passions. Gentlemen do not practice homosexuality. keithsy wrote: “What happened in the past has passed.” Mr McGreevey is still living with his homosexual partner and, therefore, is unrepentant, so “what happened in the past” is still continuing. keithsy wrote: “He ain't the only one! Matthew 7:1 'Do not pass judgment and no one will do the same to you.'” Your quotation of Mt 7:1 (“Judge not, that you be not judged”; see also “Judge not, and you shall not be judged” – Lk 6:37) is a common excuse for ignoring another of Jesus' commands: “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him” (Lk 17:3). The context (Mt 7:1-5; Lk 6:37-42) of the “Judge not” quote makes clear that we are not to judge the salvation of others (that's between God and the other person), but the context (Lk 17:1-4) of the “rebuke him” quote makes clear that we must discern what is sinful in order to confront those who sin against us. This doesn't mean we should go around looking for others' sins to point out but, when we are confronted by sin, we have a responsibility to help others attain moral behavior – if we fail to do this, we are denying Christ. Christ gave His Apostles and, through them, today's priests, the power and authority to forgive sins, but they must discern sin in order to grant absolution. None of us like being told that we are wrong or admitting that we have sinned, but we must be aware of a sin before we can confess it and be forgiven. Blessings, chaps |
