ALABAMA: EPISCOPAL THEOLOGIAN LAYS OUT NETWORK OPTIONS

DIOCESE OF ALABAMA: Episcopal Theologian Lays out Network Options

A Layman's reflection on what happened

By Curtis M. Nordan,

Jr. April 5, 2004

Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Avenue Montgomery AL 36104

A meeting at the Church of the Ascension in Montgomery, Alabama took place on April 1st in order to learn about the new Network of Dioceses and Parishes.

Dr. Ephraim Radner from the Diocese of Colorado and an orthodox Biblical scholar came to inform us of the progress and goals of the Network. Bishop Henry Parsley was also invited as an honored guest.

Those in attendance hoped that one or two hours would be sufficient to learn what was going on, but the debate was extended by the Bishop and lasted for over three hours. Bishop Parsley, like a poker player, too soon revealed his hand. He denigrated those who sought solutions to the crisis within the Episcopal Church.

Most of us came to learn about the Network's ideas to keep American Episcopalians in communion with the worldwide Anglican Communion, many of whom have renounced the US Episcopal Church over the consecration of V. Gene Robinson. They include The Russian Orthodox, the Roman Catholic Church, and many others who have parted ways with the ECUSA.

Bishop Parsley was clearly not interested in hearing about these "solutions." Golfers have an adage, "drive for show, and putt for dough." Bishop Parsley "drove for show" by voting against Bishop Robinson.

He did not "putt for dough", but only putters around while "Integrity" the gay advocacy group infiltrates Diocesan Headquarters and determines the course of the diocese. Integrity nationally, has the Church more intimidated than the Sanhedrin of Jesus' day.

They maneuver and manipulate the Bishops and others to subscribe to their agenda. They want the vast majority of Episcopalians to be reasonable, and acquiesce in believing it their way.

They hope to avoid conflict by giving the appearance of peace. I could not ask my question "Quo Vadis" (whither goest thou) when Christians were a small sect exercising their new found way of living at great danger to themselves.

Bishop Parsley's anxiety "to get out of Dodge" ended the discussion. His concern is minister to parishioners who make up 2% or less of the population was obvious. The overwhelming 98% of us are of secondary importance to him.

He showed concern about the contents of a memo from the Network, but he showed little concern for Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold's declaration that he had to apologize for being from the United States of America and his excoriating the President of the United States George W. Bush and his father.

My concern is with the vast majority of Episcopalians "traveling West on Route 66 to Albuquerque" who are following Biblical teachings and historic traditions.

These aren't inclined to be re-routed back East. My career in real estate taught me that all parties to a transaction are volunteers. I cannot make anyone do anything. I can only guide individuals to complete a transaction – from the sellers, buyers, attorneys, secretaries, mortgage officers, surveyors, title companies, and all others involved.

Likewise, ECUSA's bishops and clergy cannot take parishioners off the bus, and push them in another direction they do not wish to go. Episcopalians are volunteers, and capable of thinking for themselves.

Some seminaries are teaching students very little about what the Bible really says, and more what the world and newspapers say, but that will not feed the flock of God. Perhaps they ought to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror and decide they are better suited doing a different line of work.

Great leaders throughout the ages stood on unchangeable principles. Most of the bishops and clergy are standing on quick sand and they want to take many of us down with them. It won't work. We won't go there.

END