BISHOP RIGHTER SAYS “DISSENTERS” SHOULD LEAVE ECUSA

By David W. Virtue

Walter C. Righter—the former Bishop of Iowa and central figure in the 1996 “Righter Trial” (which controversially concluded the Episcopal Church had “no core doctrine” after he ordained a non-celibate gay man)—says dissenting orthodox bishops and organizations should leave ECUSA.

Writing on the House of Bishops/Deputies listserv, Righter said:“If the continuing dissenters must go, I say ‘Go with God,’ and now let us get on with the work of the church.”

He criticized the idea that bishops could “allow what the canons and constitution do not allow” or “cede control that is not theirs to cede.”“Even if they wanted to, they cannot. If outfits like the AAC and the Network et al. must have a plan cast in concrete, they are stuck with it.”

Righter compared the current standoff to post-presentment negotiations in the 1990s:“My presenters acted as if they would negotiate. The PB appointed people to negotiate with them. When they met, it was clear there was only one way—the presenters’ way. No negotiation. So… everything was called off. So it is now.”

He accused dissenters of seeking attention, ignoring mission, and refusing to engage in the church’s “continuing urging… to enter into conversation with homosexual persons.”“Who are they kidding?” he asked.

The retired bishop lives in Maine with his third wife.