CONFLICTING & DECEPTIVE MESSAGES

AS EYE SEE IT

 By John Donnelly

Like many people, I am often quite bewildered by the many, many conflicting messages that conservative/orthodox Episcopalians are receiving from our opponents in ECUSA.

The other day, I received a piece of hate mail from an Episcopalian in my diocese.  I have never met the person. He had heard about us from others in the diocese (Diocese of Newark), and had read our web site. He had heard that I am antigay and was appalled at the Robinson election.  He suggested that bigots like me should leave the Episcopal Church’s.  For many of us, such love letters are a common occurrence However, we receive a mixed message from others in the same camp.  They say, We value you...we love you in God...please stay and dialogue with us Or, You may leave, but not with your property.

Maybe  we conservative Episcopalians should pick up a daisy, and pull off the pedals, one at an item, asking, They love me?...they love me not?

For the time being, I personally do not wish to leave ECUSA.  But I resent the kiss and slap mentality of the liberal Episcopal community.

Coming up at 130th Diocesan Convention, the Diocese of Newark will be voting on a resolution to promote the Unity of the church in the Spirit of the Gospel.[Resolution 2004: http://www.dioceseofnewark.org/convention/resolutions.html].

This resolution commends the Diocesan Convention of Upper South Carolina for setting a tone of reconciliation by voting to set aside all of these [divisive General Convention] resolutions. They did so not because they believe in the actions of General Convention, but because they did not want polarization around these issues further to interfere with the ministry, mission, and unity of the Diocese. Through their resolution, they are committed to seek deeper unity, more profound love, and more faithful discipleship.

Does anyone else see the irony here?  The Diocese of Newark has led the charge in these battles for years and years, and now they commend a diocese for not polarizing the church? Where is the truth in this resolution?

The Rev. Canon John Donnelly co-Rector, St. Michaels, (Wayne, NJ) An American Anglican Council affiliate in the Diocese of Newark

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