ECUSA: VIA MEDIA SPINS ‘MIDDLE WAY’ WHILE PUSHING ALL OUT FOR CHANGED CHURCH

Almost a dozen revisionist Episcopal groups operating under the banner Via Media planned a strategy meeting in Atlanta (March 25–27, 2004), described by Lionel Deimel of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh as an opportunity to “swap notes, meet each other and plan strategy.” Critics argue this is a euphemism for coordinating efforts to marginalize, pressure, or displace the biblically orthodox minority in The Episcopal Church (TEC).

The use of Via Media (“Middle Way”) is deeply ironic. Historically, the term—associated with Richard Hooker—signified a balance between Reformation evangelicalism and catholic sacramental tradition. Contemporary Via Media activists, however, show little interest in theological balance. As William L. De Arteaga notes, the Wesleys embodied the true Via Media: passionate evangelicals and disciplined sacramentalists. By contrast, today’s Via Media advocates are nearly uniformly revisionist on sexuality and authority.

Among the ~40 attendees in Atlanta were three national church representatives, including David Booth Beers—TEC’s attorney and Presiding Bishop Griswold’s personal counsel—at a reduced rate of $350/hour. His presence signals serious legal backing for the movement. Beers is widely expected to advise dioceses on how to retain property when conservative parishes attempt to leave (e.g., Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Louis, MO).

Though leaders claim the goal is to prevent schism and promote “moderation, tolerance, and inclusion,” the composition of Via Media groups tells a different story: they exist almost exclusively in orthodox dioceses (Pittsburgh, Albany, South Carolina, Fort Worth)—not in already-liberal dioceses like Newark or California. This suggests their function is to counter orthodox leadership—not to mediate between factions.

Rev. John Sorensen (Albany Via Media) claims the groups “demand that we remain an inclusive place… embracing liberals, gay clergy, conservatives, and everybody in between.” Yet even his own bishop, Dan Herzog, reportedly rejects this framing.

Most groups remain small (<100 active members), but with institutional support and media access, their influence is poised to grow. One observer likened their vision of “reconciliation” to communist re-education: “You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.”

Critics argue this is not about theological breadth, but about redefining core doctrines—particularly regarding human sexuality and Scriptural authority. As one writer put it: “Via Media no more represents the true center of the church than Frank Griswold represents Anglo-Catholicism. It’s all a great lie.”

The stakes are eternal: “One cannot simply agree to disagree—the eternal destiny of thousands of souls are at stake.”