On the night of the festive occasion, the church was full, with many standing in the back. An air of anticipation was palpable. And when it came time for Orombi to address the congregation, he was greeted by a 30-second standing ovation, which was repeated at the end. Orombi's actual address was punctuated by more ovations, much hearty laughter and affirmative "amens."

The congregation, however, did not reflect the diversity of a nation, especially not one as diverse as America. Almost all in attendance were Caucasian, most were over the age of 55 and a slight majority was male. Nevertheless, the implications of the event both socially and racially, should not be ignored.

In a word, it was astounding.

To think back to where the city of Tallahassee was some 40 years ago during the Tallahassee bus boycott, the protest marches to the state Capitol and the integration of the local public schools and to realize that this group of Tallahassee's finest citizens were now pledging their spiritual allegiance to a religious leader from a poor and politically insignificant African nation was truly amazing. The irony can best be understood by recalling the letter that was written to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. just before he made a visit to North Florida: "Dr. King, why don't you lead your filthy savages back to Africa?"

The disturbing aspect of the event, however, was evident in the language that was invoked. When other bishops and priests were invited to address the congregation, the listeners were reminded what a "painful experience" they had endured during the split with the Episcopal Church through their "suffering" and even their "oppression." This congregation of mostly white upper-class Americans considered themselves victims.

Regardless of the validity of such claims, I think the most important issue now is how this congregation will relate to other victims - those facing discrimination based on race, gender, immigrant status or even sexual orientation. We can hope that there will be more sympathy and compassion - even empathy - with one's fellow victims. We can pray.

A formal division in the Anglican Communion may be inevitable. But we Christians would do well to remember that even the Protestant Reformation made the faith stronger. Through the translation of the Bible into common languages, the opening of Holy Communion to the common people and the empowerment of the laity, the church was made stronger.

The Christian faith will be made stronger, too, if only we can desist from rhetorically, ecclesiastically and spiritually burning one another at the stake, while we wait on God to do the redeeming work of our salvation.

END