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Conservative orthodox seminaries will birth, if you will, conservative folks to serve in parish life and ministry
Episcopal parish priest Bill Murdoch watched the developing split in his denomination over homosexuality and thought: In a denomination where the majority of seminaries are liberal, conservatives need to look for a way to move forward on their own.
So he approached the country's two most conservative Episcopal seminaries with a proposal -- an academic partnership with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton,in US state Massachusetts, even though he hadn't asked Gordon-Conwell yet.
The result is a new concentration in Anglican-Episcopal studies that gives traditionalist Episcopalians a place in one of the nation's best-known conservative seminaries at a time when many don't feel at home in their own church.
"We're at the edge of the knife," said Murdoch, a Gordon-Conwell alumnus from West Newbury, Mass.
"If the church divides, there will be a need for courageous, well-trained young leadership. Conservative orthodox seminaries will birth, if you will, conservative folks to serve in parish life and ministry."
With more than 2 million members, the Episcopal Church is the US branch of the global Anglican Communion. It has long been divided over how to interpret the Bible on various issues, including gay clergy and same-sex unions.
Conservatives hold to the traditional belief that the Bible prohibits gay sex, while liberals believe the overwhelming message of Scripture is acceptance and love of all people.
The 2003 election of an openly gay bishop, V Gene Robinson in New Hampshire, intensified the divide. Some conservative parishes have left the denomination, and several dioceses are now considering breaking away.
Sage Sweetwater, firebrand lesbian novelist, practicing the Wiccan faith, staunch follower of the Church of Scientology
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However, when it comes to sin -- the line is drawn regarding acceptance. I find it ironic that the very group (The Gay Community) that prides itself in tolerance is intolerant when it comes to a person exercising their personal believe to abstain from such teachings. You seem to take great joy in identifying Pastors that are caught up in sin as some type of justification to your cause, when there are hundreds of pastors within every city within this country (millions ) , with many God fearing, compassionate, and God Loving.
Gee… let me illustrate your logic back to you… Let me begin posting articles of those sexual deviants that go around raping little boys and use that as a basis for pointing the finger of all Gays. Do you see the parallel injustice in making that statement? The bottom line is that sin is sin regardless if you are a heterosexual adulterer, fornicator, or homosexual. And,,, Non-repentance to sin has a consequence.
So, I'm the person in the middle of the road that is trying to alert the oncoming vehicles approaching me to stop and consider the path of destruction around the bend that is concealed to the driver. Therefore there are three common responses to this warning. 1) Ignore the guy in the road; 2) Blame the guy in the road and even try to run him over; 3) Or take heed to the danger and change direction. Irrespective of your rationalization, anger, or opinion, options 1 & 2 will result in the same outcome.
Sadly, the jerk in the road is truly demonstrating Love by trying to get your attention - as the attacks continue.
Most Respectfully,
Pete