The Episcopal Forum of South Carolina is a group of Episcopalians who, like Albany Via Media, support the work of the national Church and encourage moderate voices within their diocese. Their recent newsletter provides further confirmation that the leadership of the dioceses of Albany and South Carolina are like peas in a pod. Barbara Mann is the author of an article titled "A Brief History..." outlining the intentional steps taken by her diocese to disassociate from The Episcopal Church. As you read this account, substitute the names of our three recent Albany bishops for those from South Carolina, and where that diocese is mentioned, replace it with Albany. The parallel is perfect. Barbara Mann writes:
During the tenure of bishop Allison, Bishop Salmon, and now Bishop Lawrence, the Diocese of South Carolina has become increasingly conservative. This is particularly evident in the recruitment and retention of clergy. The preference for a few conservative seminaries as sources of clergy has helped shape the narrow outlook of the Diocese. Consequently, it has become more difficult for parishioners in the Diocese to hear balanced and clear information regarding The Episcopal Church (TEC), the General Convention (GC) and the World Wide Anglican Communion
Since early 2004 the rhetoric of the leadership of the Diocese of South Carolina has become increasingly strident. Exaggerated and, at times, misleading claims have been made concerning the actions of TEC and General Convention. Diocesan leadership has encouraged an atmosphere that rejects many of the inclusive understandings endorsed by the General Conventions. The leadership has been separating the Diocese from TEC in was such as:
- All of the 111 dioceses in TEC are asked to give 21% of their income to TEC to support the many programs and missions of TEC. While it is true that some dioceses are unable to pay the total asking, and others pay more, the Diocese of South Carolina pays less than 1%. This action indicates a complete disengagement from the programs and outreach of TEC and is a major step towards separation.
- At General Conventions the deputation from South Carolina has generally worshiped each day at an alternative Eucharist instead of the convention Eucharist.
- Information concerning TEC and its programs is very difficult to come by in South Carolina. The Jubilate Deo [diocesan newsletter]publicizes very little concerning the rest of TEC and has refused to publish views common within TEC but contrary to those of the leadership of the Diocese. Parishioners in the Diocese do not have the information needed to form their own opinions on the issues.
Ms. Mann reviewed results of the recent special convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, which passed resolutions distancing the diocese even further from the national Church. She alluded to accusations by Bishop Lawrence that The Episcopal Church has rejected "the doctrine of the Trinity, the Uniqueness and Universality of Christ, the authority of Scripture, our understanding of baptism, and now, that last refuge of order, our Constitution and Canons." Do these charges sound similar to statements by our bishop in Albany? Ms. Mann instead assures us that:
There is no deadly threat to the core of Episcopal beliefs. The creeds remain intact; belief in the Holy Trinity is not in question; belief in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as Savior, including the incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection, are not questioned. Nor is the calling of Episcopalians as disciples to live out our baptismal covenant being endangered.
The Episcopal Church has a tradition of embracing a broad range of scriptural understanding while worshiping together as a community which reflects the diversity of God's creation. Jesus Christ included all sorts and conditions of people as his companions and friends. Following this model is one of the marks of The Episcopal Church.
The threshold questions are:
Are we going to allow one issue to separate us from our beloved Episcopal Church?
Will we continue to worship and reason together as Episcopalians?
We will, with God's help.
Amen!
Barbara Mann has served as deputy or alternate to five General Conventions, was elected to the National Executive Council in 1997, and has chaired its Audit Committee. She also served on the National Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development, and recently completed a term as Chair of the Standing Commission on the Structure of the Church. For the last 15 years she has served as the Treasurer of Province IV. Barbara is a graduate of St. Lawrence University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
It's quite sad to see what's happening in Albany and South Carolina. My heart goes out to those in the dioceses who are loyal to the Episcopal Church.
The bishops of Albany and North Carolina say that they remain in the Episcopal Church, but my question for them is, "Where is your heart?"
Posted by: Grandmère Mimi | November 13, 2009 at 08:05 PM