Bishop: Episcopal Church Walking Away from the Christian Faith
The tossed election of a conservative bishop to the Diocese of South Carolina makes it clearer that the Episcopal Church is walking away from the Anglican Communion and the Christian faith, said a former bishop of the diocese.
The Episcopal Church invalidated the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence's election last week, outraging conservative Episcopal leaders who say the priest clearly meets the standards for church leadership. The decision also drew out sympathy from those who opposed Lawrence's election as many called it a "tragedy" for him and the church.
"I respect him for doing the canonical thing, but I think he should go ahead and be consecrated anyway," the Rt. Rev. Dr. C. Fitzsimons Allison, the retired 12th bishop of South Carolina, told VirtueOnline, a voice for global Orthodox Anglicanism. "I was surprised that it was that close. [U.S. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts] Schori and David Booth Beers (Chancellor to the presiding bishop) are so embarrassing to The Episcopal Church and worldwide Anglican Communion."
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While Lawrence had received one more vote than what was required for election, Jefferts Schori threw out the election, citing that some of the votes were electronically submitted and did not have the required signatures attached. This was the first time in over 70 years that consents for the consecration of a bishop were denied.
Some Episcopal leaders say Lawrence should have been consecrated anyway, noting his qualifications and that the needed number of consents was received.
"The conventional idea is to call another convention and elect him again. Mark is an impeccable person and those who did not give consent, elevate the canons (church laws) above the Christian Faith," said Allison, according to VirtueOnline.
During the election, Lawrence, a priest in the conservative Diocese of San Joaquin, was asked to give his affirmation that he would not take the Diocese of South Carolina out of the Episcopal Church. The diocese had rejected the authority of Jefferts Schori, who supports ordaining homosexuals and blessing same-sex unions. Lawrence gave his affirmation in December and again early this month.
"The thresholds of pain seem to be closer than ever for a lot of folks," the Rt. Rev. Stephen H. Jecko, assistant bishop in The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, told VirtueOnline. "September 30th will be the telling point I suspect. If ECUSA (Episcopal Church) does not respond, as asked and clearly so, I think it's over."
Last month, the Episcopal Church was given a Sept. 30 deadline by Anglican primates (leaders), to respond to a moratorium on the consecration of homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions. Controversy over theological differences had heightened in 2003 when Episcopalians consecrated an openly gay bishop. The Episcopal Church is now being asked to unequivocally pledge not to consecrate another gay bishop or authorize official prayers for same-sex couples.
This week, however, the Episcopal House of Bishops passed resolutions rejecting the demand of the primates as they reaffirmed their stance for the "full inclusion" of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons. They also said they would not agree to let Anglican leaders outside the Episcopal Church to oversee conservative American dioceses that reject the authority of Jefferts Schori.
The Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield, bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, which may become the first diocese to leave the Episcopal Church, was not surprised about the decisions made by the House of Bishops, according to VirtueOnline. But he expressed surprise at the Episcopalians' quick response to the primates' requests.
"I thought the HOB would meet prior to Sept. 30, but they dismissed the Primates call out of hand," he said. "I think what the HOB did is arrogant, incredible, and they claim that they desire to be a part of the Anglican Communion, but what they are basically saying is 'we want do it in our way and in our time.'"
In the meantime, some Episcopal leaders hope Lawrence will stand again in the next election and are confident that he will be re-nominated.
