<http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/2/1/bishop-mouneer-discussions-prompted-resignation>from
the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion once again brings into
focus the nature of that Communion and its claim to inclusiveness.
Many Western Anglicans believe the word "inclusiveness" to be about
those traditionally marginalized by the Church, and in the current
debate that would mean LGBT Christians being allowed to function fully
in all levels of the Anglican structure.
I am not offering an argument about this as an eventual outcome but what
Bishop Mouneer questions is whether that agenda is inclusiveness as it
throws out so much of the Communion. The thing is, reading his letter
(the above link links to a PDF) should remind us that those who are more
theologically conservative are not simply stupid or ill-thought out,
although it may tear us apart to hear all the voices around the table -
all the voices are valid even if they are diametrically opposed to our own.
The question is, how do we move on from here - not how do we close the
door on those who most oppose our point of view. I wonder whether Dr.
Mouneer is guilty of a degree of door shoving too.
The Anglican Communion can tear itself apart over the issue, it can
inject personalities or it can ask a bigger question. What does it mean
to be truly inclusive, without the party political rhetoric? If my
stance is pro-gay and yours is not then how do we (and we must) worship
the same Jesus at the same table. From both sides there has to be
concession - not ceding the underlying issue, although that way forward
will come in time just as it has for so many other vexing issues, but to
cede that the people who we currently view in adversarial terms are our
brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dr. Mouneer worries about the Anglican Communion vesting power in its
synods - rule by committee is not our heritage he proclaims. Whatever
our stance on the homosexuality issue, we would do well to be challenged
by this observation of his - we need the voice of prophecy and
leadership and in this we have to remember that we are an Episcopal
Church not a presbyterian one. At this time we need clear leadership -
both to maintain and support the theological debate but also to state
that there are issues beyond this current mele (and I am sorry if this
offends those who are so hurt by exclusion that their hearts are
breaking and their voices are raw with crying - this is real pain).
It is not as simple as saying we should all just get along. A
conservative is not going to take communion from an openly gay and
partnered priest and the liberal response tends to be to belittle and
accuse others of being stupid. But if we all step back we can all hear
the voice of Jesus, and an invitation. As a woman, I know there are
places in the world where I cannot function as a priest. This, I believe
is wrong, in time it will change but the reality is that I have a choice
in how to conduct myself. The choice I make is to go to the Table of
Christ - and if I am in a place where that is without priestly function
then so be it, I am a servant not an executive. I know that whichever
side of the altar rail I worship on I am still who I am - who God has
made me to be.
I hope that the Episcopal Church in the USA can hold on to some of that
gratitude and confidence over the next little while, because without it
inclusiveness - real inclusiveness cedes to paternalism and then
outrageous pity for those who become our enemies. God weeps.
My hope is that all our brothers in sisters in Christ will come to a
place of restraint and unity. Unity is not agreement, not necessarily,
it is looking at the things which bind us, the love of God and the
invitation of Christ. It is allowing God to hold difference and
discomfort and kneeling together before God and offering all to God's
mercy. It is about trusting those whom God has given the voice of
authority and prophecy to exercise those gifts - even when they say
things which we react violently against.
I am not sure I agree with Dr. Mouneer for walking away - although we
all get to that point where we feel our voice is insignificant - but if
I ever spoke to him I would want to say that I love the same Jesus he
does, I see him as my brother in Christ - wherever we may disagree I
know that Jesus holds both of us and invites us not to a table of
committee but a table of life.
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