The Challenge of Canterbury

Once more, I find myself dumbfounded by what the Archbishop of Canterbury does and does not do. He does NOT feel the need to speak out in opposition to the horrendous Anti-Homosexuality legislation in Uganda, legislation which undermines all Christian values of respecting the dignity of every human being and basically thumbs its nose at the very meager offering made by the Archbishop that we Anglicans should "listen" to the experiences of homosexuals.

But, the election of a partnered lesbian as a Bishop Suffragan in Los Angeles? My goodness, the ink probably wasn't yet dried on the pages of the LA Times before the fuzzy-faced man in Lambeth Palace was firing off his "concerns" about the actions in California!!

In a short set of remarks, Archbishop Rowan Williams says her election raises very serious questions for the Episcopal Church, and its place in the Anglican Communion, as well as the Communion as a whole. And his statement is clearly a clarion call to all his Purple-Shirted Posse in the United States to try to block Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool's consecration:

"The process of selection however is only part complete. The election has to be confirmed, or could be rejected, by diocesan bishops and diocesan standing committees. That decision will have very important implications."

How much meddling the ABC does in our Church and our decisions will also have very important implications as well! But I digress: the ABC concludes:

"The bishops of the Communion have acknowledged that a period of gracious restraint in respect of actions which are contrary to the mind of the Communion is necessary if our bonds of mutual affection are to hold."

Again, what amazes me is that a decision that came after SEVEN ballots ending in the election of a woman noted first and foremost for her social justice commitment and pastoral care abilities is far more threatening to the figurehead of the Anglican Communion than a piece of legislation being egged on by Ugandan Church leaders that proposes death and imprisonment for LGBT people. Which part of the Gospel is ++Rowan reading? Which God is he following? Does his Bible not contain the message that God arrived in the world to reconcile us and redeem us and to bring as many of us into eternal life as would be willing to receive the Word?

Has he grown deaf to the voice in the wilderness that notes that every valley will be lifted up and mountain will be made low?

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, ++Rowan. Repent and return to the God who is calling back those lost sheep who have hungered and been thirsting for the inclusive love promised through Jesus Christ.

And we are coming to the banquet whether the Anglican Communion is "mutually affectionate" or not!!