When in Doubt, Call Them Names

There have been a number of posts on more conservative blogs and a comment from a bishop in Wales about the campaign to call for an end to this proposed Anglican Covenant. Apparently, if we who oppose the so-called Covenant aren't leftists trying to undo all that is right and holy, then we are being likened to the British National Party aka English racist political thugs. All because we don't agree with a proposal that threatens to create a class system in the Anglican Communion: those who sign and those who do not sign the Covenant. And if a member does sign, it will have to run its decisions by the rest of the signatories before they can do something like... ordain a woman bishop (and God forbid she be a lesbian in a relationship!).

I don't think it is "fascist" to call attention to the flaws in the Anglican Covenant. We have legitimate concerns that the language of said so-called "covenant" will provide sticks to those who want to beat back any church or province that feels the Holy Spirit moving us in a direction of being more inclusive and allowing those new souls in the church to live fully into their baptismal vows. Such debates in the church are nothing new, even within the Church of England. And, going back to Wednesday and Richard Hooker Day, the three-legged stool on which we stand has Scripture, Tradition... and Reason. From where I sit, this needs not only more careful consideration of exactly what the words in the covenant will mean when put in the hands of a legal literalist, we also need the answer to why do we need this thing any way? If the answer is based on fear of actions taken by, oh--I dunno--The Episcopal Church, that have caused discomfort and discord, that's not a good reason. That requires more of the indaba process of deep listening that occurred at the last Lambeth Conference. And that listening process must include the one who was not allowed to attend.

Finally, I think it's time everybody put their grown-up pants on and realize that we don't and won't all agree on everything, and that's OK. Calling me and others a fascist only proves our point that we are far from ready to have a relationship.

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Apparently, we aren't the only ones concerned about this issue. A poll of readers of the English newspaper, The Church Times, asks the question, "Should the Church of England reject the Anglican Covenant?" As of this writing, 59% Yes, 39% No.