The Episcopal Church in the United States seems determined to make itself as abhorrent as possible to the majority of Christians around the world. If it wasn't so tragic and wicked, sometimes it would appear like an episode of Yes Prime Minister.
Their latest triumph, reported in this week's Church of England Newspaper is to appoint the Rev'd Dr Katharine Ragsdale as Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Massachusetts. She is openly homosexual, though that's no surprise, as it's becoming a prerequisite for high office in TEC. The horror is her comments on abortion. Again, the fact that she's pro-abortion is sad but not surprising. She spent 17 years on the board of Religions Coalition for Reproductive Choice, including 8 years as Chair.
Here are some comments from a 2007 sermon, quoted in CEN:
"Abortion is a blessing."
"Abortionists are engaged in holy work."
“When a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion - there is not a tragedy in sight — only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing,”
She concluded the sermon with some audience participation:
"Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.”
I would hope that even the most ardent 'pro-choicer' would be horrified by such comments. Even if you think it's legitimate and necessary, surely everyone can see the great sadness involved in the termination of a foetus?
It seems to me that the comment about enjoying God's gift of sexuality gets ot the heart of TEC spirituality. Everything always seems to come back to sex. For TEC, your sex life seems to be the key thing that identifies you and gives your life meaning. How shallow!
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3 comments:
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.
I agree that these pro-abortion sentiments are very horrible. That said, a TEC bishop has done a good thing in relieving the Moslem priest of her responsibilities while she reconsiders her position. Things are not all bad across the pond!
Another good thing from our North American friends: http://covenant-communion.net/
Well said Marc.
Yes,Liam, good to see that the 'bishop' of Rhode Island has just last week finally defrocked Ann Holmes Redding.
Interestingly, she charged Ms Redding with the same offence, 'abandonment of communion' with which other bishops have charged some of the US and Canadian orthodox. I wonder how many TEC bishops see becoming a Muslim and joining a different Anglican province as equally wrong?
I wonder what Ms Wolf makes of her new episcopal colleague, the ordained Zen Buddhist Biishop of Northern Michigan?
The conclusion that things are not all bad across the pond my be clutching at straws I fear.
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