6 Episcopal priests warned of ouster

[davidinalameda]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2005/04/10/6_episcopal_priests_warned_of_ouster/

Connecticut's Episcopal bishop has warned six priests in the state who opposed the election of the first openly gay bishop that they could be removed as rectors of their parishes by Friday.

Bishop Andrew D. Smith said in letters sent to the priests that they had ''abandoned the communion of the church," which would mean the priests would no longer lead their parishes. The priests could later be defrocked.

According to Smith's letter, the dispute between the bishop and the rectors was put before the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese, which comprises clergy and lay leaders. The group concluded on March 29 that the six rectors were not in accordance with church canons and were out of communion, The Hartford Courant reported yesterday.

[Maat]

1. Dwickham ... I just feel that Gene Robinson has to stay strong.

Those that back human rights in the Episcopal church must be firm and stand behind both the appointment, and the pro-human-rights policies established by the administrative body.

He can't say to himself, for example, "maybe I should just bow out to avoid conflict." He needs to go the distance, and push for modern policies of social and economic justice.

Just my humble opinion. Backing down to these bullies (the Religious Right) never works.

[davidinalameda]

2. you're exactly right

as usual! :)

The religious left needs to start speaking out and taking their place--they can't let the Falwells and the Dobsons continue to preach their narrow form of Christianity without being challenged

[Maat]

4. I so agree.

I think you brought up the 'bully theory' once, and I agree with that. Giving in to a bully only gets you worse treatment - it encourages the bully to ratchet up the bullying behavior.

We're getting together a group of progressive people of faith in my area. We're going to firmly stand for pro-human-rights principles. I expect some crap from the local religious right, but I will deal with it.

[saltpoint]

3. Maybe they should boot out a 7th while they're at it --

-- I've heard of a pastor-like guy who goes around the land preaching in the company of 12 guys and a prostitute.

Nobody like THAT has any place in a Christian church.

[davidinalameda]

6. I know

jeesh!

[saltpoint]

7. Hi, dwickham. Do I ever thank you for your --

-- faithful posts on glbt rights.

Can we clone you and plant the clones in all the red states?

Please!?

[xchrom]

5. this could actually have some real meaning and movement

if the church could stand and really face down the right wing in the church -- well, it would be momentous.

plus it would take gene out of the spotlight.

the issue isn't about just him -- it's about -- well whether or not there is a christ in the christian church or whether the right can do what the romans and pharisees and sadusees could not,

it's about all of us -- especially gay folk -- but it really does mean we are all welcome at the table.

[mitchtv]

8. it is heartening

I have always liked that sect." Evil thrives, when good men say nothing" time to get out of the back of the bus and reclaim Christianity from the charlatans