Review of an Episcopalian Eucharist (Rite II, Prayer C)
Rev. Matheney of Jerome First Presbyterian was out of town today, I believe, so I decided to visit the Episcopal Church of the Ascension for their Sunday gathering. I was impressed. I have been to several Wednesday gatherings, usually because I was in town and I was exploring the Episcopal tradition. Rev. Brian Thom always proves to be an effective communicator and engaging pastor.
I enjoy the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer. I enjoy liturgy overall, I guess, but I am becoming (slowly) more and more familiar with the BCP. It was good to know bits-and-pieces of several of the prayers and the general way that the "service" was headed. I like structure.
I was a bit wary that I would be upset with ideas or statements that would surely be present within an Episcopal church. Namely, a blatant disregard for the catholicity of the Anglican Communion in regards to the ordination of practicing homosexuals (which the church catholic has yet to condone) and perhaps modifications of the liturgy that would be less-than-traditional.
I believe that God has created a myriad of sexuality present within his Human creatures. I believe that sexuality (within its proper context of right relationship and commitment) is something to be celebrated by the church. But, some ideas are hard to reconcile with the tradition and practices of an institution for 2,000 years. I think that the whole church (that is, the catholic consensus) needs to affirm an idea before individual diocese begin to practice an ordination not accepted by other within their communion. That being said, I think that there is a need to push for the ordination of homosexuals within the Anglican Communion, as well as other denominations. That move needs to be taken as a whole, not dissenting (apostate, technically, I believe would the correct term) groups.
I am a bit off track in that, I just felt like clarifying my position. You can light me on fire and try to "save" me now.
:P
The procession was very nice. It was filled with all sorts of lovely sights and sounds (bells, pianos, organs, vestments, various shiny things)
I felt like I had been in the presence of the Lord, like one ought to when at God's holy temple. It was a great service and I wouldn't mind a return visit. It was decidedly within the Christian tradition (duh) and it felt (suprisingly) orthodox. I may have to relinquish a bit of my prejudice against the Episcopalians...
For more reading:
::Pastoral letter from the Rt. Rev. Harry Bainbridge (Bishop of Idaho) regarding Canon Robinson's confirmation as a Bishop::
::Sexual Revelation: Body Theology in Conversation with H. Richard Niebuhr and Implications for Sexual Ethics - Adam Walker Cleaveland (.pdf)::
::Explanation of all things Anglican/Episcopalian::
::Affirming Catholicism (UK, I like their site compared the ECUSA's)::
posted by -mike- at 1:12 PM
11 Comments:
*lights on fire*
Welcome the purifying flames... :0)
Be careful young one. There is perhaps a solid reason why the catholic church throughout history has held the position it has.
Kyle: I am welcoming them.
Alan: Oh, I am trying. It is just my own, individual, tiny opinion... I am not Catholic, so it's all good... ;)
Mike,
Why is there a "need" for ordaining practicing ordination? The scriptures and the christian tradition do not even begin to approach ambiguity on this issue. They are clear on the wrongness of practicing same-sexuality.
Hmmm... I think that, in my own opinion, that it may need to be re-evaluated whether or not homosexuality (as a commited relationship vs. promiscous sex) is a "sin" or not. I don't believe so, after I have prayed about it and asked the opinions of many others. I may be wrong, for sure. But, I am comfortable with that.
Mike...you prayed and asked some people who's opinion confirmed your own...and that means your opinion and theirs is right? Well I prayed hard and I think dishonesty is okay. I went and talked to some friends of mine who are politicians (public-servants y'know). They said that dishonesty is a-okay. Therefore I feel okay with dishonesty.
Mike how exactly do you define homosexuality? By orientation only or practice?
I don't see how that is the same thing, Ian. I didn't say that I am a hundred percent sure I am right and you ae wrong. This is just where I am at with my developement.
Ben: Both.
I know you're refraining from using confident language. You misunderstand my problem with what you're saying. What's the basis for your feeling one way or the other about homosexuality being a sin?
I think, again in my own, singular, 21st century western opinion that perhaps homosexuality need be re-examined in light of cultural studies, modern scientific discoveries, and our own prejudices.
I won't use confident language yet, as I don't want to stand directly at odds with the rest of my brothers and sisters (and the writings of Paul and Moses, for sure), but I dot feel that it would be important to discuss this issue cool-headedly and christ-like, seeking to understand our faith within our context. Perhaps we have made a mistake in our judgement (as the universal church) or perhaps not. It is obvious which side I lean towards, but Iw on't declare it as my own theological position yet, "confidently".
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