Episcopalians Are Reaching Point of Revolt


By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
December 17, 2006

For about 30 years, the Episcopal Church has been one big unhappy family. Under one roof there were female bishops and male bishops who would not ordain women. There were parishes that celebrated gay weddings and parishes that denounced them; theologians sure that Jesus was the only route to salvation, and theologians who disagreed.

The Falls Church in Virginia has been voting on whether to secede from the Episcopal Church and is expected to announce results on Sunday.

Now, after years of threats, the family is breaking up.

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That was a very sad thing to read. Even being a non-christian, it makes me sad to know that the church is going to split like that, especially over (what I consider) non-issues like gay-marriage and female clergy. I have always held very high respect for churches and sects that welcome everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race...etc...etc...etc. And to go to such great legnths to get out of the organization seems so...er...rude (can't think of a better word)...sort of like, not talking to your mom, then going and finding a replacement mom and then strutting the new mom in front of your real mom in an act of defiance, certainly only meant to hurt.

Ah, well, what do I know though? This is why religion leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.

Churches are prone to break up, mainly because the congregations begin to infight, usually over things that aren't really important, similar to what's been happening within the Episcopalian church. Mostly, though, it's churches here and churches there...small microcosms within the denomination...rather than the entire denomination breaking apart.

It is indeed sad...and I hope they are able to overcome the rift eventually.