Below I have posted some material relating to the recently published report (or "reports amalgamated") of TEC's House of Bishops on homosexuality. At that stage I did not have the "traditionalists" introduction to their report to the bishops.
I can now point you to the link, H/T Titus One Nine, here.
As an introduction to Grant LeMarquand's statement, some observations about the course of the presentation and responses is made. It includes this:
"Both Willis and Grant gave ten minute presentations summarizing the two positions, for and against same-sex marriage. The bishops then discussed among themselves in table groups following which there was an hour for the bishops to ask questions. Perhaps the most interesting thing which happened during that question period was a short speech by Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, who expressed dissatisfaction with both papers and stated that it was time to move beyond speaking simply of “GLBT” (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) orientations: “there are so many other letters in the alphabet,” he said; “there are so many other sexualities to be explored.” He did not elaborate as to what those other sexualities and other letters of the alphabet might be."
Umm, one concern widely shared in the Communion is that the agenda of the progressives is a restless, ambitious one, which will not be satisfied with one concession (same sex partnerships blessed by the church). There is nothing here to allay that concern!
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"... one concern widely shared in the Communion is that the agenda of the progressives is a restless, ambitious one, which will not be satisfied with one concession (same sex partnerships blessed by the church)"
ReplyDeleteAs a card-carrying, label-waving liberal, I share the same concern about those who adopt a progressive label, and hasten to insist that these are not the same people at all. Liberality, to my mind, is all about exploring the implications of the freedom for which Christ has set us free, the freedom created by new life in the Spirit who frees us from the bonds of law. The liberal's inner tendency is rather static and inclusive - exploring that which has been already set in place by God, and known intuitively to some extent by all people of goodwill and generosity.
The see yourself as progressive, however, is comparative, and even competitive, depicting yourself as leading the way, being ahead of others who are, in relation to your brave leadership, conservative and reactionary. Hence you are ever looking for some innovation, some new cause to set yourself apart from others, whether that be a billboard gimmick or a new class of the oppressed to champion.
I do not know whether Gene Robinson is progressive or liberal, on these terms. As a liberal, I staunchly support his right not to have his episcopacy judged by the fact of his faithful, open, gay partnership. If he also wants to be a progressive champion, leading the exploration of "new sexualities", as yet unspecified, he can paddle his own canoe. We have more than enough of our own restless progressives to concern us here in NZ.
I think +VGR is definitely in the progressive camp!
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