Episcopal Church USA elects Gay Bishop, schism imminent?

[CerberusIV]

As far as the UK is concerned, I wonder when we will get round to the real issue, disestablishing the C of E.

After all, 71.7% of people who answered the 2001 census described themselves as Christian but 71.7% of the population of this country are certainly not in church every Sunday. So do they care about whether a bishop is gay or not since they don't practice their professed religion in an organised way to start with.

[TheStinger]

It certainly should be disestablished.

But then again I'd get rid of Brenda too

[Sarxis]

Oh heaven help the church- yet another schism.

The Church is already so much particulate matter, its not a wonder the message has become lost.

[Ned]

What is the relationship between the C of E and the US Episcopal Church? I would find it interesting if Blair could appoint the head of the Church in England who would then have authority over the church in the United States.

[FrustratedPoet]

I don't know what the exact relationship is, but they mentioned on the news the other day that while the two churches have close links each one is under no obligation to follow a precedent set by the other.

The C of E doesn't have authority over the US Episcopal.

[Jack the Bodiless]

Well, the C of E has already appointed a gay man as Bishop of Reading.

There was an outcry from conservatives, and he didn't take up the post. But apparently he wasn't prevented from taking up the post, it was his own decision.

So Williams won't act against the US church on this matter, as he didn't act before.

[FrustratedPoet]

Well, the C of E has already appointed a gay man as Bishop of Reading.

Nope, they didn't in the end.

[mrmitchell]

As an Episcopalian, let me state, I don't know why the **** it matters.

[CerberusIV]

If the African and Asian churches do split from the US Episcopalians (and possibly from the C of E if Williams doesn't condemn the US appointment) who will actually notice?

OK, the bishops won't be able to go to the same conferences perhaps but other than that?

[CerberusIV]

Williams has done something. He's called a meeting - in October.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3135237.stm

Actually this is a good move because it will probably make it quite difficult for anyone to do anything significant before then.

[Sava]

Shi, I'm disappointed... quoting FauxNews stats.

[Ned]

Well, it does appear that the Archbishop of Cantebury is the head of the US church if he can call such a meeting to "discuss" the issue.

[JohnT]

You know, I just wish that people would leave gays alone. Why the friggin fuc* does it matter if they get married, be Bishops, adopt kids, etc??

I'm a Catholic, btw, not Episcopalian.

[Sava]

You know, I just wish that people would leave gays alone. Why the friggin fuc* does it matter if they get married, be Bishops, adopt kids, etc??

the wisest comment in this entire thread!

[JohnT]

Sig material!