John Miller Chimes In At Episcopal Life Online

From here:

Network delegates seek end to property litigation
By John A Miller • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Aug 01, 2007 It is very disheartening to read everything that emanates from the Episcopal Church (TEC) (as you like to call it) as being about property … what about people? Does it ever occur to you in “bragging” that TEC has some 2.4 million members gathered in 7,635 congregations, that you are admitting the increasing feebleness of TEC.

This was once a vibrant, energized body furthering the Kingdom of God. Now “we” have a bunch of congregations averaging 315 members. The Network claims congregations averaging 285 members. Granted there are fewer of them than us, until you start including all those who have left over the last 30 years to go to Rome, Byzantium and other points around the world. All we ever hear about from TEC is property. What good does it to you to have empty buildings?

I am a presumed liberal, being a partnered gay man, but frankly the Episcopal Church disgusts me.

Update: Why Would A Conservative Be Unhappy In Western Louisiana After The Reconciliation Meetings

Well, a few folks have either emailed or made comments asking this question, so, I’ll tell you. Many conservatives were (and still are) hoping that the Diocese will leave TEC right now, if not sooner. Taking a tack of patience, submission to all of the Windsor Report requirements, in not trying to exacerbate the tensions in the Anglican Communion by requesting alternative primatial oversight or proposing resolutions for this next Diocesan Convention to remove the accession clause from our Diocesan Constitution – are all things conservatives do not want to have to do.

However, if we can stay the course as a Diocese together, it will be worth it. Based on my knowledge of events in the Anglican world, I am betting that a time will come when ECUSA gets kicked out of the Anglican Communion. I am hoping if it comes to that, we, as a Diocese, can figure out a way forward together. In the meantime, it is important to work at unity and reconciliation within the Diocese so we can remain united.

Women Priests Departing From ECUSA: A Request For Information From Alice Linsley

A Stat TEC Doesn’t Track

Alice C. Linsley

How many Episcopal clergywomen have left the Episcopal Church in the past 3 years?

It is difficult to say since the Episcopal Church Center has not updated the statistics on clergy number by gender since 2004. In 2004, female clergy comprised 29.2% of all Episcopal clergy serving in the continental United States.

Since I left ordained ministry in the Episcopal in March 2004, I’ve come to know of 3 other women who have done likewise. Interestingly, all of us have joined the Orthodox Church.

I live in Kentucky. Another lives in Maine. Another lives in Idaho and the fourth lives in Florida, so this departure doesn’t represent discontent with the leadership of a particular diocese or province. It appears to reflect discontent with the leadership of The Episcopal Church and the direction that TEC is going.

I’m curious to know about other women who have left ordained ministry in TEC. If you were formerly an Episcopal clergywoman or if you know of one, please respond to this inquiry by posting a comment with the following information:

The women’s first name only
Whether she was a priest or deacon
The state in which she resides
The year she set aside her orders
The church with which she has affiliated.

I’ll compile the results and post the findings in a few months. I’m counting on readers to help track a statistic that the Episcopal Church has turned a blind eye to or which is a cause of embarrassment. By this means we can estimate the departure of female clergy from TEC and look for trends.

You can email Alice at aproeditor – at – windstream – dot – net

Thoughts After the Fourth Diocesan Reconciliation Meeting In Lafayette; Other News

The Holy Spirit is doing incredible things in Western Louisiana through the reconciliation and healing process. The meeting in Lafayette was wonderful. What I sensed from the reaction of the hundred or so participants was that the people of Western Louisiana are willing to submit to God’s will, are willing to do what is necessary to remain in the Anglican Communion, and want to remain as one Diocesan family.

Of course, this will be disappointing to liberals and conservatives alike.

Our last meeting is at my home parish this Saturday. It will be interesting doing my presentation before the home crowd, to be sure. In Lafayette, I was a table leader for the first time, in addition to giving my presentation. With such a tight schedule, I did not get to prepare for the presentation in prayer as I had wished. Hopefully, in Alexandria, I’ll get that chance.

Please keep in your prayers the Kairos Discipleship weekend taking place at Camp Alabama in North Louisiana this weekend. It is a three day weekend similar to Cursillo.

The good folks at StandFirm now have a schedule up for the September House of Bishops Meeting in New Orleans.