Are Episcopalians Still a Church? A Lutheran theologian/journalist examines Robinson confirmation

Christianity Today ^ | 8/7/03 | Uwe Siemon-Netto

[livius]

Agghhh! You're kidding! No, probably not.

Where do we find out more about this?

[piasa]

The Lutheran World Federation is so whacked out the mainline traditional Lutheran church in the US, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, does not belong to it. The Wisconsin Synod doesn't either, I believe.

The LCMS doesn't belong to the world Council of Churches either. My pastor referred to it as a communist front group, not a council of churches.

[FreeRep]

Next will be "sacramental" same-sex marriage.

[livius]

Thanks for the explanation.

[Tiger_eye]

I knew the Epicopalians were "losing it" when they started ordaining priestesses.

They have become a side show in a way.

It was sickening to see Rev. Gene Robinson showing off his boyfriend.

Man, I hate to say it but the Episcopalians are a joke now.

[LiteKeeper]

What more can be said at this juncture?

[LiteKeeper]

But what will the ECUSA do with dozens, perhaps hundreds of empty buildings and facilities? They will still need some maintenance and upkeep...a money pit in the making!

[nmh]

You are RIGHT and nicely done.

[nmh]

The handwriting has been on the wall for awhile with this denomination when they had the FIRST gay priest. I forget what year it was or his name but they were first. So having a gay bishop only goes to follow.

[JusPasenThru]

They are a church that just needs to go away. Robinson is nothing more than a twenty-first century walking Asherah pole.

[horse_doc]

Just to remind everyone again - the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is one of the most conservative churches in America.

I can see them gaining members as refugees from the Episcopalians and ELCA start looking for a new church.

[xzins]

There will be He-He and She-She couples in the pews and, heck, why not He-and-She-and-She or She-and-He-and-He, and Me-and-Me; all this is sacramental by new Episcopal standards, isn't it? So go bless the gin and tonic and pass it around with finger foods to the folks in front of this new religion's altars.

Gin and tonic with fingerfoods.

I love it. Bump.

[AD from SpringBay]

What is a church? The Greek word ek-klesia defines it clearly: "called out" (of the masses)— by God, not libido. "Church" is not an assembly of the elect chic with the right to decide which political, sexual or other preference, or any fad for that matter, may be considered holy.

In the Bible, the word ek-klesia (eklaseeya) always means a called out group of people. The letters of the New Testament (most if not all) were written to local, visible assemblies of believers; each making their own choices and governing themselves. So where does this idea of a universal (invisible and all encompassing) church come from? How can we say that this supposed universal church is on this earth since it is impossible to assemble all the saints together, until the time of the return of Christ? I can understand using the word church in an institutional sense (the same way I can talk about the "American family"). Such usage in no way should be construed that there is a big universal church with some earthly Dad residing over it - but instead, I understand talking about the "American family" is a way to talk in general terms.

Just something to think about.

And btw - I've been praying that all the saved would leave the Episcopalian organization and that it would fall, as an example on this earth to all those who would mock God and detest His Holy Word.

[Miss Marple]

Au contraire. Either they will fill the pews with leftists and hold political meetings disguised as worship services, or they will sell some of the buldings off for a tidy sum. Many Episcopal churches sit in downtown areas, since they were one of the first denominations in the colonies. They owon very valuable real estate.

In addition, it isn't just the buildings. They possess endowments, antiques, art, and investment accounts.

[FlyVet]

Before Monday's crucial vote, Robinson's supporters spoke much of being guided by "the Spirit." No doubt, they were. But whether it was the Holy Spirit is quite a different question.

Ya think?

[Capriole]

It's exciting to find that there are so many faithful people allied against the dark tide sweeping toward us. It's depressing and annoying to find that there's nothing available for would-worshippers in the Washington, D.C. area!

[Calpernia]

I admit, I was raised an Episcopalian. After the news of the gay unions and gay bishop...This is probably the last day I will admit to being one.

[John.Cooch]

I can you see the vision of Sodom and Ghomorra present day. I got to tell you, prepare, for the end is near. How can God let this go on much longer. THE CHURCHES ARE ACTUALLY CALLING HOLY, HOMOSEXUALITY!! What is next, clones?

[John.Cooch]

I can you see = I can see