Posted on 10/30/2004 9:14:27 AM PDT by Between the Lines
PHILADELPHIA - Accusations against two local priests that they are practicing druids and in violation of their ordination vows are extremely serious and merit further inquiries to establish the facts, the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, said Friday.
At the same time, it's imperative to ensure that the Revs. Glyn Ruppe-Melnyk and William Melnyk are treated fairly and not victims of a "where there's smoke, there's fire" mentality, he said.
"I am extremely concerned by the charges made against the Melnyks, yet I am also concerned about the reputations and pastoral needs of two priests who have contributed very positively to their parishes and this diocese for four years," Bennison said. "I will not allow this situation to turn into a witch-hunt of any sort."
Bennison indicated that he is looking forward to communication with the lay leaders of St.-Francis-in-the-Fields, Sugartown, where Rev. Ruppe-Melnyk is rector and St. James', Downingtown, where her husband serves. The Bishop said he thought it crucial during this process to hear the voices of those now served by the Melnyks.
"The liturgy at the center of this unfortunate controversy was written years ago for study purposes for a small support group of women in a diocese where the priests previously served.
Yet to be determined is the extent to which it represents the priests' present views," Bennison said. "The Melnyks assure me that it has never been used in liturgy or in their prayer life."
The Diocese of Pennsylvania is the fourth largest diocese in the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A., incorporating 158 churches in the five-county Philadelphia region and with a membership of more than 60,000.
"Accusations against two local priests that they are practicing druids..."
Considering the druids left no written anything, nor did the Romans leave any of them alive, I wonder how you practice Druidery?
SO9
You make it up. See:
A Women's Eucharist: A Celebration of the Divine Feminine
""Mother God, our ancient sisters called you Queen of Heaven and baked these cakes in your honor in defiance of their brothers and husbands who would not see your feminine face. We offer you these cakes, made with our own hands;..."
You are kidding. This is a sacrifice to Asarte also called Astoreth.
Solomon brought down the wrath of Heaven for honoring her.
I wonder if they also honor Baal?
I have trouble thinking that many religious believe. If they know of the Divine Wrath incurred by those who have set up altars on the mountains, or offered sacrifice to demons, can they truly believe? It is more or less as though they are play acting, neither believing in the Creator's reality nor in their own play.
They only believe in themselves.
Whatcha think... should we get out while we still can ? LOL
In Eurabia, it's popular to disrespect all things Christian - The real question remaining is this - will the USA do anything to help the English? Or will we let them fall with the rest of Eurabia into a pagan and islamite dark age of the soul?
"ECUSA priests and priestesses professing a pagan orientation are silly piss-ants who are too ignorant to be allowed to be called Christian clergymen"
You made some interesting points, but I would not be so quick to dismiss such folks. I will grant that many such practising pagans are perhaps "sophists" as you put it.
But there are those like the Melnycks who are using the function of Christian ministry as a scam to a) live a cushy lifestyle, and b) work from within to deconstruct Christianity. Regardless of the level of seriousness of their Druidic activities (or possible participation in other "traditions"), they are dangerous.
As to Eurabia, night has already fallen.
PENNSYLVANIA PARISH PRIESTS PRACTICE PAGAN EUCHARISTIC CEREMONY (The Whole Story)
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