The Episcopal Church

I recently was talking with a new friend from the Anglican tradition. We were lamenting in some ways that the "Ecclesia Anglicana" has reduced itself to a mere shadow of its glorious past. There seems to be an abandoning of any sense of moderate belief in the church. The Episcopal Church went from "the Republican Party at prayer" as it was known the 1950's to being so liberal that they have alienated many of their even moderate members. It is with sadness that I was relayed the story of a bright young man, who even holds a Ph.D., who is scorned in corners of the Episcopal Church. By other standards he would be quite liberal, but there is the accusation that he is "not liberal enough."
 

I realize that I am naïve. It is my, often misguided perhaps, optimistic opinion that most everyone can "get along" as long as they stick to the essentials. The Bodily Resurrection of Christ, the ancient Creeds, the necessity of the sacraments, etc. are considered necessities to me. On the other matters, I would submit that if a parish wishes to call an openly gay rector that is their decision. Or if a parish wants to call a female clergyperson that is also their decision. The issue is when they are forced upon by committees and clergy who think it is "for their own good." People can still disagree but remain brothers and sisters!
 

The error comes when we presume to judge the sins of others or to judge their level of openness! Christianity, as a faith, is growing smaller and smaller. The Episcopal Church alone, once boasting over 2 million members, is now claiming 600,000 active communicants. The Episcopal Church has done some great things in terms of leading the path for social justice and equality in the secular realm. But this has often come at the cost of risking the loss of their spiritual component.
 

It is no longer in vogue to speak of our faith openly and publically. We are taught that it, like money, is a private matter and we should discourage it. But the Episcopal Church is at risk of loosing it publically. The Dean of the National Cathedral identifies as a "non-theistic Christian" as do other clergy. Questioning can be healthy, but is hard to provide sustenance to people as a religious leader with such statements.
 

Where will they end up in the future? I really cannot predict this because it remains to be seen. It would also be presumptuous of me, given that I am not an Episcopalian! But I personally find it tragic that a Christian Church with such a glorious tradition and history stands to loose so much.
 

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."