The MCJ: Prattling

From the Midwest Conservative Journal:

"That’s still one of our central tenets," Jefferts Schori said. "We see sexual issues in the same light but the particular context may require a different focus."

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the single most dishonest words Katharine Jefferts Schori has ever uttered. No, Kate. We don't. . .

Please, READ IT ALL!

UTAH: Bishop calls for cancellation of Lambeth Conference

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
The Episcopal Church Center
812 Second Avenue
New York NY 10017-4503
October 27, 2007

Dear Katharine:

With reference to your letter of October 17 inviting us to comment on the Archbishop of Canterbury's recent and urgent request of you, The Episcopal Diocese of Utah Bishop, Deputation, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and Diocesan Convention make the following recommendation in the next steps part of the request: We urge you to ask the Archbishop to cancel the Lambeth Conference for 2008.

EXPLANATION:

* The Communion is in such disarray over who recognizes who, and the participation of irregularly consecrated bishops, that little good can come from the fragmented gatherings sure to take place at the Conference, and even attendance at common worship is unlikely.

* We are unclear about the other issues being raised around the Communion, although the Archbishop suggests they are very specific. Within the constitution and canons of our church we have responded faithfully and courteously to the demands of others, even though questioning their authority to set the conditions of our continued participation in the Communion.

* We are leery about using the occasion of the Conference to present a Covenant that is exclusionary, that centralizes authority, or that adds to the core doctrine of our faith.

* The cost of holding the Lambeth Conference under the present circumstances is disproportionate to its benefits, and to the good we can do elsewhere in the mission of the church.

* Given the disarray we referred to above, we think that a Lambeth Conference in the near future would be disastrous to our public image around the world.

We send you our love and prayers, rejoicing in your strong and grace-filled leadership in these challenging times.

Faithfully,

Carolyn Tanner Irish (The Rt. Rev.)
10th Bishop of Utah

H/t to the Midwest Conservative Journal.