It has been one week since the Suffragan Bishop of Virginia, The Right Reverend David Jones, visited my parish in Stafford, VA. Bishop Jones is a gentleman in every sense of the word and was a gracious guest in what could have been a very tense meeting. The parishioners asked the Bishop many pointed questions that evening, yet accorded him the dignity of his office. It was a moment to be proud of the saints of Augustine Church. During this meeting, I asked Bishop Jones a simple, but direct question. “Sir, where is the tipping point,” I asked. “Where is the line where we say ‘No more’?” This tipping point arrived this past weekend in Pine Bluff Arkansas, as the Presiding Bishop repudiated once more, the exclusivity of Christ Jesus as the only Savior, Mediator and way to the Father.
We can debate any number of issues within the bounds of Christian love and charity. The healthy and organic church will continue to wrestle and reform until the Lord’s return. There are foundational tenants of the faith that are non-negotiational, that is if we still claim to profess to the historic orthodox faith. When we jettison Christ as THE WAY to the Father, we have nullified gospel, and the very foundation of His Church.
Though she may think otherwise, the Presiding Bishop speaks for her entire church. Even of she holds orthodox beliefs on a personal level, she betrays them with her public statements. In reducing the words and person of Jesus, she has blasphemed the Godhead itself. Not only has she not clarified her position, she reiterated this position recently in an Arkansas parish. In my assessment, the Presiding Bishop has in fact, crossed the Rubicon into heresy. Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori continues to advocate what is ostensibly a Universalist position. This is certainly a crucial tipping point.
It breaks my heart, but I can no longer remain in communion with a church that mitigates the Gospel of God. I cannot in good conscience celebrate a Liturgy and Eucharist in the name of one who is ostensibly just a good man and “a way” to the Father.
Bishop Jones, thank you for your visit. I continue to lift you up in prayer.
We can debate any number of issues within the bounds of Christian love and charity. The healthy and organic church will continue to wrestle and reform until the Lord’s return. There are foundational tenants of the faith that are non-negotiational, that is if we still claim to profess to the historic orthodox faith. When we jettison Christ as THE WAY to the Father, we have nullified gospel, and the very foundation of His Church.
Though she may think otherwise, the Presiding Bishop speaks for her entire church. Even of she holds orthodox beliefs on a personal level, she betrays them with her public statements. In reducing the words and person of Jesus, she has blasphemed the Godhead itself. Not only has she not clarified her position, she reiterated this position recently in an Arkansas parish. In my assessment, the Presiding Bishop has in fact, crossed the Rubicon into heresy. Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori continues to advocate what is ostensibly a Universalist position. This is certainly a crucial tipping point.
It breaks my heart, but I can no longer remain in communion with a church that mitigates the Gospel of God. I cannot in good conscience celebrate a Liturgy and Eucharist in the name of one who is ostensibly just a good man and “a way” to the Father.
Bishop Jones, thank you for your visit. I continue to lift you up in prayer.
1 comment:
Andy--I'm sorry to hear that it has come to this. I will keep you and the rest of the faithful at Augustine in my prayers. Russ
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