Episcopalians Turning Away from the Bible?

In the debate between conservative and liberal members of the Anglican Communion, it is to be expected that the Bible would become a basis for at least some of the criticisms. Thus, it is certainly no surprise to find Anglican archbishops in Australia complaining that Episcopalians in America have "turned away" from the Bible in recent decisions regarding gays.

As Ananova explains:

"(Homosexuality) is an issue which is so clearly taught about in the Bible that it is a question of the authority of the Bible. It is to do with our bodies and how we use our bodies and how we behave," [Sydney Archbishop Peter] Jensen said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Watson backed Jensen. He was quoted by the newspaper as saying the American church has "turned its back on our unity and must bear responsibility for the pain and disunity that will be felt throughout the communion".

Of course, very similar arguments could have been made at various times regarding the status of women and slaves. Recently, the Jordanian parliament rejected changes in Jordan's laws because it was "un-Islamic" to allow women the right to divorce their husbands. So what makes Jensen's opinions on homosexuality so special and privileged?

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