Episcopalians to Bless Same-Sex Unions

In a move that is sure to further outrage evangelical Anglicans, the Episcopal Church has voted overwhelmingly to approve a resolution that allows churches to bless same-sex unions if they wish. No church is forced to do so and, in an effort to appease evangelicals, a motion to create an official liturgy for such unions was dismissed. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that evangelicals will be satisfied.

According to the Chicago Tribune:

Bishops in Kenya, Australia and elsewhere have discussed scheduling a special meeting in the coming months to discuss whether they should consider Episcopalians in the U.S. who endorse homosexuality no longer a part of the Anglican church. "The decision of the general convention of the Episcopal Church in America to elect and confirm an active homosexual man as a bishop is wrong. It is against biblical teaching, it is sin and it damages the body of Christ and leads people astray," said Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, archbishop of Kenya. "We are convinced any diocese or province that has resolved and sanctioned the blessing of same-sex unions has denied itself membership in the Anglican Communion and has `kicked' itself out of the communion," he added.

There are real fears that evangelicals could break away from the Anglican Communion and form a new organization. That, however, carries with it enormous problems for both sides:

"If some new entity is formed, what will it look like?" asked Bruce Mason, spokesman for the Washington-based council."There are a lot of legal issues. Property is one issue: Who owns it [if there is a split]? How do you set up a new jurisdiction?" For now, the council's model is a group of dissident Canadian Anglicans who broke away from the Westminster diocese in Vancouver. In June 2002, eight parishes representing about 2,500 people left the diocese after the bishop approved the blessing of same-sex unions. Though they have received support from worldwide Anglican leaders, these dissident parishioners are in a standoff with their diocese. They have stopped paying monthly taxes to the diocese, throwing it into financial chaos. The bishop is trying to confiscate their parishes and other property.

A schism could irreparably damage both sides - and evangelicals will only end up cutting off their nose to spite their face. But I don't doubt for a minute that they are quite willing to do it anyway.

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