Over the past week, as I read the newspaper, I paid close attention to the coverage
of the thirteenth Lambeth conference of Anglican bishops. There was much being said,
about matters which I consider very important, namely how the church might improve
its relations with gay and lesbian people.
The gathering of bishops from 160 countries occurs once every ten years. And this
year for the first time in history a major Christian denomination was debating issues
of homosexuality on an international level. Present at the meeting were a substantial
number of bishops from the USA, Canada and Europe who are in favor of greater acceptance
of gay relationships, marriage, and the ordination of “openly” gay clergy. I suppose
that is good news.
The Episcopal Church in the United States, although deeply and painfully divided
over issues of homosexuality, has offered great hope and ministry to gay and lesbian
Christians. Some of the most courageous and thoughtful Christian leaders in the
world are members of the Episcopal church. So...all the more outrageous was the
fact that the Anglican bishops of the world, overwhelmingly passed a resolution (526-70)
“reaffirming traditional sexual mores-denouncing homosexuality as contrary to scripture
and insisting on sexual abstinence outside of (heterosexual) marriage. One might
say... that's bad news.
But... it’s not just bad news...It is yet another assault (by religious leaders)
on the souls of gay and lesbian people. It was an indefensible, cowardly and anti-gospel
act which puts the current band of bishops in the historical company of other religious
leaders who have used theological arguments to defend equally unjust positions including
slavery and apartheid.
I understand why so many gay men and lesbians whom I have spoken with over the years
make clear the distinction between being religious and being spiritual. Most often
they say that they are the later, but not the former. This may be good for the soul
in many cases, but I am not ready to give up on religion all together. Religion
is our collective and historical means of exploring matters of the soul. Our traditions
belong to us, and sometimes they produce great leaders who help us all to grow in
love, wisdom and compassion. And when the fail they remind us, that we too can fail.
We must however, become more critical of religious teachers, and challenge those
who claim to be “spiritual leaders” and what they say. Remember! Those worthy to
care for our souls are few, and seldom do they ascend the ecclesiastical ladder to
the role of bishop, Anglican or otherwise.
Yet one American bishop, John Shelby Spong of Newark New Jersey, whom I greatly respect,
was so concerned about the debate on homosexuality at the Lambeth conference that
he wrote to all the Anglican bishops of the world, months before the conference.
In his letter he stated “I am fearful that when we meet, we will act out of our
long-standing ignorance and fear, instead of out of the Gospel imperative and thus
deal one more violent blow to these victims of our traditional prejudice.” Unfortunately
he was right.
When I read about these bishops I was reminded of a story: Long ago, some holy and
upright men became aware of a certain person, in this case it was a woman, who was
violating the moral code of her community. She had committed adultery, she was a
sexual outcast, and was clearly living in a way which was “contrary to scripture”.
These religious leaders well versed in the “Law” and the sacred texts of their community
wanted to preserve traditional sexual mores. Also wanting to be justified in their
position they took this woman to the master, for his judgment. They knew, that the
law and the tradition of their community called for this woman to be stoned as a
punishment for her sins. The master also knew the law, and what was in the hearts
of these “holy” men. When he was asked for his judgment , he remained silent.
He even tried to ignore them, he bent and started drawing in the sand, but they
pushed him for a judgment.... You probably know what the master in the story said,
to the holy and upright leaders of his community. Do the Bishops of the Anglican
Church?
What the world witnessed coming out of Canterbury England last week was another example
of how masterfully bishops can imitate the example of Scribes and Pharisees; their
minds are well versed in the scriptures and the law. Perhaps someday their hearts
will be able to imitate the radical love of the master they profess to follow.