In a flurry of huffing and puffing following the distribution of invitations to the 2008 Lambeth conference in May, some bishops, particularly those in the so called Global South have declared they will not be accepting their invitations if some of their allies weren’t invited. I’ve watched this childishness going on and wondered when it would dawn on the stuffed shirts that if they remain outside the Anglican Communion tent they claim ownership to that they loose their voice in their efforts to push others out of the tent.

One of the strengths of the Anglican church that drew me into it was that diverse views could and did reside under the same tent. I could be part of a community in which my views may differ from fellow members of the community yet still remain a part of it. In the last several years, the cohesiveness at the Communion level has been challenged, some bishops within the communion have chose to threaten to leave if others they disagree with are not tossed out. All over the issue of recognizing our gay brothers and sisters as equals at all levels of the church. Read the rest of this entry »

As many know who know me or read this blog, I am an Anglican. I was raised in the United Church of Canada, left there when I was around 15 and chose to return to church and become an Anglican about 15 years ago after having been absent from any faith life for about 18 years. One reason Anglicanism drew me in, besides the rich liturgical tradition, was that it is a church that prides itself on the ‘middle way’.

Within the Anglican tent a range of Christian beliefs have managed to get along and walk together in diversity. I have the freedom to explore, raise and discuss faith views across a wide spectrum without breaking the ‘dogma’ of the church. That appealed to my seeking ways, I didn’t want to be confined to being told what my interpretation of faith and the bible was. I wanted to be able to seek, learn and draw my own conclusions. Conclusions that would either strengthen my faith or send me away from it, but they would be my convictions. Read the rest of this entry »