John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, speaks out forcefully on the gospel of intolerance preached by Nigeria’s Archbishop Akinola, and warns about the support for Akinola from conservative elements in the US seeking to “renew” mainline Protestant churches.
Were Archbishop Akinola a solitary figure and Nigeria an isolated church, his support for institutionalized bigotry would be significant only within his own country. But the archbishop is perhaps the most powerful member of a global alliance of conservative bishops and theologians, generously supported by foundations and individual donors in the United States, who seek to dominate the Anglican Communion and expel those who oppose them, particularly the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada. Failing that, the archbishop and his allies have talked of forming their own purified communion — possibly with Archbishop Akinola at its head.
Because the conflict over homosexuality is not unique to Anglicanism, civil libertarians in this country, and other people as well, should also be aware of the archbishop and his movement. Gifts from such wealthy donors as Howard Ahmanson Jr. and the Bradley, Coors and Scaife families, or their foundations, allow the Washington-based Institute on Religion and Democracy to sponsor so-called “renewal” movements that fight the inclusion of gays and lesbians within the Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and Lutheran churches and in the United Church of Christ. Should the institute succeed in “renewing” these churches, what we see in Nigeria today may well be on the agenda of the Christian right tomorrow.
I’ve been keeping an eye on this issue for a while – it’s good to see someone speaking out strongly on this at last, because it seems the inclusive, progressive wing of the Episcopal church is so concerned that no one be offended that we don’t dare say anything at all. Meanwhile, many on the more conservative, Biblically literalist end of the Anglican spectrum feel no such compunction to avoid stepping on toes (or indeed, accusing the lefty end of being a lot of hedonistic Satan-worshippers).
I’m sure the Blog of Daniel will be interesting reading, as its written under the aegis of the Diocese of Waahington. And remember, it was originally started as a place to discuss issues raised by a television show that was written by a gay man, and had a gay character. And was cancelled, remember.
Via Salt
UPDATE:
Blog of Daniel also checks in. In the comments there:
The churches, no matter what denomnation, ought to stick to the teachings of Jesus.
He came to show us the way of love.
Not hate.
We have all been born into this world, we are all brothers and sisters, no matter our colour, our sex, nationality or creed.
If our thinking is right with God, then so will our actions too.
Let us love all God’s children.
ALL, being hetrosexual and homosexual alike.
Let us not hide behind Man’s teaching.
Let us walk in the light of God’s love for all.
Let the Gospel, or Good news, of love be our banner for tolerance.
