Just when things were simmering down in the ever-boiling pot of Anglican angst, a courageous if foolhardy Canadian bishop most definitely pipes up: globeandmail.com: Bishop demands better theology of sex The Christian church has a deeply flawed understanding of sex that has led to morally groundless objections to masturbation, birth control, abortion and homosexuality, says a leading Canadian Anglican bishop. In particular, the church has been wrong for centuries on the notion that sex exists only for the purpose of procreation, Right Rev. Michael Ingham, bishop of the Greater Vancouver Diocese of New Westminster, told a conference in Ottawa last…

This is long. LONG. Here, why don’t you go get a latte, while I fulminate quietly to myself. I almost missed the live webcast by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, ++Katherine Jefferts Schori. Stupid time difference. Fortunately, it’s now available as a regular on-demand webcast. There are specific issues I want to hear her address, but I’m a little worried that she’s just going to offer some delicious tidbits of Anglican fudge. And now, the webcast. I’m not really clever or fast enough on the analytical side to comment seriously on it as I watch, but I’ll probably…

NPR : The Episcopal Church and the Rift over Homosexuality I'm currently listening to today's Talk of the Nation, recorded earlier today. First guest: Rt. Reverend Catherine Roskam, bishop suffragan of New York. She starts off well by stating clearly that discussing the blessing of same-sex marriage is off the table. She also tries to explain how the Anglican Communion isn't really a top-down, patriarchally governed church.  She stresses that there are more important issues that we ought to be facing in the Communion, such as how women are treated.  Caller: Jean from Utah is an Episcopalian. Feels strongly that…

Maybe Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania wasn't the best place to hold the recently concluded Anglican Primates' Meeting, what with the local populace all freaked out about a sex-maniac demon bat that attacks only men and all. Actually, the ultra-conservatives bishops here at home seem to be all freaked out about sex-maniac demon bats all the time, which is pretty self-centered of them if you ask me. I mean, they assume that sex-maniac demon bats are interested in older white males with a penchant for purple and a "thing" for Biblical authority.  Phew! At least our PB ++Katherine was immune. Good…

Chicago Diocese — Bishop Persell responds to the Primates Meeting communique Bishop William Persell has responded to the communique of the recent Primates Meeting in Tanzania with a statement to the clergy and laity of the diocese, and the larger church. In his statement, Bishop Persell pledges to continue his support for a fully inclusive church, one that is characterized by "compassion, shared authority, mutual ministry, justice and respect for the dignity of every human being." Excerpt: "Patience is appropriate on matters affecting the fundamental nature of a faith community's identity, but we should not allow such concern to unduly…

Chicago Diocese — Presiding Bishop offers reflection on the Primates Meeting Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has invited Episcopalians to a season of fasting regarding action on rites of blessing for same gender unions, and confirming candidates for episcopal ministry who are living in same gender partnerships. Returning from the biennial meeting of Anglican Communion Primates held Feb. 15-19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the presiding bishop offered her reflection on the recommendations in the Primates Communique addressing the Episcopal Churchs response to the Windsor Report. Still waiting to see what Bishop Pursell's and Bishop Scantlebury's response will be to…