Episcopals’ compass

Judy Harrison’s article (BDN, June 24-25) about the General Convention of the Episcopal Church conveyed the impression that members of our church who do not agree with the consecration of an openly homosexual, noncelibate bishop, or the blessing of “same gender” unions, are homophobic.

That may be the opinion of those who support Episcopal Church United States of America (ECUSA’s) current agenda, but as a confirmed Episcopalian since 1964, I have yet to encounter even one member of my church who is homophobic. We do not close our church doors to anyone because of sexual orientation, race or social status.

Those of us who adhere to the established canons and traditions of the church are confused and bewildered by the decision of our national leaders to pursue such a divisive course when membership in the church has declined to an all-time low. But it’s not about numbers. It’s about the admonitions of Holy Scripture as to who is qualified to be a bishop, priest or deacon. Yet even Scripture is being “revised” to accommodate a popular and “politically correct” social agenda. I know of many individuals who have sought ordination in the Episcopal Church but were turned away because they did not conform to the prevailing social attitudes of our hierarchy.

The result is that we do not have enough priests to meet the needs of our parishes and parishes that can no longer support a full-time ministry because so many members have left, disillusioned.

I reject any inference that because I believe bishops should be a symbol of unity rather than division within the church, I am homophobic. The Episcopal Church’s leaders have lost their compass, and on their present course, the church will inevitably become irrelevant to the general welfare and common good of the world.

Hal Wheeler

Bangor