Letter to the editor: Never change ?

Notes: "The commentary on Essentials contains an important and revealing statement. Acknowledging that 'Schism is now a reality' in our church, the authors contend that the 'Essentials (Network) did not start this chain of events .. Their action has been, every step of the way, a response to actions of the Anglican Church of Canada, its General Synod, its dioceses and its bishops, actions that they believe to be wrong'. One clear implication of this statement is that when parts of the church 'move on', believing they are led on by the Spirit, they can be held responsible for creating the possibility of schism. Is the church, then, never to change ? Is it not possible that present movements in the church to give gay and lesbian people equal and full rights in the church are Spirit led ? To occasion the possibility of schism cannot be in itself wrong. The Apostle Paul by his teaching an practice precipitated the 'circumcision controversy', which for decades rocked the early church. Yet those Christians came to understand that his stand was Spirit led and 'essential' for the church to be faithful. I submit that the central issue we face is not schism. It is: 'What is the Spirit saying to the church ?'" [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Essentials Movement; Schism - Anglican Church of Canada; Homosexuality - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Change - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Holy Spirit - Anglican Church of Canada