Political Ideology

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

In Support of the Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

Many bishops came to this gathering in fear and trembling, expecting either a distasteful encounter between those of vastly different opinions, or the cold shoulder from those who disagree. The overwhelming reality has been just the opposite. We have prayed, cried, learned, and laughed together, and discovered something deeper about the body of Christ. We know more of the deeply faithful ministry of those in vastly differing contexts, and we have heard repeatedly of the life and death matters confronting vast swaths of the Communion: hunger, disease, lack of education and employment, climate change, war and violence. We have remembered that together we may be the largest network on the planet – able to respond to those life and death issues if we tend to the links, connections, and bonds between us. We have not resolved the differences among us, but have seen the deep need to maintain relationships, even in the face of significant disagreement and discomfort. The Anglican Communion is suffering the birth pangs of something new, which none of us can yet fully appreciate or understand, yet we know that the Spirit continues to work in our midst. At the same time patience is being urged from many quarters, that all may more fully know the leading of the Spirit. God is faithful. May we be faithful as well.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

Regarding The Archbishop of Canterbury's Second Presidential Address to the Lambeth Conference 2008

I do not think that any of this has to do with the authority of Scripture, or of the individual's safety, or another covenant or creed to lead us in our mission to love and serve the Lord, each according to their own creation, ability and gifts.

What I do believe is that we as a People of G-d, in the redemption of Christ and the Love of the Holy Spirit are coming to terms with the idea given to the Galation community so many years ago that , " There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither slave nor freeman, there can be neither male nor female-for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

It does no good to point to the belief that a person’s sexuality is immutable, thereby created by G-d and to be cherished as such. Nor does it do any good to point out that there are exceptions to everything under the sun, and those exceptions were created by the same G-d that created everything else.

We have a hard enough time with the covenant G-d gave to us on Sinai by commandment, and Jesus on earth who gave us our commission to " You must love the Lord your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39).

As for our brother’s and sister’s who fear for their lives in living out the call of the Christian all I can say is I to share in that fear, and hope and pray if ever met with that end that I would remain in the Love of G-d and Christ’s own Crucifixion and Resurrection for courage.

I do not believe that any other covenant could do anything but limit, that which we have already been given by G-d and Christ and the Holy Spirit. And there is nothing in either of those above mentioned that would exclude anyone from full inclusion in our anglican institutions. Not to mention the constitutional issues involved, within the Episcopal Church.

And for those who would say " We don't see why welcoming the gay or lesbian person with love must mean blessing what they do in the Church's name or accepting them for ordination whatever their lifestyle."

I have no answer except, you are not the only ones who make up the People of G-d within or without of the Anglican Communion. There are as many who believe that by not giving a blessing in the name of the church or accepting them for ordination is as morally repugnant and theologically unsound as you find not to.

So we disagree. Let’s get over it and get on with it. As the song says, "There are no good guys, there are no bad guys, there’s only you and me and we just disagree."

I hope that in some small way to read these words gives those on both sides of these issues hope, that in spite of ourselves and whatever the reasons we have that when Jesus says, " I love you" , he didn’t mean just me or you.

The Attributes

A (wo)man of G-d knows but makes no show, has self-respect but is not arrogant. A (wo)man of G-d lets go of that and chooses this. A (wo)man of G-d sees without looking; works without doing. A (wo) man of G-d, traveling all day, does not lose sight of their baggage. Though there are beautiful things to be seen, a (wo)man of G-d remains unattached and calm. A (wo)man of G-d is sharp but not cutting, pointed but not piercing, Straight forward but not un-restrained, brilliant but not blinding. A (wo)man of G-d always confronts difficulties, never experiences them. A (wo)man of G-d never tries to store things up. The more the (wo)man of G-d does for others, the more the (wo)man of G-d has. The more the (wo)man of G-d gives to others, the greater their abundance. The (wo)man of G-d takes care of all and abandons no one. The (wo)man of G-d takes care of all things and abandons nothing. This is called " following the light." If the (wo)man of G-d would guide the people, (s)he is to serve with humility. If the (wo)man of G-d would lead them, (s) he must follow behind. In this way when the (wo)man of G-d rules, the people will not feel oppressed; The (wo)man of G-d who stands before them, will not be harmed. The whole world will support the (wo)man of G-d and will not tire of them. Because they do not compete, the (wo)man of G-d does not meet competition. And evil will have no power. Not that evil is not powerful, but its power will not be used to harm others, the (wo)man of G-d will be protected. They do not hurt each other, and the virtue in each one refreshes both.