The BBC reports that +Gene Robinson will not be invited to the Lambeth Conference next year.
The decision making process now becomes very local and very personal. The last time I asked any of the Scottish bishops directly whether they would go to Lambeth if anyone was excluded was a couple of years ago. Without pause for thought, one said, “Yes” whilst another said “No”.
I’ve the same kind of dilemma myself. I was asked recently to contribute in a small way to the processes of the conference. At the time I agreed, but what do I do now?
Aargh, horrible decision. My first “gut” reaction was no, make a point of not going and make it clear why not. Then I read the responses here and they’ve got a point too.
I hope you make the right decision for yourself that you feel comfortable with. Interesting point too about the Catholic bit. I don’t consider myself Protestant as such, more a Catholic who is exlcuded from many things Catholic by the Catholic church. I’ve always been a bit confused though!
Good luck x
I’m interested that all voices responding so far are female.
Does the excess of female voices not simply represent the majority of congregations? Not, of course, of clergy – yet. :=(
I’ve no idea what other congregations are like – St Mary’s is pretty gender balanced, as was my previous congregation.
Are there really congregations that are mostly female? How very odd.
A convent maybe? Do you have convents in the SEC?
There are convents, but not terribly large ones.
Not only are all the comments so far from women (so let me make a modest effort to redress the balance), but there are far fewer voices than one might have expected, given the seriousness of this exclusion, which in the long run could affect all Episcopalians and Anglicans worldwide. The notion that one has to ‘qualify’ to attend Lambeth by criteria other than lawful episcopal consecration is a new and disquieting departure. Why are more people not protesting?
Thought this might be of interest.
I’ve only ever belonged to my current congretation. There are men, but old, unwired ones for the most part.
I’ve had another thought, though. Maybe women comment because women have been sidelined in the church for 2000 years. Coming out in sympathy, perhaps?
“unwired men” – what a helpful description.