wfn.org | Conservative Episcopalians launch new ‘parallel' movement

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Note #6184 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

7-September-2000
00322

Conservative Episcopalians launch new ‘parallel' movement

Dissidents say Episcopal Church is ‘beyond reformable'

by Religion News Service
    
New York City -- A coalition of conservative Episcopalians has launched an
informal network of pastors and parishes "parallel" to the national church
structure because of what it says is a "pastoral emergency" in the
liberal-leaning church.
	Meeting recently in Nassau, Bahamas, several conservative organizations
launched a "united effort" to meet the needs of and lobby for conservative
positions within the 2.5 million-member Episcopal Church.
	Conservatives say the church has betrayed biblical teaching on issues such
as homosexuality and argue there is no longer room for them within the
existing church structure. While short of a schism, the new movement signals
rough times ahead for the church.
	At the church's triennial General Convention this summer, a move to approve
rites for the blessing of same-sex unions failed, but the church adopted a
controversial seven-point resolution that affirmed "lifelong committed
relationships ... other than marriage."
	The Rev. David Moyer, president of Forward in Faith, a 19,000-member
evangelical movement, told Religion News Service that the Anglican tradition
needs to be "reclaimed" in the United States but the Episcopal Church is
"beyond reformable."
	During the meeting, the coalition affirmed the ministry of two dissident
bishops who were ordained in Singapore earlier this year and sent to America
to minister to conservatives. Church leaders have said the ordinations of
Charles Murphy and John Rogers will not be recognized.
	Headed in the United States by the American Anglican Council and several
other groups, the coalition plans "a new orthodox structure" within the
church, and will hold simultaneous conventions, youth programs and fund
raising, with a special emphasis on evangelism.
	"A concern for evangelism is a hallmark of orthodox and evangelical
Episcopalians," said the Rev. John Guernsey, a board member of AAC, in a
statement. "We want to offer our enthusiasm and commitment in this effort,
and we will continue to make committed disciples of Jesus Christ."
	The coalition said it would continue to remain in local dioceses and church
bodies and would participate in the triennial church conventions.

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