From the Ft. Worth Star Telegram-
The good bishop has it wrong. Or so I think. Which bishop, you ask? That’s the point. Which bishop indeed?
As one who is not a part of the Episcopal side of the Christian family, I look on as a concerned outsider. But perhaps that is the best vantage point to hold in the midst of a family squabble (See: "Reorganized diocese elects new bishop," Feb. 8).
There is no doubt that the unity of the whole church includes both sides of this unhappy family, because our unity — not uniformity based on sameness — is based on God’s love manifested in our common life in Christ.
But after making this most basic of Christian affirmations, we must say that this dispute, as so many others, is not new to Christian history. In fact, it is not new to any other of the living religious traditions, either.
More than once in Christian history, disagreements and conflict have eventuated in schisms, some of which led to competitions for ecclesial authority.
Will the Holy See find its home in Italy or France? Is the center of authority lodged in Rome or Constantinople? And a favorite one for Anglicans: Is it Rome or Canterbury?
And now the runoff du jour: Will the real Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth please stand up, and with it, its bishop?
http://www.star-telegram.com/245/story/1199311.html
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