I don't usually post from David Virtue but this is a very interesting development.
Two prominent lay Episcopal leaders, one a woman professor, the other an African American, have announced they are leaving The Episcopal Church, citing irreconcilable differences over the innovative theology and morals that are now all pervasive in the national church.
Dr. Edith M. Humphrey, William F. Orr Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, said in her letter of resignation that the foundations of The Episcopal Church and Anglicanism have been compromised and have become unrecognizable.
"After over 13 years of discernment, I will be chrismated and received into the Eastern Orthodox Church on Orthodox Pentecost, June 7th. I will be making my church home at St. George Antiochian Cathedral in Oakland (Pittsburgh)."
Humphrey said she had worked for the health of the Anglican Communion, but cited "foundational differences" in understanding the Church, the sacraments, and the place of tradition.
Humphrey attended GAFCON in Jordan and Jerusalem. She said she was encouraged by the ability of leaders with different expressions of Anglicanism to listen and to learn from each other. She said she was optimistic that the interplay between evangelicals, charismatics and Anglo-Catholics would bring about something very good.
"At the same time, I have wondered for several years about the possibility of our continuing together, given the recent developments, including the continuing autonomy of AMIA within the proposed new Province, suggestions that we can continue in parallel with TEC, Primatial statements that expressed satisfaction with the last Primates' meeting when it seems to contradict GAFCON, and continued attention to pragmatics rather than to the nature of the Church have been very problematic, in my view."
"All the while, I have been drawn for some time in a compelling manner towards the Eastern Christian tradition, and have gained deep appreciation for its apostolic claims, its ancient theologians, its healing disciplines, its sacramental spirituality and its rich liturgical tradition. Despite my temptation to stay and fight for the Anglican way, it seems clear to me now that I must go where the Lord is directing me."
More here-
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=10371
2 comments:
This is too bad for the ACNA. It would be good for them to have some female theologians.
Actually I thought she had already left the TEC when her parish left. Maybe she remained a member of TEC until now. I wonder to whom the letter was addressed.
She did the honorable thing.
Post a Comment