Anglican Schism's next step

I'm a historian of the Nonjurors, a small splinter group that emerged out of the Glorious Revolution. The history of this little movement is complicated and involves people with differing agendas. It started out because of politics and over time it broadened to include theological issues. Now the political issues that gave birth to the group -- questions over the nature of divine-right monarchy -- have little importance today. But, the question of schism and the inviolability of a diocese are in play. The early Nonjurors complained that certain bishops were removed from their positions unlawfully and then replacement bishops intruded into their places. I could go on, but like I said, it's a bit complicated!

The inviolability of a diocese is part of the debate going on within the Anglican Communion. When Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola chose to consecrate Martyn Minns as a bishop of the Nigerian Church -- in America -- he crossed boundaries that are problematic (to put it delicately). Rowan Williams urged him to reconsider, but Akinola went ahead with his plan Saturday.

Ultimately some of the issues will play out in court -- there are property issues to be resolved -- but more importantly we see a real disconnect within the church at large. There have always been doctrinal and practical issues that divide. And not all division is necessarily evil. I'm an ecumenist, but there are reasons why were not all in the same church. Still, he grieve for the Episcopal Church, which in some ways is a victim of unnecessary expectations. It seems that many who now want to leave the Episcopal Church want it to be something different from what it has always been. In many ways the Episcopal Church is a hybrid of traditional worship/structure and moderate to liberal social and theological views. It has always been a status church, but these days status isn't all that important.

Now we'll wait to see where things go. I'm no longer an Episcopalian, but my mother is, and I know she grieves at the discontent. And the church suffers as well. But, regarding homosexuality, the genie can't be put back in the bottle. So, we go on!