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May 13, 2008
Of ownership and of governance
Some like to fish in the troubled waters, without hearing both the side of the story. In the light of what happened at St. James, in Kansas City, MO, there was a story published on Virtue Online filled with inaccuracy, false quotes, and falsehoods. I wish facts would have been checked into. This does not build up the body of Christ or give any credibility to the continuing movement. The problem at St. James had nothing to do with ownership of property. The faithful of St. James still own it. The problem was one of church governance. The rector, coming from another jurisdiction, reduced parish membership, changed church’s name, changed the bylaws, locked out his own bishop, threatened to sue his bishop on false charges of theft, refused reconciliation, denied the authority of any bishop, conspired with a small group and eliminated long time members of the parish roll from the voting list and prohibited proxy voters, only to have a majority vote of his coterie so that he could take the church and its property to Rome, against the will of the faithful or the benefactors who had bequeathed the property in perpetuity for Anglican worship.
Also, I was quoted on virtueonline saying, “Maybe you aren't worthy of me" and "Yes, I have the ability to take you to court and take this property." How arrogant of me to have uttered such words, I would be totally lacking the basic requirement of humility that Christ demanded of His followers.
What followed this false report was very sad. Even Bishops in the continuing movement lowered themselves to grab the opportunity and claim to have holier than thou attitude, stating that they maintain the three principles of St. Louis, 1928 BCP, Male Clergy and Property ownership, as if the problem with St. James was the diocese grabbing the property.
This same bishop has sent out “IMPORTANT WARNING TO ALL IN THE CONTINUING CHURCH” to the people of the continuing faith regarding the church property as though the people have been deprived of the property, which is not the case. They are totally off the mark.
Too bad this story has been passed as truth and capitalized on by those with an axe to grind. I’m committed to the growth of God’s kingdom than be sullied by the insolence of such people. There is plenty to be done and we will accomplish everything, God being our helper.
The HCCAR is not a one man show in terms of running the church. There is a hierarchy, there is collegiality, there are canons that are guidelines, and there is discipline. At St. James the faithful are being cared for, those disobedient to canons are being held accountable by the very canons that they had professed by. (For those who questioned whether there are canons at all, they know we do have them now).
In case of the property ownership, the intent of those who have gone before us needs to be revered and perpetuated. To attack a fellow bishop out of ignorance is unchristian. Do what you can to further the growth of God’s kingdom: if you can’t ask the Lord for grace and strength.
Posted by frleo at May 13, 2008 5:27 PM
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