Episcopalian and PC-USA debacles show perils of ecumenicism

This past week has seen the theological chaos and genuine debacles on the part of both the The Episcopal Church USA and the Presbyterian Church - USA, as both rather readily and startingly have begun to cave in to social activist mentality and varying strains of political-correctness at expense of doctrine and Scripture.

Though it is true that those more closely acquainted to the recent trends of both of these churches will not be surprised, the matter goes beyond internal schism. Indeed, the theological shipwreck of the Episcopal and PC-USA churches in America gives a stern warning and somewhat jarring stop sign to the ecumenical optimism of the 70's right through the 90's among Christian denominations and churches. The lesson is that a body is going to hold specific stances and beliefs, they necessarily must subscribe to a degree of exclusivity, and yes, even selectiveness. If they fail to do so, if they try to be all-inclusive of all viewpoints and paradigms of life, then they will end up with no clear meaning at all. The center will not hold. An ecumenical spirit and hope should not lead to misplaced trust or knaive ignoring of malignant momentums or incompatible outlooks.

This lesson has application in foreign and cultural relations as well. It is not possible to be all things to all people, or to include or ascribe to all views an equal value. Nor is it wise or sensible to even try to do so. What is happening to the once large and influential Episocopal and Presbyterian-USA bodies is a metaphor for some of the nation's dilemma as a whole. Especially as it applies to the ill-conceived concept of `multiculturalism' for its own sake which of late has taken on the form more of a specific rejection of Western cultural legacy or even the idea of a normative standard. The laudable attempt to understand and take some cognizance of other cultures and lifestyles has become instead a fear to take a clear principled stand on some matters, and to dare name some things and practices as not in the best interest or moral. The important goal of avoiding compulsion of others has been allowed to undermine the equally important task of setting a standard, of naming a benchmark that represents `doing better' and the latter of course requires judgment of some choices as far less constructive than others. In a relativistic world as the present has become, such as Pope Benedict XVI so strongly pointed out in a recent statement, the willingness to criticize or name some actions as harmful has been erased.

The doctrinal chaos and direction choices, and impending schisms, in the Episcopal Church and PC-USA thus find their relevance to other denominations, faiths, and even the secular citizens of America, as a red-flag of warning for the overall direction of a value-free, relativist social paradigm and its likely fruits. Unwilling or lacking the conviction to set limits and make some value judgements, such a culture cannot easily find a consensus or voice to even set policy. Without policy and constraints, social and cultural disarray and selfishly motivated anarchy follows in due time.

These are just some initial thoughts in the wake of this disturbing hard turn toward a more value-free stance on the part of the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian-USA. I will discuss them more at a future time. Ironically, it bolsters the caution and slow pace currently extant where the ongoing attempts at re-union by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church are concerned. The forces that pulled them apart did not come into being in even a century's time, but over multiple centuries. Though bridging this gap again will ideally not take so long; the schism can not be quickly resolved without grave risk of distorting principled positions on both sides.

I guess one might say that the present lesson is that the desire for unity is best exercised in the practice of mutual respect and attempt to accurately learn the position of the other. NOT in the "watering down" or `shortchanging' one's position and the value of their cultural legacy, or ignoring real points of dispute. This definition of ecumenical spirit does justice to both the chasms that divide us, and the instinctive yearning to bridge them. And goes for social, relgious, and international divides alike.

Writing this, I realize that the topic was covered earlier by me in some respects on 1 March 2006. Intriguingly, the topic of the error of trying to square Christianity with Egalitarianism forecast the result of the Episcopal General Convention this June in many respects, as they chose the path of making doctrine bend to the present. It can be found here:

Faith's convictions and Egalitarianism don't meet easily

- Anthony