Erich+:

In a nut shell I believe the constant pursuit of unity some times turns into 
an idol that many would do anything to possess. Some believe that unity is 
more important that the Holy Scriptures and the traditions of the church and 
they would even compromise the faith that has been handed down by Christ 
Himself and His successors.  Compromises are made that should not be made 
and sins are overlooked all in the name of unity.

This in part is the reason many do not want to discipline ECUSA.  Some 
outside the U.S. do not wish to discipline ECUSA because of the influence it 
has and the influence of the United States itself.  ECUSA is well aware of 
all of this and is counting on everyone to just get bored of the subject to 
the point that everyone will just give them the theological and moral 
latitude to carry on as usual all in the name of unity.  It is not always a 
bad thing for some one or group to leave or be kicked out as long as it is 
the right one.  I have noticed in parish life that when those who cause 
problems leave or die the parish often does better and grows larger because 
they are no longer impeding the spiritual and healthy life of the parish. 
So too I believe God would bless the Anglican Communion if they would "shun" 
or ostracize ECUSA and take a stand for righteousness.

What many people do not realize is that Anglicans are the laughing stock of 
the Christian world now because they are seen as incapable of making a 
decisions and enforcing their beliefs even in defense of the Gospel and the 
teachings of Christ and His successors.

While we are to pursue unity, I do not personally believe we will totally 
achieve it until the return of Christ.  We can be at peace with all who call 
Jesus Christ Lord but our differences are such that only Christ Himself will 
be able to answer our questions and truly resolve our differences.  Until 
then, one Body many members (Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Charismatic, 
Evangelicals, Pentecostal etc..).

Bill+
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "The Very Rev'd Erich A. Zwingert, SSC" <ezwingert@...>
To: <faithandlife@...>
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 8:53 AM
Subject: Re: [FaithandLife] Ambition


> Bill+
>
> All salient points. I think many of us would agree with you and Mike+ that 
> some type of strength (in an "Instrument of Unity," as the Windsor Report 
> put it) might be helpful and perhaps the only way for the AC to return to 
> being viable.
>
> I'm confused, however, on one point. Your last sentence about "ecumenical 
> feelings" didn't make much sense to me. Perhaps I'm missing your context 
> or your intent. Can you clarify?
>
> Thanks,
> Erich+
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "William H. Perkins, Jr." <wperkin2@...>
> To: <faithandlife@...>
> Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 8:40 AM
> Subject: [FaithandLife] Ambition
>
>
> The Arch-Bishop of Canterbury is ambitious to.  He does not want to be 
> known as the Archbishop who was responsible for the disintegration of the 
> Communion.   Preserving the Communion preserves his position in it.
>
> Their report was nothing more than a stalling technique to buy time until 
> everybody calms down and just accepts the consecration.  They just want to 
> sweep it under the rug. Anglicans seem to be masters at stalling things 
> until they can get their way.  It a very oriental way of thinking and the 
> patience of it is admirable.  An example would be Bishops Lipscome and 
> Howe's two year plan to give ECUSA a chance to repent.  Just a stalling 
> technique to keep from making hard decisions and to buy more time
>
> Its obvious that the church polity of the Anglican Communion does not 
> contain a mechanism to discipline its members that stray off the path. 
> There should be a way to ban ECUSA from the communion until it repents and 
> if it does not to remove it altogether.  It's inability to act other than 
> just talk and write reports, which are stalling tactics, is inexcusable. 
> At least a Pope or Patriarch can make a decision that includes action.
>
> The question should be asked whether one wants to be associated with a 
> communion that endorses homosexuality by its inability to discipline its 
> members when they violate the law of God for any reason.  I would rather 
> be associated with the third world bishops who at least stand up for 
> righteousness and the Holy Scriptures regardless of their ambitions.  We 
> must be careful that our ecumenical feelings do not turn into idolatry 
> with sterling silver images to worship.
>
> Bill+
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