There is a movement among Episcopalian leadership to evict congregations from Episcopal church buildings if the congregations have “abandoned Episcopalians”. If one were not aware of the liberal bent of the Episcopal church, it might be surmised that those accused of abandoning the Episcopalian Church would be those who are seeking to change long held doctrines and dogma. In fact, the opposite is true. Note the following quotes:
“In mid-January, Episcopal leaders in Virginia declared 11 congregations there, including some historic churches, to have abandoned Episcopalians. The congregations were instructed to surrender their assets. Similar actions are underway in numerous other states, and in some cases legal battles over church property have begun.
“As part of their rejection of new Episcopal teachings [emph. mine, SC], the traditionalists in Attleboro changed the name on the sign in front of their church from All Saints Episcopal to All Saints Anglican and, in September, they voted to join the Anglican Mission in America and place themselves under the supervision of Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of the Anglican Province of Rwanda.” (Grant Swank, The Conservative Voice, 2/6/07)
What are some of these “new” Episcopal teachings?
The same article (apparently written by one of these Episcopalians who is being displaced), reveals several items: 1) Support of homosexuality; 2) Support of Abortion; 3) Denial of inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible; 4) Rejection of Christ as Savior. Consider the following quote concerning two important Episcopal officals:
“An example of the latter is the rector of the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington DC. He has made known his belief that all religions are the same and that Christ has no specific uniqueness as Savior. The female Episcopal bishop newly installed likewise holds to the same, including that she does not regard highly the teachings of Jesus. She does not consider Jesus to be God.” (ibid.)
What an example of calling light, darkness, and darkness, light! Also an example of “might makes right.” Most telling, an example of the end of apostasy.
It is not our purpose to take issue with the “conservative” Episcopalian’s contention that they respect the authority and teaching of God’s word. There is conservative, then there is conservative. It is all relative, and in the end all that matters is whether a congregation is truly faithful to the teaching of God’s word.
What this article does establish is the sophistical nature of apostasy. As the digression continues, the digressives become the majority. They redefine the debate, and whenever necessary, revise the history. What once was considered evil is now declared good; and what once was championed as truth is now decried as unenlightened and evil. And the Episcopalians certainly do not have a patent on the process.
In the face of all this conflict the Word of God remains. And just because some men reject its authority, it in no way changes the import of His words. Our Lord said to the Father in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.”
