Thy Will Be Done

Today, I heard probably the most liberal sermon I've heard in an Anglican Church yet.  I have written much about my parish in my blog here.  But, I have not kept you up to date.  So, I will do that now.

Our Vicar Allie, who is now on maternity leave, healed an old wound when she asked me to sit as a Warden for my parish.  She said I had integrity; can you believe that?  I will be the last Warden; as, I was brought in to close the parish.  We just simply can no longer pay the bills.  Even through this, and for years, I have maintained that I do not belong here.  My views are very much opposed to the ACC's and those of our own Diocese, from Feminism and Socialism to Civil Disarmament and Critical Race Theory.  And, when the Church fragmented over the blessing of same sex unions in the early 2000s, the other conservatives abandoned me to a Church was was not just liberal, but liberalizing.  (Find me a conservative clergyman fresh out of seminary, and I will recant).  Hence the fact that, I always write, "Building Fund Only," on my offering envelopes.  To her credit, Allie was one of few who welcomed me and bridged that gap, making it easier to come to Church.  I'm so angry that she is leaving us.  Often, I have asked God why He has me here and for what purpose I have been planted in this place.  Was it simply to close the parish?  Maybe.  If only Nixon could go to China, maybe a Psalm 69:9 Christian needed to be the last Warden. I'm losing my thin place.

So, today's sermon, by our young female Curate was so far left, I couldn't even be angry.  I just tuned out and switched off some time after the Holy Family being called brown refugees and the labeling of Israel as dictatorial and colonial.  I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:22.  It's why I could never be a priest.  ...and why many should not be.  Today, for the first time in a very very long time, I thought of that little Anglican Church, St. Barnabas Mission, and the ANIC.  ...of those conservatives who abandoned me, so long ago.

I remember when Vivian Jarvis, God rest her soul, and I used to have long talks on Friday mornings at the food bank, as I sat in her office and we talked faith, Alpha, Crisio, AFP conference happenings, JI Packard, Spiritual Warfare, and so much more.  I remember when she told me that the issue causing the schism was not gay marriage, but liberalizing of core tenets of the faith.  I remember thinking that, that was just a cop-out, as the central issue *was* gay marriage.  ...and I thought this in my "hate the sin love the sinner" days.  I agreed, tongue in cheek, "of course," but didn't believe it.  Now, in retrospect, I understand.  Same sex unions were the tip of an iceburg, a symptom and not a disease.  (For clarity, my journey on that issue is long, and I am at peace with and accept the blessing of same sex unions).  But, Vivian was right.  There were bigger issues hidden there.  Sola Fide and the idea of Jesus being the only way to the Father is being challenged today with pluralism.  Gaia worship is being brought into the temple as an Abomination of Desolation.  Socialism has replaced personal responsibility.  C.S. Lewis' Historical Jesus is invoked and Screwtape's advice to his nephew to use faith and Church as a vehicle to achieve an end is happening, for all kinds of *good* causes.  NT Wright's paved over ground is springing up water spouts of uncontested Islam, due to years of Church complacency while trying to bend and become culturally relevant.  As people look for that spring water, Islam will fill their need.  The Church is no longer significant or relevant. We don't even teach apologetics.  I'm the most calm I've ever been, for being the most upset I've been in a very long time.  So God, where do I go next?  I will watch for Your signs.  Lead me.  Thy will be done.

Regards,

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