blog.sinden.org

In the wake of the 77^th General Convention of the Episcopal Church two opinion pieces in major papers have generated a lot of good writing about our life together as a church. Not having any major drama to report (the approval of a provisional liturgy for the blessing of a same-sex relationship was largely expected), The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times ran opinion pieces that take issue with the Episcopal Church for being what it is: a largely progressive, "main line" denomination whose adherents are diminishing in number.

Here's the chronology of what you've missed in the last week or so. (You have a lot of reading to do).

Thursday 12 July

“What ails the Episcopalians”, Jay Akasie, Wall Street Journal

Friday 13 July

“Wrong on Every Count”, Arizona Bishop, the aptly named blog of the Bishop of Arizona, Kirk Smith.

“What ails the Wall Street Journal: Error-laden opinion on Episcopalians”, Seven Whole Days, the blog of the Rev. Scott Gunn, director of Forward Movement. Seven Whole Days is perhaps my newest favorite EpiscoBlog.

Saturday 14 July

“Can Liberal Christianity be Saved?”, Ross Douthat, New York Times, an opinion piece that opens by invoking the name of John Shelby Spong, accompanied by a photo of the Choir of Men & Girls at the National Cathedral.

Sunday 15 July

"Can Christianity Be Saved? A Response to Ross Douthat", Diana Butler Bass, Huffington Post

Monday 16 July

"Once more dear friends", a good summary of the many rebuttals to Douthat from Episcopal Café. Note that Jon Meacham is awesome. Also the Rev. Winnie Varghese was the voting secretary in the House of Deputies.

Tuesday 17 July

"Saving Christianity" James Kowalski, Dean of the Cathedral St. John the Divine, Huffington Post

Wednesday 18 July

"Episcopal churches: Short on politics, sexuality debates and long on Jesus", The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, newly elected president of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, Huffington Post

I'm sure there will be much more to come.

Update: Thursday 19 July

"Episcopal Church is Radically Faithful to Its Tradition", The Rt. Rev. Stacy Sauls, Chief Operating Officer of the Episcopal Church, letter to the Wall Street Journal

Labels: Cathedral of St John the Divine, Diana Butler Bass, Episcopal Church, Gay Clark Jennings, John Shelby Spong, Jon Meacham, journalism, NYT