by David Virtue, VOL
Some 15 Episcopalians met recently in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island to have a respectful conversation on same-sex marriage, with a view, presumably, to bridge the gulf between opposing views.
For the Rev. Scott Gunn, one answer is to bring together a group of people who “disagree about things that are important to each individual” and engage in thoughtful discourse “in a loving and respectful way.”
“Jesus told us to love our neighbors,” Gunn told TLC, “And we don’t always agree with our neighbors. I think the conversations that we’re having are important, not only because they’re about same-sex marriage, but they’re helping us practice the skill of having difficult conversations with people that we are called to love.” But nowhere does Jesus in his plea to love our enemies meaning “loving our neighbors” does it imply abdicating the basic tenets of the faith which Gunn is advocating.
Episcopal Bishop Larry Provenzano of Long Island emphasized the need to continue the work of reconciliation throughout the church by acknowledging and listening to diverse viewpoints on same-sex marriage. Without compromising core theological principles, the Church must “prioritize understanding” as if there is no absolute across difference to maintain unity.
Well just how much have homosexuals in the Episcopal Church loved those who disagree with them? They haven’t. There has been no compromise. They have been told by people like the late Louie Crew, the late Jack Spong and (the Rev.) Susan Russell, a fierce lesbian, that if you don’t conform then get the hell out of TEC.