Christian Message Boards: Episcopalian salvation

I currently worship at one of the very few 'conservative' Episcopal churches around. We are in a very sad minority. This church is not the closest to where I live, in fact there is one literally on the other side of the cul de sac of my street. Won't go there. The one closest to me is also a school, has mega bucks coming in, caters to the wealthy families. They also have a bookstore which to a new believer or someone searching looks wonderfully inviting. Looking closer, they give a chunk of this 'ministry' to a healing fund. In order to reach out to more for financial help, they include crystals (and have had a healing 'program' within the church using these!) and all sorts of new aged junk. Dare not breath a word in offending lifestyles as potentially sinful, everything from homosexuality to living together without a commitment of marrying behind them first.

One of my best friends is studying to be a minister. Heart so solid for God, very bright. Outspoken when it comes to staying commited first to God's Word without graying areas. Discovered that those taking classes to be a Priest don't take classes on Hebrew, Greek, Latin, but are strongly recommended, (chastised) against doing so. Called by professors a waste of time when translations/observations can be gleamed elsewhere. This guy is a Navy Seal. Got bored one day and filled at the questioniers for testing as a member of Mensa. Is a card-carrying member of this group now. Isn't afraid of studying, and has taken the courses in languages in spite of warnings not to do so. Is known for 'kicking up a Spiritual Fuss' during classtime. Pulled perfect marks in everything anyway. Doesn't use notes during sermons. Call him, he's there for support. The last thing he had to do to finish up and graduate was to stand up to a board and answer a series of questions on the other side of the States. They all failed him. Why? Because he dared to disagree on Leadership within the denomination. That willful sinning should not be a political issue of rights within the church. That translations of God's Word must be tested correctly, not by an agenda to promote personal goals.

He's now checking into other denominations to find a fit God wants of him.

Regarding babtism: just before communion, someone says that if you are a babtised Christian, you can go up for communion.

My home church: I'm not staying. Although it is conservative, it's eggshell walking time. We're reminded on occasion that we need to be 'sensitive' and not offend anyone because we do have members of the congregation whom are gay. Considering the fact that the biggest hostile person on this behalf happens to be our Choir director might have something to do with this. But also, up until recently, NONE of our 'studies' sanctioned by the church have been BIBLE studies. Other books, other subjects (like finding God in movies, gimmee a break). Had to open my home to have a Bible Study here instead. Our Pastor sent his wife to the first two to make 'sure' I wasn't promoting a "whacco/weido/frivolous" approach. Couldn't find anything against it. Caught on fast. They finally chose to start a real study up at church and demanded that I stop since they were 'covering' it. Refused to do so. Reason? One of the things we are up front in doing is going to the Bible for help. Teaching and encouraging each other to feel comfortable in seeking answers there instead of through someone hired by the church. Hold each other up to be accountable, and ask that those in authority within the church do so too.

Last year I had the experience of leading a retreat from this denomination. At the last minute, I was given a list of guidelines for topics which would not be discussed during this period of time. Frustrating because so many people are hurting and just need the safety net of trust to open up and pray. By closing down, how can we be open to the Holy Spirit?

This has been going on for far too long. Back in the mid 60's I know of one Priest who's lover left his wife and three small children to live with him. The church knew about this, but chose to be quiet. Why? because this priest came from a very wealthy family, held a very strong political hold on much. Devestated families, caused a huge rift within the local churches, and gave hope to those with a different agenda in thinking that this might be a possible way in. Worked.

What's hard is that this is my family. Not the politics. I love them dearly. Everything I do socially and otherwise is wrapped up in them. But I can't stand to see what is happening, what our actions are doing to belittle the only thing worthy of our focus.

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I'm politically incorrect: Christ is a lifestyle, not history.

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