Senator Danforth

Senator Danforth, who is an Episcopal priest, I've read, made a statement at the Episcopal Convention in Columbus that the church has become too focused on the issue of homosexuality and is in danger of becoming irrelevant- splitting up and becoming a small sect that lacks clout.

On the first point I agree with him. The Anglican Communion has become paralyzed by the issue of the consecration of a gay bishop. This is a consequence of excessive focus on a single issue, and failure to remain aware of all of the areas of agreement within the church. This is a mistake for the church, not unlike the mistake that it would be in an interpersonal relationship. When we focus on our differences, we divide. When we focus on our areas of agreement, we grow together.

On the second point, I cannot agree with the Senator. By expressing concern over the church's relevancy due to its unity or lack thereof, he's speaking like a politician rather than a religious man. The church remains relevant so long as it helps one person have a better relationship with God, so long as it provides love and support to even one person, or so long as it helps to meet the food and shelter requirements of one needy person in one community. The relevance of a church should not be measured like that of a political party. The church is not about power. It is about service.

I hope the Anglican Communion does not divide. It does not need to divide. But if it does, so long as individual churches continue to serve the needs of the people in their communities, those churches remain relevant.

GP