New York Times | The Anglican Rift

To the Editor:

While the leadership of the worldwide Anglican Communion wrangles about authority and scriptural literalism, the large majority of American Episcopalians are quietly living out their baptismal vows to “respect the dignity of every human being” through the creation of inclusive, loving church communities that are fully open to all regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.

While conservative Anglican leaders try to keep gay priests and gay couples in the closet, and use homosexuality as a cover for the primary issue at the heart of worldwide conservative and progressive division — the ordination of women — most of us in the pews have already moved far beyond this.

V. Gene Robinson’s predecessor as bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt. Rev. Douglas Theuner, put it well when he said, “We’re talking about the wrong ‘H’ word: it’s not homosexuality, but hypocrisy.

Elizabeth Adams
Montreal, Feb. 21, 2007
The writer is the author of a book about the life and election of Bishop V. Gene Robinson.