What's the big deal?

Currently, it's homosexuality. But as a cradle Episcopalian I've seen controversies in the last 43 years about ordained women (1976), the new Book of Common Prayer (1979), and the new Hymnal (1982). I wasn't around then but I've heard such controversies also happened with the 1928 BCP and the King James Bible, published in 1611. (And by the way, King James was rumored to be a Queen, so we can combine those controversies!)

My response? Get over it. Change happens.

Jesus was Jewish, not a Christian. What happened? The faith/church changed. (And he did not speak King James' English as I have actually heard some claim!)

What inspired me to write this? God willing, the Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith will ordain my mom on Sat., Jan. 26, 2008 to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Go Mom! This is something she has wanted for nearly 20 years. My dad's a deacon, too. Am I next? I sincerely doubt it.

Who cares if Mom become the Rev. Mom? Oh, I'm sure some do. The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth (Texas) is one of three Episcopal dioceses which doesn't ordain women to the priesthood. Thankfully, Mom, Dad, and I live within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. We have gay and female clergy here. But that's not the point! We are members of the worldwide Anglican communion, something we're all proud of. And we're saddened by the continuing divisiveness some people want.

A friend of mine used to be adamantly opposed to the ordination of women. He went to seminary and God (whom I believe has a wicked sense of humor) assigned him a female priest as his advisor. Oh, Mom and I laughed when we heard that! He quickly changed his mind and then adamantly denied he'd ever been against the ordination of women! He was ordained as an Episcopal priest but left the church when the homosexuality debate raised its ugly head. I only hope God reveals His sense of humor to him again.

I once heard a vestry member literally say that she would rather have "a fornicating heterosexual priest instead of a celibate homosexual." Guess what? She got both.

I guess all I'm trying to say here is why do we continue to tear ourselves apart with hatred and labels? Do unto others as we'd have done unto us.