Liberal Crozier
04-09-2006, 09:52 AM
Good morning,
The Lenten season informs it. The Church provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon both the process and action of our lives.
In thirty-five years of priestly life, and a decade and some of episcopal charge, one fact is clear. The fear of exposure and rejection requires courage and a firm belief in truth to overcome all obstacles in the path.
Five years following ordination, I met the man who has since shared my life and along with it, both the good and the difficult. The disclosure process is very difficult for me, the older man who turns 60 in the early autumn.
The process was first to resign from a Christian jurisdiction that no longer defined my theological, catechetical or pastoral training. For years, and not unlike Thomas More, I was able to discuss my life in terms of constructs made clear by such men as John McNeill or Gregory Baum, or for that matter, Norman Pittinger or Malcolm Boyd. The devil was truly in the details. There was the comfort of "mental reservation" and "moral neutrality" that functioned as a safety valve when confronted with issues or events that required disclosure.
As comic relief, let me say that I had much sympathy with Bill Clinton, when confronted by hypocritical theocons, relied upon his legal training, and said," It depends upon the definition of what "it" is." LOL. I was fortunate that my diocese was titular and that the auxiliary/suffragan position was a more comfortable reality. Thank God, that I was not that "Ordinary" fellow. LOL
Whether the patriarchal throne you disagree with is in the Vatican, or at Canterbury, or in the Phanar, or elsewhere, the consensus of the Ancient Patriarchates and Autocephalous and Autonomous Churches if defined, agrees with the " moral disorder and spiritual illness" first expounded by Benedictus PP XVI when he was cardinal-archbishop in charge of Faith and Morals. The Reformation churches use sola scriptura and fiduciary faith to expound upon what has rightfully been termed " the greatest heresy of the Church in the third millennium.
The Lenten season still informs the process from obscurity to openness: , and for very personal and compelling reasons, this dual citizen of both Canada and the United States of America will ask you to respect both my interest in Soulforce ( I have been lurking for years now) and my request that any further personal life sharing be merely delayed several months from now.
The process that allows any and all, including my ailing 93 year old mother, to both rest in peace and for my family to live in peace and renewal.
+ THE LIBERAL CROZIER :pray: :pray: :pray:
Yes, please pray for all three of us.....and yes, please reply and say hello....I want to discuss ideas and share online fellowship . In the future, with God's will and help from my family, I will not only leave the closet, but tear it down completely. Until then, let's share nevertheless.
The Lenten season informs it. The Church provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon both the process and action of our lives.
In thirty-five years of priestly life, and a decade and some of episcopal charge, one fact is clear. The fear of exposure and rejection requires courage and a firm belief in truth to overcome all obstacles in the path.
Five years following ordination, I met the man who has since shared my life and along with it, both the good and the difficult. The disclosure process is very difficult for me, the older man who turns 60 in the early autumn.
The process was first to resign from a Christian jurisdiction that no longer defined my theological, catechetical or pastoral training. For years, and not unlike Thomas More, I was able to discuss my life in terms of constructs made clear by such men as John McNeill or Gregory Baum, or for that matter, Norman Pittinger or Malcolm Boyd. The devil was truly in the details. There was the comfort of "mental reservation" and "moral neutrality" that functioned as a safety valve when confronted with issues or events that required disclosure.
As comic relief, let me say that I had much sympathy with Bill Clinton, when confronted by hypocritical theocons, relied upon his legal training, and said," It depends upon the definition of what "it" is." LOL. I was fortunate that my diocese was titular and that the auxiliary/suffragan position was a more comfortable reality. Thank God, that I was not that "Ordinary" fellow. LOL
Whether the patriarchal throne you disagree with is in the Vatican, or at Canterbury, or in the Phanar, or elsewhere, the consensus of the Ancient Patriarchates and Autocephalous and Autonomous Churches if defined, agrees with the " moral disorder and spiritual illness" first expounded by Benedictus PP XVI when he was cardinal-archbishop in charge of Faith and Morals. The Reformation churches use sola scriptura and fiduciary faith to expound upon what has rightfully been termed " the greatest heresy of the Church in the third millennium.
The Lenten season still informs the process from obscurity to openness: , and for very personal and compelling reasons, this dual citizen of both Canada and the United States of America will ask you to respect both my interest in Soulforce ( I have been lurking for years now) and my request that any further personal life sharing be merely delayed several months from now.
The process that allows any and all, including my ailing 93 year old mother, to both rest in peace and for my family to live in peace and renewal.
+ THE LIBERAL CROZIER :pray: :pray: :pray:
Yes, please pray for all three of us.....and yes, please reply and say hello....I want to discuss ideas and share online fellowship . In the future, with God's will and help from my family, I will not only leave the closet, but tear it down completely. Until then, let's share nevertheless.