The Process Of Spiritual Growth And Understanding

[Liberal Crozier]

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

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.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Liberal Crozier

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.

Dear Liberal Crozier,

Greetings from NYC. My husband and I were married in your fair country- Toronto- nine months ago. We're both musicians and have been professionally active in church for many years. He an organist- I a bass-baritone. I just 'retired' from a long 15 stint in the Episcopal Church. Now solo on Sunday mornings, I'm in the process of deciding what to do with myself. But that's another story.

I must confess that, even with a knowledge of most of the words used in the passage quoted above- I had to look a few up though, which, I confess, was a delight- you fairly left me gasping in the breadth of your argument.

What exactly is the "greatest heresy" that is referred to? Not having read the texts cited, I feel I haven't grasped the meaning you mean to convey.

Warm regards,

Daniel

[Liberal Crozier]

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,

Without a doubt, the spiritual violence spoken and the false theological postures against the gay and lesbian person.

Although ecclesial history has shown the Church to have created this and many other incidents of violence throughout the prior two millennia, this newest heresy has a global agenda and unfortunately permeates many other belief systems worldwide.

The power of Soulforce is that truth and love overcomes lies and hate. It is truly that simple. What the enemies of Christ feared were His words, and they still have the same effect for those who have His words on their lips, and hate in their hearts.

My apostolic blessing to you both...........+LIBBISH

[schoolboi]

Your Grace,

Welcome. I am glad you are here. If I may humbly ask what jurisdiction or branch of the church are you retired from? I look forward to hearing more from you! Seeking your blessing.

Corey H.

[Liberal Crozier]

Thank you, Corey, for your kind and thoughtful words of greeting. Your question is, of course, normal curiosity or interest, yet it would create problems for me at this time. Later, as I stated in my letter, I will be more comfortable to more than " tiptoe through the tulips", as it were.

Of course, I received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders in Apostolic Succession. We are part of the Mystical Body of Christ and hold the marks of the Church, which is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. The particular "front door" jurisdiction of the Church will remain with us for the moment.

I took the time to read your many posts, and I know that you are a Christian with a strong message to impart.....love of God and love of Neighbour...with the strength and passion of youth to add vigour to the measure. You are in my prayers.

Often, many individuals feel stifled, or feel unable to contribute more openly.
At this moment in my life, this is my cross to bear. We are all made to feel inadequate by both circumstance and responsibility.

But, as Christians, WE HAVE PRAYER. Yes, prayer, which like truth, renders the enemies of Christ powerless and defenceless. When the news seems bleek and seems that the Pharisees have total control of the Temple, please remember that the teenage Christ taught in the Temple, and the adult Christ chastised, admonished, and whipped those who turned His House into a deceptive den of thieves. Lies are how you steal truth and justice. MLK JR said it well, to paraphrase, the victory is Pyrrhic, His is eternal and everlasting.

My apostolic blessing, +LC

[Zerbie]

Glad you are here!

What a wonderful perspective to hear from!

Thanks for introducing yourself and sharing as much as you have so far.
I sense it was difficult for you. You've obviously got toughness as well as perspective, on the world around you and on your inner life. I look forward to learning a lot from you.

Hearty greetings!

[Liberal Crozier]

The American Southwest is indeed a spiritual place. It is also exchanting in its physical beauty.....a testament to the Creator we all worship.

Thank you for your kind and warm and heartfelt greeting, Zerbie.

I GOT IT !!!!