Schism - Is It Necessary?

[Liberal Crozier]

My brothers and sisters,

The Reformation was born in schism. For over half a millennium, Protestant Christians have been in the process of schism. Denominations themselves split into both theological and social authorities. You know the joke about the reason for fifteen different types of Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans or Methodists - one says " there ain't no hell, and the other says, " the hell there ain't) . There are nearly two thousand separate Protestant Christian denominations or "non-denominational" churches in North America.

The Anglicans, with its Tractarian, Latitudinarian and Evangelical wings, even though quite blurred, still makes the English Reformation a " via media" or a bridge between both camps.

The problem with Catholic and Orthodox Churches is that their division is one of separation and not divorce. The Body of Christ still encompasses One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Any schismatic Church or bishop is always part of the Church. The language speaks to separate "jurisdictions" rather than denominations.

The two most implosive questions has been Patriarchalism and the role of women in Orders and the Sacrament of Marriage extending to same-sex couples, and from this, the charge of " intrinsic disorder" either expressly stated by Rome, but supported by Constantinople.

Personally, I believe that the time has come for many Catholic and Orthodox jurisdictions to speak with one voice on one matter, and if unable, they should form another synodal jurisdiction where they agree. Prayer and in "God's good time", the truth will gain ascendancy. The Holy Spirit assures us. Ask Galileo and Copernicus....oh, you can't, they never knew, but we know, don't we?

[Liberal Crozier]

duh!!!! Again, I am surprised as to what constitutes a thread worth commenting upon

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by Liberal Crozier

duh!!!! Again, I am surprised as to what constitutes a thread worth commenting upon

Worth commenting on? Certainly!

This brings to mind- if you will pardon the literary allusion- the words of Alexander Dumas who wrote The Three Musketeers.

"All for one and one for all."

Capitalize the One's and you have- as I see it- the gist of your statement.

Personally, I believe that the time has come for many Catholic and Orthodox jurisdictions to speak with one voice on one matter, and if unable, they should form another synodal jurisdiction where they agree.

Yes. The problem may be getting people to speak out on the matter- homophobia being one of the last 'acceptable' vices- it seems. I think that's the first step. Efforts to this end are embodied by Soulforce in its actions.

When is it time to break off and start a anew? Perhaps that's the issue here.