In today's Washington Post, an article about South African Archbishop Ndungane - the successor of Desmond Tutu - and his courageous and progressive views on homosexuality and faith.
Calling homosexuality a "pastoral, secondary problem," the archbishop of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa estimates that 70 percent of the world's 77 million Anglicans have grown tired of discussing the divisive topic and wish to return to the "life and death issues of this world."
Included in Ndungane's fundamental issues are alleviation of severe poverty, the HIV-AIDS epidemic and educational inequalities.
"Of course, you will always get people who are disgruntled, but nowadays, because of technology, minorities can make the loudest noise and tend to confuse people," he said.
Not to be outdone by their African colleagues, U.S. Episcopalian conservatives are calling for an ecclesiastical trial of the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson and the 42 bishops who participated in his consecration:
The lay group, organized this year, presents five "distinctions" that make charges against Robinson and his consecrators "uniquely different from allegations in all past presentments."
The church members say their purpose is to determine the meaning and validity of church law, doctrine and practice, and to punish any bishops who have violated their ordination and consecration vows or committed other "grave offenses."
Last month, the group asked Robinson and his consecrators to "recant, repent, resign or retire" but received no response.
The traditionalist group has launched a petition drive that will continue at the Episcopal Church's general convention exhibit in Columbus, Ohio, in June.
Incredible.
On the subject of religious influences, I am incensed and infuriated that members of a church to whose creeds and doctrines I do not subscribe, has the right to influence the voting on a bill that would enable voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill in the UK.
In an increasingly secular society what right do these people have to impose their beliefs and principles on me? By whose authority do they condemn people to long, lingering and painful deaths?
If the right to live is mine then do I not, when the time comes, also have the right to die?
I'd be interested to hear your views Beth
Outraged of Oxfordshire!
Posted by: Julia | May 14, 2006 at 01:01 PM