Far right frets, new Episcopal Church rules could let church discipline them

The far right of the Episcopal Church is in a dither over a proposed church rule (or cannon) that would – in their view – allow Bishops to ‘discipline’ lay people.

Of course the far right applauds when the Roman Catholic Church silences a pro-gay rights priests or nun. And they call on the Roman Catholic Church to deny communion to political leaders who are Roman Catholic but still support a women’s right to choose abortion.

This, of course, is different. This time the discipline could be exerted against lay leaders who break church policy.

“Laity, including chancellors, church lawyers, bloggers, wardens, vestry members, treasurers, secretaries, clerks, lay activists, or even the directress of the parish altar guild would be subject to punishment by bishops which can include removal from any church position or office,” complains Raymond Dague @ vitrue.org.

So let me get this right: people like ray should be able to break church rules without any consequence. They should be bale to steal away buildings built for the purpose of housing congregations of the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA) without any impediment.

They should be able to use their office in the Episcopal Church to damage the church without any consequence.

They should be able to refuse women the ordained role granted by church law.

“This is church discipline from hell. They are the product of a siege mentality by an institution which seeks to stomp out opposition to the agenda of the higher-ups by removing any laity who stand in their way. The very threat of this process will make all but the most stout-hearted soul acquiesce,” Dague rails.

Wrong again Ray. First, Episcopalians are a much more sturdy breed than that. Second, the only “siege mentality” is the one envisioned by writers like you and virtue.org. Third, violating church rules has consequences. You can’t praise Roman Catholic Cardinals and Priests as they exclude people from their church who support women’s rights at the same time protest the Episcopal Church’s efforts to protect itself from the hired guns of the far right (see This Schism Is Brought to You by the IRD at the Oasis News Blog).

‘Aint it awful Ray, you might actually be held accountable?