The Reverend Canon Melissa M Skelton.
In this video, Skelton declares that she wishes to bring “restoration of a sense of feeling and reality of unity in the diocese.” Clearly, she supports the Ingham decisions that split the diocese, since she believes that the diocese was “called” – presumably by God – to go “down that road.”
Her recipe for “the re-unification of the diocese” is listening by using circle processes. I’m not sure what she means by circle processes – other than going around in circles, an activity at which Anglicans have had plenty of practice, particularly when pretending to listen. Doubtless, a veneer of unity won’t be too hard to manufacture since the most vigorous dissenters from diocesan dogma have already left. Those who remain will be too timid to make much of a fuss, contenting themselves, instead, with their appointed role of token conservatives: evidence of diocesan diversity.
Earlier this year, Skelton was hoping to be bishop of New Jersey; New Westminster, with its “difficult 20 years”, must have been her second career choice.
I’ll reserve judgement until I see what she actually does, but I did notice that she talked about comprehensiveness, not inclusiveness, in her video. That, at least, is a step in the right direction, however small it may turn out to be.
She is still only a laywoman of the church pretending to be clergy. Unless and until the ACoC understands and accepts that God does not have women priests they will continue to be cut down. It is like a great grounds-keeper is clearing out the dead wood in order to make room for new healthy growth. Of course that growth will be from other plants.
As fare a as “comprehensiveness” vs “inclusiveness” goes I will say this. Different words, same bs, intended to deceive and trick people into thinking something different is about to happen, when it will simply be more and more of the same.
I don’t accept your contention that her orders are invalid and I will not assume deception without evidence, hence the wait and see attitude.
Well said.
I would also state her orders are not invalid. However, if she endorses and follows in the apostate leadership of Michael Ingham she will, by her actions, nullify said orders. As I have stated in previous submissions to be a Christian one must fully endorse and accept both the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. This is an absolute requirement if one is to be a true “chief shepherd”. Indeed this will be a wait and see procedure but it must be remembered you cannot glue apostasy and orthodoxy together.
On that we can agree.
Why is it absolutely clear to AMP that this woman cannot be clergy and not quite as clear to Frank and Gordon and Biffo? And if having divergent views on this topic is acceptable, why can’t it be on other topics as well?
Vincent, you are correct to point out that it is a somewhat hypocritical position of ANIC to take, that there can be doctrinal diversity on the ordination of women but there cannot be doctrinal diversity on gay marriage. Anyone who is being honest with themselves will accept that. That being said, it is not quite as simple as that. In the case of gay marriage it is a new inovation and a new interpretation of scripture that is happeneing right now. In the case of the ordination of women it’s an interpretation that goes back decades and has been firmly accepted in some areas. That difference makes it a much harder issue to address. I do however feel that the ACNA bishops do have to sort it out and come to a consensus soon, if they do not this elephant will just keep on dancing around the room.
There is some legitimate scriptural room for female leadership in the church. There is absolutely none for accepting, much less blessing same-sex sexual relationships.
John Stott favoured female ordination; while J. I. Packer opposes it. The majority of churches don’t accept female clergy; while very few accept same-sex blessings. Not every believer believes in remarriages after divorces.
Apart from the whole “don’t be a bastard to people” message which permates the Gospel.
Vincent, I will agree with you to a degree. There are people in the conservative camp that are far more interested in proving that they are ‘right’ than in following Jesus. However, to paint all conservatives with that brush is an unfair characterture. Personally, I believe that the Bible is the word of God. And in it that he tells us that ordination to the priesthood is limited to men who meet the requirements to be an elder and that marriage is between a man and a woman only. While I wish at times it said something differently I trust that God knows best and I choose to submit to what God says. It’s not easy but we can look to Jesus. Who had compassion but still called people to repentance. He never condoned sin but he gave his life for the sinner, myself included. It’s not easy to follow him, but for myself and for many others like me we are just trying our best.