Post by chymicalwedding on Apr 11, 2008 20:12:43 GMT -5
Avete All,
I only recently began investigating the Episcopal Church. I think that, so far, it's a good fit for me.
Part of its fitness for me, though, is the very diversity of it. I'm saddened to see the divisiveness and argumentative behavior of so many of the church's members both "conservative" and "liberal". I find myself somewhere in between. Even where I disagree with one extreme pole or the other, I do not wish to see anybody forced out at either end. It is the fact that I have encountered such diverse ideas and opinions which drew me in the door in the first place, and I wager it is that very diversity which will keep me in and head me in the direction of baptism (which I really look forward to, though I'm sure it will be some time before I reach that stage).
I understand why some issues are very upsetting for some of you. I also understand why some individuals have felt the need to leave the church entirely. I just wish that dialogue was always of a higher priority than argument. I certainly hope to influence my own little corner of the church once I have become a member, but my influence will always seek to be inclusive in the loving spirit of Jesus Christ.
In Peace Profound,
Nicholas
I only recently began investigating the Episcopal Church. I think that, so far, it's a good fit for me.
Part of its fitness for me, though, is the very diversity of it. I'm saddened to see the divisiveness and argumentative behavior of so many of the church's members both "conservative" and "liberal". I find myself somewhere in between. Even where I disagree with one extreme pole or the other, I do not wish to see anybody forced out at either end. It is the fact that I have encountered such diverse ideas and opinions which drew me in the door in the first place, and I wager it is that very diversity which will keep me in and head me in the direction of baptism (which I really look forward to, though I'm sure it will be some time before I reach that stage).
I understand why some issues are very upsetting for some of you. I also understand why some individuals have felt the need to leave the church entirely. I just wish that dialogue was always of a higher priority than argument. I certainly hope to influence my own little corner of the church once I have become a member, but my influence will always seek to be inclusive in the loving spirit of Jesus Christ.
In Peace Profound,
Nicholas
