Why has Robinsons consecration caused such a deep divide in the Episcopal Church?
A. Conservative Episcopalians uphold Christianity’s traditional stand against gay sex. They feel very strongly that it is expressly forbidden in the Bible, so the Bible’s authority is at stake in the current debate. Those in the church’s larger liberal bloc are equally convinced that the biblical authors didn’t realize some people are naturally attracted to others of the same sex and couldn’t conceive of today’s long-term gay relationships. Others say local Episcopal churches and dioceses should be left alone to do what they want. Q. What are conservative Episcopalians doing now that Robinson is a bishop? A. Conservative bishops and priests are creating a separate network of “confessing” dioceses and parishes an enclave to preserve traditional teachings. It’s unclear whether or when a formal schism might occur, but some sort of break with the Episcopal Church seems very likely. Q. How would that come about? A. It’s uncertain. Much depends on the Episcopalians’ fellow Anglicans overseas
