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The Rev. Jeffrey Lee, a moderate in the eyes of religious leaders, was elected as the 12th Bishop of Chicago at the diocese convention in Wheeling on Saturday. Lee was selected over seven other candidates, one of whom is an openly lesbian priest, the Very Rev. Tracey Lind. Theological conservatives are condemning the vote and Lee, saying it doesn’t demonstrate enough restraint in maintaining the traditional view that the scripture condemns homosexuality. And some are saying the move nails gays and lesbians to the cross for the sake of church unity.
The 2003 consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who is openly gay, began to create a divide in the Anglican Communion. Since then, 65 of the nation’s 7,000 parishes have moved away from the national church, claiming it’s abandoned scripture.
Earlier this year, Anglican leaders demanded the American church “pledge unequivocally not to consecrate another gay bishop or approve an official prayer service for same-sex couples.” Episcopal Bishops responded while meeting in New Orleans by resolving to “exercise restraint” in approving another gay bishop and wouldn’t authorize prayers to bless same-sex couples.
The Very Rev. Tracey Lind via Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
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I'm not following how this particular priest was "snubbed", given that the candidate pool was made up of 8 people. According to the story even the person chosen said he supports full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the church's ministry, which apparently is the view of everyone that was up for consideration. There was even this from the story: "Chicago's Bishop William Persell said that the choice of Lee should not be seen as a vote against gays and lesbians in the church."
While of course there's discrimination within the church, it seems you're trying to make this individual case a big issue when there doesn't seem to be one.
Don't spoil the fun! Why let the facts get in the way?
Instead let Chicagoist to trot out the same storyline: we're so open minded and everyone else are a bunch of bigots.
Chicagoist's writers never get tired of telling themselves that story.
I'm no conservative, but I can't agree with Chicagoist's take on this at all. So much is missed of what goes on in electing a bishop in the Episcopal Church.
First, although no decision involving people is apolitical, the process for electing a bishop really does try to focus on prayerful discernment and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The fact that there's a lesbian nominee doesn't mean automatically that if the convention elects someone else, they've "snubbed" her.
In this case, it's clear to me that the best candidate of the eight was chosen. I would hate to see delegates vote strategically, going for a lesbian nominee based solely on the desire to see a lesbian bishop.
Chicago is not a conservative diocese, and if delegates had felt she was one of the best qualified, she would have received more votes. As it was, she was one of a field of eight (or I would say seven) highly qualified people.
I'm pleased with Fr. Jeffrey Lee's election and even more pleased it was decisive. A slim margin would have been discouraging, but as it happened, this was a clear choice.
As a former Catholic, I have a lot admiration for the Episcopal Church. They are going through the fits and starts of change.
Thankfully, to many Episcopal Church members, reasonable change and respect for ALL persons is practiced. I wish them well. Oh, and I agree with the above commenters.
Tim, I think it's important to note that Lee's choice made a lot of the more conservative elements of the American Episcopal church very unhappy, precisely because of his support for GLBT persons within the Church. They seem him as much less of a moderate than most.
Overall, the worldwide Anglican church, the American Episcopal church and the local Chicago diocese are making every effort to prevent a worldwide schism. In effect, they are trying to avoid the snubbing of any persons. I'm not sure who views this as GLBT persons getting "nailed to the cross."
I've always wondered, what makes someone Very Reverend, as opposed to just being a reverend?
Traditionally, an Anglican priest who becomes a dean (of a cathedral, in Tracey Lind's case, or the head of a small group of parishes called a deanery) is called Very Reverend. A bishop is traditionally called Right Reverend; a presiding bishop Most Reverend. An archdeacon is called Venerable.
Cool, thanks NorthEdgewater!
Son, I have enough trouble following International, National and local politics with out following the Devinci Gode stuff, but still big ups to Rev. Tracey Lind, for pushing the envelope. I hope to hear more from her, heavens( excuse the pun) knows organized religion needs more women and especially progressive bold women willing to fight to open doors