Chicagoist: Church Snubs Lesbian Priest for Bishop

Spook

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:46:16 -0600

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

JuliaPorter

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:43:39 -0600

Cool, thanks NorthEdgewater!

NorthEdgewater

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:22:18 -0600

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.

JuliaPorter

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:14:34 -0600

I've always wondered, what makes someone Very Reverend, as opposed to just being a reverend?

Mr_Smith

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:51:52 -0600

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."

Ward Up

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:32:47 -0600

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.

NorthEdgewater

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:47:30 -0600

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.

whymustiregister

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:57:53 -0600

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.

the new guest number 2

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:49:56 -0600

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.