Further, the aggressive approach against the local churches is frightening to all people who belong and support the churches. It is not Diocesan money that comes out of thin air that builds and supports these physical facilities. These parishioners should have a voice in what they want to do and how they want to worship within the bounds of the Episcopal doctrine.

I do not know the reasons for people being gay, but would guess that it is for the most part, a biological condition and not something chosen. Their talents are as varied as their gifts and should be recognized and respected. Nevertheless, it is not normal and does not fit in with the harmony of the universe and the manner in which man and woman were designed. There are many people born who do not fit into the norm and they are limited in some ways. It is not a right that everybody can do everything. In fact, we all have disabilities that limit what we can do; it is a matter of degree. In the rush to be correct and godly, it is being proffered that being gay is normal and it is discriminatory if we do not let them have children, be religious leaders, marry, and so on. What is happening is the thrust to make a homosexual relationship normal. This means it is abnormal for an individual to be repulsed, not by the person, but by the sexuality of the relationship. But why would you not be? It is possible to love the person, but still draw lines to remain in conformity with the harmony of the universe.

There obviously are some parishioners who do believe that it is the duty of religion to accept all people, therefore, it follows that it is godly to accept a gay bishop into the hierarchy of the Episcopal Church. Is that to say that all behavior is accepted; why not have a practicing prostitute as a Bishop if we follow that line of reasoning?

We as parents have to have limits on what we will allow our children to do and we as parishioners have to have limits on what the leaders of the church are allowed to do. For many, that limit has been reached. What has not been reached is a decision on what to do next. Many love the church and the godliness that is there and do not want to leave their church family or the Episcopal Church. On the other hand, your actions toward parishioners and priest who can not, in good faith continue, gives rise to the belief that nothing will be done except to force congregations to abide by something that is repugnant in our religious world. As uncomfortable as it is, there is a point where the line is drawn in the sand and for a lot of people, this is it. Yet, the hierarchy appears of the mind set that this will blow over and we will be good liberal Episcopalians and go indifferently along complaining but doing nothing. There are signs that this may not be the case this time.

No one wants this to happen. It seem that instead of going against the Episcopal doctrine and the majority of the parishioners by drubbing them out of the Church, taking the property they have paid and worked for, it is time for the Leaders of the Church to reconvene and reconsider the position that has been taken. For everyone that has left the fold, there are many more looking for some way to undo what has been done without being driven from the body of the Church. The Bishops who voted for this need to get beyond what appears to be "we voted him in, we know best what is good for the Church and the parishioners, now live with it." Would God want us to be passive? I do not think so.

There is still time for this to happen. If they cannot, then it is time for others to take their place as Bishops. It would certainly be less disruptive to replace Bishops who seem to have lost touch with the Congregation and God's teaching than to loose the Congregation or the monetary support that is needed to do many great things in the world because it is the latter that many have used to show displeasure. The authority flows from the top down, but the money flows from the bottom up. New church leaders who understand this are needed.

In closing, it has been three years and this has not gone away and it will not go away. Make no mistake: The Anglican Church in America is in inner turmoil and we have priests and bishops who voted for Gene Robinson to thank. Do not be lulled by the fact that most people remain in their churches. I have not taken any action other than to now verbally voice my beliefs and that has taken three years, but I am firmly opposed. I applaud those who have been willing to take the uncomfortable route of a definitive stand. In California they were rewarded by being able to keep their Church property. Who knows what may happen when all of us passive people get tired of listening to conciliatory addresses and decide that what is needed is action.

-- Bobbie S. Brown is a communicant at Christ Church, Ponte Vera Beach, in the Diocese of Florida.

This letter was sent to Florida Bishop John Howard Rev.
Frank T Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church

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