We've heard the rant ad nauseum: If you disagree with the gay agenda of the Episcopal Church, or if you happen to observe that the gay lifestyle is inconsistent with Holy Scripture (not to mention lethal), this only proves that you hate homosexuals and want to "throw up barriers" against them wherever possible. If the new preachers make any passing reference to the Church's witness in history or to her distinctive theology, it's only to boast sardonically that Christians have led the world in throwing up barriers of hatred with their crusades, slave trade, and the relentless war against women and gays -- JUST LIKE TODAY'S CONSERVATIVES.

But of course that was then, and this is now.

In today's Episcopal Church so-called progressives are under no pressure to present theological arguments based upon recognized principles in order to prove their points. The reason is simple: they aren't arguing. After all, the present conflict in the Church is not about truth or any attempt at uncovering it to advance the common good. It's about destroying an enemy and grabbing power. Hence it is not determined by the tools of argument and persuasion. In the present example it is determined by intimidation: playing the hate card.

The hate card is a generic form of the more familiar race card. It demonstrates the same fundamental psychology: a member of a certified minority is able to intimidate members of the majority simply by raising the specter of a former history of oppression.

Ironically, playing the card is proof that the oppression is just that -- history. If the free world were ruled by hardnosed jackbooted fascists, as the Church's prophets claim it is, these same whiny prophets would be the first ones squashed as the iron heel came down. Or more likely, they would never open their mouths to begin with. The fact is, whining is part and parcel of the counter-culture establishment, and this latest gaggle of Episcopal malcontents are just clamoring to play their cards.

Power shifted a long time ago. Since the present landscape remains undefined, the previous structure can be summoned by default, even if it only exists now as a stereotype. The stereotype is fixed, whereas the present is a blur of movement. As during an earthquake, everyone tries to orient himself by remembering how things were before the ground started to shake. Everyone knows nothing will be the same once it settles. Still, no other picture comes to mind but the one that was there a moment ago.

The homophobic stereotype is that of straight white males beating up homosexuals as an eruption of volcanic visceral hatred. Whether or not straight white males presently experience such emotions, let alone act on them, is not relevant. The violence associated with such actions is charged against any one associated with the stereotype, whether justly or unjustly.

This stereotype is linked with another from the same general period before the ground started to move, though what else they have in common is not altogether clear -- the text of Holy Scripture was presumed to be trustworthy and true. Now it's taken as a simple equation: whoever reads the Bible literally also churns with hatred towards homosexuals and seeks out opportunities to destroy them.

But why do people put up with such bogus accusations if they believe they're unwarranted and unjust? And more to the present point: how is it that people are actually intimidated?

The old majority are intimidated because they are now effectively the minority. Even though still a numerical majority they have surrendered power -- first psychologically, then politically. This is why the hate card works, and why the psychologically disenfranchised majority is powerless against it.

The minorities of the past - or their self-appointed handlers - now exult in the victory of "peace and justice", but it is the justice of barracudas near an open wound. Abstract notions of righteousness and justice have nothing to do with the present reality. There's blood in the water. That's the reality.

Which brings us to the in-between-times character of the present dynamic: recognized minorities cling jealously to their oppressed status even though now they're the ones holding all the cards. The old oppression is what converts the new cards into political capital, but they can only be played as long as the old world, and the old game, appear to be intact.

The Episcopal Church has become a house of cards that needs to force people to stay at the table. That's why the new majority needs the traditionalist minority around. Even more than their property, the new power needs the old Straw Man. Their identity has no meaning apart from a history of oppression. The history must continue, even if only symbolically, and so the conservative faction is invited to stay as "oppressor emeritus". Hence there's a note of sincerity in the laughable claim of preferring heresy to schism.

The fact that Episcopal conservatives are no longer intimidated explains why the argument has shifted to the courts. Rather than limp along with two religions, conservatives are appealing to a third party to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Call it the property settlement prior to the final divorce.

The way to trump the hate card is to call its bluff. This takes a thick skin and a little backbone. The fact that Episcopalians are starting to do it is a sign of health.

---The Rev. Canon Gary L'Hommedieu is Canon for Pastoral Care at the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, Orlando, Florida. He is a regular VOL columnist.