Today, we look at a couple of issues that are topical and to which people have strong opinions, and a Jewish eight-day festival. First, the Anglican Church.
The Diocese of New Westminster, in British Columbia, at its recent June synod passed motion 7 -to bless same-sex unions - by a majority. It was not, however, a unanimous decision; eight churches walked out in protest. Of those that remained, several did not support the motion but chose to remain to get an idea of the lay of the land. That vote has split the Diocese of New Westminster and has rippled round the Anglican world. Since the June vote, several bishops from Africa and Australia have visited the Diocese of New Westminster to offer support for the dissenting churches and to condemn Bishop Ingram's push to have Anglicans bless same-sex unions.
Local media have presented the issue and many have taken a 'liberal' stance regards the topic. For some reporters, the issue of motion 7 has been lost as they directed their comments toward homosexuality and away from the blessing of same-sex unions. As well, some parishioners have quoted scripture to support their agreement with motion 7; in particular the idea that Jesus welcomes all members of the community into God's family. They believe that by supporting motion 7, they are practising good scripture.
For those opposed to the motion, they too, have turned to scripture. Often quoted is Leviticus 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."
Both sides seem to have misunderstood the intent of motion 7. The Anglican Church is not shutting its door on homosexuals. On the contrary, the church does recognise that there are some among Anglican Christians who practice homosexuality; however, those who opposed motion 7 did so on the grounds that by blessing same-sex unions, the church would be condoning a sin. It is much a case of blessing the sinners but not their sin.
While the uproar has subsided somewhat of late, it certainly has not gone away. Clearly, it will dominate church gatherings for some time to come. Some have predicted an ever-widening schism among Anglicans. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that the passing of motion 7 in the Diocese of New Westminster will be the catalyst for a new church being formed. Time will tell; but in the meantime, one trusts that common sense and a sense of understanding scripture will prevail.
Second, as the season of Advent commences and becomes mixed with the commercialism that has become the primary force driving Christmas and the many disputes that seem to erupt worldwide almost daily, it is time to reflect on Jesus' birth. Much has transpired since that day two thousand years ago, and, one supposes, much will continue to happen until God's patience has run its course and He sends his Son to save us from sin, again. Despite the commercialism of the Christmas season and the numerous trouble spots throughout the world - including Jesus' birthplace - Christians should not overlook the joy of Advent or turn aside from scripture. It is interesting to realise that even the most desperate people among us call out to God for salvation in their darkest moments.
Finally, Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish population. History has recorded that the Jewish Temple was desecrated by the Syrians in 165 BC. Hanukkah commemorates its rededication by the Jews. History also records, interestingly, that the Temple's one day supply of oil miraculously lasted eight days; hence the eight day festival and the eight candles of the menorah.
Bob Orrick is a private tutor of English grammar, literature, poetry and Canadian history to off-shore youngsters. His pupils hail from such places as Taiwan, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Venezuela. He was previously in international marketing, was a ministerial assistant to a provincial cabinet minister, spent a few years as a reporter then editor of a community newspaper and enjoyed a career in the Royal Canadian Navy.
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