Episcopalian bishop asserts critics hooked on gay unions

WASHINGTON – Sexuality is part of the Episcopal Church’s mission, but it’s not the main focus, the head of the denomination in the U.S. said.

In fact, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said, “when we turn it into the whole of our mission, we’ve created an idol. And some parts of the Anglican communion have responded to it like an idol.”

Some members of the Episcopal Church have announced they want to start a second branch of the denomination in the U.S., largely because of the church’s ordination of a gay bishop and some bishops’ approval of same-sex unions.

Asked at a National Press Club speech whether the biblical institutions for marriage apply to same-sex couples, Jefferts Schori replied with some sarcasm:

“Oh, which biblical institutions for marriage? Solomon’s many, many, many wives? The concubines? The slaves who bore children for their male masters? There are some very odd images of family life in the Bible. And when people talk about family values, I want to know which ones.”

She said the Episcopal Church as a whole hasn’t reached a conclusion about same-sex unions, but “we’re at least asking hard questions,” she said.

Jefferts Schori said there are many more urgent social sore spots her church is focused on, including poverty, disease and hunger. Yet recent headlines focus on the breakaway congregations – and the connected lawsuits – because of people “who are consumed by” the issue of homosexuality.

But when Jefferts Schori prays, she includes those critics in her heavenly entreaties.

“I pray for people who consider me their enemy,” she said. “I think God gives us difficult people for a reason. They seem exceedingly challenging to us because of something within us that responds. And praying for those people is a necessary part of the spiritual journey.”

Since 2006, when Jefferts Schori was elected to a nine-year term as the Episcopalians’ presiding bishop in the U.S. and 16 other countries, she has led a denomination embroiled in controversy. In 2003, the Episcopal convention elected a gay bishop. Some Episcopal bishops allow same-sex unions. That’s led to a rift in the church, and two weeks ago a group of Episcopal conservatives claiming 100,000 followers announced the formation of a rival Anglican Church in North America.

It’s not possible for there to be two Episcopal churches

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