Would I make it in TEC?

[graceandpeace]

Ok. Well, I am honestly more of a moderate but really wanted feedback from those identifying as perhaps more conservative.

To make a long story short, I am contemplating a conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy or the Episcopal church USA (part of the Anglican communion).

Based on at least initial talks with my husband, he seems more inclined to TEC, though for me I still feel torn between TEC & the EOC.

I recognize the official positions of the Anglican communion regarding the ever polarizing issue of gay marriage/ordination in the church; however, some of TEC has ignored or broken the rules by ordaining a non-celibate gay individual (back in 2003) & is currently trying out a trial rite to bless same gender unions (though it is not considered matrimony).

If it were not for my ongoing concern about this, I probably would not be hesitating as much. Still, people in the church leadership still sin sometimes & there needs to be forgiveness, especially when not the entire church is on board with some of the questionable decisions. "The part is not the whole," as I've been reminded. And I certainly can't stand some of the relentless anti-gay rhetoric in some churches I've visited. However, I just wonder - as someone who believes a church should not bless same-gendered unions or ordain non-celibate gays - if I would just feel out of place.

I have enjoyed all of my visits to various Episcopal churches, especially the last one I went to & I like the Anglican communion so far... But I don't know if this one issue is going to vex me or if I will get over it.

What do you think? Protestant churches/non-apostolic is not an option.

 

[Shane R]

Look into the Continuing Anglican movement. TEC is a runaway train at this point.

Also, Orthodoxy takes time to process, so don't sell her short.

 

[graceandpeace]

Look into the Continuing Anglican movement. TEC is a runaway train at this point.

Also, Orthodoxy takes time to process, so don't sell her short.

I considered that, but to me Anglican presupposes a communion with Canterbury & the continuing Anglicans are diverse & seem schismatic, so I don't know.

I find Orthodoxy appealing, but have stumbling blocks & my spouse does not seem interested.

 

[Tigger45]

I had the exact problem you're having. Eastern Orthodox takes a while to digest and the TEC is to liberal for me and that's the only Anglican churches in our area. I found a great Lutheran church and have been happy ever since.

 

[graceandpeace]

I had the exact problem you're having. Eastern Orthodox takes a while to digest and the TEC is to liberal for me and that's the only Anglican churches in our area. I found a great Lutheran church and have been happy ever since.

Yea, I thought about LC-MS, but I have theological issues & none of the many congregations around here seem to be consistent. Only one of them offers a legit traditional liturgy with communion every Sunday that I could actually make it to on time.

 

[Albion]

I have enjoyed all of my visits to various Episcopal churches, especially the last one I went to & I like the Anglican communion so far... But I don't know if this one issue is going to vex me or if I will get over it.

What do you think? Protestant churches/non-apostolic is not an option.

Since you ask, the Episcopal Church is one of the most liberal of Christian churches. It's not just in the forefront of welcoming and affirming gay members and clergy. That might be the killer issue for any particular inquirer, but it is hardly the reason TEC is widely considered to be a liberal church.

 

[graceandpeace]

Since you ask, the Episcopal Church is one of the most liberal of Christian churches. It's not just in the forefront of welcoming and affirming gay members and clergy. That might be the killer issue for any particular inquirer, but it is hardly the reason TEC is widely considered to be a liberal church.

Yea. I hear "horror stories" online about things coming out of some TEC pulpits. I visited 4 Episcopal churches in my area. One of them did a kid's message instead of a sermon, but the 3 that offered sermons seemed pretty in line with any other traditional/evangelical type of messages I've heard in Protestant churches. I just visited one of the churches for the second time, a different priest gave a message, & again it seemed acceptable - no "warning sirens" to run me out the door, lol. So, we'll see!

 

[Aviela]

Personally speaking my dilemma with picking a church is that I don't see only one church as the right church but I'm a member of a church I feel most comfortable in and that has the most similar beliefs to mine. When I look for a church or think about this issue I attend different ones to see what the dynamics are like and apart from that I spend time with God and it helps me discern which church to attend for fellowship etc. I've been to various differing denominations and I found that I can't judge a church that way but rather I feel more comfortable deciding based on the individual church if the church policy etc isn't contrary to my own beliefs.