Episcopal bishops issue A Word to the Church

Posted Mar 16, 2016

[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, meeting in retreat, unanimously approved the following Word To The Church.

A Word to the Church
Holy Week 2016

“We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”

On Good Friday the ruling political forces of the day tortured and executed an innocent man. They sacrificed the weak and the blameless to protect their own status and power. On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead, revealing not only their injustice but also unmasking the lie that might makes right.

In a country still living under the shadow of the lynching tree, we are troubled by the violent forces being released by this season’s political rhetoric. Americans are turning against their neighbors, particularly those on the margins of society. They seek to secure their own safety and security at the expense of others. There is legitimate reason to fear where this rhetoric and the actions arising from it might take us.

In this moment, we resemble God’s children wandering in the wilderness. We, like they, are struggling to find our way. They turned from following God and worshiped a golden calf constructed from their own wealth. The current rhetoric is leading us to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege. We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.

We call for prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail and we will not betray our true selves.

The Episcopal Church House of Bishops met in retreat March 11 – 15 at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, TX.


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Comments (51)

  1. phyllis kramer says:

    I think it is a thoughtful response to the times we live in. Frankly, I am surprised at all the negative comments.

  2. Cecyl Dolgner says:

    “No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.”
    “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.” The “common good” will be revealed by God, not man, and take care of its self.

    1. Hugh Hansen PhD says:

      Steve Lindsey, that is so beautiful and so infused with divine energy! Thank you so much.

    2. Hugh Hansen PhD says:

      Cecyl Dogner, for me this is such a powerful statement of divine truth. Thank you

  3. Tyler Bowen says:

    As one who has had G-d and religion used as a weapon used against me for my entire life, I find the “we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.” to be the most powerful, affirming, and Christ like message I have heard in over 40 years. What a refreshing change. Thank you Bishops

  4. Hugh Hansen PhD says:

    “We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.”

    This is indeed a powerful statement. Thanks to the Bishops of the Church.

  5. Fr Bob Edwards says:

    Agree and disagree. Of course we can all agree “for prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail”, it’s vanilla enough for none to disagree.

    What I find most disagreeable – especially ironic at the start of Holy Week – is the language that characterizes Christ as “weak” and “victimized” by political and religious forces beyond his control. The scriptures are lucid that Christ chose this path, out of obedience to the Father, and that it was Gods will for him to be crushed for our sins (cf IS 55:5-7). This is a far cry from many marginalized who havent chosen their lot with this intentionality. Yes Jesus loves the poor and outcast uniquely and calls us to serve them, but it is only in the power of the cross and the resurrection that bonds of sin and suffering can be broken. So I have to say bad form (and theology) for cheaply using Jesus’ crucifixion as a metaphor in such an inappropriate manner.

  6. Steve Lanman says:

    We need to always live in Gods will.
    Living selflessly, loving others, seeking his will daily, turning from all other idols.
    Not only does God hate blasphemy. But he also hates all idols, before him!

  7. Louis Stanley Schoen says:

    Before I joined the Episcopal Church, I recall that it was widely known as “the Republican Party at prayer.” From the responses to the Bishops’ statement, I guess it could now be called “the sometimes prayerful but often highly argumentative party that’s everywhere politically.” Well, maybe that’s where a church is supposed to be, culturally – whatever we might conclude socially or theologically.

  8. Rich Rolls says:

    “We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”
    What rotten timing–obviously, this welcoming spirit didn’t work too well for the people of Brussels. By what righteous authority do you desire to expose your fellow citizens to harm? Guess you can’t fashion a golden omelet without breaking a few eggs.

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