Words Matter

Thomas Oden opens the introduction to his book 'The Re-birth of Orthodoxy' with words we need to hear: "Those made alive by the Spirit, grounded in sacred scripture, come to these times confidently".

The Anglican Church of Canada has now made a significant contribution to the crisis of global Anglicanism over the issue of same sex blessings. At our General Synod held in St. Catharine's, Ontario, we passed a resolution affirming "the integrity and sanctity of committed adult same sex relationships." Confusion now abounds within the Anglican Church of Canada with many faithful Anglicans asking how it is possible, as a Church, to affirm something is holy when the word of God unambiguously calls it sinful. Indeed, this ill-considered amendment accords the status of 'holy' in a way which we have not accorded as a Church to any man and woman in a sexual relationship outside of marriage. It therefore presses in on, and confuses, the doctrine of marriage.

In defence of the resolution, some are attempting to argue that the words do not mean what they seem on the surface to mean; that is, that they are to be interpreted pastorally rather than theologically. Contra this argument however, it needs to be stated clearly that the resolution was not offered as a disingenuous statement to our 'gay and lesbian' brothers and sisters who may well have been wounded by deferring the resolution concerning same-sex blessings the evening before. It would betray the sense of the motion to suggest it was merely a fatuous overture. Deliberate in its composition and word-crafted by two clergy with theological acumen, the particular wording of the resolution was also defended in debate. An attempt to remove the word "sanctity" failed as an amendment. We are led to the conclusion that the resolution means exactly what it says.

The determination of the integrity of something demands a context, such as the adherence to a strict moral or ethical code. Integrity does not simply float in ambiguity; rather it derives meaning over against some standard. One ought to be able to assume that at a General Synod, integrity would be defined in terms of Christian morality or ethics. The resolution therefore must imply that same sex relationships [sex] have moral integrity when evaluated in the light of Holy Scripture. Some of us might question this conclusion.

To affirm the "sanctity" of something is to maintain as truth that sacredness or holiness defines or characterizes whatever is so affirmed. To "bless" something, on the other hand, is to "make holy" or to "sanctify". It is "to honor as holy". The resolution, in affirming the sanctity of adult same sex relationships [sex] circumvents any further discussion therefore, as to whether same sex relationships should or could be blessed. Consequently it forecasts the determination of the Primate's Theological Commission to which the whole matter of same sex blessings had been deferred and effectively pre-empts its fundamental task.

You see, words do matter. We are all too much aware from personal experience that words have power to create and to tear down. Ask any child having come ripe from the playground. Even as adults we carry the wounds of playground missiles launched years ago. And we are so easily built up by an encouraging word or brought to devastation by harsh criticism. All this we know, but even more than this ...

From the Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology we read that, "Words also reflect a person's true character. They show the person for what he or she truly is: "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (MT 12.34); "it is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean" (MK 7.15). The righteous speak truth and wisdom to the praise and glory of God (2SAM 22.1; JOB 33.3; PS 15.2; 19.14; PROV 16.23), but the wicked speak folly and lies (PROV 12.23) and blaspheme God (2KGS 19.6) and his Spirit (MT12.31-32)."

"For this reason, words become sufficient for passing judgment upon those who utter them. On the day of judgment God will hold people accountable for what they have said: "For by your words you will be acquitted and ... condemned" (MT 12.37). In this sense the tongue has the power of life and death (PROV 18.21): the mouth of a fool will bring him to ruin (PROV 10.14; 13.3), but the one who controls what he says is wise and virtuous (JAS 3.1-12)." Words used carelessly can be misleading and dangerous. Such is the case with the resolution passed by General Synod. And words spoken bring consequences.

Within three hours of this Resolution being passed, the global Anglican community of which we are a part responded. Archbishop Drexel Gomez [West Indies] meeting in theological consultation about the current crisis in the Anglican Communion viewed {the resolution} as "much more serious than even the original form of the motion which did not describe the nature of same-sex unions." He ended his comments to faithful Anglicans across Canada by writing, "The attempt to give 'committed adult same sex relationships' the same theological stature as marriage exacerbates the crisis in the communion and will reap devastating consequences."

Archbishop Gregory Venables [Southern Cone], issued a statement on behalf of 22 Primates of global Anglicanism saying, "The use of the word 'sanctify' means that the whole issue has already been decided and that is devastating. It's saying that God has agreed to bless same-sex unions as the word carries the implication that this isn't just right, but that this is God's will and he has set it apart for the human race. It's rewriting the Christian faith. There's nothing in the Bible about the sanctity of same-sex relationships. Canada's action merely confirms the sad reality of the fragmentation of the Anglican family. We would like to see them expelled. This is going against Christian teaching and they should either or shut the door behind themselves...."

If this were a game, it might be called "Heresy and Schism", and by the count of the international community's reaction we would now be leading the Episcopal Church of the United States [22 to 18]. But sadly, this is not a game. And no one wins. Not the least the Anglican Church of Canada.

In the present climate of our Church, to stand one's ground for the faith once delivered to the saints seems no longer popular - it may even be dangerous. Vincent of Lirens [5th century] said of this faith, that it is that which has been held always, everywhere and by all. Should you contend for this faith today, you will quickly be called "divisive" and "schismatic" because you are not going along with the flow or because you speak against the flow. "Divisive" and "schismatic" - words again. Powerful words. Defining words. But let us all be clear and honest about the way we employ these words and whose actions they are meant to characterize.

Along with the National Essentials Council, Anglican Renewal Ministries understands the decision of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada to affirm the "integrity and sanctity of adult committed same sex relationships" to be a clear rejection of the historic, biblical, consensual, orthodox Christian faith and teaching. As such, we must repudiate and distance ourselves from this decision by General Synod.

As mentioned, many of the Primates from the Global South now have called for the expulsion of the Anglican Church of Canada. We share with them, their deep rejection of this resolution, but remain committed to continuing as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

With the Essentials Council we call all faithful Anglicans to prayerful action. With the Nine Bishops who protested the error of General Synod 2004, we urge you not to leave the Anglican Church of Canada, nor to do anything precipitous, at this time. Please join with us together in Ottawa, August 30th to September 1st of this year as we declare the Christian faith and prayerfully discern "The Way Forward." And let us continue to trust Jesus as Saviour and follow Him as Lord with confidence.

The essential thing is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus who alone builds His Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Now is not the time for consternation or despair. It is not the time to be reactionary. We are living in a season that affords us the opportunity to stand for the faith once delivered to the saints, perhaps unlike any other season of our lifetime. This is a golden moment for the faithful - a time when fruitful witness may be released as each of us necessarily searches our own heart to determine those things that mean the most to us; those things for which we must take a stand for such a time as this.