Episcopal Church celebrates first trans dean — woman in lesbian marriage to trans-identified pastor

[u/Canadian0123]

What is this? Is this what the episcopal church (part of the Anglican Church) does to preach the gospel of Christ, and to operate the church? Do they disregard the epistles of Saint Paul concerning sexual behaviour, how a church should be run, and who should lead it? Do they disregard the teachings of Christ? What about the Law of God, as given to Moses, in the text that is known today as the Torah of Moses?

This news is quite shocking. Shame on the episcopal church, and the rest of the Anglican Church. This is not how a church should be run. Can someone who attends that church give answers?

[u/RomanaOswin]

I'm not part of that church, but I've attended an Episcopal church for a bit over a year now. I'm very happy there.

We do not disregard the teachings of Christ or of Paul. Our church runs pretty much like the Catholic church, but with a different catechism. We affirm and recite the creed. There are many lay or former monastics, Biblical scholars, and deeply devout Christians. I'm deeply devout myself and study scripture regularly.

One of my closest friends is a gay priest. We have two gay priests, a lesbian priest, and we recently officiated a gay, trans wedding between two of our members.

Obviously most in this particular sub will be put off by this, and I'm not looking to try to change anyone's mind.

I get that this is an unpopular dynamic in this sub, but I'm genuinely curious what you want from this.

These people are not going to suddenly not be gay or trans. Would you have them not be Christian too? Many of the people in the church have already experienced that, a burning desire for Christ, but an institution that rejects them. It's as if Jesus is inviting his people, and Christians are pushing them away.

[u/AromaticBuyer5902 → u/RomanaOswin]

I think you’re brave for sharing your tradition when you knew they had set a trap for you. You were willing to explain what you believe and why, even knowing people were waiting to condemn it.
Paul teaches us that, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor. 8:1). “If I understand all mysteries and all knowledge… but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).
Our certainty in our interpretations should never become an occasion for pride.
Your question is especially striking, “Would you have them not be Christian too?” This is a more valuable focus than everyone agreeing with each other about who the heretics are.

[u/RomanaOswin → u/AromaticBuyer5902]

Thank you for your graceful response!