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TCU 360

Students discuss religious topics in a small group. (Photo courtesy of tcuwesley.org)
Wednesday nights at TCU’s Methodist campus ministry provide religious exploration and fellowship
By Boots Giblin, Staff Writer
Published Mar 27, 2024
Students at the Wesley said they found community on Wednesday nights.

Controversy may split church

A long-awaited schism in the Anglican Communion is on the horizon. In September, the Episcopal denomination of the Anglican church may find itself separated from the Anglican Communion at large.The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is touted as one of the more conservative Episcopal dioceses in Texas and has gained attention in the past for not having female clergy behind the pulpit.

In this case, the issue of homosexual bishops and gay marriages is leading to the possible split. Ever since Gene Robinson, from New Hampshire, was elected as the first openly gay bishop in the United States in 2003, controversy has been growing about keeping the traditional ties to the Episcopal church alive.

In a religion that preaches tolerance, Christians at large should examine the goings-on and realize that there may be more at stake than simply ostracizing gay people within the church.

If such a crisis would have evolved from Robinson’s election in a denomination predicated on tradition and classic service style, the dioceses of New Hampshire should be held at fault. Homosexuality has been a hot-button political issue for some time. A board of high-standing clergy should have been given the chance not to elect Robinson.

It is not in our realm of expertise to say who is right or wrong in this situation, but avoiding the controversial bullet may have been the best alternative to putting Robinson in high-clergy standing.

The use of the word “schism” may seem harsh while describing the breakdown of a long-lasting denomination that has produced 13 American presidents, but, come September, Episcopalians nationwide could find themselves searching for a new congregation or siding with a new church affiliate that will indicate traditional or modern-day Episcopalians.

Sports editor Marcus Murphree for the editorial board

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