Throughout this General Convention, church leaders have encouraged people to break down walls. But on the day the Rev. Canon Gene Robinson became a bishop, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik told Episcopalians to respect fences.
�I strongly believe religious fences make respectful neighbors,� said Potasnik, president of the New York Board of Rabbis, said Tuesday. �It is inappropriate for another faith community to make a judgment about a different faith community.�
As Episcopalians grow increasingly anxious about the ability of their church to withstand the backlash surrounding Robinson�s consecration, interfaith leaders stressed understanding.
�We are a diverse people and there are different perspectives on the religious spectrum,� Potasnik said. �There is no unity of thought, [but] I know there is a unity of spirit.�
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with which Episcopalians are in full communion, is not interested in breaking ties under any circumstances, said spokesman John Brooks.
�There will be some members of our denomination who will be concerned if he is confirmed, and there are some who will rejoice,� Brooks said. �[But] we have a full communion relationship with the Episcopal Church that continues to grow, and we expect it to continue to bear fruit.�
The ELCA is holding its national assembly in Milwaukee next week, where representatives will discuss � and issue a statement about � sexuality in the church. Brooks said Robinson�s confirmation will probably factor into the discussion.
University of South Carolina Professor Janice Love recently led a dialogue within the United Methodist Church about the effects of homosexuality on church unity. �I think, clearly, within most churches, homosexuality is one of the most divisive issues that the church is facing right now,� Love said.
The United Methodist Church has a different stance on homosexuality than the Episcopal Church. Love said the Methodist Church�s law forbids the church from ordaining practicing, noncelibate homosexuals and from using church facilities for same-gender blessing ceremonies.
�[But] there is a rule that people are of sacred worth and that churches should be welcoming of gays and lesbians,� Love said. �It is a stance that differentiates welcoming people into the folds of the church and who is allowed to be ordained.�
But Love said she doubts any reaction to Robinson�s consecration will be substantial. �It will be by no means a catastrophe,� she said.
But the Rev. David Anderson, president of the American Anglican Communion, said Tuesday night�s decision will cause immediate, divisive reaction from the worldwide Anglican Communion. �I believe the primates will be sending letters to the Episcopal Church, saying �We will not break bread with you anymore,'� Anderson said.
He also said: �I am deeply disappointed in the actions that the bishops took. It�s a shattering of the Episcopal Church and the first step of the global church and the Episcopal Church falling apart.�
Anderson said Robinson�s consent signaled a shifting of priorities in Church. �It sends a message that the Episcopal Church�s standards have changed; that they are progay, ready to advocate the gay agenda,� he said.
But the Rev. Susan Russell, executive director of Claiming the Blessing, said she feels �overwhelming joy and emotion for the new adventure ahead. ... How grateful I am to be a part of a church that can [confront] these issues.�
In response to claims that Robinson�s consent is a violation of the Gospel, she said: �In the final analysis, God is less interested in who we love than do we love.�
Integrity President the Rev. Michael Hopkins said he empathized with those who opposed the decision. �I understand how it feels to feel like the church has been taken away from you,� Hopkins said.
But Hopkins said Robinson�s consent is not a usurping of power by an opposition group, but a chance for supporters to �find a common place in the mainstream of the Church,� he said.
David Robinson, a deputy from Rochester, considered the decision �bittersweet.�
�I�ve been hoping and praying for this decision for a long time,� Robinson said. �On the other hand, there is a sadness in that decision. � It�s incredibly painful for the people who disagree with that. They have very hard decisions to make now: Where is their place in the church?�
But Robinson said he hopes that all Episcopalians embrace opponents of the consent. �Hopefully they hear from everybody that their place is here in the church, that their voices still need to be heard,� he said.
