tree_and_leaf: Photo of spire of Freiburg Minster (14th C broached gothic) silhouetted against sunset. (Schönste Turm)
tree_and_leaf ([personal profile] tree_and_leaf) wrote2010-07-13 04:29 pm

(no subject)

I'm still feeling gloomy about the state of the church, partly because of the Southwark business, but also, ironically, because of the fallout from General Synod. I suppose the fact that I just reread The Handmaid's Tale, and then read +Ebbsfleet's pastoral letter, which was being commended by one of my traditionalist friends on FB as thoughtful and well-considered, and an example to the other side. (Various things irritate me about said letter, but let's not get into that).

However: while I think Synod's decision on women bishops was right - and I think it would have been impossible to have found a compromise that satisfied all sides - I am sad about the hurt caused to some, about the anger, about the division. It can't be helped, I suppose - what was it Peter Wimsey said about principles?

(Or, as a friend of mine said on her RL blog, the church is called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep - and right now is in the uncomfortable place of doing both simultaneously).