Who Cares What God Says? - Four days before Christmas The Episcopalian Bishop Michael Ingham, of Canada, closed the doors of Holy Cross in Abbotsford because they would not endorse the sin of homosexuality.
Reverend James Wagner, who pastored the church and is now basically excommunicated by the bishop, held Christmas day services for his small flock in his home.
Julia Duin of The Washington Times reports that the church is one out of ten churches in Bishop Ingham's oversight who opposes the Anglican Denomination's new policies on same-sex marriages. It is also the smallest.
Duin reports Rev. David Short, rector of a larger church body and one of the ten still holding with scripture, as saying:
"We are reluctant dissidents.... We have become increasingly convinced the umbrella of the Anglican Church is over two different religions. We put the blessing of same-sex unions in the same category as idolatry. It's saying that what the Scriptures and the church have condemned for centuries is positive and blessed by God."
I'm reminded of a scripture found in Revelation where Christ sends a message to the church in Pergamum.
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan’s seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].” (Revelation 2:12-17 AV)
The Great Separation continues.
