That's My Church!

The ENS is running with a story about the plucky loyalists of St. Stephens, Heathsville, Virginia, who do not wish to secede along with the rest of their congregation.

Of course, the plight of those members of secessionist congregations who voted not to go is as tough and troubled as that of the people who voted to go. What I find interesting about the article, however, is the talking points being played up: bullying and deceiving rebel clergy, confused and disoriented parishioners and dubious or improper voting procedures. From this and from what I've seen in my own contact with the o-fficial Church (as I noted yesterday), it seems pretty clear there's a deliberate policy at work to villify or marginalize those who have broken away (or who may be thinking about it), thereby delegitimizing their position. That is perhaps the worst part about the entire business.

Okay, Devious Jefferts-Schori, don't move!