A colleague asks what smooth word we would use while the rest of the world calls our departure from the Anglican fellowship "excommunication." That is easy to answer. ECUSA would not be excommunicated; it would be liberated.
I would hate to think of our severance from the worldwide Anglican Communion -- but in another sense, the separation would be exciting. Faith is not defined by the Anglican Consultative Council or the archbishop of Canterbury or an angry group of primates from Africa or Asia. Faith is the embodiment of deep-seated belief in God, and it is spread through works and preaching and stewardship and prayer and a dozen other means that no office or person or group of persons can dominate or control.
Our separation from the Anglican Communion would be profound. We have many of the resources needed throughout the world. Our people have provided leadership -- and hope -- throughout the world. Our presence is felt, with gratitude, throughout the world. We will continue to be a force in faith -- advancing Christ -- throughout the world. We simply will have to learn some new ways to do business.
My beliefs stem not from arrogance or disregard for brothers and sisters in other parts of the communion, but from my strongly held belief that none of us fully understand the capacity of our faith to embrace change as our understanding of our God evolves. I cannot imagine being a part of a denomination that is not -- or worse, is unwilling -- to deal with controversy. That is an essential element of every faith, if it is to grow.
What we face, in the event of separation, is not failure; it is sacred opportunity. I do not believe we are going to leave the Anglican Communion, but if we must, we will be sorely missed, frequently imitated and acknowledged, and often asked for help. Our presence will be felt, and our example admired.
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