Regarding "Church drops 'Episcopal' from its name," Wednesday, the
Daily Pilot indicates that St. James Church withdrew from the
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles chiefly because of irreconcilable
differences over their understanding of Jesus as a savior and a path
to salvation.
The paper reports that St. James has "no issues with ...
homosexuality," and Pastor Praveen Bunyan says that "we don't
discriminate against anyone." But Wednesday's Los Angeles Times
article on the same subject cites homosexuality -- specifically, the
larger church's increasing acceptance of gay congregants, gay clergy
members, and same-sex commitment ceremonies -- as St. James' reason
for the split.
Which is it? Is St. James unclear about its position, or simply
reluctant to own up to it? Quotes from parishioners seem to suggest
that the church and its leaders aren't quite as warm and welcoming
toward gays as Pastor Bunyan tells us.
It seems to me that a church struggling to realize fully the
sometimes confusing, often challenging teachings of Jesus would do
well to err on the side of inclusion and compassion, even -- rather,
especially -- when that requires them to confront honestly their own
preconceptions and prejudices. What a shame that St. James opted to
take a hard turn in the opposite direction.
ELIZA RUBENSTEIN
Costa Mesa
This, in my opinion, is an inappropriate question for the Daily
Pilot to be asking readers to comment on.
Many denominations are dealing with serious issues that God-loving
people have differing viewpoints on. Each congregation tries to work
through the issues with discussion and prayer. Hopefully, they will
agree on a course of action.
It is none of our business, unless we are a member of St. James,
for any of us to comment.
PATTY HEALEY
Costa Mesa
