Two recent posts have highlighted the words of Episcopal priest, John Beverley Butcher. Reader, Dr. N. points us to this very enlightening sermon. (Following the link will alert you to the fact, I use the term sermon very lightly here.)
We Unitarian Universalists do not have a Creed, but we do have Principles and A Living Tradition which draws from many sources including “Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.”
So what about this problematic word, “Christian”? I can easily say, “I am a Unitarian-Universalist,” and “I am an Episcopal Priest” because I happen to be Bi-ecclesial. But can I say, “I am a Christian?” That is very, very difficult for me; I have to ask, “What do you mean by the word ‘Christian’?” and get into a discussion first.
Bi-ecclesial? I realize TEC has elected the fast track on the road to destruction but when did we enter communion with the Unitarians? Here is Mr. Butcher’s explanation of how this came about:
Four and a half years ago when the United States started bombing the people of Iraq and destroying that country, something snapped inside me and I knew there would be significant changes in my life. I joined the Steering Committee of MultiFaith Voices for Peace and Justice. That is where I met the Rev. Kurt Kuhwald. I decided to visit the Unitarian Universalist Church and listen to what my new friend Kurt Kuhwald had to say.
I experienced his preaching to be intellectually stimulating: he selects carefully from many sources, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mary Oliver, and Jesus, for example. He speaks not just from the head but also from the heart. His message addresses what is going on in the world right now. He has a deep spiritual practice that backs up his social action. His delivery is with full body expression: it is clear to me that Kurt totally believes what he is saying. In short, when he preached he had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Six months later I joined this congregation.
Now I am delighted to learn that Kurt is returning to this congregation and will be serving in partnership with the Rev. Amy Morgenstern. In my opinion, I think Amy and Kurt will make a winning combination and a creative balance with each other!
Now I must tell you that when I walked in the door of this church on a Sunday morning for the first time, something happened that really surprised me: an usher handed me a copy of the order of service. When I sat down I noticed that there was going to be a “Lighting of a Chalice.” “What?” I said to myself. “You don’t light a chalice. You drink from it: usually wine or water. this is preposterous!” Then someone lit this extraordinarily beautiful chalice and I understood immediately. Then I got it: Yes, I am the chalice — so go ahead, “Light my fire!”
In view of these statements, some (not many) would be surprised to find Mr. Butcher in the clergy directory of The Episcopal Church for surely the Ecclesiastical Authority (Bishop Andrus) in Mr. Butcher’s life would have issued a pastoral directive and placed him on suspension for a period of discernment to determine if he wished to remain a priest within the Episcopal Church. Alas, those slumbering members would be sadly disappointed as Clergy Finder brings the listing up immediately. Even more telling are the words of Mr. Butcher:
Those of us outside those systems also have responsibilities. On December 7th, my Bishop, Marc Andrus, invited the clergy of the Diocese of California to join him at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and walk down to the Federal Building for a Eucharist of Remembrance for all the Dead of the U.S. War on Iraq. Over two hundred responded and joined him. (emphasis added)
Stand Firm has shown over the years that in the midst of those wearing collars are druids, witches and muslims. Not once have we seen the leadership stand up and exclaim shock and dismay (except that we would dare bring it to the attention of the world.) The only action we have seen was from Bishop Wolf who inhibited Ann Holmes Redding for a year (which year would have been up in July but has been extended to September). Instead we were met with condemnation by those who should have rejoiced at being alerted to wolves among the sheep. If, in fact, as so many TEC bishops whined about proclaimed at Lambeth that it is a victim of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy to paint TEC as non-orthodox, why are they only burning up the presses with inhibitions and depositions of the Reasserters? Why wouldn’t a published statement such as this be evidence enough to remove the collar from Mr. Butcher unless and until he can embrace the faith once delivered. After all, he can’t even say he is a Christian:
“Am I Christian?” My answer sticks in my mouth, but this I know and say freely: “I am a student of Jesus of Nazareth, Mary of Magdala, and Lao Tzu of China.” My heroes include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Desmund Tutu, Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Wangari Maathai, Cindy Sheehan, Medea Benjamin and Katie Miranda, a young woman from this congregation with great courage working in the West Bank, and all of you who are doing your part!
We know Episcopal Life is listening to this man’s attempt to further erode the Christian faith but is Bishop Andrus?
51 Comments •
I’m surprised he hasn’t been elected a bishop somewhere; in due course he would make a terrific PB….