The Los Angeles Times has an interesting story on its Web site about the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, who clergy and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles elevated to the rank of bishop on Dec. 5. According to the story, Rev. Glasspool has been in a homosexual relationship with another woman for more than 20 years. Glasspool still needs to be confirmed by a majority of the Episcopal church’s diocesan bishops and standing committees, which include clergy and lay representatives. However, the committee is unlikely to refuse her confirmation, the Times noted. Assuming she is confirmed, Glasspool will become the first openly gay bishop in the church since it rescinded its ban on gay and lesbians in the episcopate.
One thing that really stood out for me in this story was a quote from the main bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno. According to Bruno, who the Times said was an outspoken advocate for the rights of gays in the Episcopal church, the election of Glasspool will likely cause additional controversy for a church that has been nearly torn apart by the election of the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire in 2003. But Bruno said that wasn’t important. “…As far as I’m concerned,” he said, “we need to look at Jesus and what Jesus would call us to do.”
With all due respect to Bishop Bruno and Bishop-elect Glasspool, I don’t think what Jesus would have done is to put someone who is in a homosexual relationship in a leadership position of the Episcopal church. Now some may say that that is harsh. But I disagree. Scripture is very clear in its condemnation of homosexuality. The Bible also very clearly tells us that we are all called to holiness. That means that we are all called to follow God’s commandments and His will for our lives as best we can with His grace. But when the Episcopal church puts someone who is in a serious state of sin in a leadership position, it is effectively telling people that it’s OK that God’s commandments are ignored, and that we don’t need to lead holy lives. This is a scandal. It also sends the erroneous message that homosexuality is not sinful, when the Bible clearly says otherwise.
My hope and my prayer is that Bishop Bruno realizes this, and that Bishop-elect Glasspool steps down for the good of the people of the Episcopal church.
(Photo Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times)
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